Itty Bitty Snow Angels

Keeping the tree house nice and tidy

Monday we went to homeschool co-op. I was really disappointed. For Creed's age group the parents were required to stay and I was really happy about this to begin with, however it proved to be a huge distraction, at least for Creed. First class was music, second class was letters and third was supposed to be gym/snack time, but we didn't make through the second class before I decided that it wasn't for us at this time. Creed learns way more at home during a non-school day than at the co-op. The whole point for us attending the co-op was for the well-discussed "social skills" everyone freaks out about. There just wasn't any structure and when one of the teachers asked if there was anything the parents could think of for the children to do 20 minutes until the next class was scheduled, that pretty much summed up our experience. BSF (BIble Study Fellowship) is completely structured. The pre-school curriculum is based on the lessons the adults study. It lasts the same amount of time and mama is able to learn, study and discuss the bible as well. I was pretty impressed with BSF from the beginning. I've got really high hopes for the Montessori handwriting workshop in July.

After we left homeschool co-op, Creed and I spent some time at the library. He played on the computer for a little bit, while I researched books about winter for homeschool. He lost interest and started playing with the wooden dollhouse and before long another child joined him and they played as if they had known each other all along. Be still, my beating heart, listening to the conversation between each character they both beheld. He's socializing all on his own. I really want to get him a wooden dollhouse, one that's more boyish. Plan Toys makes really nice ones, one even looks like a tree house.

Creed knows what coins are, especially quarters. They are his favorite. His first love affair with them started last December 2012 when daddy received a four foot gum ball machine for Christmas. He quickly found out that even if you didn't have a quarter if you jiggled it just right, bumping it up against the wall, you'd get an ample amount of candy - for free. In addition to counting the circles on really big foam dice, Creed learned how many quarters (really cool much like the real thing plastic quarters from Teachers Aide) make a dollar and how many "dollars" (paper) he had. We took turns rolling the dice, each sitting beside our own dinosaur coin bank. Creed took the initiative to roll both of them at once and added them together. I love it when he does this sort of thing. It really seems if something is his idea, it's much more of a game than homeschooling. In fact, we've been playing a lot of games lately. I found a really awesome game at goodwill that teaches sizes in small, medium and large, (Mama and Papa Bear and Baby Bear) colors and counting. From Learning Resources, it's called Bingo Bears Game. We've played it countless times and have only had it a few days. It' fun for me too. 

I was all jazzed up to make snowflakes using raised salt painting, but could not find the salt, so we bundled up and played outside instead. Creed wasted no time climbing up the side of the side of the tree house before whooshing down the slide through the little snow/sleet that accumulated. He asked daddy to make him a snowball and then hurled it at him. Jumping on the trampoline with snowy-sleet underfoot proved a little tricky, but a perfect opportunity to make itty bitty snow angels. 

Baking, measuring, chopping, blending ...

smoothie goodness

This week we've been exploring the kitchen through baking, measuring, chopping, blending … 

What do you do when your child is a picky eater? From age one, Creed ate anything I offered him. Now he eats a limited amount of food and winces when I ask him to try anything new, just one small bite. I know this is a stage and I'll be happy to see it end, however in the meantime I'm thinking if I can get him involved in the process, perhaps he will be more inclined to try new foods. 

We started out with a smoothie consisting of spinach, frozen strawberries and fresh blackberries. I instructed Creed to grab a couple of small bunches and as he carefully put some in his tiny little fists, he looked at me asking, "too much?" "No," I answered, "we need a lot." He was very engrossed in the process, especially pushing the buttons, though the interest faded when it came time to taste the results. 

Hmmm … Creed loves muffins. So I decided to make a healthy version, adding chia seeds for bonus nutrition. He eagerly obliged eating the results. We make healthy pancakes all the time adding poppy seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc. So now I'm thinking I'll just add this to the list.

Washing strawberries

washing himself

Slicing

… and dicing

Creed practiced using the curious chef kitchen knife. First he washed the strawberries and himself in the process. Then he cut the tops off the strawberries using a kitchen tool used for slicing strawberries, eggs and anything else that will fit I suppose. As I looked at the photos I realized how small his tiny little hands were. Sometimes I forget how small he is, about the time I realize how big he's getting. 

two-hands technique

The next day I explained the pineapple having a core, slicing the outside. Creed was able to slice them up beautifully, but to no avail, he wasn't interested in tasting it. I did enjoy watching his technique. He tackled it with both hands on the end of the knife and then used one on the end as well. Either way he sliced it, Creed was clearly having fun. 

