Oct. 3rd homeschool day...

I've been contemplating our homeschool days to try and incorporate everything. But I realize I just can't do it all...nor can my 3 kids. So I decided to make it easy on me and go with the flow. I also thought I would write about our adventures so when the kids get older and say, "Mom, what was I like or what did we do when I was (insert age)."

Today it was nice out and I've decided that any day it is above 50 degrees was an excuse to get out.

Recently, both boys received bikes and haven't had much of an opportunity to get on them (last time Sebastian split Braedon's finger open with a brick. This halted things for a while).

Our goal today was to explore our neighborhood and look for trees that were changing colors.



This was one of the trees on 58th street. Below is another one...






Here are a few photos of the churches and university buildings around us. One day when they are older and interested, I would love to teach them about the architectural designs.

On our way around the neighborhood, the boys asked to visit the botany pond to feed the animals.

Here they are being silly...

Sebastian always amazes me. He is my tough cookie and I try to teach him things but he doesn't like to let me know he knows things. Here he is pointing to the numbers and telling Jillian.

What is an adventure out without some action? Yes not 1 but 4 fire engines happened upon the library. All of the kids were in awe....

The firefighters were so kind and all of them waved and rang their sirens for the kids.

On the way back, we did what I set out to do which was pick up leaves.

Apparently riding bikes for several blocks to fun and exciting places is tough work. Braedon and Sebastian decided to "walk" their bikes and well Jillian had to join in.

We had a joyous morning and now its time for a nap for Ms. J. We will be working with the letter "L" with our leaves later in the day. The picture is below.

Braedon's 6th birthday

Dear Braedon,
I can’t believe it has been 6 years since you have come into our lives. It has been a wonderful and magical time seeing you develop from a baby to a toddler and now a young boy. Each day I marvel at the fact that you came out of me and that you are in our lives. I don’t know why you didn’t come earlier to us but grateful to have you when we did.

You teach us so many things: patience, forgiveness, love and most of all laughter. You have fun on a daily basis and you make sure to include us. Whatever game you are playing or even just to point something out to us, you always have a funny spin on things.

You love to play with legos, hotwheels cars, transformers and most of all your ecto-1 from the movie ghostbusters. In fact, you had your 6th year pictures taken with your ecto-1 to show your love for it. I think you will even be a ghostbuster for Halloween. We try to provide you with enough toys to encourage your imagination and creativity. Right now you and your brother are playing together with new legos.
For your birthday, you wanted the lego police station. So we gathered up everyone and took a trip to the mall. You got your pictures taken and then we went to the lego store. You picked out a helicopter, police boat, moon land rover, little black car and of course the lego police station. Sebastian picked out a police motorcycle/dune buggy vehicle. Then we ate lunch and did a little more looking around and headed home. On the way home we picked up your Dad from work. Immediately when we walked into the door you wanted your lego stuff to be assembled. We put most of it together and the rest we would finish the next day.

You requested I make you an ice cream cake with your favorite ice cream flavor: vanilla. Overall this was the best birthday we had….
Of course, we also got you a hotrock bike 16” for you to learn how to ride and eventually to take your stablizers off. It too is in your favorite color: blue.
As far as your school development: you can read, you don’t like for us to pressure you to read but I force you from time to time. You love books and I can’t wait for the day when you pick something up and read it to me. You don’t like to write but someday you will.

I wanted to write this out for you so you will have an idea of your life as a young boy and when you ask me, “Mom, what was I like when I was a boy?” I can easily find this blurb and tell you. Or when you have kids one day they can ask you and you can tell them.

Your Dad and I love you very much and we want you to be the best person you can be. We want you to be happy and full of laughter all of the time.
Happy 6th birthday Braedon.

Happy 4th Birthday Sebastian

When I think back to this day I remember waking up not feeling at all rested and it was snowing. On this day 4 years later, I woke to the same restless night and snowing. I couldn’t believe that you were going to be born on this day and still cannot believe it. But here you are and well our lives have never been the same.

