Familiar Places

What a treat to be able to share with you that we have a familiar place. You know, that little place you tend to visit or revisit if you're out for a walk or a little Outdoor Hour. This week we were challenged to visit that familiar place to let our little ones explore and observe the differences that November brings.

I didn't expect Winter.

We have been in this house for two short months, and already we have seen our familiar spot in Summer, Autumn and now we've had a full dose of winter, dumped over top of Autumn.

So we headed out to our familiar spot, with a few layers of clothing, hats, mittens & sleds or disks. The boys flew down the hill that they usually run up to see the river. Then they ran back up. The boys played in the untouched snow until they could go no more. At last they turned around and saw it, our spot in the river.

I overheard conversations:

Where are all the leaves? They're covered by the snow.

Now that the leaves are gone we can see the river so well!

The river isn't frozen, even with all of this snow!

The rocks are hard to see in the snow, but easier to walk on.

Later in the week:

The river is still NOT frozen... :)

Did I ever tell you that we belive Juneau is 60% Husky, 40% Lab? He hates water, but loves, loves, loves the snow.

Do you remember the photos of our Sycamores a week ago? After a windstorm and now the snow, the leaves are gone and have been replaced with white. What a wonderful Thanksgiving we get to have!

A Cheerful Heart with an Overwhelmed Mind

Life is not today, what I want it to be.

It's far too full, for one. My list of things to do seems to not shrink, but grow by a few things every day. I don't like that. I want my list to shrink. But our life is full in so many ways so there are things to do.

I laid the wood, paper and Ponderosa needles ready last night so I could light the fire the moment I crept down the talking stairs of our house this morning. And as I did I was overwhelmed of all there is to do and be and whether I should go ahead and keep these plans or just cancel so that I could stay home and be a mom and wife and get things that are screaming at me done. Very, very important things.

I wonder at the purpose of my days.

I feel week and shaky, thinking of all that I need to be when I know I'm just little old me and that I can't possibly get all these things done anytime soon. So I whisper to God that this is who I am, what I do and can He reach down and help me be tender and teacher in the middle of all this thinking and lists and tasks? This, I thought, is how each day should begin. Humbled and knowing I need help...crying out or whispering for His help. I can't do it.

And then I sat down in the morning light and read His Word. There was no miracle in it, no standing out word but that I should do this or drop that. But I wrap His instruction around me and press forward into the morning. I read in Proverbs that a cheerful heart is a good medicine so I determine to have just that as I muddle through. I want my family to have good medicine today.

When I read other blogs this morning, there are so many other mamas that feel this way. What to do? How to slow down and love when you're new-baby exhausted? How to take care of your family when you can hardly take care of yourself?

It is good, not to be alone.

And I come back to a cheerful heart, I join up with Ann again today to count the things for which I am grateful, the things that give me a cheerful heart when mediated upon.

The tender hug of my mama when she's missed me so heavily. I wonder if she felt how I pulled it in, felt it completely?

Music that is light and keeps us moving and cheerful.

Memories of long ago friends, and feeling that my life is full in friends.

Carpet that doesn't reveal every.single.doggie hair.

Memories of middle of the night words whispered to not-sleepy babies.

Dog piles in my art room, just minutes ago. I was in the middle of all those boy-arms and legs.

Laughter with my 10-year-loved husband. And that look he gives me. Still.

A hot fire that draws us all in to the same room.

Babies. Mine are all big, but there are so many fat, cute babies to wink at and smell. Oh, I love babies.

Today. To fill as I like. To have the choice of a cheerful heart.

Monday on a Thursday Night

A Snapshot for Now:

Outside my window... autumn has arrived. The massive leaves of our twin Sycamores tumble to the ground and my porch. They are welcomed. They are a delight.

I am thinking...about humility, and the illusion of control and how the two don't mix. About how my panic of "overwhelm" is simply that illusion slipping away & how I might just get to the bottom of my overwhelm at last. (This is obviously another post)

I am thankful for...being home, being a teacher to my own boys. Thankful that I can learn so much in this role.

