Girls’ Overnighter Trip Report

On Thursday, Ashley and I left for an overnight trip to Lancaster, PA. She said all she wanted for her 18th birthday was to spend the night at the Fulton Steamboat Inn with me, and to shop! Because I can’t turn down an opportunity to shop, and because I dearly love this girl and spending time with her, I made us a reservation! 

We stopped for a quick “hello” and a hug for my friend Crystal from Logistically Large.  We were a little early to check into the hotel, so we did some shopping at the Tanger Outlets.  I grabbed a summer shirt for Ian at the Osh Kosh outlet, we enjoyed some yummy samples at Harry & David, and then we each bought some goodies at Bath & Body Works.  We hit the jackpot in the Aeropostale outlet – I got Gracie a few things for Christmas, along with 2 shirts she can wear now and 2 for next summer ($1.99 each!) and Ashley got a cool wristlet/wallet.

We checked into our hotel next.  Ashley was impressed. The rooms are beautiful and very clean! The whole appearance just makes you feel like you are on an old steamboat; and the extra little “touches” are just fun.  Like the rubber ducky in the bathroom (yes, we brought it home!):

 

Next we went to a few of the shops at Rockvale Square.  Ashley found some books to buy (no surprise there! LOL)  We also hit up the Disney Outlet (our favorite), where Ashley found some matching shirts for her, Gracie, and Ian.  Not sure if they’ll go to Disney with us or not, but we’ll definitely do a kids’ picture with them soon!

Next was supper at the Olive Garden (I had a gift certificate from our neighbors so we only had to add a couple of dollars and a tip.)  I chose the Eggplant Pamesan, while Ashley had her favorite – Chicken Alfredo.

After supper, we were stuffed!  It was getting chilly, so we decided to head to Park City Mall  to walk off our supper.  The mall is huge, but we somehow managed to walk the entire thing in less than an hour and a half!  We decided to find a place to enjoy some ice cream for dessert, despite the cold!  We found a really neat place called FroYo, where we enjoyed creating our own frozen yogurt sundaes.  I went with a mix of cappuchino and vanilla yogurt, topped with heath bar pieces, almonds, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Ashley went with all vanilla yogurt, topped with oreo pieces, brownie pieces, and a variety of nuts. 

We headed back to our hotel to relax and watch HGTV for the rest of the evening. 

Friday morning, we got up and got ready for our day.  We decided on brunch at Panera Bread. I’d have taken a picture, but it was just so yummy that I totally forgot about the picture – I was too busy savoring my food (which was the Spinach & Bacon Souffle).  Ashley enjoyed her breakfast sandwich as well. 

From there, we went back to Rockvale and did more shopping. She got a fun pair of shoes, we went back to the Disney Outlet and bought a few more things, and we got some great deals at the Vanity Fair outlet (I got 2 pairs of jeans which I really needed, so I was pleased).  Of course, we hit up the Pepperidge Farm outlet for Goldfish! We did some shopping at Ross & Kohls too.

Then we went to Kitchen Kettle Village for some goodies to bring home. We had fun doing some taste-testing, despite the fact  that the place was jam-packed (I guess that’s what you get when you plan a getaway on Veterans Day!) 

We were ready to head home, but had to fight the traffic.  Oh, and we had to head a bit out of our way – to the tattoo parlor – to get Ashley’s nose ring put back in (it fell out earlier that morning).  Man, was that a process!  Hopefully we won’t have to deal with that again anytime soon.  Ewww!!!

We came home and enjoyed going through all our many bags, and enjoying some pizza and movies with our family!  All-in-all, it was a great time away.  Ashley already said she wants to do it again next year! 

So Many Milestones

Over the past few months, it seems like we’ve had our fair share of “milestone moments” here in our family.  Man, if I stop to really think about all this, it makes me want to sit and cry! 

Not only did my “baby” start school this year (thank goodness we homeschool because I could NOT bear to send this precious little guy off to school!), but he also played soccer for the first time.  He lost his first two teeth.  Among other things, he’s enjoying learning to read.  In a few weeks, we’ll celebrate the 6th anniversary of Ian’s Adoption Day.  Wow – where does the time go?

Speaking of time . . .

