Mad Science

I don't know if Logan's going to have a project every week, but so far, he has.  This week was a marshmallow shooter/catapult.  There was PVC, glue, paint, and rubber bands involved.  Logan did most of the work himself.  When it was done, they had it at the kitchen table and I joked and stood at the door with my mouth open.  Since I was joking, I moved, but Mars did it instead.  They had used marbles and marshmallows to test it, but this was the first aiming try.  They got it right into Marley's mouth!  It was so crazy and we were all screaming and yelling, so I grabbed my phone and started videotaping.  Needless to say, we haven't been able to do it since. They spray painted the catapult gold and burgundy (GO REDSKINS!). I'll have a post a pic later cuz I don't have one of it painted.  Here'a a quick vid of an attempt.

Then he had homework to pick a project to do at home and take a video or pic of.  He didn't choose the easiest, but he chose a medium effort and did it all himself.  

On to other news, Rory's Algebra videos showed up today, so we should be getting better scores here real soon!  Thanks, Mommy!

Weekend Happenings

At the beginning of the school-year, the girls always try to cut their hair.  Rory didn't try this year, and Mars wasn't interested.  Then brushing her hair became the most unpleasant event ever because her hair was so tangly, and it hurt her to brush it.  I resolved to just put it up in braids every night, so we wouldn't have to brush it in the morning, but that was hard to keep up.  So this happened today.

Here's a before pic for you, so you can get the difference.

How different she looks!

The haircut lady would NOT stop cutting.  I was about to say something, but at that point, she had already cut so much off!

She likes it, so that's good.  I think she looks adorable with a bow.  In other news, she received her Saint box for the month.  That was exciting!  It was for Our Lady of Fatima, since it's the 100th year anniversary this year.

In other news, Relic got out of his crate this morning, while we were at the gym.  It wasn't a disaster, but it was enough that he's been upgraded to a bigger crate which is hopefully harder to break out of.

The stuffed animal on Kevin's desk is on it's second washing because Relic goes after it so much.  He ripped the stuffing out of the Yoda stuffed animal he had.  I'm sure this one would be no different if given the chance.  Otherwise, it's been a pretty calm weekend.  (NOT)

Full Swing Schooling

It hasn't taken long for us to get into a school routine.  We made our first trip to the library workroom, because they usually work better at the library.  There's no distractions of their toys in their rooms or the bathrooms.  Sometimes Rory can spend awhile saying she's going to the bathroom, but *shocker*, she really isn't.  
Daddy's back in the game of Science, just like when Rory was in 6th grade.  Logan is tasked with all these contraptions to make, and Kevin's having a good time of it.  They were all supposed to make a rubber band racer, and their book gave directions, but Kevin channeled his inner Tim the tool man Taylor and looked up a different design to make.  Logan won a $10 Chick-Fil-A gift card for best design.

We've thrown Rory to the math wolves this year A.K.A. Algebra.  I figured that I didn't know math that well, and I got by, so it should be no problem.  Well, we have had to purchase the DVD set that goes with the textbook because I have forgotten the simplest of fractions.  I had to text Rory's old tutor today with this problem:

Number 18 was the problem.  (get it?)  The tutor called to explain it to me over the phone.  Then we actually figured out #20 by ourselves!  We were pretty darn exciting, and that's how sad and pathetic we are at math.  Now you know.  Come on Christmas vacation!

School Daze

It's only been a week, and I'm already looking forward to Thanksgiving vacation.  Every year that I feel like I'm doing too much, I say that I'm going to cut back the next year, and it never happens.  This year is no different.  I think the next year will have to bring about a lot of change.  I can't keep on this hamster wheel much longer.  
The kids all had a good first week of school.  Rory had already been going, so she doesn't count.  Logan and Mars are settling into their friend groups and routines again and fall is fast approaching, my favorite time of year.  There's nothing like a chilly evening, a fogged door, and a pot of chili on the stove.  

Relic was not happy that the kids left all day.  

I'll have to get with Logan about the covering his face business.  :/

The kids were excited to go to the pool with daddy while I worked out.  Win/Win

Hopefully this will be a regular occurrence.  

A Labored Weekend

I don't know that parents ever get a true free day of labor like Labor Day touts.  It was an extremely busy weekend for us.  It started out with Logan's new training.  We're trying to teach him tricks, so we have something to work on over winter break when his training classes stop for the season.  We'll start him back up in January, but we need something to fill the gap.  I had a video to show, but videos don't upload the same as pic apparently, and I can't get it to work.  :( Sorry!
Moving on to Logan's first baseball game.  We only recognize a couple of people on the team, which upsets me since I requested his same coach.  They won, but the team traveled from far away, and now we have to go there for the next game. 

The following day we celebrated Marley's birthday at my parents.  Kaelyn came into town for the party and brought her new beau.  It was a good time, and I got to see my sister for the first time since her boyfriend passed.  She's so strong. 

On the actual Labor Day Monday, we were trying to get ready for school the next day, so that was laborious.  Thankful for Kevin, who tried to help as much as possible.  

  

Happy Birthday Miss Marley!!!

We celebrated Marley's birthday today, which coincided with Rory's first day of high school.  Craziness.  The day went well even though it was packed full of things to do.  I'll roll pics.

The first week of school is free dress for high schoolers.  She said the shorts complied with the dress code because they were a five inch seam which her work mandates.  

The streamer tradition is still going strong.

We let her open a couple of small gifts at dinner.

 We got her a subscription to a Catholic T-Shirt box.  It comes with a t-shirt and some little things.

 She wanted pound cake, vanilla ice cream, and strawberries for birthday cake.

She was so excited about this!  

It was a great day.  I think she had fun.  She's growing up so fast.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for her.  I love you, Miss Marley!

Start of September Daybook

Outside my window...
it's raining and yucky.  The weather has gotten cooler for a couple of days, and I had a chance to wear my fall uniform, lounge pants and my oversized WVU sweatshirt.  

Giving thanks...
for a rediscovery of priorities, our church, and each other.

In the schoolroom...
the chaos is already starting.  Folders are being labeled, lunch boxes and water bottles are purchased, and book bags are dusted off.  We're looking forward to another great year of homeschooling.

From the kitchen...
not much good is coming out of there.  We've had some good meals, but with stress and school starting, we've gone back to our unhealthy eating ways.  We're hoping to get back on track starting next week, once we're in the swing of things.

I am creating...
a new kindergarten curriculum for our co-op.  It's hard and exhausting but much-needed.  

I don't ever want to forget...
- when I winked at Marley in the rear view mirror and her scrunched up face and smile reaction.  It was so cute!
- when Kevin and I say the same thing at the same time
- our car trip belly laughs on the way to and from Tennessee

I am working on...
lesson plans, meal plans, chore plans, plans, plans, plans

I am reading...
Unbound.  It was recommended by my spiritual director.  He's amazing.

I am praying...
for family and friends and everything/everyone in between.

I am hearing...
Logan and Marley playing in Logan's shower.  Giggles and laughter

Around the house...
we are vacuuming daily and starting a list of things that need done around here.

One of my favorite things...
having the windows open the past couple days.  I remember fondly being pregnant with Logan and relaxing on the couch with the breeze coming through the living room.  Every time I feel a breeze come in the window, I remember those days.

A few plans for next week...
Marley's birthday!!!!

The dog...
Relic is learning how to go to his bed and stay, especially when we have people over.  He got lots of shots and meds at the doc last week and was feeling a little under the weather, but he's back to eating well and playing.