Mother's Day

Today was a really nice Mother's Day. Even though Bill worked, he was working at home, and he and the kids really tried to make me feel special. After sleeping in, I was greeted with homemade cards and Avery made me a to-die-for pecan pie. And my Mother's Day gift will be photo prints -- I just need to find the time to select which ones I want!

In the afternoon, the kids and I went to my grandmother's house to spend some time with her and my mom. I feel so lucky to have such wonderful, inspiring women in my life -- family and friends -- as mothering role models. I find that to be one of the biggest benefits of homeschooling. My children have the benefit of time to really get to know and be loved so many other fantastic mamas. Thanks to all of you. I hope you all had a terrific Mother's Day!

Book release party

On Tuesday, we went to Bookpeople downtown for the world release of Percy Jackson #4: The Battle of the Labrynth. Avery, Rhys, and their friends have been excited about the release for months!


Bookpeople really outdid themselves. They started the festivities with prophesies from the Oracle at Delphi.



They trained for battle:


They met a centaur who gladly joined in with the kids making the symbol of the "Labrynth". (One of the other moms suggested using this particular symbol of the labrynth -- we moms have to get their fun somehow!) Unfortunately, marketers for the book were filming everywhere, and they seemed to take special enjoyment in the new hand symbol for the book.


Then the kids made an honor guard that stretched all the way across the parking lot for author Rick Riordan to walk through.



Then they got to hear an exerpt from the book and waited in a long line to get the author's autograph. The girls settled down on the curb with their books while waiting in line.


Rick Riordan was so kind and generous with his time. Even with the hundreds of kids waiting to get their books signed, he took the time to answer questions and sign multiple items. Besides getting our copy of the book signed, all three kids got their t-shirts autographed.

Our little visitor

Last week, Griffin, Bill and I were playing at the park, and we heard frantic meowing. Suckers that we are, we went in search of the cry and discovered a sweet little black kitten that was living underneath the historical house at the park. Now, nobody lives in this house, so I'm not sure what the little guy had been eating -- apparently not much because he sure was hungry! We took him home, fed him, and took him to the vet to get him de-wormed, de-flea'd, and checked out. After getting a clean bill of health, we brought him back home. He's such a sweet kitty; it's obvious that he's been around people, but nobody seems to be looking for the little guy. So now we're looking to place him in a new home, as four cats is about two too many for our house!

Meanwhile, little "Temp" (as we lovingly call him) seems to be enjoying exploring our house, and he is clearly not afraid of heights. (Be sure to look closely at the architectural cut-outs over our kitchen door in the picture.)

PSIA State Meet

Yesterday was the state PSIA academic meet. Avery and I went to Fort Worth on Friday, spent the night in a hotel, then spent the day at TCU for the meet. Avery ended up winning 2nd place in Ready Writing and 4th place in Spelling. We're very proud of her hard work!

Feel the burn!

Avery and I have just started doing the Couch to 5K running program, with plans to run a 5K sometime this summer. This is in attempt for me to get some much needed vigorous exercise and to try to stimulate Avery, who appears to have the highest physical needs of any child ever. Anyway, I admit that I was really worried that I'd drop dead during my first running attempt, since the last time I ran was...oh, about ten years and three kids ago. I was very proud of myself that I made it through the first workout without passing out, doubling over, or vomiting. Go me! However, it was hard to be too self-congratulatory when I realized (over the sound of my panting) that Avery had not stopped jabbering away during the entire workout. And as we ran our last segment, she showed me how high she could jump in the air and how she could run by kicking her feet high in the air. I was proud of myself just for being able to keep moving my feet, and she wasn't even winded!

Is it too late to make Griffin my running partner?

Whew!

This has been one crazy week, and I, for one, am exhausted! Starting with Monday's trek to the country to frolick in the fields, we have been on-the-go all week. Our activies this week included: taking Griffin for his 3 year well check (he's healthy, but thanks to some vaccinations, is now convinced that our beloved Dr. Bayer is "baaaaaaad"), picking strawberries at Sweetberry Farm in Marble Falls, exploring the dinosaur tracks in Leander, experimenting with water balloons at science co-op, visiting and sewing with Auntie Linah, attending writing class, swimming twice, and going to soccer practice. The week wound down today with Avery taking a field trip with three other friends to a flower shop, where she learned first-hand about what it takes to run a small business. Meanwhile, Rhys, Griffin, and I visited with friends at Central Market and ate lunch downtown. As if that wasn't enough, I decided that I just had to stop at Craft-o-Rama (since it was on the way home -- you know, in the opposite direction), and then we stopped at a local radio station to pick up a gift card that I won on the radio this week. Whew. Now all that's left for the week is tomorrow's soccer game and my work. I believe Sunday will be spent lounging in our pj's all day. I think we've earned it!

