This is the Way We Go to School

Well it finally happened......what we have been dreading for 2 1/2 weeks now. We had a rather large storm yesterday.......although it didn't turn out to be what they anticipated.......it still did leave a significant amount of snow on our road. (We are in trouble when we get the slightest skiff of snow--let alone 8".) I picked the kids up from school, knowing there was no way to get that van back up the road to the house. My first thought was--"Man, I wish I hadn't already exercised!!!" But once you are down that hill, you don't have a choice but to walk back up.

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I was smart and brought the older kids boots for them--since they are too cool to wear them too school. I was also nice, and let them all leave their heavy backpacks in the van. I just wanted them all to be all be able to get themselves up that hill.........I wasn't about to carry anyone of them. My plan was that since John was actually going to be coming home at 5 pm for once, he could stop and throw them in his car to bring them up. They all had homework to do. We made it up in an hour. Not bad considering those boys of mine can't even stay on the road--they have to go exploring. Samuel had a hard time of it.......tired, plus on the the edge of getting sick. He made a few cute comments on the way up. "Mom, I'm going to die!" "Why don't you be nice and carry me." "I seriously need a good rest!" And the best one yet; we had made it only half way up when he looked at Jacob and says "Go run up that hill, and see what's on the other side, then come back and tell me." I had to laugh and told him that it was only another hill. This completely wore him out--he was in a mood the rest of the night.

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Come 6 pm, John comes walking in the door all sweaty and out of breath........lol............he isn't the one who ever has to walk the hill........so this was a shock to his body. His car was stuck at the bottom of the hill with all the back packs in it. Needless to say, the kids got a night off. Just as well, they all sat around watching a movie because they were so worn out. It was a very calm and good night. So either one of two things need to happen...........we need to have the kids walk the hill every night, or we do away with the homework!! They both seem to make it peaceful around here.

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This morning, we obviously had to walk down the hill to get to the van to go to school. The kids had fun with it this time. For some reason, downhill is easier then uphill we have all decided. As for the homework deal, I guess we will find out tonight what he teachers say with that. Below are some pictures of our trek down the hill this morning. There isn't any of Caleb and Cassidy, as they ran way ahead of us.........and had to wait in the van at the bottom for us.

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Oh, I have to mention for those who don't already know where we live. We live 1.3 miles up on top of a hill. It has 3-4 pretty steep hills, the rest is a casual grade. Takes about 45-60 minutes to walk up, and about 30 minutes to walk and slightly jog down it. The majority of winter we do park at the bottom, especially if we know it is going to storm. And during the mud season, it is always at the bottom, WE LOVE IT!!! (not)

Can I just tell you how sore my muscles are from exercising yesterday and walking up, plus walking down today. I am debating on whether to exercise today......because I still have to walk up one more time tonight with the kids again. Aagghhh!

Slight Problem

Ok, I have a slight problem that just might stand in the way of accomplishing this exercise problem!! I just took the 40 minute fit test. You are suppose to pass this before you even think of beginning this program. Good news is that I did pass all but one of them. I missed the squats test by like 20 sec. I definitely have more upper body strength. (Must be from packing kids around for 16 years.) Bad thing is that my muscles are shaking like crazy, and I have been done with it for over an hour now. How pathetic is that. What scares me the most is that the little test I just took, is nothing like the 12 DVD's in the program. I am NOT going to be able to keep up. YIKES!!!

Today's the Day

It has been over nine months since I stopped exercising at the gym and dancing with my husband. (13 kids=no time) My body has dearly paid for this. I have gained back everything that I had lost 2 years ago while Hiking with my friend Sally. With the kids back in school, and me having more free time, I have made a 3 month goal. I have taken measurements, and done all the figuring. (Even before photos--which I will not post for your benefit!) Today is the day I start. I need to do this for myself plus the kids. I hope I can stick to it. I guess I have to pull the JoAnn thing, and not eat any candy for a while. (Bye Bye Skittles!)

This is the program I am going to use.

Boy Scout Troop 735, Lyndon Vermont

COURT OF HONOR

Out of the 11 Scouts in Troop 735, 7 of them received rank advancements at this Court of Honor.
Awarded were: 1 Bronze Eagle Palm, 1 Life, 2 Star (Elijah & Zachery), 1 First Class (Caleb) and 2 Scout ranks (Joshua). A total of 14 merit badges were also awarded.

