I'm an Unschooling mom in Las Vegas, NV. I have all boys! A 14 yr old, a 6 yr old, a 1 yr old and 2 teenage stepsons.
4 of the 5 have some special need or another, and the 5th would be termed "gifted" if he was in school. They all have their own interests and abilities.
Join me as I blog about our Christ-led learning approach..things that work, things that don't, and the antics of family life!
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Little Lovely has decided he needs a Blankie when he's tired. Sometimes he drags it around with him. It's too cute! It's actually one of my living room lap quilts....he goes up to the recliner and drags it down when he's tired....it's so so so cute! Binkie and blankie....sure signs it's nap time! (Jene, sometimes it's your blankie! )
Yes, I've finally uploads some of the millions of photos I've taken.....here we are at a field trip to Tandy Leather Factory. It was pretty cool. The store smelled wonderful!! They showed us all sorts of different hides, and belts, and accessories. Then the children each got to pound their own designs into a piece of leather. Finally, they each made a magic wallet, also pounded with whatever they chose. It was very unique!
Here's Elias spraying the leather with water to slightly dampen it before creating his masterpiece.
Well, Brian would deem this is a very appropriate picture..not of his face!
Amazingly, this was our first time doing this fieldtrip. It was a good experience. Always on the lookout for neat things.
My oldest son is into photography. He has been for awhile now. Last year he tried an Alternative Photography co-op class. While he liked the teacher, the class was more artsy-fartsy, doing altered books etc. He just wanted to take pictures and learn how to take better ones and "cooler" ones.
This year, the same teacher offered a Photo Club..and it's way more his speed!
This kid of mine....he's incredible. He gets "into" things with a passion. He started off with a cheap $10 manual film camera from Ebay. Then he got a Lomo Supersampler, then he got the monster wazoo SLR, Canon EOS A2 (which takes film) and he's been saving for a digital SLR.
With his birthday and Christmas both coming up, he's been asking for just money. Today Amazon had a great sale on the camera he wanted and he bought the Canon EOS 40D. He can't wait till it gets here. He's so cute. He runs around with these different cameras for different things.
But, more than just picture taking, he's into lomography and lo-fi techniques (or as I say "weird techiniques"). He buys all sorts of expired film, does cross processing, red scale film and more that I don't even know about!
Here is a sample of some of his recent photos:
Red Scale
Look at Little Lovely!! It's very 70's looking, but I love it!
From the Lomo. I thought it was upside down, but I stand corrected, he's "just looking up"!
I know nothing about photography, so I am amazed by it all!
Since Sebastian was born I have been teaching him the sign language signs for Daddy and Mommy. In the last 6 months we've really beefed up doing some various signs, as he has a speech delay. He got "Daddy" right away. He'd also say something that started with a "D" and do the sign for Daddy, over and over and over and over.
For months now, he's been able to sign Daddy, and we know he does it with intent. He does it when someone says Daddy on TV, or if we call Daddy, or when Daddy walks in the room. He does it very well. But no Mommy.
It's gotten to the point where I think he doesn't say Mommy out of being stubborn!!! I've waited patiently. I've watched Baby Einstein's Baby's First Signs with him more times than I can count. I've watched him sign and say Daddy at least 5 x a day! Where's my "Mommy"?!?!?!
Finally, last night, I did my normal routine of doing the sign myself, and saying Mommy. He moved his hand to his mouth and said MAMA. Was it a fluke? Did he mean it?! He did it again, with the perfect sign and MAMA!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course, noone was around.
This morning we wake up and my husband says to him, Say Mama. Of course, he's laughing, because he doesn't think Sebastian will do it. Lo and behold, hand comes to the chin and he says MAMA.
I am soooooooo happyyyyyyyyyy. I love this little munchkin sooooo much! I've waited 2 years to hear MAMA. I couldn't be more excited!
Note: I did try to take a picture of him doing it, but he's at the stage where HE wants the camera and isn't letting me get good shots unless he doesn't know. It made for a pretty ugly fit! Sorry!
So I mentioned in a previous post that I was doing a Magic Tree House Book Club with Elias this year. Thank Jene for the great idea! This is something she had done years ago with her oldest. I have been waiting for the right time to start with mine. This summer I had asked one of my friends if she'd be interested in doing it with me this year with the littler kids..it went from there!
Now, so you understand, I've done co-ops before. I've done science/history co-ops in my home, I've done volunteer co-ops, cooking co-op classes, Jene's Alphabet Camp co-op...and they all run differently and feel different. This is called dynamics. One kid (or one mom) can change everythingggggggggg.
Here's my advice on starting a co-op (which simply means 2 or more families learning together!!)
2 or 3 moms may find that their little girls love reading Little House on the Prairie and decide to get together once a week to do crafts around that theme....maybe your kids love cooking and you decide to invite some friends over once a month to do cooking classes...maybe your preschooler wants some friends and you have 3 or 4 little friends over every week and you sing songs, do arts and crafts etc...THAT'S CO-OPing!!!!
It doesn't have to be complicated, formal, or expensive! Come up with the basic premise and throw it out there!
If you want your child to learn with others, see if anyone has the same desire..bet they do!! Someone needs to step up and offer a home, someone needs to offer a topic, someone needs to offer to teach, or you all take turns teaching...and voila! A co-op is formed!
