tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41147432282973186382024-03-12T17:17:54.086-07:00Learning by LivingTreating each day as a gift, laughing at our mistakes, and dancing in the rain as often as possible.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-77400977021150968512011-07-15T05:31:00.000-07:002011-07-15T05:50:13.044-07:00Mid-Summer Update!Wow, is it REALLY the middle of July already? Where has the time gone? <br /><br />In the last month, some exciting things have happened! Ella celebrated her THIRD birthday (I'm the mom of a 3-year-old!), Lucy turned 6 months old and is CRAWLING (!!!), and Wes went back to school! <br /><br />My children really amaze me, every single day. I feel like in the last 3ish months, that I've really found my mom groove. There are a lot of things that I am not very good at, but lately I have been feeling really good about parenting. Ella challenges me every single day, and I try my best to respond to her appropriately and consistently. Of course, there are times when I respond in a less-than-ideal way, but I've learned to give myself a break, use my mistakes as learning opportunities, and do better the next time. Lucy and Ella fill me with such joy, and I feel so blessed by them! Lucy spoils me, she is so easy going. If all babies were like her, I would happily have many more! Ella's laughter just melts my heart. <br /><br />Wes started taking classes this summer, working towards a business degree. His degree in architecture is not helping the job hunt--there are ZERO architecture jobs right now! With a business degree, he could open the doors to many different careers. Honestly, I think that this break from working is good for him! Financially, we're doing ok--hanging in there, watching our spending and trying to keep our bills low. Wes and I don't have health insurance, which is the only thing that really worries me. The girls do, so that's a relief. <br /><br />Other than that, not a lot is going on here! We're kind of living in the moment right now! I am (of course!) planning for the upcoming "school" year. I'll have to do a separate planning post for that. :)Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-1613077736022776262011-05-30T12:12:00.001-07:002011-05-30T12:12:59.013-07:00Summer Tot-School Themes<p>I’m still in planning mode for tot-school (preschool?), beginning next Monday.  I think it will help my brain if I scribble my thoughts down here, and maybe even pull links to resources and whatnot.  </p> <p>So here’s what I’m thinking (these are brainstorming ideas, assuming that I have an unlimited amount of money to spend-which I don’t.  We won’t be doing all of these things—just ideas to kick-off on!  Also, a good old google search will probably happen prior to each week’s theme.  There are endless possibilities!): </p> <p>-ocean/beach</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/04/prek-letter-o.html" target="_blank">Confessions of a Homeschooler's "O for Octopus"</a></li> <li>Carisa’s <a href="http://lapbooksbycarisa.homestead.com/OceanAnimalsTotBook.html" target="_blank">Ocean Animals Tot-book</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.filefolderfun.com/Pages/PreschoolColors/ColorfulClownfish.html" target="_blank">Ocean file folder game</a> on filefolder.com</li> <li><a href="http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/seo/ca%7CsearchResults~~p%7CRE116~~f%7C/Assortments/Lakeshore/ShopByCategory/mathematics/viewall.jsp" target="_blank">scoop and play fishing game</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-10-Piece-Magnetic-Fishing/dp/B000KMHBFA/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1306179487&sr=8-17" target="_blank">magnetic fishing puzzle</a> (or the target brand equivalent)</li> <li>water play activities (perhaps with some dollar store ocean animals?)</li> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/11/letter-f-for-fish.html" target="_blank">"F is for Fish"</a> by COAH</li> </ul> <p>-caterpillar/butterfly</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2009/10/letter-b-for-butterfly.html" target="_blank">"B is for Butterfly"</a> by COAH</li> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2009/10/prek-letter-c.html" target="_blank">"C is for Caterpillar"</a> by COAH </li> <li>caterpillar art </li> <li>coffee filter butterflies </li> </ul> <p>-birds</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/PreschoolPackBirds.html" target="_blank">birds preschool pack</a> by 1+1+1=1 </li> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/01/prek-letter-n.html" target="_blank">"N is for Nests"</a> by COAH</li> <li>Listen and watch for birds on a nature walk</li> </ul> <p>-frogs/ponds</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://totallytots.blogspot.com/2011/05/whats-in-tub-pond-life.html" target="_blank">Totally Tots Sensory Tub</a></li> <li><a href="http://homeschoolcreations.com/pondpreschoolpack.html" target="_blank">"Pond Life" preschool pack</a> by Homeschool Creations </li> <li>Frog/Turtle sort (printable made by me)</li> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2009/10/letter-t-for-turtle.html" target="_blank">"T is for Turtle"</a> by COAH</li> <li>“Five green and speckled frogs” song</li> <li>visit a creek</li> </ul> <p>-birthday </p> <ul> <li>birthday puzzle</li> <li>birthday dramatic play (party hats, pretend to wrap presents)</li> <li>bake cupcakes/cake</li> <li><a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.com/birthdaypreschoolpack.html" target="_blank">The Mini Birthday Pack</a> by Homeschool Creations </li> </ul> <p>-garden/flowers</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.com/gardenpreschoolpack.html" target="_blank">Garden preschool Pack</a> by Homeschool Creations </li> <li>plant our own flowers</li> <li>dirt/watering can/tools to use in outdoor sensory box</li> </ul> <p>-bugs </p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-10-Piece-Magnetic-Catching/dp/B000LFUKCM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306179688&sr=8-2" target="_blank">magnetic bug puzzle</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/seo/p%7CFF967~~f%7C/Assortments/Lakeshore/ShopByCategory/mathematics/viewall.jsp" target="_blank">Insect & spider theme box</a></li> <li><a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/2011/05/pretty-bugs-creatures-preschool-pack.html" target="_blank">pretty bugs preschool pack</a> by 1+1+1=1</li> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/04/prek-letter.html" target="_blank">"A is for Ant"</a> by COAH</li> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2009/10/prek-letter-l.html" target="_blank">"L is for Ladybug"</a> by COAH</li> </ul> <p>-zoo</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/04/prek-letter-e.html" target="_blank">"E is for Elephant"</a> by COAH</li> <li><a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/09/letter-m-for-monkey.html" target="_blank">"M is for Monkey"</a> by COAH</li> <li>visit our zoo!</li> </ul> <p>-Camping</p> <ul> <li>dramatic play-set up a tent, flashlights, make a pretend camp fire</li> <li>make s’mores!</li> <li>talk about moon/stars/constellations </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Hmmm… maybe I’ll just try to stick with those 9 and spread them out/allow myself extra time (and hopefully by the end of summer, I won’t feel guilty that I didn’t squeeze in everything that I wanted to).  I can also add in more if I need to.  And if I can manage 9 themes each season, that’s 36 total.  Seems like a good goal, right?  I would love to hear your ideas as well!  What are your summer tot-school/preschool plans?  </p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-68776337928996081482011-05-18T12:52:00.001-07:002011-05-23T14:34:25.098-07:00Back on the “tot-school” wagon…<p align="left">I admit that I am not a very organized person, even if I always intend to be (this blog, for example, is something I think about often, and even outline posts in my head… but clearly, following-through is not always my reality!).  I first read about tot-school a year (or more?) ago, and have had “good weeks” and “bad weeks” and everything in between.  Ella became a big sister in January, and OH MY I can’t believe how fast time has gone since then.  </p> <p align="left">So, I’m giving myself a break (because LIFE happens and feeling guilty over not being a perfect housewife and perfect mom isn’t doing me a single bit of good) and hitting the “reset” button with tot-school/preschool.  I’m also taking a new approach: planning ahead!  Instead of making or printing off activities to do TODAY, I’m going to take the next 2 weeks to plan, create, gather, and relax!  </p> <p align="left">I am also going to plan differently.  Instead of outlining specific activities to do each day (or week), I have created a generic planning sheet that fits me better.  Although I love the tot-school planning sheet (found <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank">here</a>), I find that having certain things to do on specific days just doesn’t work for me long-term.  I’m a more open-ended kind of girl, which means I like to </p> <p align="left">If I was super savvy, I would give you a download to my planning form (which is essentially boxes where I can write in ideas for different categories.  These ideas and activities can be implemented at any time.  There is no “date” listed on my planning sheet, just a space to put in “age” and a “theme” if you want one.)  Anyway, if you would like it, I would be happy to e-mail it to you (leave your e-mail address in a comment or on facebook and I’ll send it ASAP!).  I’ve also included ideas on how to use the planning sheet and different open-ended activities to try.  </p> <p align="left">For more on tot-school, visit Carissa’s blog by pushing this button!  </p> <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-54316917109532036622011-04-09T13:03:00.001-07:002011-04-09T13:03:50.503-07:00Learning by Living<p>Many months ago, before I took a huge break from blogging, I changed the title of my blog to “Learning by Living.”  At that time, I was mostly  referring to the fact that I believe that children are natural learners—that they learn from their everyday world.  