Weekly Review and Preview

Bob's dad's funeral was Tuesday and seeing lots of his family was a good thing. Something strange was that the village sexton had dug the grave in the WRONG PLACE, if you can believe that!

Book club was great as usual on Saturday - the highlight of my month, EVERY month.

Several rainy soccer games were played this week.

Mother's Day was nice and relaxed. We did not go to church. (I dislike Mother's Day sermons.)  I got up before Suzy, who was planning breakfast in bed, which then ended up being my much-preferred breakfast-in-the-recliner. LOL  We met Mom and Dad in Perry so they could take David home for his grandchild time. Then the other kids and I went to Cici's pizza for lunch. Love their macaroni and cheese pizza! Then we took the long scenic route home, stopped at a quaint dollar store, had Klondike bars and push-ups and came home to a relaxing evening.

5/13 Sunday - Mother's Day; David to GR
Monday - Work 4, karate, Soccer Game (E-away)
Tuesday - Work 4, Soccer games (JS), Registration (L), David back
Wednesday - Work 4, Dentist (ES), Soccer Prac (S)
Thursday - Work 4, karate, Soccer prac (J), Wordsmith (LJE)
Friday - WORK 4, Soccer game (E), Campout (JB)
Saturday - Karate Testing (LDEJS), Suzy's Birthday, Campout (JB)
Sunday - Church, Campout (JB)

This is my last really BUSY week. If I can make it through until Saturday night, I'll be good!

My last Wordsmith class is this week. We will have an awards ceremony and a celebration. And within a couple weeks, I will be done grading those papers!

We will test for our Green stripe on Saturday, which means Suzy will have to miss her team's last game. She and James will both play their last games on Tuesday night, which I will miss since I have to do soccer registration that night. (which is MY last registration! yay!)

James and Bob will be going to a Royal Rangers campout. James is registered to go to Camporama with the Royal Rangers in July, which is in MISSOURI! A big trip for James!

Weekly Preview and Review

Bob's dad passed away on Friday. He was 91 and very frail. It's been a couple years since he's been declining, so this was expected. But still a sad event. All of us will be attending the funeral, which means I have to spend Monday making sure we can  all look presentable on Tuesday - in between all the other things I have to do Monday. The service will be in Imlay City and he'll be buried at the cemetery in Dryden.

Soccer registration went well. Now just one more two-hour evening registration to get through. Then I can turn over the keys (so to speak) to my replacement.

We had church at home this morning - a different experience.

5/6 Sunday - SHERLOCK!
Monday - Work 4, karate, Soccer Game (E), sword seminar (D)
Tuesday - Work 4, Funeral, Soccer games (JS)
Wednesday - Work 4, Dentist (DS), Mother-Daughter Event (SL)
Thursday - Work 4, karate, Soccer prac (J)
Friday - WORK 4, Park Day, Soccer game (E),
Saturday - Soccer Game (SJ), Soccer Prac (E), Book Club (L)
Sunday - Church, David to GR, Mother's Day

Just a couple more weeks of soccer.

We have karate testing on May 19th, so just this week and next to get everything ingrained enough to pass our test for Green 1. There are two stripes on green, so we won't change belt colors until the test in November. Then we will be red belts and we'll get new doboks (uniforms) for Christmas - with red trim!

David is going to have his grandchild time with Mom and Dad starting next Sunday. He's looking forward to that.

Two dental appointments this Wednesday and two next Wednesday. I prefer to spread them out. We can walk to our dentist. It's a block and a half away! LOVE that!

Weekly Review and Preview

Book club was great as usual - 14 women this month and a lively discussion about a book that only about half of us read. LOL

Soccer games were chilly. Emily's team won one and lost one; James' and Suzy's teams didn't win - but they played well.

I found a new registrar to replace me! YAY!

Finished a writing class - now just to catch up on that pile of papers that need to be graded.

David had a wrap-up robotics meeting at which they decided.... it's not wrapped up! Argh! They are going to meet once a week, alternating Wed & Thurs, and participate in some off-season competitions. David needs to get his license, and a job, then a car, and then drive himself to this stuff.

4/29 Sunday - Free Movie
Monday - Work 4, karate, Soccer Game (E), sword seminar (D)
Tuesday - Work 4, Henry Ford museum for Titanic exhibit!, Soccer games (JS)
Wednesday - Work 4, art class (EJS), Yearbook meeting (L)
Thursday - Work 4, karate, Soccer prac (J)
Friday - WORK 4, Soccer game (E), Teen movie event (EDL)
Saturday - Soccer Game (SJ), Soccer Prac (E), Soccer Registration (L)
Sunday - Church

Lots to do! Soooo excited to go see the Titanic exhibit at the Henry Ford museum. Soccer registration is this coming Saturday. Gotta get my ducks in a row. Only a month left as registrar.  Going to see The Avengers Friday morning.

Weekly Preview and Review

The conference was AWESOME!!! Had a lovely time - 3 full days in Cincinnati with two great friends. Left early Thursday morning, came back at midnight Saturday. Took 47 pages of notes in nine wonderful seminars, shopped in a huge vendor hall, had lots of laughs and deep discussions. We even went across the river in a trolley into Kentucky to see The Lucky One. Can't wait for next year!

Suzy was sick Monday night into Tuesday. The poor child threw up 13 times. She didn't even wake me up for most of it. By Wednesday afternoon she was feeling fine. I felt somewhat sick on Wednesday night and Thursday, but headed off for the convention anyway. I didn't end up getting sick like Suzy, thankfully.

David needs to re-take his drivers test. :-(  Not sure when yet.

4/22 Sunday - re-acclimating, Improv (D), Soccer meeting (L)
 Monday - Work 4, karate, Soccer Game (E), sword seminar (D)
Tuesday - Work 4
Wednesday - Work 4, essay class, Soccer prac (S)
Thursday - Work 4, karate, Soccer prac (J), robotics (D), HS Mtg (L)
Friday - WORK 4, Soccer game (E)
Saturday - Soccer Game (SJ), Soccer Prac (E), Book Club (L)
Sunday - Church

Tuesday is empty and I want to keep it that way. Otherwise, we have all our normal things this week and only a couple extra things. Nice week!

Weekly Preview and Review

Whew! That week was a wild ride!

Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Farmington Hills was a hit with all eight of the kids that went. Really more of an arcade, the kids, who ranged from age 8 to 17, took their stash of quarters and went from machine to machine, trying out the unique and quirky coin-operated treasures. My friend and I wandered around looking at all the keepsakes and we even tried (and FAILED miserably) at a dance mat game. Afterwards we had an hour or so to kill, so we headed over to Great Lakes Crossing and just strolled around looking at everything. That was Monday.

Emily's first soccer game was Monday night. They won 1-0 and she even played a bit. It's a varsity team and she's a freshman, so I don't expect she'll play a lot.

Tuesday night, the Brit Lit class gathered for our last movie night - The Scarlet Pimpernel. NOT a hit, sadly for me, since it is one of my TOP TEN FAVS of all time! But hey, guess I'm old which makes the movie old too. We also practiced our skit for about an hour.

Wednesday we skipped the Michigan museum trip so we could head out earlier to Canton. Since Bob couldn't go along after all (he had to work Thurs), we didn't have to wait for him to get out of work. When I realized that our hotel was (literally) across the street from the only IKEA store in Michigan, I knew we had to go.

I LOVE IKEA! We browsed through the store, looking at everything and testing the mattresses. (Except for David, who found a comfy couch and took a nap, lol) We had dinner in the cafe. I tried the meatballs - their signature dish, but I thought they were on a par with the frozen meatballs-in-a-bag from Walmart. James had the ribs which he cannot stop raving about even now. The other three all had chicken tenders and fries - both yummy! Suzy and I tried the lingonberry juice - tasty!  I bought a few things - some cheap glasses, a stockpot, some bag clips, etc. We finished off with frozen yogurt cones for $1. I will go again to IKEA!