I would suggest that each participant be very clear in what they are expecting, and only join if it's up their alley. Example...I say, "I'm starting a co-op based on Writing. It will be 10th-12th grade level and will be ALL writing.It will go for 12 weeks. I will teach it, but each parent needs to supply the book, and each parent will need to sit in on the class and help out" DON'T join if you have a 10 yr old!! DON'T join if your child HATES writing and is always battling with you about it and is already threatening to be a little whiner on site, DON'T join if you don't want to commit to the whole time, DON't join if you're looking for a math class, DON'T join if you're not willing to stay there, DON't join if 1/2 way through you think they should switch to ART! See what I mean?
Now, that doesn't mean you need all the answers before you look for participants, but you either need to have all the answers, or be open to suggestions. Example.. I say, " I'm willing to open my house for an Art Class. I can't teach it, so I'm looking for resources for eaither a cheap teacher, or another homeschool mom. I can accomate ten children. My kids are aged 7-10, so I'd like the others to be in that age range.... I don't know the cost yet,and I don't really know much about art, so I can't speak about what it will be like, but I'm imagining doing artful things.....who's in?"
So, how did this one come about? I said, "I want to do a Magic Tree House Book Club with Elias this year. The books are based on different periods of time, so a lot of history, but a lot of subjects will be touched on, science, math, english, reading, physical education, etc. All hands-on, of course, knowing me. I'll do most of the research/lesson planning/teaching, unless someone else wants to take a week here or there. I'm going to keep it el cheapo..do only projects that mostly require household items...might need everyone to pitch in with things..like I'll email you if I need toilet paper rolls, or egg cartons, etc. And maybe every family pitch in $5 every once in awhile for petty cash. I can do 8 kids or so...hopefully all in that age range-ish. We'd meet once a week, at my house, time/day to be determined, and length of time on each book/subject to be determined by kids interest and material available"
My friend, Angela, was immediately in. So, that made 1 boy, 7yrs (Elias), and her 1g6, 1b9, 1b11. 3 boys, one girl. Then we were on the hunt in our minds for more girls. We ended up with another friend who has 6 girls, 3 of whom would eventually be in the class (with 2 littler siblings hanging out). Because all 3 of us have teens currently taking a biology class at our local support group on Wed afternoons, we figured, that'd be a good time to do our co-op! I am only 5 minutes away, drop them off do ours, pick up the teens. So, then we had 1g6, 1b7, 1g5, 1g7, 1b9, 1b11, 1g11. Then, a friend of Angela's started homeschooling her 12yr daughter. You know how it is when you start, looking for resources and friends...so we invited her in. Then we invited a friend whose teen is also in the biology class, who has a younger sister who LOVES the Magic Tree House books...that's it, no more! That's 9 kids, ages 5-12 plus 3 babies/toddlers.
Everyone understood the time/place/reading beforehand requirements/cheap-low cost/hands on fun activity bent, based on MTH books. So we started! It is what it is. Based on cool things I find online, some weeks have baking, some art, some PE, etc. We've incorporated things the kids like, for example, the first week we played a version of Shark and Minnows, called TRex and Baby Dinosaurs. Now, every week they ask if they can play it. We've had Ninjas and Samurias, Knights and Serfs, Vikings and something...... They'ev also started to write little "extra credit" reports, or drawing pictures, or finding neat things to share with the "class". The first girl that did it I printed out a free personalized certificate online and it was such a hit that now they all try to do something or another every so often for one. So, I've kept up printing them!
Anyway...I will post more on the exacts of what we do each week very soon! Meanwhile, below are some links that can help you set up your own co-op! Good luck!
Nothing homeschool related, but a funny, nonetheless.
My husband always asks where I want to go for dinner, and then slides in little hints about where HE thinks we should go. It's usually a buffet. Buffets are ok, but when you eat a lot of small meals a day, like me, then you like places that serve big portions so you have leftovers! I LOVE leftovers!!! No leftovers from a buffet....
So, for my birthday, nothing new...I start saying Bobby Flay, Mario Batali Wolfgang Puck, he starts salivating about Steaks! ACHH!! Well,luckily for him, I try to be pleasing (we're talking food, not everything!!) and usually go his route, or some sort of compromise.
Well, Saturday we had to pick Brian up from an event and right nextdoor is this really old old old FINE Dining, restaurant, which smelled heavenly! We both said, why don't we try this place out tomorrow?
So Sunday night found us at Bob Taylor's Ranch House . A wonderful compromise. Some of us were happier than others, though. Want to know why? Because there was a 32 oz steak on the menu along with a challenge to finish it and get a free dessert. Of course SOME OF US took that challenge personally, while others of us ate our dinners wondering how this was going to end. (Those of youwho know my phobia know what I was thinking the whole meal!)
So, after 5 glasses of coke, 1/2 a glass of water, a dinner salad and a mashed potato, YES, Chris finished the whole steak. It was kinda disgusting! But he enjoyed doing it so much. Stubborn fool! He's very proud of himself, and luckily for him, the rest of the night went well.
No, he did not eat his dessert then, but did about 2 hrs later! Here's the proof:
OK, I know we all feel this way, but it's true! I am the luckiest mom and the luckiest wife in the world!!!
I have gorgeous boys, all so different, all so special, all so able to bring a smile to me.
While not one of them is perfect (teenage attitude, 2 yr old tantrums, 7 yr old stubborness) they are mine and I KNOW I am blessed.
