Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

1. April rolls in at the end of this week and in celebration of that infamous date (April 1st) answer this question-What is something foolish you've done?

To many things to list I assure you!! LOL!  

2. With April comes Easter and that classic edible treat known as Peeps...so tell me...what's your favorite way to fix/eat chicken? That wasn't what you were expecting, was it? I 'fooled' you. teehee.

Rotisserie is the best way to make Chicken. In my opinion.

3. What's the best museum you've ever visited? Or your favorite? Or the one you'd most like to visit?

Haven’t really seen the best one yet I don’t think. Just a few small town ones. We really want to go to Children’s Museum in Boston, and the Smithsonian this summer or next. If you have any great ones to suggest… I’m all ears.

4. You know what they say about April showers...what's your preference-a shower or a bath?

Shower, but love a bath occasionally, when I have time to rest and relax. Oh wait, what is that??

5. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"...fact or fiction? Why?

Fact I think, cause when you don’t see someone often, it makes you miss them more. You don’t get annoyed as easily.

6. What's your favorite product made/grown in your home state/province?

Ohhh… Maple Syrup and Blueberries.

7. What is going on in the world today that affects you the most?

The raising cost of Gas, cause it is making it impossible for us to go anywhere for fun!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Can’t believe my son is gonna be 9 in a couple weeks… where does the time go??

Simple Woman’s Daybook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday March 28th, 2011

Outside my window... It is in the 30’s… Suppose to be colder this week, than last.

I am thinking…   Things are coming along nicely. We are excited for spring!

I am thankful for…..The lovely Girl’s day, I had this past Saturday. Pedi and a Massage, was just what I needed to be renewed.

From the learning rooms…..… We are at 118 days of our year! Only a few more to go!

Monkey Boy-   is doing great. 

Middle Monkey- is starting to read a chapter book.

Littlest Monkey- is trying very hard, and reading better and better everyday!

You can read more about our Homeschooling over here.

From the kitchen…. .Today we are eating out, since we are going south today, and won’t be home until 8 tonight.. Ugh!

I am creating….    Not much lately. We have been super busy with lots of stuff. Need to get creative again soon!

I am wearing.. Jeans, t-shirt, and a sweatshirt! (I’m still not warm)

I am going..  to be very happy when it warms up a bit, and we can plant our garden.

I am hearing…..  My kids gather their stuff for the day, so we can get on the road.

I am reading… Nothing at the moment, finished both my books, waiting for new ones to come in.

Around the house….  Nothing today. Did lots of laundry yesterday.

One of my favorite things…  when my babies still wanna cuddle with me.

A few plans for the rest of the week…. Orthodontist Appt, library, Trip to see my Grandma, Girl Scouts, Daisy’s, make 2 dozen whoppie pie’s, 4-H, and a Book Sale this weekend.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

My Monkey Man, and his sweet smile!

 

Maine Maple Sunday

 

 

 

is here again. We love to go out and visit the various Sap Houses on this day. The kids love to get the treats, and well; ok so do I!!!

We started our morning off going to a local pancake breakfast in support of the Snowmobile Club. It was a fantastic breakfast, and we were good and full to start our day.

This year we stopped at 3 different Sap Houses. We sampled ice cream with maple syrup on it. (that was the kids favorite of the day) Some maple cookies, maple cream, and some maple candy. We are on a sugar high now!

Here are some picture’s from our day!

 

Maple candy (in snow)

 

Ice Cream with Maple Syrup on it! Yum!!!

A pretty horse!

How do you feel??

 

When it comes to your daughter getting her ears pierced. Did you do it when she was an infant? Or did you wait until she was older, and then how did you decide how old she had to be.

My husband and I decided awhile back that it was going to be when we felt that our girls were old enough to take care of them own their own. (or as close to it as possible) As well as them needing to express a desire to want them done..without peer pressure.

That day has come. My 7 yr old.. wanted her ears pierced and has wanted them done for a long time. I was hesitant about it, even now. We discussed how it would feel to them done, and what was involved in taking care of them. She still wanted to do it.

