Giggles-n-Gulps

Randomness 92

Tara — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:15:49 +0000

I love watching my kids play Just Dance Kids on the Wii. Their cuteness just tickles me to no end.
I know I’ve told you that before though. It just never gets old.
I watched a Christian film called The Encounter the other night. Like Fireproof, once you get past the first few minutes of a less-than-huge-Hollywood-budget and a couple of not-the-best actors (well, as if I’m a great judge), then the story is very engaging and powerful. I recommend it! It’s on instant Netflix if you subscribe to that. Hollywood has surely spoiled us!
I’ve watched it twice already. :)
Chris is going to build us a coffee table and end tables. I’m SOOOOOO excited!!!
Guess who is going to Home Depot this weekend? :)
I found these online earlier today: http://www.atouchofarkansas.com/2010/10/big-coffee-table-end-tables.html Scroll to the bottom to see the finished product. We’ll probably stain them the same color as the entertainment center that Chris and his dad built for us a few years back.
We picked up S from preschool today where she brought home a nativity scene project. I asked her, “Who’s in there, S? Who is that?” Her response: ”I don’t know. We can figure it out later.”
Also today, as we were picking up S, we were walking in and G’s friend C was walking out. They are the same age and good friends. Both boys saw each other from a distance and ran fast towards each other, banged together, and hugged and hugged and hugged and giggled and laughed and turn and spun, then FINALLY fell to the ground still laughing and wrestling a bit. Then G says to C: ”That was fun! Let’s do it again sometime!” Mindy and I nearly fell over laughing.
Then we pictured them doing that whole crazy manly chest bumping thing when they are older.

Un-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving

Tara — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:42:57 +0000

Fair warning: Very rambly post ahead.

We started with S’s birthday celebration on Wednesday. Of course, that had to include visiting Daddy at work and eating lunch with him at Chick-fil-A. Then we came home to make the cake. Clever mom that I am, I thought I’d save money by making the cake at home instead of ordering it, but by the time I bought all the supplies I didn’t save a cent. What’s the cliche’ commercial? ”Spending time with your children while making their own birthday cake: Priceless.” I decided that it had to be one of those moments instead. :)

She had a fabulous birthday party with presents she loved, including a brand new bike! On Thursday, we intended to head to SeaWorld instead of having a huge meal (and avoid the large crowds on Friday) but Chris moved our plans to Friday, mostly because their Christmas festivities started on Friday.

So what did we do for Thanksgiving? Why, we had an un-Thanksgiving, of course! Frozen pizza! Ha! (Chicken pot pie for those of us with tomato sensitivities, ahem.) I had opted not to go grocery shopping to avoid pre-Thanksgiving crowds and then go shopping on Friday when everyone would be in the Black Friday frenzy and NOT at the grocery stores. (Yes, I strategically plan to avoid crowds, it’s a disease.) So who did not have any food in the house on Thanksgiving Day? *hand raised*

And which store was open on T-Day? The dreaded W-World. The place I do not buy fresh fruits, veggies or meat. *shiver* So frozen food it was. :)

And we were thankful. :D I was thankful my kitchen was clean, oh so very clean. I was thankful I didn’t spend hours cooking. It was nice and low-key. This way I can gear up for a lovely Christmas meal now.

Friday…SeaWorld. We got there late, after lunch, so as to enjoy the after-dark festivities. The kids really enjoyed the ice skating show. S’s facial expressions were something to behold. I think I enjoyed watching her more. The weather was incredible – just perfect for walking around a park like that.

Did you do anything un-Thanksgiving-like during Thanksgiving? Like eat frozen pizza? :)

Five

Tara — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:50:17 +0000

She’s five. FIVE. Today.

Five years old. The big five. A handful. S is our beautiful and amazing surprise from Heaven born on Thanksgiving Day. We call her our Turkey Baby, but she quite offended by that the other day and cried. She didn’t know what we meant. Ha!

She is drama, she is joy, she is our social butterfly. She can be very discerning, she is very artistic, she loves to dance. She wants to learn piano, she loves to hear the “God songs” in the car and sing them as loud as she can. She wears the craziest outfits you have ever seen and wears them proudly, then changes into something else 30 minutes later. (Laundry is the bane of my existence, currently.)

She loves to be on stage. Yesterday at her preschool’s Thanksgiving program, she boldly waved to us and yelled “Hi, Daddy!” then primped and posed between songs. She was dressed as a little Indian Princess

Today, we will be making a Unicorn Cake (her choice, I have NO idea where the idea came from) and having pancakes for her birthday dinner (can we say sugar overload) and having dear friends over for the dinner and party. Then tomorrow, we buck Thanksgiving tradition and head to a theme park to celebrate her birthday.

A little wild, a little crazy….just like our beautiful S!

