Secrets, Reading, and Fire

Happy Fall, everyone!  Doesn't a house full of candles smell so good and look so pretty?  Ahhh... 

Today, I'm over at Shannon's blog, Tiny Paragraphs, where I share a little secret that allows me to have more time and patience...  :)

I also have another post up today at Heart of the Matter with some tips that I've used to help my children learn how to read.  In that post, I've included a silly little story I wrote about a pink pig and a princess.  You can read it with your children if you want.  This story is in need of some pictures, so if your child is artistically inclined, maybe they could draw some pictures to go with it?  I'd love to see them if you'd like to share!

I hope you enjoyed your day today.  We did!

We started the day off on at field trip at the fire station with our homeschool group.  I volunteered to try on the fire fighter's coat, but was tricked into trying on the whole gear.  That is one heavy outfit!  You have to be in pretty good shape to be a firefighter.  I, clearly, am not.  My back is twinging a bit from that burdensome, but life saving, oxygen tank.  Thank you to all the firefighters out there!  I appreciate the work you do!

Thanks, Mandi, for the pic!

Then we came home and got in a full day of school.  That always feels good. 

A little color-coordinated paper plate clock that I made for Jonny as he learns how to tell time the "old fashioned" way.

For dinner we made a fire and roasted hotdogs rolled in croissants.  We also ate cheese curls, marshmallows, and candy.  Super healthy.  The kids thought it was the best idea ever.

This evening our family played a rousing game of Rummikub (I do so like that game) and then watched about 20 minutes of something on Netflix about wild cats.  It was very interesting.  I plan on watching more of the 3+ hour movie (!!!) with the kids in the future.  We'll call it "school".

I hope your day was happily filled with accomplishments, big or small, and...candles.  :)

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

September - October 2012: Long Picture Post

AYSO Soccer - His first year

Nate (former soccer player - trying not to yell instructions from the sidelines - I may have had to remind him not to be one of "those" parents ;)) and Nate's dad

"Coach" and his son

Sweet snuggling kids (love Tommy's face!  Such a goofy kid!)

I was so happy when she told me she wanted to make dinner after reading her Dr. Seuss cookbook.  She made a wonderful "Zans Sans Chili" - much better than the something I really hadn't thought of yet!

Visiting a pretty cool park on our vacation while Nate was at his work conference.

Sleepy boy in hotel bed

The super fun (and unexpected) news that my article was published in the most recent issue of the Home Educating Family Magazine!  My first published piece!

The Summit at Shanty Creek in Bellaire, MI

Our fun little trip up north.  It was in this area that Jonny almost got attacked by a tiny squirrel who was obviously not afraid of people!  We've laughed and laughed about the "Crazy Rabid Squirrel".  Thankfully, the squirrel didn't bite him.

Visiting the new Target in our area.  JUST like a field trip.  ;)

My kids can't be the only ones who like to pretend they are part of the Old Navy family, right?

Field trip to Charlton Park with our New Homeschool Group

Our family ritual - walking to the nearby church to ride scooters and bikes.

BRAVE hair.  Haven't seen the movie, but E's hair in this picture reminds me of that cartoon!

Racing

And just so you know that I am fun...I race too.  Only occasionally, as I'm not a runner at all.

Jonny almost won.  Good grief.  He's only 6.  I'm outta shape.

Mystery of History Timeline.

Jonny's face is cracking me up!  And, Tommy has no pants on.  Who needs 'em.  ;)

Emilia made a little clay artist.

Jonny's bird.

Snack time on the front porch

My cute new tea set up.  Got this lovely idea while watching a friend's kids at her mother-in-law's house.  Thanks Deb!  :)

Tea parties.  A regular occurrence in our house, even with these crazy boys.  ;)

Way to go Matthew!

Tommy finally enjoys swinging "higher"!

Crazy people who go go soccer games to cheer on their brother in the freezing cold.

My parents and niece who also came to cheer Jonny on.

Pannukakku!!!  (A breakfast regular - probably once a week)

Our stunning woods before the leaves completely fell.

One of the last of our garden's flowers (I say "garden" very loosely as I am not a gardener).

I was overwhelmed by the beauty of God's creation on this day...stunning!

Another cooking adventure.  I could get used to this!  This meatball soup was wonderful!!!

Cuteness.

More cuteness

(Picture credit:  My sweet 4 year old)

Happy Fall!

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