The kids have been able to share the gift of music this year. They played these songs in church and also at an Old Folks home. This is what makes it all worth it, in my opinion!
The First Noel- Lindsey's solo
Silent Night- 1st ever attempt to play harmony together!
Oh Come All Ye Faithful
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!
If you look for Me at Christmas,
you won't need a special star -
I'm no longer just in Bethlehem,
I'm right there where you are.
You may not be aware of Me
amid the celebrations -
You'll have to look beyond the stores
and all the decorations.
But if you take a moment
from your list of things to do
And listen to your heart, you'll find
I'm waiting there for you.
You're the one I want to be with,
you're the reason that I came,
And you'll find Me in the stillness
as I'm whispering your name.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Live Christmas
I heard this thought on the radio broadcast Music and the Spoken Word. What a great reminder to slow down and remember what we are celebrating.
Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
"The bright lights and joyful sounds, the festivities and parties all mark with excitement the Christmas season. But now and again this time of year is also filled with stress and worry, with frustration and exhaustion, made all the more poignant because of the celebrations that surround us. Sometimes we celebrate Christmas in ways that actually keep us from feeling the joys of the season.
One woman, after a hectic day of mothering and shopping, found herself so impatient with fellow shoppers that she thought to herself, "Wait a minute, get a hold of yourself. This isn’t what Christmas is about.” Perhaps in our desire to get just the right gift or arrive at just the right time, we become irritated with someone who is slower than us, frustrated with long lines and inflated expectations, or annoyed with the shortcomings of those around us.
Normally we try to be kind and thoughtful, but ironically, in the midst of the celebration of the birth of perfect kindness, we may be more unkind than usual. Perhaps we act this way because, in our efforts to commemorate and even bring "joy to the world,” we feel drained, worried, and worn out. As a result, we may miss the essence of this entire season.
Christmas is joyful and glorious because of how we live it, not necessarily how we celebrate it. Now might be a good time to slow down a little, simplify, and find joy in what is, not what might or could be. Take time to reflect, to ponder the meaning and message of this sacred season. Live Christmas by showing love and kindness. Share Christmas by smiling and cheering up someone who seems discouraged. Extend Christmas by giving generously, even anonymously, of your time, your heart, your goodness.
The best way to feel the joy of this blessed season is to live Christmas."
www.musicandthepspokenword.com
Program #4186
Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
"The bright lights and joyful sounds, the festivities and parties all mark with excitement the Christmas season. But now and again this time of year is also filled with stress and worry, with frustration and exhaustion, made all the more poignant because of the celebrations that surround us. Sometimes we celebrate Christmas in ways that actually keep us from feeling the joys of the season.
One woman, after a hectic day of mothering and shopping, found herself so impatient with fellow shoppers that she thought to herself, "Wait a minute, get a hold of yourself. This isn’t what Christmas is about.” Perhaps in our desire to get just the right gift or arrive at just the right time, we become irritated with someone who is slower than us, frustrated with long lines and inflated expectations, or annoyed with the shortcomings of those around us.
Normally we try to be kind and thoughtful, but ironically, in the midst of the celebration of the birth of perfect kindness, we may be more unkind than usual. Perhaps we act this way because, in our efforts to commemorate and even bring "joy to the world,” we feel drained, worried, and worn out. As a result, we may miss the essence of this entire season.
Christmas is joyful and glorious because of how we live it, not necessarily how we celebrate it. Now might be a good time to slow down a little, simplify, and find joy in what is, not what might or could be. Take time to reflect, to ponder the meaning and message of this sacred season. Live Christmas by showing love and kindness. Share Christmas by smiling and cheering up someone who seems discouraged. Extend Christmas by giving generously, even anonymously, of your time, your heart, your goodness.
The best way to feel the joy of this blessed season is to live Christmas."
www.musicandthepspokenword.com
Program #4186
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A Christmas Carol
The kids had an awesome experience performing in A Christmas Carol last weekend. They practiced hard for over two months, and the final product turned out so great! This is the first time our homeschooling group has put on a play since we have lived here. They were even in the paper, and Spencer was on the front page! The kids made a lot of good memories and even better friends.
There were 40 home schooled kids that took part in this play.
Spencer played the part of Bob Cratchit. Through this he discovered he loves acting!
Kami was one of the Cratchit children.
Spencer and Lindsey were asked to play prelude music before the play started.