Off we went to Claire’s.. they couldn’t do both ears at once.. so I told her that after one was done, she could not back out. She looked at me, and said “Guess I’ll just have to deal then”. I couldn’t believe it!

I must tell you, impressed is not even a big enough word for what I felt. She sat there and grinned it. She flinched a bit, but never once cried. She was very brave. The end result. She now has her ears pierced. She is very happy!

Here is a picture of her new earrings for the next 6 weeks til they heal.

I’d like to know how you feel about this subject! Please share your thoughts.

Mud Season has arrived….

 

 

One thing I did not miss about Maine was mud season. It is the messy and most annoy season. I hate how much dirt it tracks in, and I have to keep cleaning up. It is everywhere!!! Crazy!

Well due to this.. we had to park at the end of our driveway this past week. Not that I drive is a mile long, but it is a good walk. Well, I had to pick up some groceries, cause we had no food. I didn’t want to have to carry up multiple trips, so this is how we got them up to the house!

 

Pretty funny huh??

We have spring fever….

 

 

so we decided to do something about it! What do you think of when you think spring?? We always start to want ice cream cones! Nothing like a nice ice cream at the end of your evening while hanging around outside right??

We couldn’t quite go with ice cream cones, but we did make some nice homemade ice cream. It is so yummy!! Plus it is fun to do!

Monkey Man likes it cause he is not suppose to have regular milk, so we can make him any flavor he wants with Lactaid or Frozen Yogurt! It is wonderful!

This time we made peppermint. Here are a few shots of them making ice cream! Yup we have an ice cream ball.. and an electric ice cream maker. We will be having lots of ice cream this summer!!

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge!

 

 

 

 

 

1. Sunday was the first day of spring. So they say. Ahem. What is your favorite outdoor springtime activity?

I would have to say watching my monkey man play baseball. As well as planting flowers… Yeck, I love just being outside!

2. Who would you want to come into your kitchen to cook dinner for you?

Toss up between Guy Fieri and Paula Deen I think.. Booth really good cooks in my book. Yum!  I really love Food Network Channel can you tell?

3. When did you last fly a kite?

Been a few years I think…but I owe my kids some Kite Flying soon. They keep asking me!

4. What topic puts you to sleep faster than anything?

Politics' most of the time… I hate listening to people drone on… and things that I just don’t get.

5. Which flowers do you associate with specific people, places, or events?

Roses, and Lilies… Not sure why!

6. What significant historical events took place during your elementary school days?

The Shuttle is really the only thing I can remember. Can you tell that I really don’t pay attention to the news much? I love old history… sad isn’t it?

7. Do you swear? Do you pseudo-swear? (You know crap, shoot, friggin'?)

I won’t lie.. they come out of my mouth more than I like. But I am pretty well censored around people I know don’t like to hear it, and kids.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I must say I still can not believe that I got a Sunburn on Sunday… ( a pretty darn good one on my face and its still healing) and then the next day it SNOWED!!! What is wrong with that picture??

Pinewood Derby 2011

 

Any of you following me for any length of time, knows that my Monkey Man is in Cub Scouts.

Well this past weekend was the Pinewood Derby for this year… and I love to look back and see how different his cars turn out. Here is the ones from 2009 and 2010.

This year he wanted to go for speed. Where as last year he was going for Best of Show. He did really good this year. I was impressed. He was against 22 kids and he did really good. He won his first two races by quite a bit. The third one got him good, but he was a super sport about it. My little man is growing up so fast!

Here is a look at his car from this year:

 

Here is one of the races he did. See the blue blur… that is his car!

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?

Yes, I have… When I was in middle school, because a classmate pulled a knife on my teacher. It was not a fun experience.

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?

Yes I do…but I didn’t have a traditional wedding dress. Or at least I think I do. Lol… (moved to many times)

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.?

I like to go in my car when I’m sad, stressed, or mad, to crank the music and sing!