Back Row: Robert Dunoskovic-Assistant Leader for 11 year olds, William Dunoskovic-Assistant Scoutmaster, Gabe Whitcomb-Paulson-Tenderfoot, Sam Whicomb-Paulson-Eagle Scout, Andrew Dunoskovic-Life Scout, Zach Cochran-Star Scout, Kyle Anstead-Life Scout, Hunter Gregory-Eagle Scout, Mark Burkholder-Scout Master
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Front Row: Caleb Barnhart-First Class, Zachery Barnhart-Star Scout, Joshua Rollo-Scout, Elijah Barnhart-Star Scout
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Not pictured: Isaac Dunoskovic-Scout

My Smart Boy

Willem has been my buddy today. He has been by my side all day. We have had great conversation today; or should I say he has. He has been jabbering all day. I have said a few "OK's" here and there---he has done all the talking. Here's pieces of his thoughts being expressed for about 5 minutes.

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"I'm a smart boy mom."

"I know who made you." "Jesus did."

"Jesus has good manners, huh?"

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"Jesus lives in Heaven." "Heaven is way up high"

"I need Dad's great big ladder to get to Heaven."

"I will put it back though." "That is good manners, huh?"

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"When I was a baby, I didn't poop or pick my nose."

"Or did I poop?" "But not pick my nose." "Noooo, that's bad manners, huh?"

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"A Mom cooks, and a Dad goes to work." "Dad goes to school fast."

"I want to cook when I am big."

"You could go to work." "I could go with you, that would be fun."

"Nooo, you need to stay home to cook for me!"

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Willem actually sat there for nearly an hour talking to me. I can't even begin to remember all that he said. It was all I could do not to laugh at him, and his little thoughts. He is a doll!!

Downfalls of Public School

This weekend I thought again about a few of the reasons why we were homeschooling, beside the fact that it protects the kids from being exposed to a lot of the bad stuff in the world. The other reasons came to light over the past week.

1. With the snow, we have a really hard time getting up and down our 1.5 mile hill. We have managed to keep the kid's from walking it so far, but I had to walk up and down it a few times last week. So not fun!!! We are going to a school bus meeting this week.....we are going to push to have them pick up the kids at the house. (Might not work--but can't hurt to ask, right?)

2. The homework--absolutely ridiculous! Ten kids come home, throw all their papers at me to read, and look over. Then we spend the next 4 hours, trying to work though every one's homework. (Along with cleaning jobs, animals, firewood, baths, and dinner--that doesn't even count any time for just being together.) I miss the family time.

3. The kids have now been exposed to a variety of germs. This weekend, everyone started with slight coughing, runny noses, and a few sore throats. I have a feeling we are going to all be sick for a while--till it spread through everyone.

Isaac is the first to be absent from school this week. He has sore throat, cough, runny nose, and a temperature of 103 degrees. Wonder who will be next?!?

My Elijah

MY GOOD LOOKING GUYS!!

MY OLDEST AND YOUNGEST BABIES!

Elijah's 16th Birthday

Elijah will be 16 years old this week. Wow!!! Time goes by pretty fast. We celebrated his birthday last night since this is a busy week for us (and of course, we wanted Dad to be here!). We are starting a new tradition--yes another one! We have decided that when someone reaches their 16th Birthday, whatever they liked when they were approximately 3 years old, will be the theme for their party. So, for Elijah's birthday, we had a Barney theme.

Elijah wanted Pasta for his Birthday Dinner. I asked him what else, and he said more "More Pasta!". So, I made Italian, Caesar, and Ranch Pasta, but also added in the Pizza. (Caesar ruled!) Of course Elijah only ate the Pasta though. While we ate, we followed through our other tradition of going around the table and saying why we liked the birthday person. Here are the things that were mentioned about Elijah.

Elijah is Super -d- Duper because:

• Joshua-He is fun to play with, and go exploring with
• Hannah-He is really fun, and a good tickler.
• Shannon-He is a great older brother, someone to look up to, fun to play with, and give good piggy-back rides.
• Samuel-He is nice to me.
• Caleb-He is fun to play cards & Basketball with. He's a good leader & fun to go on hikes with.
• Cassidy-He tickles me, and he is cute.
• Nathan-He gives piggy-back rides somedays to me.
• Jacob-He pushes us around in the snow, and because he is my brother.
• Brenna-Cause he gives me rides, even when Mom says No.
• Zachery-He is funny & fun to play Basketball with, and he's mischievous.
• Isaac-He messes around with us, and throws us in the snow.
• Willem-He tickles me, and holds me upside down.
• Mom-He is strong & capable of doing nearly anything. He is patient and gets along with everyone. He is my good friend.
• Dad-He has a good sense of humor, and a calm demeanor, and he brings music into the home.

