Yesterday was such a lovely day for schooling. Even though there were other things going on we got so much done by deciding not to leave the house. Frodo took a math test for me and Bug did a lesson. Monkey finished his handwriting and math book. Then he used his new math supplies freely. Frodo wrote an essay response to some questions about the Taj Mahal. While Bug finally got caught up with her lessons and went to see Madagascar 2 with her friend. Then we just read until dinner time. I really miss the freedom of not having anywhere to be or anything to do and just reading. Even Monkey sat with us in the quiet living room flipping through his books.
Of course the reason our day was forced to be so restful was because I wasn't feeling great. But there is always something to slow your life down just when you need it.
Today we went on a field trip to the planetarium. It was really great. The professor gave the kids so much more information than I could have hoped. He was also so engaging, the kids (and adults) really loved him. I will admit I had to close my eyes during the rollercoaster effect, I guess I'm just not that young anymore!
After the planetarium we headed to a Borders nearby because Michael Phelps was there doing a book signing. Sadly by the time we got there the line was so long that the workers told us they doubted we would get in. We had several very hungry children between us all and ended up deciding it wasn't worth chancing it. The really sad thing was that the kids couldn't even get a glimpse of him because the store kinda barricaded the area where he was signing books so no one could see him. Oh well, maybe next time.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Petty Party
I will start with the good then do a bit of a rant on a situation that is really bothering right now. First I cut all my hair and donated 12 inches! I love my hair shorter, its so much easier for me!
The older two kids had Shakespeare yesterday which is always wonderful. They also got their parts. Bug is Katherine in Love's Labour Lost and Frodo will be Launcelot in The Merchant of Venice. Frodo is soo excited, he's very good friend will be Gobo and the two of them will be quite the comedy duo. Even the teacher yesterday said, "Well I guess I asked for this". They kids also did math and played at a friends house for the afternoon. Our friend has an acre of land ( a rarity in Southern Cali.) so all the kids always have a blast!
I am so mad about what is going on in our homeschool group right now. It was such a wonderful group in the beginning but now one of the leaders has become very narcissistic. She has contradicted herself on many occasions, started picking off those who show her any kind of opposition, and done things that are just plain unethical. The final straw for me today was kicking someone out of the group for nothing other than her own personal agenda and then without talking to the other group leader removing her as a leader and saying that she can do what ever she wants, its her group. This just leaves a really bad taste in my mouth and makes me feel unsafe in such a terrible environment.
So then this poses the question "Do I really need a group?" I have a good network of close friends that we see regularly. Some of them are talking about setting up an informal group of their own. But really, there must be something in the water around here that leaves people with the need for world domination. This is the third HS group I have been in that something like this has happened. I have some decisions to make, but I am tired of standing back and letting the pieces fall where they will, people with control issues need to stop trying to control the masses. SO do I need a group, no not really. I guess the only thing holding me back is the comfort of having a "group" but I just don't really think its necessary anymore.
Thanks for listening to my little rant. :)
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Huge Thanks!
We just got our graphic in! This is the poster that we will have up in our school room. I owe a gigantic thank you to my dear friend Kozispoon for making this for us. Thank you Kozi!!! We love it!!!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Is This Better?
Since a friend privately told me what a god awful picture I posted of myself, here is a better one. It's not the best but it was after all at the end of a very long day. But this is for my self esteem of course!
The sale today was wonderful. The kids sold out of everything they made, they were ecstatic! In the afternoon we went to our history group meeting. It is a Story of The World Group and we are about to finish book one. Bug was able to compare what Jesus was teaching to the teachings of Gandhi to the group. I was so pleased that she got the message of peace. The kids played driedel at the end of their discussion. This evening we decorated our Christmas Tree. We are certainly feeling very festive!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Preparations
Today we spent our entire day getting ready for a kids holiday sale. In order to participate everything must be handmade. The kids had a great time getting there stuff ready. Here are a few pictures from our day.
Me after all the baking, looking very tired and covered in flour! Oops, don't look in the fridge!
Bug's cookies and many bags. She was still working on hats when I took the pic.
Frodo's baked goods. All were gluten/ soy/ dairy/ and nut free. He made cranberry and pumpkin bread as well as chocolate chip muffins.
Monkey's chocolate lollypops. He had to eat one today!
Me after all the baking, looking very tired and covered in flour! Oops, don't look in the fridge!
Bug's cookies and many bags. She was still working on hats when I took the pic.
Frodo's baked goods. All were gluten/ soy/ dairy/ and nut free. He made cranberry and pumpkin bread as well as chocolate chip muffins.
Monkey's chocolate lollypops. He had to eat one today!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Little Bit of Fun
Today was an interesting mix for us. The kids started out the day with their last Lego class. They have been taking a wonderful Lego engineering class. But we have chosen not to continue with it because honestly it is just too easy for the older two kids. They got more of a social time than learning time. It's not that the class wasn't great, but having a child that can build the Millennium Falcon blindfolded kinda changes things. Frodo probably could have taught the class. He is a natural engineer. He's been building things since he was very tiny. He is a master at Mindstorms and frequently enters challenges on their site.
So after Lego, we went over to library for a while. We read a few books on Mother Teresa and unsuccessfully looked for a few other things. After lunch everyone did some math. Monkey did handwriting, math, worked on memorizing a poem, painted a picture of the poem, colored a picture of Gandhi, and colored a map of India. Frodo researched and wrote a report on Gandhi and did alot more programming work. He's currently programing a music video, it should be interesting when he's done. Bug worked on researching and writing an article on Mother Teresa. In the evening we watched the first in a series of eight BBC movies on the Himalayas.
Later in the afternoon after much begging we had some friends over to play. It was alot of fun. They are very good friends of ours but see we see them so much for educational things the kids were on their knees asking to just "play" with no school work involved. How could I resist?
So after Lego, we went over to library for a while. We read a few books on Mother Teresa and unsuccessfully looked for a few other things. After lunch everyone did some math. Monkey did handwriting, math, worked on memorizing a poem, painted a picture of the poem, colored a picture of Gandhi, and colored a map of India. Frodo researched and wrote a report on Gandhi and did alot more programming work. He's currently programing a music video, it should be interesting when he's done. Bug worked on researching and writing an article on Mother Teresa. In the evening we watched the first in a series of eight BBC movies on the Himalayas.
Later in the afternoon after much begging we had some friends over to play. It was alot of fun. They are very good friends of ours but see we see them so much for educational things the kids were on their knees asking to just "play" with no school work involved. How could I resist?
Daily Routine
I really need to get back to recapping our days. We do so much everyday that I need some way of remembering! These are the wonderful things we did yesterday
Bug had an orthodontist appointment in SB (an hour drive). On the way we listened to two Teaching Company Lectures. One on the Bagda Gita and the other on the Biography of Gandhi. We had a great discussion after each of the lectures.
In the afternoon we watched "Desperate Crossing" which is a History channel telling of the Mayflower journey. Then the older two did their math and Monkey did some handwriting.
Next we read a story about an Indian mathematician and discussed his life.
Monkey and I then played some money Bingo while Frodo wrote more of a program he's working on. Bug made everyone in the house stocking advent calendars, which she place on all the doors. We ended our day going out to dinner. It was a very quiet day!
Bug had an orthodontist appointment in SB (an hour drive). On the way we listened to two Teaching Company Lectures. One on the Bagda Gita and the other on the Biography of Gandhi. We had a great discussion after each of the lectures.
In the afternoon we watched "Desperate Crossing" which is a History channel telling of the Mayflower journey. Then the older two did their math and Monkey did some handwriting.
Next we read a story about an Indian mathematician and discussed his life.
Monkey and I then played some money Bingo while Frodo wrote more of a program he's working on. Bug made everyone in the house stocking advent calendars, which she place on all the doors. We ended our day going out to dinner. It was a very quiet day!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
What the Heck?
So I will admit the inevitable, I have been a super flake! I have had such a busy life recently that this blog has been the last thing on my mind. Here is a short list of what we have been up to recently:
~Traveled across country to two funerals over the summer
~The airline lost most of our luggage (permanently)
~We moved over Labor Day
~Unpacking........
