My birthdays just keep getting better!

They really do! You can never hear the words "Happy Birthday mom!" I got to hear it all day today! And it never got old! I love how they drew a birthday picture on the wall chalkborard!

I began my day on a very good note, a healthy bowl of oatmeal with cream and slivered almonds! Then my husband took me to dinner, shopping, and home to have some yummy cake and ice cream. Robyn made this delicious Walnut Cake: AKA Hickory Nut Cake from one of my favorite movies Meet Me In St. Louis.

And speaking of things not getting old! Well maybe there are some things that get old according to my children! I just couldn't get them to stop putting all those candles on the cake! They are welcome to go all day wishing me happy birthday but STOP with candles already!

My little girls presented me with some very precious gifts.

This is a far of dimes and pennies my kids have been collecting. Their goal is to find 'real' copper pennies and 1965 or older for the dimes. They gave me part of their collection and after I opened it Mary asked if she could count them and I told her yes. So she dumped them out onto the table and I noticed there were dimes in there when I thought there were only pennies. I asked: "Hey are there dimes in there too?"

Oh yes, said Mary. But they're bad ones?

I was confused, Bad ones, what do you mean?

She said, You know bad ones, seriously, she (her sister) put them in there, I'm not kidding mom, seriously, there are bad ones in there!! (meaning 'newer' dimes) I just thought it was so cute and funny. Kids say the funniest things.

Why we choose Rays Arithmetic

I love my Ray's Arithmetic. Clearly you can tell its been through many hands. There are many reasons to choose Rays but one reason I admire the most is how naturally it teaches a child to reason. Knowing how to reason is crucial in the upbringing of a child. Being able to reason clearly enhances a child's ability to make well thought out decisions and to work through situations and problems. In short, when's person can reason then that equals to thinking outside the box and helps one find solutions to a myriad of situations that come in life. That's why we choose Rays for the first 6 to 8 years for their math. I know it might seem an odd thing to think of an arithmetic curriculum that actually teaches you how to reason but this one does. Obviously, most anything that was written in the 1800's you will pretty much be guaranteed to find reason written within the pages. Here are a few problems one of my little daughters were working on today.

A farmer sold 1 cow, at $18, and 5 pigs, at $3 each, receiving in payment 3 sheep, at $3 each, and the rest in money: how much money did he receive?

Charles can earn $9 while Mary earns $4: how many dollars will Charles earn while Mary earns $28?

If 6 apples are worth 18 cents, how many apples must be given for 5 oranges, worth 6 cents each?

You can see by the above examples that their numbers for computation their problem are not handed to them on a silver platter. The student is taught to find the formula on his own before a solution can be realized thereby bringing forth the reasoning of which I spoke of earlier. The preface to the book has this to say:

"When properly taught, it is one of the most useful and interesting studies in which pupils can engage. By its study, the pupil is taught to reason, to analyze, to think for himself; while it imparts confidence in his reasoning powers, and strengthens the mental faculties."

For these reasons and more is why I choose Rays! I just hope I can keep this copy of the New Intellectual Arithmetic in good enough shape to last through the rest of my kiddos!

Measurements were right on!

I managed to 'stretch' this cute thrift store dress and this time I didn't flub up the measurements like I did on the last dress!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

For the week of February 19th - 24th

In my life this week....I had a green shake everyday as part of my mini efforts to eat healthier. This shake consists of 1 large handful of organic power greens and spinach, 1 T. organic crushed garlic, 1/2 red pepper (because I had it), and 1 C. organic, unsweetened Acai Berry juice. I threw it all in the blender and whirled away. And YES, I really did NOT like it but I drank it down while my husband savored each and every drink! AARGH!

In our homeschool this week....We had our review oral quiz for Classical Studies and Christian Studies and all the kids did great! I normally don't do tests or quiz the kids but since they came with the guide I decided to use the questions orally with all kids and discuss the answers! We are enjoying our read aloud Adam and His Kin. It goes very well with where we are at in our Christian Studies.

We played a few grammar games to get the points across!

Janai took these pics of Mary to continue her efforts to earn her Keepers of the Faith reward in photography.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice....Sometimes our crazy 'life' gets in the way of schooling on a normal Monday thru Friday schedule, or even during the 8 to 5 hours of the day. I find myself many times doing our lessons in the evening and on Saturday depending on my week. However, my advice or tip for this week would be to remember that when things get out of whack and your schedule gets thrown off just a bit, remember that Life in itself is an education!

I am inspired by....Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts! I have truly been blessed by trying to keep my mind and heart focused on seeing God's hand in ALL things. The good is always easy, but the things we tend to see as 'bad' is a bit more challenging. Okay, a lot more challenging!

My favorite thing this week was....Catching my number one day dreamer doing what she loves best. "Day dreaming" in my opinion is NOT a bad thing but a positive opportunity for children to contemplate life, dream about their future, reason things out in their mind and so much more! More daydreaming pics of this child of mine. HERE and HERE.

