Our calendar looked pretty full at the beginning of this week, but one by one, things have been knocked off. Apparently, Ben DID have a head cold back when we thought it was only allergy trouble (the doc did say he could have a cold, but allergies were his main problem) because he has passed it on to Matthew, Rob and myself. I was feeling pretty miserable on Wednesday, so I missed church. Tuesday I was supposed to go to a Vintage Nouveau class to learn some more cardmaking techniques and my demo moved the class b/c SHE was sick. Tonight we were supposed to have a couples Pampered Chef party and we're both too sick. And because of the illness, my sister postponed her trip up here to see us.
I'm not all that disappointed, to be honest. My sister's visit, the party, and the class will all happen at a later time and I'll hopefully be feeling up to enjoying each one of them. I have a weak immune system and always have, so I'm thinking about trying a supplement from Shaklee specifically for immunity. Ben and I are on alfalfa tablets now for our allergies and that seems to be working for both of us. We both catch everything, so I think we need to take it to the next step.
Today I finished the grocery shopping while Rob took the kids to the park. (Sick parents still need to funcion, unfortunately.) The city workers had just been at the park painting benches, but didn't leave very clear 'wet paint' signs. Matthew climbed on a bench and got it all over his legs, arms, and hands. Rob's now out trying to find something to take off the paint. I'm not sure why they didn't paint them BEFORE placing them in the parks for the summer, but we're not real happy with the park and rec department right now.
Rob is off today and Monday, so we're going to recover from this cold, do a little cleaning, and enjoy some family time. Oh, Rob lost his wallet on Wednesday and we spent three hours searching for it that afternoon. He finally gave up and started looking again today. After looking in a few more areas, he gave up and got ready for the park. He grabbed his ballcap and lo and behold, his wallet was inside! He says he vaguely remembers throwing it into his cap before hanging it up. Kind of strange, but we're thankful it showed up!
Time to crash on the couch...
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Homeschool Convention
Last Thursday and Friday, Rob and I had a chance to get away and go to a homeschool convention in Oconomowoc. (A-con-a-ma-wok) It was held at the resort where Rob and I spent our 10th anniversary, so we had lots of warm, fuzzy memories as we pulled into the place. We decided to take Matthew with us on the first day, as they had art classes he was able to take. He, of course, balked at the idea after finding out that Grandpa and Grandma Litwiller were coming to watch the younger siblings. We did assure him that he'd get to spend PLENTY of time with them on Thursday evening and Friday.
My main goals were as follows: peruse and decide upon a math program for both boys, find a few books cheaper, and get encouraged/challenged by the keynote speakers. Who were the keynote speakers? Steve and Teri Maxwell, authers of "Managers of Their Homes," "Managers of Their Chores", and "Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit" among other titles. I knew that I needed much help in organzing my home, dealing with the children, and keeping myself sane. Rob planned to attend as many science seminars as he could fit in and take me on a date. I think he was a bit more relaxed than I :)
Our first morning, I found a doozy of a workshop. This family leading it had 15 kids, drove a bus, all the women were in skirts and head coverings, and they had some REAL zany ideas. Pretty much what the world pictures when they think "homeschooling." I did glean some gems and hoped the rest of the conference would be better.
I didn't really attend any more workshops that day, but I did spend a lot of time in the vendor hall looking at math programs. After much deliberation, we settled on Math-U-See. We were given a demo DVD from the vendor and watched it at home Thursday night. Rob and I (and my mother-in-law) were very much impressed by it. I've heard lots of good things about it, but I had to see it for myself. We ordered the Primer for Ben and the Alpha set for Matthew for next fall. Shipping was free by ordering it there, so bonus :)
I also found some workbooks that I needed for phonics next year and Rob bought some science materials. The next day, I went to two workshops with Teri Maxwell and was so encouraged and challenged to do a better job. I bought several of her materials and am reading the scheduling book, just itching to improve our use of time around here. I also bought the "If-Then" chart, which they don't make, but do sell. It had a list on one side of discretions (like teasing, disobedience, etc.), a Bible verse that deals with the topic, then a blank column to write in the consequence. We have already implemented it and today ran beautifully. If the boys or Anna did something wrong, we read the verse dealing with it together and administered the correction. Rob and I prayed over it before selecting the corrections and God led us to the right ones. I don't lose my temper and come up with something zany off the cuff and they know exactly what is expected of them. Who knew it could be so simple to change some of their behaviors?
