Popcorn

Grammie Sackrider has shared the love of popcorn with my children.  They just love popcorn.  I think it has A LOT to do with the bond of the popcorn bag and Grammie Sackrider and the grandkids..

Mommy found a recipe for popcorn balls!  So we bought an air popcorn maker.  The kids and I had so much fun popping the popcorn.  They were amazed while watching it.  And then we all enjoyed yummy popcorn and a good movie.  Love spending time with these cute munchkins !

Aiden in the Rocker

My mom recently brought me a rocking chair that has been past down in her family for many many years!  I was trying to get ONE great pic of Aiden it so I could blow it up and put on the wall.  hmmmm which one do you like the best?

Sackrider Christmas 2010

Here are just a few of our 100s of pictures from Christmas Eve.  I always try to get pics of the children as individual and as a group in front of the Christmas tree.   As a tradition we always open our gifts Christmas Eve.  Then Christmas Day we spend over at Aunt Cher’s, Dale’s sister’s, house with the Sackrider family.  Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were two wonderful days filled with fun, laughter and happiness!!  I loved watching the children enjoy the day!

Maricopa Monitor

Zander has had some very cool opportunities recently.  One of them, he is apart of a local Cub Scout organization.  They have “go see it” to different places and are exposed to a wide variety of places.  This day in December he went with his den to the Maricopa Monitor, a local newspaper.  The den was given a tour and an informational discussion about what they do at the newspaper’s office.  They were able to ask questions.  Zander decided to ask, “Do you know if Santa’s real?”  lol  OHHHH the parents right before Christmas just loved it.  He knows that Santa is not real.   He had already been told he couldn’t tell any children as that would take away from there play.  So later he told me, well you didn’t say I couldn’t ask about it.  And this is why I try always to get a preview of the question before he gives it. Oh well, could have been worse.  All in all, he had a great time!!

Thanks again to the Maricopa Monitor!!

Aiden vs Mac N Cheese

Oh my what a mess this little boy was!!  I’ve never seen him go to town on food like he did for Teakwood’s kid’s mac n cheese.  He looooooves it!

Holiday Craft

We made a paper chain to count down the days to Christmas!  They get so excited every day to take their one link off.

Lexi Enjoying Dance Class

Lexi, 3

December/2010

OH ME OH MY

I got so behind in posting.. I kept saying that I would catch up.. I’ve come to the conclusion that I just need to face it and jump in from where I’m at instead of keep thinking I need to catch up.. I’d like to make some new goals and blog some great family memories.

DisneyLand

As Kindergarden was nearing an end, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for a surprise and celebration of such a successful and fun year together.  I wanted the family to go to Disneyland.  I grew up in Florida so I’ve been do Disney World before but never Land.  I knew the whole family would enjoy it.  As his Kindergarten time was coming to end I mentioned to Zander that there would be a HUGE surprise.  He started doing double the work to make it end sooner. lol  Zander officially finished Kindergarten May 21, 2010 a week a head of schedule, giving me some time do some Disneyland planning.

I did some research on the internet and found this website that was very helpful, www.mousesavers.com  I also went to Barnes and Noble to pick up the book, The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2010 This was worth every penny.  I brought it home and read it from cover to cover.  From this book I really got some great ideas and tips.  We used their Dumbo-or-Die-in-a-Day schedule which is a list of what to do at Disneyland (DL) in one day with children.  I tell you it saved so much time in that we weren’t asking after every ride, “what’s next?”, “where do we go?”  The day went so smoothly that we stayed from early morning till after the fireworks with a 6 year old, 2 year old and 10 month old.

After equipping my self with knowledge.. I began making my lists.  What needed to be completed before leaving (Dale’s

The night before headed to dinner..love this pic

list/My list), what needs to be purchased before leaving, what needs to be pack…confession the first list was what lists to be made.. Yes I’m a huge list maker and box checker..((blush)) and then I was off to complete my many tasks.  During the evenings with the kids, I would show them youtube videos of some of the rides that they would be taking at DL.  This was really nice way to prepare them of what to expect especially for my more timid Lexi.

Packing always seems to take longer than needs to but some how we finally got on the road and headed to Cali!!  We found an awesome deal and stayed at Park Vue Inn which is right across from DL.  We checked in, got a bit to eat for dinner and a good night sleep the night before.  At dinner Zander made a picture of what he thought the day would be like at Disney the next day.  And before I headed to bed I filled the kids knapsacks with snacks and a lil bottle water that can be refilled at the park.  These were such a help.  The kids were not always asking for drink and something to eat that cost an arm and a leg and it also kept them busy during some of the wait time.

The next morning we up early, got ready, packed up and ate our free continental breakfast..  The kids (and Dale) love the waffles Daddy makes when we stay at hotels.  Then we walked over to DL, bought our tickets, rented 2 strollers (DL does not have doubles because in some areas double strollers really don’t fit–so they say), Dale got in line and I waited in the pick up stroller line.  Soon we were on Main Street completely surrounded by an enormous crowd of people waiting for the official opening of DL.  Zander told Dale, ” Daddy, Disneyland is boring.” We couldn’t help but laugh while Dale told him, “Its not even open yet, Son!”

