Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Our First Week of Tot School!
Adam is 30 months old
This is our very first week of Tot School and we had a lot of fun! Carisa at 1+1+1=1 created the idea (or at least the name!) of Tot School. It's not really school....it's just focused time each day with your toddler. I found that since Abby, the days seemed to pass by so quickly and I often realized I hadn't really done anything with Adam other than absent-mindedly played with him that day. With so many other things occupying my time and attention, I knew I needed to plan something beforehand if I wanted it to get done. Every week, 1+1+1=1 posts about their week of Tot School and provides a link-up for those who want to post about their weeks. It's a great way to get more ideas and to see what other kids Adam's age are doing.
About the time Adam turned 1, I started having little thoughts pop into my head. Crazy thoughts. The idea of homeschooling was brought to my attention by my Mom actually. I can't remember what I was telling her about, but it promted her to ask, "Are you thinking about homeschooling?" Um....no! That idea had never even crossed my mind! But since that day, the feelings and thoughts have flooded my heart and mind. I kept telling myself that Adam was way too young to even be thinking about it so I pretty much shrugged it off. During my pregnancy with Abby and the first few months after having her, I really didn't think about it much. But then....the crazy thoughts started again! I'm lucky to have a Mom who is supportive and listens to me ramble on about it. And I'm even more lucky to have a husband who agrees that homeschool our children might be right for our family. We worry about the world in which we live and want to protect our children as much as possible. We want to teach them the values of the Gospel and the values that this country was founded on. We want to teach them correct history and above all, we want to be able to teach our children in the best way they will learn and foster a love of learning that will continue with them throughout their lives. Even though Adam is only 2 1/2 years old, I feel like I should start now. Not teaching him academics, but teaching him through play. Showing him how much he means to me by reading with him, playing with him, and giving him the tools and opportunities to learn all the basic skills and building blocks that will help him succeed later on.
I came across a book/program called Before Five in a Row. The idea is that you spend a week reading a book and doing activities and having discussions that relate to it. I got a lot of the printable activities off of Homeschool Share which made it really easy!
The book I chose to do first was Caps for Sale because it is already one of our favorites. I grew up loving this book and can still hear my Dad saying, "Caps, caps for sale. 50 cents a cap!" Adam also loves it when his Papa reads this book to him!
Counting monkeys and caps
Pretending to be the Peddler. It's not easy balancing all those caps on your head!
Hat Matching Game
Adam surprised me by how quickly he matched all the hats together. We also talked about the different hats: fireman, policeman, cook, etc.
Flipping Through the "Whose Hat?" flip book
This was too hard for him. He was supposed to match up the body, head, and hat. I knew it would be too hard while I was putting it together. Oh well. Maybe we can try it again in a few months.
Playing "Monkey, monkey, sittin' in a tree. Throw the blue cap down to me!"
I would insert a different color each time and he'd have to find the right one to throw down to me. Of course he sailed through this too. He knows all his colors except grey. But, we giggled the whole time and that's all that matters!
These are our naughty monkeys that fell off the bed while they were jumping. We acted out "5 Little Monkeys" and he loved jumping around and then throwing them onto the ground. He then pretended to give them medicine, a band aid, and a kiss on the bumps on their heads.
The rest of these pictures are all of activities that Adam had the chance to choose between each day. I have a little 3-drawer plastic box and each day I would put something in each drawer and he could choose to do whatever he wanted, however long he wanted. He seemed to really gravitate towards the art which makes me happy! I was amazed at just how long he sat and painted the first day. He's never lasted more than 5 minutes or so, but this day, he painted for over 30 minutes!
Color matching blocks....again.....way too easy
Instead, he decided to just make towers and knock them over. Always a favorite!
Stickers
Lots of play-doh time!
Pouring and counting little balls of play-doh
He drew a piano (the zig-zag lines)
Playing his piano
Stringing beads. My friend gave me the idea to use hemp cord because it stays stiff while they are stringing beads. Although it worked well...he was more interested in playing with the beads themselves.
Lesson Learned: Small beads are NOT a "play by yourself" activity! I went to make lunch and that is when he decided to throw the beads around like it was raining.
This is our very first week of Tot School and we had a lot of fun! Carisa at 1+1+1=1 created the idea (or at least the name!) of Tot School. It's not really school....it's just focused time each day with your toddler. I found that since Abby, the days seemed to pass by so quickly and I often realized I hadn't really done anything with Adam other than absent-mindedly played with him that day. With so many other things occupying my time and attention, I knew I needed to plan something beforehand if I wanted it to get done. Every week, 1+1+1=1 posts about their week of Tot School and provides a link-up for those who want to post about their weeks. It's a great way to get more ideas and to see what other kids Adam's age are doing.
