Cute Aiden Pics

He’s a boy of many cute looks!

Orange Belt

We have been super busy!  Finishing up Awana projects, finishing up school and working towards a Karate graduation.  Zander has been practicing and learning all his new forms.  Last time he received his orange belt recommended, which we were told that is the first degree or level orange belt.  But he has been very excited to finally get his orange belt decided (full orange belt).

During the testing he had to complete self defense, form and break board.  When he broke the board it was nice, clean, good form, and surprised Mr Martin with the strength he displayed.

Zander with a power blow!

He’s asking about being apart of the Black Belt Club which is where they spar off, use equipment and weapons.  (Yikes)  I told him would need to prove that he really wants to do this through his attitude and listening skills while at Karate.  Sometimes he has a really hard time not standing like a black belt and talking too much. (I have no idea where he gets this. lol )  He says that he really wants to do it.  I plan talk to the instructor next week to see what she thinks and then I will make a chart based on her feedback for Zander to earn stickers till he reaches the goal.

I’m so proud of Zander.  He had to work really hard for this orange belt!  He already has said, “now on to the yellow belt”  That’s my baby boy!!  I know you can do it!

The change over in belts from recommended to decided orange.

Awana

Zander has been part of a children’s bible club called Awana since the beginning of January.  They have games, stories, little crafts, lots of prizes and many of them thru memorizing Bible scriptures.

Zander completed Book one.  Most complete this the first year but Zander finished it in about 16 weeks.  Sunday the church had a little ceremony for them.  He was awarded his first ribbon.

Zander was looking forward to the end of the year ice cream party but he has repeatedly said that he will miss Awana.

Zander, Aiden, Lexi May 2010

Zander receiving his ribbon!

Zander singing!

Check Ins

I am part of an online forum.  For last several months I have been checking in and reporting what we do.  We also chat about what we are doing, ask and answer question.  Its a really good accountability tool.  Also, I’ve enjoyed getting to know these ladies and its been so neat to walk thru this year with other homeschool moms doing the same thing I am.

I thought that I would add them to my blog so that I can look back and see the progression of the year.  These are my check in ramblings…..

Check in 10-26

I can’t believe its been another 2 weeks since we’ve checked in. 

Last week was a lil hard because of how busy things are around here. We went to the library one day and another we went to the space center. And because of the weird schedule last week; it was hard for DS to get back to the routine and we struggled yesterday. The only things we were able to complete was math, history/geography and read alouds.

But today was a breeze… he was done with all of his work for the day (and made up yesterday) in less then an hour (except one read out aloud saved for nap or bedtime) He was able to get 2 days worth of science, read his reader, 2 days of worth handwriting, copy work, critical thinking activity and LA activities all completed.

I’ve been reading some of the posts about Ten and Twenty and Mary on Horseback. I think this week my homework is to read them and see if DS is ready for them since they are the next two books scheduled. Any suggestions of what to do instead of them?

Check In Week of 11/09

We had a pretty tough week. Out of character for ds, he didn’t want to do school last week. Its not normal for him; I think he feels a lil ill. We had a light week of school. We also just found out that we are moving and we are going out of town for Thanksgiving so school might not be our normal schedule for the next few weeks. 

On a positive note, he is sounding out so many words. We can not go to the store or drive down the road with out him sounding out words and telling us what the words read. Today he asked, “What does ‘Red Hot Buy’ mean?” We were in front of an ACE hardware where they were advertising christmas lights. Being able to read has opened a whole new world for him. I love it.

Check in Week of 12/07

Can you believe its been a month since our last check in?

Today was the first day back into school routine and it was great. Even DS said he missed school. He was so excited to tell DH of our day. I love hsing. I love seeing my lil ones excited to learn. 

Check in Week of 01/04

We enjoyed two weeks of Christmas school. We did lots of projects and holiday movies and daddy was home to enjoy a weeks worth with us.

Check in Week of 01/11

Last week we came down with a stomach bug. So that ruined a few days but knew they were feeling better when DS brought his math book to me and told me it was time to do some work. lol

Any one have some add ons they did with Doctor Dolittle? Or some pics of a lap book? I checked the sticky for some resources but lot of links were broken or now have to be a member for.

Check in Week of 02/01

I have been so uber busy that we still have a few things left to complete week 20..which I thought we’d have done last Thursday. 

