Little Baby Seal

Little baby seal - This morning began with a cough that developed into something different than I'd ever heard before. Creed's temperature was under control. When he yelped off and on through his nap, I consulted with another mama warrior, and decided to take him to see the doctor … again. I was really hoping to see another doctor because the same look I got yesterday, would not suffice today. I was not leaving without answers. We were able to get right in surprisingly, using the walk-in clinic for patients after 5 p.m. I took the iPad, a book and a highlighter for drawing on the paper they put down on the examining table. Creed was easily entertained and enjoyed coloring the crinkly paper. There was a selection of books, some were coming apart, in the examining room and I wondered if they would accept donations for replacements. I'm sure we would have plenty to donate and this would help keep the littles entertained while waiting for the doctor. Its no fun waiting in the lobby and then waiting in the back for another half hour. A different male doctor came in with a welcoming smile … huge sigh of relief. Creed once again, quit coughing while we were in the doctor's office, but had a low-grade temperature. I explained how I was there yesterday and he seemed fine in the office and as soon as we got in the vehicle, his symptoms returned. He listened intently and asked Creed questions. He said everything looked fine, but that they would do a swab of his throat to be sure. When the nurse came into do the swab … my baby seal returned. The doctor stuck his head in and said, "I heard that. Croup." The swab came back clear and prednisone was prescribed to help my itty bitty get over this sickness much sooner. "Can you tell me what croup is," I asked? "I sure can," he said, smiling. He came back with a couple of sheets of paper describing the illness and I was happy to have such a compassionate doctor.

What is croup anyway? Croup is a viral infection of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), and windpipe (trachea). Symptoms include a tight, low-pitched "barking" cough, which in our case sounds like a little baby seal and a hoarse voice, check. Another symptom and tell-tale sign is a harsh, raspy, vibrating sound when your child breathes in, what I heard last night unfortunately. This is called stridor and usually present only with crying or coughing, but again I heard this while rocking him, with no crying or coughing. As the disease becomes worse, stridor also occurs when your child is sleeping or relaxed. Talk about scary. With severe croup, breathing may be difficult. Croup is usually part of a cold. Swelling of the vocal cords cause the hoarseness and stridor is caused by the opening between the vocal cords becoming more narrow. Croup usually lasts for five to six days and generally gets worse at night. During this time, it can change from mild to severe and back many times and is worst in children under three. The doctor explained that cold air sometimes relieves the stridor, which is why Creed seemed perfectly healthy at first look. :-) The viruses that cause croup are quite contagious until the fever is gone or at least during the first three days of illness. The information notes that since the spread of this infection can't be prevented, your child can return to school or child care once he feels better. That's completely absurd. This is how Creed got the illness to begin with, however when I am armed with knowledge, I definitely feel better about the situation and know that from time to time we will get sick and there's no preventing this, even with vitamins and probiotics! I sent the church director a message and told her which service Creed attended on Sunday. Children also will exhibit no symptoms, other than an elevated fever, when in cold air, so it's easy to see how it spreads. OH, how I wish I could prevent it and at the same time, know it strengthens his immune system each time he gets over another itty bitty hump. Visit http://medical.gerber.com/clinicaltopics/articles.aspx?articleId=909DDD16-34AD-44C1-B663-656C6AE32E5C&sec=articles&topicId=28bf6385-728a-4a60-b67c-f69baed67add, for some pretty insightful information on your child's immune system.

Vicks StarryNight Cool Moisture Humi

Armed with our new diagnosis we headed to a nearby department store for some popsicles and a humidifier. We were in luck! Vicks makes a StarryNight Cool Moisture Humidifier that's so cool! The humidifier produces cool, invisible moisture, while transforming the room into a starry night sky. There are several colors that gradually rotate and it's a beautiful display to watch. There's two speeds, one specifically for night that's really quiet, but both Creed and I sleep with a fan to have noise, so this white noise was readily welcomed. The run time is up to 24 hours, so it will work through the night and be of use, that is, until Creed finds his way to my room around 5:30 a.m. 

No homeschool until this nasty bug high-tails it outta here!

No homeschool today

Creed woke up at 5:30 a.m. with a 102 temperature. I gave him some Advil and a couple hours later some cold medicine that also had Tylenol in it. Within a few hours there was no fever, but he started having a cough. His appetite was healthy, but I could tell something wasn't right. As the day progressed we took a trip to the pediatrician, and as I predicted no symptoms were noticed while we were there. His pediatrician said, "He's completely healthy," smiling at me. I was not surprised when the moment we were heading home, he started coughing and in a couple of hours his temperature spiked to 102.3. Normally Creed seems to have the energy of two toddlers, but today he only wanted to be held and his little body felt so feverish. I wondered a while back if I would ever be able to hold him like I used to when he was a baby. There were days when I accomplished nothing but holding my baby, but I loved those days as well. I counted my blessings that today was one of those days when I was able to hold my son for the most part of the day. I called the pediatricians office, which relayed information from the doctor to alternate Advil and Tylenol and if it continues bring him in tomorrow.

Needless to say we did not have homeschool today. We were actually planning to meet some other homeschool families at the local Children's Museum, but there was no way I was going to be the mama that brought her sick child spreading germs to every other little within breathing distance. 

