One Reason for plus 8

A couple weeks ago, I ran across a new chocolate cookie recipe that is oh so easy and oh so awesomely delicious.

But, before I go into that let me explain the title of the post.  I gain weight when pregnant... that is just all there is to it.  I am not talking about a pound a week type gaining--- no, I GAIN WEIGHT!  I had a doctor's appt yesterday and everything went perfectly- I even took all 3 (well, technically 4) children with me.  Before we left, I tried to pick out the clothing that would weigh the least amount of weight (for example, I try to not wear jeans when going to the doctor) knowing that I had gained over the recommended amount.  Sure enough, I gained 8 lbs in 4 weeks.  I have gained 14 lbs in 8 weeks for a total of 20 lbs... which for me is not as ungodly as it has been for the other 3.  I was so hopeful that I could keep the weight gain at 40 lbs this time--- that is starting to look unlikely.

Here is my 23 week preggo shot.

 

23 weeks with Baby boy #4

Group shot :) right before daddy's football game

Ok, now for the good stuff.  This cookie recipe.  I had never heard of this recipe before and the couple people I had mentioned it to have not heard of it either.  Not only is it easier than the normal recipe, but I dare say better and more consistently better and I think you could argue that it is a tad bit more healthy b/c of less butter, no white sugar, less chocolate chips.

All you need is...  1 stick of butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 egg, 2 cups BISQUICK, and 6 oz of chocolate chips.  Mix butter and sugar together, add vanilla and egg, and then bisquick.  Stir in chocolate and bake at 350 for 10ish minutes.  mmmm...

Here is the link from the bisquick site 

These cookies are so good --- they actually stay just as good as they sit and the cookie dough is even good.  I wondered with the Bisquick if the dough would be off but nope... delicious.

Secret ingredient... bisquick.

I wanted to make these cookies the day before my doctor's appt but decided that the scale would hate me for that, so as soon as I got home from my 8 lb gain of a doctor's appt, I made the cookies.  So far today, I have had 7 and it is barely noon.

Even clean up is awesome, no crumbs on the cookie sheet when taking the cookies off. 

You can thank me in less than 20 minutes after you make these things.

My New Favorite Spot

I have had this mini vision of a little sitting area between two dog woods in my backyard.  This little area is right beside the fire pit area, in the shade, and cant be seen from the road. ahhhh- bliss!

I finally decided it was time, and with a little help form Hunter, created my newest little nook in my yard.

Most of the hard work was done Sunday and then finishing touches (as well as a fire) were done Monday.

Before

Though you cant tell, it is on a slope of a hill.  Plus there were a bunch of ant (not fire ants, just worker ants but still hard to sit and chill with ants crawling everywhere)

After

Perfect mini hardscape sitting area

Close up of the newest spot.  Hunter posing with our area... his new book looking spot too.  He came up with the idea to put the tops on the back of the wall which really gave it a finished look.

Love how this whole fire pit area has come together and the new sitting area is the perfect finisher

After we finished the sitting spot, we decided that we had a ton of brush to burn.  So, the boys and I started a fire.... and had s'mores.

Hunter roasted marshmellows

My artistic shot of the s'mores.  mmmmm.. yummy.  A pregnant girl might be one of the only people to truly appreciate this artsy shot.

Ashton sampling the goods

Shepherd loved them!

 Here is another little project that is going to be hung by our sitting area.  Dad found this old, black, rusted light fixture in our attic.  I tore that sucker apart, tossed the wiring and glass and then spray painted it this chrome silver color... added a citronella candle and wahla... now I have to figure out a safe way to hang it.

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I was feeling a bit on the outdoorsy side after our day of outdoor work, so I cranked up the grill and we had hamburgers and hot dogs.

Toasted buns and all. ;)

Another thing I am excited about... fresh watermelon.  I have a bunch of little ones that I am not sure are going to make it but I think this one is going to be a good one.

A little bit of soccer in the backyard while I watch from the new sitting area!  :)  Oh joy!

And just to cap it off.... Hunter and Ashton fighting proving that though this day was awesome my darling children kept it real.  And dont think Ashton is innocent in this... as he gave the first couple hits.

 This was a perfect 2nd day of fall.

Check back tomorrow as I give a review of another one of my new favorite things.

And So Soccer Season Begans

Hunt and Ash are both playing soccer for the YMCA.  They played last year as well but were both on the same team in the U6 division... this year, Hunter has moved up to U8, so I am officially juggling my first of many seasons of 2 different teams.

Hunt's first game was actually last week and his team won.  They also played last night and lost 4-3.  I will just be honest and say that I have been pleasantly surprised with Hunter.  He enjoys playing but it would be a huge stretch to say he loves playing any sports at this time.  I have made sure he knows that we dont care whether or not he plays but he insisted that he wanted to. But, so far he has proven to be a really good defender.  He gets the concept of clearing the ball, however, he does not like having the ball at his foot for an extended period of time...  unlike his brother.

