Thursday Thunks - 7/30/09

Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. Find out what I think about weird, random and sometimes inappropriate things (I usually just delete those questions, in case you notice the numbering off). If you want to read what others thunk, click the Thursday Thunks button above. (possible content warning). Happy Thunking!

1. You are in an enclosed space with a group of friends. Elevator, auto, small room, etc.. You fart and it really stinks. Do you take credit for it or do you play along with the questioning of who did it? I'm in an enclosed space with a group of friends weekly. And weekly one of them (not me) has bad gas. If I ever let a stinker go I'd be sure to take credit for it. I've endured enough of theirs.

2. You are locked in a room sitting at a desk with just a piece of paper and a purple crayon. What do you draw? Doodles. Hearts. Stars. Swirls.

3. Do you ever pee in the shower? yep.

4. Have you bought, sold or got rid of something on Craigslist? Sure. I also use Freecycle to give stuff away. I have this weird thing that keeps happening. Whenever I post something, one of my friends contacts me about the item. Problem is... she is never first and usually I've already engaged the first contact for the transaction. Next time I have something to giveaway, I'm going to call CathyAnn first.

5. You are in a convenience store. In the line in front of you is a drunk guy trying to purchase more alcohol. The cashier tells him they cannot sell it to him because he is obviously already intoxicated. He gets belligerent. The cashier is scared. What do you do? Step away from the counter and call 911.

6. While shopping for produce, do you "sample" before you buy (i.e. grapes)? Only if samples are being offered... like at Farmer's Market.

7. You are walking down the street and there is a toddler sitting on a bench by themselves in front of a store - do you just keep walking? I'd try to find who the toddler belonged to. If I couldn't immediately figure it out, I'd probably sit next to the toddler and wait for a little while.

8. Have you looked up an old friend and/or lover online? Nope. I'm an out of sight, out of mind kinda gal. If you move, you'd better stay in contact with me if you want to remain friends or come visit me at the beach.

9. You are nearly in a car/auto accident. Do you freak out, follow the person who nearly caused it & talk to them or just keep going? Just keep going.

What's for Dinner - Week of July 27, 2009

Monday
~County Fair~

Tuesday
LO Macaroni and Cheese
Salad

Wednesday
Honey Baked Lentils
Rice
Veggies

Thursday
LO something from the freezer

Friday
Steak and a Movie Night

Saturday
Fried Eggs
Sausage
Toast

Sunday
~Family Dinner~
???

Happy Eating!

5 things I like about...

In honor of his 5th birthday, in no particular order...

1) His new found love for surfing. He goes out with Surferman whenever he can talk Surferman into going. It's not hard to talk Surferman into going surfing. Grom constantly smells like beach and sunscreen. He tastes salty. I love hearing him yell, "Mommy... Dad and I are going surfing!"

2) Cuddle time and rocking before bed. Last night I asked him if he was going to give up rocking now that he was turning 5. His reply... "Not until I'm 51." That makes this mommy happy.

3) He'd rather watch "real things" than cartoons. His favorite show is "How It's Made" and he loves to watch cooking shows (especially competitions) with me. He's great in the kitchen. He has mad knife skills... seriously... that boy can handle a santoku knife.

4) I never know what to expect. Recently we were sitting at the table eating dinner. The quiet was broken with BAM! Grom looked at me... giggled... and said... "I have no idea why I did that".

5) He's reluctant to pray at meal times when it's expected, but is quick to pray when we are hurt or upset. Hearing him start with "Father God" tugs at my heart. He's on his way to becoming a man after God's own heart.

There are so many more things I like about this kid. I'm really glad he's not more than 5.

He's growing up so fast.



Happy Birthday!

Thursday Thunks - 7/23/09

Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. Find out what I think about weird, random and sometimes inappropriate things (I usually just delete those questions, in case you notice the numbering off). Happy Thunking!

1. You walk into a store and the cashier is being held up by a robber. The robber's accomplice is dead on the floor at your feet with a shotgun laying next to him. The robber does not see you, but the cashier does - what do you do? Most likely I'd pee my pants and freeze.

2. We go to an ice cream shop for an ice cream cone. You say you are buying and I am going to stay in the car. You ask me what I want and I say "surprise me", what kind of ice cream cone am I going to get? I'd buy two cones that I'd think you'd like and then let you pick. If you're Surferman, I'd get a sherbert or sorbet and then something really chocolately. We usually end up sharing anyway, so I guess it's not a good example.

