To the makers of Huggies and Pamper's products,
I am grateful for diapers and the ease and cleanliness they have brought to my life. It's been five years, two kids, and we're almost done :) (I don't really want to know how much I've spent, please.) You guys obviously know kids well and adorn your products with cute characters of all kinds. Carter loved his Cars pull-ups and Julia likes her Mickey diapers at bedtime, but you have made a serious oversight. The same way kids become obsessed with this characters, they become obsessed with 'certain' characters. With Carter is was the pull-ups with the piston cup trophies (who doesn't want the trophy?). He wanted only those at night (which is every other one). Some nights he would get up in the middle of the night and change a dry one, just for the picture! With Julia it's the Mickey and Minnie diapers, she does not want to wear the Pluto and Mickey ones. If it were up to them they would throw away half the package.
So please, pick one design and use it all the way through. You know kids are creatures of habit, that's why you make the designs in the first place. Save all us parents out there one more battle with our kids. We can use all the help we can get :)
Thank you.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Demo Day!
(forgot to post this earlier)
Clearly dismantling (and snacking on) the gingerbread house is much more fun than constructing it. And they even got to use their tools! I can see 'demo day' quickly becoming a favorite tradition in our house :)
Clearly dismantling (and snacking on) the gingerbread house is much more fun than constructing it. And they even got to use their tools! I can see 'demo day' quickly becoming a favorite tradition in our house :)
Friday, January 30, 2009
School Days
I get lots of questions about what we're doing in homeschooling, so I like to post about it every once and a while. Carter is now five which just boggles my mind still, but I'm getting used to the fact. Today we have that infamous well-check, the one all kids talk about and dread. One of the nice perks about homeschool is there is less of a time crunch to get shots done which works great for us because we only do two per visit, but it will make for a series of unpleasant appointments :(
Anyway, now that Carter is five and more than developmentally ready we are completing more of our kindergarten requirements. With kids preK-1st grade, schooling is a lot of hodge-podge piecing together and many people have asked me how to know what they should be teaching. One of the best resources available are the Department of Education sites for each state. I use the ones for VA where I taught and am licensed. You can reference each grade level and subject and pull up the corresponding Standards of Learning. Not only that they include enhanced Scope and Sequence with free lesson plans, worksheets, and activities for teaching them. This makes a great checklist for evaluating gaps in your child's education.
We typical do formal schooling three to four days a week, on average, for 2-3 hours each time. We stick to the days that work best for us, sometimes weekends, to work with our schedules and how everyone's feeling. I use a lesson plan book with divided subjects: Calendar, Bible/ Emotional Intelligence, Art/ Music, Literature, Phonics, Beginning Reading, Math/ Logic, and Social Studies/ Science. We don't necessarily hit every subject every day, but do over the course of a week.
CALENDAR: I love the Learning Resources calendar and we use it for the date, weather, holidays, days of the week, predictions, abbreviations, calendar math, scheduling, and skip counting.
BIBLE/EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: We do a short devotion together during breakfast. We just started using Jesus Wants All of Me which is a year-long devotional for 3-7 yr olds and love it! Thanks Amy for the recommendation. We also do Carter's weekly Awana book and verses during this time. I keep all the verses in a box on index cards so we can review easily. We're also working on emotional intelligence which is often neglected and actually more essential to success in life than IQ. Carter is hesitant to talk about his feelings anyway, so it's definitely good for us. Right now we are using 20 facial expression cards with corresponding questions to talk about our feelings, the feelings of others, and how we would respond in each situation. We also use God's Mighty Warrior Devotional Bible (for boys) by Sheila Walsh.
ART/MUSIC: This is kind of self explanatory and varies depending on what we feel like doing. I love the Kindermusik program and do their activities with the kids. The Kindermusik website and Oriental trading are great (cheap) places to get your own instruments for home. Art can be almost anything.
LITERATURE: This is where the hundreds of library books we check out every month come in to play. These include picture books, nonfiction, and chapter books- almost anything. Carter loves the Matt Christopher sports series (just check the subject for age-appropriateness) which I read aloud.
PHONICS: Essential to being a strong reader. We use lots of workbooks and wipe-off books. I also love Flipping Over Making Words (TCR) which emphasizes word patterns (for this crazy language of ours called English!). There are many more books in this series as they progress. This is also where we do handwriting and copy work. At this age it's important to practice their writing without much correction. I am in love with the Expos student wipe-off boards from WalMart (primer lines on one side, blank on the other, and really cheap). When he gets bored or resistant to practicing writing on paper, we switch to a shallow dish of rice, much more fun :)
BEGINNING READING: We use the Scott Foresman readers, but any will do and practice our sight words. We also just started The Reading Lesson (thanks Kim) which makes daily lessons very easy with no prep needed. We also like to play ABC Sound Bingo and What's That Sound?.