(Note to readers, while I am writing this one is calling for "help" wiping and one is off grunting in the corner...yet I still am overwhelmed with love!!)
I am also the luckiest wife. Today is my birthday and my husband, Mr Unsentimental, found an incredible card for me, describing our marriage, as it is today. I am very grateful for the words expressed in that card, and in our marriage.
Finally! Man, I wish I could post every day! I have so much to say, so many cool things we're doing, but just not enough time to upload photos, and sit down and write it out. When baby's awake he's forever hitting SLEEP on my keyboard, and when I try to wait till he goes to bed, I'm too tired!!!
So, the main purpose of our trip to FL was my husband's participation in The Fl Ironman 2008. It is held annually in Panama City Beach. While Chris has always been a runner, biking came later in life...and swimming, truthfully was on the backburner. He did his first Ironman in 2005. That was also his first triathlon, and also his first race, since we've been married! Talk about jumping into something!
That year at Panama City he looked like he had died, afterward. He probably wished he had. Gray doesn't look very good as a skin color! But. he finished the race, just over 14 hours. Yes, 14 HOURS, you swim, then bike ride, then run, consecutively, till you are done with the course. There are cut offs..he was 3 hrs under the final cut off, so by far not the first, but also not the last!
He skipped 2006, but signed back up for the same Ironman FL race for 2007. That race went really well! He shaved more than 3 hrs off his time! He signed up for the 2008 race the next day.
The 2008 race should have gone better than it did, but 10 weeks out Chris got a leg injury. Luckily he found this great Dr. (Thanks Dr. Nick!!) and he really worked with him to get through it. Happily, Chris was recovered enough to participate!
So....we start race morning off early. Chris woke up way before us, getting his transition bags ready and to their checkpoints, and just being all -around nervous. Then he woke me up...come hell or high water I need breakfast! So I ate quick and dressed warm! As a point of reference...we were plenty nervous, not just about the sheer length of the race, but because for 2 consecutive years someone has died on this very course, in the swim part. What's Chris' weakest part? Yup, the swim. Of course, neither one of us is speaking about this, but we're both thinking it.
Oh, this picture....I couldn't determine where it should go, so here it is...This is from the day before the race, Elias was running up the "swim chute". You're supposed to run FROM the water UP the chute towards the bikes, he's going the wrong way. Oh well, he was "pretending to be an Ironman". He was so thrilled and so looking forward to this race. He loves finishing the race with Daddy..it's "their thing".
So, here's Chris in his wetsuit and goggles. No, he's not Chinese, everyone looks Chinese cause those goggles stick on tight and pull all the air away!
At 7am the Announcer sends this giant pack of crazy insane people into the water. Like about 3,000 people! All fighting to get in first. I couldnt get a good shot, you need to see the arial shots that pros take....it's pack mentality. Chris says it's like being thrown into a washing machine. One of his buddies got a busted nose. Someone in front of Chris kicked Chris' wrist and stopped his stopwatch (a big UHOH for racers!!) People literally get seasick swimming because of all the swimmers churning the water. Here's a bunch of them out there.
So the idea for the swim is, it's a total 2.4 mile swim...you go out for a 1ish mile swim, come back to shore, cross the timing mat, walk/slosh/run through the water towards the deeper water where you can restart swimming your 2nd loop. That's what these folks below are doing. These are random people..not Chris. They all look alike at this point!'
After they finish the swim part, they run up that chute, there's an area with volunteers who help yank their wet suits off, then they go up to the transition tent to change into their biking gear. They retrieve their bikes and off they go for a 112 mile bike ride. Chris finished his swim in 1h 30 minutes. He expected his bike to take about 5 hrs 15 min. (It took 5:24)
What do me and the kids do while he's racing? Well, they slept in this time for the swim part..it's brutally cold and early! I went up after he got on the bike, and we went out to the beach for awhile, then came back and ate lunch, then went down to wait for Chris to come in off the bike. Here're the cuties waiting for a glimpse of Daddy. We all were wearing our "Ironman shirts".
We caught sight of him after he exited the transition tent (from bike to run). Here he is, after a 5 + hr bike ride, on his way to a 26.2 mile run
We let the baby nap for a bit, then ran down to meet him at the 1/2 way mark of the run. Conveniently it's right in front of our hotel! Here he is during the run. He had a pretty rough 2nd half. He was hurting.
Then we ate dinner quick and went back out to the finish line. Total run time was 4 hrs 36 minutes. He made it! He did it slightly over what he had hoped for, but still beating his own Personal Record. Elias ran the finish line with him..what a great moment!! 11 Hours, 42 Minutes!!!
Here's his attempt at smiling, through the pain. His first year this picture is HILARIOUS, because he was so not with it. This is at least a decent attempt at a smile!
And here he is, walking to the Medical Tent. He needed some salt and some rest. After a few bowls of chicken broth he was ready to get moving.
And this year, he signed up for next year, the day BEFORE the race. Can you say CUCKOO CUCKOO?!?!?!
While I don't always willingly give him the time he needs to practice, over the years we have come to a great understanding that if he uses his time wisely I will b*%^$ less. Give us equal time to training and it won't be a problem. Over the past year he's done GREAT spreading himself around.
I'm so proud of my husband. His sheer will and determination won't let him quit. He's made up his mind on several things in the last couple of years and there is nothing that will stop him once he's decided. While choosing to do an Ironman is slightly nuts, other life changes he's made and stuck to, are fabulous. Way to go Chris! Looking forward to 2009!
