Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas. The kids were so excited! Alex would rip open one present and immediately want the next while Sabrina was so busy playing with her new toys that she wasn’t interested in opening any more for a while. We all got some very nice things for which I am thankful.





After the presents I cooked while the kids played. Charles came over for a late lunch and we watched the Nativity Story. It was a great day and we really enjoyed each other’s company.

Marie-Anne

Too excited to sleep

Alex fell asleep in the car before service and had a nap that he normally doesn’t take then he had more cookies than he should have. That combined with the fact that tomorrow’s Christmas and we have one little boy who’s too excited to sleep. Finally we let him get back up and play on the computer for a while- he was up until 1 am!
When Sabrina wakes during the night Alex NEVER wakes up. Tonight when I went to get her he was awake! I asked if he was still up. He said< “I’m supposed to be awake I have presents!” I explained that Sabrina didn’t know it was still night and we still had a few more hours and he went right back to sleep.

A wonderful Christmas Eve

Frank’s grandma gave us money for Christmas Eve dinner so we had a wonderful lunch at Olive Garden. The food was delicious. The staff was extremely nice. The best part was that we were together as a family and enjoying each other. We had a very nice time.
Later we had a Christmas Eve service. It was beautiful, we sang hymns and Frank read the account of Jesus’ birth.
Frank – We read from Matthew chapter 1, Luke chapter 2 and then Matthew 2. Every five or so verses we would stop the reading and sang a Christmas hymn that corresponded to the scripture we read. We sang: Joy to the World, O little Town of Bethlehem, O Come All ye Faithful, Angels We Have Heard on High and Silent Night, Holy Night. Afterward everyone was invited to fellowship to have a “Cookie-Exchange”, people bake some cookies and then exchange them. We provided Eggnog and we had a good time.

Operation Cookie Drop-Off

One of our church members had a great idea: to bake cookies and take them to people who wouldn’t be able to make it for the Christmas Eve service. So we baked a lot of cookies and he baked a lot of cookies. Then we met up with him, Charles, an Airman stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, and spent 3+ hours delivering cookies. Amazingly someone was home at every house we went to. Everyone was surprised and happy that we thought of them.

Reclaim Christmas

We recently went to a place of business where the employees were no longer allowed to put up a Christmas tree like they have always done for fear of offending someone. The employees wanted the tree! While talking about it they offered to give out the corporate number so we could call to complain about the lack of tree. I thought that was an ingenious idea.

If you are like me and want to celebrate Christmas and not just happy holidays call these businesses and let them know, maybe if they get enough calls they’ll realize that the majority want Christmas and quit catering to the minority who don’t.

Marie-Anne

Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Last night I took Alex and some friends to Ethel M. Chocolate Factory to see their wonderful display of Christmas lights. Jr. and Josielyn absolutely love Christmas lights so this was a great treat for them. I enjoyed visiting with their mom and her sister. Since it was an outdoor event I left Sabrina with Frank. So they had father/daughter time. Last year Alex and I went with other friends, it’s free and it’s fun. Maybe it will become a tradition.

Marie-Anne

Children Church Concert

Yesterday was our children’s church concert. The kids sang three songs for everyone at the end of service. They did a good job, better than I expected. Then the kids had a pizza party.

Marie-Anne

Making Family Stories into beginner Readers

Yesterday I saw a video on making beginner readers for your kids. Since Alex is always asking for funny stories about Frank and me I wrote several mostly true stories about us. I drew simple illustrations and Alex has three new books. Alex loves the fact that we are the characters. Here’s the script for a fiction story:

Alex Wants a Pet

Alex wants a pet. What pet will Alex get?
Here is a hog. Will Alex choose the hog? No.
There is a cat. Will Alex take the cat? No, he will not.
Alex sees a duck, but the duck is not the pet for Alex.
Alex goes to the zoo, but he does not find his pet.
Alex walks to a farm. Will Alex get a pet at the farm? No.
Alex looks for a pet at the pond. He sees a frog on a log, but it is not his pet. Will Alex find a pet? Yes, he will.
Alex goes in the woods. He sees a bear. A bear is not a pet! Alex runs.
A trip to the pet store will help. Alex looks at the pets, but which pet is best?
Alex sees a fish. Yes, a fish is the pet for him.

It took a little bit to reword the stories so most of the words are ones he knows, but his response has been great. For my illustrations Alex is a stick person (I don’t draw people very well) and I looked at coloring pages on the internet for the animals.

Please share stories of our family to include extended family. I already wrote a story about Jennifer, but I haven’t made it into a book. (Jennifer, do you remember the black hen?)

Marie-Anne

Lost tooth!

After days of telling Alex how much I want his tooth he swallowed it! While eating a cookie he finally lost his first tooth. Now if he loses the other loose tooth before Christmas he can say, “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.”

Marie-Anne

Alex is growing up

Today was a great day in the Rendla household; Alex got promoted from a toddler bed to a twin sized bed! He also got Star Wars sheets to go with it. For Christmas he’ll get the comforter and stuffed Yoda. Alex and Sabrina are having a party on the bed. He was so excited.

Marie-Anne

Bass Pro Shop

My dad has been telling me I needed to take Alex to the Bass Pro Shop for a while now. We finally made it. What made it an even better field trip for Alex is that London was with us. This was the perfect trip for both of them, (Alex is already asking to go back). If you have boys take them.





There are real stuffed animals all over the place. The boys were particularly impressed by the pride of lions. There was a Santa’s Winterland area set up for the kids where they could play games and just have fun. The boys tried shooting targets with toy crossbows and guns. Sabrina loved playing in the tent and the truck. Both boys agreed that their favorite part was getting in the real boats in the showroom.

We also had an important lesson on what to do if you get lost when Alex ran off. I talked to him about it before, but he didn’t remember, hopefully now he will.

It was a great field trip and a great day. The boys got along beautifully with absolutely no fighting or teasing. Alex said, “I never knew London could be so much fun!”

Marie-Anne

Brain Quest

I have several of the Brain Quest decks and Alex has enjoyed using the preschool and kindergarten ones. Then for his b-day he got the Brain Quest Kindergarten Workbook. It is great and covers a wide range of material. Alex is already about ¾ ‘s of the way done and he’s only had the workbook for less than a month! He will be getting the first grade workbook for Christmas. I also plan on using Brain Quest with Sabrina.

Marie-Anne

Rocket Readers

Several years ago I bought a whole bunch of Rocket Reader Bible stories at a discount at a dollar store. (Great deal!) I have a shoebox-sized container full of these books. Alex is now reading the beginner level ones to me. I really like these Bible stories told in simple words. Not only that, but many of the stories are not the common stories every kid knows and they have cute pictures.

Marie-Anne

Hooked on Phonics Update

Alex has been using Hooked on Phonics for a while now. We haven’t done it everyday, but he just turned 5 and is reading at a first grade level. He has been reading beginning readers to me and to Sabrina. I am quite pleased with his progress.

Marie-Anne

Red Rock Meadow

Instead of participating in Covetous Friday we went on a picnic at Red Rock. We weren’t the only ones who had that idea. In fact, the line was so long that we went to a meadow outside the park. We walked the boardwalk above the meadow and took lots of pictures. Alex was telling us how hungry he was while he was munching on an apple! Later Alex set the apple down on the stroller’s tray while taking a picture and Sabrina took his apple. After our walk we had a picnic at one of the tables and just enjoyed the wonderful day.

We will definitely be going back.