Have you heard of Kidfresh? It's a brand of healthy frozen kids meals. Luckily our local Kroger carries them. Creed loves chicken nuggets and I do too, except what I don't like is the scary ingredients hidden in foods targeted at children. Not only is the chicken used raised humanely without antibiotics, but they add cauliflower, onions and use whole grain breading. Creed loves them and I love knowing he's not eating antibiotics, also getting some vegetables. We've also got the Spaghetti Loops and Meat Sauce and Wagon Wheels Mac & Cheese. I wish it was organic, but this is the best I've seen so far that he will actually eat. For more information visit: http://www.kidfresh.com.

We took turns playing games this week including the Melissa & Doug geometric shape game, the sensory game called "Feel & Find," by EDDU Toy, and his newest favorite Five Little Monkeys Jumping On A Bed.  

Spring Christian Homeschool Co-op starts Monday morning. I'm very excited to be able to meet other homeschool mamas and getting Creed more acclimated with other children. He's everyone's friend, especially when we go out to the playground or a play area setting in the mall. There was only one time, when the mall area was really full that he said there were too many people and I had to agree. When I think about my own reluctance join a crowd, even a small one, I wonder what it will be like in heaven. I mean there isn't going to be just a massive amount of people, a world's population over a span of centuries will be there! I would also imagine that through God's grace this anxiety of being around a bunch of people will also be removed. In the meantime, I'm really trying to work on it, especially with Creed. I don't want to pass on my own fears. I want to be the best example as humanly possible. So we're both diving in head first, together!  

The Duck Goes 'Quack Quack' Mama!

Creed's favorite character nowadays is Little Nutbrown Hare. Aside from the book, "Guess How Much I Love You," by Sam McBratney, I hadn't heard or seen anything else about this rabbit. Just flipping through the channels the other day I found it on Disney Junior (8:30 p.m./7:30 p.m.c). The animated series is centered around the love and friendship between Little and Big Nutbrown Hare, a father and son. It's adorable. I love it as much as I love Peter Rabbit! We went to the library this week and I found another book by the same author with this duo called, "Let's Play In The Snow." Turns out there's a series of books about Little Nutbrown Hare including, "Guess How Much I Love You," 'All Year Round,' 'The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare,' 'Colors Everywhere,' 'A Surprise For the Nutbrown Hares,' and the list goes on. I'm looking forward to discovering each one as much so as Creed. 

Another great find inspired by a book Creed received from his Aunt Lorilie, "The Kissing Hand," by Audrey Penn, was "A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon." After a little digging, I also found, "A Kiss Goodbye," "A Pocket Full of Kisses," "Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories," Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully," "Chester the Brave," etc. 

Sensory play with EDDU Toy

After playing with our geometric shape game by Melissa & Doug, we played a great sensory game called "Feel & Find," by EDDU Toy. Basically it's a canvas bag filled with wooden shapes and as you draw from the stack of wooden game pieces that have the matching shapes you put your hand in the bag, without looking of course, and feel for the corresponding piece. It was hard, but fun. At one point I suggested he try it with his foot and it was a hoot! When it was my turn I was having difficulty finding the duck and Creed held the game piece in front of my face explaining to me that ducks have webbed feet for paddling. He waited a moment and then kept telling me more, the duck goes, "quack, quack." "The duck eats fish and seaweed," he said, "and has gooey eyes." "The duck says quack, quack," he persisted. It was hilarious. The more he told me the closer he got to my face. We played a Cranium Treasure Chest game next. This time we played by the rules. This was certainly an adjustment for him, but he played along. 

For a couple of months now we've been reading "Warthogs Paint, A Messy Color Book," by Pamela Duncan Edwards. It's a tale about warthogs painting a rainbow on the kitchen wall after not being able to go out on such a rainy day. Through several mishaps the colors are mixed and new colors are explored. The last page goes into detail about primary colors, when mixing two primary colors you make a new colors, green, orange and purple. There are a couple of fun exercises testing the child's intellect like, "Which two colors were used to make the ladder green?" One day after reading the book I asked Creed if he'd like to mix some colors to see what happens. He answered with an excited, "Yes!" I found the easiest way to mix some colors was using the fizzy water changing tablets (used for bath time). We dropped the red, blue and yellow into different jars and waited for them to dissolve. It's didn't take long for the magic to happen as Creed anxiously awaited for the fun to begin. He used a big bulby syringe I found at thrift store, first adding yellow to the empty jar and then blue. "Green!" he squealed. Science experiment 101, mixing primary colors, was a huge success.