MATH/LOGIC: This is by far Carter's favorite subject and obvious strength. I am using the Horizon K Math to give him the repetition he needs and to get him use to 'testing style' worksheets. This series has a great spiral sequencing built in to ensure the kids have mastered each concept. We also do pattern blocks, Brainy Blocks, Quiz-a-tron (I love this thing and it's a Sears product that was mine as a kid- still works!!), Castle Logix, wipe off workbooks (LeTrend), a 100s chart, and Kumon workbooks In the next few months we will be adding the 'K-1 bundle' (includes core subject areas) from The Critical Thinking Company. I used many of these same materials in logic class when I was in school, as a teacher, and can't wait to do them with Carter. In addition it will force him to think outside the box which is something we are both naturally resistant to and the sooner he can practice, the better off he will be.
SOCIAL STUDIES/SCIENCE: If it were up to Carter we would spend most of the day here. He loves geography and will read an atlas over a book any day. (He actually announced last week he was finished with math and reading for the year and would just be doing geography now. Sorry kid!) We do sometimes work with an atlas. We also use wipe off maps to do states, capitals, oceans, and continents. He loves to do experiments of any kind and measuring, data collection, and graphing. We also started a new book My Big Book of 5min Devotions Celebrating God's World (Kennedy) which selects a different animal each day to explore scientifically, but also connects it with a virtue (2 for one!, really cool way to do science!).
We also supplement activities in all of these areas with activities corresponding to our 'topic of the week' from co-op preschool. You have seen many of these in the lapbooks I've posted previously. All of this is free on the internet. Before you take the time to make a chart or worksheet always Google it first. Some of our favorite websites are:
Homeschool Share
The Crafty Crow
Making Learning Fun
Lapbook Lessons
Nearly Free Homeschooling
Donna Young Printables and Resources
And probably the most fun part for all of us is playing games. Such a great learning tool for math, reading, social skills, etc. Our current favs are chess (Collector's Chess Teacher), Othello, Uno, Sequence Dice, Parcheesi, Whose Home? Domi-Knows, Izzi, Kanoodle, Cat in the Hat I Can Do That!, Castle Logix, Elefun, Jam Pack Jam, Armor of God, and HiHo!Cherry-O. Carter also loves to play computer games, the Wii, the PSP sports games, and Leapster (Get Puzzled, LeapFrog Kindergarten, I Spy, Diego Animal Rescuer, and Talking Words Factory).
Now I am by no means saying this is the right way, the only way, or the best way of teaching your kids. This is just what works for us right now. I put it out there to give you ideas, share resources, and to encourage you to have fun learning with your children- even if you are not homeschooling. And just in case you're thinking we have it all together..... It has been a very interesting month for us. We spent the bulk of December doing Christmas-related activities, then took off 3 weeks during vacation when we went on day trips instead. It was a rocky transition when we started up again. We just weren't clicking. Both of us we're getting frustrated. We had a two bad days in a row. I actually threatened to send him to public school- it was that bad! (Not that I have anything against public school, but I was at a loss.) It was not my proudest mommy moment by a long shot, but God was working on my heart as a mother and teacher. Through prayer, Bible study, and some 'divine appointments' with friends I was given a better insight into what Carter needs and what kind of learner he is designed by God to be. I was reminded that...
Anyway, now that Carter is five and more than developmentally ready we are completing more of our kindergarten requirements. With kids preK-1st grade, schooling is a lot of hodge-podge piecing together and many people have asked me how to know what they should be teaching. One of the best resources available are the Department of Education sites for each state. I use the ones for VA where I taught and am licensed. You can reference each grade level and subject and pull up the corresponding Standards of Learning. Not only that they include enhanced Scope and Sequence with free lesson plans, worksheets, and activities for teaching them. This makes a great checklist for evaluating gaps in your child's education.
We typical do formal schooling three to four days a week, on average, for 2-3 hours each time. We stick to the days that work best for us, sometimes weekends, to work with our schedules and how everyone's feeling. I use a lesson plan book with divided subjects: Calendar, Bible/ Emotional Intelligence, Art/ Music, Literature, Phonics, Beginning Reading, Math/ Logic, and Social Studies/ Science. We don't necessarily hit every subject every day, but do over the course of a week.
