Weekly Wrap Up No. 2, 2013

These are the best days of our life.  I record them here so that I can remember them.

Mom's new house to be!  

Monday, the 7th...

Lessons are the main priority today.  Laundry is a strong second.  I didn't do much laundry over the weekend, so "Mount Washmore" grew quite a bit.  I am excited to report that our good health has almost returned.  I am a bit tired and still congested.  Ryan and Grace cough once in awhile.  I made a big meatloaf over the weekend and so we will finish it off tonight.  That makes my day a little easier.  We also worked on the living areas after lessons today.  The carpet got a nice sweeping.

The big news of the day is that Ryan got to build his new computer.  All the parts arrived, and he went to work.  It didn't take very long, and he made it look so easy.  Now it is working and he is enjoying his efforts.

She's getting more friendly!  

Tuesday, the 8th...

The sunshine is so welcome today.  We are joining a new homeschool gym class today.  Several good friends are already attenders, so we will be sure to enjoy our outing.  I am thankful for this opportunity.  A small church has offered this structured, free class for the last several years.  We get our lessons done before and after the class.  In the afternoon, I put two big chickens in the oven to roast.  I've got a new cooking system here.  One week, I make a HUGE pot of chili, which we eat on for a couple days.  The next week I roast two chickens.  The first night we eat roasted chicken.  The next day I make a HUGE pot of chicken and rice soup for lunch and dinner.  There is usually chicken left for another meal, too.  By switching up chili and chicken, my family doesn't seem to get tired of either.  I also bought a bag of mixed beans to make more soup this weekend.  Winter is for soup!

Dorothy's portrait in progress.  

Wednesday, the 9th...

Today is the busiest day of the week.  Lessons are going well.  Ryan is about to finish Algebra 1.  He is really enjoying math, Latin, history, and writing this year.  The other two and I are chugging along in our Sonlight readers, loving every moment.  Great Expectations can be a challenge.  Sometimes I am reading aloud and don't know what I even just said!  It takes a little thinking at times, but it is so good. Art class resumed today.  I really love Grace's art teacher.  She started a new project today, as well.

AWANA was not too difficult.  It is a denial of the flesh for me, as my flesh would rather be at home at all times!  My girls make it worth it.  

Building in the kitchen.  

Thursday, the 10th...

The clouds are here, but it's still warmer than usual.  I find that I am less congested and less tired.  The kids are all well, too.  Now we just try to prevent the next attack!  Today, we stayed home and got a lot of school work done.  Then we put away all the things that find their way into our living spaces.  I made two loaves of herb bread.  My,  we can eat a whole loaf in one meal!  The kids went back to karate tonight.  Jeff and I went to Costco.


Friday, the 11th...

We finished our lessons for the week, then we dusted, swept, and cleaned everything in sight.  Tonight is small group here at the house.  It will be a blessing to meet with our friends for prayer and Bible study.

This weekend, we'll do a little more helping my parent's pack, as they close on their house in a few weeks.  We also have church, Sunday school, choir, and youth group on Sunday.

Have a great weekend!
Jenn

January Thaw

We're in the middle of a January Thaw, and I could not be happier!  It's in the 40's with sunshine today.  I put my down jacket away and went outside in only fleece.  It's supposed to get even warmer this weekend, although we'll have rain with it. Maybe it will be dry enough to play a quick round of disc golf anyway.  The birds are all singing, too.  They, more than even me, love this change in the weather.  We still have February, the coldest month of the year, to endure.  But, we're gaining in light and winter can't last forever.  Hooray! 

Weekly Wrap Up, 2013, No. 1

The start of a new year!  

Finally well enough to enjoy the snow.

Monday, the 31st...
Not the New Year's Eve I had hoped for.  I'm still sick, still on the couch.  Jeff had to work, too.  Ryan went to a big new car show with his granddad. The kids and I did our best laying low.  They've been so helpful.  Grace made tonight's pizza from scratch.  The dishes have been kept up.  Laundry, too.  We allowed the kids to stay up until midnight.  Jeff and I turned in around 10:30.  I awoke at midnight to fireworks and squeals of delight.  I realized they have never stayed up and didn't know about the fireworks that our neighbors always shoot off. 

Such a good dad. 

Tuesday, the 1st...
It truly is a happy new year with Jeff home!  Grace made us wholegrain blueberry muffins for breakfast.  I'm still sick, but now feel like living again.  I'm thankful for all the mercies of the past year, and praying for more this year!  Food was simple today, again.  Leftovers are king when mom is sick. Jeff made us an incredible quiche out of leftover pie dough saved from Christmas and leftover roasted chicken.  I must be feeling better since food is sounding yummy again.  One other fun thing to include about today.. Jeff took the kids sledding! 

Her favorite spot for a nap these days. 

Wednesday, the 2nd...
Jeff was back to his office today.  It felt like a second Monday.  I managed to drag myself out of bed to make him breakfast.  Thankfully he got the coffee maker all set up last night.  The kids asked to be awakened at 7:30 this morning so that they could watch PBS.  I debated about making us do lessons, but really, I needed one more sick day.  Today's weather was a surprise to me, as it was 9 degrees  when I got up, coldest day since February 2011.  Dinner was homemade marinara over pasta with steamed broccoli. 

