Meal Time

Tonight at dinner the conversation meandered through several topics. The kids talked about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) and who identified with which character...and how cool it would be to have our family dress up as them for Halloween. (That works fine with me - there are four of them and we have four kids - done.) We then discussed music for a bit. Jonny said that right now his favorite groups are The Beatles and BareNakedLadies (BNL). There are other groups that he and the other kids like. (I recognized again that our kids like what they like because they've experienced it and made their own decision - not because it's one of the trendy songs on the radio.) I'm glad my kids like what they like. That morphed into the topic of portable devices that one can use to listen to music. Somehow that went to a question about soundtracks...so we discussed that right before heading into plays, musicals, and musical scores. The difference between a soundtrack and a score. Somewhere in there we revisited a topic about a show we'd seen on Friday called 'Leo'. We were all impressed with the physical escapades of the performer. He had to have been all muscle, coordinated, strong, flexible, and graceful all at the same time. The kids tried to do a couple of the stunts/moves we saw him do. We then circled back around to TMNT...the names of the characters, who they're named after, and why...the characteristics of those historical figures. For those who don't know...or need a reminder...the names are Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo. (Our kids like 'Mike' the best - well, at least of a couple of them consider him to be their favorite character.) I now have an interest in learning more about the actual people and what they did/who they were and what we can learn from them. We've discovered a few things about each of them. I just don't remember all of it. Time for a refresher. Maybe I'll share a few things with the kids. I love our meal time together.

Beatles and Breakfast

The kids were listening to music during breakfast this morning. I came in the kitchen and the boys had the Beatles on YouTube. Breakfast and Beatles.:} I attempted a picture - but, it didn't quite catch the scene completely. Jonny asked Rachel if she knew who was singing and she responded correctly saying it was the Beatles. I think she might have looked.
Later Jonny said that listening to their songs is like each time you have a new favorite movie..."THIS one is now my favorite.". Good times.

Remote Control Truck

The kids tried out the remote control truck again today. I attempted to get a couple of pictures of Rachel driving it. She was thrilled and loving the experience. I love that she likes technology. She likes to see how things work. She's always coming up with ideas for machines and the things that they could do.
Jonny drove for a bit too. He did more of driving it around and figuring out what he could do with the remote. He attempted a snow bank - didn't work out so well. Rachel preferred to have the truck go the length of the driveway before turning it around and having it come back again. Fun to see the difference in the way the kids do things.

Evening Happenings

The boys had an etiquette dinner and dancing event for Young Men tonight. They had their combined activity with the Young Women. They actually survived and might have even had a good time. They attempted to dress a little nicer than usual. I think I have some good looking kids.
The girls and I were home while the boys went and did their thing. We had a simple dinner. The girls spent most of their time finger knitting. Fun stuff.

Taking Initiative

The boys are watching the Science of Dr. Who right now. It's interesting to me the different things they find that cover so many different topics. I'm glad they attempt to find a variety of things to explore. Well, there's variety - but, they also have their favorite topics that get a little more time. I love that they initiate so much of their learning. I feel like it's understood and remembered better when it's something they're interested in and they're ready to take it in.

Undefeated

The boys had a basketball game tonight with the Young Men. They have a 'season' every winter with the stake. They came home tonight and said they are still undefeated. They're only two games in - but, it's a lot better than the times they'd come home and say how many points they were down at the end of the game. I think it's made a difference that they've played together for awhile - and they're all getting older. They're bigger and not quite as awkward as they used to be. I'm glad they're having the experience. The girls and I will need to go sometime.