Creed and I have been thinking about getting another kitty for a few days now. Buddy the cat "ran away," as Creed puts it, but I have a feeling the coyotes had a little to do with his disappearance. Today we found a beautiful tabby and Creed named her Nokie (No-Key). I've never heard of that name before and kept repeating to see if I was getting it right,it only to have him correct me. He cracks me up. Nokie lifted his spirits before bedtime. I know I'll probably sneak in there around midnight to check his temperature. I remember thinking when I was pregnant with Creed, "If he were only out, I'd stop worrying about him getting here!" I laugh about that now. When he arrived the real worrying began and has never stopped. Does it ever stop? I doubt this. 

Kiwi Crate - We did do a little painting today. We subscribe to this service, which you can pause or stop at any time (ours is currently paused) called Kiwi Crate. It's a "crate" (green box) that comes once a month, containing kids crafts, including materials needed and activities for children designed to encourage children's healthy development and learning. Projects can include creating, developed to spark creativity and imagination through art, music, dance or imaginative play; discovering, developed to include investigation and learning about science, nature and mathematics; moving, developed to involve big or little motions; exploring, developed to appreciate the world around them. Kids learn about cultures, community and diversity; communicating, identifies projects that are focused on literary skills like following directions for a project or reading traffic signs; caring, which focus on interacting with others, like playing a game, learning to take turns and asking for help; and moving, which also develops those fine motor skills like twisting a cap or picking up pebbles. You can try it once or sign up for a monthly subscription. There are a couple of options, but we settled on $19.95 a month, although when we started we were able to get it for $10, using a promo code. All projects are developed in line with their principles to INSPIRE creativity, promote self-expression and celebrate the process of making; CREATE projects and select materials that are developmentally appropriate and span multiple developmental areas; ENGAGE and offer a really fun way for kids - and their grownup assistants - to spend time; CURATE inspiration and quality raw materials for kids, who bring them to life; and DELIVER everything you need so it's easy and convenient to embrace the creative process. The crates are designed for children 3-7 years of age, but I've found that a lot of the projects we've received in the past two boxes are a little advanced for Creed, who turned three in May, so that's why we've paused our subscription. I adore these boxes and the materials that come with them are worth more than $20, when buying them "a la carte" at a craft or hobby store. The quality of the materials is also off the charts! Click on over to http://www.kiwicrate.com to check it out for yourself. Want to try one for 10% off? They've introduced their latest limited edition crate, "Night Bright Halloween." Use the promo code: halloween5, while supplies last at kiwi crate.com/halloween. Use the promo code: BOO, with new subscriptions for tomorrow only to receive 25% off the first month.

Beginning Kiwi Crate Project

Progress

Attention to detail. Love how thorough Creed is.

Itty Bitty Curveball

The second doctor I saw this week couldn't conceal his worry when he examined my abdomen, which has a large mass that keeps increasing in size. He said he suspected it was a tumor and scheduled a CT Scan. Forty Five minutes before the scan I drank a Berry Smoothie Readi-CAT 2, a barium sulfate suspension. Due to its high molecular density, its opaque to x-rays and therefore, acts as a positive contrast agent for radiographic studies. My only worry at this point was does this contain dairy or gluten. It was a milky substance that wasn't altogether bad, however I found out that the milky color occurred because of the barium sulfate and there was no gluten, so at least this substance wouldn't make me sick later and that was comforting. Next I waited … for a while, but this gave me a chance to work on my Bible study that had gone by the wayside since I had heard this disturbing news.

Progress!

Next up … me. I followed the nurse to a room that contained another massive machine. As the technician inserted an IV, she asked me to place my hands over my head as my body slid into the doughnut-shaped machine. X-rays went through my body with each rotation of the scanner, providing pictures of the abdomen. An automated voice prompted me when to hold my breath and breathe sliding me in and out of the machine. As I laid there I tried to be brave as she put the dye into my IV and  informed me I would feel a warm sensation all over my body and have a faint warm metallic taste in the back of my mouth. It happened immediately. I felt like I was lit up on the inside and that startled me. I asked her to hold my hand and she did, but said she had to step out to complete the test. I'm glad that the feeling didn't last long and was relieved when it passed. Another 30 seconds and it was complete. I wondered what would come of it and tried not to think of it at all. I was going to trust God no matter the outcome.

Creed's first A!

Tracing mechanics of the alphabet

The phrase from the Nick Jr. program, Peter Rabbit, "Rabbits are brave! Rabbits are brave! Rabbits are brave!," by Peter Rabbit's loyal companion, Benjamin Bunny, kept cycling through my mind when I called the doctor's office the next day for the results. It is in fact,  not a tumor, but a residual pocket of accumulated fluid from the last corrective surgery in April of this year. Surgery scheduled for early October. How bizarre is that? What a relief! It's one thing saying you trust God, but quite another when you must walk it out. Can you trust and still be scared sometimes? Do you ever wonder if God allows us to fall apart so HE can pick up the pieces. Are some circumstances permitted to build our faith? What I have come to understand is, He is my fairy tale. He is my happy ending. I will trust in him. I will not be moved. I will not be shaken. Those words from "We Won't Be Shaken," by the group Building 429, have become my theme for living.

