Farewell School Year 2010-11!

Today was the last day of school.  Its a little bittersweet.  We are so looking forward to the "lazy days" of summer!  But we had so much fun.  We made wonderful friends.  We learned much about numbers and words and stories and letters and rhyms.  We learned about ourselves, too - good things and ugly things.  Most importantly, we were a family and enjoyed every minute of it. I'll miss it.

 A couple of weeks ago, we had a huge track and field day with 500-600 kids.  I was the team leader for the 2nd grade home school boys and girls.  I don't usually post pictures of my kids with others for privacy reasons, but this one was so cute I decided to block faces and post it.  Mr. Blueberry Eyes had so much fun and he won a 6th place ribbon in the sack race, too.

 A few days ago, I told the kids we were done with school for the day and I put on a book on tape by Henty called "The Cat of Bubastes"  Mr. Blueberry Eyes got out his cars to keep his hands busy while he listened.  Apparently, a candle makes a great anchor for a race track.

 Mr. Blueberry Eyes was invested with some honors in his scout club by a dear friend. Laughing Water also earned several honors.

We're starting to make it out into the mountains a little for hikes.  The snow pack is huge, so I think it will be some time before we really can get into the back country.  Can't wait.  I need to chill out in the wilderness for a while.

 One of our last science projects was to make rag doll seed testers for 100 domestic seeds and 100 wild seeds.  So far (at 5 days), the corn tests have boasted 93% and 94%.  The wild mill weed is only at 10%, but I'm sure it will increase.

In other news, I feel like the rug is being yanked out from under me.  We're having some big decisions to make and the options aren't my favorite.  But,  I trust that Providence is in control.  This blog could  have some interesting adventures comin' up!  More later. - Nanette

Drama and Cross Country

I suppose one can take too many pictures of a mortal pooch, but really, this one takes the cake.  The kids have taken to carrying her around in an infant tummy pack and The Might Hunting Hound seems to love it.  All seems mostly forgiven, or at least ignored regarding her terrible deed with the ducks!

 The school year is fast coming to a close and we've been busy with end-of-the-year activities.  Laughing Water had her final performance with the home school drama class.  She was in a cast of the Wizard of Oz and played the part of Dorothy. 

 She loved drama and would like very much to do it again.  She made some great friends and looks forward to spending more time with them soon.  Here she is with "The Scarecrow"

 The same day, both children had their last cross-country meet.  Jalen took 6th place in his age group.  He was so excited! 

Brooke took 6th place, too, but she says it doesn't really mean the same since there were only six girls running in her class!  But, I was very, very proud of her committment and I think she did great at racing against herself and not giving up!

I have about half of the garden in.  It is proving to be an interesting start to the garden year with the cold and wind.  We shall see how it all turns out.

We had an amazing blessing this week.  A friend of my Dad's had a like-new set of furniture (sofa and love seat).  She GAVE it to us!  It is quite beautiful and very good quality.  The love seat rocks and there is a beautiful rug to go on the living room floor that compliments it.  I was wondering when we would EVER be able to replace our old furniture!  It was getting embarrassing when guests would sink to the floor when they sat down on the old love seat, to say nothing of the fact that I had stitched up the holes in it more than once! 
The rocking love seat has been a huge hit already!  TTFN - Nanette

The Taj MaCoop, Part II

 Laughing Water holding Bertha.  Bertha is a Buff Orpington and a super friendly, cuddly little lady!

 O.k.  so I have a chicken running around without a head.  Not really.  Meet Tilly.  She is a Blue Andalusion and I'm intrigued by her markings.

 This is Truffle-Hunter, a Salmon Faverolles, enjoying the new sensation of straw.

This is a Black Cochin and she doesn't have a name yet.

We did lose one little chick when she was a couple of weeks old.  We're not sure why.  She just seemed to have failure to thrive.

Welcome to the Taj MaCoop!!!!

At long last the Taj MaCoop is ready for residents.  It isn't finished yet, but the girls did move in any way a few days ago.  The Wood Artist has truly outdone himself on the design.  I'll post more about that sometime, but for now, here are some pictures of their first evening in their palace.

Sadness

We had something very sad happen.  Our cute little Blue Swedish ducks were ruthlessly murdered by The Mighty Hunting Hound.  We will miss them and I must say it has been hard to forgive the little mutt!

Our Medieval History Project

Unbelievable!  It has been nearly one month since I posted here.  So much has been happening.  I'll save some details  for another post, but I wanted to post the pictures of Laughing Water modeling our medieval courtier's gown.  She is justly proud!

-Nanette