Our hotel was nice and the kids swam Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The breakfast spread was yummy with a waffle maker and Japanese breakfast! LOL Only Suzy tried that - fish! Rice!? I dropped David off in Ypsi at the EMU Convocation Center and then went back to the hotel to try to work. Internet there was NOT fast enough, sadly. We spent the afternoon watching the state robotics competition and then headed home leaving David there until Saturday.

Friday was our last co-op for this school year and Friday night was the ending program which went off very smoothly and was so impressive. Suzy didn't perform at all and David missed the program due to robotics. James performed with his karate class and broke a cement brick! He also participated in a "Stomp" performance. I hope someone got a video. He and Emily both earned their babysitting certificates. Emily performed in our Brit Lit skit; she had one line and gave it with gusto!

Saturday James and Suzy's soccer teams were both CRUSHED in their first soccer games of the season, but it didn't rain! And then Bob headed to Ypsi with them to see the end of David's competition. I took Emily for her soccer pictures and practice Saturday afternoon, then *I* headed out for an evening of fun with my friends.

Whew! After all that, we just sat around on Sunday and got the house back in order!

4/15 Sunday - sitting around
 Monday - Work 5, karate, sword seminar (D), driving test (D)
Tuesday - Work 5, Soccer Prac (J)
Wednesday - Work 5, essay class, Soccer prac (S)
Thursday - Work?, Cincinnati (L), karate, Soccer game (J)
Friday - WORK?, Cincinnati (L), teen event (E,D), Soccer prac (E)
Saturday - Soccer Game (SJ), Soccer Prac (E), Cincinnati (L)
Sunday - Church

I have a meeting this week with a possible registrar replacement! YAY! Hope she decides to do it!

We have a pretty normal beginning to the week, but Thursday I am going to Cincinnati with friends to the homeschool conference there! We will be back Saturday. CANNOT WAIT!

101 Things I wanted to complete in 1001 days

My friend Gina posted about the 101 in 1001 challenge and it reminded me I should take a look at my list, which I've been avoiding looking at since I turned 45. So, here's the lowdown. (It probably doesn't add up to 101 either. I tried hard, but I don't think I ever managed 101 goals.)

101 Things I wanted to complete in 1001 days

January 1, 2009 – September 28, 2011 (which was my 45^th birthday)

Stuff I decided not to do (Intentionally did not do)

1. Tag all my photos in Easy Share (not using Easy Share any more)
2. Revisit the list on a monthly basis. (Did not look at the list much)
3. List DVD's on DVDswap (Decided to sell instead)
4. Use my Coke rewards points for something nice (stopped using Coke rewards)
5. Figure out how to use the music feature on my phone. (It wasn't possible.)
6. Grow flowers (Not my thing.)
7. Keep my nails done for 30 consecutive days (Don't like the maintenance.)
8. Get contact lenses (though I still may change my mind)
9. Go camping 5 times in 5 new places (just more than I can manage the way things are)
10. Teach children how to sew (not going to happen)
11. Sew doll clothes (see #10)
12. Decide on and complete a reading challenge for 2010 (couldn't keep up that year, started working at Butler Hill)
13. Attend SOF support monthly (didn't fit my schedule)
14. Plan monthly family game days (with another family???) (put this in the dream category; too much bickering!)
15. Take each child out alone 1x per month (This ended up being too frequent and too expensive. But I do try to find alone time with each one as often as I can.)
16. Visit in laws 1x per month 
17. Write 2000 words a day 6 days a week (No time once I started working)
18. Type the kids' novels (They can do it, if they want them typed.)
19. Keep the checkbook balanced 6 months in a row (more than I can handle. Maybe Bob will decide this is HIS personal goal. lol)

Stuff I did! YAY me!

1. Prayerfully consider options for external activities before committing. (just because everyone is jumping off the bridge doesn’t mean you have to.)
2. Say no to a request that I really want to accept, but would be better if I didn't
3. Decide if I am going back to work full time or writing part time
4. Work on the 101 in 1001 days list
5. Pack up Christmas stuff - 1-4-09
6. Redo the job chart - 1-1-09
7. Redo the schedule - 1-1-09
8. Clean out car weekly
9. Get rid of 101 things that we no longer use or need
10. Wrap the Christmas books before I put them away. (but then we never read them! lol)
11. Plan a healthy lifestyle eating program
12. Find a new breakfast (1/2 cup Kashi, 6 oz light yogurt) 1-2-09
13. Lose 5 pounds 1-17-09
14. Lose 10 pounds (cumulative)
15. Lose 15 pounds (cumulative)
16. Lose 20 pounds (cumulative) - but gained back 20 lbs
17. Lose 25 pounds (cumulative) - but gained back 20 lbs
18. Lose 30 pound (cumulative) - but gained back 20 lbs
19. Lose 35 pounds (cumulative) - but gained back 20 lbs
20. Follow exercise plan for 30 days. (3x/wk, low impact aerobics) 1-31-09
21. Follow exercise plan for 60 days. (running)
22. Follow exercise plan for 90 days. (running)
23. Paint the final yellow coat on house exterior (with my family)
24. Learn to like three new healthy foods
25. Learn how to utilize Sparkpeople to its full capacities
26. Take my vitamins every day for 6 weeks
27. Paint the white trim (or make Bob do it) - we did one coat; it might need another
28. Be able to take my wedding ring off (either naturally or get it resized) - got it cut off
29. Find a purse I really like that holds my stuff well
30. Find an outdoor hobby to do with all the kids - found an active hobby (not outdoors): karate
31. Walk with children 3x per week for 4 months
32. Rewatch the LOTR trilogy (but did not manage ALL the extras like I originally planned)
33. Be more intentional about computer time 
34. Get my sewing machine fixed or replaced
35. Obtain a larger TV
36. Take the girls to the ballet
37. Complete the 999 Reading Challenge in 2009
38. Reconnect with a certain friend - done via facebook 
39. Make an effort to call people on the phone - but not enough
40. Participate in NaNoWriMo 2009
41. Participate in NaNoWriMo 2010
42. Work on Part 2 of Forget me not (my first novel)
43. Tweak budget until it works - Bob did this via Dave Ramsey
44. Become debt free - done! Thanks, Dave Ramsey!
45. Read the Bible from beginning to end
46. Focus on getting to know God through prayer

Stuff I didn't get to, but are still personal goals

1. Redo my recipe book (1 recipe per day)
2. Get caught up in scrapbooking (getting there!)
3. Plan weekly for menus and shop accordingly
4. Make a plan for keeping kids rooms clean
5. Organize an emergency kit including flashlight and candles
6. Get important papers in order
7. Clean out my facebook in box
8. Catalog all my books on computer
9. Buy an album for the 8x10 baby photos
10. Do monthly breast exams
11. Lose 40 pounds (cumulative – be at goal weight)
12. Donate blood
13. Learn to drink coffee black
14. Make my house someplace I love to be
15. Repaint each room inside the house
16. Replace all window shades with cellular shades
17. Have a nice family portrait done
18. Find a hobby to do with Bob
19. Go to a circus with the kids
20. Sew denim Christmas stockings - in progress now!
21. Go horseback riding
22. See Mamma Mia on stage
23. Take the kids to see Fiddler on the Roof
24. Go someplace special on our anniversary each year
25. Write to my mom once a month
26. Write a letter to someone who has helped me each month
27. Write a letter to each of my siblings
28. Edit Mystery Valley Ranch
29. Send 3 query letters a week
30. Find something to sew my NaNo patches on
31. Complete a Bible study – either a group study or personally

Weekly Preview and Review

The week that just passed was rather a blur. Took one karate class, taught three writing classes, Good Friday, took the kids to church on Wednesday, got my computer un-infected from a virus, received the spring soccer uniform order and notified the coaches, tons of other stuff I am not thinking of right now.