When I’m happy… not really sure. I like to be around people.

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?

No my kids have never slept with me. Even when they were sick, they rather be in their own beds.

5. Do you watch late night TV?

No I do not care for those shows. I do however, watch TV late at night… Only time I can watch my shows without a ton of interruptions.

The Tooth Fairy might have a new customer!

 

After the last few years of Little Monkey watching her two older siblings loose their teeth and get to wait for the tooth fairy. She was anxiously awaiting when her teeth would start to get loose.

So, after a visit to the dentist a month ago.. when the doctor said you have TWO LOOSE TEETH she has been excited! Asking me everyday when will they come out.

After about a month of waiting she got her chance. The tooth was wobbly enough, that my mom told her if she just kept working at it and twisting it a bit… it would probably fall out soon. Little did we know she would just yank that tooth out. (she is normally a very big wimp) Out popped the tooth, and she was overjoyed! That is all she talked about all day. Was even willing to go to bed at 3pm, just so the tooth fairy would come visit her.

Needless to say when she woke up the next morning at 3am (from excitement) she was so happy to see a couple dollar bills under her pillow. Just to answer your next question.. yes, I did make her go back to bed.

Tooth number to is pretty wobbly now… wonder how long before she yanks that one out???

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Corned Beef and Hodgepodge

Here are the questions for this week's Hodgepodge...thanks for playing along!

Answer the questions on your own blog then come back here tomorrow (Wednesday) to link your answers with the rest of the internets.

 

 

 

1. What would you do if you found a pot of gold? Let's pretend this pot of gold is worth exactly $1500 (which would actually be more like a cup of gold at current values). Anyway, let's also pretend you have to spend it as opposed to making a donation someplace. Now tell me what you would do with that cup pot of gold?

I would put it away to go towards the purchase of my house.

2. Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in any way, shape, or form?

Not usually…but since we are homeschooling this year.. we are going to do a Green Food theme this year.. and we are learning about the Irish Folklore.

3. Have you been bitten by the Spring Cleaning bug? What spring cleaning job most needs doing at your house? What spring cleaning job are you most dreading?

Oh I’m always bit by the spring cleaning bug. I’m constantly going through things and getting rid of them over the year… I hate CLUTTER!

4. lime-shamrock-sage-forest...your favorite shade of green?

Lime Green! Can you tell by my text?? My family pick’s on my liking of Lime Green.

5. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." So...do you believe in luck or do you believe we make our own luck?

I really think that it is our own luck we make..but sometimes it seems that we can be lucky… so I really am not sure..

6. Monday (3/14) was Pi Day. Get it? Pi =3.14. Those math types are so clever aren't they? Since I'm not one of them tell me what's your favorite piE (the edible kind).

My favorite kind of pie is Apple and Peanut Butter Pie. Not really a huge pie fan… but those are the best kinds.

7. That same date (3/14) happens to be the birthdate of the late physicist Albert Einstein. I bet he knew the value of Pi. So...what do you think is more important and or valuable in life... intelligence or common sense?

I really have to say common sense.  I know why to many people that are very intelligent, but don’t have any common sense. It drives me down right bonkers! Try to reason with them is like pulling out your hair!!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Spring is surely on its way now… the sun is out and it feels like spring!!!  

Goalforit.com Review

 

 

 

As a parent do you ever struggle to find a Chore Chart or Behavior Chart that fits your needs? I know, I am. We have tried many different things, but for us a chart is really the only way to keep each child accountable.

Well look no further. Goalforit.com is a Free site for such charts. You can customize each individual child for whatever you need them to work on.  Not just chores either.. You can add healthy habits to their chart such as Eating your fruits, brushing your teeth, going to bed on time, or even waking up on time. That is the best part. You can make it work for you however, you need it to.

The options are endless… You can even choose between a child or a Tween.  You have many icons already there for you such as making your bed, doing the dishes, taking care of animals, or even folding the laundry.. but you can even add your own if needed. Making it easy to tweak this for any child you need it to work for.

