Field Trip to the Joel Lane House

Our last field trip with our Five in a Row group was to the Joel Lane House in Raleigh.  It was a very hot day for a trip to this historic site of the man who is considered the "Father of Raleigh" and the "Father of Wake County".   This was a perfect tie-in for our study of Betsy Ross since the house was built in the 177os.  It was on Isaiah's birthday, so Roger took the day off of work and spent it with us.  It was a fun outing.  (Of course, I think that of all field trips.)  We brought along another visitor - a "Flat Stanley" from a friend. 



We split into 3 groups by age.





Roger went with the "middle" group and I went with the younger children.



The docents were all dressed in period clothing which gives a much more authentic feel to the trip.  Our guide did a wonderful job of answering questions and giving information, in a way perfectly suited to young children.



Each group rotated areas.  We started in the small herb garden.  Many herbs were used for food, flavoring and medicinal purposes - just like today!  The Lambs Ear, which Daniel is touching the photo below, was used for bandages.



Next we visited the kitchen - a separate building from the house in order to reduce the incidence of the house burning down.  We learned about various tools used in the kitchen.



Additionally we learned about how clothing was made the the types of fibers used in clothing (wool, cotton and flax/linen).  I couldn't help but think about the smell of people in all of those clothes, in the heat and with infrequent baths.  (Sorry for the image.  Time around sweaty football players lately has affected my senses.  LOL)



Next we entered the main house.  It was considered quite a nice house at this time period.  There were three rooms downstairs in addition to a large entry.  First we were in the dining room.  The painted walls were a symbol of wealth.



Next was a parlor with a writing desk in addition to some games and examples of food.



 The docent told about the money used during the colonial times and the children loved holding and examining it.





There was also a bedroom used for guests and travellers.  They could fit 4 to 5 people a bed!  Can you imagine?!!

Upstairs were two bedrooms - one for the children.



We learned about the various things that could be in a "ticking" (mattress) including moss and corn husks.  We don't always realize how very good we have things today!

The other bedroom was for the parents/baby. 



I think the clothing from this time period is beautiful, but I'm also thankful I don't have to wear so many layers during the hot southern summers.



The last part of our morning was spent outside in various stations.  This was in a little courtyard in front of the house.



One was on kitchen stations.  This was a favored spot due to the cool position under the arbor.  Here they learned about kitchen implements.



There was a station about schooling and also on on toys.  All the children loved the toys.  Some things never change!









After our morning was finished, we headed to a nearby campus for a lovely picnic.  Even though some mornings it is hard to get up and get everyone ready, I know it will be worth it!  These days are a sweet time of  learning and hanging out with friends.  I'm thankful for these days.



Blessings

Leslie

Walk to Cure Diabetes

I'm posting this is a "sticky" to be left at the top of my blog through the month of Oct.  Please scroll past this for newer posts.  Please go here to read more about the local walk.

Joshua's Fundraising Page

If you would like to join us at the walk, we would LOVE your support!!!  Please let us know if you'd like more details.

Blessings

Leslie

31 for 21

There are a group of bloggers that will be blogging each day of October about Down Syndrome.  I thought about trying to join in, but probably won't as I'm not sure I can do it!  Not that there isn't enought to say.  Some days, there are lots of thoughts and then others, not so many.  You see, Down syndrome is a part of our life - but it isn't most of our life.  Yes, Eliana does have Down syndrome, but that is NOT who she is - its just a part of who she is. 

Eliana delights my heart.  She tends to do this to most who are around her too.  Her siblings adore her.  This isn't to say that they don't get angry with her - especially when she dumps yogurt all over the floor, messes up their legos or draws on their wall.  Despite those stinkery moments, we still think she is a doll!



Last night as we were at a volleyball game, Eliana wants to wave, hug or give high 5s to people.  Our friends all really seem to enjoy this.  Some of them even seek out those hugs that are so freely given!  I undestand that as I love them too!



As she was hugging someone last night that didn't ask for one, I pondered needing to work on that.  I need to teach her *not* to hug everyone.  Some people will not want a hug from her.  I know that in my head, though in my heart it is hard to understand.  Her hugs are so full of love.  So pure.  So innocent.



