Building the Periodic Table in Minecraft

As a mom, I love it when my kids choose to spend time together. As a homeschooling mom, I am elated when it also involves learning. The cherry on top is that I had absolutely nothing to do with it! 

Related Links:

• Bookshark Science - (shannafern.com)
• Science: The Digestive System - (shannafern.com)

Dreary Day Distractions

We are housesitting on the coast and the weather is cold and dreary. Since the beach and pool weren't viable options today, we went to the mall.

Jonah managed to squeeze in this buggy - it may be the last time.  It's too bad, as it really helps to contain the chaos while I shop.   

 Today's entertainment splurge was the hurricane simulator.  Check it out.

Wii Karaoke

Here is Elisabeth trying her hand at singing a Taylor Swift song on a Wii Karaoke game while Jonah does his best to annoy her - what else are big brothers for!



I do need to find a version with more kid friendly songs. Let me know if you know of any.

Sisterly Love

I blogged a couple of weeks ago about what good friends my kids are. Well, here is more proof of their admiration for one another.

Tonight, Elisabeth had a bath with Jonah which is fairly common - usually involves lots of splashing with mixed tones of giggling delight and angry whining. I got Elisabeth out of the tub to get ready for bed. As I'm brushing out the tangles out of her hair, she says, "Can Jonah have a sleep over with me."  "No," I say.  "You just had a bath with him; now it's time to go to bed." To which she replies, "I just want to be with Jonah."  (I think she misses the past three weeks of shared sleeping space in the RV and at Grammie's house.)

You should never do this, but I couldn't resist and I asked her, "Who do you love more: Mommy or Jonah?" Without a millisecond of thought, she immediately replies, "Jonah."

I haven't asked Jonah, but he'd probably have a similar response. And that's okay by me.

Siblings and Friends

Getting ready to swim at the springs

Jonah blowing bubbles for Elisabeth to pop

I have witnessed their relationship growing stronger of late. They take up for each other when one is in trouble. They both comfort the other when they are crying. On a night hike the other evening Jonah was scared and Elisabeth tells Jonah not to be afraid, because she is with him and has her flash light. Out of the blue the other day, Jonah tells Elisabeth that he loves her - something she says often to all of us. It's amazing to watch and I hope they continue to be close into adulthood.

Related Links:

• Sibling Appreciation (shannafern.com)

Sibling Appreciation

Today was lovely outside, so we went for a walk. We stopped to play with fallen cherry tree blossoms and admired other flowers in neighborhood yards. We found a patch of pretty little purple flowers and both kids bent down to smell them. Three and a half year old Jonah says, "Look mom, they're so pretty - like Elisabeth." 

After returning home, there was a scary moment where Elisabeth (20-months old) choked on a snack while they were playing. Later, after I had put Elisabeth down for a nap, Jonah asks, "Will Elisabeth be alright mommy?" I assured him that she was fine. It warmed my heart to know he was concerned for his little sister and thinks so highly of her. What a good big brother.

Related Links:

• Siblings and Friends (shannafern.com)

Brotherly Love....

is sometime hard on the body, especially when he's an older brother who's only three and nearly twice your size. All in all, Elisabeth handles Jonah's rough housing fairly well. And for the most part, they really do seem to like each other and enjoy having the other around. Thus, it's not too hard to capture moments like this.