Last Field Trip Day - Field Events

We started a fun tradition last year by ending our year with a Field Events Day.  Everyone had so much fun, we decided it should be an annual event.  We held it at the same park with a huge field for games, a covered shelter for a picnic lunch and a playground.

The day started overcast and a little drizzly.  We waited it out and had a blast! 

This is a fun day to do some of those games and events that as homeschoolers, we don't often get the chance to do.  We split the children into several groups by age to do the events.

One group did races - egg and spoon race, 3-legged race, sack race and backwards race.

 Trying to figure out timing on the 3-legged race is always a challenge. 

These two hopped on one foot and kept their tied feet off the group.  Clever - and pretty successful too.

The other group competed in softball throw, broad jump and horseshoes.  This is Christopher throwing the ball.  I think his football is paying off here as he had the longest throw.

 The broad jump.

Horseshoes.

The youngest children had a small area where they could play tee-ball, bean bag toss and races.  They mainly just liked to play which was fine.

Rebecca showed Eliana how to play tee-ball - and she loved it!

 

 

We took some group photos - and some photos of the winners in several catagories.  Here is one that I wanted to share.  Rebecca came in 3rd in the broad jump.   She fell back on her bottom (hurting it) and was short just an inch from 2nd place (her brother - who didn't want to fall backwards and told me that he had the perfect landing).  Love the effort in going up against the bigger guys!  Their effort was great too!

We took a break for lunch and then played a few more games.  First we played "Melt the Ice".  It's a simple game and I loved seeing kids from 4 to 16 playing it!  We divided the group in half.  The goal is to melt the ice the fastest.  You pass the ice around the group trying to melt yours first.  You can't put the ice in your mouth.  We started with 3 ice cubes in each group.  We did a few more the next round. 

We ended the formal games with kickball which is always a hit. 

Once again, I'm thankful for good friends and the ability to share these memory making times with them.

Blessings

Leslie

Another easy experiment - growing wheatgrass

As I was reading friend's blogs last week, I found a great idea on Candace's blog.  Not only did it look easy and fun - it fit with what we are studying this week!  How cool is that?  This is the site with the original instructions. 

Daniel is reading The Little Rabbit and the tie in would be grass that a rabbit eats.  Isaiah and Joshua are studying Climbing Kansas Mountains which is a story about a grain elevator (the mountain).  Sprouting grains is an obvious connection. 

I love it when gathering the ingredients is fairly easy.  Well, there is one ingredient that may not be easy for everyone.  It is grain.  Since we grind our own (or I used to be better about doing this), we have large buckets full of it!

First we soaked the grain for 8 hours, draining the water at the half-way point and refilling with fresh water.  Isaiah was so excited and wanted to be very precise in his measurements.  I just wanted the grains covered, but he happily accepted a specific number so that he could do it right!

After the grains has soaked, we drained out the water and started afresh.  First we added a layer of sand to the bottom of the jar.  This to help with overzealous watering.  We definitely had that!  Next a layer of soil several inches deep.  Finally the grains on top.  Just a layer to cover the soil, not too deep so it doesn't mold.

daniel loves to have his own jar to do along with the bigger boys.

This is a view from the beginning.

 By the second day, we had shoots.  What is also really neat is that you can see the roots in the jars too!

After 5-6 days, just look how much it has grown!

And here is a look at 8 days.  Note the squirt bottle beside the plants.  I bought this at the dollar store and the boys have used it faithfully to water their plants.  Some a little more vigorously than others.  LOL 

What a satisfying experiment.  We can easily see changes each day, and even within a couple of hours!!!  It's been a lot of fun and I highly recommend doing this one!

Blessings

Leslie 

Eliana and her new baby doll

Last week I went shopping at a local educational store that was having a teacher appreciation night.  While looking at educational things for school, I also wandered into the toy area.  There I spotted the cutest doll.  I've been wanting a doll for Eliana and debated buying one for her last Christmas.  I didn't.  She has been playing with Rebecca's Bitty Baby (which is still a little big and heavy for her). 

Well, this doll looked perfect - just the right size, soft cloth and not too heavy.  I called Roger to see what he thought about buying her a doll and he said go for it!  She also has a feeding set (bowl, spoon, baby food, bottle and bib)  that we'll give her another day.  Small steps.

When I pulled out the doll today, the boys wondered why Eliana was getting a gift.  No good reason except that I don't want to wait another 7 months for her birthday or Christmas.  I told them she was getting an early birthday gift.  I think she'll get good use of it too!

I wrapped the doll up in a blanket and handed it to Eliana.

There are always a few people to look or cheer you on when you are doing something around here.

The doll has a pacifier that magnetically attaches to her face (which is what Eliana is holding in her hand).  This is her first doll hug. 

Do you think she is a little bit happy to have a new doll?!!!  Her comment was "ooooooohhhh". 

Next, she gives her doll a kiss.  This was all spontaneous with no prompting from anyone else.  I love to see the nurturing aspect of her personality!

Rebecca ran up to get her old stroller from the attic.  Eliana was thrilled to put her doll in it and give her a ride around the house.  First she had to be buckled in though.

