Christian Unschooling

Cousins and New Year's Eve

2011-01-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

We had the blessing of our littlest cousins staying with us for a few days over the holiday break. It was neat, because I finally got to "know" our youngest cousin's personality....and loved it!

This is New Year's Eve. I laid Sebastian down at normal bedtime, but Mattea thought she could stay up and just watch tv. Ahhaa, how'd that work out?

Finally, midnight struck, but it was FREEZING, literally, FREEZING out there. I had air horns and silly string, but noone wanted to go out! Elias did a bit at the door, but quickly came back in.

So, the next morning we had to use up the silly string and air horns!

Yeah, I think this worked out better :) More fun and better pictures! Happy New Year!!

Harry Potter Geeks

2010-12-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

In case you can't tell from these pics...that is a replica wand from the Harry Potter store at Universal Studios. This is also a cardigan made by the same company that makes the cardigan for the movies. Oh, and it's also an official HP tie from the HP Universal store. Yes, we (he) goes all out!!

Magical Forest

2010-12-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

We set up a field trip to Opportunity Village's Magical Forest...it was so nice and so warm, perfect day!

They have this huge Alpine Slide...and Sebastian went right up and loved it!

Then we rode the Merry go Round

Then we each talked to Santa

Photo Ops galore at this place! If I only had cooperating kids!

Then the train ride!

It was a really nice day! So much better than going at night in the cold and dark!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Very rarely do I decorate for holidays other than Christmas anymore....but for some reason I decided to decorate for Thanksgiving. Maybe it was the oodles of craft emails that came through, or the fact that we were having Thanksgiving at our house...I don't know. Whatever it was, it worked! We did quite a few craftsy things this week...neighborhood kids and all!

First I decided to make "placemats". I cut paper grocery bags down the sides and used the front as one and the back as another. Then with my wonderful Cricut, I cut big 10 3/4 in pumpkins, complete with stem and little vine. Glued them on and tada, beautiful! Originally I was going to do something with a freezer paper stencil, which I've never yet tried, but gave up on it!

Then I had the kids work on turkey spoons. I don't know what blog I got this from, sorry! Rest assured, I did not "create" this. I set the kids to painting wooden spoons and Popsicle sticks. Then I hot glued on the sticks to the back of the wooden spoon, and glued on eyes. Even Sebastian partook! I stuck them in a vase as a table decoration.

Then I printed out this super cute banner, on yellow cardstock, ran an exacto on the back edges, ran ribbon through it, and stapled it to the wall. Thanks At Second Street!!

Then on to place cards...I copied this idea from Family Fun. I didn't have the sticky notes the author references, so, back to my Cricut. I cut out 5 in flowers, cut them in half, cut out 3 in circles, cut them in half, cut out 1 in circles. Also cut out little diamonds, and cut them in half for the beak! Pretty good use of the machine!

Here's what the table looked like all ready to go! I put 2 6ft tables together, ran a plastic tablecloth over the center, put the placemats as a border, and the turkeys in the center. Kinda festive looking!

Then, today, last minute, I was inspired to do pomanders.....thanks to Upper West Side Mom for the reminder and for the tip to use a fork! I did this! Here's my hint though...don't fork it all the way through. Lightly fork it so the skin breaks. If you fork it too deep, and continue on all the way around, it breaks in half. You can figure out how I now know this.

Oh, and Brian made a homemade apple pie! Yum!

Then we ate, and now I'm uploading! Full day! Ready for bed!

Staheli Farm 2010

2010-10-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

So, off we went this morning, to Washington, Utah, at the grand old hour of 7:30 am. You know it's got to be a great field trip if I'm willing to get going that early! We went to Staheli Farm, and had a blast! We hadn't been in 2 years, but we've been many times in the past.

Here's Sebastian on the hay ride to go get pumpkins.

As George explained to us, pumpkins come from flowers that get pollinated

The flowers then turn into melons!

They start off green, and as the weather cools, they become orange.

This is called a Cinderella pumpkin....yes, like the coach! I thought it was particularly beautiful.

Running through the pumpkin patch

Then it was time to visit the animals. We saw turkeys, and goats, and cows....and Mules. And George asked the kids, "Who do you know that's famous that rode a mule?" (Mary, and Jesus). He asked us to notice the line down the center of the mule's back, and that it makes a cross design. Very cool!

Look at this re-purposed pony ride, with tire horses!

Sebastian stayed on forever!!!

Some of the moms had fun playing too!

The ever famous Corn Slide....due to the rain the corn was covered (that works well for us, as my kids always seem to inhale the corn and corn dust and choke!)

Who doesn't want to swing from bale to bale over mattresses?

Raingutter duckie races!

This is a very high stack of hay!

The part we waited for all day....the Cow Train!!

This has to be the coolest toy...it's called a Berg Lody...you literally balance on it, and use it as a front end loader. The kids couldn't get enough of it!

This place always reminds me how much I miss living where kids can play outside and get dirty and use their imaginations all day. It is truly fabulous! Thanks Staheli Farm, we had a blast!!

Chain Reaction- Neighborhood Project

2010-09-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

I guess Disney is encouraging kids to do this experiment and then upload their video of it...Elias and his friends have been working on it all day! Chain Reaction

The boys started working on it, gave it a good 50 attempts, then gave up. The girls came along, made some slight changes, and got it to work. Then they all wanted to take partial credit for it!

So, good job, James & Elias, Krista & Zanthippie, & Jill !!!

This is take #76 or so!

Swimming

2010-09-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today we went down to the Municipal pool to sign up for a diving class. While we were there I figured I'd let the kids see the pool and diving board. We swam for awhile, and then they opened up the deep end, and the diving boards!

I had a bunch of the neighborhood kids with me...and boy, these kids have no fear! Going off the HIGH DIVE!!

She went off the high dive too!!!

Elias stuck with the low board, but seemed to enjoy himself!

I don't have a picture, but Sebastian also did the diving board. He successfully wowed everyone by jumping off and swimming to the side (he can swim! And he's so tiny!) Then he wanted to do the big board which scared me to death, but I figured I'd let him TRY to climb up the ladder...sure enough, he decided on his own he was too small for it (pheww!!). He did quite a few jumps off the 1 meter board and enjoyed himself as well!

After not having been to this pool in quite a few years, I decided it was AOK. Especially in the am when the water seemed nice and clean.

Kids Say.....

2010-08-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kids say the darndest things! My son and his friend were discussing where babies come from. His friend said from mom's butts. Well, Elias used to think that until he learned the correct word...so he promptly told his friend he came from his mom's Virginia!

TOO FUNNY!!!

Sebastian can swim!

2010-08-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

I've always had water babies, but this is crazy! All summer Sebastian swam with a floatation suit on. A couple of days ago I thought I'd see how he did without it on. The kid pushed off of me and headed for the deep end! He's fearless! He floats well, and kicks his little legs like crazy and just isn't afraid of getting his head in the water. As a matter of fact he keeps his eyes open in the water and loves it!

I finally got around to videotaping this crazy boy! This is the first time I'm letting him in the deep end and it's only cause Daddy's there!

Preschool Printables

2010-08-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

I LOVE when people share their creativity online so we can all benefit!

I may have already shared my all time favorite website, http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/

I also love The Crafty Crow which is mostly craft stuff. Today I was surprised that it had some printables too! I just downloaded and printed out this cute Alphabet Flashcards set! Free!!

A hint, whenever possible, I sign up for their email updates, it saves me from having to remember to go to a million websites. If I need the craft or download I save the email, if not, I delete it!

Vineman, CA Part 5

2010-07-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, Vineman Recap! This is the real reason we came to Northern CA!

The early morning was COLD! Although the water was 72.5 the air was 54!! BRRR. On Chris's way down for his wave, he saw his all time favorite (um....I'm at a loss for what this guy does or his name.....Chris can spot famous athletes from 2 miles away! I don't know who they are!)...athlete, Chris someone or another. So he asked for a photo op which the guy gladly gave.

Here's Chris ready for his swim wave. These goggles suck his face so much I tease that's he's Chinese not Mexican!

Here's Chris swim wave. This is in the Russian River, which seems to be at an all time low. Chris said there were spots he had to walk because it was so shallow.

Here's Chris coming out of the water. his swim time was pretty good (for him!) , at 40 minutes.

And here he is off on his bike portion.....

Little Lovelies waiting for a sight of Dad,,,,,,

And here he comes, off the bike portion. He finished that in a respectable 2:50:48

And there he goes (in the red shirt, opposite lane) off on his running portion.