3. You have a dream that your co-worker, friend or whoever is hit by a garbage truck after they back into a ladder with a black cat on it. The next day you see that person standing by a ladder with a black cat on it and there is a garbage truck driving down the road.... what do you do? I'd probably call the person toward me, away from the ladder. But then, that might startle her and cause her to move in front of the garbage truck that is going to plow her down. I'm not sure I can win with this question.

4. What is the most money you've won on a lottery or scratch off ticket? Surferman won $2000 dollars from a scratcher once. I don't buy lottery tickets. Surferman buys them for me at Christmas sometimes. I think I've won a ticket a couple of times and maybe at most $10. I think they are a waste of money.

5. A neighbor kid down the street comes to your door and offers to wash all of your windows outside for $10 - do you have him do it? I'd arrange to have him do it and if he did a good job I'd probably pay him more.

6. Go to Google Images. Type in the name of the last movie you saw. Post the first picture that comes up. Grom and I watched "Five Chinese Brothers" when we studied "The Story About Ping" last week.

7. Your local animal shelter calls you and says there are 3 dogs that need an immediate foster home for 3 days. If you do not accept, the dogs are put down that day. Do you take them in? Nope. I'm not an animal person. And our yard isn't great for dogs. Faced with such a situation, I might be coerced to donate some money to pay for their care, but even that is doubtful. I've gotten really good at saying no on the phone.

8. What is the messiest room in your home? Probably my studio. It is still full of garage sale stuff and papers that need to be filed.

9. Have you ever been to a wedding that participated in a strange tradition that you had never heard of? We were invited to a wedding that I expected to be full of strange traditions that weren't Biblical. Surferman and I decided not to attend.

10. Name one sport that you just don't get. I'm not a big sports fan, but can see what people like about their sports. Marathon running is hard for me to understand. It's such a physical attack on your body. They lose toenails for goodness sake.

11. What was the last email that came into your inbox about? "Grab 38 Free Gifts-Only 100 Packages Available" - an offer from a homeschool curriculum vendor.

13. Go back to that Google Images link... type in the last food item that you ate. Post the 2nd picture it comes up with.

14. Got any bumper stickers on your vehicle? What are they? I have 3 orange hibiscus flowers on the back of my van. Also a "Jesus is Lord" license plate frame. I keep meaning to put a Soujourner Surfboards sticker on my car. They are good friends of our family and I'd love to support them in whatever way I can.

15. What meme question do you wish was never asked again? Questions that are too personal or too much information to share. The ones I delete. Oh, and questions with swear words.

FIAR - The Story of Ping

We're still rowing away our summer. China, ducks, floating, obedience and all things Chinese were on the agenda.

Little Panda by Renata Liwska
China by Poppy Sebag-Montefiore
The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop
Five Little Ducks by Ivan Bates
Little Duck Lost by Erica Briers

Our lapbook...


We spent one afternoon at a local pond. We did school work on a picnic table and then were able to feed the ducks. It was a beautiful day.

We are still having some trouble covering everything I have planned. It's been harder to be consistent with my parents home. Diligence is getting it done. I might be planning too much.

I've also made some adjustments to the supplementary things we are doing. It seems to be working. I've set aside Funtastic Frogs for now and moved from writing worksheets to letter pages from a workbook. Grom is getting better about settling down to work when we are at church. I put pieces of gum in some of his school packs. He's always excited to find one.

Off to Ohio for some harmonica music with a boy named Lentil.

What's for Dinner - Week of July 20, 2009

Monday
Grilled Cheeseburgers
Cole Slaw
Ollalieberry Pie a la mode

Tuesday
~meal to friends~
Veggie Fritatta
Corn Bread
Fruit Salad

Wednesday
Vegetable Soup
Biscuits
Beet Salad with bleu cheese and capers

Thursday
~Grom's Birthday Camping Trip~
Fire Roasted Hot Dogs
S'mores
Salad for Surferman and me

Friday
~camping~
Steak and a Movie
Baked Potato
Salad

Saturday
~camping~
Chicken Foil Packets
or something like this

Sunday
~Groms's Birthday Dinner~
~Grom picks his menu~
Macaroni and Cheese
Grandpa's BBQ Chicken
Fiesta Salad
Fruit Salad
Birthday Cupcakes (watch for details)

Bon Appetit!

Daybook July 20, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday July 20, 2009

Outside My Window... dark... again.

I am thinking... about trials and good friends that are smack in the middle of them... how I can help... how I can pray.

