Our family hosted a sleepover party for some friends of ours the other day. We had a total of 4 moms, 8 kids, and 3 dogs here. It was a lot of fun! One mom made a sleepover cake which was just precious, it had all the kids under a blanket and their initials - she made it out of a sheet cake, twinkies (for the bodies), marshmallows (for the pillows), vanilla wafers (for the heads) and two different color frostings (for sheets and blankets) and wrapped fruit by the foot around the bottom. The kids loved it and enjoyed getting to eat themselves, we even let little Sirah eat a bit of herself as well.
The kids played in the yard, the pool, the playset, the basement and throughout the house. The moms chatted, made dinner and watched them. We managed to get them to bed sometime around 9pm (we split them all up to sleep) and then 3 of the moms stayed up WAAAAAAAAAAY to late (as you always should at a slumber party) and watched a movie and then had heart to heart talks until 3am! The kids got up around 7 and we had breakfast and the kids played and eventually everyone went home.
It was a great idea, a slumber party for the moms in a lot of ways. The kids had a good time but we had a blast. We enjoyed good food, munchies, a terrible movie, and lots and lots of good conversation. There were many laughs at a time when many of us could use them and some good bonding. I highly recommend it.
Peace,
Tenn
July 22, 2004
July 20, 2004
Great Day
Today we spent much of the day at the zoo - we spent the morning getting the house in order and then headed out - we bought a yearly membership. Rhiannon's 5th birthday just passed and she received some money for her birthday and chose to buy a membership with some of it (we pitched in a bit as well) and that is what they wanted to do today.
We had an excellent time at the zoo even though it was 90 degrees and felt like Georgia hot (which feels like Africa hot according to a dear friend who lived there for 3 years) part of me questioned my sanity in going today but we did have a lot of fun.
We started by visitng the sharks - one of Ciaran's favorites and then caught the tail end of the dolphin show - which is always a hit with my kids. We walked around visiting exhibits including the wolves, tigers, moose , caribou and meerkats. Then we watched the bird show, which the older two really enjoyed - Sirah was very hot at this point and was getting a bit grumpy. After the show we went and took our picture with a bald eagle and a macaw and then headed over to the farm exhibit.
The kids enjoyed the tractor wagon ride and I must admit the breeze felt nice as did the ability to take Sirah off my back briefly. The kids got to pet goats, sheep, cows and horses. We spent time looking and the new baby piglets and Rhiannon's favorite animal - the pig. We visited the chickens and then headed back on the wagon. We hit a couple more exhibits and then went to the children's play room - where they took turns dressing up as divers and various animals. They also gave me shots and watched the Nemo fishtank for awhile. A brief stop at the gift shop where Rhiannon chose a horse and Ciaran a "jumpy guy", code name for frog in our house, I also picked up a ring-tailed lemur to add to our collection.
We headed home for a dinner of pizza and ice pops and then headed back out to the bookstore so Rhiannon could exchange some duplicate books she received for her birthday. She must have flipped through every page of over 20 books or so before deciding what she wanted - which were none of the books she looked through - instead she chose unabridged and unillustrated chapter books of Peter Pan and Anne of Green Gables which each came with a little necklace and charm. We started Peter Pan tonight before bed. She also picked up a book she has wanted for awhile "I love you Forever" . I picked up a bible ABC book for Ciaran and some really cool wooden and stone book coasters for our library that were on clearance. We headed home had another ice pop and read a chapter from Peter Pan before heading off to bed.
All in all is was a great day. We kept very busy but enjoyed ourselves despite the heat. I was amazed at how well Sirah did being dragged all over the place and spending majority of her day in the backpack or carseat. She repaid me by staying up until nearly 1am as if to stay I finally have you alone spend time with me.
Peace,
Tenn
We had an excellent time at the zoo even though it was 90 degrees and felt like Georgia hot (which feels like Africa hot according to a dear friend who lived there for 3 years) part of me questioned my sanity in going today but we did have a lot of fun.
We started by visitng the sharks - one of Ciaran's favorites and then caught the tail end of the dolphin show - which is always a hit with my kids. We walked around visiting exhibits including the wolves, tigers, moose , caribou and meerkats. Then we watched the bird show, which the older two really enjoyed - Sirah was very hot at this point and was getting a bit grumpy. After the show we went and took our picture with a bald eagle and a macaw and then headed over to the farm exhibit.
The kids enjoyed the tractor wagon ride and I must admit the breeze felt nice as did the ability to take Sirah off my back briefly. The kids got to pet goats, sheep, cows and horses. We spent time looking and the new baby piglets and Rhiannon's favorite animal - the pig. We visited the chickens and then headed back on the wagon. We hit a couple more exhibits and then went to the children's play room - where they took turns dressing up as divers and various animals. They also gave me shots and watched the Nemo fishtank for awhile. A brief stop at the gift shop where Rhiannon chose a horse and Ciaran a "jumpy guy", code name for frog in our house, I also picked up a ring-tailed lemur to add to our collection.