And here's what kept the boys occupied during those couple of hours!

Lo and behold, here he comes! His run was a bit off. He thinks he didnt drink enough on the bike part, to be well hydrated for the run. He had some intense cramping during the run, which set his time back further than he would have liked. He finished the run in 2:34:24

He finished the half Ironman in 6:18:47. We knew he'd finish, even if it killed him, cause he's stubborn that way!

Civil War Days and Seals, CA Part 4

2010-07-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the day I was most looking forward to, in our CA Adventure. They had Civil War Days, a Civil War reenactment. I've never been to one and wasn't altogether sure what to expect. It was fabulous! There was a vendor section with great Civil War reproduction pieces, everything! From clothing, to buttons, to patches, to candles, to books, to ammunition.....it was fabulous!

Then the recreation was wonderful! So realistic! And so loud!

Little lovely with ear protection

Drum and Fife Corps

Florence Nightingale (maybe?)

Some fell....

After this wonderful event, we went up the coast again and found this great spot where we could park and walk to within throwing distance of Seals! It's called Goat Rock State Park. Truly wonderful!

Here's the view from above....this is where the Russian River meets the Ocean

This is a "seal nursery". The Harbor Seals nurse their babies in this area. We were so lucky to see them!

How do they get on these rocks?

This is after we parked and walked....we are about 200 feet from them!

Very very awesome!

Armstrong Redwood State Park, CA Part 3

2010-07-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Friday we went to Amstrong Redwood State Park in Guerneville. It was totally awesome!

Then we went exploring and our RENTAL car broke down. Note to all of you, when your VAN breaks down, you're pretty much up a creek.....No tow-truck can handle as many passengers (kids) as we have! This is the 2nd time in my life I've had a van break down. It's ugly!!!!

It all ended well though, and we finally got a new van delivered to us. It was an AOK day!

Fort Ross, CA Part 2

2010-07-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Our 2nd Day in Northern Ca, we went up the coast to Fort Ross, state historic park. I loved this place!

Fort Ross is an old Russian Fort on the coast. This is the chapel...just so beautiful!

Inside I was shocked/pleased to see a rotunda...coming from the East Coast where historical buildings abound, I can tell you, there are very few with "pretty" added! To see this beautiful wood work was just amazing.

Here's Little Lovely by the Cannon.

Elias was getting a kick out of ringing the church bell.

Here's another example of "pretty"...all the headboards, chests and trunks were beautifully painted!

Elias got to dress up as an Alaskan Fisherman-hunting for Sea Otters. See the pelt on his shoulder?

It was a great place to visit! And, here's a funny for you, they have GOPHERS! A gopher problem, on the shore! The whole fort (ha!) has holes in it!

Then we stopped for lunch at this beautiful restaurant on the coast. It opened up to some beautiful trails down the bluffs.

Look at all these wildflowers!

And, our first sighting of SEALS!

After our beautiful day up the coast we decided to go inland back to town. (Note to self, don't do again). It was a long trip through solitary roads, all rolling hills and ranchland. Beautiful, but long. We did get to see some deer along the way though!

Petrified Forest & Old Faithful Geyser, CA trip Part 1

2010-07-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

We are just getting back from a great trip to Northern California. Can you say, "Brrrrrr?". Especially those of us from Las Vegas! It was quite different! Beach weather is long sleeves and earmuffs!

Our first full day there we went to a nearby town to see the Petrified Forest. It was very neat to see these huge trees!

After that we went to see Old Faithful. Did you know there are other Old Faithfuls Geysers? This one is in Calistoga California. It erupts every 10 minutes. It was pretty neat to see.

PE

2010-07-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

We have been so blessed over the many years, to have had a local gymnasium open their space to homeschoolers, 1 morning a week. We play with balls, run around, shoot hoops, plsy dodge-ball...and just have fun! Elias has attended for pretty much his whole life!!

At the skate park

2010-07-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

We checked out Area 702 indoor skatepark the other day, and now I've got some boys who are hooked! It's an awesome place. Here's shots of Elias, Sebastian, and 2 neighbor boys...it's great fun!

Sebastian Jumping Into Pool

2010-07-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is Sebastian jumping into the pool. Showing off he can jump and go underwater and LOVE it!!

Civil War Reenactment

2010-07-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ohmygosh I can't believe I haven't posted this yet! This was the best time! I think it was in November, which you'd think would be cold enough to wear these woolen coats, but NO, it wasn't!!

This was a Civil War Re-enactment at the Old Mormon Fort. Our homeschool group was the military! The group was divided into North and South, and dressed accordingly. They were assigned positions. Then they drilled for an hour. An hour!! They were getting bored. But I'll tell you, and hour wasn't enough. I now see why they had to train and train and train!

Here's Elias, my little guy being dwarfed by a coat.

Marching.....

Here's Brian (2nd from the left)

Attention!

Sebastian played through it all

yup, they made moms participate

Even me until (thankfully) my little guy needed me! (It was HOT!!!)

Elias carrying the flag

More marching

I don't know where all my pictures are of the finale....but they ended up going to war with water balloons! It was fabulous! They had to advance, and the "shot" soldiers had to come out...it was so very cool! And it really showed why drilling was important (we kinda were straggly and not very efficient!)

I am so looking forward to doing this field trip again! I'm aiming for January or February!

Nursing Home Service Project

2010-07-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

For the 2009-2010 School Year our teen group had a local Nursing Home as it's service project. Every month we made crafts ahead of time, and brought them with us on our monthly visit.

Here we are singing Christmas Carols...strolling the halls and bringing joy to the residents.

If you've never visited a local nursing home, I so encourage you to do so. I have to admit, my first 5 minutes I was very uncomfortable too, but then I started really talking to each one and showing the teens how to do it. Simple touches on the shoulder, holding hands, looking at them and speaking with them about their children.....so many of them don't get visits very often and this was a true blessing to them. They LOVED the children...especially Sebastian. He'd go around and shake people's hands, high-five them etc.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to help, please look up local nursing homes and see if you can schedule a visit. If you're here in Las Vegas, this happens to be El Jen nursing home, and it is so wonderful!

Snow Cone Makers

2010-07-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, some of the best presents, are the same ones I had myself as a child! Elias got this Spongebob Squarepants snowcone maker and it is made exactly the way my Snoopy Snowcone Maker was! We had fun with the grinding of the ice, and flavoring....and memories on my part!

Sebastian "school work"

2010-07-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

Learning at 3!

Diet Coke and Mentos

2010-07-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

As always, I am so far behind blogging! I almost want to give up! No, I need a secretary! Who wants to be it?!? Takers?!

Ok, I don't even know when this was, clearly it was cool out so it wasn't anytime recently! For Christmas Elias got this Mentos Rocket contraption. It's a tube that holds a bunch of mentos in place, while the soda rolls up over them. Very cool! So, of course we had to head outside and do it over and over and over again!

The packaging recommends Diet soda as it is less sticky than regular soda.

Line the Mentos up Stand back.....

Whoah Momma!!! Boy does it work!!

There are tons of website that offer different variations of this science experiment (I mean cool neat trick!)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Mentos-and-Diet-Coke-Rocket/

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Diet-Coke-and-Mentos-Rocket

Have fun!

Pine Wood Derby

2010-06-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

We seem to be drifting away from scouting, but the pack we were with had the coolest Pine Wood Derby set up! This light pole goes from red to yellow to green, it had a sensor at the bottom to calculate who won, it was just the bomb!

Elias' car is the blue one.

RoosNMore

2010-05-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

It's been quite awhile since I've posted. Life gets so busy! Yesterday we took the bomb of all field trips and I just HAD to share the photos!

We went to Roos N More, out in Moapa. It was so wonderful.

Otter (his name is Snork) loving on Brian.

Elias actually touched an animal! He's petting the otter

Bear Cat-Binturong This animal loves Brian. He kept climbing on him!

Kinkajou and Elias is petting it too!

Porcupine. Ok, if you want to know the whole story....in front of these kids is a good sized pit leading to a tunnel. These porcupines dug under ground 70 feet. 70 FEET! They had babies and left the babies at 40 some odd feet. The owner had to crawl in there and get the babies. She videotaped it so we could all see! You can see this crazy video here : African Crested Porcupine Babies

Kangaroo...tons of kangaroos, including an albino one! We all got a photo op and to pet it.

Baby coati...why do all these animals love Bri-bri? He's such a good boy thats why!

