Amanda is 3!

Happy Birthday, Amanda!

For The Birds

We spent Sunday afternoon underneath the apple tree.  It was glorious!  We enjoyed watching a family of hawks, with the two babies learning how to fly.  We noticed how quiet all the other birds were while the hawks were above.
Later, there was a bird in our living room that needed some coaxing to get out.
There is a bird's nest in the bricks under our mailbox.
I can only use half my clothes line, as the half under the maple tree tends to get bird droppings on it.
And yesterday, there was a robin under the kitchen table, having a feast!
We had a little chat yesterday about the importance of keeping the doors closed...
This morning, three of us were awakened at 4 am by the clamor of birds in our backyard.  yawn

Getting Things Done

Do Ye Next Thinge

“Lose this day loitering, and ’twill be the same story

To-morrow; and the next, more dilatory:

The indecision brings its own delays,

And days are lost, lamenting o’er lost days,” -Marlowe

Somedays it is hard to get up.  Especially when I've had less sleep than I planned.  But, not getting up until later doesn't solve any problems. 
So, we've made a goal in our house of being early risers and being productive.  Early for me means before 6:30.  The kids are up by 7 am. And it's great!  Even the two children who are prone to sleeping till 9 am are adjusting.
I've always loved mornings.  They are so peaceful.  I had a job once with flexible hours.  I chose to be at work at 5:30 am, getting off at 2 pm, and I had the rest of the day free.  It was so enjoyable and productive.
Each day I ask the Lord what my biggest priority should be, and I work on that first, until it is done.  Everything else, including dishes and laundry, is optional.
Yesterday it was getting the garden planted.  Today, it's reading.  Specifically finishing the book Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne.  I was surprised by that being the priority, until Oliver threw up on me this morning and I realized that my productivity would be severely hampered by a sick and clingy baby.
God should always be involved in our goal-setting and daily planning.  He knows what our final destination and the best way for us to get there.

The Kids are Working, too

It's been 3 1/2 weeks since we locked up 95% of the toys.  No one has complained once!  So, what do they do with all their time? 
In the mornings, we work.  Our house has never been so clean!  It is such a joy to have a child say, "I've finished that job.  What's next?"  They are more diligent because there are less distractions.
In the afternoons, we play games or play outside.  Some of us read or study.  Whatever we want.  It is fun to relax in a clean house!

Lyman is working again

Lyman started a new job on Wednesday.  We are grateful for the income, but sad to not have him around the house anymore!  I dream of the time when work outside the home will no longer be necessary.
In the meantime, I love the spring snow.  It reminds me of my first spring in Utah, 20 years ago, when it snowed on my birthday.
Oh yeah, I had a birthday.  No big deal.  Just a nice day with cute cards from all of my children, even Oliver.  And Lyman.  I love that man!

Homeschool at our house

This is what homeschool was like at 10:30 am at our house today:
DJ was working in his Brain Quest workbook (from Costco).  He was learning about synonyms and antonyms.
Gwennie was writing a song on the piano.  She later put it in the music writing software program on my laptop.
William was playing with a calculator, testing my knowledge of math problems like 52+26.
Amanda was also testing my knowledge with questions like "What's 8?"  (Correct answer, 6+2 the first time, 4+4 the second time she asked.)
Later in the day, we went to the Zoo.  It was a great day!

Spring Update 2010

A few weeks ago I changed our homeschool format.  It went from next-to-nothing (new baby, remember) to 1-2 hours in the morning.  Here's the catch.  They could do whatever they wanted during school time.  In our newly finished schoolroom, (Lyman did such an awesome job!!!) each child has their own shelf with their school materials.  I spend the time cleaning the house, and if any child doesn't want to "do school" they are welcome to help me clean.  Surprisingly, I only had offers to help clean the first day of this new schedule. 
DJ is certainly entering Love of Learning phase, for those of you who speak TJed.  He spent over 2 hours studying this morning.  Of his own free will, and in the subjects he chose.  It was awesome! 
Gwen is happily reading two new Bobbsey Twins books she bought with her allowance.
William is learning how to add multiple digits.
Amanda is learning letters.  She is also potty-training - finally!
Oliver is a master at sitting, and launching himself onto his face.  He loves the backyard baby swing.
Lyman is planting trees - cherry, plum, and blueberry.  He's had some interviews and promising leads, but no job offers, yet.
I am so excited about our backyard turning into an orchard and garden!