homeschooling is a 24/7 thought process in my mind

Hurray I think I have our fall co-op school schedule figured out already and I can now enjoy the rest of the summer.  Here it is.  Of course anything could change but for right now this is what it is looking like.

Monday Boy School 9-11 my home

Tuesday* Alphabet Days 1-3:30 my home Leader Learners 12-3:00 Sarah's home

Wednesday** Boy School 9-11 Hayley's home Leader learners 1-3:30 my home Dara's group 1-3:30 Dara's home

Thursday  Field trip Day

Friday  Papa School anything he wants to teach them

*Tuesday I will drop of Gwenevere and pick up Adelaide, then Sarah will return Gwenevere and pick up Adelaide
**Wednesday I will drop off Grace and pick up Benjamin and then Sarah will return Grace and pick up Benjamin.  

Boy School- Everett and Friends

• Letter theme for each week
• Focusing on identifying letters 
• gross motor skills, jumping, throwing, running
• social play 

Alphabet Days- Grace and friends  

• Blending sounds, 
• sight words 
• beginning reader books
• Arts and crafts
• cooperative games

Leader Learners- Gwenevere and Benjamin  Sara's day

• October: Under the sea
• November: Outer space
• December: Cooking
• January: Textiles (knitting, sewing, cross stitch etc.)
• February: Farm animals
• March: Animal musculoskeletal systems (dog, horse, chicken, rabbit, dolphin etc.)
• April: Things that Fly (airplanes, birds, insects, flying/gliding mammals)
• May: One Activity-Field trip to Science Center in Seattle
• 
  
• Weekly:
• Prayer
• Article of faith
• Recorder practice.
• 
  
• As we study our monthly topics we will work on these subjects:
• Reading
• Writing
• Math
• Art
• Field Trip or presentation

  Leader Learners- Gwenevere and Benjamin My Day

• weekly themes that we'll rotate every month
• 1st week Board games and math concepts
• 2nd week Art projects
• 3rd week Science experiments
• 4th week animal research and presentations
• 5th weeks will be decided by Gwenevere and Benjamin

Dara's group Everett, Grace and Friends

• to be determined

On the last friday of every month Sarah Day will host a tea party and story time from 5-8pm so the rest of us parents can enjoy a free date night.  

James and I are currently discussing the idea of taking an adult beginner Ballroom dance class together every friday.  If we do so one week a month we'd have free babysitting.  

I'm loving this schedule because I can teach three days a week but all my kids get at least have two days of classes and we still have lots of time for independent learning.

as for extra curricular activities 

Everett will get one session of Gymnastics (thank you groupon) and possibly swim lessons

Grace will possibly do ballroom dancing and maybe swim lessons at some point

Gwenevere has not decided what she would like to do but some of the  possible activities include soccer, piano, voice lessons, swimming, gymnastics, girls scouts, ballroom, tennis or art lessons.  

My Birthday day

I need to write about my birthday but i'm not sure what to say.

We got back from Idaho the morning of my birthday.  we slept for a few hours and then I took Gwenevere to her summer camp.  I was so excited for her and she loved it.

Then Sharolee came to visit.  She brought me a present, lots of presents and spoiled me.
I'm always asking about hair and makeup products so gave me some shampoo and conditioner and a marshall's gift card.  Thank you Sharolee.  I loved my birthday present.

James was pretty wiped out from our all night drive.  So he went back to slept after cleaning up a ton and I enjoyed a day of cleaning and playing.  Honestly I was pretty tired myself, so I don't really recall what the day entailed.  I know Sharolee helped me clean, which was the best present and I know I enjoyed hanging out with Everett and Grace while missing Gwenevere but that's about all I can recall.

Then Sharolee needed to get back to Olympia to pick up Grandpa Don and I needed to pick up Gwenevere from camp.  But I wasn't ready to be done celebrating.  So we decided to meet up in Olympia to have a birthday dinner and to let Gwenevere see Grandma Sharolee.