On Good Friday, I had vague plans for a day of reflection and prayer. But that didn't happen. However, David, Emily and I watched The Passion of the Christ, which really brings home to me the depth of the suffering Christ endured for my sake. Protestants don't often reflect on this, but I think it makes my faith deeper. I also did some research on Stations of the Cross (a Catholic practice I am not very familiar with) because I had read that the film follows that structure. And it does - quite plainly. And I hadn't realized how much controversy there was among conservative Protestants regarding the film. People get bees in their bonnet very easily, don't they?  David and Emily had not watched the movie before because I wanted it to really make an impact on them and I didn't want them to be too young. James and Suzy watched the NEST entertainment He Is Risen instead.

Today, Saturday, Bob is taking the youngest two to an egg hunt at a church and then out to the farm for a while. I am dropping David at Robotics and taking Emily to see Titanic, which came out the year she was born. The weather is supposed to be really nice today and I kinda feel guilty going to the movies, but if we don't go today, we can't go for at least a week and a half. So we are seizing the moment.

4/8 Sunday - EASTER
 Monday - Work 4, Museum visit, Soccer Game (E)
Tuesday - Work 4, Brit Lit Movie Night (EDL), Soccer Prac (J)
Wednesday - Work 4, Museum field trip, Spend the night in Ann Arbor/Ypsi
Thursday - Work 4, Robotics (all of us!)
Friday - WORK 4, Co-op, End of the Year Program, Robotics (D)
Saturday - Soccer Game (SJ), Soccer Pix/Prac (E), Robotics (D)
Sunday - Church

Gonna be a busy week!  Lots of one-time events coming - two museum visits, a trip to the robotics state championships, our co-op end-of-the-year program, soccer pictures, movie night for my Brit Lit class. All converging onto one poor 'lil week.

Some things are going to be dropped off the schedule due to conflicts. Suzy will miss her soccer practice. We won't do Wednesday night church. We don't have karate on Easter Monday, but we will have to skip it on Thursday. (We could make those up in the evening, but the week is just too busy!) Emily will miss a soccer game due to the End of the Year co-op program. I am even considering dropping one of the museum visits. Believe it or not, when I agreed to go to that, the only other special event this week was the program.

Thankfully I have no writing classes to teach this week either - one is finished, and the other two are on break this week. But I do have to squish in my regular work hours.

David will spend two nights at states in a hotel with his team. He is very excited!

Weekly Preview and Review

Spent the weekend with Mom and Dad (and got to see Janet and Deborah too - yeah!) Fun fun!

Last week was the end of Michigan history - the 12th class on Tuesday nights for Emily, James, and Suzy. WONDERFUL class with an engaging and knowledgeable teacher. But I am glad that commitment is over - just in time for soccer practices to get going!

James had his first soccer practices last week. Coach called Monday for practice Tuesday. lol Suzy and Emily had already started. The weather is nicer this year, allowing practice earlier than normal.

I made it clear at the soccer board meeting that I really really need to be replaced. That if I keep doing the job if no one steps up, that I will be doing a rotten job. So someone needs to step up!

4/1 Sunday - Visit GR (L)
Monday - Work 4, Essay Class (L), Computer Class (D), Soccer (E)
Tuesday - Work 4, Egg hunt (if weather agrees)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church, Robotics (D), Essay class (L), Art class? (EJS)
Thursday - Work 4, Wordsmith class, Karate, Robotics (D), Suzy to a friend
Friday - WORK 4, Good Friday event?
Saturday - Titanic (LE), Robotics (D), Egg Hunt (JSB)
Sunday - Church

And it's APRIL already! How did that happen?

This week is slightly easier than last week - less robotics, no karate on Monday, no soccer board meeting, no soccer for Suzy and only 1 practice for Emily (spring break). Not sure if James has soccer or not. Hope he knows! lol

Weekly Preview

3/25 Sunday - Church, Party (S), Friend (J), Robotics (D)
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Essay Class (L), Computer Class (D), Soccer (E), Sword Class (D) Robotics (D), Board Mtg (L)
Tuesday - Work 4, Mich History - LAST ONE (SEJ), Robotics (D)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church, Robotics (D), Soccer (S), Essay class? (L)
Thursday - Work 4, Wordsmith class, Karate, Robotics (D)
Friday - WORK 4, CO-OP, Soccer (E), Robotics (D)
Saturday - Visit GR (L), Robotics (D), Soccer (E),
Sunday - Church, Visit GR (L)

Whoa. Check out Monday. I won't get to sit down from 1pm until 9pm. Yikes.

Suzy started soccer practice last week. James hasn't heard from his coach yet, but he's raring at the bit. Their games start April 14. Em's first game is April 5th.

I wish robotics was over.

Weekly Preview

Sorry, no review here today..... Not really in a blogging mode.

3/18 Sunday - Church, Suzy to a friend
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Essay Class (L), Computer Class (D), Soccer (E), Sword Class (D)
Tuesday - Work 4, Mich History (SEJ)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church
Thursday - Work 4, Wordsmith class, Karate
Friday - WORK 4, Swimming field trip, Soccer (E)
 Saturday - Brick Bash (LDJ), Book Club (LE)
Sunday - Church, Suzy to a party

Lots going on! I am glad for the quiet days at home in the midst of the busy-ness.

Weekly Preview and Review

Brit Lit movie night was fun, but I was SO TIRED on Monday. Karate was hard because of that too. I usually sleep quite soundly but early Monday morning I woke up very very early and couldn't get back to sleep.

The kids are enjoying their Michigan history class; I've been able to take them a few times, but usually Bob does.

On Wednesday instead of art class, I took the younger two kids to see The Lorax along with a couple other families. Good movie!

David is still doing robotics, though not every day now. This week he met on Wednesday, Thursday and all day Saturday. I wish they'd give me a schedule farther in advance, but I guess that's not how they roll.

3/11 Sunday - Church, Jane Austen meeting

Monday - Work 4, Karate, Essay Class (L), Computer Class (D), Soccer (E)
Tuesday - Work 4, Rollerskating, Emily Eye Dr., Mich History (SEJ)
Wednesday - Work 4, Work meeting?, Church, Robotics (D)?
Thursday - Work 4, Wordsmith class, Karate, Work meeting
Friday - WORK 4, Co-op,  Soccer (E), Church Sleepover (E,S)
Saturday - Bob Dr., Soccer (E)
Sunday - Church, Suzy to a friend

This is a busy week with a few additions to our normal routine, like rollerskating, a couple eye doctor appoints, a couple sleepovers, and a work meeting. Plus Emily starts soccer practice this week! Her first 3 practices are scheduled to be indoors, but the weather is supposed to be quite pleasant so maybe they'll move them back outside.  I don't know what David's Robotics schedule is for the coming week.

Weekly Preview and Review

Last week, David had robotics just about every. He was called in on Sunday, so he couldn't go to Improv group. He did not get chosen to drive since they were short on practice time. The first competition was this weekend and his team did not do very well. I am not sure of his schedule for this week, but I know the next meeting is Wednesday.

I felt like I was getting sick on Monday, so I started my trusty home remedy and once again, I did not get sick!


Haven't gone back to the chiropractor yet as we were waiting for payday. I'm thinking about calling around and finding the very best deal. Saw an ad that made me think I can get a better price.

