Living Creatively

A few of my favorite things from the week

2012-01-27T15:00:00.000-06:00

Do I have some cute kids or what?! Four kids, and four different eye colors. This one has the stunning blue eyes, that turn gray when he is moody. Here, obviously, he is happy. :)

During rainy days, early evenings, chilly mornings before school, we spent time playing Mancala. It's a fun little counting/strategy game, and can easily be made with an egg cartoon and beans.

Enjoyable for all ages, but makes especially great math practice for preschoolers.

See, even the 4th grader likes it. (How can he possibly be in 4th grade already??)
We also took turns playing Rush Hour. Love that game, and the various skill level cards make it great for the whole family.

I've been squeezing in art times with the kids around lunch, and again by myself in the evening, when the house is quiet and no one calls for me. This little sharpie sketch was inspired by another artist...a picture I glanced at on Pinterest and now can't find again. Go figure.

My cat, Calvin. This dude knows how to reeeeelax.

In spite of (or perhaps because of) dealing with extra stressors surrounding my parents' imminent divorce, I'm forcing myself to look at each little thing...each wonderful special thing that happens around me, that I'm likely to take for granted. And NOT take it for granted. I want to see the good around us, the blessings, the opportunities. There are so many.

Cheese Making

2012-01-26T19:40:00.005-06:00

Guess what I did today! :)

Blurry pic (I don't have my camera fixed yet, so I'm borrowing a little one,) but a friend snapped a few while I was stirring my mozzarella.

It.was.delicious. Like really truly amazingly delicious. I added basil to mine.

/DROOL

So good.

We made homemade grilled cheese on rye, for lunch.

In other news, although I haven't taken much time to blog lately, I HAVE been doing art whenever I can, usually with the kids in the afternoon or late at night. The other day I made some little clay figures with Sculpey, oven-bake clay. These are about 3" tall. I haven't painted them yet, but I will soon, and then I'll hide them around the house, as little surprises for whoever spots them.

Doodly Thought Art

2012-01-23T15:29:00.006-06:00

Do you ever feel so busy, that you decide to sit and do nothing? That's how I've been feeling lately. And it's NOT that I've been overly busy (well, not any more than usual,) but that my mind has been overworking lately. I figure that's typical when major life changes are taking place all around me. Just hoping it's all finalized and over with soon.
We did finish the fish unit last week, and I'll post more about that soon. We've started on a bird unit this week. The unit studies are helping us all crawl out of our rut, and get the excitement back. Post-Christmas months can feel like withdrawal from a mountain-top experience. Just need to get the bounce back in our step, and let the joy flow again.

I've made myself start drawing again, and can feel the juices flowing. Plus, when I draw, the kids want to draw with me. Great quality time, and encouragement of their talents.

Just had to get the pen moving, and I couldn't stop, page after page...it's a feeling I love. A feeling, I imagine, that writers experience when the characters flesh out and start "moving on their own."

Just start.

Fish unit

2012-01-16T20:46:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling the need to revive the excitement and shake things up a bit in school. Middle of the year blahs, so to speak, and it's time to get EXCITED again! :D

We started a Fish unit this week. Sounds uber exciting, yes? Well, it is!
Our quote for Monday:

Einstein was a clever dude.

We worked on Japanese hanging koi (goldfish) and read about koi from Wikipedia. I'll post the pictures upon completion.

The kids made tangram seascapes...

Many of our writing prompts, mini books, our vocabulary list, and even the Bible verse suggestions we used are from Homeschool Share. That site is such an amazing resource!

The little boys sorted colored goldfish crackers... ...made patterns... ...used them as manipulatives for their addition problems, and then ate them. :)

We read Shel Silverstein's poem Fish, and wrote our own poems.

Tuna fish sandwiches (cut into fish shapes) for lunch.

T played this fishing addition game to go along with his math today.

We talked about the food chain. What do fish eat? Which animals eat fish?

We used the Melissa and Doug complete the picture fish bowl page, just for fun.

O played the aquarium game on Poisson Rouge, already one of his favorite sites.

The older kids finished strong, with their usual math lessons, and Papaw's history and Spanish lessons.

Last but not least, I added my own excitement by having my sister cut me some bangs when she stopped by. So many perks of having a sister who went to cosmetology school!

Ta-da. Short and choppy little hipster bangs. I like 'em.

I have more fish activities planned for this week, and have already started putting together units for birds, rabbits, etc. Pinterest has been a huge help, too!

I'm open to ideas or suggestions, so feel free to chime in!

21 questions to ask your kids

2012-01-10T09:42:00.002-06:00

21 questions to ask your kids

This is a meme from Facebook. I know I should answer it there, but I already neglect my blog too much as it is.

Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond. What do they really think?

For reference my kids are:
O (4-years old)
T (7-years)
E (10-years)
I (12-years, only girl)

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
O: Sweetie
T: Sweetie Pie
E: Never (This is true. He asks me for a drink or something and I always respond "never," and laugh. I like to tease.)
I: Clean your room.

2. What makes Mommy happy?
O: When I kiss you.
T: When I give you pictures.
E: Coffee
I: Doing art

3. What makes Mommy sad?
O: Punching you (uhh, yeah, that would!)
T: When we are naughty
E: Fighting
I: The boys fighting

4. How does Mommy make you laugh?
O: kissing my cheeks
T: tickle us
E: Tickling
I: Playing games with us

5. What was Mommy like as a child?
O: a girl
T: girl
E: sweet kid
I: you loved dolls

6. How old is Mommy?
O: a lot old
T: 30
E: 31
I: 31

7. How tall is Mommy?
O: This high (he jumped with his hand up in the air)
T: almost as tall as the door
E: 6'7"
I: 5'5" (She's close-- I'm 5'6")

8. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
O: Kissing
T: Hug
E: Drink coffee
I: Cheer people up (okay, I love all of these answers!!)

9. What does Mommy do when you're not around?
O: Clean up
T: Clean
E: Clean the house
I: Make things for us

10. If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
O: Money
T: Money (hmm...could they not think of anything else?)
E: Art
I: Art

11. What is Mommy really good at?
O: Drawing
T: Drawing
E: Drawing
I: Making people happy

12. What is Mommy not very good at?
O: Crying
T: Putting me to sleep (??)
E: Not getting sick on a boat (I do get horribly motion sick)
I: Typing

13. What does Mommy do for her job?
O: Make us do school
T: school
E: pictures
I: Photography

14. What is Mommy's favorite food?
O: broccoli
T: soup
E: healthy stuff
I: salad

15. What makes you proud of Mommy?
O: do prizes (??)
T: you cleaning
E: she takes care of us
I: taking us fun places

16. If Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
O: a boy (??)
T: Black Beauty (??)
E: The Little Mermaid (when I asked why, he simply said, "she's a girl, and you swim well.")
I: Wendy in Peter Pan

17. What do you and Mommy do together?
O: Build blocks
T: hug
E: do art
I: arts and crafts

18. How are you and Mommy the same?
O: We're both cleanin' up rooms.
T: We both hug each other. We both have hair.
E: We're both human.
I: We both love to travel and do artwork.

19. How are you and Mommy different?
O: You have huge hair and I don't.
T: You have lipstick and I don't.
E: You have long hair and I have really short hair.
I: You like to clean and I don't.

20. How do you know Mommy loves you?
O: Because I have cheeks (this may need an explanation, no? I love love love to kiss this boys toddler cheeks!)
T: Because you always kiss me and hug me and everything.
E: You take care of us.
I: Because you say so. (interesting insight into their love language, perhaps?)

21. Where is Mommy's favorite place to go?
O: To Julie's house
T: In my room with me. Or going on a date with Daddy.
E: the beach
I: to an art museum

This was so much fun. The next interview will be all about THEM, their favorites, ideas... I want to keep doing this every year. :D
If you do it, please let me know!

Playing in the Kitchen

2012-01-07T20:24:00.001-06:00

One of my dear friends was in town a couple weeks ago, and she lit a fire under me to get some house projects done!! I love friends who tell it like it is. :)
At her urging, I painted the "window wall" in the "breakfast room" (aka dining room, seeing as how I don't have a formal one here) a creamy tangerine color. Big change from the brownish purple color that wasn't working in there. I buckled down and finished it in a few hours, trim and all. It makes me HAPPY-- so bright, fresh, joyful.

Seems even the kids are gravitating to that room.

My precious niece wanted to play with her new Barbie pool in there...
...and my own little man decided that his GI Joes also needed a pool....
(great preK activity, btw. Kids love water!)

I want this house to be a place full of smiles. laughs.

chuckles and grins, memories and games, stories and traditions...

a place BRIGHT with happiness.

A Day in the Country

2012-01-06T23:10:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we went to visit one of Fred's younger sisters,

at her beautiful house in the country.

Their home isn't even visible from the long dirt road...

{contented sigh}

Think wide open spaces, grazing horses, flowering trees.

Below, the view from the front door.

I.kid.you.not.