I have ordered our butterflies and ants for science. I expect the butterflies here next week. (its warm here in AZ) And the ants in 3-4 weeks. We got our ant farm all ready on Fri. Now ds asks every day when are they getting here and stares at it as if they were in there. lol But when I called to use a credit card to pay for the ants…they said put the sand in with water ASAP to be ready when they got there. I guess I have to endure the impatient child..At least he is very excited.

Check in Week of 02/08

From last weeks thread..Our butterflies were suppose to come in this week and our ants in 3 more weeks..They BOTH showed up Friday.

I’ve decided to pause or half pace other subjects. We’ll concentrate on Science and have fun before our project dies. I plan to do all SL science K thru butterflies..I think that’s week 25. We are making drawings of the changes we see in the ant hill and caterpillars. We also are doing an ant lap book and butterfly unit study. He’s has loved it and is having a blast! 

Although today he said, “I know you said we could take a break with the other stuff but I miss it.” Its only been a couple days. lol He did 2.5 pages of math and I let him pick out of few books what to read. He chose the Hero Tales and In Grandma’s Attic. I know there will be bumps in the road (and not all days are this easy) but wow I am so glad we chose to homeschool. I’ve so enjoyed watching him fascinated and learning so much!

Its such great weather right now so we are spending lots of time outside as well. I rather them enjoy the weather now and “do school” when its 110 outside.
Check in Week of 02/22

All five butterflies have “popped” (like in Hungry Caterpillar..this is how DS6 explained it) He loves watching them and making drawings of them.

Next week we go back to our “normal” routine and seat work. I’ve enjoyed doing something different for awhile but I think all of us are ready.. Here and there DS has asked for math, if he could read his readers and to continue our RA (we’re reading In Grandma’s Attic)…which I’ve gladly complied. We’ve also enjoy lots of outside time as our 110 degree weather will be here faster than I want. =)

Check in Week of 03/15

We just finished In Grandma’s Attic. When Zander realized we finished he was bummed. “No more Grandma stories?” I think we might have to purchase the sequel.  I really enjoyed these stories too. And we’ve really had some great discussions about them. I think its been a great character builder as its been a gateway to talk about honesty vs lying, pride, jealousy, patience, forgiving, selflessness and so much more. Another great Sonlight pick.

We are headed into The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. My dh is excited to start it. He looooooves the movie but has never read the book. I’ve never seen the movie or read the book. We own the DVD. I’ve tried watching it twice and both times fell asleep.  What is your opinion of the movie? What about it being something a 6 year old could watch after reading the book? Love to hear your thoughts on it.

Check in Week of 04/26

We moved this weekend…so things here have been crazy.

Hope all of you are doing well.

Check in Week of 05/03

For us, we are settling into our new place slowly but nicely. We haven’t missed a beat with school and can not believe we’ll be done in 4 weeks.

Yesterday was so windy we got the kite out and enjoyed that as family.

Check in Week of 05/10

Last week was a bit crazy for us. Kids had the stomach flu. First Lexi then Zander and then DH. I got it a few days after them and Aiden never did get sick. PTL. 

Zander finished his Book 1 for Awana. He started in January. I’m so proud of him. The leaders were impressed he got in his last sections in. But yay he did it! Next week they will have a little awards ceremony and he’ll get his ribbon. The church is not going to do Awana next year and this is sad. He has really enjoyed it.

Why do I know this and why does it bother me?

So a week ago on TBS I was watching According to Jim and the cable went out…I didn’t get up and shut off the TV off..it was nap/quiet time and I was immersed in the SL forum.  It eventually came back..but it was the 3 hour prior to this…according to jim…did that make since?

so it was 3 o’clock and the episode that came on at 12 o’clock came on again and guess what..TBS ran the prior 3 hours again and has been 3 hours behind schedule ever since.

I thought it would fix itself..I mean hasnt any one else in my area noticed that movies are not playing at the right time. That what is on tv does not match the tv guide…

I like Home Improvement in the back ground to remind me to get upstairs to do school and According to Jim at noon to say LUNCH time….and late night shows to go to sleep to. LOL  But off schedule is messing me up… I don’t want Married with Children that is suppose to be on while I’m sleeping; on when I wake up.. It is JUST weird!!!

So I called the cable company today.  I told them what happened and asked if it could be fixed.  And guess what…..