This past Sunday was the 11th anniversary of Gracie’s Adoption Day!  I remember laying eyes on her for the very first time – she was SO tiny!  Now, here we are, 11 years later, and she’s becoming a young lady.  Not only is she growing and changing, but she’s doing seventh grade work (successfully) and, in addition to taking both piano and violin lessons, she also secured a spot playing first violin in the Central PA Homeschool Orchestra.  I don’t mean to be one of those bragging parents, but I am proud of her! Just a few years ago, she was so shy that we couldn’t get her to talk to people (even people she knew!)

And as for Ashley, well I almost can’t believe all the milestones we’re experiencing with this girl!  I’m trying to adjust to the fact that she’s a senior and preparing to graduate.  She’s such a great young adult – I really enjoy spending time with her and she’s so helpful around the house!  She’s been doing a lot of traveling on her own these days.  And last week, we got her senior pictures taken (hard to believe).  Yesterday, she got her drivers license (man, that was a long time coming and a testimony to our very busy lives!)  In just a few short weeks, we’ll be celebrating her 18th birthday.  The only thing she asked for was that she and I could go and spend a night in Lancaster at a certain hotel, eat a nice supper somewhere, and shop the outlets – so that’s the plan!

Treasure every moment with your kids!
Trust me, they grow up WAY too fast!

That’s my advice to my youngest brother and his wife.  They just recently experienced a major milestone in their lives as well --- they returned home from Korea with their first child, and they’re now a family of 3!  Adoption has kinda come full-circle in our family now; and I’m so proud!

Our Homeschool Goals for 2011-12

The Homeschool Crew is back in full swing, so it’s time to resume our Blog Cruise.  The Blog Cruise is a bi-weekly meme, where members of the Crew share their answers to homeschool questions, thoughts on homeschool-related topics, or personal experiences with homeschooling.

We’re got a great line-up of topics for this year. I’m looking forward to participating.  You’ll be able to see the full list of links for the Blog Cruise on the Crew’s blog.

This week’s question is:

What are your homeschool-related goals for the year?

This year, my oldest daughter, Ashley, is a senior!  I’m not sure where the time and years have gone, but our main goal for the year is getting her through to graduation!  Actually, we probably could have graduated her (credit-wise) last year; but there was still so much that she wanted to learn.  So, we picked more curriculum and here we are.  That’s one of the neat things about homeschooling.  In fact, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if she doesn’t do a class or two yet next year (college isn’t in her plans at the moment).

Gracie is in 7th grade this year.  Again, I’m not sure how that happened (except that, in our defense, she did start kindergarten right after her 4th birthday).  One of our goals where her school year is concerned is to become more active with our science studies – in the past, we’ve definitely learned science (reading books, studying nature and birds, etc.) – but this year I want to get more serious with the textbook!

She has added orchestra to her already busy music  schedule of piano and violin lessons; and she got first violin (which is quite an accomplishment for a 2nd year violin student, but will require quite a bit of practice too!) In any case, music is definitely an area where she excels.  I’ve been reading Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay & Sally Clarkson – and a personal goal of mine is to learn not to be so uptight with my schedule.  Some things are more important than the texbooks, and I need to learn to relax.

Speaking of learning to relax . . . Ian is doing kindergarten this year!  He’s SO different from my girls.  While I thought I had exactly what we needed to do school with him this year, I quickly learned that sitting him at the table or a desk with some workbooks doesn’t really work. In so many other ways, he’s taught me to be a different kind of mom; and schooling is apparently no different.  I’m definitely learning to lighten up a bit; and I’m learning to teach him through games and hands-on sources.  He’s such an absorbent sponge – it’s so fun watching him soaking up things!

A personal goal for me is to start getting up earlier (I’ve been having some sleep issues since my friend Sue passed away, and I really want to overcome  them!) and get a few hours of work done before the kids get up so that I can focus more clearly on school (without being distracted  by e-mails, etc.)  Setting work hours and actually sticking with them is a goal I have every year and have not been successful at accomplishing!  I’m determined though!

What are your  goals for this school year (or year in general)?  I’d love to hear them.  Please share by leaving me a comment.

Disney WW – 8/31/11

OK, so seriously, how is it the last day of August already?!  Geesh!  Anyway . . . it’s time for another edition of . . .