Monkey-ok, the full story here....they were letting each kid sit with the monkey. Well, Sebastian didnt want to, but he got up there. I barely got this picture because as soon as the monkey got put down he was ready to run! Somehow, the monkey got Sebastian's toy dinosaur (see the red thing in monkeys hand?It's a Brontosaurus). Well Sebastian jumped off the chair bu he was glad to "share" his toy with the monkey!

Anteater-yes a real live anteater!

And, the piece de resistance! I hope this video posts, I dont know if Ive tried this before. Anyway...it's supposed to be a video of the owner taking a baby joey out of his mama's pouch and showing us the inside. It's so cool!!!!!

This field trip was so hands on and fun and I saw the inside of a Kangaroo's Pouch!!!!!!!

Crazy Boys

2010-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's been unseasonably warm the past week. Warm enough that after some time outdoors Elias and his friends wanted to go in the pool. Who am I to dash a child's dream? (hahaha, let the cold water do that part!)

Brrrrrrrr

Well, Elias still had to try it!

Yeah, I'm guessing that cured them of it for awhile! Oh, maybe not, I forgot, they're kids!

Super Mom or Abiding Mom

2010-02-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

The below is from a blog I frequent: Confessions of a Homeschooler

Are you like me? Constantly striving to be more Christlike? Here are some reminders.....great words.....

Super Mom	Abiding Mom
Does	Is (Psalm 46:10)
Tries to impress others	Pleases the Lord (Eph. 5:10, Proverbs 29:25)
Is controlled by an agenda (curriculum, schedule, etc)	Is controlled by the Holy Spirit: (Gal. 5:22-26) (Uses curriculum & schedules as tools for orderliness so she's more free to follow the spirit)
Her self worth is found in her accomplishments (clean house, perfect kids, the perfect bulletin boards, etc.)	Her self worth is found in an accurate view of who she is in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10)
Her peace is found in the “perfect” environment	Her peace is found in Jesus in the midst of any storm (Is 26:3)
She is discouraged by failure	Failure reminds her that God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
She expects perfection from herself and others	She practices grace with herself and others (Eph 4:32)
She teaches her kids to be good	She teaches her kids to be Godly (Proverbs 22:6)
She is frustrated with her lack of spiritual fruit	She abides in Christ and bears much fruit (John 15:5)
She does things with her children	She builds a relationship with her children (Deut 6:6-7)
Her perspective is based on what is seen	Her perspective is based on what is unseen (Col 3:2)
She chooses quantity of activities	She chooses the most excellent Way (I Cor 13)

First Day of Mystery Of History Co-op

2010-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

About a year ago my friend bought Mystery of History, told me about it, and then bought me a copy too! I fell in love with it! I already owned Story of the World, and was pleased to find out people use the 2 together all the time!

Then I found out Mystery of History has a yahoogroup. And in that yahoogroup there are tons of files for you to use! Like, timeline pics, charts that show how to use MoH with Story of the World...and more. It was like a treasure trove. I happily got to printing!

In those files I saw pictures of various people's timelines, including some using a Sewing Board. I had never heard of a sewing board, but looking at the pics, they looked cool. So, off I went to Joann's with my 40% off coupon. I got a super sewing board. It was ~$17 without the coupon.

On one side of the sewing board are measurements and lines..for cutting patterns. I covered that side up with white contact paper, and on the cardboard side, started laying my timeline strips, exactly as Linda walks you through it in the book!

We went from the bottom -up. Creation to Christ's birth.

See, it folds up accordian style onto itself, ends up being like 5 ft long by about 1 ft wide! Perfect for storing! or showing to others at parents meetings etc!

Here's the bottom rows of mine, after we finally got started.

On our first gathering we met and went over the first few lessons.

I always try to incorporate fun, hands on things with each thing we study. This co-op was no different.

First, while talking about Creation, I gave them each a container of Play-dough and asked them each to make a person. (Suggestion from the book) I let them happily mold whatever they wanted, and then dragged out the Gray's Anatomy. I asked the littler ones things like, how does your guy pee? How many hairs does your guy have on his head? How can your guy see what's in front of him? For the older kids I started flipping pages. I'd ask, where is your guys "adjsklajsda;lkjsadj". They'd be all, "ummmmm". I couldn't even pronounce half the things!

I read them the story of Noah and the flood. And played the song Noah Found Grace in The Eyes of the Lord It's kinda catchy!

Then I downloaded
Bill Cosby's standup comedy- 3 parts about Noah
Noah-Yeah Right!
Noah and the neighbor
Noah Adding Animals to the Ark

Very funny!!!!!!!!!!

Then, while I was going over the Ice Age, I had them hold Ice Cubes and have a contest to see who could hold them the longest.

I love learning in a co-op setting (or should I say teaching? I'm learning too as I'm leading the discussion!).

Valentine's Day party

2010-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

We attended one of our local homeschool group's Valentine's Day Parties. Lots of fun! Lots of Valentines!

Sebastian got into it this year!

New additions to the family

2010-02-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Itsy Bitsy and Teeny Weeny! I'm being a foster mom until we open our Educational Facility. Aren't they cute? They are red-eared sliders.

Here they are in their tank....the kids are loving them!

Science Party

2010-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

ha, this one shows just how long ago it was! October. Darn, wish they didnt have the date on that thing LOL!

Anyway, this was a fun Science Day that one of my support groups put on. Various tables were around with different projects to do that related to science.

The highlight of the day was the catapult. Elias had to (try) to hammer in the nails. Then rubberbands were wound around them to create a place for the plastic spoon.

Then the spoon gets inserted, add a ball and FLING! Repeat and repeat and repeat until you can't find the ball anymore!

Of course, if that wasn't enough fun, he also got to make a marshmallow bug and eat it too!

It was a fun afternoon!

Teen Service Project & Homemade Laundry Soap

2010-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am one of the leaders for a local teen homeschool group. We often try to come up with service projects for them participate in. This time it was for a local homeless teen shelter Street Teens .

We made "the Duggars" laundry soap, grating the Felz Naptha down and making a batch of laundry detergent that should last them a few months or so!

The teens also cleaned their closets and brought in all sorts of clothing that they then sorted and bagged for the same organization.

Of course, after all that hard work, we let them play!

Scout Vest

2010-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here's Elias in his scout vest. I bought this one on Ebay. It's actually made out of red denim and cut to look just like the ones at the scout store. The price was comparable, or less, and it's not made of that cheesy felt that gets all nappy!

Christmas Tree & Memories

2010-02-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

Only a month late! Not bad! Anyway, this year as I decorated (and un-decorated) the tree, I thought back over all the memories each decoration brings with it. Our tree isn't all beautiful and monochrome...it's full of treasures found and bought with love or crafts the kids have made through many many years. So, I am going to highlight them below, and maybe give you ideas along the way!

This one I found a few years ago in FL. It's a nail, all bent to make a heart. And it has the story of Jesus' crucifixion and love for us. Of course, now the decoration is put away, or I'd type the story in for you.

Statue of Liberty decorated for Christmas. Of course, we bought her on a trip to the Statue of Liberty, so it reminds me of taking my kids there.

One of my first Christmases living in Las Vegas, away from my family, a friend set up this whole big Christmas Craft day. This was one of those crafts. We painted the little flowerpot red and then sponged on Santa's hair and beard. She also introduced me to Shotgun Santas. Really, I had never heard of such a thing! There is puff paint on this Santa face..it's really 3-D. He's really a cute little guy! That year we also stenciled our own Christmas stockings and added fabric to the cuffs. We still use those stockings. My friend has since moved away, but I will always be thankful to her for taking me under her wing and making that Christmas a happy one.

Seems to me Elias made this one. A quick, simple Christmas Fun Foam craft. But he was probably 6 or 7 when he did it.

Ahh, my Bri-bri made this one when he was younger. I think this was one of the craft days when he was a teenager and didn't really want to do crafts, but everyone else was. Painted popsicle sticks with "gems" and glitter pipe cleaner glued on.

I think my neighbor made this for me. See what happens when it takes a month to post things? I forget!

This is our little nativity set that always accompanies our Christmas Tree. We have 2 different ones, and this one is less breakable. Sebastian got into it this year....see the yellow matchbox car in the back of it?! Wasn't that in the story, the cows were all lowing and the car engine was revving?

I think Brian's aunt got him this. Or maybe my mom. Anyway, it's going to end up going to Brian when he gets his first tree.

This was one of the first ornaments I've bought for my family. I HATE spending $13 on a decoration! But, this was my first baby's first christmas!