....Oh.

And I shot a gun for the first time, and really enjoyed it.

I want one.

On the Fridge

2012-01-03T20:59:00.004-06:00

My fridge makes me so happy, friends.

From the Scrabble magnets

(so easy! heh, I see some hot glue strings left)...

...to the rosettes, buttons, and letters, memories of our vacation, love notes...

... to the (real! new-to-me!) bubble gum machine and my huge polka dotted cup on top.

It all just makes me so happy!

Shows just how little effort & money it takes to make something "yours." The rosettes were made from scrap fabric. Most of the magnets were recycled (pizza magnets, anyone?) The Scrabble tiles came from my Mom's old game that had some missing pieces. The huge cup was bought with a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby, a year or two ago-- A gift from my Man. The Bubble gum machine {happy sigh} was found at a Goodwill store, for under $10, right before Christmas. The artwork is my own.
Make a home that makes you smile.

a crooked smile

2011-12-31T05:30:00.000-06:00

His delight, enthusiasm....

perseverance...determination...

success...joy... it's all so wonderful to watch.

I see so much more than just a sweet little 1st grader on a pogo stick.
I love these kids so much.

It's all about focus

2011-12-23T22:31:00.003-06:00

And, just like that {{*snap*}} I discovered what was wrong.

"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you." -Maori

I had the wrong focus. There were "the issues," the family changes and challenges. I was unsettled...and I focused on that, unwittingly turning away from the things I NEEDED to focus on.

Why was I drained and "unproductive," and generally feeling a down-ness under the surface of joy? Because I stopped taking the steps, that usually come so naturally, towards that joy. I stopped reading the Word regularly, as things started crowding in my mind. I stopped "doing art," and rather focused on the vast amount of laundry that had built up while I was washer-less. (I should've taken smaller steps towards catch-up, and also continued some projects. It's about balance, when will I learn this??)

I wasn't taking joy in the little things. Must get back to it.

Take every thought captive to obey Christ.

I was worrying and, really, no good ever comes from worrying.

Tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, I am going to celebrate. I will celebrate my King's birth, the gift He has given me, and the blessings in my life. I will build forts, and eat yummies, and read His Word. I will do art. And I will laugh. Because God is good, all the time. And He knows my shortcomings better than anyone, and loves me still. He knows the burdens on my heart, and they burden His heart as well. He knows it all, and that is enough.

For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord! And this will be a sign for you : you will find a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased." Luke 2:11-14

Changes...reconciling...

2011-12-22T23:22:00.002-06:00

Have you ever met someone so REAL, that you just wished you could let loose and be like that? To totally step out into the light and still be embraced? To say, "yeah, sometimes I'm supermom...and sometimes I am totally NOT."

That's what I'm feeling. And I'm wondering how many other women feel the same way?

Do you go through spurts making crafts and doing fun projects with your kids 24/7....and then several weeks where you can't muster a single puppet from a paper bag? I do.

One of my best friends (my sister) pointed out the other day that I tend to get snappy when I'm emotionally bothered by something else. **Ding, ding** Well, of course. That makes sense. Even when I'm not thinking about "the issues," it's a battle under the surface. (It's great to have someone who will call me out on it when I'm acting like a jerk.)

I wish sometimes that I could be "real enough" to share things that bother me, without fearing what others will think. I just want to blurt things out sometimes. And still get a hug later.

I'm well aware that I'm being irritatingly vague. Sorry.

Life is good. My camera (yeah, the freakin' awesome one) recently broke, which brought me to tears a few times. We'll get it fixed. We will. Fred said so.

I am so very grateful for my children. My home. The warmth and food. The health. I'm so thankful. Fred has a job now, and I am so thankful for all these things. Our lives hold so much joy.

The issues we're dealing with are big, emotional burdens....a lot of "what-if"s, but it will not steal our joy.

I guess, in my tired rambly state, I'm really just trying to say that I don't know how to reconcile the "supermom" with the "loser mom," which is how I feel when I get snappy and tired, unproductive, or just kinda "down" about things. I don't want to only post the fun stuff. I also want to post the real issues. Maybe I need tougher skin. I'd like to talk to someone else who has a slow learner child, someone who can reassure me that he'll be okay. That he'll catch up someday and, even if he doesn't, that it'll be alright. I'd like to talk about my parents' pending divorce and my thoughts about it. But I can't do that. I'd like to seek advice about my 4-year old who calls his brothers "losers" when he gets mad, and says "I hate you," and how that makes me feel like a terrible mother. Even though I know I'm not. And I know he's a wonderful child, usually very sweet and loving. But I've never had one do this before and I just don't know what to say/do to handle it. Usually I simply say, "well, it's fine if you're feeling that way, but I always love you," and then we try to take deep breaths. But still the words haven't lost their appeal to him and my methods don't seem to be working.

Sooo. I think my plan/early New Year's Resolution is to step out a little. Do the one thing every day that scares me, like Eleanor Roosevelt suggested. If God's going to wash the "yuck" away, then I can't keep burying it. Right? Right. Sharing some things is okay. Hiding behind projects all the time is not so okay. At least not for me.

To end on a good note, Fred is off work for the next 10 days! I'm looking forward to plenty of family games, yummy food, Christmas celebrations (even if it will be different this year,) and excuses to dress up. I do love dress-up!! ;) It pains me to think of going through holidays without my camera, but it's certainly doable! I want to get rid of these extra emotional burdens and just focus my energy on the four little people that I've been blessed with.

May you and yours have an amazing Christmas, truly celebrating the Reason for the Season!

The Ice Skater

2011-12-18T05:02:00.000-06:00

Pinterest Party

2011-12-17T22:25:00.005-06:00

I know. I totally went MIA for nearly a month, and that is NOT like me. Life was a bit of a whirlwind, changes going on, new stages, endings to some chapters. I started to feel kinda down, what with the gray skies and all. Then two things happened: the sun came back out (literally and metaphorically,) and I started doing art again. Seriously, art is better than therapy for the busy/overworked/emotionally draining times.

Tonight I went to a super fun Pinterest party. We had to bring some kind of craft inspired by Pinterest, for the Dirty Santa game, a food item from Pinterest, and our favorite quote from the site.

For my craft I brought this:

It's done on a large canvas board...maybe 11x 14?
First we peeled crayons. lots and lots and lots of crayons. The kids helped a lot with this!
.

Next, I traced a worship figure onto packaging tape and stuck him on the canvas board.

See that glue gun? I ran the peeled crayons through the glue gun, and all down the canvas board. When it was all dry, I used a toothpick to "cut" around my figure (so the wax wouldn't break off into strips) and then peeled my tape figure off the canvas board. That was all! Fun and pretty easy! My own little sister stole it from someone in the Dirty Santa game, and ended up bringing it home. :)

For my food item, I brought these:
Goat cheese pops rolled in herbs, pecans & bacon. I repeat: ROLLED. IN. BACON.

And this here was my quote:

Source: yum-and-yuk.blogspot.com via Wendy on Pinterest

Such a fun party theme! Thank you, Debbie!

Crayon Keeper from Altoid Tin

2011-12-03T12:04:00.003-06:00

Yeah, I went from posting nearly every day to barely keeping my head above water. Our family had a crisis. We are safe, healthy. My kids are all fine. But my extended family (parents, sisters) have had a major family upheaval. It's been a strain, to say the least. So, if you would, I'd appreciate prayers for healing. I know, I know-- vague posts are no fun. But I'm not at liberty to discuss right now, and my energy is going into resuming life with my Man and kids.

In spite of the trauma of late, we've been keeping busy with crafts and holiday decorating, family activities, and Christmas parties. Yesterday was the big homeschool Christmas party-- so much fun! And today we'll be going to the new Crystal Bridges Art Museum. I'm excited, y'all!!

I've also been working on small little stocking stuffer things for the kids. This is simply an empty Altoids tin, with scrapbooking and stickers attached to the front. I cut small squares of paper to fit inside with the crayons. So easy, and I know the kids will all love to have one. (I have lots of mints in my purse and camera bag now, too!!- lucky me!)

A half-drawn picture

2011-11-27T05:29:00.000-06:00

Do you ever do this? My son says "draw a ---" so I do. Part of it.

Fine, here are some house outlines. Now go nuts with it. Fill in the windows, the sky, the plants... what do YOU think belongs in this picture? Is it day or night? Which season? Paint me a picture, child. You tell the story.

Feel free to save, print, use (just give credit please, thanks!)

Lego Keychain

2011-11-25T05:31:00.002-06:00

Another idea that I came across on Pinterest (leave a comment or msg me if you need an invite)! Yes, I actually DO what I pin. :)

May we never lose our keys again!

Give Thanks- coloring page for kids

2011-11-23T00:16:00.005-06:00

God, Thank YOU! Thank you so much for...