3/4 Sunday - Emily's birthday!
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Brit Lit Movie Night (E,D,E)
Tuesday - Work 4, Mich History (SEJ)
Wednesday - Work 4, Art Class (E,J,S), Church, Robotics (D)
Thursday - Work 4, Wordsmith class, Karate
Friday - WORK 4
Saturday - AN EMPTY DAY ON THE CALENDAR!!!!
Sunday - Church, Jane Austen meeting

I agreed to teach a writing camp (or two) for a local school district. I also have an essay class (4 weeks on Mondays) coming up starting March 12. Also my Brit Lit students pay for each paper that they turn in for grading. I am very thankful for these extra opportunities to increase our income and am always looking for new ones that fit into my schedule.

Emily has soccer starting March 12 as well - practice. If the weather cooperates. The younger two probably won't begin until after Easter.

Quite a few homeschool field trips and opportunities to socialize are coming up this month. I am going to be choosy about our participation in these events. The choices: museum, swimming, rollerskating, a couple movies, and probably one or two more. I think we'll end up with rollerskating and the movies.

Weekly Preview and Review

Karate testing Saturday was the focus of our week - making sure we know everything cold. We have now spent a year studying karate. Moving to green belt marks our transition to upper level karate, which means..... Things Get Harder.

I took the week off from any other exercise. My treadmill was making a weird noise and I didn't want to use it til Bob looked at it. (He did and it's fine to use now.) Plus I just felt lazy all week. But next week, I plan to go back to treadmill 3 days a week, karate 2 times a week and 1 more exercise day (either Tae-bo or something else).

Bob and I both went to the chiropractor this week - a freebie for the first visit. We plan to give it a try a couple times a month. (The chiro recommended weekly visits, but we cannot afford it right now.) He thinks he can help both of us with carpal tunnel symptoms and help me with my neck and back pain. He's not sure how much he can help Bob because of the way his surgery was done. Something else interesting - he X-rayed us and on my X-ray, I have two healed pelvic fractures which likely happened when I fell when I was pregnant with James. No wonder it hurt so stinkin' much!

2/26 Sunday - church, Improv (D)
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Robotics (D), HS mtg
 Tuesday - Work 4, Robotics (D), Mich History (SEJ),
Wednesday - Work 4, Church, HS mtg
Thursday - Work 4,  Wordsmith class, Karate
Friday - WORK 4, Co-op, Robotics Competition (D)
Saturday -  Robotics Competition (D)
Sunday - Church, Emily's Birthday!

I assume David will have Robotics most nights this week. They are getting ready for competition on March 2-3. He will find out by Monday if he has been chosen as one of the drivers.

Several meetings are scheduled this week to discuss the topic of virtual schools. I plan to attend two of these - one just for homeschoolers to discuss the issue, another for the school administrators to unveil their plan.

Emily will be FIFTEEN on Sunday! We are tossing around some ideas for celebration, but we will probably go out to lunch and maybe to a movie.

Weekly Preview and Review

This weekend was full and fun for all of us!

Suzy was invited to one friend's house Friday night. I picked her up Saturday afternoon and within an hour or so, delivered her to another friend's house to spend Saturday night. She came home late Sunday afternoon and was so tired she was asleep within minutes.

James and Bob went to a "snowflake" camp with the Royal Rangers Friday night through Sunday noon. James rode a horse and shot a .22 rifle and came home quite dirty. lol By the way, the weekend started with no snow, but snow fell Friday evening so there was at least a dusting of snow.

David and Emily went to a youth retreat Friday night through Saturday evening. Lazer tag, rollerskating, worship, sermons, group games, and more filled their 24 hours away.

And I was scheduled to be HOME ALONE - ALL ALONE - Friday night. When I mentioned that to my friend, she teased me that Quint would probably visit me. (Quint is the ghost in The Turn of the Screw, which we are reading for book club. lol) When I expressed to her that FREAKED ME OUT, she invited me to stay with her that night. (Her husband was also at the snowflake camp.) So, I spent Friday night with her, worked a little Saturday morning, then we had a short yearbook workbee, then I headed out to deliver Suzy to her 2nd sleepover. After that, I met up with some friends and headed to BOOK CLUB! (Always the highlight of my month!)

David's robotics "build season" will end this week and the schedule will taper off until their competitions begin the first weekend in March.

2/19 Sunday - getting everyone back home and on track....
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Robotics (D), Chiro (L)
Tuesday - Work 4, Robotics (D), Mich History (SEJ), Chiro (B)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church
Thursday - Work 4,  Wordsmith class, Karate, Robotics? (D)
Friday - WORK 4, Robotics? (D)
Saturday - Karate testing
Sunday - Church, Dreamcoat play (LES), Improv (D)

We have karate testing this Saturday, so we may try to make a few extra karate classes this week.

My friend told me her chiropractor was giving new patients free visits this week, so I booked an appt for me and one for Bob. 

Weekly Preview

2/12 Sunday - Sister Weekend!
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Robotics (D)
Tuesday - Work 4, Robotics (D), Mich History (S,E,J)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church
Thursday - Work 4,  Wordsmith class, Karate, Robotics (D)
Friday - WORK 4, Co-op, Youth Retreat (D,E), Camping (B,J)
Saturday - Youth Retreat (D,E), Camping (B,J), Book Club (L), Sleepover (S)
Sunday - Church, Camping (B,J)

No time for a review right now - exhausted from Sister Weekend!

Weekly Preview and Review

David loves the improv group he does once a month. He's also really participating well in the robotics league. He's mainly been doing electronics projects for their 'bot. They are sometimes working Sundays now.

We are down to one working vehicle, but we have done some creative rearranging and have still made it just about everywhere we need to go!

Bob worked 5 days last week since 4 people got fired for failing a drug test. He normally works 3-4 days a week.

2/5 Sunday - Church, Robotics (D)
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Brit Lit Movie Night
Tuesday - Work 4, Robotics (D), Mich History (S,E,J)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church
Thursday - Work 4,  Wordsmith class, Karate, Robotics (D)
Friday - WORK 4, Robotics (D), Valentine Bowling Party, Sister Weekend!
Saturday - Robotics (D), Sister Weekend!
Sunday - Church, Sister Weekend!

Weekly Preview and Review

Monday night I got together with a couple girlfriends and we had dinner and conversation, then watched a DVD together. That was nice! Then last night, I got to go see One for the Money with a bunch of my book club ladies. Then we went to The Blind Fish, a restaurant I've never been to. I had Monterey Chicken and angel hair pasta. Ate only half and had the rest mixed up and stir-fried for dinner tonight. Mmmmmm!

Got my blue minivan all registered and running ok, then Friday night, it stalled on me while I was waiting for David to get done with Robotics. Couldn't get it going again. One of his club mentors tried to jumpstart it and nothing.... It's still parked over at the high school. Bob worked on it today for a couple hours in the wind and snow and couldn't get it going.

The Safari (brown) van is also non-operational at present, so this leaves me without a car at all. And Bob's car needs a battery because it chose THIS week to start being wonky about starting. So, tomorrow we need to go get a new battery and I guess I get to drive him to work and pick him up until I have a running car again. But, hey, it's not the end of the world, right?

I rearranged some of the display items on top of the bookshelves and the piano. I've been collecting different size deep blue glass vases and bottles. I put them all on top of the hutch. Most of them have flowers in them. Finally I dug out some clear plastic frames and put the Regency Ball photos in them and set them out on top of the tall bookcase.

I think David is going to teach some computer classes to elementary age kids. He's been requested! That will help with his expenses!


1/22 Sunday - Church, Improv (D)
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Robotics (D)
Tuesday - Work 4, Robotics (D), Mich History (S,E,J)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church, Art Class (J,S)
Thursday - Work 4,  Wordsmith class, Karate, Robotics (D)
Friday - WORK 4, Robotics (D), Co-op
Saturday - Robotics (D)
Sunday - Church

This coming week is a nice calm one, at least as weeks go during robotics build season! LOL We have all our normal activities, but nothing unusual except co-op. I also don't have any weekend plans, which means I can get some projects done! You should see my To-Do List!