Brian made this in Cub Scouts one year. It's a piece of green construction paper with spray-painted jigsaw puzzle pieces glued on. Add a fancy bow and voila! Handmade Christmas Ornament!

My mommy knows I love handmade crafty things, so she gave this one to me. She made it at a local craft day her church had.

Another Brian-craft. For years we've had a Christmas Craft gathering, mostly the same people. This year we didn't as some of the other family's kids are getting too old. Waaaahhh, mine aren't! Anyway, this is a beautiful dove that one of the mom's came up with, and Brian made.

Here's the ornament I bought for Elias' first Christmas.

Here's the ornament I bought for Sebastian's first Christmas. I plan on giving all the boys their first ornaments, as their "first" ornaments when they move out and have their own "firsts".

Our neighborhood exchanges small gifts at Christmas time, and this was from one year. It's all personalized with our names!

So, there's the best of them! There are tons more to show,but these sum it up very well. Special times and crafts make our Christmas Tree a living memory-book

Christmas at the Wahls

2010-01-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

After we opened presents and relaxed a bit, we went over to my inlaws house for Christmas Linner (Lunch/Dinner) This was particularly wonderful as my sis in law came in from Overton, with her brood! We don't see them a whole lot these days.

Here are a few pics from the day

Siblings...minus Gilbert who's out of the state. Vicky, Louie and Chris

The kids are all really close...they pick up where they left off.

Look at these 3 stooges! Sebastian, Carrie and Mattea

Everyone chowing down

Most of the grandkids....now that they're getting older it's hard to get them all in the same picture!

And, to top the night off, Grandpa showed us his Christmas Present...a robe reminiscent of the Playboy Mansion.

It was a very nice evening. Glad to see the Overton Wahls again and glad that the kids just love each other so much!

Chase Mommy Around the House

2009-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is a game we play often (although the kids think it should be more often..like all day, every day). They line up, with me facing them....do the count down....and then I chase them while they turn tail and run away.

Because the house has an open floorplan we run in circles around the kitchen, through dining room and front room into the living room. Often I'll switch directions and try to catch them...and sometimes we hide around a wall and try to catch each other.

They are very cute/funny in the playing. Sebastian screams, Elias shoves Sebastian forward, doors get slammed...it's fun!

Daddy's Boots

2009-12-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Brian recently had a photo shoot at Bonnie Springs, a recreated old cowboy town. He dressed the part wearing his Daddy's old cowboy boots. These boots have seen everything!

Riding Bikes

2009-12-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

We've had a lot of great weather this year...and when it's nice we play out front. Everyone has an assortment of bikes and wheeled things...Here's Elias and Sebastian right behind him!

Often our neighbors come out too. Here's Elias, Robert & Sebastian on a 3 wheeler and Zanthippie in the background waiting.

1st orange

2009-12-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is our first orange off our orange tree! It has taken quite a few years to produce.But it looks worth the wait!

Here's Maddie, Gracie and Faith sharing the juicy goodness

We've gotten a few more off since then...looks good for next year!

Little Witch

2009-12-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

He's a Little "everything" ! This kid is curious and outgoing and happy! He's so wonderful.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

I am convinced that 8 is the age when Christmas is perfect! It certainly seems to be so for Elias!

This year Elias obsessed about Santa, wanting to know every detail of everything (making me cringe with the web of deception!). He made his gingerbread house yesterday and left it for Santa to eat, along with of course milk and cookies, and thoughtfully, some water and carrots for the reindeer. He went to bed early, without even being told to.

Overnight, we became the proud owners of Rock Band 2. When Elias went to check on Santa's snacks, he saw it all set up and ready to go!

Sebastian also saw his big gift, a firehouse/policestation. Complete with helicopter, fire truck, motorcycle and furnishings. This "dollhouse" was such a hit he didn't want to leave it to open other presents!

We eventually moved on to other things.

Brian opening his card from his "other Mommy" my sister

Elias got the super wazoo BumbleeBee mask and wrist blaster he'd been wanting for months! Thanks Aunt Kristine and Aunt Mary!

And, once Sebastian came in and decided to open presents, he enjoyed himself too. He got lots of "little" things...he loves things he can put into other things. He got some little doggies and this little set of Star Wars characters. Of course everything promptly got put into the firestation!

Well, off to play Rock Band! Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Little Doggy

2009-12-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sebastian recently spilled his cup of water. Instead of running to the kitchen to get a towel, he gets up on the chair and proceeds to LICK it up! Seriously. Repeatedly. Often enough for me to call Chris and for him to get the camera and snap this shot! What a little doggy!

This kid makes us laugh so much! I am so thankful for him!

Duggars Laundry Soap

2009-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've heard and heard and heard about the Duggars Laundry Soap, but it wasn't until our Teen Homeschool group made a batch as a service project, that I saw how cheap and easy it was!

It spurred me on! I went to Lowes and bought some 5 gallon buckets, bought the washing soda, borax and fels-naptha at Smiths, and was good to go! I invited some other families over and we got started. By the way, this is the PERFECT Christmas-time effort for a local charity. Easy to make, not much money and can last a long time! Take a bucket to your local mission or shelter!

We used a food processor to finely grate the Fels-Naptha. I highly recommend this vs hand grating!

Then we stirred it into boiling water...and it took quite awhile to fully dissolve.

Final step, adding additional water and stirring it all up!

Here's what the final version looked like. The buckets seal tightly with the lids, allowing for transportation without spilling! When you go to use it, it will require stirring as it kind of has a sludge ball in the middle.

See below for the recipe. We made the liquid version. Also, FYI we've been using vinegar as a fabric softener in the washing machine for about a year now. No smell, and it's cheap and effective!

These recipes are found at www.duggarfamily.com

Notes:

I add tea tree oil to my whites and towels; it's a natural antiseptic.
I use my soap straight from the 5 gallon bucket. I don't dilute it again. You might want to if you have soft water, my water is hard. Plus I just don't want to mess with pouring it into something else.
If you make the powder make sure your grated soap is very fine! It won't dissolve otherwise.
I use regular white vinegar as softener. It works well and does not make your clothes smell like vinegar.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online here (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!

Powdered Laundry Detergent - Top load machine

1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

-Grate soap or break into pieces and process in a food processor until powdered. Mix all ingredients. For light load, use 1 Tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 Tablespoons. Yields: 3 Cups detergent. (Approx. 40 loads)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online here (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!

TIPS FOR LAUNDRY SOAP: We use Fels-Naptha bar soap in the homemade soap recipes, but you can use Ivory, Sunlight, Kirk's Hardwater Castile or Zote bars. Don't use heavily perfumed soaps. We buy Fels-Naptha by the case from our local grocer or online. Washing Soda and Borax can often be found on the laundry or cleaning aisle. Recipe cost approx. $2 per batch.

Inexpensive Fabric Softener Recipes

Recipe #1
1 Cup White Vinegar
Add vinegar to rinse cycle. Works great. Removes residue and odors. Also helps to keep washing machine and hoses fresh and clean too.

Recipe #2

1 Container of Name Brand Fabric Softener
4 Inexpensive sponges, cut in half

Pour entire container of softener into a 5 gallon bucket. Fill empty softener container with water twice. (2 parts water to 1 part softener) Add sponges to softener/water mixture. When ready to use wring out extra mixture from one sponge and add to the dryer as you would a dryer sheet.

Felt Board Story Organization

2009-12-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

I've been teaching a preschool co-op this year and I've amassed quite a collection of felt board stories. My usual method of organization is binders....but the felt board story binder was not working for me! Even using a big D ring one, it wasn't enough space, and pieces often fell out...

I gave up and bought a file box! And now I'm happy!

I even got to use my laminator!

I separated by alphabet....and also have a master list of stories, as some fall under multiple letters

I kept the stories and felt pieces in the page protectors that they were in in the binder. It seemed less buly than manilla folders, and less likely pieces would fall out.

I also took the time to laminate all my story cards...well, they were already out, why not do the job right?! It was fun!

Welcome Home Decorations

2009-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

When we came back from FL we were greeted with a beautifully decorated house! Someone took a lot of time drawing pictures and spelling out Welcome Home. We're Glad You're Home!

Writing all of our names all the way up the sidewalk...

There were streamers taped up everywhere and this wonderful hand made sign that said Welcome Home.

We felt loved! And, since one of the words at the front of the house said "Luk -->" (instead of Look ) we figured out pretty easily it was our wonderful neighbor Zanthippie and her family. We missed them too!