Priesthood Duties

The boys did a great job today of taking care of their priesthood duties. Jonny had Bishop's Youth Council this morning. He was the one that found out when the new meeting time was, got himself up and ready, and then walked over on his own. A little while after he got back, he and Jacob walked over to the church in order to prepare the sacrament on time. Jacob made sure he took the bag with him that he'd need to visit 'shut-ins' after church. It's his month (along with one of the deacons) to take the sacrament to those who aren't able to come to church but would still like to participate in the ordinance. He also sat up with those who blessed the sacrament as well today. (He was one of three and didn't actually say one of the prayers today.) I had nothing to do with any of it. I didn't remind either of them, I didn't wake them up, I didn't check to make sure they were ready, I didn't tell them what they needed to remember to bring them - and then make sure they had it. I did make sure to wash any of their clothes for today that made it down to the laundry. But, other than that...it was all them. I love it when they just do things and that they're to a point where they can manage their schedules and responsibilities on their own. My heart is thankful that they are worthy and choose to take on the duties they have committed to do.

Writing

I just looked through some of these posts. I hadn't realized that I had written so much. I'm glad I did. Now I just need to do even more and include more pictures. I liked reading some of the posts, remembering when the kids were younger, and realizing that sometimes I can actually write in an engaging way. Need to do more. Need to share more. The kids are even older and will continue to move onward and upward in their lives. I have mixed feelings about that. I will be forever grateful that I've had a chance to be a part of their childhoods. We were part of a charter school where I was in their classes each week and then we started homeschooling. I don't really want any of that to end.

More to Come

I'm going to start putting more on this blog. I have other blogs - but, want to keep some of the things about the kids in one spot. I'm a little nervous to just put them places where more people that I don't know might see them. This one will be a little more controlled. I know - it's the internet and there are not guarantees. It's probably mostly psychological. I still feel better about it this way. It'll help me sleep better at night. Maybe it's just the 'mama bear' in me. I don't want to purposely just put my kids out there.
We'll see what happens. I keep thinking I really am going to do more with my blogs. So, this time...it's for real.

New Blog

I've been trying to make a blog work by putting several blogs together. I think I'll still keep this one for more personal family happenings. If there are going to be lots of pictures of the kids or more information than I might want to put on the other.
I need to write more. I also need to make it through all the pictures I've taken so I can post a few.

Sneak Peak

I was getting journals out for the kids. I was too tempted and had to skim through a bit of what they wrote/drew. I was touched by things that they remembered and how their perspective is different than mine. I'm glad they are who they are. My interests might be different than theirs - but, somehow we are blessed to all be part of the same family.
It was interesting to see what they feel are priorities and how that affects what they perceive and remember. I'm glad there were things about where we went and people we've been able to spend time with over the past few months.
I love my kids.
One other thing that intrigued me was how the personalities showed. Jonny was the only one that mentioned their dad's cancer. All of them mentioned extended family and places we've gone. Jacob mentioned something he's interested in that I don't understand. (It's D&D - I don't understand the game or the interest in it. I guess I better get on board for his sake.) Megan drew details of the place we stayed in while we were at Disneyland. I didn't realize she drew so much of it. Rachel's was cute with her handwriting - it's gotten better over the last couple of months. She also drew pictures. The girls mentioned friends more than the boys did. Jonny also mentioned his calling - that was touching to me. So, there you have it - a blog post about things I wasn't even supposed to read in the first place.

Back Home

We had a fabulous Christmas week in Mapleton. We now feel like we are truly back home. We have 'haze' in the air, a child that threw up today, errands to run, laundry to do, and water on the floor by the washer/dryer. Yea for being home. Back to reality. Here's to diving into 2014.

Thankful

Today we each said something we were thankful for as we were eating dinner. Rachel came up with the idea, so we went with it. She said that she was thankful for Heavenly Father. Layne mentioned that he was grateful for Christ...and that he married me. (He has to throw things like that in every once in a while.) Megan said that she was thankful for clothes...Jonny said something about the beans we were eating.
I was pleasantly surprised to hear Jacob state that he was grateful for seminary. I was surprised because most of his comments about seminary have something to do with how he has to get up early so he can be there for class to start at 7 (on the dot). It was a pleasant thing to hear because he said that he thought it was fun. And, I think it's a good place for him to be. We usually talk about what was discussed in class while we're driving home. I'm glad it's been a good experience for him so far.