We headed home for a dinner of pizza and ice pops and then headed back out to the bookstore so Rhiannon could exchange some duplicate books she received for her birthday. She must have flipped through every page of over 20 books or so before deciding what she wanted - which were none of the books she looked through - instead she chose unabridged and unillustrated chapter books of Peter Pan and Anne of Green Gables which each came with a little necklace and charm. We started Peter Pan tonight before bed. She also picked up a book she has wanted for awhile "I love you Forever" . I picked up a bible ABC book for Ciaran and some really cool wooden and stone book coasters for our library that were on clearance. We headed home had another ice pop and read a chapter from Peter Pan before heading off to bed.
All in all is was a great day. We kept very busy but enjoyed ourselves despite the heat. I was amazed at how well Sirah did being dragged all over the place and spending majority of her day in the backpack or carseat. She repaid me by staying up until nearly 1am as if to stay I finally have you alone spend time with me.
Peace,
Tenn
July 19, 2004
Keeping Busy
Today we kept ourselves very busy. We ran errands for much of the day - trying to make it from one air conditioned place to the next. While I love hot weather, it was really hot and I thought the kids could use to be inside. We picked up some yarn and some more animals for the kids collection. We picked up some hanging racks to add to our playroom so we could hang up all our costumes, and some back to school storage items at the brand new IKEA (which was CRAZY busy). We came home for lunch and then went back out to our local hardware store to get some screws and supports to hang our new purchases (there I received a minieducation on wall supports).
Then we went for a walk - the kids each got to pick out their own treat (anything from the produce aisle at the grocery store), Rhiannon picked blueberries and Ciaran a peach, Sirah and I split some apple/carrot juice. We picked a spot in the grass and had a mini picnic. Then we continued our walk and they were each rewarded with 1 dollar to spend in the dollar store. Ciaran picked out a giant magnifying glass, Rhiannon a ring and I picked up a pair of scissors. We walked back to the car, it was sweltering heat by this point and Ciaran asked to take off his shirt. Headed home for dinner and then worked on hanging our new purchases up, it looks great and the kids will use their dress up more with it so easy to see and access.
We would down the night with a movie and some stories, after the kids went to bed I folded laundry and cleaned up and then feel asleep listening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on tape.
Peace,
Tenn
Then we went for a walk - the kids each got to pick out their own treat (anything from the produce aisle at the grocery store), Rhiannon picked blueberries and Ciaran a peach, Sirah and I split some apple/carrot juice. We picked a spot in the grass and had a mini picnic. Then we continued our walk and they were each rewarded with 1 dollar to spend in the dollar store. Ciaran picked out a giant magnifying glass, Rhiannon a ring and I picked up a pair of scissors. We walked back to the car, it was sweltering heat by this point and Ciaran asked to take off his shirt. Headed home for dinner and then worked on hanging our new purchases up, it looks great and the kids will use their dress up more with it so easy to see and access.
We would down the night with a movie and some stories, after the kids went to bed I folded laundry and cleaned up and then feel asleep listening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on tape.
Peace,
Tenn
July 17, 2004
Rhiannon's 5th birthday
Rhiannon's 5th birthday has come and gone and we enjoyed ourselves. It is hard to believe she is 5 now - for some reason this birthday seems bigger to me than the others. She seems so much more like a little girl now and like all traces of baby and toddler are gone. She seems so much more grown up now. She is a bright and sunny girl who is very happy to make us happy. She is much more about trying to please us than she ever has been before and she is very sensitive and caring about others feelings.
She weaned herself from her last nursing by saying to me "Mommy would it be helpful to you to only nurse two kids instead of three? Would that really help?" I said that it would and she said that she would be done - now she crawls on my lap and asks to cuddle or to read to be close. But I think that exemplifies her sensitivity and caring she gave up something that was VERY important to her because she knew it would help me - she often does the same for her brother and sister as well - she really wants to see everyone be happy and do what she can to help.
Her 5th birthday was enjoyable - we celebrated her family party the night before. She requested a "white pie" pizza - which is pizza and cheese without the red sauce and sprite for dinner - we agreed. Serona took her to pick out a cake at the local grocery bakery and she picked some decadent chocolate cake they all enjoyed. We watched "The Absent Minded Professor" all together and had a wonderful night. The next morning Serona and I woke up early (she requested we be up before her) and started making her flower crown. Each year on their birthday we make a crown of flowers for the kids to wear and then we save them. Serona made the crown while I got things ready for her party.
That afternoon the kids from her homeschool group came to celebrate with her. We had a pool party - the kids took turns sliding down into it and running around like crazy people. She had an Aurora cake and lemonade. We had a few snacks of watermelon, pretzels and carrots (her choices) and the kids played inside and out. We have enough grass in the house now to start a yard - but that is what Roomba is for! She enjoyed wearing her birthday crown for cake and presents and she seemed to really enjoy herself.
Some gifts she received this year include: a joke book, some dress up shoes, flavored chapstick (by request), some My Little Ponies, a great animal sticker book, a new summer wardrobe (car of grandparents), several books she requested, some dress up for her dolls, and hermit crabs. She was very blessed and very thankful.