Not everyone can see that though.  I'm so very blessed to be in a place and surrounded by people who can see Eliana's beauty, charm and love.  I'm thankful for those who look at her and don't see "Down syndrome", but instead see "Eliana".  It is part of her, not who she is.  She is so much more!  She is beautiful and perfectly created by a loving God. 



I'm thankful for this precious girl and all she adds to our life.  I'm forever changed by loving her.

Blessings

Leslie

PS  On an exciting note - Eliana had her first chicken nugget happy meal last night!  We went to Chick-Fil-A and there aren't a lot of options there.  I decided to try it - and she did it!!!  I'm so proud of her.

Christopher is a Saint!

I know that caught the attention of some of you.

My oldest has many wonderful qualities.

I'm thankful for the ways that I see him learning and growing.

Im excited about the changes I've seen in him over the last 4-5 months as he is seeking to know more about God and to get involved in a variety of ways at our church.

Well, this really isn't about church though.

If you have peeked at the pictures below, then you know what I'm talking about.  If not, ... they are coming.

I couldn't resist this post. 

When evaluating his time commitments for this year, Christopher decided that he wasn't going to be able to play football.  We asked him on numerous occassions if he was sure.  He was. 

Just recently, one of his former coaches (and his family) were over for dinner.  He talked with Christopher about playing.  He said they could use someone tall and fast.  They needed a receiver.   This is a big change for my son who is used to playing defense.  I think he likes being the hunter rather than the prey.  I do think he'll do a good job in this role though. 

It is nice to be recruited!  It was a blessing to receive a partial scholarship too.  I'm looking forward to the season!

So, once again ... Christopher is a Saint!



I love the values this league displays.  They pray together before the games (and during it if someone is hurt).



They have a devotion after the game and close in prayer.  Where else are you going to see opposing teams sitting down together?  And not just in the same space, but mixed together AFTER the game!



The game was interesting.  Our team was down 13-0 in the third quarter.  It was then that I learned that not only had they not yet won a game ... they hadn't even scored a touchdown yet.  I was wondering if this was going to be a long season.  Things really turned around in the 4th quarter though!  They scored!!!  Not once, but twice and went on to win the game!  It was exciting. 

So our Saturdays will be spent watching football.  If you are local and want game times, let me know as it's always fun to have more fans!  If you want to offer prayers for safety for these guys too - that is always appreciated!



Blessings

Leslie

Beyond FIAR Co-op Betsy Ross #3

Playing catch-up and wanted to post this one before we meet again with our group!  We are meeting for the third time in our study of Betsy Ross.  We have covering chapters 8-12 during this co-op.  It was a delightful morning with lots of neat things to do and learn!  I love co-op days!

We started with a needle/sewing project.  They each had a plastic canvas cut into the shape of the Liberty Bell.  They learned how to do the stitches and then were given some time to work on their bell.  Some did not want to stop!  I was pleasantly surprised at how much my boys enjoyed this project.  I don't think it is something I would have ever thought of doing with them.  It was a perfect project - something that was managable and not to lengthy (not like commiting to making a sampler as Betsy Ross did in one of these chapters). 



One of the blessings to *me* in co-op is the privilege of my children being able to do things that they wouldn't get at home - either something I don't know about, can't do or don't think they would like.  It is a privilege to see them learning fun things!  It opens my eyes to new possibilities too.  It is a sweet example to me of the body of Christ working together and being much greater together than any of us would have been alone. 

Here is what the completed project looks like.



Next the children watched a Magic School Bus on the human body.  This lead to a discussion about blood and the 4 main parts of blood.  In order to really grasp this, the children each made a blood cell! 



Here are the four parts:

1.  Plasma - represented by corn syrup



2.  White blood cells - represented by white jellybeans

3.  Red blood cells - represented by red disc shaped gummy candy



4.  Platelets - represented by the purple candy



They had a blast making these (and sampling the goodies before they went into the "blood".  Again, this is not a project I would have chosen to do at home and I'm so glad they had this experience!  It was fun!  We also had a snack time (but no pics). 

Next was a fun game in which some of the children were white blood cells (white headbands) trying to capture the others.  The white had to band together (3 children ) in a circle around a blue headband (bacteria) in order to stop it.  The blue could be released by three of their teammates circling around them.



Always fun to run and chase!