(Oh, and you can rest assured that there will be many pictures from this week's excitement forthcoming....)

Wildflowers

On Monday, our book club group went to rehearse their Midsummer Night's Dream performance in Coupland at a friend's ranch, where we were treated to their spectacular display of wildflowers. The kids played, rehearsed, and even danced, while the grownups soaked up the gorgeous views.

(Photos courtesy of Courtney, who, unlike me, never fails to remember her camera!)

Oh, the injustice

Today when we arrived at swimming, Avery and her friend Maya presented Courtney and me with sealed envelopes. Apparently the girls were feeling a bit abused and chose to write persuasive essays to convince Courtney and me that they are, in fact, subjects of a horrible injustice. Maya's essay is here, and I'll copy Avery's below:

Getting Fun Drinks While We Swim-- Persuasive Essay

This essay was written partly because I want to please you guys with an essay, but also partly because it is difficult for me and Maya to watch our brothers slurping down star bucks or cherry slushes in our faces, while we ache and feel WORN OUT from our last swimming practices.

Even though we very much appreciate you letting us do swimming and our past drinks, we wish this could either stop or this would only happen about four times a month; once a week, I think, is fair.

I think that it is great there is that half-price hour and a perfect opportunity for you to get a drink, we don't like it when every time we arrive to a red-mouthed “hello!” and a “sorry, we don't have any drink left... but you can maybe get one next time!” from our brothers and a vague “hi guys... in a minute we'll go.” “Did you get us a drink? Are our brothers fooling us?”
“No, sorry. We went early...” hmmm. We really don't like that- and please don't laugh at us, or beat us up!!! We don't like working hard and being “POWWWW”ed by our mothers. Really, does anyone like that?

This essay is short because I am forgetful. This part you can laugh at. I resisted and forgot to do the essay until the last moment. But I still have several more points to make before I... XXXX go do schoolwork. Point one: If everything is half price, I bet it is about 1.50, so could you please spare a dollar for us? We'd only equal about two dollars total- [“I mean, I like to think I'm worth more than a dollar...” Direct Quote from Maya Landers-- Woodland School Times]. Point two: I think you have been generous in letting us do expensive swim team and sometimes getting us drinks, but we could even have just a quarter of our brother's drinks. We don't need one of our own. Our brothers can slurp down three quarters and still have one quarter to spare for us, and then that would be it, you wouldn't have anything involved. Thus, I think you can spare something. My third and last point to remind you from earlier on in this essay is that you can perhaps just go once a week. Even though sometimes you already do this, and that's great, maybe a bit more often.

Now you guys are allowed to spank us red, pinch us 'till we cry, chase us, or bust yourself laughing. We're not trying to sound bossy, like a parent, or mean, we just want to make a fair point*. *Notice I didn't say “for once”. I do think you let us often have a larger point than most children do, and I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IT. SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for listening,
Your Daughter,
Avery, and her friend, Maya.
Our Appreciation.

Dinosaur Valley

Last weekend we went with our homeschooling group for the annual camping trip. This year, about 20 families made the trip to Glen Rose, Texas to camp at Dinosaur Valley State Park. It was a beautiful park with heavily wooded campsites, a river that drew the kids like a magnet, and, of course, dinosaur tracks.

As soon as we arrived, as the adults started setting up tents, the kids started begging for a grown up to come down so they could swim. They had a blast in the river, despite the frigid water.



Griffin had help from another dad, who was smart enough to bring water-friendly shoes!



After the kids were worn out, dried off, and the campsites prepared, we started a fire for roasting hot dogs and s'mores. Yummmmmm!!



Once everyone was full, the kids felt rejuvinated enough to run around again for a couple of more hours -- this time with glow sticks. Eventually, we wrangled all the kids into the tents and settled in for the night. Unfortunately, it was a long and c-o-l-d night. It dipped down into the 30s. Brrrrrr. Our Texas camping gear couldn't keep up with it and I have to admit it was quite unpleasant. Or maybe miserable would be a better word.

After warming up at the campfire with hot coffee (thanks Marilee and Gary!), things were much improved. Most of the group headed to Fossil Rim Wildlife Park, but we decided to hang out and explore more. Two other families also stayed, so we took turns going on hikes sans children. The men went first, then the women escaped for a long, blissful hike. When we returned, we discovered that the men had spent their time with the kids building a chute in the river for the kids to go down, much like the ones at Schlitterbahn. They got very into this project, and did an amazing job.



