This Week at Our House # 8

1. John spent a lot of time finishing the floor. John hates house projects. He really doesn't like anything that takes him out of his usual routine and he especially hates staying up late at night doing manual labor. John hasn't complained once during this big project. He hasn't said that there are other things he would rather be doing, he has just done it. We still have all of the transitions and a little more trimming to finish. But the floor is completely usable and we can now get all of the furniture in place.
2. I spent a lot of time on the floor this week too, but not as much as John. I took it pretty easy exercise wise this week and will be picking up full speed starting tomorrow morning. The half marathon is in 12 to 13 weeks from now and I will be starting on a pretty intense training schedule. I am nervous about this, but I have prepared. I have run 5 miles now, even though it took a full hour. Actually, I really pushed it in the end to make sure I got 5 miles in an hour. If I keep that up, I think I can plan on 2.5 hours for a half marathon time. My only goal is to run the whole way. The rest of my week I spent playing with little kids, helping with homework, cleaning and cleaning and cleaning some more, and running errands-- such is the life of a mom of many.
3. Ruth focused on homework and grades, and resting this week. Ruth cares about sleep a lot now. She comes home from school and immediately puts her pajamas on. If she has to go back out, she will change back. This amuses me because in kindergarten she came home and stripped down to her underwear. Once she turned 6, we told her she had to stay clothed.
4. I just love having Kate home with me. Every now and then I wonder if I should have sent her to school the last two years rather than homeschooling her, but I wouldn't give back these two years of having a lot of time getting to know and hanging out with my Kate. She's one amazing girl. I love watching her interact with her younger siblings. They all love her. Kate was one of Joshua's first words and she deserved that honor.
5. Johnny plunged along all week in his school work. Some days he gets everything finished in a couple of hours and some days he stretches it out until 5 pm. Johnny is my best kid on the piano. I think he has talent here and I am glad that he so willing practices.
6. Adam is off track, so he did not have any school this week. I told him that I would pay him $5 at the end of his vacation if he reads one hour every week day. He's been very honorable about it. The weather is still on and and off and Adam, not being able to spend much time outside, seems to prefer to spend his free time picking on Rachel and Anya. I wish he'd choose to focus on another talent. Yes, he's pretty good at annoying girls, but I don't think this will help him with future career and family.
7. Rachel has the same "read one hour/earn $5" deal. And, wow! By Friday, Rachel's reading had improved 100%. By Friday, Rachel was enjoying reading and spent extra time reading books to the younger kids and John.
8. Anya loves our little neighbor, Gracie. She asks to play with Gracie everyday. Unfortunately, Gracie was either sick or not home everyday this past week. Hopefully, Gracie will be around more this next week. Anya has definitely gotten to the point in her life where friends are important.
9. Joseph had a better week. I think it had something to do with the fact that he actually could go outside some. As far as I know, Joseph didn't break anything besides other kids lego creations and that would be a record for this winter. That boy has a lot of curiosity and energy. I have been reading things to help me take care of him and be more patient with him.
10. Josh is at the stage where he doesn't eat anymore. It always surprises me when the piggy little one year old turns two and quits eating. Three weeks ago, Josh ate more than Ruth. Now all Josh wants right now is milk and apples. I suppose if that is what he wants to survive on, I should be happy.
11. Arwen turned 7 months this last week. She is still not crawling, nor does she seem interested in doing so. She does mimic our sounds, and she now has two top teeth and two bottom teeth. Arwen is still our contented, happy little ball of sunshine. I am ever grateful, we got our lucky number 9. I never expected to have more than 8 children, and now I cannot imagine life without my perfect little daughter, Arwen.

This weeks pictures

This is Adam wrapped up in an air compressor, telling Anya not to play with the wood.

 And just for comparison: Here is the old floor