Science 101, mixing primary colors

geometric shape game

That night we read from the Ranger Rick Jr. magazine we checked out from the library. The December/January 2014 addition pictures a Red-Eyed Treefrog on the cover, which Creed referred to as, "Sticky Toes." There's a section in the magazine that features, Read with Bonnie and Chester. It's a short story that has photos inserted into the text so children can "read with" their parents. I explained how we were going to read it and Creed jumped right in and cracked me up every other line. Chester, the squirrel and Bonnie the bluebird, had an adventure with snowflakes. There were pictures of hot chocolate and when we came to that point … Then they ate (pictures of cookies) cookies and drank (picture of hot chocolate) coffee he said. He certainly listens to everything around him. Mama makes coffee every morning and sometimes he will ask me to do something and I explain that we can do this or that after I make coffee, finish drinking coffee or watch out, don't spill the coffee, it's hot! The Ranger Rick Jr. poster showed a photo of a red fox. This fox has a white chest, black feet, and yellow eyes, I read. Who does that look like, I asked? Mr. Todd, he replied! (From Peter Rabbit on NickJr.) As we were reading and flipping through the pages there was a photo of a mama cheetah with a baby standing on it's hind legs looking like it was whispering into it's mother's ears. If this cheetah could talk, what would it be saying? (reading the text) "Meow!" Creed answered. It's been a blast. 

We are entering the "What's That Mean?" phase, aka "Why" phase. I'm really enjoying it. He asks questions I would never ask and sees the world from a different aspect. It's refreshing and eye-opening at the same time.

I signed up Creed and I for the Spring Christian Homeschool Co-op. I'm very excited to be able to meet other homeschool mamas and getting Creed more comfortable with other children. He's a clinger, literally to my leg. One reason we started BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) was because they had nursery that also had class, not just a babysitter. Sometimes they have to peel him off me, but when I come pick him up he's sitting in a circle listening to the stories and very engaged with the teacher and other students. I wish I could see how well he does in class and I'll be able to get a little insight when this co-op starts on the 27th. All smiles here!

I'm excited about the Montessori Summer 2014 Handwriting and Fine Motor Workshop Creed will be attending, twice a week for the last three weeks in July. The goal of the workshop is to introduce or improve children's handwriting skills in a fun learning environment. Using a multi-sensory approach they will work on developing the strength, coordination and dexterity that's required to complete the writing process. This includes pencil grip, letter formation and letter placement on paper. One-on-one instruction is taught by a licensed occupational therapist and will be based on techniques and activities within the Handwriting Without Tears writing program. This will give him a leg up for what's to come in this next homeschool year, plus he'll be able to make some new friends as will me. I had only heard the name Montessori and didn't know much about it until it was suggested by a friend. Thanks Aunt Na! The more I read about it the more I'm inclined to enroll Creed in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It's rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church (Catholic) and focuses on helping children listen to God and His Word and respond with joy. For more information visit here: www.cgsusa.org. I'm still researching Montessori. Your comments are appreciated!

"There's a Mouse About the House"

Do you ever wonder if you knew what you were supposed to do when you grow up, when we were under the age of five? Recently as I was reading to Creed from a set my mother purchased for me and my younger sister on manners, the "Let's Talk About," series, and noticed how I cataloged the book series. Additional slips of paper where patrons would check out books were taped to the inside cover. Remember those? Remember thumbing through the card catalog? I remember the first time my mother took me to a really big library, where everything was electronically filed on the computer. I've always loved the endless rows of books and possibilities that lied within the covers of each book. A world where anything and everything was possible. It's always been something magical to me. I love the quiet. I like seeing patrons sitting around reading studiously. It's a happy place for me. If I had to do it all over again, I'd be a librarian. Perhaps that's why "You've Got Mail," is one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite movie. I dream of owning my own children's bookstore. 

Our imagination is a powerful thing. I see how Creed acts out everything and wonder if it's not just play, but a way of understanding his world preluding even to a profession he will have later in life.. Lately he's been playing doctor. I ordered a stethoscope last year, but it didn't work. He still enjoys playing with it, but it's not the same. He doesn't know the difference yet, however I imagine the day when he hears an actual heartbeat with a working stethoscope. I've been looking on amazon and found a set that has a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. I also found a doctor's bag. When Wal-Mart was having their Black Friday special I picked up the Fisher Price doctor's set, which also promised a working stethoscope. Sadly it doesn't work either, and the ear pieces really hurt. 

His interest goes back and forth everyday, exploring the possibilities of play and imagination. He enjoys acting out David and Goliath, he plays the troll under the bridge of the "Billy Goat's Gruff," and gives mama and daddy an examination every time he brings out his doctor's kit. I'm enjoying watching him grow and explore. I'm enjoying listening to him go on and on about his newest discovery. I love watching him learn new things. I'm grateful to be along for his journey and still give thanks to God for our "rainbow baby."