~I wrote and am still writing a homeschool curriculum with a friend (because there was no way we could finish it!)
~I'm helping lead Bug's very busy Cadette troop
~Hubby has been working 7 days a week for several months
~We have been making spirutality a larger focus in our lives
~Frodo is finally growing at a normal rate!
~Bug is almost as tall as me
~Monkey is beginning to read
~We have discovered a fairly significant health issue with Monkey
~We had a Halloween party!
~ I lost 20 pounds (yeah me!)
~We went camping several times
Most importantly we are very happy.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Some pictures
I noticed today that I am seriously lacking in the picture department! I guess time has just escaped me. Here are a few from the past few months.
Were going camping for several days starting this weekend then we move as soon as we come home. I'll be sure to take lots while we're away!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A Little Summer.... With A Twist
Things in my life are never uncomplicated. I had grand visions of a peaceful, relaxing summer. Days spent lazing by the pool or the beach with a camping trip here or there. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew it sounded too good to be true.
Now that the dust has settled on the grandparent front, I go and make things even more complicated. For starters, we are moving at the end of August. I'm very happy to be moving since we are going to be closer to all the things we do and a bit closer to hubby's work. We made sure not to jump into anything too fast so we found a nice place in a nice area. But of course that means packing up this entire house in two weeks. We have a big camping trip scheduled for the end of August and I really don't want to miss it. So if I can have the house packed and ready to go before the camping trip then viola! we can just move after we get back. We are supposed to get home Wed. night from camping and move Saturday morning. I know I'm a little insane, but I really need the camping trip.
The other thing that is on my plate at the moment is my Epic adventure. A friend and I are currently writing our curriculum for an entire year. It will be wonderful once it gets done, but it is requiring a lot of research. So imagine combing that with all the other stuff going on it had been a bit crazy. Plus I do think we bit off a little more than we can chew. But the nice thing is that I feel intellectually challenged. I haven't felt this good about something in a long time and it has been great having someone to push me along. Now, if I can just get it all done by the deadline we set for ourselves!
And the thing that has thrown a monkey wrench completely into everything? I can't believe I'm actually going to admit this one but here goes. I have found myself completely obsessed with the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. I started reading the first book on one of my flights. I thought hey the movie looks kinda cool so I'll read the book and I couldn't stop! I finished them all in less than week because I couldn't focus on anything else. I swear these books are like a drug, I can't stop thinking about them and obsessing over them. And they're written for young adults! Okay, so now you know my secret. Laugh if you will, but on the plus side they were my escape from reality that I desperately needed, something light and fun with a happy ending. Do you think hubby would mind if I traded him in for Edward? Hmm....
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Catching My Breath
My Grandpa and I
As of today things are finally feeling like summer! We have had such an emotional roller-coaster this summer that things have been delayed for far too long.
So after my last post, my grandma held on for almost an entire week longer. Some may say that was a good thing, but really she was just in such tremendous amount of pain that it broke my heart. So then I took a trip back east to help with and attend the funeral . I began outside of Nashville and ended up outside of Detroit. I was glad that I didn't bring the whole family this time as I needed to be able to grieve and there is no way it would have happened with them there. I felt guilty enough not holding it together for my mom's sake, I definitely would have put up the iron front in front of the kids. But it wasn't all bad. I did manage to have a great time with my cousin C and get in touch with another that I really like but haven't seen in a long time. I also got to see my sister and her kids which was great as well. Let's also not forget that somewhere in there I had a birthday! C and I got red velvet cupcakes that were super yummy.
So while I was on my travels the kids bonded with what my husband calls the kids "second mommy". The day before I left we got the kids a Wii and I think they played it at least half the day everyday while I was gone! Now its been my fun task of slowly weaning them off of it.
So now summer can officially begin! I can't wait to get to the beach and the fair this week!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Rembering "Chick"
My dear grandmother will be ending her six year battle with ovarian cancer today. It is easy to say that I am devastated. I knew it was coming but has not made things any easier. She was a second mother to me when my own was unavailable. This is our second loss in the past 2 weeks. My husband lost his grandfather two weeks ago.
This is my part in my grandmother's eulogy next week:
When I was a little girl the thing I admired most about my grandmother was her beauty. I loved to go in her room and smell the different things she used to get ready everyday. I can still smell the fresh scent of Noxzema that will always be grandma to me. I would sit on her bed and she would tell me about stories from when I was a baby and about her children when they were young. Afterward she would always give me one of her special candies she kept hidden in her room.
As I got older she continued to share her stories with me. Slowly she started to tell me the tales of her childhood. There was always a good story about getting into trouble with the nuns in Catholic school because of her sassy ways or the boys doing outrageous things to her long braids. There were also stories that took me by surprise. Like attending Ukrainian school, taking the train to New York City and my all time favorite her days roller-skating as “Chick”. She would tell me about any story as long as I asked.
All of these stories opened a whole new person I had never imagined, but made my grandmother complete. As a child I had only seen her as a loving mother and grandmother devoted to her family. But these stories helped me to see beyond and I feel very special to have shared those stories sitting on her bed with her all these years. It also helped me realize that her beauty was more than skin deep. She was a wonderful woman who had undergone many things in her life with grace, dignity, beauty and a whole lot of spunk. I hope I can make her proud and do the same.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Quirks
I have been tagged by Patrice over at Making Peace for a game of quirks! Here are the ones I can think of:
~I have to do my morning routine in the same order everyday otherwise I feel a bit off kilter all day long.
~I can't stand to have anything touch my ears. I rarely even wear earrings because I'll figit with them the whole time.
~I don't sleep in, ever. I kills me that my hubby can.
~I detest wearing socks. If I do wear them you can bet their gonna be argyle. My kids think I'm weird for not having normal socks.
~I fall asleep with in seconds of watching any sort of tv or movie at home with my hubby. I've even tried sitting on a different couch. It must be something to do with comfort level.
~I have a strange obsession with being punctual. I can't stand to be late. Which has become very interesting when trying to get three children out the door.
Because I'm not so good at always following the rules I'm not going to tag anyone. I'm just feeling a bit accomplished for actually getting this done!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Where Am I?
I have been very neglectful of my blog lately. The past two months have past me by with out a stop to say hi! I have just been so overwhelmed that this has been one of the many things in life that has suffered.
A few of the things which have kept mind occupied on other things have been:
Shakespeare rehearsals and then performances
Testing (which I hate but we had to do per our Charter)
Bug's Golden Birthday (Which seriously lasted an entire week)
House hunting
I know there is more but at the moment my mind is just so blank that I can't think.
I also have a dying grandmother and I cannot seem to get my mind off of her. I feel quite detached from reality at the moment. She has been battling Ovarian Cancer for 6 years. There have been several times that I thought it would be the end. But, alas she just keeps on hanging in there. So this time I truly thought I wouldn't get emotionally worked up. But I am such a mess that I cannot focus on anything this week.
So forgive me dear friends for my unintentional sabbatical I will try to be a bit more on top of things. :)
A few of the things which have kept mind occupied on other things have been:
Shakespeare rehearsals and then performances
Testing (which I hate but we had to do per our Charter)
Bug's Golden Birthday (Which seriously lasted an entire week)
House hunting
I know there is more but at the moment my mind is just so blank that I can't think.
I also have a dying grandmother and I cannot seem to get my mind off of her. I feel quite detached from reality at the moment. She has been battling Ovarian Cancer for 6 years. There have been several times that I thought it would be the end. But, alas she just keeps on hanging in there. So this time I truly thought I wouldn't get emotionally worked up. But I am such a mess that I cannot focus on anything this week.
So forgive me dear friends for my unintentional sabbatical I will try to be a bit more on top of things. :)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
23 Things About Me
Having been inspired by so many posts about people here is some info about me.
