tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68237439510634579952024-03-19T04:38:40.690-07:00The Martineau CrewMartineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-39973347781569322782010-11-14T20:24:00.000-08:002010-11-14T20:25:41.989-08:00A wonderful list...<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" id="internal-source-marker_0.39665149950303336">"Lessons I endeavor to help my children embrace so that they may be healthy, whole human beings, capable of living an abundant life:"</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Trust God.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Be curious. </span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Read. Read. Read.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Help the underdog.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Entertain thoughts.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Set goals.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Observe nature.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Have compassion.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Discuss ideas.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Do hard things.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Create: Build. Paint. Plant. Draw. Sing. Bake. Play an instrument.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Care for your body.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Follow through.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Appreciate beauty.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Ask questions.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Take responsibility.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Eat good food.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Play hard.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Plant a garden.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Try new things.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Share with others.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Manage your personal finances. Well.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Solve problems.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Plan for the future.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Keep house. Well.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Prepare for emergencies.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Nurture relationships.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Travel.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Give of yourself.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Value truth.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Keep your word.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Smell the flowers.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Pick up after yourself.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Use time wisely.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Encourage others.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Laugh. A lot.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Brave storms.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Cultivate a spirit of gratitude.</span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">• Find passion for life.</span></p>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-25208666805087888312010-10-15T10:28:00.000-07:002010-10-15T10:28:00.350-07:00Staying up late, hanging out, and loving it!!<div class="post-header"> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ge5F12MfJW-2VGi89xfuxaJsnv52uS8oMMBqAMdHPWLjdHRKLxJ7QfD-sVHP7yHhwcrvDtB4ODQc58qjZtH-D8ZLdmREm3t00ZwCqKFuY19qKIwXrVwistQc2kMPLmGSayX4353SCDYc/s1600/0007_2010October12_FamilyActivityOustide.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ge5F12MfJW-2VGi89xfuxaJsnv52uS8oMMBqAMdHPWLjdHRKLxJ7QfD-sVHP7yHhwcrvDtB4ODQc58qjZtH-D8ZLdmREm3t00ZwCqKFuY19qKIwXrVwistQc2kMPLmGSayX4353SCDYc/s400/0007_2010October12_FamilyActivityOustide.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527412235941204914" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Life is about RELATIONSHIPS!!!]</span><br />With the weather being SO AMAZING...we've been bending our bed time routine a little. I guess I've felt a little less worried about sticking to our normal routine, because we are on a modified homeschool style fall break this week.<br /><br />Anyway, its been great!! We've been staying up late, playing outside, and just bonding as a family. Last night after dinner, we put the two little girls to bed, then headed outside for a few hours.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOoG5e8ypYUW42Qnki09My4-1Htmq_Bnd4Cnyp27xm0ZwZZQTwN4vRGU9SEfVNBicV9s6jhvAHqoMlUhkpqIT9vn7E2PLZ2dbAdlL8D_Zuvgvz-y07_zsU6vZo7dGKYhzKbXvbR6wFkW5/s1600/0002_2010October12_FamilyActivityOustide.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOoG5e8ypYUW42Qnki09My4-1Htmq_Bnd4Cnyp27xm0ZwZZQTwN4vRGU9SEfVNBicV9s6jhvAHqoMlUhkpqIT9vn7E2PLZ2dbAdlL8D_Zuvgvz-y07_zsU6vZo7dGKYhzKbXvbR6wFkW5/s400/0002_2010October12_FamilyActivityOustide.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527409451177159058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">[So what did we do?!</span>]<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">1. </span>Play catch!! Scott and the kids played a fun game of catch for 20-30 minutes which the kids just loved. It was impressive how good they all were at judging where the ball would come down.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUmqBwJRoWaM2e6nOmEhzSTr19PofhQ_bGGl0hAXDM0qb3RUoAo-U2mS_76jZUvawMLbac7c64INTWnxeyLUVVK2B3dQ90RK9409W7h632lK6nlImCkeJHsdzQGn1-M2BnANJAF_k4ym7/s1600/0005_2010October12_FamilyActivityOustide.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUmqBwJRoWaM2e6nOmEhzSTr19PofhQ_bGGl0hAXDM0qb3RUoAo-U2mS_76jZUvawMLbac7c64INTWnxeyLUVVK2B3dQ90RK9409W7h632lK6nlImCkeJHsdzQGn1-M2BnANJAF_k4ym7/s400/0005_2010October12_FamilyActivityOustide.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527409464628992882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">2. </span>Let's get our SWING on: Then I felt like I was back in elementary school as we all laughed and swung on the swing set. I don't know what it is about swinging, but it just makes me feel young, carefree, and alive...I know I'm a bit crazy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">3.</span> Race, race, race: The funniest thing that happened last night was that for probably the last 30-45 minutes all the kids wanted to do was race. We raced as a family, they each took a turn racing themselves against the clock, they tried to race against the dog, and finally they convinced grandma to let them race her. What a HOOT!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUmqBwJRoWaM2e6nOmEhzSTr19PofhQ_bGGl0hAXDM0qb3RUoAo-U2mS_76jZUvawMLbac7c64INTWnxeyLUVVK2B3dQ90RK9409W7h632lK6nlImCkeJHsdzQGn1-M2BnANJAF_k4ym7/s1600/0005_2010October12_FamilyActivityOustide.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1r6GuKkE4CA28mvECxIN_8061kYcL24hGj4tsCYa1DKA9A6fqBgTD3vikXaN7dF_nApUZh4wTsE7k4dCXtGyRlKIqQ-L9BKLOhHeZz0Zy8CkbkEq21q9rBNX5oM4z9Y3XljWcrVTOvW1F/s1600/0003_2010October12_FamilyActivityOustide.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1r6GuKkE4CA28mvECxIN_8061kYcL24hGj4tsCYa1DKA9A6fqBgTD3vikXaN7dF_nApUZh4wTsE7k4dCXtGyRlKIqQ-L9BKLOhHeZz0Zy8CkbkEq21q9rBNX5oM4z9Y3XljWcrVTOvW1F/s400/0003_2010October12_FamilyActivityOustide.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527409460373129330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">[TIME=RELATIONSHIPS]</span><br />Sometimes I have to remind myself that life is really about relationships, <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">NOT</span> about schedules, agendas, or projects. What does this mean...it means I put God and my family first. It means that I'm dialed 100% into my family most of the time, and not distracted by less important things. It means I lead a simple life...always trying to keep my priorities straight and my focus on my Savior. Sometimes its just plain hard. I like my projects, my quiet time, my schedules, and my agendas.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">['WE' Projects NOT 'ME' Projects]</span><br />However, if it ever feels like my kids are getting in the way of me getting my stuff done, that is when I know I've totally missed the point. Life is about building relationships with others, and when you have a family one of the most important areas to do this is by building REAL, deep, and meaningful relationships with your family, by working together, playing together, learning together, talking together. I've found that most of my 'ME' projects, have become 'WE' projects. What a HUGE AMAZING gift this paradigm shift has been for me. Its a balancing act that's for sure, but I'm learning a TON!! I'm a happier mom, a better wife, and feel A TON more fulfilled as a woman.Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-19665306745430825962010-10-13T10:58:00.000-07:002010-10-13T10:58:00.337-07:00My Meg is growing up!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc8xBysm6qbF8ZR-p04kQ5cgYgrAwHx8BQqI7ddes3DByzQFidyEVpfeudO5YJOt57ZzzNoiz6yNR-ZkNiIl0EUpK451HltIwc5trydH3H4WYzktxdjzwDXWniqDYzJszSXaSsnt9TAfC/s1600/0012_2010October11_MeganAndKidsSaltDoe.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc8xBysm6qbF8ZR-p04kQ5cgYgrAwHx8BQqI7ddes3DByzQFidyEVpfeudO5YJOt57ZzzNoiz6yNR-ZkNiIl0EUpK451HltIwc5trydH3H4WYzktxdjzwDXWniqDYzJszSXaSsnt9TAfC/s400/0012_2010October11_MeganAndKidsSaltDoe.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527406942391606018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Salt Dough]</span><br /><br />Last week Megan was talking to her friend Olivia about the Salt Dough creations they had made as a family. She was just in love with the salt dough necklace hanging around her neck, and wanted to go home and make some up that very next day.<br /><br />The problem was we had CoOp the next day, and then on Saturday we had TONS of work projects, and on Sunday we just plain ran out of time. Needless to say, Megan was a very disappointed little girl on Sunday night.<br /><br />As I tucked Meg into bed that night, she asked again if we could PLEASE make the dough tomorrow. We are on 'Fall Break' so our days are a lot more open than normal, so I said sure, and suggested that she wake up and try to make it on her own.<br /><br />I totally forgot about it after that, but Meg didn't. She woke up early Monday morning, found the recipe online, and made the dough totally by her self. She then rolled out the dough, and used cookie cutters to cut the very salty dough into Halloween shapes. SO FUN!!! I couldn't believe all that she had done (she had even cleaned up the mess)...she really is growing up on me, and I'm so proud of her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_U3y3dWCAah104SkJFxZsRKWr2JUfTZWYU3_Hy8Jze5F097zcdpkHwxDtDLpL5NaDdjSXGagYZkzfoNUFs_eUjn4AcfW69Z0_nNf5h8Kmjo5Js7JdxvTJpNjfCXjKyuWWFpBXL_BQRHb9/s1600/0010_2010October11_MeganAndKidsSaltDoe.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_U3y3dWCAah104SkJFxZsRKWr2JUfTZWYU3_Hy8Jze5F097zcdpkHwxDtDLpL5NaDdjSXGagYZkzfoNUFs_eUjn4AcfW69Z0_nNf5h8Kmjo5Js7JdxvTJpNjfCXjKyuWWFpBXL_BQRHb9/s400/0010_2010October11_MeganAndKidsSaltDoe.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527406954345494226" border="0" /></a><br />The next few hours were spent baking the dough and painting the dough. The kids had a blast.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRSKP_0ooXNYGPaJcFHsxNq2f6scmZh2xEDvwTLeiCt7qdy5QeKwT91x8kqQkMYxyhAP-ipNvbuCccVjucI1buAEZ7oIS_3fUsu6U716icSjGTP4HjTZyLTH9amFKy1ic97d14W51p_yl/s1600/0002_2010October11_MeganAndKidsSaltDoe.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRSKP_0ooXNYGPaJcFHsxNq2f6scmZh2xEDvwTLeiCt7qdy5QeKwT91x8kqQkMYxyhAP-ipNvbuCccVjucI1buAEZ7oIS_3fUsu6U716icSjGTP4HjTZyLTH9amFKy1ic97d14W51p_yl/s400/0002_2010October11_MeganAndKidsSaltDoe.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527406958249068098" border="0" /></a>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-53427565242916304312010-10-12T11:28:00.000-07:002010-10-12T11:28:00.159-07:00What a weekend?!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Ginger MIA]</span></span><br />Saturday we had kind of a crazy day. I went to Costco and Scott went to pick up his parents from the airport. When we got back our sweet dog Ginger was missing. We looked everywhere, and we totally confused. She never got out...why would she leave...where would she go?! Finally I remembered that the day before she had been acting strange. On Friday she'd been shivering quite a bit. I knew the weather was getting colder, but I was surprised that she was shivering so bad. Then on Friday night she kept whimpering by the back door. I went and checked on her, but could see what the problem was and didn't think of it again.<br /><br />After I told Scott this he thought maybe she was hurt and hiding somewhere in our yard. So, he went back outside to look again. He came back in a few minutes later with a huge grin on his face. He asked the kids, "What's the Greek God of fertility or love?" The kids and I were confused. "Aphrodite" we answered back not sure what he was talking about. Well, Scott smiled even bigger now. I think Aphrodite has visited us again. WHAT?! Ginger wasn't missing, she was hiding under the slide, and she's had a puppy.<br /><br />We were such ding dongs that we didn't even realize she was pregnant. Our neighbor's dog had jumped over into our yard about 2 months ago...lucky us we now have a little mixed breed puppy. I just couldn't help from laughing at the ridiculous situation we were in...yet again. In May our cat had 2 kittens and we didn't even know she was pregnant...and now it was happening with our dog. STRANGE!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTKgR4h3U6x3RrWTSCx4hFD0OOTiW7BlNDL1N4NBWbZsyA7A0OyP3CxlxlPrZvSnk-K1gBjDMnYkypDfHH3KgC0An2h7Wjn7sbbrL8hCv7BfX_G0U56Da29jPiV0nKswgBZk2FGat7c6A/s1600/0001_2010October09_Ginger.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTKgR4h3U6x3RrWTSCx4hFD0OOTiW7BlNDL1N4NBWbZsyA7A0OyP3CxlxlPrZvSnk-K1gBjDMnYkypDfHH3KgC0An2h7Wjn7sbbrL8hCv7BfX_G0U56Da29jPiV0nKswgBZk2FGat7c6A/s400/0001_2010October09_Ginger.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526672584951762626" border="0" /></a>Here we are after discovering the new puppy with our new animals...4 kittens and 1 puppy. WOW!!!<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[EGGS, EGGS, and more EGGS]</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECDlSsNe-SL_CwhdRmaqOvHzmxU2X3IU0Zm02Eeu-0rBkzQ3iHlSisX_KrnVfDry9aqe-jhcaXiccaai1jsxqsnLn6daFbuod8cxHhpKvBoZRY4kzpC7ljehfOMWy-yAgtwzo8lCtO0l_/s1600/0001_2010October09_Cooper_Eggs.