That evening I took her out for a special date - just me and her. We headed to the local toystore where she got to spend 25.00 she had been sent. She bought a velvet purple cape, a ring, and a tiara after examining several times the entire contents of the store. Then she requested we go to the library so I could read her a story - we read Alice in Wonderland abridged and then checked out Albert. We headed over to Perkins for dinner (macaroni and cheese with fresh fruit) and then Culvers for dessert (a chocolate ice cream cone), while she ate I read her Albert. We headed home and she opened her presents from Serona and I: A clipboard (one of her favorite gifts), a special pencil with eraser, homemade leashes for her stuffed animals (she loves these), a Child's Garden of Verses, Pickles to Pittsburgh, and Around the world books, a wooden iron and a puppy (soon to come next week).
All in all it was a great birthday.
Peace,
Tenn
She weaned herself from her last nursing by saying to me "Mommy would it be helpful to you to only nurse two kids instead of three? Would that really help?" I said that it would and she said that she would be done - now she crawls on my lap and asks to cuddle or to read to be close. But I think that exemplifies her sensitivity and caring she gave up something that was VERY important to her because she knew it would help me - she often does the same for her brother and sister as well - she really wants to see everyone be happy and do what she can to help.
Her 5th birthday was enjoyable - we celebrated her family party the night before. She requested a "white pie" pizza - which is pizza and cheese without the red sauce and sprite for dinner - we agreed. Serona took her to pick out a cake at the local grocery bakery and she picked some decadent chocolate cake they all enjoyed. We watched "The Absent Minded Professor" all together and had a wonderful night. The next morning Serona and I woke up early (she requested we be up before her) and started making her flower crown. Each year on their birthday we make a crown of flowers for the kids to wear and then we save them. Serona made the crown while I got things ready for her party.
That afternoon the kids from her homeschool group came to celebrate with her. We had a pool party - the kids took turns sliding down into it and running around like crazy people. She had an Aurora cake and lemonade. We had a few snacks of watermelon, pretzels and carrots (her choices) and the kids played inside and out. We have enough grass in the house now to start a yard - but that is what Roomba is for! She enjoyed wearing her birthday crown for cake and presents and she seemed to really enjoy herself.
Some gifts she received this year include: a joke book, some dress up shoes, flavored chapstick (by request), some My Little Ponies, a great animal sticker book, a new summer wardrobe (car of grandparents), several books she requested, some dress up for her dolls, and hermit crabs. She was very blessed and very thankful.
That evening I took her out for a special date - just me and her. We headed to the local toystore where she got to spend 25.00 she had been sent. She bought a velvet purple cape, a ring, and a tiara after examining several times the entire contents of the store. Then she requested we go to the library so I could read her a story - we read Alice in Wonderland abridged and then checked out Albert. We headed over to Perkins for dinner (macaroni and cheese with fresh fruit) and then Culvers for dessert (a chocolate ice cream cone), while she ate I read her Albert. We headed home and she opened her presents from Serona and I: A clipboard (one of her favorite gifts), a special pencil with eraser, homemade leashes for her stuffed animals (she loves these), a Child's Garden of Verses, Pickles to Pittsburgh, and Around the world books, a wooden iron and a puppy (soon to come next week).
All in all it was a great birthday.
Peace,
Tenn
July 13, 2004
Bringing Things to Date
While blogging may be light, activity is not (thus blogging in light) - we have been busy. In the past week we have bought a new puppy, attended a birthday party, seen a zoomobile show, and had many fun days in the sun. Our days often consist of spending the time in our backyard in the pool and on the swingset. Collecting toads is Ciaran's favorite hobby and collecting pretty rocks Rhiannon's. Sirah has her own little pool that she can climb in and out of and I sit nearby. We walk into town and to the library - we go to the farmers market and the kids ride their bikes. It is a good summer - we have laid off schoolwork for the most part - other than our daily reading that the kids love and doing some "reading clubs".
I am usually not one for incentive and reward clubs for reading as I want my kids to learn to love to read just for the love of it. However this summer I have found a few that I thought would be a nice reward for my kids. Since it is NOT pulling their teeth to read I thought for once they could enjoy some of the benefits other kids get for choosing to read. It has not affected their love of reading and it is encouraging Rhiannon to do more reading on her own and not just enjoying listening to read alouds (which we still do) so far I am glad with my decision. Plus they are more than halfway done with their "summer-long" program and we signed up a week and a half ago. They still see the benefit of reading as the reward of the book though and they do love stories, even Sirah is starting to enjoy more than chewing books~
Rhiannon and Ciaran are really enjoying each other this summer and seem to be getting along better than ever. They have their moments to be sure - but for the most part they spend their days playing together in their own little world and love being in the pool and yard together. We still have atleast one day a week when we see other kids - often more - but I am so glad they have each other to play with.
Hope your summers are as enjoyable.
