Good to Wow: Spring Edition, SOOC

My very best guess is that, with the prompt being "spring", Ashley and Jill had in mind the three-month period from about March 20th to June 20th; the period of time when warmth hugs the earth, and new life floods the world with color and fragrance; the season that, thus far, has eluded the Arctic.

Having just moved here, I remember very clearly those early southern springs. And, in fact, I am doing my best to avoid all of my friends' Facebook pictures of lovely blooming trees and children playing outside in shorts.

Though I cannot speak from experience and therefore 100% accuracy, it is my understanding from things I've overheard that spring in Connecticut does not care that the calendar is marked "Spring" on or around March 20th each year. It is my understanding that we could be well into April before we begin posting pictures of lovely blooming things and bare-armed children. These days when I look outside my window, I actually am deliriously happy because I see patches of ugly, brown grass. But, again going on assumption based on rumor, I don't think the melting snow is any promise that we won't be buried again sometime in the next month or two.

So, with that in mind, I am afraid I am forced to post this as my SOOC:

This is a spring. From a pen.

And after seeing this very intriguing photo, you might be thinking that I simply have run out of things inside this house to photograph. You would be correct.

Spring, please. Please, spring, hurry up!!

A Sunday Afternoon

On Sunday afternoons, if I have my act together and do not have to use the time to plan school, I often go out by myself - to the store or photo hunting, just to get some time alone. I'm trying to do more with the kids, though, so when my husband suggested I take my oldest along, I didn't hesitate. Of course, I can't take one girl and not the other so we had a girls' afternoon.

We meant to raid the Closing Sale at Border's Bookstore, but when we got there, it looked like Disney World. Not the fun and magic of Disney World, but the lines and chaos. When I saw there was little in the store more than 20% off, we left and went to Barnes and Noble where my educator's discount gives me 20% off. And the books are all orderly. And the lines short.

The girls selected a book, and I picked up a couple of Horrid Henry books for the boys. As I handed the cashier my educator card, she asked if all of my purchases were school materials. I explained I am a homeschooler and that, while some may not view Horrid Henry as fine literature, if the boys are reading, these books are in my opinion school materials. I got my discount.

Oh, and how could I forget the most important part of our bookstore trip? There is a Starbucks in the Barnes and Noble. Green iced tea for me, hot chocolate for the girls. And we all shared a cinnamon scone.

On our way home, we passed a walking trail along the Farmington River. I noted a couple of potential picture spots, and we pulled over. Unfortunately, the trail is still covered by a couple feet of snow, and the girls did not have snow boots on. This lady had the right idea:


We enjoyed watching her ski by.

So we didn't stay long, but it was a fun little detour anyway.

Meadow Road Barn

I can't wait until spring! There are so many things I would love to photograph, so many barns out there, so many New England beauties to capture. But...whenever I see something I want to photograph, I'll get almost close enough to get a shot, but then there will be a 6-foot-tall snow bank I have to scale. Or not. I am not really good at scaling 6-foot-tall icy banks.

Other times, I'll see a great shot, but the snow here has taken over the shoulder, sometimes even whole lanes on the road, so there is never a place to pull over.

So my camera and I usually lose out.

I got lucky with this one. I was able to get the shot while turned halfway onto a side street. It was just the right angle that the tall snow banks weren't in the way.

Winter Scene

You Capture - Happy

There are a lot of things that make me happy: my husband, my kids, a new book, chocolate, sunsets, the beach, chocolate...

Lately, though, I've been thinking that what would make me really happy would be to see some green outside instead of all this white. Seriously, why in the WORLD did the Pilgrims come all the way over here and say to themselves, "Wow, this looks like a really great place to live in the middle of December even though we don't have any houses or any other kind of shelter"?

There is so much snow here. Just piles and piles of it. And it's not just snow. It's a couple layers of snow, a layer of ice, another layer of snow, a layer of ice, some more snow. I'm sure there is a summer of some kind up here in the Arctic, but I kind of see these piles just sticking it out through the summer...trying to get a head start on next winter.

Anyway, there are a million more inspiring, more important things I could photograph that define happiness for me, but honestly, the thing that made me the happiest on a snowy day like today was stopping by Starbucks to pick up my favorites: An Iced Venti Green Shaken Tea and some Scones.





And, yes, I realize that I'm probably the only one in this frigid land who goes in on a day like today and orders an iced drink, but when you're hooked, you're hooked.

New Experiences

If you follow me on Facebook, you have already heard me tell about the warm welcome we have gotten here in Connecticut...in fact, just this morning some snowfall record was broken in our honor.

Needless to say, it's been a little chilly around here. This week, I experienced negative temperatures for the first time ever in my life. Chalk today up as another new experience day too because I drove in the snow and mess for the first time ever.