Homeschool Update

Tara — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:26:54 +0000

We are having a great first grade year for G. Sure, we have our days that make us both want to bang our heads in together in mutual frustration but overall we love it. Here is the curriculum we have been using (for the most part):

Explode the Code – G has worked through book 4 and is almost finished with book 5. This is phonics, spelling, and vocabulary all in one.
Writing with Ease, Level 1 – G is halfway through this book. In this level, we are working on reading comprehension and copywork and it is a fantastic introduction to great works of literature as well as a back door introduction to good writing skills through copywork. Did I mention the great handwriting practice? This book sometimes induces many grumbles from G.
First Language Lessons, Level 1 – This book works hand-in-hand with Writing with Ease. It introduces grammar through verbal conversations, scripted lessons, and includes memory work.
Math-U-See – We finished up the Alpha Level a month or so ago and started the Beta level. (I think this would be equivalent to 2nd grade?) G is halfway through the Beta level already. He loves his math.
Horizons Math – I know, I know. It seems strange to use two math curriculums but I use this book to reinforce math concepts, extra practice and to slow him down (although that clearly hasn’t happened). The combination works well for him.
Homeschool Art (Artelier) - G is taking blocks of this art program as a class with a dear friend and homeschool mom who is an amazing artist. There are 8-10 kids per class and he thoroughly enjoys it. They end each 6-8 week session with a trip to a local art museum. It is very hands on. I’ll do a separate post later with pictures of the work he has done.
Piano – Yes, yes, G is doing piano lessons. But with me? No. Why? (I know you’re asking yourself.) There are several reasons I can get into later, but in short, it just works better this and is very common in the music field. I take G to another teacher and he is doing really great.
Reading/Literature – G loves to read! His favorite books are currently the Magic Tree House series. We read lots of different books together as well – history, geography fiction, missionary stories, etc. We just finished reading Wizard of Oz together as well.
Classical Conversations – This is a homeschool “group” that we are a part of this year. They follow the classical model of education, their purpose being “to know God and make Him known.” Both G and S are thoroughly enjoying this group. They each have their own small class (approx. 8 kids) and a tutor. Each week they learn material in geography, history, American history, Latin, math, Science, and art/music. G has soaked it up. Ask him states and capitals – go ahead! It’s remarkable what he has learned through this system. More later on this as well.

Randomness 91

Tara — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:56:11 +0000

Makeover! Ha!
It only took me over six months of non-posting and a few years of the same look. Truly….sad.
In the past seven months, G has entered 1st grade, in a sense, but is reading marvelously and flying along in math. S is almost halfway through her preschool year and having a great time.
S will turn 5 very soon.
FIVE. five. 5. 1 2 3 4 5.
Not possible.
For the post month, she has been telling everyone that her birthday is “tomorrow” or “in five days.”
Meanwhile, G is hitting up everyone he knows for “cents.” But this is how it comes out. ”Do you have any sense?” Ha! I have received many puzzled looks. Then comes the explanations of what he is really asking for and why (coins for the poor people in South Africa…long story for later).
In other news, G has lost is 4th tooth and is riding his bike without training wheels.
This means we had to buy bikes because we could no longer keep up with him on our two feet. Hello, exercise!
S is enjoying dance class and dramatic moments of her own choosing and creative fashion, often several times a day!
Here’s to not guaranteeing a daily blog post but hoping to keep friends and family updated on the kids and the hilarious thing they do. Love to all!

Randomness 90

Tara — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:01:09 +0000

Oh, the randomness of family life.
I’ve given up on regular blogging and surrendered myself to the idea of random blogging.
So there you have it. Irregular posts it will be.
As if you haven’t figured that out already. Ha!
I went to get a manicure/pedicure for the first time in a million years this past weekend with a sweet friend, Kelly.
Ok, so maybe it wasn’t a million years…but it was about 4.5 years…since S had been born.
It showed.
My first klutzy move was to dump half of my purse contents into the foot tub thingy as it was filling up.
Oh yes, I know how to make everyone around me feel coordinated and classy. It’s what I’m good at. :D
Translations of services and language barriers were left to Kelly. ”Yes, what she’s doing.” Scent? ”Yes, what she’s doing.” Deluxe? ”Uh, yea, sure, whatever she’s doing.” I am my own person that way.
Then there was the awkward moment when Kelly was gone getting her eyebrows waxed and my lady (I think) asked me if I wanted mine done. ”No, no thank you.”
Two minutes later, the lady next to her, thinking perhaps I misunderstood, asked in clearer English if I wanted my eyebrows waxed.
I was beginning to feel self-concious.
But firm in my desire that my hair dresser is best at this skill, I stated again, ”No, no thank you.” *big grin with my now big bushy eyebrows raised loud and proud*
I clearly need to get out more and do more girly things.
Kids are doing great, always keeping us on our toes.
We love G’s sensitivity and sweetness and S’s zestness for life is such a joy to behold.

