Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What makes you stand to your feet and cheer?

When my son makes a homerun!

2. What's your favorite patriotic song?

Not really sure I ever really thought about it.

3. Do you believe that opposites attract? If you have a significant other are you opposites?

Yes & No...

Yes we are about as opposite as you can get. But that doesn’t always work for us, makes it hard to spend time together doing something we both enjoy.

4. You're going to get a behind the scenes look someplace...where would you like that someplace to be?

Hmm... Food Network, while they are taping.

5. How far would you have to travel to ride a carousel (merry-go-round)? 

Not very far, not a huge fan of them. Plus there is usually one at our local fair right in the next town over.

6. When was the last time you saw fireworks? What was the occasion? Do you enjoy fireworks?

In Disney at Epcot I do believe, nope it was at the Magic Kingdom.

We were there visiting with some friends from out of town. (We lived in Florida at the time)

Yes, I do like them..

7. Of all the 'beauty products' you own, what item do you consider to be the most overpriced?

My leave in conditioner.

8. Can you believe July is only a few days away? Where has the time gone.. Phew! 

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY :

June 27th, 2011

Outside my window... It is a gorgeous day! I’m so happy the sun is out, and the rain went away..

I am thinking...  I really have so much, I should be doing, but really want to take the day off.

I am thankful for...  The time I was able to spend with my family this weekend.. ones that I don’t see very often.

From the learning rooms... We are done for the year! We will be taking a few weeks off, (with some learning of course) and then starting back up again for next year!

 

From the kitchen...  BBQ Pork Chops, baked potatoes, peas, and Broccoli in a cheese sauce

I am wearing...  Jeans, &  t-shirt

I am creating...  Not much these days, given my brain a break.

I am going...  To enjoy my fairly slow week… with only a few fun activities.

I am reading...  A couple of books by Barbara Delinsky

I am hoping...  to get some organization done in my school room this week…. and maybe a few other projects.

I am hearing...  My daughter say every word I type!

Around the house...  I did lots of laundry! Took advantage of the beautiful weather and hung out all our sheets!

One of my favorite things...  Taking pictures

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Fun with our 4H group, movies, playground, play dates, Bee Pollination Class, and of course some laughter!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My favorite flower a Lily! Isn’t it gorgeous…

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

 

 

 

In my life this week… We finished off school for this year… and are gearing up for another year.

We celebrated our last day, and had some fun play dates with friends.

Kinda got sick of the rain though… blah!

In our homeschool this week… We are done! We have the next few weeks off, then we start back up again.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… We had a busy week this past week, with birthday parties and a family reunion.

This week we are going Mini Golfing with our 4H group, and sitting in on a bee pollination class.

Other than that resting!

My favorite thing this week was… The smiles on my kids faces, with all the family and friends they got to  be around. It was nice!

What’s working/not working for us… Doesn’t really apply to us right now, cause we aren’t using much these days.

Questions/thoughts I have… None this week, might have a couple for you next week!

Things I’m working on… Cleaning up our school room, and reorganizing.

Keeping up with the garden…

Working on our projects for the fair this year, for 4H…

Just trying to relax a bit on myself and the kids.

Books I’m reading…  I’m reading a bunch of Barbara Delinsky books, and anxiously awaiting Nicholas Sparks new book out this fall!

Always looking for new books to read though, if you have any suggestions for me!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but wood to be ignited." - Plutarch

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Summer's here-whoohoo! What's your favorite sight, sound, AND smell associated with summer?

I love the smell of roses, and the chirps of birds!

2. Fireflies or lightning bugs...what are they called in your neck of the woods?

Fireflies, and I can’t wait to catch some with my kids this year!

3. What is something from the past week that reminded you of your childhood?

Swimming at the lake.. it was a favorite spot of mine during the summer. I love that I can share that with my kids.

4. Define 'the good life'.

Can you really define it? To me it would be a personal choice. Whatever, makes you happy in the end.

5. Tell us what we'd see if you took a snapshot of your desk/work space?

A very big mess right now, as we are going through some school stuff, and cleaning out for next year!

6. Peaches or watermelon...yes, you have to choose.

Watermelon!

However, I do like peaches to, if juice and sweet!

7. Ever been skinny dippin'? Is that too much for the Wednesday Hodgepodge? Rest assured we won't need details...unless of course you feel you must but remember, this is a family friendly blog so keep it G rated.

I don’t remember.. Honestly!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Is it really almost the 4th of July already?? Where has the time gone this year??

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY June 20th, 2011

 
Outside my window...  It is very nice out! I love to see the sun, when I wake up!