Thursday, the 3rd...
It was easier to get up this morning.  We happily attacked our school books, too.  We decided we'd try to get a full day of lessons done.  It always feels good to be back in our books after such an indulgent period of time.  I pushed myself a little more today.  We made pumpkin muffins and decided to have breakfast for dinner.  In the evening we celebrated a special birthday of our little friend.  She's now six!  Amazing! 

Hooray for snow! 

Friday, the 4th...
More lessons, then was off to see Mom's new home. (I'll post a picture soon.) Today is the inspection.  I'm thrilled for them.  God is so faithful.  Tonight is a lock-in at church for Grace.  Otherwise we'll be snug inside enjoying a quiet evening.  The weekend will be spent putting away the rest of Christmas.  Might even get the sweeper out!  Shocking, I know. 

Week 51

I owe us a weekly wrap up, although, there is not a lot to say about after Christmas.  Christmas was spent quietly as a family due to illness.  Grace had cold symptoms a few days before Christmas, Ryan had a fever Christmas Eve and day.  Trevor had a fever the day after and I got it the next day!  We have all been struggling with some form of a virus ever since.

Snow was the other excitement.  We had blizzard conditions the day after Christmas.  Jeff went into the office Christmas day to get some things to work on at home during the storm. 

We ended up with 7.5 inches.  Poor Jeff was the only one not sick, so he had two drives to shovel.  The kids were hired to keep a neighbor's drive clear while they are in FL until April.  It took him more than four hours, the snow being so wet and heavy.  I felt so bad when he had to shovel again on Saturday after we got a few more inches.  But, this time, he did three driveways!  The widow who lives next door to the other neighbor saw him out shoveling and asked if he'd do hers!  She let him use her snow blower and set up a deal to use it this winter if he will do her drive,too!  

Anyway, that has been our excitement around here. I was in bed all weekend feeling the affects of this virus.  Today I will direct home life from the couch.  I am thankful that Ryan and Grace are well except for lingering bad coughs.  Ryan is going to a new car show with his granddad.  We'll have a quiet new year's eve, as we cannot join our friends with our germs still hanging on.  I am quite disappointed.  But, thankful for my life, my family and friends.

May you have a happy new year!
Jenn


*By the way, I wrote this post with one finger via my tablet,so there are bound to be errors!  

This Week At Home, Week 50!

Monday..

Today we were blessed to spend time with Grandpa!  Unfortunately, Grandpa and Grandma are in the process of moving to Texas, so it might be awhile before we see them again.

We love you, Grandpa!

Tuesday...

Today we made the most of our lesson time.  We were a little short on time yesterday, but for a very good reason!  Great Expectations continues to capture our attention.  I'm convicted by my own struggle with contentment, as is Pip!

Wednesday...

Grace had her last art class of the year and finished the above project.  While she was there, I had coffee with a dear friend.  Then Grace and I went and bought some bread before heading home to get ready for the evening's festivities.  

Tonight is the last AWANA for 2 weeks!  A storm, a big one for us, is coming tomorrow, so, Jeff and Trevor go get all our groceries while the rest of us are at church.  Thank you, Darling!

The fruit we eat in one week, not including frozen. 

Thursday...

The wind and snow came late. after a day of heavy rain.  I am wondering how much we still need to be considered out of the drought.  Anyway, because Jeff had gone to the store last night, today was a blessed day at home.  We finished up our lessons, all but Ryan.  He just has a biology test to do with me tomorrow. 

Hot cocoa after shoveling! 

Friday...

Tonight is our small group Christmas party, here.  We're having ham, sweet potatoes, rolls, salad, and a friend is bringing dessert.  The house is in pretty good shape, just needs the finishing touches that I dare not do a day ahead or I have to do them again. 

The kids went out to shovel our neighbor's driveway.  They contracted to do it every time it snows.  It's a win-win! 



Weekending...

Tomorrow is our Christmas with Jeff's mom and brother.  Sunday we are going to bake some cookies, just a few.  And then Christmas Eve and Christmas will finally be here!  More about that next week. 

This Week At Home, 2012, Week 49

Little notes written to remember each precious day... 

Monday...

Today we are at home, which is always my favorite way to spend the day.  I am reading Great Expectations aloud to the children.  I cannot say enough about this book!  I love Charles Dickens, although a tad melancholy.  Can one be just a tad melancholy?  Anyway, I am reading this book with a new set of eyes.  When I read a couple of his books a couple years ago, I  did not pick up on the themes as I am now.  He really was a brilliant writer. 

I made a list in my paper journal of things that I was grateful for today:

• A day at home
• A happy, healthily family
• Our sweet, entertaining kitty
• Helpful teenagers
• Old songs that help me remember special times long ago 

Tuesday...

I told the youngest two that if they kept their rooms tidy over the weekend, which is hard for them, that I'd invited their friends over to play today. Thankfully, the friends were able to come.  We baked them brownies, too.  This was also the first day of sunshine in quite a few days.  I so love sunshine.  I depend on it!