Marie-Anne

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was nice. We had Cornish Game hens and really enjoyed the time together as a family. It was a good day of rest and family. In the evening, we had a Thanksgiving Service and more people came than I expected. It was a lovely service. We sang songs of thanksgiving and then, we all shared what we are thankful for and more than one person got a little misty eyed as we told of God’s goodness.
I have so much to be thankful for, but the thing I am most thankful for is that when I didn’t even love myself, God loved me. When I didn’t think of myself as someone who was loveable God sent His Son to die on a cross to take my sins away and make me His child. – Marie
I am thankful to God because he counted me faithful calling into the ministry. I am glad HE didn’t give me an IQ test or a physical endurance exam but simply counted me faithful. He has provided for our little family and me and I can rest in confidence that all is and will be well. -- Frank

My Parents' Visit -- Frank

What a wonderful visit we had with my parents! We enjoyed every moment of their visit. Alex and Sabrina were both thrilled by all the attention they got. The kids enjoyed their time at Chuck E Cheese. It was Sabrina’s first time and Alex’s second time. They also enjoyed playing at the library’s children’s section.
It was great that, although we all have very full schedules my parents were able to make time to see us.

Learning States

My Dad’s a trucker and he sends Alex postcards from the states he visits. We use the postcards that are state maps to teach Alex the states. When we get one in the mail Alex finds it on the map on the wall. I also want to collect the state quarters to give to Alex when he learns the state.

I was impressed that Alex was able to find Kansas on the map after only going over it once when we got a postcard.

Marie-Anne

Water Play

I filled a dishpan-sized container half-full of warm water and added the kids’ play dishes and a couple of washcloths for a fun water play. Both kids had a lot of fun splashing and playing. It quickly turned into a game of give Sabrina a shower with a cup. I need to go change two soaking wet kids and clean up the floor.



Next time I think I’ll let them wear swimsuits and play in the tub,(we have a huge tub).

Marie-Anne

Anderson Dairy with Lulu

Yesterday we went to Anderson Dairy’s Barnyard Buddy Tour with Lulu and her kids. The tour is about an hour long and includes animated puppets, a tour, a movie about the dairy, and free ice cream! Of course the kids loved it!



We also went to Toys R Us so Lulu could get an idea of what her kids want for Christmas. It was a lot of fun and everyone got along really well.

Marie-Anne

Happy 5th B-day Alex!

This morning we gave Alex a few of his presents: 2 Rescue Heroes and an Imaginext T-Rex. After dropping Frank off at work we met Grumps (who has asked for a load through Las Vegas since we moved here). I told Alex that his best b-day gift was his surprise visit from Grumps. We went to Wal-Mart and Grumps bought Alex 4 Bionicles. At McDonald’s Grumps’ driving partner, Kit gave Alex enough money to buy another Bionicle. One happy little boy is playing with the Bionicles. All of that and it is barely noon, he’ll get the rest of his gifts after Frank gets home and we’re having a party for him after Bible Study!

This afternoon Alex got $20 from Mamaw in the mail; he bought a big Bionicle, a jump rope and some homeschool stuff. When we got home from picking Frank up Alex opened the rest of his gifts: 3 Bible Story DVD’s from Papa, 3 Star Wars books from Aunt Sandy, and 2 nice shirts, a wonderful set of Bob Books and a Brain Quest K Workbook that he can hardly wait to do the mazes in from Nana and Papa Rendla.

After Bible Study we had a party for Alex. We had a cake that Alex helped make and icing that Alex picked out. Alex got a singing card, a hot wheels car, a couple of G.I. Joes, and $20. Alex and I made a deal after he bought the big Bionicle that if he got any more money it would be for homeschool stuff, (I think he got enough toys, don't you?).



“It was a good day, even I got Bionicles, a lot of Bionicles today. That was a good day,” Alex.

Update: With the money Alex has gotten for his b-day I got him some workbooks, a 1st Grade Vocabulary Puzzles Computer Game, a Sid the Science Kid DVD, and 4 Waterford Early Math and Science DVD's.

Marie-Anne

Happy first b-day, Sabrina!

Thursday was Sabrina’s first b-day. It was a great day for the little princess, she got lots of books, several My Little Ponies, a Little People set, a cute outfit, a wonderful homemade card that will go in her scrapbook, and some hats for dress-up. (She has more gifts on the way.) Of course she had just as much fun, if not more, playing with the packaging the Little People came in. She wore a beautiful purple and cream princess dress, (We’ll have her pictures taken in it soon.)



After Bible Study we had a cake and Sabrina had a huge cupcake to herself. At first she was being ladylike a barely getting any icing on her fingers. That didn’t last long and she soon looked like a clown. She ended up with cake in her hair, all over her arms, and just about everywhere except her legs because she was in a high chair.

Marie-Anne

October's Reading List

Alex’s List:
Picture books:

Bible:
Be Glad
God’s Son
Good Mud
Heat the Meat
Long Live the King
Moses and Miriam
Rebecca’s Wedding
The Birth of Christ
The Missing Boy
The People Come
Watch Me Go
Who Loves Hagar?,
Biography:
A Lion Bite
Biscuit:
Biscuit and the Bunny
Biscuit Gives a Gift
Blue’s Clues:
Green Puppy Goes to The Dentist
It’s Friendship Day
Nursery Rhyme Treasury
Clifford:
Clifford and the Bath
Clifford and the Big Ship
Clifford and the Big Storm
Clifford Goes to Washington
Clifford Keeps Cool
Clifford Sleeps over
Clifford’s Trick
Fizz
Get the Nuts
Quick Clifford
T-Bone Tells the Truth
The Big Itch
The Vet’s Visit
Corner Kids:
Summer Fun
Curious George:
And the Dump Truck
Feeds the Animals
Plants a Tree
Takes a Train
Visits the Library
Diego:
A Humpback Whale Tale
Disney Bunnies:
Thumper’s Scary Night
Dora:
Dora Climbs Star Mountain
Dora Saves the Mermaid Kingdom
Franklin:
Franklin and the Stopwatch
Franklin and the Thunderstorm
Franklin Goes to the Hospital
Franklin in the Dark
Franklin Plays the Game
Franklin’s Class Trip
Franklin’s New Friend
Franklin’s Secret Club
Franklin Wants a Pet
I spy :
A Scary Monster
Little Critter:
Christmas for Miss Kitty
Helping Mom
Just a Snowy Day
Just a Toy
Magic School Bus:
The Wild Leaf Ride
Messy Bessey:
Garden
School Desk
Robin Hill School:
The Counting Race
The First Day of School
Sesame Street:
The Fix-it Shop
You Wouldn’t Want to…:
Be a Pirate’s Prisoner
Be a Roman Soldier
Be at the Boston Tea Party
Work on the Railroad
Other:
All Wrapped Up
Generous Me
If You’re Happy and You Know It (Jungle Edition)
I Love Cats
It’s All About Me!
Leaf Man
Monster Trucks
Moondance
The Three Snow Bears


Sabrina’s List:

Babyeyelike:
Discover Letters
Lots of Spots
Bible:
Be Glad
God’s Son
Good Mud
Go Fish
Hide the Baby
Watch Me Go
We Need Water
Biscuit:
Biscuit and the Bunny
Biscuit Gives a Gift
Clifford:
A Kiss for Cleo
Cleo and the Box
Clifford and the Bath
Clifford and the Big Ship
Clifford is Too Big
Clifford’s Trick
Fizz
Get the Nuts
Quick Clifford
T-Bone Tells the Truth
The Big Itch
The Big Leaf Pile
The Happy Dogs
The Runaway Rabbit
The Small Red Puppy
The Vet’s Visit
Tummy Trouble
Corner Kids:
Summer Fun
Diego:
Diego and the Dinosaurs
Messy Bessey:
Garden
School Desk
My Little Pony:
Minty Monkeys Around
Ponies on Ice
Robin Hill School:
Snow Day
The Counting Race
The First Day of School
Spot:
Spot Can Count
Other:
All Wrapped Up
Generous Me
I Love Cats
Pirates

Marie-Anne

Mamaw’s 90th b-day!

Last Monday the kids and I flew to Louisiana to visit and for Mamaw’s 90th b-day.
The trip there was horrible- Sabrina threw up on me on the plane after the kind lady at check-in checked my bags with my clothes. Right after I changed her and sat back down her diaper leaked. Then we had a three-hour delay at Houston. Thankfully the rest of the vacation more than made up for that.



