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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Branching Out...

The one quality I love about my daughter is her persistence... The one quality I struggle with is HER PERSISTENCE! I know it will help her in the future.. But now it is a force to be reckoned with! That said, my Julia.. The future writer, vet, artist and now blogger, branched off into her own blog. She is almost 11! That was told to me time and time again! I asked her to take over the family blog but it just wasn't the same for her! She is passionate about critters.. Not the mundane tasks of a homeschooling life which is how she put it to me!
I laughed and chuckled at her drama and then I paused...how can I turn this into a learning moment?!?
The kid wants to write and so what if it is just about furry critters, some slimy creepy ones too I bet!
So, I don't know where the family blog is headed but allow me to introduce you to: Naturegirlscrittercorner .blogspot.com
If you can't find it let me know.. Actually let Julia know lol she is the techno wizard around here! Ha ha

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

From Uganda to Shaving Cream?

This is what I love about being homeschooled: one topic or activity can turn into a whole day of learning. Lately, in Social Studies Emerson and I have been learning about Uganda! Yesterday I got a great idea to go on a pretend Safari in the house with Blaise and Emerson. We researched native animals of Uganda and hid our stuffed animals all over the house. Then using binoculars we played hide and seek! Today my sister wrote in her journal all about elephants and facts she learned from her Almanac. This led to painting pictures with shaving cream! We added food coloring to my dad's shaving cream (Gillette) and Emerson painted a mural of an elephant. Benedict wants to do everything we do in school so we made him a poster and added safari animals on it! We hung it by the kitchen and mom is teaching him to say: lion, zebra, elephant and giraffe! He loves the giraffe! Some days I wonder what other kids are doing in school but I love how we do our work at home. I only wish Math could be more fun... I heard something about equivalent fractions and elephants?!? But I'm not buying it!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Halloween Riddles by Julia and Emerson

We made these up ourselves. Try to answer them!



           1. I am white on the top and yellow on the bottom. I am sweet to eat. what am I?

2. I am white and bony, I have no skin, so whats on the outside used to be in. What am I?

3. You cannot see me, I can float very high, but if you do see me, you might cry. What am I?


4. i have green hair, and a flying broom, So it'd be weird, if i rode a vacuum.
What am I?

5. i howl and screech, my teeth are like hooks , don't pet me, I'm not as cute as I look. Clue: Meeeow!! What am I?

6. if your looking for a house, don't come in here, because you might be filled with fear! What am I??

7. I have eight spindly legs and I am jet black, come onto my web, if you don't care about coming back. What am I?

8. I have a cape, and very sharp fangs, I am a lot like a mammal that flies at night.

What am I?

9. we like riddles, scary or not, and two rabbits is what we got! who are WE?

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Would you Rather............?

Hi, It's Julia again. I have found some Halloween "would you rather"s.

Answer these in the comments please. Beware, they are not easy to answer!

Would you rather.............

1. dunk for apples or carve a jack-o-lantern??

2. Have a costume that is very amazing but uncomfortable or have a boring costume that is comfortable?

3. Get 20 of your favorite candies or get 50 of your least favorite kinds?

4.Have to sleep in a coffin or a giant pumpkin?

5. walk through a haunted house or a grave yard?

6. Have to eat 6 fish eyes or a small frog?? (Yuckk!)

7.  Help to design a haunted house or walk through one someone else has made themselves??

8. Go to a really great halloween party where you didn't know anybody or go to a kind of lame halloween party where you knew everyone?

9. Meet a vampire or be one?

10. Have to wear your costume until Thanksgiving or  have to wear a pumpkin on your head for the first three days of November even when you're sleeping!!






Answer as many as you like! Be sure to include the number. Hope you enjoyed them!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Another Post by me, Benedict, 1 year and 3 months

Yesterday, I posted about my P-L-A-Y-P-E-N, which i am now spelling out to avoid any more major crisis. Today i am simply telling you how my day has been going so far.

5:00 am: i woke up and tried to get Mama and Dada to wake up too, and it worked. Mission acomplished.

6:00 am: Woke up everyone else and invited them to a delicous breakfast(all except Julia who was still sleeping--guess my Super Baby powers didn't work for her).

7:00 am: i decided that i wanted to get dressed, so i dragged clothes into Mama's room and helped by conveniently taking of my diaper and attempting to get dressed myself.

8:00 am: Mama took her shower and then we started school, and then Mama put me in that.....thing. You know, the "P" word? Ends with "N", it's seven letters?

9:00 am: well, here I am.

So, now you have a perfect idea of what today was like. Ugh. I sure wish I could get out of this thing. Yep, I'm still here. Okay, fine, Mama took me out for half and hour or so.