I know that this is true for Ella, as it seems each day she does or says something new (without a  whole lot of effort on my part).  However, life is changing all the time—even for me!  And there are things that <em>I</em> am still learning.  </p> <p>Wes and I are the proud parents of <em>two</em> beautiful girls now.  They keep us busy and laughing, and I wouldn’t change anything about them.  Lucy Hope was born on January 2, 2011.  She was a VBAC baby (yay!) and her birth was scary, intense, painful, and so completely satisfying.  She is healthy and perfect, and I want to hold on to every moment right now.  I know how quickly time passes when babies are growing, and since she is likely our last child, I’m trying to savor every tiny thing about her.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TaC7oFbo-zI/AAAAAAAAAbU/_kOy77bqpfs/s1600-h/img_0270%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="img_0270" border="0" alt="img_0270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TaC7onNX_TI/AAAAAAAAAbY/9xVKgOB0Erg/img_0270_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="266" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TaC7pNpMqkI/AAAAAAAAAbc/84vQuISuNeQ/s1600-h/100_9724%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9724" border="0" alt="100_9724" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TaC7pTl0PKI/AAAAAAAAAbg/XImm6iHTpMc/100_9724_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="353" /></a> </p> <p>Although she has been a huge blessing to our family, a not-so-great change has happened for us as well:  Wes was laid off from his job.  We had to make some instant changes to our spending habits, especially when it comes to food.  We eat every meal and snack at home now (except for the times our wonderful families take us out!), and it’s definitely been a learning experience for me!  Not that we ate out a LOT before—but we did eat out at least 2 times a week, sometimes more.  I’m learning how to say “no” to foods that I love or depend on, finding less expensive alternatives, and am finding new recipes to try.  I hate to use the word “fun” to describe this, but it has been.  It’s fun to find ways to spend less, eat more REAL food, and I am proud of cooking for my family as much as I have been lately.  </p> <p>It’s been very different, having Wes home most of the time.  It’s been great!  I know it won’t last forever, but I’m enjoying it while it lasts!  We’re using this time to appreciate each other, and the wonderful family that we’ve created.  We’re using this time to put our full trust and faith in God.  We both believe that God will provide for us, and that He has a plan for each of us.  That in itself is a lesson that is often hard to learn except through experience.  </p> <p>So in all things, our whole family really is learning by living.  </p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-58127853740539454852010-10-03T16:41:00.001-07:002010-10-03T16:41:06.193-07:00Tot School<a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p316/carisahinson/Tot-School.gif" /></a> <p>Finally, a tot-school post!  I was very busy this month gathering ideas, cutting, laminating… and I was lazy and never wrote about any of it.  I put together this really fun math kit that includes counting, color matching, shape sorting, patterns, size sorting, and more!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUc8x4gKI/AAAAAAAAAZk/gV7i7lcybjo/s1600-h/100_9333%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9333" border="0" alt="100_9333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUdeHd5PI/AAAAAAAAAZo/jMsiJlh66xE/100_9333_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="359" /></a> </p> <p>Some of the activities are still a little beyond what Ella is interested in right now, but I know that she’ll get there eventually.  I obviously don’t want to push her to do anything she doesn’t want to do—after all, the point of all of this is to be FUN!  </p> <p>One of the activities that she likes to do is this counting game.  She puts the little gems into each box, and together, we count them!  I found this on <a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/2010/05/prek-numbers-shapes-colors-review.html" target="_blank">Confessions of a Homeschooler</a>’s blog.  She has printable sheets for numbers 1-10, but we only did 1-5.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUekd3VWI/AAAAAAAAAZs/Zey4ac__lgI/s1600-h/100_9287%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9287" border="0" alt="100_9287" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUfBhWEJI/AAAAAAAAAZw/oJbfw60tSYg/100_9287_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="350" /></a> </p> <p>Ella used her crayon rocks several times over the past couple of weeks!  They’re so fun and come in a fun little pouch, which makes cleaning-up easy to do!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUfsIfKrI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/aCbVzj2AE-4/s1600-h/100_9292%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9292" border="0" alt="100_9292" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUgDVw1KI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/WHxGRmlD7Lk/100_9292_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="371" /></a> </p> <p>We also did art with tape—I just ripped off several strips of each color and let her put them on the paper however she wanted.  The sticky feel makes it a fun challenge!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUgX6yP4I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/YDEHwNvIppQ/s1600-h/100_9301%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9301" border="0" alt="100_9301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUgzDq_dI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Irbv8J2Tsys/100_9301_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="384" /></a></p> <p>She also painted a “pumpkin” this week!  (Did you notice the change in season?!  Or change in wardrobe?  It was 90 degrees last week, and today it was 50.  Gotta love crazy Ohio weather!)<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUhajACMI/AAAAAAAAAaI/H_ScN3M1zrE/s1600-h/100_9331%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9331" border="0" alt="100_9331" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUhy0IMKI/AAAAAAAAAaM/oHSlSc_6A80/100_9331_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="407" /></a></p> <p>And finally, today I put together this fun Fall-Themed sensory tub!  Ella was SO excited to play in it—she spent at least 30 minutes quietly playing, exploring, pouring, and dumping!  Included in this tub: </p> <ul> <li>black-eyed peas </li> <li>green split peas </li> <li>black beans </li> <li>silk leaves </li> <li>mini gourds and pumpkins </li> <li>an ice cream scoop </li> <li>measuring cups </li> </ul> <p>I clearly need to do more sensory-type activities, as she LOVED doing this one!  I expect to get this tub out often!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUihEOYPI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/ushzQw_5BUg/s1600-h/100_9343%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9343" border="0" alt="100_9343" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUjJHNvLI/AAAAAAAAAaU/HIV4ftmuxo0/100_9343_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="393" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUjzZt71I/AAAAAAAAAaY/68gj97QKDIg/s1600-h/100_9347%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9347" border="0" alt="100_9347" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TKkUkTgR4jI/AAAAAAAAAac/_h-7O-TBL7Y/100_9347_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="390" /></a></p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-3891925016934745132010-09-22T11:48:00.001-07:002010-09-22T11:48:08.951-07:00Photos from the past month<p>This month has seemed to fly by!  I feel like I say that a lot, and it’s true!  I can’t even tell you what has been filling our days and time lately.  A few “big” things (like a last-minute trip to Tennessee over labor day weekend!), but as far as the day-to-day happenings go, I find myself wondering what we’ve actually done this month (you know, beyond the normal—raising a toddler, cooking, cleaning, growing a baby… that kind of stuff).  </p> <p>Instead of a “tot school” entry today, I mostly just have photos.  I think I’ve said before that we’re kind of “on again, off again” with tot-school.  Some weeks (or months!) are better than others.  Anyway, onto photos!  </p> <p>This one is just cute.  Ella, 26 months old: </p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPFbc3O_I/AAAAAAAAAXo/y0D5yn9UU1g/s1600-h/100_9171%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9171" border="0" alt="100_9171" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPF0akZgI/AAAAAAAAAXs/w6h6pKZzZzU/100_9171_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="290" /></a></strong></p> <p>We went to the zoo last month for Wes’ annual family picnic.  It was fun, although rainy toward the end.  We didn’t end up walking around the zoo much, since we have passes.  Plus, it started at 1pm, which is usually Ella’s naptime, so she skipped a nap that day and was asleep in the car within about 3 minutes of leaving.  :)  </p> <p>It was raining lightly that day, so naturally, she found the puddles she could stomp in… </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPHHZ3apI/AAAAAAAAAXw/sxbpi47cDqQ/s1600-h/100_9183%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9183" border="0" alt="100_9183" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPH-0SklI/AAAAAAAAAX0/tnPGy4EzaMw/100_9183_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="340" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPIeJrAiI/AAAAAAAAAX4/KgatKSj8ahg/s1600-h/100_9186%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9186" border="0" alt="100_9186" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPJHKIN0I/AAAAAAAAAX8/Wass-nJ5NII/100_9186_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="288" /></a></p> <p>   …and riding the carousel is always a favorite!  