M+B=E2O2

Everything happens for a reason....

So yesterday I went up to my parents house because I had a dental appointment. My Dad was supposed to be there at 2:30 to waatch the kids, my MIL would be ther at 3 for a half hour to help him out and my mom was going to try and get off wok at 2:45 to be home around 3 as well. Well my dad got hung up at a meeting and couldn't get away (my appointment was at 3) but my MIL and BIL arrived a little after 3. I drove doen the street,turned the corner and was ant the next corner, which is a busy street. I stopped at the stopsign and noticed 2 little girls (younger than 3) and a little boy (maybe 15 mo) walking towrd the busy street crying. I inched forward to see if there were nay adults that had already turned the corner aheand of them - no one. One little girl started taking steps to the street- she was crying and obviously lost and scared. I jumped out of my car and ran to them. they didn't seem to speak english- probably spanish. turns out there was another little girl (also maybe 2 yo) who was wlking aroung the yard crying. Another car had seen them and pulled up to help corral them and find out where they belonged. I called 911 & while talking to them they started walking back toward my parents street. I think the other lady sort of scared them she was on the large side and her hair was a bit wild- but she was kind. Once they saw the corner house they ran up to the door. The wild hair lady talked with the adults inside- they did not even know all 4 kids were out of the house. I called 911 back to let them know we found thier home and gave them the address. I was already late for my appointment so I had to go, but I was told that the police would follow up on it. I hope it was not a day care.

I'm not one to fuss about getting lost or being late- I like to be punctual and I strive for it- but when things happen that are out of my control- like my dad being in an interview that lasted an hour longer than he thought- I see no point in getting worked up or angry. Things like that happen for a reason. If I left on time- that little girl might have walked into the busy street. I understand that there were many stories like this when the WTC was hit. People late to work for some reason or another & it saved their life. Living in LA I see a lot of angry drivers- I just don't get it. Nothing is so important that I'd risk my life or anyone elses driving crazy.

Christmas + Math = Cookies

I'm hoping to do lots of math this month.... I have tons of cookies I wnat to make!! We host Christmas Eve at our house- and we do it big! Last year was extra big- we had some east coast family out. This year will only be 23. Yep 23 for a sit down formal meal! Last year was 31. My mom's side of the family is Polish- so we have a traditional Polish Wigilia. We've added a few touches of our own- incorporating Bens hispanic heritage as well. So in these next few weeks I'll be making Pierogies up the wazoo- I'll have the kids help a little- but I think cookie making will be what they do while I do the pierogies. You might say I've got high hopes. either way I love this time of year!!! minus the sickies it is my favorite time of the year. We're all just getting over or in the midst of a mild cold. Hope that is the extent for the next month at least.

I've been thinking a lot about John Holt lately- I 've read his name in passing on several blogs. I was first exposed to him ironically while getting my teaching credential. His was one of the few books I saved. (Learning All The Time). I think at heart I am a hopelss unschooler. That book so totally got to me- and this was long before the thought of children of my own had entered my mind. Ben is more type A than me- he has to be- I don't think I'd want anything else in a doctor! I know he has concerns about unschooling. He is fine with it for now- but I know he'd like to see more structure as time goes on. I do want to buy curriculum- but I struggle when I try to imagine "school" time as a set thing. I would like for him to meet some unschooling families- or at least read about them. then again- a year from now I may be the one needing more structure- who knows. and I do want to give the kids what ever it is they need- they both love to learn (speaking of the big 2). I love this journey we've started! I can't wait to see the roads we travel and the choices we make. I also love every minute of this time right now-down to the double crying babies- Evan because he's sick and needs mommy & Olivia because she's so new that's all she can do.

The longest cry

Gee that was a long cry!  I thought I'd be back oh- last Wed or so- guess not!  Oh well!

We had a great TG- went to my moms house- nothing like packing 5 adults, 4 kids & 3 dogs into a 3 bedroom house- add in 3 more adults for TG dinner and- we- I'd say we have a lot to be thankful for! Our families get along very well- Not only do we like eachothers parents but they like one another as well. It really was a great weekend.

The reason I was thinking about socialization last week is because I was thinking about how lucky I am to have my playgroup friends. I truely lucked into them. They were a group that originated in a hospital mommy and me class- and it took root and grew (and shrank) into what it is today. I met one of the mom's at the mall one day- after living in LA for a year- going to parks, malls and libraries. and she was the first mom I met who was close in age, had same age kids, was a SAHM, and spoke english. Honestly she was the first in a year that fit even half that. Oh and she didn't have a nanny- I am still shocked at how many nanny's I see out with kids. I was at the end of my pregnancy with Evan when I met Joy nad she was so kind! we exchanged emails and she kept in touch with me. I went to my first playgroup when Evan was oh 3-4 weeks old I think. This wonder group of women meet every Tuesday and once a month they have a moms night out. Everyone gets a chance to host playgroup and we have several no host days as well. The kids in the group are all 6 and under- mosly 5 and under- I think Emma is the only 6 year old. Not only do my kids have a wonderful group of friends to grow up with- I've met incredible women who are strong and giving and wonderful. Do I worry about socializtion - not a bit.

