Beyond Co-op: Thomas Edison #2

We had a impromptu field trip with our Beyond Co-op group.  This lesson just looked like too much fun to do at home, so I thought it would be fun to add a meeting for our group.  These lessons were all from Chapter 7 and we covered them all in one morning in a very hands-on way.  (This wasn't technically our second meeting, but since this one comes first in the manual, I'm posting it first.)

I contacted a local historic site and asked about the availability of using their one-room schoolhouse.  They were very open to doing a brief history of this one-room schoolhouse and the use of these schools in general. 

She then left us in the school to do our own lessons.  How neat is that!  For those that are local, this is the Hughes Academy in Hillsborough.

We started with a lesson on penmanship.  We talked about the importance of penmanship and why it was valued so highly in the time of Thomas Edison.  Each child was given a page with some quotes by Edison.  They copied the quotes using their best handwriting.

Next we had a lesson on paying attention.  Thomas Edison struggled in school because it was hard for him to stay focused on the lessons the teacher was talking on.  It really reminds me of one of my own children.  He is incredibly smart and at times incredibly distracted.  I know that he can do great things and am just trying to encourage and teach him as best I can with God's help!

For the first exercise, I split them into 2 groups and gave them a list of activities to do.  The instructions at the top of the page included "read through all of the items and then start".  There were 12 listed activities.

 Some of the activities included standing in a line from oldest to youngest, doing 5 push-ups, singing the alphabet song, name the capitol of your state and more. 

Soon after they started, I got tickled and realized that they had not followed the instructions.  I had wondered if this would "work" and was somewhat surprised that it did. 

You see the last item on the list said "Only do the first two items on the list".  It prompted good discussion on paying attention. 

We then had one more activity on listening/paying attention.  For this activity, the children worked in pairs.  The partners sat back to back so that they could not see the other person.  One had a piece of blank paper and they were to draw the picture (of various shapes) that their partner described to them.  One of the other moms and I demonstrated this for them.

Then they tried it. 

Most of them did really well with this and seemed to enjoy it. 

It proved to be a real challenge for one of my boys with auditory processing disorder.  I knew it would be hard for him, but thought he would be able to do it.  I tried to help him work through to be successful.  Its hard watching your kids struggle - though at times I think its good for them too.  I want him to learn that he can do some things that he doesn't think he can do. 

 
Now, school was out so each child took a turn ringing the bell.

A picture in front of the school at the end of our lessons.

Our last lesson was on "how far is 1/2 mile"?  This was how far Thomas Edison had to walk to go to school.  We took a walk to demonstrate.  It was a beautiful day and the walk was easy and pleasant.  We walked to the courthouse and took a photo in front of one of the monuments.

And one of the moms too!  We so rarely are in front of the camera. 

What a fun morning!  We missed the families that weren't able to come to our impromptu outing.  I'm thankful that this worked for some of us though as it's always fun to join friends!

One of my sweet friends let me know that today (Fri) was Thomas Edison's birthday.  We've put off one of the lessons in our manual and it just couldn't be put off any longer.  It was making a cake - one that Thomas Edison enjoyed for his birthday.  We omitted the sugar frosting and it was still really yummy.

We are having a great time with this study and have more fun hands-on projects in store!  Hope you are having a great week too!

Blessings
Leslie

Beyond Co-op: Thomas Edison #1

Well, this is only about 3 weeks old, but the information isn't old for anyone who might want to glean from the ideas!  We are doing 2 books this semester with our co-op from Beyond Five in a Row volume 1.  We are starting with Thomas Edison.  We are using the same format that has worked for us in the past.  We meet every other week and cover about 4 chapters in a 2 week time period.  The lessons from our first co-op came from some in the first 4 chapters.  We learned about the Scientific Method.  (Sorry it's sideways)

Ms Julie first explained each step in the process.

I loved the visuals she used to help explain each step and why it was important in the process.  (Example, as you are working on constructing a hypothesis, you need to gather a lot of information and funnel it into one solid idea.)

Next they tried an experiment to see how sound was conducted through a spoon and a string.  Two strings were tied to a spoon.  They took the ends of the strings and wrapped them a few times around their finger and then put these fingers in their ears.  Next they hit the spoon against something to see what happens.  (Try it out for yourself as it is pretty neat and can be done with a wide span of ages!)  After trying it the prescribed way, they then tested out the experiment by changing one of the variables - using one string instead of two, varying what object they used to hit the spoon, etc.  Then they discussed their findings.  