Another great feature I found very helpful, is that you can add a To-do list on your homepage, as well as a goal chart for yourself.  I love having the ability to keep all of these in one location. Keeps my time down, and print them all from one easy location!

Best part is its all for free. You can add as many of your kids on as you would like, and set up a separate Chore or Behavioral Chart for each one! Can’t get any easier than that right??

You must be 13 yrs or older to join the site. However, its easy to join. A few quick questions and you are on your way. You can even chose to have emails sent to you with updates, daily, weekly or even monthly. Take the guess work out of keeping track of their progress and let Goalforit.com do all the work for you!

*This is 100% my own opinions.

My Shock….

 

 

 

came mid morning last Thursday. I got a voicemail on my cell. My father called to inform me my grandmother had gone into surgery to get her knee replaced. She came out of it ok, but later that evening had some pain medicine and went to sleep… Well she never woke up in the morning. Not to mention had a massive heart attack during that time. The hospital had told him, that their was no brain activity as far as they could tell… so they were going to send her to another nearby more equipped hospital for a brain scan.

Of course we all were thinking the worse, and were on pins and needles. I don’t think I’d experienced such shock since almost two years ago when I found out about my Auntie Em.

You know the hardest part is going on with life, and pretending like nothing was super wrong. Why was I doing that you ask??? Well, with 3 kids you just can’t shut down… we had things to do this day, and there was nothing I could do for her at that point, so I was just sitting waiting for calls.

I finally received that call…. and my dad told me it was not looking good. They told them all to get to the hospital and be prepared to make a decision. My heart ached, for myself, and my dad. I couldn’t imagine…. Still not much info was giving to them.

On Friday afternoon she woke up… Talk about shock! The best part, she knew who she was, where she was, and how old she was, even who my dad was. What a relief!!!

Now she has a very long road ahead of her though… She is very weak, cause her heart is only pumping out 30% of what it should be in blood.. Plus she was 4 days late starting her physical therapy on her knee…so that is a bit more painful than she was hoping for.

I saw her this past weekend, and she looked very weak and pale.. but she is talking and trying to get stronger everyday. At this point even that is a miracle! At 79 yrs old she is one tough cookie!

So if I’m a slow about posting over the next few days or week.. its because I’m trying to visit her as much as possible, but she is 2 hrs away… so it kinda cuts into a lot of my time. However, she is very worth it! Love you Gram!

 

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday March 14th, 2011

Outside my window...  It is looking fairly nice out. Its been in the high 40’s this week and sunny. Wednesday is suppose to be rainy…but that is what March is right??

I am thinking… Wow, what a week last week. Got a really nasty scare, but things are looking up. I’ll post more on that in a few.

I am thankful for….. support… My family is the best, even though I may not always say it!

From the learning rooms…..… We are doing great! I couldn’t be more happier with our progress.

Monkey Boy-   is working hard and doing great. We are having fun learning about Irish Folklore right now.

Middle Monkey- is starting to read a chapter book.

Littlest Monkey- is trying very hard, and reading better and better everyday!

You can read more about our Homeschooling over here.

From the kitchen…. .We are having Taco’s! Love Taco’s… and can’t wait!

I am creating….    Nothing, haven’t really had time lately… Looking for a cool thing to accomplish by the end of the week.

I am wearing.. Jeans, t-shirt, and a sweatshirt! (I’m still not warm)

I am going..  to keep on organizing. Making good progress and its looking wonderful!

I am hearing…..  Dr.Suess on Tv. The girls love watching the Cat in the Hat.

I am reading… Just finished another Debbie MaComber book in the Navy Series. Now working on the 3rd in the Blossom Street Series (Can’t remember the name of it)

Around the house….  Gonna finish up some laundry, dishes, and work on the Pantry.

One of my favorite things…  seeing my Monkey’s smile. It always melts my heart.