Missing Them

We dropped the boys off at the library tonight. As we were driving away, Rachel stated that she missed the boys already. I asked the girls about what we were going to do when people started moving out. They asked what I meant. I told them that eventually they were all going to do things like go on missions, go to college, get married...and that those things meant that they would move out of the house and be doing things on their own when they were adults. I told them that their Dad and I would miss them. I didn't have the heart to say that by then it would just be me missing them. That really wasn't what the conversation was about anyway.
I also asked the girls about what they wanted to do when they got older. Again, Rachel asked what I meant. She ended up telling me she wanted to learn more about animals. I asked more questions and she came up with wanting to train animals to do stuff. Megan first asked if there was a pizzeria around. She can be random at times - so, I asked her if she was asking if there was one not far from our house or if she was wondering if there was one she could work at when she was older. She said that she wanted to be a pizzeria woman, a mechanic, and an artist. But, not all of them all at once. Rachel then piped in with...'Oh ya, I wanted to be a mechanic too.'. She had commented on it a few days ago and had just forgotten I guess. She had commented on how she wanted to build things.
Both girls have also commented on wanted to go on missions too. So, we'll see what the future holds for them.
I thought it was nice to have an idea that the kids are close and will miss each other when the others aren't around. I'm glad that even at the ages they are, they still like being around each other. (Well, most of the time. There are times I'm not so sure.)

Today's Photos

Here are some things I wish I had a picture of today.
The small grasshopper Jonny found while we were weeding that Jacob held for the rest of us to see. The ladybug that was crawling up my arm...the kids came to look, Rachel was going to get it and then it flew away. After they noticed it landed on my back, the ladybug flew elsewhere. (Apparently, it noticed that my shirt was not a plant.)
Jonny being a 'commentator' as we weeded. (And, the rest of us laughing.)
I will also remember Jacob taking a shovel to the weeds with all the power he could muster. (I have never seen so many and such big weeds before in my life...and, it all happened so quickly.)
The tan compost container that was filled to overflowing after this round of weeding.
The tomatoes that are starting to grow.
Megan helping her Dad stretch his legs.
Jonny struggling with a song on the piano and his attempt to learn it correctly.
Megan reading to Rachel. (I felt a twinge of regret about not reading to the kids more. It makes a difference when they can all read by themselves and read to each other. Their Dad reads to them too...but, I'm not ready to let go of the Mom reading to the kids moments. We do some, but it has been irregular the past few weeks.)
Layne helping a neighbor 'jump start' their car.
The kids running off to 'free lunch' at the park with the neighbors.

The day's half over. I'm hoping there will be more memories to be made.
Jonny is having a couple of friends come over to help celebrate his birthday (that already past). It'll just be a hang out session with brownies eaten in there somewhere. It's nice to not be stressing over plans and prepping before a child's party.

Pictures

I desperately need to post some pictures...and more pictures. Just a bit BORING around here. Oh, and pathetically out of date. I will attempt to post some after sifting through the thousands I have taken. I may or may not be posting more often too. No guarantees.

Race to the Moon

The kids and I went to the play, 'Race to the Moon' this morning. It was great. I loved that we were able to be entertained and learn all at the same time. We've been talking this month about the performing arts. So, it was perfect timing for attending a play. (Thanks to the homeschool mom that coordinated so we could all go. Bless you.) I had them watch for the performers facing the audience and enunciating their words. It was fun to hear them talk about it after. They had some opinions about it because we were in a theatre that had seats around three sides of the stage. 

We had also discussed historically what the race to the moon was and how events played out. I had them watch for some of those things too. I think they learned more about that subject as it was presented in the play. I was glad. It's interesting how with homeschool - some of the 'scope and sequence' from a typical public school gets mixed up a bit. I'm not sure when or if this particular competition between Russia and the USA is covered - but, I do know that there probably aren't many 1st and 3rd graders that know much about it. I also know that 7th and 8th graders can understand it pretty well. (We'll be covering it again later as we move along the timeline we're doing for history.)