We spent the rest of the afternoon in and out of the water, and spent the evening with hot dogs and s'mores again in front of the fire. And, after endless games of Mafia and glow stick playing, the kids went to bed and the grown ups stayed up way too late swapping stories at the campfire. The second night was infinitely better, since it was so much warmer. In the morning, after playing a bit more, we packed up camp. We stopped in the town of Glen Rose to eat with friends before making the trip back to Austin. All in all, a lovely weekend!





You can find the complete set of pictures here.

Easter '08

We had a nice, low-key Easter this year. In the morning, the kids woke up to find that the Easter bunny had left them each a note bearing their initials. Griffin had instructions leading him to a special Easter surprise hidden in the dryer (a little Automoblox car), Rhys had a treasure map that led him to his surprise (a little toy parachute) hidden in the oven, and Avery had a series of clues and riddles that started in Griffin's pocket and led her throughout the house until she discovered her gift of a long jump rope hidden in the art cabinet. After the various treasure hunts, we went outside to hunt for eggs. As always, the confetti eggs were the biggest hit, and since I kept crouching down to take pictures, I was the biggest target. I think next year the Easter bunny would be wise to not bring so many!

After a morning of gorging on Easter candy, we packed a picnic and met friends at the park for an afternoon of eating, visiting, jump roping, playing on the playground, and playing both basketball and kickball.

Yee Haw!

We also went to the rodeo this month. The petting zoo was fun, but the highlight for the kids was the carnival. So after stuffing ourselves full of junky carnival food (the food was the highlight for me), the kids took the rides. I was nauseous just watching, but it didn't seem to phase them! You can see more fun pictures from the rodeo here.

HSM on Ice

A couple of weeks ago, we went with friends to see High School Musical on Ice in San Antonio. We got a great deal on tickets through our homeschool group, so we decided to make the trek. The kids had a blast, but I left feeling just like I felt when we went to ride on Thomas the Train. I am just appalled at the level of marketing to children. I think our four kids were the only ones not carrying armloads of cheap plastic junk and Disney apparel. I'm not sure what I expected, but it was much more over-the-top than I had imagined. Thankfully, it didn't even occur to the kids that I might purchase more than a box of popcorn, so it wasn't an issue. They focused on the show, and they thoroughly enjoyed the performance. I have to admit that it was impressive to see the performers able to skate, dance, and lip sync at the same time. As someone who can barely stand on ice skates, it amazes me!

State bound!

On Friday, Avery competed at the PSIA district academic meet. She participated in two events and placed in both! She won 1st place in Ready Writing and 2nd place in Spelling, which qualifies her to do both events at the state meet in May. Avery is just thrilled!

Happy 3rd birthday, Griffin!

Griffin is so excited about turning three. He's been saying over and over since his birthday party yesterday, "I'm THREE now!" We had a small family celebration, complete with a "choo choo cake" and hot dogs cooked out on the grill. Today we celebrated the actual day by going out to dinner with Papa and Ronnie. Griffin has been singing "Happy birthday meeeeeee!" all day, and first thing this morning he asked for fire on a leftover piece of cake. I think he's got this birthday business down now!

Taking the "home" out of homeschooling...

I often think the name "homeschooling" is misleading, because all the homeschoolers I know are on-the-go much more than they are at home. It is definitely true for us at any given time, but we've had lots of special opportunities come up lately. We've been dashing from one great activity to the next for about two weeks straight, starting with the field trips to San Antonio and Brenham.

The morning after we returned from Brenham, Avery had the chance to take a 4 hour writing seminar with bestselling author Julie Kenner. In addition to being an author, Julie homeschools her two little girls, and offered up this unique opportunity to our homesschool group. As an aspiring and avid writer, Avery jumped at the chance. I sat in on the seminar, and I was so impressed! Julie taught the kids all about the world of publishing, and went into depth about the mechanics of writing and editing books. Avery and her friend Maya were enthralled, and each took pages and pages of notes. Each participant also submitted a writing sample to be critiqued, and the feedback has been very helpful and interesting to Avery. Julie compared Avery's "ominous" writing style to the Series of Unfortunate Events books, which Avery has not read yet. She's excited to get her hands on one, so she can see for herself!

Just two days later, we were lucky enough to see the storyteller Jim Weiss perform. I've always said that I'd be willing to listen to Jim read the phone book, so hearing him tell fabulous stories from history and literature in person is an amazing experience. As if that wasn't enough, we also got to stay after and attend a 2 hour storytelling workshop. Nothing like learning from the master himself!

Just a couple of days after that, Avery and her friend Maya spent the afternoon with my aunt Lisa, another published author. She took the girls to lunch then back to her house to see her office and learn the tools of the trade first hand. She described what she does to research and plan a book, and showed the girls story boards that she uses to plan plots. Avery and Maya were able to ask questions and Lisa gave suggestions for problems that came up in the girls' writing. How inspiring!