The kids got lots and lots of attention from aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and their great-grandmother. They played with their cousin and fought over her toys. Alex watched cartoons and played in Nana and Grumps’ huge yard.




We went to the TREEHOUSE Children’s Museum twice, to the Alexandria Zoo, and to a Harvest Festival at a friend’s church.

Alex was having a blast digging in Mom’s yard. When he came in she noticed his eye looked funny. Then one side of his face swelled and his face and neck were itching. Thankfully she had Benadryl. We had no way of knowing what caused his allergic reaction. She has plants everywhere and we saw lots of different kinds of bugs and spiders the day before. My mom and I took him to the ER. As we were going his whole face swelled even more and he had bumps al over his face and neck. It was scary- we were worried about his airflow, but it didn’t come to that. By the time we got there the Benadryl started to kick in and the swelling started to go down. Since we had no clue what caused it or if he’d have another episode we took him. I have NEVER been in and out of the ER like that! (He’s perfectly fine now.)



On Saturday we had Mamaw’s 90th b-day party. When I first got to the church nobody was there. I was shocked, but then people started trickling in and we had a good crowd. Sabrina spent most of the time with Aunt Jessica in the nursery. Alex spent half his time there and half outside with a bunch of cousins. Mamaw’s best friend from school came and so did a Pastor who used to be at her church. She had a wonderful time.

After the party we went straight to the airport and the trip home was real good.

Marie-Anne

Outdoor Hour Challenge # 3

Yesterday we did the third challenge at Hollywood Recreation Center’s park. While we ate lunch we watched a stinkbug climbing a fence. After we ate we walked outside the playground. I asked Alex what he heard, “the birds going tweet-tweet-tweet and the leaves blowing.” Then I asked him what he felt, “the sun and the wind.”

We did a tree rubbing, a rock rubbing, and a leaf rubbing. I was going to have him draw something he saw, but he was too impatient to play with the other kids at the playground. We stayed at the playground for several hours. Alex baked me a “salt and pepper cake” made of sand before we left.

Marie-Anne

Homeschool Firsts

In homeschool we had several firsts today. This morning, on his own, Alex pointed out several states on the map so later I printed off a blank map and had him find and color seven states. I found a website with some really nice worksheets. I printed several picture Sudoku puzzles and several measuring with a ruler worksheets. Alex did his first Sudoku puzzle today and he got it right the first time! Alex also did one of the measuring worksheets and got it right the first time.

http://www.education.com/worksheets/

Marie-Anne

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

On Monday we took the kids to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. They are remodeling and there wasn’t much on the first floor. The kids loved the tricycle and Frank pushed Sabrina on a ride for little ones.

When we went upstairs there was an awesome play area for 3 and under. We got kicked out for bringing Alex with us, what were we supposed to do with him? We went as a family, but we couldn’t stay together if Sabrina was going to get to play. You would think that a children’s museum would realize parents have kids of varying ages and would have a place where the older kids could be supervised while the babies play. I guess what really bugged me was the worker’s attitude. She was plain rude.

We then went to the next section, which was a grocery store and a restaurant. I was glad that these areas had a tiny corner for babies. Alex played for a while then he moved on to the next section; the sound room. Sabrina was in the baby section surrounded by toys, but she kept trying to take the puzzle pieces that an older toddler had.

Next was a “forest” of swimming pool noodles hanging from the ceiling. Then came a cactus with spiders that jumped out. Then we moved on the reading corner.

Alex’s favorite part was the car ramp. They had made cars from PCV pipe and roller skate wheels and the kids got to roll them down a racetrack. Alex stayed for quite a while so I had Frank take Sabrina back to the baby section with instructions to take pictures. Of course I wanted to watch her play and explore, but I didn’t want to see the rude worker again. Finally I dragged Alex away from the cars and let him serve me ice cream at the ice cream stand, (I plan to make some of these foam comes and get some balls to go with them). Then we met back up with Frank and left.

Except for the rude employee we all had a good time.

Marie-Anne

Nature is Everywhere

Last night I finished reading Take a City Nature Walk by Jane Kirkland. It had some good ideas about getting in the habit of noticing nature wherever you are. Today we got a chance to put it into practice while walking on the sidewalk of a very busy road. I noticed a dandelion with a bee on it and pointed it out to Alex. We stopped to observe the bee going from flower to flower and we discussed pollination.

Marie-Anne

Sabrina’s New Skill

Sabrina has a new skill: for the first time ever she is able to get on her rocking horse all by herself! She spent quite a bit of time getting on and off this morning. She is quite happy and excited by her achievement.



She still needs work on getting off though. I’m not sure how many times she fell off, but when you fall off a horse you got to get right back on, right?

Marie-Anne

A Change in Weather

A change in weather means a change in lifestyle. Since it cooled off and we are having wonderful weather we have been outside a whole lot more. We’ve been to the park three times since the first and we’ve been for walks almost every day. Alex just spent two hours outside playing with the neighborhood kids. It was the first time I’ve seen that many kids out there. I just checked the 10 day forecast and it’s going to be in the 80’s every day! I am so glad and so excited about the drastic change in weather! (Can you tell?)

Marie-Anne

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband!

Today is my wonderful husband’s birthday. How can we show him just how much we love him? Well, last night I gathered as many pictures with him in them as I could. I decorated all the doors in the hallway and put some in frames around the house. I typed up a love note and placed it by one of the pictures. I labeled the hall as memory lane. Then I added streamers and some over the hill banners, (even though he’s not THAT old). The laundry room door is decorated in an Over the Hill poster surrounded by pictures. I told Alex it was a Papa museum and Alex asked if we could have an Alex museum for his b-day next month, maybe it will become a tradition.

Step two of my plan was a secret, but he figured it out. I e-mailed and called the leaders of our church and told them it was his birthday. So Frank got calls from Rev. and Sis. Kekel, Rev. Ashmore, Rev. Wright, Rev. Johnson, Pastor Davis, Rev. Malone, Rev. Olsen, and of course from our family. He was surprised by all the calls, but he figured that I had something to do with it after the 11th call.

Of course no b-day party is complete without birthday cake so we had some, (after being on sugar busters for so long it was too much sugar, but Alex and Sabrina will enjoy the rest). I also found some over-sized party hats at the dollar store and bought 4.

For Frank's birthday he is giving men and women in our community the chance to come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Frank and a man from church are out inviting people to church where they can learn how to have a relationship with God.

Frank said that it has been the best birthday he’s had since becoming an adult. We love you, honey!

Marie-Anne

Alexander Villas Park

Yesterday we went to Alexander Villas Park. We went there for a church potluck when we first got here, but we didn’t use the playground. I went with Tammy and her two boys. The playground has the normal layout of two playgrounds and swings, but it sits on a hill overlooking the ballpark. It was so nice! The bathrooms were covered in graffiti and there were a few homeless people hanging around the fence, so I won’t go by myself.

We met at 9:30 and left at 1:30 and didn’t even realize we’d been there that long! Time flew by. Every one got along great and had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect and almost all the kids there were about Alex’s age. It was a great way to spend the entire morning.

Marie-Anne

Outdoor Hour Challenge # 2

Today our walk was around our apartment complex. Our apartments are landscaped with different types of trees and artificial (to this area) grass. I told Alex to be quiet and listen as we walked. It was hard for him to keep quiet, but he did pretty well for a four-year-old. Here are our lists of what we heard:

1 word for something you heard:
Alex: tweet-tweet
Me: chirping

2 words for something you saw:
Alex: baby pinecone
Me: buzzing bee

3 words for something you felt:
Alex: soft/hard trees

Although not part of the challenge I made note of things we observed. We observed a bee, a cat, a pretty purple flower, doves, and someone planted what looked like a cantaloupe so we searched the vine for more.

