Today was busy. Clark, Vivian and I dropped Victoria off at dance class and then ran to Target to get birthday gifts for my visiting teachees and Victoria's classmate, Norah. After we picked up Victoria from dance we headed over to Jodie Norton's house and gave her the cinnamon leaf scented candle and lipgloss and checked in on her. Then visited Kristi Dickinson for 40 minutes and left her with the same gift.
We came home and played outside for about 20 minutes. The weather was perfect. It was probably about 68 degrees, the sun was shining and there was a light breeze. While we were playing, Clark quietly snuck back inside and secretly made peanut butter sandwiches for all four of us. He said he wanted to surprise us with lunch. He is such a thoughtful and observant boy. He has always been that way. I do love him fiercely.
The middle of the day consisted of reading, watching a television show, cleaning, and schoolwork. Clark is really impressing me with his math abilities. He can now adequately regroup numbers in both triple digit addition and subtraction problems. His handwriting also continues to improve, as does his vocabulary and reading comprehension. I do love homeschooling that boy. So far, he makes it easy.
The afternoon was full of outdoor play for Clark and Victoria while I paid bills. Our dinner was black bean tacos with steamed broccoli. Victoria made the guacamole almost completely by herself and Clark finally figured out how to open a can with the can opener. Those two love to help cook when they can. After dinner we all played outside for about 35 minutes until it was too dark to see. Vivian was a hoot to watch outside. She thinks she's capable of anything the older children can do. At one point she had Clark's helmet on and was lying on her tummy on top of the skateboard while pushing herself with her hands and feet. That skate board is probably twice her length but she managed to go pretty far. She's a very determined little one. So is Victoria. When Clark got his new big boy bike on Sunday for his 7th birthday, Victoria immediately asked Brent if he could adjust the seat and handle bars on Clark's old bike so she could ride it. It's still a little hard for her to get started on it by herself because it's so tall but she is bound and determined to ride that bike. She looks so old on it's seat.
Brent came home a little after 7 after he ate dinner he helped the kids get ready for bed and then played with them until it was bedtime. I read the children the book Bedtime For Frances, we said prayers, and then I tucked Clark and Victoria in their respective beds while Brent put Vivian down.
It was a full, productive and fulfilling day.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
October 27, 2015
Today Clark, Victoria, Vivian and I visited a pumpkin patch with Victoria's preschool class. First, the children and I worked on a scavenger hunt to find different types of stuffed animals after reading their descriptions. Clark did the reading and then we would search for the respective animal.
Next, we were each given a small, plastic cup full of animal feed so that we could feed sheep, goats, and longhorns. All the children enjoyed pouring feed into their hands and then holding their hands flat like a table in front of the animals and feeling the animals lick the food out of their hands. Vivian seemed to especially enjoy the process. She would giggle over and over each time the animals would lick her hand. She continued to lay her flat hand out in front of the animals' faces long after she ran out of feed.
We then were able to sit in an open trailer full of hay bales which was driven around the farm by a john deer tractor. Clark and Victoria said that was their favorite part of the patch experience.
The children then had a snack and listened to a story about a scarecrow. Afterward, they each picked out their very own pumpkin. It was a pleasant time. I believe everyone enjoyed it thoroughly.
On our drive back to the school, I happened to noticed a woman crossing an extremely busy and dangerous street with a toddler on one hip and a large, heavy car seat over her shoulder. After crossing the street she had the toddler walk but continued to hold the carseat slung over her shoulder. As I sat at the stoplight I debated as to wether I should attempt to ask her if I could give her a ride somewhere. Normally, it's not something I would do; especially with the children in the car with me. I said a silent prayer and felt like it would be safe to help her. I pulled into a parking lot and asked her if I could give her a ride. She very gratefully accepted. Once she got her daughter situated in the carseat, she directed me to her home. I learned that her daughter, Hope, would be two in December and her name was Erin. They had just visited the doctor and couldn't find a ride home, and had decided to walk home instead. Based on our brief conversation and my superficial observation of her home and situation, it appeared that Erin may have many material needs. It was a really good reminder as to how much I have really been blessed in my life. I have never wanted for any necessities of life and have always been very comfortable. I also remembered how often I take that for granted. I may have shortened Erin and Hope's trip by probably an hour but they did much more for me than I for them. I gave Erin my phone number and offered to help her with rides when I can. I hope she will take me up on it.
The rest of the day consisted of reading with the children, cleaning, playing outside, and a little schoolwork. It was a nice autumn day.
Next, we were each given a small, plastic cup full of animal feed so that we could feed sheep, goats, and longhorns. All the children enjoyed pouring feed into their hands and then holding their hands flat like a table in front of the animals and feeling the animals lick the food out of their hands. Vivian seemed to especially enjoy the process. She would giggle over and over each time the animals would lick her hand. She continued to lay her flat hand out in front of the animals' faces long after she ran out of feed.
We then were able to sit in an open trailer full of hay bales which was driven around the farm by a john deer tractor. Clark and Victoria said that was their favorite part of the patch experience.
The children then had a snack and listened to a story about a scarecrow. Afterward, they each picked out their very own pumpkin. It was a pleasant time. I believe everyone enjoyed it thoroughly.