As an unschooling family, I feel strongly that I need to show my kids all sorts of experiences/places/things to see what might create a lasting (or fleeting) interest. Whenever we go out of town we look online for neat things to do/see. We look for anything and everything cool, from touristy stuff to historical stuff to off-the-beaten path stuff.
Since we had been to this destination before (Panama City Beach, FL) we had an idea of what was available close by. 3 years ago we did a full day consisting of an air boat tour, and a bi plane (sea plane) tour. 3 years ago Elias was 4! He loved it then, but didn't really remember it now.
So, we decided that's what we'd do this time. We also had our teen friend with us, and we wanted her to experience some neat sights also...these fit the bill!
We headed out for the "Wild Thang" tour. Here's the air boat we rode.
Here's Elias with his headphones on. It was kinda loud.
This is the type of beautiful scenery we saw. We started off in fresh water and ended up in salt water (with brackish in between). The little hidden "alleys" and coves made it an exciting trip. The tour guides gave us all sorts of educational information.
Even though it was starting to get cool, we still got to see an alligator. The guides told us that alligators are cold-blooded and over the winter they don't hibernate, but they go dormant. Everything slows down in their bodies and they just rest. This little guy sure wasn't moving very fast! He just watched us approach, stayed still for a bit and then took off.
He's slowly swimming to the other side. It's amazing how camouflaged they are both in and out of the water. I am always struck anew at God's foresight for all creatures.
After we finished that tour, we took an airplane tour. This wasn't JUST an airplane, it's a Seaplane ! That means we took off and also landed, in water! This was a 4 person little plane. Let me tell you, the things we do for our kids! I used to love to fly in small planes. I dreamed of getting my pilot's license. Now...um...not so much.
Here's the shadow of the plane on the water we just took off from! This tour took us over the marshes and bay we had just toured in the air boat....down across to the bay where we buzzed our condo! It was definitely cool!
So...look around for local places when you visit out of town....there's always likely to be something educational and maybe even once-in-a-lifetime!
Here are some of the "highly anticipated" vacation pics! I am separating them into various posts by topic....one, because it takes awhile to upload all these pics, and two, because then I can recall them by topics (ie, Halloween, beach, Ironman race, etc)
So...that being said....below you will find some beach pictures! We are very blessed to get a wonderful condo right on the beach. This time of year tourists are mostly gone and we have the beach to ourselves! What a treat! The first few days were very windy and chilly...didn't hold the kids back though! The end of the week was picture perfect.
We hit the beach 1-2 times a day..being that it was a quick elevator ride down and direct access, it made it easy to go up and eat lunch, etc.
I have this exact shot year after year with an increasingly bigger Elias. I love how he contemplates the water!
This is the way Elias spent much of his time on the beach this year...buried. Now, we don't do the bury in the ground, we do bury above ground, always with head out for safety reasons. He loved this position so much, we made him a headrest and he sat there for an hour or so each day! He's got a super brown little face now!
Yup, he likes it there! See that smile?
We brought along a teenage friend to help us with the kids during the various aspects of the race. Here she is being a mermaid! She was a wonderful help and is such a kind spirit...we enjoyed her a lot this week!
Playing in the water.....
This is one of two shots I got of Little Lovely at the beach. Why? Because he HATED it. Not dislike, but flat out screaming, wouldn't let me put him down HATED it. He lasted about 5 minutes out there total. Very sad as Daddy, especially, had looked so forward to his little toddler face lighting up and playing in the sand....oh well, he's still tiny and we're already booked to go back next year!
Here's some of Elias' seashell collection. OK, he's not a very discriminate collector! But he enjoys each and every one.
Look at this view. It's beautiful.
More to come........
Well, our week here in FL is drawing to a close. I know posts with pics are cool, so I'm just sending a brief update now, and when I get home I will upload various pics and events from our week.
For now, suffice it to say, we're all happy! I'm tan, kids are good, husband finished his race in a pretty decent time, we've spent a lot of time together, did some cool field trips...what more can you ask for?
Looking forward to going home and getting back to our "stuff". ie scouts, soccer, Awanas, book club, co-op etc etc Well, priorities will be sleep, unpack, VOTE, soccer , then eventually update here!!
Awhile back I started a mini-list of "imperfections" of mine. I've been thinking a lot about people believing "the grass is greener on the other side". I think it's important to remember that noone, except Jesus, is perfect. Everyone has their downfalls, every situation could be seen as less than perfect.
This is where faith comes in. If we stop asking "Why me", if we stop lusting after others, if we stop seeking financial gains and accept what we can't understand...it's faith. Faith in God's ability not to give us more than we can handle, and to know that everything will play out as God intended it.
Here's the beginning of my list...
anxiety
not changing beds often
throw up
I could go on and on and on...but to what end? My husband could go on and on, my kids could go on and on, I could make lists of my own about them..but why? Let's not concentrate on what we don't understand, but accept it and give glory to God about all the good in our lives.
This week we're in the FL Panhandle for an Ironman race. My husband is a Triathlete-to-the-extreme. This will be his 3rd Ironman race. We make a week of it...taking in local sights and just hanging at the beach.