Zander, 6; Lexi, 2; Aiden, 10 months

Our very first stop was Dumbo!!  Zander wanted “an elephant with yellow” and Lexi said “pink”.  Fortunately they were side by side.  It was a hit for the first ride.  Then we were off to Peter Pan’s Flight.

Next up we picked the Story Bookland Canal Boats.  We saw miniature lands of Aladdin, Snow White, Cinderella, and more.  Above us on the train was a little girl that waving to us several times throughout the ride.  The kids loved it and waved back.

Next, we took some cute pics in a tea cup and then went on the Mad Tea party.  Everyone loved this and giggled.  During the ride Lexi said in a dragging it out voice, “Iiiii’mmm  Dizzzzyyyyy!!”"  It was sooo cute. Then we were on the Alice in Wonderland.

After Alice we went into a shop, got Mickey ears and First Visit buttons  At first Lexi wasn’t too sure about wearing her ears but they were adorable and finally she decided she wear them.

Then we headed off to Mickey’s Toontown and rode Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.

Off and on all day Lexi would help Aiden and tried to take care of him.  They are getting really close.  She especially loves to make him laugh.  They are becoming great friends.

I took Zander on his 1st real roller coaster, Gadget Go Coaster.  he was super excited.  Afterwards, he said, “Woah!!  I don’t

Zander, very excited for his first real roller coaster!

know if I could do that again.”  But he would have done that ride over and over if we ‘d let him.  He loved it!

Then we were off to Goofy’s playhouse.  The kids enjoyed checking it out.  Even Aiden stretched his legs.  Lexi loves slides.  She did the slide over and over.  I love seeing her smile.

We took a tour of Mickey’s house and at the end visited (took pics with) Mickey. We then checked out Chip n Dale’s Treehouse and Donald’s Boat.

But then we were off to catch the DL railroad. The conductor asked if Zander wanted to help do the “ALL ABOARD!”  Zander was very serious and loved it!  While on the railroad I took some pics.  Lexi didn’t want me to take her picture so she pulled her lower eye lid down.  She is so funny.  I took the pic any way!

We took the DL railroad to New Orleans Square.  We finally took a break for lunch.  We choose a fresh market and ate outside.  The food was great.  We enjoyed the live jazz band playing.  The kids swayed to the music.  When the songs ended Lexi would clap and cheer.  Aiden would copy her.

Mickey Mouse!!

We went to Critter Country and rode Winnie the Pooh.  Before leaving home this was one of the rides we previewed at home and as the ride began Zander said, “Oh we saw this on Mommy’s computer!”  He was very excited.  Lexi thought it was loud and covered her ears during the ride.

Then we went back to Fantasyland to ride Its’ a Small World.  it was the longest wait time but the longest ride time of the day, too.  During the ride I noticed Zander holding his nose for a bit.  I asked Dale later what Zander was trying to tell me.  He said that Zander was pretending he was underwater with Ariel the Mermaid.. =D

We went to visit the Disney Princesses at the Theatre but it was a 3 hour wait.  Instead Lexi and I went shopping in the Princess shop.  She picked out a wand and I got her a hip pack with the princesses on it.  Afterwards, Lexi and Aiden fell asleep so Zander and I went on the King Arthur Carousel and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey just the two of us.  On our way to Tomorrowland we saw the parade.

The Jedi Training was one of the best highlights of the day.  It is very entertaining.  Lexi slept thru most of it but the rest of us laughed and enjoyed the show.  Later Zander got a light saber of course!

Jedi Training

We got a FASTPASS for Buzz Lightyear.  It was very cool!  The kids are already looking forward to the movie Toy Story 3 so this was neat for them.  It was definitely a big hit with them.  Daddy had the high score but every one enjoyed shooting.  Even Lexi did quite well.  Aiden of course enjoyed the lazers, colors and sounds.

Dale and Zander went on the Autopia.  Then we all had fun on Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.  The cutest pic of Aiden

Aiden trying to touch the bubbles

reaching out to the window to try to feel the bubbles and water.  He seemed to love the ride.

We took a trip on the monorail and then dinner.  We also saw Captain EO in 3D.  (this was not on the schedule but something hubby really wanted to do)

We then took some time to find a place to watch the fireworks.  As we watched and I heard the Disney theme song, I looked back at my family, cried and couldn’t help but think,

“Yes, dreams really do come true!”

We had a great day!  We enjoyed every moment!  It was an awesome day!

Editor’s Note:  I began writing this post several months ago in June.  Hope that explains the timeline.  I couldn’t upload pics and had to wait till Dale fixed it.

The Grand Finale (aka Magic Alley - Zander used to call it that)

They are so cute!