Brian's 16th Bday Party

2009-12-13T22:51:00.000-08:00

Brian just turned 16 and forbid me from having a party for him! He didn't even want me to make a cake! Luckily he has the greatest friends, and one who took it upon herself to have a party for him anyway.

Cassia made this tailor-made cake for Brian. His favorite colors are green and black, and she knows he likes peppermint and chocolate. The icing is peppermint and the cake is Devil's Food. This is a recreation of his Holga camera.

She took care of every detail, from decorating to inviting people to the food to be eaten.

Here he is...he said he wasn't surprised, but who knows! He was sequestered away for the day and arrived to find the party in progress, just missing him!

After a long night, lots of pizzas, lots of teens, and lots of the game Sardines, I hope Brian went to bed just as happy as I did. I am grateful to every friend that came, and every friend he has....you all are the best bunch of teens ever! Cassia, especially, thanks for putting so much time and effort and thought into this night!

Airplane Ride

2009-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here are my little lovelies on the plane ride to Florida. So cute!!!!!

Fond Memories & Good Food

2009-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Every time we go to FL for the Ironman, we go to Po Folks. Chris moans and groans, "I lose IQ points every time I walk in the door". But it's good food, at a decent/good price! And it brings back all sorts of memories for me!

When I was younger we didn't often go out to eat....Mom stayed home while Dad was a schoolteacher, and there were 4 of us! But every once in awhile after church a bunch of people would get together and we'd cross over into PA and go to PoFolks.

At that time, PoFolks gave drinks in mason jars, and every waiter/waitress knew the Moon Pie story. Not only did they know the story, they brought the red wagon over with the moon pie tree in it, to show us!

Today, that PoFolks is no longer open. Each time I go to the one in FL I ask them if they know the Moon Pie story and they don't! It's heartbreaking! It's tradition! And something the managers shouldn't have let be phased out. If I had a unique place in the market, I'd keep everything as unique as possible and not lose things! Like the Moon Pie Story! These days the drinks aren't in mason jars either!

But, just going there makes me think of fun times, and being a child...so I'll still go...plus the food's good!!

Chris' Cousin James

2009-12-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

While we were in FL, Chris planned on seeing his cousin James, whom he hadn't seen in years. Well, 15 years to be more precise! So, James came down from GA and hung out with us, remembering good times with Chris and listening to me pester him about all things Native American. It was a grand time!

Here's Chris and James

This is a shot of a medicine pouch

And these are leather boots

It was neat to learn about so many differences in culture and history and laws and ways of doing things.....

James came back down the day of the Ironman and patiently waited for Chris to finish. It's not that thrilling being an IronMate. Lots of waiting and walking and screaming and crowds...add in a baby's nap and feeding the crew...makes for a long day!

We're all glad Chris got to reconnect...maybe it won't take another 15 years!

Gulf World

2009-12-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

This was our 2nd trip to Gulf World. We went in 2007 and Chris swam with the Dolphins. It was the plan to go back this year and do it again. We wanted to see if Elias would do it to!

First we watched the Dolphin Show. It was pretty cool!

Elias loves his brother so much

Elias got to pet the dolphin....and pretty much reacted the same way he had 2 years ago! It was comical!

GulfWorld also has a big array of birds. Look at this beautiful guy!

This guy is tricky! He hangs by his claws, and swivels upside down! Comes up all puffed up and then does it again! It kept us amused for quite awhile. He's sideways, mid swing here...

Penguins.....

Sting Rays you can pet....noone but me did

A nice indoor theater/aquarium...Elias was getting a swim-by of a turtle

Chris wasn't wanting to swim with the dolphins after all, and Elias kept changing his mind, but Cassia got to go! Here she is, getting a kiss from the dolphin

Each person gets to get swum around.

The dolphins mimic all sorts of behavior, so the instructor had everyone do things like shake your hands, then they shook their flippers, etc. It was neat!

For a smaller scale place (not like Sea World) it is very well done, nice variety of animals and shows. We had a nice time!

Ribs

2009-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

My lovely Elias learned that he liked Ribs. So, when we went down south, to FL, we had to order him up some!

Playing on the Beach

2009-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

While we were in FL we had ample time to play at the beach. The boys mostly preferred the pool this year, but we did get out there a bit. This was really Sebastian's first time interacting with the sand and water. Well, not the water!

Elias playing in the water.

Sebastian building sand castles

Daddy helping Sebastian

We were so glad to see Sebastian playing this year. It was a year ago from this time that he was so sick. He could barely walk, he cried and cried, he was just so sad. He's just a joy and so happy now! It's awesome to see.

We enjoyed the beach, until the last 2 days when the No Swimming Flags went up due to Hurricane Ida, heading straight at us!

We weren't sure if our plane would get us out before it struck! And of course noone knows how bad or exactly where it will land, but it was looking like right where we were! Our plane did leave and the area had a tropical storm, so it wasn't as bad as was feared.

Looking forward to next year!

Ironman 2009

2009-12-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

We recently went to Panama City Beach FL for my husband to compete in his 4th Ironman competition. We always have a nice time, rent a nice condo, see some local sights. This time was no different!

At one of the Official Ironman Dinners, a real Ironman and my husband. Ooops, I mean, my husband and a real Ironman...nope, I did it again, I mean Ironman and Ironman! Elias was jealous he wasn't at this dinner.

The swim start is at 7am...it is so cold and so early and so PACKED. The announcer literally says, if you are not a great swimmer, stay towards the back or you will be swum over. It is so crazy!

Here comes Chris, after his 2.4 mile swim. he's already stripping off his wetsuit. He finished this portion in 1:34 minutes and ranked 2065.

Here we are, waiting for Daddy to come in off his bike. The boys were clanging Cow Bells and having a grand old time! Sebastian is learning his colors, so when I said, "Daddy's wearing White, Black & Red" he kept announcing each incoming riders colors. Incorrectly. Good thing I didn't rely on him! Everyone was "yellow, red, yellow, red"

Alright! Daddy made it off the Bike! He finished his bike portion, 112 miles, in 5 hours 24 minutes. Doing real good! Here he is into the run.

Sadly, the first parts of Daddy's run weren't too good. Actually, I was rather alarmed as I watched his numbers come in online...it was very scary, wondering what was going on out there on the run course.

After his first few parts, Daddy made a strong come back and finished his run portion, 26.2 miles, in 5 hours 10 minutes

Here comes Chris, at the Finish Line! He finished in 12:24. While it wasn't his personal best, he didn't quit!

Christmas Party

2009-12-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

Today we went to one of our local homeschool support group's Christmas Party. Each year Santa comes, so it is definitely a time to look forward to! I wasn't sure how Sebastian would react and fully anticipated being in another year's Santa picture.

When Santa came in the room, bells jingling, Sebastian got so excited! He followed him up to the stage, and I had to tell him he had to wait in line.

He waited nicely, and when it was his turn, he ran right up and got on Santa's lap!

Elias joined him and they all had a nice discussion! Every picture I got was smiling Sebastian! And smiling Elias, but he's an old hat at it now!

Elias told Santa what he wanted and Sebastian told Santa, "Trick or Treat". If only we could know what they are thinking!

After Santa left, each child got to make their own Gingerbread House. It was lots of fun and apparently yummy too.

Elias' masterpiece

What a fun day! Thanks to all who put it together!

Tip: Awana Patches

2009-12-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ha, one of my friends, who has years of Awana experience, told me her trick is to simply staple on the patches! Staple them on!! Yes, I'm copying, hope you do too!

Civil War On Sunday Part 2

2009-12-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Week 2 of Civil War

1. We talked about Drummer Boys

Johnny Clem-youngest drummer boy at 11

2. Made Civil War Drums

Elias, his ever-present 2 fingers, and his very non-civil war looking drum

3. Discussed field hospitals & women as nurses
Clara Barton, how the Red Cross formed....get a speaker or do a tour, or do a blood drive

4.Civil War Era Ginger Cakes

Kayley mixing the gingerbread dough

Ginger Crisps

Maddie eating them

What a yummy lesson this was...well, at least the Ginger Cakes part!

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China
Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies
Ancient Egypt Part 2: Pyramids
Gorillas In The Morning
Tigers At Twilight
Polar Bears At Bedtime
Lions at Lunchtime
Afternoon on the Amazon
Thanksgiving on Thursday
Civil War on Sunday Part 1

Civil War On Sunday Part 1

2009-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

This lesson was so busy that I didn't get to take any photos. (That's ok, after my grainy ones from the previous lesson you're probably glad!)

This book took us 2 weeks worth of activities to get through.

