PREPARING FOR THE STORM

Last night we had a BIG STORM here in Georgia. The kids decided to crash downstairs while waiting it out. It was fun to watch them get ready for it. The boys simply chose a blanket and the dogs. Highly prepared would accurately describe the two girls. Interesting the differences.

My worrier Makenna prepped and ready for the big storm. She was lying down with an umbrella for extra shelter. She had the necessities, blanket, pillow, honey bunny, bottle of water and a book.
Carson the Dog Whisperer.Both dogs were so upset at the beginning of the storm. He sat petting them and telling them everything would be ok.
Jack snuggled under the blankets. Tired and really just wanting to go to bed.
Maddie gathered the important stuff.. Math cards, Quiddler and Yahtzee.
Maddie with every "friend" she could possibly bring downstairs.

Math Madness

My husband John wants me to take a break from curriculum and just focus on math for a month with the kids. Today we kicked off what I am calling MATH MADNESS. Quite certain I will be mad by the end of the month dealing with all of them but we are going to give it a shot. I explained to the kids what we were going to be doing. Then I told them they had 10 minutes and we would get started. When I came out of the office they were in the parlor dressed in costumes.

They were so excited to INTRODUCE themselves.

Jack.. aka THE SUBTRACTION SAMURAI
Maddie... aka MADEMOISELLE MULTIPLICATION
Makenna.. aka THE ADDITION MAGICIAN
Carson...aka MR. SOLO DIVISION

Love, love, love their excitement and creativity. Now if they will just get this excited about learning all their facts!!

Literature Fair

You have probably heard of a Science Fair before, but a Literature Fair?? What is that?? To sum it up you choose a novel, book, or famous author and do a "project" on it just like you would for a Science Fair. Each child/family creates a 3 tiered board, or some type of visual. They do a small presentation, and then children are given a handout with questions on it to answer. After the presentations are done the kids have time to fill out the questions and complete their paper.

Our family project was on the novel Where the Red Fern Grows. Each child chose something to research from the book. Carson chose the Redbone Coonhound. Jackson chose to research the raccoon. Makenna researched the Ozark Mountains, and did a summary of the story. Maddie colored a picture of a Redbone Coonhound and worked on a compare and contrast of the two dogs Little Ann, and Old Dan. We also did a Greeneteam book review.

I loved that after the presentations there was a handout with questions to answer. It made for a really educational afternoon and made the kids really look at the projects rather than walk by and say "Oh that is nice".

Some of the questions:

Where did Roald Dahl write his books?
What is a diorama?
What disease did Old Yeller get from the Wolf?
What is the name of Mr. Poppers first penguin?
Who taught Dr. Doolittle the animals languages?
What is another nickname for a raccoon?
What was Ralphs motorcycle helmet made of?
Which of Elizabeth Enrights books won the Newberry Award?
What was the first Gothic Novel by Mary Shelly?
What U.S. State is the same size as England?

The fair was interactive, fun, gave the kids a chance to exhibit their work, and gave both the children and parents an insight as to other literature. I loved this idea for an educational fair!!

Fish Craft

FUN FISH FROM OUR 2nd CRAFT CLASS


At our second craft class we made these fun fish. I loved that all the kids chose their favorite color and then preceded to decorate them however they wished. Out of 11 projects there were no two that were alike other than the shape.

To make the craft I free handed the basic form of the fish. I then traced it on various colored construction paper. The kids then cut them out, tweaking the lines a little if they wanted them bigger or smaller. They then added google eyes, streamers for the tail (we cut the streamers in half as otherwise I thought they looked to big). They used construction paper to make triangle shapes for fins, circles on the fish etc. They also used shiny paper and sequins to decorate. It was a simple fun craft that all ages had fun with.


What I love about this kind of project is that it can be a supplemental activity to go along with a great field trip. I love taking my kids to a pond, a pet store, or even the aquarium and then following it up with this type of craft at home. You can also serve a fun snack or dinner. Fish Sticks, goldfish crackers, and gummi fish are just a few ideas. If you have a little one at home try reading stories about fish, talk about the letter F, and then even practice writing the letter F or the word FISH. It makes for a fun and educational day.

11th Birthday Date

Daddy served her breakfast in bed and then she opened cards and presents from relatives. Thanks Uncle Gary, Grandma, Grammy, Dee Dee, and Aunt Lisa!!
Shopping at Michaels with her Birthday gift card thanks Lauren and Emily!!
Always a favorite Barnes and Noble.. thanks Rachel and Savannah!!
Oooh La La.. a new pair of fashion glasses from Claires.
Coming out of Krispy Kreme.. she decided the kids at home deserved a treat so bought them for the Greeneteam!!
Lunch at her favorite spot courtesy of Aunt Dee Dee!!

My girl Makenna lives for her Birthday. The party, the friends, the cake, the gifts, the shopping. She just loves it. This year since her Birthday fell two days after her party I decided to take her out and let her spend the gift cards and money that she received. We had the best time. I loved watching her shop, seeing the items she picked out and overall just spending one on one time with her. I need to do this with my kids more often. When I do I am reminded that they are each special and unique and I am so thankful that God has given them to me. Happy 11th Birthday sweet Lu Lu Bird.. Mama loves you!!

