Day One Hundred Ninety-Five

A day in the life.  One of the things I love about homeschooling is the freedom we have to follow the rabbit trails.  Today we learned about a new mammal simply because we saw a picture of it on the internet and looked into it a bit.  The civet is an interesting little creature.  Not only have people used them for their musk (Chanel no. 5), but apparently if you want some really good coffee, you should be willing to fork out some serious cash for the beans that have been eaten and excreted by the civets.

http://dailycoffeenews.com/2011/11/01/philippine-farmers-cash-in-on-civet-coffee/

So, that was cool.  But since it was an unusually warm and sunny April day, we decided to spend the majority of the time outdoors.  We started the day with a read-aloud session on the back porch about Apollo 11 and ended our day with painting the chicken coop.  There was a lot of schooling that happened throughout the day.  We moved rocks with a wheelbarrow.  We talked about kinetic motion.  During our break from manual labor, the boys played math drill games on the computer. Dom helped me count by fives as we estimated how many pounds of rock we moved (each stone weighed approximately five pounds).  Aidan measured the area of the chicken coop door, the porch, etc.  Simeon sang his heart out and observed the bees.  We found worms, slugs, pill bugs (or potato bugs, roly poly bugs...whatever you choose to call them).  Aidan had a lesson in moving the lawn.  It was one of those days where I felt affirmed in what we're doing here.  The freedom, the joys we share, and the time spent together.  It won't last forever, but I'm holding on to these years.

Day One Hundred Eight-Seven through One Hundred Ninety-Four

Here we go again.

A morning ritual...waving to Papa.

Simeon learned a new skill and peeled his hard-boiled egg all by himself.

We celebrated Grampy's birthday with food, family, and tractor rides on his new birthday present...what an antique beauty, huh?

The weekend brought the annual trip to Da Vinci Days. Nothing says "Corvallis" like this festival. The boys really enjoyed the parade, despite the rain. The kinetic sculptures are always a favorite in our house. We spent the day in and out of the festival, exploring, hula-hooping, being wowed by an amazing juggler (seriously...he's so good), eating fair food, and enjoying time together. That evening, JJ and I got to go on a date as one of my friends watched the boys for a few hours. Thanks, Bethany!

On Sunday, we returned to watch the kinetic sculptures as they finished the river race. Simeon brought the magic with his wizard hat.

Monday night was a cause for celebration as JJ finished the floor on the new treehouse, complete with a trap door entry. This is one of our summer projects, or maybe THE summer project. Next come the walls!

Aidan and Dominic made pancakes. I bet you can't guess which one is Dom's. He called it the "super snake".

Day One Hundred Eighty-Six

Okay. I'm not catching up, so I better start somewhere. Today we took a hike on the Old Growth Forest trail, which is in the nearby McDonald Forest. We skipped, ran, walked, talked, meandered, hopped, climbed, laughed, and sang our way through two hours of trail....with very little whining. With three young ones, two hours doesn't get you as far as when you're with your adult friends. But it's not about the distance, it's about the experience. We put our toes in the stream, listened with eyes closed and ears alert to the call and response of wild birds, identified plants, recited poetry, enjoyed the forest and all that it had to give to us...old growth, new growth, huge stumps, fallen trees with roots exposed, rotting logs full of scurrying bugs, brightly colored moths, verdant mosses, and peace.

The woods were lovely, dark and deep. The conversation was precious. I can now sit back and ponder these moments in my heart.

Simeon was a trooper. The photo above was the one chosen due to this comment: "Mama, my wegs feel fuzzy and warm from hiking so much." I think I understood what he was trying to say.

Day One Hundred Eighty-Five

This was from the official first day of summer. We've made it a yearly tradition to roast our food over the BBQ in the backyard and camp outside in the tent to celebrate the coming of summer. The boys were really excited to do it again this year. However, since Aidan ended up with a pounding headache (probably from marshmallow overdose), we delayed the campout until the next night.

Tomorrow I'll post the daily photos to catch up to real time. Note to self: daily photo blogs are really hard to keep up.

Day One Hundred Eighty-Three and One Hundred Eighty-Four

This goes back to June 3-4 when I headed to Seattle for a weekend I'll never forget. Three sisters, one mini-van, and lots of energy drinks and caffeine later, we got to see the greatest rock band of all time (in my opinion) live in concert. This was taken right before we left Albany. U2...I love you.

I won't write down the whole story of the weekend here on this little blog, but I have done some writing about this weekend. It proved to be a spark for something new...something good...something beautiful in my life. And,s

Bono, Larry, Adam, and the Edge....keep doing what you do, brothers. Your music has touched me like none other. And what's beautiful is knowing that it has touched so many other souls, in so many different ways.

"Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul."- Plato

Day One Hundred Eighty-One and One Hundred Eighty-Two

Catch up time. As far as schooling goes, things have shifted gears. We're working on math a lot and Dominic continues to enjoy his reading lessons. Hooray! We've been enjoying a lot of free time and I've decided to continue schooling through the summer on a much more relaxed schedule. Ah, the freedoms. Soon, we begin studying the night sky, which excites both of the boys. It just made sense to save that unit until summertime...when we might actually be able to see the stars here.

Here goes. A little bit of life. I have been TAKING daily photos, just not posting them.

This was the first day that we picked a bowl full of strawberries from our little patch.

I took this photo of Simeon that I'm quite fond of. He woke up early and helped me with the bread-baking.

More photos to come...soon...ish.

Day One Hundred and Seventy-Six through One Hundred and Eighty

Here goes...a few more of our days.

Our neighbor, Louise, took us to the Enchanted Forest. Seriously...THE Oregon amusement park combined with some decent theater, living fairy tales, nursery rhyme, and a good dose of mechanical dolls. It's awesome. The boys had so much fun. I screamed my lungs out going on the roller coaster (it's been a while). It was a great outing and we certainly got the value out of the "unlimited rides" bracelets. Aidan went in the haunted house with me...that was a mistake. I didn't know how scary it was. Enough said.

I'm thankful for great neighbors who have no grandkids to spoil yet...because they spoil my kids. We are blessed.

Simeon LOVES to help me in the kitchen. He woke up early one morning and helped me make scrambled eggs and toast. I love to chatter with him when the other boys aren't in the room. He has a lot to say.

Since the tomatoes don't need them yet, the boys decided to use a tomato cage for...something. I just looked out the window and saw this.

Dominic has been making huge leaps and bounds in math. It's fun to see things click in his mind and watch the lightbulb go on over his head when he understands a concept we've been working on. This was taken this morning, as Simeon was instructing him where to write the "2" in the box". Oh, little brothers.

Day One Hundred and Seventy-Five

When your husband calls on his way home from work and says he has a crazy idea, always listen. His crazy idea was to drive to the coast, eat dinner at Mo's, and watch the sunset. It was the perfect end to a Monday. We had such a great time on the way there and back as JJ and I had some time to talk and the younger boys took a nap. Simeon, while eating his chowder at Mo's said, "We need to come here again!"

The laughter and smiles were worth the late bedtime.

Memories to tuck away.

Thanks, husband.

Day One Hundred and Seventy-Four

Sometimes good days land you in the Urgent Care. After a full day of playing in the sunshine, planting flowers, singing "made-up" songs, visiting the Corvallis Zoo (aka Petco), and getting to spend some time playing with cousins, we ended up in the waiting room with a handful of hurting and wounded people from the community.

It happened on the trampoline. The doctor who treated Aidan told us not to even get him started talking about trampolines. He despises them. Yet, accidents happen and as he reminded us, "There's always someone worse off than you." During the time we were within the walls of Urgent Care, one man left in an ambulance, someone lost consciousness due to the laceration on THEIR head, and an old man was complaining of chest pain. It could have been worse. The relief on Aidan's face was apparent when we were told by the doctor that glue would probably be our best bet and we wouldn't have to deal with stitches or shots (spelled out slowly...'s'..'h'..'o'..'t'..'s'). Of course, Aidan quickly blurted out, "shots?" The doctor laughed. He was a great guy.

Some great moments: When asked if we had any questions, Aidan really wanted to know who invented Dermabond, the medical glue. The doctor told us to google it. He was also very curious for someone to explain blood pressure and how they measure oxygen in your blood. We explained what "constricting your blood vessels" meant when they were applying the medicine to his head.... always the curious cat, this boy is.

Another thing: Aidan told us from the very beginning that he didn't want to see the cut. The doctor told him that he could look at his head after the glue was applied, but he said, "No, that's okay. I don't need to."

While we waited in the small exam room, JJ and I shared stories from our childhoods and pointed out the scars that we both have. Everyone has them. You can't remember the physical pain, but you're left with this badge. Scars happen. The wounds hurt and are very apparent for a short time, but after a while, they fade, leaving only a part of your story. I guess that's life, huh?

The night ended with a very hungry boy requesting grilled cheese and tomato soup, and of course, a very tired mom making it for him.

These are the good ol' days.

** As it was pointed out to me, I did fail to mention that we have a wonderful neighbor whom we called on our way to Urgent Care. We dropped off Simeon and Dominic with her and by the time we arrived home, the boys were in bed...soundly sleeping. Louise, we love you. And the boys love you as well. I'm so thankful to have a neighbor that they (and I) feel so comfortable with. You're like the grandma that's right across the street! **

Day One Hundred and Seventy-Three

Things are slowing down a bit in schooling as I'm focusing on some areas we need to spend more time on and getting back to the basics for a while. Dominic is working hard on reading and math skills. Aidan is ever-eager to do anything, but we're really focusing on math and dictation lately.