Spencer also played a waltz and a jig for the dancers during Fred's Party
Lindsey's main part was "Fran" young Scrooge's sister. She also played some smaller parts- a caroler, a person in the street,a girl at Fred's party, and Fred's maid.
Laughing at a joke during the party
Playing prelude.
These are all the moms and other ladies who helped put on the play. It is awsome what you can accomplish when you all work hard together....I made some good friends too!!
There were 40 home schooled kids that took part in this play.
Spencer played the part of Bob Cratchit. Through this he discovered he loves acting!
Kami was one of the Cratchit children.
Spencer and Lindsey were asked to play prelude music before the play started.
Spencer also played a waltz and a jig for the dancers during Fred's Party
Lindsey's main part was "Fran" young Scrooge's sister. She also played some smaller parts- a caroler, a person in the street,a girl at Fred's party, and Fred's maid.
Laughing at a joke during the party
Playing prelude.
These are all the moms and other ladies who helped put on the play. It is awsome what you can accomplish when you all work hard together....I made some good friends too!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Deck the Halls
Tis the Season! Putting up the tree is one of my favorite Christmas traditions!!
Ryan, Lindsey and Porter skiied high and low in the back country to find the best Christmas tree, and they found it! A tall skinny little guy!
Ryan, Lindsey and Porter skiied high and low in the back country to find the best Christmas tree, and they found it! A tall skinny little guy!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Social
Thought I'd write a quick blurb on the social life of my home schooled kids. It's always a big question, and a big reason people decide not to do it. But if there is a need, we need to make an effort to fill it. That is something we have done this year....
I knew this year we needed to do more about Lindsey having more close friends. So we brainstormed together, and she came up with the idea of a cooking club. I let her plan it and lead out. She loves to cook, so we formed the club around her interests. We had so much fun putting it together and organizing it, and has been going really well! She has 17 other homeschooled girls her age coming once a month for a recipe exchange. Besides a sample of their recipe, they bring a copy of it, and they are compiling their own cookbooks. The girls are also taking turns giving reports on a country of their choice, and sharing a food from that country. Lindsey also came up with themes for each meeting, such as crazy hair day. She is the one who welcomes everyone and takes charge....I just stand back and let her go.
Spencer and Porter have a science club. Each month the boys read the same book about a great scientist, then come together to talk about what they read. Each meeting two of the boys give a report on a scientist of choice. We are studying the scientists in chronological order. So far they have learned about Archimedes, Galileo, and Leonardo D'Vinci.
Spencer is the oldest in his group, and the leader. He is really cute with the younger boys....in this picture he had all the boys lined up saluting him, and marching outside single file for a game.
Here they are performing an experiment with a pulley. They are pulling a boy who is sitting on a chair across the room.
What a cute fun group of girls. This is a picture on crazy hair day!
Lindsey gave a report on Sweden. This was in October when they wore costumes to the class.
Lots of yummy new food to try!
Besides these monthly groups, the kids are going to be participating in a monthly "Show and Share" where they get up in front of other homeschooled kids and share something they have learned that month. We also have field trips, and a book group. This fall the home school group is putting on A Christmas Carol, to be performed in December. Spencer is Bob Cratchit, Lindsey is Fran, and a couple other small parts, and Kami is a Cratchit girl. Porter is the one who gets to watch! They are having so much fun with all these activities, and making some good friends while they are at! We also live in a great neighborhood with another set of good kids they can play with often. I'd say social life for them is top notch!
I knew this year we needed to do more about Lindsey having more close friends. So we brainstormed together, and she came up with the idea of a cooking club. I let her plan it and lead out. She loves to cook, so we formed the club around her interests. We had so much fun putting it together and organizing it, and has been going really well! She has 17 other homeschooled girls her age coming once a month for a recipe exchange. Besides a sample of their recipe, they bring a copy of it, and they are compiling their own cookbooks. The girls are also taking turns giving reports on a country of their choice, and sharing a food from that country. Lindsey also came up with themes for each meeting, such as crazy hair day. She is the one who welcomes everyone and takes charge....I just stand back and let her go.
Spencer and Porter have a science club. Each month the boys read the same book about a great scientist, then come together to talk about what they read. Each meeting two of the boys give a report on a scientist of choice. We are studying the scientists in chronological order. So far they have learned about Archimedes, Galileo, and Leonardo D'Vinci.
Spencer is the oldest in his group, and the leader. He is really cute with the younger boys....in this picture he had all the boys lined up saluting him, and marching outside single file for a game.
