Zachisms

This morning was the Primary's pancake breakfast. (Primary is the Sunday school for kids at our church). They said no families were invited to eat, just the students, so I left my two eldest for a good time (and a good time they had).

On the way there, I told Zachary, "Make sure Chayce gets some breakfast, sometimes she doesn't speak up, please watch out for her."

A few moments of silence pass and then (from Zachary), "Mom, you're leaving us there without you to train us for later, to train us for the day when we will be on our own."

(In my head) Oh, Zac, that's a long ways away, we have all the time in the world to get ready for that day. (Out loud) "Yes, I suppose this is good practice."

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Later in the day, after I had my hour of free time without the older two, I mentioned to Zac that I might be rethinking this homeschooling thing, that maybe signing up for the Montessori school wouldn't be such a bad idea...his reply?
"I will only go to school to learn if dad dies and you have to get a job to support us."
Yes, I suppose we have really instilled the positives of homeschooling into our son. ;) That's OK. And yes, I know what some of you are thinking, so here's the answer:

What About Socialization?
Home schoolers are often asked, “What about socialization?” The data on home school students’ activities and community involvement reveal that, on average, these children are engaged in 5.2 activities outside the home, with 98% involved in two or more. Activities ranging from scouts, dance class, and 4-H to sports, field trips, and volunteer work demonstrate that home schoolers interact with people of all ages, from all sorts of backgrounds, and in all types of social settings (Figure 14.0).

Faerie Houses and Child led meals

For St. Valentine's Day, Zachary planned a meal for us. It was a beautiful and simple meal, that we really enjoyed together. Plums, apples, pecans, almonds, cashews, dates, and strawberries. We were full and happy. Thanks, Zac.

This is our faerie house. Both children gathered sticks and items from the yard to glue to the can that I saved and cut into a frame. I wielded the hot glue gun, so no one got hurt. Chayce enjoys playing with it, and as soon as it gets warmer, we're going to take it and put it in the flower garden with some glass jewels. I'll post those photos as soon as I take them. Isn't childhood fun?

Zach wanted to be in a picture with the house. He also wants to furnish it with furniture he makes from our recycling bin. I had to discourage him a little, as the trash can he made out of an orange can was the same size as the house. Oops!

Stamp Sale! $1 Each.

Remember how I said I was cleaning out my house? Well, I went through my stamps, and decided I'm getting rid of all but my favorites that I use over and over. Don't worry, I still have plenty to make a card in a pinch!

I thought of giving them to my kids, but letting them stamp has always been such a mess in the past...I mean, past the mess of water-coloring, because I have to wash all of the stamps when they are done. Ug. Anyhow, below are the photos of each stamp. Price below it. Spread the word, these are great deals. In fact, wait, instead of the price below it, let's just say that each individual stamp is $1. No matter which one it is. The sets will sell for however many dollars there is stamps (so for example, the Halloween ones would be $3 for 3 stamps.) Leave a comment to claim them, first one to comment gets it.

You pay shipping, but I'll ship it as cheaply as possible, perhaps in an envelope, if I can find a sturdy one. If you live close, I'll drop it off and come visit you.

This one says "Best Wishes". Sorry for the fuzzy photos, I was in a hurry.

This one says, "Motherhood cracks me up."

Digging for fossils.

Home made "fossils" are fun, cheap, and easy.

1. Purchase (at the dollar store) those cheap plastic dinosaurs and lizards.
2. Make up a batch of salt dough.
3. Mix a cup full of dirt (from outside, don't buy dirt.) into the dough.
4. Wrap balls of dough mixture around each lizard/dinosaur.
5. Let dry.
6. Give them to the kids with a dull butter knife and tell them to find the animal inside.
   

Teached me, daddy

Yesterday I was using area of rectangles to motive learning multiplication with Zachary. When I done, Chayce said "teached me too, Daddy." Wow. That makes me smile.

What Are Little Boys Made Of?

Last night, after a nursery rhyme reading, Chayce said to me, "Mommy, what are little girls made of?" So of course, I reply, "Sugar and spice, and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of!"

She then asks, "Mommy, what are little boys made of?" I reply, "Snakes and snails and puppy dogs tails!" Zach overheard us, and said:

"No, Mom. We are all made of MEAT."

ELEVEN MONTHS?!?! Three and a half??!!

Posing for the camera!

Hi Mom!

Wrestling the girls, in a happy way.

Hey, whatcha doing?

How did this happen? I know, I know--one day at a time. But I mean, come ON. Does my little girl have to turn four this year? She's been letting me know it's coming. I don't know why she's so excited to get older. And the BABY. will. be. one. It's a weird feeling to know that your youngest (when you have three children) is no longer in the "so many months old" stage. Or won't be. I have one more month to say "eleven months" and then it's she's a year. A YEAR!
Whew. I wonder what year #2 of her life has in store for us.