I am thinking... Wow, we are done with school after today.. for a few weeks, while we enjoy the beautiful weather!

I am thankful for... An amazing mom, that gets me through everyday that I just wanna give up and not think about anything! You are the best mom, thanks!

From the learning rooms... We are done as of today! Tomorrow is just our End of the year celebration. So games, Ice Cream Sundaes, and swimming at the lake! I can’t wait!!

 

From the kitchen... Tonight is Dynamites… and for dessert, an apple pie! Yum!

I am wearing... Shorts, T-shirt, and my sandals

I am creating... A new chore list, and some fun mini games to play tomorrow.  

I am going... to sit back and enjoy life with my kids for a few weeks, stop stressing about the little things. I really need that!

I am reading... A few books from Barbara Delinsky

I am hoping... For some great summer memories! We really need some time to just relax, and enjoy each other.

I am hearing... My kids giggle and watch some cartoons, while they let me take some time to wake up.

Around the house... Not much to do today, as I did all the laundry and dishes yesterday. I wanted a few days of nothing!

One of my favorite things... Simple memories… swimming in the lake, remember childhood times, giggling like a little kid. (To name a few)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Finish School, Fun day, Library, Doc Appt, Play at the park, Enjoy each other, Picture taking and a Family Reunion to end the week!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... Nature Picture, that I took this past week…

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

 

 

Here is our Menu Plan for this week:

Monday:

Cereal, Toast, Juice

Cheese Quesadilla's

Dynamites, Apple Pie

Tuesday:

Pancakes

Italian’s, fruit, Ice Cream Party (for end of school)

Sheppard’s Pie

Wednesday:

Bagels, Fruit

Sandwiches, veggie sticks, chips (picnic)

Leftovers

Thursday:

Yogurt Parfaits

Macaroni Salad, veggies

Ham steaks, Smashed Cauliflower, green beans

Friday:

French Toast

Leftovers

Pizza

Saturday:

Cereal, Yogurt

Grilled Cheese, fruit

Chili, homemade bread

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my life this week… we have been crazy busy.. trying to finish up what we have left to do.

In our homeschool this week… it was a busy week… we finished off most of our school stuff, only have a few things left to do… Then we spent one day with family, playing.

Plus we spent a day at the park, where I got to catch up with an old friend, and my kids made a new friend. They also found a very big mud hole! Holy dirty!

Other than that our norm of 4H.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… This week, we are not really going anywhere. I need a week of down time. However, next weekend, we are going to a Family Reunion!

My favorite thing this week was… Was watching my kiddo’s have so much fun, even if it meant being really dirty! They are only kids once, and I have to remind myself of that some days, when I let the little things bug me.

What’s working/not working for us… Thinking about vacation is really helping us! 

Questions/thoughts I have… No questions that I can think of… Thoughts… I am really trying to finish up plans for next year, does anyone have any suggestions for me?? Or should I just plan as I go? Do you have a preference?

Things I’m working on… being more easy going.. not letting the little things get to me. Not being so hard on myself. To fully enjoy this next school year, now that the stress of the first year is behind me!

Books I’m reading… Barbara Delinsky

A photo, video, link, or quote to share… Here is a flower pic, I took!  

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What is your favorite summer time activity?

Swimming or going to the beach. I love water…. as a child my parents couldn’t keep me out of it!

2. Do you have one laundry soap you stick to, or do you buy whatever's on sale?

I usually only buy Tide… Kinda partially, but we are actually looking into making our own here soon.

3. What is your favorite dinner to make in the summer?

Cheeseburgers and Salad

Or something with Coleslaw, or Macaroni Salad

4. Do you have any talents?

Not that I’m aware of, but if you figure some out let me know!  

 

5. If you could instantly be an expert in something, what would it be? Why?

Hmmm… Not really sure, never really thought about it.

I really don’t know… Maybe history, or science or something so I could have an easier time with teaching my kids???

That’s boring though huh??

What do you think I should be an expert in?

Disney’s Friends for Change

As you know, we are big in helping with giving back to the Earth, or the community.
When we heard about the Disney’s Friends for Change program we had to look into it. My kids were excited to see what other great things we can do to help!

“Disney’s Friends for Change Games” is a series of fun physical challenges inspired by everyday “green” acts. They will be airing for Five weeks beginning Friday June 24th.
Disney XD will show special episodes on Monday Nights beginning June 27th.

If you would like to do your part in being “Green” head on over to Disney’s Site, and pledge actions that you will take to help your planet!
Kids can also do their part by having fun playing online versions of the games that took place during “Disney’s Friends for Change”. They can also join in by creating a piece of online art for the Disney’s Friends for Change Games Group Wall at Disney.com/create ….