SNOWMAGEDDON!!!

Kenna and Carson smiling after a crash landing!! Thankfully no one was injured!!
My beautiful snow bunnies .. Ms. Maddie and my girl Makenna

The Greeneteam attempting to hit the hills with cardboard and our pool float.

Jack with the snowboard..Looks like he is ready for the slopes in Aspen!!

That was totally wicked!! Boys having a blast with our neighbor.
Fun with the kids in the neighborhood!!

Carson coming down the drive!!
My boy bear.. a natural for the slopes!!

Midnight Snowball Fight

Carson aims a snowball at his dad during our Midnight Snowball fight.


Maddie Having a great time in the snow!




















John enjoying his hot chocolate.






Tonight we were playing Quiddler waiting for the snow to come. Snow that had been promised all weekend. We had looked several times outside and there was nothing. Then,the next time we looked it was really snowing hard. The kids watched and were so excited to see it coming down fast. They kept talking about how they could not wait to go outside and play in it tomorrow. As I sat there watching them get so excited I thought why wait until tomorrow morning?? I got up and whispered my idea in my husbands ear. He said "seriously?"

We finished the card game and just before the kids were heading up to bed I said "you guys can head to bed OR you can get your coats and hats on and get ready for a midnight snowball fight." Shrieking and joy filled the air. They took off as fast as possible to find coats, hats, mittens, shoes boots etc. By about midnight we were ready for our first Family Midnight Snowball Fight.

We had such a great time playing outside. It seemed so quiet and so magical. The kids tried making snowballs, rolled down the hills, made snow angels and ran after one another. Fun!! I came in a little early and made hot chocolate and baked some freezer cookies. When everyone came inside we all sat around the table and talked about how great it was to play in the snow at midnight. When the kids headed off to bed they thanked me and said they were the luckiest kids in Georgia!! Making memories with my family is one of my favorite things to do. Tonight was one of those nights.

Mini Man Snack Bar!!

Do your kids ever complain that things aren't fair?? Mine do it all the time and this week was no exception. Last night my girls were talking about how fun the AHG lock in was going to be. Games, Crafts, Pizza, a midnight Sundae bar, and tons of snacks and popcorn. Across the table sat my boys getting more and more upset every time the girls would mention another fun thing. "What are we going to do?" they said. I joked with them that we would be cleaning the garage and scrubbing toilets. They seriously almost started to cry.

I was kidding of course about the toilets...seriously toilets on a Friday night?? I had fun planned for them all along. They got a trip to the QT for dinner. Now I know that may not seem like a treat to you or I , but to twin 9 year old boys going to the QT for a hot dog or taquito and getting to pick out a slushy is like winning the jackpot.

When they got home, I had a Mini Man Snack Bar set up with 2 Powerade's!! (see photo) You can call it what you want.. I chose mini man snack bar because my boys are always saying that they are little men.

My idea was to take a large tray and line it with coffee filters. My bowls so to speak. I did not have to dirty up a ton of dishes and the filters are small enough that I could put out a variety of sweets and treats just like the girls were going to be getting at their lock in. I told my boys that when the treats were gone their snacking was done for the night. They loved it !!

What I love about it..

*No Dishes
* I can recycle the filters by just shaking them out.
*Limits the amount of snacks the boys can eat.
*Keeps little man hands out of my full bags of snacks. I prefer using smaller containers for kids and then refilling if necessary. You just never know where their hands have been.

It is now 9:00 the boys are content with snacks, drinks, movies, and the Wii. The girls I am sure are having a blast. What does that mean for this mama of four? It means that, for tonight in our little world, life seems fair.

Supper with Santa

The Greeneteam with Santa at our Annual Supper with Santa Visit. 8 years running I believe!!

The Girls having dinner and getting ready for a fun evening of doorprizes, balloons and more!!

Each year the Greeneteam and I attend an event at the Gainesville Mall called Supper with Santa. It is the BEST deal in town as far as I am concerned. Ticket prices run just $3 per child and $4 for adults.

Included in the price.. Dinner, Dessert, Pics with Santa, Face Painting, Balloons, Doorprizes, and a Merry Go Round Ride on the Carousel.

Do I NEED to say anymore?? Such a deal!! My kids love it and so do I. If only every mall would offer such a wonderful event at such a GREAT price.

Amicalola Deer Park.. A Hidden Treasure!!

I love when I stumble upon a new place to visit that I know will leave my children with wonderful memories!! A few weeks back I took the kids out to Elijay. On the way back I spotted a sign that said Amicalola Deer Park. I pulled over to the side of the road and called John and had him look it up to see if it was open. Sadly it was not, but I told him to save it for me so I could research it when I got home. A few days later I did.

