Even if I need to work on remembering our blessings, Merian has a natural gift for looking on the bright side and being grateful. Her prayers are always full of thankfulness. I've been saving a list she made at Thanksgiving time so that I could record some of the things she is thankful for. Some of the leaves on her chain are missing but here is what is left:

the world

M.C.P.

Art

P.E.

science

music

history

writing

teachers

my house

my family

instruments

books

food

toys/glasses

school

"evryfing" (everything)

animals

pets

Repenting - Or Why I Love NPR/PBS

If I could win one award, it would be for whining. I am a world class whiner. I try not to, mainly because I know my Mom and Dad will do what ever it takes to make my life easier and make me happy. Still, I'm ashamed to say I'm pretty darn good at it.

This morning I whined about having to go grocery shopping. I hate grocery shopping. Especially if I don't have a complete menu planned. If I don't have everything written down I know I will forget several items and end up back at the store too soon. (Please see a fore mentioned loathing of shopping.)

I've been very uninspired as of late when it comes to dinner. I'm beginning to see why growing up, dinner in my house was often a rotation of spaghetti, tacos, pizza and hamburgers.  I'm tired of making and eating the few things most my kids will eat, even though they are quick and easy. Even more, I hate spending a considerable amount of time on a meal only to see it dumped down the sink and find my kids sneaking snacks in the pantry later. (At least they now know better than to verbally whine about not liking the food. Where did they get that whining habit from?) When the kids were little they would eat what ever I made. How have they all became so picky?

I put off shopping for as long as I can, but today I had to go. Shopping in December? I was not looking forward to it. I usually start stocking up in November so I don't have to enter the crowded stores. I couldn't come up with a menu that I was excited about and that I felt reassured that the majority of my family would eat. I also knew I would be getting tons of food to stock up throughout the holidays and I had no idea where I was going to put it when I got home.

So I whined about it. So much so that my awesome Big Edna (aka milk and banana fairy) offered to take care of Eliza so that I would only have to take care of one kid while managing two shopping carts. Yep, I whine; people help. It always makes me feel guilty, but apparently not enough to stop the whining.

On my way to Winco I was listening to a story about the living conditions of orphaned children (sometimes as early as the age of six or younger) working on cotton plantations in third world countries. I crumpled inside of myself. I was driving in my climate controlled vehicle to store filled to the brim of every kind of food imaginable. We are blessed for Nathan to have a good job so I can afford to buy food for our family. I thought of my little six year old and how he was comfortable learning about gingerbread men in his kindergarten class instead of begging for food or being beaten by the farming supervisors.

Not a day can go by that I listen to NPR that I do not realize how lucky I am to live in this country. My children are healthy. They are receiving an education. Nathan has a job that he finds rewarding. We have a home. After my shopping trip I had a kitchen stocked full of food and was so excited I couldn't decide which dinner to make first. What could I ever have to complain about?

When I walked into the produce section, Cyrus O'Leary pies were on sale. I'm still trying to decide if I regret not buying one. It doesn't matter. I didn't see any labeled "humble" and after recognizing my attitude this morning, a huge slice of that is what needs to be on my menu.

Did I ever write about how Norah was addicted to Halloween candy? She wanted to eat it all the time. All the older kids also shared with her when ever they had theirs, so she had plenty. One day, after I refused her request for more, she stomped into the school room. I kept folding laundry in the loft but it only took a moment before she came back dragging Megan by the hand. Then she pointed at me and very seriously and sternly told on me. "Do do do do do," it went. Megan looked at me quizzically until I explained the reason why Norah was telling on me. Megan promptly pointed her finger at me and lectured me about how I should let that baby have all the candy she wanted. Just having someone sympathize with her was all it took for Norah to be happy. Isn't that what we all need sometimes?

Norah is out of candy and the rest of the kids have instructions to keep it away from her. She has gone through the withdrawal and rehabilitation process and is back to asking for "cawn" (corn) when ever she is hungry and wants a "nack." (When she's really hungry she puts her fingers in her mouth for extra emphasis. The other day she woke up from a long nap and must have been really hungry. For some reason she tried to eat my fingers.) Luckily, now she is letting me warm up the corn instead of eating it frozen.

Last week when she went to her doctor's appointment she wanted to leave after seeing the doctor and didn't want to stick around for the immunizations. She kept pointing at the door and saying, "go." When that didn't work, she stuck her whole fist in her mouth and said, "snack!" It was her snack time, and we had a few things to get, so we stopped by the store on the way home. She was so excited when I pointed to the Vanilla Wafers on the shelf and held them all the way home.

