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

This Week At Home, 2012, No. 47

Little notes written to remember each precious day! 

Living room tree and train.

Monday...

A sleepy start!  It was the Monday after a four day weekend, so I didn't expect much different. Thankfully, the early morning coffee kicked in and gave me the desire to be diligent.  Or maybe it was answer to prayers sent up in desperation?  Somehow, we managed to get back on track with our lessons, laundry, and chores. 

Tuesday...

Another blessed day at home to keep on top of lessons, laundry, dishes, and other chores.  Not much else to report.  It was a quiet day.

By Grace

Wednesday...

Our busy day!  Got our lessons done and then had an early lunch, as usual.  I dropped Grace off at art and the boys and I went to our friend's home.  She had some computer things for Ryan to do.  Trevor played with her 4 year old who is still at home.  I helped her go through a book case, trying to decide what to keep or toss.  We both have trouble in that area.  Books are like old friends.  Keep them around! 
We picked up Grace and then stopped to get a few items from the grocery store.  I made their favorite, BBQ chicken pizza for dinner.  Then it was off to church. 

BBQ chicken pizza

Thursday...

We enjoyed another good day of lessons.  Today we finished a great book, The Story of Mary Jones and her Bible.  I had read it last year, but never out loud to the kids.  It's such a great story of dedication to God's word.   You can read it for free on the link above.  It's worth the time! 

The afternoon was spent purging two closets.  Grace and Trevor tried on all their clothes, bless their hearts.  Now they are in need of replacements.  It's always the case! 

Off with you! 

Grace and I took over a big bag to Good Will, and found a few things for her.  What a blessing!  We have another 4 bags to give to friends with smaller kids.  I need to find friends with bigger kids than mine!  lol. 

In the evening, we took the kids to karate and then Jeff and I did our dash to two stores, Costco and Trader Joe's. 

Friday...

I awoke with a burst of energy and a long list in my mind!  First, we finished our lessons, mainly math and NaNoWriMo, which ends today.  Then we put things away, dusted, swept floors, and looked for more things to purge.  Grace and I also baked a double batch of pumpkin muffins, a single batch of granola bars, and a small pan of corn bread.  It all turned out rather well.  We'll eat right this weekend! 

Speaking of the weekend, we have plans to see lots of extended family.  (Yay!)  More on that next week. 

Until then,
Jenn

Contented cat and silly boy! 

This Week At Home, 2012, No. 46

Little notes written to remember each precious day!

What Grace does during read aloud time. 

Monday...

Must be diligent!  We need three good days of school this week.  We need to prepare the house for Thanksgiving, and we need to get provisions.  Those are my three goals for the week.  Thankfully, the house is in pretty good shape.  The drywall will be repaired on Wednesday, even.  We just need to keep things picked up.

Jeff and Grace put up our "new" to us Christmas tree last evening.  It was given away because the attached lights no longer worked.  Grace and Jeff cut off the lights and put on new ones.  The tree is so much nicer than our old one!  (Yes, this is putting it up early, but my husband is a big fan of Christmas, so we roll with it.)  Tonight the tree decorations will be put up.  I won't put up the other decorations until this weekend.

What Dorothy does during read alouds. 

Tuesday...

This will be my one day at home without distractions, therefore, the day I need to make the most of.  After lessons, we will clean, but save the dusting and sweeping for Thursday morning, since drywall will be installed tomorrow.  No use doing something twice.  I want to tackle some clutter spots, like the shelves in Ryan's room that I have for storing homeschool materials.  I'd like to use them for more short term storage.  There are plenty of things to get rid of.

I'm still reading my Abigail Adams biography.  I want to get her actual letters to read as well.  She seems like quite a spunky lady!  Speaking of spunky ladies, here's a recent picture of my beautiful 90 year old grandma and her baby doll. 

Grandma and baby, doing well. 

Wednesday...

Lots to do today!  We got our lessons done in the morning.  At noon, Jeff was off.  Woo, hoo!  It sure feels like the holiday spirit is kicking in!  The drywallers were supposed to come, but cancelled,  so we ended up going to play 18 holes of disc golf in the glorious sunshine! Grace went to Mom's to bake.  Granddad joined us at golf.  I put dough on for pizza before we left, as I knew we'd be tired and hungry when we got home.  And, we also are going to go to church this evening, so I need a quick meal at that!  Thankfully, the house is all ready for Thanksgiving.  It truly was a glorious day.  The weather is supposed to change tomorrow night.  It will be in the 30's this weekend!  This is "make hay while the sun shines" weather for certain!!!

Thursday...

We were blessed to host Thanksgiving again this year.  I am so thankful for my dear family who were present and missed those unable to join us.  We had the usual feast:  turkey, stuffing, rolls, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, salad, cranberries, green bean casserole, gravy, pies, and pumpkin cake.  The weather was again very nice.  It was still 60 and partly cloudy when our guests left, so we again rushed out to play nine holes of disc golf.  It was starting to get a little windy, so our game was off, but it was fun to do something active after so much food.  

Friday... 

The drywallers are here!  We spent the day decorating our house for Christmas.  We made room to put up a second tree between the living and dinning room areas.  We did a little online shopping.  We don't do Black Friday, mostly because we start shopping in September and by now we are almost done.  We did venture out to Costco to get our normal groceries in the later afternoon.  The traffic was light and the store not too crowded.  We watched White Christmas and sipped hot cocoa by the fire this evening.  It was truly a lovely evening. 

Trevor at grandparent's home. 

Saturday... 

We had a special cinnamon roll breakfast to start our family day.  I need to do a little cleaning up after the drywallers. (The painters will come this coming week, I imagine.)  Today, we are going to have a Wii game party amongst ourselves.  There are a few little errands to run on our way to pick up Trevor, who is spending the night with grandparents.  The weather is probably too cold and windy to play golf, but I would not rule it out if the sun comes out.  Tomorrow will be a usual Sunday with church, but no choir, just youth group in the evening, so that will be nice. 

Once again, I thank you for reading and wish you a very lovely rest of your weekend! 
Jenn

It Is a Gift of God

Our church's children's choir, New Creation Choir, of which Trevor is a member, performed Sunday evening.  I'm posting this short 3 minute video that one of the dad's took and so graciously shared.

It's quite a simple song, yet so powerful.   It brings tears to my eyes each time I watch these precious children singing of God's saving grace. 

By the way...  Trevor is located in the middle of the top row.  Hard to miss him, as he's the tallest in the choir!  

Ephesians 6:8 KJV
^"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."