1. My favorite color is green
2. I have never, ever dyed my hair
3. Growing up I desperately wished for black hair
4. I have been married since I was only 20
5. My all time favorite band is Weezer
5. I've listened to alternative music since I was 9
6. I could spend days in museums
7. I was an art major in college
8. Halloween is my favorite holiday
9. I love theater
10. I sing horribly
11. I love to read just about anything
12. Book series with the same plot in every book frustrate me
13. My favorite author is Jane Austen
14. I don't drink alcohol
15. I'm secretly pretty geeky
16. I hope to travel the world someday
17. I have been to almost every state
18. I would have a houseful of children if I could
19. I love Anime
20. I love to learn new things
21. I used to be decent seamstress, but now, not so much
22. I secretly wish to be more homemaker like
23. Coming up with interesting stuff about me is hard!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Confessions of a constant planner
Over the past few weeks I have been thinking a lot about the older two kids futures. Frodo will be ready for high school in about 2 years and I'm already worrying. One of the things I love about homeschooling is the ability to do what we want. But I know that as the high school years approach the kids will have to meet certain criteria for college. I also think a lot of this is coming from pressure from my non homeschooling friends. They have been talking about how you need to tour high schools in 7th grade so your prepared for choosing which high schools you want in 8th grade. I mean seriously is this high school or college were talking about people?
But because of all this chatter I keep turning over options in my head. Options like, continuing with our charter school, switching to another that has a part time campus, filing an R4 so we can just do our own thing or a distance high school. The most important thing to me is the ability to take community college classes during high school for credit. If we stay with our charter they will actually have to take all their science and foreign languages at our local cc.
So for once in my life I am going to stop trying to plan something so far in advance and just go with it. This will be no small feat for me, but I think I can do it! Because after all, I still have a few years where I don't need to worry, I should really take advantage it for once! So instead of worrying I will spend my days enjoying our time and our new love for Charlotte mason. ;)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Spring Break
We've been on Spring break this week. This has been such a nice break in routine for us. The kids have had multiple sleepovers, with kids coming in and out of the house constantly. It almost feels like summer. With the sunny days and nice warm air my mind is definitely playing tricks on me. But alas these days will end soon and our normal routine will begin again.
A few of the things we've done this week:
Met with our ES.
Bug had to take the 5th grade PE test.
Frodo had his endoscopy and biopsy (which went well).
Monkey got to see how a tow truck works.
Everyone just played.
We had a few school like things in there since we were supposed to take spring break last week. All the kids friends were on it this week so it worked out so much better.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Catching Up
So even though I have the never ending cold we still managed to have a busy week.
Monday: Bug performed her Shakespeare pre-show scene for critic by the director. She is Juliette in the scene. The three kids working on it have to do all the blocking, directing etc. themselves, so this was sort of their approval to go forward with what they have done.
Tuesday: We got lots of school work done. We read The Librarian Who Measured the Earth and more of Archimedes and the Door of Science. We also read more Greek myths. Frodo also made a new friend who is new to homeschooling.
Wednesday: Monkey played with a friend all day. Bug went to Kidspace Museum all day and I chaperoned Frodo's Boys survival skills class. Frodo's class was really cool, this week was wild edibles week. The boys foraged for food and cooked an entire meal out of it. We had a wild salad, rose hip tea, prickly pears, cactus, and yucca root. It was surprisingly tasty.
Thursday: The kids went to a spring party. Then I began to sleep for the next two days!
Friday: I was still on the couch but we watched some History channel and the doctor's office finally called to schedule Frodo's endoscopy for next week.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
In good times and bad
This week has been full of wonderful things but also some not so great things. I'm going to start with the good. We are having a FABULOUS week in regards to schooling. Things have never been smoother and I feel wonderful that I have renewed energy and enthusiasm.
We also had a great play date for the kids and mom. We went to a local art museum with a friend who just moved to the LA area. I also read a book this week that was non fiction *gasp*.
Now on to the not so great things. Baxter got neutered today. He's not feeling so great and has a bit of recuperating to do. But in the end it will be a good thing. He just breaks my heart looking so sad. I even had to put the "satellite dish" on him because he was trying to lick his wounds.
Now on to my dear Frodo. Just when I think this kid has already had enough to deal with more gets put on his plate. So we saw the pediatric endocrinologist on Tuesday. Which led to X-rays and a huge amount of blood work on Wednesday. They took 8 vials of blood. This seems like a huge amount when you look at the size of him compared to all that blood. There is a good chance he will be doing an all day test soon. He'll need to be admitted in the hospital for the day for this blood test. We are having to move quickly because even though you can't tell by looking at him he is full swing in adolescent changes.
Then today we had his usual six month check up with the pediatric G.I. doctor. This lead to the discovery of an allergy to corn. Given that the child can not eat gluten, oats or soy he has been practically living on corn! To top it off the biopsy on his small intestines and stomach that we have been putting off really needs to be done now. Hubby and I discussed it this evening with him and we're going to go ahead and schedule it.
Believe me I know there are much worse things in the world that he could be have. I do feel blessed that it isn't anything worse. We've also made him very aware of this. But my heart just breaks that its always him with the health problems. Of course for the rest of today he was incredibly upset that he will not be able to have corn. Lucky for him that in order to get a proper biopsy reading he needs to continue eating it. He wants me to make him everything he loves that has corn in it before he has to stop. So it looks like I'll be making lots of cornbread tomorrow!
We also had a great play date for the kids and mom. We went to a local art museum with a friend who just moved to the LA area. I also read a book this week that was non fiction *gasp*.
Now on to the not so great things. Baxter got neutered today. He's not feeling so great and has a bit of recuperating to do. But in the end it will be a good thing. He just breaks my heart looking so sad. I even had to put the "satellite dish" on him because he was trying to lick his wounds.
Now on to my dear Frodo. Just when I think this kid has already had enough to deal with more gets put on his plate. So we saw the pediatric endocrinologist on Tuesday. Which led to X-rays and a huge amount of blood work on Wednesday. They took 8 vials of blood. This seems like a huge amount when you look at the size of him compared to all that blood. There is a good chance he will be doing an all day test soon. He'll need to be admitted in the hospital for the day for this blood test. We are having to move quickly because even though you can't tell by looking at him he is full swing in adolescent changes.
Then today we had his usual six month check up with the pediatric G.I. doctor. This lead to the discovery of an allergy to corn. Given that the child can not eat gluten, oats or soy he has been practically living on corn! To top it off the biopsy on his small intestines and stomach that we have been putting off really needs to be done now. Hubby and I discussed it this evening with him and we're going to go ahead and schedule it.
Believe me I know there are much worse things in the world that he could be have. I do feel blessed that it isn't anything worse. We've also made him very aware of this. But my heart just breaks that its always him with the health problems. Of course for the rest of today he was incredibly upset that he will not be able to have corn. Lucky for him that in order to get a proper biopsy reading he needs to continue eating it. He wants me to make him everything he loves that has corn in it before he has to stop. So it looks like I'll be making lots of cornbread tomorrow!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The Plan
Here is my direction for the rest of the year:
Everyone:
History:
Finish ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
World Geography
Science:
Archimedes
Nature Journaling (local plant, animal life, ocean life)
Art:
Hokusai
Trip to Getty Villa to see Greek and Roman art works
Child's introduction to poetry
Math: Finish current programs
Literature: Continuing with classics
Archery
Older two only:
Copy work: From Aesop and various sources
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Shakespeare program
Frodo:
Finish phonics program
Start Japanese?
Guitar
Fencing
Bug:
French
Piano?
Art lessons
Italics handwriting
Monkey:
Piano
Duo reading (he recently told me he doesn't want to read because he enjoys being read to. But he seems to know how to read much more than he lets on.)
I'm excited to have direction again!
Renewal
I finally feel like I have a grip on schooling again! I've done a lot of reading lately on different educational theories trying to find the right fit for us. I have felt very overwhelmed lately with what the kids have been doing. And I have just wanted to find the right nitch. The hard part is that I find things I like about most all the theories.
Today I attended a Charlotte Mason seminar, which has me feeling like this is exactly what I've been trying to accomplish. I loved that the speaker was so honest about working things out with in a large family. I also loved that she talked about working other philosophies into what your doing.
Now I have always been interested in Charlotte Mason but there always seemed like so much to read before diving in. It was so wonderful to have a speaker lay it all out there for you. It was also great that she was so normal and human, not some super mom who gets tons of great books read to her 4 children of all different levels. I finally feel comfortable going back to teaching the same general things to everyone, just tailoring certain things so they are appropriate to each child. Because I can't complain enough how doing three separate curriculum's has killed me this year! I have been suffering from some serious burn out.