Dinner was good.  we went to Applebee's.  The kids did pretty well.  I don't really enjoy eating out with them any more but I try to make it a fun memory for them.  I have some really great memories of eating out with my family.

Then we went to Cabela's and enjoyed wandering around, looking at knives and animals.  We said goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa and then we went to Walmart to pick up some hair dye for Gwenevere.

We also found a cute lunch box for Everett to use.

When we got home, James put the kids to bed and we all said goodnight.

It was a beautiful simple day.  And I'm so glad it was that way.

The next day we celebrated again eating the Cake Grandma Sharolee left for me.  Thank you again for making my day so special.


Okay now that the history of the day is written I want to add a few more thoughts to my birthday post.

• A few days earlier my mom called me and offered us her old car.  I called James and we arranged for him to fly to Utah and help me drive the two cars home.  When we signed the title on Saturday we predated the sale to be on my birthday.  So even though we had the car before my birthday it was officially ours the day of my birthday.  Thank you Mom and Dad.  I know you two work so hard and I am very grateful for your love and kindness.  Everytime I ride in the toyota I think of you.
• being 30 has been wonderful.  I have grown in knowledge and courage.  I feel like this past year has been a two step forward one step back kind of year.  I have so much I want to improve and I can see I'm making progress but i still have so much more I need to do.  Will I ever feel like I am satisfied with my effort?
• I've spent this year praying to my Heavenly Father to know if our family is complete.  It's been a learning process and I'd love to say I know the answer but I don't.  I have come up with a plan, have taken it to the Lord and have been satisfied by the calm feeling that it's our decision.  I have come to accept that the children we have are all that we need.   I know we'd be blessed if we decide to have more but I know we are complete the way that we are.  I'm scared of failure, of trying to have another baby while homeschooling.  I know it is possible but it scares me.  I'm afraid for my health.  and I'm afraid of what another child would do to our marriage.  We have a great marriage but having young babies has been hard for James.  It's time we close that chapter and move forward.  A bittersweet feeling I'm not truly comprehending at the moment.  This doesn't mean we are finished it just means for the time being we are. 
• Maybe that's why I've been prolonging this post.  I want to set new goals and look forward to the new year but I feel like I'm not there yet.  
• even with doubt I must move forward.  and the best way to do that is by acknowledging what I have accomplished
• We went to Mt. Rainier, Crater Lake, Olympic National Park and Yellowstone.   We have had many wonderful adventures.    
• I started a Usborne Business (and I hate selling things)  But it has taught me a lot and has opened my eyes to some amazing books.
• I branched out and tried contact lenses.  It lasted about a week and I've come to the conclusion I'm comfortable in my glasses.  Now it is time to invest in my teeth.  
• I successfully completed another year of homeschooling.  I often feel so inadequate and discouraged.  I lack discipline, and structure but pray I can change and that my children will be successful despite my weaknesses.  
• I have read (listened to books on CD); self improvement books, parenting books, organization books and for pleasure books.  This is a big deal for me.  I've always wanted to be a reader and I'm slowly learning how.  
• I've focused on my marriage and have tried to be a better friend and wife.
•  31 will be a good year.  
• I want to get a better handle on our family's finances.  We have so many home improvement projects that need to be taken care of.  It's time to itemize the list and set goals to accomplish them.  
• I want to focus on my health and take the time to finally find the right doctor for me. This freaks me out the most but I know it's what I need to do.  
• I want to improve my image.  Or at least look into getting braces.  
• I want to spend time with each of my children and remember to be with them, not just be around them.  
• I want to go to the temple more and if that means going by myself I need to have the courage to do so more often.  

I think that is it.  Hello 31.  I know we can make this a good year.

Sunday. Driving home, Dreams, Friends and Family.

Sunday morning Grandma Thomas made us waffles.  (Everett's favorite breakfast).  While eating breakfast James and I found out that my parents old farm may be for sale.  We decide to drive by the home before we leave town.  We start dreaming of the possibility of moving to Blackfoot, living on my parents old farm and James working in town.  It's always fun to dream.  

finally we pack up our stuff, say goodbyes again. (this is the hardest part of our travels) and start the long drive home.  