Socialization & qualifications....

I wish there were more hours in the day sometimes. I often "journal" in my head and then never get a chance to write it down. Or when I do get the rare moment, I forget all the great thoughts I had wanted to get down.

As most every homeschooling family knows, the biggest question most people have is about socialization. For some I know they deal with the question of ability to teach or having the right "qualifications" to teach thier own children. Such a crock. We don't have to deal with that one since I am a California credentialed teacher & Ben is a MD. somehow that makes most people feel we are incredibly qualified to teach our kids. How wrong they are! I'm not saying I'm not quaified or able to teach, but I am saying that I am no more quaified than any other parent out there. I believe with all my being that anyone can teach. some will be better at it than others but anyone can do it. Or at least any parent can provide the tools needed for a kid to learn. I find it almost funny when I see the look of relief on a person's face when they find out what Ben & I went to school for. I know that they would never understand how I sometimes feel it is more of a hinderance than a help. I do find it to be most helpful in that I really don't need to do anything legally. However I am going to file to be a private school next year. I don't know that I'll renew my credential so I want to get that set up.
Baby's crying I'll edit in more later....................

Mixing colors

We had fun with mixing colors again today. This time I put a long sheet of paper out on the sidewalk an at one end I put red,blue & yellow paint. They took off their shoes and had so much fun making footprints and "skating" in the paint! The neighbor kids joined in and while some clothes made the ultimate sacrifice, fun was had by all! (ok so it was machine washable paint- no clothing was harmed in this process.) The kids all noticed the mixing of the colors so calls of "look I made purple!" Evan wasn't so sure about the whole thing- he did step in the paint but then went straight to the grass to look at his feet.



ah well- the baby calls.........

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Thursday, November 17, 2005

more pondering of parenthood..........

Somthing else I was pondering today. I try to teach the kids to use nice words. We (Ben & I) do not to use words such as "stupid" in front of the kids. I even go so far as to replace that particular word when I come across it in a book or story I am reading them (Dr. Suess's The Lorax uses it I think). We don't cuss in front of the kids ever- though in all adult company you are likely to hear some choice words from either of us we are both very aware of our language in front of children. So what do you say when someone you like uses language you don't like in front of your kids. Things like "stupid" or "shut up". In general I tell them that it is not nice and that I don't want to hear them saying something like that. What do you say if they ask why so and so can? (an adult so and so). It hasn't come up yet but I'm sure it will. I imagine I'll tell them that some grown ups like to use words like that but that it is just not ok for them- but I literally cringe when I hear it.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Where is the line?

So i wonder sometimes where to draw the line. I ry very hard to teach my kids to be poilte- now they are kids and I know that it won't always happen, but I try very hard tomake them aware of how their attitude affects others. It really bothers me when other children are out and out rude to them. Do I call them on it as I would if it were my kids? Do I just let my kids feelings get hurt and tell thm that their "firend" is just not being very nice? both? If I'm the only adult on the scene and I'm "in charge" is it ok for me to reprimand the offending child? The mother bear in me usually does reprimand or at least say something- but I just often wonder if there are times I shouldn't. In our playgroup it is not an issue- most everyone that I am aware of is of the mindframe that it takes a community and we all help one another in teaching out children respect. It is the same with one neighbor too. We lost a "friend" in another neighbor a year ago over this issue. Such a bummer- It was me that told the child not to hit my son (with a badmitten (sp?) racket) and the girls mom got very angry at me. It's not as though I yelled at the girl either- just told her to use her words and not hit. she told me not to talk to her daughter that way. Since then I've always had just a bit of reserve about the situaltion. Most everyone I've spoken too feels I handled the situation in a way that they might have but still. Where do you draw the line wnd when have you crossed it?

November 16, 2005

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

No TV= more letter fun

My sister had given the kids a extra lage notebook for practive letters. It was put aside for quite a while. I pulled it out this week and the kida have been loving it. They've asked me if they can learn new letters to write. The first day I brought it out I picked a letter, after that I let them pick. I picked "G", Emma picked "A" and Owen picked "F". They are also asking how to spell words on occasion. They are also playing the computer quite a bit. Thier Gammy (Ben's mom) brought them several games fromher collection at home. They are from when their cousic was their age. They love it.

I've been very into leaving the TV off- they are already asking less. They just do soooo much more if it is not on. I know some kids will go in and out and the TV is not something that they glue into- but Emma & Owen just get stuck. I wish we had Discovery Kids though. I do like Noggin and a few shows on Nick- but I dislike all the comersials on most of the channels.

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Saturday, November 12, 2005

The week went on......