CALENDAR: I love the Learning Resources calendar and we use it for the date, weather, holidays, days of the week, predictions, abbreviations, calendar math, scheduling, and skip counting.
BIBLE/EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: We do a short devotion together during breakfast. We just started using Jesus Wants All of Me which is a year-long devotional for 3-7 yr olds and love it! Thanks Amy for the recommendation. We also do Carter's weekly Awana book and verses during this time. I keep all the verses in a box on index cards so we can review easily. We're also working on emotional intelligence which is often neglected and actually more essential to success in life than IQ. Carter is hesitant to talk about his feelings anyway, so it's definitely good for us. Right now we are using 20 facial expression cards with corresponding questions to talk about our feelings, the feelings of others, and how we would respond in each situation. We also use God's Mighty Warrior Devotional Bible (for boys) by Sheila Walsh.
ART/MUSIC: This is kind of self explanatory and varies depending on what we feel like doing. I love the Kindermusik program and do their activities with the kids. The Kindermusik website and Oriental trading are great (cheap) places to get your own instruments for home. Art can be almost anything.
LITERATURE: This is where the hundreds of library books we check out every month come in to play. These include picture books, nonfiction, and chapter books- almost anything. Carter loves the Matt Christopher sports series (just check the subject for age-appropriateness) which I read aloud.
PHONICS: Essential to being a strong reader. We use lots of workbooks and wipe-off books. I also love Flipping Over Making Words (TCR) which emphasizes word patterns (for this crazy language of ours called English!). There are many more books in this series as they progress. This is also where we do handwriting and copy work. At this age it's important to practice their writing without much correction. I am in love with the Expos student wipe-off boards from WalMart (primer lines on one side, blank on the other, and really cheap). When he gets bored or resistant to practicing writing on paper, we switch to a shallow dish of rice, much more fun :)
BEGINNING READING: We use the Scott Foresman readers, but any will do and practice our sight words. We also just started The Reading Lesson (thanks Kim) which makes daily lessons very easy with no prep needed. We also like to play ABC Sound Bingo and What's That Sound?.
MATH/LOGIC: This is by far Carter's favorite subject and obvious strength. I am using the Horizon K Math to give him the repetition he needs and to get him use to 'testing style' worksheets. This series has a great spiral sequencing built in to ensure the kids have mastered each concept. We also do pattern blocks, Brainy Blocks, Quiz-a-tron (I love this thing and it's a Sears product that was mine as a kid- still works!!), Castle Logix, wipe off workbooks (LeTrend), a 100s chart, and Kumon workbooks In the next few months we will be adding the 'K-1 bundle' (includes core subject areas) from The Critical Thinking Company. I used many of these same materials in logic class when I was in school, as a teacher, and can't wait to do them with Carter. In addition it will force him to think outside the box which is something we are both naturally resistant to and the sooner he can practice, the better off he will be.
SOCIAL STUDIES/SCIENCE: If it were up to Carter we would spend most of the day here. He loves geography and will read an atlas over a book any day. (He actually announced last week he was finished with math and reading for the year and would just be doing geography now. Sorry kid!) We do sometimes work with an atlas. We also use wipe off maps to do states, capitals, oceans, and continents. He loves to do experiments of any kind and measuring, data collection, and graphing. We also started a new book My Big Book of 5min Devotions Celebrating God's World (Kennedy) which selects a different animal each day to explore scientifically, but also connects it with a virtue (2 for one!, really cool way to do science!).
We also supplement activities in all of these areas with activities corresponding to our 'topic of the week' from co-op preschool. You have seen many of these in the lapbooks I've posted previously. All of this is free on the internet. Before you take the time to make a chart or worksheet always Google it first. Some of our favorite websites are:
Homeschool Share
The Crafty Crow
Making Learning Fun
Lapbook Lessons
Nearly Free Homeschooling
Donna Young Printables and Resources
And probably the most fun part for all of us is playing games. Such a great learning tool for math, reading, social skills, etc. Our current favs are chess (Collector's Chess Teacher), Othello, Uno, Sequence Dice, Parcheesi, Whose Home? Domi-Knows, Izzi, Kanoodle, Cat in the Hat I Can Do That!, Castle Logix, Elefun, Jam Pack Jam, Armor of God, and HiHo!Cherry-O. Carter also loves to play computer games, the Wii, the PSP sports games, and Leapster (Get Puzzled, LeapFrog Kindergarten, I Spy, Diego Animal Rescuer, and Talking Words Factory).