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECDlSsNe-SL_CwhdRmaqOvHzmxU2X3IU0Zm02Eeu-0rBkzQ3iHlSisX_KrnVfDry9aqe-jhcaXiccaai1jsxqsnLn6daFbuod8cxHhpKvBoZRY4kzpC7ljehfOMWy-yAgtwzo8lCtO0l_/s400/0001_2010October09_Cooper_Eggs.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526672581383052386" border="0" /></a>With the weather getting cooler, we are finally starting to see and increase in our egg production. Today Cooper (who's job it is to bring in the eggs each morning) brought in 9 eggs. WOO-HOO!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d3YdznxpZFESAKzGOWsmESFu4pY99YqboKGTs_5waGNdfYKJVeCzB0N1HjU7LnznFeQUb-K4nazieG33d5EB8LMPQ-6RkIGBnm_0VgGQXWwWww5O4YU8Dd8F3gSuCC2beGaanTeW76Js/s1600/0006_2010October09_Cooper_Eggs.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d3YdznxpZFESAKzGOWsmESFu4pY99YqboKGTs_5waGNdfYKJVeCzB0N1HjU7LnznFeQUb-K4nazieG33d5EB8LMPQ-6RkIGBnm_0VgGQXWwWww5O4YU8Dd8F3gSuCC2beGaanTeW76Js/s400/0006_2010October09_Cooper_Eggs.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526675098217120658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[PAINTING]</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPuIPsQP8RrCruoBFbeuN_L7XQxkjib4klQHgzRYiMx88caZbcm7HuPta2P794ntyjyrdhrlKAttem9-PJ-AfU26Mvd2R7-c0ZdjpfZAnjGFYO8fK5oxcsmN80S5U7MQR2buTJpB31V4N/s1600/0002_2010October09_SchoolRoom_PaintingJob.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPuIPsQP8RrCruoBFbeuN_L7XQxkjib4klQHgzRYiMx88caZbcm7HuPta2P794ntyjyrdhrlKAttem9-PJ-AfU26Mvd2R7-c0ZdjpfZAnjGFYO8fK5oxcsmN80S5U7MQR2buTJpB31V4N/s400/0002_2010October09_SchoolRoom_PaintingJob.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526672593432927858" border="0" /></a>During the summer I had this great idea to paint a few squares using black magnetic paint. I thought it would be great to be able to use magnets to post a picture, or project from one of the kids. The issue was: 1. I never finished the product as I thought I would (meaning I never framed in the black paint). Which meant the edges of the black paint weren't totally straight and looked lame. 2. The paint wasn't that magnetic...so the pictures were always falling down...lame again. <br /><br />SO, I decided we'd just repaint the room, cover the black paint up, and start over. (Scott was a totally good sport to run with me on this one). The room is a light pinky color, so I'm more than happy to use the left over paint from another project to spruce up this room a bit. However, I do have to admit, I'd forgotten what a big project painting is. :)<br /><br />Saturday afternoon Scott, Megan, and I worked hard on prepping the room by taping everything off. I'm hoping we can paint on Monday and Tuesday and then start putting the room back together so its all ready for school again on Monday!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[iPhones]</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYphRQKDofql-BYJYuDwA1nD0V0cQvjKdHbyUjdvkLTkcOzV6N2gYuoL1M9c27jamsv0ec0H056zGYDiLg-pQ1fdfu6lonSkBtKtGCh0GDOo00vNYuw98p4W4-YJN0871cvmmg2YSnV7Qe/s1600/0003_2010October09_iPhones.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYphRQKDofql-BYJYuDwA1nD0V0cQvjKdHbyUjdvkLTkcOzV6N2gYuoL1M9c27jamsv0ec0H056zGYDiLg-pQ1fdfu6lonSkBtKtGCh0GDOo00vNYuw98p4W4-YJN0871cvmmg2YSnV7Qe/s400/0003_2010October09_iPhones.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526673607249632578" border="0" /></a><br />Two or three months ago Scott and I both, within weeks of each other, cracked the glass on our iPhones. We'd both just been living with it...until TODAY!! Scott finally found a DIY kit online to replace the otherwise VERY expensive glass. It was a pretty intensive project, and took him and Jarom about 2 hours to complete, but now our phones look brand new again. What a champ. It was a little touch and go there for a while. I was nervous as I saw my phone opened up and spread out on the counter. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hO0ejZncrEQrlsSmdd91xe5SpUTXZfeE-56A7vikzFn8wPTKMFY-9DTmTyp2xr6gLebp1sY5HIq9gVJrUWmRW1O8QKWLcvylZg06FH1t8umecJyjTMdA8SIPaq0wPjeZdZTp5MNNuINj/s1600/0011_2010October09_iPhones.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hO0ejZncrEQrlsSmdd91xe5SpUTXZfeE-56A7vikzFn8wPTKMFY-9DTmTyp2xr6gLebp1sY5HIq9gVJrUWmRW1O8QKWLcvylZg06FH1t8umecJyjTMdA8SIPaq0wPjeZdZTp5MNNuINj/s400/0011_2010October09_iPhones.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526673616233820306" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv-OBrnObb1fCW1xilG1qF60weSFF8qK6uAlG7ey-TVXIxJaIMn7ps9UG8bvGkiSfC3hCzO8zb7wHhShlnXrHJq7lLpGFRh-2ucLL6_a5fKv6NzHk8I3EgvyQ2B-TVUT1gExOS_iurOzk/s1600/0004_2010October09_iPhones.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv-OBrnObb1fCW1xilG1qF60weSFF8qK6uAlG7ey-TVXIxJaIMn7ps9UG8bvGkiSfC3hCzO8zb7wHhShlnXrHJq7lLpGFRh-2ucLL6_a5fKv6NzHk8I3EgvyQ2B-TVUT1gExOS_iurOzk/s400/0004_2010October09_iPhones.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526673610960149266" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Sunday morning activity]</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLYJYLTH8AzxRl2p1RyUrz6QsvYEZ-edsHtU4Rmzvd9e79FQqAbv1LiRKbXigt3K3spIKODFtFuDlyS7NpIcDeeRVO89dz5QG91Oed3CIXUmTc_mzL9hz_wN2kmulVjOAEqWXNHzq5B3a/s1600/0023_2010October09_Sunday_Painting.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLYJYLTH8AzxRl2p1RyUrz6QsvYEZ-edsHtU4Rmzvd9e79FQqAbv1LiRKbXigt3K3spIKODFtFuDlyS7NpIcDeeRVO89dz5QG91Oed3CIXUmTc_mzL9hz_wN2kmulVjOAEqWXNHzq5B3a/s400/0023_2010October09_Sunday_Painting.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526674425326837810" border="0" /></a><br />With the weather so great the kids and I can't get enough of the out doors. We've been cooped up all summer, and are just loving this wonderful weather. So, I decided to pull out the paints this morning before church. We had a lovely time, but Scott out-lawed me from ever painting prior to church again, and I can't blame him. Most shirts got paint on them...but boy oh boy did we have a great time. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj2CJ_dqF359wVt0MBP7KN7BTEEpjRLg_wkAL3g9pb4tnLO2H1zfHmUzvzkpXCBX2hv5g25rKUmOQOtCFY1xm62c25GkIOHEcZXXx9uBIV-D7_hX3uYUJ4P4pGgbPuph91u8WFK2ybMx-/s1600/0006_2010October09_Sunday_Painting.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj2CJ_dqF359wVt0MBP7KN7BTEEpjRLg_wkAL3g9pb4tnLO2H1zfHmUzvzkpXCBX2hv5g25rKUmOQOtCFY1xm62c25GkIOHEcZXXx9uBIV-D7_hX3uYUJ4P4pGgbPuph91u8WFK2ybMx-/s400/0006_2010October09_Sunday_Painting.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526674412435577330" border="0" /></a><br />I guess I'll have to think of something else for next week. Susan, told me about a great little Sunday activity sheet she made for her children when they were younger. I think its a great idea, and am already excited about making something like that up. To bad painting won't be on the BEFORE church list. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrVmbUJVP7INJlHIPCr7Jhyphenhyphen3ulPu0NJj858AvNxpHsmHXZp7k_Zj1jhgQk10ZjhW_eAoBp1A7hes7KYrLhSTEJ3rB3Tavg5RsY1fp8LojMTVnGxXbLzD5OcyTMMz0OiEGeCB20-Lj_UdC/s1600/0005_2010October09_Sunday_Painting.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrVmbUJVP7INJlHIPCr7Jhyphenhyphen3ulPu0NJj858AvNxpHsmHXZp7k_Zj1jhgQk10ZjhW_eAoBp1A7hes7KYrLhSTEJ3rB3Tavg5RsY1fp8LojMTVnGxXbLzD5OcyTMMz0OiEGeCB20-Lj_UdC/s400/0005_2010October09_Sunday_Painting.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526674396846048290" border="0" /></a>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-8870310825673146042010-10-11T10:26:00.000-07:002010-10-11T19:27:31.843-07:00I'm Dr. Mom?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLkHZ5B5M8g2w_veQf8P6WB2pqLbI1RJGgM3WiZdqXCvk73h7c5iyXBKhUZT6rqqW728LgBojv_EHPfsa4iKhuAOUT74hRhEUfxXuliv7XHahVUJog8Njibna45BhOdH58QUVGpfH1zwm/s1600/0004_2010October07_Oils.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLkHZ5B5M8g2w_veQf8P6WB2pqLbI1RJGgM3WiZdqXCvk73h7c5iyXBKhUZT6rqqW728LgBojv_EHPfsa4iKhuAOUT74hRhEUfxXuliv7XHahVUJog8Njibna45BhOdH58QUVGpfH1zwm/s400/0004_2010October07_Oils.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525913839934030290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Nursing School]</span></span><br />Going to school as a nurse taught me TONS of things that I will be forever grateful for...but one of the things it taught me was that a lot of the medicine we take isn't all that good for us. Don't get me wrong I think Western Medicine is AMAZING...especially with emergency situations!!! However, now that I'm a mom, and I'm not working in the hospital I seem to see a lot more cuts, runny noses, coughs, fevers, upset tummies, burned fingers, head aches, bug bites, bruises, sore muscles, ear aches, crying kids, hormonal mom, etc... Which most of the time isn't an emergency situation, and usually something I can't do much about.<br /><br />I always wanted to do more to help my family with these small...but HUGE things. For instance I've been wanting to help Jarom out with his difficulty getting to sleep, make a burned finger feel better, help a cut stop bleeding, or just get rid of that yucky runny nose (especially when it starts to turn green...ICK!!). But I didn't know what to do most of the time. Then, I started to realize that quite a few of my friends were using these weird things called essential oils to help them doctor up their kids.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" >[Oils]</span><br />I started doing research...what were these oils, why did they work, where did they come from, why wasn't everyone using them, ect... What I found out was amazing. Essential oils have been around forever. They are basically concentrated herbs that are super duper powerful. I just LOVE them. Here are a few reasons why:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[My Proof]</span></span><br />1. Megan was sick...pink eye, cough, and fever. With the help of my friend Sarah's oils she was better within 24 hours.<br />2. Becca (who's 2) two days later got even more sick than Megan. She had everything Megan, but even worse, PLUS a terrible green runny nose, and was totally lethargic. Again I called Sarah and she was better within 36 hours.<br />3. Becca burned her finger on a hot cookie sheet. She was totally crying, (by this time I had purchased a few oils of my own) and so I put some lavender on it. Within 30 seconds she was totally calmed down, and had completely forgotten about it.<br />4. Jarom got bad allergies, and could barely breath. We finally looked up his symptoms in the oil book, applied some oils, and within 1 hour he was breathing great again, and felt better.<br />5. Jarom has trouble sleeping, but ever since I've put lavender on him at night he has slept better and tells me every night how much it helps, and asks to please put some on.<br />6. Brea started getting a running (greenish) color nose. I put some oils on her and within 24 hours it was gone.<br />7. Scott had sore muscles, and I put some oils on it and they felt tons better.<br />8. Me...anytime I get a headache(which seems like it happens every day) I put on some oil and my headache is gone within 30 minutes...LOVE IT!!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">[Dr. Mom]</span></span><br />I'm sure there are even more reasons why my life as a Mom has been much improved since I discovered oils. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that I have something that is totally natural, non-invasive, non-toxic, and actually works that I can use when my family has a little health issue. It brings me peace, and makes me happy knowing that I really can care for my family in a more whole-istic, nurturing way!!! The best part really is that it WORKS!! WOO-HOO!!Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-43370179627171686432010-10-10T10:25:00.000-07:002010-10-10T18:21:51.162-07:00Karate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ1XQuPT-aoMcvDjpRL7cMf-icLoxHU6avZyTVBTRtZXTkWkWs3Eegi_XrKFyjp9cPYmEJHkGHP4x7AOAAT_MhpNt8PDk-AUI9BikjXcn3l8RCbIWW3_XbUg1ZupMD7Wi2ns8zdcqePoL/s1600/0016_2010October07_Karate.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ1XQuPT-aoMcvDjpRL7cMf-icLoxHU6avZyTVBTRtZXTkWkWs3Eegi_XrKFyjp9cPYmEJHkGHP4x7AOAAT_MhpNt8PDk-AUI9BikjXcn3l8RCbIWW3_XbUg1ZupMD7Wi2ns8zdcqePoL/s400/0016_2010October07_Karate.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525911003902373186" border="0" /></a><br />After at least a year of my kids begging to PLEASE do Karate, I finally gave in. Why?! Because I figure after asking for that long it isn't a passing phase, and they actually really want to do it. Jarom had researched all types of Karate, and had been teaching the kids about it. So, when I was able to find a Karate studio that was close to our house, had a family rate, and great flexibility with the classes they offered we tried it out.<br /><br />We started in August and the kids just LOVE it. They always want to go and are practicing their moves constantly at home. In fact they love it so much that Jarom and Megan have created their very own customized at home workouts for themselves. Their instructor told them they really needed to practice and work out at home, and my kiddos took this very seriously. While I was reading to the two oldest tonight Megan was busy doing squats, sit ups, burpies, crunches, and loads of other work out type activities. I just love my kids!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCs9OmBBtf4_VBwzy5gFtbXZd6PhooVcj_LEXLHL7Y6LA6r8qfXFRIanGNxVHlQgPR4-6PI6tOaIzFFuT-Nz6dCHXTaHSBtBObme4bSQxZ7_GGBLO9YmGZar-vX49LwTuGx_q5P-t5Zsi/s1600/0020_2010October07_Karate.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCs9OmBBtf4_VBwzy5gFtbXZd6PhooVcj_LEXLHL7Y6LA6r8qfXFRIanGNxVHlQgPR4-6PI6tOaIzFFuT-Nz6dCHXTaHSBtBObme4bSQxZ7_GGBLO9YmGZar-vX49LwTuGx_q5P-t5Zsi/s400/0020_2010October07_Karate.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525911008503971202" border="0" /></a><br />The last week of September was our first belt testing. Not only did all of them move up a belt (Jarom and Megan to Yellow, and my two little ones to White-Yellow), this now meant that Jarom and Megan could start assisting with the Little Dragon class (Cooper and Hyrum's class). Today was the first time they had a chance to, and they were on cloud 9!! It was so fun to see them out there helping out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_80MRCHb1EvlPI1WZlpubcx-PSZm1rcmhEaJopGBUoXbtABzEdLvTeJD32TXkpBnfb3uaMaDhxHctTrGj7MpFMiTatLAD71ORJ-jOBiB8BCIGsacdwCwkMMUHOc-0iWBMe-MhjMtwqEN2/s1600/0011_2010October07_Karate.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_80MRCHb1EvlPI1WZlpubcx-PSZm1rcmhEaJopGBUoXbtABzEdLvTeJD32TXkpBnfb3uaMaDhxHctTrGj7MpFMiTatLAD71ORJ-jOBiB8BCIGsacdwCwkMMUHOc-0iWBMe-MhjMtwqEN2/s400/0011_2010October07_Karate.