Thank you for the car

second attempt to get a family picture with the car.  LOL  Thanks Alisha for helping us out. 

 When we arrived at the old farm house the for sale sign was down.  We stood looking out at what may have been, a little sad and then we got back in our cars and continued our drive.

We stopped in Mountain Home Id to visit our friends  Chris and Lara.  They have two of the cutest kids on the planet.

Then we drove to Boise and stopped by Seth and Ali's place.  The kids love playing with Benjamin and it helped to break up the long drive.

Then we ate dinner and continued on through Baker city and Pendleton.  We pulled out Grandma portable DVD players and the kids watched shows all the way home.  James and I took turns driving the toyota.  While James drove he got familiar with the car adding phone numbers to the call center and figuring out all the buttons.  While I drove the Toyota enjoyed listening to my book on CD and thinking to myself.

We arrived in Pendleton around 10pm we filled up on gas one last time and began our long night drive.  We passed Yakama around midnight and we decided to pull over and rest.  around 2 am I woke up and realized we still had a ways to go before getting home.  I woke up James and we continued on.  A few minutes later James called to let me know he wasn't awake enough to continue on.  He pulled over to get some more sleep while I continued on with the kids.  Gwenevere had Summer camp in the morning and I wanted to get home before she had to leave for the day.

about 20 minutes later James called again letting me know he was on his way.  He had stopped at a rest stop and tried to sleep but wasn't going back to sleep so he bought a soda and was awake enough to continue on.

I arrived home around 4 am in the morning.  I put the kids to bed and soon James arrived home.  We slept for a few hours and then it was time to get up and take Gwenevere to summer camp.  

Friday: Papa arrives, Schuylar, roller skating, Temple Square.

Friday morning we woke up excited to see Papa.  The kids played while I got ready for the day.

Then we drove to the Airport to pick up Papa.  Everyone was excited to see him.

Then we drove to Provo, picked up some chalk and bubbles and went to visit our friend Schuyler's gravesite.  It was a peaceful morning.  The kids where excited to see the gravesite.  They immediately started decorating while Papa blew bubbles.

While Gwenevere hummed a little song and Everett and Papa played tackle, Grace spotted a butterfly hovering above us.  The butterfly didn't fly away right away instead she seemed to want to be with us.  Hovering from one branch to another as we continued to play.

Then we took a group picture and said goodbye until next time.  We meandered through the cemetery reading gravesites as we walked back to our car.

James had never eaten at In and Out before and since it was lunch time we decided to check it out.

I think the kids really missed Papa

Gracie announced her engagement to Papa.  hahahha

After lunch we met up with Auntie Kristi and family and went to the local Roller skating rink.  Can I just say Kristi spoiled us.   We had so much fun with all her coupons and discounts.  Thank you a 100 times Auntie Kristi.  We love you.  

Marley, Kristi and Sitani 

Lucky and Selah

After skating we went to Pizza Pie Cafe for an all you can eat dinner.  YUMMY!  We may or may not have started out with dessert pizza.  ;-)

after dinner we drove to Temple Square.  Auntie Grace and Andrew met up with us and we enjoyed walking around temple square.  

Conference Center Sunset.  

 After picture taking at Temple Square we went back to Daniel and Dalynn's house for the night.  Grandma and Grandpa Thomas was there too.   Uncle Daniel pulled out his telescope for Gwenevere and we all had fun looking at downtown Salt Lake Up close.

Thursday: Auntie Laura's Birthday, Finding Dory, horseback riding and Flights miss managed.

Today was Auntie Laura's birthday.  A friend of her's invited her to go to the Lagoon with them.  She invited me to join them but we decided to pass.  

Laura took her kids to Lagoon and I took my kids to see Finding Dory with Aunt Dalynn and her girls.  

The movie was cute and we all had fun.

