Our Backyard Nature Hour

Our cherries are ready!

This post is about how to get kids to do yard work with out realizing it is a chore!  *smile*

Above photo, from left to right:
pear tree (no fruit this year), cherry tree, apple tree, and a planter of strawberries.

This is a bit of a relaxing view.
Sitting on our porch step… listening for birds.
Our corn is progressing nicely, even through some recently crazy downpours!

Why are birds so hard to capture in a photo?  Just wondering….
The hummingbird mocked me.  Every time I picked up the camera it “floated” in our apricot tree to be hidden but still heard.

The grape vine seems to be doing well.  Not ever quite sure how to prune these babies?

So what does one do for a backyard nature hour?

Appreciate nature of course.

To sit…

be still…

listen…

and be in awe of God’s creation.

It stirs my heart and draws me to pray.

I find birds most fascinating.  We don’t always *see* them, but we most definitely hear them.
Often chattering amongst themselves as if we are eavesdropping.

We then pick the ripe fruit;
cherries and strawberries are abundant right now.
Apricots, apples, & raspberries are still in the works.

Next is our garden boxes.

We planted one row of beets and got 1 plant.  (on the right)
We planted two rows of rainbow chard and got 3 plants.
We planted 4 rows of carrots and have yet to see anything!
So much for our flourishing garden, lol.

The sugar snap peas are small but still productive.

The Potatoes are my favorite by far.  We are growing them in a garbage can.
It has been fun to actually see the growth.
From a foot high in the can, to adding 4 inches of dirt every few days,
until now they are full to the top!  It feels successful, lol…
that is until it is harvest season!  Who knows what we will find in there!?

Once we observe all our ‘agriculture experiments’,
we water everything as needed.

Followed by some yard work.
A quick mow of our 6′ by 12′ grass patch.
Weed the gravel (half our backyard is gravel), and the garden boxes, and the dirt patches that the garden boxes sit in.
Hey, the yard came this way… I just haven’t figured out what else to do with it!  lol

Done on a weekday basis, we are keeping up nicely.
Admittedly, dear hubby really is the green thumb
and is the support behind our attempts at this all.
He knows how to prune, de-bug, and nurture our crops best!

How do you all get your yard work done?
Is it avoided?  rushed?  or embraced?
just curious…

A Father’s Day Concept

Are you a Dad? 

*several of my viewers are men, which I always find a bit surprising since I really just ramble about family, love, and schooling, but hey, I have a house full of boys so I guess it’s not all that odd, eh?

So I recently was listening to a sermon.  It was all about Dad’s.  Responsibilities, their influence, the challenges, etc…

And as I recognize that Father’s Day is just around the corner, I pondered just what could possibly be the best Father’s Day present ever?

Well the ultimate gift truly comes from the FATHER himself, our Lord God Almighty.

Eternal Life with Him through his beloved Son…

So on this Father’s Day I challenge all you dads!
to not to expect to receive (stuff),
but instead give your own ultimate gift…
let your kids know on a personal level that they are the gift.
That like us (with our Father in Heaven),
they don’t have to be perfect,
they are loved just as they are,
that their presence in your life is a blessing.

On this Day you have the power to lift your child(ren) up
and recognize the gift that they already are.

Ephesians 3:17-20

¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY  to my husband!

Thank you for your boldness for righteous things,
for being an example to our children on how to be in the world, but not of it.
I appreciate your willingness to share your struggles and mistakes along the way,
that our kids can know how to press on when they face similar challenges in life.
I am grateful to have such a dedicated man to my children…
to guide, to correct, to encourage, to strengthen who they are as a person.
May you continue to shine God’s light in all that you do!

Chores as a Blessing?

So here’s the deal…

Cleaning is NOT about me (or you).

Martyr Mom Syndrome is not a pretty thing.  Ask me, I know.  *wink*  We go, go, go. and do, do, do.  We want things perfect, our way, and we have this silent.in.our.head.understanding that others around us should just “know” what should be done, how it should be done (which is usually “my” way), and should see and appreciate all that we do in the process.  Guess what?  it’s not about me!  When I focus on all I am doing for others, I miss the opportunity to see what others are doing for me.