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525910992793482754" border="0" /></a>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-76462634466436863152010-10-09T10:02:00.000-07:002010-10-09T10:02:00.637-07:00TACO<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[CoOp]</span></span><br />So this year we are in the most AMAZING little CoOp...actually its called The Totally Amazing CoOp or TACO for short. Its kind of a long story...but anyway it stuck, and now every Friday from 9:30-12:00 we have our Love of Learning, and Core classes for all the kiddos. Its been a BLAST, and my kids just LOVE it!! <br /><br />This summer we kicked off our planning for the CoOp with the most amazing 13 hour (literally) planning and bonding session. I'm SO GLAD we snapped this picture before we wrapped it up for the night. I felt like I really got to know these wonderful woman and their amazing kids that day, which gave me perspective and a unique foundation for our CoOp!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH1eoJl85d40MJH6LAuPdTileU6yZcxMLhQ93fZP57QG6ou7UcpIDJP_yv_-yhB0AQaS2OXUAiqzIfw06-_cIDlhLQ-PTNcX5XQJkLizPBFQ_EKTlfta3B70taoTRUnncvrygTXSIi0uF/s1600/CoOp+Planning1+800.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH1eoJl85d40MJH6LAuPdTileU6yZcxMLhQ93fZP57QG6ou7UcpIDJP_yv_-yhB0AQaS2OXUAiqzIfw06-_cIDlhLQ-PTNcX5XQJkLizPBFQ_EKTlfta3B70taoTRUnncvrygTXSIi0uF/s400/CoOp+Planning1+800.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525908908710821122" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Lunch]</span></span><br />What's been almost as fun (for me at least), is the two hour lunch at the park that has kind of become a TACO tradition. I love it because I get to talk to all these wonderful women for a few hours, and get inspired and uplifted. Its a total win win...the kids play, the moms talk, and everyone is happy. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgPkvCFeESM2ylSOzthfkjoFzQN63hm0u4EMGRfYS3yz1jFBmeNynaBFMCqjtNoPfHZx0rhqsUxPfLz0q-zu7XRfr2wiaEWqJGRjidhzZ0JLTAYsCU_AE4J4gcToWO600Oz5cfcPu6A7X/s1600/0002_2010October07_TACO.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgPkvCFeESM2ylSOzthfkjoFzQN63hm0u4EMGRfYS3yz1jFBmeNynaBFMCqjtNoPfHZx0rhqsUxPfLz0q-zu7XRfr2wiaEWqJGRjidhzZ0JLTAYsCU_AE4J4gcToWO600Oz5cfcPu6A7X/s400/0002_2010October07_TACO.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525908555892111298" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYcVX9JchBlS0S_SiaijAGgNK7M5qUMehkxakuzqLXjSd_pMsGPIRg3lyTjrTlH4vmlOqmubpo4bfEThuiNP_-Baxt1AT9LeL95I9PiQpcVw5DIUfmR3GLL-dC4pSOS5DMT27ptabslHO/s1600/0006_2010October07_TACO.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYcVX9JchBlS0S_SiaijAGgNK7M5qUMehkxakuzqLXjSd_pMsGPIRg3lyTjrTlH4vmlOqmubpo4bfEThuiNP_-Baxt1AT9LeL95I9PiQpcVw5DIUfmR3GLL-dC4pSOS5DMT27ptabslHO/s400/0006_2010October07_TACO.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525908560682945458" border="0" /></a>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-22525914741861288122010-10-08T20:14:00.000-07:002010-10-08T21:08:09.127-07:00Filling our time with the BEST things!!!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[The Wii]</span></span><br />I have a HUGE confession to make. After baby number 6 (which came only ONE year and 5 days after baby number 5) I broke down and purchased myself a little babysitter called the Wii. I remember coming home from the hospital overwhelmed, a bit frantic, and just plain scared. How in the world was I going to handle 6 kids ages 8 and under. The Wii was my temporary solution to keeping the kids quiet, and entertained while I figured out how I was going to adjust to this new addition to our family. <br /><br />Once we introduced the Wii into our home it was unthinkable to my kids to remove it. Sometimes gently or other times quite abruptly we would yank the thing out of our home hoping it would never return. However, in some degree it always found its way back in. At first it would only consume a little of our time, but eventually it would take up more and more of our very precious resource TIME. I found that most of the time having the Wii on (especially during the week) caused contention, frustration, and irritable kiddos. I kept thinking I could figure out a way to create a balance, but I couldn't (which was probably totally my fault, due to inconsistency among other things). <br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Goodbye]</span></span><br />FINALLY, two years after bringing it into our home, we semi-permanently lent out our Wii, to a home that can handle the distraction. And we FINALLY limited our family's electronic gaming time to ONLY Saturdays for 2 hours. Miracles started to happen in our home, as a result of the change, but an interesting by-product emerged. We had 5-6 weeks left of summer when we yanked the Wii, and cut out basically all electronic gaming and movie watching. <br /><br />We hadn't started school time yet (we homeschool), and so we had a lot of FREE time (about 2 hours each day) that I had previously (yes I partially justified it because it was summer) allowed the kids to play computer, Wii games, OR watch a movie each day. I was curious what the kids would do with all this empty time. <br /><br />I talked to the kids about it, and made myself available to play games, build forts, play with toys, or whatever... I wanted to help the kids discover new, even better, and more satisfying ways to fill their time. However, they didn't need me at all. They figured something out on their own.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[COLORING PAGES GALORE]</span></span><br />They immediately began printing off FREE coloring pages from the internet, and carefully coloring them. They made games out the pictures, laminated their favorite ones, and even putting together binders of their pictures. It was crazy, but they quickly filled up the 2 hours previously used for electronic time with out ever complaining or even requesting Wii, computer, or movie time. Maybe it was because I had been very clear on the new expectations...but I think it helped that the Wii was gone, the TV was in my closet, and I was very clear that the computer was only to be used for very specific reasons during the week. <br /><br />So began the Martineau Paper Saga...resulting in elimination of 3 rems of paper in 2 weeks. I still can't believe that!! Most of the time they were printing and coloring Pokemon pages, but we also had our fair share of princess and animal pictures to color too. They were happy, working together, and enjoying each other's company. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Let's take it up a notch]</span></span><br />I was happy...it was a good temporary transition from where we were to where we wanted to be...however after 2 or 3 weeks of this I came to the conclusion it was time to move on. I wanted to INSPIRE them to fill this time with an even more meaningful activity. We had baby steped ourselves out of filling these 2 hours with electronic time, but it was time to take it up a notch. It was time to learn to draw and paint ourselves...we COULD do this. (However, I don't have any artistic training...or talent really so how was I going to do this?!)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(All the drawings below, are Jarom's, he's really really good!!!)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFwvekjDJuX-RWUGlI1eXOeVkXMjPK-LkiGPSBdN-64sxCbbbOWl6r6XCzb9ozRO46Wms-FUtdwslwtachpZqd9v3TYT-ax3SS0q95anUXDkJbt2vO2byiL6oB-Sunim9oqTQmz6KIR6S/s1600/0013_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFwvekjDJuX-RWUGlI1eXOeVkXMjPK-LkiGPSBdN-64sxCbbbOWl6r6XCzb9ozRO46Wms-FUtdwslwtachpZqd9v3TYT-ax3SS0q95anUXDkJbt2vO2byiL6oB-Sunim9oqTQmz6KIR6S/s400/0013_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525880020079727794" border="0" /></a><br />I researched and researched and researched for a week or two...trying to find something to help us all figure out how to draw. I'd actually been looking for something all summer to no avail, but now I was on a mission, so I looked even harder. I was ready for my kids to stop printing blank coloring pages, and start to draw on their own. I'd recently been reviewing and reading all about the power of drawing and observation from Charlotte Mason, and I wanted even more to teach these skills to my kids.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[The Skill of Drawing]</span></span><br />FINALLY, I found something. I was recommend by a fellow homeschooler to Mark Kistler's books. I thought they looked great, but was worried that with someone so incompetent at drawing as I was, that the books would be over my head. SO then I did a little Google search, and found his <a href="http://www.draw3d.com/mainframe.html">website</a>, and decided it was the PERFECT thing for our family. <br /><br />Over the last month all my kids have started to fill their time with drawing. Jarom especially has enjoyed learning the skill of drawing, and will hardly go anywhere without his sketch pad, and drawing pencils. Its AMAZING to see what he's been able to learn in the last month...WOW!! The best part is that I'm learning right along with my kids. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lRPc5vKYeWa6DpEpfKUPA-a_8zsn6ywGxyDVA-nSokWszR8SKcVccLXlLwfLcQ4lgZ4BIISr2lTv0xi8WNrmx5Go_5U1qdF5BhM3-xJOcTvP5VNxvauK7J9wKu-akP1UYUwjewfgkrcg/s1600/0012_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lRPc5vKYeWa6DpEpfKUPA-a_8zsn6ywGxyDVA-nSokWszR8SKcVccLXlLwfLcQ4lgZ4BIISr2lTv0xi8WNrmx5Go_5U1qdF5BhM3-xJOcTvP5VNxvauK7J9wKu-akP1UYUwjewfgkrcg/s400/0012_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525880010612045634" border="0" /></a><br />For school we often pull out our 'school' sketch pads, and draw something from the history, science, reading, etc... lesson we worked on that day. It helps us remember the concepts, observe the details, learn with more clarity, and probably more important than anything else it has strengthened our relationship, as we've all sat around the table, and just enjoyed this sweet simple time together.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2kGq1NPHZeRBDnIn73mJ58BdEaiQt_eMY03dLQS8b9yxcTXSZzF1wKDMG1SZAZZPEVzsvq92aT6XQxVwMCePyXWxMH0rN1TsVoginuG0gortExuxDIkgIfcU4qwd_1QmVHpe0a6twBAv/s1600/0014_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2kGq1NPHZeRBDnIn73mJ58BdEaiQt_eMY03dLQS8b9yxcTXSZzF1wKDMG1SZAZZPEVzsvq92aT6XQxVwMCePyXWxMH0rN1TsVoginuG0gortExuxDIkgIfcU4qwd_1QmVHpe0a6twBAv/s400/0014_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525880027864535058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Good, Better, Best]</span></span><br />Its amazing what happens when we really try to fill our time with the BEST things. I know this post is about a very small thing, but I feel anytime we can make better use of our time (like replacing our electronic time with time spent learning a new skill) that we will be blessed. TIME is one of our most precious resources in this life, and yes there is a small amount of time for amusement and entertainment as we know it today, there are so many things we can be engaged in that will help edify, lift us, and help us grow and those are the BEST things that most of our time should be spent on. Wouldn't it be great if we could always spend our time on ONLY THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE!!! I pray I will always know what the BEST thing for me and my family to be doing with our time is!!Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-77643005217649881682010-10-07T23:23:00.000-07:002010-10-07T23:57:28.206-07:00Please can we open The Closet??!!!These words were music to my ears!!! All week my kids have been BEGGING to be able to use the 'locked' closet. They've looked inside of it (on a few precious occasions to just see what this unattainable 'closet' held). This gave me a GREAT opportunity to explain to them what the closet is, and how we'd be using it. I explained to the kids that we'd be using it in during our afternoon structured family time, but since we were currently on a two week Fall Break that we probably wouldn't start using it until we started up our structured family time again. They were TOTALLY bummed.<br /><br />So, I made a plan. Monday and Tuesday Scott was home, and the family had a STAYcation, so we didn't have closet time...much to the kids chagrin. Wednesday, was cleaning day (oh yes the kids loved this). So finally today, I had promised the kids it was family day. We would just play together, and so FINALLY it was time to open the closet for its inaugural debut. I said we could do structured family learning time for about an hour, but Megan asked if we might be able to do it longer if we were still having fun after an hour. I said we could probably do that, but I'd have to see. (hehehehe my little plan was working).<br /><br />So we opened the closet up, and the kids went crazy. They began looking at everything, and each picked out something to do. Megan was interested in learning about chocolate...how it was discovered, how to make it, etc... (I happen to include in the closet a little kit all about chocolate that I've had for months). Jarom was interested in the watercolor book. Cooper took out the Scrabble Apple game, and wanted to play it with me. Hyrum, was so busy looking at everything else he didn't really know what to think, but eventually thought painting sounded fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[So what is in my closet?!]