We had a rough time getting here...baby is teething and cranky, and snotting....we had a red-eye flight, but he didn't sleep much. Add teething and snot and no sleep, well, we ended up with a very cranky, very sick to his stomach baby. JOY.
After a good nights rest, things are looking much better!
We just bought a new camera, I'm getting the hang of taking pics with it and all of its amazing capabilities...not sure if I'll get to upload any while we're here, but I'll share when I get back home!
For now....we're here, we've shopped, the kids have played in the water, we're relaxing!
One of the classes my teenager is taking this year is Apologetics. I've been blessed to sit in on this class 2x now and I LOVE it! Apologetics is basically understanding and being able to speak your point of view. The class has some great topics, evolution Vs creationism, cults, prophesies etc etc.
Anyway....so these types of topics are in the forefront of my mind....when I stumbled upon the below link I thought I'd share.
One of the most common arguments that evolutionists use against creation researchers is the old refrain that creationists are “against” or “anti-” science. However, the same critics fail to answer one important question. Ken Ham explains:
Recently a reporter from a secular magazine interviewed me for an article on the creation/evolution issue. One of the first things he asked was, “How do you react to those who claim you creationists are against science?”
As I always do in such instances, I asked him: “What do you mean by science?” He just looked at me and said, “Good question—so how do you define science?”
This is a question that many do not consider when examining the issue of creation versus evolution. The word science has the root meaning of “knowledge.” Scientists can make repeatable, testable observations about our present world and gain knowledge about the present—such knowledge has built the technology that puts humans into space.
Scientists also try to obtain knowledge about our past—our origins. But this sort of knowledge is very different from knowledge about the present. It must involve assumptions about how the universe and life arose—when no human was there to see it all happen. Fossils, rocks, dating methods, all of these require the observer to interpret the evidence, and this interpretation is always filtered through beliefs about the past.
There is a major difference between observational (or operational) science—what we can observe in the present—and origins science—interpretations about the past with no direct observation. Creationists are not against science, but they do want people to understand what the word science means.
I am being so bad about blogging!! It's really tough with Sebastian right now...as soon as I sit down at the computer he's at the tower hitting the hibernate button, or going to the sleep button on the keyboard....CONSTANTLY!!!!! He is totally into cause and effect and if it's a button and it does something, he loves it! Especially if the "something" is mom yelling. UGHHHHHHH So, sorry about the inconsistent blogging, I love it and always think about what I will write, when I have time! That being said......
Awhile ago my parents came for a visit and I decided it was time to get family pictures taken. My sister-in-law had found this great photographer who meets you outdoors at your choice of locations, and for a flat fee, takes photos for about an hour, hour and a half. We got shots of me & Chris, Me & Chris with the boys, the Boys alone, Individual shots, shots with my parents, shots of my parents alone....some funny shots...it was great!
The spot we chose was The Valley of Fire. It was perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold. We packed a picnic lunch and spent the day there. It always amazes me, coming from the East Coast, now out here in the desert, to see God's GLORY in the beautiful red rocks. The formations are so stunning.
We made many stops within the park, taking time to climb some of the amazing rocks. There are also petroglyphs inside the park....lots of history!
Here's the group picture
Here's me and my Honey...aren't the colors of the rocks stunning?
And here are the silly shots:
No babies were harmed in the making of this photo! See, he's laughing!
And, here's Mr. Goofball, accompanied by Mini Goofball!
We were recently invited to a friend's birthday party...theme...luau! Here's Little Lovely ready to go...check out his sunglasses ....too cute!!!!
Oh man, I love this kid!!
On, off, on, off....and repeat!
Great idea to incorporate into your studies of history, culture or even specific people.....dress up and have fun with it! We have bits and pieces of cool things in all sorts of sizes, from firemen helmets, to darth vader masks, to karate robes, to pirate eye patches.....it doesn't have to be expensive either! Goodwill etc often have cheap costumes or bits and pieces of things to use.
Recently we went and saw Signing Time Rachel at a local outdoor Ampitheater. I've been excited about going because I love the idea of signing with my children and Elias likes her show. Of course, it's easier to like the idea, then to carry through with it. Truthfully, I don't even watch the show that often, I tend to use it more as a babysitter .
Anyway, I was truly impressed. I was impressed by her voice, her enthusiasm, her approachability but most of all, by her story!
Maybe you all know this...but (paraphrased and forgive me if I misrepresent any facts...I had a baby and an active boy running around while she was relaying all of this!) she's just a mom. Her first daughter was born deaf. Wow...that's rough. But then her 2nd daughter was born...with Spina Bifida & Cerebral Palsy. Man, can anyone be dealt more of a raw deal?!?
But this chick was determined that her children would be able to communicate not only within the world, but with each other.
Her and her sister came up with the idea to make a video teaching deaf children some signs to kid friendly songs. Rachel said it just took off. Now they are about to release their 30?th DVD!
Her songs are so funny and fun...and some are sad when you listen to the words...she writes them..and often they are about her children. Very touching. Her songs and videos often include her children, and apparently the show has her daughter and nephew in it. (Signing Time, on PBS).
I am going to watch this more! I'm also going to buy their Baby Signs DVD...I have the Baby Einstein one, but this is all to music....think it's just a different approach.
Anyway, if you've never heard of the show, check it out...it's cool!
