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! 

Under Construcsin

Our master bedroom/school room has been under construction for a few months.  But with Lyman's extended leave from work, he is making great progress.  The whole room is primed and the doors and baseboards are painted.  The ceiling is being  painted as we speak.  Then we'll pick the color for the walls, something to match the yellowish color in the kitchen.  Maybe next week we'll have the floor in!
Then we have to decide if it is a school room or if it is our master bedroom.  There is major renovation needed for both upstairs bathrooms.  I would rather wait till that is done before moving upstairs.
What home improvement/yard improvement projects are on your list?  (Or your list for your husband!)

We had birthdays!

We got to celebrate twice for Gwen and William.  On their birthday, Lyman took all the kids but Oliver swimming.  Then we went out to dinner and opened presents.  Gwen was thrilled to get her own sewing kit and a children's sewing book.  William loved his maze books.

The following week, we had a family dinner with Nama and Nampa and Ben and the kids.  It was fun evening!

Lyman also had a birthday.  The big 4-0.  He's getting younger every day, now!  There was no big celebration, because he's not into that sort of thing. 

A rare picture of DJ with his eyes open.  (Just because he tends to close them against the flash.)

Amanda with a smoothie mustache, a daily occurance.

And Oliver, grabbing his toes.  So cute!

Catan

This is what homeschool looks like at our house today. (We did have our scripture study earlier in the morning.)
Settlers of Catan is a great strategy game. Pictured is Settlers, plus the Cities & Knights expansion, plus the Seafarers expansion.