A school day with R

Here is a math problem R's way. His brain will be the death of me as V says. Anyway to those of you who don't know the manipulative's above represent 12-6=6. When asked to explain- well; I'll try to tell it his way. The 3 block was close and he didn't feel like finding a 2 so he used that and then put the 6 block one space from the end so as to start at the 12 mark. Then I guess he just had a 4 block by him so he put that there and said ok need to add 2 more to the four and now I have 6 as the answer. He keeps me on my toes, trying to decide if he is being ornery or just bored. I have discovered if I put my arm around him and keep things moving we both fair a lot better with the school day. Can't wait till I have him through the first grade and he can do more on his own. 

Sickness

I try to stay ahead of the wintertime illnesses by having the cod liver oil out and going early. I can get lazy at this as long as I don't hear of any illnesses coming around. That is kinda what happened this year, I wonder when I'll learn that in December you should start glugging it down. 

 This was our first line of defense against the flu/sickness. Those of you who know me, know that I prefer to go the natural route; when  it comes to staying healthy. At first whiff of this stuff, we went for the Vitamin C, garlic,(I peeled and sightly cooked bulbs of garlic in a little olive oil) vitamin d3, and cod liver oil, when the first one succumbed out came the silver and aloe vera juice too.

 When the youngest got it and couldn't swallow the vitamin C, I had the eldest go to Walmart after work and she came home with another array!! A little medicine came along this time. Oh well, sometimes you must. What normally happens is we use a little of it and then it sits in the cupboard and gets outdated and then hits the garbage.  I have a lot of good to say about the Emergen-C that stuff seems to really help and the mucinex has really helped with my sinuses and the youngest cough. 

We are very grateful, those of us who did get sick the duration was pretty short and several haven't had anything. I actually have had to deal with my sinuses more then anything else. I'm trying to attack it with all my might right now.

Church has been cancelled the last 2 Sundays due to sickness, I don't remember that happening before. I have enjoyed the relaxed Sundays; but I do hope everyone will feel better soon as being sick is no fun.

Kitchen Organization

I always have struggled with the top of my kitchen cupboards. I have a small kitchen and need all my space. I have tried all kinds of things and they all turn to chaos. My Mom came up with this idea and I think this might work. I'll need to collect a few more containers to finish off the row, but for now this is great. Sure looks better then all my ice cream buckets. 

               I need to get new labels made and then the project should be completed, I sure hope this works.

A Quiet Sunday

We have been enjoying this lazy fire today. We were all home from church, because there is a lot of sickness going around. There were also some going elsewhere for church; so church was cancelled. We have only had 1 who has succumbed to being sick and that one is improving. I hope all our garlic, vitamin D-3, Cod Liver Oil, vitamin C, and an attempt to eliminate most sugar will excuse the restof us.



Even the Man of the House has enjoyed sitting around today. He has read, watched a movie with the younguns, and played Bejazzeled on the kindle. I've gotten a lot of research done and am working on figuring out this blog thing. I'm am going to master it yet. The Children too have seen how lazy they can be. One of them managed to stay in bed most of the day. :)  We trust they will be ready to rise and shine in the morning.

My thoughts as the year has closed and a new one has arrived have been on living life to the full. How exactly does that happen? How do I claim each minute and make it count? My thoughts have gone to this for several reasons, we have a daughter about to go out on her own, once again the world was proclaimed to end and I am very goal oriented.

Life will be different as each child leaves. It will change the dynamics of all our lives. It will be fun to go see her and be a part of her new life and yet it will leave a hole. I want to make a few more memories before she goes!!

Then when we think of the end of time - yes we want to go home - but have I done what I should have here. This is where my goal orient personality gets in the way. There are many memories to make right here at home, but I get too busy. How do you balance work and fun. For me I need to work at making work fun, relax enjoy the journey.

I know I am way behind the times, but I have begun reading  One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

I am enjoying the different writing style; altho it took me a little to get into it. Ann has given me a lot to think about. Thankfulness should be so second nature, we have so much to be thankful for and yet if you are like me you focus more on how life isn't like you would like it to be. I need to focus in on what does God have for my life. We want a live happily ever after life, even Jesus didn't have that life. He suffered so much for us and yet we want roses with no thorns. Growth happens from the pricks in life and God knows what we need to make us into who He wants us to be.

I love Ann's challenge to be looking for Thankfulness, how I need that. Lets give thanks for all the little things that come our way and I believe our cups will be full and overflowing. Now excuse me please, I have a LOT of work to do.