Randomness 89

Tara — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:00:09 +0000

It’s allergy season here. Need I say more? *sneeze, sneeze*
The weather has been stunningly gorgeous lately.
If only the pollen weren’t out to kill us…
I am already thinking about our homeschooling curriculum for next year.
It can be quite an obsessive pastime.
Chris bought me a nookcolor for Valentine’s Day.
Very. Cool. Toy.
I think I am ok with his love language being technology. :D
Upwards Basketball season is now over. The kids are very excited to start swimming lessons next. Soon, but not yet.
S likes to make our bed in the morning.
I’m NOT complaining!
In fact, maybe I should record the momentous occasion for posterity.
I still don’t understand why it’s such a chore to make her small bed, but she loves making OUR much bigger bed.
And I’m ok with sleeping under a Dora blanket.
As long as I don’t have to make my own bed. Ha!

Mexican Heather Plants

Tara — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:50:34 +0000

I decided that if I am going to turn my black thumb more green that I need to do so by educating myself about these plants in our new butterfly garden. Today, I set out to learn about this plant and actually got a 2-for-1 bargain in the process. I’m such a nerd, I know. And I’m ok with that.

Bat-faced Cuphea, or Bat Face Mexican Heather

The scientific or Latin name for this plant is the Cuphea llavea. We were delighted when the staff member at the garden center showed us the flower on this plant because it really does look like a bat face. My picture above isn’t the best perspective but you can go to the University of Florida’s page here to see a better shot. Apparently this is also called a “Mickey Mouse” plant and Disney makes use of them in their landscaping. No surprise there! Our kids and my piano students love seeing it.

What was also intriguing was that another plant we had chosen for our butterfly garden was in the same genus (or is it family? Wikipedia, if you please…) category as the bat-face plant. Whew, having to remember my scientific labels is stretching the ‘ole brain a bit.

You may have guessed by now.

False Mexican Heather

Another type of Mexican Heather! Who knew! Apparently, not I. This one is Cuphea hyssopifola. The plants are practically kissing cousins. As to why it is called “False Mexican Heather” the UF site said that it is no relation to Wild Heather, which does not even grow in Florida. Other Cuphea plants, most of which attract hummingbirds and butterflies, include the cigarette and cigar plants due to their tubular flowers. We do not have any of those…yet. Maybe some day. If I can keep these alive and well…

My handy-dandy UF site also says that they like well-drained soil and bright light to partial shade (my kind of flower) and not to plant it too deep. They also don’t like water with high salt content so beware of well-water.

You’re welcome. :D

For the List Lover

Tara — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:20:33 +0000

You know this is the gift for you if the thought of a specially designed notepad-per-month just makes your heart go pitter-patter. This gift did indeed make my heart go pitter-patter. My sweet friend/mentor Barb got this for me for Christmas and I have thoroughly enjoyed every first of the month because it means….I get to get out a new note pad and list-away!!

Yes, I’m a little weird like that.

I did a little google search and you can find them here.

Butterfly Garden

Tara — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:45:33 +0000

I decided, the black-thumb that I am, to put in a butterfly garden outside the homeschool classroom window (ie formal dining room window) for us to gaze upon and learn from as we work. Read: beautiful distraction. I also have high hopes to turn my black thumb into a green thumb. We shall see, but I am hopeful! After all, we do have children now capable of pulling weeds. Yea! I am sure that our neighbors are THRILLED that the dirt pile that was in this particular flower bed now resembles something pretty and recognizable. :)

This past weekend, now that Upwards Basketball is over, Chris did some research and then we spent a considerable amount of time at our local Ace Hardware Garden Center with a most helpful staff in their butterfly garden section (really!) and invested in some flowers and a bird bath and got to work. Before you wonder about the bird bath, apparently butterflies need places to rest and some water. More on that later…

Here are the results. Keep in mind that we are no way gardening design experts and I will be super excited if these things grow and flower and stay alive, much less draw butterflies. I really am determined turn my thumb from black to green.

One of the pretty flowers we put in...

This flower is my favorite - it'll have a pretty pink bloom and it smells like, hmmm, citrus tea I think? Love it.

Then this morning while doing some school work, we look outside and see not one but two birds enjoying the bird bath! I ran to get the camera and got the following shots:

Our first bird visitor, preparing for his morning bath

I'm divin' in, I'm goin' deep, in over my head, I'm gonna be...

How fun is that?! We had a ball watching the birds. No butterflies yet but if I were a butterfly I’m not sure I’d get near that craziness. Our plan is for Chris to get a couple of large rocks to put in the garden as well – warm resting places for the butterflies also.