Once I viewed their website I knew immediately that it was a place we needed to visit. I could tell by the photos and video that this was a place the Greeneteam would love, a place that they would want to go back to, and a place where memories could be made.

Today the weather was gorgeous so we headed that direction to see the park for ourselves. The Greeneteam was excited and wondered if they would get to see a deer up close. I told them I was pretty sure they would!!

Happy to report that I was right. The park is wonderful. It is a laid back rescue center for more than 150 Deer and other animals. When we pulled in we were met by llamas, a dog, baby goats, deer and more. The workers were all friendly. Our instructions were simply to go buy some deer feed, and explore until the next hay ride came around.

I did not even make it out of the port o potty and the kids were yelling "look mom look!" Makenna was petting a dear in the stream and Carson was petting a beautiful big white dog. Excitement was in the air!!

We walked over and bought our deer feed. We then caught a SLEIGH HAY RIDE to see deer and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. They drove us out to a big field. We then got to feed the bucks, does, and babies. They came right up to the sides and were eating right out of our hands. I would love to have been allowed to get off but I guess the BUCKS were too rough to let us do that. DARN!! Maybe during different seasons you would get to experience that. Not sure??? I think that will be a question for the next time I visit. The kids loved being so up close!

Once we left the deer we headed over to Santa's cabin. (part 2 still to come.. I think it deserves it's own special post so when I finish this one up I will blog about our visit with Santa.)

The next part of our adventure was heading out on a smaller tractor to visit and see some other animals. We saw 2 wolves, Emu's, deer, pigs, and baby horses. The kids loved when we were able to get off the tractor and go to the fence to feed and be up close to them. Nothing like a baby deer nibbling from the palm of your hands. Even Jack, my non loving animal guy had to SMILE!!

Entry into the Amicalola Deer Park.
Makenna petting a deer. We had only been here 5 minutes and she had found a friend.Carson watching the deer from the side of the stream. The deer came up and ate from his hand.
Maddie telling her llama friend "just a minute I am getting you some".
Jack having fun feeding the deer!!

Believe it or not there was more to our adventure. When we arrived back to the main area Channel 2 News was filming for their T.V. series Georgia's Hidden Treasures.. (part 3 of my blog post)

I would highly recommend Amicalola Deer Park. If your children love animals and love being outdoors this is a wonderful adventure.

I know today the Greeneteam thought they were Living the Life!!

Amicalola Deer Park is located West of Amicalola Falls on GA Hwy 52 at mile marker #3. It is 25 minutes from the N.GA Premium Outlets.

www.amicaloladeerpark.com

Admission Prices:

$8 donation adults

$5 donation kids

Under 3 is Free

$5 Seniors

Open Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19th 11-5pm

* I feel it is only right to say that I did not pay admission into the park today. I agreed to BLOG about my experience at the park and share the information from my visit.

The opinions are solely mine based on the experience my family had today.

The Missing Eyebrow!!

Here is a picture of my girl Makenna with a mostly missing eyebrow!! Funny but NOT!!

Ok.. So I had to blog about my girl Makenna !! I was away this week for a relaxing trip to Ohio with my sisters.. When I returned, John and the kids picked me up at the airport. Within minutes I hear all kinds of stories.. I mean seriously all kinds of stories.. One was how they had gone to dinner at the QT to get slushies and Hot dogs because the kitchen was such a disaster. Another was how they watched TONS of T.V and did hardly any school. The kicker though was when Carson said "Did you hear about Makenna losing an eyebrow?" .. I mean seriously?? Is this something one should expect to hear?? I think my husband was about to run off the road.. My kids just couldn't keep their mouths shut about all the MISADVENTURES they had while I was away!!

The backstory: Makenna decided her eyebrows were too bushy and trimmed them with manicure scissors!! CRAZY, I know but if you are familiar with Makenna not so CRAZY!! She is my little RAMONA.. She marches to the beat of a different drum, she colors outside the lines when it comes to creativity and personality. Gotta love her!!

On a positive note my mother is here visiting and said that she may not have noticed the EYEBROW damage because her bangs are so long.. She had a good laugh of course when she saw them but perhaps the local girl at Walmart or even her friends will not even take notice of Makenna's latest adventure!!

As for future trips for me???? I look at it like this.. I came home to a mostly clean house, a mowed lawn and 4 kids that were alive!! Good enough!! Thanks Baby John for giving me a break, and letting me recharge my batteries.

The eyebrow adventure may have done me in before I went on vacation.... but after my relaxing getaway it was just another day of LIVING THE LIFE!!

The Many faces of Maddie

ANGEL MADDIE
CUTE MADDIE
SILLY MADDIE
GOOFY MADDIE
CHEESY MADDIE
MOODY MADDIE

Today was a busy day..We had two Birthday parties to attend. Then when I got home Johns meeting was running way, way, longer than I had expected. That combined with the long day had me in a bit of a mood. So tonight when I sat down to look at my pics I had to laugh at my girl Maddie. She is a character to say the least. Lucky for me most of the time this little character keeps me laughing. Enjoy The Many Faces of Maddie!!