Feel free to save, print, and use (just please give credit.) You can also download the image here from Google Docs.
My kids enjoyed coloring it...although my real intention was to get them thinking about what they're thankful for and add to the page. ;) On of my sons checked off all of the items except cupcakes, saying that they're not really "helpful" like the other things. Ha. Gotta love that.

Flower Doodles

2011-11-20T22:28:00.000-06:00

Flowers can be as simple or as complex as you want to make them. There's no "right way."
Have fun with it, and let the swirls start swirling and the stripes & dots loose on the page!

Feel free to save, print, use - just give credit please, thanks!

I {heart} you

2011-11-19T05:09:00.000-06:00

For the {{love}} of hearts. :)

I like using the ZIG Millennium 005 pens

Feel free to save, print, and use (just give credit please- thanks!)

Draw Trees

2011-11-17T05:35:00.000-06:00

More than anything, I'm trying to show my kids that there isn't one "right way." A tree can be as simple as one or two lines, or as complex as paisley and swirl patterns dancing through an autumn wind. My kids are free to cut apart their copies, add to them, or simply glance at it and come up with their own designs.

It's simply a prompt:

Draw a tree. Here are just a few ideas, from millions, that you could take inspiration from...
Feel free to save, print, use (just give credit please, thanks!)

Hang on to these babies and maybe I'll make you rich someday. Heh heh

Here's hoping.

I'd love-- really love-- to publish a children's art book....someday... :)

The Winds of Change

2011-11-16T05:48:00.002-06:00

I'm all about trying new techniques and tactics. I've decided to forgo my art book for now, and teach by experience for awhile. ;)

So, kids, wanta know how to doodle? I thought so. I'm a doodler pro, with years of schoolwork doodles under my belt. How about wind? Want to draw some? Thought so. Here's mine-- color, scribble, trace your copies, or fold it up and throw it into the wind...and then make your own. No need to copy, but make your OWN. Get inspired and then do it your way.

Feel free to save, print, and use (with credit given :) Thanks!)

Half-Drawn Monsters

2011-11-15T15:13:00.001-06:00

Another "Doodle It" page for the kids, this time Monster-style!

Ready made art-- just add teeth or fangs, arms or claws, ears or a halo...whatever your mind dreams up. Brighten it up with any medium, no pressure to stay in the lines. Or simply look at the shapes, get inspired, and go draw your own complete monster/aliens. Sometimes kids only need the prompt to get the juices flowing!

Feel free to save, print, use (just give credit please, thanks!)

Teaching Art

2011-11-14T20:54:00.000-06:00

I'm having fun making more pages for the kids, and they're having fun making their own.

Win-win.

We're all doin' art!

Feel free to save, print, use.

Illustrating Words

2011-11-12T05:02:00.000-06:00

Fun, easy. Go, do.

Random Book Characters

2011-11-10T05:03:00.000-06:00

Illustrating a Song

2011-11-08T05:30:00.001-06:00

You are my Sunshine

It's a song that my mom sang to me and now I sing to my kids. It's going in my scrapbook collection of drawings for the kids. :)

You are all I need

2011-11-06T05:03:00.000-06:00

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
Psalm 3:5

Yes.

Stop and Smell the Roses!

2011-11-04T05:06:00.000-05:00

Enjoy every day!

Costumes on the street and in the book

2011-10-31T22:34:00.004-05:00

This year I had a cowgirl, phantom, soldier, and little skeleton (who glowed in the dark, which was very handy!) Papaw went with us on our first round through town, and even caught me in some pictures.

Then Fred went with us on our second round to the churches and on a quick stroll through the neighborhood. We even saw dogs dressed up...

...and one of the cutest pumpkins I've ever seen!

I've been trying to do more art for the kids lately. Meaning, things they request that I draw, or pictures I know they'd enjoy. My Oldest and Middle Boys requested "monsters." I decided to do some monsters, some aliens, and some funny folks in costume. Just a little whimsy art for boys. ;)

They liked it.

I'm finding that taking requests from the kids is much better than journaling prompts! They are full of ideas, and are completely confident that I can pull off whatever they request.
They amaze me. Plus, they *always* sit down to draw by me. :D

Artist Pages: Line and Variety

2011-10-29T22:48:00.006-05:00

I recently found some fun little art pages for the kids, over on Pinterest. (Leave me a comment if you need an invite over there.)

So, naturally, I decided to make my own little pages for the kids' art notebooks. Feel free to download and print some for your own use. If you re-post, just credit my site please.

I plan to work on more fun illustrations for the kids. (This is a goal, and I'm saying it out loud to hold myself accountable!)

We made some little books this week and they LOVED having personalized pictures. In fact, I started it as a fun little project with the two little boys, but the older kids decided they wanted their own mini-books, too. :D Made me happy.

My inspiration came from ABCs of Art. I'll make more of our own, little by little, personalized to what my kids like. I'm open to your suggestions, too!

Paint Splotch Creatures

2011-10-28T22:09:00.008-05:00

The brief tutorial for these pieces of art:
1) Splatter some paint, any kind, in any way. Let dry.
2) Use your imagination and a black pen.
The older three kiddos did this project yesterday afternoon, while my littlest guy painted happy faces. I particularly liked the elephant that my Oldest Boy did.

A green drippy blob...or an adorable long-beaked bird? It doesn't take much to transform the simplest shapes into cute creatures.

We spent some time painting this afternoon, too, but with no "direction." It was "free paint" time and they just went with whatever inspired them.

It's a great morning activity for my Little Guy, too, while the older kids do their seat work and computer work.

I also moved our green desk into the living room, behind the couch, so a kid can work there when he wants. It's close enough for help, but far enough for more quiet and less distraction. My Middlest Boy chose the spot today. That's all for now! Have a beautiful weekend.

Blog Purpose (and a post about spiders!)

2011-10-26T10:46:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all, you're still with me, right? I've been commentless, but I skip and jump on because, after all, I'm doing this primarily for ME. You know my memory, right? I need to record these things. And I feel compelled to ...encourage? Inspire? Prompt you to enjoy things and have fun. Yeah, all of those things. So I'm hoping someone somewhere can take a little away from here with a smile or an idea.
Which brings me to the purpose of this here blog. It's always been kind-of an online journal/scrapbook...and occasionally a bit of a diary. My time is even busier these days, though, and I'm trying to use my minutes purposefully. I spend a lot of time on the computer in the evening as it is, getting ideas and plans, writing things up for the school week. And I've decided that I'm going to use this space for more of a craft/art sharing spot than anything else. I know, I know, that's pretty much what I do already. And I blog field trip ideas, etc, but my personal writing has become less commonplace. I have things to say, but feel more compelled to share what we DO. The irony is not lost on me. I'm writing paragraphs about how I'll be writing less. Yeah. {ahem} So. Welcome to our hands-on learning, art, craft, activity homeschool site.
If you want to keep up, feel free to follow on facebook (still under the former name of Sun-Kissed Scholars) using the tab on the right. Or follow our ideas and activities on Pinterest (again, on the right hand side.) There are a lot of art/activity/homeschool blogs out there. I'm just one person, doing what works for us, trying to balance life, spend time on the most important things, hoping it might help or inspire another!

Now, on to the spiders....!

The kids had an impromptu science lesson the other day on how spiders make webs. These pictures were taken in our front yard, of an argiope, or yellow and black garden spider.

Did you know...
"Spiders produce silk from their spinneret glands located at the tip of their abdomen. Each gland produces a thread for a special purpose – for example a trailed safety line, sticky silk for trapping prey or fine silk for wrapping it. Spiders use different gland types to produce different silks, and some spiders are capable of producing up to 8 different silks during their lifetime."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider_web

This spider fought another one to the death. The boys were enthralled.

Even if you don't care for spiders, you have to admit, the colors are beautiful!

Sophie girl

2011-10-25T05:06:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful, happy little pumpkin!!

I loved photographing Baby Sophie earlier this month.

Can stilts

2011-10-24T05:06:00.000-05:00

Empty cans, poke holes through, thread shoe laces and tie around and VOILA can stilts!

Hey Bird-Legs!

Frozen Treasures

2011-10-22T05:03:00.001-05:00

((**The photos were taken last week BEFORE the big weather chill.

It was 80+ degrees when we did this.**)) I'm not sure why, really, but ice is apparently very fun for kids. The texture and temperature? Something to break apart? At any rate, we froze some little "treasures" the other day for the kids to whack at.

My Little Lad is 4-years old now, so there are no worries of him sticking dice in his mouth. Of course, for ittier bittier kids, you'd want to give them a wooden spoon rather than a fork, and watch them closely as they retrieve their treasures.

Popsicle stick puzzle

2011-10-19T05:02:00.000-05:00

Talk about an easy activity to put together for the little guy. Fine motor skills, color matching, and fun busy time while the older kids work on math. Win, win.

Ignore the floor. Why bother sweeping in the middle of the day, right? ;)

Family Camping Trip

2011-10-17T08:39:00.005-05:00

Another one of my 35 Things marked off! We took all the kids camping this weekend (#26).