Rob went to Steve Maxwell's seminar on family Bible time and was encouraged by it, even if some of the ways they live out their faith does not necessarily match with us. Let's just say I didn't know there were people out there MORE conservative than the people we hang out with :)
We did get out on a date to Chili's between sessions and it was a nice, relaxing time for us.
While the "cats" were away, the "mice" played nicely at home. Ben and Anna had one of their favorite sitters Thursday morning before the grandparents arrived. Anna went down no problem for naptime. On Friday, the kids were reasonably spoiled with a snack trip to McDonald's, the library, and had a leisurly, quiet afternoon.
All in all, it was a great conference. I'm so thankful that we went and were able to be refreshed as homeschooling parents.
My main goals were as follows: peruse and decide upon a math program for both boys, find a few books cheaper, and get encouraged/challenged by the keynote speakers. Who were the keynote speakers? Steve and Teri Maxwell, authers of "Managers of Their Homes," "Managers of Their Chores", and "Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit" among other titles. I knew that I needed much help in organzing my home, dealing with the children, and keeping myself sane. Rob planned to attend as many science seminars as he could fit in and take me on a date. I think he was a bit more relaxed than I :)
Our first morning, I found a doozy of a workshop. This family leading it had 15 kids, drove a bus, all the women were in skirts and head coverings, and they had some REAL zany ideas. Pretty much what the world pictures when they think "homeschooling." I did glean some gems and hoped the rest of the conference would be better.
I didn't really attend any more workshops that day, but I did spend a lot of time in the vendor hall looking at math programs. After much deliberation, we settled on Math-U-See. We were given a demo DVD from the vendor and watched it at home Thursday night. Rob and I (and my mother-in-law) were very much impressed by it. I've heard lots of good things about it, but I had to see it for myself. We ordered the Primer for Ben and the Alpha set for Matthew for next fall. Shipping was free by ordering it there, so bonus :)
I also found some workbooks that I needed for phonics next year and Rob bought some science materials. The next day, I went to two workshops with Teri Maxwell and was so encouraged and challenged to do a better job. I bought several of her materials and am reading the scheduling book, just itching to improve our use of time around here. I also bought the "If-Then" chart, which they don't make, but do sell. It had a list on one side of discretions (like teasing, disobedience, etc.), a Bible verse that deals with the topic, then a blank column to write in the consequence. We have already implemented it and today ran beautifully. If the boys or Anna did something wrong, we read the verse dealing with it together and administered the correction. Rob and I prayed over it before selecting the corrections and God led us to the right ones. I don't lose my temper and come up with something zany off the cuff and they know exactly what is expected of them. Who knew it could be so simple to change some of their behaviors?
Rob went to Steve Maxwell's seminar on family Bible time and was encouraged by it, even if some of the ways they live out their faith does not necessarily match with us. Let's just say I didn't know there were people out there MORE conservative than the people we hang out with :)
We did get out on a date to Chili's between sessions and it was a nice, relaxing time for us.
While the "cats" were away, the "mice" played nicely at home. Ben and Anna had one of their favorite sitters Thursday morning before the grandparents arrived. Anna went down no problem for naptime. On Friday, the kids were reasonably spoiled with a snack trip to McDonald's, the library, and had a leisurly, quiet afternoon.
All in all, it was a great conference. I'm so thankful that we went and were able to be refreshed as homeschooling parents.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Stupid Blog Post
Miss Anna has somehow, somewhere picked up a new habit that makes her sound like she's two going on 14. It's probably from her brothers, but I hate to blame them for everything. Unfortunately, there's no unruly neighbor kid to blame it on, so they are the culprits. Let me tell the stories to illustrate the new habit (that must and will be broken.)
The other day, Anna wanted to watch Max and Ruby (an adorable cartoon about two little bunnies based on an equally adorable series of children's books.) Since it was close to her naptime, I told her no and the boys and I set up Lego Star Wars for the Wii. She wasn't too happy, so she started throwing a fit. I usually ignore fits (since a tantrum really needs an audience to be most effective) and began to play. Before I knew it, she was quiet, but mumbling to herself while she played with Legos. What was she mumbling? "Stupid Lego Star Wars. Stupid Jedi." Hmmm....
Three days ago, I put her down for a nap. She wasn't too happy about it, so after I tucked her in, she untucked herself and sat on the edge of the bed. As I locked the gate to the stairs, she was swinging her feet, pouting, and saying, "Stupid nap."
And this morning, we were at Matthew's last soccer game. She wasn't happy about being stuck in her stroller so she said, "Stupid soccer game."