He had a good birthday. He liked the big bag of Jolly Ranchers the most--but hasn't taken off the sweatshirt.......so we are guessing he liked that also. His goal is to look like the guy on the exercise box. (If he does...I will surely be posting that picture in the future......lol) We are so glad to have Elijah in our family......and are sad to think he is only 3 years away from leaving for a mission. Oh, and I have to mention--Elijah was totally a good sport about the Barney theme. The rest of the kids are already planning their 16th birthdays.

Weekend Fun in the Snow

Although Saturday was still slightly on the chilly side, all the kids couldn't stay inside any longer. They have been longing for 2 weeks to get outside and play. Elijah and Zach had their new friend Isaac over (Sierra's brother). They went on a 2 1/2 hour snowshoe trek through the woods. I think they got a little worn out towards the end.

Caleb, Joshua, Isaac, and Jacob had some fun at home sledding down the hill off the back of the house. Meanwhile, Cassidy and Samuel worked on transferring snow from one pile to the next--for some reason they enjoyed this for nearly 2 hours. Willem stood around eating snow with Nathan. Brenna lasted a total of 5 minutes out, and then wanted to come in and rock with me. It took me 10 minutes to dress her---I still don't understand the point of it all--but she was pleased that she went out at least.

Hannah, Shanon, Cassidy, and Sierra had some fun at Remnick Park in Littleton. They went Ice Skating then went out for Chinese food. Then back to Sierra's house for some more sled riding. (I will post pics soon of the girls.)

It seems everyone had fun. We are hoping we got the outside snow fun out of their systems for a bit.......allowing us to make it through another week of school.

Me and Cassidy

Cassidy sat on my lap telling me that her and I are just alike. There are two things that Cassidy thinks are pretty neat --when it comes to her and I. First, is the fact that when I curl her hair and pull it up, it looks just like mine. Second, is the fact that she has the same little turned up nose as I do. She thinks we look just alike, and is just so excited about this. I don't quite understand why she thinks this is so great. None the less, I have decided to let her keep on humoring me for a while longer.

Three Goofy Cowboys

Last night, we had sent all the kids upstairs to get ready for bed before family prayer. Everyone seemed to manage to do just that except for the three pictured below. They eventually came down the stairs. They had dressed up in their western clothes with scout bandannas. They thought they were just so funny, and were just giggling at themselves. We questioned them as to why they didn't get ready for bed, and all three replied "We did!!!" With that they ripped open their shirts to reveal their pajamas underneath. What goofs!

Joshua, Jacob, and Isaac

Fixed by Tonight

This morning I had an appointment to get our van looked at for a third time. (bumber because with no school, I wanted to sleep in!) Let me explain our van's problem a little first, or should I say problems?

1. the reverse lights don't work
2. neither driver nor passenger windows roll down or up (luckily at the moment they are up)
3. there's a hole in the muffler (the boy's all think the noise it creates is pretty cool)
4. both front tires wheel bearing are making noise (yes again!!!)
5. tires desperately need rotating (even better would be to put new winter studded tires on)
6. when it's cold outside it will not go out of park (needs warmed up for 20-30 min first)
7. driver's door is always locked
8. oil still needs changed from last summer
9. when you go down hill or turn right the 'check gages' light dings on and the oil pressure completely drops down to nothing.
10. engine light is always on
11. the heater blower is about ready to die (it makes the most unusual crude noises)
12. for nearly 4 weeks now we have been driving at a speed of 10-30 mph (no power)

Personally, I think we should dig a big hole and bury it!!!

Can't happen though--it's winter, and the ground is completely frozen. So anyway, we are most concerned about the no power issue--I might as well be driving a horse and buggy around......lol. (I always thought it would be pretty neat to be Amish!) We have tried different places and have gotten different opinions. One said fuel pump, one didn't' know, and the third today said it was the catalytic converter and the oxygen sensors. (Only $2000 to fix that one problem) That ain't happening!!! (Sorry about my Grammar Middie!)

So, to fix a few of the problems, John decided to take it over to a friend's house who has a nice, big (will easily fit our gigantic van in) , warm garage. Our plan is to cut off the converter, take a big metal rod and clean it out; leaving a big hole that can no longer become blocked. Then he is going to weld it all back together, along with the new muffler. He will also change the oil, and hopefully rotate the tires, and fix the reverse lights. Then once again, we will take it to our mechanic, and have him figure out just which oxygen sensors really need place. (as to not have to buy all 4) Sounds like a great plan, huh? Won't pass the emissions test after this, but because it has a truck frame we don't have to do that anyway. Whoo-hoo I am so excited to be able to drive a little faster next week!!!