Derek is ever the patriot. When Mike gave him some of his old pirate ships he traded Nathan until he had a complete American fleet and forts. He often colors things in red, white and blue. On the way home when Megan asked who wanted to play a choose your own adventure game Michael cried, "I'll be the wizard." Derek shouted, "I'll be an American." He also wanted to put an American flag on top of his birthday cake.

The other day Eliza wanted to play with something that Derek had and it was making her quite upset. Merian stepped in with a wonderful solution. Eliza dressed up like a princess, complete with a tiara and a wand and Merian wore a Little Red Ridding Hood cape. Then Merain guided Eliza through an entire episode of Super Why! (Eliza's favorite thing to watch.) I don't know what story she chose, but the story line is always the same and I heard them shouting out the familiar phrases with gusto as they moved through out the house collecting Super Letters. The answer to her Super Story Question was "w-a-i-t". Because of the fun way she was told the answer, she was happy with that and really didn't have to wait that long since her story had helped her past time. I think Merian is totally awesome.

Eliza was so excited to give the scripture in primary today. Just like the times when she was assigned to give her talk or give her part for the primary program, she practiced and had it memorized and couldn't wait to say it. Just like the other two times, when it came time to do it, she shrugged and looked at me with a smile and
I had to say it. Then, just like before, when we got home from church she complained that she didn't get to say her part! We had her say her scripture before family prayer tonight. Maybe if we have her keep practicing in front of the family, next time she will do it! Next time, I'm sending her dad up with her.

Tonight after reading her books I told her we only had time for one more. She laid them out and very scientifically chose:

"Eeny Meeny Mo Mo Mo, da da da da so, so, so. My mom told me to pick the one I want."

Eliza insists that her name is now pumpkin, but sometimes she is Little Red Ridding Hood.

Norah is currently eating nuts that she requested. She loves them. It is so strange to me that she can handle them. With her mouth full of teeth she can also eat tortilla chips. The other kids were so late at getting teeth they would always choke. Sometimes when I see Norah smile it looks like she is wearing dentures to me because I'm not used to seeing that many teeth.

Emma has been practicing the piano a lot. I love hearing her. She is very good at getting her school work done and using her afternoon time wisely.

Michael gave a talk in church last week. He came home from a babysitting job Saturday night and said he just remembered he had a talk. He worked on it right away and it's pretty good if I do say so myself.

For those of you who don't know me, my name is (state name) and I'm so grateful to be here. My talk is on gratitude, and how it is good to have a gratitude attitude. I am grateful for my family, our ward, our church, this world our Father in Heaven has given us, and for the small wonders of everyday life. Sometimes you see these wonders so much, that they become less, and less visible. You have to open your senses to the wonders of this world, and I quote from President Monson:
“a grateful heart,then, comes through expressing gratitude to our heavenly father for his blessings.” Close quote.
I have a scripture in Matthew chapter 15 verse 36, where Jesus is breaking the fish, and the bread to share with the crowd of thousands. The people were grateful for what little they had, and there was enough for everyone.. In the scripture it says, “And he took the seven  loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. We all need to be grateful, for we can give thanks on any day, not just this Thursday. I bare my testimony, that if you can be grateful, and have a gratitude attitude, you will notice a change in your life. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen

I hadn't previously given much thought to the fact that the food was blessed and thanked at the feeding of the multitudes, but it made me think that even though they didn't have a lot they were thankful and it was more than enough. In my life, if I am thankful it always seems like I have enough.

Megan got a dance card. There is only the New Year's Eve dance left that she can go to. That should be fun.
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There's an update. Did I miss anyone?

Bon Jovi lives in our house

Norah is so different than the rest of my kids. She is the only one that will not let me rock and sing her to sleep. Instead, we lay down in bed and watch the fish from the baby aquarium toy from Carrie's garage sale. I miss the rocking and singing but at least I still get to snuggle with her. On the plus side, she is different from everyone else because she actually usually sleeps through the night! If she wakes up she will just turn over and go back to sleep on her own!

Derek is constantly creating. We are keeping Costco in business with our paper and tape buying habits. The other day as he was building something he was enthusiastically singing, "We may not know if we'll make it or NOT! We've got each other and that's enough! Loooove....We'll give it a SHOT!  Oh! Living on a prayer. Take my hand, we'll follow God's plan. We'll make it I swear...." I can't remember the rest of the words he used, but he sang them over and over, never losing gusto. I'm guessing he learned the song from Lego Rock Band. I hope I can record it before he learns the actual words to the song.

I've heard that the third year of homeschool is when things start to come together. Although I still have a long ways to go to satisfy my idealistic self, things are getting easier and I am a lot more confident that the kids are getting a great education, a good social life and we have quality family time. All those nights of staying up until 3 in the morning are paying off. I'm hoping I only have a few more of those left. It's not fun, but it is so nice to see progress and enjoy the accomplishments.

