Josiah's birthday was on Friday.  We've been planning a party for him since early December.  Last Sunday, we were handing out invitations, even though we had already talked to everyone about it.  But someone slipped and said something about a party to Josiah.  So all week he was pestering us for information, as well as, "Can we invite so-and-so to the party?"  We gave him no info. (We'd already invited them anyway.)  I had to go to extraordinary lengths to find a phone number for his favorite friend from Awana, but he got to come too.  Our (announced) plan was to celebrate his birthday watching the new Veggie Tales Pirates movie that started Friday at the theater. (Big deal for our whole family to go to the theater together.)  As it turned out, we also ate dinner out and had ice cream at Baskin Robbins after the movie.  Then we came home and went to bed.  We forgot to give him his only present from us, but Mom and Dad had come over earlier with a few things and the money jar.  I think it surprised him that there was no party that night, and he figured his next party possibility was the next night.  On Saturday morning, we woke the kids up and announced we needed to go get some things for the party.  (Yes, there is a party.)  So we picked up a 3ft. long sub at subway, picked up his friend Allen, and drove to a strange warehouse building.  The Rock Gym.  We told him that part of his present from us was that he and Allen get to climb.  After a little bit, Caleb H. showed up, then another friend, and then he figured out this was the party.  We had 11 guests, all boys.  Kelsey got to climb too, and Serenity showed up with her brother.  The younger boys just ran around and played in the cave.  After just a bit, the dads who stayed to watch could no longer stand it that their sons were having all the fun, so Reuben H., Chris R. and Eric L. started climbing too.  Steve finally joined in.  Josiah had a week earlier requested apple pie and raspberry ice cream (sherbet) instead of cake, so that's what we had.  Somewhere between subway lunch, apple pie and presents, Josiah stated loudly, "This is the best birthday party ever!"  And Steve and I decided it had been well worth the money and effort.  The part I liked the best (before and after) was not having to clean my house! 

Allen came over later and spent the night.  Sunday evening we took him to Awana before returning him at home.  We also decided to take a second car because we had told Kelsey and Shyell that this week was Shyell's turn to come with us.  (We only have room in the van for one extra.)  So, with the second car, we had room for all our neighbors (3).  We ended up with 8 kids at Awana.  It was pretty crazy to separate them all from playing in the gym and getting all their stuff together so we could leave.  Steve and I decided to always take 2 cars, though, because our neighbor kids really love it, and their mom likes them to go because she has fond memories of going herself as a child.

This morning Ethan said, "Mom, can we just betend that I'm five, 'cause my birthday's coming really soon."  Still two months away.  This is the same child who when he turned 3, ON HIS BIRTHDAY started telling everyone insistently that he's three, but he's gonna be four soon.  I tried to explain that 365 days away is NOT soon, but he didn't believe me, because all year long he insisted the same thing.  In reading today, the book put together some of the special sounds (th, str, eng) the boys have been practicing into a big word.  Strength.  Yup, Elias got it a few days ago, and Ethan read it today.  In just a few days for Elias (a little longer for Ethan), he will be starting long-vowel/silent E words.

I decided about a month ago to start teaching Elias and Ethan separately, because Elias' attitude at having to share his lessons with his brother, and having his brother know the answers sometimes faster, was so sour. I can't say that I blame him, being nearly 2 years older.  So I did Elias' reading first one day, and let him work a little bit ahead.  So they're really at the same reading level, but Elias is a couple days ahead, and he REALLY likes it that way!  I also decided at the same time, that Ethan could listen to Elias' math lessons, if he wanted to, but I wasn't really going to teach him (although it won't simplify my life for next year any, having to teach it all over again, and Ethan seems to be "getting it" anyway).  And I found a math workbook Elias didn't use last year, and have been ripping out the pages for Ethan each day.  It's a little too easy for him, but it keeps it fun for him, and there's no pressure on me to make sure he understands too.  A little extra writing practice never hurt anyone. 

It seems like we might be finally settling into a routine.  I demand the older kids start school.  Spelling, Language, and Penmanship while I do math with the boys.  Talk about calendar stuff together, give Ethan math papers to do, while I finish the math lesson with Elias.  Often Ethan goes on to his handwriting without instructions.  (but we just started a new book that has different instructions, and he isn't doing it quite right yet.)  Then, Elias does his math papers while I do reading with Ethan.  Then reading with Elias, and then he has to do his handwriting before he's finished for the day. I move on to math with Kelsey.  She has often interrupted me to show me her work done so far.  Somehow, I have to stop most of those interruptions and get it through her head my time is precious, and she should just keep working, so I can come to her sooner.  At this point, Josiah either hasn't done much, or he's done only the easy stuff.  If Kelsey gets done sooner than I'm ready for, she has her quiet reading time.  Anyway, at about this point, Ethan has been done for a bit, Elias is just finishing, Kelsey is done, and Josiah seems to not want to start.  We have been going on in this routine since Christmas and works for everyone but Josiah.  He does have a really good day, every now and then.  If I started earlier, Josiah might actually get his work done EVERY day, instead of alternating language and math days.  I think the big thing is there isn't really a serious consequence for not finishing.  Also, I need to start earlier so I can make sure I'm not fried for the day before doing History or Science.