It was nice to spend the morning enjoying the kids and seeing a fun performance - with other homeschoolers and for an inexpensive price.

We saw some school busses on our way over and predicted that they were on their way to a field trip. I'm really glad that our kids have had more chances than just the end of the school year to get out and experience life outside a classroom. 

Tornado Research

We had some wind blow through our backyard after dinner. Rachel asked about tornadoes. We (Megan joined us) got the iPad out and started looking for answers. (It was one of the only times 'siri' has actually worked for us. I would give more details - but, that would be a story in itself.) As we were exploring, we talked about what tornadoes were, places where they are common in our country, and gathered some general information on the topic. As we were searching, Rachel started making up a scenario about a tornado coming to our house and washing away the iPad. She said that would be 'the saddest'. I asked her why and she responded with the idea that we wouldn't be able to find 'stuff' out anymore...and she wouldn't be able to play games. (I think the last one might have been the real truth.) I loved exploring and being excited about learning something new - and getting questions answered. It was just for a few minutes - but, they were learning new things and will hopefully remember them a little better because they were getting the information as they wanted it.
I love it when exploring means we get to cover several 'subjects' at once. I think that's how we utilize the information anyway. So, why not learn and discuss it that way?
I also think it's great that a 7 year old knows that we have the technology to get answers when we want it. We didn't have to wait to ask someone next week...or, make a trip to the library in the next day or two. We could do it right then - and be excited about it. She was glad to be reminded that we have more than just the iPad to 'look things up'. We are grateful for technology around here. (I'm not sure what we're going to do when Layne goes back to work and takes his phone with him. We won't have 'data' anymore while we're out and about. Maybe I'll just have to get my own really cool phone.)

Dinnertime Miracles

It was about a half hour before dinner time and I was not even in the kitchen. I'm not sure Layne knew that, but he sent the boys to ask what they could do to help. I told them I didn't even know what we were going to have and if they would figure something out and fix it that would be great. The odd part was - they did! I was so grateful. There were no complaints or comments about never asking again...just a 12 and 14 year old heading to the kitchen. I think they considered it their excuse to have pizza. They pulled a couple of frozen ones out of the fridge and did some veggies. Dinner was fixed with basically no help from me. Jonny also commented about how there would be less to clean up (not much in the way of pans/prep dishes). It wasn't gourmet - but, it did the job and we're on to other evening happenings. Hooray for capable and willing children!

The Painting

We went to a performance the other night. During intermission we were out in the lobby looking at a painting. I asked the kids (Rachel, Megan, and their cousin Kate) some questions about it. Things such as what they thought the picture was about and what was their opinion of it? Why did the artist use those colors? What message do you think the artist wants us to get from this work of art? (OK, so I might not have gotten to that one.) One of the questions led to a discussion about the large sun in the painting and the fact that the person depicted was not really that close to the sun. I asked them why they thought that. Kate made the obvious statement that you can't get that close to it because it was too hot. The way she said it also let us know that her six year old brain knew that was an obvious answer and that I should have been able to figure that out without asking them. I almost laughed out loud. But, I didn't (although, her father did). Sometimes things like that happen and you can have even more fun with it. So, I asked if they could think of any other reasons. (I also like to extend ideas whenever possible.) Megan came up with the idea that the sun is made of gasses and they could hurt you if you got too close. Kind of fun to explore the mind of a child. Kind of fun to learn/be reminded of what you know in an everyday setting. After all, I think most of what we learn is applied in an everyday setting anyway. So, we might as well learn it that way. I also think it's fun to find out what my kids know by the ever probing question. Wouldn't it be a great world if everyone kept questioning enough for us to continually be learning?