 

This week, Debs shared a lovely picture of the castle at night!  I shared my nighttime castle pics a couple of weeks ago.  But I had this one of Ashley with her friends – didn’t this turn out so cute?!  These girls were visiting the Magic Kingdom for the first time ever!  Ashley had such fun introducing them to the magic.

Magical Blogorail – Teens Share!

I’ve been a member of the Magical Blogorail team for several months now, and I LOVE IT!  Such a great, supportive group of Disney blogging friends – I’m so glad I found them!  Anyway, this month, we’re running a special loop – where our TEENS get to share their thoughts with you.  So now, I’m turning my blog over to my daughter Ashley (be sure to check back next month when some Magical Blogorail Kids – including my Gracie – share as well!) . . .

Welcome to the first stop aboard our Special Edition Magical Blogorail Loop. Enjoy the ride as we share with you our favorite Disney attractions.

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As I learned that I was going to be able to join in on the Magical Blogorail for teens, and realized what the topic was, I came to figure out that there is no way that I can pick just one attraction out of all the attractions that are at all 4 parks at Walt Disney World. So I decided that I’m going to pick my all-time favorite attraction from each park and share it with you.

Magic Kingdom – My favorite attraction at Magic Kingdom is Carousel of Progress. I really like this attraction because it goes through different parts of History starting at the turn of the century. I really enjoy the moving theater, and having the song stuck in my head the whole day when I ride it. “It’s a great big beautiful tomorrow….shining at the end of every day! It’s a great big beautiful tomorrow….and tomorrow is just a dream away!”

Epcot – At Epcot, I really enjoy going through World Showcase. I love going through all the different countries and taking pictures in each of them. I love seeing all the different cultures and food. But since World Showcase is so big and so much stuff, I won’t say that’s my favorite attraction. Soarin’ would definitely be my favorite. The idea of the ride is awesome – flying over all different places, the amazing smells that are incorporated and every time you ride it – wanting to lift your legs so that they don’t get hit by the trees.

Hollywood Studios -  This park is my favorite in Walt Disney World. There are so many attractions here that I love – many shows and rides that I want to see and do every time we go. But since I have to pick just one – I’d say Tower of Terror is my favorite. I didn’t want to ride this the first 2 times I went to Disney. I was scared, to say the least. And I love thrill rides, so I’m not sure why I was scared to ride this particular one. Well, in 2009 I rode it for the first time. I rode it twice in a row. I can’t even begin to explain how much I love this one. It makes me laugh and scream all at the same time.

Animal Kingdom – Something that I have to see every time I’m at Animal Kingdom – that we missed last time, and I’m sad about – is the Lion King show. I love the amazing singers and actors that are a part of this show, and how amazing the monkeys are. If you’ve never seen the show – you must! The Jumping Monkeys are amazing ! We usually try to do The Lion King show every time we’re at Disney World, but in May we only spent a couple of hours at Animal Kingdom because our feet hurt and we were hot. Note to self: Don’t go to Disney World ever again when it’s that hot. Especially not when you’re used to going in January or February.

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Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Unknown Magic Within Walt Disney World.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Ramblings, Reviews and Reflections (you are here!)
2nd Stop ~ Unknown Magic Within Walt Disney World
3rd Stop ~ Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
4th Stop ~ A Glass Slipper Vacation
5^th Stop ~ Focused on the Magic
Final Stop ~ Capturing Magical Memories

Ashley’s 12th grade year . . .

Hard to believe that Ashley will be starting her senior year in high school.  Truthfully, I think we could have graduated her early; but, since she’s still not 100% sure what she wants to do after graduation, and  because there was still so much left that she wanted to learn, we’re doing another full year of school!  And who knows?!  We might just keep learning even after she graduates! 

Anyway, here are Ashley’s choices (with a little input from me) for the 2011-12 school year (which we’ll start in July):

Bible ~ Proverbs – The Fountain of Life from Positive Action for Christ

Math ~ Business Math from Abeka

Language Arts ~ Literary Lessons from The Lord of the Rings

Science ~ The Human Body (Advanced Biology) by Apologia

History ~ The Mystery of History, volume 1 (round 2) from Bright Ideas Press

Geography ~ not sure yet (may just do our own thing to go along with MoH, and use Wonder Maps from Bright Ideas Press)

Greek ~ take 2 (since it didn’t really work last year) – this year we’re going to use Basic Greek in 30 Minutes a Day

Critical Thinking ~ James Madison Critical Thinking Course (new!) from The Critical Thinking Co.