Saturday was Elias' first soccer game. Ever. He got up in the morning, excited but "nervous"...he's so funny. His team, The Green Goblins, are a 5 & 6 yr olds team. Elias is 7, but because he's a tiny little thing, and has had overall delays, he's put in with this age group. There are actually 2 kids on the team taller than him; he fits right in! There are no scores "given" , it's playing just "for fun". No pressure.
I didn't know what to expect. First of all, past experiences with older kids have shown that our kids aren't too sports savy...although this kid is all boy, and all energy. Add to it, it was a sweltering 96 degrees, and the game was at high noon with no shade to be found.
The kid took off! He was on the field first (they play 4 on 4). He was amazing! He got in there, kicked the ball, was always running, he did great!
He's such a ham though. My husband always swears if he was in school he'd be the class clown. He asked me 1/2 way through if I was routing for his team. And he asked loudly enough that the 2 moms sitting next to me started laughing.
Then, he scored a goal! he had tried a couple of times, but missed, and he did it!! When he got called out, he told me "It was about time I scored one". What?!?! goofball, it's your FIRST GAME! He scored the 2nd goal of the game!! He's so funny!!
He had a blast! I'm so proud!
Look how cute! He's #5
Here he is, just out there getting it!
And here's The Goal! I can't believe I got this shot!
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 precendence.
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!
We got to Awanas last night, after being absent last week, and found out it was Crazy Hair Night. Another mom asked if we wanted to use her green hair spray, and so...The Incredible Hulk was born!
Here it is, starting to wear off...can you believe it?
Here's the top of his head...you shoulda seen his pillow this morning! Acchh! It's going to take a few washings!
This was Elias' first experience with colored hair spray. He LOVED it! I'm surprised I got him to shower tonight! I'm sure you'll eventually see more colored hair pictures .
Well, I am guilty...I let time slip away and day after day passed without blogging. The problem with this is,I stop taking so many pics and my family doesn't always know the cute little day to day things we're doing. So....I'm back!
I figure this will be a short post...I've thought about getting back to blogging for a long time now, but cataloging all the missed events was too overwhelming. So....I'm not going to even try! I might sprinkle in some things we did over the past few months, but I'm not going to try for one long post describing everything...can't happen! Starting here and now, with the here and now!
I'll give you a quick tease/summary about the things we're up to this year...and pics and descriptions will follow in the days and months to come!
Brian this year is back to his fascination of Japanese. We've got a wonderful tutor coming in to the home, conducting a small class of homeschoolers, 1x a week, for 2 hours. It's very intense and he loves it! He's also taking biology with lab and apologetics, at a local homeschool group. Of course, his main love is still computers! Well, add to that, texting. He has a gaggle of friends, mostly girls (sorry, camm and matt, no offense!). He's active in our new church...it's small but has a heart for outreach and love! That's Brian in a nutshell...which of course isn't the whole story..remember, just a teaser!!
Elias is cuter than cute. He's so wonderful! Growing up so quickly, but still in some areas a mommas boy..and so loving and compassionate. He's learning to read, is on his 2nd year of math-u-see, just became a Tiger cub last night , is in his 2nd book of Sparks (Awanas Program) and doing soccer (as he'd say, finally! ). He also does speech at the local school...and is just all around ACTIVE!! Oh! And we started a book club..based on the Magic Tree House series...it's super cool and he's enjoying that!
Sebastian...well..I don't know if a 2 yr old could be any cuter! Little Lovely is now running all over the place, doing some signs...still doesnt have any real words down, but is repeating a lot of sounds and sound repititions. He's in great over-all health, very chunky! He's still keeping me busy with various appointments, mostly now through our state Early Intervention program. He's been without the G-Tube since May...gastro is pleased with his growth, and ability to eat, and his diet, and healing...so..we only need to go back on an as needed basis. It's nice to slow down all the dr. appointments!
I often say times are a season. Sometimes it's rough, sometimes time flies by, sometimes it's easy...but it's all a quickly changing season. We have had our share of rough and time-consuming seasons. This year the focus is back on kids, and learning experiences, instead of doctors! YEAH!! Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, that's it for now...I will keep things updated more often, and with pics soon too!
Living in Las Vegas, we still live pretty far from "The Strip", and don't choose to frequent it much. But the one place we love, over and over, is The Bellagio Conservatory. It's a big glass roofed ...Conservatory! And they change the theme every few months. It's always spectacular..and exotic and wildly expensive to build/maintain, but free to go to!
I'm not sure what the theme is right now, maybe Americana?!?! There was Mount Rushmore,
bald eagles, trains, and a mini Bellagio, complete with the outdoor fountains!
It's always exciting to see what they will incorporate into it, and the details!
Right around the corner, still in the Bellagio, is The World's Tallest and Largest Chocolate Fountain. We can never leave the building without looking at it.
Oh my gosh I have the cutest baby! Of course I'm prejudiced! He has been doing "somersaults" for a couple of days now. Yesterday we videotaped it with our new HD videocamera, but of course, don't yet know how to upload it to YouTube! So, here's video taken from my camera today...it's a little grainy, but you'll get the idea!
Yesterday's was funnier in that he was so close to bedtime that he was wearing himself out. At the end, he'd basically lay on the floor and roll over, then look for us to laugh! It was hysterical!!
So, my oldest is part of a local Improv group. He is an "agent" and discusses possible plans and gatherings with other like-minded souls.
The group decided they would do a gathering where they would all freeze, in a public setting, for 5 minutes...causing mass confusion. This idea was patterned after the Frozen Grand Central Station Operation.