For the last couple of weeks it seems any plans penciled into our calendar have been canceled due to the snow. Last week, Alex was supposed to begin a drama class with a local theater group. But the opening class? Closed because of last week's blizzard. In spite of the snow this morning, however, the class was scheduled to go on.

I knew I couldn't hole up in the house again and have her miss her first class just because I'm a little scared to drive in these conditions. On the other hand, as I willed the mini-van to make a left turn smoothly and quickly enough to miss oncoming traffic, I wondered aloud if risking the children's and my life was worth a drama class.

We made it without incident, albeit a bit tardy, but even her teacher was not yet there when we arrived. All total, our 25 minute commute there took us about 50 minutes. And then I had to turn around and take the same route back home. Another 40-50 minutes. Which didn't leave a whole lot of time for school for the boys and Audrey, but we squeezed it in.

And during that time, the snow stopped, the sun came out, and the salt started melting the snow off the streets. I'll say one thing for these Connecticutans Connecticutians Connecticutters people who live in Connecticut: they know how to clear a road fast. I allowed for 45 minutes for the trip back to the theater to pick Alex up.

It took 25 minutes.

So we waited in the car. The kids enjoyed a few moments to play their video games, and I enjoyed a few moments with my camera:







Have I mentioned that I don't grow tired of New England architecture?

Socialization Anyone? (Plus, a little tip for learning the states and their capitals.)

Because of the crud and the snow and the ice and the snow, we've spent the last 2 weeks in the house. Did I mention the snow? And the ice? If there is anyone who is tired of walking the same halls, sitting in the same chairs, seeing the same scene from the same windows, it is me. And the kids.

"I'm bored!"

"What can we do?"

Those two questions have echoed down the same halls and bounced off the same windows for two weeks because...did I already mention the ice and the snow? Out of all of our years of homeschooling, I would say these two weeks are the only two the big S word (and we're talking Socialization here, not Snow, although there has been a lot of Snow around here) has been an issue.

Because of this, I didn't hesitate at all when a friend asked me to take her 3 kids for the day on Wednesday.



When Wednesday came, the kids were very excited to see some new faces. Of course, on account of the snow and the ice that were still falling outside, we spent the day inside. But at least they got to watch some movies and play games with someone other than their siblings or parents.








We also had fun making our own pizzas for lunch.



I did not schedule any school while our visitors were here, but the rest of our school week went quite well. There is one thing I have started doing in the last couple months that has made a tedious task so much easier.

I use SpellQuizzer for the kids' spelling, and it works marvelously for that. Well, this year it is my goal for the three kids to learn not only what the states and capitals are, but to also to spell the names of the states. So I use SpellQuizzer to quiz them on this so I do not have to engage each of the 3 in the daily tedium of quizzing and recitation.

If you have never used SpellQuizzer, it is very simple. Once a week, you sit down with a microphone and record--in your own voice--the spelling words and a sample sentence...just like if you were quizzing them. Only with this you only have to do it once! So it goes something like this:

Me recording: What state's capital is Hartford?

[When the child hears that prompt, he or she must correctly spell and capitalize "Connecticut" as the answer.]

Me recording: What is the abbreviation for Connecticut?

[When the child hears the prompt, he or she must correctly capitalize the answer "CT".]

So simple! So easy!



For information on SpellQuizzer, click on the link on my sidebar or click here.



Hosted by Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

Sweet Shot: The Drive-Thru

We still have 2 feet of snow on the ground because the temps haven't pushed above 32. There are 4-5 inches expected tonight followed by a pretty bad ice storm.

Remember how I was wondering if the white stuff would ever begin to fall up here in the Artic?

Dear Mother Nature ~ Enough already. I GET IT NOW!!

Anyway, since I will likely be snowed/iced in for the next couple of days, I thought I would see the outside world if but for the few minutes it takes to drive down to McDonald's to purchase a really nutritious lunch. (Would you be surprised if I mentioned the fact that IF WE HAD A CHICK-FIL-A HERE, WE WOULD ALL BE EATING HEALTHIER???)

Thankfully, I just had Audrey in the car because she did not roll her eyes and make a snide comment about me taking way too many pictures when I whipped out my iPhone and took a quick picture of the dead grass growing beside the drive-thru lane.

I think it's lovely, especially after I touched it up with Coffeeshop's Chocolate Truffle action (LOVE The Coffeeshop Blog!!).

Toto, I don't think we're in Georgia anymore!

On account of the crud that invaded our house this week, we had to cancel our plans for the science museum today (Note to self: Do NOT pre-pay for anymore field trips!). Since I had no school planned, the kids lucked out and got a day off.

We had fun anyway. We played Guesstures, a new game I picked up a couple weeks ago.



Although we had fun with the charades, Jacob and Alex, the two who feel 100%, were DYING to go back outside to work on their snow fort.





