For more pics or info about their projects, See:
http://bubbleology.wikispaces.com/
day 6
1 year ago
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Thursday, July 14, 2011
More Bubbleology
Because I liked these pictures so much, I had to post more. 
For more pics or info about their projects, See:
http://bubbleology.wikispaces.com/
For more pics or info about their projects, See:
http://bubbleology.wikispaces.com/
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Bubbleology
Bubbleology
I borrowed these photos From the Threshold wikispace site. This week the oldest three kids are at Hardin Simmons attending Threshold, a GT summer camp. Hopefully by the end of the week, I can get some pictures on here of Zachary. The theme is different every year, and as you can see, this year its all about Bubbles. What a wonderful fun opportunity to explore chemistry and physics.
Love this one, guess Ang isn't a fan of his bubble art.
Tony and unknown girl blowing bubbles.
Angie said they were trying to build the longest bubble chain aka the bubble caterpillar.
Artist at work.
look what we can do!
I cannot say enough good things about this camp. A whole week of embracing your inner nerd, what could be better?
I borrowed these photos From the Threshold wikispace site. This week the oldest three kids are at Hardin Simmons attending Threshold, a GT summer camp. Hopefully by the end of the week, I can get some pictures on here of Zachary. The theme is different every year, and as you can see, this year its all about Bubbles. What a wonderful fun opportunity to explore chemistry and physics.
Love this one, guess Ang isn't a fan of his bubble art.
Tony and unknown girl blowing bubbles.
Angie said they were trying to build the longest bubble chain aka the bubble caterpillar.
Artist at work.
look what we can do!
I cannot say enough good things about this camp. A whole week of embracing your inner nerd, what could be better?
Friday, January 21, 2011
Kids and their Blue Chickens
I try to clean my pockets out before I come home from work,but sometimes I accidently bring home things like tape, alcohol swabs, and occasionally a stray glove or two. Zachary got a hold of these gloves blew them up and drew faces on them. Then he named his babies Chicky poo, fluff fluff, handy and little joey. Little Joey isn't pictured because Emi laid claim to him and colored him with markers. She slept with little joey every night for a week. Zachy then started hiding his other babies before he went to school so that they wouldn't suffer the same fate. I really found this whole thing hilarious, especially when they started taking them for walks in the baby doll stroller. So funny the things kids find to play with and I am wondering if I should rethink spending money on them at Christmas time.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Proud mama 2011
Friday was the assembly for the first semester. Angie and Tony made all "A's" for the semester. Angie had an E+ folder for the semester. This means that she had no marks at all. Tony missed it by one mark. There are usually only a handful of kids had get this so the school will take them somewhere fun, skating, bowling, a movie, something. When you get either E+ folder or Top reader for the six weeks they get to go to DQ for lunch.
This first picture is of all the kids in their school who won either a medal or a ribbon. Looks like overall as a school they did pretty well. I was especially proud of Angie's 4th grade class. Someone from her class medaled in every single event.
The kids also got their UIL medals. I've blogged about this before, but heres the pictures to back it up. Angie's are: first in Art, first place team, 3rd in music, 1st place team.
Tony's are: 1st place Music memory, team 3rd. He was so proud, I especially like how his chest is all stuck out in this picture of him.
This is just a fun one of the two of them together. I'm sticking my tongue out making Angie laugh. She has a beautiful smile when she laughs. Brian and I were both very proud. They worked hard.
This first picture is of all the kids in their school who won either a medal or a ribbon. Looks like overall as a school they did pretty well. I was especially proud of Angie's 4th grade class. Someone from her class medaled in every single event.
The kids also got their UIL medals. I've blogged about this before, but heres the pictures to back it up. Angie's are: first in Art, first place team, 3rd in music, 1st place team.
Tony's are: 1st place Music memory, team 3rd. He was so proud, I especially like how his chest is all stuck out in this picture of him.
This is just a fun one of the two of them together. I'm sticking my tongue out making Angie laugh. She has a beautiful smile when she laughs. Brian and I were both very proud. They worked hard.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Blogging and Resolutions
Well, today I read my friend Christi's blog and it really inspired me. I NEED to blog more. Most of my blogs are about Brian and the kids. Everyday, uneventful stuff. But, I am not a scrapbooker, so I need to do better. So, even though it is December, I decided that this will be my New Year's resolution.
Let me catch you up on the goings on here since before Thanksgiving. Tuesday they had a family feast at Tuesday school, and Aiden's class sang a couple songs. Well, Thanksgiving, mom and I worked, so we had our get together on Friday. I was under the weather that day, so I slept in a bit, but we went down to mom's and had a wonderful meal and hung around and played cards. Angie really likes to play the game Golf and you can add many players, so that is what we did. We had one seath that people kind of rotated out of as they had to do things.