They decided they would do it at Freemont Street Experience...a covered street that's pedestrian only, with shops, and artists and a light show shown on the inside of the covering every few hours during the night.
The details of the "mission" apparently got leaked on a local radio show and they had massive amounts of people show up to partake.
My son is not shown in the video below...but this is it! He was "frozen" high-fiving his friend. He had a blast! They are gearing up for their next mission, details to remain secret. It won't be another "freeze" they do all sorts of things! Check it out, it's good clean fun!
So, one of my parents projects this visit was to paint Elias' room. Last visit they did Brian's room (now a lovely shade of neon green, with black and gray furnishings and rugs). Elias made it clear he wanted a Spiderman room. For Christmas he got Spiderman border and peel & stick figurines. We picked out the room colors to match! (I'm just lucky he didn't go for red and black) Now, keep in mind, this room was white and bubble gum pink, with a beautiful Ballerina border. Poor boy! He's lived with it for a long time. This is much better!
Here's the border...part red Spidey part Black Spidey
The peel & stick things are cool cause you can add them anywhere! Closets and nightstand both got some.
And here's a new comforter and pillow Elias' grandmother made him. Now both beds have Spidey bedding!
It was a lot of work, but he's SO excited! And he adores his new curtains! Before a street light was coming in through the blinds..now he can sleep like a baby (or so I hope!)
He's been showing everyone the room today...even the baby's speech therapist! He's too cute!
According to the temperature reader in my van, today was 105. That's HOT! We spent the morning at my parent's hotel pool, swimming and relaxing. It was the perfect temp! This was Sebastian's first time swimming this season...and he loved it! He tried to get away from me on the beach entry. Then he kicked his little legs a lot while I was holding him.
Here's Nanny holding up Sebastian, and Elias peeking through. It was rough trying to get good pics without getting splashed!
I always say I don't get pics of myself, well, my mom got one of me! Here I am with little lovely.
He played himself to sleep. Literally. He fell asleep in my arms, in the water and stayed that way for about 1/2 an hour. I love little snuggly creatures! (Even if they do get heavy and leave weird tan marks on you....)
Elias meanwhile was having a blast being thrown by my dad, towards my mom, who would then "get them" by splashing them! He did it over and over and over and over...my dad got tired before he did!
We're going out again tomorrow morning. It should be another hot day!
Finally, I have pics and a report! Brian went to 2 local teen formals last weekend. I only have pics of the 1st night, but that's ok, he wore the same outfit the 2nd night.
The first night the group went to a local Japanese Steakhouse, where they cook the meal in front of you. What fun! Brian loves these types of places, and the food!
After dinner they went back to one of the mom's houses. She had set up a dance floor in her backyard, and linen-covered tables, and desserts. All of the kids got a photo taken, and the girls got a long-stemmed rose. AWWWW!!
Surprise of surprises, Brian got out on the dance floor! Some of the kids had taken a dance class earlier in the month, but it was during Brian's Japanese class. (They did offer a 2nd class, and Brian did get to take that...but it was after the dance!)
Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. It was very well planned and everyone behaved wonderfully.
The next night a different local group went out to a fancy restaurant for dinner. It was also very nice, but a little....long. The kids could only order 1 of 3 items; (manicotti, lasangna or ravioli) poor Brian isn't a huge Italian food lover, or pasta lover. Then there was quite a while in between courses, or quite awhile by kid standards anyway. And then a speaker. He just didn't have as much fun. For the experience, though, it was nice.
Brian
Brian, Ruben, Devlin & CJ (aren't they dashing?!?!)
Doing some sort of line dance....
Wow, he's out there! I can't believe it!
We are looking forward to next year's formals! (Well, at least I am!!!)
The premise is you send them your old wedding gown, prom dress, or otherwise beautiful garment and they transform it into a burial outfit for babies who have died.
Involve your kids...let them know about pain in the world, and inspire them to be empathetic and helpful. I am inspired to go Goodwill shopping, yard saleing and to spread the word. What a difference WE can make! Especially during such a hard time in someone's life.
Lately I've really been coming across a lot of blogs of families who have had children with Trisomy 18. Many of these children die soon after entering the world. Their impact is felt though, their lives touch ours....mine, and my children...even though we don't know them. I watch the videos these families create, read their blogs, and cry for them. But I am also moved by how much love they have and how awesome Gos is....these kids truly rest in Jesus' arms now....how much more wonderful can it get?
And here's the most amazing video of a family's journey with their special son.
Faith ~99 Balloons
How hard is it not to be so grateful for our own kids at this point? Be they terrible 2's, be they hormonal teens...they're here. But these parents are just as grateful for the short time they've had their children.
I am truly moved by their grace and by their faith.
Small recap, he was failure to thrive (after thriving for many months) and ended up not taking anything by mouth (oral aversion) for a loooonnnngggg time. So adverse that he even stopped nursing. He has had a G-Tube since Sept. 2007 and was solely fed through it for a long time. Slowly but surely he started feeling better and acting like a "normal baby", exploring with things in his mouth etc. As he started trying more and more foods, we decreased his G-tube feedings.
Our last dr visit I told our GI dr that I think we'll be done with it by the time you see us next! He still hadn't mastered drinking well and was still getting supplemental feeds, but now, 2 months later, he's totally been off the tube at home for close to 2 months! I was very hopeful that today would be the day!