Peace,
Tenn
I am usually not one for incentive and reward clubs for reading as I want my kids to learn to love to read just for the love of it. However this summer I have found a few that I thought would be a nice reward for my kids. Since it is NOT pulling their teeth to read I thought for once they could enjoy some of the benefits other kids get for choosing to read. It has not affected their love of reading and it is encouraging Rhiannon to do more reading on her own and not just enjoying listening to read alouds (which we still do) so far I am glad with my decision. Plus they are more than halfway done with their "summer-long" program and we signed up a week and a half ago. They still see the benefit of reading as the reward of the book though and they do love stories, even Sirah is starting to enjoy more than chewing books~
Rhiannon and Ciaran are really enjoying each other this summer and seem to be getting along better than ever. They have their moments to be sure - but for the most part they spend their days playing together in their own little world and love being in the pool and yard together. We still have atleast one day a week when we see other kids - often more - but I am so glad they have each other to play with.
Hope your summers are as enjoyable.
Peace,
Tenn
July 4, 2004
Fourth of July
Today was a great day. We marched in our local parade for our federal congressman who is up for reelection this year. The kids enjoyed handing out stickers for him and were real troopers walking the entire few miles (including walking to and from our house) and they really seemed to enjoy themselves. Even our dog walked wearing stickers on his paws! Serona carried a spray bottle and helped out the crowds by spraying them with water as we walked by - it was a hot day!
After the parade we headed home for popsicles and cold water in our wonderfully air conditioned home. Then we were off again to visit some friends who just had a baby. We brought dinner over and just enjoyed their company - their beautiful daughter is just 3 days old!
We helped out around the house - helping organize their basement and move some furniture, vacuum, sweep, do laundry - however we could be used we were. We believe it is so important to help out friends during their times of need, especially right after the birth of a baby! Even the kids pitched in and helped as best they could. They also enjoyed some time jumping on their trampoline.
On the way home we all watched the fireworks displayed that had started. We arrived home to discover that we have an excellent view of our own local fireworks show from our deck. We were able to see a great show from our deck inside our screen room free of bugs and other people's smoke and noise. We put on some nice patriotic classical music to listen to. After the town's display was over we were able to enjoy a few of our neighbor's displays (which were actually very impressive) and then finished the night off with some of our own smaller fireworks so the kids could enjoy some little ones close up. It was so nice for once to not be bothered by bugs on the 4th!
The kids were exhausted and falling asleep as we got them ready for bed. It was a great day. A very busy and full day, but a great day nonetheless. Hope your fourth was just as enjoyable.
Peace,
Tenn
After the parade we headed home for popsicles and cold water in our wonderfully air conditioned home. Then we were off again to visit some friends who just had a baby. We brought dinner over and just enjoyed their company - their beautiful daughter is just 3 days old!
We helped out around the house - helping organize their basement and move some furniture, vacuum, sweep, do laundry - however we could be used we were. We believe it is so important to help out friends during their times of need, especially right after the birth of a baby! Even the kids pitched in and helped as best they could. They also enjoyed some time jumping on their trampoline.
On the way home we all watched the fireworks displayed that had started. We arrived home to discover that we have an excellent view of our own local fireworks show from our deck. We were able to see a great show from our deck inside our screen room free of bugs and other people's smoke and noise. We put on some nice patriotic classical music to listen to. After the town's display was over we were able to enjoy a few of our neighbor's displays (which were actually very impressive) and then finished the night off with some of our own smaller fireworks so the kids could enjoy some little ones close up. It was so nice for once to not be bothered by bugs on the 4th!
The kids were exhausted and falling asleep as we got them ready for bed. It was a great day. A very busy and full day, but a great day nonetheless. Hope your fourth was just as enjoyable.
Peace,
Tenn
July 3, 2004
Private Gardens
We had so many plans for today - they all got rained out so we needed to readjust our desires and expectations. We were supposed to have a day filled with outdoor carnival like activities including pony rides - but instead it downpoured and even we decided it would not be a good time for the kids. Instead we decided to do a craft project on Serona's pushing.
We headed over to Michael's and then Frank's nursery to pick up supplies. The kids made their own little gardens to take care of. We bought each of them there own round terracotta pot and some potting soil - a plant, some shells and decorative rocks and each got to pick a decorative animal (Ciaran picked a toad of course and Rhiannon picked a pig).
We headed home into our garage and filled the bottom of each pot with river rock then potting soil and then the kids helped transplant their little plants - plus the impatients they each planted when we toured the flower shop a few months ago. Then they each got to decorate their pot however they wanted with decorative stones and shells. Then each placed their animal in a special place and we carried them up to the deck where they will stay and the kids can water and take care of them each day.
This was a cheap and easy project that the kids absolutely loved and I would highly recommend. We enjoyed it so much that we have decided this is what will do as party favors for each of the kids during Rhainnon's upcoming 5th birthday party.
Peace,
Tenn
We headed over to Michael's and then Frank's nursery to pick up supplies. The kids made their own little gardens to take care of. We bought each of them there own round terracotta pot and some potting soil - a plant, some shells and decorative rocks and each got to pick a decorative animal (Ciaran picked a toad of course and Rhiannon picked a pig).