Sabrina observed a rock, grass, and a leaf that she tried to eat. After that I held her hand and let her wander around. Can’t have the baby eating the nature.

Since we took the first Challenge last week we have tried to be outside almost every day. Alex even left the playground to walk among the trees at the park on his own! I am sop glad that we are doing this.

Marie-Anne

Growing up

I asked, “Alex, why do you keep growing?”
“Because of my birthday and God.”

Marie-Anne

Lied Discovery Children’s Museum

Today we used Bank of America’s Museums on Us program to go to the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum. We’ve been here before. The kids had a great time. Frank and I enjoyed ourselves too. Alex was all over the place I let Frank keep up with him while I let Sabrina have fun in the baby section.





One thing I didn’t like was at the craft center they had me make Alex’s craft so that made it my craft, didn’t it? All he got to do was pick out the leaves and what color glitter I used. Upstairs is another craft section for ages 6 and up, but Alex has always been able to use it before. Today although no other kids were in there we were told Alex is too young. Is there an age limit on learning? After we got home I e-mailed them about it. We did pay the same amount for him as the older kids. Other than that we had a good time.

Marie-Anne

Kids' B-day and Christmas Ideas

I wasn't going to post this yet, but I've already had a request for this information so...

I know some people who have really great homeschool stuff by asking for what they want for b-days and Christmas. Of course you don’t have to get any of these, but if you are wondering what to get here are some suggestions:

Alex: You Wouldn’t Want to be… books, Anything Sid the Science Kid, leap frog DVD’s, Educational computer games, Magic School bus DVD’s, art supplies, play dough, Kumon workbooks, membership to zoo, educational kid magazines like National Geographic for kids, Zootles, or Your Big Backyard, size 7 clothes, duplo size mega blocks, Space or Pirates (has ship) Imaginext, ant farm…

Sabrina: (everything still goes straight to the mouth) board books, magazine subscriptions for baby magazines like Wild Animal Baby, Zoobies, or Babybug, size 18 months clothes, kid music (she loves to dance), Little People toys (has Noah’s Ark), Leap Frog toys, bath toys, sorter toys, stacking rings,…

Marie-Anne

Nellis Meadows Park

Today for Family Day we went to Nellis Meadows Park. We had the playground to ourselves. Alex went straight to the climbing wall and Sabrina was thrilled with the baby swings. This park is mostly a ballpark. The playground was covered in graffiti, but it was still nice. Frank gave Alex a lesson in climbing the wall with 3 points of contact and then a lesson on getting on the swings by himself.



Sabrina mostly was in the baby swing. She did enjoy going down the slide several times also.



An interesting thing to note is that after a while Alex left the playground and walked among the trees. He was doing his own nature walk. This is something he’s never done, leaving the playground before it is time to go. After he walked for a few minutes I joined him. We had a pleasant walk and pointed things out to each other about the trees.



After a little bit he went back to the playground. Alex was quite proud of himself for being able to climb the rock wall all by himself. He told us every time that he made it up. It was a great family day.

Marie-Anne

The Outdoor Hour Challenge # 1

I had read about this a while back and thought it is over 100 degrees no way are we going to be spending an hour outside! However I was intrigued by the idea. According to the 10 day forecast it will be in the 80’s! We haven’t seen 80’s in a long long time! It is time to put this wonderful idea into action.

Today was our first Green Hour. Our nature walk was at some apartments where Frank and I were inviting people to church. Why apartments, you ask. It is because we live in a city in the desert. The landscaping included trees and grass. And the last time we were there there was a huge bees nest, but it had been taken down. (I wish I’d have had the camera with me when it was there.)

I told Alex that he was a “Nature Investigator” and that he had to tell me two things he sees that he wants to learn more about. Here is the official transcript of my exclusive interview with Alex:

Me: “What was your favorite part of the nature walk?’
Alex: “The ants and the feathers.”
Me: “What else did you see?”
Alex: “Nothing else.”
Me: “That’s all you saw the whole time we were there?”
Alex: “And the leaf.”

As I said we live in a city in the desert so we will have many different nature experiences from the desert to parks to mountains to the lake and, yes, even apartment landscaping- nature is everywhere.

Marie-Anne

September's Reading List

Alex’s List:
Picture books:

Alice In Bibleland:
Psalms and Proverbs
The Story of Ruth and Naomi
Bible:
Courage David and Goliath/Courage Dustin Learns to be Brave
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Esther
Five Loaves and Two Fish
God Gave Her Oil
God Gave Him Life
Hide the Baby
Jonah and the Whale
Joseph Loved God
Moses Obeyed
Noah’s Ark
Samuel Obeyed
The Story of Abraham
Two Parables: The Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son
Biscuit:
Biscuit’s Show and Share Day
Biography:
Benjamin Franklin
Christopher Columbus
Clara Barton
Johnny Appleseed
Paul Revere
Rosa Parks
Blue’s Clues:
Blue’s Big Birthday
Blue’s Checkup
Hello Spring
Hooray for Polka Dots
My Visit With Periwinkle
Sprinkle’s First Haircut
Bob the Builder:
Bob’s Mixed-up Messages
Clifford:
The Big Leaf Pile
The Runaway Rabbit
Tummy Trouble
Diego:
Diego and Papi to the Rescue
Diego and the Baby Sea Turtles
Diego and the Dinosaurs
Diego’s Artic Rescue
Diego Saves a Butterfly
Diego Saves the Sloth
Diego Saves the Tree Frogs
Diego’s Springtime Fiesta
Diego’s Wolf Pup Rescue
Go, Baby Jaguar!
The Great Roadrunner Race
The Rainforest Race
Disney:
Cars (Sept)
Finding Nemo
Good Morning Thumper
Thumper’s Autumn Adventure
Thumper’s Fluffy Tail
Dora the Explorer:
Dora and the Baby Crab
Dora Around the World
Dora Celebrates Earth Day!
Dora Had a Little Lamb
Dora Helps Diego
Dora in the Deep Sea
Dora Loves Boots
Dora’s First Trip
Dora’s Perfect Pumpkin
I Love my Abuela!
Fancy Nancy:
Pajama Day
The Show Must Go On
Guess Who:
Changes
Dives
Grabs
Runs
Spins
I Spy:
A Candy Cane
A Dinosaur’s Eye
Little Critter:
Camping Out
This is My Town
Magic School Bus:
Gets Ants in Its Pants
Gets Crabby
Gets Programmed
In A Pickle
Inside a Hurricane
Inside Ralphie
In the Rain Forest
Kicks up a Storm
Takes a Dive
Ups and Downs
My First Little House Books:
A Little House Birthday
A Little Prairie House
County Fair
Robin Hill School:
Class Mom
Picking Apples
Sesame Street:
A Visit to the Sesame Street Aquarium
Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?
Circus of Opposites
Elmo Says Achoo!
I Can Do It!
Star Wars:
Anakin iun Action
R2-D2 and Friends
Watch out for Jabba the Hutt!
Story Bible Series:
# 19 King David
#24 Enemies all Around
# 25 Jeremiah and the Great Disaster
#26 King Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Statue
# 27 Daniel in the Lion’s Den
# 31 A Baby Called John
# 33 When Jesus was Young
# 35 Jesus the Teacher
# 40 The Story of the Two Brothers
# 52 Paul the Prisoner
Thomas the Tank Engine:
Break-Van/The Deputation
Edward’s Day Out/Edward and Gordon
Gordon’s Trouble With Mud
Stuck in the Mud
Tenders and Turntables/Trouble in the Shed
Thomas Goes Fishing/Thomas, Terence, and the Snow
You Wouldn’t Want to:
Be a Medieval Knight
Be on the Mayflower
Other:
Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday
Farley Follows His Nose
Follow Me Mittens
No More Bullies
Other NF:
A Plymouth Partnership: Pilgrims and Native Americans
Pilgrims in America
Plymouth: Surviving the First Winter
The Mayflower
The Pilgrims Before the Mayflower