Our Dr is so cool. Plus, he knows me, he knows I've been through this before, he tends to let me do a lot on my own...which is great (usually). He trusts my opinion, trusts my knowledge, and totally partners with me...but today he forgot my "little" problem with stomach contents! He asked me if I just wanted to take the G-tube out at home myself. HECK NO I DON'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I almost didn't even want to be in the same room! I sure didn't look! I dread changing that pad.....ewwwwwww. But, now it's done!
See the smiley baby? Bandaged up but no more tubey to play with!
It's actually an exciting time because my parents are coming in to town tomorrow and this will be their first time seeing him since they were here last Sept (during his hospitalization). He's looking so perky and alert and happy...it will be great for them to see him with no tubes!!!
A local (off-strip) Casino was having a Cinco de Mayo festival in their parking lot today. Not that Elias knows/understands/cares about Cinco de Mayo...but a it was a family event, with jump houses, merry-go-round, mariachi bands, etc., so we went with our neighbors.
It was borderline too hot, but there was a breeze here and there, plus some shady spots. The kids had a blast...and that's why we went! So it was worth it. Of course, I lucked out...Brian wasn't interested in going, so I left the baby home for his naptime with big brother! This meant I didn't have to drag a cranky baby around in the heat for something that didn't interest him! YEAH! Plus it was nice for Elias to have me take just him.
Look at this beautiful boy! What a mischievous little smile he is wearing! He was weaving in and out of the palm trees, but I caught him! This was a big slide...he loved it.
Here's Elias and our neighbor friend...they are inseparable. I caught him mid-air..he says this picture is "awesome!!"
My little sweaty angel. They had a soccer team doing face paintings..he wanted Spiderman but that was a little too complicated..they gave him a spider. He went back later on and got another one on the other cheek. They're cute!
I'm never in pictures! I'm always the picture taker! My neighbor grabbed my camera and got this one...ok, I'll post it, you may never see another one!
Fun couple of hours, then back home for air conditioning and ice-cream!
Look, I made a widget!!! I don't really know what one does with it? I guess others can add it to their blogs etc? I was looking for cool things to add to my blog, but made this instead! COOL! I think you can get it from this link: Christian Unschooling Widget
On Friday my husband was able to go with us to a local park and help Elias with his Rocket Fishing Rod ! Elias was very excited to finally get to try it out.
Well, the short and long of it is....my husband was NOT impressed, but Elias thought it was cool. Well, that's what really matters isn't it? When you're 7 you want to watch it ZING out with a loud pop! Elias didn't care if he caught a fish, or if it worked well, it was just cool to play with!
Here are the boys throwing rocks in the lake, The baby totally loved this game! His aim is...well...he can throw with force, but not always in the direction he means to...so DUCK if he's around! Seriously!
It was a beautiful day, just lounging, enjoying the air, running around, feeding geese. Loving the in between cold and hotter-than-you-know-what, weather!
Well, in my last entry I thought the week was crazy, little did I know it was just picking up!
While the big boys got through the stomach bug relatively quickly, poor Sebastian did not. Add the fact that he has a metabolic disorder, and we ended up in the hospital.
It was very ugly. Poor guy wasn't hydrated enough for them to find a good vein, multiple pokes later they finally got one. He was becoming acidodic, a condition they need to keep on top of with kids with metabolic disorders, as it can rapidly spin out of control.
On top of all of this you've got me...previously when my kids were hospitalized, I'm right there, taking notes, doing research, advocating etc. This time...it was a throw up thing...when I say I have a throw up phobia, I don't just mean I don't like it..I mean full blown panic attacks, massive anxiety, heart racing, no eating, etc etc etc. I had dealt with Sebastian and Elias all weekend being sick, by the time we got to the hospital I was no good to anyone. It's rather embarrasing to even admit it, because it's sooo dang irrational. I ended up in the ER our 2nd night there, from so much stress that I ended up throwing up. A nice few drugs later, life looked a little better.
Sadly, now, the stomach bug is hitting just about every family we know...so I am constantly being bombarded with the topic, and some families who don't believe in staying home with sick kids (?!?!) I'm even getting to witness it! It's truly too much in my fragile emotional state. I'm about ready to stay indoors for the next few weeks. It's affecting every aspect of my life right now, all my kids are tired of hearing about it, and I'm tired of thinking about it. ACHHH!!! Frustration!!!!!
If I can get a couple of weeks without the topic, without seeing it, hearing about it, witnessing it, I should be able to tone down the anxiety...so, if you know me, and you have sick kids, keep them home! We don't want more germs and I can't handle the topic anymore!!
So, that's where we are..recovering nicely, but not wanting to get re-infected. I'll try to write more soon!
No babies were harmed in the making of this photo! See, he's laughing!
Look at this beautiful boy! What a mischievous little smile he is wearing! He was weaving in and out of the palm trees, but I caught him! This was a big slide...he loved it.
Here's Elias and our neighbor friend...they are inseparable. I caught him mid-air..he says this picture is "awesome!!"
My little sweaty angel. They had a soccer team doing face paintings..he wanted Spiderman but that was a little too complicated..they gave him a spider. He went back later on and got another one on the other cheek. They're cute!
I'm never in pictures! I'm always the picture taker! My neighbor grabbed my camera and got this one...ok, I'll post it, you may never see another one! 