My favorite things that I got out of today were the nature journals and the art appreciation. The nature journals were remarkable. It is something I know my kids would love to do and it seems so communal with nature and their environment. The art appreciation has been very lacking around here lately. I love the suggestion of breaking it up with poets and musicians as well. I can't wait to get started!
Today I attended a Charlotte Mason seminar, which has me feeling like this is exactly what I've been trying to accomplish. I loved that the speaker was so honest about working things out with in a large family. I also loved that she talked about working other philosophies into what your doing.
Now I have always been interested in Charlotte Mason but there always seemed like so much to read before diving in. It was so wonderful to have a speaker lay it all out there for you. It was also great that she was so normal and human, not some super mom who gets tons of great books read to her 4 children of all different levels. I finally feel comfortable going back to teaching the same general things to everyone, just tailoring certain things so they are appropriate to each child. Because I can't complain enough how doing three separate curriculum's has killed me this year! I have been suffering from some serious burn out.
My favorite things that I got out of today were the nature journals and the art appreciation. The nature journals were remarkable. It is something I know my kids would love to do and it seems so communal with nature and their environment. The art appreciation has been very lacking around here lately. I love the suggestion of breaking it up with poets and musicians as well. I can't wait to get started!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Getting through the colds
Everyone in the house has been sick this week. I dragged them through DLand while they were coming down with the cold. Boy do I feel like an awful mom! I have a lot to report as soon as I can stop being called for by the invalids! ;)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Better Day
Yesterday was a much better day for Monkey. He was behaving normally again and the medicine helped his face quite a bit. He was also able to focus and do a good amount of his lessons. I am very relieved.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
One bad day
Today has been one of the worst days ever of having children. It started out on a bad note with news that a relative had passed away. Which wasn't quite so bad since there are currently 3 closer ones on the "watch" list. This was a great Aunt that my husband barely knew. But the hardest part of the entire day was Monkey.
Monkey had been complaining about his face burning. I waited it out since he has very dry skin and we had Santa Ana winds yesterday. I dutifully put on lots of lotion and hoped it would take care of its self. But last night he didn't sleep. He became compulsive about putting cold water on his face during the night. Which of course made his skin even drier. So I finally made him a doctor appointment but he couldn't be seen until the afternoon. In that span of time he completely "lost his marbles." He began sneaking into the bathroom when ever I left the room. We went to a friend's house for Spanish where he decided to lock himself in her bathroom, scream deafening screams all for cold water. I tried to carry him out, then he ran back into her house and lock the bathroom door again. So finally I walked out the door so I could move my car into her driveway to get him out of there easier. He hears me leaving and bolts out of the house thrashing and screaming the whole way. I had become so hysterical at this point that I was laughing because otherwise I would have been screaming as loud as him. She has to think we're all nuts. Plus she was crying because she is so empathetic that she couldn't help herself.
So, then a bit later we are waiting at the local drug store to fill his prescription from the doctor. (He's apparently having an allergic reaction to something, my guess is all the gunk floating around from the winds.) He again proceeds to flip out with the screams because I allow the other two children to walk home and go take the dog for a walk. He was screaming so bad that I thought for sure someone was going to accuse me of kidnapping him.
Once we're finally home again he gets put on Mommy lock down. I make him lay on the couch next to me and pretty much not move. It took about an hour for the medicine to start to calm him down. But he was still trying to sneak off to the bathroom. So in the end Daddy came home and he lost a whole lot a stuff for all the outbursts. He has finally just went to sleep and maybe I can calm down. If I was a different person I would so be whipping up some margarita's right now! Instead I'll just go watch AI with the other kids.
Monkey had been complaining about his face burning. I waited it out since he has very dry skin and we had Santa Ana winds yesterday. I dutifully put on lots of lotion and hoped it would take care of its self. But last night he didn't sleep. He became compulsive about putting cold water on his face during the night. Which of course made his skin even drier. So I finally made him a doctor appointment but he couldn't be seen until the afternoon. In that span of time he completely "lost his marbles." He began sneaking into the bathroom when ever I left the room. We went to a friend's house for Spanish where he decided to lock himself in her bathroom, scream deafening screams all for cold water. I tried to carry him out, then he ran back into her house and lock the bathroom door again. So finally I walked out the door so I could move my car into her driveway to get him out of there easier. He hears me leaving and bolts out of the house thrashing and screaming the whole way. I had become so hysterical at this point that I was laughing because otherwise I would have been screaming as loud as him. She has to think we're all nuts. Plus she was crying because she is so empathetic that she couldn't help herself.
So, then a bit later we are waiting at the local drug store to fill his prescription from the doctor. (He's apparently having an allergic reaction to something, my guess is all the gunk floating around from the winds.) He again proceeds to flip out with the screams because I allow the other two children to walk home and go take the dog for a walk. He was screaming so bad that I thought for sure someone was going to accuse me of kidnapping him.
Once we're finally home again he gets put on Mommy lock down. I make him lay on the couch next to me and pretty much not move. It took about an hour for the medicine to start to calm him down. But he was still trying to sneak off to the bathroom. So in the end Daddy came home and he lost a whole lot a stuff for all the outbursts. He has finally just went to sleep and maybe I can calm down. If I was a different person I would so be whipping up some margarita's right now! Instead I'll just go watch AI with the other kids.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Life in Pictures
My little "slacker."
Puppy play date. Baxter loved his new friend.
Monkey took this of me. I normally don't like pictures of myself but this one isn't so bad. Especially, since I have been sick again today.
Monkey's self portrait. You can see how irritated his skin is from all the winds. He's the only one of the kids with dad's hazel eyes, I love how green they look here.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Being sick and other musings
The dreadful cold has finally caught up to me. I've been fighting it off all month long but now it is here in full force. If only I had the time to go with it. Nope today I'm still going to see the House of Blues Gospel Brunch anyway. I can't take cold medication, they all make me sicker rather than better. I used to take children's medication but I don't even bother with that anymore. Something about being a red head screws with how different medicines affect me. (Believe it or not this is actually a clinically proven thing!)
Here are a few things from this week:
~Bug got braces. Boy has she milked the pain. After three days she is finally eating "solid" food again.
~We had a huge discussion with Monkey about how Daddy isn't a slacker but actually works all day on his computer.
~Frodo got together with a friend that he never will again. The use of language was totally inappropriate between the child and parent.
~Bug is already planning her birthday party that isn't until May!
~She plans on Not including the "mean" girl.
~I am frantically trying to spend all of my kids charter school money by the end of next week.
~Monkey had a playdate with his best friend D.
I think that covers about most of it. I am off to get ready for my brunch!
Here are a few things from this week:
~Bug got braces. Boy has she milked the pain. After three days she is finally eating "solid" food again.
~We had a huge discussion with Monkey about how Daddy isn't a slacker but actually works all day on his computer.
~Frodo got together with a friend that he never will again. The use of language was totally inappropriate between the child and parent.
~Bug is already planning her birthday party that isn't until May!
~She plans on Not including the "mean" girl.
~I am frantically trying to spend all of my kids charter school money by the end of next week.
~Monkey had a playdate with his best friend D.
I think that covers about most of it. I am off to get ready for my brunch!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Slacker?
Tonight in the car Monkey gave this peach of an announcement:
Monkey: When I grow up I not going to work. I am going to play video games all day. I am going to be a slacker.
Our response (after some serious muffling of hysterical laughter): Are you sure?
Monkey: Yeah, that's what Dad does. He's a slacker. So I'm going to be one too.
The things your kids say while sitting in the In-N-Out drive through are priceless.
Monkey: When I grow up I not going to work. I am going to play video games all day. I am going to be a slacker.
Our response (after some serious muffling of hysterical laughter): Are you sure?
Monkey: Yeah, that's what Dad does. He's a slacker. So I'm going to be one too.
The things your kids say while sitting in the In-N-Out drive through are priceless.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Starting Fresh
We had a wonderful weekend of new beginnings. Frodo went on his first camp out this weekend since going back to scouts. We were a little nervous about his state of mind when he returned. He used to be a wreck when he came home, full of negative energy and sleep deprived. He came home yesterday happy and surprisingly full of energy. He of course wanted to tell me about all the bad things that happened. I stopped him short and had him tell me one good thing for every bad thing. This worked really well because it kept him from focusing on the bad and to remember the great parts.