Now I am by no means saying this is the right way, the only way, or the best way of teaching your kids. This is just what works for us right now. I put it out there to give you ideas, share resources, and to encourage you to have fun learning with your children- even if you are not homeschooling. And just in case you're thinking we have it all together..... It has been a very interesting month for us. We spent the bulk of December doing Christmas-related activities, then took off 3 weeks during vacation when we went on day trips instead. It was a rocky transition when we started up again. We just weren't clicking. Both of us we're getting frustrated. We had a two bad days in a row. I actually threatened to send him to public school- it was that bad! (Not that I have anything against public school, but I was at a loss.) It was not my proudest mommy moment by a long shot, but God was working on my heart as a mother and teacher. Through prayer, Bible study, and some 'divine appointments' with friends I was given a better insight into what Carter needs and what kind of learner he is designed by God to be. I was reminded that...- one size never fits all,
- what works for one family can be totally wrong for another,
- we need to slow down in some areas and jump ahead in others,
- God knows what's best,
- this is supposed to be enjoyable,
- and our learning needs change over time.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Training Success
Julia has done a great job with potty training. I'm honestly shocked how easily she took to it.
For the first few days whenever we were at home I left her pants off to make it easier for her. Carter decided to join her in a show of solidarity. Those two little bums are so cute...
Apparently all this training wears a girl out. She was one pooped princess.....
I can't believe how big she's getting. She'll be three before we know it! She wore her first ponytail last week and suddenly looked all grown up.....
For the first few days whenever we were at home I left her pants off to make it easier for her. Carter decided to join her in a show of solidarity. Those two little bums are so cute...
Apparently all this training wears a girl out. She was one pooped princess.....
I can't believe how big she's getting. She'll be three before we know it! She wore her first ponytail last week and suddenly looked all grown up.....
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
We Need a Plan
I know the truth in my head. If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there? If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything. Every ship needs a course. Choose your paths wisely. etc, etc. It's all true. Parenting definitely falls into all these categories.
We've been going a long without too many parenting speed bumps (dangerous, right? here it comes). For the most part our parenting lives have been relatively easy. Our kids are generally compliant, agreeable, cooperative. Carter's biggest hurdle these days is talking back- he always has something to add. We're working on it though. Julia has literally just coasted from babyhood, to toddlerhood, to preschooler with hardly a tear or 'no'. She's famous for saying, 'okay mommy' (to the envy of many).
This week something changed. I swear I'm wearing a sign that says don't listen to me. Julia screams "NO!!!" even at the things she wants to do and carter is unphased by time out, spanking, discussions, and loss of privileges. What gives? It was getting almost comical. Even Billy said, I don't understand why they're doing this to you?
After a drawn out discussion with Carter over putting away the silverware with a joyful spirit, we got into to talking about work before play and rights and privileges. As I prayed about it later I remembered a documentary I had seen on the Dilley family who raised and homeschooled sextuplets. They had a 'Dilley Discipline' ladder on their kitchen wall with 10 steps- the top being full privileges, the bottom chores and thinking time only. Each step had pre-determined privileges and punishments determined by the family, such as friends over, TV, games, family outings, workbooks only, stay in your room, etc. That way when someone needed discipline, no discussion was needed, just move your peg (each child was a different color) X number of steps. And the parents don't have to remember who at which level at all times. It hit me that we are getting into this realm now. As we work on deciding what ours will look like I decided to go back to the teacher's staple- the traffic light (Thanks for the reminder Bekah!) where you simply move your clothespin. I told Carter about this the next morning and even though I'm just getting around to making it (3 days later) it has worked like a charm! He has not needed to move his (hypothetically speaking) in 3 days, though he has put Julia on yellow light twice :)
So, once again I've discovered what I know is true- our ship needs a course and our kids need a plan. They need to know we're watching all day everyday and what they say and do matters. Even if it takes a while to roll it out, just our intention has made things much sunnier around here.
We've been going a long without too many parenting speed bumps (dangerous, right? here it comes). For the most part our parenting lives have been relatively easy. Our kids are generally compliant, agreeable, cooperative. Carter's biggest hurdle these days is talking back- he always has something to add. We're working on it though. Julia has literally just coasted from babyhood, to toddlerhood, to preschooler with hardly a tear or 'no'. She's famous for saying, 'okay mommy' (to the envy of many).