</span></span><br /><br />BOOKS:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhefp_NEWS8vcVyHew11pSZWOhJJH7uTc_3sBg82jcUlwNy_sRRMzeaHs5qnQYvcyTGW8Qr9WOdNXRxkC44DIZEqrMwjRA91prfTsyZa3q5-my37KChO-iBYtkqwKxHgZYg38ioLB7fjP/s1600/0002_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhefp_NEWS8vcVyHew11pSZWOhJJH7uTc_3sBg82jcUlwNy_sRRMzeaHs5qnQYvcyTGW8Qr9WOdNXRxkC44DIZEqrMwjRA91prfTsyZa3q5-my37KChO-iBYtkqwKxHgZYg38ioLB7fjP/s400/0002_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525557865789766898" border="0" /></a><br />GAMES:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKt6O8TS6mJRHbWnYe3KIyvOH2mTa8J-EJksj7Gka49A2h_qn4g3WGUNtvtUqgnIzjszOU7KzscAV61vy__yMmj_MKt0FOI6lV94EQVqQR-DyRCelHzuf9YYgEGF7D7gO42Ff6ukew9LF/s1600/0006_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKt6O8TS6mJRHbWnYe3KIyvOH2mTa8J-EJksj7Gka49A2h_qn4g3WGUNtvtUqgnIzjszOU7KzscAV61vy__yMmj_MKt0FOI6lV94EQVqQR-DyRCelHzuf9YYgEGF7D7gO42Ff6ukew9LF/s400/0006_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525558563331393186" border="0" /></a><br />CRAFTS:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgHcSWCScmv7DUDN6UY6MFtFcf1MWZhn3sNsw4pS-CDpyr-PmkUl3eefwfQH49UQILe887S-wNVKliRi6UiHD5n3LZQbhqQujtJwVWbLtmKdc9JKQcWWxtnTFODYVfDQ2-GBMSdRcjAml/s1600/0003_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgHcSWCScmv7DUDN6UY6MFtFcf1MWZhn3sNsw4pS-CDpyr-PmkUl3eefwfQH49UQILe887S-wNVKliRi6UiHD5n3LZQbhqQujtJwVWbLtmKdc9JKQcWWxtnTFODYVfDQ2-GBMSdRcjAml/s400/0003_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525557871316611442" border="0" /></a><br />MATH GAMES:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-DrzBPsSgeNZYO20jtwmRD3S4jmpx6zrQOqPrewooX2y_bIHU4cSbfeki94a8Z0xeVMSpx7e-ijFmdTCn2lm4eLvbQKAOc4OgyiBhEtr4iNT3eORa5sjKTAq_KmwRcW5IiaOUGc_1p1c/s1600/0005_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-DrzBPsSgeNZYO20jtwmRD3S4jmpx6zrQOqPrewooX2y_bIHU4cSbfeki94a8Z0xeVMSpx7e-ijFmdTCn2lm4eLvbQKAOc4OgyiBhEtr4iNT3eORa5sjKTAq_KmwRcW5IiaOUGc_1p1c/s400/0005_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525558551837553410" border="0" /></a><br />SCIENCE BOOKS AND ACTIVITIES:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cbetqMwAwkIpKKezvvxOOmAiWJ5aXd37hiBDCEKqSb5pqtkmJB2hEorEekg4RdKBr8IuCUEl5TQraUUXxhrU9A0vMBpucRtQHlI41xuVqHeCqEHSamXpkz7S0gkNQsYDoOnlQmjHAY3v/s1600/0008_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cbetqMwAwkIpKKezvvxOOmAiWJ5aXd37hiBDCEKqSb5pqtkmJB2hEorEekg4RdKBr8IuCUEl5TQraUUXxhrU9A0vMBpucRtQHlI41xuVqHeCqEHSamXpkz7S0gkNQsYDoOnlQmjHAY3v/s400/0008_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525559269338107890" border="0" /></a><br />MORE BOOKS:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo6nExv4q3-GHq8DLpMllo1sKIlRkwT6y4h_Pz0Q8T3-NzNyxyQ9nc_HOhMZHDa2s0EY1A6-KAQyWFAZZ13YvTWXfU4ceFyUgg1-aTBOUYxIWu01j2FAtgX4AfNeDGnHZ_KWq9wr2pGMs/s1600/0009_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo6nExv4q3-GHq8DLpMllo1sKIlRkwT6y4h_Pz0Q8T3-NzNyxyQ9nc_HOhMZHDa2s0EY1A6-KAQyWFAZZ13YvTWXfU4ceFyUgg1-aTBOUYxIWu01j2FAtgX4AfNeDGnHZ_KWq9wr2pGMs/s400/0009_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525559280209793442" border="0" /></a><br />Science experiments, tools, and lots more!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[PAINTING]</span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS8uy4j_VBFTHPcUmUICDvTJ5iEJ4tpMopy0g8FexAAPeOIBPc_ao7jNOMRSrzSE5U1biYXzPAp3qG7a1OGjhNWh6KvyWg1DCgyP7FOEhcJDuID-qo7ipgZd5qKDpXMdSXkD42GKSbURv/s1600/0004_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS8uy4j_VBFTHPcUmUICDvTJ5iEJ4tpMopy0g8FexAAPeOIBPc_ao7jNOMRSrzSE5U1biYXzPAp3qG7a1OGjhNWh6KvyWg1DCgyP7FOEhcJDuID-qo7ipgZd5qKDpXMdSXkD42GKSbURv/s400/0004_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525557873727057666" border="0" /></a><br />In the end we all started out painting. We all sat outside, (okay let's be real my little girls, ages 2 and 3, just played), but the rest of us painted for close to an hour. It was a BLAST!! My visiting teacher even stopped by during our painting session, and joined us for a little water coloring. So, I'm not going to lie...we are really not that great, but boy it was just plain fun to sit with the kids, talk, enjoy the weather, and hang out. It was the experience or should I say process of just being with eachother NOT necessarily the finished product that mattered.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCEIZ_JkL3O2bnZnIj7M1iD64XKzNCY7PZ8TEaXWWSTCnVFiE-uZNXgCTag9iOimZQUtoeyd8fmxVFObQE7p3s1uVe_VEoWA3Eok2qmBm4-TFFnJofNtYYmipEQhylN5Qiivh_vvoRW1g/s1600/0018_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCEIZ_JkL3O2bnZnIj7M1iD64XKzNCY7PZ8TEaXWWSTCnVFiE-uZNXgCTag9iOimZQUtoeyd8fmxVFObQE7p3s1uVe_VEoWA3Eok2qmBm4-TFFnJofNtYYmipEQhylN5Qiivh_vvoRW1g/s400/0018_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525559937691707058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[CHOCOLATE]</span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYni2fZcWZdNTpkm5axjEcrRs8rooDxCsFH0fzU96SIPc1FG4XZ-Asrg3J_A76-EKnvt14KsTRIKktvMDNE4Z9SfYgGx0qBnq4OqQDtxkCutbIx8M5HxsUy_xlX_W6nEweJPTAnpp-X7l/s1600/0032_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYni2fZcWZdNTpkm5axjEcrRs8rooDxCsFH0fzU96SIPc1FG4XZ-Asrg3J_A76-EKnvt14KsTRIKktvMDNE4Z9SfYgGx0qBnq4OqQDtxkCutbIx8M5HxsUy_xlX_W6nEweJPTAnpp-X7l/s400/0032_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525560576621289874" border="0" /></a>Allison was over for part of the day, and being the super fun aunt she is...she helped Megan learn about, and then make chocolate. Of course this happened during hour 2 or 2 1/2 of our structured family time. I couldn't believe the kids were still going. We had been painting for an hour, then ate lunch, cleaned up lunch and the painting and finally got around to round two of closet time. I was so glad Alli was able to do this...because it allowed me to head outside for a smashing game of Scrabble Apple with Cooper. (Yes these are even more games that are now in the closet).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZaUbUDYMHOYNFcicdX_sAsB0Eu_t55I8bztGvXd-xBzygmcTHhl14OpKycAYlORIIsumOYTppGG7gOR7cHHtlb4Do-J5tIOMOEjX_nMDyFcq1h7hlnTnyYR0lySHyjbm03umt07uXbiT/s1600/0007_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZaUbUDYMHOYNFcicdX_sAsB0Eu_t55I8bztGvXd-xBzygmcTHhl14OpKycAYlORIIsumOYTppGG7gOR7cHHtlb4Do-J5tIOMOEjX_nMDyFcq1h7hlnTnyYR0lySHyjbm03umt07uXbiT/s400/0007_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525558566562782178" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[CROCHET]</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-z7W99N5BURxvNZNzrmmxi4013iDenb9IIYravyJXavKfGrfNt0GIKHIocPLwultN3keJSSqbOX5UaATuX_R_oFj-XUc0uhyNf2_V7tseXhXAEA_eLC4QENsUhzWdIiRQHzQzsqUAyEL/s1600/0029_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-z7W99N5BURxvNZNzrmmxi4013iDenb9IIYravyJXavKfGrfNt0GIKHIocPLwultN3keJSSqbOX5UaATuX_R_oFj-XUc0uhyNf2_V7tseXhXAEA_eLC4QENsUhzWdIiRQHzQzsqUAyEL/s400/0029_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525563177301386706" border="0" /></a><br />I think the kids stayed engaged in our Structured Family Time for 3 hours, but finally I had to blow the whistle because, it was getting late, and we had a date with Nana to learn how to crochet. So, off we went to hang out with Nana for a few hours, before we needed to go to the wonderful <a href="http://www.evmco.org/">EVMCO</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZlNsVMJ8mFIaEX77sUkV5qlOeVsMgUU8lp3C2sLPOfsQzQzOQeEvHiihhE1Hki2bk4SCYt3r_R1_ZK6s7H2gmo7Tyj_TATcsst4bu7Jjvp3M8jFNcOtRjMbl1MtS16h5j_s_jRFLKzTc/s1600/0031_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZlNsVMJ8mFIaEX77sUkV5qlOeVsMgUU8lp3C2sLPOfsQzQzOQeEvHiihhE1Hki2bk4SCYt3r_R1_ZK6s7H2gmo7Tyj_TATcsst4bu7Jjvp3M8jFNcOtRjMbl1MtS16h5j_s_jRFLKzTc/s400/0031_2010October07_TheCloset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525560570203242994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[WOO-HOO]</span></span><br /><br />All in all I think it was a smashing success using The Closet as a tool to engage the kids to learn, work together, and build relationships. I can't wait for many more successful days with The Closet in the future.Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-53918217929599462242010-10-04T20:53:00.000-07:002010-10-04T22:04:14.031-07:00Our first 'Sabbath Week'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwEZq0eU42Vlw6-GEu7uDu7SD2YOoGhnLxviUw9ByHos2oS59qI2rVzcZ0bwPY7cBpCUWIUsbbhFfSqZwJFQhoI-4iaPh6dtIjCr-qvbLgrD_9dNYSqUkGKdGQxHHbvAvkesc2KMu5-tY/s1600/0003_2010October04_ClosetAfter.JPG"><br /></a><br />Last week I was reading a really great homeschooling article in a magazine I just discovered call <a href="http://www.wellplannedday.com/">The Home Educating Family</a>. It was called Sabbath Schooling, and I was curious, so I started to read it. I thought maybe it was going to give me some tips on how to help my family's Sundays be more meaningful...or something. However, it was on something totally different!! At first she talked about the Creation and how the Lord rested on the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> day. Then she talked about seasons, and how we each need to identify what our 'season' or 'cycle' for learning is and let that guide the way we run our homes...NOT the schedule of the school system, other families, or anything else.<br /><br />I remember the first time I learned about seasons...or at least the first time I really GOT seasons. I was listening to a<a href="http://shop.lemimentortraining.com/Seasons-Download-LEMI-Conference-Call-1009.htm"> </a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">LEMI</span> call about <a href="http://shop.lemimentortraining.com/Seasons-Download-LEMI-Conference-Call-1009.htm">SEASONS</a>...WOW, was it a big eye opener. I was able to incorporate some of what I learned on that call into my life, but then to hear the topic again with a slightly different angle helped me understand it even more. To try and keep this short...I'll just quickly say that the gal writing the article talked about how for her, 'schooling' or if you are not homeschooling just doing your 'normal' stuff for six weeks was about all she could do without experiencing overwhelm. She modeled her schedule off of the 6 days of work 1 day of rest...however, instead she does 6 weeks of 'schooling' and on the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> week she calls it here Sabbath week.<br /><br />I don't know exactly what she does on her 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> week, but here is how that translated to me. On week 7 we have a Sabbath week...not a week of only vegging, playing, and basically being useless. A Sabbath week to me instantly meant a week full of a different type of focus. A focus on relationships, foundational things (like organizing, working on systems, re-evaluating everything, etc...), a week of reading, studying, learning, playing, and being together without the normal pressures of school (that doesn't mean we won't be learning during our Sabbath week)!!!<br /><br />Today was Sabbath Week...DAY 1, and it was FANTASTIC!!! So what did we do?! TONS. (We only took two days off this summer for a family vacation...so today Scott had already planned on taking a '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">STAYcation</span>' day, so he was even home which was a dream come true!!)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">TASK ONE::<br />[CREATING MY CLOSET]</span></span><br />In September I took an online class all about <a href="http://home-school-coach.com/webinars/">[The Closet]</a>, which is a tool that everyone from a Grandma to a mom of small children can use to help create meaningful time with their family. It was really a great class, and I learned a TON!! I'll have to explain more of what The Closet is later, but basically I'm going to use it in the afternoon (so it can only be used in the afternoon...PERIOD). We'll have already completed our 'normal' school stuff, and will use it during our afternoon 'Structured Learning Time.' It will help us change gears, be 100% present with each other, learn a little more about something that interests us, do a project we've been putting off, play a game together, or do whatever else we find in the magical closet.<br /><br />Anyway, I've known about the closet for YEARS, however, I never got around to actually creating my closet. After taking this online class, I felt inspired again to create my family's closet finally. The class ended two weeks ago, and I've spent those last two weeks thinking about what I wanted in it, how I was going to use it for my family, and how I was going to actually make time to get this all done.<br /><br />Last week, when I decided to make this our first 'Sabbath Week,' I made a decision to spend time and create [The Closet]. I decided I wanted it in my school room, which meant I had to do a little re-arranging. It took most of the day today to actually get through the whole process (it takes me a while to really think, process, and create a new space). However, I finally figured out how to re-organize the room, re-structure our normal 'schooling days,' and finally put everything where I wanted it to go.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">BEFORE::</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-CzuAxRAawPQu6WjuC5VHa0f5_hS_8WIIwIFUjjfcDd4oCL9kCZprUEm1iIXvjetZsrkAuFyqwlULPLmgPcZMsobhUc9E9SSqMrkAN187_3xLSVoo_GIpE9QgQ1WzDDkPLlHbPVZg2IQ/s1600/0010_2010October04_ClosetBefore.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-CzuAxRAawPQu6WjuC5VHa0f5_hS_8WIIwIFUjjfcDd4oCL9kCZprUEm1iIXvjetZsrkAuFyqwlULPLmgPcZMsobhUc9E9SSqMrkAN187_3xLSVoo_GIpE9QgQ1WzDDkPLlHbPVZg2IQ/s400/0010_2010October04_ClosetBefore.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524406525802323346" border="0" /></a>There were to many things on top of this low book, and it was always looking terribly cluttered.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXkt7APp2c4zaPG2iOT4ffX-M7tGaFOuh-PB7COtadgKLdbgmC67dNsg9cGLBBAiF60g-oHVvQsWnot12BWzRIO5QPNNZT1gCK2xCaA3ujS3RF-5xCSnw4XjXtSP2XxKYQMQMijZO_3yK/s1600/0009_2010October04_ClosetBefore.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXkt7APp2c4zaPG2iOT4ffX-M7tGaFOuh-PB7COtadgKLdbgmC67dNsg9cGLBBAiF60g-oHVvQsWnot12BWzRIO5QPNNZT1gCK2xCaA3ujS3RF-5xCSnw4XjXtSP2XxKYQMQMijZO_3yK/s400/0009_2010October04_ClosetBefore.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524406515613947346" border="0" /></a>This bookcase was filled with stuff...and most of it we never used. I decided to empty the bookcase, move the stuff I did use into better places, store away the stuff we aren't using, and use this in my room where I am desperately in need of a more book shelves. I'm SO EXCITED to move it in there tonight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveI0jN3eHMPCGYA4Pe9FEUC1FPEXyxwltJqunCsiMYcz8d-sKSYT75iwvgvYKo6Jlq58Mn11cd9v0TpdDj6rzwb-2OGoaAEwzdJ8cpTOLsodqUlBibbfkgln_Deo6p5mPeX2GsPqUOg-U/s1600/0008_2010October04_ClosetBefore.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveI0jN3eHMPCGYA4Pe9FEUC1FPEXyxwltJqunCsiMYcz8d-sKSYT75iwvgvYKo6Jlq58Mn11cd9v0TpdDj6rzwb-2OGoaAEwzdJ8cpTOLsodqUlBibbfkgln_Deo6p5mPeX2GsPqUOg-U/s400/0008_2010October04_ClosetBefore.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524405881599548978" border="0" /></a>Wow, can you say messy and UNDER UTILIZED...the closet was basically empty except for junk.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9oFpq6nV2uWtxdXrfFIakqDCCGLH5Pr7M4l61yhAh-W-1nb0Y-hH7JuLm1V-O6UAyqPuXA1ZNfrI5RvDpZf1ULJ6OVz_AdmaFgX1Lym3Yv0bofvcUaljn1NbgcXvCQ4yQj-Q7fc2I5OL/s1600/0006_2010October04_ClosetBefore.JPG"><br /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">AFTER::</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwEZq0eU42Vlw6-GEu7uDu7SD2YOoGhnLxviUw9ByHos2oS59qI2rVzcZ0bwPY7cBpCUWIUsbbhFfSqZwJFQhoI-4iaPh6dtIjCr-qvbLgrD_9dNYSqUkGKdGQxHHbvAvkesc2KMu5-tY/s1600/0003_2010October04_ClosetAfter.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwEZq0eU42Vlw6-GEu7uDu7SD2YOoGhnLxviUw9ByHos2oS59qI2rVzcZ0bwPY7cBpCUWIUsbbhFfSqZwJFQhoI-4iaPh6dtIjCr-qvbLgrD_9dNYSqUkGKdGQxHHbvAvkesc2KMu5-tY/s400/0003_2010October04_ClosetAfter.