We headed home into our garage and filled the bottom of each pot with river rock then potting soil and then the kids helped transplant their little plants - plus the impatients they each planted when we toured the flower shop a few months ago. Then they each got to decorate their pot however they wanted with decorative stones and shells. Then each placed their animal in a special place and we carried them up to the deck where they will stay and the kids can water and take care of them each day.
This was a cheap and easy project that the kids absolutely loved and I would highly recommend. We enjoyed it so much that we have decided this is what will do as party favors for each of the kids during Rhainnon's upcoming 5th birthday party.
Peace,
Tenn
July 2, 2004
Friendship
We had some of the kids friends from our homeschool support group over today. We spent the entire day including dinner with these two wonderful boys! I was amazed at how well the kids played and got along - there were no fights, no problems and they really enjoyed one another's company. I had 5 kids here today and believe it or not 3 of them napped at the same time! They all helped clean up and we spent much of the day outside in the pool and on the slide.
One of the things I love about homeschooling is the opportunity for the kids to play and get to know kids of all ages. Rhiannon was playing with a 7 year old boy for much of the day and often the four of them would all play together or sometimes you would find an older child with a younger one - either helping them or just playing together.
They took turns helping get the younger ones on the swing or pushing them, the helped Ciaran find a toad (his summer obsession), they all played the games the younger ones requested and they just had a good time together. In many ways I did not feel like I was watching them because they kept themselves so entertained. Most of the time Sirah and I just sat nearby and I focused on playing with her in her little pool while they played next to us.
Occasionally I needed to remind one of the younger children to use their words instead of scream and remind the older kids to listen to their words and respect them. For the most part though they were able to work things out themselves. It was an enjoyable day for me too.
Peace,
Tenn
One of the things I love about homeschooling is the opportunity for the kids to play and get to know kids of all ages. Rhiannon was playing with a 7 year old boy for much of the day and often the four of them would all play together or sometimes you would find an older child with a younger one - either helping them or just playing together.
They took turns helping get the younger ones on the swing or pushing them, the helped Ciaran find a toad (his summer obsession), they all played the games the younger ones requested and they just had a good time together. In many ways I did not feel like I was watching them because they kept themselves so entertained. Most of the time Sirah and I just sat nearby and I focused on playing with her in her little pool while they played next to us.
Occasionally I needed to remind one of the younger children to use their words instead of scream and remind the older kids to listen to their words and respect them. For the most part though they were able to work things out themselves. It was an enjoyable day for me too.
Peace,
Tenn
July 1, 2004
Magic Show
We went to a magic show this week - the kids really enjoyed themselves. The magician was fun and energetic. The show was crowded and busy. Ciaran's favorite trick was when he pulled a live bunny out of a book. Rhiannon's favorite was when he made a dollar bill and piece of carrot turn into live goldfish. The truly enjoyed every trick he did but these were the ones they picked as their favorites.
After the show we headed to the children's section at our library to find that the entire magic trick section had been emptied. We did find a Magic for Kids video to watch. The kids talked about the show much of the walk home and all through dinner as they informed Serona of their day. We will have to find more shows for them to attend like this one.
Peace,
Tenn
After the show we headed to the children's section at our library to find that the entire magic trick section had been emptied. We did find a Magic for Kids video to watch. The kids talked about the show much of the walk home and all through dinner as they informed Serona of their day. We will have to find more shows for them to attend like this one.
Peace,
Tenn
June 30, 2004
First Days of Summer
Well it finally feels like summer here in Minnesota and today I remembered what we love about it. We spent the afternoon splashing in the pool and sweltering in the heat. It was nearly 90 and felt so warm - even Sirah climbed into her little blowup swimming pool to cool off while Rhiannon and Ciaran were splashing and sliding into their new deeper pool. All that was missing was those cheap terrible for you pop ices I remember growing up - Ill have to buy some tomorrow.
It was the perfect kind of summer day spent playing in the backyard, even the bugs seemed to cooperate today. I hope for many more beautiful summer days.
Peace,
Tenn
It was the perfect kind of summer day spent playing in the backyard, even the bugs seemed to cooperate today. I hope for many more beautiful summer days.
Peace,
Tenn
June 28, 2004
Little House in the Big Woods
Yesterday Serona and I decided another long drive was in order. Since our last one took us to South Dakota we decided Wisconsin was a good destination this time. I remembered that there was a historic landmark of Laura Ingalls Wilder's home in Wisconsin. So I did a quick google search and found the location in Pepin Wisconsin and that is where we headed on our Sunday drive. Here in Pepin we visited a replica of The Little House in the Big Woods. Rhiannon is going to explain her experiences.
I went to visit the little house on the prairie. I had so much fun. I went to a store, Mary and Laura store I bought a bell. I bought a wagon for my brother. We had a lot of fun. At the house we got to see the shed, the bathroom (it was outside) and the inside of the house. We got to go in the house. I saw most sadly the window was broken in one of the rooms.
