Summer in full swing

Well, summer's in full swing here. We are enjoying our break so far. I've once again had computer problems and am hoping they are resolved now. A friend asked me if I'd gotten anything accomplished on my summer list. Well, I've done a little bit. Problem was I didn't write down my summer to - do list. I just put it on my blog. So when the computer was down, I couldn't actually remember my list :) Yes, I plan to be more organized- I think that's one of my goals.

Well, here goes. I've been reading more to my children, spending lots of time outside, working on VBS materials, nature journals, decluttering my house, and we're going swimming today. That's a good start for the first week anyway. Hope I get more done each week, but if not there will always be tomorrow.

I'd planned to post pictures of our nature journals, but can't get the pics to download right now. I'll try later. Have a great weekend!

Summer to do list

I have lots of ideas of things I'd like for us/me to do over the summer. I thought I'd share and get my thoughts out. Let me know what your plans are! - nature journals with my older children - sewing projects with Kayla - order caterpillars for our Butterfly Treehouse - lots of picnics at the park and in our yard - swimming - work on two bags I'm making - sew two aprons - catch up on my family albums - make more bows - declutter (this is an ongoing process here :) - painting (finger, water, etc.) - staying outside as much as possible with my children - reading lots of books to children and for myself - beach trip -visit the zoo - VBS This looks like I need more than a couple of months to accomplish, but maybe I'll get most of it done. It will help me to have a list anyway in case I forget something. All of this plus my brother's wedding and my in-laws 50th wedding celebration. I've got to get rolling....

Nature Journals

Well, I've finally taken the time to get a new post on here :) We've been so busy and it seems I just can't get much done. I am not one that enjoys too much busyness, but I think it will slow down soon or at least I hope. I have wanted to begin a nature journal with the kids and decided that summer would be the perfect time to do so. I think it is very beneficial for all children and adults, too, to spend lots of time outdoors. Many people don't do this much anymore due to busyness. It's so refreshing to take a walk outside especially on a nice pleasant day like today. This morning I decided to pull out the kid's swimming pool that had been stashed in the corner of the back porch (yes, I never put it up last year). Anyway, as I pulled it up a toad hopped out from under it. I have seen small toads on the porch before, but never one that large. I called the kids over to observe. I thought this would be a great way to begin our "nature journal". I had them observe him for a few minutes. They were supposed to watch silently, but my children have a hard time doing that :) We decided to try to move him to some water. I convinced my son to scoop him in a shovel and try to move him. But as soon as he tried the toad hopped away. They were so disappointed :( They had fun anyway! I asked them to describe to me what they heard and saw and then my oldest (7) wrote a few sentences about it and drew a picture. My 5 year old wrote a few words and drew a picture. My 3 year old (who has to do everything the big kids do) drew a picture of the toads stripes and circles for his eyes. I think the journals were a big hit because this afternoon they wanted to find more things to add to their journals. That is always a great thing!

Chaos

I am kind of living in chaos right now. We've all been sick around here and then had our church yard sale Saturday. I was in charge of it so I was worn out all week. Needless to say, with all this and trying to finish our lessons for the year it's pretty hectic. I am trying to keep it in perspective, but this house needs some help. I've called in my mom for help. She's planning to come help me sometime this week. My little girl is 3 today. So we are having her birthday party on Saturday. I definitely need some (lots) of help from Mom. :)