Learning curves

Earning "points"

This morning was so rewarding as I attentively observed Creed tracing the mechanics of the alphabet. I said, "Yay! You did it!" And he jumped up and down in response hooting to my enthusiasm. I decided to try another tactic since I knew he knew how to do it, but just didn't want to do it - a reward system. The little rolls of sweet tarts provide a lot of motivation! He eagerly pointed out the alphabet and numbers. We're still working on the letter U and get hung up on the phonics saying an "ahhh," instead of "uhhhh." I was over the moon happy.  I just finished "The Duggars: 20 and Counting," by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, and Michelle explains how she gives candy to the children that memorize the Bible verses. There is a substantial amount of resources provided in the back of the book. I keep thinking if she can do it with 19, now, I can surely do it! Her tips and tricks are definitely appreciated. 

Creed and I played with a sensory game, digging out the alphabet among white and black beans and grain, but he was more concerned with separating the white beans into a can, which he called his magic beans. After this he asked to work on his Apple Tree Book. He put three apples on the tree (every week we add another apple) and decided to draw some caterpillars. He had fun learning on abcmouse.com, while I prepared lunch.

Separating the "magic" beans

One line that really stood out from "The Duggars: 20 and Counting," was: when you want to yell, whisper. I've been practicing correction with a soft voice. I find that raising my voice isn't effective anyway. After all, Proverbs 15:1, a soft voice turns away anger is really true. I've noticed some difference within myself, as well as my child. Our house has always been a quiet peaceful place, unless Creed is running from one end of the hall to the other bumping his cars around or friends are visiting. 

Their parenting philosophy, adapted from another family's guidelines to fit their own family goals, includes established boundaries along with emotional and behavioral goals they set for their children, as well as themselves. I admire this list!

Duggar Parenting Philosophy:

1. Always use soft words, even when you don't feel well
2. Always display kind actions, even when you've been mistreated
3. Show joyful attitudes, even when no one is looking
4. Have sincere motives, with no thought of self gain
5. Think pure thoughts
6. Always give a good report of others. Never tale-bear, unless physical harm will come to someone. Matthew 18
7. Never raise a hand to hit
8. Never raise a foot to kick
9. Never raise an object to throw
10. Never raise a voice to yell
11. Never raise an eye to scowl
12. Use one toy/activity at a time
13. Never let the sun go down on your wrath
14. Amendment, J.O.Y.: Put Jesus FIrst, Others Second, Yourself Last and Make Serving Family a Priority.

I can be brave. I'm not scared.

HIDA scan - This morning started a little after six a.m. with me lying on a hard piece of plastic while a gamma camera was busy whirring over my abdomen reading the active or inactive state of my gallbladder as the radioactive tracer moved through my bloodstream into my liver, where it was taken up by the bile-producing cells. From then the tracer traveled with the bile from the liver into the gallbladder, after which moving through the ducts to the small intestine. I felt nothing. I heard nothing but the groans of the massive machine and the thoughts that kept me awake all night. All of that tossing and turning last night was for nothing but missed sleep as I lie there staring at the ceiling for an hour, praying God would give me some kind of answer as to what was going on in my gut. The procedure took an hour and a half and the last half hour the administrator injected something into my IV that made the gallbladder contact, noting that it may cause some abdominal cramping, but again I felt nothing. At the beginning of the procedure she told me to feel free to take a nap. I was really anxious so that was pretty hard, but that last half hour a peace washed over me and as I was about to slip into a blissful rest the beep of machine signaled the test was complete. I had just enough time to make it to my next doctor appointment, 45 minutes away.

Day 3 Creation, cut and paste skills

Sun painting with
color of the week

Learning shapes with the color of the week

Meanwhile back at the itty bitty household, Creed was having his homeschool lessons with a trusted friend. He practiced his cutting and pasting skills again today, while we wrapped up day three of creation. The color for this week is yellow. He painted a yellow sun and put together a yellow submarine made with shapes, accounting which shapes were which including the trapezoid, one I wouldn't be able to pick out from a pile of shapes myself. This, makes me smile. 

A few hours later I was surprised to receive a call from my doctor so soon. Normal. The radioactive tracer moved freely along with the bile from my liver into the gallbladder and small intestine. No problems were detected. Wonderful news. So then, what is the source of this pain? 

Long story short, I'm having a cat scan done tomorrow and would appreciate prayers. I don't know what's going on, but I do know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand. My Father, however, knows exactly what's going on and I'm choosing to trust in him.

Beloved book from 2-Year-Old Curriculum

As I was putting Creed to bed we prayed as we do every night and sang the moon song, twinkle twinkle little star and the barnyard dance, which is a song we made up from the book, "Barnyard Dance," by Sandra Boynton. This little treasure is a book from the two-year-old curriculum and has long since been my absolute favorite. If you haven't read it, I definitely recommend sharing it with your littles. He added the ABC song and asked me to lay down with him, "just for a little bit. I'm scared." I talked about how mama and daddy prays like he prays to God. I reminded him how God was with him all the time and how mama was just down the hall. He said, "I can be brave. I'm not scared." - it's amazing how God moves every single day, in every situation. My husband reminded me of the story of David and Goliath that Creed asks for every night we read the toddler bible. David was awesomely brave. It's amazing what you find if you'll just start looking.