Chapter Books:

Magic Tree House:
# 20 Dingoes at Dinnertime
Magic Tree House Research Guide:
Pilgrims
Tsunamis
Sabrina’s List:

Board books and simple Picture books:

Biscuit:
Biscuit’s Show and Share Day
Blue’s Clues:
Hello Spring
Hooray for Polka Dots
My Visit With Periwinkle
Care Bears:
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Journey to Joke-a-lot
Corner Kids:
A Flag For All
Unsinklable!
Dear Dragon:
A Friend for Dear Dragon
Dear Dragon’s A is for Apple
Happy Birthday, Dear Dragon
I Did It, Dear Dragon
I Love You, Dear Dragon
I Need You, Dear Dragon
It’s Circus Time, Dear Dragon
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, Dear Dragon
Play, Play, Play, Dear Dragon
Touchdown! Dear Dragon
Diego:
Diego Saves a Butterfly
Diego Saves the Tree Frogs
Go, Baby Jaguar!
The Great Roadrunner Race
Disney:
Cars (Sept)
Finding Nemo
DisneyBunnies:
Good Morning Thumper
Thumper’s Autumn Adventure
Thumper’s Fluffy Tail
Dora the Explorer:
Dora and the Baby Crab
Dora Around the World
Dora in the Deep Sea
Dora’s Perfect Pumpkin
Fancy Nancy:
Boy From Paris
Pajama Day
Guess Who:
Changes
Dives
Grabs
Runs
Spins

My Friends Tigger and Pooh:
Count on us!
My Little Pony
Belle of the Ball
Cheerilee’s Flower Garden
Learns to Count
Pinkie Pie Throw’s a Party
Star Song Sings and Dances
Toola-Roola Paints a Picture
Tutus and Toe Shoes
Very Lucky Ponies
Winter Festival
Rainbow Brite:
Mixed-up Colors
Sandra Boynton:
Barnyard Dance
Sesame Street:
Elmo Says Achoo!
Happy Mother’s Day!
I Can Do It!
Say the Magic Word, Please
Thomas:
Gordon’s Trouble With Mud
James the Red Engine
Other:
Follow Me Mittens
Other NF:
Pilgrims in America

Sunset Park

After the Barnyard Buddy tour we went to Sunset Park. It is a real nice park near where Frank works. It has a rope jungle gym, a rock wall, swings, and slides. There are lots of trees and plenty of shade near the picnic areas. We’ve been there a few times, but not since taking the Park Challenge.



The kids took off for the playground as soon as we got there. They spent most of their time climbing the “rock” wall and the ropes. Alex was able to climb the wall with me telling him where to put his feet, but he was too scared to come down. I had to coax him partway down then reach up and get him.



A school was taking a field trip there so I waited until the kids left then Sabrina and I used the swings. After a little bit I put Sabrina back into her stroller and Kathleen and I enjoyed the swings while the boys climbed the rock wall.

Marie-Anne

Anderson Dairy's Barnyard Buddy Tour

Today we met some friends at Anderson Dairy for their Barnyard Buddy tour (call to schedule a tour). The tour is geared for younger kids, but Zack, who’s 13 liked it too.



The tour took about an hour and included animated puppets, a tour guide, a movie and free ice cream. Alex’s favorite part was the penguins near the freezer section. Zack and Alex both liked the fog as we entered the freezer section. We will go back with different friends later on.

Marie-Anne

Picky Eater

Sabrina had a tray of cheerios and fruit loops mixed together. She was tossing the fruit loops out of her way and eating just the cheerios so I asked, “You like the Cheerios better, don’t you?” Without looking up she nodded her head and kept eating.

Marie-Anne

You Wouldn’t Want to…

We recently discovered these wonderful history books at the library and there are several of the books on-line. There are over 60 books in this series. I plan to read them all. (If you’re wondering what to get Alex for his b-day these would be great.)

http://www.salariya.com/web_books/explorer/index.html

Marie-Anne

Walnut Park

This morning we went to Walnut Park with some new friends. We’ve been to this park many times, but not since taking the Park Challenge. It is a nice park with pretty much the standard layout of two play areas one slightly bigger than the other and swings. If we go before school lets out we have the park pretty much to ourselves.

We met Tammy and her boys the other day when we were inviting people to church. Jacob is the same age as Alex and they get along great and there were a couple of other boys their age to play with. They had a lot of fun. Tammy’s younger son loved the dirt and running through the grass, I don’t think he got on the playground equipment at all.



Sabrina really enjoyed the baby swings and going down the baby slide, (we were too busy watching the boys to let her go down the big slide).



We played until it got too hot then we went back to their house to let the older boys (Alex and Jacob) ride on Jacob’s power wheels truck. They had just as much fun there as they did at the park.

Marie-Anne

M&M World with friends

I forgot to post about Carol and Don's visit. They are a couple we know from Washington who came here for their anniversary. On the 8th we went to the pass- it is absolutely beautiful at night when you can see most of Las Vegas lit up.

On the 9th we went to M&M World. We had been there before, but Don had not. M&M World is a four story store of M&M merchandise. It also has a 3-D movie, (the same one as last time). We enjoyed it.





Afterward we ate at a Filipino restaurant. It was new to all of us and we all enjoyed it. Then it was time to take them back to the airport. It was so nice to see our friends again.

Marie-Anne

New Reading Teacher

Alex has a new reading teacher and he is doing amazingly well. He loves his new teacher very much; of course I’m talking about his Papa. Frank and Alex work together on reading every night. I am delighted by his progress.

Marie-Anne

How tall is Utah?

Yesterday I bought the Great States Jr. Game. Alex asked which state had the dinosaur on it. I replied, “Utah.” He asked, “Is Utah taller than a dinosaur?” (For a four year old that’s a pretty good joke.)

Marie-Anne

Reading Lesson

After getting totally frustrated with Alex for not trying during his reading lesson I got to thinking. The boy loves computer games; he would be on the computer all the time, if we let him. So I did a search for on-line phonics games. I’d heard of starfall.com before, but never really checked it out. Tonight he played it for about an hour. I also pulled out the phonics books from his Leap Pad to go with us in the car tomorrow. I will also try to check out Reader Rabbit.

Instead of letting him just play games on Legos website he will be playing phonics games until he gets it. (No, I’m not banning him from Legos, but he won’t be on it as much.)

If you have any other suggestions please leave a comment.

Marie-Anne

Diversity art

When I was looking at an example of an Indian corn craft Alex thought it was a rocket. I decided to make two copies of the template so he could make both. Then I noticed the template could be used as a face. Today Alex made all three from the same shapes. I talked to him about how he could use the same thing to make something completely different and how that different people can look at the same thing and see something different. It was a great lesson.

Marie-Anne

Heritage Park

Tonight for family night we took the Park Challenge. It was our first time going to Heritage Park. It was a bit run down. The statutes were broken, but otherwise it was okay. The playground was older, but perfectly fine. The best part about it was we had the whole park to ourselves.



Sabrina is our little thrill seeker. She absolutely loved the slides. It was her first time on a slide and she kept trying to go down before Frank was ready to catch her. It was all I could do to hold onto her until he was ready! It wasn’t just the baby slide either that girl was going down the big slide.



Alex loved having his Papa’s attention and help to cross the monkey bars. For the most part Alex ignored me and played with Papa. That was fine with me. I love watching them play.

I’m sure we will go back to this park since it is behind the Natural History Museum and across the street from the Children’s Museum, (both museums are part of Bank of America’s Museums on Us program and we like them both). Maybe next time we go to one of the museums we can eat lunch at the park.

Marie-Anne

Alex has new friends!

I am so happy! Alex made some friends here at our apartment. He was playing outside and around three boys, but when one brought out a lightsaber Alex got his 2. Now Alex is a part of the group. They are having so much fun that we aren’t going to call him in for supper.

