Lapbooking Fun

My friend, Tara, and I took our girls to a lapbooking class given by one of the homeschooling moms. I had never heard of lapbooking, but was willing to give it a try. Plus, I knew that Madison would enjoy the time with her friend, Laurel. As it turned out, I loved the lapbooks and had a great time learning about them. Tara and I laughed a lot, though I don't think everyone else saw the humor in it as we did :). Laurel and Madison were in their own little world working on their stuff. It turned out to be a great day with our friends!! Here are Madison and Laurel working on their books! It makes me happy to see them together!

Better Than Nothing

We didn't get any snow, but the kids still had a good time this morning. I guess they don't remember ever seeing things frozen. They went outside to get icicles and realized that the deck was slippery. They ended up playing all over the yard. They came in for hot chocolate then went back out.
This afternoon, I let them roast weiners and marshmallows for hotdogs and smores...over the fireplace. The little neighbor came over to eat with them.
By the time they came in the last time, they were tired of the cold and ice. They said they are now glad that we don't have it all the time! It was fun, but I have to agree with them!!

"Tooth" Week

We recently spent a week in Science learning about teeth. Madison, Patrick and Carter have always been good about brushing, but don't always brush as thoroughly as they should. After learning about the germs and plaque that can occur with poor brushing, they have been much better about how well they brush, especially Carter. He could hardly sit through the lesson one day for wanting to go brush and rinse with mouthwash to kill the germs!
I took strips of egg cartons and cut little slits between the egg bowls. I rubbed peanut butter on the carton and in the slits to represent dirty teeth. I had the kids brush their carton with a toothbrush until the carton looked clean. Then, I had them floss in the slits to demonstrate that there are some things that ony flossing can reach. They loved the activity and did it a few times. We made a chart to hang in the bathroom where they could put stickers for each time they brushed, flossed or rinsed with mouthwash. The chart filled up quickly :).
It was a fun lesson. I didn't know if I could make it interesting and fun for them, but they really enjoyed it. Even practicing the flossing on their own was exciting to them. I forget how easy it still is to entertain them. I dread the day when it isn't so anymore.

Happy Valentines Day

We are not doing any school today. I wanted to be able to relax and enjoy each other on Valentines Day. The kids were up early to get their prizes. I always set them out the night before, so they knew they would be there.
Jeff surprised me with a card and a flowering plant. We said we weren't buying for each other, but we both did!
This morning, I made pancakes and let the kids cut them into the shape of a heart with a cookie cutter. They didn't eat much because they were full of Valentine chocolate, but they enjoyed making them.
I bought some foam door hangers for them to decorate with little foam letters and shapes. I also have some Valentine cookies to make with them.
I love having them home today. I always hated getting up on Valentines morning only to rush through giving them their stuff and then having to send them to school. They aren't missing out on anything with the Valentine parties because we had their homeschool party at the skating rink. They got to take Valentines and make boxes and everything.
I wish Jeff could have stayed home with us today!!!

Basketball

It has taken awhile, but Carter has finally fallen in love with basketball. He played Upwards Basketball at the church last year and is playing again this year. He has always liked to dribble and shoot, but seemed to get a bit overwhelmed at the games.
I don't know what happened, but something clicked at the last two games and he is now playing with a passion for the game. He seems to "get" why he is out there and is showing some of the aggression he needs to with the ball.
Yesterday, after the game, we went and bought him a new ball and a basketball goal. Madison is excited about the goal as well. She stated that she MIGHT want to play next year. I have never tried to push her into it, but I would love to see her try it.