FIAR Friends!

This is for all my FIAR friends...

Alice and I at the Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC yesterday.

Alice thanks for the meeting- the recommendation on the fry bread, the movie upstairs, and the family book. Next time we'll try the park!

I have lots of blogging to catch up on friends. Stay tuned!

(Ahem... a photo credit has been requested)

Photo by E10

13 Years!

Today is our wedding anniversary! 13 Wonderful Years!

Dan I love you!

Yay Dan!

Congratulations Dan!

So Dan participated in yesterday's graduate recognition ceremony. Notice I didn't say graduation. Let's not confuse this fact. The real graduation is in May. You know...for people who know how to stay on track. Normally, I wouldn't make a big deal...but I can't help it. Though Dan and I were miles apart in the field house, we heard the same message. The president of the university got up to make his speech to the "the graduates" and proceeded to launch into a long segment about how the group of participants arrived at this point. Some of you, he said, really worked hard and finished a semester early. Some of you...and at this point he listed a myriad of reasons why someone could get off track and finish "off schedule". Translation: Whatever loser thing you did to get yourself to a December finish. Way to go. It was so blatant that I turned immediately to my company and made that quote. We all laughed. Afterward, Dan and I laughed together about it. Hilarious. Both he and I finished our undergraduate degrees in December and we finished our graduate degrees in December - 9 years apart. Of course...anything I've missed out on in life is due to the fact that I couldn't keep myself together and graduate on time! Yes. That is totally it.

Dan's family all traveled in through the snow to see the ceremony and afterward we had a day full of fun! We had lunch out together, went sled riding, had dinner out together, and ended the day with a swim at the hotel! Whew.

Check out this awesome hill. Oh we are so going back...we've been a number of places but this one was new to us and not too far from home. 100 foot drop over the length of three foot ball fields. Sweet.

Woodstove. How can it get better than this? The windchill was 5 degrees up on that hill yesterday.The warming hut. At the top of the hill. Life is good.

Dan's family is heading back home today and tomorrow. We'll see them again on Friday when we travel to see both of our families for Christmas.

On a Whim

So, today it's been snowing all day. The predictions are for 6 to 10 or 12 to 15 inches depending on what you're looking at. I'm not certain what the freaking out is about but it's happening. Very unusual for New York.

I was invited to play a game of RISK with E10. Currently I hold the entire western hemisphere. We'll see how long that lasts.

Falling snow and long games make you hungry...on a whim I went for chocolate covered pretzels. Mmmm....I made it up. They aren't fancy, but they are tasty. I'm definitely not has cool as this lady.

This is a fun book which at the very least inspired me to try something new. But remember...I made them up. I melted some milk chocolate chips and dipped the pretzels in it. They are a total mess, but worth it.

Take the Time!

To play this holiday season. I've been reflecting on this as I have been observing others running around crazy this season with shopping, Christmas plays (their rehearsals and preparation), cookie exchanges, craft sessions, more shopping, early Christmas celebrations, traveling, more shopping, more gatherings, musical concerts, dance recitals, and all the other things that go along with a fun Christmas season.

Back in August, when I scheduled my surgery for the end of October, one of the results of that decision was to empty my calendar from October 28th through to the end of the year. Sure, I could have put some things on the schedule starting some time in December, but I chose not to do so. I've had so much surgery that I knew I could have complications. In the past I've had them. One simple complication can set your recovery back a week or more.

Instead, I decided to allow myself plenty of time without the pressure of making sure I was back on track before Christmas. You know what? That was the best decision I've made in a long time!

I'll remember this next year when I'm tempted to take on too much! And you can bet Dan will remind me too. Because who am I kidding? Next year I will feel up to taking on the holiday world by storm! I'll look back on this post and wonder how I could have been still so long. Yeah. That's how it will play out. But peace is good. I will remember that.