We started today with a lace and trace puzzle by Scholastic. After or before the pieces of train are laced they may then be joined to form a long train with many cars. Also, another grand treasure we found at Goodwill for 49 cents, this activity builds concentration and fine motor skills. Although the box indicates that puzzle activities develop logic and problem-solving skills, it's just another level of fun waiting to be discovered by a curious three-year-old. After Creed lost interest we moved to the Usborne sticker books and ended with the math game we played yesterday. Before nap time Creed happily and most eagerly followed the "mouse about the house," from the book, "There's A Mouse About The House," by Richard Fowler. The little mouse travels to the kitchen, pantry, and upstairs and down looking for food. The mouse rests inside a small clear pouch on the front cover waiting to be slid in and out of slots through the house. What a delight it was to witness his face light up and experience the joy of learning and discovering new things. Before I even knew about Usborne, I was fortunate enough to come across several unused sticker books at Goodwill that easily slid into our homeschool curriculum.

I started a new book, "The Sacred Marriage," by Gary Thomas, joining in a study hosted by a wonderful lady. While, I've only read the first chapter, I can already tell that this book will provide some great insight into my marriage. The first words of wisdom poses the question, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" "Far from being a compromise, in one sense, marriage might be the toughest ministry we could undertake. The state of marriage is one that requires more virtue and constancy than any other." - Words of wisdom striking intrigue by Francis de Sales, a Christian writer. "Mature love, the kind demanded of a good marriage, must stretch." I like that. I understand that concept more now, after 12 years of marriage than day one. I'll grow into even more understanding as my marriage matures in Christ. I looked online and found another book by the same author, "Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls." The description reads that parenting is a school for spiritual formation and our children are our teachers. The journey of caring for, rearing, training, and loving our children will profoundly alter us forever. It states that Sacred Parenting is not a "how-to" book that teaches you ways to discipline your kids or help them achieve their full potential. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Sacred Parenting turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change US. The description explains how you'll be encouraged by stories from parents handling challenges and difficulties and how their children transformed their relationship with God. And at last, Sacred Parenting affirms the spiritual value of being a parent, showing readers the holy potential of a parent-child relationship. Well, sign me up! Yes, I can't wait to read this book. I always thought that while I worried over Creed's safety in the womb, the worry would finally be over once he made it safely into the world. I know all of you seasoned parents are laughing along with me. Little did I know, this would only be the beginning.  

Herbivores eats plants not shoes!

Creed eased into homeschool like no time had been lost. We started the morning with the Usborne color and shape sticker books. After that mama and daddy and itty bitty went to the gym. One great thing we've got going for us is a gym that has childcare included. Our new year's resolution is to collectively exercise, spending more time outside and eat as healthy as possible, which also includes giving up pop altogether. :-( After our workout we headed home and resumed homeschool after nap time. 

The Learning Journey, Match-It! Mathmatics game

Creed and I were taking turns playing games. He started with dinosaur puppets. We had a fun lengthy banter between mama Triceratops, baby Triceratops, T-rex and Diplodocus. Creed explained how the Diplodocus had flat teeth and that meant he was a Herbivore, which means he eats plants, not shoes! Next up was T-Rex's sharp teeth. That means he's a Carnivore and eats meat. I asked if he thought the T-Rex could be friends with the Triceratops and he said no, they eat meat! 

My turn. We found a great game at Goodwill for $1.99. The Learning Journey, Match-It! Mathematics is a great start for learning simple addition and subtraction. The puzzle set includes 30 pieces that are self-correcting. The addition seemed easy enough for him, while the subtraction was a bit difficult. Explaining plus and minus, addition and subtraction, adding and taking away, was a little difficult for me. I've always wondered how I'm going to teach math when I wasn't very good at it myself. The great thing is we're just starting and as time goes on we will learn together. The even greater thing is daddy's awesome at math, so we'll do some tag-team homeschooling. 

Creed's turn. He chose to play the pointer game, which is taking the pointer and pointing and identifying the alphabet, opposites, positions and numbers. Plus he knows he gets a sweet tart for right answers. After that he wanted to write! This was something I was dreading but he totally took the lead. Today he wrote the uppercase E, F, and Z, after that homeschool was clearly over when he suggested he play the computer. He said he couldn't find the pbskids.org. After we logged in I set the homepage to pbskids.org. He loves Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. I love the fact that he's learning so many new things, including using motor skills using the mouse and keyboard, while he's clearly having fun. 

So we're off and running again and mama can breathe a sigh of relief!