Our school room is the most put together room in the house. I suppose that is fitting since we spent the most time there. Today I wrapped an old cork board in fabric and hung it on the wall. It looks like modern art! I wish I could do more things to decorate our home. Patience, all those projects and dreams in my head will happen...someday. :)

When we first got our pumpkins Eliza insisted on carrying hers around all day. She excitedly called "pumpkin" every time we left the house and she saw them after they were carves and we required that the toting around habit be stopped. Since the Trunk-or-Treat she carries around her bag of candy all day. She doesn't constantly eat it so I've been allowing it. I have hateful relationship with Halloween candy. I used to monitor the consumption of it but now I say the sooner it is out of the house the better. I'll just make sure every one's teeth are getting brushed good.

Eliza was pleasantly amazed every time someone knew she was Little Red Ridding Hood. At one place there was a little pavilion set up instead of a trunk. It was kind of scary for her to go inside especially with the witches in there. When they tried to give her a "poisoned" apple, she refused to take it. I took it instead and put it in her basket. She promptly tipped it out onto the ground. I had to put it in my coat pocket. She didn't want to be anywhere near it. I think there's an object lesson in that. If only I could keep away from that poisoned chocolate. Later that night I heard her talking about that poisoned apple. She totally thought it was real. She is such a cutie.

Merian's first day of home school is November 1st - next Tuesday. I've been getting things ready. I've been so excited to have her home. Just a little bit anxious.

Tonight we ate dinner on the family room floor and then played a game and watched a movie. It was so much fun I want to do it every week. At least until we get new carpet.

Chill Out!

The article I got this picture from (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700096950/Life-goes-on-Relax-and-just-go-with-it.html) asked if you would grab the camera or grab the child.

The lesson is not to sweat the small stuff.

Rose Kennedy said she believed the broken arm a child might get from climbing a tree was not as great as the broken spirit by keeping them from exploring.

This is what I need to do. Stop worrying and enjoy my kids. Have faith that if we do what is right, they are going to turn out great.

That, and I need to take more pictures.

Eliza has been very patient while I've been working at getting the kids into their new school schedule, however, I know she is feeling not having enough attention from her mom. Today I told her pretty soon I will be able to spend more time on her pre-school. She asked why I didn't just make the kids' school work easier. I asked her what she would suggest and she replied that I should let them paint all day.

She loves playing with play-dough and has been known to be occupied with that task for three hours at a time.

The other day, I can't remember what we were listening to, (maybe a conference talk?) that had big words that she couldn't understand. In frustration she asked, "what are they saying? Why are they talking in Spanish?"

She is so cute and I am glad the kids are finally getting settled into our new school routine so I can take time out and enjoy her.

I got to go to the pumpkin patch with Derek's kindergarten class. Norah loves pumpkins. She has been practicing and can say "pumpkin" pretty well now. She says it when ever she sees one and would like nothing better than to have me carry her around all day with her in one arm and her pumpkin in the other. I wonder what she is going to think when it comes time to carve them...

She did not like the hay ride. She tolerated the ride to the patch but did not want to get back on. That's when we started practicing the work pumpkin. She also learned how to say "corn" although she probably thought I was crazy pointing to those withering stalks and calling them corn. They look nothing like the frozen little yellow kernels she likes to snack on.

She also likes to say shoes. She likes to put them on and go outside. She will also bring me my shoes so I will go with her.

Although her words are still limited, she can definitely communicate. From Target's $1 section I bought Halloween and Fall plastic plates that have different sections in them. Earlier this week when I made Norah's lunch, I put a sandwich in one section, some carrots in one, and nuts in the other. (It's so strange that she likes and can eat nuts and carrots.  My other kids only had a few teeth by this age.) That left one section empty. She pointed at it, looked at me expectantly and grunted. She got half a graham cracker there.

Emma played the piano while Emma Baugh played the violin for Activity Day Recognition Night. She is doing very well in school and with her enrichment subjects afterwards.

Merian is so dependable. She has been getting her homework done early and I don't even have to tell her. I am looking forward to having her home, when ever that may be.

This is kind of weird, but after it happened Nathan commented it was a conversation to record.

I was snuggling with Derek the other night.  We just don't get enough of that now that he is in Kindergarten. He's always telling me I'm the best mom ever and how much he loves me. After the usual, he told me that after I died he would hug my bones. He must have sensed that wasn't a normal thing to say and tried to make it better. "I mean I'll hold your bones with a napkin." Hmmm....