From the learning rooms...we're getting a new groove. New year, new house, new life, new groove. Taking school to the couch more lately, clipboards are a new favorite.

From the kitchen...meals are simple and healthy and snacks are a favorite. I cannot keep a banana in the place.

I am wearing...a new kind of humility.

I am creating...organization. Floors clear of boxes and spaces that appeal to the book reader or lego-playing boy.

I am going...to get up early to spend time journaling. Just so you know.

I am reading...to the boys...Luke, Farmer Boy, Story of the World and I came home with a handful of Medieval books today. For me, a novel and my Bible too.

I am hoping...to become old & wise.

I am hearing...the hum of my fridge and an occasional creaking of this old house, talking to me.

Around the house...family sleeps, dog sleeps outside with the stink of skunk on him, the place is starting to feel like our family.

One of my favorite things...talking with my sisters.

A few plans for the rest of the week: school, groceries, planting some of the 100+ bulbs I bought, resting and learning.

Monday's Favorite

This is a favorite way to write scattered thoughts, spinning them into a patchwork colorful as the end of summer season. I haven't written much in the busy recent past, I hope you can somehow pull together all that life is comprised of for us just now...
For Today...

Outside my window... summer is drifting off with the sunset, and I wait with anticipation for autumn, and all the rhythm that comes with: school, classes, bedtimes and routines.
I am thinking...that this is the birth of a new season. We are wiggling into a new life here, and I do think it's going to be wonderful.
I am thankful for...a home. There is much to catch up on, but I must tell you that we found a lovely little home. In a terrible renting market, we went for a purchase and succeeded; I am going to be moving into the most lovely little home in a few short weeks. I'm exceedingly blessed, I am. I can't wait to share with you...
From the learning rooms...we're still sneaking up to full school. Math, penmanship, language arts...and next week we begin CC! Horray!
From the kitchen...cereal boxes and plants litter the counterspace of this teeny apartment kitchen. I will make a birthday cake tomorrow for my sweet-five-Elijah-Jonathan. In some sort of a casserole dish, I suppose.
I am wearing...a sweatshirt. Not because hubby has the a/c cranked up. Because it's coolish and cozy. Shorts, too, no worries.
I am creating...comfortable living in this apartment, and space else where when the walls close in. Structure to our temporary-ish chaotic life.
I am going...to fall asleep grateful, again. I'll also share with you some sweet photos of my Eli.
I am reading...hm, just finished "So Cold The River" and will pick up another that I found at the library this week. I am reading The Core, My Upmost (of course), Proverbs, Psalms & Luke.
I am hoping...so,so much hope. For our home and yard & school. Mostly I'm hoping that God will work in me, to love Him more, to become His more and gain His sight.
I am hearing...Laura Sullivan with Chaco Canyon & the "whiiiishhh" of Eli playing in the tub.
Around the house...Doggy sleeps, laundry waits, ironing calls, oranges ripen, little boy gets clean, legos decorate, books are stacked and all is calm- just now.
One of my favorite things...the changing of the seasons. And seeing God's little treats for us.
A few plans for the rest of the week: CC meeting, library trip, taking the boys to a new spot I found on the river, where they can collect all the pretty stones they like. Awanas, Birthday cake & wishes. Doctor's appointment, and school.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...For Today...

The cutest baby of 2005, no doubt. Go ahead, try me!!

Peace and Quiet: Time for Mum

Tonight I'm participating in the blog hope over at Our Worldwide Classroom. The question is;

What's your sanctuary?
Your place?
Your thing?

Even when you can't leave the home behind what do you do at home with a houseful of children to find some time for you?

Time to recharge, relax, be still, calm the mind and the spirit, so you can be 'there' for your children.

I've been improving this area of my life more & more as the boys grow more independent.

I sprinkle my days with quiet time, peace and me time.

