What we have been up to for the last two weeks…

 

 

 

So, I know your all just wandering were we have been the last two weeks.. Well we haven’t been that far away.

Actually we didn’t even leave home.. we just have been buried in the house. We started a construction project, but need to finish the majority of it in two weeks.

The first week, we spent cleaning out the basement. We have a lot of things that have accumulated over the last year, as well as my mom’s extra stuff. The next question was were were we going to put them?

After much maneuvering we figured it out. Then we had to etch, and seal the floor. We could only do a half at a time.. so this was time consuming.

Then we started in on the rest of the project. We built a new wall with foam (for insulation) and a floor. I learned a lot about construction and tools I have never used before. Some, I don’t care to have to use again.. (i.e. Ram kit)

 

 

Then we started in on the walls.. Framing went quick after we started. It looks so cool with just the framing of the walls up.

 

I can’t wait for the rest of it to get done. Its going to look amazing!!

The kids are super excited to finally have their own rooms again, and we will also have a family room, along with our bedroom.

That is all the pictures I have for now, but will keep you posted as we move along.. Just waiting for the heating, and electric to go in next, then we can start sheet rocking.

The kids have amazing plans for their room schemes, so be sure to stay tuned to see it! I think you might get a kick out of it!  

Sorry it took me so long to update.. I didn’t even touch my laptop for two weeks. That was hard for me!

Menu Plan Monday

 

 

 

 

 

Here we are for another week… Do you have your menu plan ready yet?

Sunday:

Tuscan Pasta

This was a huge hit.. (this is our version of something similar at Pizza Hut)

Monday:

Today is leftover day….

Tuesday:

Steak, Hot Potato Salad, and a veggie

Wednesday:

Chicken Parmesan, and Sourdough Garlic Bread

Thursday:

Leftovers again!

Friday:

Pizza (maybe, not sure yet)

Saturday:

Pork Chops, oven roasted potatoes, and a veggie!

Simple Woman’s Daybook

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY

April 2nd, 2012

Outside my window...

It is partially sunny, but kind of gray.. It looks like it wants to rain.  

I am thinking...

Wow, can’t believe it is April already… Where has the time gone? That means in 16 days Monkey Man turns 10… That is double digits.. (sniff, sniff) I’m so not prepared for this!

I am thankful for... 

The time I have been able to spend with them the last couple of years. While everyone may not understand my decision for homeschooling, I’m happy for it.

From the learning rooms...

Again this past couple weeks, we have not been doing much school. As we had to take a couple weeks off, while doing a big construction project. More to come on that soon..

From the kitchen... 

Tonight was leftovers… Now the fridge is clean again!

I am wearing... 

Jeans, t-shirt, and a sweatshirt. (not like a couple weeks ago when it was 90)

I am creating...

Lots of new ideas, to go along with our construction..  

I am going...

To be super busy for the rest of the month, and most of next… but it will be all worth it in the end…

I am reading...

A few new authors like Debbie MaComber… I’m hoping I will enjoy them… Keep you posted.

I am hoping...

This week goes a bit smoother than the last. We are way off our normal schedule and that doesn’t work well for us.

I am hearing... 

My kids getting ready for bed, and reading their stories.

 
Around the house... 

We did a ton of laundry today, and folded it… Cleaned up, and I did some paperwork.

One of my favorite things...

Our Monday’s… it may get crazy.. but we are together most of the day as a family!

A few plans for the rest of the week: 

4H, Cub Scouts, Library, Photography, and an appt at the end of the week, preparations for Easter!

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my life this week…

I have been super busy… but not with much that is school related.

Which is why I have not posted anything on my blog in awhile.

An opportunity arose for us to get some work done, that we have wanted to have done for awhile, and so we took it.

However, that meant two crazy weeks, of hectic, crazy, sleepless, non structured time.

 

In our homeschool this week…

We didn’t do much that pertained to school. We did some reading, some wood work, and some life skills, but not much else. Back on track for this next week we hope.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Don’t be afraid to take other opportunities if they arise, because they can turn out to be the biggest blessings.

I am inspired by…

My online friends, that keep me remembering its ok to step back, breathe and move on. Better things are always around the corner.

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

This next week we are going to start back with 4H, been off a few weeks. (The kids are super excited)

Cub Scouts

Library, and maybe an appt. Not much..

My favorite thing this week was…

Seeing all the work we did, and how amazing it looks.

Questions/thoughts I have…

I’m anxious to in cooperate hiking and nature walks into our day. Love spring, summer, and fall.

Things I’m working on…

Patience, cause my kids are pushing me really hard lately.

I’m reading…

I’ve been checking out some new authors similar to Debbie MaComber. Let you know what I think of them next week.  

I’m cooking…

Today we are making Tuscan Pasta… (a knock off of a version from Pizza Hut) Look for it on my Menu Plan Monday Post.

I’m grateful for…

For the wonderful friends we have helped us out the last two weeks, so we could get as much done as we did. YOU ROCK!

