A weekend getaway

Last year Randy and I took our first weekend getaway and decided we should try to push for it once a year. It never has to be extravagant however just a break from most of the kids. Giddy comes with as he is still nursing but it is much easier to wrangle 1 kiddo than all 7.

 We took a trip up to the Mississipi Palasades in NW Illinois. It was a bit more walking than we were expecting as both of us are past the days of crazy excursions. It was around 90 degrees and the humidity was through the roof. Randy can't breathe well with those conditions and I ended with a migraine. We also ended up with a battle wound after Giddy ran into a metal picnic table.

 The views were spectacular however the trek to get to the top was sometimes barely worth it for me personally. The Mississippi River is wide and I was happy I could say I dipped my toes in the water.

 My favorite part of the camping trip was the butterflies had decided that our camp was their new home. They invaded our tent and landed on us. Giddy obtained his battle wound after he freaked out when one landed on his leg.

 

Randy and I have decided to not ever take the kids to this state park as you are unable to adventure on your own paths as the entire park is nonstop drop offs and cliffs.  There are also little to no flowers at this park so I was highly disappointed I could not take more photos.

We are hoping for another camping trip in our future when the weather is more cooperative.

My first MCAL {KCCO}

I have taken the plunge and decided to try a new mystery crochet a long{MCAL}. This event is a shorter one, thank goodness for summer called Veronica meets spring. I will be sharing some photos along the way. This is a one size fits all accessory full of color and texture. I am hoping if it turns out well that the girls may all get one to wear to be "matchy-matchy" but in different color combos.

 My gauge is already HUGE even with going down a hook size but since it is a 1 size fits all  I am hoping it will be ok.

Feel free to join us as there is a knit and crochet version and hundreds of us participating all over the world!

a golden afternoon

 Alice:

You can learn a lot of things from the

flowers, for especially in the month of

June. There’s a wealth of happiness and

romance, oh...

Flowers:...the golden afternoon!

Although its not June quite yet, I felt it was close enough. to tie in the end of our botany unit study we chose to go to a local favorite. Cantigny is a small war museum on the property of Robert McCormick who made a ton of political and influential improvements in his time. This location has huge gardens, 30 tanks for the kids to climb and enjoy and tours of his home.

The kids love the tanks crawling under and on top of them. I view it as a great proprioceptive activity and an exciting change.  

sureal {picture heavy}

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.

******************

... the feeling when all 3 of your boys must touch you while they sleep. We have had a trying and emotional few days and to know they view me as their rock and stability even in their dreams is priceless. occasionally makes up for the sleeplessness and foot in my back.

...knowing all my kids are home and safe. Nanners got seperated from us at our local state park. This park is over 300,000 acres and huge so we had the scare of our lives when she was missing 45 minutes. We are blessed a hiker found her following another group and brought her to the state and ranger police we had called in. She was near the trails the officer and Randy walked 3 times over but managed to keep missing each other.

...watching your husband talk with the boy about running and standing water.

...seeing flowers and discovering deer trails in our walk in the park.
 

...a new promotion and raise.

... Koda's sweater finally done.

...Giddy's new haircut. He looks like a big boy.

...processed asparagus the first time.

...a new to me car.

 

I am sorry that this is very photo heavy. We have had such an emotional,crazy week and I am very grateful to have documented all of it. 

What are you grateful for today?

Outer Space

In honor of astronomy day we decided to take a break from our normal homeschooling routine and do a group unit study. We have done them in the past however for some reason the olders seemed to struggle with it. With no math lessons or computer work they decided that it wasn't "real" school and to slack and no participate without complaining. It proves that even though they may be 12,14 and 16 that routine is still crucial to survival.

My littles however thought it was awesomeness in a box. Literally. See the box?

 Sensory boxes are primarily a Montessori thing however I had forgotten how much I enjoy putting them together and the littles playing with them.

We had gemstones for planets, a large crochet sun, some black gravel for space and rainbow star beads. Super Sam, Toby and Hobart had to go on an adventure and Nanners had to tell Randy their story and draw what they did.

Super Sam and Toby on the moon.

I spent some of my inner work time painting these cards to go along with the unit. Without being their physically I often feel like I miss out on participating with them. I see how Nanners matched mine for her drawing so even without me there I am creating an impression.

We did plan if we had the whole family to go to a telescope viewing on Saturday however with the olders gone and crummy weather that we stayed home. Maybe next year.

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.

******************

... some time at the local fairy fair with my littles. Simple but they had a great time.

... the creeper husband in the background. He is ridiculous.

... some beautiful flowers for Mother's day. Although I do have some strong distain for the holiday it makes it a bit more tolerable.

...early morning (3am!) bonding time with the boy.

...pug.

...time yesterday at the fiber fest. All.The.Yarn. It was fabulous.

What are you grateful for?

Dads holding the space

Our family is a little untraditional. Besides being blended of yours, mine and ours, Randy is the one to stay home with the kids. for a while I honestly felt some resentment that he spent so much time at home with them but so little involvement seemed to occur.

"Well what did the kids do for homework today?"




"I don't know...."




"Did you take the kids out as I left the passes for the museums, zoos etc."




"No..."




"Oh my gosh it is soooo freaking beautiful outside. You should soak it up like we used to and take the kids to the forest or the park"




"eh, I'll think about it..."






AHHHH... You feel my frustration right? I live in a cubicle and felt like I missed so much of my kids lives by working and Randy seemed to just let it pass by. Since our blowup he has noticed that he needs to be involved, hold the space and be present. He used to complain that the kids ran amok often and drove him nuts by nonstop screaming and fighting. Homework was never finished and dinner was barely done by 7 pm.




Since deciding to take the plunge, I can say for the last several weeks that homework has been done consistently by 1 pm and dinner by 5-5:30. The kids now have a designated time for cleaning, helping each other and my house looks considerably better. They say it takes 4-6 weeks for a habit to start and I can say we have a much better rhythm and flow to our home. Randy has even surprised me:
"I hate now when I don't have homework and lunch done by 1. I feel its spinning out of control."


Music to my ears.


I am unsure of how long this will last but am grateful for the drive that my husband has given to help our homeschool.