Today, I opened my curtains to find the icicles out my window had grown quite dramatically.

I realize that my icicles are a sure indication of the heat escaping out the roof, due probably to poor insulation. If this were my house, I’d put in more insulation. But since it’s not, I’ll just pay the crazy heating bills marvel at the beautiful icicles.

The boys requested play time this morning. Since my neighborhood is still not plowed, my students didn’t want to risk the drive. We had a snow day, and the boys got their play-filled morning. While they were playing, I registered both boys for ice-skating lessons. They’ll start January 4th insha’Allah — Yusuf in Basic 1 and Mansoor in Tot 1. They are both so excited to play ice-hockey, and learning to skate is the first step. Once they pass Basic 2 or Tot 2, they’ll be able to join the hockey program.

What made today exceptionally special and over-the-top memorable, however, was the arrival of two new members of the family. I’m happy to introduce to you, Ginger and Nutmeg:

Photos do not come close to capturing these bunnies’ fluffy cuteness. They are eight week old dwarf-rex crosses. We are still getting to know each other, but they are great fun already. Ginger (on the left, above) is Mansoor’s little buddy, and fittingly, s/he is the more rambunctious, outgoing, nosy of the two, extremely curious and always moving. Nutmeg (on the right) is Yusuf’s, and s/he is the more shy, mellow, and watchful one, and loves to be held and petted. They’re siblings, but they’re too young for anyone to tell if they’re male or female. In a month or two, they will have a little trip to the doctor either way.

The boys are incredibly happy with their new friends, so playful and loving and gentle. I’m busy reading about litter box training and well-rounded bunny diets and such things. No doubt it will be an adventure!

Yusuf was one of the many children highlighted in the most recent issue of the The Muslim Link for fasting during Ramadan. Look for him amongst the sweet faces below; he’s a little more than halfway down. Click the picture below to open it in a new window, then click again to enlarge.

From The Muslim Link:

Here they are … your Ramadhan Super Stars! The children listed in this issue fasted all or part of the month of Ramadhan, opting to participate before they are obligated to fast. We salute these shining lights and ask Allah to keep them on the straight path throughout their lives, Ameen!

Last weekend, our dear friend held a community clean-up on her 30 acre farm to prepare for the approaching winter. The boys and I were there from mid-morning Saturday until bedtime Sunday. The group of families cleaned the chicken coop, brooder, and goat pens. We weeded and cleared out sections of the garden, tilled, and spread manure. We mowed the lawns and trimmed the bushes.  I was too busy working to get too many pictures, but oh how I wish I had one of Yusuf with his chicken coop cleaning mask on — he wore it well after the work was done, like a trophy for a job well done. Here are some general farm scenes I’ve taken on our frequent trips. The farm is, after all, the place we spend the most time after our own house.

Zak and Snowball

A few of the 25 laying hens.

Yusuf's chicken feeder

Yusuf built this chicken feeder! We measured together, I used the circular saw to cut the pieces, and Yusuf put it together with the screw gun. I did the four screws that had to go through the PVC pipe, but he put in the other eight all on his own. Needless to say, he was a proud little guy, especially come Sunday morning when he got to spread the chicken feed in the trough that he built himself. The chickens had no complaints.

Yusuf is finally showing an interest in puzzles! I have to literally bite my tongue sometimes to prevent myself from offering commentary and assistance. As a very spacial person, it makes me crazy when he does things like try an edge piece on the inside. Crazy, I tell you! I take some deep breaths or otherwise distract myself, and masha’Allah! Slow and steady he works it out his way — what a sense of accomplishment! Certainly better than just following Mama’s directions.

The puzzle mania (we’re talking at least two or three times daily) is aided by the fact that I let a “character” into the house. Generally, all comic characters (read: super heros), movie and TV characters (Nemo, Dora), etc. are completely banned from the house. I’m convinced it’s all a conspiracy of mass marketing, advertising aimed at kids, designed to foster nothing but consumerism. So, when Yusuf asked for a puzzle, I think he wanted it primarily because it featured Lightning McQueen from Cars (he hasn’t seen the movie but knows the characters from his classmates at school last year). I chose to look at it as a foray into the world of puzzles, a starter puzzle that excites him, and bought it. Only $3, after all. It’s a big hit, the 24-piece jigsaw is the perfect level for him, so insha’Allah we’ll try to work a few others (without characters!) into the mix. Perhaps we’ll have to dust off our Arabic and English alphabet puzzles we have downstairs as well.

I spent another $3 on a 1500 piece puzzle for myself, to model the behavior, of course. I actually love the work and just hope that Mansoor won’t run off with any of the pieces!

Found in the yard:

Short-stemmed Iris

Crocus

Daffodils

Snowdrops

Insha’Allah I’ll get around to posting about schooling soon, but it’s Saturday! As such, we had plenty to do on this rather dark, drizzly day.

Like, board games!! This is a new obsession around here, one that requires Mama’s full attention and one that Mama sincerely enjoys. It’s great. Our latest hits:

Mansoor LOVES this!

Mama's yellow mouse is about it get it

He completed two full lines!

Just like my big bro...

We did a major clothes edit and reorganization today too, but the process didn’t exactly inspire photos. I did buy storage tubs at Target last week which made it slightly more interesting.

Much more exciting was our quick venture out in the rain to feed the birds and search for signs of spring. Living in a new (to us) house is so exciting, because no one has any idea what will pop up next! I’ll post pics as soon as I can find the little cable that connects my phone to the computer.

Enjoy your weekend!

I’ve taken a rather gradual, low-key approach to Yusuf’s schooling since he finished preschool last spring. Even though Al-Huda was going to put him in kindergarten, according to Prince George’s County and the state of Maryland, Yusuf won’t be a kindergartener until this upcoming fall. It’s hard to imagine that in a public school setting Yusuf would be in preschool, but the cut-off date is September 1, and his birthday is significantly after that. Thus, I don’t have to register him as a homeschooler for quite some time. I’ve been spending past months “de-schooling” Yusuf, providing extended time for imaginative play, materials for art and projects, and encouraging independence, curiosity, obedience, and good character.

In the kitchen, in the kitchen

Experimenting with clay

Mansoor likes to play, too

All that said, Yusuf has been asking for more serious school work and showing all the signs of readiness. He’s such an avid listener of stories, he’s just itching to read. So, we’ve started the journey. After much research and trial and error, we’ve come up with a few language resources that are working really well for us: All About Spelling, Explode the Code, Handwriting without Tears, and miscellaneous readers. Insha’Allah tomorrow I’ll give a snapshot of how each program works and the work Yusuf has done in each.

Not too long ago, Yusuf asked if his soccer pants were clean. Being his favorite and first out of the drawer, they were of course dirty. Disappointed, he retreated to his room to find something else to wear. When he emerged still a bit sad, we decided it was time to learn how to do laundry.

Loading and unloading the washer will require a chair for awhile, but he’s very enthusiastic and independent. Mansoor likes to perch himself on the dryer and help his big brother, of course. Yusuf can fold his clothes pretty well now, I try not to obsess about wrinkles, and both the boys are able to put things in their correct drawers.