{SQT} The Week of Snow

1. Joseph Turned Five

Click here to read about that festive day and out attending "Mr. Popper's Penguin" at a local children's theater.

2. Playing in the Snow

We haven't had a good snow like this in several years, so, when we in the South do get numerous inches of snow that actually sticks, we bring everything to a screeching halt! The kids had grand fun in the snow for two days, and this year marked a milestone because I now have enough older ones that I can send them all outside by themselves with the two-year-old tagging along while I stay indoors, enjoying a silent, warm house which is, honestly, the best way to enjoy snow.

I didn't even go outside to take photos: I had my son do it!

Some neighbor children came over to play, so I invited them and their mom in for hot cocoa and popcorn.

3. Working in the Snow

My entrepreneurial 11-year-old son hatched a plan to earn money toward a goal of his by offering to shovel driveways, de-ice sidewalks, and brush off snowy cars. He requested to borrow a snow shovel from a neighbor in exchange for doing all the above services at his home for free, and then he marched off alone, knocked on doors, and was accepted by four families to do the job! He earned a good amount of money and we parents considered the gained lessons about hard work priceless.

4. Li'l Bit of School

This week--really, really!--was going to be the week we got back to regular, full-time, every-day school since we paused for Christmas break. BUT John and Chris were in Ohio on Monday, then Tuesday was spent moving furniture and going to a play, and Wednesday and Thursday were snow days!

We did manage to squeeze school into the cracks and I tried to calm my heart that desires order at all times with the fact that homeschooling is an entire lifestyle, it isn't just School at Home. The children are learning so much and all the time, and we are incredibly blessed to be able to enjoy all that we do together as a family, even if it "interferes" with some kind of requisite five hours daily of academic work.

Two children working a puzzle while a third researches her oral presentation

Reading her daily saint chapter in the Book Nook

Insisting on holding his baby brother while doing his math

Finally a child who likes to order his cars in a straight line

First grader math and fifth grader Latin

5. Toddler Mischief

We've had more than our fair share of toddler mischief this week. I think Thomas (2-1/2) is in a new, brilliant phase, or this Mama is seriously, overly distracted.

6. The Five Browns

On Thursday night, Chris took our oldest three to a concert of The Five Browns: the first-ever five siblings to be accepted simultaneously to Julliard. The children came home giddy and glowing.

A couple of examples of the work of these fine musicians:

7. Bonus Reading

"Three Ways You Might be Sabotaging Your Homeschool" by Pam Barnill (January 2018)


"Decluttering And Simplifying Your Way To Hell" by Joshua Gibbs (January 10, 2018)

For more 7 Quick Takes Friday, check out This Ain't the Lyceum.