Bug had friends over all weekend. On Saturday she had a new friend over and their time went really well together. Bug was a little nervous since she hadn't spent time alone with this friend. She had only played with her with another girl who is not nice and very controlling. They had a great time together and are making plans to hang out again.
I forgot to mention that Bug was actually grounded from the controlling friend. I also asked her to reflect on her friendship with this girl. She feels confused because she recognizes how unkind and controlling she is but says that sometimes she is nice. But it seems that she recognizes that the nice days are few and far between. It also hurt Bug that this girl has repeatedly been mean to a few little ones that Bug tends to have trailing her. She adores really young kids and gladly gives her time to them. I have tried to talk to the girls mom but it was useless. She thinks her daughter is a perfect angel.
I really shouldn't babble on about such drama. This situation has been driving me a bit batty lately. The last thing you wan to see is your child being controlled by another. But I think we have finally made progress which is making me feel much better.
Bug had friends over all weekend. On Saturday she had a new friend over and their time went really well together. Bug was a little nervous since she hadn't spent time alone with this friend. She had only played with her with another girl who is not nice and very controlling. They had a great time together and are making plans to hang out again.
I forgot to mention that Bug was actually grounded from the controlling friend. I also asked her to reflect on her friendship with this girl. She feels confused because she recognizes how unkind and controlling she is but says that sometimes she is nice. But it seems that she recognizes that the nice days are few and far between. It also hurt Bug that this girl has repeatedly been mean to a few little ones that Bug tends to have trailing her. She adores really young kids and gladly gives her time to them. I have tried to talk to the girls mom but it was useless. She thinks her daughter is a perfect angel.
I really shouldn't babble on about such drama. This situation has been driving me a bit batty lately. The last thing you wan to see is your child being controlled by another. But I think we have finally made progress which is making me feel much better.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Finally.....Pictures
The store I wish I could go into!
Monkey being well a momkey
But the eyes...
Bug's latest painting: watercolor and pen
Today we finally finished moving some furniture around. This meant that I had access to my computer again (I've been using the kids which is fairly useless) So here are a few pics enjoy!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Where is my Valentine?
So I am going to be a bit of a bah humbug here. We had such a bad Valentine's day! Our day started out okay. I made gluten free pancakes with heart sprinkles. The kids tried to wear something red. So far so good. Then Hubby tells me that he actually got me something this year. (He is the anti holiday person, hates almost all holidays citing them as just a way for retail to make a buck with no real value.) The bad part is, it was supposed to be delivered on the 12th and never showed up. So I spend my day hoping it might show up. Then we go to a craft class at Michaels and Valentine's exchange with one of our home school groups. This turned into the biggest three ring circus ever! I was on the fence before about leaving this group. Now I will, I just want to fulfill a few commitments then I'm so out. I won't go into the details of what happened but I had a crying child almost the whole time and a few very upset friends. We then had lunch with a friend, which was probably the highlight of our day. Next the kids had writing class and Monkey and I took Baxter to the beach for a while. Then I got a monster migraine and had to go to bed at 5pm! Out went all my plans of chocolate cake, and a nice dinner! Oh and the gift never showed up! Oh well maybe next time...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Arts
I am so happy! I found an art mentor for Bug. Some of our very best friends are moving here from the Bay area and one of them is an artist. She is very excited about teaching Bug and Bug loves her work so it should be a great fit. She'll still continue with her formal lessons at the studio but this will give her some great one on one feed back and technique. C is an animation artist, she does a lot of story boards and comics. But she is also a great realist as well. She'll also take over as Bug's Spanish tutor as well. Its also a great excuse to get to see our friends much more.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Agenda
Frodo and Bug made some interesting choices for what they want to study this week. Frodo chose Architecture. He checked out a bunch of library books and I am trying to think up a project for him. He needs more than written work. He generally needs something a little more hands on so I may have him draw up some plans. Bug chose The Underground Railroad. I think this subject may take at least two weeks if not three. She has lots of books and historical fiction to read. I'm also going to get a few movies for her. She is definitely mature enough to handle the meatiness of the issue so I think this is my chance to push her without her knowing it. For her project I'm going to have her write a journal as if she were a slave heading toward freedom. I'm also going to have her map out the routes and figure out exact times of travel.
We'll continue on with our Greek myths. I'll finish The Trojan War and The Book of Greek Myths. They will read The Children's Homer. We're also going to map out a family tree of the gods and they can pick one to illustrate or paint. They can pick some science topics on Brain Pop and hopefully our new Math program will become available this week. (We're waiting on our charter school to start). The Monkey just wants to do math all week. I think it's a good time to indulge him on that subject. All of this should keep everyone plenty busy this week.
We'll continue on with our Greek myths. I'll finish The Trojan War and The Book of Greek Myths. They will read The Children's Homer. We're also going to map out a family tree of the gods and they can pick one to illustrate or paint. They can pick some science topics on Brain Pop and hopefully our new Math program will become available this week. (We're waiting on our charter school to start). The Monkey just wants to do math all week. I think it's a good time to indulge him on that subject. All of this should keep everyone plenty busy this week.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Our Day
We have had a very strange past two weeks. I have been looking for new inspiration and in the mean time not feeling very motivated. I have also not been feeling very happy with our homeschooling group situation (I'll save that for another post). So overall I have been feeling like I'm in a bit of a rut.
Yesterday, things started looking up. I feel like I'm slowly getting a grip on the new direction were taking and feeling confident enough to really start implementing it. My plan is to give them a directed lesson with me in the morning on one or two subjects each day. Then in the afternoon they can explore what they are interested in. Each of them will have discussed with me what they'll be studying beforehand and they will have activities planned to work on that they have chosen. This will be in addition to the classes they are taking. I'm still trying to work out the kinks so we'll see how this goes.
The current classes include: Shakespeare, Civics, Spanish, Creative Writing and Bug has Art.
Yesterday we did begin my part of the arrangement. We will be studying the Greeks for a while so we began reading some Mythology and The Trojan War. They are also individually reading Tales from The Odyssey. It's way to easy for them but they can finish each book in about 40 minutes. I'll move them up to something meatier next week.
The Monkey just listens in on what I'm reading aloud. He has also been choosing a subject a week to study. The past two weeks have been Dinosaurs. We just finished all of our reading so on Sunday I'm going to take him to the Natural History Museum to see the fossils. He still does a little math. I haven't been pushing him on reading lately. This seems to be working to my advantage because now he is more interested in it than ever. He's a child that tends to resist if I push to much. He also has an amazing memory. He can tell you everything he has heard. It's just a matter of what he decides to share with you.
In other news, Frodo had a check up yesterday and we now need to see an endocrinologist. I knew this was coming but I was hoping it wouldn't be for a while yet. Sadly, he is still growing at a snails pace. He hasn't bounced back as much as he should have since the Celiac diagnosis. So I agreed to have a consultation and to explore the possibility of growth hormone. I haven't done enough research yet to have an opinion on the matter. But the thought of it scares me a bit.
Yesterday, things started looking up. I feel like I'm slowly getting a grip on the new direction were taking and feeling confident enough to really start implementing it. My plan is to give them a directed lesson with me in the morning on one or two subjects each day. Then in the afternoon they can explore what they are interested in. Each of them will have discussed with me what they'll be studying beforehand and they will have activities planned to work on that they have chosen. This will be in addition to the classes they are taking. I'm still trying to work out the kinks so we'll see how this goes.
The current classes include: Shakespeare, Civics, Spanish, Creative Writing and Bug has Art.
Yesterday we did begin my part of the arrangement. We will be studying the Greeks for a while so we began reading some Mythology and The Trojan War. They are also individually reading Tales from The Odyssey. It's way to easy for them but they can finish each book in about 40 minutes. I'll move them up to something meatier next week.