On our drive back to the school, I happened to noticed a woman crossing an extremely busy and dangerous street with a toddler on one hip and a large, heavy car seat over her shoulder. After crossing the street she had the toddler walk but continued to hold the carseat slung over her shoulder. As I sat at the stoplight I debated as to wether I should attempt to ask her if I could give her a ride somewhere. Normally, it's not something I would do; especially with the children in the car with me. I said a silent prayer and felt like it would be safe to help her. I pulled into a parking lot and asked her if I could give her a ride. She very gratefully accepted. Once she got her daughter situated in the carseat, she directed me to her home. I learned that her daughter, Hope, would be two in December and her name was Erin. They had just visited the doctor and couldn't find a ride home, and had decided to walk home instead. Based on our brief conversation and my superficial observation of her home and situation, it appeared that Erin may have many material needs. It was a really good reminder as to how much I have really been blessed in my life. I have never wanted for any necessities of life and have always been very comfortable. I also remembered how often I take that for granted. I may have shortened Erin and Hope's trip by probably an hour but they did much more for me than I for them. I gave Erin my phone number and offered to help her with rides when I can. I hope she will take me up on it.
The rest of the day consisted of reading with the children, cleaning, playing outside, and a little schoolwork. It was a nice autumn day.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
October 21, 2015
Victoria had ballet/tap class this morning. She looks so adorable in her little leotard and tights. I can't wait to see her recital in December.
After dance class, the kids and I visited Yellowjacket park where I met my visiting teachers and the kids played. They love that park. It's great because it's enclosed and there are so many things to do for the span of ages between the 3 children. Vivian was fun and terrifying to watch as she dared to climb and play on the parts of the park that were clearly meant for older children. She would determine to climb up oversized ladders and jump over large gaps onto playthings. It was frightening and yet my heart swelled with pride to watch her make a decision and follow through. She is a force to reckon with.
For workbook time today, Clark learned how to regroup when subtracting double digits. I was amazed at how quickly he understood how to do it. And all in one lesson! There were some big numbers to work with and he did most of it in his head. That little boy continues to impress me with his ability to work out math in his head. A talent that I do not naturally possess. He has so much potential to do great things.
Today was the last soccer practice for the fall '15 season. This is Clark's second season of soccer and he's beginning to show some real improvement. I hope he will continue playing the game for a while. He has some potential to do well, especially on the defensive side and as goal keeper.
Vivian always has funny things to say but her newest vivianism is to add the word goodness to emphasize her sentence. For example:
Me: Vivian please put the brush away.
Vivian: (in a displeased voice) O-KAY! GOODNESS!
She is full of spice and keeps me on my toes. I love the way she adds so much spunk to our family.
Clark said the sweetest thing to me today. He said he was sorry that I had to work so hard (being pregnant) for Claire. He is incredibly aware of others, especially for a 6 year old boy. I'm so impressed that he came to the conclusion that it was a lot of work for me to be pregnant with Claire only to lose her in this life. He is one of the sweetest and kindest people on this earth. I do love him fiercely.
Victoria has really flourished into a little girl as of late. Gone are the days of her toddlerhood. She's lost most of her baby fat and her face has become longer and leaner. She's looking so old! And she's asking how she can help me, doing things (like chores or noticing a need to be filled) without my asking, and helping Vivian with things she can't do on her own. Victoria is extremely excited to meet Baby Sister in December. She will be such a big help when Baby Girl is born.
I have been blessed with such lovely children. I do hope they will always know how much I adore them.
After dance class, the kids and I visited Yellowjacket park where I met my visiting teachers and the kids played. They love that park. It's great because it's enclosed and there are so many things to do for the span of ages between the 3 children. Vivian was fun and terrifying to watch as she dared to climb and play on the parts of the park that were clearly meant for older children. She would determine to climb up oversized ladders and jump over large gaps onto playthings. It was frightening and yet my heart swelled with pride to watch her make a decision and follow through. She is a force to reckon with.
For workbook time today, Clark learned how to regroup when subtracting double digits. I was amazed at how quickly he understood how to do it. And all in one lesson! There were some big numbers to work with and he did most of it in his head. That little boy continues to impress me with his ability to work out math in his head. A talent that I do not naturally possess. He has so much potential to do great things.
Today was the last soccer practice for the fall '15 season. This is Clark's second season of soccer and he's beginning to show some real improvement. I hope he will continue playing the game for a while. He has some potential to do well, especially on the defensive side and as goal keeper.
Vivian always has funny things to say but her newest vivianism is to add the word goodness to emphasize her sentence. For example:
Me: Vivian please put the brush away.
Vivian: (in a displeased voice) O-KAY! GOODNESS!
She is full of spice and keeps me on my toes. I love the way she adds so much spunk to our family.
Clark said the sweetest thing to me today. He said he was sorry that I had to work so hard (being pregnant) for Claire. He is incredibly aware of others, especially for a 6 year old boy. I'm so impressed that he came to the conclusion that it was a lot of work for me to be pregnant with Claire only to lose her in this life. He is one of the sweetest and kindest people on this earth. I do love him fiercely.
Victoria has really flourished into a little girl as of late. Gone are the days of her toddlerhood. She's lost most of her baby fat and her face has become longer and leaner. She's looking so old! And she's asking how she can help me, doing things (like chores or noticing a need to be filled) without my asking, and helping Vivian with things she can't do on her own. Victoria is extremely excited to meet Baby Sister in December. She will be such a big help when Baby Girl is born.
I have been blessed with such lovely children. I do hope they will always know how much I adore them.
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