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPJqR9B7I/AAAAAAAAAYA/pje-KSTo5vI/s1600-h/100_9188%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9188" border="0" alt="100_9188" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPKRNcquI/AAAAAAAAAYE/XzmjgZUzw9w/100_9188_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="291" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPLRdQsGI/AAAAAAAAAYI/mmngFks8MA4/s1600-h/100_9195%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9195" border="0" alt="100_9195" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPMTE9zHI/AAAAAAAAAYM/ueqIDbHMxhQ/100_9195_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="302" /></a> </p> <p> She painted this cute little birdhouse that she picked out at JoAnn’s (on clearance for $1).  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPNOdgDbI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/CvihwKTKf6U/s1600-h/100_9200%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9200" border="0" alt="100_9200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPNj-cdJI/AAAAAAAAAYU/RUeTbwUn9C8/100_9200_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="309" /></a></p> <p> Her new favorite thing to do when Wes gets home (or sometime before bed), is to dance with Daddy!  He seems to like it too.  :)  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPOHXzAdI/AAAAAAAAAYY/wXLdsmXfvKc/s1600-h/100_9217%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9217" border="0" alt="100_9217" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPOi7XJWI/AAAAAAAAAYc/H-ldtQvdQfs/100_9217_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="383" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPPZEu7-I/AAAAAAAAAYg/daiaklS6KnE/s1600-h/100_9219%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9219" border="0" alt="100_9219" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPQI15WZI/AAAAAAAAAYk/Auf4bUnT06Q/100_9219_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="399" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPQxeXUdI/AAAAAAAAAYo/Doq9FxKR19s/s1600-h/100_9221%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9221" border="0" alt="100_9221" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPRdTd1lI/AAAAAAAAAYs/mxWWRq8DPoQ/100_9221_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="308" /></a> </p> <p> He made her these silly glasses out of pipe cleaners.  She thought it was hilarious.  :)  </p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPSDlyhiI/AAAAAAAAAYw/bvIfhOOGwIk/s1600-h/100_9218%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9218" border="0" alt="100_9218" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPS3aMlJI/AAAAAAAAAY0/ECHWT5_HKmc/100_9218_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="350" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPTTSWBeI/AAAAAAAAAY4/cRAZoAtuhgc/s1600-h/100_9244%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9244" border="0" alt="100_9244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPT9sewgI/AAAAAAAAAY8/Vpuo9gTc-e8/100_9244_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="419" /></a> </p> <p> We took a last-minute trip to Tennessee to visit Wes’ parents over labor-day weekend.  While we were there, we went on a pontoon boat!  Ella’s first boat ride!  </p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPUo9P1mI/AAAAAAAAAZA/tbqp30NhqJ4/s1600-h/100_9247%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9247" border="0" alt="100_9247" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPVIWwBPI/AAAAAAAAAZE/r0EOKV16axI/100_9247_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="299" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPV6ZXbEI/AAAAAAAAAZI/Nh8qIawaW1U/s1600-h/100_9255%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9255" border="0" alt="100_9255" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPWvGnw_I/AAAAAAAAAZM/QMZBmUCusnE/100_9255_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="316" /></a></p> <p>She even got to “drive” with daddy!   </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPXbOySpI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/Heij5CXrwlo/s1600-h/100_9263%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9263" border="0" alt="100_9263" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPX9WWdDI/AAAAAAAAAZU/aJbcRYVBRDs/100_9263_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="404" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPYzxUFWI/AAAAAAAAAZY/_lgMH613vKU/s1600-h/100_9270%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9270" border="0" alt="100_9270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPZe7yJRI/AAAAAAAAAZc/X0-XNa1jvmA/100_9270_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="335" /></a> </p> <p> Football season started!  …but she was more interested in Blue’s Clues stickers than watching the game.  :)  </p> <p></p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9303" border="0" alt="100_9303" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TJpPZ-7tewI/AAAAAAAAAZg/oGmBuviQmMc/100_9303_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="398" /> <p>…and then something smudged on my camera, and my pictures are blurry after this!  I need to find something that is safe to use to clean the lens!  </p> <p>(And then I need to commit to taking photos more often!)</p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-25557960895788253662010-08-21T15:19:00.001-07:002010-08-21T15:19:52.674-07:00Tot School-Catching up!<p> </p> <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p316/carisahinson/Tot-School.gif" /></a> <p>I’m starting to think that Tot-school entries are more realistic for me to do every two weeks instead of every week.  There are times that we seem to do a lot, and then other times that days go by and we’re busy doing so much other stuff that we don’t sit down and do anything specific.  I guess that’s why Carisa, the founder of <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank">Tot School</a> has a section each week called “Life School.”  It’s the place that you include the everyday happenings that may not be planned, or really “school”-ish, but are still learning opportunities.  I’ve never blogged about bathtime, but that would be a perfect example of “Life School.”  In the bath, she learns a lot about water, temperature, pouring, her own body, cleanliness, etc.  Anyway.  Small tangent over.  ;)  </p> <p>So in the last 2 weeks, our “Tot School” has included two trips to the library, two trips to the zoo, a new bedtime routine (that now includes reading for at least 20-30 minutes before bed each night!  This started by accident.  We used to read a book or two before bed, and one night we just kept reading!  So now, we’re reading books downstairs and not in bed—because otherwise it’s hard to say “last one!” when they’re still within reach or sight.  I LOVE reading so much and watching the joy she finds in books, so this change is welcome.), and going with me to the doctor’s office for an ultrasound (followed by shopping!).  </p> <p>Anyway, more “official” tot-school activities include: </p> <p>1) Spooning activities.  I can’t remember if I posted this in the last entry, so if I did, sorry!  This activity was pretty simple.  I showed Ella how to transfer the colored pom-poms from one bowl to the other using the spoon.  She loved this activity!  It sat out for at least a week, and she went back to it a few times to do it again.  She also liked throwing the pom-poms, because they’re soft and very light (and are safe for throwing inside!).  This was how I set this one up for her: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQsURGHgI/AAAAAAAAAUo/8v8qH2lPTvA/s1600-h/100_9104%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9104" border="0" alt="100_9104" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQsuoFvMI/AAAAAAAAAUs/g6M3JV8Oze8/100_9104_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="279" /></a> </p> <p>And then she did it!  She’s very skilled with a spoon when she eats, so I wasn’t surprised that she did well with this one.  (This was before bed one night, so she’s in her PJ’s already!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQtGgOiII/AAAAAAAAAUw/BnaYCxajFD0/s1600-h/100_9109%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9109" border="0" alt="100_9109" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQtuApVqI/AAAAAAAAAU0/oANL39x9CvM/100_9109_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="345" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQuCn_EZI/AAAAAAAAAU4/pWKmh4yb2Mc/s1600-h/100_9108%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9108" border="0" alt="100_9108" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQuSevOrI/AAAAAAAAAU8/5Tcm-vPdoNI/100_9108_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="339" /></a>She also liked a variation, using  a 1/4 teaspoon and some cereal (puffed corn).  After transferring everything to the second cup, she ate it.  :)    </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQu9X3KoI/AAAAAAAAAVA/FmHMzhF9K3k/s1600-h/100_9111%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9111" border="0" alt="100_9111" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQvdcxi7I/AAAAAAAAAVE/LJ4TxOAlsro/100_9111_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="294" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQvgCDCOI/AAAAAAAAAVI/neJuM0b_x8A/s1600-h/100_9113%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9113" border="0" alt="100_9113" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQwIGu5mI/AAAAAAAAAVM/K6oX8qdWp5Q/100_9113_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="383" /></a></p> <p>2) Water pouring</p> <p>Ella loves to pour water (or whatever!) from one container to another, so I gave her two shot-glasses and filled one with water.  I also gave her a washcloth to clean up any spills.  I think she would be happy to do this activity every day!  Keeps her very busy!