When we're not around the table working, we're taking in the springtime weather and enjoying our time outside as much as we can. The boys have been helping me plant veggies in the garden and pull weeds...an endless battle those weeds are.

What I love about homeschooling is that this can be part of our schooling. We talk as we garden. We learn as we dig into the soil and hear birdsong. Lots of learning is going on and it's a joy to know that it doesn't have to be a planned lesson or involve paper. Spontaneous learning can be so freeing as a homeschooling mom.

It's sometimes hard to explain the moments like these, but there's no place I'd rather be.

Sure, there are the fights and the arguments over whose stick is bigger or who gets to use the red shovel, but when it's all said and done, I'm just glad that I'm the one who's teaching them about the earth. From earth science to sharing my love of chickadees, there's a lot to be learned outside the schoolroom walls.

Day One Hundred and Seventy-Two

Yahtzee. It was a game that I loved as a child and now I'm passing that love on to my children.

Bonus: Throughout the game, Aidan practices a good amount of addition and multiplication.

Day One Hundred and Seventy-One

Mondays.

Most Mondays are deemed "Pajama Monday"...unless we have somewhere to go. Today was a pajama day, and we all enjoyed it. We finished reading The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright. What a delightful book. I can't wait to get the next one in the series. The boys all enjoyed it...immensely.

Back to pajamas...Dominic is usually the one who is most reluctant to get dressed, so he loves pajama days.

Other huge schooling news....

Dominic is reading!!! Video to come soon. :)

Day One Hundred and Seventy

Wow. It's been more than a day since I last posted a photo.

The reason for my absence from blogging is...well...it's lots of reasons, actually. There was Easter, a trip to Bend, two weeks of coughs and colds, plantar fasciitis woes, numerous dark and gloomy days, and overall a sense of just not wanting to take pictures or put them on the internet. But, here I am...back at it.

I want to finish this project or it will be among my ever-growing list of projects that I've started. I'm getting my second wind. It won't be completed in three hundred and sixty-five consecutive days, but there will be 365 days of our lives shared for whomever wants a peek into life here and what schooling three young boys looks like for us.

I'll start with this day...today. I've been in a funk lately. There are many days lately that I've thought to myself, "Is what I'm doing really what's best for my children?" Most of the time I come back around and am reminded of how much I truly do love this calling. I get to spend all day with my kids. This is the key: I GET to spend all day with my kids, rather than I HAVE to. Yes, it's hard some days, but I truly believe in what we're doing here. I love the fact that I have the freedom to teach my children at home. I love being such a huge part of their lives.

Dominic said to me this morning, "Mama, this is a really good day." I proceeded to ask him why, rather than just agreeing with him. He replied, "I get to be with you and I like it when we sit on the couch and you read to us." He followed that with his classic Dominic smile, which shows no teeth (just like mine when I was a young child). I smiled. Yeah, me too.

We share a lot. The photo above is a pretty common scene. It captures what I love about homeschooling. One small table, three boys who are each unique, and one mom here to capture the moments and treasure them in her heart.

I learn just as much as I teach here.

Day One Hundred and Sixty-Nine

\

A Blessed Easter it was.

Day One Hundred and Sixty-Eight

Support from fellow homeschooling moms is necessary if you're going to take this job on as a profession.

There is no monetary compensation....
However, the benefits are great.
You have to be able to deal with a lot of stress.
It can be pretty messy.
You must be willing to work long days. And a lot of nights as well.

Sister...I love you to the moon. Thanks for being here for me when I feel like quitting.

**This is my boys plus a few more boy cousins who came to visit for the afternoon.**

Day One Hundred and Sixty-Seven

Here's Simeon enjoying his school work. This is another Kumon skills book.

Day One Hundred and Sixty-Six

The morning was full of drawing, drawing, and more drawing....and then a good dose of creative play. I kept an ear out on their adventures as I made my way through the last few pages of my book for book club. Steinbeck. Coffee. Giggling kids.

We didn't start school until 9:30. Now, I used to feel like a failure if I "let this happen". I'm now to the point in my homeschooling journey where I can say, "Let them go for it and I won't interrupt today...we have time in our day for all that needs to be done...even if we start 'late'." I can't do that every day, but I certainly did today.

Cheers to happy Tuesdays.

Oh, and also...it was really sunny today. That helped. After our schoolwork was finished, they took on the backyard. We checked on the newly sprouted peas, sighed at what the squirrels had dug up, and soaked in the rays.