This week something changed. I swear I'm wearing a sign that says don't listen to me. Julia screams "NO!!!" even at the things she wants to do and carter is unphased by time out, spanking, discussions, and loss of privileges. What gives? It was getting almost comical. Even Billy said, I don't understand why they're doing this to you?
After a drawn out discussion with Carter over putting away the silverware with a joyful spirit, we got into to talking about work before play and rights and privileges. As I prayed about it later I remembered a documentary I had seen on the Dilley family who raised and homeschooled sextuplets. They had a 'Dilley Discipline' ladder on their kitchen wall with 10 steps- the top being full privileges, the bottom chores and thinking time only. Each step had pre-determined privileges and punishments determined by the family, such as friends over, TV, games, family outings, workbooks only, stay in your room, etc. That way when someone needed discipline, no discussion was needed, just move your peg (each child was a different color) X number of steps. And the parents don't have to remember who at which level at all times. It hit me that we are getting into this realm now. As we work on deciding what ours will look like I decided to go back to the teacher's staple- the traffic light (Thanks for the reminder Bekah!) where you simply move your clothespin. I told Carter about this the next morning and even though I'm just getting around to making it (3 days later) it has worked like a charm! He has not needed to move his (hypothetically speaking) in 3 days, though he has put Julia on yellow light twice :)
So, once again I've discovered what I know is true- our ship needs a course and our kids need a plan. They need to know we're watching all day everyday and what they say and do matters. Even if it takes a while to roll it out, just our intention has made things much sunnier around here.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Things I've Done
I found this list while reading one of my favorite blogs. You can help but think, I wonder how many of those I've done? A lot more than you would think, probably! It was a fun trip down memory lane. I remembered some things I had definitely forgotten... you know what I mean. So how many have you done? How many do you want to do. It really made me think about places I still want to go and how much my kids still have to experience in their lives.........
Started your own blog
Slept under the stars
Played in a band
Visited Hawaii
Watched a meteor shower
Given more than you can afford to charity
Been to Disneyland/world
Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Seen the Mona Lisa in France
Slept on an overnight train
Had a pillow fight
Hitchhiked
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Built a snow fort
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Been to a Broadway show in NY
Ran a Marathon
Been in three states at once
Ridden in a gondola in Venice
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a Cruise
Seen Niagra Falls in Person
Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors
Seen an Amish community
Taught yourself a new language
Had enough money to be truly satisfied
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
Gone rock climbing
Seen Michelangelo’s David
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
Visited Africa
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted
Gone deep sea fishing
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco
Gone to a drive-in theater
Been in a movie
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Taken a martial arts class
Swam in the Mediterranean Sea
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout cookies
Gone whale watching
Gotten flowers for no reason
Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
Bounced a check
Saved a favorite childhood toy
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Toured the Everglades
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Broken a bone
Been on a speeding motorcycle
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published a book
Visited the Vatican
Bought a brand new car
Walked in Jerusalem
Had your picture in the newspaper
Read the entire Bible
Visited the White House
Killed and prepared my own meat
Had chickenpox
Saved someone’s life
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one
Had a baby
Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Great Salt Lake
Been involved in a law suit
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee
Started your own blog
Slept under the stars
Played in a band
Visited Hawaii
Watched a meteor shower
Given more than you can afford to charity
Been to Disneyland/world
Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Seen the Mona Lisa in France
Slept on an overnight train
Had a pillow fight
Hitchhiked
Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
Built a snow fort
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Been to a Broadway show in NY
Ran a Marathon
Been in three states at once
Ridden in a gondola in Venice
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a Cruise
Seen Niagra Falls in Person
Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors
Seen an Amish community
Taught yourself a new language
Had enough money to be truly satisfied
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
Gone rock climbing
Seen Michelangelo’s David
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
Visited Africa
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted
Gone deep sea fishing
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco
Gone to a drive-in theater
Been in a movie
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Taken a martial arts class
Swam in the Mediterranean Sea
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout cookies
Gone whale watching
Gotten flowers for no reason
Donated blood, platelets or plasma
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
Bounced a check
Saved a favorite childhood toy
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Toured the Everglades
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Broken a bone
Been on a speeding motorcycle
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published a book
Visited the Vatican
Bought a brand new car
Walked in Jerusalem
Had your picture in the newspaper
Read the entire Bible
Visited the White House
Killed and prepared my own meat
Had chickenpox
Saved someone’s life
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one
Had a baby
Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Great Salt Lake
Been involved in a law suit
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee
A Happy Hospital Trip
Our dear friends Dr. D and Nurse Em were so gracious to use one of their days off to take our co-op kids on a field trip to the hospital and doctor's office. The kids were really excited. many of them have a very strong fascination/obsession with all things medical. i wouldn't be at all surprised if we have a few future doctors and nurses on our hands.
