This Week At Home, Number 28

Certainly one of the highlights of our week was visiting Grandma, who is "pleasantly confused" on a good day.

We went swimming.  We spent a lot of time trying to keep cool.  We went grocery shopping.  We got the "Learning Room" all organized and ready to go.  We went to archery two times in the hot sun.  We read.  We built Lego creations.  We visited friends.  We watched Voyager episodes from 1995.  We hung out the laundry.  We watched our cucumbers grow.  We did a little bit of cleaning up.  I'd say we had a very good week.  And now it is time to savor the last couple days of freedom!

Have a great weekend, every body! 
~Jenn

Back to School Plans

It's the hottest time of the year, so we're on our way to swim, making a detour along the way to drop off library books that are due.  That's when the kids start asking me about starting school.  "When is our first day of school?"  "When do the public school kids start?"  One says, "I want to start now!"  Another says, "I want to start in a week!"  And there I am trying to dodge construction flags and barricades while this discussion is heating up, not saying much in reply.  

Truth is, physically, I am ready to start school.  I have all the books.  The "learning room" (aka the living room) is ready to go.  I've been "nesting" this week, getting things purged and tidy.  But am I ready mentally?  I don't know.  Once this ball gets in motion there is no turning back.  I love the freedom of summer.  I know I don't have to give it up quite yet.  But, they are eager to get going, and that counts for something!
 

So, get going I will do!  I think we will start on Monday.  Probably only get 3 days a week for awhile, but that is OK because we will be working towards the required 180.  And, the kids can be done earlier this spring.  That is what is driving them right now.  They want to get going so that they can finish!  I'm thinking,"Hey, why not just enjoy the here and now?"  lol.

We still have some summer to enjoy, with camping, family visits, swimming and more.  The in between times will be more structured with lessons.  Perhaps the kids are just ready to get back to the familiar routines and the beautiful books waiting for us.  And, hopefully, we won't burn out by October!

***I have updated our homeschool page, if you want to see what books we are using.  

(Pictures from archery class this week.  See how hot and dry it is?  No relief in sight.)

Our "Lake" Vacation

We arrived in NW Indiana on one of the hottest days in 5 years. The temperature on the van said 102F at one point. What were we thinking? Well, we made these reservations 6 months ago when it was freezing cold, for one thing. The other driving factor was that our little girl was turning 12 the next day and has always wanted to go to the American Girl store in Chicago, so going we were!

Beautiful Lake Michigan!   

Thankfully, the lake temperature was only in the 70's.  I remembered how it was 45 our first trip this season.  I passed on a lake dip that trip.  This time it was perfect and we went swimming twice.

Our big plan of the trip was to go to Chicago via the South Shore electric commuter train on Grace's 12th birthday.  We had made the trip once before when the kids were small.  I love the fact that kids ride free during non-rush hour times.  And the train station is just a short one mile walk to Water Tower Place, the home of American Girl and Lego! 

Waiting for the train to Chicago. 

The mile walk was not so bad considering the heat, humidity, and the warnings not to do anything exerting outside, which went unheeded.  I wondered if that was wise.  Thankfully, we have all been exercising this summer on a regular basis and the walk was wonderful.  I enjoyed all the downtown sights, including the extra touches along the way.

Pretty planters! 

We arrived at our destination easily enough.  Then we had to deal with the overwhelming "what to do next."  That store was sensory overload!  Grace quickly overcame that and we devoured the whole scene in about 2 hours.  She even got her doll's hair done.  And thanks to generous grandparents, she bought some lovely clothes for her dolls too. 

Our American Girl! 

The boys, well, they were bored, but hung in there.  They did make a stop at the temporary Lego store set up until the new larger store opens. 

Grandma, Trevor, and Woody at the Lego store.

All that shopping and walking left us super hungry, so we walked to our favorite stuffed pizza place and made pigs of ourselves. 

Giordanos Famous Pizza! 

The walk back to the train seemed a lot quicker.  I wonder why that always is?  Anyway, I want to come back and take a river cruise one day.  I took one when I was a child once.  I remember it was a great time. 

Walking along Michigan Ave. 

The next day, we took an hour long naturalist led hike through the dunes discovering what not to eat.  The naturalist showed us many plants and of course, I've forgotten them all.  My motto is just don't eat anything! 

Nature hike at IN Dunes State Park

It started to rain after the hike, so after lunch we headed to a couple museums in nearby towns that we wanted to see.  I just love touring old, old houses. 

Brown Mansion tour in Chesterton, IN

There is a small art museum at Valparaiso University that has a painting of the dunes that my husband wanted to see.  The modern art cracked us up.  They had some creative offerings that left us wondering. 

The Chapel at Valparaiso University

That night, we got some bad storms that kept us awake much of the night, so we decided to come home on Saturday, a day early.  That turned out to be wise because it stormed again Saturday night and we would have been packing up in rain on Sunday as well.  Coming home early was a blessing because we had an extra day to get back to real life and we got to be at our home church, too.

Wind farm in White County, IN on way home.

Thanks for stopping by to see our vacation pictures!
Jenn

We're back!

Chicago River

We're back and exhausted, so this will be short and sweet.  Despite record heat, thunder storms, and calling it a day early, we had a great time.  More to come soon. 
Jenn

Happy Birthday Grace, a bit early!

Some of you dear people have been following my humble blog for long enough to remember Grace when she was in the first grade.  Well, she is now about to turn 12 years old, going into the 6th grade.  She's a lovely young lady with a heart touched by the Lord.  (She is hope for all of you out there struggling with your children.  Don't give up!) 