Merian and I have been talking about the possibility of her being home schooled. It has always been the plan to start in fourth grade, so she'd be coming home next year, but I miss her! She wants to be home schooled too and I know she's a good worker and a responsible learner. She has friends and cousins at school and is doing well socially and academically, but mentions the hope of coming home when ever she can. Her best part of her day is always coming home. She hasn't complained about anything, although I know she really wants to be home schooled. I don't want her to think she has to complain in order to get what she wants.  Mainly, I just miss her and would love to have her home. We might have to move the rooms around again so that we can have a bigger school room...

I'm not a confident home school mom. I worry all the time if I'm doing enough for my children academically and socially. It's like some grand experiment and I won't know the results until too late. But I like what I see so far. My kids are learning. Not only are they learning the material, but they are learning how to teach themselves and focus on learning, not on merely making the grade. Emma always impresses me how she will work on math until she understands it, not just trying to learn quick tricks to pass the tests. Ultimately, the goal is for them to move from one subject to another without prodding, and they are getting pretty good at it, so they are learning self motivation and discipline. Megan is so good at it she always finishes her work before lunch and then has the afternoon to work on her talents and explore her interests. I wish she had more opportunities to be with kids her own age, and I curse PSD for not even reading our petitions for her to be involved in drama, but we're working on that. Michael has been putting forth a lot of effort since I told him about academic scholarships. :) Emma is also learning French, practicing the piano and doing other good things with her extra time.

Michael is thinking about playing basketball. I asked why he brought it up and he answered because I'm always talking about them needing to do things for enrichment (what they are supposed to be doing in the afternoon.)

I like that we are together. I look forward to this winter when we are done with our work being able to drink hot chocolate and read or watch a movie. I just always hope that I am enough for them all. That I am a good enough teacher and have enough left in me to be a nourishing mother. That I am still able to enjoy the little ones.

I'm getting too thoughtful.  Time to go write in my journal instead.

if at first you don't succeed...

Yesterday, I was impressed when reviewing Michael's literature answers.

"This is excellent, Michael!"

"I was thinking of you when I did it."

"Ah," feeling so special.

"I was thinking about how you would make me do it over again if I didn't do a good job."

Teaching has several components. I haven't been the best at following up and setting high standards in the past, but that has been one of my focuses this year. At first this was met with some resistance, but it is paying off!

Tonight Derek came to me with a pool inner tube around his waste and informed me he knew what he wanted to be for Halloween. With a smirk on his face he cried, "a hover craft! or maybe a bumper car..." Kindergarten is when they start to get so clever!

Emma was very excited to finally begin French today. She has been wearing her beret since I bought it for her over a week ago. She is also making me so happy by practicing the piano TWO days in a row with out being told!

Megan requested that Nathan and I start going on dates and for me to buy Mac 'n' Cheese, frozen pizza and other quick things so that she can teach Emma how to babysit. We never buy that stuff and I remember when Megan turned 12 how I had to teach her so she would be ready. I know I don't have to say it; it's just a fact. She's awesome.

I was reading about when Derek would talk about America all the time and it reminded me if when we were at the state DI tournament Derek was separated from us.  If your going to lose a kids do it at Disneyland or a DI tournament. All the people there are awesome. The lady that helped him reported to us that he knew his name, his parents' names and he told her he was from America.

I didn't post about DI. Both Megan and Emma's team got to go to state.  Emma's won third there. That was perfect for me because then they wouldn't have to go to nationals. Mike and his partner Jonathan did an amazing job at regionals and were awarded the "Spirit of DI award." I am proud to have been there coach.

Emma and Mike are going to be on the same team this year! Yeah! Not as much running around!

First day - pictures to come -

On the first day, Derek walked through the door of his kindergarten class and then back out to tell me the kids there were too big for him. Then after I reassured him it was fine, he walked back in, only to walk back out again. This time I held his hand and walked with him through that door and to his desk. He had been so excited and confident, but at the last minute a wave of being unsure hit him. I explained to him that his teacher was a very nice lady who would take care of him. I had to do the same today when he had a substitute. He is so sweet. I'm impressed with how he is paying attention to what is going on around him so he is always doing the right thing and informing me of important events. He even remembered to wear red on spirit day without me telling him to. He wants hot lunch next time it is his class's turn to stay at school and has commented that one of his teachers must be a builder because she comes in wearing a construction shirt. (The para-eds wear orange vests while on recess or cross-walk duty. :) ) I miss that guy when he is gone, but he is doing so well and tomorrow, (I guess it's actually today) he gets to stay home with me! I'll have to be sure to spend time with him even though there is so much to do with home school. I've been so busy but I know this is the time he needs extra hugs and reassurance that even though he is growing up he will always be my little boy. He also needs extra sleep! School can take a lot out of a little guy, especially when he is staying up late pondering such deep thoughts about his new academic life. The other day Lizzy kept saying she was older than him and he just didn't know what to do!

