Great scientific minds

Just a glimpse into the busy, little minds of my kids.  Being inspired by Tom Sawyer, my boys took it a step or two further by COMPLETELY covering their room in booby traps.  They worked together all day to create quite a maze and even inspired the girls to do the same.  When I couldn't make it into their room to tuck them in that night, I made the "unpopular" decision that it had to come down the next day.  I'm married to a fireman and that would be a hazard right?  :)

Here are some experiments that Jaybird found in a book.   You can guess why they wanted to make molecule models out of gumdrops and in the glass is a water, oil and salt experiment that was pretty entertaining as well.

On another note, inspired by my last post about the family congress, the kids were impressed with this contraption/invention.  Grandpa Michael (who the kids call their "close Grandpa" or their "99% Grandpa" as he isn't related) had the kids over to put the finishing touches on a light system.  Above you see the "guts" of the operation.  Below you can see the finished product which allows the representatives in our congress to know when they are allowed time to present their bills with the yellow light coming on as their time is running out.  Impressive huh?

The best part is that this stemmed from my comments about how I feel inadequate to teach too much science as I'm not scientific minded and no good with experiments.  God has provided another option to fill the gap where I need it.  Isn't He wonderful?  (You too Michael)

Look at the amazement on those faces!

Our State Capital

This week I made my first trip to the State Capital with the kids for a homeschool rally.  They were so excited to see the building as we crossed the river.  We met up with some friends from the ol' Bethany days and we enjoyed our tours, exploring and the rally itself.  According to the kids, they can't wait to go back someday.  As for me, I found it very inspiring and encouraging to hear from (and see) so many others committed to teaching their children at home.  I'm thankful that I live in a state and in a country where we can still benefit from such freedoms.

Hangin' with Thomas Jefferson - which is pretty cool as we just covered the Louisiana Purchase last week in history and THAT'S why his statue is here in the first place.  Also, in light of watching a bill being debated in the House, we had our own family Congress meet tonight to discuss the Bill's the Representatives (my kids) presented, vote on them and pass them on to the Senate (Mom & Dad) where they are in review.  Tomorrow we will see which ones become laws, they're loving it!

Here is Spiderman trying out the Civil War era for himself.  He's all about the guns!  Below is Jaybird high fiving the little old lady in the Secretary of State's Office after making the state seal on this contraption.  She was a real hoot.

We had travelled down the evening before and spent the night visiting with my Aunt & Uncle.  The kids had a great time and we felt very loved.  Thanks guys!

Social Studies Fair

We have been studying early American history this year and George Washington has been pretty prominent there.  He was an easy choice for us as we participated in the Homeschool Social Studies Fair in Feb.  It was fun to see the kids proudly show off their hard work, do a little public speaking and learn about the people that the other students chose.  If you're studying that photo above, Spiderman made a Lego replica of Fort Duchesne and we made George's favorite food, hoecakes.  For the record, no one really cared for these and our chickens got to eat most of them. :)

I was pretty impressed with the work the various families put into their subject matter and the highlight for my kids was The Salter's presentation of Harriet Tubman (also someone we're currently reading about), complete with giant cardboard Underground Railroad station and a "dramatic" speech from "Harriet" herself. :)  Great fun!    Below you can see that Goose was proud to dress up as Washington's granddaughter, Nellie.  There was just no convincing my boys to put on a powdered wig.....

Fun in God's Handiwork

I heard that 65% of America is covered in snow right now and more is on the way.   Growing up in Utah, I LOVE the snow!  Not everyone shares my tastes I know (and we aren't buried under 3 + feet of snow right now either).   We just couldn't resist taking a recent afternoon to travel to Grandma & Grandpa's farm for some "sledding with speed".

We filled the mini-van to the brim by including our dear friend Hope and even our dog Frisbee, who loves to run herself to exhaustion.   It was a fun-filled afternoon freezing our noses off.  The kids had a blast and were challenged to see who could stay on the sled the longest. 

Initially the boys were intentionally flinging themselves off the sled but when determined, Spiderman won the contest by far.  Boo had the princess seat for most of the afternoon but she did give it a try with dear ol' Mom.   What a beautiful day!

We can see...

with our new glasses.

The boys had their eyes checked again this year and now both are sporting some new specs.  Spiderman's had changed even more and Jaybird has a whole new world he can see better.  (In fact, he was so giddy about getting to pick up his glasses today and he did everything he could to contain himself as they placed them on his face).  Recently Jaybird said to Spiderman, "I'm glad you got adopted because my life would be boring without you."  Somehow they see these new glasses as bringing themselves even closer together.

My boys........ :)

I have a 10 year old!

Boy are we getting OLD!!  How is it possible that we are old enough to have a 10 year old?  It really is wonderful, I just can't imagine where the time has gone.  Jaybird is funny and has such a spunky and imaginative spirit and he brings us so many laughs (and a few gray hairs) - but it's just been a blur these last 10 years.  It's amazing how quickly life goes from changing diapers to panicking over how little time we have left with him at home.

Jaybird celebrated this year "big kid style" by skipping the typical party in favor of a sleepover with 3 good friends.  He even chose rootbeer floats and a giant mint chocolate chip cookie instead of birthday cake.  As strange as it seemed, I have to admit that it was so much easier than the past parties have been.   The girls were off with their own friends so we had LOTS of testosterone running around here and we let the 5 boys just have at each other.  The biggest hit was the Nerf Gun battle, but wrestling, spying with their walkie talkies and Legos seemed just as entertaining.  I was praying desperately that no one would get a broken bone during the malay and God answered.  Whew!

Here are the boys winding down with a video at bedtime.  They had such a great time that all the kids now seem to think THIS is the way to celebrate a birthday.  We will see..... 

Serious winter!

There is no sugar coating it, it is COLD!  After a week of below zero temperatures, we are ready for some warmth.  Honestly, it probably wouldn't be such a big deal but combine the cold and the snow with the absence of my man and the week just drags on.  I'm honestly willing to share him since I know God is using him to help build the new orphanage for Esperanza Viva in Mexico.  I have just been reminded how much his presence brings sunshine to my days and how much I love his laughter.   I know the kids agree as they have been eagerly counting down the days until his return (in about 24 hours).

Here are my kiddos, all bundled up for the weather.  They have been willing to pitch in and help me with the outside work my man does each day.  Here you can see the older three after they helped me fill up the wood box in the house.  The reason they were so proud to pose for a photo is that this is at least double the amount we usually bring in (because I'd rather haul wood every other day if possible).  They are standing in front of a box that is about 3' x 4' x 3' and it is filled well past the brim.  They can't wait to show it off for Daddy's approval.

And here is my man with a beautiful suntan and a beautiful child, making some Mexican memories and being God's hands and feet to the fatherless.  I love him!