Catching up with you - October

Wow where did the month go?  I can't believe October has already come and gone.

We have been busy as usual here but starting to get into a groove.  Each week we spend time at Learning in the Woods forest program, Swimming at the YMCA, local homeschool activities, YKids gym time and exploring local nature areas.  Now those are just our outings!  At home we have been playing lots of board games, reading, creating, baking, caring for baby and playing outside.

Here are some photos from the month...

MJ up late with stickers on his fingers

The boys carved pumpkins all on their own. Okay mommy took out the guts

Lots of nature walks

Baby JJ's first Autumn

Visits to farms in the fall

Baby JJ in the swing

The Jackson 5

Apple picking

Baby JJ and Mommy outside lots

Adorable brothers together

A magical little spot at the local gardens

Harvesting and investigating sun flowers

I'd love to hear what yo are up to! Do share with us.

Catching up: End of October

I can hardly believe how fast time is flying by.  We are well into the fall and the time change is behind up.  Here is a look back at the end of October and all the fun things the boys have been doing.

I follow some amazing blogs.  Many of them post about provocations or activities they leave out for their children to discover.  This has been great for the boys to explore in the mornings while I am finishing up my office work.

I had been feeling like we had neglected form drawing. Form drawing is So I set out a beautiful table of coloured pencils, some farm examples, objects to place along the forms etc.  MJ came in, grabbed a blank paper and drew me a car.  Then they moved on to breakfast.  No worries I thought, we'll get back to this later or in a different way.

However, TJ came into the kitchen and asked how his venus fly trap was doing (he had received a little kit last Christmas).  We looked at his little plant but I could tell he wanted more.  We looked at our Usborn plant book and followed the internet links to some amazing videos.  Afterwards I hinted that perhaps we could invent our own carnivorous plant and draw it on the big paper we had out.  MJ made use of what was immediately in front of him.  He was eating breakfast so he asked me to write about a bread snatcher plant.  The form drawings on the table became intestines, tubes and other parts of his plant.  He stapled all this papers together to make me a book about his bread snatchers.  It was so much fun to work along side this creative boy. 

TJ took off to sit by himself (next to the heater, he is like a little cat).  He drew and talked to himself for quite a while.  Every so often we'd get updates on new elements that were being added to the plant.  TJ's plant has nectar that attracts bugs, a slippery tube leading to a venus fly trap, and a waste pit!  There are two tanks to flush out the plant when the waste goes out and fire ants to scare away animals that might get waste dropped on them.  Awesome isn't it!!!  TJ asked me to label his drawing and then write a description on the back.  Next he said he'd like to photo copy the work and mail it to different family members.  TJ wrote a letter to accompany his picture and we made copies.  I too became excited to send off his letters and trust that they were well received.

One day MJ came to me and said he wanted a crocodile vest.  "Sure," I replied, "but what is that?"  MJ explained to me that he wanted to make a crocodile costume vest.  We dug up some old sweaters from my upcycling pile.  MJ was very specific about what he wanted (lots of buttons) and where they should be placed.  We sewed all the buttons on together and he loved how it turned out.  TJ wanted to make a dinosaur costume in the same manner.  He cut out teeth for me to sew on.  I was impressed with his idea to sew gloves to the arms to add claws.  We had so much fun crafting together.  They have worn their costumes to play in, sleep with and for outings.

During the last week of October we went to a homeschool Halloween party.  There was yummy food, pumpkin decoration and a scavenger hunt.  The boys played well and had a lovely time.

I love getting inspiration and ideas from blogs I follow.  One blogger had tried an idea she gathered from someone else.  Here is the link to the original idea  which of course I had to try.  I used a White-Out pen that proved tricky to use.  The results were pretty good.  The boys made some interesting patterns, even I had some fun.  TJ made his name with the rocks while MJ used wooden blocks to do his name.  I'm hoping that the rocks come out often and lead to some new interesting explorations.

Oh my little MJ just loves stories.  We have been working through our math gnome stories with great interest.  The boys jump right in to help with counting and different math processes.  MJ always needs to have a turn telling me a story afterwards.  I love his little adventures.  

We started finding and borrowing different games to play.  MJ explored letter sounds with Up-Words (sort of like scrabble).  

The boys Mid-Week church program had a dress-up night as it was close to Halloween.  This year's theme was cowboys.  Oh man these kids are cute.  We don't go trick-or-treating but the boys didn't care as they went to two parties that week and dressed up lots.  On of our neighbours came by with a treat bag for each of the boys on Halloween.  The boys were so thankful we made cards the next day to show our appreciation.