Derek's experience was so different from when I dropped the other kids off.  Before, I was always the hesitant one, while they were full of excitement that comes with the first taste of independence. It's hard to leave either way.

Eliza is enjoying the extra attention of being the oldest preschooler at home. I'm looking forward to doing more preschool activities with her when the home school stuff settles down. She loves doing preschool and I am ecstatic that my mom has agreed to teach her and Marcus once a week. I know it will be the best part of her day and she will be looking forward to it all week.

Marian is in Brennan's class! We take the Lewis kids to school each morning.  Kenna has reported that she loves riding the "Ahpa Express". I love watching her and Marian talk as they walk off to their classrooms. Last year she would keep hugging me goodbye and I was never sure if she wanted me to stay or go. Now we skip the hug and may or may not forget to wave and say goodbye as she is too busy in her conversation when we part ways. Reportedly, her signature good behavior is earning her privileges. Of course, it's those quiet ones you've got to look out for. When I went to tuck in the girls a few nights ago, Eliza had a look of terror on her face when she asked me if Santa Clause was a good guy or a bad guy. When I questioned why she would asked, Marian volunteered with a little embarrassed giggle how she had sang her the bad part of the song.  And then, without reserve, she brought her arms up with her fingers curled and in a spooky voice sang, "he sees you when your sleeping, he knows when your awake." She is the most lovable, sweet, pure, interesting girl. Aunt Tallia picks her up from school this year and I miss how she would run with all her might and the bulldoze me over with a hug at the end of the day.

The home school kids are working hard. We are working to get things to run smoother this year, which means we have three computers (thanks Phil and Erin) and they are all connected to the internet (thanks Dad!) and they even are on a network so they can all use the printer. (That is if our printer would stop breaking. Probably time to get a new one, with wireless capabilities.  Why did I stay up so late figuring out how to set up a network?)

I am impressed with their good working attitudes.  Megan's classes didn't start until this week and she was beside herself! She wanted to get started! She was a lot happier today and wants more work. Today I learned when a word is a preposition or an adverb. Ex: "Derek walked through." through is an adverb. Think of it as adding to the verb: walked. "Derek walked through the door." Through is a preposition because it is part of the prepositional phrase: "through the door". Grammar was never a focus in public school when I went. I am so glad I am learning it now. When I began this post I kept thinking about grammar. It's getting too late!

Megan had dreamed about being involved in Drama at the high school just five minutes away from our house, but we are in the boundaries for a high school 15 minutes away. Home school is a huge time commitment so I went through all the hoops to try to get an exception. Since she was only going to be in one class I would have had to stay at the school, with the little kids in the car, hoping the other kids were doing okay with their work, while she was in class. It turns out the school she is supposed to go to doesn't even have a drama class and doesn't produce plays. The school district is still unbending, even though it would mean additional funding for them, a happy voter, and only cost a space in one class that has openings. I've tried everything.  Everyone at both schools are supportive.  It's ridiculous! I feel frustrated because they won't meet with us, won't talk with us on the phone, and from their responses, I don't even think they are reading my e-mails.  In my most recent e-mail I merely asked for advice for how to proceed next year. I even said, "may I please." I received a very curt reply that said, "I've already told you there is nothing I can do, leave me alone." Not really, but that is how I felt.  She didn't even read my e-mail. If our school district is too big and too busy to serve their constituents and do what is best for every child, maybe it is time to divide the district.  That would show them.  Then our whole neighborhood could go to the school down the street.  Note: I had no problem with sending Megan to the other school. It's my Alma Mater and I think it is a fine school.  They just don't offer the class or plays and I find it ridiculous that no one is listening or understanding us. Am I unable to communicate clearly? Hmm...maybe Megan shouldn't go to that school if writers like me are the product. :)

Megan has been a good sport through it all.  Ultimately, we decided to try again next year.  (Which the superintendent would have known if she had read my e-mail! Yes, I'm bitter!) She has a summer birthday and after visiting the high school and seeing the other freshman, I wasn't ready for her to go anyway. We are considering options like hiring a lawyer or taking her to another city for that class and plays.  I shake my head in disbelief knowing that we are paying taxes to our district and I will have to leave during the school day to drive her over a half an hour away when there is an amazing program down the street.  I know I sound like a silly mom but Megan's dream is to be a drama teacher. She has put on several productions with her cousins and neighbor kids. I want her to be able to be a part of a group in high school like I was in band.  Enough ranting.  All will work out. Oh, one more thing: students who want to take shop are allowed to transfer. The injustice of it all just makes me want to scream! Okay, now I'm dramatic.