Anyway...

Now, the moment you've ALL been waiting for;


Benedict the Great's Baby word translator!!


Mama: A wonderful person. Has everything you need. Good for sad moments.

Dada: Another wonderful person. Is funny. Good for when you need a nap.

Na-na:  Means many different things. This can mean Grandma, or sometimes it means that I'm hungry.

crying non-stop: Can mean that you need a diaper change, or want to get out of a place such as.... oh, maybe..... a P-L-A-Y-P-E-N.....

Ju: Means Julia. Babies can't exactly pronounce the L sound.

A-A-hh-A: This means that in an echoey place, like church, or in the public restroom at that store we always go to, it is fun to make this noise because it breaks the silence, and, possibly makes people annoyed. Thats even more fun than making the sound.






Monday, October 8, 2012

My Playpen- by Benedict, 1 year 3 months

Today I am writing this in my playpen. No comment. Playpens are horrible cages that trap innocent babies, like me, leaving them in a small, cramped space with absolutely no toys whatsoever. Okay, fine, they aren't that bad......they're  WORSE!!! It all started one day when a big box came in the mail. Mama opened it and took out a big white thing. The box was fun. I played peek-a-boo and pretended it was a car. Then, I fell asleep. When I woke back up, I was laying next to this big cage thing. Mama put me in it, and it was fun at first, until...... Okay, lets stop for a few minutes before we go on..................................................................................................................................
Alright, ready? Okay, good, now brace yourself for the next part....
 Mama left. She went into the kitchen. I was left alone. I cried and cried but she didn't listen. The End.


Well, okay, that was a little bit of exaggeration there. First of all, she did listen to me and made Juweea -or however you spell her name- get in and play with me. Second, its not the end. I am sitting in here now writing this. That's right all you grown-ups, ITS NOT OVER.   Yet.

One day I'll get out of this thing myself, or break it, or use my extremely cute face on others to persuade them to let the baby out.

Oops, gotta go, almost time for my after-breakfast snack.


(Oh and check out this hilarious picture!! Can you believe I looked like that? This was ages ago, and, I'm like, practically bald!!

Anyway though, I was just messing around on the I-pad!!)












Thursday, October 4, 2012

Saint Francis

Today is yet another feast day, and that is a good thing. We had some animal crackers- get it? For saint Francis's feast day!!

We drew some pictures of our favorite animals, and I drew a cat, a dolphin, a fox, a rabbit, a rat, a hamster.... I really like all animals!!

Emerson: I drew a dolphin, a fox, a dog, my bunny Lily, a horse and a squirrel named Scrat.

Blaise: I drew a black bear, a blue bear, and a fish.

Saint Francis, pray for us, and our pets!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Feast of The Guardian Angels

Yesterday was Feast of The Guardian Angels. Today, we will celebrate it because we forgot. (Sorry, Guardian Angels!) There are many different kinds of angels, and this particular kind are called Guardian angels that guard and keep you safe! October has many feast days, so we'll keep you posted when we have another!

Prayer to Your Guardian Angel:

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here; ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

For some fun, find these words in the angel word search below.

Seraphim
Cherubim
Thrones
Dominations
Virtues
Powers
Principalities
Archangels
Angels
Saint Gabriel
Saint Raphael
Saint Michael



Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Soup!

Today's title may baffle you and make you curious to read on! Today our dear Nana is coming and is bringing ingredients for veggie soup. We will make delicious homemade soup and will have a lot of fun--and it even has an added bonus. We got some alphabet noodles to put in the soup so it will be vegetable alphabet soup!!! While it cooks, we'll do an art project. Because I am writing this before we do it, I have no idea what it is!! I am going to add pictures that I will take later on. Soups on!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Saint Therese

Today is Saint Therese the little flowers feast day. We are going to make licorice roses and read about her. I have many books and prayers to her. Here is how to make roses because that is the flower that symbolized her.


First you need a package of string licorice, the kind you can pull off that look like shoelaces.

Coil a large base and keep coiling smaller and smaller pieces on top. Then, use it to decorate a table or eat it right away! Yum!!!!


Prayer to Saint Therese


St. Therese, you who are called the Little Flower, pray that I may always live as a good child of God. May I always do the little things of life extra well for the love of God. St. Therese, you love flowers and you wanted to give to Jesus the flowers of many, many souls.

Now that you are in heaven, let fall upon earth a shower of roses by your prayers. Bring many more souls to Jesus. Pray to the mother of God for us that she will smile on her children here on earth. Amen.