The Monkey just listens in on what I'm reading aloud. He has also been choosing a subject a week to study. The past two weeks have been Dinosaurs. We just finished all of our reading so on Sunday I'm going to take him to the Natural History Museum to see the fossils. He still does a little math. I haven't been pushing him on reading lately. This seems to be working to my advantage because now he is more interested in it than ever. He's a child that tends to resist if I push to much. He also has an amazing memory. He can tell you everything he has heard. It's just a matter of what he decides to share with you.
In other news, Frodo had a check up yesterday and we now need to see an endocrinologist. I knew this was coming but I was hoping it wouldn't be for a while yet. Sadly, he is still growing at a snails pace. He hasn't bounced back as much as he should have since the Celiac diagnosis. So I agreed to have a consultation and to explore the possibility of growth hormone. I haven't done enough research yet to have an opinion on the matter. But the thought of it scares me a bit.
Monday, February 4, 2008
She Can Sew!
I did it! Today I finally got the new sewing machine to work and I won the battle that ensued getting it there!
The new machine is technically Bug's. It was a gift from my mom for xmas '06. Only she just got it a month ago. In that amount of time Bug lost interest in learning how to sew. So I figured the best way to get her interested again was to get back into sewing myself and her interest would follow.
Now I used to be able to sew. I was actually quite good too. When I was a senior in HS I sewed a lot of my own clothing and was set to go to FIDM, until fate intervened and had me end up at UCSB instead. From then until now I had a crummy machine that I never had the patience to get to work right. I eventually gave it back to my mom to do with as she pleased. So when the new machine finally showed up I was quite excited to resume my old passion.
But as luck would have it I couldn't remember how to work the machine! I spent an entire day last week pouring over the manual trying to get the darn thing to work right. Of course I couldn't let my pride down and actually call a friend (or gasp! my mom) for help. So after a little blood and sweat I got everything figured out and was sewing again.
But then I let the machine sit there staring at me for a week. So today I pulled out Frodo's scout uniform to sew some badges on. The machine almost won, but I did triumph! And boy was it great not hand stitching those babies on! Now I finally feel comfortable enough to finish "the doll." The big plus is that Bug is coming around. I think seeing me get frustrated and get through it helped my little perfectionist realize that she might be able to as well.
The new machine is technically Bug's. It was a gift from my mom for xmas '06. Only she just got it a month ago. In that amount of time Bug lost interest in learning how to sew. So I figured the best way to get her interested again was to get back into sewing myself and her interest would follow.
Now I used to be able to sew. I was actually quite good too. When I was a senior in HS I sewed a lot of my own clothing and was set to go to FIDM, until fate intervened and had me end up at UCSB instead. From then until now I had a crummy machine that I never had the patience to get to work right. I eventually gave it back to my mom to do with as she pleased. So when the new machine finally showed up I was quite excited to resume my old passion.
But as luck would have it I couldn't remember how to work the machine! I spent an entire day last week pouring over the manual trying to get the darn thing to work right. Of course I couldn't let my pride down and actually call a friend (or gasp! my mom) for help. So after a little blood and sweat I got everything figured out and was sewing again.
But then I let the machine sit there staring at me for a week. So today I pulled out Frodo's scout uniform to sew some badges on. The machine almost won, but I did triumph! And boy was it great not hand stitching those babies on! Now I finally feel comfortable enough to finish "the doll." The big plus is that Bug is coming around. I think seeing me get frustrated and get through it helped my little perfectionist realize that she might be able to as well.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Nature of Things
This morning Frodo and I have a meeting with the new adult leader of his boy scout patrol. Frodo has been on leave from scouts for almost 3 months. One of the biggest reasons is because the old ASM moved away and a replacement was not found quickly, thus causing a few of the boys to think they could run the show their way. Frodo already has a very fragile self esteem and this sent him over the edge. He also seems to need a little more help than the other boys because of his sensitive nature and lets face it his small size. So he decided to take a break for a while even though he loves scouting so much.
When I was informed a few days ago who the new ASM for his patrol would be Frodo wanted to join again immediately. This adult really went the extra mile for Frodo last summer to make sure the camp would accommodate his food needs. He has also been there consistently when Frodo needed an adult to goto. He expressed to me that he feels like he can trust this adult to make sure things happen the way they should.
I do hope things work out today the way Frodo would like. As much as I could do without boy scouts my son happens to love it. He's also good at it and it gives him something to do on his own. I have my fingers crossed.
When I was informed a few days ago who the new ASM for his patrol would be Frodo wanted to join again immediately. This adult really went the extra mile for Frodo last summer to make sure the camp would accommodate his food needs. He has also been there consistently when Frodo needed an adult to goto. He expressed to me that he feels like he can trust this adult to make sure things happen the way they should.
I do hope things work out today the way Frodo would like. As much as I could do without boy scouts my son happens to love it. He's also good at it and it gives him something to do on his own. I have my fingers crossed.
Friday, February 1, 2008
New names
Okay, since I am tired of referring to my children as C,J and S (mostly because I'm beginning to confuse them) I am hereby giving them new cyberspace names. J shall now be know as Bug, S as Monkey and C as Frodo. Whew, I feel better already. ;)
The Color Purple?
This has been a rather slow week here. I have needed a little down time and time to recover from Baxter the sleepless dog wonder. I am happy to say that we have worked out the kinks of the sleeping problem but now I still need to get the potty training under control. He's so close yet just not there yet.
So today I allowed my daughter to do what my mother never let me do. She dyed her hair purple. Before you think I'm mad, it's temporary and washes out after 8 washings. She's been asking about it for months and I kept saying no. Hubby thought I was being a little too strict about it and wanted me to let her try it so she could get it out of her system. So finally after lots of thought I relented. She wasn't allowed to bleach her hair first so has had to live with the color it turned out. With her dark brown hair, It's more of an eggplant color, not quite the true purple crayon look she wanted. But she is happy nonetheless. Luckily C thinks she's nuts so that means I don't have to worry about him wanting to do anything to his hair. I simply couldn't allow his red hair to be touched. Perhaps that's why my mom never let me. I'll be sure to post a pic of the new do tomorrow.
So today I allowed my daughter to do what my mother never let me do. She dyed her hair purple. Before you think I'm mad, it's temporary and washes out after 8 washings. She's been asking about it for months and I kept saying no. Hubby thought I was being a little too strict about it and wanted me to let her try it so she could get it out of her system. So finally after lots of thought I relented. She wasn't allowed to bleach her hair first so has had to live with the color it turned out. With her dark brown hair, It's more of an eggplant color, not quite the true purple crayon look she wanted. But she is happy nonetheless. Luckily C thinks she's nuts so that means I don't have to worry about him wanting to do anything to his hair. I simply couldn't allow his red hair to be touched. Perhaps that's why my mom never let me. I'll be sure to post a pic of the new do tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Exhaustion
I am suffering from exhaustion. Our puppy has been up all night for the past week. Nothing is working to get him to quiet down. Everyone else has been able to sleep through his whining. He also has learned how to climb out of his pen that we put him in the daytime when were not watching. So now his kennel is his only choice. In addition I am feeling rather ill. I think I'm going to bury my nose in a book again today and let the kids handle things.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Being Gluten Free
Today I'm feeling a bit inspired to talk about something close to me. If I haven't mentioned it before C has Celiac disease. This is a disease that changes the way you and your immediate family live their lives. Usually for the better.
On C's 10th birthday he had stopped growing for the third time in his life. Not just for a month but for an entire year, perhaps longer. The first time it happened, growth stopped from 6months to 13months old. This can be very significant in the development of a baby. But the pediatrician at the time just had me feed him fattier foods and was satisfied with his small weight gain. Then when he was 5 years old it happened again. The new pediatrician had his bone age done and checked hormone levels but other than his growth age being behind all was fine.
When the 10th birthday check up came around he was very ill. He had become gaunt and frail looking. He rarely had any energy and was so used to being in pain that he thought it was normal. He had also stopped developing academically and had frequent mood swings. He was also vomiting after almost every meal. My biggest fear was that he was developing an eating disorder. At first x-rays showed that he had a colon blockage the likes of which his pediatrician had never seen before. After several months of tests and procedures things weren't much better. Then we went to see a ped. GI. She was ready to write him off as having a weak stomach. Then as we were about to walk out the door I brought up the possibility of Celiac. My grandmother suffers from it but doesn't ever say much about it and I know she doesn't stick to her diet very closely. At that point we had the initial testing done. Sure enough that was what was afflicting our son. We then refused the next test to confirm the results because C had already been through so much. A intestinal biopsy just to act as a confirmation wasn't going to change how we would need to proceed.