I'll write more about Emma's and Michael's partnership activities later.

Meeting Derek's kindergarten teacher at open house was like meeting a princess at Disneyland.  We had to stand in a long ling to talk to her for only a minute, but it was worth it.  Her beautiful hair and smile and how she would stoop down to talk to the kids reminded me even more of the Disneyland characters.

When we met Marian's teacher she asked Marian only for her last name and then replied, "you must be Meredith, but I understand you like to go by Marian."  Her teacher had also sent a post card before open house.  

It is going to be an awesome year for those two.

Bananas for Bathtime

When we built our house I requested a big single sink instead of a divided one and I love it!  I've always hated cleaning the divider.  I know that is lazy, but it is just more to clean and it gets in the way.  A single sink is great to wash big pots and pans and I can even fit all the refrigerator drawers and shelves in it.  It's so easy to spray them off when it's time to clean the fridge.  But the best part about this sink is that it makes a great tub for my babies.

Because the bananas are on the counter near the sink, Norah spied them while taking a bath one day.  I gave into her request and now if there are ever bananas when she takes a bath she has to eat one in the tub.

The Strangest Things Happen Around Here

Emma likes to come up with new ensembles by piecing together articles from the dress up clothes. She usually comes up with some pretty cute ideas. Apparently, Norah brought her a scarf and wanted to wear it. This is what she came up with: (Norah was already in just a diaper.)

(I should edit Derek out - he's not going to like that look when he gets older.)
Norah thought it was pretty funny and paraded around the house, loving it when I got the camera out. Normally I'm a stickler when it comes to modesty, even when they are little, but it was so much fun to watch how excited she was about this.

Saturday, we were invited to a BBQ at some friends house but Norah had a miserable cold so I stayed home with her. Nathan and the kids had a great time, but I am so glad I stayed. Norah and I read books, sang songs, went outside and I pushed her in her swing. Then we came back in and I rocked her to sleep. It was so peaceful! I am thankful I had that special alone time. It has been almost 13 years since I've been able to just focus on and enjoy one baby!

Summer is winding down and I am gearing up for school. This will be our best year ever! Megan is practically independent with her school work and I'm trying to prepare things in hope that Michael and Emma can do the same. When ever I dreamed of homeschooling I would think of all the great projects we would do together. I know that works out for some people, but I just can't get it to work. I never have time to prepare as well as I would like and I get too stressed out with all the commotion. I wish I was a more gifted mother and could magically incorporate the little kids into the projects, because they really do want to be a part of it and I would love to include them. I also feel guilty a lot of the time if I'm spending too much time with the older kids. I feel like the little kids are being robbed of a mother, and truthfully, they should get first priority. So, now Megan is in high school, Emma and Michael are middle schoolers, I feel that they can be given more responsibility and be more self directed.

The other thing that is different than I imagined about homeschool is all the driving. I'm not going to lie. I thought one of the advantages of homeschooling would be to relive those days when I only had little kids at home and we could call it a pajama day and snuggle while we watched a movie or read books and then made cookies. But the problem with homeschooling is that you want to make sure that your kids get social and leadership opportunities. That requires a lot of driving. If there is one thing I don't like it is spending all my time in the car. The only thing I like less is making my little ones spend all their time in the car. I'm just going to need to put on some fun music and we can all sing together.

My dad always reminded me, "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." Nathan likes to say, "action conquers fear." So I'm preparing. The third year is supposed to be the best, right? It's going to be awesome.

Summer is busy! It has been so packed, in fact, that part of our family has missed church for the past two weeks. Part of that is because it has been a cold summer and swimming lessons in the morning don't help.

One day Derek informed my that he wasn't going swimming. Not for the rest of the summer. "I get very cold," he stated. "I am a warm blooded creature." It is true. He loves to swim, but he usually stays on top of the big blow up whale to keep him out of the water and in the warm sun. The image I have of him swimming is that of a huge chattering smile on his face and his skinny little body uncontrollable shaking. He specifically asked for me to buy him long sleeved shirts for school. I am going to go even further. I've already asked the Kindergarten teachers stationed in the portables to make sure it stays warm out there just in case that is where he is assigned, and plan on buying him a set of long underwear for every school day of the week.

In spite of his unfortunate thermal regulating condition, he stuck it out to the end of swim lessons and is enjoying the fact that he doesn't have to wear the life jacket any more. (It's probably warmer without it.)

He is excited about starting school and especially about his new back pack. I don't want to see my little boy go.