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524405873493819346" border="0" /></a>I got this new bookcase a few months ago, but never really had spent time figuring out how to use it really well. That changed today. I made this bookcase our 'MORNING' BOOKCASE, which meant it contains most of our morning school items. I had to move things all around, to make this a functioning bookcase so I could create my Closet space (which will be my 'afternoon' bookcase). It may not look to spiffy to you in the photo...but its more about functionality than being super cute. Although, I always like it when I can accomplish both. It would be much more flattering to look at if I was able to replace those miss-matched plastic storage totes (which are holding all the books/materials for a certain subject we are studying) for nice brown baskets...but for now I am SO THRILLED to just have it all organized, and looking neat and tidy. I'm also feeling re-charged enough to start school tomorrow. :) (Even though we're not, because I have lots more SABBATH week activities planned.) Its amazing what a little 'foundational' time will do for you!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwYyoTyx8wDK1pIWJChSvIRZhBJ5kEqo5OH2vXihELL9MCmgzx_wmXZSo3KAefNwN1LLaAlCvEUgY-gYgBFR8O-dpaCmDgy135h-4UoHiZTCCTFsjesaU4tgjtHeMHda6fjqGK0yvIHyn/s1600/0002_2010October04_ClosetAfter.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwYyoTyx8wDK1pIWJChSvIRZhBJ5kEqo5OH2vXihELL9MCmgzx_wmXZSo3KAefNwN1LLaAlCvEUgY-gYgBFR8O-dpaCmDgy135h-4UoHiZTCCTFsjesaU4tgjtHeMHda6fjqGK0yvIHyn/s400/0002_2010October04_ClosetAfter.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524414941116488690" border="0" /></a>I couldn't get a very good shot of the Closet...my lens is a 50mm which isn't wide enough to really capture small spaces like a closet. I'd love to some day get a wider lens...some day. :) Anyway, hopefully you can kind of see how different my closet looks. I re-organized the entire school room, and as I did I looked for interesting things my kids hadn't read or done in a while. I pulled those items out and started to put them in the closet. Before I knew it the closet was jam packed...now I think I might actually have too much in my new closet.<br /><br />Oh, and you can also see in this picture how the funky green bookcase is now completely EMPTY --- WOO-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">HOO</span>!! Its getting moved out tonight. There are so many books in my bedroom that will be happy to have a shelf of their own to rest on. And I'll be happy not to have them laying around in piles anymore. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">TASK TWO::</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Fall Bike Fix Up Day]</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzswAbKDjOSam5kVBJK7ilivHH9d_LttSjgebbqZo0DRvnH1CErcGVJ1vb0Z6X9_OgBpx_xtrsXilkWGnhc-EgwZE79o5NKercV_0f75dzsMvaWOOOhAh9ECXwn5rUzNnmage7n_6r85ZY/s1600/0027_2010October04_BeccaInPinkBoots.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzswAbKDjOSam5kVBJK7ilivHH9d_LttSjgebbqZo0DRvnH1CErcGVJ1vb0Z6X9_OgBpx_xtrsXilkWGnhc-EgwZE79o5NKercV_0f75dzsMvaWOOOhAh9ECXwn5rUzNnmage7n_6r85ZY/s400/0027_2010October04_BeccaInPinkBoots.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524412146148638834" border="0" /></a><br />You are probably wondering why under Bike Fix Up Day there aren't any pictures of bikes. Well, here's the scoop. I went out with my camera to capture the crew working on the bikes (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jarom</span> BTW was a rock star and knew how to fix everything). Anyway, I did take one lame picture of some bikes laying on the ground, but then I got totally distracted by Becca who had somehow stripped down to just her diaper, put on some bright pink boots, and was strutting around like she was the most fabulous thing there was. I couldn't stop giggling...so I followed here around for 15 minutes, and took literally about 70 pictures of her. What a HOOT. Needless to say, I completely forgot why I had come outside, and after finishing up Becca's little photo shoot went inside. Thank goodness my lack of photos doesn't reflect the progress they made.<br /><br />With the weather FINALLY cooling down, it was definitely time to tune up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">everyone's</span> bikes. Bike tires were patched and switched, chains tightened, spider webs cleaned off, training wheels tightened, and everything got a little oil to boot. We are now officially ready for an Arizona Fall...bring it on, our bikes are READY!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjJq4ydDvsFXT-6n4IsJHBJjeMva1uE8rXK0WeIRYWd6jjmMndiMX0s44BKL246MB3mAvQWllNTGbapABHE74FO4ji8u87Y-6w-wqpOZOi-njm2JGKgXKkzNLuJVi3ph4ujxxB7K5Njf-/s1600/0026_2010October04_BeccaInPinkBoots.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjJq4ydDvsFXT-6n4IsJHBJjeMva1uE8rXK0WeIRYWd6jjmMndiMX0s44BKL246MB3mAvQWllNTGbapABHE74FO4ji8u87Y-6w-wqpOZOi-njm2JGKgXKkzNLuJVi3ph4ujxxB7K5Njf-/s400/0026_2010October04_BeccaInPinkBoots.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524412141802851730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">TASK THREE::</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Finish our Garden Boxes]</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1f2PIRU_v22SwnqZR40CUDRpMQbMELdbS4kauVBsoM8doQ4QE_QwvQv7d4_yP5NnR45Ein9Dth_krbRADbw165XplI19jkRNcoCn6JCR7BRgGgHo0I0qQXOp9Q1FwlqORrSqXTsiW36dX/s1600/0043_2010October04_Gardening.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1f2PIRU_v22SwnqZR40CUDRpMQbMELdbS4kauVBsoM8doQ4QE_QwvQv7d4_yP5NnR45Ein9Dth_krbRADbw165XplI19jkRNcoCn6JCR7BRgGgHo0I0qQXOp9Q1FwlqORrSqXTsiW36dX/s400/0043_2010October04_Gardening.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524412555969750610" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdH0vewVjUkx1jX2sJU4JI4H21LEGsrB7XH__j2u7ab1f18t145Ppl86vmKTySWht7d1iojSR23OM7qpi95lScJkXfS5hhehYTHtdhDuTogA4NVXAy3FqZhqqsPasKmLeYzNbxB_HPkNI/s1600/0037_2010October04_Gardening.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdH0vewVjUkx1jX2sJU4JI4H21LEGsrB7XH__j2u7ab1f18t145Ppl86vmKTySWht7d1iojSR23OM7qpi95lScJkXfS5hhehYTHtdhDuTogA4NVXAy3FqZhqqsPasKmLeYzNbxB_HPkNI/s400/0037_2010October04_Gardening.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524412552081485090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A few weeks ago the 4 oldest kids worked SUPER DUPER hard to each build a Square Foot Garden Box. Its a STINKING HOT, but they persevered and finished building the box, and treating the wood. Thank goodness today wasn't so hot...in fact it was PERFECT. With a determination to finish the job, Scott took the four oldest to home depot. A few hours later they came back with chicken wire (to put under the boxes to keep out the gofers), 3 watering cans, and lots of plants to plant.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jAt4undG4A1t7zPxp2NCsiL7uB4P1g1iykng5yqQtgwUWOWwcR06TwRUudHVGCa5ffZIW75Uh19d5QoRFKjIG4F1gqoKyTFqyqpLxI_N9_QwiT4lgzlUmB38EMd4ODrjM-RydcZbPlYZ/s1600/0023_2010October04_Gardening.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jAt4undG4A1t7zPxp2NCsiL7uB4P1g1iykng5yqQtgwUWOWwcR06TwRUudHVGCa5ffZIW75Uh19d5QoRFKjIG4F1gqoKyTFqyqpLxI_N9_QwiT4lgzlUmB38EMd4ODrjM-RydcZbPlYZ/s400/0023_2010October04_Gardening.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524412131673435058" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i2aWYMe2QE_ZjLKXH4TkWwaQ8bYqXmOY5HNLdbUf4mUgHNgTDu1NYPIcVSB-HjtoWBlvaFPeHQYmU5F9UHvQwEGIoTqLy1kXLMJ3J5nio-h-bvMSMTuQQfCrv5xsRFcg413XjHLy3Bat/s1600/0022_2010October04_Gardening.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i2aWYMe2QE_ZjLKXH4TkWwaQ8bYqXmOY5HNLdbUf4mUgHNgTDu1NYPIcVSB-HjtoWBlvaFPeHQYmU5F9UHvQwEGIoTqLy1kXLMJ3J5nio-h-bvMSMTuQQfCrv5xsRFcg413XjHLy3Bat/s400/0022_2010October04_Gardening.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524411607203567218" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgSRtYFDMN20eXabYl_JpwWAJeuQf3hXWi6igTW-K5XbseSnkJay58EHosj6Ehw-k4R6AwFBXljIIRAOR72Yd6w1xi4Va-8IRFk7D9c1TCF2PFQvJhMvZYpnX71gJ5whVHZEr3EOEwZpe/s1600/0009_2010October04_Gardening.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgSRtYFDMN20eXabYl_JpwWAJeuQf3hXWi6igTW-K5XbseSnkJay58EHosj6Ehw-k4R6AwFBXljIIRAOR72Yd6w1xi4Va-8IRFk7D9c1TCF2PFQvJhMvZYpnX71gJ5whVHZEr3EOEwZpe/s400/0009_2010October04_Gardening.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524406524379477138" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Epl65HUaNFogBm-UKBR0GgN7zVjlj47OT-wUku1kEHRuhtcTv5rGzE8yO28Avl6HrDc4Ji7xSW3iJWpIGC3LFF1bnqdwqNhAmoYGmyqryLjUGh07r4HBzf8lGxfpOfiOqfwXRdmCYaOK/s1600/0020_2010October04_Gardening.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Epl65HUaNFogBm-UKBR0GgN7zVjlj47OT-wUku1kEHRuhtcTv5rGzE8yO28Avl6HrDc4Ji7xSW3iJWpIGC3LFF1bnqdwqNhAmoYGmyqryLjUGh07r4HBzf8lGxfpOfiOqfwXRdmCYaOK/s400/0020_2010October04_Gardening.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524411603947042050" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaFLXFwh5zBIfJam1YBNgfxKC1RviWuW14NHXT8n1q1gFaafAIr317zTt7xkBPeF8zglQMXJED_bTEgMD0lnvdVYwmJnqM1ya6xWpdKE2d2_TFip_4vjB6rQVaoPB-RX_xQby4kN4sfRy/s1600/0015_2010October04_Gardening.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaFLXFwh5zBIfJam1YBNgfxKC1RviWuW14NHXT8n1q1gFaafAIr317zTt7xkBPeF8zglQMXJED_bTEgMD0lnvdVYwmJnqM1ya6xWpdKE2d2_TFip_4vjB6rQVaoPB-RX_xQby4kN4sfRy/s400/0015_2010October04_Gardening.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524411600033722466" border="0" /></a>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-89257895034625869952010-09-25T21:11:00.000-07:002010-09-25T21:47:27.649-07:00I finally have some REGULARITY!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6ly_coHIK1TTUvJKWs_s6rVKocnQhGRGxEbLLsDUDCz26_k3y7tgUxuPPNjbOFVSloR-qiyh1aTI__cTijFnz7h3yG-4avWLeC39O8AAz0uiHPaH1Iztx8FOVDESG_mbFjdaYxB7XvLu/s1600/IMG_7187.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6ly_coHIK1TTUvJKWs_s6rVKocnQhGRGxEbLLsDUDCz26_k3y7tgUxuPPNjbOFVSloR-qiyh1aTI__cTijFnz7h3yG-4avWLeC39O8AAz0uiHPaH1Iztx8FOVDESG_mbFjdaYxB7XvLu/s400/IMG_7187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521070251993970738" border="0" /></a><br />So, I've recently (ok so not so recently...over the last 2 years) but, even more over the last 6 months I've fallen completly in love with the teachings and writings of <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/">Charlotte Mason</a>. She was a master, at figuring out how to make family life and life long learning go from good to GREAT!! Anyway, last night I was listening to a <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/books/laying-down-rails-habits-workshop/">DVD</a> that was discussing some of her writings about habits. It was FANTASTIC...BTW!!! I could go on and on about what I learned...but I won't take time to do that right now. :) However, I did have to clap my hands at one small success I have recently formed in regards to <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/books/laying-down-rails-habits-workshop/">habits</a>. I've developed the habit of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">'REGULARITY' </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">as Charlotte calls it.</span><br /><br />I'm sure you are either laughing a bit right now...or totally confused. No, I'm not talking about what you're thinking of...I'm talking about living a life that is <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">REGULARILY</span> built around a consistent routine. Its taken me a lifetime to finally achieve just a bit of success with this one...and believe me I could do lots better, BUT at least I'm making progress!!! That's all that matters.<br /><br />Living a life of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">REGULARITY</span> is living a life that is slightly eased from making so many decisions each day because you have a 'default' way of living each day. The kids and I <span style="font-weight: bold;">finally</span> know, expect, and <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;">simply just <span style="font-size:130%;">DO</span></span> what we know we are suppose to do each day...AND there is POWER in that.<br /><br />I've had a few of you request that I share what our 'default' routine is for our family. So I will, but please don't judge me...because its not perfect!! (And I'm always tweaking it) But over all we generally do the same thing Monday-Thursdays (Fridays we have a fabulous CoOp that supports what we are learning at home). I guess now I can feel myself itching to create a weekend 'default routine' for Saturday and Sunday. I've wanted to do it for a few months now, but needed to get my weekday routine in order and functioning before I did it...so I'm only a few weeks away from trying to tackle that...WOO-HOO!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51); font-weight: bold;">[Our Wednesday Default Routine]</span></span><br />Each day I tweak it a bit to adjust the different activities we have happening that day.<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[6:00-8:00]</span> GET MOVING TIME<br /> • get dressed, make your bed, clean up your room<br /> • feed your animals<br /> • eat breakfast<br /> • brush teeth<br /> • pick up the downstairs & clean both bathrooms<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[8:00-9:30]</span> MORNING DEVOTIONAL TIME<br /> • Song, Prayer<br /> • Read Scriptures<br /> • Scripture Mastery<br /> • History Lesson<br /> • Science Lesson<br /> • 15-20min personal journal/reading time<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[9:30-10:00] </span>Excellence in Writing TIME<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[10:00-12:00]</span> Music/Reading TIME (choice time when not with mom)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[12:00-12:40]</span> LUNCH<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[12:40-1:40]</span> MATH TIME<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[1:40-2:00]</span> Afternoon Break/Clean Up<br /> • get a snack (cheese stick, fruit shake, crackers, fruit)<br /> • join us outside for a game (hopscotch or four square)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[2:00-3:30]</span> STRUCTURE LEARNING TIME (put dinner in)<br /> • CHOICE TIME OPTIONS<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[3:30-4:00]</span> House clean up<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[4:15-5:45]</span> Karate<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[6:15] </span>ARRIVE HOME, eat, and get ready for bed<br /> • pick up house<br /> • teeth brushed by 7<br /> • in rooms by 7:15 for reading time<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">[8:00] </span>Lights out<br /></span><span style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;color:transparent;" id="internal-source-marker_0.46578014595498274" >6:00</span><span style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;color:transparent;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;color:transparent;" ></span>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-59721170026600492762010-07-22T23:54:00.000-07:002010-07-23T00:05:41.139-07:00THE ROOM!!!So over the last year and a half I've been working on creating a really great 'learning environment' in my entire home and ALSO in my 'school' room. For the last two months I've been gathering books, trying to sort them out, and evaluate the 'school' room space I have. However, what's really happened is that each day I've entered the totally messy room, been completely overwhelmed, and realized that the mess has gotten bigger and bigger right before my eyes.