Art, Music, etc. ~ Ashley has taught herself to play guitar and plays often!  She also recently started voice lessons; and will most likely follow along when we study the composers this year (more on that on Gracie’s list).  She will also use the Building Thinking Skills books from Critical Thinking, as time permits.  She has some “must read” books on her shelf for this year as well.

Looks like it’s going to be a busy, but productive, year!

I’ll share Gracie’s list (7th grade) and Ian’s (K) in the coming days.

My First Trip to WDW ~ January 1988

I’m behind!  This week’s DD topic is Hidden Mickeys.  But, I’m still working on last week’s topic – which was to share about our first trip to Walt Disney World.  Yes, there’s a reason why I leave the linky open for TWO weeks instead of just one!  I want to make sure EVERYONE has time to play along – and that includes ME!  I had to raid my mom’s old photo albums to find some pictures to share.  So, here goes - - -

I was a senior in high school when we made our first trip to WDW.  It’s funny, I can never remember if it was 1987 or 1988 – the album confirmed that it was, indeed, 1988.  I spent WEEKS pouring over a Birnbaum’s Guide that someone had loaned to my mom – and I had our trip planned to a tee.  LOL  (Some things never change!)

Here are some random pics from that first trip.  Please be forgiving – remember, it WAS the 80’s and big hair was in . . .

This is me with my brother David and my Dad

I love this picture of my brothers with Mickey
at American Adventure – weren’t they adorable?!

My rather shy dad schmoozing it up with Suzie & Perla!

Big hair, yes; frizzy hair, no!  I’m not sure what’s up with my hair!
But, I thought this picture of the now-extinct Skyway ride was neat.

And another ride that’s no longer in existence -
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

My family loved this trip so much that we made plans to go back again 2 years later.  And, I knew that I would want to take my own family back again.  In 1999, we did just that.  Here are a few pictures of Brian’s & Ashley’s first trip to WDW (she was 5) . . .

Excuse the rounded edges – this pic was scanned from my scrapbook.
This girl always knew how to work a camera!

One of the family pics that we sent to Vietnam with our adoption paperwork!

In 2005, we made our next trip to WDW.  This was Gracie’s first trip.  She was 4 1/2 . . .

  Meeting Snow White in Toontown

Meeting Alice & the Mad Hatter
(Ashley was 11)

A family shot – my parents joined us on that trip

January of 2009 was our next trip to WDW and Ian’s first trip.  He was only 2 (we planned that trip to happen before he turned 3, so he’d still be free) . . .

with Buzz Lightyear in Downtown Disney

  
our family in front of the castle

 
with our precious friends – Abe, Gabby & baby Adelie 
(FYI – it was their first trip also)

This was a fun topic!  I hope YOU will dig out YOUR old pictures and take the time to participate – I’d love to see more First Trip Memories. 

2010 Gratitude Challenge – November 15

Today I’m very thankful for my daughter Ashley.  17 years ago today she entered our family, and our lives haven’t been the same since – they’ve been better! 

I didn’t realize what a true blessing she was to Brian and I until years later when we were experiencing secondary infertility.  After a tubal pregnancy  that ruptured and almost resulted in my death, I began to realize that Ashley’s birth, and her life, were a modern-day miracle of God.

I did realize, pretty early on, that Ashley was a blessing to a lot of people.  She had personality plus, and touched so many peoples’ lives and filled so many needs.  She was one special little girl!

I know parents tend to be a bit prejudice, but because I’ve heard this from so many other people, I’m just going to go ahead and brag a bit --- Ashley is growing up to be a wonderful young lady who loves Jesus and her family.  She is kind and compassionate, and she’s always willing to lend a helping hand (especially if there are babies involved).  She loves church and learning more about Jesus, and she’s leading in her life in a way that is pleasing to Him. 