Marie-Anne

Blessing of Music Site

Home-grown songs of worship. It is a blessing to listen to the singing on Pentacostal Voice of Truth. Many of the recordings seem to be a church setting and so I relate and can really worship along with the saints in their heart-felt praises.

http://www.pentecostalvoiceoftruth.org/

--Frank

What are you today?

I woke Alex up and said, “Wake up growly-monster.”
He growled, “I’m not a growly-monster.”
I asked, “Are you a llama, like you were last night?”
“No, I’m a republican like Skywalker,” he replied.

Marie-Anne

Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary with Lulu

Yesterday I took Lulu, her kids, and my kids to Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary. It was their first time, but our third. It was also Sabrina’s first time. We all had a great time. The kids were so excited about the many animals.



They all went into the goat pen to pet the goats. A worker even held the baby goat so they could pet it and he let Alex hold it too.



Pretty much the rest of the animals were birds, this time. The weather was nice and the kids got to play in the grassy area. It was on a small hill so every time Sabrina started down she got to going too fast so one of us had to stay near her to keep her from tumbling.

After we left there we stopped at McDonald’s. I really liked this one because the baby play area was pretty big and it was separated from the big kid area. There was a sign that said, “Kids 4 and under only.” One little boy told me Sabrina couldn’t be in there because she wasn’t four. I read the sign to him and he said, “Oh.”
It was a great day. The kids all got along beautifully. The weather was nice. Wonderful, wonderful day.

Marie-Anne

Labor Day at Mount Charleston

Today was a beautiful day! The temperature was good and there was not a cloud in the sky. We drove up to Mount Charleston with two men from church, Charles and Riyaadh. We had a wonderful picnic and just enjoyed being together. Alex loved “looking for evidence,”(the lady at the fee booth mentioned evidence of horses.)





We had to go farther up than we thought, but it was great. Our picnic area was in the woods on a slope. Alex enjoyed exploring the woods. We saw chipmunks and birds. It was a very scenic drive. We stopped at on overlook on the way back and just admired the view.

Marie-Anne

Natural History Museum.

On Saturday we took advantage of Bank of America’s Museums on Us program to go to the Natural History Museum. Alex got to choose from the three local museums in the program. We only had to pay for Alex’s ticket.





We spent most of our time there at the kids’ section. Sabrina and Alex both had a lot of fun. We enjoyed it too, but not as much as them. It was my fourth or fifth time there and Frank’s second. (We didn’t go for us though.)

Marie-Anne

Losing Age

I overheard Alex saying, “I don’t want my parents to be kids again.”
I asked if he was playing or talking about Papa and me.
“I’m talking about you and Papa. I don’t want you to be kids again. I like my parents you take care of me.”
“We’re not going to be kids again.”
“I heard you. You said you and Papa were going to lose weight.”

Marie-Anne

Sugar Busters

My husband and I just started sugar busters. Hopefully this time I’ll stick to it and reach my weight loss goals.

Marie-Anne

Chores

Starting today Alex has two chore charts. One is “Sir Alex’s Responsibilities” it is chores he does not get paid for. These are chores that he does simply because he’s a member of this family. The other is “Sir Alex’s Jobs” these are chores that he can do to get paid for. They are not everyday chores, but some can be if he wants to.

“Sir Alex’s Responsibilities” include make bed, feed fish, dishes in sink, dirty clothes in laundry room, load silverware, unload silverware, clean room, pick up toys, fold clothes, and food prep. Some of these are new chores for him and he will be working with me to learn them.

“Sir Alex’s Jobs” include putting shoes on the rack (including mine and Frank’s), help bring in groceries, clean out car, pick up cereal Sabrina drops, bathroom trash, wash sinks, rinse dishes (plastics and silverware), wipe table, and put away groceries. Again some of these are new for Alex and we will train him to do them.

Our goal is to teach Alex to do the things that need to be done around the house, and that he is a valuable member of this family so his help is needed. By getting paid for some chores Alex will be learning to complete a job to the boss’s satisfaction for his pay. (He’s been asking for paid chores so he can save up for medium Legos.)

What chores do your kids have?

Marie-Anne

My Personal boycott of ABC News

I am furious with the way ABC News reported the Duggar’s expecting another baby. They attacked the family and were VERY Very disrespectful. This is supposed to be professional journalism. I will not be going back to the ABC News website ever again.

If you want to read the disgusting piece of trash they call journalism for yourself here's the link:

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=8461762



Marie-Anne

Who am I?

I asked my son, "What's your name?"
Alex said, "Alex."
Then I asked, "What's your last name?"
His reply, "Xander."

(I think we will be working on that.)

Marie-Anne

August's Reading List

We read 181 books for Alex and 54 books for Sabrina this month.


Alex’s List:
Picture books:

Alice In Bibleland:
The Lord’s Prayer
The Story of Baby Jesus
The Story of Easter
The Story of Esther
The Story of Exodus
The Story of Isaac and Rebeckah
The Story of Joseph and His Rainbow Coat
The Story of Paul
The Story of the Loaves and Fishes
The Twenty-Third Psalm
Bible:
A Good Lunch
David And Goliath
In the Beginning
Jars of Joy
Jesus Helps
Joseph
Joseph the Dreamer
Love the Lost Son/Love Lana Learns About God’s Love
Moses and the Ten Commandments
Moses in the Bulrushes
Noah Builds the Ark
Pay Today
Pop to the Top
The Big Boss
The First Christmas
The Good Samaritan and Other Bible Stories
The Lost Penny
The Strength of Samson
Too Much Food
We Need Water
When Jesus Was Born
Biscuit:
Happy Birthday, Biscuit
Happy Thanksgiving, Biscuit!
Blue’s Clues:
Blue is my Name
Magenta and Me
Meet My Family
My Favorite Letters
My Pet Turtle
Bob the Builder:
A Surprise for Wendy
Bob’s A to Z Word Book
Bob Saves the Porcupines
Bob’s Big Surprise
Bob’s Busy Saw
Bob’s Pizza
Bob’s Toolbox Mix-up
Bob’s Valentine Surprise
Can You Feel It?
Dizzy and Muck Work it Out
Go, Spud, Go!
Meet Scoop
Muck’s Map
Muck’s Muddy Day
Muck’s Sleepover
Ready, Set, Race!
Rock-and-Roll Bob
Run-Away Roley
Snowed Under: The Bobblesberg Winter Games
The Knights of Fix-A-Lot
Children’s Book About:
Being A Bad Sport
Being Bossy
Being Careless
Being Destructive
Being Forgetful
Being Mean
Being Rude
Being Wasteful
Breaking Promises
Cheating
Interrupting
Showing Off
Snooping
Stealing
Teasing
Clifford:
Cleo Cooperates
Clifford Makes a Friend
Corner Kids:
The Noodle Game
The Sidewalk Patrol
Curious George:
In the Snow
Disney:
The Fox and the Hound
Toy Story
Franklin:
Franklin and the Cookies
Franklin Has a Sleepover
Franklin Has the Hiccups
Franklin’s Music Lessons
Franklin’s Neighborhood
Jakers:
Piggley’s Treasure Hunt
Jay Jay the Jet Plane:
Fire Engine Evan
Jay Jay Earns His Wings
Jay Jay’s Big Book of Flight
Snuffy’s Favorite Color
Little Critter:
All by Myself
Country Fair
Going to the Firehouse
I’m Sorry
Just a Mess
Just Go to Bed
Just Grandma and Me
Just Grandpa and Me
Just Lost!
Just Me and My Dad
Just Me and My Little Brother
Just Me and My Mom
Just Me and My Puppy
Little Sister’s Birthday
My Trip to the Zoo
Our Friend Sam
Staying Overnight
The Bear Who Wouldn’t Share
The Day the Wind Stopped Blowing
The Grumpy Old Rabbit
The Lost Dinosaur Bone
This is My Friend
This is My House
This is My School
Little Quack:
Little Quack’s New Friend
Magic School Bus:
And the Science Fair Expedition
Butterfly and the Bog Beast
Explores the World of Animals
Explores the World of Bugs
In the Haunted Museum
Sleeps for the Winter
Spins a Web
Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures:
Ancient Egypt
Imperial China
Medieval Castle
Pound Puppies:
Lost and Found
Pick of the Litter
Rainbow Brite:
Starlite and Twink
Rescue Heroes:
Billy Blazes, Firefighter
Sesame Street:
Down on the Farm with Grover
Elmo’s First Babysitter
Grover’s Book of Cute Little Baby Animals
Grover’s Farm
I Can Do it Myself
I Want to be a Firefighter
Sesame Street Firehouse
Sesame Street Pet Shop
The City Worm and the Country Worm
There’s No Place Like Home
The Sesame Street Pet Show
Strawberry Shortcake:
And the Butterfly Garden
Berry Thankful!
Hello, Hola, Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Shortcake’s Show-and-Tell Surprise
The Berry Best Friends’ Picnic
The Berry Big Storm
Thomas the Tank Engine:
Edward and the Party
Happy Birthday Thomas
Percy Gets Stuck
Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady/ Old Faithful
Thomas-saurus Rex
Thomas the Really Useful Engine
Toby and the Stout Gentleman/Thomas in Trouble
You Wouldn’t Want to:
Live in a Wild West Town!
Other:
Big Frank’s Fire Truck
Blueberries For Sal
Dinosaur’s Day
Flea Bites
How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight?
Kid Tea
Mouse Learns Her Manners
Never Mail an Elephant
Silent Kay and the Dragon
Sir Ryan’s Quest
Tea for Ruby
Ten Terrible Dinosaurs
The Baby BeeBee Bird
The Race
The Small One
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck
What Do You Say When a Monkey Acts This Way
Other (NF):
A Drop of Blood
Emperor Penguins

