Our Family History

In Our Family This Week... It was great having August drive him and Seth to Football each day thus freeing up my afternoons! I went Visiting Teaching to 2 of my sisters this week. All 3 boys had football games this week (however, Ben never made it to his... more on that later). I had a photoshoot for the Fenn's on Monday (we swapped for Drivers Ed for both boys at their Private drivers education course). And then on Saturday, we spent an eventful morning in the ER with John!  He ended up with a several corneal abrasion on his left eye.  3 days in a dark room (wearing sunglasses) and he is now at least able to function! He was hurting so much that he was vomiting from the pain and I felt so bad for him! He received a Priesthood Blessing Saturday afternoon and so we knew that he'd recover fully :)  And since we were in the ER during the time I was supposed to be driving Ben to his football game, needless to say - he didn't make it.

In Our Homeschool This Week... I have to admit that having all 6 at home and keeping them all engaged is quite a bit harder than just having the older 3.  However, I know that this is what Heavenly Father would have me do and plus, I know once we can all get into a good routine - things will calm down :)  With the littler ones, we continued our PING adventure and learned all about China, the Yangtze River, basic introductions in Chinese and how to count to 5. We also did a cute "Handprint Painting of a Duck" for our art project. We have also been reading Life Of Fred (a math book) and have been using our dry erase boards to introduce some basic math concepts.  I realized that they didn't know how to form their numbers quite correctly, so we worked on that this week also :)  The older boys are being responsible and getting all of their daily assignments done.  During our daily "Mom and Me meeting" we go over the previous days assignments (grade their math, etc) and then chat about the current days assignments. This process seems to be working out pretty well so far (and lets me enjoy some one-on-one time with each of the boys).

We used cars and trucks to solidify simple addition concepts

Getting ready for the 1st step in the Handprint Duck Painting

Lexi adding the feet and bill

the girls showcasing their finished Ducks!

Nathan's sweet little duck painting!

I'm Grateful for... John and I have been assigned to help with the Boise Temple Open House and we are sooo excited!! We'll know more (hopefully) later next week but for now we've been told that we'll be helping out with giving the tours and with parking/ushering. I was also asked by the Stake to be our Youth Celebration Photographer and Blog specialist.  I am really grateful for my talents that Heavenly Father has blessed me with and that I can use them to glorify Him! :)

My Favorite Thing This Week... Taking an impromptu break from our morning lessons to go spend some time together in the Pool!  With everyone back in public School - we had the pool all to ourselves!  (that is until another Homeschooling family came - LOL).  It was wonderful seeing the kids all have fun together and made my heart happy for this time that we can build such happy family memories together.

 

Seth teaching Nathan how to float on his back :)

My Goals For Next Week... Have a family meal together each day, family scripture study and family prayer daily and Family Home Evening (to go along with the Bishop's challenge of the "22 mile Spiritual Walk to the Temple"). I also want to be finished editing Natalie and Kalder's wedding photos.

Photos I Love From the Week... On Saturday (after getting John all settled into his dark and cozy room) the girls and I met Grandma Vogt, Aunt Connie, "Aunt" Jenny, Aunt Chita and cousin Madi at Tami's Tea Cottage for Brunch. The girls all wore little tea hats and were just the cutest things ever!  They were so excited to see Jenny and Madi and acted like little ladies throughout our entire time together!

heading out for the "Girls Only Brunch"

Aubrie and Lexi with their Tea Hats on at the "Tea Cottage"

Seth with an original Mosaic he created during DD Time