Next, she ran to the cabinet with the children's cups and plates.  She retrieved a few things for her doll in order to feed her.  Again, she inititated all of this.

Later in the day, she was reading a book to her new doll.  So cute!  (Please excuse the grape juice stains all over the chair!  lol )

All of this may seem just ordinary - and in a way it is.  Pretending is something that 2 year olds do all the time.  This milestone though for a child with delays is sweet.  It's not something that is always typical and it encourages my heart to see her playing and pretending with her doll.  It is often something that has to be taught and learned.  Rebecca has been playing dolls with her so she has had opportunity to learn. 

It gives me pause to thank God for this milestone - something I never thought to do with my other children.  There is much that I don't take for granted anymore. 

This is a big step.  It was so much fun to watch.  Thank you God for the opportunity to slow down and appreciate more.  Thank you for the chance to appreciate the small things and celebrate so many little steps.  It is sweet and I'm thankful to be right here!

Blessings

Leslie

My Mother's Day

I had a lovely Mother's Day.  How could I not when I was surrounded by all of the wonderful little people that call me Mom/Mommy/Mama. 

Roger had to go to work early (Carolina's graduation) and the kids and I hung out at the house.  We decided to have our own worship at home since Daniel seemed to have a bit of a runny nose and was not interested in going to Sunday School without his Dad (he helps teach the class). 

I was greeted in the morning by a chorus of sweet voices saying "Happy Mother's Day" and entering with a breakfast in bed.  Some of my favorite foods - grits (YUM), eggs, bacon, biscuit and an Orange Julius.  It was all delicious!  Rebecca has become quite a good cook!

I also received some beautiful hand-made cards from Daniel, Isaiah and Eliana (with her handprint).  Joshua didn't give me a card, but did do a "jig" for me (his words).  LOL  Christopher put a greeting on my screensaver for me - a twirling text saying Happy Mother's Day.  Rebecca bought a lovely card for me.

When I came downstairs, I was greeted by a virtual florist shop of beautiful flowers!  Along with gifts - chocolate in a couple of varieties, tic tacs and a new necklace that Rebecca made for me. 

When Roger came home, he brought in some of the lovely roses from one of our bushes outside as well as another gift - a nail care set.  I have such a thoughtful family!  For lunch Rebecca and Christopher worked together to make this delicious club sandwich with grilled chicken.  Yummy!

I spent some time doing things I wanted to do.  (Tried to clean out my email box a little bit).  Also read a book.

We went to Rebecca's soccer game in the afternoon.  It was a fun game and she played really well.  (Yes, she made a goal and several assists.)

Dinner was taco mac salad - a family favorite.  I loved not having to cook or clean in the kitchen all day!  Thank you to my sweet family.

Rebecca made my favorite for dessert - banana pudding.  A sweet ending to a sweet day.

I thank God each day for blessing me with such an amazing family.  I am truly blessed!

Blessings

Leslie

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

I am so thankful for you!  I have learned so much from your example.  I am thankful for your encouragment and support to me as I've gone through so many stages and changes in my life.  I appreciate your willingness to be there for me - both physically and in prayer - when I needed you most.

I am thankful that you love my family and love spending time with us.  That just blessed me - and I'm glad it blesses you too. 

I'm thankful for all that you have taught me - from how to quilt to how to be a mom, from learning about God to being a better wife. 

I wish I could be with you today Mom!

I love you!

Leslie

Field Trip to Camp Chestnut Ridge

We had another awesome field trip day.  I had wondered if it were going to work.  This same field trip was rained out a month ago and this day was looming a little dark and uncertain.  We needed to make the decision by 8:30am - and at that time the skies were grey and  ominous and it had been raining most of the night.  I prayed and asked God to help me make the decision and to make it an easy one.  Well, He didn't make it easy, but He surely helped to make the right one.  We went for it - and it was a gorgeous day!

We spend the day at Camp Chestnut Ridge.  What an awesome facility with wonderful staff!   

 We divided up by ages for this outing as the oldest children were going on a low ropes course.  We had two groups going out - 3rd to 5th graders and 6th grade and up.  They did some team building exercises and games before setting out on the course.  Each of the spots on the course was set up as a story - Indiana Jones or crocodiles in the river.  There was an obstacle and they had to figure out as a group how to overcome it.

They had to all get on top of a small platform, swing from a rope across a "ravine" and all get on a moving plank bridge.  Now I didnt' see any of this and this is the best of my memory working here.  I'll update tomorrow when my children are awake if I can remember.  LOL

One of the up sides of splitting into groups is that we are able to tailor activities for each age group that are challenging and fun.  I know that even my 16yo was looking forward to this trip!  The downside is that I miss seeing what all of my children are doing.  I miss experiencing it with them!  I rely on their stories and the stories of others.  (Thanks Lynn for sharing one in the comments yesterday!)