Morning: In the mornings I get my coffee and head to my chair. My boys get up earrrly, but they've learned to stay in bed until 7 and then creep around as not to disturb me if I'm still asleep. I try and beat them up most days but I'm not a creature of habit this way...I like to stay up some days and get up early others. Back to the chair, this is where I pull out my journal and Bible study and spend some time talking to my maker.

Exercise: This is one of the best ways I love on myself. I workout in my own living room with the boys buzzing around or off playing. I feel so recharged & healthy taking care of me. It does something to my brain too, keeps me sane.

Quiet Hour: I've only just started up again with the boys. When I had one napping it was easy to consistently have the others rest along with. I got a bit of a break, if only to wash dishes. But now it's harder to enforce the rest time. But recently a new friend reminded me that I'm not the only one that needs quiet, the boys need a break from the noise & will like eachother more if they get a break. So I set a timer, stock them up with a pile of books and toys and we all find a cozy corner to take some quiet in. Starting out at 1/2 hour, my goal is to get to an hour.

Hobbies: I love blogging. I love to write, to network, to read. I take photos. I oftentimes take the boys outside somewhere and let them explore while I explore my camera and shoot a little nature and little boys. I read, novels and books about teaching and things. I love to curl up on the couch with a book right in the middle of the day with a cup of tea. Dreamy.

Couple Time: I love hanging out with my husband. We go on dates when we can, but take time to talk and hang out as we can during the day.

Night: When I blog it's usually when everyone else is in bed. I enjoy watching 'stupid tv' (tv that makes me laugh) and just resting all by myself on occasion. But sometimes I just need to go to bed early and that is a great use of my quiet time. Sometimes I sneak off with a friend for a cup of tea and lots of time to chat too.

Come on over & share in the fun...tell us how you fill up at "Time for Mum".

I'm reading... just finished a sweet novel called "The Girl on Wish Lane". I really enjoyed it.
That and the boys and I'm reading Farmer Boy to the boys. I love, love the Little House series.
Now I have a long list of books I need to read. I'm intending to write down my list and see if I can work through them in the next months of summer.

Projects....I'm planning a bit of decluttering and organizing. However, this week I'm challenged to take on some character projects with my boys. Kindness, gentleness, negotiations, and Bible studies are my projects this week. A little extra boy time and love is my project.

In school...I guess I just told you. Charachter focus. I may just get to some outdoor studies and other fun stuff this week but we'll just see. Right now we're having fun playing. And reading. An interesting note...Nate is taking off on reading...on summer "break."

Recent dates...we got to go out just this evening. We went to Diego's and walked around town. I even got to pick up a new field guide...insects. :) It was dreamy.

I'm thinking...about how to pace myself, enjoy the couple of weeks I have at home and then the next little trip, off to hang out with my sweet in-laws then a friend I haven't seen in...9 years, & only once at that. Very excited! We have kept in touch through blogs and fb...it will be fun!

The boys....are enjoying summer break. Today they stuffed all their clothes with blankets and clothing and ran around like little sumo wrestlers. Then they made a store in their room and bought/sold things all afternoon.

For exersize...I have completed my 90 days of P90X! I enjoyed it so much I'm doing it again...but this time I"ll do a different program. This means new routines and different workouts. I started this morning. I love this program!

God is...redeeming.

LEGO Quest Kids

Really, is there anything more interesting for three little LEGO-loving boys to do that a little LEGO challenge here and there? The boy's have just participated their first LEGO Quest "Wrapped Objects." The challenge was to make something with your LEGOS, then wrap it up. We enjoyed the work of it so much, and fully intend to make this challenge part of our weekly life.
And, yes, they don't wear shirts around here, much.

The boys all three enjoy LEGOS so much but sometimes we hit sort of a dead end. The toys are purchased and put together, then taken apart again, inspiration for putting them together in unique ways doesn't always come. I've been looking for a way to challenge the boys for awhile now, so you can imagine that I was happy to have discovered this blog.

Join us over at LEGO Quest Kids to see theirs and other creations hosted by Sam up in Canada. What a wonderful group to participate in!