You are a constant bundle of laughter. Your personality shines through with everything that you do. You are terribly bright and can say things with a straight face. I knew you were going to be a tough guy when you fought your way through the ICU. You think you are very tough that you pick fights with your brother and wrestle with him even though he is 15 months older and at least 1 inch taller.

You have many toys that you love. Right now you are very much into any characters from the movie, Cars. I think Mater is your favorite but you do sometimes prefer Lightening McQueen. You’re all time favorite car is the Mustang. You can spot a real one miles away and even the older models. We took you to a car show and you loved every minute. Your grandparents bought you a toy mustang to play with you took it to bed with you every evening until…well you got some new toys for your birthday and the mustang was set aside. But you do play with it as well.

Your 4th birthday photo shoot couldn’t have gone any better. You smiled when she told you to smile and you were of course yourself. The snickering shots of you are how you are on a daily basis…quite devilish. Your shirt was especially created for you because you love monster trucks. Your favorite video is Monster Truck Mater and one of the characters is the green cement truck you are playing with in the photos. I bought that for you moments before your shoot so that you would be happy and that you would have something to play with during the shoot.

You can be the sweetest and kindness little boy when you want to or sometimes when you aren’t trying. You love for us to snuggle with you at night. You must sleep with your froggy blanket and any toy of choice for the night.

I saw an instant change in you right before you turned 4. Your words and speech were more thought out. We can understand you a lot better. You don’t whine as much as you used to but honestly hope you will grow out of that phase. You generally whine/cry when you don’t get your way or you can’t express yourself. When you are hungry or very tired you lose all control and we sometimes have to hold you until you calm down. But most of the time we give you to the count of three to calm down.

You love to sit in my lap when we are reading a story. Something that you and I have always enjoyed. You are also very interested in what I’m cooking and especially baking. You love to be right next to me hoping to lick the beater or bowl. You definitely have a sweet tooth. You prefer yogurt and orange juice compared to Braedon who likes milk.

You really enjoy nature and the outdoors. We have some cardinals who visit us and I told you that they were your cardinal. When they chirp, I say that it’s your cardinal calling you. It says good morning or where have you been. When we are out in the neighborhood you can hear it calling you and you turn to me and say, “That’s my cardinal.”

There are times when you can be quite naughty or mischievous. I am unable to plant anything because you have torn them up over and over again. You have dumped over the cat litter box and rolled your trucks through it saying look at me I’m driving over the mountains. You like to go in the refrigerator yourself and get out the gallon of OJ or milk and bringing it across the living room to ask for some. You’ve written on the wall saying they were mountains. You like to make messes with food dumping things or making lots of crumbs. You like to go outside and pee—not just on the tree but wherever you see fit (and no matter how hot or cold it is). When we ask you why you do the things you do…..your answer—Because I did.

You are a leader at times and a follower at other times. But when there is something you just don’t want to do…..you just won’t do it. There are times when you and your brother get along amazingly and times when you have knock out drag out fights. You are becoming more independent as the days progress. Deep down I believe that you are the best of buds.

You love your baby sister but sometimes she gets in your way or you think she’ll get in your way and you do something to her. You either push her or take things away. But you are also very protective of her as well. You look out for her well-being and you include her in some of the things you play.

Overall you are a very unique child and we are so happy to have you in our life. We were terribly sad when you were born that we weren’t sure if you were going to make it. After 24 hours, I knew that you would and that we would have a fighter on our hands.

Happy 4th birthday—I hope it was everything you wanted it to be and more.

Love—your mommy

Thank you for being a crappy mom…

My epiphany only comes since having children myself. I realize that I have my mother to thank for this. Really? Yes my mom will never win the mother of the year award. What mother is perfect? She did her best—right? She was a single mother and working full time. She didn’t have time to make a homemade meal (but I seriously think she could have tried harder). I remember many of her notorious meals—spaghetti with tomato juice from a can, ghoulosh (couldn’t remember what was in it but it was a glop of grey goo), and some sort of chop suey a la “La Choy”. Some of these meals were created when she was still married and supposed to be a full time mom.

As for me I certainly didn’t think of these things before having children. Like the realization that you are responsible for this person until they are capable of doing everything for themselves.