Here are a few things your kids can do this summer to help out our planet!!!

• Keep it in the Loop: Make sure your house has a recycling bin! Be sure to put your community’s list of rules next to it, so you know what can go in it.
  
• Laundro-Tastic: Wash everything on cold wash, and hang out everything to dry on the line.
  
• Energy Saver: Organize a carpool or ride your bike, walk, or use public transportation.
  
• The Big Clean: As a family sign-up to participate in a big beach, river, lake, or forest Clean-up! Make a pact with your neighborhood to keep it clean.
  

I know our family already does most of this stuff.. What about you?

Hope you tune into Disney’s Friends For Change Challenge, and help make your community better for everyone!



*I was not paid for this post. All my opinions are my own.

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don't have a bucket list let's pretend you do.

To go to Europe…

2. What makes a good dad?

A person that is there to help shape a child. Takes the time to listen and be with them.

3. Are you afraid of insects? Which ones?

Insects no, not really… Snakes are another story!

4. We're barbecuing...what's on the grill at your house?

Steaks where the last thing we cooked on the grill!  

5. Do you believe that playing is more important than winning?

Absolutely… I have pressed that fact since the kids started playing sports. My son actually said to me this past baseball season. Mom, that coach is more about winning than having fun, and those kids weren’t having fun!

6. Do you tan? Use self tanners? Visit tanning salons? See your dermatologist at least once a year?

I’m a red head, so tanning is just not an option.

7. Five years ago I would never imagine that today I would_______________. 

Be homeschooling my kids! But I’m so happy that I am!  

8. What are your plans for the 4th of July??

Pay-it-Forward Winner is…..

 

 

 

First I have to say it was incredibly touching for me to read about all the amazing things people would do if they had the money to help! I know, its hard to give back when we are all struggling to make ends meet. However, remember that the smallest little thing, can help someone!

Drumroll please……   #26

Congrats to :

Angelene said...

I would buy school supplies for my daughters school class

Thanks to everyone that entered!!

We will showing about our shopping trip to get our supplies for our baskets, and then our trip to the hospital to drop them off!

Be sure to keep reading the daily adventures of the 3 Crazy Monkey’s!

Despite the rain…

 

 

our garden is actually coming along nicely! We wanted to show you our progress so far this year.

We have had a few problems with select crops. Like not much with our Spinach, or Swiss Chard, and our Corn.. (think that may have been eaten by the crows, darn birds! UGH!)

Monkey Man's Garden:

Middle Monkey’s Garden:

Littlest Monkey’s Garden:

Peas:

Green Bean’s:

 

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

 

This is my first time in this Meme'… but I was thinking that maybe this would keep me a bit more accountable and on track. I do very well when we have a menu plan. Then there are no rattling questions like “What's for dinner??” at 5pm.

Monday:

Cereal, Toast, Juice

Sandwiches, carrot sticks

Caribbean Jerk Steak, Corn on the Cob, roasted potatoes.

Tuesday:

Yogurt Parfaits, Juice

Quesadilla, fruit

Tilapia w/Lemon Butter Sauce, Cauliflower, Couscous

Wednesday:

Bagel, Fruit, Milk

Sandwiches, Pretzels, Cottage Cheese

Dinner with Friends

Thursday:

Pancakes, Juice

Leftovers

Baked Spaghetti, Salad, and Garlic Bread

Friday:

Eggs, toast, Juice

BLT’s

Ham Italians, chips, and fruit

Saturday:

French Toast, Fruit

Leftovers

Ham Hoagies, Watermelon, Cucumber Slices

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday June 12th, 2011

Outside my window...  it is still dreary and blah… We needed the rain to help the gardens though, so as long as it doesn’t go all week!

I am thinking…  I hope this week is a bit better than last week. We were all just off last week…cranky, and such. (myself included, and I don’t often admit to that)

I am thankful for….. Everything I am able to do daily!

From the learning rooms…..… Day 167 today! Only 8 more days!

Monkey Boy-   is coming along great!  

Middle Monkey- is starting to read a chapter book.

Littlest Monkey- is reading level one books nicely now, so proud of her! 

You can read more about our Homeschooling over here.

From the kitchen…. .  Not sure, first on the agenda today is to work on my Menu Plan for the week, and make a grocery list and go shopping!

I am creating….  A chaos free zone!

I am wearing.. Jeans, t-shirt

I am going..  to visit some friends this week. Its much needed!