Chapter Books:

Magic School Bus:
# 4 Space Explorers
# 5 Twister Trouble
# 8 Penguin Puzzle
Magic Tree House:
# 12 Polar Bears Past Bedtime
# 18 Buffalo Before Breakfast
# 24 Earthquake in the Early Morning
Magic Tree House Research Guides:
Sea Monsters



Sabrina’s List:

Board books and simple Picture books:

Bible:
Blessing
Blessings Everywhere
God Loves Me Baby Bible
Jesus Heals the Blind Man
Pay Today
Praying
The Story of Easter
The Strength of Samson
Biscuit:
Happy Birthday, Biscuit
Happy Thanksgiving Biscuit
Bob the Builder:
A Surprise for Wendy
Bob’s Busy Saw
Bob’s Valentine Surprise
Can You Feel it?
Go, Spud, Go!
Meet Lofty
Meet Scoop
Ready, Set, Race!
Rock-and-Roll Bob
Clifford:
Cleo Cooperates
Clifford Makes a Friend
Corner Kids: Corner Kids:
School Rules
The Cool Coats
The Noodle Game
The Promise
The Sidewalk Patrol
The Sparkle Thing
Trash Trouble
Little Critter:
Country Fair
Going to the Firehouse
Just a Rainy Day
My Trip to the Zoo
Little Quack:
Little Quack’s New Friend
My Little Pony:
A Secret Gift
Rainbow Brite:
Starlite and Twink
Rescue Heroes:
Billy Blazes Firefighter
Sesame Street:
Grover’s Farm
Sesame Street Firehouse
Sesame Street Pet Shop
Spot:
Spot looks at Shapes
Strawberry Shortcake:
Hello, Hola, Strawberry Shortcake
Thomas:
Edward and the Party
Percy Gets Stuck
Winnie-The-Pooh:
Yellow and Yummy
Other:
Armadillo Rodeo
At the Construction Site
Firefighter
Kid Tea
Silent Kay and the Dragon
Tea for Ruby
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck
This Little Chick
Witzy’s Colorful Garden
Other NF:
Flea Bites

Darth Who?

Alex was telling me about a Star Wars computer game he played, “I got to be Darth Molly!” (He meant Darth Maul.) Darth Molly, doesn’t that strike terror into your heart?

He also calls Darth Vader Star Vader.

Marie-Anne

Yet Another Reason to Homeschool

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,543203,00.html?test=latestnews

Are these people for real? They want to teach my 4 year old about masturbation. Why????

Marie-Anne

Hollywood Park

This morning I took the kids to a park right after I dropped Frank off at work. We went to Hollywood Park, which is at the recreation center that Alex was taking Tae Kwon Do lessons. It is only in the high 80’s so it was very very nice to be outside.



There were only two other families there so we even got to use the baby swings! I got some real nice pictures of the kids.



Alex made me a sand cake made of salt and sugar. It was the first time he made anything like that for me. He’s sweet.

Hollywood Park is a nice park with two play areas and swings. I thought it had a baby section that wasn’t in the sand, but I was wrong. Still it is a nice park.

Marie-Anne

Bank of America's Museums on Us

Bank of America has a program where you can go to certain museums for free on the first weekend of the month with your debit card. Check it out:

http://museums.bankofamerica.com/

Marie-Anne

Family Day at the Mall

Yesterday was family day so we packed up the stroller and headed for the mall. The mall has a kids’ play area and several areas of quarter rides. We walked for a little bit then stopped in the pet store. (I promised Alex we would the next time we went to the mall.) Right outside the pet store are the quarter machines.

Alex saved the galaxy while Sabrina drove the bus. It was her first time to actually play on these and she loved it. (I very rarely put quarters into these machines, but my kids have just as much fun, if not more using their imaginations.) The kids played for a while, and of course I had the camera, then we walked to the play area.

I was pleased that there was only one other family there and both of the kids were small. I could let Sabrina explore without fear of her being trampled. She absolutely loved the rolled up newspaper tunnel. She would crawl through turn around and go back the other way repeatedly. I got some good pictures of her, but Alex didn’t really want his picture taken so I tried to get some of him. I did get one really good one. When a family of excited older kids came it was time to walk some more.

We walked to the other quarter machines and Alex again saved the galaxy while Sabrina drove a race car.

It was a fun no expense, besides gas, family day.

Mega Blocks

Alex loves Legos. I’m not ready for him to have Legos. Sabrina would try to eat Legos. Alex does have a bag of mega blocks and recently I got him a bucket of about 80 mini mega blocks (Duplo size). He has been building with them every day. A few minutes ago I walked into his room and he had made a pretty complex space ship. I was amazed. I want to get him more for his b-day or Christmas.

Marie-Anne

Alex is A- Maze-ing

Alex did a School Zone preschool mazes workbook. He did the whole 32 pages in less than 20 minutes. He only made a few mistakes, but he corrected them himself.

Marie-Anne

Conversation with our 4 year old

Earlier today I told Alex I wanted to look at his teeth. He asked, “Do I have bacteria on my teeth?” I told him yes and to brush his teeth. This kid amazes me sometimes.

Marie-Anne

The makings of a home

Our apartment is starting to look like a home! There are only a few boxes left in the kitchen, living room, and kids’ room. (There are many boxes in our bedroom.)

I cleared out the kids’ walk-in closet and made it into a play area for Sabrina. Since the doorway is too small for the baby gate I use her play kitchen to block the doorway, yet she can still see into the bedroom. Now I can put her in there with her toys and not worry about her getting a hold of Alex’s smaller toys. Sometimes she plays in there for quite a while, but she also enjoys it when one of us goes in to play with her.

The living room has a lot of open space for the kids to play. Sabrina’s playpen is near the table. Across from there is the homeschool rack. I hope to start up homeschool again next week. The recessed dining area is completely set up, including the grape plates hanging above the window.

We’ve still got work to do in the bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms. We haven’t done anything with the patio yet. I think it looks pretty good for us only being here two weeks.