I am thankful for... church family that comes around those in our midst who need some support. It always reminds me of the story of Moses, Aaron and Hur. The Israelites were victorious as long as Moses' arms were raised. As he tired, Aaron and Hur help Moses by holding up his arms. I love it when the church works that way.

From the kitchen... yummy cheeseburgers. I love a good cheeseburger at home. Surferman is really good at grilling them.

From the schoolroom... Lentil by Robert McCloskey. I hope we can find Grom's harmonica before week is over.

I am wearing... black capris, black and grey flower? print top, flip flops

I am creating... a new washcloth. That's about as exciting as my creativity gets right now.

I am going... to go get a big glass of water with a splash of grapefruit juice... it's quite refreshing. I'm really thirsty.

I am reading... The Master Quilter by Jennifer Chiaverini. I'll come back to Wrapped in Rain when I'm done.

I am hoping... that my friend will be home tomorrow with her baby. She has been at the hospital with him forever (since the 6th). They still don't have all the answers they need. Pray they would have some time at home before having to go at it again. Pray that their medical team would figure out what is going on. Pray for his healing.

I am hearing... yelling Italian cake bakers.

Around the house... My Aunt and Uncle have been visiting. It's been nice to catch up.

One of my favorite things... Thai Food. I had really yummy Pad Thai from a new restaurant for lunch today. I love the fresh sprouts and cabbage mixed in with each bite of noodles.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Swimming lessons. Grom's 5th birthday! Camping. And all the usual stuff of life.

Here is picture I am sharing...Grandma bought Grom some new footy pajamas. Grom decided Momo needed to wear them. Grom was really proud of swaddle he figured out. Those are the legs of the pjs tied around the bundle.

How you can be praying for me and mine... Surferman whacked himself on the temple with a pipe. Really... that's what happened. If he's told you otherwise... it's a big story. I was no where near. The lump is going down, but the bruise is spreading. The lump and his pride are still tender. Grom is going to be FIVE this week - praise to Him. I want to enjoy our camping trip. To be there with my family, instead of obsessed with my to do list and other stuff.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

FIAR - A Pair of Red Clogs

Our trip around the world continues to Japan.

Chie and the Sports Day by Masako Matsuno
Taro and the Bamboo Shoot by Masako Matsuno
Little Oh by Laura Krauss Melmed
Momotaro, the Peach Boy by Linda Shute
The Magic Fan by Keith Baker
Old Japan by Andrew Haslam
Suki's Kimono by Chieri Uegkai

We hit some sort of a wall this week. Grom became uncooperative. He didn't want to do much of what I planned and of course he had a better plan. After Tuesday reading the book and the additional books were about all we accomplished. But I don't give up... we finished up the next week instead of taking a week off of school for VBS. That'll teach Grom to give me a hard time.

Here's our lapbook.

Daybook July 13, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday July 13, 2009

Outside My Window... a calm, clear, dark night. I always get to this so late.

I am thinking... about schedules and to do lists and organizing and time management. And then there's the whole matter about why I don't like to go to bed at night (even when I know I'm going to pay for it the next day).

I am thankful for... pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream for dinner... especially when someone else cooks and cleans up after.

From the kitchen... veggies, veggies and more veggies. And still cleaning out the freezer. I am starting to see some progress (i.e. it's less full than it was), but there is still a lot to eat out there.

From the schoolroom... We finally finished "A Pair of Red Clogs". This week it's "The Story of Ping". Grom's learning all about China, ducks and other fun things.

I am wearing... black pants and an orange tee. I ditched my flip flops a few minutes ago.

I am creating... I'm just home from Crafty Ladies. I finished a baby gift tonight. I'll post a picture soon.

I am going... to go for a walk this week whether I want to or not. A body in motion stays in motion and I've been a body at rest.

I am reading... "Wrapped in Rain" by Charles Martin. It's a slow read so far. I might be here for a while.

I am hoping... more iron will help my iron deficiency anemia. My doctor just double my dose. Maybe getting the iron in check will help with my tiredness.

I am hearing... the mumble of Surferman's TV and click clack of my keyboard.

Around the house... besides Surferman, I can't think of anything. It's nice to have him home, but this season of unemployment would be a lot easier if I had an inkling of God's plan.

One of my favorite things... cuddling with Grom. I'm not sure why, but he's been more cuddly than usual lately. I'm eating it up while I can. About a week ago, he told me that he loved me and gave me a big kiss. And then, he told me that it was going to start being secret and that I'd only get kisses at home. Poor Mommy.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Session two of swim lessons for Grom, and then all the usual stuff. We need to figure out what we're going to do for Grom's birthday. We have been talking about camping.

