What's happening at the homeschool homestead?

Well, I'd like to say that I have my whole garden in, I repainted Jordan's bedroom, reorganized the kitchen cabinets, and have been working out everyday and that is why I haven't been onto the blog in over two months! But that would be a lie. The garden is not even close, I have the seeds, I have a vision - I just don't have the time! I am missing home grown veggies and the thought of spending $2.00 on a gross store bought zucchini drives me nuts, but what can I do? Well, get the garden in for one, I guess! So, the plan to paint Jordan's room hasn't happened yet either. She picked out a lovely shade of lavender, she even started removing the wallpaper the other day - on her own. But we just haven't had the time to really focus on a painting project -- hopefully soon. Maybe before she leaves for college! Working out doesn't seem to be happening either. So what have we been doing? I don't really know.

We have had several family members visit, which has been great fun! Alex is working diligently on scholarships and counting down the days until he goes away to college. He is still taking his flying lessons each week and changed to a different plane recently. He is very close to earning his pilot's license. Travis is playing soccer, planning his Eagle Scout project and he just participated in a fun Civil war reenactment, all that in between fun social activities. Jordan has been very busy with her social calendar too. It seems like she is always going over to visit with friends or they are at our house. I'm thrilled and so is she. She also started babysitting recently for a little 2 year old neighbor. It was a huge milestone and she is a fun and responsible babysitter.
So that's it for now. I have pictures to post and lots to share. So stay tuned! Hopefully I'll be writing again in less than two months!

Playtime at the beach - then home for nap

this is a perfect example of one of those sweet days. exploring the tide pools and building sand castles, clean up, lunch in the car seat -- then off to nap! weren't they cute?

Going back to afternoon naps

I realized today that my life and home was so much calmer, cleaner, quieter and more organized when my kids were toddlers. I know that is the opposite of what most people say or think. But really, most days we were up and out the door to go to different places, but we were ALWAYS home for nap. When the little angels were sleeping, I was quietly working around the house. Cleaning, reorganizing drawers, putting pictures in albums - whatever. Now, no one naps - we hit the ground running and don't stop until dinner, or after. Back then, they would have quiet play time sitting on the floor playing or watching Sesame Street - now they have loud music cranked (not all of them), they are in and out of the house, along with their friends. No wonder our home looks and sounds like a bunch of wild animals are living here. To take this even further, I realized that I was in much better shape back then. When the kids weren't napping, we'd be outside taking walks, playing at the playground, swimming, wherever, Mom had to play too - or at least keep them from falling off the climbing structure. Now, I seem to sit more than anything. I sit in the car, in the orthodontist's office, piano, ballet, soccer - whatever. I've even taken up knitting, so at least I feel like I'm accomplishing something while I'm doing all of that sitting! No more moving around and wearing everyone down in order to ensure a good, long nap. How sad. Even night time routines were easier - before, the exhausted little cuties would have a bath, we would read a book or two (oh, I miss those days) and then it was off to bed, before 8:00. Then I could work on other things, or watch a show with the hubby. Now, we're lucky if everyone is even home in time for dinner, let alone a relaxing bath and book time. I miss the good old days. So, if I get my way - the kids will be going down for nap in just a few short hours and then I will be reorganizing my drawers. The only problem is - I'm the one who really needs the nap these days.

Pink Milk and Heart Shaped Pancakes

What a lovely way to spend Valentine's Day. I got up early and enjoyed some coffee and quiet. I mixed up a batch of pink milk and set the table and put out the little love notes for everyone. Then I made an adorable batch of heart shaped pancakes, however, I heard that the red sprinkles that I used actually got a bit crunchy as they cooked - ooops! After church we had a nice lunch out and then a beautiful ride around Oceanside. It was just gorgeous down there.
When we got home I needed to get to work on some gourd birdhouses that a friend of mine ordered - how exciting, my first real order and sale!
On the garden front - I went to Lowe's today to check out the heirloom seeds that they have - quite a few. It's time to start planning and soon it will be time to plant. I'm waiting for a catalog I ordered from a rare seed bank.
We heard from Donald's Aunt that she saw our little bunny friends today. They were hanging out by the shed where we left them, and she thought they looked like they were growing. I'm glad to hear that they are still around.
We're having a romantic dinner for 5 and then watching the Amazing Race - what a great day!

It's sinking in

This morning I was listening to Alex practice the piano - as he does every morning for 45 + minutes - and usually I'm a bit annoyed by it, close my door and cringe when he hits the wrong key. Well, as I was listening, I was reminded that soon, I won't be hearing that anymore. He'll be leaving for school and that beautiful old piano will be quiet - what a sad thought. I guess it's all part of the letting go process. Here is a picture of a recent recital - not too many more of those to attend either. boo hoo.

more from our weekend

A few more pictures from our fun weekend. When we were out on a bike ride we saw this boat washed up on the beach on the wrong side of the jetty. Apparently they lost power and with the heavy surf and wind, were pushed ashore. Bummer. The seals were enjoying the sunny weather as much as we were.

Relaxing weekend

We decided to go down to the harbor and stay for a couple of nights. This is a view from our balcony. We enjoyed bike riding, playing games and watching the Super Bowl. More pictures to come.