Hunter slowing down the really fast kid.  Hunter is in green if you cant tell.

Hunter playing goalie... he looks so grown up to me here.  He saved 2 goals while playing and wasnt scored on.  He is even in good position compared to where the ball is. :)

Hunter's good friend, Karson dribbling the ball down the field.

Onto Ashton--- who LOVES to have the ball at his foot.  He has the drive to score which is something that cant be taught.  The ball also LOVES Asthon's foot as it seems to have a magnet hooked to him.  Ashton is so competitive and walked off the field yesterday and told me that his team won 14-3... yep, he kept count of a 14-3 score.  He scored between 7 and 9 goals, he lost count and I was having to jungle watching his game and Hunter's game.

Ashton on a break away.

And another one.

 And just to show that he was in fact at that game... here is Shep and Connor doing some flips. 

Good Buddies! :)

So far, I am quite proud of the way both of the boys are playing.  They work hard and do their best. 

Homeschooling Units 5, 6,7,and 8

 Warning- This is one of those ridiculously long posts....

Where has the time gone?!?! Has it really been over 4 weeks since I blogged about homeschooling... Geez!

It is hard for me to believe that we are 1/4 of the way done with Hunter's 1st grade year.  It has really flown by.

These past 4 units have been so much fun.  I think we are both learning a lot and I have seen growth in him.

Here is just a quick recap of Units 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Unit 5
Bible Verse-Psalm 139:13-14

History- English Pilgrims settle in Holland

Poetry-  This week, by far, was the best week for Poetry.  It is so fitting for our life right now.  It is called "Song for a Little House" .  I will blog the words another day.... they are just too good and will get lost in this mammoth post.

Hunter's picture to go along with the poem "Song for a Little House"

Reading (child read)- We finished up the Old Testament section in his beginning reader's Bible

Math- Decided to add some additional math.  I am totally satisfied with Singapore but need to add a bit more to meet the state's daily time requirement. Thanks to Aunt Joan, I had some material.... so we are going to do the first unit of the 2nd grade SC book.  After that we will hit later parts of the 1st grade SC book (the 1st grade book she gave me is missing the first few chapters).

Reading (teacher read)-We finished up Squanto (Biography) last unit and began our Adventure book.  I knew Hunter was going to enjoy this book.  I decided on "Sword in the Tree." 

An example of a journal entry.  We did a circle map just for you Jodi.

Language Arts-   Started using a Journal this week. 

Science- One lesson this week we talked about storks and water birds and talked about webbed feet vs non webbed feet.
The other lesson we wrapped a cube of ice in a thin cotton dishcloth and another cube of ice in a wool sock.  We left them sitting on a plate for 15 minutes and looked to see which melted the least and why.

Art- We have been talking about all the tulips in Holland and made a 2-d flower pot with tulip that grows.

Unit 6

Bible Verse-  This week we just reviewed the previous week's verses

History- Continuing on with our Pilgrims as they settled into life in Holland.

Poetry- The Months

Hunter illustrated each month's specialty.

Reading (child read)- Began the New Testament.  He was so excited to reach this milestone.

Math-

LarryBoy and Hunter working on additional and subtraction sentences.  The green tape is numbered 1 to 10 and we act out the sentences.

Hunter working on his math problems.

Reading (teacher read)- Continuing on with "Sword in the Tree." 

Hunter draws a picture of a sword in a tree. :)

Language Arts-  We are talking about question words this week.

The spelling list was patterned with words ending in a double consonant (you will never guess how long it took me to spell consonant... haha... ironic, since I am talking about spelling.)
.
Science- The highlight of Science this week was talking about how a baby's heartbeat can be heard very early even inside of the mommy's body.  I have a doppler, so we listening to baby's heartbeat and talked about how fast the baby's heart is compared to ours.   This lesson fit in perfect with his memory verse of being formed in your mother's body and being fearfully and wonderfully made.

Art-   Made a heart with a strip to show a clean heart that has been forgiven by God and a black spot that has been soaked with sin.

Unit 7
Bible Verse- Psalm 119: 9-11

History-The Pilgrims move from Amsterdam, Holland to Leiden, Holland and prepare to go to the New World.

Poetry- Mother's Jewels. 

Each day, Hunter does about ten minutes of copywork from the poem.  Here is an example from this week.  This is definitely his least favorite part of the day.

Reading (child read)- Continuing on with Bible.  We read from where Jesus calms the storm to the story of Mary and Martha.  Each unit we are completing about 60 pages. 

Math-Still working on place value to 100 and basic addition and subtraction

Reading (teacher read)-  "Sword in the Tree" is reaching the climax and we have diagrammed different problems that have occurred and add additional problems when they arise.  Refer to Unit 8 to see the completed diagram.

Language Arts- This week was a review week of our previous spelling lessons and an introduction to command sentences. 