A few plans for the rest of the week…. library, Cub Scouts, Trip to see my Grandma, Girl Scouts, Daisy’s, 4-H, and Pinewood Derby this weekend.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

My Littlest Monkey… She lost her first tooth this week!

SpellQuizzer Review

Do your kids struggle with Spelling?? Or are they bored of just your everyday spelling worksheets, sentences, etc. Mine are good with spelling and really have no issues, but get bored with the same weekly worksheets, and sentences. I was getting frustrated looking for ways to make it more exciting. Therefore, I was excited when I was offered this review.

SpellQuizzer is a spelling software put out by Tedco. Software. It is designed with lots of great features. The best part its not designed for just one spelling program, you can adapt it to any one your using.
One of my favorite features was that you can import, or add any spelling list you want. That way you can pick and choose, or make your own. Plus they have some spelling list you can download already. Like one we will be using next week is the “Saint Patrick’s Day” spelling list. As well as the “Dolch Primer Words” list, which I am using for my Kindergartener.

This spelling program has built in spellchecker for that recognizes both US & UK English spellings. Another really cool feature is that you can do sound recordings with your word lists. So you can make these as fun as you want, by doing different voices. What is more entertaining?

We have been using this program for about a month, and we have really enjoyed it. My son no longer complains about having to do spelling. My daughter giggles at my sound recordings, and puts more time into it. Their scores are still about the same, but we have more fun doing it.

For me, I love seeing that my kids have fun with this program, and that they are more engaged in doing their spelling. It a pretty easy self explanatory program, and if you do have any issues, the help section is great! As well as the really good video demonstration you can watch to help you. Another big plus is that they have an online community that you can post in for any questions you have, or if you are looking for lists and need help finding them.

You can buy this great price for a spelling program for $29.95 which is a great price for not listening to any whining. There is also a free 30 day trial if you want to try it out!  

Look for SpellQuizzer on Facebook and Twitter for updates and much, much more!

*This is a MamaBuzz review. The product was provided by: Tedco Software. All opinions are 100% mine and my monkeys!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

1. The season of Lent begins on March 9th this year...do you participate and if so, in what way?

No, we do not participate in Lent. However, I love to see the things that people are willing to give up.

2. Traditionally pancakes are eaten on the day known as Shrove Tuesday which is the last day before Lent (March 8th this year). So....butter and syrup? Blueberry? Chocolate chip? ewww, no thanks!! What's your pleasure when it comes to eating pancakes?

I love pancakes in lots of ways. Blueberries on them are awesome.. If its syrup I prefer real Maple syrup. Not a huge fan of Chocolate Chip, because I find them to sweet. I also love strawberries and whip cream on mine.  

3. Spring is coming. (It is coming, right?) What's your favorite springtime flower and do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Two questions I know, but they're lightweights.

I love Daffodils and no I don’t have allergies.

4. "Our opinion of people depends less upon what we see in them than upon what they make us see in ourselves." Author unknown. Agree or Disagree? Why?

Not really sure… wow deep! Not sure my brain was up for that kind of question this morning. I guess, I would have to say I agree.  Cause we are always looking at flaws in others and compare them to ourselves.

5. Since it's "March" and also the season of Mardi Gras....have you ever been in a parade? What's the best parade you've seen?

Been in lots of Parade’s with my kids from Scouts and various things we have been in. The best parade I have ever seen, I would have to say is the Light Parade at Disney.

6. You would jump up and down and shout for joy right now if someone told you___________?

I just won a million dollars… (or did you want something realistic?)

7. How clean is your car on the outside? Inside? Is there junk in your trunk?

The outside is pretty bad, since we just had a couple storms. The inside isn’t to bad, cause I just cleaned out the trash… but I do need to vacuum it out. My trunk, is clean. I only keep ice scrapers, and some snacks in it.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am more than ready for spring!

Simple Woman’s Daybook

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday March 7th, 2011

Outside my window... Today it is very windy, snowy, rainy, and sleeting. Oh joy! I’m hoping these last couple storms means that Spring is on its way… since yesterday it was 55 out!