I told him if he got that done and there was time, he could stop at the Backshed for a while and play his banjo with the group. So I suppose I will see him tomorrow.....lol

Not Much to Post

There hasn't been much to post lately with the kids in school. It has actually been pretty boring around here all week long. Although I won't let onto the kids yet, but it has been pretty nice to have little time of my own. (I have guilt for even thinking that) The kids all did well this week with our new schedule, and all the adjustments. I was even able to get up early---I know you are amazed Sally......lol. Homework after school went very well considering there were 9 kids with homework. Zachery is #1 for having the most, and definitely for taking the longest to complete.

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Thursday was their last day of school this week, and man were they all wound up that night. I could not get them to settle down. I was thinking of being a nice mom and letting them stay up to watch a movie since there was no school of Friday. I hate to say this, but I couldn't handle the noise of all 13 kids. I sent them all to bed at their normal weekday bedtime. I think I am to quickly getting used to and enjoying the quiet a little too much. They have a 4 day weekend, so I am sure I will get used to the chaos again----lol.

Quiet at Home

WOW!! I am utterly speechless. Truly amazing how quiet it is around my house today. It is actually quite boring. I already went to Walmart, cleaned up every room, made lunch for the little ones, went through the mail..........I don't know what else to do or the next 3 hours. *~~*~~*

Things went really well this morning with getting everyone ready. I was a little worried with trying to get all 13 kids ready so early in the morning. It all ran very smoothly. We had the kids all pull out their clothes for the next day, and set their backpacks with shoes and their snack, coat, boots, snow pants, hat & gloves all in a pile so it would be ready in the morning. That seems to work well, besides the fact, that all those piles take up one whole backroom.

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John gave all the children school/comfort blessings last night. They were all wonderful. We hope they comforted any fears and anxiety they were feeling with this new change in their lives. The kids will do fine I am sure. It s me that I am concerned about. I am not a morning person at all--so I now need to work on getting up early. And I am also a little concerned of the homework each night. A few couple kids wouldn't be that bad, but I have to make sure all 10 kids understand it, and actually get it done. Guess we will find out how this is going to work out tonight.

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Well, I think I will go find an unfinished project to work on from last year. Oh better yet....maybe I will start on the twins' baby blankets, that I promised to make Lana last June. (Now there's a thought!!)

Our Night Out

John and I had a chance to get out tonight for a while. First time in a while. The hospital that he works out was having their Holiday Dinner Party. The invite came a month or so ago--John was able to go for free, but it was going to cost me $25. A couple weeks after the invite came, we received a second invite tot he same party from the Doctors office, where he works at nights. They offered to pay for both of our seats. BONUS!!

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We got all dressed up in the nicest clothes we own (that would be our church clothes....lol) and hoped that we would blend in with the New England crowd. This was held at the Maplewoods Resort in Bethlehem. John dropped me off at the entrance so I wouldn't have to walk from the parking area.....what a gentleman. It was like a dream........the ambiance........the cocktails........ the dinner..........the dancing. Alright, alright...........we didn't drink any cocktails (we stuck with the water), and we left after the band played a couple of songs........never danced because we were anxious to get home to the kids. We are pathetic...........one of these times out we are going to stay for a whole dance like last New Years Eve, and Swing Dance the night away.

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We did have a wonderful time out, just watching all the people though. We totally felt out of place. We left in our little, noisy, clunky, smelly Ford Aspire, and hit the grocery store in our high heels, to get a mountain dew and skittles. I have decided that I am a lot more comfortable with a warm fire and blanket, a movie, my dew and skittles, and my hubby any day.

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Oh and hey...........we won the raffle ticket prize. Surprise, surprise. We got a Sony Playstation 2.

Although we aren't to sure yet what to do with it.

Eye Doctor Exams

Today we had eye doctor appointments for me, Elijah, Hannah, and Joshua. My glasses had gotten stepped on a few months back are are needing replaced, Elijah used to rear glasses for his studies when he was younger and needed a check-up, Hannah read with her face right in the book, and Joshua's eyes get tired and the words get blurry after a little while of reading. So I had scheduled this appointment to find out what is going on with everyone. The kids have been excited to go for over a month now. The exams showed that I need a new prescription, so that was an easy fix. Elijah could use reading glasses if he wanted to, but of course he doesn't want to. Hannah has perfect vision-surprise surprise! She just reads with a book in her face for the fun of it I guess. And Joshua needs glasses for reading and for his studies also. He is extremely excited and we had fun picking the perfect frames out. He came home not saying "I have to have glasses" but instead said "I get to have glasses". Although he does seem a little to excited about the case--I hope the glasses actually stay in the case!