<br /><br />About 4 weeks ago it finally hit me...I realized I didn't have enough places for all my things. I needed to either put some things away in storage, get more book cases, or perhaps do a combination of them both. I set out to figure out how to make or purchase a bookcase that was within my budget, and yesterday I FINALLY found it...WOO-HOO!! Today the bookcase arrived, and my mess became bigger and bigger as I began to tackle the HUGE project. I'm finally making some progress, and I'm just kicking myself I didn't take some before pictures. I think a before picture would make me feel a bit better about what I've done so far.<br /><br />I'm hoping tomorrow I can finally establish some sort of system of organization that will help make my room not only functional, but inviting for my family to really engage in learning!!! This is getting me so stinking excited about getting back 100% into school/learning mode!!Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-59463007340394562912010-07-20T23:12:00.001-07:002010-07-20T23:26:24.281-07:00Finally feeling it again!!!<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">[I'm back]</span><br />So I guess you could say I've been a bit delinquent in my blogging for the last 3 months or so. For some reason I felt like I needed to disconnect from a lot of the electronics I'd been engaged in, and refocus my energy a bit on some other things. (I'm starting to call it my 'Summer Season' I just enjoyed my kids, tried to read and study more, and spend more time thinking. I love how we all experience different 'seasons' in our lives!!! Figuring that one little concept out has really effected my outlook on life.)<br /><br />However, now I'm finally feeling it again, and I'm getting organized, working hard planning and cleaning, and getting really excited to get my family back on our wonderful schedule!!! I'm also super excited to start sharing my thoughts, feelings, and okay just the plain reality of how my life is going these days...which to be quite honest is a bit CRAZY!!! It's not really all that crazy overall, but my two and three year old little adorable girls are just a totally different dynamic than I've ever experienced before. I think its probably almost what twins would be like. Some days I think I'm starting to figure it out, but then sometimes I feel totally like a clueless mother and just can't figure out how to make them stop screaming at each other. All that being said, I'm happy to have this extremely small challenge in my life, and I am learning SO MUCH!!! Being a mother is such a blessing and I'm grateful every day for my sweet little family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9q24G8L1Ji-Li3fNMpBYsX7FjjA8Ay3RtVb4Z1xJ58kh-J_2l3gOXCk8j6VhZhg449TbgO5kIX1fIM1SD-fSlcH3JH2vC43FxynFEeL8DKRR2kAf_iKeIh6ydxkDNiGgNiQQ_0aTd7b9F/s1600/0128_2010July8_MartineauMegan-original_jpg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9q24G8L1Ji-Li3fNMpBYsX7FjjA8Ay3RtVb4Z1xJ58kh-J_2l3gOXCk8j6VhZhg449TbgO5kIX1fIM1SD-fSlcH3JH2vC43FxynFEeL8DKRR2kAf_iKeIh6ydxkDNiGgNiQQ_0aTd7b9F/s400/0128_2010July8_MartineauMegan-original_jpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496240780822348850" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">[BIG NEWS]</span><br />So the latest news in our family is that Meg was baptized on the 10th, and it was amazing!! She is such a wonderful girl and I can't believe how smart, mature, and spiritual she is. Megan was so excited to make the commitment to be baptized and has talked and thought a lot about it for the last few weeks. Today was her first activity day for the 8 and 9 year olds at our church and she was in heaven to be able to go hang out with her friends and learn a little too!! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdwhwcLr3xqzp50qiq2DJNUhP6wrfzu-rivmrqEjDslWhE3T7LzS7I9XPvIQeYqQilbaKnTdBv9UphbHtVjUDYxG5Y7Ero5eeMgF2y5ZZpDtgH_W1RILETuIqQQub_L0JdIYz8QisefGi/s1600/0014_2010July8_MartineauMegan-original_jpg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdwhwcLr3xqzp50qiq2DJNUhP6wrfzu-rivmrqEjDslWhE3T7LzS7I9XPvIQeYqQilbaKnTdBv9UphbHtVjUDYxG5Y7Ero5eeMgF2y5ZZpDtgH_W1RILETuIqQQub_L0JdIYz8QisefGi/s400/0014_2010July8_MartineauMegan-original_jpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496240770435069058" border="0" /></a>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-17937392219416520232010-05-12T10:53:00.000-07:002010-05-12T10:54:41.653-07:00SWAGGER WAGONI just have to share this hilarious video!!<br /><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ql-N3F1FhW4&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ql-N3F1FhW4&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="295" width="480"></embed></object>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-67194211741678250742010-05-05T23:15:00.000-07:002010-05-06T00:08:20.678-07:00Summer break in April? Only in Arizona!A few weeks before April I decided, (after fighting with the kids for weeks to 'study' inside) that we were going to ENJOY the amazing Arizona spring weather, and embrace our season. I figured what the heck...we're taking our summer break in April. I am the teacher after all...aren't I?!<br /><br />Shortly after that I deemed April 'project' month, and I began to fill it with every project I'd been putting off for the last 6 months. The BIGGIE was what I hated most. However, knowing myself all too well I realized I knew I would go crazy if my house got any dirty, unorganized, or just plain BLAH!!! I HAD to get to work doing the BIGGEST, and hopefully the BEST 6 month purge EVER . This was to be the purge of all purges. I was tackling some stinking big messy issues, that I just had to figure out how to fix. I knew the first step involved a major re-organizational experience, which would create a super duper messy house. However, it was time, and I was ready...(at least I was trying to get myself excited) about tearing my house apart.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Step ONE] CREATE CARDS</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiNcRbX2vrBL3FrnPQzmhkvwXUY6OUNMuTVfYTtBKXVp2hX5E9peA40R3oQRZ3Ug82eFxwQf5hDQ9HiCBtuzuK75hvDhm_vxxTqYjKibRyKDBLtcPCjHt8IJtg6Z4wwp2-bnDl_3d5FL6/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiNcRbX2vrBL3FrnPQzmhkvwXUY6OUNMuTVfYTtBKXVp2hX5E9peA40R3oQRZ3Ug82eFxwQf5hDQ9HiCBtuzuK75hvDhm_vxxTqYjKibRyKDBLtcPCjHt8IJtg6Z4wwp2-bnDl_3d5FL6/s400/IMG_7107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468040718875594450" border="0" /></a>(I'll talk more and more about how this concept of cards has evolved into something really really great over this last month, but let me start at the beginning.)<br /></div><br />Not knowing where to begin, I found some old blue 3x5 cards, that never got used for a flash card project last year. I started writing down the areas of the house I needed to start organizing first. I divided my 10 cards into two days, and assumed I'd get through the house in 2 days...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LOL</span>!! Oh well!! I'm actually glad I didn't realize it would actually take me working at it on and off for a whole month, to tackle the many issues I was facing in my home. I may not have started if I knew this reality. <br /><br />I prioritized my cards, and started by tackling the first card on the pile...my refrigerator, pantry, and laundry room. This was going to be a life changing journey!! Weird, but true. All I can say is sometimes when you don't know where to begin, you just have to start somewhere...and that is exactly what I was doing.Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-91915961586989222832010-04-18T20:05:00.000-07:002010-04-18T20:48:48.562-07:00The BK Jar<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">[What's going on?!]</span></span><br />I've noticed over the past few weeks our level of criticism, saying unkind things, and generally being short with each other has climbed a bit. SO...today as I enjoyed another wonderful Arizona afternoon I sat outside under a tree which is my self appointed 'inspiration' spot. I thought about the problem, and at first wanted to just have a firm (unkind) confrontation with the lot of them, and lay into them how unkind they'd all been to each other lately. However, after about a second of that I realized that this was a TERRIBLE plan and tried to lay my frustration aside so I could actually receive a little inspiration.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">[Trying to Be Intentional + Pure Inspiration = A FABULOUS Plan]</span></span><br />Nothing came until finally right as we were beginning our family meeting and ready to address the issue it hit me, and I enthusiastically started telling them all about the new systems we were going to start implementing in our family.<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">Person of the Day:</span> Each day we'd have one special family member who'd be recognized as the honored one of the day. They'd be able to pick their seat first for meals, choose who says some of the days family prayers, pick their chores first, choose the plate/cup they wanted, and be served first at breakfast and lunch. (We tried to include all the situations that typically turn into family fight and let the person of the day always get their 'way.')</li><li><a href="http://www.lazyorganizer.com/blog/?p=5071"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">Chore Cards:</span></a> Starting next week when we are back to our 'normal' routine we're going to start a chore card system. This allows everyone to pick a certain number of chores each day (not knowing what the chore is) and put back one or two of the cards they choose. This will help everyone know what to expect at chores, and eliminate the complaining that comes when mom assigns chores.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">Assigned seating in the car:</span> FINALLY (I've been thinking about doing this for years) we decided to implement assigned seating in the car that will be rotated weekly. We already have next week figured out. WOO-HOO!!! Just doing this one thing will resolve a lot of the drama!!</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">Posted Schedules:</span> I'm recommitting myself to type up a schedule for each day. I did this really well for a few months earlier this year, and then for some reason stopped being so diligent at it. I can tell a HUGE difference in the kids when they know what is expected of them, and how the day is going to flow. I think we can all appreciate the sense of comfort that comes when we know what others expect of us.</li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">The BK Jar:</span></span> Ever since last conference I've been trying to figure out how to get our family to do a 'Warm Fuzzy' jar. I tried to do one months ago, and it never really took off. Well, tonight during our family meeting it hit me. Now was the time. It all started when I we were talking about our goal to be kinder and say kind things to each other. This conversation transitioned into a talk about coming up with a key word we could say to help someone who was caught in the act of saying or doing something unkind that would help them recognize what they were doing and get them to stop. Jarom and Megan said what about saying 'BK' for Be Kind. I loved it and so did Scott so I said what about starting a warm fuzzy jar around this goal we have for our family. We finally decided that anytime you were 'BK'ed' (caught in the act of not being kind) and were able to stop right away you could put in a warm fuzzy. We also decided if you stopped in the act yourself you should put in a warm fuzzy. And finally we said if you were kind to someone you were being kind and should put a warm fuzzy in. Then, we discussed what the reward should be when the jar get's full. Someone laughed and said...since its a BK Jar we should all go to Burger King (aka BK) and get whatever we want off the menu. The kids were thrilled, and I was too!!!</li></ol><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VJnVuPUVvFOsFpB1dMVWwpMlxAKyYkOLYiEDpNwqp8EDctOfE0rLkdOrg4XDTx8I5mNTzDnLACE8lC4XKxNsunQNk9tcFXJA2eRdZ_97iKoDgcVg_FrFI_GPdjDPI5FtVW9lcqZQPWTX/s1600/bkjar.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VJnVuPUVvFOsFpB1dMVWwpMlxAKyYkOLYiEDpNwqp8EDctOfE0rLkdOrg4XDTx8I5mNTzDnLACE8lC4XKxNsunQNk9tcFXJA2eRdZ_97iKoDgcVg_FrFI_GPdjDPI5FtVW9lcqZQPWTX/s400/bkjar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461680462718331298" border="0" /></a>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-30675696904770124062010-04-15T23:40:00.000-07:002010-04-16T00:04:27.541-07:00So many great ideas out there...Okay...its late, and I'm up reading, and having fun getting caught up on some of my favorite blogs. I just found this great idea, and have to share it. Its called a Friday Group, and think I want to start one...anyone interested? <a href="http://lauragunn.typepad.com/paintinmyhair/2010/02/ode-to-friday.html">Here's</a> the link to read all about it, but basically its a group of four women who spend 2-3 hours together each week and help each other out with whatever the host needs help with...LOVE IT!!!<br /><br />I also LOVE this idea. This gal covered these <a href="http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2010/04/craft-room-part-1.html">homemade boxes</a> with fabric...SO FUN!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqZuMB7fpRe1RE8hPDd_GM2Qtvo2p4mDr1BmzuEgsnxU4AE-SqSNgmwbF-SSi-ubowGZTCOQ5vSnjZSZAzUi7JUG8IkpAh-6FlymRTq1LtnZCCO53q_RnUP6BZOv3oCqkODOvSLhyphenhyphenY0R8/s1600/boxes"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqZuMB7fpRe1RE8hPDd_GM2Qtvo2p4mDr1BmzuEgsnxU4AE-SqSNgmwbF-SSi-ubowGZTCOQ5vSnjZSZAzUi7JUG8IkpAh-6FlymRTq1LtnZCCO53q_RnUP6BZOv3oCqkODOvSLhyphenhyphenY0R8/s400/boxes" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460626221144434258" border="0" /></a><br />And isn't this a <a href="http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2010/04/craft-room-part-2.html">stinking cute clock</a>?! I'm trying to liven up my craft/sewing room a bit, so these are great cheap ideas!! Okay now I need to find time to do it...LOL!