I am thinking… I’m happy that this week is going to be a very relaxing low key week. Last week was just crazy.

I am thankful for…..my family… I love that we are close, and spend lots of time together.

From the learning rooms…..… We are doing great! I couldn’t be more happier with our progress.

Monkey Boy-  is doing great with our new Grammar Curriculum… and is starting to do more Fractions in math. (we need to back track a bit, I missed a few things)

Middle Monkey- is still not confident in herself, but is doing very well.

Littlest Monkey- is trying very hard, and reading better and better everyday!

You can read more about our Homeschooling over here.

From the kitchen…. .This fine Monday we are having Homemade Pizza. One of our family favorites.

I am creating….    not sure yet, but I was just informed this is National Craft Month. So I am thinking of a few projects we can do.

I am wearing.. Jeans, t-shirt, and a sweatshirt! (I’m still not warm)

I am going..  to keep on organizing. Making good progress!

I am hearing…..  My kids playing, since we just lost power, its their only option. (Lets see how long that lasts)

I am reading…Just finished two more Debbie MaComber books, but waiting for the next in the two series I read to come in.

Around the house….  can’t do much right now, but if we get power back, we need to do laundry and pick up.

One of my favorite things…  playing board games with my little monkey’s… Laughter is the best medicine!

A few plans for the rest of the week…. library, resting, a dance for the girl scouts, and a cookie booth this weekend. Low key week!

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

The cake from the party we went to this weekend. Awesome cake from the Bankery!

 

 

 

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

 

 

1. Have you ever forgotten your child in a store or at school?

Nope, I can’t say I have… I think it is cause mine are to loud to leave behind. Lol…

2. Where did you go on your very first date? (Like...first first, not first with your spouse or current significant other!)

To the movies… I can’t remember what we saw though.

3. What's your "silly" fear? (We're not talking water and heights.)

Don’t really think I have any… I hate snakes… but I think that ranks up their with Water or Heights Right??

4. Confrontation: do you cause it, deal with is as it comes, or run far far away?

I deal with it… I like to just get it over with. I hate drama, and so I don’t want to just keep going. Another trait of being a Red Head I think!

5. Wood floors or carpet?

Mixed feelings on this… as I have had both. I love Wood Floors, but I’m not a huge fan of how dirty they get so quickly or that you can see it so well.

So I think I would have to say Wood Floors all through the house, except for Carpet in the Bedrooms. I also like the cushiony-ness of a carpet too! Crazy aren’t I??

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

1. March 2nd is Dr. Seuss's birthday so I'm wondering...do you like green eggs and ham?  Okay-how about this instead...how do you like your eggs? Or don't you?

I don’t mind them green, however I try not to add to much food coloring to my food. I like my eggs over easy… or scrambled with toast of course!

2. Is March coming in like a lion or something less ferocious where you live?

Absolutely… and I think it should stop. I do not like this really cold weather we are having. Plus a couple of snow storms, and I think I heard some rain coming this weekend!!!  I just want spring!

3. Do you work better or worse under pressure?

Better I think, tend to work faster to get it done.. Instead of procrastinate!  Plus I tend to do my best work, which I find really odd.. How about you??

4. March Madness-are you a fan? It's college basketball in case you're wondering. And if you're outside the USA tell us-is there any sort of 'madness' taking place during March in your part of the world?

Nope not a fan of Basketball really… Always found it extremely boring to watch…. More of a Hockey, or Baseball fan.

5. Under what circumstances do you do your best thinking?

Not really sure..  Again I think probably under pressure. Makes me really just get to it!

6. What item of clothing from your wardrobe do you wear most often?

Since moving back to Maine… My sweatshirts… cause I have to wear like 3 layers or I freeze to death!

7. Do you use sarcasm?

All the time… Trying to curb it some, but its just not working. I think it comes with the Red hair. Yeah, that’s it!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Enough with the cold, bring on Spring!!!