Home is where you start from: October 2010

Saturday, October 30, 2010

L.E.N.S. Photo Challenge- Comfort

Welcome to the LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge
- today's theme is "comfort".

Please leave the link to your entry page, not your main blog page, and then, link back here and visit at least 2 other entries :)

Linky will close 10 pm Sunday night, two winners will be chosen and displayed on Tuesday night.

Labels: Lens

posted at 10:12 AM
6 comments

Friday, October 29, 2010

7 Quick Takes Friday, October 29

~1~

I continue to do a lot of this with Meg. She has a job walking this horse. He has an injured leg, we walk him like a dog. It's a beautiful area, beautiful trails. But, I am a really busy homeschool mom. I enjoy the walks, the views...seeing Meg so happy. And yet, I'm kind of screaming inside the whole time I am doing this. Did I mention that I am busy?

~2~

We opened the garden up to the hens. It's like Disneyland for chickens.

This is Elsie, the caption should read:

"hmm, where should I start first? Tomatoes on the left or lettuce on the right?"

~3~

My favorite breakfast of choice is old fashioned oatmeal, with brown sugar
and fresh blueberries. Love, love, love it!

I saw this at the supermarket- Dark Chocolate oatmeal. I know better than to even
go there...it would be soo over for me. I'll stick to what I am eating now.

~4~

I had our first meeting with Meg's new teacher with the homeschool charter school program
we put her into this year. I homeschool all the kids through a charter school program, I do the homeschooling and planning, the teacher looks over our work about once a month and
records what we are doing. It went really, really well, I think I am going to like her.

~5~

Meg is taking Russian this year. I'm starting to question the wisdom of tackling a language that no one here can help her with. Demi just asked to learn Chinese, I think I am going to say no.

~6~

Meg had another Irish dance competition (feis). She has been so busy with school work, that she hadn't practiced much, she was considering not competing. She went, and won an honorable mention, a 3rd place ribbon and two 4th place ribbons- not too shabby :)

~7~

Josie went away to Jr. High Church camp last weekend, this weekend it is Meg's turn.

Fun, fun, fun- great spiritual teaching...but, cold. I'm glad I'm staying home :)

*7 quick takes fridays is hosted over at Conversion Diary, you can hop over & link up!

Labels: family, Jen's world

posted at 1:29 PM
6 comments

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

WINNERS** LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge- Shadow

The winners for this week's L.E.N.S. Photo Challenge- Shadow edition are:

1) LyndsD at Scripted Heart

I love the drama of this, the lines, the shadow and light.

2) Rebecca at Mom's Mustard Seeds

Do you see the middle shadow, caught mid-leap?!! I have to admit, this was the kind of shot I had in mind when I came up with the shadow theme. This is so cute!

a Special Announcement- LyndsD and Rebecca both won $12 Starbucks gift cards for having their photos chosen as winners for the challenge. Ladies, contact me so I can get them sent out to you!

Thanks for playing everyone! I hope you can join up next week, when the challenge will be:

comfort

Labels: Lens, Lens winners

posted at 9:19 PM
7 comments

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sunday links- getting back into the groove...

This homeschool year has really done a number on me. I don't know if I'm coming or going, and my house is a mess, my blog is a bit neglected.

I'm still here!!!

Trying to get back into my groove, so I present you with a new Sunday night links post...I used to do these pretty regularly...

Here's some awesomeness from the internet:

In which I state my theory that the first day of homeschooling is awfully similar to getting a Brazilian wax. This was hilarious. I think she also gets an award for longest blog title ever! And a trophy for longest url title ever!-I did not think it was possible to make urls that long...

My kids are officially addicted to Dr. Who- though they have only seen the older David Tennant version,- Blink. I am able to report that the very scary weeping angels episode is too scary in the newest series- but the version in the David Tenent series is not as scary, my kids loved it.

Our fall beeswax fun- making waxed leaves over at Small things blog. I have to tell you, I have a mom-crush on this blogger, her blog, her photos, the things she does...