(See the post below to see what else will be keeping us happy-busy this summer!)

Things With Bubbles

Drawings that Joe and Nate made to contribute to Sketchy Tuesday.



The first drawing here is "Laundry Soap" by Joe











"An Astronaut Blowing Bubbles" by Nate

Captured in Time

I'm reading... Same Kind of Different Like Me

Projects....life has been too busy lately. My project this week is to slow down, enjoy my days and get caught up on laundry.

In school...we are just enjoying normal reading, writing and arithmetic. We're reading Little House in the Big Woods too.

Recent dates...date what? Oh, we need one. Ralph and I have been exercising together all week- does that count? I guess not probably, we aren't talking when we're huffing and puffing away.

I'm thinking...about a baby boy I'll meet soon, a few weekends of fun I'm looking forward to, looking forward to April...spring break for us. (We're three months on and one off this year)

The boys....are incredibly sweet. They're growing up before my very eyes.

Running....is not. P90X right now, instead.

God is...so interested in relationship with us. Our lives are just a big love story with Him, He is in hot pursuit of your heart. And mine. I need more time with Him. Oh, and He's good. I'm trusting in Him when all else gives way...

1. My hope is built on nothing less
   Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
   I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
   But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
   • Refrain:
     On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
     All other ground is sinking sand,
     All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
   I rest on His unchanging grace;
   In every high and stormy gale,
   My anchor holds within the veil.
3. His oath, His covenant, His blood
   Support me in the whelming flood;
   When all around my soul gives way,
   He then is all my hope and stay.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
   Oh, may I then in Him be found;
   Dressed in His righteousness alone,
   Faultless to stand before the throne.

Changes...we bought a new trailer. I may not have mentioned that we sold the beast at the end of season last year. It was too big and glitzy for me and we wanted real beds for the boys, not pull out couch. I love our new cozy (smaller) camper complete with triple bunk. I can't wait to go....

Looking forward to...a few fun weekends this month, quality time with my husband, my sister, a friend.

Favorite moments....reading to the boys. A good, hot cup of tea. A good book. The way I feel after I've worked out. Chocolate moments.

Planning...rest. Playful nothing time.

Missing my regular postings, but there's nothing wrong with some quiet, eh?

5 Question Friday on Saturday

1. Would you ever vacation alone?
I daydream on a regular basis about having a weekend almost anywhere quiet just by myself. Yes. I would love to go alone. I would read, pray, walk and run, eat, rest, pray. I can dream about it. Maybe one day.



2. Do you go the speed limit?

No. But I am mindful of my environment and occupants.

3. Why did you start blogging/following blogs?
I really wanted to have a record of our lives. I thought it would be so fun to have a living journal to look back on. Now I blog because I have more words than I get to speak in a day. I live with four boys and love the female friendships. ;) I love to read other blogs, it's very inspiring and encouraging.

4. Where do you shop for yourself?

Where ever I am. Costco, Fred Meyer, Macy's...but often times I shop online with Land's End too.

5. What was the song you danced your first dance at your wedding?
Would you believe I don't remember? I do remember the song we chose for communion, it's a very special song to us.... This Road by Jars of Clay. Sweet Memories...

This Road

All heavy laden acquainted with sorrow
May Christ in our marrow, carry us home
From alabaster come blessings of laughter
A fragrance of passion and joy from the truth

Grant the unbroken tears ever flowing
From hearts of contrition only for You
May sin never hold true that love never broke through
For God's mercy holds us and we are His own

This road that we travel, may it be the straight and narrow
God give us peace and grace from You, all the day
Shelter with fire, our voices we raise still higher
God give us peace and grace from You, all the day through

Quiet Season Update

I'm reading... picked up Bringing Up Geeks and Parenting with Love and Logic today at the library. Looking forward to a little reading. Oh, and Mrs. PiggleWiggle book 2.

Projects....Teaching my kiddos and stepping it up in Geography a bit. I have a teensy bit of painting that needs to be finished too.