Here is picture I am sharing...
Grom and the Eiffel Tower. I guess he did learn something when we rowed Madeline.

How you can be praying for me and mine... direction for Surferman, quietness for Grom (he has become a rather loud child lately... sometimes it hurts my ear drums) and my pursuit of holiness - that I'd want to pursue holiness.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

What's for Dinner - Week of July 13, 2009

Monday
~Sister cooks~
~Crafty Women Fellowship~
I hear we're having pancakes with strawberries.

Tuesday
Veggie Frittata
Watermelon
Garlic Bread

Wednesday
Something from the freezer?

Thursday
CORD

Friday
Steak and a Movie Night

Saturday
Date Night?

Sunday
~Dinner with the Family~
~My Parents cook~

Thursday Thunks - 7/8/09

Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. Find out what I think about weird, random and sometimes inappropriate things (I usually just delete those questions, in case you notice the numbering off). Happy Thunking!

1. Do you tend to have a guilty conscious? No.

2. Do you still have your wisdom teeth? Never had any. I'm genetically superior.

3. Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy? either... it depends on my mood.

4. Get up off your butt. Take 5 steps. Which leg did you start out on? right


5. What color is your favorite kitchen utensil? Wow, surprisingly a hard question. I have a lot of "favorite" kitchen utensils. I guess if I had to choose one it would be the red silicon scraper. It has a black handle.


6. Did you watch the Michael Jackson memorial/funeral? No way! It's VBS week for one. And who has time for such things. He was a strange man. It amazes me how quickly everyone changed their song and claimed him as their own. Ashes to ashes...

7. Do you know anyone who graduated from high school this year? A good friend's daughter.
Were you invited to their graduation party? Did you go? Yep. You betcha. Wouldn't have missed it.


8. White with black stripes or black with white stripes? White with black stripes I guess.

9. If we were to call your 6th grade teacher, what would they say about you? Robin, who? Seriously I think she'd remember me as a sweet kid who was smart and helpful.

10. Can you draw a perfect circle? not perfect, but good enough.

11. What was your favorite scratch & sniff sticker scent? lemon. Although they all smell not quite right.

12. What does your sibling do for a living? She's a stay at home mommy and just started being her church's secretary. It looks like church secretaring runs in the family.

13. How many light switches and electrical outlets are in the room that you are in right now? One light switch. Four electrical outlets. I'm in my studio.

14. Do you know sign language? Just a few signs. The usual baby ones and some for teaching Bible Verses with hand motions.


15. Do you step on cracks in the sidewalk? Sure, if they are under my feet.


16. And the sheets on your bed look like....? A bright Hawaiian floral - orange, lime green, gold and rust.


17. What is something that everyone else has, but you don't? Lately? A Baby.

FIAR - Madeline

Off of to France for a visit with 12 little girls in two straight lines, especially the smallest... Madeline (rhymes with line not pen).
Without further ado... our lapbook...


We found some great books (some very obvious) to read along.
Everybody Bonjours by Leslie Kimmelman
The Inside Outside Book of Paris by Roxie Munro
Germs! Germs! Germs! by Bobbi Katz (Grom loved this one)
Madeline and the Bad Hat by Ludwig Bemelmans (Book on tape and video too)
Madeline and the Gypsys by Ludwig Bemelmans (Book on tape too)
Furry, Fun and Healthy Too DVD

We did something fun with google images search. We searched for the different buildings that are showcased in the book. Once we found pictures of the place, we looked for one that was taken from the same vantage point as the illustration in the book. We were able to match most of them up.

If we had more time that week, we rowed this book the same week as the Girlies' birthday party, we would've made crepes.

In addition to Madeline, Grom continued with Funtastic Frogs (math), Critical Thinking, and Handwriting (I found a letter book in our stuff. I have him working through it).

Au Revoir!

FIAR - Katy and the Big Snow

We kicked off our Summer homeschooling experiment with "Katy and the Big Snow" written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton. It probably wasn't the best choice to row a book about snow during June. Grom and I talked about it. Since it never snows where we live, we decided it was ok.

It's a nice story of a snow plow who saves the day after a big storm hits the City of Geopolis.

Here's a slide show of the lapbook we put together.



Alongside Katy, we read some fun books...
Snow Sounds by David A Johnson (has a snow plow in it)
This Place in the Snow by Rebecca Bond (another snow plow)
Snow by Manja Stojic
I Am Snow by Jean Marzollo
Snowy Weather Days by Katie Marsico

I found a great audio version at the libray. We listened to it a lot in the car.