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQwoVBI_I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/21fk--EQ0YI/s1600-h/100_9137%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9137" border="0" alt="100_9137" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQw5T4AXI/AAAAAAAAAVU/K3XXe0Wge34/100_9137_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="393" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQxfdvYeI/AAAAAAAAAVY/9oJkmXzDrAk/s1600-h/100_9136%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9136" border="0" alt="100_9136" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQx04HkOI/AAAAAAAAAVc/EwdaqCQ6kEI/100_9136_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="306" /></a></p> <p>Using the washcloth to clean up spills on her tray.  Then, since it was already wet, I asked her to wipe the table off when we were done!   </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQyXmPYXI/AAAAAAAAAVg/RSA5pMxwGGM/s1600-h/100_9138%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9138" border="0" alt="100_9138" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQyw3VkuI/AAAAAAAAAVk/sl4MVYjMJNI/100_9138_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="336" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQzLISfnI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Sx_jB-NeXl4/s1600-h/100_9139%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9139" border="0" alt="100_9139" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQz4979TI/AAAAAAAAAVs/3XS9velhrPE/100_9139_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="384" /></a></p> <p>(I think I’ll be asking her to wash off the table again in the future.  It’s a great, easy “chore” that she can do!)</p> <p>3)  Color Sorting</p> <p>I printed these awesome <a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2009/02/color-matching-cards.html" target="_blank">Color-Matching Cards</a>, cut them out, laminated them, and then rounded all of the corners (because they were sharp after I cut them out!).  It took a lot of work, but these have been used daily.  Before they were done, Ella was playing with the sheet of yellow cards (still waiting to be cut out after laminating them).  She was telling me about the pictures, and then found a basket that we have that was also yellow.  “Look mama!  Yellow!”  So, I went with it, and asked her if there was anything else that was yellow.  Before too long, we had a yellow basket full of yellow toys!  So fun! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ0YzJWoI/AAAAAAAAAVw/verHhIM_6do/s1600-h/100_9115%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9115" border="0" alt="100_9115" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ07iikOI/AAAAAAAAAV0/S2UoavpNL9M/100_9115_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="317" /></a>When the cards were finally done (I think it took me 2 hours start to finish, over 2 days, to complete these!), she wanted to play with them.  I set up the color name cards (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple), and gave her a few cards at a time.  She carefully looked at each one and put it in the appropriate color column.  I was impressed (especially considering that at this point, she didn’t really “know” her colors, she would just randomly say a color name if you asked her what color something was).  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ1S1lH0I/AAAAAAAAAV4/vhaD4FTL36I/s1600-h/100_9128%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9128" border="0" alt="100_9128" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ15C8iuI/AAAAAAAAAV8/NpZmy0VLu4k/100_9128_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="369" /></a>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ2aGjO8I/AAAAAAAAAWA/QEkTCcTazxs/s1600-h/100_9130%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9130" border="0" alt="100_9130" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ2-SmYyI/AAAAAAAAAWE/DtVRaWkRRZw/100_9130_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="374" /></a> </p> <p>When she was done, this is where she had placed the cards: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ3dieh2I/AAAAAAAAAWI/LUngrjmkeE8/s1600-h/100_9133%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="100_9133" border="0" alt="100_9133" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ355DNzI/AAAAAAAAAWM/poz_ZXhbD8M/100_9133_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="299" /></a> </p> <p>She didn’t get through the whole stack of cards (she lost interest), but did pretty well I’d say!  And like I said, she’s been playing with these cards almost every day since.  And, I think she’s actually learning the color names!  Now, she’ll pick up a card and say “Orange!” or “Purple!”  She doesn’t know all of them (red, green, and blue still give her trouble), but she’s getting there.  ;)  </p> <p>4) Blocks</p> <p>We have a few different kinds of building blocks, and she really likes these!  I have no idea what brand they are, but they basically connect together.  I just happened to catch her at a very happy moment here:  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ4s-KNqI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/9wYPZHgC8CI/s1600-h/100_9118%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9118" border="0" alt="100_9118" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ4-SYAOI/AAAAAAAAAWU/7WkysFgoDxg/100_9118_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="333" /></a>5)  Painting!  </p> <p>I can’t even count how many times each week Ella paints.  If we’re bored or need something to do, she often asks to paint!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ5hNqH1I/AAAAAAAAAWY/dMML5RKEfy8/s1600-h/100_9121%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9121" border="0" alt="100_9121" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ6FyDJRI/AAAAAAAAAWc/9HMRCLtSFAI/100_9121_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="369" /></a> Sometimes painting on paper turns into painting on hands… ;)   </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ6q_B_lI/AAAAAAAAAWg/CSpAxc7AJD8/s1600-h/100_9124%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9124" border="0" alt="100_9124" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ7Nml2DI/AAAAAAAAAWk/I8fXodKssho/100_9124_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="368" /></a></p> <p>We even tried painting with pipe-cleaners instead of paintbrushes, just to be different.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ7Qk7QYI/AAAAAAAAAWo/HW1BGoYMFBA/s1600-h/100_9153%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9153" border="0" alt="100_9153" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ78SBOqI/AAAAAAAAAWs/LuMGZ7Wfz_w/100_9153_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="317" /></a></p> <p>…which also turned into more finger painting.  :)  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ8eQYfYI/AAAAAAAAAWw/dEIEMaLhVP8/s1600-h/100_9156%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9156" border="0" alt="100_9156" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ8jn0YGI/AAAAAAAAAW0/7FjiMQIXHlo/100_9156_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="362" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ9AY9W7I/AAAAAAAAAW4/dNyKY7Poy3c/s1600-h/100_9157%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9157" border="0" alt="100_9157" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ9i1amlI/AAAAAAAAAW8/eMI3eFjvY3c/100_9157_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="374" /></a> </p> <p>Some fun random ones:  </p> <p></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ96bk16I/AAAAAAAAAXA/mVXF3Icx-p4/s1600-h/100_9141%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9141" border="0" alt="100_9141" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ-aeeesI/AAAAAAAAAXE/tB0RNR-f0ZI/100_9141_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="283" height="367" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ-6XbGgI/AAAAAAAAAXI/Yk-BKl0dH9k/s1600-h/100_9145%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9145" border="0" alt="100_9145" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ_Ip1hAI/AAAAAAAAAXM/5KEi4_kV1_g/100_9145_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="376" /></a> </p> <p>…and we found out that Ella will have a little sister!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBQ_roAqOI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/ZKeP3qZqZt8/s1600-h/100_9166%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_9166" border="0" alt="100_9166" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBRAGDOvqI/AAAAAAAAAXU/WQnbiQ4VAic/100_9166_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="319" /></a> </p> <p>This “Little Sister” shirt will go perfectly with the “Big Sister” shirt be bought for Ella months ago… </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBRA1LCQAI/AAAAAAAAAXY/DdhUNRib8ys/s1600-h/100_8933%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_8933" border="0" alt="100_8933" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/THBRBxN5XlI/AAAAAAAAAXc/_3X4vA40PTU/100_8933_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="310" /></a></p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-57095870364327937102010-08-09T09:42:00.001-07:002010-08-09T09:42:29.598-07:00Tot School<a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p316/carisahinson/Tot-School.gif" /></a>  <p>We missed doing a formal tot-school entry last week, but we’ve been keeping busy!  My grandma was in the hospital and we went out of town to visit her for a few days, so we’ve been pretty low-key lately (I think we’ll always be pretty low-key!).  </p> <p>A few things we’ve been doing…</p> <p>1) <a href="http://wesandrachel.blogspot.com/2010/08/introducing-eye-dropper.html" target="_blank">Eye-dropper Activities</a>.  Ella continues to enjoy using the eye dropper!  My favorite thing about it is that it’s fast and easy to set-up.  It’s been perfect for her to do in the kitchen at the table while I cook dinner, or we just need something to do while we wait for something else (like waiting for her dad to finish getting ready so we can go out to do something fun as a family!).  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAvzfXuU9I/AAAAAAAAATU/qhpsXQtmd2Y/s1600-h/100_9057%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="100_9057" border="0" alt="100_9057" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv0GfOlPI/AAAAAAAAATY/muFtRTPBhHc/100_9057_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="337" /></a></p> <p>2)  Using a magnifying glass!  