In school...I'm really going for the peaceful school house, still schooling one-on-one. Seems to be going well for a season. We're up to George Washington in our timeline and I've been working on displaying that on the walls so the kids can look at it when they like. Did you know it takes up a lot of space?

Recent dates...We've been so, so busy...so last weekend when my dad offered to take the boys for a few hours we jumped on it. Ralph took me out to dinner and we had a great time just chatting. We so many more dates than we used to, now that the kids are older. I love it. Oh! And my sister and I went to dinner, candy shoppe then coffee last week. Good talks and a good, good friend.

I'm thinking...that God is stretching me into new things. Hard things are good to do. I also keep thinking about camping. We've decided to tent camp this year, but I'm itching to go. I don't think we'll be doing that soon--I'm NOT all about snow camping *yet.*

The boys....are needing action. This weather makes for bouncy boys....and they just can't jump outside enough with the wet-ish un-Central Oregon weather. Yesterday I took them on a long bike ride and they have a playdate lined up for tomorrow. They're also taking on an enormous new amount of chores. I'll have to tell you about why they're scrambling to get them done. But I truly am feeling the effects of all they're doing around here...it's great.

Running....is slow in coming but I'm going here and there again. Feels good in my bones. The cold doesn't bother me, ice does (don't have chains) but not the cold.

God is...doing new stuff. Ralph and I have been asked to head up a 20's something group at our church (we love, love our church) and that's growing us in new directions. We're really enjoying our new friendships and the group all together.

Changes... I lopped my hair off. I think I like it....I just did it yesterday so I'll let you know. I'm wanting to get a photo for you soon.

Looking forward to...um, sleep, and a new day tomorrow. And a February baby shower that I'm planning.

Favorite moments....pondering over my boys..trying to "figure them out", chatting with my husband throughout the day, chatting here and there with my sister and a wonderful long-distance phone call I got today, even if it was just a few minutes. Thanks, Kindred!

Planning...to eat healthier, drink more water, and soon organize some closets that need it really, really badly.

Missing my regular postings, but there's nothing wrong with some quiet, eh?

Life is busy Part II

This is what happens, I want to post, I really miss my blog and have a million things to ramble about. This desire increases as I read all your fun blogs and see what you're up to. I don't want to take time to share my millions of photos or tell you every detail of life, so I'm just going to share again;

I'm reading....My Upmost for His Highest, and a manual to my new Christmas camera (more on that to come)

Projects....again, beginning to learn my new camera is my major project. That, and getting life back to normal and prepping for next week-back to school. That's plenty for me, now.

In school...school starts up again next Monday. This week I think we'll brush up on our Classical Conversations work and we're also enjoying the first of the Mrs. Pigglewiggle books. ;)

Recent dates...the evening after Christmas I went with my MIL to Macy's for the big after sale. We giggled our way through the store and were amazed when I found my (new) lost earring in the changing room I'd used hours before. Then we met up with our Ralph's for dinner. We ate until we were fat and happy, drove home and finished off the evening with some Poker and lots of laughs.

I'm thinking...that I'm ready for some good hiking. It's been awhile since we've been on a good hike and every day my boys get bigger and faster and stronger and needing the hike too.

I'm also thinking of pulling the boys out of basketball that's going to start in a few weeks. We are just busy enough and I kind of want some *ahem* quiet. Hm?

The boys....are so sweet. ;) I'm enjoying them a lot these days. They had a fabulous Christmas, getting some favorite toys AND a Wii AND a trampoline, which they have been using--even in the snow. Yes, those same Ralph's got out there in the 20' and put it up while my MIL and I were shopping.

Running....might just happen, but then again....might not. I love to run in the snow though, so does Juneau!

God is...settling our hearts. We are feeling more and more that this is a season of rest, amongst new things here in CO. He's also my friend. In a quiet-friendship season of my life right now, I'm very contented in my friendship with him.

Changes... Ralph and I have been asked to head up a college/career group in our church. We are excited to move forward with this and learn about what we'll get to do with the group. I'm looking forward to a girls' Bible Study.