Marie-Anne

Peanut butter and Honey

Alex has a new favorite food, which is also an old favorite for me- peanut butter and honey. I haven’t had that since I was a kid. We read about Annie and Jack, from the Magic Tree House, having a peanut butter and honey sandwich. Since we had some I mixed it up for Alex and he’s been asking for it almost every day since.

Marie-Anne

Imaginext Pirate Ship

At Savers I found the Imaginext Pirate Ship for only $4. It doesn’t have any of the pirates that come with it, but it was $4 instead of $34. Alex can save up and buy some of the extra pirates. He was surprised when I brought it home, and he’s been playing with it most of the afternoon and night.

I love the Imaginext toys. Alex can spend hours using his imagination with these toys. And now they have a girl castle set too. Alex keeps telling me I have to get the Precious Places for Sabrina and he needs two princesses to be his king’s daughter and wife.

Marie-Anne

When in Vegas…

Today I found out first hand that when in Vegas with temperatures over 100 degrees you do NOT want to touch metal that’s been in a hot car. I tossed my keys in the back dash while I strapped Sabrina into her car seat. When I reached for the keys my arm touched the metal buckle that anchors the car seat resulting in a second-degree burn. My skin instantly peeled back. It’s a small, but painful burn.

Marie-Anne

Roast and Mushrooms

Rump roast
2 cans of mushrooms
2 jars alfredo sauce

Dump ingredients into crockpot and cook until meat falls apart. Stir occasionally. Serve over rice.

Marie-Anne

Wild West Story time

On Saturday I took the kids to the library for the Wild West Story time. I was surprised that there weren’t many kids. The kids listened to cowboy books and danced. Then there were craft make a cowboy, decorate a pair of cowboys boot cutouts, and coloring pages.

Sabrina was in a denim dress. Alex wore a plaid shirt with a bandanna, and a hat. I took pictures.

Alex ran to make a cowboy. Then he ran to the stage where there was a jail and a cutout of a cowboy set up for pictures. Alex hogged the jail and did NOT want to share it. Finally I talked him into coming down and he colored a cowboy then made a cowgirl for Sabrina. Alex ran back to the stage. When I got him down this time he decorated the cowboy boots then went back to the stage. We were one of the last ones to leave.

Since we just moved and have a few boxes Frank made him a jail. Alex was very happy about being in jail, (Sabrina liked it too.)

Marie-Anne

July's Reading List

Alex’s List:
Picture books:

Alice in Bibleland:
The Story of David and Goliath
The Story of Jonah
The Story of Noah
The Story of the Lost Sheep
The Story of the Prodigal Son
The Story of Zacchaeus
Annie and Snowball:
And the Pink Surprise
And the Prettiest House
Arthur’s Birthday
Arthur’s Teacher Moves in
Arthur’s Teacher Trouble
Arthur’s TV Trouble
Arthur Writes a Story
Arthur’s Family Values:
1. Arthur’s Promise
Berenstain Bears:
And the Missing Watermelon Money
Down on the Farm
New Kitten
The Bears’ Picnic
The Bears’ Vacation
The Bike Lesson
Bible:
Go Fish
Jesus Blesses the Children
The First Noel
The Little Lost Sheep
The Story of Creation
Twelve Who Followed Jesus
Zaccheus Meets Jesus
Biscuit:
And the Baby
Biscuit’s Fourth of July
Takes a Walk
Children’s Book About:
Being Bullied
Being Greedy
Being Lazy
Being Messy
Being Selfish
Complaining
Disobeying
Gossiping
Tattling
Throwing Tantrums
DC Super Friends:
Flying High
Disney:
Bolt: My Hero
Eric Carle:
Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?
Fancy Nancy:
Explorer Extraordinaire!
Fancy Nancy
Favorite Fancy Words From Accessories to Zany
Franklin:
Franklin’s Soapbox Derby
Franklin the Detective
Henry and Mudge:
And the Tumbling Trip
The First Book
Lego:
Knight’s Kingdom
Little Critter:
A Very Special Critter
Bye-Bye, Mom and Dad
First Day of School
Good for Me and You
Happy Mother’s Day
It’s Earth Day
Just a Dump Truck
Just a Little Homework
Just a Rainy Day
Just a School Project
Just a Snowman
Just a Tugboat
Just Big Enough
Just Going to the Dentist
Just Me and My Dad
Just Me and My Mom
Just Not Invited
Just Shopping With Mom
Little Critter at Scout Camp
Me Too!
My Trip to the Hospital
Our Tree House
The Best Present
The Best Teacher Ever
The Fussy Princess
These are My Pets
When I Get Bigger
Magic School Bus:
Blows Its Top
Flies From the Nest
Gets Eaten
Lost in the Snow
Plants Seeds
Rides the Wind
Middle Ages (NF):
Knight
Puppy Mudge:
Finds a Friend
Has a Snack
Robin Hill School:
Dad Goes to School
Election Day
Fall Leaf Project
First-Grade Bunny
Snow Day
Sesame Street:
Hokey Pokey Elmo
Thomas:
Henry and the Elephant/ Fire Engine
Thomas and Bertie/ Bertie’s Chase
Thomas and the Big, Big, Bridge
Other:
At the Construction Site
Is Your Mama a Llama?
Jiggers
My Mommy and Me
The Bravest Knight
The Land of the Midnight Sun
The Three Wishes
Toad on the Road
What Daddies Do Best
What Mommies Do Best

Chapter Books:

Magic Tree House:
# 5 Night of the Ninjas
# 6 Afternoon on the Amazon
# 7 Sunset of the Sabertooth
# 8 Midnight on the Moon
# 9 Dolphins at Daybreak
# 10 Ghost Town at Sundown
# 11 Lions at Lunchtime
# 13 Vacation Under the Volcano
# 14 Day of the Dragon King
# 15 Viking Ships at Sunrise
# 16 Hour of the Olympics
# 21 Civil War on Sunday
# 22 Revolutionary War on Wednesday
# 23 Twister on Tuesday
Magic School Bus:
# 6 The Giant Germ
#10 Expedition Down Under
# 11 Insect Invaders
# 12 Amazing Magnetism


Sabrina List:

Board books and simple Picture books:

Animal Babies:
In Seas
In Towns and Cities
Baby eye Like:
Baby Animals
Black & White
Blue
Circle
How Many?
I Love You
Red
Square
Triangle
Yellow
Bible:
A Good Lunch
Bible Songs
Friendship Prayers
Jars of Joy
My Favorite Bible Storybook for Toddlers
Noah Builds the Ark
Pop to the Top
The Big Boss
The Lost Penny
Too Many Men
Biscuit:
Biscuit And the Baby
Biscuit and the Cat
Biscuit and the Hen
Biscuit Takes a Walk
Biscuit’s Fourth of July
Biscuit’s Tub Fun
This is Biscuit
Bob the Builder:
A Surprise for Wendy
Calico:
Friends for Calico!
Jay Jay the Jet Plane:
Count With Jay-Jay
Tracy’s Colors
Little Critter:
Just a Dump Truck
Just a Snowman
Just a Tugboat
Olivia:
Olivia Counts
Olivia’s Opposites
Puppy Mudge:
Finds a Friend
Has a Snack
Sandra Boynton:
Snuggle Puppy!
Sesame Street:
Baby Love
Elmo’s World: Love
Hokey Pokey Elmo
Skippyjon Jones:
Color Crazy
Spot:
Spot Loves His Grandpa
Strawberry Shortcake:
And the Butterfly Garden
Berry Thankful!
Dance With Me!
My Berry First Friends
The Berry Best Friends’ Picnic
Winnie-The-Pooh:
Colors
Other:
Little Quack’s Hide and Seek
Lilly’s Chocolate Heart
Look at Baby!
Mouse Learns Her Manners
My Mommy and Me
Saying I Love You
Say Please!
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
The Itsy Bitsy Spider

Marie-Anne