Ella has LOVED this activity!  Basically, it’s a matching game.  You have to use the magnifying glass to match the teeny tiny pictures with the larger sized photos.  You can download the cards with more detailed instructions <a href="http://www.kellyskindergarten.com/science/science_center_activities.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv0sb3pZI/AAAAAAAAATc/dBsuR2j3HBk/s1600-h/100_9037%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9037" border="0" alt="100_9037" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv1Iy-zmI/AAAAAAAAATg/SE1I2ZTMpoc/100_9037_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="281" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv1pmQ-mI/AAAAAAAAATk/R83n9ghOipg/s1600-h/100_9064%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9064" border="0" alt="100_9064" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv2NQpWjI/AAAAAAAAATo/X8DTKd2RdT4/100_9064_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="370" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv2owWWPI/AAAAAAAAATw/XO41W3smXRg/s1600-h/100_9070%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9070" border="0" alt="100_9070" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv3Ja9MJI/AAAAAAAAAT0/_4BBm18NAqo/100_9070_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="370" /></a> </p> <p>3)  Cooking!  Ella helped me to make a rice-crispy type dessert.  She didn’t help a lot and got bored pretty fast, but she liked touching/playing with the marshmallows!  Good thing I had her wash her hands first…!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv3uVKcsI/AAAAAAAAAT4/EaQ0TamwMh8/s1600-h/100_9075%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9075" border="0" alt="100_9075" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv3zwwilI/AAAAAAAAAT8/jAwNzbaJ4Bc/100_9075_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="338" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv4SsBfEI/AAAAAAAAAUA/rqSbyXEXcJs/s1600-h/100_9077%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9077" border="0" alt="100_9077" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv44bOU1I/AAAAAAAAAUE/Wa3BqIRA3as/100_9077_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="345" /></a></p> <p>4)  I forget what this toy is called, but she played with it at the table for a long time the other day!  She had fun moving the little beads around and problem-solving (she had to figure out how to move the toy or move her hands so that she could reach the different beads).  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv5a0E79I/AAAAAAAAAUI/EhhJkkmnqYc/s1600-h/100_9086%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9086" border="0" alt="100_9086" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv51cPTwI/AAAAAAAAAUM/lJkKIcLLW-8/100_9086_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="266" /></a> </p> <p>5) Stringing Beads.  This is a set from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Toys-534300-Toy-Geo-Beads/dp/B0001VUNT6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1281371750&sr=8-5" target="_blank">Plan Toys</a>.  It takes a lot of hand-eye coordination and is a perfect beginner bead set.  They’re nice and big, so great for little hands!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv6pcQp5I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/JtTXFBaI_v4/s1600-h/100_9095%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9095" border="0" alt="100_9095" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv7PuyXfI/AAAAAAAAAUU/9UavA-JpDwc/100_9095_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="365" /></a> </p> <p>6)  Matching Cards.  She loves to use these cards to match!  When we first started (a month or 2 ago), I laid the cards face-up, and asked her to match them.  Now, they are face down and she has to remember where the matches are.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv7-g3BfI/AAAAAAAAAUY/UlON73QDb1E/s1600-h/100_9100%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9100" border="0" alt="100_9100" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv8agXzmI/AAAAAAAAAUc/F0t0asm38fY/100_9100_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="381" /></a> </p> <p>She’ll say, “Is this a match?  Nooooo……!”  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv8mTc_wI/AAAAAAAAAUg/55k1mAIJJSw/s1600-h/100_9101%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9101" border="0" alt="100_9101" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TGAv9B-ixlI/AAAAAAAAAUk/yK8Td1a6Luo/100_9101_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="389" /></a></p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-59180203812472262122010-08-03T05:31:00.001-07:002010-08-03T05:31:17.001-07:00Be Thou my Vision<p>I came home last night from <a href="http://www.mysimplechurch.com/" target="_blank">Simple Church</a> and put a very sleepy Ella to bed.  Then I got up to read and snack, and all of the sudden realized that I had a song in my head.  I haven’t actually heard this song in quite some time—in fact, I can’t even remember the last time I heard or sang it.  But there it was, “Be thou, my vision…” </p> <p>I couldn’t remember any of the other words, so I looked them up.  </p> <p><em>Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; <br />Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. <br />Thou my best Thought, by day or by night, <br />Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.</em></p> <p><em>Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word; <br />I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; <br />Thou my great Father, I Thy true son; <br />Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.</em></p> <p><em>Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight; <br />Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight; <br />Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower: <br />Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.</em></p> <p><em>Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, <br />Thou mine Inheritance, now and always: <br />Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, <br />High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.</em></p> <p><em>High King of Heaven, my victory won, <br />May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun! <br />Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, <br />Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.</em></p> <p>What a beautiful, powerful song!  I couldn’t help but think that maybe God laid this song on my heart for a reason.  I’ve been praying about how I can raise a Godly family—and the answer God gave me in this song is pretty simple:  <em>follow me.</em></p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-18013351722422275462010-08-02T13:52:00.001-07:002010-08-02T13:52:56.273-07:00Introducing the eye-dropper<p>We’ve had a busy couple of weeks!  I’m trying to get out of the house as often as possible to avoid tantrums and boredom and laziness on my part! Also, it’s been so hot lately that playing outside just isn’t tolerable for long periods of time.  But, we’ve done some fun activities at home, too.  </p> <p>I recently purchased a whole bag of eye-droppers.  I wasn’t sure if she would understand how they work—but I thought it was worth a try.  So one day last week, we did some color-mixing activities with them.  </p> <p>Initially, I filled a tray with red, yellow, and blue, plus some empty slots to do more mixing.    </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwEA92uYI/AAAAAAAAASI/U7pDbDX33VI/s1600-h/100_9057%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9057" border="0" alt="100_9057" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwESesCBI/AAAAAAAAASM/e6eC_7ctfnU/100_9057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwE676WGI/AAAAAAAAASQ/L46AYfjNOq4/s1600-h/100_9056%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9056" border="0" alt="100_9056" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwFExmBRI/AAAAAAAAASU/03wkmV9EWzw/100_9056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>But then I realized that it would probably make more sense if we only used 2 colors to start with (and then later realized that using just plain water would have been a good place to start, too!).  So our next trial run included yellow and blue food coloring.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwFuvokmI/AAAAAAAAASY/ex6b1l5ZJz4/s1600-h/100_9059%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9059" border="0" alt="100_9059" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwGVUFBHI/AAAAAAAAASc/zGGGUsV3Zew/100_9059_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwG1kiRzI/AAAAAAAAASg/1Ye0v5DpRiA/s1600-h/100_9060%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9060" border="0" alt="100_9060" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwHOqY4KI/AAAAAAAAASk/l4319_CJg1Q/100_9060_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>It was a success!  Yellow + Blue = Green!  She got some good practice using the eye dropper and thought that the changing colors were great! </p> <p>I made sure to do this activity on a plastic tray, because eventually, I knew she would dump it all out.  I was right.  :)  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwHUhNtKI/AAAAAAAAASo/32sTaURBEx0/s1600-h/100_9062%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9062" border="0" alt="100_9062" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwH7q-dVI/AAAAAAAAASs/4Dx1yYV8b4E/100_9062_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwIBVfJTI/AAAAAAAAASw/bNEEBJgh-wo/s1600-h/100_9063%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9063" border="0" alt="100_9063" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwIZosi0I/AAAAAAAAAS0/dBYbp8xO9Eg/100_9063_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>We have done this several time since, and have used red and yellow to make orange, and red and blue to make purple.  