Now it was time to see how well they understood the steps of the scientific method.  The group was split into two teams - boys v. girls.  They had each step on a piece of paper and had to put them in the correct order.  Both teams got them right!  Love seeing that they really are getting it!

Of course, we love our snack time!  Some foods from the story like biscuits, ham and eggs as well as some other goodies!

Unfortunately, I didn't get as many pictures of the next part because I was inside helping to clean.  The kids were each given an egg carton and some eggs.  They were to test a hypothesis about how much weight the eggs could hold.  They could choose to use 4 eggs - or fewer.  They chose the placement of the eggs in the carton.  They also chose what went onto the eggs - like 27 pounds of books or even the weight of your body!

After having fun experimenting, it was time to come in and write up what they learned.  They each wrote down their hypothesis, what they did and then what they learned.  After writing it, they each took turns sharing what they learned.  It was a great to hear all of the details and the different ways that they approached the experiment - and led by a very enthusiastic and encouraging mom!!!  (Great job Julie!)

We learned that eggs are amazingly strong.  My 70 pound son was able to stand on 2 without breaking them! This was such a fun morning.  The material was repeated in interesting and different ways to  help cement the learning.  Thanks for a fun day!

Blessings
Leslie

Krispy Kreme Challenge

For those who weren't reading here last year, this is a race that Christopher ran in.  It's a crazy race!  Here is the general format.

Run 2 miles
Eat 1 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts
Run another 2 miles

Sound like fun?  It didn't to me!  LOL  Last year, the weather was cold and we didn't go out to watch.  This year, some of us wanted to go.  I was so disappointed to wake up to it pouring down rain.  I knew it was supposed to rain - but it was raining hard!  We had decided the night before to try to go - no matter what the weather  The three little boys and one sweet friend decided to go along for the fun.

As we were sitting in the van, in the rain, I really pondered the sanity of what we were doing.  Not that it compares to the sanity of what 7500 other people were doing that morning (the racers).

By the time we arrived, the rain had tapered off considerably.  It was still raining though and it was really cold!  We were able to park pretty close to the doughnut distribution site.  We then walked to find Christopher and Roger.  Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that Roger decided to run the race this year?

We found them pretty quickly.  Christopher was already eating doughnuts.  It didn't take too long before the enjoyment of eating them wore off.

Roger started after putting on gloves so his hands wouldn't get sticky.  (That really seemed the least of the problems with eating the doughnuts to me!)

We chatted with them and watched them eat.

One of the tricks to getting down so many was to smash them all together.

So close when you get down to the last few.  Those are the hardest ones to eat though!

Not sure what type of encouragement Christopher might have been getting from his little brother here.

 What was fun was seeing some of the costumes that people were wearing for the race!  It was hilarious.

Can you see the "girl scout" in the middle?  With facial hair?  This guy cracked us up!

It was quite a mess after most of the runners left.  It was cleaned up pretty quickly though a short time later.

It really was a fun morning.  As most of the runners got their doughnuts, we saw that there were still MANY more boxes.  We went over and asked if we could have some doughnuts.  Christopher had offered to pay $1 for each box his brothers brought home for him.  They told us we could take as many as we wanted.  And we did.

We piled 50 boxes in our van.  (40 of those were going to my house!)  It was crazy.  We then decided to make another stop on the way home at the Farmers Market to check out the bulk produce.  Instead of just looking, we made some purchases.  (I'm hoping to start up a produce co-op soon and wanted to get a feel for what this would look like.)  Great prices and we have enjoyed the food!  Here's what the van looked like after that stop.

This is my share of the fruits and veggies - total cost $16.

So we arrive home and have all those doughnuts.  Isaiah asked if it would be alright if he went around the neighborhood and sold the doughnuts.  I told him it would be fine, but he needed to be able to tell people why he was selling them.  He decided to sell them to raise money for Reece's Rainbow.  Joshua also wanted to sell them and he wanted to raise money for JDRF.  (Yes, we saw the irony in selling these sugar-laden treats to raise money for a group fighting for a cure for diabetes.)  They sold $84 worth of doughnuts at $3 per box.  They were very excited.  I'm really proud of them!

Soon after we arrived home, the runners came home too.  At the end of the race, they were still able to smile.

Roger hasn't touched any of the many boxes of doughnuts we have at home.  Christopher on the other hand has been enjoying them immensely.  All in all, it was a really fun morning.  I look forward to attending (and definitely not running) again next year.