At the hospital we started in the radiology department where the kids learned how the xray machine works and then got a chance to check out some real xrays and play 'name that body part'.....
...the it was off to the CT scanner. Wow, like a spaceship.....
Then we headed up to the maternity floor. Sadly all the babies were with their mommies, but they still got to check out the nursery.
Afetr a quick stop to look at the helicopter landing pad, we went into a real patient room.
Then Dr. D took us all back to his office where they got to pretend to doctor their dolls and stuffed animals. Here's Carter ready to go....
It's a big job being an elephant ENT.......
They also got to use the stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, syringes, reflex hammer, ear wax cleaner, and bandages. It was a great day. They were all so fascinated and jumped right in. We are so thankful for Dr. D and Nurse Em taking the time to do this for us! We love you guys!
And not only are they kind and gracious, they also have the cutest and sweetest little boys....
Jack......
and Luke.......
At the hospital we started in the radiology department where the kids learned how the xray machine works and then got a chance to check out some real xrays and play 'name that body part'.....
...the it was off to the CT scanner. Wow, like a spaceship.....
Then we headed up to the maternity floor. Sadly all the babies were with their mommies, but they still got to check out the nursery.
Afetr a quick stop to look at the helicopter landing pad, we went into a real patient room.
Then Dr. D took us all back to his office where they got to pretend to doctor their dolls and stuffed animals. Here's Carter ready to go....
It's a big job being an elephant ENT.......
They also got to use the stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, syringes, reflex hammer, ear wax cleaner, and bandages. It was a great day. They were all so fascinated and jumped right in. We are so thankful for Dr. D and Nurse Em taking the time to do this for us! We love you guys!And not only are they kind and gracious, they also have the cutest and sweetest little boys....
Jack......
and Luke.......
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Snow Day! ......sort of.....
They predicted snow and it actually came (Jan 20), the rain when we went to bed made us all extremely doubtful. The kids were really excited to get out and play in it. Sadly, there wasn't much. And carter pointed out, "Mom, this is the wrong kind of snow." I agree. It was more like fake movie snow, totally dry and unpackable. It did work for snow angels, though- one of the kids' favorite things about winter. The snow in PA had several inches of ice on top so this wasn't possible....
Here's Carter's angel......
Julia still loves the swing, snow or no snow. She's just happy to be back in the backyard.
It was good for eating. They both had a bowl of it with their lunch!
...and bike riding- cool tracks!
How is it that going outside for 30 min can require so much gear, yikes!!
Sometimes it's more fun to play with the fake stuff anyway.....
Julia
Claire
Will
Here's Carter's angel......
Julia still loves the swing, snow or no snow. She's just happy to be back in the backyard.
It was good for eating. They both had a bowl of it with their lunch!
...and bike riding- cool tracks!
How is it that going outside for 30 min can require so much gear, yikes!!
Sometimes it's more fun to play with the fake stuff anyway.....Julia
Claire
Will
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mommy Mules
Motherhood can be a lonely place sometimes, especially with young children, and especially as a stay-at-home mom. I feel like I have a good perspective ninety percent of the time and I'm blessed to have an amazing support network of sisters-in-Christ walking this same road.
But there are still those moments......
Wednesday mornings is Bible study and everyone in our house knows the drill. They are old enough that it should be pretty simple- dressed, fed, hair and teeth brushed, shoes and coat, and out the door. That's when it all goes wrong. Does anyone else have a time warp between their kitchen and driveway?! We were completely ready at 8:50, how did we not pull out of the driveway until 9:17?! It's insane!! When they were babies it was dirty diapers on the way out the door, extra long feeding sessions, change of clothes. Now it's phone calls, potty trips, lost items, extra helpings at breakfast (only on days we have to go of course), left behind bags, car seat adjustments, and random discussions/debates (Do we really have to do this right now?!). It boggles my mind sometimes just where that time goes. Thankfully my Bible study girls are there to say, we're glad you're here and we get it, now let's get down to business- thank you ladies.