While I’m making dinner this evening these thoughts crept into my mind. I’m responsible for feeding my children! If I don’t plan accordingly the natives get restless and war will be declared. Crying, whining and inconsolable nagging will reign supreme. On my best days, I have made a meal plan for the week and shopped accordingly. Today is one of those good mommy days where I have planned ahead. I generally try and start dinner around 4pm as my children desire to eat around 5pm. I made mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and steak (I know not really exciting but it’s all homemade).

Why is everything homemade? Why don’t I take the easy route and open a box, can, or something frozen?

I have my crappy mother to thank. And for that, I say thank you to my mother for opening a box of flakes and “making” potatoes as if we were in the army getting our “rations”. I can also remember cupcakes from a box, frosting from a can, pudding a la Jello, and hungry man frozen dinners.

Ironically, she has propelled me into being a better mom in the food department. I know I have a long way to go and I’m certainly not going to be awarded mom of the year anytime soon, but I’ll keep striving to get there.

I’m sure one day my kids will try to recall their memories as a child and they’ll probably say—you were a crappy mom. My reply….not as crappy as mine.

Bradeon turns 5

Dear Bradeon,
I can’t believe that you are 5 years old today. I can remember when you first came into our lives and how much you’ve grown. You are a very thoughtful, insightful, caring and loving son/brother. You are a big helper whenever you are asked to do something and you are very reliable. You are very well mannered and sensitive at times.

Your favorite toys are legos at the moment but you like matchbox/hot wheels cars, your optimus prime you got last year for your birthday, and various other materials. You are very imaginative with your toys and generally use all of them during a weeks time. This year you graduated from dupulo legos to the real deal. Although we are constantly finding the little parts all over and in Jillian’s mouth. You also got magna tiles and some science experimental stuff. We took you to legoland and you picked out the racers set. It was a wonderful day.

I made some cupcakes for your birthday that we shared with some homeschool friends and then we came home to play. Your dad came home from work and we sang happy birthday. You wanted to blow out the candle again, so we sang to you twice.
Your favorite food is milk. You always want a “baba” instead of eating something but you do love candy. Not a lot of candy--you do like good things in moderation. Your favorite color is blue.

On Sunday, we will be celebrating your birthday with your friends and relatives. All of your cousins will be there and your grandparents. We’ve hired someone to bring in some animals for you to view and learn.

It was a fun year watching you grow and see how much knowledge you have gained from the prior year. We are homeschooling you and you are doing amazingly. You love for us to read books but you are trying to read on your own. You know all of your letters and most of the sounds. You love to count and can count to 100 (maybe even further if I ask). You don’t quite like to write yet. Drawing and writing are not your thing. You do like to trace your fingers on the letters with me while I make sounds as to how they should be drawn. You can spell your name and know your address. You are very smart young boy and are almost as tall as me at 5. I keep telling you by 10, you’ll be taller than me and can help me reach things in the top cabinets.

I love your spirit, you seem to have an old one. I see a lot of myself in you and am really proud. We want you to be successful at whatever you decide to do in life. We are here to give you the tools and wisdom to do so.

We love you so much and can’t wait to see how the next 5 years turn out.

How did my mother do it?

Today I was trying to do many tasks and while I was in the kitchen, Jillian pulled up one of her push toys and proceeded to climb on top. She was trying to get something off of the counters. One of the boys pushed the toy in the kitchen and she decided to use it to her advantage. I said wow, how did my mother do it?
The boys were not much climbers. In fact, Braedon has to be coaxed into climbing things that are intended for him to climb! Sebastian is more adventurous but not like Jillian. She’ll try to get up on everything and I’m constantly keeping an eagle eye on her to keep her out of harm’s way.

Unfortunately, my mother is unable to tell me if my siblings or I were this ambitious or how she handled this situation. I know there were times my mother was the single parent as my father was out fighting the Vietnam War during 2 tours of duty. She had to manage 3 kids by herself.

This then leads me to a discussion I was having with my husband about raising our kids. I sometimes question the ideas we have about raising them and if we are doing right by them. Should we being doing this or that? What if we didn’t do this or that? I never let my children see me doubting my parental abilities but I do often wonder.

