Sunday, May 22, 2011

And the renovations continue

Well I have learned a few things about vinyl flooring since we worked on the bathroom and I've decided that paying a bit more upfront is definitely worth it.  The quality alone is like night and day.  That said don't forget to always check the remnants sections to see if there is a piece you can use and save a few bucks :)  

The contractor has still not shown up for the siding project so I contacted someone else.  Unlike the other contractor he put it on me to source the materials, I really had not thought much about it so imagine my surprise when I realized that the other guy was charging 4 times the actual cost of the materials :( God is great and all to often works things out even when you don't realize that He is. :)

The kids and I will be prepping the wall, getting out all the nails and screws and bagging up all the melted siding and insulation and hopefully should have it ready for the guys to start on Wednesday.  

Have I mentioned that I LOVE Craigslist?  I do :)  I found some great chainlink fencing for the new chicken/goat area for $20 :)  The kids and I picked it up on our trip to Menards, love them too.  We were able to find the siding for the house at a much lower price than the other hardware stores :)  Dh might even consider doing the siding work himself if he can figure it out :)

I found 2 remnants that should allow me to re-do my bedroom.  I also found a 12X17 remnant for the kitchen.  I will have to go look for a few more soon.  I was pleased to see that Menards also sells used appliances, I think we'll have to take a trailer on the next trip :)  So many projects so little time.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

We have a dysfunctional relationship with hard work ~ Mike Rowe


Clip courtesy of CNN

Check out his Senate testimony Here

Check out his site mikeroweworks.com for schools, financial aid, resources etc

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Dear 16-year-old Me







Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Chicken Pox and stuff

We went to the most wonderful party at Easter, not only did we get to see friends and make a few new ones but we also got the chicken pox, and by "we" I mean the children.  Now to most people this sounds like a terrible thing but for a non-vaxing family like ours this is a chance to give our children a lifetime immunity.  So we were thrilled to find out the day after the party that one of the kids had it.  For the last 2 weeks the kids have asked when they would get the chicken "pops", I am almost certain they thought it was some kind of treat, lol.  So far the youngest 4 have gotten it and except for GH (who is covered with it), it has been fairly mild, thank the Lord.  We kept EE home the first day to check with the doctor in town.  We were informed that unless she was running a temp or had pocks that she was fine to go to school.  She was thrilled to be able to go.

Mother's day kicked off the first day of our 3 day celebration, Gh turned 2 Monday and Dh also celebrate his birthday.  It wasn't anything fancy but we had fun :)

We have begun working on next years curriculum, I am not a fan of a long summer break so we school all year.  The kids are using Teaching Textbooks for math, Switched on Schoolhouse for Language Arts, Science and Spanish.  I am still undecided on the social studies curriculum so I will keep looking.  They are really enjoying the work and I sit with them to help explain and guide them through the work.  I like both programs as it allows me a way to keep a record of their work.  

AR has also enjoyed his computer project.  He had to research the components of the computer and how they work, he then was given the pieces and got to build his own.  Here are a few pics:





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Yup, he LOVES being homeschooled, lol :)

My little guy is beginning to sit unsupported, though he is very curious about EVERYTHING, so he would rather move around.  He is tasting more and more regular foods and enjoying this new world of food.  Well, I've got to run, GH needs her mama to snuggle for a bit longer.  

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Like family

In the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of the readers of this blog, and you guys are amazing.  On Monday we had the pleasure of having dinner at Tracy's home and it was like being at home in my grandmother's house.  The house was beautiful, it was so cozy and comfortable, there was a loved in/lived in feeling.  The kids really enjoyed being there, there was so much to see and AR even found a great tree to climb.  

Steven is so knowledgeable about gardening and the animals, I was blown away.  I have so much to learn.  He is doing such a great job with their property, I hope to get ours that well run someday.  We felt so blessed to spend the evening with them.  The kids want to go back soon :)

In other news, my grandmother's house was demolished, I don't know why it hit me so hard but I cried.  I can see it in my mind so vividly, I can't believe it's not there anymore.  :(

Well recital season has come and gone and soccer season is coming to an end.  Here are a few pics from the recital :