Field trip to the Art Museum

Our first field trip of the new year was to the NC Art Musuem.  It brought back memories for me.  It's been just over 4 years since I had last been here.  It was the last place that I went before Eliana was born.  When times were hard at first, I thought of this as my "last day of normal" - before my world was turned upside down.

I wish I had known then what I know now and perhaps it wouldn't have been so hard.  Of course, the reason it wouldn't be so hard now is that I've walked that path.  I've found God faithful.  I've been tested and know where my strength comes from.  God is good.  I don't always understand, but I know He is good.  (This is not to say that I won't still struggle and go through hard times!)

Back to the museum.  We were split into several groups.  My oldest 3 toured the Normal Rockwell exhibit!  I heard it was great and would have loved to go in myself.  Maybe another year.

The younger half of the group were split into 2 different groups.  I took my two youngest in one of the groups.  The museum has been renovated and has a new addition since we were last there.  It's really big and nice and easy to get around in.

We were told not to bring strollers, but shortly after going in one of the security guards asked if I needed one.  I declined thinking we weren't supposed to have them.  When the second guard asked a little bit later, I gratefully said yes.  I think it was a much easier trip with a stroller!

We all had a guided tour and our docent was very good about asking questions and involving the children.  We toured exhibits from Africa.

This is a picture of heads of people in Africa.  They added two heads when they visited Raleigh to donate this piece.  Can you find them?

This pictures is made from many spools of thread!  It's one of my favorites.  Can you tell what it is?

Are you wondering why it is upside down?  Well, I'm not sure why it was done that way, but there is a neat little device that you can look through that shows it right-side up!

 We crossed paths once with one of our groups.  It is hard sometimes to be split up as I always want to know what everyone is doing and learning.  It some settings though it really does work best to tailor what we are doing based on ages.  I'm thankful to have options!

 We saw exhibits from Egypt.

I don't remember where this piece was from, but do remember that it was considered special because it was one large piece of pottery.  Not sure how they fired something this large (as it was made a long time ago - sorry don't remember that detail either.). 

We examined pictures from various time periods.  This was a portrait done of a wealthy man and his family.  Sadly, it wasn't a truly accurate painting.  He was a loyalist and lost much of his wealth after the war.  His wife died.  This was a painting of how things might have been. 

We took Flat Stanley with us.  (I know we need to send him back!!!)

This is a neat sculpture of hands.  The children tried to put their hands in the same pose and found that they couldn't do it.  Can you?  Of course, you can't either because it is of two right hands.  They then tried it with a partner and were able to do it.

We had some free time while we were waiting for some of the groups to finish.  I love watching my oldest and youngest together.  Sometimes they just tickle me. 

We visited a travelling Eric Carle museum exhibit too while we were there.  It was just a few works by Carle and some by other children's picture book artists. 

This was a delightful way to start our school year with our FIAR group.  I will confess that I'm not one that greatly enjoys art, but did enjoy learning in this way.  I'm glad my children have the opportunity to learn too as it's not something that I cover a lot in our schooling.

We treated ourselves to lunch out afterwards with lots of our friends.  I am thankful for a fun group with this to learn and have fun.  Hope you are having a fun week!

Blessings
Leslie



Harold and the Purple Crayon

I find that January is often a month in which I don't take a lot of pictures.  (Makes it an easy month to scrapbook!)  I did take a few of some of our fun with Harold and the Purple Crayon.  Rowing these books with Daniel is just as much fun as it was ... 13 or so years ago with Christopher. 

This was a fun title to use to start back to school.  I bought a long roll of paper and Daniel loved drawing an on-going picture like the one in the story.

I love how he examined the story and then set off to make his own.  I love seeing his drawings and the details that make it "his".  We are going to display this in our homeschool groups upcoming art show.  It's fun to share our work with our friends.

If it has been awhile since you read the book and you are noticing the "scribble" on the left side of the paper - that is where he is "thinking" before beginning the story.  I love the Daniel added this detail.

In the story, Harold had a picnic - with pies!  I thought this would be fun.  Daniel was suprised when I mentioned having a picnic, afterall it is very cold outside!  I assured him we would have a nice picnic - inside. 

He helped make an apple pie to get ready for our dinner.

The picnic was a huge success!  So much so that Daniel keeps asking if we can have another one.  I think tomorrow might just be the right day for another picnic!

My older two will be off skiing tomorrow and I'm looking for some fun things to do with just my younger kids.  I think a picnic will be a fun surprise for them.

Hope your week is filled with fun too!

Blessings
Leslie

New Year's Eve!