J3 and I took some time to do some play doh baking yesterday- cinnamon rolls and sausage balls are what we worked on. What is better than a brand new can of Play Doh? Seriously...I love to squish it. My only complaint? J3 is a doh mixer. So, we have three brand new cans of slightly swirly play doh now. It's all good. Deep breaths....deep breaths....

Enjoy this last week of holiday frenzy!

The Real Deal

I forgot to show you how the big tree turned out. We picked a pretty good one for not being able to really see it. It's main flaw- it is too narrow. Too many ornaments for a slender-ish tree.

Well because half the tree is made up of "First Christmas Together" ornaments. (our anniversary is coming up on December 23rd) Or Baby's First Christmas ornaments one or two times four makes lots to put on the tree!

The rest is made up of home made kid ornaments, some from my former students, and a sprinkling of ones from our own childhoods.

The tree skirt was designed to have handprints every year on it. We finished that once and then I have templates for two other years. I'm doing it this year. Honest.

More Preschool Fun

I brought this home from the MOPS convention last year. It was a freebie! J3 loves to play with his kangaroo. We have been spending time identifying the contents of his pouch. There are letters, numbers, shapes and colors. I'm not sure of the actual game rules, but we think of lots of ways to play. I'm sure the idea of the freebie was for us to share the company's product with moms, but uh oh. I can't remember anything about the company!

Our Polar Express Day

Once I took a peek at Deleise's Polar Express Day over at Fireside, I knew we had to give this a try. We did tweak things for our family a bit, but it was a fun day none-the-less. The kids were treated to a snowball donut breakfast (harder to find than one would imagine) and they knew to expect a few more fun things this weekend.

Their tickets entitled them to some snow play outside and a movie for sure.

In the end, the older kids went sledding on our village sledding hill. Yes. We have one of those. It's actually pretty cool. Reminds me that when E10 was at the local school for K and part of 1st grade, they used to sled at recess. How cool is that?

Next year I will plan for this a bit more and not try it last minute. Thanks Deleise for a fun family idea!!

The FIAR Trees!

At long last! The trees are up and lit!! I've been really excited about this pencil tree because it fits right in the corner of our dining room and I plan to leave it up there all year round. I just love Christmas lights and it'll be fun to decorate the tree for various occasions throughout the year. I'll keep you posted on what the tree is up to as we change it.

For now, it has some FIAR ornaments on it. Some of our favorite stories are represented. There's The Giraffe that Walked to Paris, Night of the Moonjellies, Duchess Bakes a Cake, The Rag Coat, The Gullywasher to name a few. There's even a row boat to remind us that we are "rowers". Ignore that white strip on the gallery painting. Just a little stealth blogging there. Nothing to be concerned about.

Now this tree was crazy to get lit! I couldn't find a good plug and once I did I realized the lights had been put on upside down. That was so disappointing. I had to leave it for few days, but I finally took everything off the tree and began again. This tree we've had since we were first married. Now we use it in our living room since our big tree is downstairs.

The rest of our FIAR collection is on this tree. Here we have Follow the Drinking Gourd, Three Names, Ping and a Christmas tree with many symbols from the various books on it. Angels on both of the trees were made by former students of mine back in the day when I taught middle school science. Yes really. I did that.

Note. There are 12 days until Christmas. Well, it's almost 10 pm so make that really 11.

The Power of the Dictionary

I was reminded recently of an article in the July/August issue of Homeschool Enrichment called Open Your Dictionary! (the educational value of your most common reference book) The author, Deana Blackburn, challenges us to use the dictionary for more than just looking up the occasional word or spelling. She makes reference to the fact that so many of us are accustomed to looking up definitions and spellings on line. If you think about it, that is OK especially for those of us who grew our vocabularies before the online age.

So, do you even have a copy of a print dictionary in your home? How many? What kind? Perhaps the most compelling reason to use a print dictionary is so kids can explore other words that surround the one they are after. Or if you are like me, then you'll take a peek at a word that catches your eye on the way to the one in question.