The week got better day by day. Tuesday we were supposed to go to our playgroup, but I was just too exhausted. here is what I wrote to the girls to let them know why I would not be there:

I have been in tears the last two days just trying to get a grip on all the chaos around me. I know you all think I'm so calm and such a super mom, but I'm not really. I've been up since 4 this morning. Olivia had very bad gas last night and early this morning. I think I've figured out what I ate that did it- and I will avoid it in the future, but it has made for a rough few days. So with her crying inconsolably, Evan screaming over EVERY little thing he doesn't like, Emma and Owen getting antsy and rough housing all over the place- I've just been a mess. Speaking of mess, my house is almost as bad, I'm trying to keep up with everything, but between normal laundry and all the pee pee accidents (they've been on the rise lately) I just can't keep up. If Evan would just veg out infront of the TV I might get some peace, but he wants nothing to do with it. Ben has been fantastic, I don't know what I would do with out him. He took Livi last night for at least an hour of the 2 so that was great. He also puts the 3 big kids to bed at night and for that I can't thank him enough. He's coming home early today too so I will get some away time- even if it is just to the store, I'll take it! (and I can't seem to remember all we need at the store ever- even if I have a litst I always seem to miss something so I'm always needing to go back - not really what I want to do with all of them.) So anyone who happens to read this before going to Kathleen's today- please let her know why we aren't there. I do much better when I get better sleep and have the energy to leave the house. Hopefully a change in diet will bring us back to normal- this is her first time having any fits of crying like this- she's been a dream baby so far.

Wednesday was the day that the week turned around. We stayed home all day. The best part was that Olivia slept through the night so I was in a much better frame of mind. Earlier in the week I had been to the web site for TLC show Peep, there were a few games there that I let the kids try. One of them involved mixing colors. So I thought we'd do it "in real life" too. I set up thier easel in the front yard and gave them each a tray with blue, yellow and red. They had a great time- though next time I'll just do two colors I think. Owen never quite got a good green going, too much red always on his brush- he just loved the red. Other things we worked on this week include some letter writing and counting. They've been wanting to do workbook pages as well as "abc pages" that I print for them. Those are two things always avaiable for them, but I dont' force it on them. I'll offer it up and sometimes they want to do them other times not so much. Owen is much more precise in trying to copy or trace his letters. That means it takes him a long time to do it so he starts to lose interest due to being "so tired". Emma is not so careful but definately seems to enjoy it more than Owen and for a longer time.

I showed them the game mancala this week. I played against them- I seem to remember that it is taught in 2nd or 3rd grade, so I know it is a bit much for them alone right now, but it makes for good counting practice and with direction they had no problem. It is good for Emma's fine motor as well. I'm noticing that she is having a tough time with some things lately. oh yeesh - for example yesterday she went to play thier computer, it has independent speakers which she knows how to turn on and off and I though she knew how to do volume control. well she went to turn it up a little and ended up blasting the thing. she about freaked out. I mean really freaked. hands over her ears screaming "it's too loud!!!!!!!!!!!" and at one poiint she was literally shaking. I had my hands full so I was trying to direct her on how to turn it down when there was a break in the music but she had really lost it. I turned it down for her then tried to teach her how to do it. it was very hard for her to pinch the little knob and turn it. she did get it eventually but I don't know that she'll be playing "dr.suess's abc's" again anytime soon! She has told me several times since that she doens't like the abc's anymore! LOL! So yeah she needs some help with fine motor.

I'd like to start reading chapter books with Emma & Owen. I'm thinking the Little House series. those were my all time favorites as a kid so I'm really looking forward to sharing them. Evan takes a 1-2.5 hour nap every day so I think that's when we'll do it. Evan is just waaaay to busy to try and do it while he's awake.

Is it over yet???

Wow- today was just oneof those days where you want one of two things to happen.  YOu either want to crawl in bed and hide under the covers all day long or you want the day to just end so you can go to sleep and pretend it never happened.  Yikes.  It's not even as though I can blame it on lack of sleep either.  Olivia is a lovely sleeper.  she sleeps 5-7 hours a night on average.  and even when she wakes it is all business- eat then sleep.  What made today so hard was that I had two babies.  Evan was  just very cranky- he cried or really more like screamed over everything.  From breakfast on through the day.  He had some good moments- but mainly he just was cranky nad let me know.  He did have fun at gymnastics.  Today was our first day back to the once a week morning class.  He  did well and the big kids have a very small class of just 3.  The teacher is great though- she is the director of the program and very attentive.  they leared the terms "mount" and "dismount" today.  They had a great time in the "kids room" too (the childcare room).  I can't wait to leave Evan there too.  He is just not into it right now- but I think he is getting closer to wanting to stay and play.  I can leave Livi starting in mid January- so my hope is to drop of the crew and take some time for me- I can't  wait!

I learned that both Owen & Emma know how to draw a rocket ship- Emma even adds flames to the bottom.  I learned that Owen can read (or recognize) the product Bounty.I don't buy that brand- but was looking tat the brand next ot it on the shelf and he told me " Mom- that's Bounty- it has bigger quilts" .  Did I mention we've had the TV on too much lately?  Finally I learned that it is not my morning cup of coffee that get Livi  a bit fussy- can't wait for that cuppa tomorrow!