I’m proud to call her mine – and I’m very grateful that God has seen fit to entrust her to Brian and I as her parents.  It’s  been interesting seeing her grow and develop over the past 17 years.  We’ve given her roots, and lately she’s been spreading her wings to fly! 

2010 Gratitude Challenge – November 6

I’m a day late in posting this, but I’m going to cheat and back date it for yesterday! :) 

Today I’m very thankful for Southwest Airlines (and God) for allowing my girl to float above the clouds (literally) and get her safely to Colorado.  I’m sure she is thrilled to finally be meeting her friend Kylie in real life – and I’m thrilled for her (though I’ll be more than ready to get her back next Saturday)!

There she goes!

Ashley’s 11th Grade Curriculum Listing

Several weeks ago, I shared our choices for Gracie’s school year.  I had several people comment or e-mail asking me to please share what we had selected for Ashley for this year.  I was waiting until I had everything I needed before posting.  Now, I do; so here goes ---

For math, we will be finishing up Abeka’s Consumer Mathematics (which we purchased about 1/2 way through last year, when we got frustrated with accounting!)  Ashley’s short stint in the public school system totally destroyed any appreciation for math that I had tried to establish in the early years (K-2); so I have been trying to pick up the pieces ever since.  I’m really pleased with this program.  I took it myself (as a “time filler”), so I knew it was practical and would end up being helpful to her in life.  She likes it too, so we’re all good!

For language arts, Ashley is using Total Language Plus guides.  We looked at the TLP booths at two conventions and perused the website and catalog several times before we made our final decisions.  She actually decided to do FOUR studies this year, so her year is going to be quite full.  We chose Around the World in 80 Days, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, and The Scarlet Letter.  Let’s just say it’s a good thing she loves to read and enjoys language arts!

Ashley loves to write and spends a great deal of her spare time writing.  I had considered having her follow along with the Write with the Best program that Gracie is going to be doing, but the writing activities in the Around the World in 80 Days seemed pretty intense for the start of the year.  Then, the Crew had opportunity to review Time4Writing, a new program from the Time4Learning people.  So, I got her signed up for a High School Essay Writing course, which actually starts now.  So, she needs to get busy on that.  We’re both looking forward to seeing how this goes.  I think the more structured classroom-type setting and  teacher feedback will be really good for her.

Here in PA, I believe only 3 science credits are required for graduation.  Ashley’s got those already, so I have allowed her to take charge of her science choices.  She chose Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Marine Biology.  I think we’re going to skip the  dissection labs (maybe try to find some of them to view online).  She’s really looking forward to this course, so I hope she likes it.

For history, we’ll continue using All American History – doing Volume 2 this year.  We’ve got some fun supplements planned to go along with this study, so I’m really looking forward to it.  I like all the extra research projects that are encouraged for the upper grades.  And it’s nice that this is adaptable for all ages, so that we can do history together with both girls.  I love history!

At the Midwest Convention in Cincinnati, I picked up a copy of Understanding the Constitution (book and workbook) from the Christian Law Association.  We’re planning to use this for Government.  I saw on their website that they have a similar set available called One Nation Under God.  I think I might order that one too and extend our study. I also have Larry Burkett’s Money Matters for Teens book and workbook here.  I think we’ll use that to finish out the year – economics and an extension of consumer math.

Ashley has expressed an interest in learning Greek this year, and I was thrilled.  I took a very advanced Greek course in high school, so I contacted the principal of my school to ask what they are using for Greek these days, and he offered to give me some Greek materials.   We visited the school yesterday and picked up enough stuff for TWO years of Greek!  I think that we’ll start this year off with a curriculum that he wrote, then move into next year using the Machen Greek text (which is what I used).

While there, I also talked to him about catechism.  He gave me a book that he put together for the school, which contains all the catechism questions along with a 4-year Bible memory rotation schedule (and tons of music for the Bible-set-to-song).  I’m excited to incorporate the Bible memory and catechism into our school year.

We also have some supplemental materials that we’ll be using here and there throughout the year this year (things we’ve received from working with the Crew, etc.):

• Building Thinking Skills, both Verbal and Figural, from The Critical Thinking Co.
• The Complete Career, College, and High School Guide for Homeschoolers from EDUDPS (we already did most of this)
• College Prep Genius
• Light Speed DVD’s

That’s pretty much Ashley’s year.  I’m sure we’ll mix things up here and there throughout the year, because we always do.  But, we’re pretty excited about our choices.

