Waiting for Snow

Usually by mid-November, we have had some snow. This fall has been unseasonably warm and until today, we haven't seen a bit of snow. The kids are very eager for some snow and more importantly, sledding.

They were using the sleds on the leaves last week and it worked surprisingly well. The leaves have since blown off the hill and the sled wasn't working so well anymore, so Gabe decided the wagon might give the appropriate thrill he desired.

I am not usually too nervous about these sorts of antics, but was a bit apprehensive about this, having visions of Calvin and Hobbs and severe crashes, but I let them go ahead.

What a hoot! They were able to control the wagon pretty well and they had a grand ole' time zooming down the hill. It was fun to watch. There were a fair share of crashes and tumbles into the brush, but nothing to deter them from climbing back up and having another run.

Here we go!

Well, almost a safe landing
We did get some flurries today and the forecast is for much colder weather, so I am sure we will see some snow soon. The kids can't wait, although I have been thoroughly enjoying the balmier fall weather.

Getting Wood

The kids have been helping me so much with Brian away.

They have been handling most of the firewood duties. This involves filling the wood ring in the house every day. It isn't a hard job, but I sure appreciate the help.

Of course, nothing like a little fun thrown in to make a job easier.

Gabe giving Rachel a lift back to the wood pile

Hannah works one stick at a time
Fill up the wagonTeamwork
A few more loads and we're done

It really amazes me how much work the kids now can do. A little instruction and they are usually quite willing to help out.

Give Thanks

We received this book in the mail yesterday from Christian Children's Book Review. CCBR is a blog dedicated to reviewing Christian Children's Books. During the month of November, they are having a daily giveaway and we won this book.

Give Thanks to the Lord is written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Amy June Bates. I love this book. Based on Psalm 92, it talks about all the wonderful things about Thanksgiving. The Illustrations go so well with the story and throughout the story you read "It is good to give thanks to the Lord."

Click on the link above to check out the contest at CCBR or see their graphic in my sidebar. Also make sure you check out this book.

Some Photos

After looking through my camera I did find a few pictures from last week. A little bit of this and that.

Hannah and Dad enjoy the magnetic letters

We picked up a few new games. One is called Pegs in the Park. It is a simple counting game and easy for the Littles to play. We have been purchasing new games that the Littles can play.

The kids made fall wreaths using the leaf dies and the Sizzix machine. The younger crowd loves to do the cut and paste thing, so I'm trying to come up with simple, fun activities for them to do.

Who can resist a tent made from blankets and the card table

Cathing Up

I can't believe have lazy I have been with my blogging. I don't even have any decent pictures! Sorry about that!

Brian is away. The kids and I are bumping along with our usual routine. The girls have been working on the play that our homeschool co-op will be preforming Thanksgiving week. It is called "Turkey's On Strike"...hmmm, should be interesting.

We have had some minor sickness, one with a tummy upset, a few with the sniffles, nothing terrible, but annoying for all. Hopefully everyone will be well soon.

We finished up our boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Bess and Gabe have enjoyed putting these boxes together for many years. The Littles are still a bit unsure what the whole idea is about and are not too thrilled that all those fun toys are not for them, but we try and explain it the best we can. Hopefully with time, they will understand the importance of giving and serving others. We put together three boxes this year. I am setting a goal of doing one box a month for next year.

Sunday night our choir at church did a Veteran's Day performance of Stars and Stripes. We did this last year and it was very well received. I wasn't sure how many would come as it was on Veteran's Day this year and I know there are a lot of activities being held in the area, but we had a near full house. I sang a solo, which makes me nervous but I enjoy. One of our choir members, who is expecting, got very hot and light headed. The poor dear did her best to make it to the end, but finally had to get off the stage. We just stopped for a few moments, let her get off (with the help of her mom) and head out for some air. We opened a few windows after that and everyone was more comfortable.

We are having a half and half day today. It is the Veteran's Day holiday, but my kids rarely know the days the PS kids get off unless Bri is home. We have gotten some homeschool stuff done, but not a full day. Right now the kids are outside enjoying some air and getting firewood for the stove. Dan doesn't have speech today, so we will do some reading when they all come in. I am hoping to get some fun Thanksgiving activities in this week.

Gabe has been spending a lot of time playing his Lego Star Wars game. He received the game as a gift quite a while ago (we couldn't remember if it was this past Christmas or the one before), but we couldn't get it to work on any of our older computers. Brian bought me a new (used) laptop this summer and I thought I would try the game on that...it worked! He was so thrilled and has been having a great time. I don't usually let him play so much at one time, but it has been a good activity for him with Bri gone.

I borrowed a collection of Miss Marple DVDs from our library this past week. These were done by A & E and are very good. I am enjoying watching one episode each night. Usually I listen to books on tape and stitch, but this is a nice break.

Very Interesting?

My cyber friend Dorothy, uses words like Scrumdillyumptiousness, Decrepitude and Rumbledethumps, so I was not surprised to see her rating as genius.

Now what in world rates my blog at this level! It makes me think the level of intelligence (or at least literacy) in the world must be going way, way down!

Secret Sisters

This is a program verification.

I am signed up for the Homeschool Moms Secret Sister Session #3!

Blackie the Cat

This is Brian getting ready to head out on another adventured. Perched on his shoulder is Blackie.

Blackie has been with us since June (I think). She has traveled quite a bit. We haven't blogged much about her adventures with Brian, because, well, I'm the blogger, not Bri. I'll give you a brief rundown of where she has been.

Blackie has been to Greenland four times. Twice, she and Brian were stranded on the icecap because of bad weather. One time they were able to shovel out and sleep in a research station, the other time they had to sleep on the plane. She traveled to Maine with us twice. She enjoys sitting up front with Bri and I as we travel. She has been to New Zealand twice and now is enjoying some time at McMurdo Station and the South Pole in Antarctica.

I'm thinking Blackie might be getting a bit weary of all these miles and will be ready to go home to Trevor, Haley, Colin, Tristan and "miss" Jodi.

I'm sure she will have a lot of stories to tell.

Full Fall Day

A week ago Tuesday (10/30), Brain took the day off. He was getting ready to head out on another trip and wanted to get some things done around the house. It was a lovely day and we played and worked all day.

The kids had a great time raking and playing in the leaves. The amount of leaves had grown quite a bit as most of them are now off the trees.


Brian, Bessie and I finished closing up the pool. This is not a difficult job, but it does take a while as we draw the pool down below the skimmer, so we can prepare the pipes for winter. I was glad that the weather was nice to do this job.


Bessie also worked on a couple of other chores. She cleaned out her bunnies hutch. She has three dwarf rabbits and she takes very good care of them. All the animal manure goes on the garden.

Here is Bessie cutting down a Trumpet Creeper for me. This plant has lovely flowers, but totally takes over and is quite invasion. This was a tougher job and took quite a bit of hacking and hauling. Thanks, Bess!

Brian also brought in some wood and made sure the woodstove was all set. I am glad he did this job as we have needed it this week.

Dan very serious about rocks and sticks

At some point during the day, Gabe had the great idea of using the snow sleds to slide on the leaves. I was amazed at how well this worked. He and Dan had a great time. They slid and tumbled and rolled down the hill over and over.

It was a very full day; with a lot accomplished and some fun thrown in for good measure.

Birthday Hat

Bessie received this surprise in the mail last week for her birthday, a beautiful gift from my friend Lisa.

Lisa had been working on this hat with her Knifty Knitter when she was here visiting. I love the way it came out; the wonderful colors and the contrast between the orange, yellow and black.

Bessie was thrilled. Thanks, Lisa!