As a bonus, I borrowed the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mouse-Paint-Ellen-Stoll-Walsh/dp/0152002650" target="_blank">Mouse Paint</a> from the library and we’ve read that several times too.  </p> <p>We used the eye-dropper again yesterday for a different science activity—mixing vinegar and baking soda!  It’s very hard to see in the pictures, but when you add vinegar to baking soda, a chemical reaction happens, and it makes great little fizzy bubbles!  I wish I had Ella’s initial reaction on camera—it was priceless!  If I had planned better, I would add some food coloring to the vinegar, just for a little something extra.  ;)  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwI7lCo8I/AAAAAAAAAS4/RCAxKYiFmz8/s1600-h/100_9082%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9082" border="0" alt="100_9082" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwJHPMcjI/AAAAAAAAAS8/My_sLwZ40n4/100_9082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwJuK5vqI/AAAAAAAAATA/qjqMILgQVQE/s1600-h/100_9085%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9085" border="0" alt="100_9085" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TFcwJ96nhCI/AAAAAAAAATE/WncxBEqFaPE/100_9085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>As you can see in this last picture, she’s really getting the hang of squeezing the eye-dropper.  I’m pretty impressed (although quite biased!).  This is a GREAT fine-motor activity, not to mention all the cool science that happens too!  </p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-90710998234644324412010-07-18T12:52:00.001-07:002010-07-18T12:52:52.701-07:00Tot School-week 2<a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p316/carisahinson/Tot-School.gif" /></a> <p>What a fun week we had!  Ella did some fun learning activities this week, including: </p> <p>Alphabet Fun:  </p> <p>Ella got this fridge magnet set for Christmas and LOVES it.  Without really focusing on specific letters, Ella has already learned and can identify several letters.  She’ll bring me a letter and ask what it is, or she can push a button and this toy will tell her what letter it is.  It also sings the alphabet song.  Lately, she’s been pushing the button to play the alphabet song over, and over, and over again—and she dances and twirls and has a grand old time.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbdatT85I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/RorcHO-g9Bk/s1600-h/100_9013%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9013" border="0" alt="100_9013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbdxXeG5I/AAAAAAAAARA/Nl6mTNNcc6o/100_9013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbeUVNSiI/AAAAAAAAARE/dBCVdlMlJG0/s1600-h/100_9020%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9020" border="0" alt="100_9020" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbem5pV2I/AAAAAAAAARI/JbvpMh67HeM/100_9020_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Montessori-style tot school:</p> <p>We went to a friend’s house who follows a lot of <a href="http://www.montessori.edu/AtoI.html" target="_blank">Montessori</a> inspired philosophies.  Ella jumped right in, and I was impressed that I didn’t really need to show her what to do.  For example, this color sorting/counting game came with multi-colored beads and rods.  She saw the beads, matched the colors to the rods, and voila!  When she was done, I helped her to count the beads on each rod and identify the colors.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbfOEVthI/AAAAAAAAARM/srkWeHXiN78/s1600-h/100_9022%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9022" border="0" alt="100_9022" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbfoWCNhI/AAAAAAAAARQ/gW2nTsvUlPA/100_9022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbgHGm_gI/AAAAAAAAARU/ma1Pah2HRiQ/s1600-h/100_9024%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9024" border="0" alt="100_9024" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbgQ0rM4I/AAAAAAAAARY/EvT-rpHnL08/100_9024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Another Montessori toy (called “work”) is the pink tower.  Traditionally, the pink tower includes 10 blocks—however for the younger group, the hostess selected 5 blocks to complete the tower.  Ella stacked this tower several times before moving on to something else: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbg3ry27I/AAAAAAAAARc/RuwCrEKMf94/s1600-h/100_9026%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9026" border="0" alt="100_9026" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbhMzopXI/AAAAAAAAARg/XU2QCLUOhj8/100_9026_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbhswUuTI/AAAAAAAAARk/uG08rN1xdfk/s1600-h/100_9027%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9027" border="0" alt="100_9027" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbiEdbwwI/AAAAAAAAARo/wNjyMLWplZ0/100_9027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>She also really liked to “play” the piano while we were there!  She looked at the book while playing—which I thought was interesting because I don’t think she’s ever seen anyone read music before.  But, she kept turning the pages and continuing with her playing.  Coincidence?  Probably—but I was still surprised by it (this was her “mom!  I don’t want you to take my picture right now!” face).  </p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9025" border="0" alt="100_9025" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbiUeGKTI/AAAAAAAAARs/CmOvELk0xp0/100_9025_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></p> <p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>A fun sensory/fine motor activity available there was scooping wet sand from one bowl to another!  For this activity, I did have to show her what to do (she just wanted to scoop it out of the bowl into the tub—which is fine also.  But once I showed her that she could put it in the other bowl, she tried that too).  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbi2rgJEI/AAAAAAAAARw/RnEqcqz2F7c/s1600-h/100_9021%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_9021" border="0" alt="100_9021" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbjUM9jNI/AAAAAAAAAR0/vEq6N_LD4bc/100_9021_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>We had a great time there!  Thank you, <a href="http://barefootinsuburbia.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Barefoot in Suburbia</a> for having us over!  </p> <p>Other things we did this week at home included drawing with <a href="http://www.crayolastore.com/product_detail.asp?T1=CRA+52-9505&." target="_blank">slick stix</a>.  These are possibly the best coloring invention ever!  They are crayons—except that they draw so smoothly and easily!  Ella got a pack of 5 for Christmas, but I found a 12-pack at JoAnn’s recently and used a coupon to get a great deal.  I highly recommend these!  But, a word of caution: they are not washable.  Some colors may stain (although I have not found this to be a problem yet).  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbj8FBMWI/AAAAAAAAAR4/xZbwUJMVpts/s1600-h/100_9033%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9033" border="0" alt="100_9033" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbkMD5JzI/AAAAAAAAAR8/GaufaJae5WY/100_9033_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENbkojuC1I/AAAAAAAAASA/lS2152QvsXw/s1600-h/100_9034%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_9034" border="0" alt="100_9034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TENblL02ppI/AAAAAAAAASE/32IAbUNArjk/100_9034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Not pictured:  Ella is getting really good at doing puzzles and spent a bit of time doing those this week.  My favorite is her love for her baby dolls.  Just today, before naptime, we had to find a blanket and pillow so that her baby could take a nap too.  <3  </p> <p>I’m hoping to start a letter of the week section with Tot School.  We also have fun plans for this upcoming week, so stay tuned!  </p></p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-58219039168921431982010-07-13T17:10:00.001-07:002010-07-18T12:08:43.997-07:00Tot School!<p><a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Tot School" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p316/carisahinson/Tot-School.gif" /></a></p><p>We’re officially going to give “tot school” a shot! I’ve been thinking about doing Tot School at our house for quite some time—and figure that now is as good a time as any! Ella just turned 2, so she’s really at a perfect age to start. </p><p>What is tot school? Well, it’s basically just specific activities that will foster learning in a toddler. It can be something simple like seeing what happens to sidewalk chalk if you get the ground wet first, or activities that involve matching and sorting. It can be art, music, reading books… anything fun! And that’s the key—it has to be FUN. Young children learn through hands-on play. It’s not about memorization or flashcards. It’s about exploring their world. Learning happens naturally as a result! Tot School is also about the parents being intentional in how they interact with their kids. It’s my job as her mom to provide her with opportunities to learn and explore! </p><p>For more information, visit <a title="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html">http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html</a></p><p>So, for our first week, we did simple things. I actually didn’t photograph a lot of things (like playing in the rain, and then later rain puddles!) because some things happened completely spontaneously and I didn’t have time to grab the camera. But a few things we did were: </p><p>-Library Story Time. Our local library has the BEST story times! I’ve visited some other libraries and story times (even other libraries within the same system) and Ms. Karen by far is the best story time leader! Ella is a very quiet and observant girl—so even when all of the kids are jumping, she’s just watching everyone and not participating. Usually by the very end, she’ll start smiling more and will even wander away from me to chase after