In addition to all of these special activities, Avery and Maya are taking a writing class about heroes in literature. It has been such a great experience so far. Not only is it fabulous material taught by a wonderful teacher, but it's been a great chance for the girls to learn time management and responsibility. Maya's mom and I have turned it completely over to the girls, and they're learning how to manage assignments and preparations on their own. Each girl had a bit of a rough start learning time management and organization, but they're figuring it out on their own and Avery has now discovered the benefit of reading and starting her essays before the last minute. (This is a lesson that I should make an effort to learn too!)

We also took a field trip with our science co-op to see the dinosaurs at the Texas Memorial Musuem, and yesterday, we met up with them to see dinosaur tracks by the San Gabriel River in Leander. The kids had a blast frolicking in the river and came home completely soaked.

Oh, and I missed a hilarious photo opportunity when our Shakespeare group got together on Friday and staged Shakespearean swordfights -- complete with fake blood! They hid ziploc baggies full of "blood" in their clothing, and pretended to slay each other, splashing blood everywhere. I think it was just as fun to watch as it was to participate!

Road trip

A couple of weeks ago, we went with some friends on a two-day field trip. We went to San Antonio to see Slim Goodbody perform (and I use the word "perform" loosely). Our friends' Nana was kind enough to let us all stay at her house in San Antonio. She was also nice (or brave) enough to allow Courtney and I to dump the five children on her while we walked the neighborhood, trolling for goodies at the neighborhood garage sales.

The next morning, the kids were up bright and early -- which, of course, meant I was too. After packing everything up and refueling (mmmm...Starbucks), we headed to our second field trip destination: Pleasant Hill Winery in Brenham. The winery is owned by the parents of some other friends, and they invited us to tour the winery, learn the chemistry behind wine-making, roast marshmallows, and taste some wine (grown ups only, of course -- the kids got to taste some fresh grape juice). The highlight for Griffin was the hay ride we took to get to the creek for frolicking and snacking. What could possibly be better than tractors and marshmallows?

After the winery, we stopped off at a monastery in Brenham that breeds miniature horses. Strange? Yes. But they're so darn cute! We were tempted to throw one in the van and bring him home.




More pictures here.

Finished!

Originally uploaded by Lexy L.

Whew! Floors are finished, and we've finally cleaned the inch or so of dust that was on all of our belongings from the floor installation. We're thrilled with the way they turned out! You can see the whole set here.

Pioneer Farms Homeschool Day

Originally uploaded by Lexy L.

Last month we went to visit our local living history farm for Homeschool Day. We met some friends there and had a blast exploring, enjoying the animals, and making butter.

I miss my...

This is Griffin's way of saying he wants more of something. For instance, when he finished his bowl of strawberries, he says, "Mama! I miss my strawberries." Then he hands me his bowl for a refill. Now we have all adopted this phrasing, and I'm guessing it will be in our lexicon forever.

Other child-inspired phrases that we still use all the time:

This one, other one, new one, different. Or if she was feeling particularly decisive that day, just diff one. (From Avery at age 18 months, when she'd stand in her closet to pick out her clothes for the day. We use it all the time when picking anything.)

"Der" in place of "the". Example: I'm going to have der pancakes. (Courtesy of Rhys, who replaced every "the" with "der" until about a year ago.)

I love Landers!!!! (This one was adopted a couple of months ago after leaving our friends' house, and Griffin spent the 20 minute car ride screaming it at the top of his lungs. You'd be surprised how often this phrase can be thrown into our regular family conversation.)

Never do dat! (Again, courtesy of Griffin and his larger-than-life temper.)

Have it the checkcard? (Avery, at about 18 months, would ask this every time we'd leave the house. We still ask each other this as we're leaving home.)

Candy!!! (Said with utmost excitement and fists thrown into the air in a victory pose. This phrase came from Griffin's excitement and the abrupt stop of his tears when Bill attempted to ease his sorrow's with a little sugary goodness. No matter the cause of the excitement, we will often thrust up our arms and say "Candy!" if something is going our way.)

Where we've been

.

I've been unusually quiet lately, and that's because we've been drowning in our home improvement project! We're getting all new floors throughout our house, which not only involves painting ever last square inch of our house, but also packing up everything but the furniture. This last little detail has been a huge undertaking for a house with untold numbers of books and toys! But, we managed to accomplish it, and we've arrived at Floor Day. Today they will come and begin laying hundreds and hundreds of square feet of new wood laminate flooring. I can't wait to see the change it will make. Phase one of this project -- new tile in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room -- was done a couple of weeks ago, and the difference is amazing! I'll be sure to post some before and after pictures once it's all finished.