I can be brave. I'm not scared.

building a foundation

more painted rocks

I'll be the one that comes in quietly after church starts and sits on the front pew or is sitting there 10-15 minutes before church starts waiting for it to begin. I would love to find a happy middle, but so far that hasn't happened. I thought I got there nearly on time today. They were singing when I came in and I stood there with my eyes closed listening to the female behind me sing out. Her voice was so captivating. As she sang out I wondered if it was one of God's voices. If he lives in us, can people see him through our lives? Can they see him through our eyes? Can they hear him through our voice? The song ended and the pastor came up to pray. I couldn't believe that I had missed the first part of the service. I kept thinking wait a minute that's it? When it came time to shake people's hands, greet those around, I turned around and she gave me a hug. I told her how beautiful her voice was, how I could only listen to her voice. I had never heard anyone sing out like she did and that she belonged on the stage. This too, is part of her dream and I believe one day she will not be behind me but before me and everyone else.

I kept thinking about bricks. In fact, I think about bricks a lot. Today I wondered what kind of foundation I was building with all of these bricks. Is it symbolic? I'm not sure. 

Today I heard God say, 

"I need you to wait on me."

"You are good."

"You are worthy and you are mine."

I need a lot of reassurance. I felt like snow today, pure in who I am. I was not worried. I was not anxious. This is what I want for Creed. I want him to be secure in who he is, more importantly who God says he is and believe it. I want him to stand firm. We're building a foundation here, spiritually and maybe this is why my mind often wonders to bricks. 

We're working on our people skills. Yes, Sir … Yes, Ma'am. I get to see it play out once in a while when Creed is interacting with adults and today I was really impressed. On our way home from church we went by Goodwill so Creed could pick out something. After a lot of contemplation he decided on these Leap Frog card holders, though he had no idea what they were and the price was right at 59 cents, so we headed to checkout. I gave Creed and dollar and told him we needed to wait for our turn. When it was our turn he put his item on the counter and said, "I'd like this please," holding up his dollar. The lady asked, "Is this for me?" taking the dollar. "Yes, Sir," Creed said. "Would you like a bag, Sir?" she asked. "Yes, Sir," he answered. Here's your change, Sir," she said dropping it into his little hands. "Oh, thank you mama!" he said. Then she asked if he wanted the receipt. "Oh, thank you mama," he said again. So we're still working on the logistics but I'd have to say we're half way there.

I thought I'd share a portion of 1st Corinthians 13 for Moms from Life with Jack blog:

the color red

If my child speaks in the tongues of men or of angels, masters sign language at six months and Spanish and Mandrin Chinese by six years, but does not learn to love, she is only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If he has the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge-ABCs at a year, reading by two, writing chapter books in Kindergarten-but does not have love, he is nothing. If I volunteer for every mommy ministry-MOPS, AWANA, Sunday School, and if I give all I possess to the poor (or at least bring loads of groceries to the foodbank), but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy other mother's lifestyle choices or possessions, it does not boast in the areas of my children’s natural strengths (while covering for their faults), it is not proud of the way my child potty trained before your child. It does not dishonor others by insisting that my method of parenting is the best, it is not self-seeking-hoping that you’ll notice how smart, talented or well rounded I am raising my child to be. It is not easily angered by perceived slights or misjudgments, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth that all of parenting is fueled and driven by God’s grace. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - for the rest visit http://www.lifewithjack.com/2012/05/1st-corinthians-13-for-moms.html.

While Creed napped I painted another rock. "Owl" have to say it's been a lot of fun. I've been finding a great resource of ideas on pinterest for this. Just search painted rocks and you'll see a wealth of examples for inspiration. I forget how much fun it is to paint and create. It's also really relaxing for me, peaceful even!

Ta Da! another great time with daddy

After nap time Creed and his daddy built a pirate's ship. This was one of the projects you can buy from Lowes, like the Build and Grow Kids Clinic they offer. The only thing you need is a hammer. The kit includes all of the pieces needed, pre-drilled, along with the necessary nails. Afterwards Creed was excited to paint it red. I asked him if red was his favorite color since he asks for it whenever we're getting ready to paint something and he said no, green. 

What goes up must come down

Saturdays I plan the next week curriculum and when daddy is home, Creed has a "Daddy and Me" morning. First they went to the Build and Grow Kids Clinic at Lowes to build a fire truck. Then they went to the classic car show. After that they played at the park and stopped for ice cream on the way home. This time is not only productive for me, but crucial for their relationship. To find a Build and Grow Kids Clinic in your area visit: http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx, to register your child for free. There you can build a wooden project together and they'll receive a free apron and goggles the first time they go. With every completed project your child will receive a patch to iron on their apron that correlates with the completed project. Be careful to use a warm iron, I burned through the apron on the first try! I was able to put a patch over the biggest part of the hole and cut out the middle pocket all together.

When the Elephant Walks craft

When the elephant walks … is a beautifully illustrated book by Keikio Kasza. We finished the elephant craft today after nap time. I didn't really like the one that was in the curriculum so I searched for a much cuter one online. We were playing catch-up from this past week which was really relaxed. 