P.S praying this prayer often in times when you need help is wonderful. When your prayer is answered, St. Therese will "send" you a rose. One time I prayed this prayer and my wonderful Grandma Connell sent me some pictures of Saint Therese and she didn't even know I had prayed to her!!

Saint Therese, pray for us!!!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Moving Fun

Moving has been pretty fun. Yesterday at our rental, Benedict was running around and playing with boxes while we unpacked. A vase, a permanent marker, even some tape can get into a baby's tiny hands. Finally, he fell asleep, but he soon woke up and went into action again. I am very excited for my new room because it means we are a little closer to moving into our actual house and I get a lot bigger room, hopefully and a big backyard and a pet rat! :) Today is more packing up and there are boxes in many places! We also went to the library and got an abundant supply of books because everything except furniture is packed, including my Legos and books in my bookshelf. Even though this is very tiring, I hope it's worth it!!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Apple Fest

Yesterday we went to the Applefest and we had some fun. I met my friend there who was running the doll booth. You are supposed to pick a certain amount of suckers and if there's a colored dot on the bottom you pick a doll or teddy bear. I won three times so I let Emerson and Blaise pick one too. Blaise went on the ferris wheel with dad and Emerson and I went on one by ourselves. Blaise and Emerson played some kiddie games and got some plastic toys. After that we ate some cotton candy. Yum!!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Fun With Antonyms

My mom told me I had to write a story using antonyms today...this is what I wrote:

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Hannah. She loved God more than she loved her toys. Her mother was going to have a little baby girl. Hannah was happy that she was going to be a big sister. Her mother went to the hospital to have her baby. Hannah followed behind with her father. They met in a room for her mom to rest in. Hannah was strong, but her mom was feeling weak. Hannah played while her mom rested. They played a true and false game. Her mom fell asleep, so while Hannah was awake her father and her took a walk around the hospital. Hannah saw little babies in big windows. Hannah moved rapid, but the babies moved slow. The nurses were kind, not mean. When Hannah came back there was her little baby sister. Her mom and dad named her Emily. Hannah gave Emily a welcome home present a stuffed turtle. Even though Hannah was older and Emily was younger they would be sisters forever.
I hope you like my story, now that I am eight my mom said I have to write more mature longer stories.
This one took me a long time, not a short time!
Emerson Taratuta, 8

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Free-time

Emerson and I enjoy playing outside during recess. It is very fun and I ride my skateboard and Emerson goes on her roller skates. We love to roll around and have races and things. We play games like jump rope or make up our own. Benedict likes to watch us or play with his garden cart. We like to get our rabbits out on the harness or take my hamster outside. We also ride bikes, hula hoop, and last night we had leftover cupcakes outside for dessert.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

14 months!!

Hi everyone it's me Benedict!! My 14 month day was yesterday and I got a haircut too. It was kind of scary because this lady had these shiny things she was cutting my hair with. Today is very chilly and it feels like fall (which I have no idea what that means). I wore a long sleeve shirt today, and some new socks and jeans. We had to catch up on school today because we didn't do it yesterday. Julia will draw a picture of a baby for her Art. Perfect for my 14 month-I-don't-know-the-correct-term-for-it-day. Well goodnight, mom is going to put me down for a nap.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Fun with Synonyms

Today is Thursday. It is boiling with the sun and heat. I turned on the sprinkler, a stream of water pushed out of the little holes. When it is a hot Summer day, if you look far out you can see heat waves.
By Emerson Rose

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Not for the Squeamish

On Monday we went to a BBQ at a friends house. After we had dinner, we dissected a cows heart--and it was very fun! I was going to do it for my science, and they had access to a cow, so we learned a lot that day. We saw the valves and where the blood enters and goes out of the heart. This particular cow had a lot of fat around his heart and I said, "I guess that's normal for a cow."It was big, about the size of Benedict's head. It was really heavy too, and Emerson pointed out that a portion of it looked like raw meat! Their dog was circling the table--he probably thought it smelled good!!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Happy Birthday Emerson!!

I cannot believe I forgot to do a blog about Emerson's b-day!!!! We didn't invite anyone outside the family, it was just a small party. We had a lot of fun and this is what we did: First, we set up a scavenger hunt and she found her gifts. Then, we went to Confession, which is a great gift on anyone's birthday. After we went home and had a mini soda and pizza party and watched a movie. Today we went to church and went to the park afterwards. Then we picked up her cake--an Ice Age cake. It came with plastic figurines so Emerson played with them outside. Emerson's birthday may have not been big or fancy, but we sure had a lot of fun!!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Art Class

Me and Emerson are going to do art class together today! Once a month Emerson had to watch me go into art class and she announced she wanted to try it out. Normally I might be angry that she wanted to copy me but its different with art class. I don't mind if Emerson wants to do something I like, plus, her friend will be there too, so we both can have people our ages to talk to. This month is a dolphin lesson and we both love dolphins, so hey, it turned out perfectly. P.S(I don't know if you can do P.S's in blogs but oh well) Benedict is doing good today--- he wanted to do the blog but I had to tell everyone about this instead. Sorry Benedict, you can write something next time!