I loved the little house on the prairie. I thought the house was bigger than I thought it would be. They had a fireplace where they would hang a pot. I saw deers in the shop. I saw a quilt that was actually laura's and saw fragile glass dolls that were only for decoration of Mary and Laura. I saw what their kitchen looked like at the museum.
I always always always so much wanted to see what their house looked like. My wish came true. I so loved it there. It made me think of my dreams. I knew it would be so good and fun when my dream came true. I always so longed, forever more I knew it was true. The end"
Well there you have it - straight from Rhiannon's mouth. It was a good time. We went to the house, a museum and a gift shop. Rhiannon was very excited and it was fun to see the shine in her eyes. Ciaran enjoyed it as well, he especially liked looking at things in the museum and running around outside.
Peace,
Tenn
UPDATE: Check out my Little House on the Prairie Lesson Plan and LHP resources.
I went to visit the little house on the prairie. I had so much fun. I went to a store, Mary and Laura store I bought a bell. I bought a wagon for my brother. We had a lot of fun. At the house we got to see the shed, the bathroom (it was outside) and the inside of the house. We got to go in the house. I saw most sadly the window was broken in one of the rooms.
I loved the little house on the prairie. I thought the house was bigger than I thought it would be. They had a fireplace where they would hang a pot. I saw deers in the shop. I saw a quilt that was actually laura's and saw fragile glass dolls that were only for decoration of Mary and Laura. I saw what their kitchen looked like at the museum.
I always always always so much wanted to see what their house looked like. My wish came true. I so loved it there. It made me think of my dreams. I knew it would be so good and fun when my dream came true. I always so longed, forever more I knew it was true. The end"
Well there you have it - straight from Rhiannon's mouth. It was a good time. We went to the house, a museum and a gift shop. Rhiannon was very excited and it was fun to see the shine in her eyes. Ciaran enjoyed it as well, he especially liked looking at things in the museum and running around outside.
Peace,
Tenn
UPDATE: Check out my Little House on the Prairie Lesson Plan and LHP resources.
Gmail account available
I've been beta testing google's new gmail for awhile and have a few invites available if anyone wants to try it out. So far I really enjoy gmail - and you can't beat the free space. I like their archiving system and even the way their ads arr presented. If interested let me know and I can pass on an invite.
Peace,
Tenn
Peace,
Tenn
June 24, 2004
Fort Snelling
Today we had a nice field trip. We headed over to the Historic Site at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis/St Paul. It was a fun trip and enjoyable for all. It was actually one I think I found more interesting than the kids. Well the kids really enjoyed it in the beginning but then I think it got more repetitive and boring for them. They were a bit young to fully understand everything - still they did have fun and enjoy learning about things.
We sat in a schoolroom with girls on one side and boys on the other and listened to someone dressed in full costume talk about life in 1827 and the fort. It was very interesting - the kids got to touch furs that would have been traded and see implements they would have traded for such a kettles, axes, and cloth. They talked about settlers and relations with Native Americans, they learned why they used barrels instead of boxes for shipping and how the rivers were the roads of the time.
Then we had open time to tour the fort and visit all the areas. We looked at the old barracks and learned that two people used to sleep in one barrack head to foot - to help save space and create warmth in the winter. The kids could not believe their bathrooms were porta potties in the same room.
We toured the captains house, the shops, watched them wash laundry and fire off muskets. We walked quickly through the exhibit halls and tried to focus on the actual real life examples. We watched a blacksmith working and visited the guard house. The kids put on the signs and ball and chains and went into the prison cells. I was surprised by them - they were an all stone room with just a floor and when the door was shut it was pitch black as there were no windows or light in there. I can not imagine what that must have been like.
People were dressed in clothing of the time and tried to use the language of the day as well. We learned a lot and had a good time doing it. I will definitely return there. We had a perfect day as well, it was high 60's with a breeze - almost chilly actually. Hard to believe it is June here in Minnesota.
Peace,
Tenn
We sat in a schoolroom with girls on one side and boys on the other and listened to someone dressed in full costume talk about life in 1827 and the fort. It was very interesting - the kids got to touch furs that would have been traded and see implements they would have traded for such a kettles, axes, and cloth. They talked about settlers and relations with Native Americans, they learned why they used barrels instead of boxes for shipping and how the rivers were the roads of the time.
Then we had open time to tour the fort and visit all the areas. We looked at the old barracks and learned that two people used to sleep in one barrack head to foot - to help save space and create warmth in the winter. The kids could not believe their bathrooms were porta potties in the same room.
We toured the captains house, the shops, watched them wash laundry and fire off muskets. We walked quickly through the exhibit halls and tried to focus on the actual real life examples. We watched a blacksmith working and visited the guard house. The kids put on the signs and ball and chains and went into the prison cells. I was surprised by them - they were an all stone room with just a floor and when the door was shut it was pitch black as there were no windows or light in there. I can not imagine what that must have been like.