The kids had a big GT project due at the beginning of December. They had to pick an endangered animal, research it and write a report. There was a list of things that had to be mentioned, like, habitat, diet, etc, and they had to include photos. Then they had to complute an art project that related to the subject. Angie chose Pandas. For the first time, she typed out her report, and that was a little slow going, but she did all the typing herself. I helped her edit it, and showed her how to insert pictures. Brian suggested that we get a keyboarding program for them to start working on. For, her art project, she chose to make a panda out of beans. Brian was going to trace it with our projector, but I felt i could help her free hand one. It turned out pretty well. Tony wanted to do a poster, so we dod a trifold poster on alligator gar. He was going to do a painting on canvas, but he decided to do his painting on the outside of the trifold which I though was a pretty good idea. He wrote his report on paper, but I did help him type and print it some, then we glued it to the poster. It seems each year they are able to be a little more independent.
It was really hard for both Brian and I not to take over, and it would have been so easy for us to take over, but I really want these kids to grow up to be self motivated. I've also been helping the kids with UIL. At dinner the other night, Tony said "mom I am so glad that you tricked me into doing UIL. Ahhh, words every mom wants to hear, lol. But I told him that he WILL do one event a year, and that if he doesn't pick it I will. He thought he was being sly by telling me that his grade hadn't had any sign ups, and then come do find out they did and he "forgot" to sign up. So, I emailed the teacher and told him that he forgot and she gave him the study materials. Sir Tony got 1st place in Music memory. He will also get a team medal for 2nd place team. While I may have to make Tony participate, I have to reel Angie in a little. I told her three events MAX. So she picked her three, but then she had to resign from oral reading because the changed the event schedule and it conflicted with art. So, she got third in music memory, along with a team 1st, and first in art, along with a team 1st.
Aiden had a program at Tuesday school yesterday. It was interesting to see him with the other kids. He is alot smaller than everyone else in his class, and he may be the youngest. They separated him and Audrey and there was already another Aiden in her class. His teachers are very complimentary of him every week. I've heard that he's very smart and sweet, but his size isn't the only thing that reminds me of Tony. Aiden doesn't really like the other kids that much.
One of Aiden's Tuesday school teachers has been volunteering at the school and reading with Zachary. Man he has really turned a corner the last couple of weeks. I have been pulling teeth with him for over a year getting him to learn sounds and sight words. But, all of a sudden, he's READING!!! Not only that, he is starting to like it. He's also writing more and he will ask me how to spell words. And, without even realizing it, he's teaching Aiden.
Angies voice lessons are going well. She is learning to read music and seems to be really enjoying it. We went to our first Opera as a family. It was titled "the Emperor's New Clothes". It was kid friendly, and her voice teacher had the lead. Angie really liked it, but I was really surprised at how much Emi liked it. I also felt alot better about her choice to stop taking dance when her dance teacher didn't even recognize her, but the dean of the pre college music department came up and hugged her and told her that she was glad she came. Then last weekend, Angie sang at the mall in a Christmas concert. She sang mele kalikimaka. Lol. But she did very well and was very brave to stand up there alone and sing. We were really proud.
Let me catch you up on the goings on here since before Thanksgiving. Tuesday they had a family feast at Tuesday school, and Aiden's class sang a couple songs. Well, Thanksgiving, mom and I worked, so we had our get together on Friday. I was under the weather that day, so I slept in a bit, but we went down to mom's and had a wonderful meal and hung around and played cards. Angie really likes to play the game Golf and you can add many players, so that is what we did. We had one seath that people kind of rotated out of as they had to do things.
The kids had a big GT project due at the beginning of December. They had to pick an endangered animal, research it and write a report. There was a list of things that had to be mentioned, like, habitat, diet, etc, and they had to include photos. Then they had to complute an art project that related to the subject. Angie chose Pandas. For the first time, she typed out her report, and that was a little slow going, but she did all the typing herself. I helped her edit it, and showed her how to insert pictures. Brian suggested that we get a keyboarding program for them to start working on. For, her art project, she chose to make a panda out of beans. Brian was going to trace it with our projector, but I felt i could help her free hand one. It turned out pretty well. Tony wanted to do a poster, so we dod a trifold poster on alligator gar. He was going to do a painting on canvas, but he decided to do his painting on the outside of the trifold which I though was a pretty good idea. He wrote his report on paper, but I did help him type and print it some, then we glued it to the poster. It seems each year they are able to be a little more independent.
It was really hard for both Brian and I not to take over, and it would have been so easy for us to take over, but I really want these kids to grow up to be self motivated. I've also been helping the kids with UIL. At dinner the other night, Tony said "mom I am so glad that you tricked me into doing UIL. Ahhh, words every mom wants to hear, lol. But I told him that he WILL do one event a year, and that if he doesn't pick it I will. He thought he was being sly by telling me that his grade hadn't had any sign ups, and then come do find out they did and he "forgot" to sign up. So, I emailed the teacher and told him that he forgot and she gave him the study materials. Sir Tony got 1st place in Music memory. He will also get a team medal for 2nd place team. While I may have to make Tony participate, I have to reel Angie in a little. I told her three events MAX. So she picked her three, but then she had to resign from oral reading because the changed the event schedule and it conflicted with art. So, she got third in music memory, along with a team 1st, and first in art, along with a team 1st.
Aiden had a program at Tuesday school yesterday. It was interesting to see him with the other kids. He is alot smaller than everyone else in his class, and he may be the youngest. They separated him and Audrey and there was already another Aiden in her class. His teachers are very complimentary of him every week. I've heard that he's very smart and sweet, but his size isn't the only thing that reminds me of Tony. Aiden doesn't really like the other kids that much.