Looking forward to...normal. The after-christmas-craze normal.

Favorite moments...reading to my boys. It's not all quiet uninterrupted time, like you might imagine. The boys have questions to ask and they holler out "PICTURE!" and scramble over when I tell them there is an illustration in the book. Theyr'e usually listening over their work of building or playing quietly. I love it.

Planning...yet a new format for school work for our daily stuff. This is fun work. I have some ideas for blog changes, too.

I do enjoy reading up on all of you here and there even when I can't be bothered with blogging or leaving comments...do leave a comment so I can be sure to read up on you...

Monday Morning

Join in on the fun over at Saundra's Blog.

The weather in my neck of the woods:

It's really cooling off, still have leaves on the trees and I'm relishing that. Fall goes so quickly here. I'm grateful for all the trees, as always.

One of my simple pleasures:
climbing in bed an hour early to read. I love it.

On my bedside table:

A Claim of her Own


On my TV:

Can you guess? Football.


On the menu for tonight:

Something using up leftover chicken from a roaster I did yesterday.


On my To Do List:

Friends to visit from out of town today, Joey's first therapy eye appt. today, looking forward to a fun meeting for CC this week and the last week of soccer. Swimming starts next week. That's just the basic stuff.


New Recipe I tried last week:

New? Um, nothing new. Lots of "fall" cooking though.

In the craft basket:
Don't you mean laundry basket?

Looking forward to:
End of soccer, Ralph being off the super-drug that keeps him so quiet. ;) The boys are making their own costumes this week, so I can't wait to see how that turns out.

Homemaking Tip for this week:

I read this in a magazine and plan to do it. Gather up all your decorating accessories and put them on a table. Then 'redecorate' your house with the same old stuff.


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):

The loss of a pregnancy or child is a sometimes kept-quiet affair, I loved this conversational entry from my doula-friend.

Favorite photo from last week:

this is the suitcase my Eli packed to go to Grandma's for the weekend. Full of toys and not a stitch of clothing.

Lesson learned the past few days:

I was reminded today that God cares us about us in the little stuff....He wants us to learn to bring them to Him.

On my Prayer List:

friends that need work, a friend in need, wisdom in mothering, patience, and an identity found in Him.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Matthew 7: 7&8
Ask, and it will be given to you,
Seek and you will find,
Knock and it shall be opened to you.
Everyone who asks will recieve
everyone who seeks will find
everyone who knocks the door will be opened.

Monday Delight

Just a note (because I forgot last week) head over to Sandra's blog to hook yourself up. It's fun!!

The weather in my neck of the woods:

The weekend was wonderful, enough to work in the yard to tidy up for Winter, put up my new birdfeeders & take the boys for a long hike yesterday. But I just have to say, I love, love, love the changing of the leaves!

One of my simple pleasures:
Sleeping in. For the last 7 years I've been getting up with my kiddos at 6 a.m. This year they're old enough to play or read quietly while I sleep...sometimes until 7!!


On my bedside table:

Homer's Odyssey , A Change in Altidtude, , Wild Things, and a pile of sweet birthday cards to me,....& chapstick.


On my TV:

Yesterday, football, football, football- give me grace!


On the menu for tonight:

I think it's Eggplant Lasagna Mmm. Eggplant is a noodle substitute.


On my To Do List:

Nature Hike w/ CC today. Call our FSA to get some details worked out. Surgery for Ralph tomorrow. Hmpf! Wish my big sister a Happy Birthday!! Oh...and all those procrastination projects...painting, mailing a too-late birthday gift, you know.


New Recipe I tried last week:

I did a pork roast in the crockpot and when I came home it was G-O-N-E. I ate a hamburger that night. The house smelled so good, and everyone loved it.

In the craft basket:
Craft? This is not a priority.

Looking forward to:
Seeing Ralph through this surgery and recovery. I'm nervous.

Homemaking Tip for this week:

I've finally come to the conclusion that our home is a business and a home. We are here and using the place at all hours. This has helped me resign to the twice-weekly home blessings I need to do.