Late in posting, but wanted to share some of our fun.  I use my blog posts from year to year to help me in planning.  This year, I decided to ask my children which parts of the evening that they wanted to be sure we kept.  They all had answers ... making pizza, decorating gingerbread people, watching a movie, playing games, answering the questions, well, pretty much all of it!  We are a family that enjoys trying new things and also enjoys traditions!  One sweet tradition of this evening is having some of our favorite friends join us!

We had to have the bags!  The bags have a clock on the front with a time.  When that time is here (more or less) we open the bag.  Inside is a clue and one or more items that go with the clue.  These used to be somewhat of a surprise.  Not so much any more, but they still love it!

1^st clue: 

People are silly and funny too!

Do you think they are sometimes blue?

Maybe they’re happy or perhaps mad

A game of expressions will make you glad!

In the bag was the game Silly Expressions. 

2^nd clue:

Let’s get ready for some noise.

This is for the girls and the boys.

We’ll also need signs to mark the date

And photos of families to start the slate.

In the bag were supplies for making signs and noisemakers.

3^rd clue:

We’ve been busy, is your tummy starting to rumble?

You’ll like the next step, so don’t start to grumble.

We’re making some disks – unique each one.

Everyone will be glad when they are done.

In the bag - pizza making supplies!

4^th clue:

What makes you special and unique?      

Getting to know this is a treat.

We’ll look to the future and ponder the past,

Seeking to follow God each day of our path.

In the bag were sheets of paper with questions on them and pens/pencils.  Here are the questions for this year.

*Favorite book you’ve read this year

*Favorite trip/outing you’ve taken this year

*Name something you are most thankful for

*Something you have learned

*Favorite accomplishment this year

*Something you hope to do next year

This is personally one of my favorite activities.  I love this glimpse into everyone's lifes.  What they found important.  More about a hope or a dream.  I save the slips each year and have plans to make a memory box to keep them in. 

5^th clue:

God made you and you can’t beat that!

Glasses, freckles or a funny hat.

Our faces help others know who we are,

But our insides are what make us a star.

Inside the bag - sprinkles and other decorating items to go on homemade gingerbread cookies!  My sweet friend Rebecca made these and they were sooooo good!

We took some family photos early in the evening.  I would love to have a new family photo each New Year's Eve as a way to start my New Year in scrapbooks.  Roger was in NE visiting his family. 

6^th clue:

It’s time for adventure and maybe a giggle

Find a spot to sit and don’t wiggle

Does anyone need something to eat

You can have some popcorn while in your seat

In the bag - the movie, Despicable Me and popcorn.  (Not sure why the photo didn't turn?)

7^th clue:

The movie is over and the days near the end

Still a little more time with our friends

Let’s play a game – or maybe more

We’ll split into teams and then start to score

In the bag - pieces from some games.

8^th clue:

Let’s turn our hearts to God and lift up our prayer

He is here with us and out everywhere.

There are others who need Him and we play a part

We’ll pray for others and seek His heart.

In the bag - slips of paper with Bible verses and other slips of paper that were blank.  I asked each person to write something that they wanted prayer for on the slip of paper.  We then drew one of the slips and went around the table praying for each other's requests.  This was new for this year and I really liked it!  Our requests ranged from those serving our country in the military to the poor to orphans and more.

9^th clue:

It’s time to say good-bye to ‘10

Watching the ball drop is a fun time again

A hug, a prayer, a sweet drink for the toast

Happy New Year, it’s 2011

In The Bag - cups for a toast

What a fun way to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another!  I love this tradition and am thankful to my FIAR friends who introduced it to me several years ago! 

Even though it is a little late - Happy New Year to you all!

Blessings

Leslie

Christmas Photos

I know.  It's long past, but I'm playing catch-up here.  I've actually been trying to establish some new routines at home and am getting more done there (including more sleep!)  This is a good thing, but as always something has to give. 

We had a wonderful Christmas!  My parents came to visit and we loved having them here again this year!!!  This post will be short on words and filled with pictures - enjoy!

Traditional photo on the steps. 

Our morning started with reading the Christmas story from the Bible (before we came downstairs) and then opening our stockings. 

This t -shirt helped fund missions work in Haiti.  I love gifts like this that bless in several ways. 

This gift was a HUGE hit.  Love it when I find something that really pleases someone!

I love seeing my children give gifts to each other.  They spent time (and their money) choosing something that they thought the others would enjoy. 

Nana and Daniel reading a book - along with the dog Jingle who barks and sings.

Wii games were a popular gift at our house this year!  And a blast for all of us!  I love that we have games that 4 at a time can play now!

Trying out Nana's new Ipad.  And lots of excitement here when we received one from Nana and Papa for our family!