We had a great morning and lunch afterwards at 'Chicken-Lay'. Let me just say we are a sight to behold- 5 moms and 10 kids huddled around two tables. We apologize to everyone around us, though today was mostly peaceful and the seniors around us seemed to appreciate our 'youthful energy' :)
As 1:00pm came and went we started spiraling out of control- pretty predictable. Like a well-oiled machine we all launched into our assorted trips to the potty, diaper changes, table and floor cleanups, last bites, sock and shoe hunts and we were ready to go. As I gazed through the glass into the play area, Julia had that look- when you know they're 'going'. We're still dabbling in potty-training and don't do it much away from home, especially wearing lots of layers. Today I took Carter to the bathroom carrying Mia (Shana's baby) and Julia wanted to come, too. While we're in there she announces she has to go to. You know how it goes- you can't say no. Now what do you do with the baby? Thanks to the nice mom in the bathroom who offered to hold her :) Julia did go-yay! and the diaper was now dirty, so I trashed it and just left her bare in jeans..... you see where I'm going with this. So now she's in the play area, going again.... in the jeans, yuck. So needless to say we had a mess to clean up when we got to the car.
So now we pull into the driveway, back home. Do all you mom's have this moment, too? You take a breath look around and don't even want to get out. Did we just cross the country? Every person at church needs their own bag, plus my bag with books, my purse, our snacks/drinks, the mail, our winter coats, my morning coffee mug, a mound of dirty smelly clothes, library books, the shoes Julia took off in the car, and the two bags from the store. I feel like a pack mule. I don't know what I would do if I could just turn off the car, grab my bag, and walk inside. And I had one of those mommy moments when I wondered if anyone else felt this way.
Well it turns out just a short distance away someone else was having the same thought and wrote this poem.......
One day my socks will match,
But there are still those moments......
Wednesday mornings is Bible study and everyone in our house knows the drill. They are old enough that it should be pretty simple- dressed, fed, hair and teeth brushed, shoes and coat, and out the door. That's when it all goes wrong. Does anyone else have a time warp between their kitchen and driveway?! We were completely ready at 8:50, how did we not pull out of the driveway until 9:17?! It's insane!! When they were babies it was dirty diapers on the way out the door, extra long feeding sessions, change of clothes. Now it's phone calls, potty trips, lost items, extra helpings at breakfast (only on days we have to go of course), left behind bags, car seat adjustments, and random discussions/debates (Do we really have to do this right now?!). It boggles my mind sometimes just where that time goes. Thankfully my Bible study girls are there to say, we're glad you're here and we get it, now let's get down to business- thank you ladies.
We had a great morning and lunch afterwards at 'Chicken-Lay'. Let me just say we are a sight to behold- 5 moms and 10 kids huddled around two tables. We apologize to everyone around us, though today was mostly peaceful and the seniors around us seemed to appreciate our 'youthful energy' :)
As 1:00pm came and went we started spiraling out of control- pretty predictable. Like a well-oiled machine we all launched into our assorted trips to the potty, diaper changes, table and floor cleanups, last bites, sock and shoe hunts and we were ready to go. As I gazed through the glass into the play area, Julia had that look- when you know they're 'going'. We're still dabbling in potty-training and don't do it much away from home, especially wearing lots of layers. Today I took Carter to the bathroom carrying Mia (Shana's baby) and Julia wanted to come, too. While we're in there she announces she has to go to. You know how it goes- you can't say no. Now what do you do with the baby? Thanks to the nice mom in the bathroom who offered to hold her :) Julia did go-yay! and the diaper was now dirty, so I trashed it and just left her bare in jeans..... you see where I'm going with this. So now she's in the play area, going again.... in the jeans, yuck. So needless to say we had a mess to clean up when we got to the car.
So now we pull into the driveway, back home. Do all you mom's have this moment, too? You take a breath look around and don't even want to get out. Did we just cross the country? Every person at church needs their own bag, plus my bag with books, my purse, our snacks/drinks, the mail, our winter coats, my morning coffee mug, a mound of dirty smelly clothes, library books, the shoes Julia took off in the car, and the two bags from the store. I feel like a pack mule. I don't know what I would do if I could just turn off the car, grab my bag, and walk inside. And I had one of those mommy moments when I wondered if anyone else felt this way.
Well it turns out just a short distance away someone else was having the same thought and wrote this poem.......
One day my socks will match,
I won't be dragging through the door;
Carrying 15,000 things,
With someone handing me more.
Coats, bags, sippy cups, snacks and lunch;
Did I remember to bring their shoes?
I know they say these days go fast,
Don't want to wish away the coos,
Carrying 15,000 things,
With someone handing me more.
Coats, bags, sippy cups, snacks and lunch;
Did I remember to bring their shoes?