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukWvqObSyxlQ40UbYHgUXNt3OSc7Aaj73oPNXqE0oA01NYH_D5wYGwoabrvpIUGP0zoo2UTU82ETb5dMstSRah6Kc_ZLccnp-QaaTV1uEF0vJM8oS-k20pgASydcSD0ZvTQ9WUhyphenhyphenZFY_J/s1600/clock.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukWvqObSyxlQ40UbYHgUXNt3OSc7Aaj73oPNXqE0oA01NYH_D5wYGwoabrvpIUGP0zoo2UTU82ETb5dMstSRah6Kc_ZLccnp-QaaTV1uEF0vJM8oS-k20pgASydcSD0ZvTQ9WUhyphenhyphenZFY_J/s400/clock.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460626920622925234" border="0" /></a>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-62000015758358455702010-04-15T23:16:00.000-07:002010-04-16T09:12:57.314-07:00Loving Life!!Its kind of funny because this week has been a week of extremes. Emotionally...I went from totally losing it on Monday...to feeling this almost of out of body sensation of joy and peace today. Part of me wishes I could have skipped Monday all together, I mean it was just a terribly miserable day. Then, I think of the joy and peace I feel today, and wondered, if it isn't in part a result of the journey I went through this week (including Monday). Hitting a low helped me work towards, and really embrace the high I feel today.<br /><br />Tonight at a book discussion I attended, we discussed Great Expectations, and at some point in the night we talked about the power of life's experiences, and the growth and perspective that <span style="font-weight: bold;">can </span>come from these times in our life <span style="font-weight: bold;">IF</span> we choose it. WOW!! What a great lesson to remember yet again. This life is about BECOMING not achieving or checking off a list of items, or getting through a day, or purchasing an item, or anything else that simply helps us climb another rung on the latter. NO!!! Its about changing, learning, loving, and BECOMING!!<br /><br />So even though on Monday I lost it, today I am BECOMING something maybe even as a result of that experience on Monday. Tonight as I type this I'm LOVING LIFE, and excited about the unlimited possibilities that lay before me. I'm saying goodbye (yet again) to a life of mediocrity and HELLO to a life of INTENTION!! I'm going to intentionally choose to love, intentionally choose to grow, intentionally choose to conquer my fears, and intentionally choose to...fill in the blank, which will hopefully allow me to intentionally choose to become who I am suppose to become...this is so exciting!!!<br /><br />In general conference they described this process so perfectly when one of the general authorities quoted President Monson saying:<br /><br />"LEARN what you need to LEARN...DO what you need to DO...BE who you need to BE!!"<br /><br />I think I'm going to put that up on my wall. What a great motto to live by. During conference they didn't call it TJed, but that doesn't matter. Over and over the leaders preached the principles of relationships, learning, growing, and BECOMING!!! These are the principles of the gospel, the principle of The Thomas Jefferson Education, the principles of freedom (for country and self), but most importantly to me they are the principles of truth and happiness. We weren't just sent here to make it through...we were sent here to BECOME GREAT!!!<br /><br />Life is good, and I'm loving every second of it.Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-78614284892211495182010-04-13T09:52:00.000-07:002010-04-13T10:22:47.257-07:00Living in the land of overwhelm...For the last few days I've been living in the land of overwhelmed. I have a nice list of things I need to tackle, and for some reason I've been doing everything in my power to create road blocks to prevent me from tackling them.<br /><br />Yesterday was especially crazy...just one example is my sweet 2 year old who changed her clothes 6 times, destroyed my laundry room 4 times (and I'm in the middle of folding and washing right now so it was messy), decided to 'swim' in the irrigation, discovered the chocolate chips (and helped herself to them), emptied out 4 glasses of water on the floor of the the dental office (don't you love it when they have the water dispenser in the lobby), oh yes and helped the 1 year old sister draw all over her face with a sharpie.<br /><br />Normally it would have just been one of those days...however because it happened to take place in the middle of a out of control purge week (which has made the house SUPER messy), I started to lose it!! So, as you can imagine last night I finally had a melt down...my list was growing, the house was getting dirtier, and I was starting to feel sorry for myself!!! I seriously started to freak out...I don't like to lose control of my life, and I could see it starting to slip away from me...one room, one mess, one child at a time.<br /><br />After all the kids were in bed I walked into the laundry room to fold the last load of clothes, and discovered to my horror a VERY dirty laundry room. After throwing a 2 year old tantrum I pulled myself together. I had a realization and a decided it was time for ACTION not despair.<br /><ol><li>I had a half torn apart...half organized house that needed to get DONE!!</li><li>I had a dinner issue that I needed to fix.</li><li>I had a exercise issue that I was SO done with.</li><li>I had gotten out of our 'normal' routine and needed to get us back on schedule.</li><li>I had a disciple/respect/dependency issue with the kiddos that was my fault and I was ready to get working on it again!</li></ol>It felt good to identify the problems so I could figure out how to attack them. Here were my solutions:<br /><ol><li>Purge Issue: The house would be put back together by Thursday!</li><li>Dinner Issue: I was going to start doing the <a href="http://www.30mealsinoneday.com/index.php">freezer meals</a> next week!! And would cook one day for a month of meals!</li><li>Exercise Issue: I have never been able to consistently go to the gym and now with homeschooling that is even more unrealistic. So I decided to do the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.ActiveTrainer.com">Couch Potato to 5K </a>program. I actually found an iPhone app that helps you implement the program. I'm going to start this next week on Monday, and I am SO EXCITED!!!</li><li>Routine Issue: I am going to spend time on Friday thinking about what our current family routine should look like for the next few months. I'm then going to write it down, and post it all over the house!!! WOO-HOO!! I'm feeling better already.</li><li>Discipline: I'm going to re-read <a href="http://teachingselfgovernment.com/">Nicholeen Peck's</a> book and get <a href="http://store.reallove.com/">Real Love in Parenting</a> and read them both this weekend. I think this will be just the shot in the arm I need to feel like I CAN be the amazing parent I want to be!!</li></ol>I know it all starts with ME!!! So I'm ready to get the 'issues' I've been putting off figured out so I can BE the person I'm meant to BE!!!Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-80220346634584674912010-04-04T23:16:00.000-07:002010-04-04T23:17:08.874-07:00The Art of Becoming...Over the past week I've been reading Plutarch's Lives. I'm taking an online class for the heck of it, and we're studying The Great Books from the Western World. This is my second one-month class. I've learned so much and its hard to believe that only a month ago I didn't even realize that such a series existed. For those of you who aren't familiar with it...The Great Books of the Western World is a 54 volume series that includes the original works of important literature, writings, philosophy, history, etc... that has really made the western world what it is today. Talk about AMAZING stuff. Granted its a bit overwhelming, but its also exciting. It starts with ancient Greece stuff, and ends with Freud. During my first class we read Plato, Socrates, Aristophanes, and Aristotle. This month we are reading some of the writings of Plutarch, Aristotle, and the entire books of Matthew and Acts. I've finished the Plutarch reading, and I'm half way through Aristotle. <br /><br />I must say that so far I am amazed at these men (okay except for Aristophanes...I'm not sure what to think of some of his plays). A few days ago, I finished reading Plutarch's writings about Lycurgus and Numa...and then this weekend I watched conference and my mind was swimming with all the uplifting information. Plutarch was an influential man (and was actually for a short time the king) in Sparta. He's agenda's and initiatives helped create the culture and stigma many of us think of when we hear of the warring city-state of Sparta. Numa, (whom Plutarch compared and contrasted him with) on the other hand was the second king of Rome. Unwilling at first to become the king, his legacy was one of taking a war loving people, and inspiring them to become a peaceful people. Ironically as Plutarch says, "...both were aimed at the same design and intent, which was to bring their people to moderation and frugality; but of other virtues, the one set his affection most on fortitude, and the other on justice. Numa did not out of cowardice or fear affect peace, but because he would not be guilty of injustice; nor did Lycurgus promote a spirit of war in his people that they might do injustice to others, but that they might protect themselves by it." Its interesting as I read more about these two leaders how who these leaders were inside and what they believed in on a very personal level made all the difference in how they solved their nation's problems and their ability to change their people's hearts. <br /><br />Today, during conference someone quoted President Monson and it really struck me. "Learn what you must learn. Do what you must do. Be what you must be." How simple this statement is, but how profound. The more and more I learn the more I realize this is a pattern that is taught in all good inspired literature. We can not inspire, lead, teach, or help others if we haven't gone through this circle ourselves. Just as so many leaders throughout history follow this pattern...so does Numa. He was voted in to become the King, because the people recognized him as a virtuous man. He was who they all wanted to be. He was religious, content, happy, knowledgeable, kind, authentic...Plutarch described him as "a shining and conspicuous example of virtue..." he went on to say, "virtue in the life of their prince will bring them spontaneously to virtue, and to a conformity with that blameless and blessed life of good-will and mutual concord, supported by temperance and justice, which is the highest benefit that human means can confer; and it is the truest ruler who can best introduce it into the hearts of practice of his subjects." Numa was able to turn a war loving people into a peace loving people by love and example not force. Numa was the person he expected his people to be. (I must digress here for just a moment to define virtue according to Aristotle. Aristotle defined virtue as 'fulfilling the measure of your creation.' Or said in another way 'doing what we were created to do!' Understanding this definition will helps clarify what I mean as I continue to use virtue as a defining quality in good men and women throughout history.) <br /><br />Today I was reading Politics by Aristotle, and he wrote, "in some sense virtue...has actually the greatest power of exercising force...power seems to imply virtue." Then in conference I heard a talk preaching this same principle. The talk was about teaching and leading others, and how we can only do that when we ARE the example of what we want those we are leading to BE. It was as if this weekend I needed to understand this principle of learning, doing, and being. I saw it in Numa as described by Plutarch. I read it in the words of Aristotle. I listened to it in a talk from a general authority during conference, and in during a lecture about Greatness by Dan Ralphs on Friday. <br /><br />I once heard someone say that information is simply a collection of data that can be obtained in many different ways...HOWEVER knowledge requires DOING, ACTING, and APPLYING all that information. The process of DOING turns information into knowledge, and changes me so I can BE who I need to BE! If I ever expect myself to be able to lead and inspire others (especially my children) I must BE who I want them to BE. It all starts with me. I realize with more clarity how much learning, doing, and becoming I still have to do so I have the ability to lead my family on the path of virtue...I have got so much to do, because I have to BE who I want them to BE! Thank goodness I am starting to understand the cycle of Becoming!Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-87471110828844949582010-03-26T00:29:00.000-07:002010-03-26T00:32:39.711-07:00Bike Basket...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6kT6pdHabbnzj-6_W-R8OQc8R9yH0Om1x2zmT_LpAtdVW5YzUtG3WHx9N4XUFZUeynv6mT7HiyFvEn58C-gK50EVf4rS-BrFfdlJA6dTXtxtO1OnF4JDYReN8w5rAA5KtdiPWDuHIfAz/s1600/bikebasket.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6kT6pdHabbnzj-6_W-R8OQc8R9yH0Om1x2zmT_LpAtdVW5YzUtG3WHx9N4XUFZUeynv6mT7HiyFvEn58C-gK50EVf4rS-BrFfdlJA6dTXtxtO1OnF4JDYReN8w5rAA5KtdiPWDuHIfAz/s400/bikebasket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452841501656902002" border="0" /></a><br />Okay I just had to share this ADORABLE girl bike basket with you all. I may try to make this for Megan if I can figure out how to follow the tutorial. I can already envision all the books she could put in it, or the little picnic lunch she'd want to pack inside of it...SO FUN!!! Click <a href="http://alemonsqueezyhome.blogspot.com/2010/03/vintage-bike-basket-tutorial.html">HERE </a>to check out the tutorial. If you make it PLEASE let me know how it goes...oh how I wish I were more crafty!!Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-49476376974717110362010-03-25T00:14:00.000-07:002010-03-26T00:32:56.299-07:00The Closet?! What's in it...and what is it again?!<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">What does the closet look like?!</span></span><br />The closet actually doesn't have to be a closet...its just something that holds all the things you want to inspire your kids about. It could be a bookcase, plastic bin, suitcase on wheels, etc... I know when I first heard about the closet I was so put out. I thought that I couldn't make this TJed ingredient work for my family, because I didn't have an actual closet in that house that would work. So never fear...even a box would work, because the concept of a closet isn't the closet itself...its the idea of having a time, a place, and an opportunity to engage with your kids.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">So what's in the closet?!</span></span><br />Really anything could be in your closet, but here are a few of the things that were talked about during this amazing class...oh and I've added a few of my own.