Right after Halloween Value Village thrift store had all their costumes on 50% off.  I was going to buy one costume each, but the prices were so amazing that we loaded up.  Aren't they so cute!!  TJ wore the bug costume all weekend (inside, outside, bedtime).  I love that their imaginations are so rich and that we have plenty of time to play.

Dice games.  So simple, so many to choose from and so much fun.  We had a number of dice that I pulled out.  I taught the boys how to play war with the dice.  I also printed out some paper dice games.  The boys are getting much faster at counting and adding.  They are so interested in math.  I often catch MJ counting has fingers and asking about numbers.

So now we are all caught up to the end of October.  A big Happy Birthday to Grandma and Grandpa Scott hope your vacation is going well!

I do hope you share what you have been up to as well...

Catching up - mid October

Beware this is a long one.  I'm going to attempt to catch-up on my blog posts.  I've been busy living life and enjoying my awesome kids, but no worries I'm back to fill you in on some of our adventures (the ones my camera caught a record of).

Leaves, leaves and more leaves.  I do love our home next to the forrest.  We have been taking several tarp loads of leaves off the lawn every day for weeks on end.  There are still lots more to go.  I'll admit I'm loosing my enthusiasm but the boys are awesome helpers.  Every so often we stop the work to just play and jump and enjoy the autumn colours!!

 A friend sent me a great link to Playful Learning about a skeleton activity that was perfect for MJ's love of the human body.  I set out a body book, glue, dry pasta and beans.  Immediatly MJ starts to ponder how he would made the heel bone as it is round.  I suggested a bean and he was excited.  The two boys studied the book and got to work on their own pictures.  MJ was in the mood to make a Wall-E skeleton with the funny eyes.  He did help TJ a lot while working on his very detailed project. He added a spinal cord in the spine, ribs, heel bones.  We noticed the kidney beans looked like our kidneys so then they were added along with tubes and a bladder (the extra cheerios).  I am always inspired and encouraged by how much they remember from our reading and discussions.  The two boys got into some great discussions while they were at work.

In the summer we added flowers to our flower/leaf press.  We took them out to press some leaves in the fall.  Since Nanny's birthday was coming up we used our flowers to make pictures.  I started to use the flowers to make objects such as birds, sun and clouds.  TJ was inspired to make trees, flowers, birds and such too.  MJ's card was delightful and unique as well.  We had a great time decorating and baking to celebrate with Nanny, my younger sister and her children.

One day the boys pulled out the Playmobil farm.  They each set up a farm and spent over four hours playing together (I got lots done that day).  I of course drifted in and out of their action.  We pulled out the dry beans for more fun.  MJ got right into it!  TJ used his digger and beans to make swimming pools for his farm animals.  Oh how I love their imaginations.  We are blessed with uninterrupted time to fully delve into their imaginations and small worlds.

While playing farm, TJ rediscovered a map he has.  This led to an adventure to visit a waterfall.  TJ, not satisfied with a play waterfall, was determined to build his own.   He hauled loads of river rocks to make a pile.  After realizing that this was going to be a big job he went to have a talk with daddy.  TJ drew out what he was wanting to do. We offered a few suggestions that seemed to frustrate the little guy more.  Then we talked about making some real water features for our property in the spring and using the winter to research more about what we'd need.  TJ and I went on a date to visit a real local waterfall.  He then noticed that the rock face was solid rather than little rocks.  He was satisfied and very pleased with our outing and moved on from this project for now.

So on to TJ's next big idea... stilts!  I do love that I can say yes often.  I already knew of some online plans but TJ first shared his ideas.  We got to work ourselves, then the next morning daddy helped with some power tools.  The stilts are a lot harder to use than we all thought.  TJ got off to a good start.  He's lost a bit of interest but I think we'll be back to try again soon.  He was able to do about 3-4 steps last week.

I had been wanting to do some more painting so I set up an autumn inspired table.  First we did some leaf rubbings which we painted over with watercolours.  I love how that worked out (the above photos are TJ and mommy's).    

The pumpkins on the table led us to some still life drawings.  MJ traced his pumpkin and started trying to write the word pumpkin on the top.  With a little help from big brother they almost got that figured out!!  TJ is now adding great details in his work.  I loved everything about this time together.

Some other things we are doing is to do some workbook pages, math stories, reading and using games to reinforce what we are learning on our own.  We've been to the YMCA a lot (wow my boys are getting good in the water) and have had some fantastic play dates too.

Observe your children

Watch them closely,

follow their interests, 

see who they really are.

Watch them closely,

even when they aren't aware of you being there.

You'll be amazed!!