One of Aiden's Tuesday school teachers has been volunteering at the school and reading with Zachary. Man he has really turned a corner the last couple of weeks. I have been pulling teeth with him for over a year getting him to learn sounds and sight words. But, all of a sudden, he's READING!!! Not only that, he is starting to like it. He's also writing more and he will ask me how to spell words. And, without even realizing it, he's teaching Aiden.
Angies voice lessons are going well. She is learning to read music and seems to be really enjoying it. We went to our first Opera as a family. It was titled "the Emperor's New Clothes". It was kid friendly, and her voice teacher had the lead. Angie really liked it, but I was really surprised at how much Emi liked it. I also felt alot better about her choice to stop taking dance when her dance teacher didn't even recognize her, but the dean of the pre college music department came up and hugged her and told her that she was glad she came. Then last weekend, Angie sang at the mall in a Christmas concert. She sang mele kalikimaka. Lol. But she did very well and was very brave to stand up there alone and sing. We were really proud.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Happy Halloween
Well, I haven't put any pictures on here in a while so here are a few. Hope everyone had a great holiday.
Friday, July 30, 2010
The oldest two spent last week at Threshold, a GT camp held at Hardin Simmons in Abilene. They really seemed to love it, and I loved that another girl went from their school and her mom and I could share the driving. The last day Brian and I got to come and see what they worked on all week. Angie's age group studies major events of by decades starting at the 1950's and learned what is involved in making a city. Then they divided into groups and had to design their own. Angie was the "artist" of her group. Her friend was the "politician" in another group. Angie designed a museum for her city that also included a billboard for the Audobon exhibit. She also made a game where she bees in her city and you had to try to find them all.
Tony's grade studied the ocean including animals and ecology and they had to build an underwater city out of recycled materials. He was in heaven. Brian and I divided and conquered so I didn't get to see more of his presentation. Brian did say that Tony's teachers really seemed to enjoy him and that he gave one of them one of his famous running tackle hugs as they were leaving. They really seemed to get alot out of their camp and hope to go again next year. The themes are different every year, and when they get to middle school, they get to pick their classes.
Im so thankful to my friend for discovering it and suggesting it for Angie and Tony.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tolerance
Yep, two posts in one day, it is a record. :)
This week, I took Angie and Tony to gymnastics Thursday evening. They usually go on Thursday mornings, but we went in the evening because Angie was at softball camp that morning. Zachary didn't go, seems he caught the virus I had earlier in the week. I'll spare you those details, but I will tell you that it is rare for either of us to be sick. Well, I ran into about 4 people that I knew, including one of the parents from Angie's dance class. This little girl was in gymnastics. I will tell you, she kind of bugs me. In dance she was always like "Miss Amy, Angie did this wrong, or miss Amy, Angie did that wrong." GRRR. So, after gymnastics, we are walking to the car, and she tells Angie "Don't forget what you need to work on and be sure to practice before next week." Kind of annoying, if you ask me.
So, when we get in our van, I ask Angie if it bothers her when this girl says stuff like that. Angie tells me, "no mom, she's my friend and she that's just the way she is". It doesn't bother me because she's right, I did mess up on that part and I do need to practice." Ahh, sweet girl. I could take a few pointers from her for sure. I need to work on letting more things so, letting less bother me and taking fewer things personally. These kids are teaching me so much!!
This week, I took Angie and Tony to gymnastics Thursday evening. They usually go on Thursday mornings, but we went in the evening because Angie was at softball camp that morning. Zachary didn't go, seems he caught the virus I had earlier in the week. I'll spare you those details, but I will tell you that it is rare for either of us to be sick. Well, I ran into about 4 people that I knew, including one of the parents from Angie's dance class. This little girl was in gymnastics. I will tell you, she kind of bugs me. In dance she was always like "Miss Amy, Angie did this wrong, or miss Amy, Angie did that wrong." GRRR. So, after gymnastics, we are walking to the car, and she tells Angie "Don't forget what you need to work on and be sure to practice before next week." Kind of annoying, if you ask me.
So, when we get in our van, I ask Angie if it bothers her when this girl says stuff like that. Angie tells me, "no mom, she's my friend and she that's just the way she is". It doesn't bother me because she's right, I did mess up on that part and I do need to practice." Ahh, sweet girl. I could take a few pointers from her for sure. I need to work on letting more things so, letting less bother me and taking fewer things personally. These kids are teaching me so much!!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Growing up.
As some of you know from face book, Little Bit has decided to start flipping herself out of her crib. I have the picture of her black eye on my phone to prove it. So, last week Brian ordered her a toddler bed complete with a Dora bedset. Every female cartoon character is "Dora" in our house according to Emi. So,Brian took the crib down and Little E has been falling asleep in our bed and getting moved to the bottom bunk. This is the first toddler bed in our home, but We'd like to put loft beds in the girl's room later when we feel Emilia will be safe sleeping on one.
The boys had to help build the bed.
Then Emi laid down for a nap.
If only she'd do this every day from now on.
The boys had to help build the bed.