1. Gave some background on Slavery

2. Lesson in Inequality:

Divide the students in the classroom arbitrarily by one of the following (shoe color, bus rider or pick up, etc.). Without giving any rationale, tell the first group that they will get candy. Don't respond to the other students cries of unfairness or questioning. Discuss the feelings of discriminating.
The 5/6/7 crowd did not "get" this.

3. Discussed the Need for War

4. Advantages/Disadvantages during the war

5. Civil War Card Game...to show how the North had an advantage over the South

6. Death and The Civil War

7. Discuss the Underground Railroad

8. Read and learn about the Secret Signs of the Underground Railroad

9. Play a game to simulate running North as a slave

Game:1. Underground Railroad game.

1.Give one student a green star and have he/she place it in his/her palm. (This student represents a conductor on the Underground Railroad.)

2. Give two students yellow stars and have them place them in their palm. (These students represent the free Blacks who helped the slaves on the Underground Railroad.

3 Give three students red stars and have them place them in their palm. (These students represent the slave catchers.)

4. The rest of the students represent the slaves and do not receive any stars.

5. The objective of the game is for the slaves to get to the North (designated spot in the classroom) by trying to find out who the conductor is. If the slaves find the slave catchers, they are taken back to the South (the student’s seat). The free Blacks help the slave locate the conductors. (If a student finds a free Black, he/she can stay in the game and continue looking for the conductor.)

6 After the students have played the game, encourage the students to take part in a discussion. Use the following questions as prompts:

How did you determine who the conductor was?

How did you feel when you were caught by the slave catcher?

What would have helped you find the conductor?

My group did not read about the Secret Signs before hand and the game didn't really go too well.

Extras:
Simulate a slave auction

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China
Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies
Ancient Egypt Part 2: Pyramids
Gorillas In The Morning
Tigers At Twilight
Polar Bears
Lions at Lunchtime
Afternoon on the Amazon
Thanksgiving on Thursday

Thanksgiving on Thursday

2009-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

We did a week on Thanksgiving, it was really neat.

1.Corn Pudding from Random House activities

2. Cranberry Sauce
Ok, this was in my plan, but guess what? Unless it's Christmas-time, you can't find cranberries! Note to self: by some and freeze for this activity next time!

3. Review who the Pilgrims were. Where were they leaving? Why? What would you take with you?
I taped off a 6x 6 square on the floor. I crammed the kids in there while I gave them all the above background information. We talked about how it would have been dark, and someone might be sick, and someone's baby might be crying, and you're all hungry, and all your belongings are in here with you too. Not much fun, huh?

4. Talk about being sloshed around.
Fill a one-liter plastic bottle about half full with mineral oil. Add a few drops of food coloring, and then fill the rest of the bottle with water. Add a small plastic object to represent the Mayflower. Screw the top on tightly and tape. Ask the students to make waves by shaking, rocking, and rolling the bottle.

5. Talk about the Mayflower Compact
We didnt really

6.Pilgrim hats
Boys
Girls
I suggest making a sample ahead of time. One of them took a little bit of brains to put together!

7. Make Butter

1. Fill baby food jars (or small prescription bottles) half full of whipping cream and screw the lids on tightly.
2. Show them how to shake the bottles in order to whip the cream.
3. After about five minutes the cream will be whipped, and after another couple of minutes, lumps of yellow butter will form. Continue shaking until most of the cream has formed into a ball.
4. Rinse off the liquid whey and add a little salt, if desired. Then spread the butter on crackers for tasting.

The key part here, is once it's made that ball, and has liquid around it, it's done! Don't keep shaking, it just redistributes it and it takes ...not like butter!

8. Read Sarah Morton's Day

9. Food, including 5 pieces of corn

10. Thanksgiving Cornucopia

Extras:
Turkey jokes-Let's celebrate Thanksgiving book
turkey color by number
Turkey Hokey Pokey
Turkey handprint

Additional Books to Read:
You Wouldn't Want to Sail on the Mayflower
The Pilgrims of Plimoth
On the Mayflower
The First Thanksgiving

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China
Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies
Ancient Egypt Part 2: Pyramids
Gorillas In The Morning
Tigers At Twilight
Polar Bears At Bedtime
Lions at Lunchtime
Afternoon on the Amazon

Lions at the MGM Grand

2009-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

While we were at the Rainforest Cafe for our field trip, we got to pass the Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand. Aren't they amazing!

He's tired

And laying on the glass tunnel that you can walk through!

Seriously, right on top of us!

The trainers are in there with him. Apparently the lions get switched out every few hours and every few days (Do they have labor laws for animals now?!?!) So, they had to go bye-bye with the trainers.

It was an awesome addition to our field trip!

Rain Forest- Afternoon on the Amazon

2009-11-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

e started learning about Jungles and Rain Forests in our book club about Lions....this week we learned more during the Afternoon on the Amazon book.

We also took a field trip to the Rainforest Cafe ! Their educational field trips are not too expensive and certainly gave us a lot of information.

1. Review What is the rainforest...layers etc

2. Talked about the life cycle of frogs
I have a set of frogs in various metamorphic stages, from tadpole, all the way through frog.

3. poison arrow frogs and the bromeliad

4. Learn about Bromeliads

5. Make a bromeliad

6. Talk about all the animals that live in the rainforest

7. Share letters from Koko to class
Yes! Koko actually returned a letter to the class, along with a lot of FAQs and some samples of her artwork! It was very rewarding.

8. Make a rainstick
Ok, this is one of the most authentic, and harder, versions of rainsticks to make. There are easier ones available for younger kids.

Mailers with nails

Nails all through, criss-crossing each other

Rainstick with shower curtain as decoration

We just Modge Podged it on

Working on them

All done!

Extras

Monkeys in the rainforest game
Read the great kapok tree and talk about it
Facts about Tarantulas

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China
Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies
Ancient Egypt Part 2: Pyramids
Gorillas In The Morning
Tigers At Twilight
Polar Bears At Bedtime
Lions at Lunchtime

Lions at Lunchtime

2009-11-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Lions at Lunchtime, a Magic Tree House Book, was set in Africa. For our book club we learned about lions, of course, and also various African things....

1.Who were the Masai
I used various websites to share information with the children
masai culture
africa
masai and i

2. Swahili words
I found a website (sorry didn't save it!) that has pictures of objects and their swahili names. I cut them out and gave each child a few to read. It was fun seeing which words we already know in the English Language (Simba, etc)

3. Honey Guides
I told the children how these birds were used...which brought us to honeycombs!

4. Honey Combs
I bought a jar of honey with the comb still in it, so the kids could see what it is. Then they got to try some

5. Crayon Batik Craft
I printed out various African Animals Coloring Sheets. I explained batiking and away they went.

6. Rumble in the Jungle
I read this to them, showcasing all the various animals in the Jungle

7. Lions facts

8. Color African Masks
They colored these while I read some Lion Facts

9. Sleeping Lions Game

10. Lion Cub Game

Extra:
Making Drums out of cups

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China
Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies
Ancient Egypt Part 2: Pyramids
Gorillas In The Morning
Tigers At Twilight
Polar Bears Past Bedtime

Polar Bears Past Bedtime

2009-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Out of all the Magic Tree House Books and crafts, the below Northern Lights craft has to be one of the most beautiful...I wish I could someday see them myself!

1. First we talked about "What is the arctic circle?"
I use a globe and a print out of the Arctic Circle

2. Read some facts about the arctic from the research guide

3. Learned about the Aurora Burelais (Northern Lights)

4. Paint Northern Lights
I used this picture of the Northern Lights as my inspiration. We used black construction paper and painted broad sweeping strokes of beautiful colors of paint all across the paper. Then added some sugar to some water and brushed that over the paint. When it dried it glistened. This was my favorite because it was really pretty!

Painting the Aurora Burelais

5. Polar Bear book
I had these pre-printed. The kids colored them while I was talking about Polar Bears

6. Polar Bear Facts

7. Snowflake craft
If you hate glitter, this is not for you. I did not enjoy this craft!

Snowflakes

8. Snowman snack
Made out of marshmallows and pretzel sticks

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China
Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies
Ancient Egypt Part 2: Pyramids
Gorillas In The Morning
Tigers At Twilight

Tigers At Twilight

2009-11-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

For our lesson on Tigers at Twilight we did some various crafts and games..and had a jungle themed snack. I don't always incorporate food, but I try to when I can!

1. Snake craft
We did a combo between Felt Snakes and Hanging Snakes Combining them didn't work too well..I'd choose one or the other next time!