Weekly Review and Preview

Well, let's see. I got the minivan registered, so I am driving that again since the Safari needs some work. It's here now instead of parked at my friend's house. So hopefully Bob can do some work on it.

Tuesday night was very slippery so David and I headed out to robotics but turned around.

Saturday David went to Defense and Tactics class and then a Kendo Sword Seminar at karate. After those, he spent 6 hours at robotics. Long day!

Book Club was great once again - with 12 ladies attending. We always seem to have 10-12 ladies, but they are different ladies every month with just a few that always attend. Persuasion by Jane Austen is one of my favorite books now!

I'm almost done with the Daniel Fast and I've done very well keeping to it. I had a couple times where it was more loving to break the fast than to follow it, so I did. I really hadn't wanted to make big announcements about it, but that's just about impossible when doing something like that for three weeks and continuing to live a regular life at the same time. I have only two more days! I am going out to eat on Wednesday and am DEFINITELY having coffee and Diet Coke! :-D

1/22 Sunday - Church
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Robotics (D), Girls' Night?
Tuesday - Work 4, Robotics (D), Mich History (S,E,J)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church, Lunch out!
Thursday - Work 4,  Wordsmith class, Karate, Robotics (D)
Friday - WORK 4, Robotics (D), Movie Night? (L)
Saturday - Robotics (D)
Sunday - Church, Improv (D)

Bob is working at the homeless shelter every day this week. He works the 3:30-8:00am shift. This is a traveling homeless shelter and this week is hosted by the church we've been going to. Next week, Bob will be volunteering again but at another church. 

Weekly Preview and Review

The soccer board meeting last week was something that had to drop off the calendar for me. I really would like to be off the board already, but I have to get through the spring before I hand it over completely to my replacement. And I hope mightily that he is still planning to take over for me.

The other thing that had to go was the baby shower. This was mainly due to transportation.

My van died on Thursday on the way to writing class. It was raining. Something about my van doesn't want to run in wet weather. But there is something else wrong too, I think. Kind friends helped us out that day and again on Saturday when we tried to get the van home and realized it was only going to run in 1st gear. It stalls when shifting up. The OBD code reader (thanks, Dad!) says the shift solenoid (electrical) is the problem. That is apparently in the transmission fluid pan and thus requires taking off the pan to replace. Bob is not certain he can do this, mostly because he thinks it should be done with a lift. A friend of ours from our old church happened to come into the store where Bob works on Friday. This friend happens to be an auto mechanic whom we trust and who has done work for us before when Bob is out of his element. This guy has not been in the store before when Bob has been there. Coincidence? No, I don't believe in that. So, the plan is to get the van over to his house.

Meanwhile, we've been down to one vehicle. We still have the Voyager but it's not registered. We plan to register it on Monday morning and then I can drive that until we get the Safari repaired. Please pray that the heat works in the Voyager. Bob has been intimating that it doesn't, but he isn't certain.

The kids ADORED Michigan History class in spite of their prior unwillingness and apprehension. I believed that they would since the older kids had taken the class before.

Daniel fast is going well. I am not hungry much and tracking all my meals - keeping the calories low, mostly between 1200-1600 a day. Doing cardio 3 times a week and strength training 3 times a week, plus karate. Cleared off the treadmill yesterday and ran on that for the first time. Wow, was I sweaty! lol I will post a little more about it on Cornerstone when I have a couple minutes.

We've decided to attend the Vineyard church nearby for the time being. We've gone twice in a row and that's kind of a record for us lately. lol

1/15 Sunday - Church
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Robotics (D), Bob dentist
Tuesday - Work 4, Robotics (D), Mich History (S,E,J)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church, Robotics (D)
Thursday - Work 4,  Wordsmith class, Karate, Robotics (D)
Friday - WORK 4, CO-OP, Robotics (D)
Saturday - Robotics (D), Sword Seminar (D), Book Club
Sunday - Church

I cancelled the essay writing class I had planned to teach starting on Monday because I only got half the enrollment I was hoping for. I decided the potential income wasn't worth the time investment. It was a HARD decision that took me a couple extra days to make. That frees up my schedule a bit more.

I cleaned out the backroom yesterday, sorted through some stuff and trying to make a home for the treadmill where I can leave it and it isn't in the way.

David is going to do a samurai sword seminar with Master Collins on Saturday. He is excited.

Bob has a dental appointment on Monday. I am hoping they'll help him figure out how to have some work done on his teeth since they are getting very bad. No dental insurance for years now and no extra money makes it very difficult to obtain dental care.  Why is it all so expensive nowadays?

Other than that, this should be a prertty normal week, and it ends with BOOK CLUB! Can't wait! We are doing Persuasion!

Weekly Preview and Review

This was our second week of Christmas break - so, no lessons happening here. The kids have been sleeping late, playing a lot of video games, watching some movies, and generally just hanging out.

I got to go out to dinner with the Seeds of Faith leadership team on Tuesday night at a local steakhouse. I usually order pasta or chicken, but instead I tried the steak my friend recommended. TASTY!! And I loved the sweet potato fries I got as a side. Mmmmmm.....  We ordered a couple desserts to share, so I had a small slice of cheesecake and a few bites of a chocolate dessert. Lots of stimulating conversation too. Lovely night out. Oh, and our friend Vicki was our waitress!

David started the robotics build season with the kickoff at Kettering University on Saturday. From here on out, it will be eat-sleep-breathe robotics for him. Pray it's a good experience for him - to learn and enjoy!

Friday I had a meeting with the leadership team to discuss some plans for NEXT year. Yes, we are trying hard to look ahead and plan well for 2012-13. We got a lot accomplished and had a nice lunch together as well. One team member joined us via Google chat as she was not feeling well, so that was nice to have her input. Thank you, technology!

1/8 Sunday - Church, Movie?
Monday - Work 4, Karate, Soccer meeting, Robotics (D)
Tuesday - Work 4, Robotics (D), Mich History (S,E,J)
Wednesday - Work 4, Church, Robotics (D)
Thursday - Work 4,  Wordsmith class, Karate, Robotics (D)
Friday - WORK 4, Robotics (D)
Saturday - Robotics (D), baby shower (L)?
Sunday - Church

The three younger kids will be taking Michigan History on Tuesday nights for the next 3 months. David and Emily have taken it before, and now it's the younger kids' turn. Emily will probably go along; since it's a family price, she can go for no extra cost.

All our regular activities will be back in action this week, if they weren't already - karate, writing class, church. I am invited to a baby shower on Saturday and I'd like to go, but we'll see how far behind I am by Saturday.

I am working on some eating and exercise goals, but I'd like to get a little further in before I share details. Maybe on Wednesday....

Have a great week!

Weekly Preview and Review

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas was low-key and nice. We went to Christmas Eve service but not on Christmas Day.

Had a lovely time seeing WICKED with 3 good friends. Dinner out was a pleasure and I even got to browse the shoe sale at Parisian, a department store I'd never been to before.

Took the whole family (against their will) to see Courageous on Thursday night - special price, special time sponsored by local homeschoolers at the small town theater one town over. I sobbed throughout and we all liked it. Sometimes I am really glad I force them out of the house.

Spent New Year's Eve and most of New Year's Day with Maryann and her family. Again - a nice low-key holiday.

1/1 Sunday - New Year's Day
Monday - Work 4, Karate
Tuesday - Work 4, Leadership dinner
Wednesday - Work 4, Art class (E,J,S), Church, Robotics (D)
Thursday - Work 4,  Karate, Suzy playdate
Friday - WORK 4
Saturday - Robotics Kick-off (D)
Sunday - Church

This should be a nice relaxing week. Well, other than the fact that I'd like to get some deep cleaning done. LOL We are off lessons still this week. So, I think I'll tackle one room each day and try to do some decluttering and some cleaning that never seems to get done.

