Them Crickets

Sorry it has been so quiet. I can hear the crickets outside as I type this. This past week, we were introduced to the show The Blacklist. We are catching up on the first two seasons on Prime right now. Yes, that is why I have not posted all week. My spare time is being filled with The Blacklist. And I have loved every minute of it. Go watch it if you haven't seen it. At least do the one month free Prime trial and binge watch it in a month, then cancel. It can be done.

This picture below is not of the kids watching The Blacklist, by the way.  

Our days this week have been relaxing. Lots of cooking has been going on. The oldest two love to help. It takes twice as long, but they are so happy to assist. I keep having to remind myself to have patience, I'm not running a race. It takes time to cultivate these little souls that God has placed in my care. Every little action and word means the world to them. 

Princess has been feeling rather independent, and has offered to make lunch most of the days this week. I let her. She does a great job. One day we had strawberries, pickles and cottage cheese, while another day we had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with chips. All prepared by her. For me, it was one of the best lunches ever. Her eagerness to make lunch, means I don't have to. Now to get them to do the dishes...

Side bar: Does anyone know what kind of tree this is?

For our extra studies, I have been letting them choose what we learn about. Sometimes I get questions like "Do spiders pee and poop?"  Answer (since now you are wondering) they "pee" uric acid and "poop" white dots called guanine. 

This week Princess asked why the leaves changed colors. We found some really informative videos online and a ton of fun activities to do with the leaves. Below we tried a science experiment using alcohol and leaves to extract the color. They thought it was neat at first, but by the time the results were ready, they decided to use the colors they made as paint. That didn't work either. 

It is officially my favorite season. 

Yes, I am that person that loves all things pumpkin. 

All things. 

Pumpkin.

What has your week been like?