From the research I've done, teaching cursive first is more logical. This makes me wonder, then why do the schools teach printing first? Is it because it would be harder for the teacher to deciper cursive writing? Hummmm?
*Think what will help them have success? How can I help
Bridge be successful in doing his chores around the house? How can I
help Kyanne be successful in today's math lesson. How can I help Fin be
successful in staying in her bed after the lights go out? When I think
like this, I'm suddenly on their side, wanting them to do great. My view
of them changes from, kids who don't care about obeying their mom,
don't care about following directions, to kids who want to do what their
asked and just don't quite know how. Suddenly I have compassion and I
want to be in their corner, cheering them on, even if they only make it
half way the first few times. This is so different than the usual me,
who asks Bridge to put away the shoes by the front do 3 times and wants
to strangle him by time 4 but instead, I feel all controlled and good
parent when I give him a consequence instead. But, on further
reflection, I find that Bridgey really does want to please me, he shows
me this all through out the day as he asks what he can do to help me, he
just has trouble following through. His little mind is amazing and so
curious. I've heard him refered to as a blur, and I'd add distration as a
back up. He's so interested in everything around him, it's hard to
follow through on something less interesting like putting away shoes.
But, the more I help him be successful the more I find he it makes him
feel good and he tries to be successful all on his own.
Bridge: "Look dad, my dragon's name is Mexico."
Finley: "My stuffie's name is Mexi-Ker."
Bridge: "Mom what is your favorite thing to do?"
After telling him some of my favorite things, I asked what what some of his favorite things to do were.
Bridge: "My favorite thing to do, is everything I do with my dad. (Pause) And, I like the things I do with you too mom. (Thoughtful pause) Except when you get mad at me."
I've spent a lot of time the past couple weeks, lecturing Kyanne about
"choosing a good attitude -even when it's hard."
But, I know from experience, like the rest of you,a lecture is about as inspiring as a poke in the eye.Instead I'm trying
to sing when I feel like growling at the innocent Littles.
Sadly for Jess and my kiddos, I can do "Martyr"really
well. And, I see my sweet Ky mimicking me, Awwwwwhhh. Singing is all
I've thought of at present to combat the grumps. Depending on the
moment, I can be heard humming or belting out"Count Your Many Blessings..."because that just what I need to throw out those"I deserve" glasses and remember I'm so blessed.
I'd love to hear anything you guys do in the moment, to tame your Mommy Monster, mine is around too much lately.
K5 Learning has an online reading and math program
for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free
trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a
blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.
To help us keep our eye on the ball this year, we decided to copy a story I found at the church bookstore about a family who put a piece of straw in a manger as they did kind acts through the month. So, Jess made a manger with the kids (it's sooo cute) and they have put straw inside it anonymously for their acts of service, as their gift to the Savior. Just having the little wooden manger under the tree helped me remember the Savior more this Holiday.
And, on that note, I want to share my love for the Savior and Heavenly Father. As a little girl I loved Happily Ever Afters, and as a teen I spent a lot of time searching for the source of true Happily Ever Afters. Then when I was 16, I met a friend and her sweet family from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I can remember learning about their belief that Heavenly Father is a loving father, who's greatest joy is us and helping guide us on our way back to live with Him after this life is done. The moment I learned this, inside I felt it's truth, because I had an imperfect mortal mother here on earth that loved me so much. I've always felt like I could come to her with any wrongs and she would still be crazy about me, and would gently help me find the right way.
I learned that Jesus is God's son just like I'm God's daughter. That in the preEarth life, Heavenly Father presented His wonderful plan for us to go to Earth, get a body like Him, gain experience, and have free agency to choose. But, this would lead to mistakes and sin, and we would need a Savior that could pay for these sins, so we could return to live as an eternal family in Heaven with our Heavenly Parents and each other.
When I was younger each Sunday I attended a little white Baptist church with a neighbor. They taught me wonderful things about God and Jesus, including He atoned for our sins. But, I never understood what this really meant until recent years. Now I can understand that He not only atoned for our sins, but He also had to carry each pain, suffering, and heartache that would come to us.
As I imagine what it would feel like to know every sad heart ache, suffering, and sin that Kyanne, Bridgey, Fin or Rusty who I love with all my heart, I can understand why the Savior knows us best, and loves us most. I can understand why the sheer weight of such a burden caused Him, part God, to bleed from every pore, and, call out to His father using the intimate form of Father, Abba (Like we say Papa, or Daddy in our language), asking if there was any other way [Mark 14:34-36 ].
34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
I'm thankful for the Savior, I'm thankful for His love and sacrafice, especially when he felt as it was so awful "even unto death", and so awful that even though He knew that's what He came to earth to do, and still asked Heavenly Father if there was another way, but He still finished, because He loves each one of us, and when we are all done with this earth, He wants to see and hug each one of us. I really believe this.