This week, we gave her an early birthday party as we will be camping on her actual birthday and it was very important to her to celebrate with her Nana, Granddaddy and best buddies. We made her homemade pizza and went swimming in their pool.  Grace made her own cake, baking and decorating it all! 

VBS, This Week (Not) At Home!

No pictures.  Not much to say, either!  It was a great week and a hard week.  I am glad it is over, yet it was totally worthwhile.  Ever have weeks like that?  ~Jenn

How To Be Happy According to Benjamin Franklin

I really enjoy gleaning from the past.  I came across this list and thought I'd post them here as something to think about.   Although, Mr. Franklin did not always live up to his virtues, it is still valuable to have something to aim for.  I would do well to write my own personal list.  

Benjamin Franklin's Thirteen Virtues

Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

How To Be Happy

For the most part, I consider myself a happy person with many blessings.  I decided to write a little about how I achieve this state of being as a record perhaps for my children one day. 

1. Wake up every morning with a grateful heart.  Spend time in the Word of God.  Ask Him to help you navigate through your day in a way that pleases Him.  
2. Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes a day.  Even if you are not training for an Olympic sport, you will reap many benefits from this simple step.  You can be proud of yourself for one thing.  You will have more energy.  You will sleep better. 
3. Eat less, avoid sugar, regular or diet soda, and refined foods.  Be moderate.  
4. Purpose to work hard for the glory of God whatever you do.  No grumbling.  Look for ways to bless others.
5. Be the first to say you are sorry.  
6. Look people in the eyes when speaking to them.  Smile!  
7. Go to bed at a decent hour.  Get up early enough to do #1 &#2 on this list.  Get up before your children.  
8. Do not spend money you do not have, EVER!!!  
9. Save for a rainy day, even if this means you have to say no to yourself now.  
10. Spend time marveling God's creation whenever you are able.  

**Bonus:  if you want to grow old gracefully, never stop moving,  reading / learning, and don't watch a lot of TV !  (From personal observation of my elders) 

This Week At Home, Number 26

In my life this week … I got all my laundry done in one day.  We don't have a lot to unpack as we took care when we packed to go home.  The camper is already packed and ready to go next time. 

We had plenty of time at home this week to just enjoy being home.  I love weeks like this.  I protected my time as best I could. 

My happy place. 

In our {summer} homeschool this week ... Trevor took a math placement test, doing very well.  He's going to skip 4th grade.  The other two continued to work on their math.  And reading is a big past time here, so more progress made there, too. 

I am starting to think of things I need to do soon, like organize the new school books, buy 3 ring binders, and get organized for our new year.  
 

My grandpa's geranium. 

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing...
the library, swimming with Nana, visiting friends, swimming with at a state park, visiting grandparents, helping set up VBS for next week. 

My favorite things this week were …

• Watching fledgling birds makes the list again.  They are just so comical.  
• Being home more than not.
• Having Jeff come home for lunches again this week. 
• Finding good books at the library.  
• Learning to borrow ebooks via the library.  This way I can read more current books and ver leave home!
• Coming home to my kitty who missed me.  

What’s working for us …

The green bean patch

Things I'm working on...
Making a peaceful home.  I read recently that having order around you creates order within you. 

I'm reading...
The Duggar's new book.  So far it is really great, but I won't be needing to buy it. 

I'm cooking...
Lots of grilled meats and veggies this week.  I made pumpkin muffins last week before we left.  This week I plan to bake some banana muffins. 

I'm grateful for...

• Libraries
• Children to nurture
• A home to tidy
• My washing machine
• Good health
• Ability to work
  

I’m praying for…  wisdom as I parent.

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

Grace's sunflower she raised from a seed. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit today.  Have a great weekend! 
This post is linked to Homeschool Mother's Journal.  
   

IDSP, Camping Trip #4

And let me just start off by saying that there are no hungry mosquitoes left at the lake thanks to my family donating so much of our blood this past weekend! 

Wild blueberries free for the picking!

Our haul!

Sneaking a peek!

Sunset on Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park

Good Monday morning to you, my friends!  I'll be busy with the laundry pile all day today. Just thought I'd check in with this beautiful picture of the lake to say hello and that I will be around when laundry is done and the last bag unpacked.  (Hopefully before we leave again in 2 weeks!) 
~Jenn

Ways I Am Saving Money

Happy Independence Day! 

I'm declaring independence from consumerism today! Here's how I did it this past week:

• Got a Kohl's 30% off coupon in the mail.  Asked myself,"What do we need?"  The answer was, "Nothing!"  So, I did not use it.  Probably saved $100!  That is usually what I spend when we get one of those 30% off deals.  
• Signed up for Direct TV with a DVR. Changed our 2 at a time Netflix to the monthly $5 plan with free unlimited instant streaming.  Waited a few days, decided to cancel the Direct TV order before they came out.  (Thankfully it was a couple weeks before they could work us in.) Now I am saving not only my children's brains, but we are ahead with the Netflix!  I feel brilliant!  (Sorry about ESPN, Honey.) **We did purchase a better quality digital antennae hoping to come out ahead in the end. 
• Swimming with friends at their neighborhood pool.  Free & get socialization for my homeschool kids, a bonus.  *wink*  
• My husband is working at a client's office this week and next.  It's only 10 minutes from our house.  He is saving money on gas!  Money we can use to buy gas going up north this weekend.  
• Reading my favorite magazines at the library this week saved me a little money and I don't have to feel guilty about magazines laying around.  
• Put the Duggar's new book on hold at the library and it is in!  I really fought the urge to buy this book sight unseen.  If it turns out to be a good one, I will add it to my wish list.  

So, how are you saving money this week?