I have decided that if Big T is to survive in middle school he is going to have to be on top of things. I have also decided that for my kids sake I am going to be teaching them a few things at home this summer. Big T is all for it, Sprat is a little reluctant. They both had good years in test scores and grades but I still feel there are some things they are not getting. Big T and I have been working on Spanish and math. Sprat is working on his honors English book that he has to read and take notes on for a test the first day of school. We are all looking into History from a Christian perspective. So I guess we are all getting a little work out this summer to keep our brains sharp. I would love to hear from those reading what they are doing with their kiddos this summer to keep them sharp for next school year.
I do have some field trips planned to some different places in the area also.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Summer work outs. . .
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Only Four Years Left. . .
Oh my goodness!! I only have four years left with my sweet Sprat before he will be heading off to college. Yikes!!!! So much to do. Where do I start?
I feel a little crazy right now. His days are going to be so busy these next years. School, football, and maybe even girls. Where has all of my mommy time gone? I feel like there is so much I need to teach him about dealing with peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, driving, and girls. This is not to say that we have not touched on these subjects because we have.
I guess I am just worried I am going to forget to tell him something important. I want to spend as much time with him as I can and of course no teenage boy wants that. Oh, if I could turn back the clock just a little or just revist those special little moments. Like, when he took his first step, learning to talk, playing baseball for the first time, or his first day of school. I know I have pictures of all of these special times and I will cherish them.
It just seems like yesterday all of these things took place and now he is a freshman in high school. Wow!!!
Friday, June 20, 2014
Our little Garden. . .
I call it our little garden, in fact, it is my dear hubbys' garden. I have to brag on him today. He has the green thumb in our little family. I am so proud of him. He takes very good care of his little garden.
Every year we have some volunteer plants that come up. Last year it was watermelon this year we have pumpkins. We threw all our pumpkin guts in the garden last year including the seeds and plowed it under at the end of the season. That is how we have pumpkins this year. We don't mind the volunteers, it always makes things interesting.
Our "on purpose" crops this year are: zucchini, sweet peas, cucumbers, onions, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and last but not least potatoes. Right now our biggest producer is the zucchini. The lettuce is fading and the peas are finishing up, our cabbage and broccoli are done.
My dear hubby is most excited about the pumpkins. He cannot wait to carve them for Halloween. I am very proud of my hubby and his ability to do and grow anything he sets his mind to or that volunteers. I must give the good Lord above credit also for our little garden because he has blessed it tremendously this year. My hubby prays over our garden as he prepares for planting and each time he plants something new. I love this man more and more each day. He has been out of town a lot this year due to work and I have been left in charge of the garden. Quite a daunting task for someone with the not so green thumb. He comes home today and I cannot wait. He will be so surprised when he sees his pumpkins. I just hope they will be ready for Halloween. They sure are pretty.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The Good Ole Days . . .
What are the "good ole days" to you? I remember eating dinner as a family every night without fail at 6pm. Mom always had a spread; fresh bread, veggies out of the garden, and some type of meat (baked chicken, roast, or pork chops). My sister and I helped set the table and we also helped clear the dishes. We all sat down together, ate and talked about what all happened to everyone during the day. We rarely ate out and if we did it was a big treat.
I also remember going to Church on Sunday, Mom getting lunch in the oven before we left so it would be ready when we came home. After lunch and after the kitchen was cleaned up we went downstairs and watched TV together. We watched Ma and Pa Kettle, Abbott and Costello, Frances the talking mule, and sometimes the Little Rascals. We relaxed on Sunday afternoons and enjoyed time with family.
I try to keep my own family on a routine like this but these days we are running crazy just like everyone else. My sister and brother and I were all involved in sports but some how my Mom kept us fed and on time to all of our practices and games.
I think times were so much simpler then, goodness, I sound like I am 100 years old. I am not that old but, I do miss those times. I will continue to try and keep our family eating together because I know how important that is. We do discuss the days events as we sit around our cluttered table. I hope my kids will have good memories about our time spent as a family around the table. We also try and have some quiet time before the kids go to bed.
I have introduced my youngest to Frances the Talking Mule, thanks to my sister sharing some videos she had. He also likes Andy Griffith. Here's to the good ole days.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's day to all the dads out there. I am fortunate that my dad is still living and that I still have access to his knowledge and experience. He has helped me out so many ways on so many different days. Dad is 83 and still works. He works because he loves what he does and loves talking with people. It took 22 years before I realized my parents we always right. I wonder how long it will take my kids to realize I am always right? Ha ha ha.
My dear hubby is also a great dad. He is very involved with the boys and all that they do. He encourages them whenever they need it and he punishes them when they need it. He works very hard but he always makes time for the kids and me. Hubby also likes to garden and is teaching the boys about gardening. Sprats favorite thing out of the garden is potatoes and Big T likes the fresh lettuce. One of my favorite things about my hubby is his faith. We pray together, and with the kids at night before bed. He also prays over our garden each time he plants something new. I must say we have been blessed beyond measure when it comes to our crops.
To all the Dad's. . . Happy Father's day.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
School's Out for Summer
School is out for us all and it would be a huge understatement to say I was happy. They boys are both moving on, Jack to high school and Thomas to middle school. They both ended with A/B honor roll. Thomas had a really hard year. He was sick with the flu and missed many days. He had to do after school make up lab to take some days off of his absences. Thomas struggled with anxiety that caused tummy issues. All of the testing mess stressed him beyond a level a 5th grader should have to endure. Jack has 0 stress over testing and some days I wish he did so I knew he cared. At least two of the days Thomas had tests he either threw up before school or after he got there. I want get on my soap box about the meaningless testing today.
I am very proud of my boys for finishing strong this year. Our summer will be centered on fun, some football, and some learning so we stay ahead of the game.
On another note, I ended my two classes with an A and B. I was really hoping for two A's but my criminology final was a bear. I am taking the summer off this time so I will be fresh in August to get back to work. Stay tuned to see what the wild boys get in to this summer.