What goes up, must come down - Issac Newton

I save odds and ends. Sometimes I feel like a rat packer. I've got a spare bedroom I call, "The Pit." When I clean the house, anything that doesn't belong in whatever room gets moved there. My husband is in the process of building floor to ceiling shelves, with a window seat in the middle! I can't wait to organize it! I want all of the books in the house in the same place, except for Creed's bookcase of course., which is in his room. I have no idea what's in there, but treasures are waiting to be found! One of the things I saved was packaging from a box I had opened earlier this year. The pieces looked like ramps and I knew someday they would come in handy. Today was that day! Creed learned about the law of gravity today, inasmuch me explaining how gravity is what pulls everything to the earth. The first five years of life is the most rapid phase of a child's development. This is when the brain grows the most, with 85% of children's core brain structure by age four, which provides the foundation for future health, academic success and social and emotional well-being. He didn't talk for such a long time and then after he turned three he started talking in sentences! These past couple of months have been amazing. He must have spent those three years absorbing all of that information. We had fun experimenting which objects would roll down the ramps and some that would not. Some were round, some were flat, some were too light, too heavy, too slippery or too rough. Fun, fun, fun! It's amazing that cardboard could provide this much entertainment and learning!

Dem Bones

the making of slimy perfection

You know your priorities have changed when the phone rings and your significant other asks, "Who's calling this late?" when you look at the clock and it's 8:30 p.m. Then they proceed to tell the telemarketer that it's 8:30 p.m. and their toddler is asleep. Yep. Furthermore you watch the history channel because you actually like it and the other most watched channel in your house is the food network. I seriously … wouldn't change a thing!

Today was another wonky day. No one wanted to do anything. We did accomplish another "monster slime" science project. Here's a tip: there's a reason they don't say stir in the borax and water mixture, just dump it. It solidifies almost immediately, so the whisk got stuck and it was stringy for a while until worked into slimy perfection. Creed didn't mind, it was still fun.

We managed to finished the second apple tree page for our Apple Tree Book and to start painting our elephant parts for the elephant craft we're doing in conjunction with the book of the week, "When the Elephant Walks," by Keiko Kaza. The story is about the elephant walking which sparks a chain of events of many animals being scared of the elephant and at the end the mouse stands alone, as the elephant himself, clings to the bottom of the tree joining those who had climbed up before.

We've been going over the "ABC My First Learning Groovers," (traceable) book everyday during naps and night time, along with the Bible stories we've worked on during the week. I asked Creed tonight who made the sky, water, day, night, etc. and he alternated between God and Jesus. We talked about God and Jesus for a little bit. I asked him who made him and he answered Jesus. I told him God made everything. He looked around the room and started stating what Jesus made, "Jesus made the chair, Jesus made the TV, Jesus made the moon (on the wall we have the Moon in my Room hanging)." He wasn't wrong so I agreed, "You're right. God made everything." God has definitely given us the know-how to create and the energy to do so, whether we choose to do this or not. We've all been given different gifts.

I've been studying 1 Kings throughout the past week and it's pretty interesting how massive the tabernacle was that King Solomon built, not to mention his castle, I'm going to call it that anyway. I keep reading about these vessels that were built that contained thousands of liquid capacity. All I could wonder was, what was in there … fish? I wanted to know but it was never listed. It's all so mysterious to me. 

Before bedtime we watched as Eric Carle's books came alive on Netflix. One of my favorite things is watching the children's stories on DVD or Netflix now. Creed picked out a Scholastic video to watch earlier today that was called "Dem Bones," illustrated by Bob Barner. It was so strange I wasn't sure it was even appropriate for Creed, with a bunch of skeletons dancing around, but as I watched they pointed out which bone went where and what it was for. Creed really enjoyed "Dem Bones," turns out it was really educational. Dem Bones, sometimes called Dry Bones and Dem Dry Bones is a well-known spiritual song composed by author and songwriter, James Weldon Johnson. The lyrics are inspired by Ezekiel 37:1-14 where the prophet visits the "Valley of Dry Bones" and prophesies that they will one day revive at God's command. I kept asking Creed where which bone was in his body and he was pointing them out. In short, it's a little creepy to begin with but a catchy song!

Let us start looking!

I've been looking for a study to get me rooted in the scripture. Sometimes when I read the Bible the words lose their meaning, floating empty inside my head. I need direction. God says if we seek him we will find him. So let us start looking! I found what I've been looking for thanks to another mother who has been seeking the exact same thing. It's called Bible Study Fellowship. Bible Study Fellowship began in the 1950s on the west coast of the United States, today it reaches people from all walks of life on a global scale. BSF classes can be found in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Europe, Central and South America, and of course, North America. BSF is an in-depth, interdenominational Bible study that helps people get to know God and gives them the tools to serve the Church (people) throughout the world.  

Looking for a small group? Check out
www.bsfinternational.org

"Bible study draws us closer to God, giving us a better understanding of Himself, His love and His purposes. Through a stronger relationship with God, members have found how to build better and stronger relationships with others - at home, work, school and in our communities." - taken from their website, www.bsfinternational.org. To gain a better understanding of who they are check out their Vision, Core and Aims listed on their website, where they explain their vision, core beliefs, core values and aims (what they hope for and set out to accomplish).