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, we had a site right by the water, and the kids found several little creatures.
For awhile the little ones just sat. Rested. Enjoyed nature. Spoke to each other every now and then. It was precious to see them just enjoying the beauty around them. I sketched the mushrooms that my Oldest Boy brought to me.

Peek-A-Boo, Honey! We also played a family game of freeze-tag. I'll admit that Fred is much faster than I am. Of course, I'm sure it's partially due to his abnormally long legs!!

The only real "incident" was a half hour of crying when bedtime rolled around. Little Lad wanted to sleep in his "real house." When he finally fell asleep, though, he slept fine all night.

We had a wonderful time. I love being outside. Love the beauty that surrounds us. Love taking a break from the world, technology, phone calls.

Love the simple.

University of Arkansas Discovery Zone

2011-10-16T05:19:00.001-05:00

We visited the University of Arkansas Discovery Zone last week to learn about nanotechnology.

The place is small (and very hard to spot!) but packed full of wonderful interactive displays! The exhibits change every few months, so I plan to go back fairly soon.

Below, my "mad scientist"!

And my itty scientist!

I think it was way over the little ones' heads, but they still enjoyed the activities!

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-14T05:08:00.000-05:00

I have bad luck with knives, y'all, so I figured we should buy one of those nifty little craving kits.
You'll be happy to hear, I only cut myself once, and it was very minor.

Our friends weren't quite so scared of the knives!

Scooping out the "guts." Such a BOY thing to take pleasure in. The girls decided to paint their pumpkins instead...

Some of the kids with their finished products. We completed several more elaborate ones when we got home. Pictures to come!

Glow Dough

2011-10-12T05:05:00.001-05:00

Glow Dough!

It's as easy as black lights and neon playdough!

The orange and yellow glow wonderfully. The white one, not so much.

We ALL enjoyed this! :D

Mutton Bustin'

2011-10-10T21:38:00.003-05:00

Does everyone know what Mutton Bustin' is? No? I didn't either.
It's like a rodeo, but instead of guys riding bulls, little kids ride sheep. Yes, I'm serious.

We went to our first Mutton Bustin' event over the weekend, to watch some little friends of our compete.

These little girls stayed on like little champs! It was an interesting event to watch. Entertaining, yes. Many of the kids, like Sarah, walked away excited and happy. But there were many more that limped away crying. Ow! Several 4-years old were stepped on by the sheep after being bucked off. I can tell you one thing-- MY 4-year old won't be out there riding sheep anytime soon! My 6-year old daredevil is dying to try it, though, and I'm really considering the possibility for next year. We'll see.

We ended our fair experience admiring all the old shiny cars in the show.

A Penned Portrait

2011-10-05T22:38:00.004-05:00

I worked on a pen sketch of my sweet artist friend this evening, while I watched Frasier with Fred. Basic pen sketch, almost no shading, slightly warped "frame." But I like it.I'll go in close, to show her beautiful eyes (and the nitty gritty of coloring with pens.)

I've always believed that artwork is what you make it.
It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful, as the Nester likes to say.

About 3 weeks late-- Happy Birthday, my beautiful friend Bekah.

You and your family continue to inspire me.

Popsicle Matching Game& update

2011-10-03T06:55:00.000-05:00

What's been keeping us busy/Reasons for less frequent blogging:
1. MyOldest is in middle school now (how did that happen) and it seriously only occurred to me a few months ago. So, we're now involved in both the elementary and middle school homeschool groups, which keeps me hopping a bit faster. I guess now is the time to be thankful that she's an introvert, and really prefers to stay home most of the time. I'm not sure how our family could handle another extrovert. ;)

2. I'm trying to be purposeful about spending enough time with my little ones, especially planning activities for them during school. They simply don't have the ability to work with us at the table or on experiments all day long. So, I've been utilizing pinterest for craft/learning/sensory activities, especially for the Littlest. This Popsicle matching game is one example. He loves it.

3. My little niece and nephew get here at about 6am every morning, so Fred wakes me up at 5:30 when he leaves for work. Naturally, this is forcing me to go to bed earlier, and accomplish more earlier in the evening. I.Can.Do.It.

4. My Oldest (6th) is doing SOS history this year, Teaching Textbooks for math, and her third year of typing all of which are computer programs. My Oldest Boy (4th grade) also does Teaching Textbooks and is starting typing this year. I also let the littler ones play on Poisson Rouge and Starfall during the day, for a bit. This leaves very little computer time during the day for moi, which is fine.

5. Planning field trips and activities this year just takes some time. It's not a requirement of my job, but a perk. I have been funneling some of my housework time into it, though, which means there are leftover chores at the end of the day. Need to find a balance there. It seems like I'm perpetually behind on laundry!

Creative snail mail

2011-09-29T19:35:00.005-05:00

Instead of writing their journal prompts this morning, I had the kids write letters instead. Letter-writing is such a lost art.
To make it more fun, we drew pictures to go with our letters, and I used a thick Sharpie to decorate the envelopes, too.

Even the kids got into the envelope art. My sweet MiddleBoy (6) did the envelope below for his Poppy.

Everyone loves to get mail, and it's such a personal way to communicate.

I've saved my Mimi's letters, and can recognize her handwriting on anything...

Send some funky mail, y'all! People cherish and appreciate it more than you may realize. :)

Making a Box Come Alive

2011-09-28T18:39:00.004-05:00

Need some art inspiration? Start small. Rich Davis' "Box" video is great, and my kids got to work immediately!
I know, I know. I've been BUSY.
Actually, it's up to the next level of busy-- bustling.constantly.
Again, though, I will say that I LOVE being elementary coordinator. I spent time really praying about it before taking the position, and God is giving me the time, energy, and JOY in it day-by-day.

Motivation for Measuring

2011-09-22T05:30:00.000-05:00

Q. How do you get a 1st grade boy to measure as accurately as possible?
A. You involve a funnel, measuring cups and MUSIC!

Idea by Family Fun.

How to Fill the Bottles
1. 7 ounces (Do)
2. 9 1/2 ounces (Re)
3. 12 1/2 ounces (Mi)
4. 14 ounces (Fa)
5. 16 1/2 ounces (So)
6. 17 1/2 ounces (La)
7. 18 1/2 ounces (Ti)
8. 19 ounces (Do)

Row, Row, Row Your Boat
1 1 1 2 3
3 2 3 4 5
8 8 8 5 5 5 3 3 3 1 1 1
5 4 3 2 1

Have Fun!!

School Year Profiles

2011-09-20T05:43:00.000-05:00

Every year I do an "interview" of sorts with the kids, asking about their favorite food, subject, field trip, and so on. This year we decided to add a profile picture and cut-outs of their interests.

For the profiles, I had each child stand in front of the fridge, and I traced his shadow, and then he cut it out.

My MiddleBoy Dash added birds, airplanes, dogs, a game of Twister to his interests.

My OldestBoy filled his interest space with all nature items. No surprise there.

Their handwriting leaves something to be desired, but we're workin' on it. ;)

Here are their answers:

I love OldestBoy's answer to "Favorite place to go"....
"home"

Love Who You Are

2011-09-18T05:34:00.000-05:00

She's dressed for the cold. Do you feel that chill?

The promise of autumn.

Note to self: only use pens that won't smear or rub. I didn't have my Millennium pens with me, but I drew anyway. It's not a decision I regret, but I DO wish I hadn't rubbed the ink around.

God made us all different for a good reason.

Be who you were meant to be.

Warm and Cool Colors

2011-09-16T05:48:00.000-05:00

We snagged the color grid idea from A Faithful Attempt and the warm/cool coloring pages from Awesome Artists. Amazing people with amazing ideas, sharin' the love!

My Girl used some of her own tangram art paper for her warm/color illustration.

The purpose was to show how colors change around each other, how colors strengthen their complementary colors, etc. The older kids got more of that talk, from our art book, and the little boys just sorted crayons according to warm/cool and then colored their pictures. :)

I need to throw in some pics from a recent creek trip with our dear friends:

There's just something so wonderful about seeing children skip around in water, happily exploring.

We were even lucky enough to find a turtle that day! We never take critters home, by the way. At the end of each creek play date, we have a "release the animals" farewell time.

Good-bye turtle!

Building block (Because I DO what I pin!)

2011-09-14T18:47:00.000-05:00

(Two posts in one day?! I'm making up for lost time!)

I saw this, and thought, "huh. My boys would love that. I could do that."

So I did.

Source: countingcoconuts.blogspot.com via Wendy on Pinterest

I decided to make it a building block, so the boys could see the screws go in, but it would be safer. I could just imagine them tipping a work-board and accidentally stepping on it. {shudder}

First, drill plenty of holes. Mine are all about 2 inches apart, using different sized drill bits.

Next, screw it together tightly (so the kids can't remove those!) to make a block.

(I'm so exact, I know; forget measurements, just make it work.)
Every mom has a laundry basket, wood, drill, and tool box in her living room, right?

