Late night transactions........

 ( Organic " Belles")

 ( Ana & I loading the dehydrator for the first time...)

 ( Liam's favorite....muffins !)

( our first batch of dried Belle's using the electric dehydrator)

Late one dark rainy evening there was a knock at the door....a stealthy figure motions towards the trunk of an older model sedan.......as not to draw to much attention....there was a quick exchange of cash and the deal was done..........60lbs of the most splendid organic apples were ours !!!

Thanks Ms. Nicole you sure know how to hook a girl up.....:)))

Every Sunday we enjoy a heart breakfast....this morning it's blueberry pancakes....

 ( apparently these are aliens, cyclopes & road blocks monsters )

 ( who me....my cheeks are not full of blueberries......)

( my little chef....)

Port McNeill Volunteer Fire Department Open House

How are things going having them all home fulltime?

Is now the question I am asked most...which is usually follow by various versions of  " I couldn't never do it...."  I find it interesting to listen to the kids explain what it is that they do all day.  When they went to "public school" they had many totally "politically correct" answers to this question.  These were all very standardized...pretty much what any child would say when asked.  It took a lot of trust for them to open up and actually share what school was truly like !

Our days/weeks are spent learning to enjoy learning again.......

For Creativity/Artistic/Therapy/Passion

 ( I am Thankful posters....)

 ( playing dress-up and games of imagination with friends)

Reading/Langauging/Comprehending

 ( we LOVE visiting libraries...)

Writing/Technology/Relationship Development

 ( writing letters & emails )

Mathematics/ Live Skills

 ( the kitchen is the greatest classroom....)

 ( money math is so much better when using " real" moola)

 ( playing board games create endless learning/skill building opportunities)

( reading labels - choosing the safest/healthiest/budget friendly option)

Are just a few examples.......we also add in Ranger's, Pathfinder's, Guides, swimming lesson's, play dates, gymnastics, field trips, book work for some, Homelearner's group, audio books, church activities, travel, therapy, gardening and tonnes of socializing just to name a few......

Don't get me wrong it's not all sunshine & rainbows......we still have "gremlins", FASD, Attachment disorders/trauma,  ADHD and 3 out of 5 of us still are and will always be considered " highly sensitive".....what as most definently improved is our ability to manage the effect of all of these "labels".

Thanks Giving - Gluten & Dairy Free

Roasted Turkey

( Unstuffed)

Bakes Ham

Roasted Potatoes

Smashed Carrots & Rutabaga

Peas & Corn

Bakes Yams

Green Salad

Bread and Butter Pickles

Cranberry Sauce

Bubbley Cranberry Juice

 and Soy Egg Nog

~

Pumpkin Pies

Mixed Berry Crisp

Funtastic Gymnastic's

( The older kids warming up before their session.......the weather was perfect for a jog to the beach and back !)

( Liam was so excited to work with Ms. Heidi again and to get to use the rings !!)

Yesterday we started our first session of gymnastics for the " school" year.  This go a round we are making the 30 minute trek into stories beach to Funtastic Gymnastics with several of the other homelearning families from Pt. McNeill.  The kids were so excited and had a blast !  We have split the kids in two groups ( 3 to 7yrs olds & 8 to 15yrs olds).  I am the only Momma with kids in both groups.  We are all so pleased that Heidi was willing to make a daytime slot for us.  Who knew OT could be some much fun !  

Sewing - Angry Birds

Thanks Mrs. Neilson for a great afternoon in the sun....boy your one patient women.....:)))