 

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY

March 19, 2012

Outside my window... 
It is super crazy nice! I mean last week it was snowing… this week it is in the 70’s! That is Maine for ya! NUTS!

 

I am thinking...

Wow, do I have a lot to do today.. Need to get out and prune my raspberries, and blueberry bushes today, and clean out the chicken coop..

I am thankful for...  
This beautiful weather to get me back to my happy place. I need the sun, and be able to enjoy it!   

From the learning rooms... 
We have been doing our regular stuff, and we are doing science with a friend each week (right now learning about weather)… Started our Geography study.. worked on Alabama last week.. Go to our blog The Monkey School (promise to update it this week)

From the kitchen... 
We are having chicken taco’s! Yummy!!!

I am wearing... 
Jeans (thought about capris', but I’m still sick), t-shirt, and my sneakers, cause its still muddy out. (Flip flops coming out soon!!)

I am creating...

A new space downstairs… we are going to start sealing the floors this week, and then we can start on walls! YAY!

I am going...
Looking to plan some hiking trips soon. I hope to keep the kids really busy this summer, and enjoy the weather! I’m so anxious!

I am reading...
The second book in a new series I’m reading by Sheryl Woods .. Really good, if you like Debbie MaComber you will like her.

I am hoping...
That this nasty cough will go away soon, so I can feel 100% better.

I am hearing...  
My son digging through Lego’s…

Around the house... 
Spring cleaning to be started! Can’t wait!

One of my favorite things...
Spring!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  
Not to much, No Scouts for us this week, Eye Appt, Cleaning up the yard, building some new garden beds, and composting bins, sealing the basement floor, enjoying the gorgeous weather, and some walks!!!

 
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Me…

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my life this week… 

Wow, this week has been like a whirlwind. We had a busy day of Scouts on  Monday…

Tuesday I helped my dad, and got some groceries…

Wednesday we cleaned and packaged up the 50lbs of meat I bought…

Thursday we chilled at home, I wasn’t feeling that well…

Friday we had another busy day… Science with a friend, and a Birthday Party….

Yesterday we spent enjoying the beautiful weather!!!

In our homeschool this week…

We learned our normal grammar, spelling, math, and art..

History we are on China..

Science, we made a Anemometer (pic’s to come on our Homeschool blog here)

Geography we learned all about Alabama.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Take the things that you can, and make them fun… Don’t be the old boring teacher that just gives out the instructions. This makes it more engaging for both you and the child.  

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

This week… I’m not sure.

The weather is going to be BEAUTIFUL, so we will be busy I’m sure.

Probably a playdate or 2, our weekly science day… and maybe a hike, if I can get it planned!

My favorite thing this week was…

Yesterday.. My kids were so good, and we just had so much fun working together. It was wonderful!

What’s working/not working for us…

The weather… We are so excited it is getting better. That means our fun trips to do school outside at the park, or a cool field trip. We love the spring, summer, and fall to do school anywhere but inside!

Questions/thoughts I have…

Are their any of you out there that just pull together your own lessons all the time? Do you find it easier or harder than following a premade curriculum??

Things I’m working on…

We are getting ready to seal the basement, now that the weather is getting warmer, and put walls up. Can’t wait!

I’m reading…

The second book in a series I’m reading by Sheryl Woods. I just started reading hers, and like her!

I’m cooking…

Tonight is either going to be leftovers, or Chicken Taco’s. I haven’t really decided yet.

I’m grateful for…

The freedom I have to teach my kids the way I see fit, and that we can spend our days (while they may not always be the best days) together. To know that we love each other unconditionally. To learn from each other and grow to be a better person.

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

Family is the most important thing in the world.
Princess Diana

Beautiful Saturday…

 

 

The weather is finally starting to come around.. Oh doesn’t that make me extremely happy!

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. I love it!!! I need to get my camera out, and start taking some pictures again. I have been slacking lately big time. (not good)

We were outside most of the day today. I dropped Little Monkey off at a Girl Scout Event. They learned about recycling, and picked up the grounds of the place they meet at. Then planted some flowers. She had a blast!

I came home, and the rest of us went to work pruning our fruit trees. This is suppose to be done Feb/March.. But with the crazy weather we have been having I was hoping it wasn’t to late. We have a total of 7 trees we prune. Got them all done yesterday, and they look lovely, if I do say so myself.  

 

Since the weather is suppose to continue, I’m hoping to get the raspberry and blueberry bushes done on Monday.

I can’t wait til I can start planting in my garden. I have a plan all made out, and even started some of our seedlings. (my dad has a greenhouse, that I put them in)

 

Later in the afternoon we picked up Little Monkey, and headed to the library. Picked up daddy from work, and headed home for our St. Patty’s Day feast! I made Cornbeef, Cabbage, Carrots and potatoes. YUM!

It was truly a great day, to remind us that spring is coming.

What fun things did you do?