Science-  As the Pilgrims had to load the ships with their barrels of supplies, we talked about the easiest ways to do accomplish that.  We used Mantis and Queenie's steps to make ramp push the cans up the steps.  We also talked about a pulley system.

Art-

I drew "Hunter" and then he colored it in and we put the verse Ps 139:14 in the pocket. Please no judgment on my artistic ability

Unit 8
Bible Verse-  I Thess 5:11

History- English Pilgrims Travel to America
*** Just a side note, I had forgotten or never really learned about this whole process.   I had forgotten about the Speedwell and the Mayflower starting out together but the Speedwell started leaking and had to go back.  Good to have a refresher.

Poetry- Where the Land Lies
*** kind of boring poem. I bet GrandpaGordie would appreciate it though!

Reading (child read)-  Read from The Prodigal Son to the Last Supper.  Over the next 5 days (Unit 9), we will complete all 508 pages of this Bible.  I think it will be bittersweet for him since the first thing he wants to do every day is start with reading his Bible.  We may read back through it while doing the other material...

We also are going to start adding in the recommended Supplemental book.  The book this week was, Floss. And it was a beautiful book about a border collie.  The pictures in it were just amazing plus Floss looks a lot like Molly so we were immediately hooked.

Hunter reading the Bible

Hunter reading "Floss" to Ashton

The cover of "Floss."  Isnt it pretty? And doesnt that look a lot like Malls Balls?

Math-

Though this activity was for Hunter - naming 1st through 10th place and finding hidden objects through clues, Shepherd has loved these cups.  They have been stacked, thrown, rolled, and played with.  Who knew?  Cups!

Math-Hunter had a big review/ test week in Math.  He did great scoring 90's and 100's throughout the week

Here is an example of 3 questions from the 2nd grade assessment.  This book is from public school... what he will be doing next year.  We are not going to start the next unit in the 2nd grade book yet though.

And this is an example of 2 pages of the review from the Singapore 1A book.

Reading (teacher read)-  Finished "Sword in the Tree" and colored in green each problem that was solved by the end of the story.

Language Arts-  Spelling words are getting a tad harder but he is still doing the harder list of words.  He did great this week and easily got 100.

Science- I liked both Science days this week.  One day, he talking about oil and water dont mix but when salt is added, the oil becomes heavier and will merge better with the water.
We also compared a pen spinning on the floor vs a person... which one is faster and why.  We then compared a person to the earth spinning.  We talked about how long it takes the earth to spin one time and how long it takes the earth to go around the sun.

Art- Constructing the Mayflower. 

Ashton was in on this activity with his ship being on the left and Hunt's on the right.

 As you can see, we are busy.  But, it is so fun.  I have not been good about getting Ashton and Shepherd's lesson done.  I need to find a way to fit it in for them as they need the time with me and need the exposure too.  So, hopefully next time, I can have some of their work up here too.

First Friday

My whole family met up this past weekend for First Friday at Clemson.

The boys and I skipped Chad's game... which they won... and headed to mom' house.

We all piled into my van and watched the First Friday parade.  I have to admit, the parade was so-so.  What kind of parade doesnt even throw out candy?!?!  Plus, it was so hot when not in the shade.  Plus, Shepherd didnt take a nap.  I think the older two boys enjoyed it though.  But this pregnant girl was over it about half way through.

GrandmaDean and Hunter walking down to the parade

Waiting in the shade before it starts

Ahhhh! Precious boy

Brothers

Lining the streets in the hot sun

Watching

Mesmerized

ROTC boys

Mom sporting a Rambo look. Scarf turned sweatband.

After that, we met up with Zach and his family and we all went to eat some yummy Mexican food.  The cousins had a grand time in the restaurant.

Then, a Clemson soccer game.  Ashton was in hog heaven.  Though he is normally in the middle of everything, when it comes to sports, he is angelic.  He watched, without being distracted by his cousins or brothers, throughout the game. 

Adults and Ashton watching

Ashton :)

Dad started making paper airplanes with the 4 that were not really into the game

Shepherd decided to take off his shirt in true soccer fan fashion.  He also grabbed a bottle of water that DID NOT BELONG TO US and unscrewed it and drank... Ug.

Clemson gets a penalty kick..... and it is  GGGGGOOOOOAAAALLLLL!  Game ended in a 1-1 tie

Then back to Queenie and Mantis' house for bed.  We all hunkered down in my parent's house.  Ashton, Owen, Zach, and Mantis slept in the tent.  Though Hunter normally would have wanted to sleep in the tent, he thought someone needed to sleep with me.  So he took one for the team.  :)

Saturday was spent at mom and dads.  After working all day on master's assignments, Chad  met us for dinner at my parents.

It really was a great family filled weekend.  So glad that Nolan, GrandmaDean, Zach/ Anna and the boys were able to come.

Thanks Mom and Dad for the memories!