Our Blog

Before I post any further I have to say a few things. I have been told that things I have posted on my blog are hurtful. I have spent the day reading through my blog entries.......and personally I do not find them to be hurtful to anyone. I see them as actually being very general in content, and positive. Our blog is to share with friends and family the going on's in our life and family, and to share our experiences. Also, since we are a distance from some people, to share a few pictures.

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This is our families lives, and our experiences. This is our journal, and our blog. We do not have the perfect lives. We have good things and bad things happen to us, just as everyone else does. We are not afraid to share our feelings, experiences, or daily events.

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If anyone is not liking what I write, or what they are reading, my advice to you is to:

QUIT READING OUR BLOG!

Like it or not, this is what our family is living. We are happy with our lives, and the directions we are taking as we go day to day. We would not openly try to offend or hurt anyone. It is up to us to call things, people, and places as we see it. One more thing..........I am not held responsible for other's peoples comments to our blog.......they are calling it as they see it.

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Only you can make the choice to be offended.

At This Point in Time

A couple days ago, we had a certain phone call that has us contemplating a few things. At this point in time.......we are unsure of the actual sincerity and/or intent of the whole phone call in itself, to say the least. We have re-listened to the recorded conversation, and we are not totally agreeing with everything that was discussed. Right now....we will let it be known, that we will not be moved with our intentions and goals pertaining to the five extra children we have. We are still "Trusting our Feelings", if anyone would like to revert back to that post. What is yet to happen with this whole situation, is unknown at this point. That one conversation did not or will not change the outcome.

Major Decision

Today, we made a major decision. This will be a little shocking to most of you. Some of you will be very thrilled to hear this. After having had much discussion, thought and prayer we have decided this would be best for our whole family at this point in time. Despite our nervousness of this decision, it will be good for the kids.

We have decided to enroll all 10 children in school.

My heart feels a little heavy with the thoughts of not having the children at home with me during the day. Yet another part of me is relieved and anxious to have a little part of my life back during the day. Hmmmm....go to the gym, paint, sew, scrapbook, play with the younger 3 still at home.......what choices I will have. Everyday will bring a new adventure.....lol.

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Elijah will be in High School. Zachery, Caleb, and Shannon will be in Middle School. Hannah, Joshua, Isaac, Jacob, Cassidy, and Samuel will be in Elementary School. The kids were all a little upset at first, but over the day they got used to the idea. Now they are all very excited to start. They couldn't talk about it enough tonight. We have already grouped each one up with a partner, so they can watch over each other. All 10 of them will ride the bus to and from school together, even though they will be going to 3 different schools. I am glad of this.....they are strong in numbers...nobody will mess with them.

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I enrolled them all today, so they will begin next week. And you know what is funny? The Principal told me, that for a while, I will have to drive them to school, and pick them all up after, because the town will have to get a new larger bus. They are not able to pick up 10 more kids.

(I had to laugh!)

Yet Another Use for our Table

A Sunday afternoon event.........table ping pong. John got this for Christmas. When we were first married, and our first Christmas together we got a smaller ping-pong set to play with each other across our tiny little table. After many years, we finally got one again--only larger for our big humongous table. The boys seem to all enjoy it--I still find my computer a little more fascinating, but I promise to humor John once in a while.

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Maybe I will even be nice and let him win!

Fun in the Kitchen

Cassidy began the new year off just right with a friend and some food. She spent the day playing, the night sleeping (we hope), and the next day baking. From the pictures it looked like she had wonderful fun time. She came home a little on the tired side, but was extremely proud of her creations. She shared her little cupcakes with everyone.

Happy New Year

A little behind on posting again-busy, busy, busy I suppose. We didn't do a whole lot to celebrate the new year. The girls had their friend Sierra over for the night. We had hotdogs, chips and dip, soda pop, and ice cream sherbert. The little kids went to bed as usual, and we let Cassidy and Sierra stay up a bit to play a couple games. I also let Jacob and Isaac stay up till about 10, which they were pleased about, but can't wait till they are 10 to be able to stay up till midnight. All the rest of the kids stayed up and watched movies till midnight with their favorite treat. We are so boring I know, we will start preparing for next year--maybe we can do something more fun with the kids.