The author goes on to list some assignments we can give to our children using a dictionary. I think I'm going to put together some independent assignments based on these recommendations.

The other day I had E10 correct a few spelling words. I had him use the dictionary and wouldn't you know...he started reading to me some highlighted word origins on the same page. He read three of them and was so excited by the time he was finished that he asked me if could take the dictionary to bed with him. E10 reads by flashlight for about an hour each night and this night he wanted the dictionary. Be still my heart.

R8 had to correct an assignment she did for her weekly spelling. Her spelling words looked great, but other words were in correct. We used the dictionary to straighten things out although it turns out that she is mostly careless. When I sat with her she corrected all but one of her six words without using anything. If I could just get her to put it all together at the same time...that would be something!

In addition to the Websters College Dictionary we have (both Dan and I have) in our library, I purchased this dictionary for the younger set the first semester we homeschooled.

It is a good choice for kids without being too watered down or too difficult. The recommended ages are 10-14, but we've been using this one for our first grades on up.

Have a long trip planned for Christmas? Take along the dictionary and make sure the electronic stuff is off. Then you have some trivia games using only our dictionary. Sound like loads of fun? The author of the article thought so. I might give this one some thought.

So, the next time your child needs to look up a word...try a print dictionary and in the meantime dream about the possibilities to expand your student's knowledge base using this common reference item!

More Snow!

And it is just slowed down!

The kids are looking forward to this afternoon when they can go out and play in it. Looks like a familiar wet snow to me so perhaps the kids will be able to make a snowman. Sledding is off limits until Daddy gets home!

Let it snow! I'm hoping to hit the store this evening. Yes! We finally have our snow tires on.

The Sign of the Beaver

E10 has been working on reading this book by Elizabeth George Spear. He enjoyed seeing how Matt and Attean began to be friends despite their differences.

Webquest

Maine Native American Resources from the University of Maine

Book Report Form- from EdHelper.com This one does a nice job of including some more higher level questions. There is a whole lot more there, but you can't access everything without being a member. Some day I might try that!

This was an independent learning project within the unit on Native Americans. R8 is working on hers now having to do with the Nez Perce using Kaya- the American Girl.

Hearts and Trees Winter Kit

Amanda over at Hearts and Trees is selling her winter kit right now. Have you been to visit her blog? I love to go there and see what she is offering in the way of nature study and art. I have purchased her summer and fall kits recently and I couldn't wait to see the winter kit. Each kit has a sewing project of some sort along with art and lapbooking supplies. I can't wait to do the mammal lapbook with the kids after the new year. I've got plans for rowing Owl Moon and studying nocturnal animals. I think the lapbook will right in.

So, what are you waiting for? Get on over there!!

Christmas Tree Hunting: At Night

So, it just didn't work out to get our tree yesterday. It was blowing. Just a little. When the snow blows sideways, we try to stay inside. Reportedly, there were people there picking trees. Hardcore folks.

We like to get our tree early enough to enjoy it since we'll spend the week after Christmas with family in Maryland. I decided next weekend was too late for all that work. Tomorrow and Wednesday it is supposed to be icy and yucko. Today was the day. After work. Sun sets at 4:32 pm. No problem. The farm is open until 6:00 pm.

Of course after the sun goes down, the temperature already at 18 degrees with a windchill, was gonna go down. It did. We hurried.

Headlamps and flashlights...we took off into the night to find out tree. What can I say? Sometimes you just have to inject a little adventure into your life. Tonight was one such adventure.

We found a nice one- a lovely Douglas fir and Ruldolph the reindeer cart helped us out. The hunt complete, we took it home. Tomorrow night we decorate.

We ended the evening with a bowl of hot chili and warm bread. Mmmmm....

Have You Seen This?

The "Year of CrockPotting" Blog? I really enjoy seeing what this woman will try to make in a CrockPot. How do you feel about your CrockPot? I'll be honest. I think everything tastes the same that comes out of there. Don't get wrong. I use my Pot, but the idea of making something in a CrockPot every.single.day is way too much for me.