Here they are performing an experiment with a pulley. They are pulling a boy who is sitting on a chair across the room.
What a cute fun group of girls. This is a picture on crazy hair day!
Lindsey gave a report on Sweden. This was in October when they wore costumes to the class.
Lots of yummy new food to try!
Besides these monthly groups, the kids are going to be participating in a monthly "Show and Share" where they get up in front of other homeschooled kids and share something they have learned that month. We also have field trips, and a book group. This fall the home school group is putting on A Christmas Carol, to be performed in December. Spencer is Bob Cratchit, Lindsey is Fran, and a couple other small parts, and Kami is a Cratchit girl. Porter is the one who gets to watch! They are having so much fun with all these activities, and making some good friends while they are at! We also live in a great neighborhood with another set of good kids they can play with often. I'd say social life for them is top notch!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Let It Snow, Baby!
We've had quite the storm today...much to the kids delight!
Ridge's first day playing in the snow- Lindsey had fun pulling him in the sled
notice the tongue out to explore the cold flakes
Cute Kam!
Ridge's first day playing in the snow- Lindsey had fun pulling him in the sled
notice the tongue out to explore the cold flakes
Cute Kam!
Monday, November 8, 2010
It's Here!
After weeks of beautiful autumn weather (last week was sunny blue sky, no wind, and in the 60's!) the snow has finally arrived!
Kami couldn't wait to get on the snow duds and get out in the snow.
She took this picture of her snowman. The sticks are hair.
Kami couldn't wait to get on the snow duds and get out in the snow.
She took this picture of her snowman. The sticks are hair.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Pharoah for Dinner
Last year for Halloween the kids were sick, so instead of going trick or treating I made them a spooky dinner. They liked it so much they requested we started a new tradition, so we did it again! It had to be a surprise, so while Ryan took them to the trunk or treat, I stayed home and had fun getting ready!
This year we are studying Ancient History. A few weeks ago we learned about mummies and pyramids, so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to sneak in a little "hands on" learning!
The kids had to remove the vitals to prepare this body for burial...starting with the brains using a spoon...
Coffin of the Pharaoh
Chicken Alfredo brains, Jell-o Jiggler hearts, french bread lungs...(with egg eyeballs on the side)
Lots of green salad guts, and, the funnest part to make...bread shaped like intestines!
Eeewww, gross! Or was it? They ate it, so it must not have been too bad!
Puppy thinks it's alright...
And last, the donut dessert treasure hanging in the pyramid...protectd by the sphinx, of course
It took a little work to get the gold, but they did it!
It was TOMBendously fun!
This year we are studying Ancient History. A few weeks ago we learned about mummies and pyramids, so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to sneak in a little "hands on" learning!
The kids had to remove the vitals to prepare this body for burial...starting with the brains using a spoon...
Coffin of the Pharaoh
Chicken Alfredo brains, Jell-o Jiggler hearts, french bread lungs...(with egg eyeballs on the side)
Lots of green salad guts, and, the funnest part to make...bread shaped like intestines!
Eeewww, gross! Or was it? They ate it, so it must not have been too bad!
Puppy thinks it's alright...
And last, the donut dessert treasure hanging in the pyramid...protectd by the sphinx, of course
It took a little work to get the gold, but they did it!
It was TOMBendously fun!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Ridge's First Halloween
Knock Knock...
Who's There??
Giraffe!
Giraffe Who??
Giraffe Any Idea What these Big Round Orange Things Are For??
Who's There??
Giraffe!
Giraffe Who??
Giraffe Any Idea What these Big Round Orange Things Are For??
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Inspiration
I've been inspired once again by the words of our church leaders....I want to try and keep life simple, enjoy the little things along the journey, and spend time doing things that matter most! Above are some links to some of the best advice for a happy life. My goal is not just to hear, but to hear and DO!!
So I'm finally getting to a back to school post. And now for the most popular question----Why do we home school? Excerpts from this talk given by our past prophet Gordon B. Hinckley , sum things up in a nice compact nutshell...
An Atmosphere of Growth.
"What a marvelously interesting thing it is to watch young minds stretch and strengthen....When I was a boy we lived in a large old house. One room was called the library. It had a solid table and a good lamp, three or four comfortable chairs with good light, and books in cases that lined the walls. There were many volumes- the acquisitions of my father and mother over a period of many years.
We were never forced to read them, but they were placed where they were handy and where we could get at them whenever we wished.
