Friday with Five

Aiden and Nolen and I were blessed to have an additional three boys come over yesterday. I went from being a person who NEVER wanted kids, to entertaining 5 of them all at once. I do have to point out that my friend Kristen was there for the bulk of it, but I did spend a good two hours alone and at the mercy of 5 high energy, very creative, but very well behaved, awesome little men.

Nolen was thrilled to play steal the pacifier with Ben all afternoon. Ben had fun getting close to Ellie. And the three older boys played chase and shoot with their new McDonald's toys.

No one got hurt, everyone ate some food, and they had fun. Quite successful if I do say so myself.

Isnt It Beautiful

I am considering re-arranging my laundry room. Right now it is small, in the way, dark, and my washer dryer are front loading without pedestals. This creates a problem for my pregnant self as it is difficult loading and unloading. I know, poor me.

Of course this dream laundry room is the size of my kitchen. Humm, maybe I could get rid of my kitchen and move the laundry room. After all I don't cook, but I am a laundry queen.

Can You Understand Your Children?

I have been so enjoying Aidens blosseming imagination. I think I reveal in it because I myself have no imagination. I dont recall ever having any imaginary friends. In sixth grade I tried to conjure up a fairy to be friends with, but it didnt last long.

I was afraid Aiden would lack creativity like myself since all his stuffed animal friends names have always been, horse is horse, dog is dog, etc.

But to my pleasant surprise we had a breakthrough in the creative naming department. He has been desperately wanting a kitten (dont anyone dare send us a kitten). I asked him what color kitten he wanted and he said orange, and I asked what he would name a kitten if he could have one and he said "bunny". I love it.

Last week Aiden started having imginary puppy friends. He carries them all over and takes them with us where ever we go. I love these puppies because I dont ever have to carry them. He also has little baby frogs to take care of. And two days ago he introduced me to his friend "gwary". She is a girl wearing a blue shirt. They have been playing together in his "real" friends absense. Today, I discoverd her name is not "gwary", but "gary". As in Sponge Bobs pet snail gary. But gary is still a girl wearing a blue shirt. Aiden was getting rather anoyed at me for not pronouncing his new friends name correctly and spent this afternoon correcting me. Thank goodness we got that figured out!

Let it Snow

More snow here in Mill Creek, WA....in March! I told Aiden it looked like a blizzard and he spent the rest of the day worried about lizards coming into our backyard.

When dad got home they got to play outside. For some reason it makes me happy when they come in and request hot chocolate.

The New Truck Is Cool

What Did You Learn In Sunday School?

Mommy: What did you learn in Sunday school?
Aiden: Umm, Ummm
Mommy: Did you talk about Jesus?
Aiden: Yes
Mommy: Did you learning about washing the disciples feet?
Aiden: that it was gross

At least he doesn't go around stealing all the toys from the smaller babies like Nolen.

Schwark Academy Blog

I was so excited to start homeschooling Aiden. I spent a lot of time researching curriculum and reading books about home education. I picked my curriculum, spent a boat load of money and set off very enthused.

Before we even began I tried to hype it up for Aiden. "Aren't you excited to start school with mommy?" "Only a couple of more days until your books arrive and we can start school." "Wont it be fun learning something new everyday?" Most of my statements were met with " I DON'T LIKE SCHOOL". I found this odd considering he didn't even know what school was.

Once we set forth, I found the curriculum to be boring, for me, and for him. And it seemed every other day was more about a power struggle than learning anything. I would say "this is purple", he would say "IT IS NOT PURPLE". And back and forth until I came to realize I was arguing with a three year old. "Why would mommy lie to you about what is PURPLE!!"

So, we have ditched the formal curriculum and I am scouring the internet for free resources from much more creative people than myself and we are attempting to do something fun and educational a couple times a week.

I am also trying to focus on just letting him do more for himself. Making food, getting dressed, making beds, etc..

In an attempt to document our projects, so I can remember them for Nolen and Schwark baby #3, just in case I dare to teach them anything I have set up a new blog: The Schwark Academy

If you are interested in what we do for "school" stop by and take a look.