Within a month of being gluten and soy (another allergy that showed up) free C was beginning to act like himself again. He had already begun gaining weight again and growing. His emotional health was slowly on the up swing so, his attitude was much better. The problem at that point was me. I felt like I had somehow failed him. Why hadn't I recognized the signs sooner? How were we all going to eat this way? How do I keep him from feeling like an outcast?
I studied everything I could get my hands on about Celiac. It is a highly genetic disease so myself, J and hubby have been tested. I will get S tested this year. I cannot tolerate much gluten but I don't have Celiac and neither do hubby or J.
Cooking is becoming easier but sometimes I still lack inspiration. But it is slowly coming. I am very slowly beginning to cook like I once did. As C's fears of eating anything that looks like gluten are starting to go away my want to cook is returning. For a very long time he just couldn't bring himself to even look at gluten free bread because it looked like the stuff that had caused so much pain.
This year it has been amazing to discover just how many places are willing to accommodate your gluten free requests. Last summer the boyscout camp he attended for a week made a special menu just for him. Many restaurants have a gluten free menu if you just ask for it. Also there are few fast food places that now have options (if you know what to ask for).
The hardest thing comes when people don't want to understand that it is not just an allergy. I'm certainly not discounting allergies esp. since many people can die from them. But sometimes people think that just because you can't see the effects of celiac immediately on the outside it must not be that bad. What they don't get is if I gave my son gluten in even the smallest form it is the same as slowly giving another child poison.
This week C goes in for another round of blood tests to make sure he hasn't had any gluten and to check his growth. It always makes me a little nervous. I am pretty sure he is still growing but we have reached the point where his peers are shooting up and he isn't. He will hopefully be delayed only by a few years. But we can't be certain. This is another gift of his Celiac.
But over all Celiac has lead to healthier living not only for C but for everyone in our family. Not being able to eat a lot of the junk out there has change us for the better. I look forward to being able to cook healthier food that a non gluten free friend won't know is gluten free.
On C's 10th birthday he had stopped growing for the third time in his life. Not just for a month but for an entire year, perhaps longer. The first time it happened, growth stopped from 6months to 13months old. This can be very significant in the development of a baby. But the pediatrician at the time just had me feed him fattier foods and was satisfied with his small weight gain. Then when he was 5 years old it happened again. The new pediatrician had his bone age done and checked hormone levels but other than his growth age being behind all was fine.
When the 10th birthday check up came around he was very ill. He had become gaunt and frail looking. He rarely had any energy and was so used to being in pain that he thought it was normal. He had also stopped developing academically and had frequent mood swings. He was also vomiting after almost every meal. My biggest fear was that he was developing an eating disorder. At first x-rays showed that he had a colon blockage the likes of which his pediatrician had never seen before. After several months of tests and procedures things weren't much better. Then we went to see a ped. GI. She was ready to write him off as having a weak stomach. Then as we were about to walk out the door I brought up the possibility of Celiac. My grandmother suffers from it but doesn't ever say much about it and I know she doesn't stick to her diet very closely. At that point we had the initial testing done. Sure enough that was what was afflicting our son. We then refused the next test to confirm the results because C had already been through so much. A intestinal biopsy just to act as a confirmation wasn't going to change how we would need to proceed.
Within a month of being gluten and soy (another allergy that showed up) free C was beginning to act like himself again. He had already begun gaining weight again and growing. His emotional health was slowly on the up swing so, his attitude was much better. The problem at that point was me. I felt like I had somehow failed him. Why hadn't I recognized the signs sooner? How were we all going to eat this way? How do I keep him from feeling like an outcast?
I studied everything I could get my hands on about Celiac. It is a highly genetic disease so myself, J and hubby have been tested. I will get S tested this year. I cannot tolerate much gluten but I don't have Celiac and neither do hubby or J.
Cooking is becoming easier but sometimes I still lack inspiration. But it is slowly coming. I am very slowly beginning to cook like I once did. As C's fears of eating anything that looks like gluten are starting to go away my want to cook is returning. For a very long time he just couldn't bring himself to even look at gluten free bread because it looked like the stuff that had caused so much pain.
This year it has been amazing to discover just how many places are willing to accommodate your gluten free requests. Last summer the boyscout camp he attended for a week made a special menu just for him. Many restaurants have a gluten free menu if you just ask for it. Also there are few fast food places that now have options (if you know what to ask for).
The hardest thing comes when people don't want to understand that it is not just an allergy. I'm certainly not discounting allergies esp. since many people can die from them. But sometimes people think that just because you can't see the effects of celiac immediately on the outside it must not be that bad. What they don't get is if I gave my son gluten in even the smallest form it is the same as slowly giving another child poison.
This week C goes in for another round of blood tests to make sure he hasn't had any gluten and to check his growth. It always makes me a little nervous. I am pretty sure he is still growing but we have reached the point where his peers are shooting up and he isn't. He will hopefully be delayed only by a few years. But we can't be certain. This is another gift of his Celiac.
But over all Celiac has lead to healthier living not only for C but for everyone in our family. Not being able to eat a lot of the junk out there has change us for the better. I look forward to being able to cook healthier food that a non gluten free friend won't know is gluten free.
U-Turn
The road was closed yesterday so we couldn't go to the snow. The mountains were gorgeous so it did make for a wonderful drive. The kids feathers were just a little ruffled since they were all bundled up and ready to play. Hopefully next time.
Today I plan on dusting off my sewing machine and finishing some projects I started a while ago. One is a doll for J. It's a beautiful Waldorf doll she has named Pipi. But the only thing I ever got around to finishing last summer was her head. So there's no time like the present!
Today I plan on dusting off my sewing machine and finishing some projects I started a while ago. One is a doll for J. It's a beautiful Waldorf doll she has named Pipi. But the only thing I ever got around to finishing last summer was her head. So there's no time like the present!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Snow
Today we are going to the snow! Everyone is super excited. It has been raining so much this week, it has also been very cold. All the mountains surrounding us are covered so we won't have to drive very far. Now the trick is going to be getting back before the rain starts again today.
The kids are also going to be in for quite a shock! I don't think they realize how cold the snow will feel. But then again I don't think they'll care!
The kids are also going to be in for quite a shock! I don't think they realize how cold the snow will feel. But then again I don't think they'll care!
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Flow of Change
Reflecting back on all of my years homeschooling I realize that every year this month always brings about the same change. I always re-evaluate what we're working on, taking stock of what works for the kids and what doesn't.
Interestingly just as I was writing about making the kids more organized last week I happened upon a book that I set aside a few years ago. The book was "A Thomas Jefferson Education" by Dr. Oliver DeMille. It has a great theory that resonated with me when I saw him speak a few years ago. Then funny enough two days later at a dinner party a friend told me that day she had been to workshop with Dr. Demille and how wonderful it had been. This was too good of a coincidence for me to pass up. So I have spent the past week reading everything I can. Luckily my friend has quite a library of TJE writings.
I think the reason it hits home for me is because I have felt for a long time like my children a just going through the motions of school, even though they are at home. They only seem to be retaining things that interest them and they are not learning how to think. Just spit out the facts one day then forgetting them the next. So, I am excited to see where this next little journey leads us.
This week also saw the start of two new classes for C&J. They both began working with a Spanish tutor and a writing instructor. They loved the writing class. It is just a story writing class but it really inspired them which made me smile. They both loved the Spanish tutor as well. They can't wait until the next lesson!
Oh and if your wondering how my organized day went. It went really bad. It was nice to have a framework but beyond that nothing on the agenda was accomplished because things are always changing here sooo much. So we'll see.
Interestingly just as I was writing about making the kids more organized last week I happened upon a book that I set aside a few years ago. The book was "A Thomas Jefferson Education" by Dr. Oliver DeMille. It has a great theory that resonated with me when I saw him speak a few years ago. Then funny enough two days later at a dinner party a friend told me that day she had been to workshop with Dr. Demille and how wonderful it had been. This was too good of a coincidence for me to pass up. So I have spent the past week reading everything I can. Luckily my friend has quite a library of TJE writings.
