362 + 258 Weeks

We have been such homebodies this week!  I make sure the kids get outside every day, but really they would prefer to be indoors with me, reading, cooking, painting, playing games...it must be because of the cold weather.  Winter is definitely upon us.  Mornings and nights are really cold, but during the day it is nice when the sun is out.  We had a few days of rain, and we felt so housebound that I bundled the kids into their gumboots and raincoats and forced them under threat of no more games ever to come to the beach with me.  We haven't experienced the beach in the rain, and they were pretty mad that I made them go...until we got there!  Then they loved it!  They played forever in the run-off into the ocean and climbed the rocks and splashed in the rock pools.  It was cold and wet, but so worth it!

For the beginning of this week, Arley was a tough cookie.  He has been getting very angry lately, mostly after playing Roblox or Minecraft.  So, we took away Roblox and Minecraft (just a break for now, not for good), and guess what?  He has been a much nicer boy!  We are onto something here.  He has asked for the computer games back for his birthday, so I think we will acquiesce, but with conditions!

Carmie has been cooking us all breakfast, she is a pro now!  She has been painting a lot, but is still really resistant to doing any writing, except for making me treasure hunts.  I'm hoping she will find the urge one day soon.  Somehow she is a sponge for maths and just retains the info, so is well ahead of her peers.  We have her homeschool registrar coming out next month to check on us, but I am sure he will be pleased with her progress :)

A funny story from this week.  I sent a message to my buddy about some bad news.  He didn't respond.  I left my phone on the breakfast counter.  The kids then sat up there to eat their lunch.  I was in the study when I heard my phone chime that I had a message.  Here's how our conversation went:
Me: Hey Carmie, can you read the message on my phone?
Carmie: Fuck!
Me: Huh???
Carmie: Yep, that's what it says - f...u...c...k.

Ummmm, that's the last time I have her read me my phone messages!!

Carmie feeling the softness :)

 Cooking the family breakfast