Seed Mosaics

We’ve been studying seeds in our Botany unit and so I thought it would be fun to make a craft/art project that would tie in with it. I purchased a few different kinds of bean seeds and lentils and peas so we could make some seed mosaics.

The kids first drew pencil sketches on a piece of cardboard. Then, we covered each section, one at a time, with glue. We then covered the glue with the seeds, making sure it was fully covered and then let the loose ones all off.

Eventually the whole picture was covered and the kids each had their own beautiful mosaic.

Austin made a tree and a flower.

Samara made an orange tree (it was originally an apple tree but we had no red seeds). the picture keeps loading sideways for some reason.

Victoria made a fish swimming in water.

Cr@wford L@ke

Last week we were able to spend an afternoon at Cr@wford L@ke with some friends. What a great time we all had. It was so neat to see, touch, and experience some of the things we have been learning about in our Canadian Natives study. I think our favourite part was the longhouse. It was so cool to see how people lived so many years ago – what they ate, where they slept, how they played, etc. Our guide was great and explained everything so well to the kids.

Actually I think the walk afterwards was just as exciting. The weather was so perfect . . . an amazing Fall day! We got to enjoy a really neat boardwalk through the forest and around the lake. Hanging outside with friends and enjoying God’s creativity in the beautiful colours of fall (and learning at the same time) . . . doesn’t get much better than that!

Little Artists

I walked into the room yesterday to find this:

Doesn't she look angry? When I asked her what was wrong, I braced myself expecting to hear a story all about how one of her siblings mistreated her. But instead I was met with silence. Upon further investigation, I realized that Samara was standing completely still, like a statue, so that Victoria and Austin could draw her. She was being the perfect model. In fact, I tried everything to get her to smile or laugh but nothing worked. She continued to stand perfectly still, not even cracking a smile. I was the only one laughing!

Austin's masterpiece:

Victoria's masterpiece:

Samara's self-portrait:

And then Samara proceeded to draw Austin - superman suit and all:

Chores . . . the lazy way!

Victoria and Austin usually take turns unloading the dishwasher. This is how I found Victoria the other day accomplishing the task when it was her turn. I guess it's one way to get the job done.

The run

Another year, another run. This was my fifth year participating in this particular run and it was by far the coldest! Victoria was feeling bad for me that I had to run in this weather. She said, "poor Mommy, you're gonna be so cold". I explained to her that in fact, out of all of us, I would be the warmest as I was the only one running. I felt bad for them having to stand in the cold wind and even a little rain as they waited for me to cross the finish line. I do love having them there though and hearing their little "go Mommy" cheers as I run. I even got a few high fives as I passed by.

I wish there didn't have to be organizations and runs such as these but since there are and since we continue to fight this dreaded disease, the least I can do is run year after year. Thanks to all those who sponsored me. Your support means a lot and the donations go to a great cause.

I feel blessed

For the last two days I've been completely spoiled. This year, our church was one of the host sites for the above mentioned summit. Mike and I were able to attend and let me tell you - it was AWESOME! We sat and listened to amazing speakers who inspired and challenged us. If you have the opportunity to go next year . . . GO! It was great to get away from the every day routine and listen to some incredible leaders.

On top of that, I got to hang out with my hubby - lunch dates two days in a row. Our kids were in the very capable hands of Grandma Carmody. It wouldn't have been possible without her - thank you Peggy, we appreciate you!

Anyway, I'm feeling very blessed. I'm so thankful that there are wise men and women willing to share their insight, experience and humour (there were a lot of laughs) with the rest of the world. I'm so glad I got to be part of it. I learned a lot.

It's time to run . . .

Sunday is the day. If you're interested in sponsoring me and donating to a great cause, click here or on the link on my sidebar.

I appreciate your support.

Thank you!

Penguins

We just finished reading Mr. Popper's Penguins together and when I saw this craft online, I thought it would be the perfect activity to wrap it up. I forgot to take pictures of the kids actually doing the craft. They used potatoes for the penguins and the tip of a small make-up sponge for the beaks and feet. The background was also done using a sponge. I think they turned out pretty cute and the kids had a lot of fun making them.

(By the way, I have no idea why blogger flipped my first two pictures. I tried multiple times to repost them but I couldn't get them the right way. If anyone knows what to do about it, please let me know. In the meantime, you'll just have to turn your head sideways!)

Denver and Maodo

Denver is definitely going to miss Maodo. He loved having another big brother for nine days and Maodo loved him too. He always made time to tickle Denver or help him with something or give him a piggyback ride. It was so cute. I loved watching the little bond they had.

A sad good bye

Bright and early this morning (notice Denver still has his pj's on), we were off to bring Maodo to the bus. The nine days went by really fast. We enjoyed having him at our place and by the sounds of it, he had a great time too. Hopefully we're able to keep in touch and this won't be our final goodbye!