I think the reason it hits home for me is because I have felt for a long time like my children a just going through the motions of school, even though they are at home. They only seem to be retaining things that interest them and they are not learning how to think. Just spit out the facts one day then forgetting them the next. So, I am excited to see where this next little journey leads us.
This week also saw the start of two new classes for C&J. They both began working with a Spanish tutor and a writing instructor. They loved the writing class. It is just a story writing class but it really inspired them which made me smile. They both loved the Spanish tutor as well. They can't wait until the next lesson!
Oh and if your wondering how my organized day went. It went really bad. It was nice to have a framework but beyond that nothing on the agenda was accomplished because things are always changing here sooo much. So we'll see.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Boy Interrupted
The best laid plans lay to waste. This saying is especially true in our household. No matter how much I plan, something gets thrown in to monkey wrench my idealism. It can be very challenging for me sometimes because I like my days to have a plan. I also like things to work out to my expectations. I guess you could say I have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to how I foresee the day progressing. And this would be why the powers that be chose to give me S.
S is unpredictable in everyway possible. He truly keeps me on the edge of my seat. After having him, I had to stop keeping to all my routines that I used to have with the other two children. This was a combination of his personality and the age difference between him and the older two. But now I find myself wondering if he would do much better if he had a set little schedule of his own. I am also wondering if this might benefit C & J as well.
I have been trying to get C & J to become more independent with their study time but I am finding that it is now interfering with our time as a family. For example, they both waited until after dinner last night to do the loose ends of their school work for the day. Of course, neither one finished and they will be working toady, which they were supposed to have off for C's birthday. SO I think next week I will try a more time approached schedule and do some rearranging of our homes school materials. Hopefully it will lead us in the right direction.
I am hoping that this will also give me more academic time with S. He seems to finally be ready for projects. He is also sitting still long enough to take in what I'm teaching him. I am very excited to move into this next phase with him.
On another note, we had to change C's birthday plans to Tuesday instead of today. Like his mama he doesn't take to change very well and was not very happy about it. We did compromise a bit for today. Plus everything is still the same it just got moved a few days. He understands why but he's not thrilled. But then again what kid would be. I'll just be working extra hard to make today a little extra special for him.
S is unpredictable in everyway possible. He truly keeps me on the edge of my seat. After having him, I had to stop keeping to all my routines that I used to have with the other two children. This was a combination of his personality and the age difference between him and the older two. But now I find myself wondering if he would do much better if he had a set little schedule of his own. I am also wondering if this might benefit C & J as well.
I have been trying to get C & J to become more independent with their study time but I am finding that it is now interfering with our time as a family. For example, they both waited until after dinner last night to do the loose ends of their school work for the day. Of course, neither one finished and they will be working toady, which they were supposed to have off for C's birthday. SO I think next week I will try a more time approached schedule and do some rearranging of our homes school materials. Hopefully it will lead us in the right direction.
I am hoping that this will also give me more academic time with S. He seems to finally be ready for projects. He is also sitting still long enough to take in what I'm teaching him. I am very excited to move into this next phase with him.
On another note, we had to change C's birthday plans to Tuesday instead of today. Like his mama he doesn't take to change very well and was not very happy about it. We did compromise a bit for today. Plus everything is still the same it just got moved a few days. He understands why but he's not thrilled. But then again what kid would be. I'll just be working extra hard to make today a little extra special for him.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Birthday
C this year hiking with a friend
C at 7
Tomorrow is C's birthday. As I said before he will be a whopping 12 years old. He has asked that instead of a party we go to Universal Studios and bring his friend. This seems so grown up! Mind you, I did tell the kids no parties this year since last year I threw three big ones.
I have to admit that every time my oldest gets another year older there is a certain pang in my heart. On one hand I'm happy that he's getting older, but on the other it makes me sad to see it happen. Honestly, I think it happens with all three but since it's C's birthday I'm just noticing it today! So happy birthday to him!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Baxter
This is a picture of Baxter asleep on hubby's lap. He is such a little cuddle bug! He has a great personality and follows me everywhere. Now if we could just get him 100% potty trained I'll be set!
Inspiration
This is the work that completely inspired C to be an architect when he is older: Zaha Hadid . We saw drawings and models of her work at the Guggenheim in July of 2006. It was life changing for him.
The Newborn and The Firstborn
I am still here but I feel like I have a newborn all over again. Who ever said a new puppy would be easy? I knew what I was getting into but perhaps just not to the extent. Baxter has to be watched constantly since we're in the middle of potty training. He also can't go in public until he is 16 weeks old. That's the one thing I wish I had know beforehand. Our life is currently chained to the house since we don't want to leave him alone for more than 2 hours at a time. But he's still worth it.
Also constantly on my mind this week is my oldest. C is turning 12 this week. I can't believe he is already that old. I think it would help if he looked as old as he is. All the other kids around his age are having their growth spurts and he has fallen even further behind. His best friend was over yesterday and to my surprise C barely comes up to his shoulders! I am so crossing my fingers that he is still growing and will have his growth spurt late like the doctors say. He has a friend who is 14 and only a few inches taller than him, he is now going to be getting hormone injections. I really don't want to cross that bridge.
We also had a big realization on his academic front this week. Because C went to school in K and 1st grades and came into K reading he was never taught phonics. I had been suspecting it for a while now. We took him to get tested last week and our suspicions were correct. I think this is why he seems to have so many strange issues academically. He is very intelligent but struggles in odd ways. So now it all makes sense. I just need to get it corrected now. I have a feeling after it is rectified he will soar again.
But he is still an incredible kid. He does so many things everyday that are completely selfless. I still will never believe his ability to construct things. For Christmas he got a huge Lego Star Wars piece and had it put together in less than three days. (not working on it constantly) Some day he wants to be an architect and I can see it suiting him well. So only time will tell.
Next time I promise a puppy picture!
Also constantly on my mind this week is my oldest. C is turning 12 this week. I can't believe he is already that old. I think it would help if he looked as old as he is. All the other kids around his age are having their growth spurts and he has fallen even further behind. His best friend was over yesterday and to my surprise C barely comes up to his shoulders! I am so crossing my fingers that he is still growing and will have his growth spurt late like the doctors say. He has a friend who is 14 and only a few inches taller than him, he is now going to be getting hormone injections. I really don't want to cross that bridge.
We also had a big realization on his academic front this week. Because C went to school in K and 1st grades and came into K reading he was never taught phonics. I had been suspecting it for a while now. We took him to get tested last week and our suspicions were correct. I think this is why he seems to have so many strange issues academically. He is very intelligent but struggles in odd ways. So now it all makes sense. I just need to get it corrected now. I have a feeling after it is rectified he will soar again.
But he is still an incredible kid. He does so many things everyday that are completely selfless. I still will never believe his ability to construct things. For Christmas he got a huge Lego Star Wars piece and had it put together in less than three days. (not working on it constantly) Some day he wants to be an architect and I can see it suiting him well. So only time will tell.
Next time I promise a puppy picture!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Happy New Year!
Okay, okay I still have not found the camera battery charger. Maybe someday I will. I am hoping in the next day it will turn up since we have a new addition to our family coming this weekend. As a Holiday gift to our family we are getting a new little puppy. I will post a picture here as soon as I can. He is an adorable little cockapoo. For those wonder what the heck? It is a cross between a cocker-spaniel and a poodle. He's adorable with golden curls. We have decided to name him Baxter. I had to veto a lot of names like, Frodo, Pippin and Golem.
We have decided to wait on buying a house after all. Hubby is a little nervous about the state of things. So we'll be staying put. Which for once is just fine with me. So we're off to visit Baxter. I promise the next post might actually be on Homeschooling and our trip over the holiday. Right now I think I just have puppy on the brain!
We have decided to wait on buying a house after all. Hubby is a little nervous about the state of things. So we'll be staying put. Which for once is just fine with me. So we're off to visit Baxter. I promise the next post might actually be on Homeschooling and our trip over the holiday. Right now I think I just have puppy on the brain!
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