Birthday's, Spaghetti & a Kitchen Pic

So August brings us 2 birthday's, Henry is now 4 & Jack is now 7. It is an unforgettable month for us. It's a longer celebration than my mother's day & birthday weekend marathon.

We are slowly working our way into being at home here in our rental house. I keep reading over at 'The Nester' how you have to make your home, even if it's a temporary rental, your own home.

You really have to check out her ideas. She's so creative and endless on positive attitude. And her decor... well, just check it out.

And while we're on the subject, I'm sure you're noticing my 'teal' laminate counter-top. and lots of it. This is the kitchen that goes on for miles. I literally get a work-out in here. Way too many stops beyond the classic 'work tri-angle'. The floors are tile that was made for homeruns. I slip and slide on the slightest drop of water. But the color really doesn't bother me. Actually its a relief from all the white walls. In person, this kitchen is pleasant. With all my chatchki's and pitchers(girls, I never got rid of those when you unpacked me at Kensington.)

But color takes on a whole 'nuther meaning when you visit the beautiful blog,

Fly Through Our Window.

If you've EVER rehabbed, you must go look at this rehab. This one is really award winning. I'm SO not kidding. I looked at EVERY room & post. Really, really great job & excellent perspective on our earthly homes.

Folks, this world really isn't our home. Even if it's as well rehabbed & decorated as

this one.

Spaghetti sauce recipe is one for another post, but it will follow. I'll be transcribing from a full sheet from B'lou. Seriously good spaghetti.

Laundry on a Monday - Life-Meds #30

(that title sounds like a Magic Tree House book doesn't it?)

I spend alot of time doing laundry. So eventually, I get around to decorating our laundry room, wherever, and for however long. It just eventually happens. I used to put things that 'didn't fit anywhere else'. And then I realized, I spend half my life in this room. And now it's up there on the make it nicer list. As I scrolled the net today, I came across a redo of a laundry closet that was amazing. Big punch with just some paint. Be sure to click over to see how cute.

You may remember my old one in BR(pict). Our current one has lots of storage & I'm working on a simple plan for the new.

This same post above was the day I accepted the challenge to Count One Thousand Gifts.

I've been so busy county my 'done me wrongs' I just haven't had the time(gasp). One might say that's just stupid. It is stupid. Because gratitude is the medicine of the soul. It really draws you to God and to see what God has in store, what God's choice of blessing is. Trusting in Him, and not being anxious sounds simple enough. But it can be challenging. Even when desires have come to fruition. So-- thankful, I'll be today. I promised you Marla. & I'm keeping my word.

Life-Meds # 30

206-229

hand-me-overs from a friend (clothes for kids)

care package from my mom

love from a new church family

laundry to fold

a husband who can iron -- & does

a husband who grills -- & does

comfortable place to call home

fresh water

cherries

books written by seasoned homeschooler's

amazing curriculum that's interesting to me

coffee

rain

friends who encourage & share ideas, thoughts, cares, concerns, faith

Must go get on with the day, but the Life-meds are better than any vitamin I could have bought on the shelf. better than the coffee. But the day has started, & I better catch up.

Join others at A Holy Experience counting One Thousand Gifts.

Thank you, Jim Weiss & Susan Wise Bauer

To say this has been a rough move is an understatment. Tidal wave, tsunami, hurricane like change. Unexpected emotions, obstacles, and that dirth of void that follows where there was once, even, too much 'to do'. Oh we're busy, that's for sure. Watching the plants in the garden 'cook'. (I feel like I'm hydroponic gardening--on accident). Busy ignoring the plastic pool, busy standing in front of the fridge wondering if any new food has grown in there. Busy trying to find that lost piece of paper that you notice being torn to shreds & eaten by Henry. Busy retrieving phonics practice cards stolen from their safe spot, while I'm changing the laundry.
Enter 2 very welcome guests. Jim & Susan ride with us everywhere now. If you've explored or are currently using Susan Wise Bauer's 'The Story of the World' you can appreciate what a great foundation this is just in the reading & workbooks. But we've needed some assistance. The cd's of the books are just the ticket for our long car rides. Oh we've been listening to many, many 'Rabbit Ear's' stories, but SOW is what I need to be reading to him. So in good measure, he's hearing it.
We were also blessed by my friend Leslie with a precious gift of cd. The Chronicles of Narnia - the dramatic version. Oh my-- these are wonderful. and inspiring. Jack was playing 'The Boy and the Horse' today. Can you imagine what went through his mind???
We're narrowing the house search. Our digs are temporary, and the months are flying by.

Homeschooling - Resources for a Classical Approach

Recently I read about a book I haven't read on the subject of classical education. The Core, if you are unfamiliar is a descriptive resource book like The Well Trained Mind or Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning, but it appears more to be a mom who like myself thought there was a better way, and then uncovered the answers to her concerns. Unlike myself, she is a seasoned front-runner in the homeschool world, where as, I feel like a back-door classical educator sometimes. It's nice sometimes to reaffirm the reasons I'm 'going to all the trouble'. She captures many of my thoughts, while laying out her pattern for a practical effort at something that can sound very overwhelming at times.

Another series I'm enjoying along with the boys is The Story of The World on CD. We are utilizing Vol. 1 for the summer wrap up of Ancient history. Jack will start at Master's Academy in a week, a one day program which supplements homeschooling. He will start with the Medieval period, which I wish was the Ancient, but I am assured will be worth my time effort & money. I have only heard excellent things about this program. I think it will be good for the whole family, & for Jack in particular. 2 books I'm also using for Ancients I saw along with this when I ordered it. One is an Ancient Science book. Modern simple activities, with ancient connections. Very cool. I also ordered the Pocket book manual for Ancient cultures. Sometimes creative people just need it spelled out. Right now that'd be me.

The cd's are useful as we ride from the country to the city. And the other items are just rounding out a great summer of ancient studies on a pre-1st level.

We plan to continue withThe Story of the World along with variety of references & materials on the Medieval period that are available. I feel like I'm rushing the recommended order of what WTM by Susan Wise Bauer, suggests. ( who also wrote SOTW). But I'm working with resources at my disposal here locally. I can't turn back the clock of time, & it's going to work out fine no matter. (I wish he could have had Ancient @ Master's Academy before having Medieval) More resource discussion to follow.

Just a quick update on what consumes me in these last days of summer.