SHE LAUGHED AT ME… (you probably are too but I can’t hear you :p)

I’m sorry but its like the snoring being taken away at night..I’m use to certain sounds/shows meaning certain things…We dont have the tv on all the time (however this post makes it sound like it is)  but it really bugs me that it doesn’t match the guide.

So she says she’ll find out what she can do but she thinks that the tv guide just needs to be updated.  I told her that doesn’t make sense cause that now puts the Lopez Tonight show at 3am  hmmm a late night show is now an early morning show.  She said, “I’ll notify them.”  hmmmm what does these mean?? :rolleyes:

I went to check my online tv guide to see what time and channel American Idol would be on tonight…and guess what.. NOW THE WHOLE TVGUIDE IS WRONG…it was last’s night schedule.

What’s This, Mom?

In August Dale and I celebrated 10 years of marriage.. Can you believe it? 10 years?

For me I look back and just wonder where did the time go? When I lay on my bed at night and close my eyes, I can remember the moment like I am still there…the night I got engage and laying in the bed and putting my hand in the air and the light from outside the window made my ring sparkle. I remember holding my dad’s arm seconds before going down the isle and him turning to me, “Princess, if you don’t go thru with this I’ll give you $1,000 cash.” “Daddy, you’re testing me. I love him. Are you ready?” “Ok, Baby Doll.” I feel his arm, smell his cologne, see his perched lips and hear his voice…yet…its been 10 years.

Dale and I have talked about going to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary since we got married. As it neared we realize this was going to be a difficult adventure to complete. I had Aiden July 3 and he wouldn’t be 2 months old when we leave for Hawaii. There was NO way I was leaving a newborn behind for a week. How could we bring him and explain to the other two they are not allowed? But we both knew if we didn’t go for our anniversary…we would not go at all.

I also was not up to my full self so we enlisted the help of my mom. So for our anniversary Dale, me, my mom, Zander, Lexi and Aiden we all flew to Hawaii.

The time flew while we were there…The first day was filled with flying there, getting the rental, driving to the cottage, settling in a quick trip to the little market across the street.

The next day was filled with errands as we look for a Sam’s Club, Walmart and some where that sells goats milk. Then a nap and FINALLY a trip to the beach.

The kids looooved the different types of plants and trees. The colors were so vibrant and the absolute picture of tropical. Hawaii is so different and opposite from where we live. . . water, humid, color, sounds, smells…We had a rain the first night and it brought out some little creatures that my kids were thrilled to find..The theme of the first few days was, “What’s this, Mom?”

Lexi in a Grammie Shorey’s Famous Dress

When my mom came to visit she bought something very special with her. She brought a dress that she wore in a picture of her and her siblings. In the photo, she is probably a preschooler. I remember her telling the story that she was originally sitting in the chair that is in the photo but the photographer kept putting the hem of the dress in a way she didn’t like above one knee. When the photographer would walk away she would brush it down smooth and then the photographer would try to fix again. Finally Mom was made to stand next to the chair and her sister was placed in the chair. This famous dress has “lived” some years and made it to Arizona.

Mom and I took a few pictures. As you can tell Lexi was not thrilled to be taking pictures, but what a special moment to see a 3rd generation in the dress.

Playdough Fun

With a new little one around the house and I was getting ready for vacation; I made some home made playdough. The kids had a blast and I was able to get things done. Here’s the recipe I use.

Koolaide Playdough

• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 pkg unsweetened Kool-aid (just the dry koolaid)
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Directions:

In a bowl, mix flour, salt and kool-aid

Stir in water and oil

Knead with hands for about 5 minutes.

You might need to add a little more flour or a tad bit mroe oil until you get the consistency you desire.

The first day the playdough is a little gooy but after that its great. It last a long time especially if you take very good care of it by putting it in a ziploc bag and/or an air tight tuberware.

It smells great and if the kids decide to try to eat it..it taste bad but won’t hurt them. =)

Use like regular playdough and have fun!

Zander and Daddy on a Bike Ride

Zander was getting to big for his trike that he just absolutely loved so during the summer (2009) we purchased a “big boy bike”. With his birthday and Christmas only a couple weeks from each other, I find that its really hard to wait for certain things to be given as a gift. Dale agreed that Zander would get much more use out of it in July than waiting for Christmas and then it be too cold. (these are Arizonian kids how wear winter coats, gloves and hats when its 70 degrees out)

I’m glad we made this decision, Dale and Zander rode bikes together up until the move in November. I’m glad they are able to spend this time together especially since Aiden has joined us so that Z could have more one on one time.