I am wanting to do some more structured work with Ian (4) this year as well.  I’ll try to post about some of my plans with him in an upcoming post.

Ashley’s finally got a bookshelf!

We’re book hogs in this house – seriously!  We all love books!  We have a ton of them and we keep getting more.  It’s an addiction, of sorts, I suppose (I think  it’s one that many homeschool families can relate to).

Anyway, last spring, when we remodeled our attic to make it into a bedroom for Ashley, she ended up bookshelf-less.  It was all we could do to get her bed and humongous dresser/wardrobe up those steps – there was no way we were going to move her 2 very heavy bookshelves as well.  So, Gracie inherited them.  And, as for Ashley --- her books have been stuffed into 2 large crates that I had leftover from my Home & Garden Party days. 

Enter CSN Stores ---

A few weeks ago, I shared that I would be receiving a product from CSN Stores to review.  I said that it was something for Ashley’s room; and that, if you knew me pretty well, you could probably guess what it would be.  Did anyone guess a BOOKSHELF? 

The bookshelf came quickly and was fairly simple to put together.  I will say this though --- the directions for assembly were a bit too basic for me.  Basically, it was just a picture with a few marks on it – no actual written directions.  As a result, when we first started putting it together, we had the one side backwards; and ended up having to unscrew all the screws we had installed, turn the side over, and start again.

All in the all, though, the process probably only took about 20-25 minutes; and the end result is a very sturdy 4-shelf bookshelf that houses most of Ashley’s books and some of her stereo equipment.  It fits quite nicely in the window alcove of her room.  She’s thrilled with it – and so am I.  Here you can see it from a different angle.  (This angle makes it obvious to me that we need to get that girl some curtains!)

I’d recommend CSN Stores.  They have EVERYTHING your little heart could possibly desire!

Homeschool Village Kids in the Kitchen

My girls have been a big help in the kitchen since they’re getting older and since I’ve started taking on more work responsibilities, etc.  Ashley (16) makes supper at least once a week – and that means deciding ahead of time what she will be preparing and making sure that the ingredients are either already in the pantry or on our grocery store list several weeks in advance.  She also loves making desserts – so she’s our in-house brownie-maker.  Some of her favorite suppers to prepare are Taco Bake, Hot Dog Casserole, and pasta. 

Gracie is often our lunch maker these days.  I think that she got sick of hearing me say “just a minute” so she decided to take matters into her own hands!  Now, she enjoys making ramen noodles and grilled cheese sandwiches.  I think we need to start adding to her repertoire soon. 

This  doesn’t really have anything to do with cooking, but Ashley has also pretty much taken over the dish-washing responsibilities in our house.  That’s not to say that I never do dishes anymore; but just that it’s mostly become her job.  Her favorite thing about it => she gets to talk on the phone while she’s washing!

Do your kids help in the kitchen?  If you’d like to share, or read more about this topic, please visit Homeschool Village (just click on the button above).

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Oh, and speaking of Homeschool Village --- I just found out this morning that I won this book from them: 

I’m pretty excited!  I think I need this:

What should I do next—grade the math test or tackle the laundry? Homeschooling at the Speed of Life gives you, a busy homeschooling mother, a thoughtfully thorough resource for bringing order back to your home and homeschool. In tune with today's pace, the book provides basic home-management principles, teaching parents how to de-clutter their homes, develop life skills in their children, tame the paper monster, and keep organized records.

Also emphasized are ways to build relationships and use the home as a center for hospitality and outreach. The book even includes Rockett's easily adaptable File-a-Plan organizing system on a bonus CD-ROM. You will be keeping up with your good work in no time!

I can’t wait to receive it! :)

Miscellany Tuesday (because I forgot yesterday)

Yesterday was a typical Monday with lots of thoughts rolling around in my head to get down on my blog;  however, it was a atypical Monday in that Brian was home from work all day – so that threw things off-balance a bit and I didn’t get much blogging (or anything) done.  So, I’m posting my Miscellany a day late ---

{1} We had a nice weekend.  On Saturday, we had a picnic/cook-out at my aunt & uncle’s house.  Their yard is more like a park – there is so much to see as you walk through it.  Ashley took a ton of random pictures. 