Then Emi laid down for a nap.
If only she'd do this every day from now on.
Take me out to the Ball Game
Not sure why they picked this pose but it cracks me up!
A Fire Ant, An Astro, And A Diamond Doll
For some reason Zachy was more concerned about his sucker being in the picture.
Love this time of year.
A Fire Ant, An Astro, And A Diamond Doll
For some reason Zachy was more concerned about his sucker being in the picture.
Love this time of year.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Kidisms
Well, I have a few pics to post, hopefully I will get to that next week. Since my last blog, I made yet another field trip to the Abilene zoo. This time with Tony. They were studying habitats in school. I was impressed by the kids use of "science" words. Their favorite being ecothermic. I also got a big kick out of watching the other kids around my budding zoologist. "hey Tony, over here, what's this?" Tony, Tony come look, and on and on. My, self-proclaimed "NERD". As, we were leaving ball practice Thursday, he turns to me and says "can I do homework now?" I say sure when we get home. His response "Yippee I'm a nerd again".
My sweet Emilia is turning two this month, while I turn 35. Since we've been home, her vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds everyday. We've been working on colors and shapes, and it cracks me up when she grabs a book and goes, Zachy's color (pointing at blue), Angies's color (pointing at pink), Aiden's color (green), Coney's color (red), and Me(her saying Emi) color (pointing at purple). So funny. And yes she calls Tony, Coney. LOL.
Angie took TAKS for the first time this year. I'm crazy curious to see how she did. She was so nervous. Yes, you can add the TAKS test to the list of reasons to homeschool. The pressure these kids feel is just ridiculous. Now the rest of the year will be fun goofing off stuff. I cannot believe that she will be a 4th grader next year. Crazy.
Zachary is learning to read. We actually started before Brian and I left for Baylor, and are starting back up. I am so proud of him. Yeah, he'll learn in kindergarten next year, but he's ready, and he's picking it up fast. He's our outdoor kid. He's a bit sassy, but overall a good kid. He's getting really good at figuring out how things work, and at trying to fix things.
Aiden is still my baby. I mean big boy. His middle name is Thomas (means twin), and I am amazed daily at his likeness to Zachary. They are hanging out more and more. Yesterday I looked out and they were both sitting on the hood of the truck arm and arm sharing a big secret.
We are playing softball, baseball and teeball until the end of the May. Angie is doing well. Zach is doing well, and Tony is Tony. He has a nice arm, when he tries. His first game was rough, and the parents are just ridiculous. The things that they say to their own kids is just terrible. It's a bit trying to me, as a mom, but I keep telling myself that he's learning life lessons. I admit to not sleeping well after his game. He has one coach who has no helpers, so he can't watch everyone.
Last practice, one of the other boys was throwing rocks at him, and Tony was standing there crying. I told him he didn't have to take that. His response "Really, mom?" I say yes, and he proceeds to get in this kids face and says "hit me one more time and you are not going to like what happens to you." And he stopped. Also, his coach forgot to play him last game. I was not a happy lioness. Brian says to me "that's the way it is in sports, if you aren't good, you don't play". Like the two boys sitting in the grass are good? I was just about to say something, and Tony goes up to the coach and says "hey are you going to let me play or what?" The coach says to Tony, oh, Tony, I'm so sorry, I forgot. So, Tony went in, and had a good play before they had to call the game because we were getting beat so bad. I was so so proud of him for sticking up for himself.
Well, I'm exhausted. Home depot with 5 kids and Brian and I got the front flower beds weeded and mulched and a few things planted and started on the roses on the side of the house. I have 3 red climbers and today I decided I needed two more and to mulch that too. Well, that side is solid rock, so I think it took over an hour to dig two stupid holes. Hopefully we'll finish with the mulch tomorrow. We have one more large flower bed to finish, and i have a few planters to fill. I put out ant killer today so hopefully I can dig in them this week. I bought weed killer for all the stickers that have shown up in my yard, but it was cloudy all day like it was going to storm. We have way to many home improvement projects, but it felt good to accomplish something today. The kids were a big help carrying plants and the blocks for the edging.
I guess I should mention that Brian is doing well. He's still pretty tired, and had to get blood on Friday. His white blood cells and platelets are good. I'm hoping that his red blood cells stay up. His meds that he has to take to prevent bacterial and viral infections can be hemolytic. So, he's taking a multivitamin and folic acid.
My sweet Emilia is turning two this month, while I turn 35. Since we've been home, her vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds everyday. We've been working on colors and shapes, and it cracks me up when she grabs a book and goes, Zachy's color (pointing at blue), Angies's color (pointing at pink), Aiden's color (green), Coney's color (red), and Me(her saying Emi) color (pointing at purple). So funny. And yes she calls Tony, Coney. LOL.
Angie took TAKS for the first time this year. I'm crazy curious to see how she did. She was so nervous. Yes, you can add the TAKS test to the list of reasons to homeschool. The pressure these kids feel is just ridiculous. Now the rest of the year will be fun goofing off stuff. I cannot believe that she will be a 4th grader next year. Crazy.