The most appealing thing about this Bible study was the availability of child care, one that I could afford … free. We met at 9 a.m. this morning at First Baptist Church. (For safety purposes exact location of anything posted on this blog is undisclosed, as this blog is public. Locals please send me a pm for more information) I felt like I was the last one to arrive. Nervous I gathered my things together, holding my child's hand, walked towards the entrance. Immediately I was greeted by two wonderful warm women and guided to where I needed to go next. I signed myself in and headed back down the hallway to get Creed signed in as well. It's new. Creed was nervous as was I. He was less than thrilled to stay in his class, however I knew he'd be OK since one of his friends was already inside sitting quietly playing with play dough. He was a little upset and my heart started to ache, my eyes stinging as they held back tears. The workers must have noticed it and said he would be OK and calm as soon as I left, which I"m sure no doubt he did as he does with regular Sunday school. 

Next it was my turn … gulp. After I was lead into the sanctuary, where they had already started of course, to be with the others, I noticed how many women (just women, men have their own Bible study Thursday evenings) were there. I felt like a kid on my first day of kindergarten. After the song had finished a woman stood at a podium making announcements and called people by name to separate into small groups. Since I was new to the study, I would be with the newbies. Did everyone feel like I did? I sat close to the door because I had arrived late and was among the first to reach the seating area. I chose a prime spot in the middle and seconds later my friend descended next to me. (Huge sigh of relief on the inside.) I still felt anxious and I don't know why. Gripping my seat there were times when I had to hold back my tears once again as I listened to two congregants tell their stories. Moments later I finally settled and felt at ease. I took copious notes and listened as intently as possible. After registration we moved into the sanctuary for the lesson, which focuses on Matthew. After the conclusion I thought, "Huh, I think I can do this."

I'm going to incorporate it into our homeschool week. We've already studied a very small portion of the Bible and I'm learning right along with Creed. As a preacher's daughter I was introduced to Jesus from a very young age. I'd like to say I know the Bible from cover to cover but I'm no where near it, in fact, I will never be anywhere near that, but I'm trying and will never stop trying. It's written on our hearts you know? (Hebrews 10:16, "I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.") 

I was very pleased to find they are teaching the children the same lessons we are learning (age appropriate), purposely so we may continue not only with our learning but theirs as well. The most impressive part is the other important life skills they teach such as how to obey instructions, cooperate, sit and listen - all taught in an atmosphere of love. For the day program the level of childcare starts from infant and ends at five-years-of-age. Preschool curriculum is listed under resources and may be downloaded including hymns sung, home training lessons and home discussion pages. The typical preschool class includes opening free play, Bible story time, scripture verse, hymn time and quiet time. This structure will help us at home as well. Visit their website www.bsfinternational.org to locate a class in your area.

The making of "Monster Slime"
OOEY-GOOEY GOODNESS!

One a side note, boy am I glad I decided to use a pencil in my lesson planner because the week has been pretty eventful. I've found that I've got to leave a margin for error or just plain life including inpromptu doctors appointments!

"Little Blue Truck" by Alice Schertle 

Let me tell you about Little Blue Truck. Little Blue Truck is a children's
story on Creed's curriculum written by Alice Schertle and beautifully Illustrated by Jill McElmurry. The story takes place on a country road where Little Blue Truck takes his time with a "Beep Beep Beep" greeting all of his farm friends. "Honk!" a noisy very busy Dump comes charging by tooting his most important stance of being too busy "to pass the day with every duck along the way." Short story - short, he gets his big important wheels stuck and it's Little Blue Truck and his friends he met along the way that pull him out. It's a good story about helping each other and I think perhaps about slowing down!

Our first science experiment is "monster slime." This went really well! It was pretty cool for all of us! Creed measured all ingredients except the borax, for safety. We all stood there waiting for the "magic" to happen and it did! Within seconds the two concoctions married and a beautiful blob formed! Whenever using this recipe know that there will be a little water left, dump excess. It feels like rubber, but is squishy ... and bouncy!

For recipe look here: http://kimmccrary.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-fun-magical-monster-slime.html#.UjI0Bxbpi5Q.

No alligators today

This morning we watched the creation video provided by the Read and Share Toddler Bible, which not only captured but held Creed's  attention. I'm thinking he's visual, so I'll try incorporating this into his learning style. An additional way will be using the felt board I created on the wall. 

tire track lines

We headed to Holly Beach late in the morning to go on our color and shape walk. Our mission - to find the color blue and line shape, as listed in the curriculum. I keep asking myself is a line really a shape? It just sounds odd. I looked on the web and under many definitions, but none specified it as a shape, only a mark. We looked for lines none-the-less. Creed asked me what a line was. I drew one and noted a line is like the number one, we use lines to make letters and numbers.

bird footprint lines

drawing lines

^{Among the obvious debris left by careless patrons of the beach we were hard pressed to find anything that was true blue other than the sky, that came from nature. There were various undertones of blue on discarded shells and a bright blue rake in child-like proportion. It's not as picturesque as most beaches we've been to but at least we can hear the waves crashing as they break the Gulf Shores. I asked Creed if he saw any lines and he pointed to the tracks left by a tractor that had swept the area. We also found bird footprints. Creed spotted a stick that was perfect for drawing lines all out of play of course. He picked up an old broken styrofoam plate and asked, "What's this?" I answered, "It's trash." He disagreeing stated, "No. It's a wing. A bird's wing," out of his imaginative all-things-created-beautiful way. I adore him. And there's a lot to be learned … from him, through the eyes of a child where everything is wide open.}

no alligators today

We stopped by the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Wetland Walkway in hopes to spot an alligator on the way home. Other than a crossing sign, no alligators today. What we did see was an orange butterfly, tall grasses, and a line of seagulls sitting on a covering atop a view of the bayou. Something small to us is a magical wonderland to a smallish someone who's literally seeing everything for the first time.