Saturday marks the kick-off of David's robotics competition season. He will be very busy for six weeks.

Weekly Preview and Review

We did lessons right through til the 23rd and we will have two full weeks off, starting again on January 9th.

Last week went by in a quick blur. Lessons, Karate, Work, Christmas shopping. I also went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie with friends.  We also did some house cleaning and bedroom organization over the past two weeks.

We went to church on Christmas Eve. 

12/25 Sunday - Christmas Day!
Monday - Work 4
Tuesday - Work 4, WICKED
Wednesday - Work 4
Thursday - Work 4, David's birthday, Courageous
Friday - WORK 4
Saturday - New Year's Eve
Sunday - New Year's Day
On Christmas Day we usually stay home and celebrate together as a family.

I have my regular work hours this week, but it's nice to have more free time since the kids are off their regular schedule for lessons and karate.

I went with three good friends to see Wicked at the Detroit Opera Theater. What a great show! Dinner at an Italian place in Rochester included chicken parmesan, pasta, and tiramisu, as well as a tasty raspberry mojito. (I wasn't driving.) Our seats were WAAAAAY up high, but the theater is LOVELY and the production was just amazing.

David doesn't want a big deal made over his birthday, but we are going out to dinner and to see the Courageous movie at a special price. I think he's going to spend a couple days at a friend's house afterwards. Can you believe he's 17?

James and Suzy inherited two crested geckos this week from a friend of mine. Their reputation as a low-maintenance pet sealed the deal when she offered them for free to a good home. They've taken up residence upstairs in the common area (the landing), which James cleaned out last week. Crickets once a week (dipped in calcium powder) and a daily sprinkling of distilled water seem to be their main needs.

Weekly Preview and Review

Last week didn't look too busy on paper but there was a lot to do regardless. Saturday we headed out on our 2-1/2 hour drive to celebrate Christmas with my family. About an hour and 15 minutes into the drive, the van coughed and coughed again, then just lost power. I had to stop on the side of the road. Frustrated and uncertain, Bob and David poked around and banged on things (like the gas tank) and checked things (like the fuses and filters) while the other kids and I sat in the car and prayed. After a while, it started! And it hasn't had any further issues. Thank God! But that did delay us in getting to family Christmas.

Since most of my readers were at the wonderful Christmas celebration, I won't recap too much. We didn't have enough time to do everything properly, since we were delayed, but it was enjoyable and low-key anyway. The sense of camaraderie amongst the cousins amazed us all!

To celebrate James' birthday (belatedly), we stayed in a hotel at his request. He and Suzy didn't ever remember staying in a hotel. The pleasant suite met all my expectations and the kids loved every bit of it. I didn't sleep well, but I usually don't on my first night away, so I don't fault the hotel. We all romped in the pool and soaked in the hot tub. An extensive hot breakfast was included, so we ate heartily before checking out. Something I'd never seen before was the pancake machine! Push a button and a minute later two hot pancakes drop out onto your plate! We will stay here again, I am sure.

12/18 Sunday - James' Party and Drive home
Monday - Work 4, Lessons, Karate
Tuesday - Work 4, Lessons, Movie Night
Wednesday - Work 4, Lessons, Church
Thursday - Work 4, Karate
Friday - WORK 4, Lessons
Saturday - Christmas Eve
Sunday - Christmas Day

My kids will have lessons throughout this entire week, but then will have two full weeks off. We won't begin lessons again until January 9th. Our Christmas celebration here will likely include a drive to see Christmas lights sometime this week and a Christmas Eve church service. We won't go to church on Christmas Day, or go anywhere really on that day. I have a bit more shopping to do so I need to get cracking on that. Our work hours are adjusted for the holiday. Even though Dec 24-25 are on the weekend, we can take off Dec 23 and Dec 26 if we want to. If we want to work, we have that option as well. I will probably work on those days anyway, or work 5 hours the other days to make up my hours, just like always. It's nice they give us the option, but our holidays aren't PAID, so if we take off the hours, the paycheck is lessened as well. Gonna go see Sherlock Holmes 2 with friends this week, I think! YAY!

Weekly Preview and Review

I keep writing "church" but we don't go.

We started working on our new forms in karate this week - complicated! Testing will be the end of February.

The Seeds of Faith rollerskating party was a blast! The kids had a great time. I did not skate this year as last year I felt it in my knees for days and days afterward.

Saturday was a busy day! David had Defense and Tactics class (in which he worked on take-downs and getting a gun away from an attacker) and then I drove him to Great Lakes Crossing to wrap gifts as a fundraiser for his robotics class. I fought the crowds for a couple hours during that and snagged some Christmas gifts. Stopped at the store and got home in time to change clothes and head out to book club. Whew!
 
12/11 Sunday - Church
Monday - Work 4, Lessons, Karate
Tuesday - Work 4, Lessons
Wednesday - Work 4, Lessons, Church
Thursday - Work 4, Writing class, Karate
Friday - WORK 4, Lessons
Saturday - Family Christmas
Sunday - James Family Birthday Party 

This is a pretty normal week - thankfully. It will allow me some time to get ahead on Christmas preparations, especially since the kids are doing full lessons right up until December 23. 

James Turns Twelve

Weekly Preview and Review

This past week James turned 12! Can you believe that? The day was low-key. Bob had the day off work. We opened presents in the morning before we headed off to writing class and karate. James chose pizza for lunch and tacos for dinner. We had cake and ice cream with dinner. He has a few friends sleeping over tonight (Fri) though it's not a "birthday party" - just time for him to do something special. His "party" will be in a couple weeks at my parents' house, which he specifically asked for. We will be staying in a hotel, which he says he doesn't ever remember doing. (He was too young.) He doesn't get to be the center of attention very much, so I am trying to make it special for him. 


NaNoWriMo ended this week and we all made our goals! GO us!


I did some shopping online over Black Friday and Cyber Monday and the packages are starting to roll in. Good thing a paycheck rolled in today too, lol. I only get paid once a month, so that envelope is always very welcome!

12/4 Sunday - Church
Monday - Work 4, Lessons, Karate
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons, Church (S,J,E), Robotics (D)
Thursday - Work 4, Writing class, Karate,
Friday - WORK 4?, Lessons, Skating Party
Saturday - D&T class (D), Robotics fundraiser (D), Book Club!
Sunday - Church 
This coming week will be pretty quiet, comparatively. Gotta start Christmas shopping in earnest. We have our normal activities but nothing else except a homeschool rollerskating party on Friday.  Oh and we have a few things to accomplish on Saturday. After a couple weeks of fairly empty weekends, this will be a hectic day!

We will be doing lessons until December 23rd to make up for November being devoted to writing. I haven't decided when we will start back. I guess it may depend on how well we do in those 3 weeks of December.

Weekly Preview and Review

David's gone a couple times to a new Improv group that a friend of his is leading at a local library. They play "drama" type games and do some acting exercises.

Brit Lit movie night was a lot of fun; we had about twenty teenagers all together in a living room. We watched the movies the "rollicking" way (which means we talk through them - lol). TONS of fun! We watched the newest version of Oliver Twist (pretty much butchered the book) and She's The Man (a free adaptation of Twelfth Night) Can't wait for the next one - The Count of Monte Cristo!

Thanksgiving was just the six of us here. I made ham and scalloped potatoes. Since the weather was nice, Bob worked some more on the barn roof - most of the day. I worked three hours. Still a nice relaxing day.

Wrote 5000+ words on both Friday and Saturday since we had basically no plans. Finished my NaNo book on Sunday. Well, at least I hit 50,000 on Sunday. There's a bit more to write to make it "finished".