Now I have to link to my own Stained glass leaves project- because once in a while I do a cool craft, and look! -I have proof! this one is pretty easy, you should try it :)

I hope you had a great weekend, bloggy friends :) it was a busy/full weekend for us. We had an Irish feis for Meg this weekend, an afternoon with my parents, sister and her kids to celebrate Grandma's birthday- and then we had church meeting, picking up Josie from Jr. High church camp, and then getting the house and food ready to have the Bible school boys over.

Busy, but good.

posted at 9:40 PM
4 comments

Saturday, October 23, 2010

L.E.N.S. - shadow

Welcome to
the LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge- Shadow edition.

Let's get creative! Linky will close 10pm Sunday Night, pacific time. Two winners will be chosen Tuesday night.

Labels: Lens

posted at 11:22 AM
0 comments

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wordless Wednesday-Horse art

This is a puzzle box Sky made out of wood, for Meg. It has two drawers that open. My husband is indeed an artist, with wood and construction stuff. Meg drew the pattern, and then Sky made it reality.

Happy Wordless (or wordful) Wednesday!

If you would like to join this fun meme, here are a few blogs with linkys you can sign into- people will visit you, and you can visit back. Fun!
The Wordless Wednesday Hub, A beautiful Mess, Parenting by dummies and 5 minutes for Mom

Labels: Wordless Wednesday

posted at 10:18 AM
7 comments

L.E.N.S. WINNERS! -perspective editon

This week's winners for the L.E.N.S. Photo Challenge- perspective edition are:

1) The Family Trifecta

this photo has wonderful wow effect! What a shot! It's a great shot, an unusual shot- and I loved the post she wrote to go with it about perspective.

2) Homeschool Success

Mary wrote that this photo is framed at her house, and makes her smile whenever she looks at it. The smile here is catching, how could you not smile! I love how close-up her subject is, the in your face perspective is not such an ordinary one- and I love how the depth of field makes his friend in the background seem so far away. Wonderful!

Thank you all for sharing your wonderful photos with us! I hope you all can come back on Saturday when the challenge will be Shadow.

Labels: Lens, Lens winners

posted at 12:19 AM
2 comments

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

you don't bring me flowers anymore

photo by MakaniMike, used with permission

Yesterday, I walked into the house and was greeted with a ladder in my dining room and bits of drywall on the floor and table. (having a construction artist for a husband, this is not an unheard of experience)

Sky heard my plea for more lighting in the dining room for homeschool- and decided to surprise me with canned lighting.

"I was hoping to have it all done before you got home, Surprise!" said Sky.

Years ago, it might have been roses- but now, I get home improvements.

And you know, I'm good with that. Is it our age? That we've been married so long? Have we just grown too practical? I don't know the answer to that...

But I do know, I would have been disappointed if he spent $60 on roses, but neglected my canned lighting needs.

Next up?

This hot mom wants new counter tops. Be still, my beating heart.

Labels: Jen's world

posted at 11:47 AM
5 comments

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Links for a Fall-ish Sunday

The Love with which we Perform over at (in)courage. Do yourself a favor and click over.

The Homeschool Post 2010 Homeschool Blog Awards- nominations open till Oct.30. Click over and nominate your favorite homeschool blogs!

The 30 days of giving starts November 1st- there is a blog site and FB page for this. It looks really neat..I'm still on the fence about it, I like the idea, but we all know I am not good with deadlines, schedules and I procrastinate...soooo, I'm still thinking 'maybe'. How about you? will you be joining up?

Have a wonderful week, internets!

posted at 4:16 PM
1 comments

Saturday, October 16, 2010

L.E.N.S. -Perspective

Welcome to the LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge- Perspective edition.

Definition of Perspective:

a : the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye; specifically : representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth and distance b : a picture in perspective

a : the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed perspective>; also : point of view b : the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance perspective and to view your own task in a larger framework — W. J. Cohen>

a : a visible scene; especially : one giving a distinctive impression of distance : vista b : a mental view or prospect perspective on the situation>

: the appearance to the eye of objects in respect to their relative distance and positions

Linky closes 10pm Sunday pacific time. Please link up to your entry page, not your general blog page.