^{Please and thank you is on the curriculum for this week, however we've been practicing this as well as sir and ma'am for a while now.  Learning to say please and thank you also requires learning the correct undertones when using polite language, for it's no longer polite when stained with sarcasm or disdain. I always make Creed say please and thank you and out of force of habit, it has evolved in its own time. Creed wanted something a couple of days ago and I responded by reminding him that I didn't hear him asking anything. He, in turn, in frustration and annoyance said please, with a demanding sarcastic undertone. I said, no, ask nicely. He complied, tilting his head to the side smiling. Demanding chocolate milk with an, "I want chocolate milk," won't fly in mama llamas house. Embarrassingly enough I find myself correcting other children who are playing with Creed, especially in sharing, but children need direction. It's my hope that I don't ever overstep, however growing up I was taught that I should listen and show respect to elders, including teachers and authority figures or undoubtedly suffer the consequence. Of course, I did suffer the consequence now and then, but I'll call this growing pains. How many times must we be disciplined for the same action finally learning that changing our behavior can avoid the consequence? For me, that was countless. Sometimes in relating to my Heavenly Father, I'm still learning the same lessons. Creed's misfortune is inheriting that stubbornness from both sides of the family tree. At least in this particular behavior trait in the long run it will produce an older child developing later into an adult that won't be lead around by the nose, on the flip side … we can occasionally have the tendency to dig in our heels.}

Preschool Lesson Planner

I love my Year Round Preschool Lesson Planner. Among the spacious daily lesson plan pages, precedes the multiple intelligences/learning styles and early learner stages of development, very insightful. Children progress through 10 levels of emergent writing.

• Scribbling When Drawing, where we're at right now
• Drawing With Meaning
• Scribbling When Writing
• Writing Some Letters
• Writing or Labeling Using Words
• Writing Phrases
• Writing a Sentence Phoneticallly
• Writing a Patterned Sentence Phonetically
• Writing Related Sentences Using Phonetic Spelling
• Writing Several Sentences About One Subject

Which in short means: I can think about something; I can talk about what I think; I can write about what I say; I can read about what I write; and other people can read what I write.

 8 Identifiable Intelligences and Learning Styles:

• Verbal/Linguistic, think in words and enjoy stories, reading, writing, creative activities, drama and anything that involves words. Creed enjoys reading books. He makes up his own characters through dramatic play and puppets which usually include a chef and a pig.
• Logical/Mathematical, think logically, like experiments, puzzles, sorting, collections and figuring things out. Today is our first experiment using slime, a recipe I found on pinterest. I'm still amazed by what I find on there. What a huge resource! Puzzles are a wonderful way to learn and pass time without screen time. We visited the neighbor night before last, who was working a puzzle. Creed jumped right into action mode and I was amazed to watch him. Something funny that's been going on and totally off the subject is his accent. Instead of saying, "right there," he says, "right ThAIR," pointing out which piece of the puzzle went where. Where is he getting this accent I asked my neighbor? My husband and I don't sound like this and he's not getting it from watching PBS or NickJr. She said it would change again and again, just like his features, which are starting to look a little more like me she noted.
• Visual/Spatial, like pictures, enjoy art, drawing and creatively using their imaginations. I would fall into this category easily and Creed falls into line right behind me. I wonder if these intelligences and learning styles are passed down through our genetic make-up? My grandmother and mother are incredibly artistic, always busying themselves with a project. I sometimes wonder if it's because I'm at a state of un-rest that I most busy myself, however I feel most satisfied when I'm in the middle of a project, that is, if it's not under pressure or with a deadline. I put a suction cup on the window with some window crayons practicing my strewing, (see previous blog, The Artful Parent) and went about my business. I did not notice him find them but walked into a circular display of colors. I asked daddy if he saw him and what he did when he found them and he said he acted as if they had always been there. I love this. I love how comfortable he is with art. It's such a wonderful creative outlet.
• Bodily Kinesthetic, learn through movement and bodily sensation, like to dance and move, tough, construct and role-play. I think banter of conversations between multiple puppets would fall into this category. Last year Creed received a collection of various kinds of puppets for Christmas. He liked them … but didn't play with them until the last couple of months. I'm still learning what kinds of toys/activities are not only age-appropriate but something that my child will actually like. It can definitely get frustrating buying your child a gift you've researched and spent time getting only to see him or her shove it to the side.