There is so much that I love about homeschooling.  When I started, I never realized how much God would use it to shape me, humble me and teach me.  I really thought it was all about the children.  God is so much bigger than anything I can imagine though and he uses homeschooling to instruct me and refine me.  It is a blessing and one for which I'm thankful (well, most of the time!). 

Blessings

Leslie

Book Club #2 - A Lantern in Her Hand

We met this month for the second time to discuss another book.  We read A Lantern in Her Hand which is set in the 1800s and goes through a woman's life.  It starts when she is a child and ends with her death.  (You learn this at the beginning of the book so I don't think this is a spoiler.)

This book was challenging.  There were times that I felt downright sad reading it.  I think that all of the moms in the room could relate to the main character  at some point in her life.  Abbie Deal.  A woman that loved being a mother.  She gave up her hopes and dreams to follow love and to give all that she could to her children.  It was hard at times seeing the hardships she faced and the twists in her life that just didn't seem fair.  Life is like that though.

I think that the book offered a lot of insights though.  I loved reading about a part when the character is in the later years of her life and she says that she doesn't feel like an old person - she is just Abbie.  I can relate to that even now and it is was something I shared with the group (and mainly the girls).  Inside, you are *you* and though your body ages, your spirit doesn't.  I know I don't feel "old" though I'm sure to some I seem old.  (Doesn't every adult seem old when you are a child?  Or even a teen?)  Even though she aged, she still had hopes and dreams. This didn't change because she got older, but sometimes her children seemed to treat her that way.  Also, they didn't always appreciate the breadth of experience and understanding that she did have.  I felt like they often didn't give her enough credit.

One of my friends commented that she thought this helped her to understand her mom a little better.  I am praying that it helps all of us to understand others a little better - especially those further down the path of life than we are.  We are all people with hopes and dreams no matter our stage in life or circumstances. 

I think the girls are getting a little more comfortable with the sharing and discussing of ideas.  I pray that this time will be a blessing and encouragement to each person there.  Friendship is a sweet gift - one in which you have to take risks sometimes. 



We had delicious treats after our discussion that tied in with the story.  Chips (corn) and salsa, grasshopper pie (they were awful in the story), popcorn balls (she made them for Christmas), corn muffins, dried apples and apple juice. 



I am enjoying this time with our girls and time for reading too.  If anyone has suggestions for a good book for this age group, I would love to hear them!  We'll be meeting again next month with a new book!



Thank you God for this sweet time of friendship, fellowship and fun!

Blessings

Leslie

A Science Birthday Party!

We held a joint birthday party for Joshua and Isaiah and a few of their friends.  We did something different this year.  Or maybe I should say that *I* did something different this year.  To back up a bit for those that don't know me IRL.  I love making a big deal out of birthdays and birthday parties.  We tend to go all out in terms of a theme and decorations (all homemade but still fun). 

This year while at a local homeschool fair, I won a prize.  It was a free birthday party from a gal who does science experiments.  Sounded like fun.  I have to confess though that I wrestled with whether or not to do this for their birthday.  I even felt guilt about doing it.  I considered just having her come for a fun day and for their birthday.  Joshua wasn't all that excited about the theme (adding to my guilt).  He was content though with playing airsoft on his birthday.  Isaiah however was very excited about the theme.  So in the end (and yes, I kind of waited until the last minute to plan it all out), we had a science birthday.  And it was a lot of fun!

We set up in the garage so we'd have space for messes and to get out of the heat a bit.  (It is has been a really hot month!)  Lynn was a scientist working with Nasa and gave the kids a lot of space information. 



She asked for volunteers for a variety of questions.



Here are some of the experiments.  We saw George Washington "shiver".  When you place a quarter into dry ice (don't touch the dry ice if you want to do this at home unless you have on good gloves!), the quarter will rock quickly back and forth until it reaches the same temperature as the ice.  At that point, the quarter is still.  Interestingly enough, she said it happened (the coin freezing) much quicker in the heat. 



She made astronaut shampoo.  I think this was the hit of the party.  I think it was dry ice, soap, water and some food coloring.  Remember this picture too! 



They each scooped up some of the shampoo (several times).





And, yes, in case you were wondering, they did put it in their hair.



She made a portable  "air conditioner" with more dry ice (and water).