There was quiet in that room. It was understood that it was a place to study...There were books of history and literature, books on technical subjects, dictionaries, a set of encyclopedias, and an atlas of the world. There was no television, of course, at that time. Radio came along while I was growing up. But there was an environment, an environment of learning. I would not have you believe we were great scholars. But we were exposed to great literature, great ideas from great thinkers, and the language of men and women who thought deeply and wrote beautifully...
Begin early in exposing children to books. The mother who fails to read to her small children does a disservice to them and a disservice to herself. It takes time, yes, much of it. It takes self-discipline. It takes organizing and budgeting the minutes and hours of the day. But it will never be a bore as you watch young minds come to know characters, expressions, and ideas. Good reading can become a love affair, far more fruitful in long term effects than many other activities in which children use their time....Parents, work at the matter of creating an atmosphere in your homes. Let your children be exposed to great minds, great ideas, everlasting truth, and those things which will build and motivate for good.
The Lord has said to his people, "Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." (D&C 88:118) I wish to urge every parent within the sound of my voice to try to create within your home an atmosphere of learning and the growth which will come of it. "
("The Environment of Our Homes" by President Gordon B. Hinckley
Ensign, June 1985, pg.3
There is a link to this talk at the top of my blog because I couldn't figure out how to insert it here!)
I love watching my kids learn, grow, expand, get excited about learning...and I love doing it along with them, each child learning at their own pace. It has been a joy to be inspired together by great minds of the past through reading great literature. I love the added benefits of spending time together and developing strong lasting relationships. When the kids are grown and on their own, I would hope they continue to ask questions, find answers, and share their excitement of learning with me still! What a rewarding, challenging,and unique opportunity it is to spend these primer years with my children!!
PS We've found the words of Pres. Hinckley to be true! As we have read together as a family in the evenings we have been uplifted and inspired! It is our favorite time of the day! This year we have been hooked on Ralph Moody series. It is a biography of his life growing up in the early late 1800's and early 1900's. We have found that reading aloud opens up opportunities for us to teach and discuss the importance of family,values, hard work, honesty, and building character. Get started with Little Britches!...warning...once you start, you may be hooked!
So I'm finally getting to a back to school post. And now for the most popular question----Why do we home school? Excerpts from this talk given by our past prophet Gordon B. Hinckley , sum things up in a nice compact nutshell...
An Atmosphere of Growth.
"What a marvelously interesting thing it is to watch young minds stretch and strengthen....When I was a boy we lived in a large old house. One room was called the library. It had a solid table and a good lamp, three or four comfortable chairs with good light, and books in cases that lined the walls. There were many volumes- the acquisitions of my father and mother over a period of many years.
We were never forced to read them, but they were placed where they were handy and where we could get at them whenever we wished.
There was quiet in that room. It was understood that it was a place to study...There were books of history and literature, books on technical subjects, dictionaries, a set of encyclopedias, and an atlas of the world. There was no television, of course, at that time. Radio came along while I was growing up. But there was an environment, an environment of learning. I would not have you believe we were great scholars. But we were exposed to great literature, great ideas from great thinkers, and the language of men and women who thought deeply and wrote beautifully...
Begin early in exposing children to books. The mother who fails to read to her small children does a disservice to them and a disservice to herself. It takes time, yes, much of it. It takes self-discipline. It takes organizing and budgeting the minutes and hours of the day. But it will never be a bore as you watch young minds come to know characters, expressions, and ideas. Good reading can become a love affair, far more fruitful in long term effects than many other activities in which children use their time....Parents, work at the matter of creating an atmosphere in your homes. Let your children be exposed to great minds, great ideas, everlasting truth, and those things which will build and motivate for good.
The Lord has said to his people, "Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." (D&C 88:118) I wish to urge every parent within the sound of my voice to try to create within your home an atmosphere of learning and the growth which will come of it. "
("The Environment of Our Homes" by President Gordon B. Hinckley
Ensign, June 1985, pg.3
There is a link to this talk at the top of my blog because I couldn't figure out how to insert it here!)
I love watching my kids learn, grow, expand, get excited about learning...and I love doing it along with them, each child learning at their own pace. It has been a joy to be inspired together by great minds of the past through reading great literature. I love the added benefits of spending time together and developing strong lasting relationships. When the kids are grown and on their own, I would hope they continue to ask questions, find answers, and share their excitement of learning with me still! What a rewarding, challenging,and unique opportunity it is to spend these primer years with my children!!