Maybe only the cool ones.

Voila! ~Building block.

As you can see, it's not a true "block." It has a top, bottom, and two sides, for them to see in the middle.

My little guy is proud of his hard work!

Just give 'em all screwdrivers and let 'em go at it! We found some hook screws and other fun things to use, too. This has kept them busy for HOURS. Great for preschool motor skills, tool identification, and concentration. Plus, it's something they can work together on. I want to make another lock board and touch boards by this "pattern," too.
Ta for now.

Leaf Rubbings and Jump!Zone

2011-09-14T05:59:00.001-05:00

We've started on our standard fall leaf rubbings around here, to add to our Nature Notebooks.
Leaf rubbings just never get old. :)

And here are a few pics from Jump!Zone a few weeks ago, for my nephew's birthday:

My sister and I were pretty freaked out by the huge shark!

Watercolor Silhouettes

2011-09-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

To start, we washed watercolor paint over regular white paper. Each of the kids has their own cheapy set of watercolors, so we used those this time instead of the more expensive tube ones.
They covered the paper entirely with sunset colors.

Set wet paper aside or put on drying rack.

Now for the fun part. Draw simple shapes on black paper-- a tree, for instance, or a sailboat. Then cut it out. Draw whatever you want along the bottom on your page-- rolling hills, water, etc. Cut it out. When the paper is dry, glue your black silhouettes on.

Ta-Da! Masterpieces!

Have Fun!

Nature Notebook: Being a Naturalist

2011-09-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

Our last Nature Notebook session was led by my sweet friend Samantha-- Sammi. She wouldn't say it herself, but this fine lady is an expert in all-things-Nature. Her home, her collections, her knowledge all amaze me. She's an extremely inspiring person.

The children listened attentively, took notes & drew pictures. My two little guys look so stinkin' adorable in their shades!

Okay, they listened well most of the time. My LittleLad got distracted by things occasionally, but overall, he stayed very interested.

You should see Sam's collection of animal skulls, skins, furs, preserved creatures, field guides. It was amazing! My boys were in science heaven. Also note, Sam does not ever kill creatures unless they pose a direct risk to her family. I think they once killed a copperhead that was at their mailbox.

School Days at Adler Academy

2011-09-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

What do children need to learn?
Or, a better question, what do children need to instill a LOVE of learning?
First, access to things they love. And, really, because kids won't know what they love until they have access to it in the first place, it's just a good idea to provide them with a ton of opportunities, supplies, ideas, books.
My NatureMan loves.... nature. Yeah, you guessed it. ;) His passion for all-things-nature seems to be contagious. His room is filled with snake skins, turtle shells, microscopes, field guides, you name it. They're allowed to get these things out pretty much whenever they want, and Dash has taken to dragging stuff out for examination almost hourly.

The boys studying nature, on their free time.
They're learning, to be sure, but "doing school"? Nope. Not right now. :) Not "officially."

We don't neglect our other passions either. Art supplies are KEPT out in this house. Squares of paper are kept on a basket on the table, and containers of crayons, markers, colored pencils and pens are within reach. Always. The kitchen drawer contains scissors, glue sticks, tape, rulers, staplers. Everything to design a house, paint a masterpiece, or build a robot is easily accessible. The only rule is "clean up after yourself, when you're done." Otherwise, they can use all the toilet paper rolls and tape that they want! Dash is my builder. His creations are pretty amazing! The Artist is my animal sketcher. And Little Lad tends to dabble in this and that. Right now I think he prefers play dough over anything else. :)

We also GO places~ creeks and fields, mountains and rivers, hiking and caving,

museums, musicals, plays...

And BOOKS~ don't even get me started on books. I love them, and have bookcases in.every.room. Unlimited access to thousands of stories, biographies, poems...

They can learn anything they want.

They can be anything they want.

Teaching is the best job, isn't it? :D

Hobbs State Park

2011-09-07T18:15:00.001-05:00

On Labor Day we spent the day at Hobbs State Park with Papaw. It couldn't have been a more beautiful day!

We even made it just in time for the snake talk! YAY!

Look at the picture below. Which snake is venomous?

Here's a trick to help you remember:

If red touches yellow, it can kill a fellow,

but if red touches black, it's a friend of Jack.

So, you see, the one on the right is venomous.

Other things to look for:

A non-venomous snake has a head shaped like your thumb, but a venomous snake has a more pointed end, and poofier "cheeks" (which is where they store their venom apparently .)

You can also tell by their eyes. Venomous snakes have slitted eyes...although I'd never want to get that close to tell the difference!

Here are my three little guys who got in line to pet the king snake. :D Good times!

Science Fridays with friends

2011-09-06T17:49:00.000-05:00

Have you figured out that my "busy" went to "BUSY" when school started back up?
Building
Up the
School
Year

Yeah, we're kind-of happily swamped over here, in science experiments, art lessons, field trips, plus all of my extra elementary coordinator stuff now. Which I love, by the way. :) It leaves very little time for art, though. And very little time for blogging. I'm going to *try* to use the kids' video time for those hobbies of mine. They're allowed to watch a video at 6pm every day. We'll see how well that "me time" goes. It may end up being early morning instead.
I've also been watching my sister's kids every morning, from 6-7:30am, before they go to school. Again, I love that. Great kids, fun times for the cousins, but it means that I moved my bedtime way up. I'm *trying* to get pumped for a 5am wake-up hour, so I can go running before the kiddlings arrive. So far, I only make it to the coffee pot and couch by 5:30am.
Sooooo, here's an attempt to catch up on our days.
We do Nature Notebook every other Friday with our homeschool group, which I LOVE. Last time we had the stories and a talk about hummingbirds and toads + a craft. This Friday we'll have a session on "being a naturalist," led by one of my all-time favorite gals! I'm excited.
The Fridays that we don't have Nature Notebook are our Science and Correspondence days. We meet with friends to do all kinds of awesome experiments & test theories.
Here are a couple of photos from our study on water and air pressure. We watched Steve Spangler's science video about it first, tried the experiment, and then watched the explanation. Cool stuff, y'all.

I'll catch you up soon (whoever might still be with me? Maybe this is just my online record now!) We've done other experiments since then, all kinds of hikes, and art projects. I have things to blog, just not the time to do it! Thankfully, this seems to be our smoothest start to a school year. The kids are adjusted to the schedule now, they like their new materials, and we're all enjoying the extracurricular activities. Win/win

Melted Crayon Art

2011-09-03T05:44:00.002-05:00

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I've seen several different versions of this, from leaving crayons on canvas in a hot car (we tried it) to using a blow dryer to running crayons through a small hot glue gun. We had the best luck with the latter. The crayons fit perfectly in the glue gun. Peel them first, of course (my kids did this) and then run them through. You'll need to press on the end of the crayon, rather than relying on pushing the button. This will NOT ruin your glue gun. It works just fine afterwards with glue, but you might have some color residue.

It's now hanging in my living room, awaiting a "cool colors" companion canvas. :)

Self-Portraits

2011-08-30T05:06:00.000-05:00

Nature Notebook officially starts

2011-08-28T10:26:00.003-05:00

I have been crazy busy, and really am not sure how well I'll be able to keep up with the blog throughout the year. It's usually my evening relaxing time, but that's been taken over with other obligations lately. I enjoy blogging, though, and will try to update regularly. I have so much stuff to share, and so little time to share it! ;)
Our homeschool group's first official Nature notebook session was last Friday. We had a great turn-out, with 60 kids + parents and babies. I'm so excited about the interest in it this year!!-- we had nearly 90 kids sign up for NN at the membership meeting!!! YAY!
Thank you, Dawn Denton for reading your books to us, Oliver and Toad and Ruby and Rocket. Both were a big hit. Check out her books, if you haven't seen them. :D

After reading the books, all of the kids made "toad houses" for their gardens. Lay the pot on its side to paint and, when it's dry, you bury half of it, so the toads will have a cool, dark place to rest.

Thank you, Dawn, for giving us a great start to the year!

Live with Joy

2011-08-23T05:29:00.001-05:00

details...

I plan to do this one in watercolor.

It's my new favorite medium. :)

Top Parenting Goals

2011-08-21T13:01:00.001-05:00

A friend on facebook asked "What are the top ten parenting jobs?" A vague question. ;) But it got me thinking.
My 10 parenting goals:
#1 Love with God's love, overflowing so that it covers your children completely. This means *unconditionally*.
#2 Encourage kids to grow steady in their faith & their relationship with God. Their life has real meaning, definable purposes. God is reliable in His guidance and support in times of trouble and peace.
#3 Provide basic physical needs: clothing, food and shelter. I'm lumping them all b/c even though they're time-consuming, where we live, what we eat, and what we wear are really very minor.

#4 Teach and train~ education and preparation. Instill love of learning.
#5 Encourage their passions, and provide opportunities to further those passions.