I know they say these days go fast,
Don't want to wish away the coos,
...I just wonder how many brain cells I will lose.
by Lara
They say your true friends are those who know the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you forget the words and I embrace that sentiment wholeheartedly......
But sometimes your friends are the ones who hear the pandemonium in your heart and can sing along with every word :) (Thanks girl, I needed that!)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
My Darling Nephew
"Go Ahead. Make my day."
If that face doesn't mean business, I don't know what does. Anderson is getting so big, 16 months now and walking/driving/riding everywhere.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Carter's 5th Birthday
I don't know when or how it happened that my sweet little boy is now a five year old. I just checked on him in bed and he looks so sweet and innocent, but so big too! (I love the way he tucks in his tools, too.) I remember exactly where I was five years ago at this time.... 11pm...... sitting on the hospital bed staring at this perfect little baby dressed in his blue gown laying peacefully in front of us. All Billy and I could do was stare at him- he's ours and he's here, healthy and safe- unbelievable! I spent those first hours, days, and weeks holding him on my chest as much as possible- savoring every minute of his newness. I know firsthand how fast the time goes and that you will never again have the time like you do with your firstborn. My life was put on pause and I just enjoyed being Carter's mom. We would lay in bed everyday until noon. He slept the heaviest from 5am to noon so I did, too. I watched him sleep and memorized his sweet face. I took hundreds of pictures. Some days I watched him grow and change right before my eyes wanting to stop time, even just for a moment. But alas, we can't. It has been a true joy watching the little boy he has become. He has a heart of gold, a curious mind, a memory for everything, a close attention to detail, a passion for sports of all kinds, a budding faith, and a laugh that melts my heart. I love you little man and I'm grateful God chose me to be your mother.
It really was a great day. Carter was born on his Mimi's birthday, so they love when they can celebrate together. We had fun playing today, painting cookies, playing games, playing racquetball, and a yummy dinner at Luna's- divine!!
Here are some of the soundbites from the day that warmed my heart and made me smile. (and some pictures, too.)Julia: "Today is my Carter's birthday!"
Carter: "Don't you want to sit and cuddle your sweet boy?" (and kiss the top of his head)Carter: "Today Mimi and I get to pick all our favorite things to do."
Mimi: "If you're five, can I be six?" Carter: "No, you have to be more than six Mimi."
Carter: "I love you Mimi."
Carter: "I'm Mommy's sweet boy."
Carter: "I can do it. I'm five now."
Carter: "Mom, I just don't feel five. How do I know I'm really five?"The weekend was topped off with a thrilling Eagles win!!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year 2009!
When you have kids new years eve takes on a new tone. We had a good time teaching the kids to play casino yahtzee. After one night they were hooked because we played a lot that week.
For over a hundred years, the US Marine Band has 'surprised' the commandant with a morning serenade. The event has become a treasured event where the band members and their families are invited to spend time at the house. Mimi and Grandpa were all decked out and ready to go.
We had the unique opportunity to watch the festivities from the parade field. Carter's eyes were like saucers when the band marched in. He loves to march like a Marine.
Looking up at the flag flying over the barracks I had to pause and thank God- for our country, for our freedoms, for all our dear servicemembers who protect and defend us and their families, for our friends, my family, our health, our home, our faith. I have to say, it is well with my soul.
Gen Conway and his wife, Annette, were gracious hosts, especially considering she broke her hip and had surgery the week before- poor thing. The band did a tremendous job and it was a treat to hear them account their year's events and receive a blessing and commendation from Gen Conway.
Then it was back to the house to make cookies and play playdoh :) Simple pleasures.
For over a hundred years, the US Marine Band has 'surprised' the commandant with a morning serenade. The event has become a treasured event where the band members and their families are invited to spend time at the house. Mimi and Grandpa were all decked out and ready to go.
We had the unique opportunity to watch the festivities from the parade field. Carter's eyes were like saucers when the band marched in. He loves to march like a Marine.
Looking up at the flag flying over the barracks I had to pause and thank God- for our country, for our freedoms, for all our dear servicemembers who protect and defend us and their families, for our friends, my family, our health, our home, our faith. I have to say, it is well with my soul.
Gen Conway and his wife, Annette, were gracious hosts, especially considering she broke her hip and had surgery the week before- poor thing. The band did a tremendous job and it was a treat to hear them account their year's events and receive a blessing and commendation from Gen Conway.
Then it was back to the house to make cookies and play playdoh :) Simple pleasures.
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