2. Tiger Bookmarks
I printed these out and let them cut them out, color, add borders etc, while I was talking to them about Tiger Facts.

3. Snack!
Jungle Juice and Animal Crackers which they had to eat like an anteater...picking up with straws

Sucking up the Animal Crackers

The ingredients being added

The juice mixing up

4. Some more Tiger Facts

5. How The Tiger Got His Stripes
This is a script. Before class I printed out 4 or 5 copies, highlighted speaker 1 throughout, speaker 2 throughout, etc. They read this story aloud to the other children.

6. Why do they really have stripes?
Camouflage

7. Games!
Lion Lion Lion Tiger game. Instead of Duck Duck Goose....it's Lion Lion Tiger!

Hot Potato-Lion game- I turned my back on the group and gave them a stuffed lion (didn't have a tiger). They had to toss it back and forth amongst themselves and whoever was left holding it when I said LION! was out

Lion Lion Tiger Game

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China
Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies
Ancient Egypt Part 2: Pyramids
Gorillas In The Morning

Gorillas In the Morning

2009-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

This was a relatively short lesson....a lot of talk, not a lot of crafts.

1. Gorilla Facts
I printed off some basic facts and went over them

2. Sign Language
We discussed the concept of sign language and learned a few signs. Some of the children knew some, so they shared their knowledge also.

3. Endangered species
We learned about this in our previous lesson, so it was a good reminder

4. How humans affect mountain gorillas
Poaching and Environmental Encroaching

5. Read Koko's Kitten

6. Draft a letter or draw a picture for Koko.
Originally I was going to have the children draft a letter each, and then time providing, type them into email for Koko. When the actual lesson came, I had less help than needed to transcript for all the non-writers, so I added in drawing, and just decided to mail the whole packet.
Koko.org has a Kids Club...info for teachers and how to contact Koko.

Extra
Make a Rain Stick
(this seems like it has been my fallback activity a couple of times now! Maybe one day we'll get to it.)

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China
Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies
Ancient Egypt Part 2: Pyramids

Ancient Egypt Part 2: pyramids

2009-11-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Our second week on Ancient Egypt was about Pyramids!

1. Read them Hidden World: Egyptian Tomb

2. Make sugar cube pyramid

Elias and friend making pyramid

Chase and Elias with Pyramid

3. Learn about the Egyptian Language-hieroglyphs
I used a set I had bought years ago
Fun With Hieroglyphs Stamp Set

4. Stamp names on Cartouches (necklace nameplates)

Elias stamping his name in hieroglyphs

The whole group with their cartouches

Extras
101 Wacky Facts About Mummies

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China
Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies

Ancient Egypt Part 1: Mummies

2009-11-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Ancient Egypt is always a BLAST to do! This study took us 2 weeks. In years past we've mummified a chicken, and a fish.

This year we thought we'd follow our friend Jene's example and mummify Barbie. It's a lot less smelly! You can follow along with what we did from her great explanation.

1. Mummify Barbie

Cutting out amulets to put in the wrappings

Barbie getting "salted" (I found naked Barbies at the thrift store for about $1 each)

Ripping Muslin to wrap Barbie. I started each piece with 2" cuts all across the top. made the pulling MUCH easier!

Wrapping Barbie

Finished Mummies

Mummies

2. Toilet Paper Mummies
We wrapped a roll of toilet paper around each child, until they were a mummy! Then they got to "break free"

TP Wrapping

TP Mummy

Some of us then decided to make Snow Angels in the TP

Lest you think we were wasteful, we composted all the rolls of toilet paper! Note, the younger the wrappers are, the more rolls of toilet paper needed, because they don't have the arm span to go around and around continously...rather keep breaking and restarting.

Look for Ancient Egypt Part 2!

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2
Day of the Dragon King; Ancient China

Day of the Dragon King, Ancient China

2009-11-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is the week of Day of The Dragon King in our Magic Treehouse Bookclub. It only took us one week to cover.

Day of the Dragon King Outline

1. Talked about the significance of Dragons and animals as symbols

2. Make a Dancing Chinese Dragon
I had pre-printed out dragon heads

3. Talk about Silk and silkworms
I showed the class some silk, and an old book that shows pictures of the process of making silk

4. Talk about rice, and the importance of it.
I happen to own Chinese Rice Pattern Bowls. I showed them to the class, how the rice granules are baked into the pottery and how translucent they look afterwards.

5. How to eat with chopsticks

6. Chinese feast
This unit was in January, which happens to be when Chinese New Year is...so Party City had 1/2 an aisle with neat little party decorations, hats, chopsticks, plates and more!

Extras:
All sorts of printables and activities

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2

Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 2

2009-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Ancient Greece & The Olympics, Part 2 Outline

1. Make Olympic Medals
Less paint = less time to dry = kids can actually wear them when done with The Games.

Here they are painting their "awards".

2. Make Olympic Torches

3. Make Olympic Olive Wreath Crowns

4. Play Olympic Games
We told them they all had to pretend to be boys, since no girls were allowed to play. They did Chariot Races (which were really them running riding their pony sticks), foot races and Discus (frisbee)

Here they are "racing their chariots".

Elias was a master discus thrower (we used a frisbee)

5. Awards Ceremony

Here's Elias with his crown of Olive Leaves, Medal and an Olympic Torch

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2
Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1

Ancient Greece & Olympics Part 1

2009-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is what we did Ancient Greece, Week 1, in the Magic Treehouse Bookclub. Some activities can be found at the publisher's site: Random House

Ancient Greece, Week 1 Outline

1. Discuss various areas of expertise the Greek world had
ie Sculptures, Music, Mathematics, Philosophy, Poetry. I showed them a copy of The Odyssey, and various famous statues from the time.

2. Make an abacus
Each child had a shoebox lid. They cut lines down the lid and inserted paper fasteners. Sadly, for us this was not very functional. Many of the kids cut wide, jagged slits...which allowed the fasteners to slip through. When we opened up the fasteners, then they were not able to move back and forth. Maybe pre-made slits with an xcto knife would have worked better?

Elias making an abacus

3. Brought out a real abacus and did math problems
Each child got a turn, they really got the hang of it quickly.

The real one

4. Talked about the role of Masks in Drama

5. Made masks showing our emotions
Out of paper plates

6. Read the story of the Trojan Horse

7. Recreated the story of the Trojan Horse
We used a sheet and a pony stick....half the kids got "in the horse" and half were the "sleeping city. They took turn after turn after turn...really enjoyed "killing" each other in their "sleep" and being "inside" the Trojan Horse.

Trojan Horse

Extras:
Ancient Greece Coloring Pages

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2

Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 2

2009-11-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here's Part 2 of our study on Ancient Rome and Pompeii (including volcanoes of course!)

Ancient Rome and Pompeii Outline Part 2

1. Paint the paper mache volcanoes

2. Talk to them about Pompeii. Show pictures of the casts of bodies found.

3. Talk to them about Ancient Roman Foods and menus

4. Make Eggs with Honey

5. Have an Ancient Roman Feast
I made: Chicken legs from this recipe They liked it.
The eggs with honey (which everyone LOVED!)
A platter of grapes, cheese and raisins
Cheesecake for desert
And the biggest Hit, the thing they will be talking about for years to come...The Jellyfish. Yes, you heard right. Jellyfish. Yup, people eat it. People even eat it today. I found some at a local Asian market. Here's the Jellyfish Recipe I used. It was very simple and pretty cheap. BIG reaction though! They actually LOVED it! Many took samples home for their dads. One little boy even called his grandmom to tell her about it, right then and there! What a hit! (Of course I was totally nauseated and had to stay out of the room EWWWW)

Jellyfish before it's cooked

This little girl ate SO much jellyfish I was actually nauseated FOR her!

Here's a partial look at our spread

6. Erupt our volcanoes. Luckily I had bought big jugs of vinegar at Costco...these volcanoes, being juice bottles, required a LOT of vinegar. We went through 4 boxes of Baking Soda!

Extras:

Go over some famous Romans (Cleopatra, Caesar, etc)
Learn about Roman Gods
Learn Latin
Compare Latin and English Words
Vacation Under The Volcano Lesson Plans
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Lesson Plans

My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2
Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1

Ancient Rome & Pompeii Part 1

2009-11-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Ancient Rome & Pompeii also took 2 weeks. Here's our first week's outline.

Ancient Rome Outline, Part 1

1. Story of Rome's beginnings
Myth of Romulus and Remus

2. All about Rome
From the Research Guide, showed pictures of the Colosseum, The Aqueducts, The Pantheon & The Baths. Much discussion.