Days One Hundred and Fifty-Six through One Hundred and Sixty-Five

I'll now give you the daily snapshots going back to Friday, April 1. Here goes.

156- Friday afternoons like this one should never be spent inside. We hung out at a park with friends for a couple of hours, soaking in the sunshine.



157- Saturday - A friend and I competed in the Beaver Freezer (I did the running portion. She swam and biked). Here I am...running.


158 - Sunday - Aidan has been spending most of his free time lately folding paper airplanes. I picked up this book years ago in anticipation of having little boys who'd hopefully love to use it. I'm go glad that I did. It was well worth the two dollars that I paid for it. And if you come to our house, please take the airplane he tries to give to you. It will offend him if you don't.



159 - Monday - Simeon has been "doing his school" lately too. Frustrated to be the measly three year-old, he said to me one day in tears, lip sticking out..."but where's MY school?" What he wanted was a workbook...something to claim as his own that wasn't the handed down coloring book or the stack of blank paper stapled together into a book for him. So, I ordered a couple of fun activity books and we now "do school" together. I am becoming a huge fan of KUMON skills books. They have really helped and motivated Dominic and now Simeon is enjoying the preschool version...immensely. They follow an incremental approach to helping with developing fine motor skills. Dominic has come a long way in pencil control due to using their maze books and tracing books. Here's a LINK to the book Simeon's using. You can check out more books on Amazon.com or learn more about their approach at Kumon.com.


160- Tuesday - It was bread-baking day today. These are two of my favorite variations on my whole wheat bread recipe. A favorite in our house is the cinnamon swirl bread. The boys are slightly less enthusiastic about the raisin flaxseed bread, but I really like it.


161 - Wednesday- We took a trip in the afternoon to Afton Field Farm to pick up a chicken and a couple dozen eggs. Sometimes when I visit this piece of land, I just want to take our lives in a different direction, move out of town, and buy a farm. The boys had a blast in the sunshine, we said hello to the hens, followed the geese, watched the sheep that were far off in the pasture, and searched for the new baby calf to no avail. It would be an understatement to say that we came home very muddy. Dominic found a killer mud bog and it was all fun and games until he realized how stuck he was. It's difficult to choose just one photo, so I'll have to post some others on the family blog later...



162 - Thursday - Due to a wicked case of plantar fasciitis, I haven't been able to run as much as I'd like to. In fact, I've been forced to spend some time pursuing other...interests. I won't tell the whole story, but it has been a rather trying time. A huge thanks to our friend Daniel for giving me a sweet spin bike. Cross-training has been forced upon me, which will probably benefit me in the long run, but it's hard when I just want to RUN. I've been able to work off some worry on this bike and am sweating through the miles in the early mornings.



163 - Friday - Oh, sister sun, how we've missed you lately! Thanks for shining down upon us and making our afternoon glorious.

After we finished with schoolwork, we rode bikes at Bald Hill for hours, collected pebbles and sticks, splashed in puddles, played shadow tag, and marveled at hawks and the soft feeling of pussy willows while we enjoyed the warmth of the sun on our backs. It was just what this teacher/mom and her students/sons needed.


I'm adding one more from Friday, because I stared at the sun glistening on the water for quite some time. It was mesmerizing.


164 - Saturday - It was a busy, busy, busy day. Aidan had two soccer games, JJ had to get a run in before the race on Sunday, we had a birthday party for cousin Kellen in Portland...the day was far too full for my liking. BUT, we made it through. While the party was hopping at the Family Fun Center in Portland (a hellish place for me), I took the littlest party people (Simeon and Norah) outside to get away from the noise of children screaming and arcade games blaring. However, before I took them outside, we had a grand time climbing around in the play structure inside. It's like the ones at McDonald's..but way bigger. My knees really took a beating and after I while I got a little claustrophobic from climbing through those plastic tubes...hence the trip outside for fresh air. The BOYS had a great time. The parents were a little bit overwhelmed. Here's cousin Norah enjoying a little "snack" of M & M's. ;) I have ways of making friends with nieces.



165 - Sunday - This was a monumental day in the relationship of JJ and I. We ran a race together. Both of us had the opportunity to run in the inaugural Corvallis Half Marathon. JJ raced his way to a much better time than he had expected. I was with him every step of the way....well...until he sprinted away from me in the last few yards. Here's to many more miles in the future!

Day One Hundred and Fifty-Six

Because boyhood is too short to not take the time to run around the house in your undies playing Jedi firefighter.

Manhood, however, does not involve this scene...in my book. You have to choose. Run around the house in your undies...yes.

Jedi firefighter...well....

...the verdict's out.