  

  sensory play

  Over the course of the summer Creed and I were invited to a birthday party that provided loads of sensory games. One in particular that stood out to Creed was the baby pool filled with deer corn, with multiple toy trucks and dumps. I'll have to admit that I loved it as well. There's something about using your hands to feel textures. Some are pleasant, as in the deer corn; and some are strange, as in the water beads, but totally fun. I couldn't help but squish them. We haven't felt one that we didn't like yet.
• Interpersonal, learning through communication. They enjoy organizing, planning, relating to others, making friends and group activities. They are also very empathetic. I can relate to this category. Sometimes I think it's more OCD with the organizing than anything else, however if I'm in fact, unorganized and my house is in disarray, my self reflects that very feeling. Making friends is difficult for me, but in opposite it's very easy for Creed, and I'm over the moon happy about this. Every child IS his friend, so making them his friend is unnecessary. I think I could take a page from Creed's book once in a while. Group activities make me nervous, unless I know everyone there and don't feel threatened in any way. Creed does well with this, again because everyone is his friend. 
• Intrapersonal, like to be alone. They daydream, meditate, plan, have personal hobbies and seem to be very independent. I'm a daydreamer. Like the idea of meditating and really need TO meditate, but can't seem to sit still. I remember this very same feeling from childhood. Personal hobbies are very important I think, as well as independence. Creed often says, I can do it myself. Creed doesn't like to be alone. He CAN be alone working on the computer or busying himself while I"m in the same room. 
• Musical/Rhythmic, learn by melody and rhythm. They love to sing, hum and listen. They have a good sense of beat and rhythm. They enjoy poetry. Creed loves all things rhythm. He picks out musical instruments from our music drawer and instructs which one he'd like me to use in our musical parade. We march up and down the hall. 
• Naturalist, love the out-of-doors, have the ability to understand, relate to and function in the natural world. They have a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them. Absolutely, describes us both to a t. After a time of being inside, especially in inclement weather, we can't wait to get out. There's something freeing about being in the great outdoors.

Children and adults learn in a variety of ways. The planner notes that most children and adults have one or two that are their strongest modes of learning, but I disagree. We could relate to every single one of these methods of learning. It would be really hard to pin down a couple, but in short it doesn't matter. It's sweet to know the different ways we are all learning, especially when your child thrives in some of these methods.

The last selection before the planning area begins is the Early Learner Stages of Development from 3-5-years-of-age. In one way or another each of us has probably read this list in what to expect the toddler years, by age in other books and certainly an infinite wealth of information online, as well as what your pediatrician has shared, so there's no need to list anything by age. What IS included is a list of large/small motor skills; language skills; cognitive skills; and social/emotional skills. I enjoy having these references. I wavered whether I would actually get a planner or try to do it in a regular notebook, which I trying to begin with, but was incredibly unorganized and messy.

Learning through games

Circle C

Last night we went for a bike ride. When we arrived home Creed was anxious to get inside and started to pound on the door as I was pointing out a new bloom on the rose bush to Daddy. Bending down I said "Creed, you need to take time to smell the roses," sniffing it, and he said "OK" and walked over to participate. I love how literal he is at times.

Creed was as eager as ever this morning starting his own curriculum of dots with the letters a, b, c, d, y and z. After he finished one he would hold it up in triumph declaring, "I did it. I did it. See?!" The one that clearly stood out was the letter c, which he did in circles. I said, "Creed, this is the most festive one yet. I love it!" After he completed the d, he held it up once again squealing, "I did it," held it to his face hugging it and then said, "Awe, it's my favorite."

Fine motor skills game

Fine motor skills game

We played three games today working on our fine motor skills while watching Your Baby Can Read. As I watched him playing with the pipe cleaners and pom pons, I felt like a mad scientist observing my subject. Creed, taking it a step further decided to separate the colors and try counting

them out. We're still working on counting. When he's in a hurry he will count some twice or run to the tail end of 10 before he's even got there. 

sensory game

When the part in the program asked, "Are you a baby?" Creed answered, "I not a baby!"

"Are you waving?" … "Not I not waving."

It's quite humorous to listen and watch him at times. On that note, later in the day his Daddy asked him if he could put the tooth picks in the shaker he enthusiastically said, "yea," unscrewing the lid and dumping them all in! The ability to think outside the box is definitely a good quality to posess. 

When we took a break I noticed Creed was playing with some refrigerator clips. He started clipping them in the back of his hair and stated matter-of-factly, "I look like you mama." I am always amazing though not surprised to see him doing things and especially repeating things we both say. 

itty bitty pencil was the ticket

One game that was a lot of fun for him was the sensory game of finding alphabet beads in a bowl of grain, even I loved running it all through my fingers. In hindsight next time, we will use a bin. 

We both tried using chop sticks and child-size easy-grip tweezers to separate a bunch of beans, but the child ones were too stiff and required more than two fingers. The chop sticks were too small, the beans slipping out. Creed tried to put them in the tweezers and chopsticks, but they both ended up flinging across the room. 

learning to cut

Next we took a break and watched "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," one of our favorite Scholastic Videos, a book by Bill Martin Jr.

ABC My First Learning Groovers

Today was able to trace the patterns with his finger and work on holding the pencil while scribbling circles. The smaller pencil worked, by the way - first experiment closed. I was able to find a book of the alphabet that shows the child how to trace the letter from beginning to end with their finger. I was hoping to find it on some kind of texture like sandpaper, but "ABC My First Learning Groovers," by Award Publications, seems sufficient.

This week we are working on day three of creation. Creed practiced his cutting skills on the ends of toilet paper rolls, in preparation for our flower craft, while I read about the third day of creation, separation of land and sea and plants. Instead of using one color to make flower prints he used them all. Instead of making prints he pounded intently. So we've got some color on our grass-colored construction paper.