Thanks Mom and Dad for coming and spending Christmas with us.  We loved having you here!!!

Our Christmas was a sweet time.  A time to reflect and thank God for His perfect gift.  We give gifts as a reflection of our Father's heart to give.  A time to be with family.  I'm thankful for this precious gift!!!  A time to play, laugh and make memories. 

Mostly, I'm thankful for Jesus.  He is the reason we celebrate.  What an amazing God we serve that would give such an extravagent gift.  Thank you Lord!

Praying that as we start a new year, that our hearts would remain grateful for all that He has done and that our lives would reflect His love in many ways.

Blessings
Leslie

Almost ...

I've been working on transferring my blog - all of it - from the old hosting site.  Thanks to help from Jamie, this has gone much faster than it would have if I had needed to copy each entry.  Thank you Jamie!!!

I've managed to transfer everything except - April 2007.  I'm not sure why I'm having trouble with this month, but I want to get it finished.  This is the month that Eliana had her heart surgery.  I'm going to keep working, because I do want it included.

In case anyone reading this is computer savvy, this is the error message that I'm getting.

                                  Error encountered during conversion.

                                  Input WordPress document is not valid XML!!

                                 Error appears around line 2852, column 92
I'm converting all the files in the same way, so I'm not sure why I'm getting an error.  I'd love help if anyone understands this!  Thanks!


I still have work to do though.  I've noticed that almost all of the pictures will need to be resized to fit on this blog.  I also need to label a lot of the posts.  I'll get to that as I can.  Just know if you are looking at old posts (before Dec 2010), that the pictures are probably not "whole".  Most of them were cropped in the move so some may look funny. 

So, I know this is a small thing, but I'll be really happy to get it checked off of my to do list!

Hope you are all having a great week!

Blessings
Leslie

Appointment Update

Just wanted to post a quick update about our appointment yesterday.  We went in to meet with the doctors.  We first met with a doctor and a student (medical student).  I warned them right away that Eliana was fearful of doctors and might not be all that cooperative.  We'd already been in to check her vitals and managed to get height, weight (mine first and then holding her), and temperature - and that was it!  They were great with her!  The main doctor was engaging and playful with her and really did so well with her.

He asked me a lot of questions trying to get a history and an understanding of why we were there.  He also at times talking with the student - teaching her.  (He was really great!)

At one point, we were talking about Eliana's ped (who recommended the test) and I shared that she had a wonderful ped.  Shortly after that, the doctor turned to the student and said, "Do you know who the best pediatrician is for any child?  The child's mother!"  He then said the second best pediatrician was the child themselves when they reached a certain age.  I'm not sure if I should share this part, but he also said that Dad didn't make the list.  He said knowing this meant things were stacked against him and that he needed to work even harder.

Back to the mom comment.  Did you hear that?  Those of you with kids who have walked the medical route will probably cheer!  He recognizes the value and worth of a Mom's perspective.  He realizes that she knows her child best and knows when something is wrong.  He trusts the input and experience of a child's parent.  And he is teaching this to students who are learning how to be a doctor.  This was probably the most powerful and affirming statement I've heard from a doctor in a long time.  I think this doctor will go far!

We then met with the doctor that will be doing the procedure.  He told me that Eliana's numbers were "low".  I don't remember which piece of the test this measured, but perhaps the antibodies.  He thought this gave hope that perhaps she does not have celiac.  (Don't get too excited yet - there is more.)  However, another piece of the test came back with ranges that made it look more likely that she does have celiac.  So, I'm not sure where we are on the scale - but more of a hope than I had going on.

To be honest, I'm really praying that she does not have celiac's disease.  I really don't want her to have to deal with this.  In my heart though, I'm preparing for that to be the case.  I'm not sure that this will help me to be prepared for a hard answer or not. 

Eliana will go back in 2 weeks for her pre-op appointment.  We will be meeting with the anesthesiologist.  My understanding is that since she has Ds, being sedated poses greater risks for her.  I'm hoping that since she has done fine in the past with sedation, that she will again this time.  She will have the procedure done on 31 January.

I mentioned to one doctor (but not the other), the Eliana needs to have AAI x-rays done.  I was wondering if they could be done while she was sedated.  Does anyone know if this is an option?  It would really make things easier for both of us!

That's it.  It was a good visit.  Eliana did a great job.  I'm comfortable with where we are headed and the care we are receiving.  I'll post again as we get closer, but we obviously would love your prayers. 

Blessings
Leslie

Waiting

No, we don't know anything yet.  We are scheduled to see the doctor on Friday.  I've been waiting for this date for a month and a half.  I'm ready to find out what we are dealing with.  It can be hard to have something hanging over your head, kwim?