#6 Protect absolutely, from physical dangers and disease (seek medical help when needed) as well as protection from explicit and/or inappropriate material/words/people, etc.
#7 Guide them in healthy relationships, and appreciation for people and the world.
#8 Foster independence and confidence; the goal is to be more capable every year.
#9 Have fun. Be creative. The relationship is important. Memories are important.
#10 Teach empathy, hospitality, generosity-- help others when you can. Grieve with those who grieve. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Pass joy along whenever you can.

There, I think those are mine.

What are yours?

Homeschool Year 2011/2012

2011-08-18T18:08:00.005-05:00

Another year here!

Color Whimsy

2011-08-17T06:02:00.000-05:00

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other
way--things I had no words for.
Georgia O'Keeffe

Color has taken possession of me; no longer do I have to chase after it. I know
that it has hold of me forever... Color and I are one. I am a painter.
Paul Klee

(*ahem* Here are a few of my words, on Wordless Wednesday. Yes, I'm a notorious rule-breaker.

**Take note: when you run out of the good paper, keep painting anyway, even if it tears up your pages a bit!

My next painting journal hasn't made it here yet...I ordered this one again, as I was so happy with it last time! Naturally, though, it went down in price right after I placed my order! It holds up wonderfully with heavy ink & watercolors-- never bleeds through. It is also spiral-bound, which is nice. What do you use?)

Short Hair Art

2011-08-15T06:09:00.000-05:00

My hair is getting long enough now for mini pigtails on the sides. Which is nice when it's blazing hot outside...but still gives me a definite "Not Me" Feel. I need some curls and/or spikiness at all times. Maybe a renegade braid, too.
I'm thinking it may be time for another cut. Or shorter bangy things. Or that purple streak that I mentioned, not too long ago.
Take note of the hair I drew not the way-too-skinny poor woman who obviously needs more cake and beer (because cake and beer are awesome together and, unfortunately, also rather plumping! Mental note: cut down on cake and beer.)

I like the hair. Long enough to curl, but short enough to be a little wild. Whatcha think?
As crazy as this sounds, I just realized that there is no Hair tag for this post. Craziness, considering how often I post about hair!

Dress Up your Spaghetti

2011-08-12T19:49:00.003-05:00

This recipe is featured on They Draw and Cook! Check it out! :)

My kiddos love pasta, and my man love casseroles, so this recipe pleases them all. Plus it has lots of cheese, so I'm a happy camper, too.

(I used model car enamel paint for the silver pot!)

This moleskin journal is dedicated to recipes. When it's completely filled (probably years from now) I'll put it up with the other things I have for My Girl, to give when she moves into her own home. :)

For the Love of Coffee

2011-08-11T06:08:00.000-05:00

I'm never out of inspiration, with a cup of great coffee around...

"This year Consumer Reports brewed over 1,000 cups of coffee to deem two new champs among Colombian varieties: Gloria Jean's Colombian Supremo Medium Roast and Newman's Own Organics Colombian Especial Medium Roast."

Have you tried these? What do you think? I'm a coffee lover, for sure, but I rely on my amazing friends to point me in the right direction. Money IS an issue here, and I can't always buy the amazing stuff. I need help, folks! If I'm grabbing something from Wal-Mart, what should I reach for? Or what about in a coffee shop? I tried a coconut latte the other day that was heavenly. Mmmmm....

Illustrated Recipe (first of many)

2011-08-08T19:15:00.006-05:00

Okay, y'all, I'm officially addicted to Pinterest now; it's so full of inspiration and ideas! I've heard of "pinterest challenges" along the lines of "stop pinning for awhile, and start DOING what you've been pinning." Let me assure you, I do not need the challenge. I may pin 5 things or more a night, but I'm working on just as many. My grocery list consisted of ingredients from my Pinterest food board. ;)
This illustrated recipe is one of many that I've been working on, inspired by pictures I found, originally from They Cook and Draw. Love that site, btw.

What do you think? Like my "carrot top girl"? Red hair, leafy hat/hair, root earrings, parsley shirt. She's all about the carrot recipe, lemme tell you.

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I've been working on illustrating my Mimi's recipes, too. :) More soon. I'll show the progress pictures along with the completed pages, as soon as they're done.

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Oh, and this pic was done with Prismacolor pencils and Millennium ZIG pens.
What have you been pinning?
Are you inspired yet?
-- and, more importantly, what are you DOING about it?? :D

It's all in the details...

2011-08-07T05:13:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I get on a medium kick and neglect my First Love: Ink. I love Sharpie Fine Points...but I really adore the super fine pens, like COPIC pens and the Micron set. These items stay on my Wish List all year. I'm an easy woman for Fred to please-- don't worry about flowers and clothes, just give me fine-tip pens!! ;)

The "Hi" part of the picture is actually very small (--maybe 2 inches tall) and was drawn with a Millennium .05 pen. Very much inspired by the amazing Katie Daisy.

I'll add watercolor if/when the mood hits.

Painting Sticks

2011-08-05T05:08:00.001-05:00

This past week we gathered sticks from around the firepit.

It's not like we can, or would want to, use them for a fire anyway.

((burn ban & excessive heat warning))
//heat wave//
We went out eeeeeaaarly in the morning to get our supplies, and then started the

free-paint fun!

Painting in swimsuits, with cereal snacks nearby. :)

When we finished with all of the sticks in our yard, we moved on to clothespins...

This record heat wave has forced us back indoors, and we've been doing more art...so...I guess...I can't really complain about that. Even if it is staying in the mid-80s in my air conditioned house. At least we have a/c!

Joy...

2011-08-03T16:40:00.002-05:00

“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow”
Swedish Proverb

“Nothing I've ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a father to my children.”
Bill Cosby

“Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow”
Helen Keller

Neighborhood of Color

2011-07-29T17:48:00.003-05:00

Do you sometimes wish you could just inject color everywhere-- houses, clothes, sidewalks and buses... murals on every building, crayons in every child's hand...?

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Personality Clothes: What I Wore

2011-07-28T08:20:00.006-05:00

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I've mentioned to a few friends lately that my motto lately is "I don't flippin' care" in regards to what other people think. Not that anyone thinks badly, that I know of...but I don't really flippin' care. I asked Fred about dying my hair dark brown with some purple streaks. He smiled...and then asked "what would your homeschool group say?" I love my homeschool group! They're awesome people, and I seriously doubt they'd judge me on hair color...but, frankly, I don't flippin' care.
What does the world think about an orange living room? Asymmetrical haircut? Tube tops? Skirts and aprons every day? My homeschooling lifestyle? A messy house? I don't flippin' care. Yeah, you heard me. I'm not wanting or needing to fit anyone's profile. Deal with it. :)

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I had wanted to participate in the "what I wore" posts that were going around... so neat, so artsy. (Yes, art encompasses make-up and clothes, too. It's just another way to express your personality and play with mixed media!) But I hesitated because...is that just another way to open myself to criticism? Aren't I different enough already? But the motto works for that, too: "I don't flippin' care." And maybe, just maybe, someone else will be inspired. Maybe someone who needs an emotional pull-up will see that it's okay to be who God made you to be. Like I've said before, it's the blue-haired nose-ringed Christians who reach others with that style. If we all conformed to a certain arbitrary standard, then who is being unintentionally (or intentionally??) left out of the "circle." So, yeah. I'm starting my What I Wore posts.

Unlike other posters that I've seen, I have no idea what brands/ stores my clothes are from. The tube top was a hand-me-down from a sister, year ago. Not sure about the little white cardy. The skirt was from my neighbor's Quarter Yard Sale. This outfit cost me a total of $.25 and it fit my mood perfectly yesterday. Summery and light

If you're doing the What I Wore (--or really anything else artsy, crafty, educational, creative--) let me know.

And, please, tell me that you're your own person, too, whatever that means for you.

Chloe the cat

2011-07-27T05:00:00.001-05:00

This was going to be a wordless Wednesday post, but people keep asking about the last post. It's a type of spiny soft-shelled turtle! We were amazed to find it!
Also- Happy Birthday, Mom!!! (**waving**)

Cats know how to relax!

When it's too hot to do anything else...

2011-07-26T17:47:00.001-05:00

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...we head back to the river.

Art/ Music Night

2011-07-24T22:38:00.003-05:00

Last Night was our Monthly Art/ Music Night held at an awesome local coffee house. A friend created this great little video.

And here are a few pics...

A friend even caught a picture of me! Imagine that- a picture of me on my own blog!

Click here for more pictures.
Do Art.
Share Art.
Inspire Art.
Make time for art...

Sunday fancy

2011-07-24T06:31:00.000-05:00

If you saw inside...

2011-07-21T21:48:00.005-05:00

A few months ago I read a wonderful article/post somewhere about pain...what people might be going through...how everyone around us is dealing with something that we can't see... Did anyone else read it? Can you point me back to it? A man needing to sell his possessions to pay bills...ring a bell? And it talked about signs. About the invisible signs that people are carrying around their necks:
"I'm battling cancer"....
"My child is so very sick"....
"My marriage is over"....
"I can't go on another day."
Folks, I got another reminder of that this week. We simply can't know what someone else is going through. Be quick to love, embrace...slow to anger or judge.... give grace abundantly. Everyone in life has pain. Be careful.

