Ash Wednesday - What Is It?

A friend of mine shared this on her Facebook page.  Lots of people have questions about Ash Wednesday and the Lent season.  This short clip explains it nicely.

For the record, I am giving up Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for Lent!

What are you giving up for Lent?

The Weekend

The last week or so has been a busy one!  I am working on a new project that has been in my heart for a long time, specifically to help those looking for work to do from home.  Keep an eye out here for more details!

Big D is still at my parents.  My mom is home schooling him and I think he loves the one-on-one attention.  

Big J and Little D have been working on 2-digit times 2-digit multiplication facts.  We have been using APlus Tutor Soft.  They have some awesome free worksheets for several grade levels.  Head on over there and grab some! 

It's supposed to snow tonight, into tomorrow.  I love snowy days so I think I will find a good book to read this weekend.  Enjoy your weekend!

My New Space

We used to have a dedicated school room but guess what?  School took place everywhere in the house but that room.  My desk was in my bedroom and I always felt like work was just a few feet away from my bed.  Not good if you want to remove yourself from work every now and then.

So, I converted the school room into a new space - just for Mom!  I am particularly happy because I got all the pieces from my neighborhood consignment shop!  I love old pieces of furniture - with four boys, I need sturdy stuff around here!

I moved my desk out of my bedroom into the new room.

I got this loveseat for less than $100!  This is where I start my morning with prayer and meditation

Hidden storage - just what I like!

Another consignment shop find!

 

I love my new room!  I got rid of my winter blahs in the process and the boys enjoy coming into the room to read and snuggle. 

Yes, They Are Brothers

We took a much-needed break yesterday and we went to the mall.  Just something different to do, not intent on buying anything.  

It was 9:30am and I got the usual "why aren't your kids in school?" looks.  Of course, no one was brave enough to ask but the looks said it all.  As usual, I ignored.

But one lady did approach me and I felt myself growing angry, even before she had said anything.  Here we go, I thought.

She said, "Oh, it is so nice to see two friends laugh together like that.  They seem to really like each other."

Well, yes, in fact they do like each other.  And they are brothers.

She blew me away with what she said next.

"I never would have guessed they were brothers.  I have never seen brothers act so nicely with each other."

To me, that is a sad commentary of our society.

The fact of the matter is they do get along, they work together in most subjects and they do not argue.  I have never had to break up an argument between the two of them.  I usually have to tell them to be quiet at night because they are giggling too loudly.  

But they are not joined at the hip and they do not share a brain.  They are individuals.

And I wouldn't change a thing.

Two Sports Brothers

I was talking to my sister this weekend about the boys, how they are working on their writing skills and their love of sports.

"Why don't they start a sports blog?"

Gee, why didn't I think of that?

When I asked them about it, they were quite excited and immediately began drafting their first blog posts (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!).  They have their first week of posts ready to go!

I hope you hop on over and see what these two guys have to say.  I am bursting with pride!

The Winter Blahs

This winter has been a downer as far as snow goes.  I may be one of the few people who loves back-to-back snowstorms.  Making a fire, pulling the curtains back and watching the snow fall is so relaxing.  Watching the boys play football in the snow, drinking cocoa afterwards - I love it all! 

The shoveling - not so much.  Yep, that's me rockin' the pajama pants in the snow.

We have had a bit of a snow drought, if that's what you want to call it.  The snow totals are far off the norm and I have to admit, it has made me less energetic.  The winter blahs.

I decided in order to get out of the winter funk I was in, I would concentrate on making the inside of my home pleasing and relaxing.   So I visited my favorite consignment shop (I wanted to redecorate, not got broke!).  I love the old furniture, the love and care that obviously went into making these beautiful, sturdy pieces.  Sturdy being the main word - remember, four boys?

For the last few days, I have rearranging furniture and managed to get a twinge in my back in the process.  Nothing a Motrin and hot bath couldn't fix.  I still have a few pieces to get in place and I will take pics once I am done.

Do you get the winter blahs?  What do you do to combat it?  I would love to hear your comments!

Free Ebook - All Children Can Be Great Listeners

Some times, I really wonder if that is true about my children.  I find myself repeating directions and the boys look at me as if I had a third eye in the middle of my head.  Along come a book from my friend, Renee, over at School Sparks to help with those moments.

Renee is offering "All Children Can Be Great Listeners" as a FREE gift!  Just download from the right sidebar.   While you are over there, check out all of the free resources, like printable worksheets and much more.  Enjoy!