What's working/not working for us....My husband's rotating schedule at work. He switches back and forth from 12 hour days then to 12 hour nights. Being an electrician his work needs 24 hour coverage and he and another electrician are the ones who cover the hours. It's been several years since he's been on this rotation and it is really beginning to grind on our family life! So we are praying for straight days again.

Questions/thoughts I have....Why does all the food that is so good for you not taste as good as the food that is bad for you? (smiles)

Things I'm working on....Encouraging Mary in her piano playing so when she goes to lessons she won't be afraid. I'm not sure exactly what it is that makes her nervous but I'm certainly not going to push it but pray her desires will come on their own like it did with her siblings.

I'm reading....Grace for the Good Girl

I'm cooking....One of my favorite sweets - Sour Cream Pound Cake. It is nearly finished baking and my whole house smells so sweet!

I'm grateful for....Good books from great minds to read to my family. And these books in turn bring great opportunities for discussion and learning together.

I'm praying for....Grace

A photo, or quote to share - "If your baby is "beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time," you're the grandma!" Teresa Bloomingdale

My mom with our youngest

I fell short - AGAIN!

Perhaps my tape measure is broken!

I am known for making silly mistakes like this all the time and I have a wonderful husband who never lets me forget about them! I was showing him the dress I was trying "to stretch" and how I fell short in my measurements and right away he thought of the last time I fell short in my measurements! (the wall border) But he is such a good sport, I love when I can make him laugh! Which I did - AGAIN! Any ideas how to fix it without undoing everything?

Basic pot of beans can go a long way

A staple in our house. Yummy, filling, and satisfying. And so simple.

Basic Pot of Pinto's

1-5 lb. bag pinto beans

more than enough water to cover

Bring beans to a boil. Turn off heat and cover for one hour. Or, soak overnight in water. If you soak beans overnight just add ingredients after changing water. If you boil, then cover for an hour and then add ingredients.

1 large onion chopped

2 T. crushed garlic

1 lb. bacon (if desired)

Cover with water about 2-3 inches over beans. Either bring to boil and cook on stove or put in dutch oven and bake in oven. Stove top--bring to boil, simmer a few hours until beans are soft. If using a dutch oven bake covered about 3-4 hours on 350. (keep checking water level)

Salt AFTER beans are finished cooking.

Serving--On day one we will eat as a soup with cornbread or homemade bread. Day two add cheddar cheese to beans and maybe some mexican seasoning and serve with sour cream, salsa, and tortilla chips. Day 3--add to chili. Day 4-Make homemade tortillas and serve bean burritos. Day 5-serve with rice. Either over it or as a side. Homemade bread will round it out. Remember to only take out of the BIG dish as much as you will use for one meal because the seasoning will be different each day.

The view from my chair!

This is my first attempt at mobile blogging. And what better post can there be for the first mobile blogging experience? Nothing other than a view from my comfortable chair as I watch seven active children working out all at the same time!! I was having the best time watching all the arms and legs flying and listening to huffing and puffing. Truly an enjoyable way to spend 1/2 hour of my day!

!

Oops! I was caught so red handed!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

For the week of Feb. 13 - Feb. 17th, 2012

In my life this week....I have had more time to read to the kids than normal and I am really enjoying it. I have been enjoying this even more than reading books I am personally interested in. I sometimes struggle with staying focused and on track with all the things on my plate but as of late I have been praying for more focus and I'm seeing the fruits of those prayers everyday. In the end there is only so much that matters and that is the time I spend with my kids; in reading to them, taking time to train them, instruct them in their homeschool lessons, having quality chat time, and enjoying doing activities together. There can be so many distractions that take us away from our families and I have been determined to fine tune my attention to the best of my ability towards home and hearth.

In our homeschool this week....I'm proud to say that I actually got some handicraft projects incorporated into our days. I should rephrase that - A handicraft project!

We had 5 of them but one must have taken up legs and walked off!

A peek at our classical writing class. The model looks a bit rough around the edges but much work goes into these! We identify all of the parts of speech throughout the week by circling, underlining, checking, etc. Each week we focus on a different Aesop's Fable as our model to analyze. We cover vocabulary, spelling, dictation, copywork, parts of speech, elocution as each child reads aloud their model and we go on to discuss the fable in depth and talk about how we can apply it to our own lives. Each of the children has their own copy to "mess up." On the right Janai colored her picture of Abraham from out lesson in Christian Studies.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice....Here's a 'tip' for a couple of the very best artsy type books I have found. They are full to the brim with awesome ideas.

I am inspired by....My daughter Christie and her resolute faith in the Lord. She prays, she patiently waits and listens, then moves forward with a clear mind resolved to do the will of the Lord in her life! Something I am always foggy on. Waiting, hearing, knowing for sure.........

Places we're going and people we're seeing....This statement gets me every time! I'm sure every time I post my Homeschool Mother's Journal it will always stay the same. - Staying home! (Does the grocery store and church count as places we are going?)!!!!!!!!!!!

My favorite thing this week was....Watching 4 of my kids sweating it out with Jillian Michaels. Typically, only the boys workout but since they finished with P90X they've wanted to try something new so they started doing Jillian's workouts. The girls decided they'd jump in just for the fun.

