Who doesn't love the YMCA

For a very long time the Y has been the go to place for us.  Sadly, this month we had to say good bye to our 'out of the house' fun! Here are just a small handful of the fun times we had there!

The skating rink was perhaps our favorite.  Most of the time we were the only ones on the ice.  As a former figure skater back in the day I enjoyed very much sharing moves and tips with my girls.

A trip to Ohio

A couple months ago I took one of our girls and made a trip to Ohio.  I was born there and my mom and cousins live there.  Spent about a week and had a great time with cousins and sisters! 

 

One of my most enjoyable moments was visiting the home that my father built shortly before I was born.  Even though we moved shortly after my first birthday it nevertheless was a treat to see his handiwork.  

My daughter Mary had a blast swimming in our cousin's pool!

Me with cousins and sisters!

As a kid I used to swim in this pond with extended family.  And in the winter we skated on it.  My uncle pictured below still lives here and it was so great to relive memories.

We scooted over to historic Ripley, Ohio and Maysville, Kentucky.  There were several murals in a line portraying the city in the 'old day'.  

Mary

Famous Ohio River

A real old fashioned ice cream shoppe.  Even though I'm from WI I have to say that their ice cream came pretty close to
being as great as my homemade with real WI cream!

Mary and I down by the Ohio River

Swimming becomes a real blast when mom's iPhone can be taken beneath the surface!

Of course no visit to Ohio is complete without a visit to the famous Jungle Jim's giant grocery store!

It is a delightful thing when kids learn to cook

Janai did very well with her first pie every!  It was a big hit!

Feeling Squished?

Gold Toyota in the middle!

This is what my daughter felt when she came out of work! She quickly realized this situation was not conducive to a relatively new driver! She texted me this photo with the words:

HELP - Should I try? I'm scared!

She did try and was very successful at it as well! Go Emma!

Beautifying the home

Which is exactly what my girls love to do!  I'm not much into creating beautiful spaces but I enjoy them nonetheless.  My girls are great at spicing up our home.  That's a good thing because their Tomboy mom isn't very good at it.  Here are some random pics I found in my photos that made me really appreciate the girls and their efforts to "make pretty" our home by using ordinary measures!

Homemade ginger ale

Homemade ginger ale is easy and delicious.  Once you get the ginger bug made then it's smooth sailing from there.  The first photo is the ginger bug and the second the completed batch of ale.  If you want to give it a shot click HERE for the full recipe and wonderful and simple directions!

I'm not sure where THIS outfit came from...

One of many "outstanding" outfits designed by Mary

Thoughts on Christmas and Gifts-Our Terrific Twelve

Many words come to mind when I think of Christmas.  Gifts are one of them.  While not the first thing I think about, it is, as we all know part of the package of Christmas.  And for me, I would just like to say that when I think of gifts I think of the 12 best gifts I have ever received.  I have listed them below in the form of pictures.  To be sure, these gifts can NEVER, EVER be replaced and they qualify for the worlds BEST ever presents one can receive.  I love you all for now and for always.  You are constantly in my thoughts each and every day.  Thank you so much for being my children.
I'm not at all known as being a poet.  But no matter, this little made up poem at least gets my point across!  The title ~ OUR TERRIFIC TWELVE

Juli my first born

I thank you for the good times

For all the joy you bring

Being the first in line

You've taught us many things

From the second you were born

Instantly my love came about

I knew that I would love you

Without a shadow of a doubt

Now that you have grown

With a family of your own

You never cease to amaze me

With the beautiful seeds you've sown!

Vance 

You have grown into a man

And with each passing day

You never fail to show

Your loving caring ways

When at first I saw your face

Instantly I knew

That each and everyday

I'd thank Heaven for you 

I'm sure your wife and children will agree

After all, they can clearly see that

You are strong, and brave, and true

And not a moment can go by

That I don't think of you!

Kimmie

By the time that you arrived

I had a clue or two

On how much mom's can love
And it stayed true with you.
You are my little angel
For me you left your wings
And now each day with you
Love and Happiness brings
Wonderful thoughts, and not just a few
You are so good and kind
And each and everyday I find
That I love each day I get to see

Your beautiful smiling face

As with 1 and 2

I love you and you and you!

Robyn dear is four

And while most would say what - MORE?

I had to say that yes

Because more is more than less

And four or more is best.
The moment that you came into my world
I knew totally for sure, that you would be my world
Now you a mama are
With your precious little star

I thank you for your self

And all the gifts you gave

Some are hidden in a box

And some, inside my heart are saved.

  Christie 

Seventeen months later

Another gift bestowed

And trusted to our family

Our thanks to Heaven owed.

You've blessed me so I have to say

I'd never have it any other way
God showed me that he loved me
Through His abundant grace
I knew that very well, when I looked upon your face

To her as well, a gift

Straight from Heaven fell

 Into her loving arms

Which bade HER heart to swell.