Unfortunately, Trevor started having cold symptoms in the evening.  I started pumping him full of vitamin C.  

Wednesday...

Trevor and Ryan are both sick with mild colds.  Trevor spent the day on the couch.  Ryan was able to do his school work, but decided to stay home from his small group tonight.  I took Grace to art class, met with a friend during class, and then Grace and I picked up some cold medicine and cough drops on the way home.  Otherwise, the day was lovely and sunny, again.  

Tonight was the AWANA Christmas party.  We had a great quantity of food, song, and still had time to work on our memory verses. 

Thursday...

The boys seemed better today. They both did their work and both went to their regular evening activities.  Trevor had choir rehearsal along with Karate for both boys.  Grace stayed home with me and we indulged in a little Charles Dickens on TV.  We started the 6 hour movie, Little Dorrit.   I also made a batch of peanut butter cookies with those chocolate candies on top.  I made some to give away and a little for us to eat tomorrow when we watch another Christmas movie. 

Ryan cleaned his room! 

Friday...

I woke with a renewed interest in our lessons and helped the kids to finish the week strong despite their infirmities.   We did a little tidy up of the house as well.  And then, we learned of the terrible tragedy in Connecticut and I sort of lost my steam.  There is nothing anyone can say that can make any sense of that situation, so I just pray and pray and pray. 

We did watch It's A Wonderful Life after dinner.  I am thankful for my life and these beautiful children entrusted to me. 


Weekending...

Thankfully, today, Saturday is a quieter day. Jeff and I did a little shopping in the morning and are working on little projects around the house now.  Tomorrow is a big day for Trevor.  He and Jeff have to be at church at 6:30 in the morning , as Trevor's choir sings in all three services.  If the weather improves, as it is now cloudy and rainy, Jeff and I may try to play a round of disc golf in the afternoon.  He got a new bag to carry his discs in and he is eager to try it out. 

Have a wonderful weekend. 
Jenn

This Week At Home, 2010, No. 48

Little notes written to remember each precious day!  

First, let me fill you in on our weekend past...

Saturday, we went to visit Grandpa and Grandma.  They gave us their lawn mower!  (((Thank you!!!))) 

 
Then on Sunday after church, we had the most delightful visit with more grandparents and a enjoyed delicious brunch.  Trevor also had choir rehearsal Sunday evening.  What a full weekend! 

Family!  

Number one son. 

Monday...

For a Monday, we did pretty well today.  We got right to our lessons.  We also worked on the usual chores:  laundry, dishes, and trying to remember to put things away when we were done with them. (I say "we", but you know who I mean, the children! ) Tonight is our only night at home all together.  It was nice to have a quiet evening.  Until I did this to my toe!!!  I jammed my toe into a chair that I didn't see. 

Tuesday...

My toe, it's pretty sore.  I don't know if it is broken, not that anything could be done anyway.  Otherwise, we got all our work done today.  The kids pitched in and helped me with chores so I didn't have to run around as much.  Tonight is my bunco group.  We are having our Christmas gift exchange. Thankfully, I can wear shoes!

Dorothy got an early Christmas present. 

Wednesday...

Our busy, busy day is here!  Lessons, chores, art class, visiting with a dear friend, and AWANA.  Not much else to report on this day.  My toe is the only challenge.  It's still sore, but OK as long as I don't bend it. Unfortunately, I bend it during the night and it wakes me up in pain!!   AWANA wasn't too bad, either. Next week is the big party for the kids.  That will be exciting. 

The Grand Master and Trevor

Thursday...

After lessons, Grace and I headed out the door to get our weekly groceries, but first, I took her to lunch as a big treat.  She's been working so hard to be a godly girl and I wanted to encourage her with a little extra treat. Getting through two stores this time of the year is a little challenging.  Seems there are a lot more people out there, even early in the day.  We got back and put things away.  Tonight was the big karate tournament.  The guys went.  Grace and I stayed in our cozy home enjoying more together time.  Neither of the boys placed, but a good time was had.  

Lunch with my best girl. 

Friday...

Today, our mission was to get the house ready for our small group meeting tonight, after we finished up our lessons.  Grace had a math test.  Trevor had some reading to do.  Ryan had biology and language arts to finish.  I had records to attend to.  This week, I was not the best at recording our work.   After those things were done, we worked on putting things in their places.  We tried to do it as we went this week, but we got a little sloppy towards the end of the week.  After lunch, we dusted, swept, vacuumed, mopped, and cleaned.  I also made a batch of hummus for tonight, along with some iced tea.  We'll have pumpkin cake, too, homemade of course, but not by me.  It's what is left of the one Grace and my mom made for Thanksgiving.  We've been so good and left it alone in the freezer! 

Church

Weekending ...

We have our church's Christmas musical and Jeff's work party to attend.  Between those events, we'll finish our Christmas shopping and maybe have a little down time.  It will be rainy all weekend, so we won't be going to play disc golf. 

I hope you have a great weekend and as always, thanks for reading. 
Jenn