Zachary is learning to read. We actually started before Brian and I left for Baylor, and are starting back up. I am so proud of him. Yeah, he'll learn in kindergarten next year, but he's ready, and he's picking it up fast. He's our outdoor kid. He's a bit sassy, but overall a good kid. He's getting really good at figuring out how things work, and at trying to fix things.
Aiden is still my baby. I mean big boy. His middle name is Thomas (means twin), and I am amazed daily at his likeness to Zachary. They are hanging out more and more. Yesterday I looked out and they were both sitting on the hood of the truck arm and arm sharing a big secret.
We are playing softball, baseball and teeball until the end of the May. Angie is doing well. Zach is doing well, and Tony is Tony. He has a nice arm, when he tries. His first game was rough, and the parents are just ridiculous. The things that they say to their own kids is just terrible. It's a bit trying to me, as a mom, but I keep telling myself that he's learning life lessons. I admit to not sleeping well after his game. He has one coach who has no helpers, so he can't watch everyone.
Last practice, one of the other boys was throwing rocks at him, and Tony was standing there crying. I told him he didn't have to take that. His response "Really, mom?" I say yes, and he proceeds to get in this kids face and says "hit me one more time and you are not going to like what happens to you." And he stopped. Also, his coach forgot to play him last game. I was not a happy lioness. Brian says to me "that's the way it is in sports, if you aren't good, you don't play". Like the two boys sitting in the grass are good? I was just about to say something, and Tony goes up to the coach and says "hey are you going to let me play or what?" The coach says to Tony, oh, Tony, I'm so sorry, I forgot. So, Tony went in, and had a good play before they had to call the game because we were getting beat so bad. I was so so proud of him for sticking up for himself.
Well, I'm exhausted. Home depot with 5 kids and Brian and I got the front flower beds weeded and mulched and a few things planted and started on the roses on the side of the house. I have 3 red climbers and today I decided I needed two more and to mulch that too. Well, that side is solid rock, so I think it took over an hour to dig two stupid holes. Hopefully we'll finish with the mulch tomorrow. We have one more large flower bed to finish, and i have a few planters to fill. I put out ant killer today so hopefully I can dig in them this week. I bought weed killer for all the stickers that have shown up in my yard, but it was cloudy all day like it was going to storm. We have way to many home improvement projects, but it felt good to accomplish something today. The kids were a big help carrying plants and the blocks for the edging.
I guess I should mention that Brian is doing well. He's still pretty tired, and had to get blood on Friday. His white blood cells and platelets are good. I'm hoping that his red blood cells stay up. His meds that he has to take to prevent bacterial and viral infections can be hemolytic. So, he's taking a multivitamin and folic acid.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Spring time
Lots of good things to be said for Spring. School is nearing the end. Its baseball and soft ball season. There are school field trips The weather is perfect for playing outside. This time of the year is so fun, and frankly, work just doesn't work for my schedule :) We are getting back into our routine which is such a blessing. I'm starting to plan our summer. Calfa University will be in full swing along with camps. We have to avoid crowds this summer, but hopefully we'll get to Port Aransas in August. But today its...Popsicles!!
Easter
These pics are a bit late, but I am excited to say that Brian is doing well and that his scan was clean on Friday and he no longer has to wear that stupid mask. Our family definately has lots to be thankful for. I was at work Easter day so I missed pis of church and egg hunting, but here's a couple of the school parties.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Field Trips
Well, in between Dr's appointments, I've been spending my time on field trips. Last Thursday I went to Safety City with Angie and the rest of the third grade. They put me to work helping the kids coast their cars into the parking spaces, so I took the opportunity to take a picture of each kid in their car and gave them to their teacher. The third grade consists of 21 kids, so it wasn't a huge deal. I can say that I was impressed. They did the pedestrian, bike and car safety. They also have built a fire house, and the fire safety education was really well put together. They have a "bedroom" that fills with smoke. They teach the kids how to crawl out etc.
Then Saturday we took the Girl Scouts to the Grace Museum. They were supposed to have artists come in and teach the girls how to paint. Well, they canceled on us, so we took the girls anyway and then we went next door to the National Center of Childrens Illustrated Literature. They do art projects with the kids on Saturdays. I have to say that I LOVE this place. They have different artists work on display. A new artist is coming in April and he will come and do projects with the kids. Its free to go there as well. Currently the artist on display is Chris Raschka. His work is very cool. He's into jazz and other music. My favorite is Mysterious Thelonius. But there's a book on Charlie Parker, Coltrane, and he did a hip hop book as well.
Then today, we made another trip to the Grace with the GT students. They had a volunteer give us a tour and she talked about different styles of painting, impressionism, neoimpressionism, realism etc. I really appreciated it because I know nothing about art. There next exhibit will be Audobon's paintings, so I'm sure we will be back for that. The kids were excited about that since he was in that Texas naturalist book that I talked about in a previous blog. But the coolest thing by far at the grace, other than the giant operation game is the sound wall.
Each block makes a different sound. After the Grace we went to Gattis, ate pizza and played in the game room. I enjoyed beating my daughter in Air hockey and making a fool of myself playing dance dance revolution. I didnt get a chance to play bumper cars, but I did enjoy watching the kids. The song playing was I cant drive 55. They have a deal or no deal but instead of money its tickets in the cases. That cracked me up. My kids made me so proud with their toy choice as you can see in the picture below.
