Slices of Life

Today was the big day.  Ian finally got to have all his friends over for a birthday/ swimming party! The boys pitched in and helped us clean the house and get the beach and patio ready this morning.  We ran a few errands and let them get some early ice cream.  Once home they wanted to go check on the kittens next door and ended up swimming in their pool until it was time for the party.   We had everything set and decorated by then so I didn't mind. Ian picked a fishing theme and I found so many cute ideas on Pinterest. Here is a glimpse at our party: our favors-- tackle boxes with gummy candy paper goods I found on-line Gummy sharks (lures) Swedish fish (minnows) gummy worms (worms)  Goldfish crackers Marshmallow bobbers (large marshmallows dunked in red chocolate melts).  Pretzel and Pirouette stick fishing rods Balloons! Altogether we had 10 kids for Ian's party.  It seemed to be the perfect a...

I had a few ideas bumping around in my head for some fun ways to celebrate the longest day and shortest night of the year.  Who wouldn't want to celebrate the official start of summer? We love summer around here and all the laid back, splashing, wet fun with lots of friends and family that we know is in store for us these next few months. But before I told all the boys about my ideas I wanted to know how they thought we should celebrate.  So I asked them what they think of when they think of the perfect summer day. We figured we wanted to think of things that made us think of summer: Silly string fights Swimming and playing in the water Cookouts Making S'mores A backyard camp out Staying up late Having a picnic A trip to the beach Going Fishing Taking a ride on the boat, kayak, or jet ski We started by having a silly string fight.  We love silly string, and luckily my husband doesn't mind finding it all over our yard.  I just wish I could find bigger canist...

After keeping the kids out so late last night and having a party planned for this weekend I was frantically trying to think of a way to get everything done. My list was a mile long by the time the boys woke up but they were tired and cranky. I finally settled on bribery; though I call it rewarding (since that just sounds better!). I told the boys if they could all eat breakfast, get dressed and behave long enough for me to go to the store and get what I needed for Ian's party I would get them lunch at McDonald's and allow them to decide how to spend the rest of their day-- swimming in the lake, playing at the park, watching/playing screens. I wouldn't argue or care as long as they didn't fight.  They all eagerly jumped at the chance and started getting ready.        Their behavior was still pretty touch and go for a while.  They all fought a bit here and there while getting dressed but one of them would always remind the others to behave. We packe...

One year ago yesterday we started homeschooling!  I can't help but want to celebrate.  I also can't help looking back through the year and marveling at all that we have accomplished.  It hasn't always been easy but I can't imagine my life any other way. We eagerly look forward to each day and the possibilities that it brings.  I'm trying to get better about planning some real learning goals for our upcoming year of homeschooling but was happy to feel like we achieved most of our goals for this past year: I wanted us to become closer as a family and we have.   I wanted the boys to gain confidence in themselves and they have.  They've become more social, more assertive, and smile much more easily.   We try to focus on family, fun, and making memories.   They've learned many new life skills and have definitely picked up/ developed many new math facts, science concepts and history/ geography skills.   We've l...