I afraid there will come that day when we get into an argument and they question me about my parental style. So I have decided to write this now as they are young (5, 3, 1.5) to let them know the sacrifices we have made to have them in our lives.

Here are the many things we wanted to give you:
I decided to stay home and not work to be able to teach you everything I know and more. Your father worked long hours but played with you every second he could. I breastfed each one of you and lost many many hours of sleep so that you can be nurtured throughout the night. When you needed to be cuddled, snuggled or just needed someone with you for comfort, we always said yes. All of the many games we made up and played like goodluck on the bed, tag, hide and seek, baseball, or you can’t make (get) me. For all the baba’s you needed throughout the day and night. I took you to museums, zoos, Legoland, arboretum, park, and other special places so you could experience everything. Sometimes we would just take our bikes and ride around the town.

I admit to you now that I’m not the best parent but I can state that I’m doing the best that I can to give you the best life has to offer. So when it’s your turn to ask how did you do it? I’ll simply say: I just did it. I know I can always use this motto to help me get through the toughest days and hope that tomorrow will be better.

To see you smile, laugh, play and learn is all that we ever envisioned when we decided to have you.

We love you and always will……

Beloved Bjorn

I’m not sure how or where I first heard of the Bjorn but when I became pregnant with my 1st child it seemed like the latest in baby boutique to wear your child. So I did a lot of research and bought the “active” baby blue Bjorn on Ebay. The package arrived on a Monday and unknown to me, my 1st would be born that next morning. Perhaps this was a sign of fate? I remember riding the bus home and reading the Bjorn box stating you could wear your baby and breastfeed (later I realized that isn’t a possibility).

Well I never realized how much the Bjorn would be an integral part of mine and my baby’s life. I remember that as soon as I could wear him, he went in and loved every minute. I could cuddle and snuggle him wherever we went. When he was fussy, I could put him in there and instantly soothe him. Once I felt comfortable that he could face forward, a whole new world opened up for him. This lasted for almost a full year because he then began to walk and no longer needed to be carried.

When my second baby arrived, he instantly went into the bjorn. Although it wasn’t equipped with an infant insert, I bundled him up with a blanket and gently placed him inside the pouch. It was a great way to bond with him while we were out and about with his older brother. Again, I wore him all of the time. We never took the car seat out of the car. I always transported him via the Bjorn. As my 2nd began to get heavier, the Bjorn seemed to have started to wear on me.

As my 3rd child came along it was a no brainer for me to use the Bjorn. But either my body was failing me or the Bjorn was failing, I wasn’t able to wear her as long of a time as I had the others. Now keep in mind that I was also carrying around 2 other children and my stamina was low especially with a newborn. I dismissed the aches and pains and swore by my fabulous find.

The Ergo: I had been introduced to this carrier 1 year prior and I wasn’t convinced of its all mighty power. As my back continued to ache and friends encouraged me to get an Ergo. I resisted until I found one on sale for a price no one could pass. When it arrived I was in awe and saw the 3 different positions you could secure your child. Once I felt my daughter was old enough she went on the back and wow…..what a relief. I even breastfed her while walking her around in it. Amazing.

Poor Bjorn was resting in the basement for about 6 months when someone inquired if I had one for sale. I thought to myself why are you saving this? If you know of a product my superior, why would you hold on to it. So I had decided to sell my beloved baby blue Bjorn. I proceeded to tell this strange my life story with the Bjorn and how sad I was to let it go. But that her child would really enjoy it and so would she.

I had a tear in my eye as I let it go. Many fond memories were flying past and luckily have a few snapshots as evidence that I held them in the Bjorn. The new owner emailed the day after and informed me of how much her baby loved being in it. I almost felt like a pet owner whose cat had a litter and giving one of the kits to a new owner.
Bjorn: I’m glad you went to a new home where you will be loved once again and taken out on a daily basis. You had a wonderful life with the Joneses and will be fondly remembered. Thank you for being a nurturing part of my children’s lives.