I brought a book on cd to listen to. They let the kids bring electronic, but I'm not to keen on trying to keep up with my kids stuff. I chose the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Di Camillo. You may know her from Because of Winn Dixie and the Tale of Despereaux. Its a wonderful story of having love and not knowing it, losing it and finding your way back home.
Then Saturday we took the Girl Scouts to the Grace Museum. They were supposed to have artists come in and teach the girls how to paint. Well, they canceled on us, so we took the girls anyway and then we went next door to the National Center of Childrens Illustrated Literature. They do art projects with the kids on Saturdays. I have to say that I LOVE this place. They have different artists work on display. A new artist is coming in April and he will come and do projects with the kids. Its free to go there as well. Currently the artist on display is Chris Raschka. His work is very cool. He's into jazz and other music. My favorite is Mysterious Thelonius. But there's a book on Charlie Parker, Coltrane, and he did a hip hop book as well.
Then today, we made another trip to the Grace with the GT students. They had a volunteer give us a tour and she talked about different styles of painting, impressionism, neoimpressionism, realism etc. I really appreciated it because I know nothing about art. There next exhibit will be Audobon's paintings, so I'm sure we will be back for that. The kids were excited about that since he was in that Texas naturalist book that I talked about in a previous blog. But the coolest thing by far at the grace, other than the giant operation game is the sound wall.
Each block makes a different sound. After the Grace we went to Gattis, ate pizza and played in the game room. I enjoyed beating my daughter in Air hockey and making a fool of myself playing dance dance revolution. I didnt get a chance to play bumper cars, but I did enjoy watching the kids. The song playing was I cant drive 55. They have a deal or no deal but instead of money its tickets in the cases. That cracked me up. My kids made me so proud with their toy choice as you can see in the picture below.
I brought a book on cd to listen to. They let the kids bring electronic, but I'm not to keen on trying to keep up with my kids stuff. I chose the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Di Camillo. You may know her from Because of Winn Dixie and the Tale of Despereaux. Its a wonderful story of having love and not knowing it, losing it and finding your way back home.
Friday, January 8, 2010
First Semester Done
I went to the kids award ceremony this morning. Zachary is in pre-k, so he gets a different kind of report card that doesn't have grades on it. I was quite proud. Angie and Tony both made the all "A" honor roll for the six weeks and the semester. They also did the UIL awards. THe school got second place this year. Angie got a total of FIVE medals. First place in Oral Reading (poetry), Second Place in spelling along with a second place team medal, and First place in music memory along with a first place team medal. She also received recognition for a perfect paper in Music memory. My camera takes lowsy distance pictures, so heres one of the two kiddos together.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Snow for Christmas
Those of you who aren't in Texas don't laugh. It was 75 degrees yesterday and today, SNOW! The kids were so excited.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Kid Update Part two
I know, I know, I already did a kid update this week, but there are a couple things I need to write down before I forget.
This week I took Tony to the orthodontist. I really don't get alot of alone time with him. The other kids I seem to manage it more, but they come to me, him I have to seek out. At home he's often quiet, reading a book etc, but you get him by himself and he is hilarious...but first, the reason we went.
The oldest three kids recently had their dental checkups and Angie and Zach were in the no cavity club. Tony, well, he had 12 cavities. The dentist adviced us to take him to the orthodontist because maybe his bite was a factor. So, I made the appointment. I have alot of respect for Dr. Oliver, and he seemed to remember me, granted I've only had my braces off for 3 years. So, he wasn't too concerned about the cavities, they are in baby teeth and he said that they are extremely small, but he does have a cross bite, which means some of the back teeth are over the top and some are over. He also said that his jaw is small, but the only way to fix that is surgery but not until he's an adult. He may need braces later to close the gaps, but Dr Oliver says that's easy to fix. Tony is getting a thing called an expander though to straighten out that bite. I'll post more on that when it happens. Apparently it looks kind of like a retainer, and it has a key you have to turn twice a day.
So, Tony hears the word surgery, and he immediately starts crying uncontrollably. I start to pick him up and Dr Oliver stops me, and just holds him in the chair and talks to him. He's a father of four, but it still struck me as really sweet.
So, he's asking Tony what he wants to be when he grows up, and Tony tells him, a 'grossologist'. So of course, the orthodontist says "what's a grossologist?" and Tony says you know they study gross things, and if I find some moldy teeth I'll save them for you because I know you love teeth" At this point, I am about to fall out of my chair, because of all my kids, this is the one that definately WILL NOT be a "grossologist". He vomits at the site of his own blood or the smell of dead crickets and pretty much anything else 'gross'.
So, this school year has been really tough for me. Angie and Tony are both "labeled" as gifted and talented. I say labeled because they are in a small school so Tony is the only GT kid in his grade and there are two in Angie's grade. The other girl is Tony's age but she skipped second grade. So, their teachers grade them very tough. Tony had one "B" which was an 89, and Angie had all "A"s but two were barely "A"s. So, I alternate between being mad and being grateful. I've had a couple of teacher conferences. Sometimes, I debate whether to pull them out of school altogether and home school them. But, we've been studying at church learning how to stop and hear the word of God in our lives from the big things to the small, and I think I got my answer.