You have to visit at least once. She makes some surprising things in there. Like soap and crayons. I bet they don't taste the same.

I visited this morning and I'm trying to figure out if I have the ingredients for this one Salsa Chicken and Black Bean Soup. I think I have all the stuff for the soup, but this would call for cornbread and I know I don't have stuff for that.

Native American Update

Three down and four to go on our exploration of various Native American tribes. We finished looking at The Iroquois which is always fun to do. We live in the heart of Iroquois territory so the names are familiar.

This tribe was fun to learn about. These are the people with the totem pole and I think the kids really enjoyed the thought of eating so much you throw up at yearly feasts called potlatches. It was a compliment to the host. All the kids love the masks- worn at potlatches.

We will be visiting the Navajo, The Maidu, The Sioux, and the Seminoles before calling it quits. E10 has been reading The Sign of the Beaver and will be reporting in on that soon. We hope to make a trip to the Native American Museum in Washington, DC while we are visiting family after Christmas.

Sticker Book Preschool

The preschool we sent all three of our older kids to called the other day. It is a sweet little Christian preschool that is very popular. So popular that we've had J3 on the wait list since last fall- as in a year ago. Seriously. They give some priority to siblings of former students. Plus, I happened to know I needed to get him on the list that early.

Why did they call? To see if we were still planning on sending him next fall. Yes. We need to decide now.

Let's see...he knows all his letters by sight and nearly all of their sounds. He is a master cutter- loves his scissors. He participates in a MOPS preschool room with an excellent teacher. He does co-op preschool once a week two semesters a year. He reportedly uses his manners when out and about in the classroom. On the playground (and he loves a playground) he befriends even the biggest of kids. "Hi I'm _____. What is your name?"

He identifies numbers to 10 and count verbally count higher. He has turned the corner on playing games. He is a great turn taker and will play properly most games when we sit with him. He's an Uno shark, he loves his kangaroo game, he loves to build with his moon balance game, he can sit and play a fine game of Trouble. That's just to name a few.

I wonder what else is left... I'm thinking not enough to pay about $100 a month for preschool next year. Yes...$100. We recently read an article in The Washington Post online (we read everyday) about someone who thought about keeping a child home from preschool to save $1000 month. $1000 a month??? For preschool??? I wonder if they learn a different alphabet. Or something.

Letting all bragging and snarking aside, I seriously considered sending J3 next year just to fulfill our legacy at this little school. A vestige from our public school days. However, I recently learned that the teacher who was there and taught all of our other kids, has retired. So much for a legacy. I'll save the cash to buy some more sticker books!

J3 and all of our kids are true blue fans of the Usborne Farmyard Tales. Today we pulled out a sticker book that was actually from his Summer Adventure Box.

Looking for the duck is part of the excitement.

Now that he has spotted the duck, he gets to put a sticker on the page saying so...the question is, can I get more by the 25th?

There's Nothing More Satisfying...

...than an LLBean Boat and Tote bag. Nothing. I have all kinds. I carry all kinds. They are always LLBean. They are the best. I got my first one in college and it is still awesome though faded and a bit dirty and worn.

So, this time of year I like to pull out my mini tote (one of two the other has rugby stripes in bright pink and green) for the winter. Tip: This is a great item for which to use that ten dollar gift certificate you get from LLBean this time of year. It will arrive just after the holidays and it will beg you to buy a tote. It always does.

And how about that pocket for my cell phone. Yes. Extremely satisfying.

Ornaments- Five in a Row Style

Once again we are participating in the FIAR ornament exchange. Our theme this year is the book Arabella so we made the "little red boat with the wild white sail."

They are a bit past due, but we'll send them out with a family picture hopefully Tuesday. We've received quite a few so far and when we get our Christmas tree we'll put up the now traditional FIAR tree in the living room. We have some really fun reminders of some of our favorite books.