About the time Adam turned 1, I started having little thoughts pop into my head. Crazy thoughts. The idea of homeschooling was brought to my attention by my Mom actually. I can't remember what I was telling her about, but it promted her to ask, "Are you thinking about homeschooling?" Um....no! That idea had never even crossed my mind! But since that day, the feelings and thoughts have flooded my heart and mind. I kept telling myself that Adam was way too young to even be thinking about it so I pretty much shrugged it off. During my pregnancy with Abby and the first few months after having her, I really didn't think about it much. But then....the crazy thoughts started again! I'm lucky to have a Mom who is supportive and listens to me ramble on about it. And I'm even more lucky to have a husband who agrees that homeschool our children might be right for our family. We worry about the world in which we live and want to protect our children as much as possible. We want to teach them the values of the Gospel and the values that this country was founded on. We want to teach them correct history and above all, we want to be able to teach our children in the best way they will learn and foster a love of learning that will continue with them throughout their lives. Even though Adam is only 2 1/2 years old, I feel like I should start now. Not teaching him academics, but teaching him through play. Showing him how much he means to me by reading with him, playing with him, and giving him the tools and opportunities to learn all the basic skills and building blocks that will help him succeed later on.
I came across a book/program called Before Five in a Row. The idea is that you spend a week reading a book and doing activities and having discussions that relate to it. I got a lot of the printable activities off of Homeschool Share which made it really easy!
The book I chose to do first was Caps for Sale because it is already one of our favorites. I grew up loving this book and can still hear my Dad saying, "Caps, caps for sale. 50 cents a cap!" Adam also loves it when his Papa reads this book to him!
Counting monkeys and caps
Pretending to be the Peddler. It's not easy balancing all those caps on your head!
Hat Matching GameAdam surprised me by how quickly he matched all the hats together. We also talked about the different hats: fireman, policeman, cook, etc.
Flipping Through the "Whose Hat?" flip book
This was too hard for him. He was supposed to match up the body, head, and hat. I knew it would be too hard while I was putting it together. Oh well. Maybe we can try it again in a few months.
Playing "Monkey, monkey, sittin' in a tree. Throw the blue cap down to me!"
I would insert a different color each time and he'd have to find the right one to throw down to me. Of course he sailed through this too. He knows all his colors except grey. But, we giggled the whole time and that's all that matters!
These are our naughty monkeys that fell off the bed while they were jumping. We acted out "5 Little Monkeys" and he loved jumping around and then throwing them onto the ground. He then pretended to give them medicine, a band aid, and a kiss on the bumps on their heads.
The rest of these pictures are all of activities that Adam had the chance to choose between each day. I have a little 3-drawer plastic box and each day I would put something in each drawer and he could choose to do whatever he wanted, however long he wanted. He seemed to really gravitate towards the art which makes me happy! I was amazed at just how long he sat and painted the first day. He's never lasted more than 5 minutes or so, but this day, he painted for over 30 minutes!
Color matching blocks....again.....way too easy
Instead, he decided to just make towers and knock them over. Always a favorite!
Stickers
Lots of play-doh time!
Pouring and counting little balls of play-doh
He drew a piano (the zig-zag lines)
Playing his piano
Stringing beads. My friend gave me the idea to use hemp cord because it stays stiff while they are stringing beads. Although it worked well...he was more interested in playing with the beads themselves.
Lesson Learned: Small beads are NOT a "play by yourself" activity! I went to make lunch and that is when he decided to throw the beads around like it was raining.
It was a great week even though he came down with a fever Thursday and Friday. We're both feeling under-the-weather today so hopefully it doesn't hamper this coming week. We're reading Blueberries for Sal and I have lots of fun ideas! Including making a yummy blueberry dessert for Family Home Evening tomorrow! (Family Home Evening is a night set aside each week to spend time together learning about the Gospel, Jesus Christ, and having fun. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Go to http://www.lds.org/ for more info)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Abigail at 4 Months
As of yesterday, Abigail is 4 months old! Time seems to be going even faster than it did with Adam....and I don't like it! :)
Here are her 4 month stats:
Weight: 12 lbs. 11 oz. (40th percentile)
Height: 24 inches (60th percentile)
Abby has still yet to laugh out loud, although she's made the motions just without vocalizing at the same time. She likes to jabber and wiggle and is getting good at getting toys into her mouth to suck on. Her tummy troubles seem to be going away, thank goodness, although she is still on medicine for acid reflux. We're now attempting some sleep training because she is not a great sleeper. Apparently post-colicky babies have more trouble sleeping because they grow accustomed to the motion, sound, and swaddling remedies for colic. So now we have an uphill battle to get her taking good naps and sleeping longer at night.
Adam adores his baby sister and Abby thinks he's the coolest thing in the world. I frequently hear Adam telling her that she is pretty, sweet, and that he loves her. I hope I can encourage him to always think of her that way...especially as they become teenagers!
Just yesterday, Abby rolled over for the first time! I'm pretty sure it was an accident because she has only just started even rolling onto her side. I'm not so sure I'm ready for her to be mobile anyway!
Just yesterday, Abby rolled over for the first time! I'm pretty sure it was an accident because she has only just started even rolling onto her side. I'm not so sure I'm ready for her to be mobile anyway!
Post-roll photo
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Farms and Carnivals
Reader Beware: There are a lot of pictures in this post!