Last night was family night for the school book fair. I kept Angie out of dance last night, because my cousin is here visiting and she also had way too much homework to do, mostly UIL stuff. So, Brian and Tony went to cubscouts, and I took the rest of the kids to the book fair. I told them to be good and no running or screaming and they could each get a book (yes even the babies). So, they shopped for their books and while I waited in line, they sat at a table and had a cookie and punch. I might add that I bought 84$ worth of books, but that's what happens when you are a mom of five.
So, getting to my point: all week Angie has been talking about this cookbook she wanted. For those that don't know, she is quite a foodie, she loves food network, helping in the kitchen, trying new foods that other kids wont touch, and she drives me crazy with her constant critiquing of my meals. So, anyway, first there were 3, then 2, then only 1. So, last night we go to the bookfair, and she goes straight to that table and....no book. I can see on her face she is disappointed, but she quickly clears it and helps the other kids find a book. Then, her teacher comes over and hands it to me. She said she put the last one back and she was going to buy it for her if we hadn't.
And right there, I thanked God for showing me that even though I don't always like it, for whatever reason, my kids are right where they are supposed to be.
This week I took Tony to the orthodontist. I really don't get alot of alone time with him. The other kids I seem to manage it more, but they come to me, him I have to seek out. At home he's often quiet, reading a book etc, but you get him by himself and he is hilarious...but first, the reason we went.
The oldest three kids recently had their dental checkups and Angie and Zach were in the no cavity club. Tony, well, he had 12 cavities. The dentist adviced us to take him to the orthodontist because maybe his bite was a factor. So, I made the appointment. I have alot of respect for Dr. Oliver, and he seemed to remember me, granted I've only had my braces off for 3 years. So, he wasn't too concerned about the cavities, they are in baby teeth and he said that they are extremely small, but he does have a cross bite, which means some of the back teeth are over the top and some are over. He also said that his jaw is small, but the only way to fix that is surgery but not until he's an adult. He may need braces later to close the gaps, but Dr Oliver says that's easy to fix. Tony is getting a thing called an expander though to straighten out that bite. I'll post more on that when it happens. Apparently it looks kind of like a retainer, and it has a key you have to turn twice a day.
So, Tony hears the word surgery, and he immediately starts crying uncontrollably. I start to pick him up and Dr Oliver stops me, and just holds him in the chair and talks to him. He's a father of four, but it still struck me as really sweet.
So, he's asking Tony what he wants to be when he grows up, and Tony tells him, a 'grossologist'. So of course, the orthodontist says "what's a grossologist?" and Tony says you know they study gross things, and if I find some moldy teeth I'll save them for you because I know you love teeth" At this point, I am about to fall out of my chair, because of all my kids, this is the one that definately WILL NOT be a "grossologist". He vomits at the site of his own blood or the smell of dead crickets and pretty much anything else 'gross'.
So, this school year has been really tough for me. Angie and Tony are both "labeled" as gifted and talented. I say labeled because they are in a small school so Tony is the only GT kid in his grade and there are two in Angie's grade. The other girl is Tony's age but she skipped second grade. So, their teachers grade them very tough. Tony had one "B" which was an 89, and Angie had all "A"s but two were barely "A"s. So, I alternate between being mad and being grateful. I've had a couple of teacher conferences. Sometimes, I debate whether to pull them out of school altogether and home school them. But, we've been studying at church learning how to stop and hear the word of God in our lives from the big things to the small, and I think I got my answer.
Last night was family night for the school book fair. I kept Angie out of dance last night, because my cousin is here visiting and she also had way too much homework to do, mostly UIL stuff. So, Brian and Tony went to cubscouts, and I took the rest of the kids to the book fair. I told them to be good and no running or screaming and they could each get a book (yes even the babies). So, they shopped for their books and while I waited in line, they sat at a table and had a cookie and punch. I might add that I bought 84$ worth of books, but that's what happens when you are a mom of five.
So, getting to my point: all week Angie has been talking about this cookbook she wanted. For those that don't know, she is quite a foodie, she loves food network, helping in the kitchen, trying new foods that other kids wont touch, and she drives me crazy with her constant critiquing of my meals. So, anyway, first there were 3, then 2, then only 1. So, last night we go to the bookfair, and she goes straight to that table and....no book. I can see on her face she is disappointed, but she quickly clears it and helps the other kids find a book. Then, her teacher comes over and hands it to me. She said she put the last one back and she was going to buy it for her if we hadn't.
And right there, I thanked God for showing me that even though I don't always like it, for whatever reason, my kids are right where they are supposed to be.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Kid update
So Brian and I are back from our two night stay in Wimberly. It was great. I was planning our next trip, probably for our fifteenth in a year and a half. It was much needed, we don't get too many date nights and its been three years since we went anywhere just the two of us, but most of the time thats ok. yesterday we came back to the chaos that is our life, and sadly, no laundry fairy came to fold the giant pile of clean clothes while I was gone. I'd post a picture of Zach sleeping in it, but its on Brian's phone. I've already designed my laundry room for when we finally build our house.