She may smile on the outside. He may go about his daily business.

But there's often hidden wounds underneath.
For the man who cuts you off in traffic...maybe he has a real reason to be in such a hurry. You can't know.
For the receptionist that just snapped at you over the phone...is her marriage crumbling?
And the couple shoving their way through the airport...was her mom just diagnosed with cancer? Is her friend being prepped for an emergency c-section? Do you know? Do you know their pain, stress, reasons...?
There's always more behind the scenes.

Everyone needs grace.
Everyone has their own story.
And some people I love need prayer for their hurting hearts.

Wordless Wednesday: Home-grown corn

2011-07-20T05:01:00.000-05:00

Inside and Out, It's Really All Around Us

2011-07-17T22:15:00.001-05:00

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Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us
or we find it not. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is
God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every
fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I think Emerson was a pretty wise dude. I'm trying to read/learn more from the wise. Thank you all for the many reading suggestions on the last post!

To answer questions:
Yes, I am on GoodReads. Feel free to look me up.
I'm also on PaperbackSwap, although I don't have much listed to swap at the moment. It's tellin' me that I've saved over $70 on books so far, and I believe it! If you sign up, use this link (so I'll get the credit) and start swapping with me. I've gotten many hand-me-down paperbacks from friends and family that I need to list soon.
Yes, I also plan to get some prints of the paintings I've been doing to list on my etsy. All in good time. ;)
As far as how to join Pinterest, you can use this link.
I think that's all.
Keep the reading ideas, art inspiration, and Pinterest suggestions coming. I love the emails I've been gettin'. You guys are awesome.

Just Read

2011-07-16T05:55:00.000-05:00

Like most homeschoolers I know, I have a thing for books. In fact, I even have a Pinterest book board.

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who
think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.

~Anna Quindlen

Oh, they are so inspiring, and my To Read list is sooo long. But I'm still taking suggestions, both for my personal reading and for Read-Alouds for the kids (preK, 1st, 4th, 6th grades.)

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.

~Mark Twain

What are you reading these days?

{Yellow} In my...

2011-07-15T05:54:00.000-05:00

... dining room...

...living room...

...

...Kitchen...

...front bathroom...

Yellow is, and has always been,

my Cheerful color.

I use it a lot. :D

For Bridgitt

2011-07-14T05:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday again, Girl.

Bridgitt is a Real Life friend, Montessori-style homeschooler, mama to three,

outgoing and kind girlfriend, inspiring hands-on teacher...

I wanted to do something special for her bday. It's a simple picture, but captures what I wanted to convey. Her home operates on love. The children are kind and helpful, the home is inviting and kid-friendly. Bridgitt's yard is a regular playground-- and why not? She runs her own school!

But, more than any of that-- she makes it Home by being who she is, planting seeds of knowledge & love in her children.

(she framed it, not me. So sweet that she considers it frame-worthy!)

When it was in progress...

half-done journaling Tulsa Zoo

2011-07-13T08:20:00.000-05:00

Last week, we also went to the Tulsa Zoo. And it was only 105 degrees that day. Sheesh.
In spite of the heat warnings, we had a really great time. We arrived right when they opened, at 9am, and looked around at the animals outside until sweat began pouring down our backs. Then we hit all the air conditioned buildings. It worked out well, the place wasn't at all crowded (imagine that) and we brought plenty of water with us.
On the way home I started another Family Day journal page to capture my thoughts and memories. These eventually will be added to our photo album (when I get pictures developed again!)

I have a thing for birds...especially birds who look like they've dunked their heads in paint.

And guess what the Arctic building has now! A grizzly bear! Yeah, it totally doesn't make sense, and I'm sure they're in the process (always in the process) of redoing that building.

The bear climbed right up to the window, much to the boys' delight.

I'm trying to be more creative in my memory-storing. The kids have treasure boxes, for their dedication outfits, hospital bracelets, etc. And we've made vacation jars, complete with sand and pictures, when we actually took vacations. When we traveled to the beach last year, we even gathered our own shells to make jewelry. But journaling pages are so easy. For everyone. I'm encouraging the kids to at least draw one picture of their day, and I'll add that to our photo albums, too. They don't need much encouragement, and I've received at least 5 beautiful drawings from each of them, about our days last week. :) They've been coloring theirs with crayons and colored pencils, and I plan to use watercolor on mine. Btw, if you plan to do the same, make sure to draw with Sharpie pens, so the ink won't bleed.

Field Trip pages

2011-07-11T20:52:00.006-05:00

So, my Hubs was on vacation this week (plant shutdown, really, without pay, so it wasn't exactly a vacation,) sooo we tried to pack in a lot of (cheap) family activities. Hence the belatedness of my posting. On the 7th, we headed out to Devil's Den.

We had planned to hike the trail until we got all sweaty, and then head to the water.

The picture below was taken about 10 minutes before NatureMan (9-yellow shorts) fell, running downhill, and cut his knees, elbow, and hands.

I couldn't tell how badly he was hurt, with all the blood blocking my view, so we rushed him to the visitor's center for first aid. I only carry a few band-aids in my backpack, and that just wasn't going to cut it.
We had some excellent help, rangers that got him cleaned up, doctored, and bandaged. Poor kid.
Creek play was out for him. And out for all of us, seeing as how the water is SO low, there was no creek. ;/
So Fred took the kids out on the lookout...and then we drove all the way back home.

But I'm thankful for...
time spent in the van, talking to my Man...
peaceful time traveling with all of the kids, while they played games and drew pictures...
the time I had to do artwork, with no pressure for anything else...
a way to hold these memories in ways I know how...
special treats when we got home, for good behaviour...
decent attitudes in spite of the circumstances...
help for my NatureMan when he needed it...
a chance to show the kids that memories can be built and a good time had, even when things don't go as planned.

Inking through my life

2011-07-06T21:36:00.001-05:00

A little bit lady, a little bit paisley
some trees and mountains, and a river or two

lipsticks and camera,
feathers and family,

It's all inked together...

May the 4th be with you

2011-07-05T15:19:00.004-05:00

I hope your 4th was as fun...

...and sweet...

...and filled with Firsts...

...and family...

...as ours was.

Little Lad's first time with sparklers. He fell under their spell immediately.

This is what delight feels like.

Red, White and a bit of Blue in my House

2011-07-03T20:34:00.001-05:00

I {love} ...

Polka dots

....patchwork, quilts, {love} these colors...

...cups that sport my name,.... {love} paintbrushes....

...quirky little wooden wall hangings that I painted ages ago with the kiddos...

...{love} chalkboard doors.... {love} red aprons...

Enjoying summer

2011-07-01T21:24:00.005-05:00

I sincerely hope that you're enjoying this beautiful summer as much as we are! In spite of the record-breaking heat (or maybe because of- ha!) I'm LOVIN' this summer.

Being the elementary coordinator has some great perks-- I can plan as many nature-lovin', water-wonder field trips as I want!

Go out. Have ~~Fun~~ !

Thursday. In the Sketchbook...

2011-06-30T22:26:00.000-05:00

Who do people see?

Or what do they see?

I want to see the real person. Behind actions. Behind words. Behind the past.

There's someone inside.

In my sketchbook...

2011-06-28T21:19:00.000-05:00

My amazingly talented little sister was asked to coordinate structured art activities for children at the shelter. Yay! Wonderful volunteer job to have. I'm excited about helping her round up ideas and plan the activities. As I've said before, I believe art is more than just a fun pastime for kids. It's important. It gives them a voice, when they can't find their own. It allows them to create. Make. Be a part of something good.

C is for Creatures & Critters

2011-06-27T21:10:00.004-05:00

The is what our summers are all about...

Special Guests

2011-06-26T06:39:00.004-05:00

Guess who came to stay with me?? My dear friend Suzanne, from The Joyful Chaos!!
Her family arrived on Wednesday, and stayed until early Saturday morning. I need to write more about the visit, but afraid I'll get all teary right now.

I miss her already.

Some of my kids, Julie's, some of Suzanne's, and Marietta's daughter

The children all got along flawlessly. If you read her blog for parenting tips/ advice, keep it up. :) I {love} her kids, and how they interact with others. The law of the land is Kindness.

Overcoming fears one Wendy Adler event at a time. Suzanne ventured forward on the LookOut at Natural Falls State Park, over a 77-foot waterfall. She braved the tree-top bridge through the trail. She squashed the urge to bolt when a leech appeared at the creek. I'm proud of you, girl! :D

This baby stole my heart. They all did.

More later.

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
— Dr. Seuss

guess who!

2011-06-25T09:23:00.001-05:00

Guess who was at my house for the last few days!

A few of my favorite (household/artsy) things

2011-06-21T23:30:00.000-05:00

I kinda love my silly carrot peeler.

