1. Cleaning
I am writing this on my break from my second-floor cleaning while the kids are earning their "Kids of Steel" mile downstairs (see #2). KOS is a nice break in the day and it gets them up and moving around during this string of reallllyyyyy cold days. (see #3) The house was decluttered and deep-cleaned during our successive Christmas/New Years visits and I'm trying to keep up with the routine. Since school has restarted, the clutter is again winning but at least I can keep the dust bunnies at bay.
Not even sure where I found this but it is an excellent way to combine physical education and nutrition requirements for the second half of the year. Over a four-month training period, the kids earn "miles" that will ultimately equal a marathon (or in our case, more, since even for us, that's a lot of time to achieve the goal). The miles can be an actual mile that is run or walked or any 20 minutes of exercise that causes them to breathe heavily (see: pushing little siblings around in the snow for an hour). They are able to "complete" the last mile during the fun run for the Pittsburgh Marathon or pass.
In addition, they are encouraged to try new fruits/nuts/beans/veggies during the four months. I kind of wish they would do this in the summer/fall since there are more things available but, for now, it's been amazing what they're willing to try.
Our fruit this week was a pummelo, kind of a sweeter, less fleshy grapefruit. The judges were less-than-enthused. They also gave a "thumbs down" to avocado. Fine with me and Mr. G...more for us!
Tonight will be turnip greens, steamed with butter and lemon, with our fish fry. I can't expect ovations. It's enough that they are willing to try.
3. Winter's Arrival
Finally, winter has made an appearance. I'm thrilled. I was out this morning shoveling the walk (not that it matters since the wind just blows it right back into place). It's one of my favorite activities. Alas, due to that darn wind, we have been forced to keep the little people inside (today was the third consecutive 2-hour delay for the schools with a sub-zero wind chill at bus time). At least it's been good for discussions about weather, thinking about negative numbers and looking at God's beauty in the form of sudden blizzard conditions. I am so thankful that we can do all of this from our warm nest.
The snow didn't come out in the pictures but it was beautiful in person!
4. Building boys
#2 and #3 have kind of taken over the 3rd floor playroom now that our friends have moved out. They are building all sorts of amazing structures and art installations! I love the way they look at the pieces and work until their vision is brought to life. I can do that sometimes with words, never with blocks and panels. It is a joy to watch the "brother builders" at work.
5. Back to Ordinary
On Monday we will begin to dismantle the mangers and the tree (although, as usual, it will probably stay up until Candlemas without the ornaments because one month just seems too short a time). It's always bittersweet. It will mean the house is less cluttered but a lot of the visuals that have had us rapt for the last few weeks will also be gone. What a splendid time to begin a new book before quiet time. The Life of Our Lord for Children by Marigold Hunt No deep theological thinking, just a nice overview of Jesus' life, by one of our well-loved authors.
This Spring is full of fun and informative activities: Confirmation, First Communion, 40 Days for Life, finishing school (hopefully), a trip South. We are so blessed with every day we have to spend here, with one another. I'm reading a book about vocations from a parent perspective (that doesn't sound right - it is vocation stories which are then examined in regard to the types of family into which the vocations came). More and more it seems that prayer, proper examples, and plenty of opportunity (the right opportunity) are the keys to raising children with eyes turned upward. In #1s swim lesson yesterday, the teacher told the little ones, "if you ever get out of breath from swimming too hard, turn over and lift your head to look up to the sky...then you will have all the rest you need." Who knew you would get such great life lessons at the JCC? ;0)
Wishing you all a happy close to the Christmas season and a blessed beginning to 2015. Do something every day to show your gratitude to the One from whom all blessings flow. God is so good...shouldn't we let Him know we noticed?
During a four-month training period children will earn miles to run the equivalent of a full marathon (26.2 miles) and taste new fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts along the way. Kids of STEEL culminates in one of two optional runs - See more at: http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/kidsofsteel#sthash.KxzLX1xM.dpuf
During a four-month training period children will earn miles to run the equivalent of a full marathon (26.2 miles) and taste new fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts along the way. Kids of STEEL culminates in one of two optional runs - See more at: http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/kidsofsteel#sthash.KxzLX1xM.dpuf
During
a four-month training period children will earn miles to run the
equivalent of a full marathon (26.2 miles) and taste new fruits,
vegetables, beans and nuts along the way. Kids of STEEL culminates in
one of two optional runs - See more at:
http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/kidsofsteel#sthash.KxzLX1xM.dpuf
We may have to get on board with that Kids of Steel program, too. Our thoughts are in the Steel City enough :^) We're actually doing a nutrition unit right now, and Abigail tried- and liked!- grapefruit today. Go figure!
ReplyDeleteLove that snow. Glad you are getting some, too :^)