Blessings
Leslie

Thank you!!!

Thank you so much to all of you who have written to me to offer prayers, encouragement and support.  I'm thankful for each one of you!

We are still taking time to process all of this.  It's a lot to take in.  I know that this is doable - it has to be, right?! I'd do whatever it takes for any of our precious kids.  I'm still bummed that I have to do it.  Mostly, I'm just bummed that Eliana has to deal with this at all.

I probably need to start being thankful.  Thankful that this is something that we can do.  Thankful that God will use this for her good health - and possibly for some or all of the rest of us as well.  Thankful that this was caught early while she has no symptoms so that she has not  had to suffer at all.  Thankful for all of the resources available.  Thankful for friends - old and new - to help me learn and walk this path.

God is good.  All the time.  Even when things don't go as I want, He is good.

I owe many of you emails and I will write to you!  I would LOVE any resources or suggestions or advice.  Thank you!

With love,
Leslie

Got the phone call

I'm not even sure what to say.  Eliana's GI doctor called.  I have to say again what an incredibly kind, caring and patient man.  I appreciated that he took the time to call, to explain and to answer questions.  I never felt rushed or silly at all with my questions. 

Even though I knew the call was coming, it still is hard to have a doctor calling with test results.  I was able to handle the call.  I've handled the day well (I think).  It hits me though in pieces. 

"Mild changes were observed in the tissue that is consistent with celiac disease"

He explained that because her numbers were so very low and the changes so mild, that it is likely that we've caught it at the very beginning.  "It has to begin somewhere" and it looks like this is it.  There is a "remote" possibility that this may not be celiac, but he didn't think so (and honestly, neither do I).  In my heart, I've just felt like this was coming. 

We have two choices:

      1.  We can accept the diagnosis and begin treatment.
      2.  We can wait 6 months and do the blood test again

Dr U explained that there is no urgency to treat this based on how early it has been caught.  Not treating it now will not produce any permanent damage to her.  Any damage that might be done with celiac's disease is reversible.  If we don't treat and begin to see symptoms earlier than 6 months, we would need to reevaluate.  Based on her results, we will want to have the rest of the family tested as well.  Either now if we are going to begin treatment for Eliana or we can wait 6 months to see her results and go from there.

So, there you have it.  Eliana has celiac's disease.  I hate writing that out.  I hate seeing her name associated with one more thing.  I hate diseases that strike children. 

Here are some of my thoughts on this.  And yes, some if it is going to sound whiny even though I know this will all work out.  I know God will equip us to handle this.  I just wish we didn't have to, kwim?

I know there are gluten-free products out there.  They are also expensive and in small packages.  (Maybe there are resources that I'm not aware of though!  I'm hoping!)  I'm going to have to get really creative in working out our food budget to handle this.  Not to mention getting creative in the kitchen.  Have I mentioned that I really don't enjoy cooking?!  LOL  Not sure why God keeps giving my kids (and me) food challenges!  And different ones at that!  I was wondering today if this is a small piece in a big picture that I just can't see yet.  He is caring for us in this way and maybe one day I will understand. 

Here is the other piece of the puzzle.  I think in some ways, I'm probably more aware of the challenges we will face due to all that I have learned with managing Joshua's diabetes.  Eating foods - or not eating them - can just be tough!  Without even going through it yet, I know it is just going to be hard. 

Food is such a part of our culture.  Its part of almost all that we do from meals to parties to church and even our homeschool outings.  Its rare that something does not have food as a piece of the event.  So many foods have gluten in them.  So many.   
Since Joshua's diagnosis, I've become so much more aware of food.  I can pick up and eat what I want whenever I want to.  I don't have to worry about what is in it or what it will do to my body.  If I'm hungry, I can eat.  It just won't be that easy for her.

I wonder not just how this will affect us in terms of cooking and preparing food at home, but how will it affect Eliana's life.  She already faces challenges that most of us don't have to deal with.  I just don't want this to be one more obstacle for her in finding her place.  I don't want this to be a barrier to her being able to go places and do things.  I just don't want this to be another way in which she might feel "different".  Now, I know that different can be good.  There are differences that I see in her that challenge, encourage and inspire me.  There is a purity of her heart that truly is a gift.  I think most of us have experienced times though when different is just plain hard.