In addition to Five In A Row, Grom has math (Funtastic Frogs), critical thinking, phonics (Click N Read) and handwritting (tracing sheets).

It was a fun row.

Happy Face Breakfasts

Grom loves a happy face for breakfast. I wish he always had a happy face for breakfast. I think he might be hypoglycemic when he wakes up. When my sister was little, my mom woke her up with a glass of orange juice. No one was allowed to talk to her until she had finished it. I may try something similar with Grom.

Here are a couple of our latest creations...

Blueberry Swirl bread eye brows, strawberry mouth, (yep that's a) marshmallow nose, cheese cheeks and eye whites with blueberry pupils.

This one was messier. Blueberry yogurt face, granola hair, tortilla circle mouth and cheeks and nose, raisin eye balls, and chocolate covered sunflower seed freckles. I'm not sure what the candied ginger on the mouth is supposed to be. I think they are there just because Grom loves to eat it. It has to be a special treat... otherwise he's eat the bag in a single sitting.

Be happy!

All Aboard...

the Crazy Train.
Goodness... an Ozzy Osbourne reference.

Daybook July 6, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday July 6, 2009. My sister's 40th birthday.

Outside My Window... it's dark now. It was a beautiful day. Hot enough.

I am thinking... that it's so nice to have some order back in my studio. There are stilll some huge piles of clutter. We're having a garage sale soon. And I have a huge pile of papers to file.

I am thankful for... 120 kids that showed up for VBS even though we only planned for 100.

From the kitchen... easy, easy, easy stuff. Tonight it was leftover sandos and soup.

From the schoolroom... Surferman said we could take the week off due to VBS. However, since we fell short of goals last week with "A Pair of Red Clogs", Grom and I will be doing some make up work.

I am wearing... Can anyone guess? Black capris, white tee, flip flops.

I am creating... well, it's not very creative, but I'm hoping to get through a pile of mending this week.

I am going... to make an appointment for a hair cut for me this week. AND I'm going to get Grom a dentist appointment.

I am reading... Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin. I'm just starting it. I hear it's very good.

I am hoping... for safety and salvation at VBS this week.

I am hearing... a girly moving around a bit via a staticy monitor with a little of Grom's Irish bedtime music softly in the background. It's the result of a work around monitoring system that lets me hear all the sleeping babies at once. For the record... I don't normally listen to my sleeping baby, but I'm on Girly duty tonight.

Around the house... keeping it simple. Just what needs to be done and that's being done with a large measure of grace. VBS is consuming if done well. Oh, and... Surferman is around the house. He's unemployed again.

One of my favorite things... Deadliest Catch. There was a marathon over the weekend. As I went through my studio I watched those guys catch crabs or not catch crabs. It's a simple show, but hard to turn off. I'm ready for a crab feed.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: VBS, VBS, VBS, VBS, maybe a St. Patrick's Day party (yep... in July), helping to feed 1000 hungry runners and hopefully some rest.

Here is picture I am sharing...
Flat Grom from the wall at Montessori. You should be able to recognize him by his orange Crocs.

How you can be praying for me and mine... Surferman's employment situation. Grom's attitude with homeschool. My flexibility. Also pray for our friend Baby Simon who is in the hospital. He's not eating due to a cough that's related to a birth problem with his esophagus (or so they guess).

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

What's for Dinner - Week of July 6, 2009

It's VBS Week! I'm keeping it simple.

Monday
Sandwich Bar
Soup

Tuesday
Chicken Curry (from the freezer)
Veggies
Rice

Wednesday
LO Spaghetti Casserole (from the freezer)
Salad

Thursday
Chicken Garlic Pasta (Trader Joe's cook & eat meal)
with Extra Veggies

Friday
Pizza and Salad
Hellooo Dominoes!

Saturday
Breakfast for 1,200
(Surferman and I are serving at the Rock to Pier Run)

Dinner Out? or leftover breakfast??

Sunday
Family Dinner ???

Have a yummy week!

Friends, Romans, Countrymen...

lend me your ear... or your smirk.
Our church was in the local July 4th parade to advertise our VBS next week. The kids get to go back in time and visit Rome, Paul and the Underground Church. I'm the Architect and have a shop in the Roman Marketplace. We'll be building aqueducts and arches.

I made Grom's Roman boy costume from one of Surferman's undershirts and a spool of ribbon. I'm glad you can't look too closely at the stitches.
He rode his trike the entire parade route.