Methinks the wee one has a bit of an attitude problem. Now, at her age, I suppose most children would just whine and fuss. Being more verbal, she can adequately express her feelings. I think, however, it's time to direct her to a better use of those verbal skills. I did have a little chat with her and informed her that we don't call things "stupid." She's usually pretty good about obeying the first time, so we'll see.
In the meantime, it's going to be real hard not to laugh!!
The other day, Anna wanted to watch Max and Ruby (an adorable cartoon about two little bunnies based on an equally adorable series of children's books.) Since it was close to her naptime, I told her no and the boys and I set up Lego Star Wars for the Wii. She wasn't too happy, so she started throwing a fit. I usually ignore fits (since a tantrum really needs an audience to be most effective) and began to play. Before I knew it, she was quiet, but mumbling to herself while she played with Legos. What was she mumbling? "Stupid Lego Star Wars. Stupid Jedi." Hmmm....
Three days ago, I put her down for a nap. She wasn't too happy about it, so after I tucked her in, she untucked herself and sat on the edge of the bed. As I locked the gate to the stairs, she was swinging her feet, pouting, and saying, "Stupid nap."
And this morning, we were at Matthew's last soccer game. She wasn't happy about being stuck in her stroller so she said, "Stupid soccer game."
Methinks the wee one has a bit of an attitude problem. Now, at her age, I suppose most children would just whine and fuss. Being more verbal, she can adequately express her feelings. I think, however, it's time to direct her to a better use of those verbal skills. I did have a little chat with her and informed her that we don't call things "stupid." She's usually pretty good about obeying the first time, so we'll see.
In the meantime, it's going to be real hard not to laugh!!
Monday, May 10, 2010
98 birthdays are enough
Yesterday, I was talking to the kids about our June plans. We are going to the second annual Fulkerson family reunion in June and the same weekend is GG's 99th birthday party. After hearing that GG would be 99, Ben said, "GG's old enough already! She doesn't need any more birthdays!"
So I guess if you reach 98, you get to stay there forever. And I thought most of us tried to stop at 29!
So I guess if you reach 98, you get to stay there forever. And I thought most of us tried to stop at 29!
Monday, May 3, 2010
OSHA rules out the window
As a teacher, we took OSHA training every year as part of orientation. Part of that training included how to properly lift things. Four years have gone by since my last session, and I guess I need a refresher course. On Saturday, I decided to do everything wrong to lift a tub and ended up pulling a muscle (or several) in my leg and hip.
The blessing of boys clothing was still sitting in the kitchen in garbage bags. We have already separated it out and that pile needed to be in the basement. However, I'm not storing things in bags, so we bought two of the largest tubs we could find. I took the tubs into the kitchen and filled one up. Then I realized that the next tub was still underneath of the full one. So I tried to separate them, even using Ben to help. I lifted with my back, pulled at angles, and before I knew it was yelping in pain. Ben shot outside to get Rob, who was filling up the sandbox with sand. Rob shot inside (leaving Anna unattended) and I shooed him right back out. He finished and came in, then he and I got the tubs separated.
As the the day wore on, I had a few more moments of twinging the injury doing simple tasks, like walking and bending. I was pretty sore yesterday, but still made it to church. Sitting in the pew was very uncomfortable, so I stayed home last night. (Related to that..the boys usually stay home with me or Rob if we're not going to the Sunday night service and Anna goes to the nursery with the attender. Ben begged to go with Rob and behaved perfectly in the service. Woo-hoo!)
I'm still sore today, but getting around better. And I learned my lesson about lifting. Scout's honor.
The blessing of boys clothing was still sitting in the kitchen in garbage bags. We have already separated it out and that pile needed to be in the basement. However, I'm not storing things in bags, so we bought two of the largest tubs we could find. I took the tubs into the kitchen and filled one up. Then I realized that the next tub was still underneath of the full one. So I tried to separate them, even using Ben to help. I lifted with my back, pulled at angles, and before I knew it was yelping in pain. Ben shot outside to get Rob, who was filling up the sandbox with sand. Rob shot inside (leaving Anna unattended) and I shooed him right back out. He finished and came in, then he and I got the tubs separated.
As the the day wore on, I had a few more moments of twinging the injury doing simple tasks, like walking and bending. I was pretty sore yesterday, but still made it to church. Sitting in the pew was very uncomfortable, so I stayed home last night. (Related to that..the boys usually stay home with me or Rob if we're not going to the Sunday night service and Anna goes to the nursery with the attender. Ben begged to go with Rob and behaved perfectly in the service. Woo-hoo!)
I'm still sore today, but getting around better. And I learned my lesson about lifting. Scout's honor.
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