So my husband never does laundry.  I use to say NEVER, but he actually did some when I had surgery this past February.  The first time in 20+ years.  I am still amazed, lol.
He doesn’t make the bed, pick up his laundry but once in a rare season, or wipe up his toothpaste mess.  This could drive me crazy!!  (and sometimes does)

So do I want to play the martyr and nag about all that I do for him?
OR
Do I appreciate what really matters to me instead?

Like:

…that he ALWAYS scrubs our big tub
and prepares a lovely bath for me when I request it. 
Often once a week; I call it my sanity time.

…that he ALWAYS scrubs up any barf or poop when needed.
animals or humans.

…that he ALWAYS plays with the kids when he gets home from work
so that I can get some things done that have to wait for my own free moment.

Cleaning is about who we can bless in the process,
while recognizing the blessing that is right in front of us.

Let’s face it.  Life gets messy and chaotic.  The more people in our lives, the more there is to juggle and do.  But would we want it any other way?  It’s all about perspective.

Dirty dishes = loved ones who joined us for a meal.  that meal led to fellowship.  and the ultimate blessing is that we HAD food to eat.  Thank you Jesus.

Laundry = loved ones in our home.  that for this beautiful season in our lives, get to be here.  and the ultimate blessings is that we are clothed.  Thank you Jesus.

Floors to Mop = loved ones who laugh and play in our home.  that run about the home enjoying each others presence.  and the ultimate blessings is that we don’t have dirt floors.  Thank you Jesus.

You see, when we are honored to do a service, we are ultimately thanking Jesus.

It’s about doing what needs to be done.

Do to others what you would have them do to you.  Matthew 7:12

Why do I do laundry?
because I know it is a blessing for my husband to simply get home from a hard days work, pull out some clean clothes, and take his shower.

Why do I clean toilets?
because I want a sanitized restroom area for all the tushes using it.

Why do I make the bed?
To have a tidy bed that invites relaxation.
is it me?  a mangled bed makes my brain go cross-eyed.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.  Col 3:23

What can you do for your family today with a servant’s heart?

Chores?

Every home needs housework done.

Every home has it’s own way to do that.

Some don’t require kids to do much (or any),
others expect kids to do most (or all).

Which do you do?

We are both, sort of.

LAUNDRY:

I do ALL the laundry… for 9 people.
I prefer to do it myself.
My kids are open to help when I request,
such as “Andrew, unload the dryer”,  or
“TJ load up the dryer”, etc.
I fold, sort, and place neat stacks on each persons bed,
cept dear husband who deserves to find his clothes in his drawers.

I properly teach my kids “how” to do laundry around age 12.  After all, I do want them prepared to live on their own one day.  So why do I choose to do most of it myself?  With this many people in our home, including 4 hard-working men and their work clothes, I don’t have time for “someone else’s” laundry rotation to get in my way.  I just find it easy to go with my own rhythm.

ROOMS:
aka personal space. 
One is to keep their own place tidy.  I am not a huge enforcer of this.  About once a week I prefer if they make an effort to clean up their space.  Usually with the intent to vacuum.  In general, no one complains, because to do so is not in their favor.  You see, because I don’t feel like I ask for much, this is the one thing that matters.  and if they balk or whine or whatever… I simply grab a trash bag and begin to insert items inside it while the child is scrambling to pick up what I haven’t gotten to yet.    Now, that being said, obviously for little people, I do not have such an abrupt approach… I will pick up the toys they are refusing to help with and it gets put up.  With both ways, the general idea is if you can’t take care of what you have, you don’t need it.

JURISDICTIONS:

4 kids= 4 rooms
living room
dining room/entry way
kitchen
bathroom

We rotate weekly.   To clean and upkeep your assigned area for the week.  Ideally this would be done in the afternoon (before Dad gets home) and before bed.  I haven’t enforced this very well lately, and we will be getting back on track.  Right now, Bryson will get my assistance.  He is new to the round up.