Emerson: Julia is a good sister and I like her a lot. I like dolphins and I want to learn how to draw them.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Benedict says Hi

Hi, its me Benedict. I haven't been feeling well, you know, a runny nose and sneezing once in a while, stuff like that. I have never did an entry though, but I wanted to try this out, on account when you don't feel so good, you do stuff because you are bored. Interesting things are going on today, and we are going to the library to get some new books--some for me too. I like to read my board books or have Mommy or Daddy or my sister Juju - I mean Julia, read them to me. Julia is a nice sister, and Blaise is a good brother too and he likes it when I give him hugs. Emerson likes pink, purple, and princesses. She has a room that has fun things. I love EVERYONE in my family. Sometimes I break things in my sister's room, and Emerson isn't angry, and she still loves me. Did you hear that I'm one years old? Oh, wait, I think Mom told you a while ago. I like cake. It tastes really yummy. Well, I think I must go now, I am very tired. Good by--ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz


by Benedict

Monday, August 27, 2012

Nothing to write about

Today was a very rainy day--again! I am so glad we decided to do school supply/fall clothes shopping a week ago because today is chilly! Anyway, today is just one of those days where you can't think of anything to write about on the blog--in other words, its a typical Monday. Today will be very fun, though because after school we are going to a birthday party so hopeful this rain stops. Poor Peanut got very scared last night when the thunder was booming away, so she went to sleep early this morning. The good thing is that we didn't have a rainstorm over the weekend and not be able to have any fun in the sun(ha ha).



Saturday, August 25, 2012

10 things I would like to say about Mom!

Today is Mom's birthday, and I am working under cover. She does not even know that I am writing a blog entry dedicated to her. She has blogged for two years and she generously gave it to us kids, so here's to my mom.


1. She said I could maybe have a pet rat when we move! (thank u so much mom)

2. She is humble and does not think about herself, she thinks of others first.

3. Mom is caring.

4. She makes the day special.

5. Mom is very kind.

6. She takes us to fun places!(like the park)

7. She can make even shopping fun!!

8. Benedict says: Mama picks me up when I am crying!

9. Blaise says: Mommy helps me clean up my toys!! Emerson says: I love you!

10. Everyone says happy birthday to our very great mother!(Dad says: and a great wife too)




Dear mom, we hope you liked this blog entry about you, (plus all this couldn't fit into a birthday card(-: !!!!!!!)

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Answer

Yes, the first guess was right (see below for comments). Last night Mom and yours, truly (who else, me, Julia!) were trying to think of good names for this blog, when we came upon the right one: The Adventures of J.E.B.B. If you didn't guess it, and you are still pondering, well, I will let the cat out of the bag: It means Julia, Emerson, Blaise and Benedict. Benedict?You may wonder, and I have to admit, he cannot type on a keyboard, nor express his thoughts, but we have our ways of dictating for him. He will tell you about his own adventures. Anyway, here are the things you may be noticing that are very different: First, the entries will be all about us kids. We will take turns saying something, and Benedict will say something once in a great while. Next, I will be typing on the computer, so you will notice that the entries will be longer and more descriptive, for typing on the iPhone or iPad is very hard for one to say anything long on a small digital keyboard. Lastly, the format, text, and design is very different(plus we are getting ready for fall and the colors are very appropriate.) Of course, the biggest change is the title. Since we all "stole" the blog, Mom decided on a new name(with my help, of course). Before, when the title was "a mommy's blog", I could have been confusing for newcomers who wanted to read the blog and wondered why "mommy" was blogging about her sister Emerson and a squirrel in the tree. Temporarily, I had said "by Julia T.", but now, it does not matter! I hope everybody likes the new layout, title, and especially the idea of letting us kids take over!!!!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Changes

So, you may have noticed a few changes going on around this blog lately....Not only have the children taken over...but the title and content is much more interesting.  We decided since it is no longer a "mommy blog" but a blog about the kids that a new title was needed...thus after much brainstorming we came up with The Adventures of J.E.B.B.
For those of you that like puzzles we look forward to your responses...go ahead take a guess at what you think it means...
and  no it does not mean Just Eating Banana Bread....