Well, in trying not to use this as a venting spot, I'm not sure what to put here... we went to the dentist with Elias and it was NOT good news... I would probably opt out of the rental business if my house wasn't attached to it... 

Ok, I did go to the RefresHer with Mom last night.  It was a lot of fun and I'm glad I went.  I have seen my mom 3 times this week, not counting church on Sunday   Josiah and Kelsey have a Battle of the Books practice every Tuesday until Christmas.  I "get" to help out at the next practice.  Not sure what to do with the 2 younger boys for an hour and a half.

Today we get to work on things like Steve's haircut, Christmas cards, shopping, present for Grandma and Grandpa...   and if our kids are lucky, we'll set up our tree sometime soon...today or tomorrow. 

Last weekend, I went through our kitchen a bit more and consolidated some spices and stuff, decided sometimes that if I have 2 of something I rarely use in the first place that I don't need to keep at least one of them.  I did some giving away, and a bunch of tossing.  (I was very proud of myself.)  I gave away an extra vase and some mugs that we wouldn't notice missing and now my glass/mug cupboard has a little breathing room in it.  I also found some things I had forgotten and pulled them out to the counter so I would see them, cook them, and be done with them.  A couple weeks ago I also made room in my pantry closet for my cookbooks instead of the bookshelf upstairs away from the kitchen.  It's so nice to actually find real places for stuff.  (It's only been 2 years!)  It sure seems slow progress, though.  I wonder if I'll ever get through the entire house?

This morning, while Steve was making breakfast and I was planning our day, Kelsey wondered where I was going to sit.  She had written a letter and put it at her Dad's place and secretly told her dad it was for me.  So when we were all sitting down to eat, Steve handed the letter to me.  It says, "Dear Mom, I love you mom.  I love you, more than you could ever imagine.  I think you could never be replaced.  you're just great!  Love, Kelsey (and a picture of a flower, stem, leaf, grass and roots.)"   What a sweetie!  Now she's resorted to trickery so I won't know she's working on something for me.

I guess I should go and actually work on my list for today.  Betsy, I went to call you on Skype, but you weren't there, and it was so nice your blog told me where you had gone.  I think Steve was wanting to talk to Jason, too.

Amy

Friday evening, Wayne took us to Thai House for dinner, then we went to Costco to stock up on some much needed groceries.  I had been trying to get to costco all week, but hadn't been able to yet.  It feels good to have cupboards and frige stocked up again with the things we use most. 

Saturday we went to H2Oasis, and met Eric & Oui, and their kids.  We had a blast!  We stayed several hours.  Elias was trying to swim in the kiddie pool area (doggie paddling with a life vest), until he skinned his knee. After that, I convinced him he should try the lazy river, which he had been afraid of before.  After we got in the river, though, he found out that it's only 3ft.and he can actually touch the bottom of it now, AND his life vest is a great thing and he really can paddle and kick and "swim"!!!   After that, he had a great time and wasn't afraid of it anymore.  Steve even made Ethan try to "swim" too, which he tried, but was too cold (and probably too tired) to really enjoy (it was right before we left.)  But at least now all of my family enjoys the river, instead of 2 of them holding on for dear life whenever we drag them in.  After that, we went home, showed our kids the best scenes from Transformers, and put them to bed early.

Yesterday it snowed.  We got snow right before halloween, but it melted pretty quickly.  This at least looks like it will stick a little longer.  It's still really white and calm today. 

I'm supposed to be teaching my kids, but with all the work Betsy has put into her blog, I thought I should at least show my appreciation by updating mine.  But for the record, I tried pictures, (I went hunting again), but they are all too big to be uploaded, so I have to figure out how to resize them.  Anyone with ideas can either call or email me directions.  I think all I have is Adobe Photoshop...  and I have no idea how to use it. (I have tried.)

I am starting a quest to take back my house from dust bunnies and clutter.  I worked on a corner of the kitchen last week... It looked pretty good, until we dirtied a bunch more dishes and the kids made toast...  which happens a lot.  That part of the counter is the revolving door, but at least I found permanent homes for some of the clutter!!!  My only concern is that I won't be consistent enough to make any difference. (once a week in a tiny area will probably take years to conquer the whole house..., but a little bit each day would at least give me a rotating bright spot to look at each day)   My next project is either 1) the other corner of the kitchen, 2)rearranging the laundry room, 3)downsizing the kids clothes (again, and some more), or 4) emptying out my closet to put shelves and rods/hangars in it.  I go back and forth between wanting to work on the house (which needs to be done), and school (which I dare not neglect).  if only it were week on, week off  for each.  Oh well.  School calls me.