Time Served!

I think I deserve a break for time served.... in the ER that is. Last Wednesday night I spent about 4 hours at the ER. Very, very unpleasant. We have had a really rough week and today, my 11 year old ran into the door jab, complained of a headache and then threw up! Off to ER for another 3 hours with a side of CT Scan. She is fine, but mama is a wreck! Stick the fork in me... Praying for better days and healing!

Household Rules Ruling

One of our household rules is that we share with our family. I often use the phrase: "sharing is caring." This morning the little boys were out on the patio playing with matchbox cars and one of those little garages when I heard the tale tale sounds of a battle a-brewin'.

Jackson: "James, we have to share it."
James: "Here"
Jackson: "Not this car, sharing is caring means give me the one I want!"

I may need to re-explain that rule! LOL!

Beans, Beans, Good For the Heart...

We have a nice handful of beans that have grown in our garden! While out there today I was surprised to find them. We picked one and gobbled it right off the vine. Sorry... no picture. It was good and sweet and now that the kids have discovered how sweet they are I will be surprised if any ever make it into the house.

Oh Well

The last straw fell and the camel is down for the count...

~Sigh~

It's HOT!!

I know, I know....just a few months ago I was sharing this:

You know it's hot when the kids ask to come in to do school. LOL!

Summer School

Today was the 1st day of summer session. It was not very painful at all and the only person who balked was pre-school. He is so unsure of himself that he often will be too afraid to try some of his task. We reassure him daily that he can do a great job, but I think old fears of doing something wrong make it hard for him to try.

Happy Father's Day!

Surprise

I have the neatest teen aged son around. I have had 7 kids for the last 2 1/2 weeks as I am doing some respite care and it has been a very busy, fun last week of camping. We came back home yesterday and there was tons of laundry to do. This morning while the children were eating breakfast, I was folding clothes and packing for 1 of the children that is leaving today. I heard noises going on in the kitchen and then smelled cooking. When asked what was going on out there I heard a very suspicious, "Nothing!" Ummmm, Yeah right! A minute later, my 16 year old walks in with a plate of scrambled eggs and sausage. WOW!! I did not expect that! I am so blessed.


And they were good!!! :)

Natural Man Cave

About 3 years ago, Jeffrey asked to move out of the RV to a tent... his own "Man Cave". He started off in just a little 2 man tent, but this last year got a 6-person, 2-room tent as a gift. He loves it. He uses 1 side as his bedroom and the other side as his living room. I did not get really good pics, but here are some...

Camping June 11 - 15th

Nature, home-away-from-home, bruised and dirty knees.

Photography by Jordan

With Whispered Voice: "Summer School"

I think I have finally decided on a start date for summer session...June 22nd. In the summer, we do very shortened sessions and focus on core areas. This summer we will be using Summer Bridge again for the 3rd summer in a row. I just really like how this workbook covers all areas in short burst. Enough to give review, but not too much to bog a person down.

And finally....

Final report card grades and comments.

A Little Advice Please...

I am currently shopping for a rice cooker and don't know much about them or what features I really want. If you have one, could you please give me some advice on features, brands, etc... Thanks!

Fishing

We spent the day fishing... or should I say feeding the fish. LOL! It was a very peaceful and beautiful day and we will try again.

Year End Ceremony

I wish I could figure out a way to post the video of our ceremony without showing the kids full face because it was hilarious!

A background story: a few years ago when I completed my Masters program, I received the DVD of the ceremony and played it often 'cause I was so excited to be done. The keynote speaker gave probably one of the korniest speeches I had ever heard with 3-4 very funny lines that we would crack up about every time we heard them. Two years ago when we started doing award ceremonies, I started into a korny speech and quoted the same lines. My kids roared and it became a part of out ceremony.

Today, when I started the Pomp & Circumstance music, the 2 older kids burst out laughing in anticipation of the speech.

And now... the promoted class of 2008/2009 MHS Rotties!

James was on the A Honor Roll all year and received a Super Speller Award for having a 98% grade average in spelling for the entire year. Jordan was also on the B+ Honor Roll for the year and Jeffrey received an award of appreciation for the set-up and break-down of the class room.

School's Out Camping Trip

Just a few pics from camping.

It's funny... my back yard has always been "the kool-aid" yard, since I was a child and it still continues today, even when we are not in our own back yard. My kids always seem to draw a crowd of kids and this weekend was no exception. I had my 4 and the baby along with 2 little ones that I was doing respite for. On Saturday, my daughter ask if she and her new friend could have a Popsicle and I ended up handing out 12 Popsicles! LOL! Good thing the $ Store sells 'em 300 at a time per box.

In motion....

The fire builder and his apprentice hopefuls.