3. What is a Gladiator

4. Gladiators Step Book
From the Gladiators Lesson Plan I made the books ahead of time for the 8 and under crowd. The others made their own. It got a good giggle out of them, trying to come up with similes about how gladiators smell, feel, eat, etc.

5. Interview with a Gladiator
I took turns having different children be gladiators and asking them the questions.

6. Make a paper mache volcano
This did take awhile to dry. good thing we didn't meet for a week! We made the base this week, inside a Rubbermaid container. Next week we'll paint it.

7. Erupt small volcano
This is a tiny plastic model volcano. The kids had fun just letting it "erupt" and adding different color food colorings to it.

Look for Part 2!
My previous posts on this subject are:

Forming a Co-op
Magic Tree House Index
Dinosaurs Part 1
Dinosaurs Part 2
Vikings
Ninjas
Pirates Part 1
Pirates Part 2
Knights Part 1
Knights Part 2

Space Derby & Tigers

2009-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

(Does a year late count? If so, read on LOL! Elias is now a Wolf, but this is the beginning story of his Scout Adventure)

No, not real tigers....tiger cubs! Cub Scouts!! Elias has wanted to do boys scouts for a long time, and I told him this year we'd do it. Over the summer he told everyone he saw , "I'm going to be a boy scout!". Well, the pressure was on! Find a nice pack.

My friend Angela and I used to lead cub scouts, way back when our teens were little. Then my son got out of it, and hers kept going, so I looked to her for advice on packs. You know, you want a fun pack, but one that's homeschool friendly...an organized pack that does cool stuff, and has nice leaders...lots of things could make or break the little guy's first experience!

So, Angela pointed me to 2 packs. 1 large, but super fun, super nice, but did I mention large? 1, newer, much smaller, but also fun and organized. Anyone guess which one we tried first?!? Yes, the smaller one!

So we went Monday night to our first meeting, and he LOVED it. They played games, they worked on activities, and the coolest thing..they are working towards the Presidential Physical Fitness Badge. The leader explained that every day they have to write down some activity they've done, and then at the end of 6 weeks, she gives it all to the President, and he will send back a certificate and a badge! Boy, was he excited!!! Man, this pack has it going on!

Not only did the pack work for Elias, but also for me and Sebastian! As a mom of a Tiger, you are required to stay. Staying with a 2 year old, especially one with special needs.....not always the most fun idea. But, the leader has 2 special needs foster babies/toddlers. There are actually quite a few kids with various needs in this pack. And the kids are SOOO loving with the babies!! I have never seen so many boys want to play with or hold babies. It was amazing. Everyone looked after the babies/toddlers, they weren't seen to be a problem when they cried, or when they ran all over..it was fabulous!

So, no need to try the other pack, we're very happy here!

So, that was Monday. This pack goes year-round, so they had just started their popcorn sales and they also let us know the Space Derby was on Friday. Yes, as in, 4 days from then, Friday.

We got our Popcorn Sales stuff, and our Space Derby kit and got to working on it all.

The next morning, Elias jumps up, does his "exercises" and puts on his uniform to go sell popcorn! Man was he raring to go! Ok, so by 10am on a Tue morning we're out selling popcorn to our neighbors. Good thing they all know we homeschool! The minimum "requirement" was $75, the kid sold $230 in half an hour! He was so cute, "Hi, I'm Elias and I'm a Tiger. Would you like to buy some popcorn?" He had scripted it all out with me before we left the house, had play acted it out a bunch of ways. He was so cute!!!! We need to get back out and sell some more, but the Space Derby started to take precedence.

So, we started on our Space Derby Kit. Sanded it all down, then got to spray painting it. Primer of white, then color blue. I had to ask Angela's kids to help me figure out the directions ( it takes a strong person to ask a kid for help!) and we got the pieces all glued into place.

Here's a picture of Elias before the event, holding up his Space Rocket.

Here's the rocket right before it launches.

Now, if you don't know anything about space derby....well, it's fun but its llloooonnngggg. Have to keep disqualifying rockets after giving them a bunch of turns. By the end the kids had even lost track and were playing around. Eventually everyone got given certificates of achievement and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners were left. Elias was one of them! He got 3rd place! It was so cute! Here's that pic.

He's so enjoying scouts. What a great way to start off in the program!

Infant Death

2009-11-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in life we have to deal with things that just shouldn't be, like infant death. Here's the contents of an email I sent a friend, she had a friend who's baby was dying. These resources are neat things, that if we know about, we can share and help our friends during such awful times. Hopefully they will help someone out there too.

"I am so sorry to hear about your friend's baby. That's such heartbreaking news. I want to share some resources with you that I've found...maybe it can make this time a more memorable experience. You decide...but I'd talk openly with them about various options, see what they might like.

1) Hand/feet casting. There has got to be someone in your area that does it. This is such a memory. It captures every single little line in their hands, every jagged nail. Maybe a set for grandparents too...etc. When Elias was in the hospital, it was Chawna who thought of this, paid for the lady to come to the hospital and do it there....we thought for sure we'd be losing him. Check with local attachment parenting loops etc, midwives etc for resources

2) There are companies that can come out to the hospital when you know the time is near...or after the fact. They will take beautiful photos of the family, and the little one...they retouch them and make them all beautiful. List of TX ones Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

3) Bereavement Gowns. Something to think about now. This link has various sites and also patterns to show you how to make one
Baby Bereavement Gowns
Heaven Sent Baby-Burial Gowns
Patterns
Heavenly Angels In Need

4) This video....it's so sad, but so wonderful....to celebrate every day we have with our kids. The 99 Balloons Video

5) This blog...a mom of a little girl with trisomy 18....it's also sad..but the mom shares a lot of good stuff...and just wrote a book about her journey with grief. When it comes out, it should be a good read. http://poppyjoy.blogspot.com/ These are people, like your friend, who know ahead of time that they have precious little time with their baby.

6) Meals. Chawna uses this place in Dallas thats pretty cheap. You can go in and make meals to freeze, or they can make them...you get a bunch that you pick for a certain price. Freeze and then when you're not up to cooking you just defrost and voila. Look nearby for freezer meals, or pre-made meals. That would be a great present.

Some Additional Resources:

Resources Page...to donate breastmilk, find unique headstones, etc etc Infant Loss Organizations

MEND: Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death

Caring Hearts at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas Bereavement support for parents, 214/345-2613

http://heart-to-heart-tx.org/ "

This was an email directed to my friend in TX. While those local links may not help you, rest assured there are plenty of organizations out there by you that can lend assistance. If you need help researching, send me an email, I'd be glad to help you find something. Just leave a comment with your need.

Baby Love Letters- Friday Letters

2009-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

I found this site and think it is such an inspiration. It gives us a starting point for journaling to our children.

Friday Letters

"The purpose of this blog is to help parents create a meaningful letter to their child, even if it's only one paragraph long and takes 15 minutes to write.

Each Friday a new question will be put up on this blog. Your response to this week's question can stand on its own or be joined together with answers to future questions."

The World's Strangest Cat

2009-11-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

While I'm not a big cat lover, one of ours sure gives us a lot of laughs! She sits and lays in the craziest positions. It doesn't help the giggle factor that she's hugely overweight. Ok, I'll be politically incorrect..she's fat! No two ways about it.

Here's how we found her one day

Comfy?!?

Hats and Organization

2009-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Another organizational tip: Keep things of like, together!

I have tons of hats for the kids to wear/play with. Here's a sampling.

Sebastian, The Viking

Elias, The Japanese

Sebastian, The Princess (sorry Daddy)

It's never ending what they can be! So, I organize all the hats together in a hat bin.

I also have a puppet bin in the same storage unit.

This storage unit was bought inexpensively at Target. You can make it tall, long, short, fat, whatever you want, by connecting the cubes together. It works perfect for my needs...they can grab a bin and haul it wherever they are going (puppet theater, upstairs, etc) and it's easy clean-up and easy away.

My Old Rocking Chair

2009-11-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am lucky enough to own many of the toys I grew up with. Hopefully my kids will want some of these items when they are older...

All of my childhood toys evoke some memory or feeling.

Here's Sebastian sitting in my old rocking chair. Behind him, in the kitchen, is my old wooden kitchen set. These toys have been used and abused, but keep on rockin. (Get the pun, hahahhah!)

Great Art supply resource

2009-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

I finally got tired of using paper plate after paper plate to put paint on! I bought some big well and some small well, paint pallets for pretty cheap!