{2} Last Tuesday, after violin lessons, Gracie and I ran to Michael’s to get the supplies to make these t-shirts (I think they turned out pretty cute).  And they were super simple to make too.  We couldn’t resist and even bought the matching hats.  Anyone with black hair knows it’s best to keep that dark hair  covered in the sun!

{3} It’s a stinkin’ hot 98 degree day here in PA!  What’s up with that?!  Last week was relatively cool – so much so, in fact, that we didn’t run our a.c.’s all week.  This week is another story. 

{4} I have gotten no further with my lesson plans than I was last week.  Shame, shame, shame on me!  I did make arrangements to pick up Ashley’s greek materials in a few weeks, though – once I have that, I’ll make a post about our 11th grade school choices for this coming year and I’ll also start on Ashley’s lesson plans. 

{5} Ian is screaming and saying that he wants to watch Blue’s Clues.  Hmmm . . . I do believe it’s time for a nap. 

{6} I bought a 1/2 bushel of peaches last week and we’ve been eating lots of peach foods.  Last night we tried this cake and hated it.  I guess I don’t like the taste of nutmeg very much.  Brian liked it though – so I guess he’ll be gaining some weight this week (since he’ll have to eat it all single-handedly). I threw the recipe away – that’s how much we didn’t like it. 

{7} I was going to attempt making scones today, but I don’t have all the ingredients I need and did I mention that it’s really hot outside?  I don’t want to have to go back out there!

{8} I got a new coffee pot and I set the timer on it last night so that my  coffee would be made when I got downstairs – all I needed to do was grab my coffee and my Bible and head out to the front porch to read my 12 pages.  This could very well be a new habit!

{9} Sometimes I get disgusted with Facebook.  But, today I reconnected with a long lost cousin and have been enjoying catching up with her  today.  Sometimes I truly believe that God uses things like FB to bring about good things.

{10} Did I say it was 98 degrees?  Make that 99!  Oh I seriously need to find something to make for supper that doesn’t require adding much heat to this house!  Ugh!

{11} This morning I called  the doctor’s office to schedule a physical for Ashley – she needs it  before she can get her permit.  How did I get a 16 year old?! 

{12} For weeks, I’ve been trying to select a braided rug for my living room.  They sell them at a local craft shop and I had my heart set on one called “random” simply because I thought that, over the years, it would match with anything.  When I went to finally order it, though, it wasn’t available in the large size that I wanted/need.  So, I looked at about a million styles and couldn’t decide.  I finally bought a small one to bring home and look at for a few weeks.  Today I called and ordered this rug in the 8’3”x11’3” size. 

{13} Guinea pigs LOVE watermelon. 

{14} I think the heat is getting to my brain.  I need to stop this miscellany before it gets out of hand!

What My Child is Reading (June 19th)

 

I got in on this meme a little late this past week, but I’m going to go ahead and post again today to get myself on track.  This is a great way to not only keep track of what your children are reading, but also to share with others.  Maybe you’ll get some ideas of great books to share with your kids!

Ashley is still reading Scout, Atticus, and Boo - A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a Mockingbird by Mary Murphey. I noticed that she’s also picked up one of the books from the Katie Parker Production series by Jenny B. Jones.  Jenny is a favorite author of hers and she’s actually read through this series a few times before. Good books, though, are worth re-reading, right?

Gracie just started on The Wizard of Oz.  She’s reading an illustrated classic version that was a hand-me-down from Ashley.  She and I are still working through The Quest for Seven Castles (book 2 in the Terrestria Chronicles series) by Ed Dunlop.  We should finish it this week and start on book 3.

Ian has rediscovered one of my favorite childhood books – Miss Suzy by Miriam Young.  He’s asked me to read it to him the past 2 nights, and last night he said “can you read me this book again tomorrow?”  The book is old and worn, and somebody (we won’t mention any names) colored in it – ugh! – but the story is still there, and it’s still good!

As for me, I’m still working through the same 2 books I listed in my last post.  I should finish them both this week, and will have new books to share about next time. :)

Click here to see what others are reading.