Daddy repairs school clocks as part of our business. MJ has become very fascinated by them.  He has a tool box full of old clock parts.  MJ plays with them, connects them together and builds with the parts.  Recently MJ came to me and said he wanted his own clock.  I suggested we make one.  First he stuck some numbers and letters to a round piece of cardboard.  Then I showed him how to fasten the hands on so that they could move.  MJ looked at a box of clocks in the office and pointed out that Daddy's clocks had a box on the back for the motor.  We quickly found a box that he filled with clock parts and taped it to the back.  Oh how proud he was!  Daddy was very impressed too.

Still very pleased with his project, but not quite satisfied, the boys now wanted their own real clocks.  Daddy kindly found some that could not be repaired mechanically.  MJ now takes 'Clockey' on outings with us!  Of course Clockey doesn't work and NEEDS to be fixed.  It is also has a glass face an is sort of delicate.  Hmm... maybe a very kind Mommy suggested a trip to Ikea for some plastic clocks.  Hurray!!!  The boys counted up their money to help pay for their purchases.  With the new clocks decorated and loudly ticking we are all set.  Next up is learning to tell time.......

MJ loves to make concoctions.  We went to the store to buy a few ingredients that the boys could use for themselves.  MJ had invented a mixer (bowl with the tracks from an old truck) and needed to make something to mix in it.  After combining all his ingredients together: jello powder, salt, flour, paprika, water; MJ wanted to cook the mixture.  I suggested he could try pancakes.  My little guy was so excited to be allowed to cook the pancakes himself (usually that is TJs job).  He was so excited and talked about how delicious they'd be.  He couldn't wait to try them.  the first nibble was fantastic.  The next bite revealed that "These are disgusting mommy!".  But none the less he was thrilled to have the experience.

Not to be outdone in the kitchen, TJ's been reading recipes recently.  First we made playdough to replace the batch that TJ licked (yes he still eats the playdough!!!!).  While playing the boys opened up stores to sell paintings made of the dough.  MJ realized he had made this amazing owl.

A few days later TJ was rather hungry so we made muffins.  I tried to help as little as possible, only guiding things along.  TJ read all the ingredients and measured them out.  We talked about fractions and what they meant.  He was so proud to tell everyone and share them too.  I was happy that we adapted our regular recipe to be reduced fructose.  Incase you didn't know we found out that the boys are fructose intolerant (more of a fructose malabsorption).

Looking outside one day, the weather looked cold and miserable.  The boys and I were busy exploring, learning and playing when Daddy encouraged us to rush outside and enjoy the surprisingly warm weather.  So we took a drive to a nature reserve for a walk.  We walked through a lonely pine forrest,  told stories, brought our stuffy friends, discussed how seeds travel, and watched leaves float around like little boats on the lake.  The boys draw in their field journals as we enjoyed the beauty of the autumn season.

We babysat my adorable nephew the other day.  It was such a delight as we've never had him on his own before.  The boys had a great time playing in the dirt and forrest.  When they weren't aware of me and my camera I snuck a few photos.  TJ was climbing a tree near MJ's forrest home.  The boys collected acorns to plant in the forrest.  MJ helped his cousin into the house at lunch time.  I observed that my boys love nature and caring for the earth.  They are great problem solvers and are both wonderful with younger children.

When given enough free time to explore, play and use their imaginations children are fascinating and so creative.  The boys discovered some masks that Grandma Scott gave us.  Oh how much fun that was.  Somehow a plain green mask became a doctor's mask so we played hospital.  TJ planned a party in his forrest home for Fuzzy the dog.  We played games, had a snack and dressed up. Later as we were doing some house repairs Jon and I looked over to see the boys trying to ski down the gravel pile.  If you look closely you'll see a wooden board for skis and some shed anchors for ski poles.

Oh I wouldn't trade these times together for anything... What have your little one been up to?  What are their interests?   How can you feed those interests and the things that they love?  Have you played today? 

PS :

Try journaling.  Write about what you see and do with your kids, no matter if they are home all day or at school.  Taking the time to focus in and write down a bit about you kids will reveal a lot.  You can track their progress and also not forget about the things they mention (you know the things that you mean to get back to but often forget).

A few October Adventures

I realized I needed to catch up on posts.  Looking at all we have done makes my heart fill with joy.  I love to remember these precious moments, especially on those not so perfect/bad days.

Early in October we went for a nature walk.  I decided to be brave and get out there to talk to the people in our community.  So we chatted with everyone we met along the way.  The boys watched the poop truck empty the port-a-potty and asked the man questions.  We saw another man taking pictures of snails, we would have missed seeing all the snails if we hadn't taken time to ask what he was doing.  TJ noticed a fossil in the rocks.  We also saw the turtles and snakes enjoying the last few warm days.  Along the way we always discuss things like hibernation, changing seasons etc...

