So I was filling a box (you will most likely read MANY little stories that begin this way in the weeks to come) which had seen better days but was box-like enough to be used (as any box left where small children and imagination can reach it will be) but used GENTLY. So I was asked by Ken to fill it with “light things”… this was accomplished first by sneaking out a few items from Emanuel and Trinity’s rooms (some wall hangings Karyn had made for them years prior, little memory boxes I had done up and some of Trinity’s less beloved toys). But to top it off I went into the linen closet and brought out my collection of hand sewn items. This included my set of varying sized tablecloths and doilies all made by my deceased maternal grandfather (I have MANY of those) and this item. I received it years back from my Grandma Reinsch (now Rapp) and have no idea who made it or for whom it was originally meant. I just know that I loved it on site… there is something so feminine and sweet about a half apron, especially one as lacy and rather useless as this one. I never used it myself but tucked it away until now. I figure what better to play house with with our little kitchen set and IKEA dishes than a pretty little apron. Trinity agreed!

Miss Trinity

The picture with Trinity didn't show the cute little flower

While the boys have not yet buckled down and agreed to learn how to read they all have found the local library to be a terrific resource… granted more in regards to the children’s computers and the large aquarium but it is a start! We chose to postpone our homeschool activities at home until the afternoon  and packed everyone up in the van to spend the morning there. Games were played on the computers…

Daddy and Emanuel

Books were read! Gavin even took a little time and told a story based on the pictures in his sister’s chosen book…

Storytime! (Gavin)

And the ever present fish were watched and remarked upon! I took the opportunity and signed up Trinity for the Time for Twos reading session that starts in November. We figure that whatever the month upcoming holds we will make it a priority. I did a program with Emanuel when he was one at our local library at the time, it was great to have that one thing with just him. I also signed up all 3 boys for the Wacky Winter Tales – a Puppet Show! There is not a whole lot program wise for our age range at this local branch as the area is surrounded by schools but I am hoping next year to go further afield and try some of those library programs specifically FOR homeschoolers.

Fish!!

After my myriad of family calls last night I figured it was about time I put pen to paper and wrote a letter to my grandma who has moved back to Saskatchewan after the death of her second husband in June of this year. It has been ages since I have written a letter and I forgot how much I enjoyed the simple activity. The boys were very interested in the letters I was using as I always write in cursive. Zander has decided that when he is a little bit bigger HE is going to learn to write like that too! I am glad… any interest at all is TERRIFIC.

Cursive!

For our afternoon of schooling we really kept it rather simple (the boys have MUCH better attention span in the morning but going to the library in the afternoon is difficult to plan with the differing lengths of nap/quiet time). I started the twins off with working further on their large beading project. I think Gavin’s tree is considerably harder than the sled for Zander. I also miscalculated in using the Ikea peg board for Zander’s so he has to move his sled blades up a count which is a bit confusing but they are coming along. We are hoping to complete tomorrow as I told them they can’t move onto another project until they finish the first!

Once Emanuel was up and awake we did our letter for the Fall/Autumn lapbooks – L is for Leaf… Gavin got very creative with the colouring of his letters! Emanuel just wanted to colour the top and not bother with tracing letters so we left it at that.

Gavin's L

Our big craft project of the day is a favourite for this family – finger and thumbprint insects! We used the Stampin’ Up ink pads that a friend who is now in California lent me and baby wipes to get the worst of the ink off their hands and let them go at it, then later they draw in the rest of the insect. We also had some jelly fish, cats and other rather creative critters come to life.

Inking Up (Zander left)

Finished Bugs

Ken spoiled me a little today – more beads! So now I can complete my first 3D Halloween piece!

Pumpkins in the Window!

I have actually been very busy beading since I am still waiting on my patterns – tops, advent pieces, my box… so much fun! And so many new gift ideas!!!

Sorry Such a Fuzzy Picture!

The tutu now has the satin ribbon wrapped waist. I am going to start affixing the small black pom poms tomorrow with some fabric glue. I am not sure how many I will use but it should end up being rather cute. I am very happy with how this one has gone, and the waist looks nice and smooth.

Wrapped Waist

It was a crazy baking night for me, two loaves of bread in the breadmaker, oatmeal applesauce cookies AND a double batch of the sugar… I figured I would use of the excess apples in the fridge and make some more applesauce as well… so definitely and evening full of the smells of baking!

Tomorrow I am hoping on researching making my own french fries. I have not made them for freezing before so it will definitely be a bit of an adventure! Add to that the URGENT need to tidy and reorganize the homeschooling stuff… an ongoing ever present thing but this time we are going to put the dvd’s in the basement (since we watch them so infrequently) and pack up MORE of my paperbacks so we have more room on the bookshelves. Someday I am going to get another shelf in the house! I was told about one on Freecycle but with the house in the disorder it is I really did not want to bring more furniture in. As it is I still need to organize enough to put the stuff we got from the Reuse Centre away properly. After this week and our photo session on the 20th I will have to add card making to the list of Christmas projects! Makes your head spin when you actually sit and think of it or write a list…something I REALLY need to do right away!

Hopefully after tonight I will over whelmed with sewing projects to get done! So keep an eye on the blog…

Sticking Around With Her Sticky Rice!