People were dressed in clothing of the time and tried to use the language of the day as well. We learned a lot and had a good time doing it. I will definitely return there. We had a perfect day as well, it was high 60's with a breeze - almost chilly actually. Hard to believe it is June here in Minnesota.
Peace,
Tenn
June 23, 2004
Seven Years
Serona and I just celebrated our seven year wedding anniversary. We have spent four of those with kids. I am blessed with a wonderful husband and father, a man who truly seeks and follows the Lord in his life. Our whole family is blessed because of him.
Sickness, camping, father's day, our anniversary and a myriad of other life events have led blogging to be slow lately. I have also finally settled into the decision that we are on summer vacation. While learning never stops with homeschooling and I still try to keep a rich educational atmosphere at home - I have stopped with any structured work for awhile. I am in a prep mode again - gathering curriculum and materials for next year.
We still learn continually through life's moments, reading and answering my chidlren's endless questions. However, they are young, the days are long and the weather perfect. My kids need to just be outside and play and imagine and enjoy the days of summer.
Each night Rhiannon prays before bed "Please let the days grow longer, the nights grow shorter and the summer warm days be much longer and the cold winter days very few." I will let them just be kids and enjoy these days.
Peace,
Tenn
Sickness, camping, father's day, our anniversary and a myriad of other life events have led blogging to be slow lately. I have also finally settled into the decision that we are on summer vacation. While learning never stops with homeschooling and I still try to keep a rich educational atmosphere at home - I have stopped with any structured work for awhile. I am in a prep mode again - gathering curriculum and materials for next year.
We still learn continually through life's moments, reading and answering my chidlren's endless questions. However, they are young, the days are long and the weather perfect. My kids need to just be outside and play and imagine and enjoy the days of summer.
Each night Rhiannon prays before bed "Please let the days grow longer, the nights grow shorter and the summer warm days be much longer and the cold winter days very few." I will let them just be kids and enjoy these days.
Peace,
Tenn
June 15, 2004
Teaching Hobbies
This morning was quite enjoyable. We spent some time in our family library together. Rhiannon asked me to teach her to crochet - so we worked together on a simple bookmark - a quick task she could complete - it was fun. She sat on my lap the entire time and I held the yarn for her and she did the stitches (she was not coordinated enough yet to hold the yarn and do the stitches herself) quite proficiently. While we were doing that Ciaran was sitting nearby on the computer playing some computer games. Sirah was on the floor playing with her piano and her father African drums making music. It was very enjoyable and helped me remember why I enjoy teaching my children.
Peace,
Tenn
Peace,
Tenn
June 12, 2004
Waiting it Out
As a mother I so often want to push my kids to do the things I think they "should" be doing at any given time. I have to step back and just let them be and do certain things when they are ready themselves. Recently I have seen the rewards of this. Today Rhiannon decided to color a picture - which may not seem like a big deal for a nearly 5 year old - but Rhiannon has always resisted and disliked coloring - if required to color she merely scribbles all over the page. Today however she colored picture perfect in the lines and she was coloring an ant (a followup to our insect lessons) so she had some pretty narrow lines to stay in. When I complimented her she said "Mom I just was not old enough before - now I am old enough and can do a good job" then she added "But I only want to coloring one picture a day because my arms get tired." I'm glad I waited and never pushed the issue - I gave her the opportunity but was always fine when it was not her desire or she just scribbled.
Ciaran also had a glad we waited time this week. Potty training him has been difficult - a long on again and off again journey. He was nearly trained before Sirah was born then went back to diapers and wanted nothing to do with it - a few times since then his interest has been sparked but he has had quite a few accidents - then on Wenesday of this week he decided he was going to wear underpants and he has only had one accident and it is going well. I'm glad we waited. Though I must admit to a bit of bribery with him. He has wanted a stuffed Nemo doll for a long time - I found one and put it away and told him he could have it when he was no longer wearing diapers. He found it in the closet and that was what prompted his decision to wear underpants. So far so good - we will see how it goes.
Peace,
Tenn
Ciaran also had a glad we waited time this week. Potty training him has been difficult - a long on again and off again journey. He was nearly trained before Sirah was born then went back to diapers and wanted nothing to do with it - a few times since then his interest has been sparked but he has had quite a few accidents - then on Wenesday of this week he decided he was going to wear underpants and he has only had one accident and it is going well. I'm glad we waited. Though I must admit to a bit of bribery with him. He has wanted a stuffed Nemo doll for a long time - I found one and put it away and told him he could have it when he was no longer wearing diapers. He found it in the closet and that was what prompted his decision to wear underpants. So far so good - we will see how it goes.