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):

Not to brag or anything, but....peek here

Favorite photo from last week:

you'll have to wait for the story...

Lesson learned the past few days:

Sadness, despair, anxiety should be an alarm that I'm not listening to The Voice of my Father that calms, gives peace and hope. Listening for that alarm, and praying accordingly.

On my Prayer List:

direction for our family, as always that I would know that all the God has called me to is His perfect plan for me today, for tomorrow...the surgery, for a few friends who need marriage prayer


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

Psalm 62:1-2
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my Rock and my Salvation. He is my fortress I will never be shaken.

Monday Muse

The weather in my neck of the woods:
has seemingly jumped from summer to winter, though I know this is fall. Winter will be much, much cooler. This morning was 20...today is maybe 50. Brrr.


One of my simple pleasures:
rearranging rooms. I really, really love the fresh change and cleaning that comes with it.


On my bedside table:
Hm, My Upmost for His Highest
"A Change in Altitude"
& "Homer's Odyssey" which I haven't picked up, yet.


On my TV:
nothing



On the menu for tonight:
chicken tacos


On my To Do List:
upload photos from trip
paint the room I'm sitting in
finish the home blessing (I'm half way through)
call insurance
make lunches for CC tomorrow
etc


New Recipe I tried last week:
In Astoria I had a wonderful bleu chicken sandwich. It was wonderful, I plan to try and duplicate it. mmmm...


In the craft basket:
Working at Nate's basket from time to time. Otherwise, does painting a room count? I think. It's on the list...


Looking forward to:
Wednesday. Hair appointment. I love getting someones' hands in my hair. :)

Homemaking Tip for this week:
I just bought these and they're amazing. Product-free window cleaner. Streak-free....wee-haw!


Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
This question is always hard for me, but this one by a sweet friend over at Mama Drama came to mind right off.

Favorite photo from last week:
Boyness.
Boyhouse.
Boys.





Lesson learned the past few days:
I love, love, love my family, starting with my husband. Going away with your spouse is a gift, and one we should pursuit regularly.


On my Prayer List:
Members of my sweet family
A dear friend who needs prayer
That my boys would grasp the whole love of Christ as boys and for their wives one day, that we would have fun relationship.
& Lord, I'm still happy to wait.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Philippians 4: 6&7

Do not be anxious about anything
but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God which
transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

Monday Meanderings

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Sultry and steamy with occasional thunder & lightning storms.


One of my simple pleasures:
Sitting in the shade, sipping my ice water and reading a book whilst my little boys spin up and down the street on their bikes on a hot August day.


On my bedside table:
A Joyce Meyer book I've just peeked at, Teaching the Trivium, my Bible, Chloraseptic from last weeks' cold, and yes, my Ipod for insomnia moments...I play silly games until I'm sleepy again.


On my TV:
Last night I watched Gran Torino. Tonight, Law and Order.


On the menu for tonight:
Dill and Lemon Shrimp Salad (I had chicken)


On my To Do List:
Mop the kitchen
Paying bills
Reading more about school
Organizing the house better
More....

New Recipe I tried last week:
None, Ralph's been doing the cookin'.

In the craft basket:
A blanket for Nate. Eli's is done so of course Nate wants one. Nate chose baby blue. Not doing much of it lately.


Looking forward to:
Seeing my sister sometime this month, an anniversary trip we'll take sometime September.


Homemaking Tip for this week: frozen toy cake. Took hours for the boys to chisel the toys out.



















Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
My sweet friend is at long last, prayerfully pregnant. Nothing less than a dream come true!!


Favorite photo from last week:found this one on the camera. A self portrait of Nate's.

Lesson learned the past few days:
I was reminded at the Skyteahouse to enjoy, remember and talk about all the great moments in our days. I'm inspired.