I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday. Merry Christmas.
When Jess or I first tell people about our charity, the most common response is, "That happens here?" And, the next question is: "How?"
Below is our friend Natasha telling her own story. Natasha was the all American teen, Cheerleader, honor roll, mom, dad and little brother at home. Her traffickers went to such length to abduct her, that they not only gave her their business card asking her to call if she was interested in becoming a make-up artist, but then had her meet them at an office building where they interviewed her and let her know that there were so many applicants she may not get the job. Three weeks later they called to inform her she had got the job and needed to get her travel documents in order and tell her family.
Natasha Herzig (middle)
After being kidnapped and forcefully exploited day after day, her traffickers required her to call home every few months to let her parents know how she was doing and where she currently was traveling for her work as a "make-artist".
The story of how she got out and what she's done with her life since to help others is inspiring and empowering. We feel priveleged to know her and have her advising us in matters of Child Rescue. Here's her story: NATASHA's Story
Many of you followed the story of sweet "Baby Mia", my friends baby girl who needed a heart transplant 3 years ago. With so many prayers and donations sent in behalf of her, I thought there would be many that would love to see this tender video. It was made for Jessica, the mommy of Jacob who gave his heart to Mia. I just sobbed as I watched these beautiful babies. Here is a link to the Mcdonald family blog as well for more updates.
The kids and Abbi and I had xtra fun decorating for Halloween this year. . . because of: PINTREST.
What a beautiful thing. It's like: finely aged wine
to my. . .craftaholic heart.
It could suck my life away if my kids would allow it.
Most the printables can be found HERE.
I found most of the cute glass jars and creepy stuff at the dollar
store. The labels were just baked till they looked old and then modge
podged by Abbi.
(For those who are wondering -yes, I did start a kitchen fire in the process, but only once and there were no casualties so we called it good, and carried on.)
I love this book of Sister Hinckley's life. She is such a great example of optimism, and being joyful. I love to curl up in my bed, with soft light of my bedside lamp and open this book to read before sleep.
My all timefavoritestories in this book
are about how much she loves her children. She cried every Sept. when
it was time for them to return to school, and once when her son got put
in detention after school, sister Hinckley marched right down to the
school and informed the teacher that "between 9 and 3p, he is yours but
after that he is mine." And, she promptly took her son home.
Here's some things I found inspiring last night:
OPTIMISM:
"I have a n ew project, one chapter a day from each of the standard works. I have been on it for four days and am only three days behind. Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried." (This gives me hope for my feeble attempts!)
When Pres. Hinckley proposed he regretfully let her know he only had a $150.00 to his name and sister Hinckley thought: "I had hoped for a husband and now I get a $150 too!"
"Doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done and with a cheerful heart." -Sister Hinckley speaking of her great grandmother's character.
"Do whatever you have to do this week, do it with your whole heart and
soul, and do it cheerfully. To do less than this will leave you with an
empty feeling." -A letter Sister Hinckley wrote to her granddaughter.
Okay, not really. But, I found this funny quote and had to share, because this is the equivalent of the response I get sometimes when I say:
I'm homeschooling.
Life is getting back to normal, it's been a longyear and a half, with the pregnancy and little sweet hearted-non sleeping-picky nurser-non bottle drinking-Rusty. That's a bit dramatized, but truthfully the kid doesn't believe in nursing outside my bedroom, just the two of us (which, leaves 3 other little tykes alone to reek havoc).
I always thought those moms who said their kiddos wouldn't take a bottle were exaggerating too, but it's true, he won't take a bottle. I've tried starving the little babe, I've tried delicious full strength juices, breast milk, even baby food in a bottle but he's not havin' it. I've come to the conclusion that he's bottle sucking impaired.
But, with all that he's still charmingas all get out, and a happy little guy. I couldn't ask for a better group of kids. They are super fun, funny, and sweet to one another. I appreciate Ky's help more than she can understand, without being an exhausted mommy of four herself. And, Fin is always good for spreading cheer, and Bridge-well the kids hilarious. So, busy he's a blur, so enthusiastic about life, it's contagious.
And, we've officially started homeschool. In familiar Stephanie fashion, getting into full swing took more time than expected, but luckily we tried to officially start in July, so by the time September came around we were officially rolling.
I have to say I LOVE it!
I didn't know I would. I more so decided to homeschool because I couldn't shake the feeling that I should for my specific bundle of kids. Mind you it's only been 4 weeks, but I think I could do this longterm if my kids would allow. It's really fun to learn side by side. Mesopotamia, Bee and day dreaming about math manipulatives. Nerd Alert....
