Sunday, September 18, 2016

finally a gratitude post on the right day...


Some time to reflect on the last week and share some things that have made me grateful.
 No time to be depressed when you are happy for what you have.
**********************

roasting marshmallows and enjoying an end of summer bonfire

organizing the overflowing Tupperware cabinet... 

weeding and clearing out the garden. I'm considering some mums for fall but planting some bulbs for spring.

being nominated by a dear friend for a new furnace and winning. Installation is scheduled for October 1 and a ton of prep work needs to be done.

a successful quilling lesson for grade 7. This project was a huge test of will and patience but he even agreed " You were right... It looks a lot better completely filled in."



preparing for Michaelmas which is one of my favorite festivals.

a good cry while gardening as I watched hubby finally disassemble Shemps old crate. I don't really cry often and find myself bottling emotions so it was a bit overdue.

remembering to post gratitude Sunday on a Sunday vs a Monday.

What are you thankful for?

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Goldenrod goodness

Over this weekend we went on a nature walk to collect goldenrod flowers for dying yarn. Originally the plan was to make flying stars for Michaelmas however that will not be happening so I may just use this fun yarn for another project.



 

I found this process to be fairly simple however I am unsure of how color fast it is. Only time will tell after the final projects are made.
We chopped off all of the flowers and threw them in a pot of water then let it heat for about an hour or so without boiling.

I then strained the flowers through some muslin fabric and a colander with a toddler underfoot and managed not to spill any of the hot liquid on his newly bald head. Score!



I threw about half of the tiny bottle of Alum powder in and it clouded within the dark brown and turned to a super bright gold. Chemistry is awesome. I threw in about half of a skein of the wool yarn. This dye will not work on acrylic yarn so if you try this at home please don't waste your time!  



Rinse and let dry in the ucky bathtub which is highly overdue for a cleaning but obviously I'm too busy crafting instead.




It is still drying currently from last night but I cant wait to make something from it!



Monday, September 12, 2016

reflections


Some time to reflect on the last few weeks and share some things that have made me grateful.
 No time to be depressed when you are happy for what you have.
************************
walking around my work community garden and seeing the flowers. Tiny bits of sunshine even in a crowded cubical...

My 3 baldielocks...

the beheaded pinata from the birthday worn as a hat...









taking a certain pug for a walk while he looks at me all stupidly. Hi-ya mom!




a nature walk that included climbing trees and collecting goldenrod for dying. I am so excited for how it will turn out!

What are you grateful for today?

Thursday, September 8, 2016

2016-2017 Curriculum choices

I know its a bit late than never however here are some of the resources that we are using this 2016-2017 school year. I have currently a frehsman, a 7th grader and a first grader.

Beanie-9th grade
Blocks:
Biology: http://www.gavirtuallearning.org/Resources/ScienceResources/ScienceShared/SharedBiology.aspx
Geology: http://www.gavirtuallearning.org/Resources/Geology.aspx
Art history AP http://www.gavirtuallearning.org/Resources/FineArtsResources/FAShared/SharedAPArtHistory.aspx


All year:
Language arts- http://www.gavirtuallearning.org/Resources/ELAResources/ELAShared/Shared9thLitComp.aspx


Math- Life of Fred Algebra
Youth group at church





Mark- 7th grade
Blocks: Waldorf essentials 7th grade-loosely
Joan of Arc
Renaissance
Wish papers
physiology
physics
Nature study


Math- Life of Fred Fractions, Decimals and percent and pre algebra 0
Homeschool Ceramics in the spring




Nanners- 1st grade
Waldorf Essentials first grade
nature study
Awana Sparks



 Our students and teacher!





Monday, September 5, 2016

a family weekend



Some time to reflect on the last few weeks and share some things that have made me grateful.
 No time to be depressed when you are happy for what you have.
************************
 
a fishing filled weekend that resulted in over 16 fish caught...
 
a handpicked bouquet by the birthday girl and our pastor's wife that owns a flower shop. She made sure it was completely in our budget and even provided a pink vase to make her feel special. It was completely worth the $10....
 
finding shells while Daddy and Mark fished. We have never found shells off the local lake so it was exciting to find over 20...
 
Signing up for our naturepal exchange.... 

canning over 40 jars of tomatoes and giving the rest to our family and church. After a time of going hungry and relying on food stamps it is so rewarding to give back to people that helped us. 

seeing Nanners turn into a caring and considerate little lady. I have struggled with a killer headache the last few days, mostly from the changing weather and upcoming moon cycle, and its kicked me in the tail. I have survived only on the cocktail they give in the ER from home but it leaves me in a bit of a fog and exhausted. Nanners tucked me in last night and rubbed my back telling me to go to sleep. She has a servant's heart and it warms my soul to know I birthed this child and she loves nothing more to care for others...
 
a pottery painting birthday gift as some bonding time with Nanners and Ryguy...




 
preparing for Michaelmas and the inner work time to tame our dragons...
 
What are you thankful for lately?