Then we went to Fred Myer's to pick up a few surprises for Auntie Laura.  

Grace picked out a balloon and Gwenevere picked out some cupcakes.

Then we packed up our belongings and drove to Uncle Daniel's and Aunt Dalynn's home.  James would be flying in at midnight and Daniel lived closest to the airport.

When we got to Dalynn's home we followed her to Mika's horseback riding lessons and we got to watch Mika ride.   It was so fun to watch.  I didn't realize how technical horseback riding could be.  unfortunately I left my SD card in Laura's home and wasn't able to take any pictures.  

That night my kids where crazy tired.   While I was frantically trying to get them to bed, I got a phone call from James.  I quickly answered the call anticipating to hear he was at the airport and getting ready to board his plan.  Instead James in shock,  told me that he had accidentally booked the flight for another night even though we both thought he booked the flight for tonight.   He had called the airline and had found a way to make it work but it would mean staying up till midnight, changing the flight and then if that worked out he'd need a ride to the airport at 4am in the morning.  

A few phone calls later, the details had been worked out and James hoped to be on the 6 am flight to SLC.  

the kids had been in the bath for half an hour and it was really time for bed.  

We read stories and fell asleep excited to see Papa in the morning.  

Wednesday, Lazy day and girls nights.

We got home late last night and slept in again this morning.  We spend the day playing at Laura's house, doing laundry and relaxing.

The kids where playing downstairs in the basement when Jace started crying.  He had gotten something in his eye and it wasn't coming out.  After Laura had tried to get it out I recommend a trip the urgent care.  I stayed home with the kids while Laura took Jace.  Anabelle wanted to make get well cards so the girls made lots of cards while we waited.

Jace was able to get the sew dust out of his eye on his own while waiting at the urgent care.  Yippee no doctor visit was needed.

Then we did a movie night.

When Mark came home he watched the kids and Laura took me out to get my toes painted.  we had pedicures, ice cream and went shopping at Marshalls.  It was a sweet birthday present from my sister.  

Tuesday Bear Lake

On Saturday at Jace's baptism, Dalynn had invited us to bear lake.  The plan was to head home on Tuesday but Bear Lake was too tempting.  We rearranged our plans and settled on the idea of going to Bear lake and then driving from Bear Lake to Boise that night.  

We woke up refreshed from our 4th of July Celebrating ready for another fun filled day with cousins.  I packed up our car while Kristi packed for bear lake.  We made a stop at Target to pick up lots of snacks and to a few more floaties.  

We made our way to through Logan Ut and on towards bear lake.  

The kids where so excited when we arrived.  Everyone went into the water and played for a bit floating on floaties and riding the waves.  Everett chased Lucky and had a fun splashing with cousins.

When the Littles got hungry they would wrap up in towels and eat cheetos and other snacks until they where ready to get wet again.

Everett and I made a castle together

Grace, Gwenevere, Maren and Ember dug a large trench 

Grace went wave riding with Auntie Dalynn

Gwenevere chased seagulls with cousins

Everyone had a fun time.

Playing the the moat we made

It was getting close to the time I needed to be on the road and I wasn't ready to leave.  I checked my phone to see if James had called and I noticed I missed a call from my mom.  I decided to prolong packing up and call her back instead.

When my mom answered her phone she told me that she was purchasing a new car and wanted to know if there was any way I could take her old car Toyata home.  I called James and told him about the generous gift we had been given.  

We decided to fly James out to Utah on Friday and we'd drive both cars home together.  YIPPEE!  

More time with cousins.

I texted Ali and Seth to let them know I wouldn't be driving to Boise after all and I went back to playing.

When we where almost the last people left at the beach we decided it was time to go get dinner.  

We drove into the town and ate at the "Least famous Milk shake"  stand..

Then we loaded up the cars and drove home.  Dalynn to Wyoming, Kristi to Orem, and Laura and I back to Kaysville.  

We reached a 100,000 miles during our return trip home and I pulled off the road to take a picture.