What's working/not working for us....Setting aside ALL movie time until after dinner has been helping us a ton. We only have the abilities to watch movies of our choice which is great but not when one child finishes with their school and decides to watch a movie. That always interferes with the other kids. Just knowing there is a movie on somewhere creates a loss of attention. Even though the movie is on in another room. So now, NO movies until all school and chores are DONE!

Questions/thoughts I have....This one just kills me!! It's a new twist on the same ole story of trying to get a new roll of toilet paper changed out once one is empty. Around here we have a certain someone, or someones, not sure yet on the who is doing it. What happens is that once the roll is empty, the cardboard roll gets taken off and thrown away but then they put the holder back into place before putting another roll on it. And yes, 99% of the time there are fresh rolls on the shelf which sits right next to the holder. Yep, this one has me baffled for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Things I'm working on....Making sure the motorcycle gets out of my dining room and doesn't return! Our son's new toy just could not possibly spend it's first night outside in the cold! He told me I was a being a good trooper to let him have the opportunity to sit and look at it without freezing his little b*m off outdoors! And of course everyone HAD to sit on it! I would like to add - First there is NO carpet in our house! Second, eons ago when hubby and I were first married and had 2 small children we lived on the bottom floor of a condo in Colorado. He bought a motorcycle and just couldn't bear leaving it outside all winter with no garage or anything and he brought it indoors. (after MUCH discussion, coaxing, and buttering up to me!) We had a second bathroom that was never used since our children were so small and one in diapers as well and I guess I really didn't see what it would hurt. You know what they say?The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

I'm cooking/baking....Need I say more?

I'm grateful for....The latest small snowfall. We've not gotten nearly as much as we have in winters past and I worry about ground water come spring. We've still not had one day of sledding as the shortage of snow has made it impossible.

I'm praying for....Faith

A photo or quote to share - William Penn told the Russian Czar, Peter the Great, that "if thou wouldst rule well, thou must rule for God, and to do that, thou must be ruled by him." Penn also said that "those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."

I've always loved this picture of oldest daughter and baby number 11

I knew this would be the reaction I would get!

While in the kitchen this morning one daughter came in and asked, "What's for breakfast mom?" At the time another daughter and I were mixing up a chocolate cake so I answered, "chocolate cake."

The response was one I knew I would get -- WHAT? CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR BREAKFAST?

Sure, why not? It's made of 100% spelt presoaked overnight in buttermilk, sweetened with rapadura, wholesome eggs, vanilla, baking soda, pure cocoa, and salt. Just like a pancake, right?

Daughter says - Yea, but still, plain chocolate cake?

I mixed up a bowl of whipping cream earlier if you want some of that on it OR you could have what I'm having which is -

this

turned into this.

After a peek into the blender she quickly chose the cake with cream! But in reality they had 7 grain cereal and the cake was saved for later!

The shake was made of 1 cup frozen organic strawberries, 1 cup homemade buttermilk, 1 T. chia seeds, 1/2 cup soaked 7 grain cereal, and 1/8 cup maple syrup

Cake was made from - soaking 3 cups spelt in 2 cups buttermilk overnight. Next day add to flour mixture 2 cups all natural sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup butter, 1 teas. salt, 2 teas. baking soda and just over 1/2 cup cocoa or more if you like it stronger. Bake in 350 oven for 35 minutes.

Whipping cream - 1 pint cream - preferably organic or from milk, 3 T. raw natural sugar and 2 teas. vanilla. Mix until whipped and serve.

Eleven ways I get Chia Seeds into our diets

The amazing chia seed.

The Chia Seed is an amazing food. I cannot begin to tell you how downright nutritious it is! So I won't! But HERE is a link that will tell you all about them and probably even convince you to run out and purchase some for your family. Here are 10 ways in which I use them. I'm sure there are many more ways you can find because it's all about imagination.

Today I chose to put them into juice. I could purchase truck loads of the real thing as shown below but that's not gonna happen! It is far cheaper and just as healthy to put them into juice as I have chose to do today!

You could put them into your homemade kombucha quite easily enough!

I took some empty kombucha and kevita jars (which works great by the way), used a funnel to place 4 TB. Chia Seed into each, then I filled with the juice. They will sit in my fridge for several hours to overnight depending on how crunchy a child decides they want the seeds. That's it. And you will get amazing benefits from this simple mixture.

10 more ways to use CS

1. When I presoak my oatmeal the night before I had 1 C. seed to 4 C. oatmeal, seven grain or nine grain cereal.

2. A favorite buttermilk, yogurt, or kefir/fruit smoothie

3. Let stand in a quart of milk overnight and pour over your favorite cereal.

4. Add into your flour as you make bread, muffins, pancakes, etc.

5. Add them to your favorite soup.

6. Sprinkle over yogurt.

7. Sprinkle onto pizza.

8. Mix into casseroles or quiches.

9. Sprinkle a T. onto the cheese next time you make grilled cheese sandwiches.

10. Add into meatloaf or sprinkle into ground meat as you cook it.

Can you think of other ways this seed can be used in our everyday diet? I would love to hear other ideas. The ways are endless I'm sure.