Laundry day

Need I say more?

On my list

With the kids in school I'm getting a few things done that have sat on the bottom of my list for quite some time. Today I am knitting an ugly Christmas sweater for one of Greg's co-workers. He bought the yarn and when I am done he will throw a coupple of bucks my way,...or a gift cert. Who knows. It is a blast to knit and has given me an excuse to watch season 2 of Downton Abby.

Early mornings when everyone is dressed and ready, my three like to watch stop motion animation using toys. The things on the couch are to prevent the doggys from sneaking on them while I am gone. Who knows if it actually works? Only the cat does.

Rod run

Every year on the Peninsula they have a giant car show. We happen to live on one of the main streets used for the cruise. The kids and I enjoyed eating chicken noodle and watching all the pretty cars zoom by. Boy were my kids surprised when a couple threw candy. It made for a fun Saturday night with my crew.

news

  School has been a success. Its still hard to get them going and my Professor balks at the door, but they are already taking responsibility for their work and reading more in the class. I can see how it's necessary to have the class read their own directions on the work page and as a home school mom I tend to be a softy.
 "Sure honey I'll read your directions."
 Saturdays are still our special relaxing days where we hang out together. On Thursday last week we took a hike to a bird estuary 30 minutes away. I have wondered what it was like. We pass it each time we head to visit family up north. We went on the best day of the year, a shocking 84 degrees! The 3/4 mile trail had plenty of shade and we finished with a picnic dinner. One of my friends here was able to come and bring her kids too. It made for a wonderful finish to the last little dregs of summer sun before the rainy season begins. *bleck*
  My garden is doing well despite my initial neglect. Nothing like gardening when your gone for an entire month in the growing season. My beans are just coming on now and I have gotten a few sporadic zucchinis. Next year Greg said he would put in a couple more planter boxes and I might try pressure canning green beans. This year I am planning on doing apple sauce. Its been ages but all my kids are independent enough that canning shouldn't cause so much, 'mommy I miss you' and 'mommy I am so hungry' as it has in years past.
 Greg has had the last couple of weeks off work beside a day or two. We have gone on dates and out to coffee and walks. Its fun and amazing and......I haven't gotten any of my work done. Ha! Isn't that just how life is. Who could turn quality one on one time with just your spouse down anyway?
  I am  volunteering at the school for the first time this Monday. I am nervous to break into something new, but glad I can help out and be there. I stopped by and had lunch with all three on Friday last week. They just beamed.
  Well my three are running around like crazy apes and the dog needs a walk. Wish me luck!

cart-n-dog

Yeah, I really do need a pic. That will just have to wait. Her first walk around the block went well, despite the herd of deer bounding across the road and Frank chasing after them. She was hopping up and down making a pathetic noise, but she didnt bolt after them...because I was holding her back with a leash.
  The harness fits great. It reminds me of somthing I would buy for a horse. She didn't mind it much considering she is on a mega diet and I had treats in my hand. Believe me a Malamute on a diet is one of the most irritating things. When you sit on the couch....Awoooo. (yes she is doing that right now) When you go to the bathroom....Awooooo. When you are in the kitchen making a snack...Ear piercing AAAAAWWWOOOOOO. Food driven dogs dont survive well on reduced calories.
  I went to the shelter yesterday. No no no its not what your thinking. I just wanted to Looook. Really, JUST look. Its just like I remembered it. Dog Jail. Truth be told without the doggy gas chamber, I dont feel the cumpulsion to 'save' it. Also I am reminded of the hours of effort I have put into Nukka that has made her tollerable. I can just see it now.
  "And this is a new dog, it just arrived . We call her Howler."
  "Why is that?"
  "Oh, just a cute little trick she does when she needs attention."
  Steps into the cage
  "OOF! She is jumping all over me!"
  "Oh, she likes you!"
  "Hey, bad dog let me up."
  "Did you bring food in your pockets?"
  "Get this dog OFF of me!!"
AAAAAWWWWWOOOOOOO
  "Sorry, I guess she isnt quite the right fit for you after all."
  "WHAT I CANT HEAR YOU"
AAAAWWWWOOOOOOOOOO
 
  Needless to say I am glad we got Nukka as a baby, who knows how naughty she could have become if not for early intervention. Hold on a sec......
 "NUKKA NO EATING OFF THE COUNTER"
  What was I saying?
 
 

the reading

  I love to read books out loud to the kids. Its something I have done for years and years. Its a discovery on my part and theirs as we navigate the pages together. Often we have several books going at once. For instance we are listening to the second book in the Inkheart trilogy while reading through the parasite book I mentioned last week as well as learning about anatomy/physiology. Now that school is doing the core work I am left with the fun stuff!! How is school going for you today? Is your library taking you on fantastic adventures?

stop motion

this is the most recent project the three kids have been working on. (hours and hours) This it their first attempt. They are working on stop motion animation techniques and perfecting plot. Can you say a little Ray Harryhousen and company in the making?!

dog cart, yes we can

Greg did a conversion on our wagon and I have just purchased a dog pulling harness. And you thought I looked ridiculous when I pushed a baby stroller laden with three kids flanked by two dogs...Mwaaa Hwaaa Hwaaa. Let the parade begin.

Haiku Tuesday

All three go to school

a chapter in life has closed

This feels old and new

 

 

 

click for Kristen

civil war agian.

My dad took the boys out to the reenactment this weekend. It surprises me that they look forward to this day all year long. I am glad they get to spend some time with my dad getting to know him. Its mutually beneficial, my dad enjoys sharing his time with  them also.