While the rest of us took the van, Dale and Zander rode to Burger King.

these pics are from July…I’m a lil behind but working on catching up.

I’m behind but not for long

Ok sooo I have not posted to my blog since October. This is not because there is not thing to say and that we are boring people. Just the opposite.

One, I had a baby. He doesnt like to sleep, unlike my previous kids who slept all the time. He also eats more often and you guessed that means needs more diaper changes. Also he’s my first who thinks he must be held at all times. ugh We Love You, Aiden!

Two, I have been potty training Lexi. At first this is very time consuming as I try to put her on the potty every 1/2 hour and then hour and so forth until she starts telling me she has to go. This also requires more time for changes when accidents happen and more time for laundry and bed changing.

Three, I homeschool. This requires time to research, time to prep, time for the lesson and time to explore with the children. From 930 to 1230 we do some type of school…reading, math manipulatives, coloring, cutting, writing, workbooks…right now we have an ant farm and butterfly habit going that we are observing and making lap books with. I will say that Sonlight (the curriculum we use) does help me with my schedule but I add hands on activities and extra fun field trips. And now that things are doing better he has 2 extracurricular activities: Awana and Karate.

Four, chores. Every woman’s nightmare and daily nag on our conscience. Laundry, dusting, vacuuming, moping, bathrooms, trash/recycles, dishes, kitchen, meals/snacks prepped, cooked and cleaned up, mail, bills, errands. It is tasks that has a never ending list and a never ending cycle. Daily, weekly, semi weekly, monthly chores… Ladies, here are two resources that have helped me get my life back on track. www.modivatedmoms.com and www.eatathomecooks.com

Five, WE MOVED. In November, we moved. Not only did we move; we moved 55 miles away and in less then 2 weeks. I packed and packed and packed. I am trying to not unpack but yet stay organized and the place livable. We will be moving again. Long story email me if your curious.

Six, A Baby Connection. All though I have put this on hold. Some of my customers still wish to make purchases and need customer assistance with some issues. I should have put the business on hold a long time ago cause after 2 weeks of on hold message on the site….I got flooded with sales.

Seven, I have a husband. I love him dearly. He requires quality time. This one on the list (husband him self) actually helps with some of the list but he also adds to the list. He also makes more work, more laundry, more dishes and more picking up around the house. He also added football to our list..he is not home to help on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursday as he is at practice. I do not see him till after 11pm and most nights till midnight. Also this occupies our Saturday. Takes an hour to get there, have to be there 2 hours before games, the game last 2.5 hours, then an hour to get back home. (thank you Grammie Sackrider for your help with the kids during this time)

Eight, a little personal her but I have a thyroid problem. Right after Aiden was born, I was ill. (not as bad as with Lexi) but I couldn’t get it regulated and I had extreme exhaustion. Any one with a thyroid problem that couldn’t get it fix will relate. On top of not being correct, I had a newborn up at all hours of the night and day.

Nine, the holidays happened….For Thanksgiving we went out of town to visit my brother. I loved seeing them. (they probably noticed my extremed exhaustion) I loved being there and wish we lived closer…for christmas we did some traditional activities and joined Dale’s family for the day. Dale’s sister came to town…Zander’s birthday with festivities happend…My birthday…

Ten, LIFE. I have several more I could list but I’ll just leave with this for all the rest of the things that happen cause LIFE happens…

I say all this cause although things are crazy…I want to remember this time and things are getting better. The number one difference I can see is I’m starting to feel better, get my energy back and therefor can deal better with it all. Aiden is starting to sleep thru the night. (I know doc say 5 hours is sleeping thru the night but that just doesn’t cut it. sorry. I NEED more sleep than that. If 5 hrs is sleeping thru the night, he has been doing that for a very long time but sleeping thru the night for me requires not up and playing in the middle of the night.) I’m getting more organized and back to routine and structured life. ahhh the way I like it. I also am developing friendships and spending time with some great ladies. Thank you, Rosa and Monica, for my surprise birthday party. It meant more to me than you know.

The blog is important to me as I want to look back and see our lives and how it unfolded when I’m old and grey and even read my thoughts as we went thru it. I’ve been working on some posts to catch up my blog from where I left off till now. In the next several weeks you will see part of our lives for the past 4-6 months on fast forward. =)