Peace,
Tenn
June 10, 2004
Insects
We took a field trip this week to a wildlife refuge and had a class on insects. It was very good and it was free. The kids learned about the different parts of an insect, how they breathe and see. We even got to look through a kaleidoscope that showed us a glimpse of how insects see. After the lesson we headed outside and caught several insects and other bugs and examined them. The kids each had a net, a bug cup with magnifying glass and a clipboard to help them identify the bugs. We saw dragonfly's, baby bees, flys, mosquitos, beetles, butterflies, caterpillars, centipedes, gales and some others. It was a lot of fun and interesting. We headed back inside and the kids made a craft of paper butterflies that flap their wings and we watched a short video about wildlife preservation. The kids spent some time exploring the displays and all the things they could touch and look at and also looking out the window at turkeys, chipmunks, a white squirrel and a wide variety of birds. We all had a great time.
We came home and continued the lesson with some printouts from Enchanted Learning to make an insect book with facts and coloring and labeling sheets. Rhiannon also spent some time with handwriting practice writing out and trying to spell all the different insects we learned about and saw today.
Peace,
Tenn
We came home and continued the lesson with some printouts from Enchanted Learning to make an insect book with facts and coloring and labeling sheets. Rhiannon also spent some time with handwriting practice writing out and trying to spell all the different insects we learned about and saw today.
Peace,
Tenn
June 8, 2004
Camping
Tis the season for one of my favorite activities - camping! We went last weekend thinking we would be ahead of the bugs and taking our chance with the rain. Well the bugs were out and it stormed Saturday night (we were already in the tent thankfully) but we had a great time. We went with several families from our homeschool support group and it was a lot of fun. The kids loved having each other around to play with and having the freedom of running from site to site. The parents enjoyed some time around the campfire getting to know one another better. It was great because we got to know one another more as couples and families and the kids got to know the dads more. Up until recently the dynamic was very different - the moms all feel very close together as we see each other every weeek and the kids know all of us well - but we have not bonded as families and we had an opportunity to do that.
We are very fortunate to be part of a great support network. We have our differences and our similarites and are able to get along still. We covered all different topics including how we met, where we lived, our crazy younger days, religion and politics and survived and grew closer. We have a great group of people and I'm glad we get along so well. We enjoyed ourselves so much we all made reservations for our next trip before we left the campgrounds!
We took a nature hike, played in the mud and sand and on the swings, the kids rode bikes and collected things (Ciaran especially loved frogs which he called "my jumpy guy") and ate smores and played together. I love being out in nature and even sleeping in a tent. Camping is a great thing for us to do as a family and I hope we have more opportunities this summer.
Peace,
Tenn
We are very fortunate to be part of a great support network. We have our differences and our similarites and are able to get along still. We covered all different topics including how we met, where we lived, our crazy younger days, religion and politics and survived and grew closer. We have a great group of people and I'm glad we get along so well. We enjoyed ourselves so much we all made reservations for our next trip before we left the campgrounds!
We took a nature hike, played in the mud and sand and on the swings, the kids rode bikes and collected things (Ciaran especially loved frogs which he called "my jumpy guy") and ate smores and played together. I love being out in nature and even sleeping in a tent. Camping is a great thing for us to do as a family and I hope we have more opportunities this summer.
Peace,
Tenn
On the dairy farm
We had a a great field trip with some families from our homeschool group. We headed to a dairy farm about an hour away and got a great tour. We all got to walk out into the pasture and walk the cows into the barn (complete with mud and cow poop). I could not believe how close we were to this herd of cows - Rhiannon went right up to them and I got a great picture of her a few feet away from a big group of them. We went into the barn and some of the kids from our group chose to help muck up the cow poop - my children did not, nor did I. We walked through the stalls and saw all the cows and watched them hook the cows up to the milking machines. The kids got to put their finger in the tube that sucks the milk from the udders and feel what the cows feel (granted it is on their finger not their udder) and then watch how they attach it to the cows and how the milk comes out. They also got to take turns milking a cow. Serona and Rhiannon both milked a cow - Rhiannon did a great job right away and Serona needed a little tutorial but eventually got it right. Ciaran did not want to try and I had Sirah on my back so I did not - but it was neat to see and for Rhia and Serona to try.
There was a full petting zoo on the farm and we got to see a calf that had been born just that morning (complete with watching dogs eat her placenta - gross) and many chickens, pigs and kittens. The kids had a great time and it was a nice spur of the moment field trip we discovered.
Peace,
Tenn
There was a full petting zoo on the farm and we got to see a calf that had been born just that morning (complete with watching dogs eat her placenta - gross) and many chickens, pigs and kittens. The kids had a great time and it was a nice spur of the moment field trip we discovered.
Peace,
Tenn
Turning 30
Well I have been Missing in Action for the past few weeks because I have been very busy. I turned 30 and my family flew in from all across the country to surprise me. My parents and all my brothers arrived at my house to spend my birthday weekend with me and completely shocked me. We had a great time. We played board games that I love and never get a chance to play and just enjoyed each other's company. My family went to eat at a vegetarian friendly restuarant and they threw me a suprise birthday party with all my girlfriends. I really enjoyed their visit and just pulled back from everything else while they were here. We do not get to spend much time together anymore, the last time we were all together was 2 years ago and the last time we spent birthday's together was several years before that. So it was a very enjoyable birthday.
Peace,
Tenn
Peace,
Tenn
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