I would not let them until after lunch for two reasons: First of all, it was still 18 degrees outside; and secondly, I didn't want any nosy neighbors knocking on the door. "Are schools still out because of the snow?"

After lunch it had warmed up to a balmy 21 degrees, so I let the wild things out. And then I ventured out. It's the first time I've been out since it snowed a record 2+ feet. It was a new experience. I sank up to my thighs in the powdery stuff, rendering my new snow boots quite useless since the snow snuck in to the top.







I got a grand tour of the kids' really cool snow fort and then trudged back through it because I had had quite enough of my snow-filled boots.

Quick Takes: The Snow Edition

~ Quick Take 1 ~
Our homeschool week went a little better than last, I guess. I still lack enthusiasm and motivation. It is as if I am experiencing spring fever, which is definitely NOT the case (have you seen the weather map recently?). But things are going OK. Audrey is progressing in her reading, and the boys are plugging along in theirs. I am enjoying using my new whiteboard A LOT!

~ Quick Take 2 ~
One reason our homeschool week wasn't all that stellar is because of the crud that hit our house. Oh, and the huge blizzard too, but I'll get to that in a moment. When the older 3 get sick, it is not such a big deal; they hole up somewhere, and I meet whatever needs they have. When the Princess gets sick, however, it is a different story.

No matter what she is sick with, she throws up. She has a very strong gag reflex, so I guess that is why. This week it was just slight fever along with some mild cold symptoms. But just one cough, and up it all comes. And so it is that anytime she gets sick, I drape several layers of sheets and towels on the couch/bed where she decides to hole up.


Going out, though? Forget it! If the other 3 have colds, we still venture out, but not with the Princess on account of the puking thing. I honestly wouldn't have a problem with just sticking a plastic bag in my jacket pocket to carry along to catch whatever she decides to part with, but I know that wouldn't go over very well with other moms. I would find it difficult to explain her strong gag reflex as I watch other moms clutch their children a little closer and go through that Mom Check List: Did that little girl play with my kid? Did my kid touch anything she touched? Did she sneeze on my kid? Did she come anywhere within a 10 foot radius of my kid? I better go wash my kid's hands and Lysol him down. Stat!

So, really, it's just easier to stay in and wait it all out. Even if it means we may miss a trip to the Science Museum.


Hosted by Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

~ Quick Take 3 ~
The kids and I have prayed for years for more than a dusting of snow in Hotlanta. And we didn't dare even put in a passing request for a white Christmas because, it's the South, it could never happen. But lo and behold, in the last 3 weeks, Atlanta got both a white Christmas AND a lot of snow.

And so I will reiterate just in case my friends in Atlanta aren't getting the message: Good things happen when we leave. Like if we ever leave Connecticut? It would become a tropical paradise here, and all of the Starbucks would put in drive-thrus.

My wise husband made a keen observation that if we just contiued to move around the world, it would become a better place.

I think Italy needs a make-over. What do you think?

~ Quick Take 4 ~
We got a lot of snow this week. And I am not assessing a lot through the eyes of a former southerner. I've been told we have gotten more snow in the last couple of weeks than all of last year. Yes, that is my initiation to New England winter life.

See? I told you. We make things happen.



~ Quick Take 5 ~
Dear City of Bristol, CT:

It's 12 degrees outside. I don't think anyone will be surprised to hear I am not using the sidewalks, nor have I seen anyone else out on any of the sidewalks. They are YOUR sidewalks. If you are so insistent that they be cleared, YOU shovel them.

Thank you,
A former southerner who plans to stay inside until May



~ Quick Take 6 ~
I am in awe of the snowflake shots at Forever n Ever n Always. Even though I am aware of and completely accept the fact that I cannot emulate her, I did want to try to get a few shots of snowflakes. Needless to say, they didn't turn out that well:



I think I need to get out in the cold and find some actual snowflakes rather than just ice.

BUT...I did end up getting some shots I think are pretty cool. Snowflakes Ice under a magnifying glass:





~ Quick Take 7 ~
You know how, lately, the smell of dead pine needles has been emanating from my vacuum cleaner? That really is a good smell, actually. Today I spilled a tub of feta cheese on the ground. I'm fairly certain I'm not going to like the smell of feta cheese in the carpet 2 months from now.


Quick Takes hosted by Jennifer at Conversion Diary.

Weekend Snapshot - Powered by Basketball & Snow Angels

We woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland. This snowstorm was not like the other. Big, fluffy snowflakes drifted serenely to the ground, and instead of being violently forced to relinquish any brave snowflake who dared alight on its branches, the trees invited the white powder to rest gracefully on every twig, nook, and crook. It was and is lovely.







The kids were ready to don their snowsuits and dive into the snow first thing this morning, but first we had basketball games to win.





Alex and Michael both did great; I think summer basketball camp really paid off.



When we got home, it was time to embrace the beautiful world God painted for us to enjoy.