Eliza has requested no long sleeved shirts; she will not wear them. She loves to shop for clothes. Norah had just as much fun. I wish I could have captured a picture of her excitement as she chose a pink shirt or how she pointed her toes to try on new shoes. How helpful! I hope to be completely done with school clothes shopping this week. It is my goal to have next week be a great last week of summer.

Emma and Michael have already started math. Last year we started with one subject and added one a week until we were up to a full day. I liked how that worked and had planned on catching up on the subjects added later throughout the year, but it didn't happen and the end of the year was hectic. So we are starting a little bit earlier. Both Emma and Michael are doing well and it makes my heart soar to see their awesome brains working again. It feels good! "Quality" and "consistency," along with having them take more responsibility and be self directed are going to be my focus this year.

Megan and Michael were able to take part in our stake's Trek. I so wanted to go with them! I'm glad they had that experience. In preparation, our family read Fire of the Covenant each night. Even Derek and Eliza enjoyed it. Derek asked me if that story was real and how we know what happened. I told him the pioneers wrote in journals and asked if he would like to have a journal. In a light blue (his favorite color) I try to write down his words exactly as he dictates them to me and then he draws wonderfully detailed pictures. He is all about the details. I prompt him to tell me about the fun stuff that we are doing. Otherwise he wants to record, "we woke up, had breakfast and went to swimming lessons." He is so diligent he will bring the journal to me before breakfast so that I can write that!

Today Megan, Terzah, Emma, Kenna and Merian went to see Harry Potter. The younger girls dressed up like Gryffindor students and looked quite quaint. I think I'm going to institute a uniform policy in my home school. They are adorable and impressive in that look.

Merian and Derek are going to be heading off for school. What will I do without them telling me I'm the best mom ever and their snuggles? I love summer. Let's move to Hawaii.

On the other hand I am organizing recipes for the fall. MMMmmmm....

Strange Happenings

Eliza and Norah like frozen peas and corn. They request it for snack and object if I try to warm it up. Maybe I should try it; I like to freeze my grapes...

Norah is the only one of my children with an outie belly button. (If you don't count Derek, who had one when he was a baby and cried really hard. When it would stick out it looked like a pencil eraser.) Her belly button is quite prominent. (I hope this isn't embarrassing you, future Norah.) My grandma said that they used to tape a quarter to babies tummies to get them to go down. If there is any truth to that method of correction, Norah doesn't have a chance because she loves to pinch her belly button as she walks around.

Derek goes to bed with Michael every night. Mike is such a sweet big brother and tells him stories to get him to go to sleep. Then Mike will move to the top bunk to have more room. (Michael reports that Derek likes to spread out and snuggle when he sleeps.) Sometime during the night Derek wakes up and notices Michael is missing so he moves to the top bunk too!

It is summer time again and I couldn't be happier. The best part about being a mom is going to the park, pool, movies, chilling in an air conditioned house, reading books with the kids, and more. I feel guilty that I get to enjoy this and Nate has to go to work. Will we do all the summer school stuff we planned? I'm starting to lose my resolve. I'm wondering if it would be more important to enjoy each other not in a school setting and have a fresh start in the fall. But if I keep it fun...maybe we'll just start after our camping trip to Rainier.

Norah loves going places, but especially to church. She laughs when I start to put her dress on and holds up her feet for her shoes. She sings during the songs. One Sunday I wasn't feeling well and decided not to go after we had already gotten ready. She cried when everyone left without her and me.

When I pick up Merian from school she runs from her classroom and almost knocks me over with her hug. I love to see her smile. When I used to pick up Emma I recognized her by the bounce in her step and I loved how she would tell me all about her day. Picking up the kids from school is the best part of my day.

You Will Obey Me

One day Norah decided to raise her arms in the air. To be good sports, we followed her. That game lasted for more than half an hour and has continued sporadically for more than a month. A few Sundays ago after we sat down at church she looked at the rows behind us an expectantly threw up her arms. Sorry babe, it's not going to happen.

Momisms

When I was little my mom told me that her dad liked to say, "Don't be a jerk; get to work," or, "Don't be a fool; get to school." I've come up with a few of my own and every time I use them I think of my Grandpa Harris.

• Don't be a slob; finish the job.
• You're not a snail; don't leave a trail.
• Get the work done so you have time for fun.
• I'll have to add more as I remember them. My kids tell me I have too many slogans.

I also have some that don't rhyme:

• Don't follow the leader if the leader's going the wrong way.
• Do the right thing, at the right time, in the place, in the right way.
• Work hard, play hard.
• I can do hard things.
• I'll have to add more here later. Gotta go help Derek get his shoes out of Ahpa.

Yesterday when I was in the school room with the older kids Eliza rushed in.

"Mom! Our house is, is, is (searching for the right word) a dump."

