Jan. 13-17: Family

Monday

We had a pretty good cleaning day.  The kids helped me clean the bathroom.  I taught them how to clean the toilet the way it "should" be done.  It was hard getting them started cleaning, but once they were doing it, they started having fun with it.  It's worth the effort.

Annabelle went to her dance class.  She's loving it so much!  I'm so grateful for my friend for offering to take her!

Tuesday

Today we got carpet in our family room downstairs!  So exciting!  We had to have a dance party afterwords to celebrate.

We also decided to go to Tracy Aviary (since we didn't get a chance to when we were studying birds).  It was pretty good.  It was cold, and many sections were under construction, but I feel it was a fun little field trip.

Wednesday

We read a fun book today called "The Legend of the Golden Snail" by Graem Base.  They kids were totally engrossed in it.  Such wonderful pictures too.  

We did some worksheets.  I've noticed that Annabelle just goofs around when I'm there trying to help her, but if I leave her alone she actually does the work very well.  I think this is a way for her to get under my skin and get some attention.  So...I'm backing off, and will only help if she asks for it.

We went for a walk today, because it was such a beautiful sunny day.  We met some friends and the kids played in the snow while me and their mom talked.  It was nice.

We also became little scientists for a bit and made a fun play dough.  It was very different than other ones I've made.  This one was a combination of hair conditioner and cornstarch.  It turned out pretty fun. Huge mess though!

Thursday

Today I've been feeling kind of sad because I feel like I'm not doing all I should be.  I hate that I have to practically force the kids to do worksheets and it makes learning just not fun at all.  I asked the kids what they wanted to do, and they said, "play."  So I did some research on the computer and found this article, "And They Played All Day" by Naomi Aldort, that was interesting.  Something to think about.  Sure playing all day won't help the kids pass any standardized tests, but maybe kids just aren't meant to be little adults.  The society we live in expects that of kids, and so do we conform to what society says, or do we let our children develop in their own time and way?  

Another great article: "Give childhood back to children: if we want our offspring to have happy, productive and moral lives, we must allow more time for play, not less"

We did enjoy reading from our "Book of Virtues" today.  Annabelle asked for it.  She thinks the stories are silly.  I've really enjoyed our habit of reading first thing in the morning.  It's a great, and peaceful way to start our day.

Annabelle also was doing a workbook that she chose to do (which was a preschool book, but at this point I don't even care).  She kept asking me to read the directions for her.  I kept telling her that I would help, but not do it for her.  She'd get so mad and say "I already know how to read!"  To which I'd reply, "then read it."  But no, she wanted me to do it for her.  Sigh.

We all went to the store today and got some things.  Annabelle and Evan love checking out at the self checkout lane.  So, yeah...they can buy things.  Scary.  I'd better keep my credit card up high!  

Friday

I don't recall :)  It's been a few days.