Home School Convention 2010

I can not explain it but for this home schooling mom the thought of going to the Home School Convention gets me excited every time!  Months before its here, I nag Dale to make sure he has the day off to watch the kids, I preregister as to not waste time when I get there with the monotonous task, use my evaluation from the previous year, I research and research, and make lists of all the things I want to see in person, I want to buy and what I need.   To most people my statement of, I love this day, makes them ponder how crazy I am.  However I know that I am not alone in getting excited for the adventurous day that is ahead.   Its not every day that I will be able to go down isle upon isle looking at stuff that could potentially make my day easier, bring joy to one or all of my children or help them learn.

So for those of you that are asking, What is a Home School Convention; The Arizona Families for Home Education AFHE.org put these events together every year.  Its made up of guest speakers. exhibitor presentations/workshops and exhibitor booths.  Its a time to recharge, regroup and get ready for the next year.  If you’re lucky, you also get to meet up with fellow home schooling  parents or even meet new new friends.

With this day being such a big deal to me, I  thought I would share my convention day.  I just wanted to say for others what it is, for me have it for review in the future and for my peers share some thoughts of my upcoming year.  OK, yes I know I purchased a lot but that is the purpose of the day.  I have a school budget that Dale and I have worked out.  We put aside monies every paycheck for the sole purpose of education our children.  That is another post all in itself.  I purchased many things with Lexi in mind.  She is really wanting more.  And I need extra things that would keep her busy while Zander and I worked on 1st grade but was also educationally beneficial.  I also know what topics Zander is going to be working on and had my eyes out for things that will enhance what we will be learning.

Here’s what I purchased and some of my thoughts.

Zander–

Usborne1001 Things to Spot Long Ago (Goes with our history but Lexi will enjoy as well)

Usborne See Inside Ancient Rome (History)

Usborne Sticker Math Fun for 6 -7 Year olds

Explode the Code 2 1/2 (also known as ETC…extra workbooks for phonics)

Explode the Code 3 1/2

Mummy mazes  (Zander looooves mazes)

Cuisenaire Rods Intro Set (Zander asked for these..not even sure how he knew about them)

Hands on History – The Ancient Egyptians

How to Draw Pets (Zander likes to draw)

How to Draw Inserts (and he likes animals/bugs so….)

Lexi–

Melissa & Doug wooden pattern blocks & boards (mainly for Lexi right now but all kids will use)

Usborne Sticker Dolly Dress Ballerina

Usborne Sticker Dolly Fashion Long Ago

Klutz pompom animals (again mainly for Lexi but will be used for all kids)

Kumon ABC’s write and wipe

Kumon 2 yrs and up Let’s Cut Paper

Kumon 2 yrs and up More Let’s Sticker and Paste

Wikki Stix number and counting activity

Devotions for Girls Ages 2 -5 (so my thought with this one is 2 to 4 times a month to have “tea time” with Lexi with a devotion/activity)

All Children–

Adventures in Odyssey CDs (we love these but I had them in tape and my tape player in the van broke.  Now to replace the tapes with cds)

Usborne How to Knit  (this is for me.. I’d love to learn to knit. =D  I’m hoping my mom will help when she’s here.)

Wiggly Eyes (we ran out so might as well pick some up. lol)

Stuart Little

The Trumpet of the Swan

Story of the World audio  (also known as SOTW; will be for history but all kids will listen and enjoy activities)

SOTW activity book

SOTW paperback…they were out of the hardcover..I would have prefered it

2 spiral Picture storybook journals…both my kids like these

Veggie Tales Madame Blueberry  (they’ve seen this one before but never owned it..$5 thought it was a good deal)

I am wanting to do a huge project on the Laura Ingalls Wilder books.  I am just beginning the research and putting together stage.

My Book of Little House paper dolls

The Little House Cook book

My little House crafts

The Little House on the Praire

I also purchased 2 lapbooks project packs

In the Hands of a Child – Penguins

In the Hands of a Child – Charlotte’s Web

I realized that since I read sooo many books with Zander I really would prefer lapbooks on books not subjects.  They do offer to make custom orders but it definately cost significantly more.  We’re going to do the Penguins Lapbook with Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  They had an antartica one also…but… This is going to go over soooo well with my children as Lexi and Zander are both infatuated with penguins.  I’m really looking forward to this one and seeing how it goes.

The Charlotte’s Web one, I figured we’d read the book again at some point and can do the whole thing but till then I can look at in depth and use it for ideas and compare/contrast.   I might even hold off on the next read aloud and allow them to do even more of this one…

The “Project Pack” comes with the main spiral of ready to assemble hands on unit with reproducibles, a smaller spiral that has a complete answer key and daily scheduling. a protector sleeve that has the laptop activities already printed out onto colorful paper (you are able reuse by copying the black & white copies in the main spiral), and the last thing that is included is a premade plain lapbook.  I took a few pictures.