It turns out Derek was destroying Styrofoam packaging and making a huge mess - one of Nate's less favorite things. Recently I've been asking Derek and Eliza if they want to live in a palace or a dump to motivate them to pick up after themselves. I guess it is working and it was so cute to hear her say.

Just in case anyone out there reads this blog I want to do my part to spread the word. Nate, Philip, Michael and Chris Baugh made a rifftrax to this movie. It's like MST3k.

So if you're interested in a cheap, at-home date night: pop some popcorn, grab a pack of root beer, and settle down with Ominous Project's version of "10,000 BC."

Info: In ages past the world was a hostile place where mankind eked out an existence in constant fear of giant birds and monstrous shag-carpet elephants. But among these troglodytes arose a man whose destiny would lead him to unite the various tribes, tame the hordes of furry beasts, and establish a new way of life among his people. That man was Jim Henson, and this unfortunately is not his story. Instead, Ominous Projects invites you to join us for a commentary that makes watching 10,000 BC marginally less painful.

I copied this from Carrie's blog (thanks Care!)

Norah has been starting to say words. For some reason her first was dog. Nate was reading a book to Eliza while he was holding Norah and she pointed to a picture of a dog and said it. She has also said Megan, Emma, Merian and very clearly: Mike.

She loves playing pat-a-cake. She's a happy happy girl and very independent.

Derek's Thoughts

"Was I born on my birthday? Sometimes people are born on their birthdays."

"Is Nephi still alive?"

"No, Derek, he died a long time ago."

"But he came to our church after Christmas." (He was remembering when Bishop Pierce came as Nephi and talked to the kids at a primary activity. We had a great discussion about Nephi's story after that.)

With the kids getting older and involved in more activities, we decided to move scripture study to morning. When someone was complaining about getting up early, Michael told them to trust Mom and Dad. How awesome is that? He is excited about giving his first talk in Sacrament meeting this week. Coincidently, Uncle Mike is also speaking. Michael has also been enjoying going on Scout camp outs.

Eliza has Pinkalicious memorized. I need to record her "reading" it. She loves pre-school. She loves going to her locker and getting out her work books. She is so cute!

Derek is doing well in math. He teaches himself! The other day he found out that if he entered in math problems into Google, it would compute them for him.

Merian is quite the climber. We were impressed when she was four and could quickly climb to the top of the rope in the Tarzan Tree House at Disneyland. This week she climbed to the top of the rope at school. She said everyone was chanting her name and after P.E. she heard people in line talking about it. She is such a fun, cute, exciting, loving little girl. I'm happy for her talent and wish we had a rope for her to climb at home since she thinks it is so fun!

Merian is always ready for school on time with out me reminding her to get her stuff done. This week she has asked to make her own lunches! She is very responsible when it comes to doing her homework and getting ready for school on time without being told. I know she is always striving to do her best.

She wants to go on an adventure like the Box Car Children. When it gets a little bit warmer, we'll have to see what we can do about that.

To have the self image of a three year old. Two of the things Eliza said this week were: "I love being cute," and "I was cute in the bathtub."

I like our new laundry system. I do one person's laundry per day plus a tub of something else. Then they help me fold and put the laundry away. Since I don't want to miss out on that one on one time I don't often have a pile of laundry in my hallway. But I've been behind since we went to the lodge so there are three loads there now. When I went to check on Derek tonight he wasn't in his bed. I couldn't find him anywhere! Finally he popped out of the laundry. I must have walked past and over him at least three times. I can't believe he stayed so still and quiet. If he had waited any longer to reveal himself I would have found him when I started folding!

Eliza gets her pj's on when ever it gets dark, so that's been before dinner. It's so cute. If she forgets, it's so easy to get her ready for bed because I just show her it's dark outside and she hops upstairs. I hope we don't have problems with that in the summer.

"Derek, I'm your mom, your supposed to respect me!"

"What does respect mean"

"It means when I ask you to stop doing something, you stop, not keep doing it and smile at me."

"I have a nice smile."

......

Every time I asked Eliza what she wanted for Christmas she answered snowflakes and snow and that she would put them outside to share.

Eliza had her first time in Sumbeams today. She did a good job sitting in her seat and didn't cry even though there was a lot of that going on around her and a few times she looked like she wanted to. She is very brave at getting through things - like going to the dentist. She has great teachers. It's going to be an awesome year for her.

Norah is crawling with her knees now, not just scooting and she is pulling herself up. She loves to laugh and to get attention from the kids. She will now eat baby food not just junk she finds on the floor!

Nathan took Megan, Michael and Emma skiing while we were at his parents cabin at Schweitzer. It was Emma's first time but she caught on really quick and they all had a good time. I wish we could take them out more often!