My boys have taken a real interest in Mathematics. I tell them stories from "The Gnomes Gemstones" using our math gnomes.  Later we further our learning by discussing the number of the day, dong some word problems, and looking at all the ways we can make a number.

We are very blessed to be able to get together often with my sister and her children along with my mom.  My niece took a day off school to join us at two local farms.  We bought pumpkins, played in hay, enjoyed yummy treats and had a blast!

When we got home from buying pumpkins my boys immediately wanted to carve their pumpkins.  We don't really celebrate Halloween, but rather enjoy all of fall, harvest, Thanksgiving throughout the month.  The boys first drew their ideas on paper then got carving (mommy had to do the guts).  TJ did his pumpkin all by himself!  MJ was pleased to help me out too.  They had an idea to hammer nails all over to make light holes.

TJ's corn husk dog, our family rules, spelling game

TJ's made some major leaps forward in his learning this year.  The boys spends half a day with my mom and sister each week.  They spend some focused one-on-one time doing language, and math.  TJ is proud to be sounding out words trying to read more.  Daddy found a cool spelling game at the thrift store that is a huge hit! 

Fall activities

Obviously I have not kept up with the blogging each week.  This fall we have been to the local farm each week.  We have also visited a lavender farm and pumpkin farm.

TJ at a farm

Boys looking at pumpkins

Corn Maze

The lovely weather  has encouraged many long walks and fun playing in the leaves!

TJ learned to ride a bike with no training wheels.  I bought a new helmet and off we went (almost every day)

Of course we cleaned up our gardens, harvested veggies and made a lot of applesauce.

We have carved pumpkins, enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and surprised family with the news of our own little pumpkin to be joining us in early June.

Autumn has been good

We are very blessed.

MJ decorating a pumpkin

TJ's gourd

Helping with the leaves

Our growing family (baby is coming in June)

Fall boys ready for AWANAS at church

MJ on a pony ride at the church fall fair

Michaelmas

Michaelmas is a lesser know festival celebrated now mostly by the  Waldorf community.  I am really not good at explaining the history behind this holiday.  I'l try to update the post later but for now I encourage you to Google it.

During the week we gathered golden rod from fields nearby to dye a silk.  It came out much lighter than I expected.

We also made swords out of sticks and dressed up to play nights and dragons a lot.

We made dragon bread twice!  Once for ourselves and once for the celebration we planed with friends on the weekend.



  

We added a needle felted dragon to our nature table.  He now lives in Super Sam's forest.

On the weekend we invited some Waldof homeschoolers over to celebrate.  We had set up some games such as harvest veggie toss, javelin throw, sandbox castle building, decorate a dragon, and pool noodle sword fighting on the balance beams.  The children mostly enjoyed playing with out castle playhouse.

We had circle time with fall songs and a Michaelmas story that I wrote for the day.  I have included my story below if you wan to use it.

We all went on a short walk after a potluck dinner.  Dessert was an amazing dragon shaped cake on of the families brought!

It was a lot of fun!!

The Last Dragon
by Meaghan Jackson

This story takes place in a village long a go.  It had been plagued for months by a dragon.  This dragon had burden for the forest, and surrounding fields.  The path of destruction was now heading towards the villages. The villagers went to see the king.  He listened to their concerns and sent messengers out immediately.  Knights from all over were summoned.  No one was brave enough to come.  Just when they were about to give up, Sir George the knight arrived. The villagers wished him well and off he set towards the charred forest.

He was gone for three days.  Everyone lost hope. Then in the distance the villagers and king saw the dragon coming towards them. Everyone was terrified and ran to hide.  Then a small child spotted George on the dragons back.  He stopped just outside the castle and addressed the king.

"Oh king.  I came to your kingdom to offer my services in vanquishing this dragon from your land.  I now come before you on behalf of this dragon to ask that you spare his life.  I have discovered that he is the last dragon of his kind.  He feels so badly that he has destroyed your forest and fields.  This poor creature has been calling and searching in the darkness for any other dragons.  His flames were meant to signal others of his kind.  This dragon does not want to hurt or destroy any more.  Is there any way he can be of service to your kingdom?"

The king thought long and hard.  He consulted his wise men and they come up with a great idea.  The seasons would be changing soon and the weather was getting colder.  Perhaps the dragon could help to keep the castle furnaces warm.  The dragon could also help in the bakery each week to bake the bread for the whole village.

And so it was that the fierce, destructive dragon changed because of the courage of Sir George the knight.  The dragon now brought warmth, strength and light to the villagers through the cold winter months.