Let's get creative!

posted at 10:26 AM
0 comments

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Wordless Wednesday-Hen Camping Outfit

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Labels: Wordless Wednesday

posted at 9:43 AM
8 comments

L.E.N.S. Photo Challenge-Orange-WINNERS!

Autumn is my very favorite season. I loved looking through the entries for this week's
challenge- the color orange is such a big part of Fall.
Here are the two winners for this week's
The LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge:

1) Melissa over at The Missionary Mama

Love the close-up of the subject, and I love the soft light.

2) Scripted Heart

Great display of orange against the very dark black of night. Wonderful shot!

Congratulations winners!

I hope you all come back for next week's challenge, the theme will be: Perspective

Labels: Lens, Lens winners

posted at 12:39 AM
3 comments

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

My Irish Valley of humiliation, over at SmartlyOC

I need to lose 10 pounds. Okay, I need to lose 15 pounds- the more honest number. I am somewhat stalled out, however. I walk/run (okay, mostly walk) everyday and do yoga- uh, sporadically. So, I decided I needed to mix things up a bit, jump-start my way to weight-loss/fitness/ and general awesomeness.

Enter, the Irish dance class.

Two of my daughters are involved with Irish dance. It’s very physical, looks fun, has great music and looks very genteel. I like the way the dancers glide around and make it look so effortless. Effortless- I know it is not, I watch my daughters practicing daily.

So, I was decided- here was a fun way to burn some calories. An added plus would be the reels and jigs I could whip out during Christmas parties, etc.

The first class

My first class was very tough, half-way through my legs were like jelly. The next day I had to ice my aching ankles and calves- I declared victory! My plan for rapid getting into shape and general fabulous-ness was right on target.

Enter, the second class.

I arrived for class, and hung out with the other dancers- sipping water bottles, warming up, stretching. I decided I liked this culture…being one of the dancers- I had no illusions of doing competitions etc.

-but wouldn’t it be great to be part of this group of athletes? Working hard, using our muscles, being graceful. It was flash dance people, flash dance! I was feeling it. I became resolved to stick with it, and become a serious dancer/athlete.

{Litheness, I had a new goal- I want to be lithe, gosh darn it!}

My instructor was not so patient and slow-going this time. I was very quickly taught two more dances (when I was having trouble getting though dance number one in time to the very fast music). Then, horror of horrors…I was taken out to join the young dancers and expected to dance all 3 dances with them. Two of the dances I had just learned. Or, attempted to learn.
And, I had to do this -to music.

Did I mention how fast the music is?

From my back row position, I attempted to keep up, forgetting many steps- not able to jump very high and count and breathe -all at the same time.

From my back row position, I fell more and more behind in the dances. I became confused on which dance we were actually doing. I became confused on which was right and which was left. Which way were we supposed to be facing?

From my back row position, I could see all the other girls dance on, as I had to stop to just breathe.

From my back row position, I was able to ponder and reflect the folly and faux pas of wearing shorts with the word “dance” on your bottom.

*It was brought home to me that if an athletic teen Celtic dancer cannot pull this look off while doing a jig. No one can.

I was renewed in my resolve to never let my daughters own such an article of clothing. I was now, resolute.

This was the one gem I took home with me from this experience into dance. The only gem.

*Because, I quit.

I’m 30 something and I’m done with humiliation.

Resolved: Yoga is the sport for me.

shared originally over at Smartly.com October 12, 2010

Labels: guest posts, Jen's world

posted at 1:13 PM
0 comments

What a boy needs-over at The MOB Society

I See him in his room,
forever frozen in my memory at age 7 or 8. He is all elbows and feet. His bangs- too long, hanging in his eyes. He’s playing with Legos. Alone. I remember it all now, he was such a lonely boy.
He was my brother for 6 years...

I am writing today about What a boy needs, over at
The Mothers of Boys Society. Click on over to read the rest.

Labels: devotional, guest posts

posted at 12:23 AM
0 comments

Monday, October 11, 2010

Links on a Monday

Some awesomeness on the internet...