11/27 Sunday - Church
Monday - Work 4, Lessons, Karate
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons, Art Class (S,J), Robotics (D)
Thursday - Work 4, Writing class, Karate, James' birthday!
Friday - WORK 4?, Co-op, James sleepover
Saturday - NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING!!!!
Sunday - Church

Skipping Wednesday night church this week.

James is having a couple friends over Friday night in honor of his birthday, though it's not really a party.

All the kids are done with their NaNo goals, except David who is within his last 1000 words. I will write more about that on Cornerstone.

Weekly Preview and Review

Quite a busy time for Karate - testing was last Friday. Monday was the break-a-thon. All the students raised money and then got to break boards. I didn't think to bring the camera. :-( David and James both did  a three station break (3 breaks in quick succession). The girls and I did our breaks all separately. I was soooo nervous. It's possible to break a bone in your hand (or foot if you are kicking) if you do it wrong. I just cannot have a broken hand! LOL It's NaNoWriMo, not to mention the five hours of work I do every day on the computer. So, I didn't do any breaks with my hand (1 kick and 2 with my arm).



Friday night was belt promotion. (pix on facebook) Now we are orange-stripers! We test and hopefully promote every 3 months. We are being told that orange stripe is a hard level to pass. Next is green belt! That should be in February.



Our karate school and its sister school raised $8000 in one night with the break-a-thon! On Monday we will help pack boxes of food for the needy - the schools will deliver 200+ boxes and then have some money leftover to help people with Christmas.

I finished teaching Oliver Twist this week at co-op. I am co-teaching with my friend Darlene; we work very well together! We have 23 students in our class. Next up? The Count of Monte Cristo!

Went to see The Immortals at the theater with friends Friday night. I realized that I don't really enjoy the level of violence in most R-rated movies. And I am also not a big fan of RealD 3D (or any 3D, for that matter) nor of paying extra to see the movie in a format I dislike. The theater was PACKED FULL with Twilight fans! No parking spaces, long lines in the lobby....



Recently I found out that David can earn a varsity letter for participation in the First Robotics League. 


I have just over 30,000 words for NaNoWriMo - pretty much on track. I'm enjoying writing the Rollicking Readers' Guide to Jane Austen. (Rollicking Readers is the name of our book club.) However, I miss writing fiction - who knew!?

11/20 Sunday - Church, Improv Group (D)
Monday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate Turkey Brigade
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons, Brit Lit Movie night 
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons
Thursday - Work?, Thanksgiving
Friday - WORK?
Saturday - NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING!!!!
Sunday - Church 

I need to get my hair cut sometime this week. Also must get groceries for Thanksgiving. 


I can work on Thanksgiving and on Black Friday if I want to, but I could also take those days off. I will probably work though. Bills still need to be paid even when there is a big holiday. (actually MORE so, lol)



About 20 teens are coming to our Brit Lit movie night on Tuesday. We are getting pizza and it should be a great time!

Weekly Preview and Review

Dental appointments went well. David had two cavities that they filled right then. The other 3 didn't have cavities. Emily has a referral to an oral surgeon to have two teeth pulled that are way up above and not coming in. (I knew about this, but the oral surgeon we visited before didn't impress me so we never had it taken care of.)


Karate testing went well. I guess we'll see tomorrow whether or not we are on the re-test list. I think we all did fine though. Promotion ceremony will be Friday night.

I ended up skipping the soccer board meeting and Bob took David (and the two youngest) to the

soccer banquet. And everything fit into the week just fine.



I liked the Leader Dog school field trip very much. What a blessing for the sight-impaired to have that option - and at no cost! If you have the chance to experience that tour, take it! And if you can foster a leader dog puppy, or volunteer there, or help in any way, do it!

I've hit 22,000 in NaNoWriMo and that finally puts me on schedule. I've been running behind since the second day!


11/13 Sunday - Bob work on barn roof, B&B (me and Em)
Monday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate Break-a-thon, Write-in
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons, Movie night out?
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons, Church, Robotics (D)
Thursday - Work 5, Lessons, Writing class, Karate
Friday - WORK 5?, Co-op, Karate Belt Promotion
Saturday - Women's Project Day (like a scrapping day, but I will write)
Sunday - Church, Improv (D)

This is a fairly normal week - busy but manageable. Maybe I can pick up some extra hours even. And the week of Thanksgiving should be VERY low-key - CAN'T WAIT!

Weekly Preview and Review

A couple of you asked about Saturday's plans - tomorrow, actually. Well, I didn't have anything on the calendar except picking up the girls from their sleepover, but since I typed that I've added a few things. WORKING 3.5 hours today, David has D&T training at karate, and James was invited to a birthday party. And we always clean house on Saturdays too. But thank the Lord, NO SOCCER!

Trick-or-treating was nice. We had a bunch of friends come over and join us.

David had robotics on Wednesday but they haven't actually started the preparation for competition yet.

I've gotten off to a slow start in NaNoWriMo. I wrote my goal the first day, the second day only half, and the next day nothing at all. Haven't written yet today, but I still may.

11/6 Sunday - Church?, Write-in
Monday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate, AYSO Board meeting
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons, Field Trip to Leader Dog School
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons, Dentist (D,J) Church
Thursday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate, David's Soccer Banquet
Friday - WORK 5?, Dentist (E,S), Karate Testing, Party (S)
Saturday - Pick S up, Book Club (yes, already!)
Sunday - Church, B&B (L,E)

Oh my gosh - a busy week! And NaNo too? ACK! And why did I schedule the dental appointments this week? Bad bad Lisa.

Well, sometimes things have to go and it may be the Board meeting. That's really the only thing that CAN go. And maybe I won't work extra hours IF they are offered. Well, and I can give the kids an easier week in lessons since THEY are writing well! Oh, and we COULD skip church Wednesday night. We shall see.

I am taking Emily to a nearby B&B - just her and I, on Sunday night. I saw a good deal on Living Social and snapped it up with the idea of Bob and I going away overnight. But he doesn't sleep well anywhere, so he didn't think that would be too restful, so instead Emily and I are going to have a little writer's retreat/mama-daughter time.

Karate testing is Friday night and of course we need to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. We may attend extra classes.

We are going to the leader dog school for a field trip - terrible terrible timing for that, but I've wanted to take the kids there FOREVER. So, shoehorn that puppy into the schedule!

David's fall awards banquet is Thursday night. You might see might surreptitiously writing under the table. It's a LONG LONG BORING night, but he gets his varsity award and that's a worthwhile event to attend.

Hopefully I will get a LOT of writing done this weekend!

Weekly Preview and Review

SOCCER IS OVER FOR 2011!

David's robotics meetings for November and December are all on Wednesday nights. That's kind of a bummer as it means he will miss church.

We have two more weeks before karate testing and we are working hard on perfecting our forms, actions, and sparring techniques.

10/30 Sunday - Church, relaxing
Monday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate, Trick-or-treating
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons, NANOWRIMO begins!
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons, Art class (E,J,S) Church, Robotics (D)
Thursday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate, Wordsmith class
Friday - WORK 5?, Co-op (picture day), Missionettes Sleepover (E,S)
Saturday -
Sunday - Church, relaxing

A month of writing awaits all of us....

Weekly Preview and Review

Friday saw the end of David's 3rd varsity soccer season on a COLD sunless evening. They lost too, which was disappointing. Two of the more experienced players were injured; one was injured Tuesday (kicked in the knee) and one has been out most of the season (had knee surgery due to an injury in a game). Our usual goalkeeper was inexplicably absent as well. So, they struggled. But it was a good season. I am glad David is part of this team.

Suzy played this morning; Bob took her to the game. They also lost, but she reportedly played well. Ran into one of the opponent's mothers this morning and she was complimentary to Suzy's soccer skills. Her son was on Suzy's team previously.

We had an enormous amount of rain this week - BLECH. I was so glad to see the sun when I got up today!