Aaron and Gregg

 With joyful hearts

And very full hands

Our precious boys, Aaron and Gregg

Stole a chunk of both our hearts

And tired out both our legs

Aaron is my rumble and tumble

Boy of 6 feet tall

Let's not forget he's humble

And a blessing to us all.
You are oh so strong and bold
My love for you be told
Each day I have you near
To you my love will always be here.

He's faithful good and true.

No matter what, I'll always love you!

When you both came into my heart
I knew right then, we never could part.

Our boy Gregg, a comedian he is

Keeps those smiles coming

On our faces and on HIS

His heart is huge as ever

And despite his funny jokes

I love him for forever

Because he is such good folk!
You have a lovely freckled nose
A smile that will dazzle
And dash away my woes.
From my head down to my toes
My love for you never will frazzle!

~~~~

As if life wasn't crazy enough for you know who

In bounced twin one and twin two
Emma so bold with her thick dark hair
Kaydee - much lighter and much more fair

Emma my funny, lovely little star
I love you tons, just the way you are
Do you know what you mean to me?
I'll show each day, so you can see
You're growing up right under my heart
My love for you, never will part.

Kaydee my love that came from above
My heart for you is full of love
I thank you for who you are
So bright and kind is the way you are
You brighten up my days
With your sweet and loving ways.

Truly you are such a special little pair
Two sweet girls left in my care
God had decided that me He would ask
To undertake such a ginormous task
Two precious babies in love did I fall
With the most beautiful babies I ever had saw!  (eeks, I ever "had saw!")

Makenzie 

Heaven decided that two at a time

While awesome and great 

This time there's going to be one

A sure sign from heaven that we were not done

Makenize is funny, loving, and bright

We all will admit, number 10 was just right

By now this momma has to admit

That having these babies is a perfect fit!
You brighten up my day
From morning until night
You have a special way
Of bringing in the light.

Janai

On the morn of her birth was one of great joy

All the children were present, boy oh boy!

With her cry she did wake all of the house

Brothers and sisters did come to take in the joy,

Of the baby sister, NOT quiet as a mouse.

Quiet or not, no matter at all

She is very much loved by everyone that she saw!

To mom she was perfect

Perfect as can be

The love in my heart is as large as the sea.

You are a joy, lovely, full of grace

It's wonderful to know, that I'm in the right place.

And Miss Mary makes 12

Whew! Look at that.

Just when we thought we were done.

Heaven sends yet another

To add to our fun.

Wait, did I say fun?

Yes, that and much more.

Mary Nowelle - 

Our pre-Christmas gift

Born in December I will tell

She gave my heart a wonderful lift.

From her first cry my joy had begun

And once again, all was just

Here under the sun!

I heard more than once -

You've got your hands full.

So much on your plate!

Oh yes I would say. Full? Yes they are.

But nothing, oh nothing, could be better by far.  

Our TERRIFIC TWELVE

A picture that needs NO words...

Robyn upon meeting her little Charlotte Hope

Love of family...

These photos are precious.  Makenzie was so.....what's the word, happy/overflowing/joyful/emotional/etc. to see her brother!  It's been 11 months since seeing him and I can tell it made her day!  And of course mine!  

Smith Family Silent Movie

My girls had a blast making this and die laughing every time they view it!

One Mother's Homeschool Days and so much more

January-March 2014

Where has the time gone.  I cannot believe how little time I have to blog.  I enjoy blogging but only when it's convenient rather than MAKE time for it in the past.  Plus I love looking back and be able to see where we were and how my family has grown and changed over the months and years.  The year 2014 has been full of life and I, along with my family are trying to enjoy each and every moment!

Our academic journey

2014 brings a new year for our homeschool.  This year I am schooling 7 children.  Our son will graduate this year and we have been blessed to add our niece Mauriela to our home, family, and our homeschool.  She fits in perfectly with my 5 girls.  And she is moving along very well with her cousins. And I'm sure that when the school year is over we will be sad to see her go.  However, there is a very big possibility of her return for her next year.  Back to academics.  We are keeping quite busy with 3 of the girls doing Sonlight, and 3 of the girls doing a more eclectic version of learning which includes ambleside online and memoria press! and LOTS of books from the library.  But neither is without our favorite tool for learning - our learning journals or common place books.  Here I am sharing some photos from some of their work.

My younger girls mapped out a route for a 'mock' trip.  We printed a road map of the state of Wisconsin and they located our city, then they chose a city they'd like to 'visit' and mapped out the closest route. They said though that the coolest thing about learning map work is learning that from East to West all major highways are an even number and all major highways from North to South are even numbers.  Fun little tidbits to know!

Here are a few from my older girls.  I love seeing the creativity that comes from each of them through their journals.  They are all so different and yet the same.  Full of fun and interesting learning.

Janai preparing a keyed map of earthquake zones.

I really enjoyed our study of the Netherlands.  The internet and the library are full of wonderful information.  Youtube has an incredible amount of videos on HOW the dikes work and how they are made.  Not to mention how windmills used to be used to divert the water and how they pulled it off. Very cool stuff. 

Here are some examples of my youngest girls' entries into their journals.

