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

Small update

Thank you to all who were praying for Eliana yesterday. The appointment went really well. She had brought along a little bunny that really helped! Bunny had his temp taken, then Eliana agreed to have hers taken. Bunny had his oxygen checked and then it was Eliana's turn. (Hers were 98! Love seeing those high numbers!).

No blood draw needed. That was a huge answer to prayer!

We met with a nurse to go over all the details and to sign release forms. Eliana played happily with bunny and the iPad. This is a great device for taking to dr spots!!!

Next we met with the Child Life specialist. I remembered her from Eliana's last surgery and surprisingly she remembered us. I loved how she interacted with Eliana! She talked to her and worked to try to help her understand what was going to happen. She had a little gas mask for bunny and then Eliana agreed to have it on her face. She showed her an IV lead and bag. She also sent us home with some things to "practice and pretend with" before we come back on Monday.

Last we toured the surgical area. She saw the little gowns and socks, the pre-op rooms and the procedure room. Eliana did great wi th all of this. Thank you for praying. It could not have gone better.

Requests for Monday are that Eliana can stay well. One brother seems to be on the front end of a cold. If she gets sick, we may have to postpone. I'm really ready to have this done. Also, we need to work to get her very hydrated on Sunday. She can have nothing to eat after midnight and thn cleat liquids until 6:45am. She needs the fluids to help with her veins for the IV. (I think I have mentioned that she is a hard stick.).

Sorry there are no pictures. Thanks for praying for our sweet little girl!

Blessings
Leslie

Princess Eliana goes to ...

I want to say "court".  Something fun and exciting.  Something to look forward to and dream about.  Someplace where you will be happy and pampered and loved.  Well, she will be loved wherever she goes, but this just isn't going to be fun.

We go to Duke tomorrow for her pre-op appointment.  I'm told we will be there about an hour and a half.  I know that consent forms will need to be signed.  I'm not sure if they will be doing any lab work.  I'm really hoping we can skip a blood draw, kwim?  She is a "hard stick" and given her recent opinion of doctors, this just won't endear them to her either.

In spite of signs that I'm seeing this week that she is having intestinal problems, I'm still feeling calm.  I'm honestly trying not to think too much about it or to worry.  Worry won't change anything.  She either has celiacs disease or she doesn't.  I'm just trying to enjoy feeding her anything she wants while I can.  Our diet has the possibility of changing drastically.  So this week, she eats mac & cheese, goldfish, crackers and cereal.  (She also has other non-gluten foods too!)

There is no way that I know of to explain to Eliana what is going to happen to her.  Even if I could, I think it might just worry her.  So for now, I'll carry it for her.  I think that perhaps even if she could understand that she would still let me carry the burden.  I'm not sure she is going to be a worrier. 

We would love your prayers for a smooth process today.  I'll post an update when I'm able to.  We will be going back on Monday for the endoscopy.  We will then have the results in a week (or less?). 

I would also love prayers for her health.  She needs to be in good health in order to have the testing done.  There seems to be a LOT of stuff going around now and I really don't want any of it.  As I mentioned earlier, she is having GI problems.  She isn't sick and I am just left to wonder if this is the celiacs that I am seeing.  I'll know soon enough.

Thank you for praying for our princess.

With love,
Leslie

Gingerbread and Supermom?

Sometimes I have people ask, "how do you do it all?".  The answer is easy - I don't!!!  Not by any stretch of the imagination.  Its a juggle each day trying to figure out how to best spend my time.  I've done a lot of juggling in this new year.  Still need to do some more as well.  (I'll post more on that soon.)  There just aren't enough hours in the day to get it "all" done. 

I'll give you a glimpse at what running behind looked like one day at our house. 

Each Christmas we try to do some of the same activities - things that are favorites with my children.  I think I've mentioned that I have a number of them that really love tradition.  One of their favorites is making a gingerbread house. 

Well, this year, I just didn't get to it.  I did however find one on sale - for about $2.50 - at Sam's after Christmas.  This was too good to pass up!  So we made a house in mid-January this year. 

I really didn't mind that we did it so late.  They were eager to eat it soon after making it.  I had no problem with that either.  Meant it sat on my counter for a shorter amount of time.  LOL

Everyone is happy.  It's never too late to have some fun.

Hope you are having a fun week at your house!

Blessings
Leslie

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