Utensils with eyes just make my day.

Hightlighter. Of course. Who can live without highlighters?

And Sharpies. These are my favorites. I should name them.

That's all for now, folks.

Anyone else spend their time painting inanimate objects?

Pulling Back to Focus

2011-06-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

It's that time again. I'm feeling busy. Too busy.
Summer brings out the nature-love, want-to-live-in-the-country desire for me.

Blackberries from our backyard, picked this morning

I want quiet streams. And wildflower covered meadows dancing with butterflies. (yeah, it's a picture in my head, and a feeling that goes along.) I want to watch the kids run through sprinklers, with no worry about how fast I need to corral them to head to the next appointment, playdate, or event. I want to pick blackberries in my yard and salad from the garden...and relax...not stress over what's going on and where we need to head next. (part of what I wrote here is missing now, because my kitten walked over the keyboard and erased it! Let me try to recap.)
I stay encouraged and excited about homeschooling (or just staying home with the kids, in the summer,) by keeping myself from getting overwhelmed. If you know me, you know that I don't get overwhelmed easily. We can have weeks upon weeks of daily playdates, church commitments, sports activities, parties before I start to feel like *maybe* just maybe we should pull back. In fact, I'd say that my overwhelm-response needs some fine tuning, as I should get to that point much sooner. Instead, it just kinda hits me-- BAM-- It's too much.

I've mentioned before that our county has more homeschoolers than any other county in the state. We have a great support network, and we're surrounded by wonderful opportunities: nature centers, summer camps and VBSes, sports opportunities, music lessons and endless field trip possibilities. In the past, we've done everything from soccer & T-ball, gymnastics to co-op, piano, Spanish, ballet, summer camps, you name it. They were all good opportunities, some better than others. But now I wonder why I said yes to so many. Why do I say yes? Yes to the kids, yes to our friends, yes to random people who ask if we want to come. I like Yes. I enjoy doing things. It feels good to have many experiences under our belt, you know? Regardless, I found too many yeses became discouraging if we weren’t keeping up with the bigger (Best) plans for us.

Now, I'm *trying* to only enroll in classes that directly relate to what we are studying. And almost all of our field trips are family trips. When we can include Daddy, too, on the weekends, I feel less overwhelmed and we are more unified.

Even after cutting out some of our "extracurricular extras," I still sometimes feel suffocated in time commitments. I do a lot of extras with volunteer work, photography, church functions (not as often anymore) and community events. Homeschooling takes up an enormous amount of time. I was in a book club, cooking club (this week will be my last time to go,) playdate group, Bible study. I'm also trying to keep up with the house (with an out-of-order dishwasher this past week)...and the garden...and my etsy... and this here blog. And facebook, emails, bills. Then there are all of the endless tasks that are involved in just keeping a family fed and clothed. And, of course, my Man wants some attention now and then. ;)

And playdates. Oh, my, the playdates. You know I love them. I love seeing friends. I love their kids. I love taking pictures and playing, watching my kids play. I don't want to stop the playdates. It's AFTER the playdate that I feel tired. Did I just have back-to-back playdates for the last 10 days in a row, all with different families, in addition to gymnastics and dinners and parties? No wonder I'm tired. Today was out first full day at home. It was a glorious day. My house got cleaned. The kids played with each other. I paid some bills and answered some overdue emails. We played a few games, read some little stories. And rested.

I have hit the wall. Must make some major changes. Again. I'm a slow learner.
I. Can't. Do. It. All. Must look in the mirror and repeat every hour: "I. Can't. Do. It. All."

I must choose the best over the good. I must decide what is important and do THAT. Not everyone will agree. Not everyone will understand. But maybe some will? And, more importantly, God knows my heart. I want to do what's best for my family. I want to help others, within God's plan, not simply because I never say no. I want to strive less for people's approval, and more for God's.

Not every season is mine to say yes. Not every job is mine.

Basically, I'm trying to clear my plate of things that don't belong right now. Book club, gone. Cooking Club, I love you, but it's not the right time anymore. No teaching Sunday School right now. I may back off from photographing others for awhile, we'll see. I'm down to one in gymnastics, and a hold on Spanish lessons. No VBS this year. No summer camps. No more sports. Yes to Art Nights and Nature Notebook. Yes to creek trips. Noooooo, we simply can't go to every single birthday party we're invited to, as much as a part of me wants to.

I DID take on the elementary coordinator position with the homeschool group, which is one thing I'm very purposefully making time for. Fred and I prayed about it, decided it was right (not just another yes) for me to step up. Coordinator means that I'll initiate and plan some things, but delegate many others. So you, homeschoolers who are reading this, YOU plan some some things and let me know. I'll help facilitate and get it on the calendar. At least tentatively at this point, try to initiate just ONE thing during the next school year for whatever age group your children are in. Just one. If everyone shares the job, the burden is light. Go in with a friend and plan something, if you'd like. :)

After clearing my plate of so many time-consuming commitments, I feel much less overwhelmed...but still too busy. And have you heard what "busy" stands for? "Being Under Satan's Yoke." Homeschooling is not something I could just add on to an already busy life. I MUST cut back. Our lives need pruning. I need pruning. And part of that means that I must reclaim the responsibility of being. Being available to the kids, available for the home, available for my Man. Not available to everyone and everything under the sun.
I mentioned that I got the house clean today while we were home. My Man noticed. He cared. It mattered. So that matters to me. (And- heck, if Fred noticed that's really sayin' something!)

Y'all, I'm cutting way back on my available time. I can't do playdates every day. I can't do ANY during the school year between Monday and Thursday unless it's directly school-related. It just overwhelms me. We rush to get school done, house tidied, before leaving to play. And so starts the rushing lifestyle and poorly done work. No more, I say. No more. I want to live a purposeful life while I have these little ones. It won't be perfect, and I accept that. I don't need perfect, but I do need purposeful. Intentional.

Okay, and as far as the blogging goes, I love it. It's my downtime, "me time" relaxation. But I also love my artwork at night, and have been spending time editing pictures, too. Because I can rarely accomplish these things when the kids are awake, I've been staying up too late to do it all. Again. Sooo, I may be doing more Photo Blogging, and less actual writing. K? Okay.

Julie & Adam, signing the wall

On that note, I had a stinkin' awesome time at Art Night last night, and that's one thing that is definitely staying on my schedule. Last Saturday of every month, Art/Music Night at the local coffee shop. If it's the only time I go out each month (ha) I'd be okay with that. Art/People/Music is a balm to my soul. :D

Bekah Karp, Tea and Art

Mark Rotramel with guitar (and me reflected (: Cool, right? Right.)

The Little Gymnast

2011-06-16T05:36:00.000-05:00

Boys Need
A place to twist and turn
jump and run
be a little crazy,
whether it's a creek or park or front yard
or a gymnastics building with other boys who
need the very same thing

Work it out, Son.
Expend that energy.

Walk your imagination plank

Run the race

jump the wall...

Come home tired, my little boy.

Inside Hobbs Visitors' Center

2011-06-14T21:43:00.000-05:00

Just a sneak peak, inside Hobbs Visitors' Center. The link will lead you to more information, a map, pictures, and trail guides. The visitors' center isn't huge, but it's very well done! They pack a lot into a fairly small building, and it's certainly worth a visit. My fellow Nature Notebookers, we're going to visit these trails in a few weeks!

Summer means...

2011-06-12T22:33:00.005-05:00

Swimming with Daddy in the kiddie pool

Cooling off in the creek

Resting on rocks after a picnic (yes, I dress like this, even for the creek.)

Walking for Life

and stepping in the backyard, to pick fresh greens for dinner.

This is hands-down my favorite time of year!

{love} Rock Art

2011-06-07T21:11:00.004-05:00

It's not as if I ever post my Family Pictures on time, right? I just need to aim for once a month.

If you know me at all, you know I spend A LOT of time outside when the weather warms up.

I've taken to making rock art with the kids, when we're at the creek. Spread the love.

The water banded snakes at our most frequented creek. They look a lot like water moccasins, but they're not as thick and don't have the same buoyancy.

My littles. Yes, The Girl wore jeans to the creek. Jeans. okay. Whatever floats your boat, hun.

And this lovely lady is my Mom, and her dog Sally. My Mom (Noni) is a total outdoorsy creek-lovin, cave-explorin', water-raftin', mountain-bikin, marathon-running superwoman. My sisters and I are carrying on the nature love with our families.

Peaceful Moments

2011-06-07T20:03:00.000-05:00

Some of the most peaceful, enjoyable moments last week...

Flying kites with the kids, and our friends, at a surprise birthday party.

Teeter tottering with my three little boys.

When they squeeze in on one side, they can weigh me down!

Where has the time gone?

Trail riding with my daughter... there was a light breeze of honeysuckle, warm sun on our backs, birds singing, clip clop clip clop of hooves hitting rock road

This may be my favorite time of year.