WEEK END CHORES:

When I feel like we (I) am sliding behind in housework, I “pull out the hat”.
I list ALL the things I think need to be done;
tidy shoe closet
dust knick knacks
mop floor
sanitize door knobs
and light switches
etc….
Any one who happens to be home gets to participate in pulling out chores until they are all done!  With ALL of us, it takes a whole whopping 30 min out of our week end.  not bad at all, eh?

Over All:

In general, I often do the deep cleaning myself.  I am mom, I am a bit OCD, I am the one who needs a shiny sink to smile at me in the morning (a sink full of dirty dishes in the morning is like screaming in my face! yuck!).  So I do the upstairs bathrooms, often sweep and mop, etc…  What I love is that if I ask for help, my kids always simply oblige my requests.  I have never had much conflict with attitude, and I mark that up to that I have a good attitude myself when doing my chores.  I like to bless the older guys with work lunches, I am grateful for dishes and dirty laundry because my house is full of the people I love.  I do have a flaw, however.  CRUMBS drive me nuts.  chips, crackers, dirt from shoes… gah!  With hardwood floors it drive me nuts to sweep, vacuum (yes the hardwood floor), and mop, then see crumbs 2 min later.  Enough to drive me nuts, lol.

In the earlier years, chores getting done was a matter of an older child willing to entertain a younger child so that I can get stuff done.  Even something as simple as making lunch.  And I would give the kids a choice, so sometimes they choose to make the lunch (or do the chore) and I got the chance to keep the littles busy and out of the way.

A SEASON OF CHANGE:

Now that my “baby” is 5, housework is not the juggling act it use to be.  We all can participate well together.
One child per week gets to help make one lunch and one dinner and do dishes (if I follow through with planning it with them, lol)

VIEWER QUESTION:

What are age appropriate suggestions for chores for little ones? ~J.E.  ;^)

Under 5-
to pick up ones own toys.  Particularly to learn to put something away before bringing out more.  *smile*
put away silverware (minus any sharp knives of course!)
“wipe” things.  a baby wipe, Lysol wipe, or simply a warm soapy rag.  Great for fingerprinted areas like a door or wall.
fold wash rags
help clear table
water plants
to place shoes and coat in an assign place
help load laundry baskets to take to wash room
unload washing machine to dryer (with assistance)
unload dryer to a basket
help feed pets (if any)

How do you do chores at your house?

Summer Rhythm

Yikes!  Need me some structure ’round here!

I am/was trying to have a more relaxed approach for our summer…  O_o

I love my free-spirited homeschool mamas! 
They are so creative, and relaxed, and … adventurous? 
yeah, that’s it, adventurous! 
Me, on the other hand, I don’t “wing it” so well.

I am a box-checker, list maker, plan.out.my.day.don’t.throw.me.any.surprises kind of person. 
Now, with that said, I have learned over the years that “Life Happens”.
I have evolved from a “time scheduler” to a “rhythm & flow” planner.

And apparently my 5 yr old NEEDS structure too!
5 days into our “relaxed routine” and he is a meltdown mess.  gah!

OUR SUMMER SCHEDULE is now in effect.

So I love my Rhythm Chart.  I started this 2 yrs ago when Grandma M moved in with us to help her see how our day flowed.  She never really caught on, but my kids did.  It’s great because I CAN still be flexible but have some order in my day.  I write out our typical day, and then I use POST-IT notes to add or change things in a particular week.  A great way to include appointments, play dates, etc…    If interested, last year’s school schedule is here.  and the previous year is here.

Bible Time
to pray, to read, to worship, to love, to learn, to know… who Jesus is.

Fitness Fun-
physical activity:
TJ will help Bryson develop some soccer skills.
Andrew currently *loves* tennis.
Katie will continue to practice gymnastics.
and everyone will run around with mama…
at the middles school track and field.