On my Prayer List:
For a dear friend who's going on a trek with her dad this week..praying for a rich time for them.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

<sup>Titus 2: 12-14

12</sup> And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, ¹³ while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. ¹⁴ He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

The Climbing Mind: nature's poet

This weeks challenge goes as following:

Choose something you can see at home, a favorite part of nature. Then sketch a picture of it, realistic or abstract. Then, after thinking on that piece of God's nature, take some time and put words to it....poetry about this favorite of yours.

ALL kids can be little poets, help your little child with adjectives and colorful words to describe that object and the way they feel about it or how they appreciate it.

Bigger kids can study different kinds of rhythmic or random poetry, Haiku or work on imagery. A good english lesson. This is also a good opportunity to pick up a poetry book and read through other verse about nature.

Enjoy!

Also, if you've been following along and haven't posted photos of your challenge, please feel free to link up in this post so we can see your challenges, past or present.

The Climbing Mind: setting up shoppe

To the kids:

Your challenge this week is to build a store. Inside, outside...groceries or a lemonade stand. The sky is the limit! Set up your store, take some photos and then play awhile.

Some tools you can use:

price stickers (or masking tape)
pen
notepad
calculator or cash register
boxes
books
chairs
can you make a shopping cart?

Have Fun!


To the parents:

Younger kids can choose toys to 'sell' in their own store. Maybe you can play with them awhile, talking about where to find the cheese in the store or practice bagging their purchases. They'll probably carry them around all day in a bag.

This is a good opportunity to show your bigger kids a little simple math and pricing. Again, talk about where you'll find the eggs in the store, or a book or sandwich bags. Practice a little adding the items too.

Challenge even older kids by having them count change back to you. Have them draw up pretend checks and write them up. Or of course let them set up a lemonade stand. I've come to realize that my 3, 5 and 7 year olds can do almost all of the work alone and they love make the posters and standing out there all afternoon even if they only bring in a quarter.

Please remember never to leave your kids out by the street alone. Mommies, grab a book, a chair, buy yourself a lemonade and sit back and listen to your kids call out "LemonADDDEE for Sale!!!"


To Submit Your Entry:

When you have photos to share, post it to your blog. Then add your name and url to Mr. Linky below sometime before next Monday. This gives your child a full week to polish their project and submit it. Be sure to surf through the other entries with your child. This will inspire them and encourage them in what they're learning.

The Climbing Mind: absolutely comic

To the kids:

Your challenge this week is to create a comic. The topic and storyline are yours to create, one detail I'd like you to add somewhere is an ice cream truck.

If you'd like to print out a template you can go to this site and choose your format and print out as many sheets as you like. I came across this great tool last week, something I hope you kids can use all summer long.

Have Fun!


To the parents:

Younger kids can be encouraged to draw a picture in each box. You can ask them to tell you about the pictures and make notes if you'd like. Pictures alone are excellent. Do talk about storyline if you like too.

This is a good opportunity to show your bigger kids where quotation marks go when writing the text, or practice "bubbling" the text. You can print out this great example page of faces to create expression on the faces of the characters.

Challenge even older kids by creating a comic book of 2 or more pages of progressive storyline.


To Submit Your Entry:

When you have your child's finished product, scan it or even take a photo and post it to you blog. Then add your name and url to Mr. Linky below. This gives your child a full week to polish their project and submit it. Be sure to surf through the other entries with your child. This will inspire them and encourage them in what they're learning.

The Climbing Mind

Welcome to The Climbing Mind! This is our first week of fun summer not-school for kiddos.

Each week I'll be posting a challenge for your little and big ones. These challenges are meant to work for most any age group, so please tailor them to fit the interest and development of your child.

Some contests will have prizes, and kids can view works from other kids online too. Each week will have a featured child, and I'll share what that child did the week prior.

There are really no rules to this meme. Kids can work alone or in groups, parents are encouraged to inspire or lightly direct but to keep their hands-off...your kids will learn and gain confidence in doing it without the management of mama. You will be amazed at what they can do!

So sit back and enjoy your summer, but don't let those little minds get quiet. Read to them, and let their mind climb.

Watch for the first challenge Monday.