Where Did November Go!

I know its been way to long. I have thought about it many times, should I take a few minutes and write. Well I'm sorry I didn't earlier but will try to do better. I'm not really sure where November went. Each day has been filled with projects and or planning. The kids have been learning but not learning in way that can be recorded on paper really. There are no test or paper to grade just conversations to be had to find out and discuss more about what we have been learning. We have been working on a unit about Christmas. We learned about how the date of December 25 came about, the story behind Santa Claus, we learned about Advent all about the candles and scriptures read, and about he Jesse Tree http://www.eriercd.org/jessetree.htm
( I had never heard of it before but I'm adding the tradition to our families Christmas') we have also been reading "A Little House Christmas Treasury" by Laura Ingalls Wilder. My boys can't believe that the Laura and Mary could be so grateful and happy to get a shinny new silver cup, a penny, and little cookies in the stocking on Christmas morning. My how the times have changed. We have also got out the atlas and Puzzle of the United States and been learning about where everything is and what the weather is like in other parts of the country.

We also have broken ground on our Second project as home owners. We are making our patio off the back of the house bigger so we are digging up the ground and levelling it out to place more patio stones. The finished project should be 12' x 20'. Our first home improvement project wasn't able to be completed without the expertise of my Grandpa Dean. He took a day with Kevin and they put an awning on the back of the house over the sliding glass doors leading out. Its wonderful I lower it every afternoon to keep the setting sun out of the windows of my family room and kitchen, its also so much cooler in those rooms now that the sun is out of there. The awning in 20 feet wide across the back of the house and when open extends out from the house 10 feet 2 inches, it wonderful. (Thanks again Grandpa Dean! It would still be in my garage if it wasn't for you.)

I have been to Pep Boys 2 in 10 days. I have taken the many hours waiting as time for myself. (Kevin stayed with kids at home.) The first day I walked to the Christian book store, and Tuesday Mornings where I was able to look at everything and take my time with out any distractions. The second time to Pep Boys I walked straight to the nail shop and got a pedicure and some nails. The pedicure chair was fabulous, its one of the best back rub I have had by a chair. :)

For those of you that don't know we are embarking on a major road trip. We head out Dec. 3 and arrive back Jan. 1. We are headed to Oregon where my family still lives. We will be visiting family on the way, will be apart of my sisters wedding, and get to celebrate Christmas with my family the first time in 8 years. I'll will take the time in Oregon to blog and keep you posted.
-Amy