Nature Hour-
We will enjoy our backyard!
Observe our fruits and veggies.
Bird Watch.
Pull weeds.
Water.
Just be…

Language Lesson-
admittedly, we let our Spanish, French, & sign language slide the past 6 months.  Katie-girl requested that we could refresh what we know AND include the (younger) boys more.

READ-
aka quiet time.  *smile*
A family read aloud followed by some silent reading for the older kids (TJ 16, Katie 11), and Andrew continuing his reading lessons w/ me while Bryson listens along and practices his letter sounds.

Delight-Directed Learning-
The kids will help choose an activity to do,
often together,
but allowed to seek out individual interests too.

Jurisdictions-
aka Chores.
each child is assigned a room for the week.
They are to tidy it before Dad gets home
so that we can enjoy our family-time evenings together.

FREE time-
This is when my kids are allowed screen time;
TV, computer, or video games.
Often times the kids;
go for walks (TJ),
play outside (all),
ride bikes (Bryson & Andrew),
play super heroes (Bryson & Andrew),
read some more (Katie),
write letters (Katie),
Play some hoops (all),
jump on the neighbors trampoline,
and hang out with those same said neighbors
who are also our homeschool buddies!

Family Time-
includes the simple random things of our evening;
such as…

TJ doing wood work w/ Dad, and the kids going along for the ride!

Playing board games…

Practicing our Ninja moves…

or just hanging out with each other.

How is your summer routine going?

 

Summer Inspirations~

Summer!  that beautiful time of year…

full of sprinklers, popsicles, and suntans.

The answer is… YES, sort of.

The question is… Do you homeschool through summer?

I am still pondering what we wanna do…

On the one hand, to relax, just be, enjoy, etc.. sound lovely…

On the other hand, learning really never stops when homeschooling becomes a lifestyle.

Enter… unschooling.

aka… delight-directed learning.

The greatest explanation of unschooling is when you realize that life and learning are not two separate things. 

Last year I created a summer bucket list…
well we didn’t even get half of it marked off!
How’s that for being real?  lol

This year I decided we will build our summer bucket list by adding what we do as we do it.

Lucky you; you get to see our random life as it is.  *smile*

Funny jokes, odd happenings, creative ideas,
and our sometimes lame attempts at what i think is a really good idea.

Basically our everyday life.

Welcome to our summer days~

Last Day of School 2012-2013

Today was our last day of the school year…

which means it was State Testing Day.

Did you know that the kids can now use calculators for the math section?  like… really??
Ummm, yeah, not.my.kids.thank.you.very.much.

What I really loved about this year?  not panicking about testing time.  You know, worrying about all those “gap” areas.  We have been steady and consistent with our studies overall, and I didn’t even really feel the need to review much (cept letter writing skills, because, well, we skipped over that one time and my kids bombed it, lol).    I don’t always stick to the exact course of study for the Robinson Curriculum that we use, but I always stick with the ideology of it… to read, write, do math efficiently at a self-studied independent pace…

For the younger students:
since we aren’t officially required to Test until 3rd grade, we had our own “testing” day…

We tested our spelling and our sensory abilities at the same time.
Interesting enough,
I discovered when Andrew wrote his words out with shaving cream,
he used his left hand AND wrote clearer than he usually does…
makes a mom say “hmmm”.

Andrew also made up his own game with his little brother.  Roll a die, a take that many steps.  Who ever reaching the goal spot wins.  He adds in a variety of ways to take steps including a ninja leap, lol.  (and yes, Bryson is wearing pajamas…backwards…and yes, it is normal for around here = “confessions of the whatever mama”)

Andrew is still not interested much in actually reading books, but we still ‘tested’ him in other ways-

Counting syllables in words
rhyming
beginning, middle, and ending sounds of words.
compound words
Proper Nouns
Ending Marks (punctuation)

He’s definitely headed in the right direction.

For all ages, I have complete confidence that …

STEADY + CONSISTENT = SUCCESS

Gotta love be an homeschooler!!