<br /><ul><li>Toys</li><li>Crafts</li><li>Material for projects (old socks, buttons, thread, etc...)</li><li>Rocks</li><li>Books from the library</li><li>Kits of whatever kind</li><li>Cards/Letters/Paper</li><li>Crayons</li><li>Broken things to take apart</li><li>Workbooks/Curriculum</li><li>Sewing box</li><li>A box of junk</li><li>Cake Mix</li><li>Clay</li><li>Stuff to make a volcano</li><li>Scrap booking paper</li><li> Pictures</li><li>Family History Books</li><li>ANYTHING!!!</li></ul><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">How do I know what to put in my closet?</span></span><br />First of all you should always be adding to, and taking things from the closet. This keeps things exciting, and helps keep the magic of the closet alive so you can inspire your kids. But how do you know what to put in your closet? I loved how she addressed this issue. There were two main points:<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have a Family Plan</span> for the year/month/week and use that plan to know what you want your kids to learn about. Then put items into the closet to help guide them in those directions.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Respond to sparks</span>. So if your child is interested in a particular subject or topic respond by putting items in the closet that feed their fire and keep them excited about learning!!<br /></li></ul>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-82524981825002103442010-03-23T09:31:00.000-07:002010-03-23T09:36:28.978-07:00Book Purse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwDRGBvxt_p6ku2rbRz5brNe-te4392qTjmRZJvl_DIhsmGnCkKSIsKLxsL1YK2TrGeJ-qDI4kHW1rP4Zyg53nTPSUnJdu0d_DIgiHUuXPuAyR2kCmT3uIZhpU6KaeP9wH0oEbMzv8LHd/s1600-h/bookpurse"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwDRGBvxt_p6ku2rbRz5brNe-te4392qTjmRZJvl_DIhsmGnCkKSIsKLxsL1YK2TrGeJ-qDI4kHW1rP4Zyg53nTPSUnJdu0d_DIgiHUuXPuAyR2kCmT3uIZhpU6KaeP9wH0oEbMzv8LHd/s400/bookpurse" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451867918270061186" border="0" /></a><br />Okay I think this is about the cutest thing I've ever seen. Especially when you're a book lover like me!! <a href="http://www.hungrypanda.net/blog/2010/02/thing-a-day-book-purses-bang-for-the-last-day/">Here</a> is the tutorial on how to make it. I haven't made one of my own yet, but I'm now on the look out for cute, old, hard covered books to turn into purses.Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-39211333948758480742010-03-22T22:06:00.000-07:002010-03-22T22:47:07.835-07:00Highlights from this weekend...Tonight I was looking over my notes from the classes I took this weekend, and I thought it might help me process everything if I wrote down some of my favorite things I learned. So here it goes...I'll start with one tonight and then try to keep adding one new idea from the conference each day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOoyVw6eHAr8mq3Xkr9W8tODKXYEdPAdBPQjNr_b1AR9uB4gWm9rCsbB2gzV2N62H232r17WqGeb1xV35EUJcdkviMfY8Cg8loIyUeH1sIcEHUwFHrhWnqmz-sRhgPPmKbSc8Q_Hu2gC6/s1600-h/toycloset_1_after_410.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOoyVw6eHAr8mq3Xkr9W8tODKXYEdPAdBPQjNr_b1AR9uB4gWm9rCsbB2gzV2N62H232r17WqGeb1xV35EUJcdkviMfY8Cg8loIyUeH1sIcEHUwFHrhWnqmz-sRhgPPmKbSc8Q_Hu2gC6/s400/toycloset_1_after_410.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451700730194109522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Disclaimer: This is not a picture of my 'Closet.' Its actually just my inspiration picture...you know the picture that helps you see what you're trying to accomplish...which is order, intention, simplicity, purpose, power, learning, enthusiasm, etc...I do hope that mine will be this organized very soon!!)<br /><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">#1: The Closet:</span></span> This class was amazing!! I have a whole new appreciation for the importance of having a 'closet' in any home that is used to inspire our children to play, learn, interact, explore, and enjoy the journey. The gal that presented this class had no children still living at home. I'm not sure she ever homeschooled any of her children, but she had always used the 'closet' idea that is talked about in TJed circles even though she hadn't ever heard of TJed. I just LOVED this fact, because truth is truth! This wonderful gal talked about how every home could really benefit from 'The Closet.' Why?! Because it provides a tool that facilitates relationships, love, learning, and bonding. There were 5 Rules of Engagement that one must live by to make 'The Closet' really work...here they are:<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have Consistent Structured Time:</span> She described this by saying that every day we should have a time set aside that 'The Closet' is open. This helps keep the closet exciting, and keeps kids guessing what they might find in the closet the next day. Have a certain time set aside each day that 'The Closet' is open helps create a nature, consistent, comfortable flow to our day. If you are homeschooling she said that 'The Closet' could instigate the beginning of the structured portion of your learning time. </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be PRESENT:: </span> I thought this was such a good reminder of how important it is to really be 100% present with our kids. She described being present as gathering your children around you and then engaging with them. Get on the floor if they are little and play with them, sit next to them and read, help them with their school work, and just make sure they all know that this is their time to be 100% with you. This sounds so simple, but is SO hard to actually do without getting distracted with other household duties. I'm more committed to have Closet time be the time when I am 100% PRESENT!!!</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">LOCK IT:</span> Not literally...but she did encourage us to stick with the time we set aside and to not be afraid to clean up when its time to clean up (even if you have a child that is totally involved with an item that belongs in the closet). I almost gasped when she said this...what I thought interrupt learning?! But her explanation made perfect sense. If 'The Closet' is always open it loses some of its magic and will eventually become uninteresting to the children. On the other hand, if the closet is always opened and then closed at the prescribed times it will encourage learning, anticipation, and planning for the whole family. Stopping a child who is in the middle of a project, book, game, or toy that belongs in the closet will only make him all the more excited for the next prescribed closet time to arrive.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">SPICE IT UP: </span> Always be taking things out and adding things to the closet! This will help keep the kids excited for 'Closet' time. It also allows you to introduce things that you'd like the kids to learn about. However, she reminded us that being consistent, and being present were much more important than always trying to spice it up.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLANNING:</span> In order to keep 'The Closet' effective you need to plan ahead. This starts with a year long master inspire plan, that is fulfilled by quarterly, monthly, and weekly planning. She quoted the following statement, "If you haven't planned ahead then its already to late to do something today."<br /></li></ul>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6823743951063457995.post-39577179330649926532010-03-22T08:41:00.000-07:002010-03-22T09:35:19.452-07:00What now?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14stbJHW6Dk6ckePBfckh_PP0w6JH_CpUe9X3XQMUsXT2p2kqDJBnH0-d7-9VgTjfze8mz6FAltg_c2Pom3pC6G3MPSHqtyX_01X4c151HxL-hUK5ZqOsDWWWrywmB4fYjofrw-g454TG/s1600-h/TJEd_Mktplce_Logo_LoRes_web.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14stbJHW6Dk6ckePBfckh_PP0w6JH_CpUe9X3XQMUsXT2p2kqDJBnH0-d7-9VgTjfze8mz6FAltg_c2Pom3pC6G3MPSHqtyX_01X4c151HxL-hUK5ZqOsDWWWrywmB4fYjofrw-g454TG/s400/TJEd_Mktplce_Logo_LoRes_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451484669849723970" border="0" /></a>This last weekend I was able to go to the TJed Forum in Salt Lake City. Stephanie and I flew up on Thursday, and stayed with our wonderful dear friend Tricia Cope!! (Thanks Tricia you were SO amazing to let us stay with you, and get to hang out with your family for a few days.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGo7QySOFvqLcHahesBY2zV6Dz7Y1MbCEcGoBcRTL1ziklq47SHfHcXH1eoWSReVKr5zLWQXOKBV71o-lltOZA2DXmSAuCEvtoFkXsZIFZFF4m9urv0bnoiTpHXQIlb7mJBoBSotr-8nP/s1600-h/arbinger_logo.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 64px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGo7QySOFvqLcHahesBY2zV6Dz7Y1MbCEcGoBcRTL1ziklq47SHfHcXH1eoWSReVKr5zLWQXOKBV71o-lltOZA2DXmSAuCEvtoFkXsZIFZFF4m9urv0bnoiTpHXQIlb7mJBoBSotr-8nP/s400/arbinger_logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451487626146071410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" >DAY ONE:</span> On Friday (after getting into a 4 car accident on the freeway...thank goodness we were in front and weren't hurt to bad) we attended a Arbinger Institute seminar. It was so healing. One of the founders of the Arbinger Institute wrote The Peace Giver, and then Arbinger is responsible for books like The Anatomy of Peace, Bonds That Make Us Free, Leadership and Self Deception, The Choice, etc... I could go on and on about what I learned, but my big AH-HA was RELATIONSHIPS!! I was reminded how important relationships are, and given skills, tools, and insights on how to keep my relationships healthy, strong, and vibrant!! Stephanie, Tricia, and I left feeling recharged, and uplifted!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQAuQ0Ps_WEgIVdyDci1J9uNB5nM-b8MhvQWgxdR4aaYZ_WnvtImq07EWVXzOD-PJVJ8nMs8Ksdc72UplCLRW1GZqPDVy1IigTYut4XwavolfRDtGvy1vVEvDrPxikTHip_OqqKDVk5dM/s1600-h/Keynote_with_audience.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQAuQ0Ps_WEgIVdyDci1J9uNB5nM-b8MhvQWgxdR4aaYZ_WnvtImq07EWVXzOD-PJVJ8nMs8Ksdc72UplCLRW1GZqPDVy1IigTYut4XwavolfRDtGvy1vVEvDrPxikTHip_OqqKDVk5dM/s400/Keynote_with_audience.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451484424116063842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">DAY TWO:</span></span> On Saturday we attended the amazing TJed SLC Forum. Its my third year going, and I wasn't disappointed. I think some of my non-TJed friends think when I go to something like this that we probably talk all about homeschooling tricks, tips, and techniques...and I think it that was the case I would have long tired of it. Thomas Jefferson Education is way of life and is based on principles that complement my core religious beliefs. TJed as I like to call it is based on 8 keys and 4 phases. I've listed them below, but to really find out more you should read A Thomas Jefferson Education or click <a href="http://www.tjed.org/tjed/intro">HERE</a> for a good online resource.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">The 8 keys are:</span><br />1. Classics not Textbooks<br />2. Mentors not Professors<br />3. Inspire not Require<br />4. Structure Time not Content<br />5. Quality not Conformity<br />6. Simplicity not Complexity<br />7. You not Them<br />8. Secure not Stressed<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;">The 4 Phases:</span><br />1. Core Phase<br />2. Love of Learning Phase<br />3. Scholar Phase<br />4. Depth Phase<br /><br />The reason I wanted to explain that first is that TJed is so much more than the way I've decided to educate my children. Its a lifestyle of learning, loving, relationships, intention, virtue, spirituality, etc...that translates into a life of fulfillment, service, and happiness. So whenever I go to a training based on these TJed principles its so much than homeschooling. In fact, most of the time its more about the principles of living a happy fulfilled life, than about homeschooling. I guess this makes sense to me because, you can't really do anything well if your life isn't healthy, intentional, and based on true principles. The more my soul is feed and understands truth the more I am successful at everything I am trying to do.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">What now?!</span></span><br />Since Saturday evening I've been process everything I learned this weekend. Last night I was anticipating a new day of life, work, homeschooling, and family ahead of me. As I prayed last night, I asked to know how to implement all this amazing knowledge I learned. I keep a little notebook by my bed to write down inspiration as it comes to me after praying. My husband encouraged me to start doing this, and its been an amazing experience, and has helped me act on and remember more flashes of personal revelation than ever before.<br /><br />So, back to last night. I was praying for help to know what to do, and had the most amazing experience. I felt direction and inspiration come to my mind and began to understand that it was time to start implementing some things, keeping somethings the same, and tweak some things that I'd been putting off. It was time to find peace, create more order, and get even more intentional.<br /><br />I'm so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the way learning and studying classical literature, history, and science enhances my testimony, understanding, and gratitude for my Savior Jesus Christ. The principles of The Thomas Jefferson Education are principles of FREEDOM. Not only in the sense of political freedom (although that is part of it), but FREEDOM from sin, hate, ignorance, apathy, laziness, depression, fear, worldliness, etc... It has equiped me with knowledge and KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!! The kind of power that can make each day amazing, because we have the power to understand ourselves, others, the world, and the plan God has for us!!<br /><br />So now after being feed amazing uplifting information all weekend long at the TJed Forum and then at church on Sunday I feel more power to tackle my problems, improve my situation, and make my life even better than it was before.<br /><br />Oh this is getting really exciting!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14stbJHW6Dk6ckePBfckh_PP0w6JH_CpUe9X3XQMUsXT2p2kqDJBnH0-d7-9VgTjfze8mz6FAltg_c2Pom3pC6G3MPSHqtyX_01X4c151HxL-hUK5ZqOsDWWWrywmB4fYjofrw-g454TG/s1600-h/TJEd_Mktplce_Logo_LoRes_web.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14stbJHW6Dk6ckePBfckh_PP0w6JH_CpUe9X3XQMUsXT2p2kqDJBnH0-d7-9VgTjfze8mz6FAltg_c2Pom3pC6G3MPSHqtyX_01X4c151HxL-hUK5ZqOsDWWWrywmB4fYjofrw-g454TG/s1600-h/TJEd_Mktplce_Logo_LoRes_web.jpg"><br /></a>Martineau Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15178953166165931842noreply@blogger.com3