When the kids came back from the outing, the gal with whom I'd been talking to set up the outing shared with me about her group.  (The middle group of kids.)  She told me that she had one boy in her group that was very quiet.  When the kids were trying to figure something out, he would say the answer but nobody heard him because he was so quiet.  She noted that he was saying the right answer so she asked everyone to be quiet so that they could hear this boy speak.  She then made him a leader which she said he was quite excited about.  She then went on to share how this quiet boy took on this new leadership role and did a great job with it - guiding his team well.  I was curious by now and pointed to my son Joshua, who was across the shelter, and asked if he was the quiet boy.  She confirmed my suspicions not realizing that he was my son.  I loved that I was able to hear this story!  It did my mama's heart good.  She also said that on the return to the shelter that "Captain Joshua" said that he thought he would become "General Joshua" now.  LOL  I'm not thinking it went to his head, but that it was a wonderful opportunity for him to have a chance to lead.

While the older two groups were out, the younger kids had some hands-on and interactive classes.  The first was on bees.  We looked at a variety of types of bees (pictures).  Then they talked about the hives and the special shape in the hive - hexagon.  She asked why this shape was used instead of a circle.  They did an activity to demonstrate why the hexagon is a better use of space by placing together a group of circles and a group of hexagons to see which worked better.  You know the answer. 

Next they each got a piece of beeswax and a wick.  I took a close-up of the beeswax so that you could see the hexagon shape made by the bees.  Isn't it neat?

The children placed the wick on one side of the beeswax and rolled it up into a candle. 

The next class was at the garden.  There are a number of children who come to an after school program here that help to maintain this beautiful garden.  We took a tour and saw the many wonderful plants, some bantam chickens and the composting area. 

TThe children then made some snacks - right from the garden.  First they picked a lettuce leaf.  Isaiah did not want to do this as he informed me that he didn't like lettuce.  I finally convinced him to make it for me.  A really good call!  lol  After rinsing off the leaves, they layed then on a napkin and spread cream cheese on them.  Then they added "nature's sprinkles" - sunflower seeds.  The final step was to roll it up. 

I don't know how this sounds to you but it  tasted yummy!!!  I'll definitely be making this again!

The children also made coleslaw.  Isaiah and Daniel preferred plain veggies - snap peas (Isaiah only) and carrots (both).

My boys chatting with a friend

There was a big dog that liked to hang around and Eliana was thrilled when he came up for a visit.  She really likes dogs.  (No, we don't have one.)  She would cautiously approach him to give him a pet and then back away to look at him. 

This pic just cracked me up as it looks like she is talking to him!

The third and final class for the younger kids was on matter.  They learned about the three stages of matter - solid, liquid and gas.  The gal teaching did a great job bringing it to their level. 

 

Their first experiement was making flubber.    This was a very easy thing to do and I do recommend it as a fun thing to try with children.  They were excited to see this liquid turn to solid - and it's a fun solid to play with as well!

Here is Isaiah demonstrating the end result.

At this point in the day, Eliana, who had been a little fussy, became a lot fussy!  She was crying and not quiet.  I went to the van to get her lunch thinking that she could eat quietly while the children finished their class.  Well, Daniel came to the car upset because he has lost his seat beside his brother.  I took him back and squeezed him back onto the bench.

He wasn't thrilled with this.  Eliana is still crying.  The children are told to pair up.  He wants to be my partner.  Did I mention that Eliana is still crying?  I told him I can't be his partner and find another child to be his partner.  Well, he doesn't know this little boy and does not want to be his partner. 

The partners are making ice cream in baggies.  Cream, ice and salt.  It's super easy and yummy to boot!  All of the kids loved it - except Daniel.

By this time, I'm frustrated.  I don't handle it well either.  I'm frustrated with Daniel's inability to just deal with the situation.  I'm not patient with him.  Ever solution I come up with is rejected and he just doesn't listen to anything I say.  Then I just dont want to help him either.  Not a pretty mommy moment at all!  A friend tries to help include Daniel, but he only wants me.  Another offers to feed Eliana - but I don't take her up on it as she really likes me to feed her.  Its been this way for most of her life.  I should have let her try though as it might have worked.  Next time I will.  I will admit though that at this point, I didn't want to be with Daniel as he just wasn't listening.  He was trying to hold it together and he had a mom that just totally missed the boat. 

After I dealt with my frustration, I just felt horrible.  I was impatient and mean.  I apologized to my sweet boy and also to my friends.  I wish that I could say that it wouldn't happen again.  I wish that I could just get it right all of the time.  I wish that I wasn't able to hurt those I love so very much.  I'm thankful though that I make mistakes as I need to be humbled and it reminds me how much I need a Saviour.  I hope too that it helps me to be a little more understanding of my children and other stressed out mommies.  What a lesson to get right before Mother's Day, huh?  I learn sooo much from my precious children.  I'm so very thankful for the blessing of being a mother.  I can't imagine doing anything else! 

After the classes, we just hung out and played.  Daniel was fine after spending some time playing with Isaiah.  We ate lunch and the children just ran around and played.  It was a sweet afternoon with friends.

We all learned a lot - some of us more than we thought we would.  Thank you God for leading us gently.  Thank you for your example of love that never tires, never gets frustrated and is always available.  God is good!

Blessings
Leslie