When you dipped this into bubble solution, you got "bouncing bubbles".  They didn't bounce so well on the garage floor.  She said it worked better on carpet. 





Making clouds.





Levitating a ping pong ball.



Using an "air zooka" to blow out a candle. 



Remember the astronaut shampoo?  Well I didn't know about it ahead of time.  I wanted to make a "science cake" and Rebecca found a picture and directions for me on the internet.  Check out the birthday cakes!  (One is vanilla and the other angel food - lower carbs.)



They each had their own cake so that they could blow out candles (and so that we had a lower carb option).  We had some teens drop by too and were able to get rid of all of both cakes too! 





When the cakes were eaten, Isaiah took the top of the "test tube" part of the cake.  It was a paper towel roll covered with tin foil and then icing.  And well, he got Christopher with it.  Christopher was a good sport about it all - fortunately for Isaiah.    (Not e the icing on his shirt and arm.)



The boys received some nice gifts.  I had to show you this one though.



All in all, it was a really fun party.  The verdict for me?  Much less stressful way to have a party.  My friend Catherine and I had talked about having a party planning business years ago when our oldest kids were young - as a something to do someday.  I can certainly understand the beauty of having someone else responsible for the main part of the event.  It probably won't happy around here though due to cost and it is just fun to plan sometimes.  We'll see.

If anyone local wants a referall, I'm happy to provide it!

Blessings

Leslie

PIC

PIC

Happy Birthday Isaiah!

Two birthdays so close together.  These two are closest in age and also share the closest birthdays - just 6 days apart. 

My sweet Isaiah.  Can you guess what I was studying when I was pregnant with him?  Yes, I was in the Beth Moore Bible study on the book of Isaiah.  So much strength in that man who loved God and spoke to share Him with others.  I see in my Isaiah a boldness that I pray will be used to point others to God.  While young, that trait can seem impulsive (and often is) and without censor.  I pray that his heart will be filled with God so that what spills out will be a reflection of the One who made him.



Isaiah is cuddly and often tells me how much he loves me.  Yes, this can sometimes follow a blessings, but I love that his joy flows out from his heart to his lips.  He is such a great hugger and can never seem to get enough of them.  I hope he never outgrows this trait!

Isaiah is smart and inquisitive.  He also faces challenges in learning.  I pray that God will guide me as I seek ways to encourage him and teach him so that he has the tools he needs to be the man he is designed to become. 

Isaiah has a wonderful sense of humor.  He makes us laugh so often.  Of course, I'm going to blank now on a good story to tell you.  He is a storyteller too.  I remember the Christmas that Eliana was born, he called out in his loud, strong and deep voice for us to all gather around because he had something to say.  He was just 5 and I wondered what in the world he was going to share.  Had we known, we would have grabbed the video camera.  He retold the Christmas story as if it were a news event.  It was such a sweet and beautiful moment.  It blessed my heart greatly at a time when I was struggling with all that was going on with  Eliana's health.  I also remember one of his comments that year as it too was a sweet blessing.  "This is the best Christmas ever!"  I needed his perspective.  He was  right.

Isaiah is generous (and will often give away his things to bless others), creative and a delight.  He enjoys playing outside and also inside on the computer or Wii.  He likes reading comic book style books.  Some of his favorites are Calvin and Hobbes (I hope he doesn't get any ideas!) and Garfield. 

Thank you God for blessing our family with Isaiah 9 years ago.  Happy Birthday precious Isaiah!  I love you!!!  Mommy

On his birthday, he started the day with pancakes (made by Dad) and chocolate milk.  (Roger takes the day off for our children's birthdays and we spend the day as a family doing things that they enjoy.)  We headed out for a field trip.  (More on that in another post.)  After the field trip, we went to a nearby campus and had a picnic lunch under the shade trees.  (It was in the mid-90s here that day!)  We brought cupcakes to share with his friends.



They sang Happy Birthday to him and enjoyed sweets with him.  (No pics of the cupcakes as I was passing them out instead of taking pictures.)



We hung out at home in the afternoon.  Played inside and out.  Isaiah opened some cards and gifts.





We had pizza for dinner.



Then watched a movie with some friends.  It was a fun day celebrating our Isaiah!

Blessings

Leslie