the bubbles (every story time ends with bubbles!). We’re making it a habit to go every week instead of just every once in a while when I think about it. </p><p>-Shape sorting/peg board. I can’t remember what this toy is actually called, but it’s basically a peg board with 4 shapes on it (circle, square, rectangle, triangle). Each shape only fits in a specific spot (the circles only fit in the spot with one peg. The square only fits in the spot with 4 pegs, etc.). I got this out a few months ago, and she wasn’t able to put the shapes on by herself very well. However, this week, she was able to put the shapes on in the correct places all by herself! It’s amazing what just a few months of growing up will do. </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0ATenPkeI/AAAAAAAAAP0/tVY_VHcSXQI/s1600-h/100_8978%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_8978" border="0" alt="100_8978" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AUFrq7cI/AAAAAAAAAP4/e8W1kX9-6qk/100_8978_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AUgJi9jI/AAAAAAAAAP8/sD7rCW4Qf3o/s1600-h/100_8981%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_8981" border="0" alt="100_8981" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AUy3JEiI/AAAAAAAAAQA/7P0yuh-ngos/100_8981_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p><p>A local parenting group that I am a member of has started a rotating “tot school,” where it is at a different person’s house each week. I was the first to host 2 weeks ago (and of course didn’t take any photos!) and we went to another friend’s house last week. Again, I didn’t take hardly any photos, but here, Ella is sorting pipe cleaners by color into separate containers. She really liked the sparkly purple ones! </p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AVRWsjSI/AAAAAAAAAQE/qaUiONH6p-M/s1600-h/100_8987%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_8987" border="0" alt="100_8987" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AVpgOd4I/AAAAAAAAAQI/jSTAUQ67pIc/100_8987_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p><p>I found these really cool “paintbrushes” a while ago and got them out to try for the first time. Unlike traditional paintbrushes, these look more like cleaning tools! They’re very big and bulky, and leave different textures and prints on paper. Ella had fun trying them for the first time. Next time, I should use really big paper (I didn’t have any this time). Using great big strokes with these painting tools would be a lot of fun! </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AWM230II/AAAAAAAAAQM/aPyPfD0lIyM/s1600-h/100_8992%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_8992" border="0" alt="100_8992" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AWbhJAGI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/TEJX9K7sz98/100_8992_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AW4gBM9I/AAAAAAAAAQU/NXuQlyCdOaQ/s1600-h/100_8993%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_8993" border="0" alt="100_8993" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AXWS6zHI/AAAAAAAAAQY/L4QFHWlpr0M/100_8993_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p><p>Over the weekend, we went to a family reunion and Ella was able to use some “gross motor” skills to climb, run, slide, and play! </p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AX9zGV9I/AAAAAAAAAQc/-cXSo_ao5CQ/s1600-h/100_9003%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_9003" border="0" alt="100_9003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AYSDzqaI/AAAAAAAAAQg/c1AK9S_41ec/100_9003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AY3ZHe0I/AAAAAAAAAQk/MZ9Rs-xv4LQ/s1600-h/100_9004%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_9004" border="0" alt="100_9004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AZFanO5I/AAAAAAAAAQo/lDSEo4ABzJA/100_9004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>And lastly, today (before it rained and we got soaked playing in the rain and jumping in puddles), Ella used a spray bottle to spray the walls, some flowers, and even my feet! This seems like such a simple concept—but it really works a lot of hand muscles, teaches her about watering plants, and social concepts, like how it’s only ok to spray people if you ask them first (and don’t squirt faces!). </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AZseWKYI/AAAAAAAAAQs/o3z2LMIS9S8/s1600-h/100_9006%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_9006" border="0" alt="100_9006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AaN_7VfI/AAAAAAAAAQw/W9SwSF8sqDU/100_9006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AarxYG_I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/LexkT6mfWks/s1600-h/100_9008%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_9008" border="0" alt="100_9008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/TD0AbA_VeeI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/mPvLYc1zyJY/100_9008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-74185329429794735652010-02-23T15:48:00.001-08:002010-02-23T15:48:30.099-08:00Sewing Mama<p>I recently decided that I wanted to use my sewing machine more.  There was a sale at JoAnn’s a few weeks ago, where I was able to buy several yards (ok, a few more than I actually needed…!) of adorable flannel.  I made cloth wipes out of it, and love them!  I can use them as baby wipes, tissues, washcloths, napkins, and more!  My favorite print is the alien print: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpPmNIADI/AAAAAAAAAPA/COWxo6yJYe8/s1600-h/100_8286%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8286" border="0" alt="100_8286" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpQKM3TbI/AAAAAAAAAPE/SjNrLsu2aec/100_8286_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>They’re so fun and cute!  </p> <p>Then, I was struck with inspiration to make Ella a dress for Valentine’s day.  Now, I’ve never made a dress, or any other article of clothing for that matter.  But I want to learn!  So on February 13th (yes, the day before V-day!) I found some fabric that would work.  I didn’t have a pattern, so I made one up.  I took a few measurements, drew it out on tissue paper, and went to work.  I don’t have any photos of just the dress, but I did take some of Ella wearing it!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpQWs8IeI/AAAAAAAAAPI/wY6qi6nRQhY/s1600-h/100_8337%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8337" border="0" alt="100_8337" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpQuQAmTI/AAAAAAAAAPM/iHQtVn4ECSI/100_8337_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpRNRYuEI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/b33TYhWeeak/s1600-h/100_8338%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8338" border="0" alt="100_8338" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpRXA205I/AAAAAAAAAPU/p1Vk7VWeVdM/100_8338_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>She totally has some crazy baby hair going on after a day of playing, sleeping, and just being a toddler.  :)  I was proud of my first attempt at a dress and hope to try something more complicated (and maybe even use a pattern?!) next time.  </p> <p>Today has been a fun day of sewing too!  A friend of mine asked if someone could make her some baby doll diapers, and I volunteered.  After one completely failed attempt, I was able to make these: </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpSKY-rZI/AAAAAAAAAPY/_kR3Sggd8Bg/s1600-h/100_8363%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8363" border="0" alt="100_8363" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpSYlXuiI/AAAAAAAAAPc/feW_wVbqoDE/100_8363_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpTKLkbgI/AAAAAAAAAPg/55KHQeWKMjo/s1600-h/100_8362%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8362" border="0" alt="100_8362" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S4RpTVIMr6I/AAAAAAAAAPk/RpjkXBEVM-E/100_8362_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Three baby-doll sized diapers, with a little pouch that holds three flannel baby wipes!  They’re not perfect, but I’m happy with how they turned out!  :)  If only I knew how to sew as a child—I would have made my dolls all kinds of cool things!  I look forward to making more doll diapers and clothes in the future!  </p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-51258687657630812792010-01-26T12:02:00.001-08:002010-01-26T12:02:04.581-08:00Catching up! (again…)<p>As a younger person, I never believed anyone who said things like, “Just wait until you get older!  Time flies!” or, “Wait until you have children.  They grow so fast!”  But it’s so completely true!  </p> <p>I just uploaded several months’ worth of photos, and I can’t believe how much Ella has changed and grown.  </p> <p>I saw this picture of her playing in the kitchen in July, and thought, “wow, she was still a baby then!”  </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19J_PDkByI/AAAAAAAAAMs/rKXtnjcb2t4/s1600-h/100_7440%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7440" border="0" alt="100_7440" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19J_k0NxNI/AAAAAAAAAMw/QZ7_OklWXhc/100_7440_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>In August, she was starting to change.  She built her first block tower(s) by herself and was so proud of her work!  We went to Pittsburgh for Janna and Eric’s wedding and she screamed in the car the whole way there and the whole way back.  It was the longest I’ve ever been away from her in one day.  The wedding was gorgeous and so much fun!  </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KAEcd84I/AAAAAAAAAM0/nsp0_dFB9S0/s1600-h/100_7610%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7610" border="0" alt="100_7610" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KATK12JI/AAAAAAAAAM4/--JYBRN_CK0/100_7610_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KA41MPFI/AAAAAAAAAM8/BIQMGR_BWAg/s1600-h/100_7528%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7528" border="0" alt="100_7528" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KBMW9ofI/AAAAAAAAANA/0EB0SftD9SI/100_7528_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>In September, I was able to put two tiny pigtails in her hair!  