Mary's earthquake zones map.  We found a really neat printable online and they choose the colors of their choice to key in geographical areas.

Goals and or Ideas...With the addition of our niece coming in our home we have enjoyed redoing the girls' room.  We found really cool bunk beds online and they work perfectly for all 6 of the girls.  We ended up purchasing a full on full and one twin over twin.  The girls love them and are always switching up their sleeping areas with each other.  One would think having 6 girls in one room would be crazy but with ALL clothing downstairs in the laundry room and a walk in closet for all their "junk" it only leaves the beds and a table in their room with plenty of space left over.

I really enjoyed…Our small taste of spring.  Next week we are expecting cold weather again.  It's been a reeeeeally long winter.

Activities...I wrote a while ago that we were hoping to join the YMCA.  Well we did and we are really enjoying our visits there.  It's about 20 miles away so our days there are limited to only two or three times a week!  With such a long winter this year the swimming pool has been a huge hit to give the kids something to do.

What mother is wondering/thinking about...

 My favorite "Kids Talk Moment" When my daughter asked me if her puppy Saphira will go to heaven and will she see her ever again!  I love the sweet faith of a child.

What's cooking...Bread!!!  Every single night I begin soaking my whole grain flour in apple cider vinegar, butter, and milk and the next morning I add the remaining ingredients.  It's not unusual for me to make our own bread but these days I have an "extra fun" toy to make it even more enjoyable.  Last month I was very blessed to be able to purchase a Nutrimill grinder.  It is fabulous.  So much quieter and more efficient than my older one.  It's definitely one of the best ones on the market.

The simple life…Fresh whole grain flour, reading, writing, & arithmetic! I love the basics! Quite often, less simply is more.

Living with gratitude...As the photos clearly show we will be adding two babies into our family this year.  We are so very excited for Robyn and Luke, and Christie and Jeff as they each bring their first babies into the world.  Such huge blessings to say the least.

Robyn and Luke are expecting a girl in April

Jeff and Christie are expecting a boy in July

Favorite "Life with Kids Moment"

Walking through the room to go to the kitchen I said to Kaydee, "Good job Kaydee, you are really flexible."  Upon entering the kitchen I saw Kaydee stirring the oatmeal on the stove!  I stopped in my tracks, turned around and said, "Oh, Emma that was you.  Great job on your flexibility."  I love having TWINS!!!

What Mother is reading

Here is a short description from amazon.  Click on the link below to read more.  It really is an enjoyable read and very informative.

Free Range Learning presents eye-opening data about the meaning and importance of natural learning. This data-from neurologists, child development specialists, anthropologists, educators, historians and business innovators-turns many current assumptions about school-based education upside down. The book's factual approach is balanced by quotes and stories from over 100...to read more about Free Range Learning go HERE

Some photos to share.  I've said it a million times.  I love looking at their faces and seeing the interest they show while reading a good book or having an interesting conservation.  They engage themselves fully and it makes me feel like I'm doing my job.  The job I've assigned to myself years ago -  to give them the gift of loving to learn.  Not just 'doing something' because they have to but because they want to.  And of course it helps a ton when the work they are required to do is interesting and not boring and dry.

Some random pics from our "school days"

Tips or advice.  My kids love the library.  We always have.  But what I love is watching my kids choose what interests them.  Of course they have their "required" assignments of reading and study but seeing them in their element is what brings my joy.  Joy in knowing they are pursuing their loves and interests.  Not just with books.  But life in general.  Then I try to feed that passion if I can.  

While I'm speaking of books!  I love using whole, living books to learn from.  The stories are enjoyed while at the same time facts are learned.  And having them journal their reading and learning is the icing on the cake.  Truly brings home a lesson.

Pictured below are a pile of books belonging to my 13 year old daughter.  She is really, really interested in midwifery!  That's what makes being a parent fun.  Is watching their children grow into themselves through their loves and passions.  And a plus is that through homeschooling they also have the benefit of time on their side.  It's so great that they finish their assignments in good time because then they have the time to pursue their own interests and passions and don't have to worry about keeping up with dead lines and assignments from outside sources. 

Praying for...My kids as they work through our loss.  How do I even express the sorrow and sadness of our last weekend.  Our sweet puppy was caught in a trap near our home.  We were hoping that it was one of those things where the vet would clean her up and send her home but we were sadly mistaken.  The end result was we had to put her down.  My heart was broken for our puppy and especially so for my kids.  They were so attached to Saphira and our weekend was full of more tears, hugs, and cuddles than we've ever had before.

A couple kids got up early the next morning and this photo pretty much shows how our weekend was spent.  The girls especially just wanted/needed to be held.  It's Tuesday and and we are just now starting to see things turn around with them.  It was a very difficult time!  Saphira will be extremely missed.  She was basically our first dog so she was much loved.

We snapped a photo of Saphira on the way to the vet.  She was so calm.  Poor little thing.