The karate school hosted Halloween parties this weekend - Suzy went to one of them. She is a pirate this year. The dojang (karate school) was completely decorated and looked awesome. She said she had a fun time. (We dropped her off!)

David finished Segment 2 of drivers ed. Now he just has to rack up a few more hours and pass the test. He also needs to start making some money to pay for car insurance. And a vehicle too, I imagine!

Co-op on Friday was rewarding! The kids love their classes. I am co-teaching British Literature and that's really fun, actually!

10/23 Sunday - Church, relaxing
Monday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons, Practice (S?), Robotics (D)
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons, Church,
Thursday - Work 5, Lessons, Soccer Game (J), Karate, Wordsmith class
Friday - WORK 5?, Lessons, Practice (S?)
Saturday - Last Soccer Games (S,J), Book Club
Sunday - Church, relaxing

FUNDRAISING!!! Got money? lol
David is raising money for his robotics team. He is doing a bottle drive in a couple days. He also will probably be doing some computer work (for robotics money and for car insurance).

Suzy and James are selling cookie dough for their Wednesday night programs (Missionettes and Royal Rangers). So if you'd like any, they have a huge variety of flavors and a few other things available as well - all for $10 each. Suzy and her friend went and asked a few neighbors today and sold 3!

Weekly Preview and Review

10/16 Sunday - Church, relaxing
Monday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate, David drivers ed
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons, Practice (S,J), Soccer Game (D-away)
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons, Church, Robotics (D)
Thursday - Work 5, Lessons, Soccer practice (J), Karate, Wordsmith class
Friday - WORK 5?, Co-op, Halloween Party (S), Soccer Game (D-home LAST ONE)
Saturday - Soccer Game (S), Harvest Hoopla
Sunday - Church, relaxing

Whew, life is busy. Soccer season has 2 more weeks. David will be done this Friday. James and Suzy both have their last games on the 28th. I am thinking about taking both of them out of AYSO and putting them into more competitive teams. If the team David plays for has a junior high team next year, James will play for them in the fall. If he stayed in AYSO, he'd play U14 and that's travel soccer anyway, so all his options would be travel. I don't know of anything nearby for U14 level that only plays locally.

But Suzy isn't old enough for that, so I've talked to her current coach about the situation. She has a daughter a year older than Suzy; she was on the team I coached for Suzy a couple years ago. Now that girl plays for a competitive team based in Lapeer. I may sign Suzy up for that league. The main drawbacks? It's a travel team and it's expensive. I said no to a similar opportunity for David when he was 9 and didn't really regret it. But the local AYSO was bigger when David was 9 and there were more skilled players. Suzy is quite good and I'd like to see her improve and I'd also like her to play for a girls-only team at the U12 level.

Hmmm.... what to do?

David is finishing Segment 2 of drivers ed this week. Then he has to make sure he has all his hours and he can go take the test. He is also committed once a week to Robotics through the end of the year. In January and February, it is more of an everyday commitment! That high school has a pool open to the public so once a week, I'll probably take the other kids swimming. And I'm thinking about teaching a writing class one of those nights. Wonder if I can get a room in the high school?

Our karate testing is less than a month away. We will test for orange stripe.

Last week was a hard one.  Uncooperative kids, moody mama = bad week. Glad that's over.

Enjoyed taking David to his soccer game in Saginaw on Friday, despite the chilly wet weather. Good company on the sidelines and then out for Mexican afterwards with a bunch of friends, while the 6 teens sat on the other side of the room!

James played well in his game on Saturday, though the game was downgraded to a "scrimmage" since the other team only had 6 players show up. Our team lent them a player and they recruited a couple siblings to play, including Suzy. She was not intimidated by the bigger kids (some more than 2 years older) or the bigger field. She just got right out there and played hard! James made two goals, one from way back, almost to the center line. Suzy had a game on Tuesday and she also made a goal.

Last weekend James and Bob went on a campout for Royal Rangers. It wasn't very far away, on the property of a church member. They had a great time and the weather was warm, though rather chilly at night. They even went swimming in the pond. (Well, James did.) While the boys were gone, I stayed at a friend's house with the girls. Her guys were also at the campout. We had a relaxing movie/chatting weekend. Such fun! We also walked 4 miles -the first exercise I've done in more than a month, other than karate. David spent one night with a friend that weekend, and the other night at home alone - the first time he's done that.

Also met with a local school superintendent, along with a couple other homeschool moms, to explore possibilities of homeschool-public school partnerships. Interesting meeting. This guy started in June and has lots of exciting thoughts and plans. We shall see what pans out from that.

Weekly Review and Preview

10/9 Sunday - Church, relaxing
Monday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate, David drivers ed, Practice D
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons, Practice (S,J), Robotics D
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons, Church, David drivers ed
Thursday - Work 5, Lessons, Soccer practice J, Karate, Wordsmith class
Friday - WORK 5?, Lessons, Soccer Practice (S), Soccer Game (D-away)
Saturday - Soccer Game (J)
Sunday - Church, relaxing

Weekly Review and Preview

So, two soccer games for Suzy and one each for David and James netted 2 wins. Suzy made two goals and David played forward briefly during his game. The weather for Saturday's games was bitterly cold and windy. I sat in the van with a friend to watch Suzy's game, but did brave the cold for James' earlier game.

Bob brought home a Super Nintendo (Super NES) from the thrift store. He paid $12 for it. Can you believe this system is now 20 years old?! How can THAT be? Anyway, the boys had been asking for it, because they wanted to play MARIO. Never mind that you can play it online for free nowadays. They wanted it OLD SCHOOL. And they've been enjoying it! James is going to sell his PS2 and huge collection of games. Any takers?


We've been taking the kids to a big church in Burton for Wednesday night programs. David and Emily participate in youth group and this past week they went out on a service project. I believe theirs was cleaning up a local park and then the leader took them to Tim Horton's. James is doing Royal Rangers; he is an Adventure Ranger. He really likes it. Suzy is doing Missionettes and comes home all excited about reading the Bible and memorizing her verse. I usually hang out with a friend or run errands during church.

Sunday church is a bit more uncertain. We don't go often. When we do go, it's to a local Vineyard church, but it doesn't feel "right" if that makes sense.

My writing class is going well; I am getting positive feedback from parents. (and some students even!) The money from this first semester of class is going to pay for Christmas. YAY!

Bob and I both had a change of supervisors at work in the last couple weeks. His means a bit more of a change than mine; different supervisors at the store do the schedules and assignments differently. My job will likely remain exactly the same.

My birthday was low-key. Thanks to Aunt Cynthia, I realized that I am halfway to 90. LOL

Karate is going well. We are learning the more complicated orange belt form as well as the basic actions (strikes and blocks). PKSA is hosting a tournament nearby us on the 8th but we have decided we cannot participate at this time - partly due to the date, partly due to the cost, and partly because we just don't all feel confident.

David is all signed up to participate in the FIRST Robotics league with a local high school's team. This is something I've wanted for him to be able to do for a couple years now, so I'm thrilled he can be a part of it. He is pretty psyched about it also.

Here is the upcoming week's schedule:
10/2 Sunday - Church, relaxing
Monday - Work 5, Lessons, Karate
Tuesday - Work 5, Lessons, Practice (S,J) Soccer GAME (D-away),
Wednesday - Work 5, Lessons, Art Class (S,J,E), Church, David - Robotics?
Thursday - Field trip to see Twelfth Night, Soccer Game (J,S), Karate (J,S)
Friday - WORK 5, Co-op, Soccer Practice (S), Soccer Game (D-home), RR Campout (J,B)
Saturday - Campout (J,B), Girls Fun Weekend (L,S,E)
Sunday -Church, relaxing, RR Campout (J,B)

Emily needs some kind of activity. Any ideas?