Birthday parties,  Potlucks.  Snacks at church.  Eating out.  Summer camp.  Co-op.  And more.  Will she be included or will it just be a burden to try to provide foods for her?  Will she resent not being able to just eat what she wants?  I know that has been really hard for Joshua.  How hard will it be and will she even understand why she can't have goldfish?  Or a variety of other foods that we've worked so hard to get her to eat.  She is still so very young.

Want to hear something ironic?  I *love* carbs!  Maybe that isn't ironic as it's probably true of a lot of us.  I have 4 or 5 50 pound tubs full of various wheat products that I bought in bulk.  I use this to bake and cook with - bread and muffins mostly.  Yum!  Now, I know I can make these without gluten, but there will be a learning curve.  (And a cost curve as buying a 50 pound tub of wheat is much cheaper!)  I know, I'm whining again.

As I have learned over the last several years, there are times when you just need to mourn - and then move on.  This is something to mourn.  The loss of a piece of normal for our sweet little girl.  I know it could be worse and I'm thankful for something that is managable.  I know God will use this to teach me.  I pray that He will use this to help mold and change all of us so that we are more like Him. 

I'm not sure where we will go from here, but we're leaning toward waiting.  I can use that time to learn and prepare.  We would love your prayers, advice and insight.  Hugs are great too!  Thank you friends for holding up our precious little girl.

With love
Leslie

A glimpse of our day

Today was a long day, but one covered with prayers.  Thank you friends!  I apologize that I have not been able to make phone calls or talk with people.  Eliana has just needed my full attention all day long.  The rest of our family has been wonderful to let her have that too!

Our day started early.  I woke at 6am to get ready and then woke her up at 6:30 so she could have some juice.  She really wasn't ready to get up and only drank a little bit.  I did want her to have that though as I knew it would be a long time before she would have something again.

I kept Eliana upstairs thinking that being away from the kitchen and any thoughts or smells or sights of food would be a good thing for her.  While I was down getting dinner ready, Rebecca hung out with Eliana - and painted her nails.  (Its a little hard to see as it is mostly clear with glitter.)  She was happy to show them off.

Shortly after 8am, we headed out.  I wanted to give us a little wiggle room in getting to the hospital by 8:45.  We arrived and found a parking spot close by and went to check in.  Check-in was very quick and then it was time to wait.  We saw people come and go.  Mostly we saw people wait.  And wait.  I was thankful we have an ipad.  It is wonderful for keeping Eliana entertained!!!

At about 10:20, we were called to go back.  We saw her doctor and talked with him a little while.  (Dr. Ulshen for any who are local and need a GI.  He has been wonderful!)  She was given a gown to wear - and she was not thrilled about wearing it!  She was also not excited about having her vitals taken.  Thankfully, she allowed bear to take a turn first today and then she would take hers.  (She is not attached to one specific animal which is why this has varied from one visit to the next.)

Still playing with the ipad, but also a new toy (to her) - my camera.  After I had pulled it out to take some pictures of Eliana, she wanted her turn.  And did she have fun!  She took a lot of pictures.  Many of bear.

Some of the room.

One of the anesthesiologists.  I talked with her about how Eliana was typically a hard stick and they took good care of her - and did not have trouble!  Thank you God for that answer to prayer!

We had a kind and fun nurse who thoroughly enjoyed Eliana.  (on the right in the picture)

Many of her pictures are wobbly, but I'm sure she will learn with time.  It's moments like this that I LOVE having a digital camera!  No worries about wasted film.  Its fun to hear her laugh, direct people to look or smile and to just experience her joy.

She has a cheesy little smile that she gives when I ask for one for a photo.  Still really cute though!

Soon it was time to go back.  Eliana was really unsure about a ride on the huge bed.  The doctor quickly suggested that I carry her and our things got a ride instead.  I am thankful for the many people who work in the medical field that are sensitive to the patient.  I am thankful for those willing to do things a better way instead of the "prescribed" way. 

We decided to try just the anesthesia through the mask.  It was an option to try the oral first - but it is bitter tasting and adds one more drug to the system.  I held Eliana while they put the mask on her.  She cried and pleaded.  It is so hard to hold your child down when they just want you to rescue them.  Thankfully she was out very quickly.

It was then time for me to leave and wait on my own.  Thankfully it wasn't too long before I was called to the consulting room.  I have to tell you that this made my heart sink.  I remember being told when she had heart surgery that being called to this room could mean that something had gone wrong and they would talk with you privately. 