We have had a fun couple of days! On Friday we met up with 2 of my friends who have kids exactly the same ages as mine. We went to Wheeler Farm and Adam had a blast being outside, seeing the animals, and running around.
Cute Lexie reached over and grabbed Adam's hand as they were walking. Prior to leaving that morning, when I told Adam we were going to see Lexie he said, "She's a nice girl". Yep....she sure is!
Signing "horse".....kind of.
This is how Abby saw the farm. Lucky for me, she was the happiest of the babies.
Adam and Dallin looking at the gigantic rabbits
Adam liked Dallin's short haircut and decided he wanted to feel it.
Dallin was not too happy about that.
On Saturday we went to the little traveling carnival that was set up at the mall by our house. I was a little worried that Adam wouldn't wan to go on any rides by himself, but I was pleasantly surprised. He loved every minute of it!
He even loved the Ferris Wheel!
We spent an obscene amount of money to play a couple games...but it was worth it.
Adam was thrilled that he won a stuffed animal and a ball!
Yum.....cotton candy!
It is so much fun having a child old enough to enjoy and be thrilled with little outings and adventures!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Honey-Lime Chicken Enchiladas
I've made it a goal to try at least one new recipe each week. This week I tried a recipe that I found on My Kitchen Cafe. It was really yummy and a nice change from the traditional red sauce meat or cheese enchiladas and sour cream/white sauce chicken enchiladas. The sweet and spicy combo is perfect!
Honey-Lime Chicken Enchiladas
6 Tb honey
5 Tb lime juice
1 Tb chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3-4 small chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
8-10 flour tortillas
8 oz. monterey jack cheese, shredded
16 oz. green enchilada sauce
1 c. sour cream (fat free worked just fine)
Mix the first 4 ingredients together in a ziploc bag with the cooked and shredded chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (I made it in the morning and let it sit in the fridge all day).
Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Fill tortillas with chicken and some shredded cheese (reserving about 1 cup of cheese for the top). Mix the remaining enchilada sauce with the sour cream and any leftover marinade. Pour sauce over the enchiladas and top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbly.
**Note--my pitiful limes gave very little juice so I ended up zesting them and then using mostly bottled lemon juice in place of the lime juice. It still turned out yummy. Also, the original recipe calls for 1 lb. of cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream, but I lightened it up with only 8 oz. of cheese, and fat free sour cream. I bet these would be delicious with more cheese though!
Honey-Lime Chicken Enchiladas
6 Tb honey
5 Tb lime juice
1 Tb chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3-4 small chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
8-10 flour tortillas
8 oz. monterey jack cheese, shredded
16 oz. green enchilada sauce
1 c. sour cream (fat free worked just fine)
Mix the first 4 ingredients together in a ziploc bag with the cooked and shredded chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (I made it in the morning and let it sit in the fridge all day).
Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Fill tortillas with chicken and some shredded cheese (reserving about 1 cup of cheese for the top). Mix the remaining enchilada sauce with the sour cream and any leftover marinade. Pour sauce over the enchiladas and top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbly.
**Note--my pitiful limes gave very little juice so I ended up zesting them and then using mostly bottled lemon juice in place of the lime juice. It still turned out yummy. Also, the original recipe calls for 1 lb. of cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream, but I lightened it up with only 8 oz. of cheese, and fat free sour cream. I bet these would be delicious with more cheese though!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
My OLD Husband!
Nat turned the big 3-0 on May 20th! To celebrate we had a yummy ice cream cake from Cold Stone, complete with 30 candles!
Holy Smoke!
To surprise Nat and make his 30th birthday special, I invited his old mission friends and their wives (which are all my friends too...that made it sound like they were just his friends) out to dinner. We went to Nat's favorite restaurant, Ruby River Steakhouse, and he was so surprised to see his friends there! We always have such a great time with them and the guys always love to reminisce about "the mission". We ate and chatted for 2 hours and it was a blast!
Nat's giant foam cowboy hat.
It was a requirement to wear while eating the free birthday dessert.
The gang (left to right)
Kirk & Carin Chugg, Marni & Darren Downs, Tina & Robert Hoxsie, me & the Birthday Boy
Happy Birthday honey. I love you!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Playtime at the Gardner House
For the most part, Adam adores his baby sister. He loves to play with her and thinks her smiles and coos are hilarious! Here are a few of our favorite things to play together.
Modified Tummy Time
Modified Tummy Time
Miss Abby hates tummy time but will tolerate a few minutes if she's laying on the Boppy pillow.
Having Fun in the Crib
Adam loves to get in the crib with Abby and while she watches her mobile he either plays with her toys, reads to her, or just lays next to her and laughs hysterically. I frequently have to remind him not to bounce or kick his legs too hard. But honestly, she doesn't even seem to mind!
Activity Mat
This poor child never gets to play by herself because her big brother is constantly wanting to be right next to her, frequently right up in her face. Adam loves to lay under Abby's mat and bat the toys around, tickle her, hold her hand, laugh at her, etc.
Fun Smiles!
This is just a cute picture of my smiley girl
I hope that as they grow, they will always love playing together!
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