From My Computer is My Canvas-her Mailbox job (chore) system. A cute way to delegate chores for your kids. She even has customized card sets for sale in her etsy shop, for those of us who tend to run with a good idea, but never actually get around to finding all the materials and actually making it..ahem....

Place Value War -game with deck of cards. Easy, quick, fun.

glittered Fall pumpkins over at kevin&amanda.com

My personality was my faith over at Joy in this journey

What baked evil looks like- I warn you, your kids might bust into tears when they see this...

Happy Monday, everyone! :)

posted at 9:00 AM
0 comments

Saturday, October 09, 2010

L.E.N.S. Photo Challenge - Orange

Welcome to
The LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge- Orange edition!

Please link to your entry page, not your main blog page. Linky closes at 10 pm pacific time.

Labels: Lens

posted at 8:44 AM
2 comments

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

L.E.N.S. Photo Challenge- words- WINNERS!!

Here are the winners of this week's The LEarning Never Stops photo challenge!

-I apologize for getting this up late, my life has been wonky in all areas since school started up!

1) Aimee's Land

I love the repeat of the words "Cotton Candy", several times here, and in red. It's a great shot.

2) The Homeschool Chick

Love the story with this photo, he is working on spelling words, mom captured his initiative in getting the dictionary out to look up a word. I also like the colors on this shot.

Thank you everyone for playing!
I hope you join up next week for the theme: Orange

Labels: Lens, Lens winners

posted at 1:25 PM
6 comments

Wordless Wednesday- I want to be in the band

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Labels: Wordless Wednesday

posted at 10:28 AM
4 comments

Saturday, October 02, 2010

L.E.N.S. - "Words"

Welcome to The LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge- words edition.

To join up, choose a photo that has something to do with words, that celebrates words, that has words in it, that showcases learning words, or just says "words" to you. Your photo can be all or just one of these things- get creative!

Leave your link below, please link to your entry page, not your main page. Please link back to this challenge in your post- and visit some of the other entries :)

Linky closes 10pm Sunday night and two winners will be announced and displayed here on Tuesday night.

Labels: Lens

posted at 8:14 AM
6 comments

Friday, October 01, 2010

7 Quick Takes Friday, Oct 1, 2010

~1~
Meg has a job exercising a horse. This is by far, her dream job. The horse has an injury, so this week we were walking him. Like a dog. This horse- his name is Joe, is kept in a part of Orange County we've never explored before. It is criss-crossed with horse trails. It's been delightful!

~2~
I think Meg's highschool classes with the Biola Star program, just might be the death of me. At least, the General Lit & Composition class will be. I kid you not, I did not have this level of writing until college, and I was in AP classes. If we can survive, I will have no doubts that Meg will thrive in college.
If. I. survive.

~3~
Beside her regular homeschool classes, her Biola classes and horse-walking...Meg was hired to dogsit/walk the two dachhunds next door and take in the mail/water plants for another neighbor across the street. She was one busy girl.

~4~
We've had quite the heat wave here in the OC. Monday, it hit somewhere around 112 degrees- which is not unheard of for parts of So. Ca- but it is unheard of for our part of Orange County.

~5~
The heat wave meant, of course, that this homeschool crew had to hit the beach.
It was perfect! The day we went, there was a bit of cloud cover, so it was very warm, but not blazing. Loved it! Also, the beach was empty, compared to during the summer. Loved it!

~6~
Today, we had a bit of thunderstorm and some rain. We do not get much weather here in OC, in fact, I can never find my umbrella because I only use it maybe once a year. We enjoyed the thunder and 15 minutes of hard rain. Then it was over. It was still a warm day, however.

~7~
We changed plans this morning- I was actually driving Meg to walk the horse when the rain started pounding. So, we turned around and stopped for bagels, instead. I snapped this photo of the rain pounding while the sun shone, at the Orange Circle- it's an antique district area..lots of shops, and best of all, bagels!

*7 Quick Takes Friday is hosted at Conversion Diary.

posted at 9:06 PM
5 comments