PS We've found the words of Pres. Hinckley to be true! As we have read together as a family in the evenings we have been uplifted and inspired! It is our favorite time of the day! This year we have been hooked on Ralph Moody series. It is a biography of his life growing up in the early late 1800's and early 1900's. We have found that reading aloud opens up opportunities for us to teach and discuss the importance of family,values, hard work, honesty, and building character. Get started with Little Britches!...warning...once you start, you may be hooked!
Fiddlin' Around
Fiddle Contest Fun!!
The kids worked hard and had a good experience! Anyone who can get up on the stage in front of judges is BRAVE!!
SHORTNIN' BREAD
We had so much fun getting this song ready for the "novelty" division. Kami always talks about how she wants to get up and perform on a stage...so here was her chance!
It's kind of hard to see who is who, but from left to right it is Kami, Lindsey, Spencer, Porter sitting on a stool playing wooden spoons, then me on the keyboard. Lindsey plays violin first, then Spencer (he wasn't standing close enough to the mike so it sounds too quiet) then they play together. It was fun....nobody placed in the top 5, but the kids all got to pick out any milkshake at Dairy Queen like I promised if they would get up there!! It was fun to work together and make music. Go Johnson Kids!
The kids worked hard and had a good experience! Anyone who can get up on the stage in front of judges is BRAVE!!
SHORTNIN' BREAD
We had so much fun getting this song ready for the "novelty" division. Kami always talks about how she wants to get up and perform on a stage...so here was her chance!
It's kind of hard to see who is who, but from left to right it is Kami, Lindsey, Spencer, Porter sitting on a stool playing wooden spoons, then me on the keyboard. Lindsey plays violin first, then Spencer (he wasn't standing close enough to the mike so it sounds too quiet) then they play together. It was fun....nobody placed in the top 5, but the kids all got to pick out any milkshake at Dairy Queen like I promised if they would get up there!! It was fun to work together and make music. Go Johnson Kids!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Puzzle Man
Well I had to do a post on cute Dallin. He has really been progressing lately, and it is so sweet to watch! His talking has exploded and he can finally communicate better so he doesn't get so frustrated. He is going through a puzzle phase...he loves to get out these puzzles and will concentrate and focus until they are all done...by himself!! He is learning some of his letters, loves to be read stories, and also, the other night he spent an entire evening excited that he could draw "eye, eye, mouth!" (A face). He was drawing a picture of a face over and over on a big endroll of newsprint and was so proud.
It is fun to see him growing up! Now if we could just get him over his fear of sitting on the toilet....
It is fun to see him growing up! Now if we could just get him over his fear of sitting on the toilet....
September
Kids in the Kitchen
Ta Da! Fresh Peach Pie! Spencer did this all himself, including plopping peaches into hot water to peel off the skins.
Lindsey started a cooking group (17 home school girls!!) that meets once a month at our house for a recipe exchange, and it has really ignited her love for cooking! They are compiling cookbooks, and Lindsey has already cooked this "No Fail French Bread" and "Gingersnaps" a couple of times (recipes that her friends shared). YUM! She is quite the cook, and I don't mind kids in the kitchen when they can do it themselves without help and clean up, too!
Porter was excited to grate the zucchini for the best zucchini brownies! Another great way to use up your squash!
Ingredients
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup margarine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Fold in the zucchini and walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched. To make the frosting, melt together the 6 tablespoons of cocoa and margarine; set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, blend together the confectioners' sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in the cocoa mixture. Spread over cooled brownies before cutting into squares.
Goat Training
Part of the kids daily chores are working with the goats. Thought these were cute pics!
Ta Da! Fresh Peach Pie! Spencer did this all himself, including plopping peaches into hot water to peel off the skins.
Lindsey started a cooking group (17 home school girls!!) that meets once a month at our house for a recipe exchange, and it has really ignited her love for cooking! They are compiling cookbooks, and Lindsey has already cooked this "No Fail French Bread" and "Gingersnaps" a couple of times (recipes that her friends shared). YUM! She is quite the cook, and I don't mind kids in the kitchen when they can do it themselves without help and clean up, too!
Porter was excited to grate the zucchini for the best zucchini brownies! Another great way to use up your squash!
Ingredients
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup margarine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Fold in the zucchini and walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched. To make the frosting, melt together the 6 tablespoons of cocoa and margarine; set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, blend together the confectioners' sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in the cocoa mixture. Spread over cooled brownies before cutting into squares.
Goat Training
Part of the kids daily chores are working with the goats. Thought these were cute pics!
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