Putting the Leaves on the Tree

Today, the children and I finally put up the Big Realistic Tree.




It took a little while to punch out all the pieces - there are 69 leaves in there! Eventually, I would like to laminate the tree, but in the meantime, I will have to do the leaves and cut them out (yikes).




What I would like to do is study the Prophet's (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)family tree and use it to study the prophets of Islam. First, I think we might discuss in general what a family tree is and use our immediate family so that they get the idea behind it.

I also put the green felt on the wall so that the kids can use it any time they want instead of waiting for me to get out that heavy board.



I think I might make a felt set of Arabic letters soon InshaALLAH so that they can play around with those. There is a template here that can be used.

My older daughter is anxious for the arrival of the new baby and has been extensively studying her calendar and counting how many days are left for the due date. I told her that only ALLAH knows the sure date but she's still calculating, lol.




She's been working hard on her Arabic with her dad in the evenings and her abacus work is getting tougher so they've been putting in some extra time on that as well.



Then, they did a little coloring



and a little pillow-fort building




and I did a mountain of laundry (including the soon to be newborn's, InshaALLAH) and I've finished knitting a few more things including the Sheepy sack



the Perfect Baby Bib



and another Ottobre Soaker

.

Now that I am tired, I have to go finish cleaning because my midwife scheduled my home visit for the morning. Read More...

Still here

It has been a few days since my last post, hasn't it? We're still hanging in there and we are getting ready for the baby, InshaALLAH. It's getting harder for me these days with the frequency of midwifery appointments and keeping the kids entertained and learning. I am the only one at home with the kids these days (mother-in-law is gone during the day), so the little one is really giving me work to do!

I am keeping my oldest busy with math worksheets and copywork pages from Worksheet works on those days when it seems that nothing can be accomplished.



It's funny how I still find time to knit though. Usually, it takes me forever to get something made, but I've been really productive lately.



These little wool soakers are nice and snugly for the new baby and they take no time at all to knit. This one is "The 1932 Soaker Pattern".


This one is the Ottobre Design Pattern. It took about four hours to make.



I received our new phonics/reading programs some time ago, by the way. I will have to give you some feedback soon, InshaALLAH. Just a warning, they stick some non-Islamic dawah in the box as a "courtesy",so if you order from them, don't be surprised.

Take care! Read More...

Cloth Diaper Soaker

If you use them, This pattern is by Ruth Garcia.





It has very basic shaping and stitches. Read More...

Still Keeping Busy

I've slowed down a bit due to the advancing pregnancy (and the fasting), but I'm still knitting when I can.




I hope to have a little more of the classroom in order this weekend because it's a mess (I need to add some shelves to get things out of the reach of my youngest). Hopefully, I will get some pictures of our new books up soon. Until then, stay strong and enjoy your Ramadan.


By the way, the pattern can be found here. Read More...

Productive

It looks like I am on a roll - for now.





This is the Ribbed Baby Jacket by Debbie Bliss (ravelry link). Read More...

Finally, I finished knitting something

This is the Cable Vest by Sarah Hoadley. Ravelry link is here.





It was supposed to be for big brother but he has a big head, lol. My little vest model ran out of patience quickly so I ended up with blurry photos. I still need to make some things for the baby but I've been so busy homeschooling that I can't find the time. Read More...