Back to School 2014

 

On August 19th, we started back to school with a light schedule. We spent a few days doing some "All About Me" pages, a basic family tree, learning about IL State history, and did some reading and  other simple projects to get us back into a routine. 

 

JJ was acting goofy here. He often says he doesn't like school; but, our first week went fine. I think, deep down, he really does like having (or maybe even needs) a more strict routine to help keep him busy and knowing what to expect. During the Summer, he often told me he was bored.

Our first-day-back-to-school breakfast tradition is usually pancakes. But, this year, the kids decided they wanted Baked Oatmeal. See the recipe below...

BAKED OATMEAL

 

3 cups dry oatmeal (2 cups quick cooking oats, 1 cup Old-fashioned)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (or raisins)
1/2 cup applesauce
2 eggs
1 cup milk

 

Mix all together. Pour into a 9x9 square pan. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 until firm and slightly browned. Serve warm. 

 

Double the recipe for a 9x13 pan. 

 

 

Summer Fun - July 2014

At the beginning of July, the kids attended a Puppet Boot Camp at a nearby church. They really enjoyed learning more about the craft of puppetry.

 

JJ received 3rd place in the Junior division for his lip syncing skills.

EL was excited that her name was drawn to WIN a puppet! This picture is blurry, but you get the idea. We will definitely be using this puppet in a future performance at church.

 

The kids each made a puppet out of a hat.
Here's EL with her puppet.

JJ with his puppet

 

Here is a video of the Hat Performance, done under blacklight:

 

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Other random pix from July....

 

JJ playing in the mud after a good bout of rain

 

We stopped at an Outdoors Unlimited event where JJ
took the chance to fish, shoot arrows, and throw tomahawks.

The kids in front of a field of sunflowers at a nearby state park

A collage from our vacation to Kentucky.
You can see more about our trip over at "He Holds My Right Hand."

Here are the links for easy access:
VACATION PART 1:  Louisville, Kentucky
VACATION PART 2:  Eastern Kentucky
VACATION PART 3:  Kentucky Down Under
VACATION PART 4:  Beech Bend Amusement Park
A Not-So-Perfect Vacation
 

Kid Snippets Math is Like Life at Our House

Kid Snippets have been going around on the Internet for awhile, and they are so good. They get kids to talk about a given topic, then the adults act out the scene with the kids voices dubbed in. This one about Math is probably my favorite. Not only is it funny, it also reminds me of what math is like in our home! I would consider JJ as the "teacher" and EL as the "student." Check it out!

KID SNIPPETS:  MATH CLASS