I'm so excited about this whole homeschooling thing, I got a cute pointer, some flip charts to point at, and a jean jumper to really pull it off. (The jean jumper was a moment of odd insanity -from the Gap. You know how I feel about the Gap. What was I thinking?)
We're still figuring out what works best with our little fam. But, I'm thinking we're leaning towards a "Delightfully Directed"approach (cute, right? They had me at the name).
Mostly this consists of a lot of snuggling up for reading, hands on math (Except Ky who gets the full meal deal with Saxon), games, creative adventures, and exploring whatever else excites our fancy. [Truthfully, I'm a little nervous about this approach but it speaks to my heart and we're having fun so far. So, we'll see where it takes us, I suppose if they flunk this year we can go more traditional next year? ;) ]
Little Nicholas Rusty came in his own good time. I went in for induction on Thursday but he must not of felt up to it, because he didn't make his appearance until Saturday.
Most people think he looks like Bridge, but Bridgey finds this offensive:
"He does not! He doesn't even have teeth!"
And, when we brought him home, Bridge kept poking at his eyes trying to see if "those grow in later" like teeth do.
The kids are enamored by little Spot, and he's just a doll. He's rarely set down between his adoring dad, sibs, and me.
Bridgey: "Yeah, and you have to be an adult and get married, buthowdoes the baby get there?" (it's like he knows I'm keeping something from him)
Mom: "Well, the Mommy and Daddy ask Heavenly Father for a baby, and then Heavenly Father sends a baby to the mommy's tummy."
Bridge: "Oh, ok."
Mom: "Phew." (cue: laughter from surrounding shoppers)
Man, he's been interested in how this baby stuff works lately. How the baby comes out, and how he got there. I'm doing my best to satisfy his 4 year old curiosity, and maintain his innocence. Because when I asked these questions as a 6 year old I remember getting more than I bargained for. I've been grossed out ever since.
I have to say I am feeling a twinge of regret for a few things now, namely;
-leaving hair scissors within reach of a two year old. -ignoring the naughty little pitter-patter of footsteps I heard during nap time today. -and for all the times I complained about Fin's "whispy... straggly... unruly hair".
As, now all there is to say is:
Butchered.
When she came down the stairs smiling, scissors in hand, I felt like I had been gut checked.
I have to say I was surprised at my own reaction I always thought I'd think it was more funny than anything, take a roll of film and call it good. But no, my reaction was more of a involuntarilygasp, in which she doubled over in hysterics at!
I think she thought I was playing with her, so of course, I needed to straighten her out. After all, Hair, is no laughing matter.
After giving that naughty 2 year old a hefty lecture about who is and is NOT allowed to use the scissors, she turned to me, with her little lip quivering and said,
"Mommy? You be nice to me??" Her plea was so disarming, it even made her freshly cut Mullet seem darling.
I love October to December! I wait all year for these months to arrive. I've been scouting out fun ideas online and here's some I'm hoping to try with the kiddos this year or in years to come. Thought I might as well share the list.
From the research I've done, teaching cursive first is more logical. This makes me wonder, then why do the schools teach printing first? Is it because it would be harder for the teacher to deciper cursive writing? Hummmm?
I've spent a lot of time the past couple weeks, lecturing Kyanne about
To help us keep our eye on the ball this year, we decided to copy a story I found at the church bookstore about a family who put a piece of straw in a manger as they did kind acts through the month. So, Jess made a manger with the kids (it's sooo cute) and they have put straw inside it anonymously for their acts of service, as their gift to the Savior. Just having the little wooden manger under the tree helped me remember the Savior more this Holiday.
When I was younger each Sunday I attended a little white Baptist church with a neighbor. They taught me wonderful things about God and Jesus, including He atoned for our sins. But, I never understood what this really meant until recent years. Now I can understand that He not only atoned for our sins, but He also had to carry each pain, suffering, and heartache that would come to us.
Below is our friend Natasha telling her own story. Natasha was the all American teen, Cheerleader, honor roll, mom, dad and little brother at home. Her traffickers went to such length to abduct her, that they not only gave her their business card asking her to call if she was interested in becoming a make-up artist, but then had her meet them at an office building where they interviewed her and let her know that there were so many applicants she may not get the job. Three weeks later they called to inform her she had got the job and needed to get her travel documents in order and tell her family.
It could suck my life away if my kids would allow it.
Okay, not really. But, I found this funny quote and had to share, because this is the equivalent of the response I get sometimes when I say:
I'm so excited about this whole homeschooling thing, I got a cute pointer, some flip charts to point at, and a jean jumper to really pull it off. (The jean jumper was a moment of odd insanity -from the Gap. You know how I feel about the Gap. What was I thinking?)
While shopping for the baby yesterday.