Our pediatrician set up the appointment for us and was fine with waiting until now since Eliana is not having a lot of symptoms.  I hadn't heard yet from the hospital so I called this morning to find out what we needed to do to prepare for the appointment.

To my surprise, I found out that this appointment is just a consultation to meet with the doctor.  *sigh*  I thought we were going to have the procedure done.  I wondered why I hadn't gotten any information from them and now I know why. 

For those who are praying, thank you.  I'll know more on Friday about when the testing will be scheduled.  I'm hoping we won't have to wait another month and a half, though I've heard that their schedule is tight.

I've been trying to learn a little bit about this disease.  I'm not diving in yet until we know for sure.  We can't yet go on this diet until the testing is completed either.  I've looked at some websites for general information.  I've looked at the grocery store and even online for items.  Can I just say that WOW, are the prices high!!!

So, for awhile longer I will wait.  I know that I can learn in the waiting.  I know God is with me and He is in control.  I trust that He will use all of this for good.  I see His hand in small ways even as I wait. 

While I was in Wal-Mart the other day looking, a gal in the same aisle spoke to me.  She encouraged me and offered to help.  She gave me her name and number if I had questions.  If we are walking this path, having someone local who can help teach and guide me will be a blessing.

A number of friends have sent me weblinks and recipes to have as they find them.  I'm blessed to know that the people are thinking of us and praying for us.  I'm thankful for the support.  I know that if this becomes a part of our life that things will be greatly changed for all of us.  All food becomes an issue whether it is in our home or at someone else's.  Eating out will probably just not happen.  I'm grateful to have great friends and family! 

Even at church, the children get snacks in Sunday School.  Its usually goldfish which are one of Eliana's favorites!  I've looked for a replacement that is similar but thus far haven't found anything.  (I'd love to know of something if anyone out there knows!)  I did find a recipe for making them - and even a cute little cookie cutter to make them fish.  Again, not going there unless I have to.  Baking is not one of my hobbies.  (Thankfully though it is one of Rebecca's!)

While at church on Sunday, I mentioned to the gal in charge of the preschool area that Eliana was going to be tested this week and that I may need to bring in a different snack for her to have.  She immediately told me that she would be happy to bring in snack that worked for her.  She asked me what types of things she could have and to let her know what would work.  I was stunned.  I'm blessed that she cares for my kids (and me) and is willing to do this.  It just felt like God caring for me adn telling me that this will be alright. 

We've been dealing with a variety of food issues for several years now.  (Eliana struggled with eating from the beginning and had feeding tubes.  Daniel struggled with eating due to the Sensory Processing Disorder.  We've made great strides over the last 3 years!  Joshua with type 1 diabetes also requires managing food in a new way.)  It has been a lot of work.  The ironic thing in all of this is that I really don't like to cook.  Did I say that already?  LOL  I don't mind it and am able to cook well (I think), but it is not something that brings me joy.  (Hmm ... maybe that is a lesson I need to learn!  Finding joy in this task.)  And yet, we are still facing more food issues. 

As I contemplate celiac, I see all of the ways this is going to be hard.  Even the convenience of fast food will now be gone.  (I know that there are some things on the menu, but its not the "kid food" of nuggets and hamburgers.)  Now, we don't eat out often, but it is nice for when we are on the road.  The cost of grains are so cheap, especially since I grind our wheat.  I'll need to find another source of buying replacements as the products at the store are just really expensive.  (Anyone know if you can grind rice to make rice flour?)

I'm rambling and wondering if anyone is even going to make it this far.  At this point, I'm disappointed by the wait.  I was hoping to know something this week and now I'm not.  Wait.  Wait.  Wait.  So much of life seems to be about waiting.  So much of our culture is about speed and having it NOW. 

I guess I have more to learn about waiting.  Trusting.  Knowing that God has this all in His hands.  He is in control.  He will guide me and help me in whatever comes up.  He is good.  He is faithful.  So while I'm disappointed, I also have His peace.  To be honest, I've resigned in my heart that this will be the next new path for us.  It seems easier that way than to hope differently.  Maybe I'm hoping that the news will be easier to hear if I'm prepared for the worst.  No matter what the news, this is no surprise to God.  No matter what happens, I know that He loves me and He loves Eliana.  No matter what happens, I know that God is good.  He is good. 

So while this news was not what I expected today, I'm choosing to rejoice anyway.  God has not called us to a life that is easy or free of pain.  He has called us to suffer as He did and to sacrifice.  Walking through trials has given me a greater understanding of Him and hopefully a bigger heart for others.  I pray that He will use this to conform me to His image.  Now that is something to be excited about!

Blessings
Leslie