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Holy Celebrations

Today, we are celebrating the Queenship of Mary. Emerson made a special crown to remind everyone about this special day. We always try to celebrate saint feast days, and it is very fun and we get to learn about saints. During school, I have a very nice reading book called Stories of the Saints. This week I am reading about Saint Helena, the finder of the True Cross. Her son, Constantine, was in a battle in Rome( this was a long time ago) and looked up and saw a cross that said "in this sign you shall conquer". Later on in Helena's life, she cured a woman who was dying using three crosses that one of them was Jesus's and the woman was cured when touched with the third. I love reading about saints and it is a true gift to be Catholic! By Julia T.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Home sweet home

When I went out to clean Lily's cage I heard a sound.I looked it was a squirrel with leaves in his mouth. He had a hole in a tree and was putting the leaves in the hole. I think he was getting ready for Fall. I am excited about this because Fall means my birthday is right around the corner.

Monday, August 20, 2012

New shoes

Do you how hard it is to shop for shoes?? It's hard enough looking for something comfortable, but then there's the aspect of the color. When I walked down the aisle, the first color I saw was pink, pink, and more PINK! Did I ever mention that pink is my least favorite color?! I finally chose the shoes that came in the right size AND had the least pink in it. Emerson , being younger, got hand me downs and was very disappointed realizing that last year my white sneakers with decals and different colors but not the least bit of pink in it. My shoes turned out to be very comfortable and I like them a lot!! Emerson begged me to get a pink rhinestone pair because she would get to wear it soon. But these shoes were the least pink ones there, so I was satisfied. Fall shopping can be a pain, but it is usually always worth it! By Julia T

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Happy Birthday Grandma Jan!

Ok, so it has been awhile since I have "blogged" and although I am enjoying my daughters snippets of creation I do miss the blogging world! Thus, I am hijacking the blog today...call it an editorial take over lol! Today is my MILs birthday! I wish I could be there to give her a hug and celebrate what a selfless amazing woman she is, but this will have to do! She told me she never celebrates her birthday anymore and I chuckled as I am same way! Who wants to acknowledge being another year older! But my kids do love and adore her and she deserves a great big Happy Birthday today! I know she is going to go to mass in honor of the Assumption of Mary and a little bird told me she may have two scoops of ice cream with Sander's sauce on it! That's what I admire about Jan...it always has been the little things that make her smile and make the rest of us love her even more!!! Happy Birthday Grandma! Love Julia, Emerson, Benedict and Blaise
Love Tony, your son and Jennifer:)

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

15 things to do on a rainy day

1. Make a video. (don't get the camera wet!!)
2. Play with your sister. (if you have one)
3. Spend time with your pet.(not outside)
4. Make up a story.(maybe about the rain)
5. Play Connect Four. (very fun!!)
6. Read a mystery. (reading is always good on rainy days)
7. Read a book to someone who can't read. (a very good deed)
8. Splash in some puddles(who says your'e too old for that?)
9. Make hot chocolate. (challenge yourself and try it homemade)
10. Draw a picture (maybe of a nice sunny day)
11. Visit your Grandma (make something nice for her.)
12. Decorate your calendar (you could make a homemade one and add your own pictures)
13. Check the weather (and hope for some sunny days)
14. Invite friends over for an indoor beach party (that will make up for the time it rained on the day you were supposed to go to the beach)
15. Make a list for things to do on a rainy day(like me!!)


By Julia T.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Gnome sweet Home

Today we made some gnomes and had lots of fun. Emerson decorated a pink one and I did a green one. We were planning on going to a pet fair, but it was canceled because of the weather, so we decided to do a craft. My old sharpies work well on the gnomes and we got some sequins for decoration. Benedict laughed when I showed him my gnome. (by me, Julia T.)

Friday, August 10, 2012

Lava Cake

I made a lava cake with my mom. The frosting looked like lava. We made it in the crockpot. It was chocolate. I had it last night. It was good.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Sisters forever

Hello it's me Julia. Emerson did a post yesterday so now it's my turn!! Blaise went on vacation with dad so it's just me, mom, Benedict, and Emerson. Emerson is a great sister and we always love each other. Sometimes we fight, but we always make up in a few minutes. We share similar interests like Geronimo Stilton books and animals but sometimes Emerson is very different. She likes dress up and dolls and I prefer going outside and looking for worms or writing a story. We have our own club and we think of good ideas too. Emerson says I can't say what the club is, but I can only say we have one. We sometimes play dogs, when I put a belt around my neck for a collar and Emerson wears a crown. She is a poodle and I am always a Labrador retriever. We also like books about Camelot like the Magic Tree House books and we even pretend we're knights but I never pretend I am a princess. Emerson and I are good friends, and sisters too. Maybe after school we can play in the rain!