Thankfully, all had gone well.  Dr. Ulshen explained what he had done and had it all written out for me too!  There were even some pictures taken during the scope.  He said that everything looked normal.  (Don't get too excited yet!)  The biopsies will be sent out to be tested.  We should hear something within a week or so.  I'm hoping (kind of) for sooner. 

The blood tests give reason for hope - her tTG numbers were only slightly elevated.  This makes me wonder if maybe it is just being caught early (which would also explain why we haven't seen a lot of symptoms).  It could be too that this means there is no celiac.  The other piece of the test EMa was positive.  This is the one that was the red flag.  He said this one rarely has a false positive. 

If she tests positive for celiac, we'll have more appointments.  If she doesn't, this is probably something that she will just have to be screened for periodically.  Dr Ulshen was so very patient in explaining things to me and answering my questions.  Did I mention that I really liked him?

Out to wait a bit more and then I was called back.  I was stunned to see Eliana's eyes open when I walked in!  Still really groggy, but definitely waking up.  Isn't she tiny in that big bed?

I had been warned about the effects of anesthesia thankfully.  Eliana was very fussy.  Very.  She didn't want anything.  Didn't want to change into her clothes.  Didn't want to be picked up.  Didn't want anything to drink.  Didn't want anything removed.  She was pitiful.  Did manage to get her out of there pretty quickly as she also didn't want to be there.

She fell asleep on the way home, but awakened when we arrived.  She then had a hard day.  She was fussy.  I fed her a little bit.  Started with jello, juice and water.  Moved on to applesauce and pudding later in the day.  I had been told she might have a sore throat.  She also was often just trembling in my arms.  I held her a lot of the day.

Finally took her up to nap and she slept in our bed beside me - very fitfully for several  hours.  She woke up hot and had a temp.  The first thermometer said 103.  I took it again with a different one and thankfully it was just 100.  Still trembling and fussy.    She still felt pretty crummy. 

Ate a little bit and then I took her upstairs to watch a movie in bed.  She calmly watched it and I think felt a little better by then.  It didn't help that I then needed to remove the leads from the hospital.  Roger went out to get baby oil as I had been told that would help.  A little bit, but those things are really stuck on!!!  I don't know what type of adhesive they have on them, but it is strong!  She cried and cried while I was taking them off, even though I was being very gentle with her.  Being a parent is just not easy sometimes. 

I gave her a quick bath to try to remove some of the oil and she again started trembling all over and crying.  It is hard seeing her so miserable.  It was bedtime by then.   I gave her a snack and then we brushed teeth and read some books.  Said prayers and gave hugs.  Time to go to sleep.  I love putting her to bed.  It is a sweet part of the day.

Today was a good day and also a hard day.  In it all, there is so much to be thankful for.  God answered so many prayers.  This has gotten long and is probably way more than anyone wanted to know.  LOL

Thank you for your prayers.  I will post the news when we get it.  Still hoping for the best, but trying to prepare my heart for the worst. 

God is good!

Blessings
Leslie

For those who appreciate specific requests

Hi Friends,

Thank you for your prayers for our sweet little girl.  I take her to the hospital tomorrow morning early. I'm probably going to try to wake her up early so she can have something to drink. She has to stop all fluids by 6:45 am. The procedure is 4 hours later. I'm hoping I can keep her distracted for that long!

She will be having an endoscopy to test for celiac's disease. She will be under general anethesia. Since she has done fine with this in the past, I'm really hoping it will be no problem for her tomorrow!

Here are a few requests.

1. That they would be able to get an IV in without problem. She is a "hard stick". They had horrible troubles with this when she had her first surgery and had to do cut-downs on her wrists. I really don't want that to happen to her again.

2. That being under anesthesia would go well for her. That she would go under easily and suffer no adverse effects from it.

3. Clear results. We will probably not learn anything tomorrow. The surgeon seemed to think it could go either way. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but still would love for her not to have this!

4. Fast recovery with little or no pain!

 

5.  That I would be aware of God's plans for *me* tomorrow.  That my heart would be open to reaching out to others.  There are a lot of people who are scared and hurting in hospitals.  I remember it well.  Just being in the pre-op area on Friday brought back so many memories.  I'm sure that tomorrow will too.  I don't want to be so focused on what is going on in my life that I miss out on something He has planned for me.

That's all I can think of. I'm expecting this to be relatively minor (compared to the other things she has been through). I'm feeling at peace about all of this, but still wish she didn't have to go through it, kwim?

Thank you for once again holding up our sweet girl!

With love

Leslie