7 Quick Takes

1.

Today was a school-free day (Elias did two days worth yesterday) and I checked four things off my "to-do list".  I also cleaned the bathrooms, did some vacuuming, and stuffed and put away cloth diapers.  whoo-hoo!  I got to facetime my friend who is getting married next weekend too.  It was great to catch up.    

2.

Lately my house has been driving me CRAZY!  I just can not function if anything is untidy or dirty.  It's not even that untidy OR dirty but it's just the little things have been bothering me lately.  I keep telling Gabe when he gets a "real job" we are going to have a house maid so I can just focus on our children.  Wouldn't that be awesome?  Just to teach school and play and read all day?  Actually I really do enjoy scrubbing the tubs and vacuuming and I probably would miss that.  These days I just can't seem to find the time to keep the house as clean and neat as I would like.  I guess there are some things I should just not worry so much about.  My kiddos won't be little forever and I need to remember to focus more on them instead of worrying about an untidy house.  However, I am looking forward to giving this house a good spring cleaning.  I already wrote out a cleaning list which we'll try to tackle in March sometime.  

3.

 Tomorrow is Candlemas, the feast of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple.  We are having some friends over for brunch but I forgot about Candlemas until earlier today so it won't necessarily be Candlemas themed.  However, I do hope to print out some pictures of the presentation for the kids to color.  There's always next year right?  I'm actually trying to do some better planning ahead this spring for all the feast days and liturgical days coming up.  So far I'm hoping to do special foods and/or crafts for Our Lady of Lourdes (Feb. 11), Ash Wednesday (Feb. 13) St. Valentine's Day (Feb. 14), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), St. Joseph's Day (March 19), & The Annunciation (March 26). 

4.

I let the kiddos play with play dough today which only happens on rare occasions.  It just makes such a MESS!  However, after Elias happily volunteered to vacuum up the aftermath of four kiddos doing play dough, and he did well at the task too, I think I may let them play with it more often.  It does keep them occupied for quite some time and the clean up is pretty easy on the laminate floor.     

5.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the boy's schooling and plans for the summer.  I have come to the conclusion that the best thing for all of us at this point and time will be to continue schooling through out the summer.  What else is there to do in hot humid FL in the summer?  It will keep the boys busy, and we can stick to our daily routine which helps the house run smoothly.  Of course we'll be able to take off a week here or there for trips and visitors.  I was talking to a friend the other day about her homeschooling schedule and she said they usually go through the year doing 6 weeks on, 1 week of and they take off July for vacation trips.  The 1 week off they spend catching up on projects around the house.  I really like the idea of schooling mostly year round and taking off time here and there when needed.  

6.

Speaking of schooling, I'm trying to decide if I want to stick with Seton or try some other materials next year.  Last fall when Elias was started Kindergarten I was so worried about how everything was going to work out if I didn't have a syllabus to follow.  However, this year has gone fine and I've done lesson planning as we go along.  So, I think I would do OK using materials from various programs.  Any suggestions homeschooling Mamas?  Also, I am wondering if I should use Saxon Math for Elias for 1st grade or something else?  Just the thought of researching all the mtaerials that are available now is very overwhelming so any input would be greatly appreciated.  :)

7.

Can I just say I am absolutely LOVING having a Trader Joes in Gainesville?  I can't tell you how much I've missed not being able to shop there the past 3 1/2 years.  It is so nice to be able to purchase some of our favorite foods and snacks again.  I am especially loving all the organic, affordable produce!  And the kiddos love the kid shopping carts.  :)

Well we have no crazy plans for this weekend other than accomplish some things on our "to-do" list.  We may get out some of the camping gear for next weekend too!  Whoo-hoo.  I'll leave you with a few pictures of my cute kiddos from my phone.  Happy weekend all!  Go check out Jenn for more Quick Takes!