I am hearing…..   Silence! Love it!  

I am reading… A book by Barbara Delinski… Love her books! Working my way through them.

Around the house…. Lots of laundry, picking up, and checking on the gardens, as well as grocery shopping!

One of my favorite things…  Being with my family!

A few plans for the rest of the week….  Finishing School, Playing, Library, Visiting friends, and maybe a movie, 4H

 

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

Just playing around with my computer again!  

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my life this week…

I’ve been really challenged. The attitudes have been trying…we are really in need of some time off, but I just want to get the last week done.

In our homeschool this week…

We have been really busy trying to get our school work done. We did take some days off, to play at the playground, and have some goodies.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Take the time off, when you notice your kids need it. Makes for less stress later!

I am inspired by…

All the homeschool blogs I follow, and my local IRL friends that I have meant over the last year. I’m also very thankful for them to keep me motivated and sane!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This week, we are not really going anywhere to big. A fun visit with some family, and a few club meetings this week.

My favorite thing this week was…

The fun we had with Watermelon to teach Math!  

 

What’s working/not working for us…

Don’t really have anything not working/working for us. We are tweaking and trying lots of new things. Next year will have a few new things to try out.

Questions/thoughts I have…

How many of you use Workboxes? I’m interested in using them next year.

Things I’m working on…

Reorganizing my school room, and planning our curriculum for next year.

I’m reading…

Lots of Books from Barbara Delinski

I’m cooking…

Strawberry Rhubarb, and extra to freeze

I’m praying for…

the people in all these recent crazy weather places, to get the relief and help they need!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Another Photo from our Watermelon Fun..

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?

Yes and No… I wanted like 12 kids… and I only have three. But due to medical reasons can’t have anymore, and my sanity! However, I also wanted to be able to stay home with them, and I have been able to do that… and above my dream, I know get to Homeschool them!

2. What is one must have item for the summer?

Swim Suit! So you can swim often!

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?)

Yes, we do.. Even when they were in Public school I had them reading and doing worksheets, so they didn’t get behind.
Now that we are homeschooled we only take a few weeks off, so that we don’t get to far out of routine, and then we will take off time throughout the year!

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?

Yes we can our stuff from the garden, and we freeze some of our produce! I love to have fresh out of the garden taste all year long!

5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?

Honestly, most of the time I get my stuff ready the night before… I don’t like to rush in the morning.  Especially with the kids! They can be slow as turtles when we get up early…

Baseball is over……

and it seems like it just started. However, am glad it is almost over. It has been a long month.
Monkey Man has improved a lot this year.. love to see how much he changes every year.
We did really good, winning 6 of our games and losing 3. They did really good! Despite the weather!

Here are a few pictures, of our year!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you and your family enjoy camping? What do you enjoy most/like the least when it comes to family camping? When was the last time you camped?
We LOVE to camp! I personally love the time with my family away from the modern technologies! Least like the bugs!!! As a family it has been a few yrs… Due to schedules and money… but the boys go a lot for Cub Scouts and the Girls and I just went last fall with Girl Scouts.

2. Did you attend a summer camp when you were a kid? Is that a happy or not so happy memory?
One time, and it was ok.. Not sure I would say super happy memory but ok.. I wasn’t really a very popular kid as a child.. No big though!
I’m hoping my kids have a better experience though, as Middle Monkey is going to Summer Camp for the first time this year.
3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?
Hmmm… I would have to say, why things happen they way they do. I’m often found to be saying to myself “What if”
4. Which of the seven natural wonders of the world would you most like to see? There are many lists of 'wonders' but this is the standard natural wonder list-Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janerio, Paricutan Volcano and The Northern Lights.
I would love to see The Grand Canyon the most… My father went like 11 yrs ago, and I was still in High School so he wouldn’t let me take the time off, as he was going to be gone for a month.  He did however, bring me back snow from the Grand Canyon. (he traveled in a motor home) Its always been on my list of must see’s!
5. What was your first real job?
I worked as a babysitter first… Not sure if you consider that a “Real Job”
If not my next one was at McDonald’s.
6. Lemonade or Sweet tea...which do you prefer on a hot summer day?
Ohhh… tough decision. I really like Lemonade..
But Sweet Tea from McDonald’s is really good!
I need to figure out a good recipe so I can make it at home as well.  
7. What is something that always brings a smile to your face?
My three Monkey’s! I can be having the worst day and they will smile at me and give me a hug and everything melts away!
8. I enjoy a good Ice Cream on a hot summer’s day. My favorite Ice Cream is Black Raspberry. What is yours?