Manners and Media

We have had quite an adventuresome summer thus far! Yesterday we went to the Phoenix Childrens Museum where we wore out all three kids and their cousin, known on this blog as TDH, who is fifteen. I knew that with the new "amazing maze" the museum recently installed, I would definitely need help keeping track of everyone! But, as they say, "fun was had by all".

After several hours of this fantastic fun, we drug ourselves to the car...the kids were so tired, they did not protest the departure. However, it was not meant to be! Approaching the car, I noticed it was leaning to one side. We had a flat tire! So, back inside we went, given the outside temp was well over 100 degrees! The kids did not complain about this either! One more (at least) time around the maze! TDH felt certain he could change the tire, so I let him attempt it. But, given the heat, and the fact that the spare was a barely-inflated donut, I decided to let Grandpa bail us out instead. We ended up trading cars with Grandpa which only required switching out the car seats. And then the final departure transpired.

There was little conversation on the way home and I thought perhaps they had fallen asleep. I think they spent their remaining energy attempting to stay awake. Girlfriend did fall asleep once at home near her bed.

And then today...I realize that we have entered the world of media savvy, when the boys were playing secret clubhouse. "We need a password", Handsome states.

"How about I'm sorry dot com?" offers Hunky. As in Imsorry.com I couldn't help but chuckle. I guess the emphasis on apologizing to each other for less-than-kind actions is wearing off on them! And the time spent in simple computer instructions apparently is "taking" also! This suggestion caused an inaudible (to me) discussion and some kind of compromise. Those boys can be so very funny!

Girlfriend is getting cuter and more independent by the day! She was very "up" on what to do at the museum...and she did not allow any older kids push her around or steal the objects she waited patiently to get a turn with.

She, also, is "up" on the media of computers. She can independently play one of the games in purble land. And needs only minimal help with two others. Kids these days! Good thing this "granny" keeps up with the times...sort of...well, I try!

I WILL post pix of our great time at the museum really soon! Watch for them!

Summer Daze

I think that is what it must be...I am in a daze...it is hot, and the natives are restless! Not that they are overly acting out anything...they aren't. But it IS summer. And restlessness comes along with it. When it is so hot in the back yard, with no shade, that one cannot safely even use the above-ground pool (sunburn danger), there is nothing else to do but get restless.

Oh, we plan things...yesterday we painted with stamps and brushes, strung beads, and made donuts. We also play educational games daily, along with reading books, and a small amount of "school" work. We sing songs, and play hide and seek, master obstacle courses, and watch videos, not mention play the WII. We have gone to the park and the fountain when the sun was a bit gentler.

We have a "bean contest" going on...each child receives at least one bean for every good deed they do, including participation in planned events, volunteering for clean ups, and showing kindness to each other (and me!). When they get to 200 beans all together, we go on a real outing, like to the Children's Museum, or Science Center, or bowling, movies such. We definitely will stick with inside events. The child with the most beans gets to choose the place of the outing...when possible. I haven't told them yet, but there will be other "unearned" outings when time and money coincide and cooperation reigns as well. Better save that "trump" card for later.

Handsome and I planted tomatoes and watermelon, both of which are doing well. He waters them faithfully and protects them from the wind and scorching sun. Our goldfish are all still doing well also. Amazing! They are at least 3 months old or more, and with proper food and water changes, they are thriving! The lady at the pet store said they would not survive without a full tank set-up with all the pumps, etc. They are in bowls. And doing well.

My hunt for curriculum is about over. I found most of what I needed from Ebay or local sales. Even found some specifically desired books at thrift stores! I did order new math workbooks through Ebay and found really good deals.

Well, that is about all of the update for now. I know this is not very creative, but it is too hot to be overly creative!

We will write more when life gets more exciting!