Angie is working hard on UIL. We've learned 300 words, but she has 300 to learn in about 10 days. THe list came out in September, and I wish they would have given it to us then instead of mid October. I'm sure other kids have been looking at it six weeks longer. I've been pushing her a bit, and last I pretty much washed my hands of it when she wasn't even trying. She's loving the music memory and oral reading. She has a field trip Friday to see the nutcracker and she wanted me to go, but parents aren't allowed. I think they could only get a certain number of tickets, but I was told that I could go to Gattiland with them. Uhhh, no thanks.
Tony didn't make the teams for UIL. His feelings were kind of hurt. He said he kept waiting for them to call his name, and they didn't. I felt bad for him. His poem was awesome. I kept telling him read it again, it was so entertaining, but I really don't think they were looking for someone who did voices and had the whole thing memorized so they could act out the parts. Maybe I should have made him do it "right", but I couldn't bring myself. I really need to work on helping him find his niche. He is so bright, but I don't think people see it, because unlike his sister, he's not a people pleaser, and he's always testing the boundaries. Next year will be better, they add a couple more events in 3rd grade.
Zach is well, Zach. No other words describe. We were working on reading, but I've taken a break. I'll probably start back up after the holidays. Its really stressful because he's a toot, but if I get the least bit frustrated with him, its uncontrollable waterworks. Angie and Tony didn't learn to read until kindergarten, because I didn't know any better, and maybe I'll have to do the same with him. Once the older kids learned, they just took off, so we'll see. He's such a good big brother. I love watching him play with the little ones outside. He's always so sweet and helpful. But he's a regular pest to Tony and Angie. Just this morning he was copying them and driving them crazy.
Aiden finally started pooping on the potty. We were starting to worry, but last week he just started doing it on his own. Yeah, only one kid in diapers. He's really a climber and a daredevil. He's finally beginning to get out of his fit throwing phase which is awesome. He may be ready for Tuesday school next year.
Sweet Emi. She's the baby, but she is growing up. Watch out daddy, this girl has a thing for shoes. I couldn't keep shoes on all my other kids at this age, but she wants to wear them 24/7. And to see her face light up and hear he ooohh and aaahh when she gets a new pair, priceless.
Well, I will update more later. That giant pile of laundry is calling my name, and we are shampooing carpets today.
Angie is working hard on UIL. We've learned 300 words, but she has 300 to learn in about 10 days. THe list came out in September, and I wish they would have given it to us then instead of mid October. I'm sure other kids have been looking at it six weeks longer. I've been pushing her a bit, and last I pretty much washed my hands of it when she wasn't even trying. She's loving the music memory and oral reading. She has a field trip Friday to see the nutcracker and she wanted me to go, but parents aren't allowed. I think they could only get a certain number of tickets, but I was told that I could go to Gattiland with them. Uhhh, no thanks.
Tony didn't make the teams for UIL. His feelings were kind of hurt. He said he kept waiting for them to call his name, and they didn't. I felt bad for him. His poem was awesome. I kept telling him read it again, it was so entertaining, but I really don't think they were looking for someone who did voices and had the whole thing memorized so they could act out the parts. Maybe I should have made him do it "right", but I couldn't bring myself. I really need to work on helping him find his niche. He is so bright, but I don't think people see it, because unlike his sister, he's not a people pleaser, and he's always testing the boundaries. Next year will be better, they add a couple more events in 3rd grade.
Zach is well, Zach. No other words describe. We were working on reading, but I've taken a break. I'll probably start back up after the holidays. Its really stressful because he's a toot, but if I get the least bit frustrated with him, its uncontrollable waterworks. Angie and Tony didn't learn to read until kindergarten, because I didn't know any better, and maybe I'll have to do the same with him. Once the older kids learned, they just took off, so we'll see. He's such a good big brother. I love watching him play with the little ones outside. He's always so sweet and helpful. But he's a regular pest to Tony and Angie. Just this morning he was copying them and driving them crazy.
Aiden finally started pooping on the potty. We were starting to worry, but last week he just started doing it on his own. Yeah, only one kid in diapers. He's really a climber and a daredevil. He's finally beginning to get out of his fit throwing phase which is awesome. He may be ready for Tuesday school next year.
Sweet Emi. She's the baby, but she is growing up. Watch out daddy, this girl has a thing for shoes. I couldn't keep shoes on all my other kids at this age, but she wants to wear them 24/7. And to see her face light up and hear he ooohh and aaahh when she gets a new pair, priceless.
Well, I will update more later. That giant pile of laundry is calling my name, and we are shampooing carpets today.
Friday, November 6, 2009
The new addition
Well, Emi is ready to transition out of her high chair and into a booster, unfortunately, our table only has 6 chairs and we are a family of 7. So, Brian decided to hire someone at a woodworking shop in town to build us a bench. Its not varnished yet, but Brian told him to make it big enough for four adults. Its massive at seven foot long. Brian said we had room for another kid. I told him that if he wanted to have another I wouldn't hesitate to. Then he says "so you want to?" and I say, "I'm gonna have to think about it, I'm not sure." Too funny.
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