We went to the Pumpkin Festival and she slept on my back while we walked around.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KBrObCAI/AAAAAAAAANE/2Xw3ZGqUKns/s1600-h/100_7726%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7726" border="0" alt="100_7726" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KCghPl_I/AAAAAAAAANI/HO1HpBiKRA8/100_7726_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KDKs9teI/AAAAAAAAANM/67SxAPCB9VM/s1600-h/100_7711%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7711" border="0" alt="100_7711" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KDpiI-VI/AAAAAAAAANQ/mwYhAlN33Io/100_7711_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>In October, she was finally walking!  She walked around the block as a ladybug on trick-or-treat night.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KEP0MJZI/AAAAAAAAANU/9VZorXlEOcY/s1600-h/100_7808%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7808" border="0" alt="100_7808" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KEs8lIqI/AAAAAAAAANY/S2CM9lig8j4/100_7808_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KFEcLa8I/AAAAAAAAANc/dNm-Y427f14/s1600-h/100_7901%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7901" border="0" alt="100_7901" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KFl9yxuI/AAAAAAAAANg/dw1zqgpemjw/100_7901_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>In November, she decided that she liked Gram and Grandpa reading to her.  The Buckeyes beat Michigan and she proudly wore her OSU garb.  :)  We drove to Tennessee to see her other grandparents!  The car ride was stressful and long, but we made it there and back safely.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KGPyohHI/AAAAAAAAANk/bw4T1L-yo-c/s1600-h/100_7925%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7925" border="0" alt="100_7925" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KGSpDWjI/AAAAAAAAANo/rCOD6WezNM4/100_7925_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KG22-jCI/AAAAAAAAANs/UvO-Nd5f4lQ/s1600-h/100_7966%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7966" border="0" alt="100_7966" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KHPQQ7GI/AAAAAAAAANw/LIOUMIgGUjA/100_7966_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KHj6GMjI/AAAAAAAAAN0/kmMICGq1QMU/s1600-h/100_8017%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8017" border="0" alt="100_8017" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KIGT5EtI/AAAAAAAAAN4/VTJdrLv4gYQ/100_8017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>December was crazy busy with Christmas with all kinds of family!  </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KITSU_RI/AAAAAAAAAN8/w8_qK2qOT3M/s1600-h/100_8100%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8100" border="0" alt="100_8100" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KIy1n1tI/AAAAAAAAAOA/_nqUfMkRnmw/100_8100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KJRbPQoI/AAAAAAAAAOE/E3DvnlXOk-k/s1600-h/100_8094%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8094" border="0" alt="100_8094" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KJvqFVbI/AAAAAAAAAOI/1GVfDjlWpzQ/100_8094_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KKOIDv9I/AAAAAAAAAOM/gyZ22or15aQ/s1600-h/100_8118%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8118" border="0" alt="100_8118" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KKTIfUkI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/qMmlpN9Y9xA/100_8118_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KK1bhBnI/AAAAAAAAAOU/QIsKMdqhCzc/s1600-h/100_8136%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8136" border="0" alt="100_8136" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KLdxVk8I/AAAAAAAAAOY/bNXwAzbo1m0/100_8136_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KLpCKmmI/AAAAAAAAAOc/1D2C-xefHu8/s1600-h/100_8167%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8167" border="0" alt="100_8167" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KMP2CObI/AAAAAAAAAOg/--BcP1vweY4/100_8167_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KMnfpWoI/AAAAAAAAAOk/aKu9wEDGyMQ/s1600-h/100_8144%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8144" border="0" alt="100_8144" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KNCxbA_I/AAAAAAAAAOo/T3AjMacWl-4/100_8144_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KNrcc8QI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ANj5JDs8bsQ/s1600-h/100_8176%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8176" border="0" alt="100_8176" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KN8kd19I/AAAAAAAAAOw/LwAu-4wmXiM/100_8176_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KOYfv_3I/AAAAAAAAAO0/u-F1lxv3fzA/s1600-h/100_8180%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_8180" border="0" alt="100_8180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/S19KO2hadWI/AAAAAAAAAO4/Cogzs5F0wO4/100_8180_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>And here we are, at the end of January!  I celebrated my birthday this month with friends and family, and had the best birthday ever!  We ate at Genji’s, our favorite Japanese Steakhouse.  Afterward, we ate cake and played on the wii and sang Karaoke.  A great time was had by all.  And since then, time has been steadily moving along!  </p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-37127762993364793792009-12-13T13:45:00.000-08:002009-12-13T14:05:35.938-08:00Time!Gosh, did this fall FLY by, or what?<br /><br /><br /><br />I can't belive that it's been 2 months since my last post already, yikes! But, I really can't complain--normally, the fall months go slowly for me, so the fact that we're already approaching Christmas is quite a blessing to me! :)<br /><br /><br /><br />Let's see, what's new?! Not much is new with us. Ella was a ladybug for trick-or-treat, and it was a beautiful, mild night for walking around my sister's neighborhood. We spent Thanksgiving in Tennessee again this year, where the sun was bright every day! We were smarter this year and came home on Saturday instead of Sunday, so we made it home a whole three hours faster than we did last year. And really, I feel like we just got back! Wes is finishing up a few updates to our basement tonight, and hopefully we can get the tree up too. And before you know it, we'll be celebrating our Lord's birth with family and friends. I love this time of year!<br /><br /><br /><br />And then... it will be 2010?! Amazing.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway, I hope to update soon--we have new adorable Ella photos! But first I need to organize them... ;)<br /><br /><br /><br />Speaking of Ella, she is 18 months old today! And is just the sweetest girl I know. Talk about time flying--I feel like she was just born! Then at the same time, didn't we JUST celebrate her 1st birthday? Was that really 6 months ago? <3><br /><div></div><br /><div>Anyway... look for pictures soon! </div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-29096852041504170862009-10-19T09:09:00.001-07:002009-10-19T09:09:44.322-07:00Ella’s New Hat<p>I decided last week that I wanted to try knitting again.  I tried several months ago to make a pair of baby booties.  But, they were very tiny and progress was slow.  This time, I wanted to try a bigger project that would knit faster.  It seems kind of backwards that a bigger project would be better—but it is!  When using thicker yarn, you also you bigger needles, and thus, the stitches are bigger and you see progress much faster.  </p> <p>Anyway, I had found some cheap yarn that I liked, and it was perfect for this hat project.  So over 3 days, I made Ella a new hat!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPE03T8bI/AAAAAAAAAKw/BfKaLlO9yfY/s1600-h/100_7789%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7789" border="0" alt="100_7789" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPFc0vZPI/AAAAAAAAAK0/cxAzjKdwjx4/100_7789_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPF2R9uYI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ocdHNE0OqOg/s1600-h/100_7792%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7792" border="0" alt="100_7792" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPGvD0SqI/AAAAAAAAAK8/vHXsboYjImM/100_7792_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>The lines are kind of wonky, but that’s because it was 1 skein of yarn that had many colors—I didn’t switch yarn colors at certain intervals.  </p> <p>At first, it didn’t have a pom-pom.  But Wes suggested that I add one, and I thought it was a great idea!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPHF2YLdI/AAAAAAAAALA/Fxs4oj_QJSs/s1600-h/100_7791%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7791" border="0" alt="100_7791" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPH-EokdI/AAAAAAAAALE/aPXwSpg-3bw/100_7791_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPIaPfvrI/AAAAAAAAALI/NTO9q24_CZY/s1600-h/100_7797%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7797" border="0" alt="100_7797" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPIq5IF0I/AAAAAAAAALM/XsGeYrmWaUY/100_7797_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>We also had a fun couple of weeks doing new activities!  Ella had a fun time playing in a container of rice: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPJHJzdcI/AAAAAAAAALQ/bSU4vjff8Cs/s1600-h/100_7747%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7747" border="0" alt="100_7747" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPJXq_UbI/AAAAAAAAALU/3wHPbS6Btvw/100_7747_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPJ7BathI/AAAAAAAAALY/CEBD0GPINWA/s1600-h/100_7748%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7748" border="0" alt="100_7748" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPKejP0SI/AAAAAAAAALg/dobxorC1dps/100_7748_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>…and cornstarch:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPKvdJuoI/AAAAAAAAALk/dGkz4SjwOFQ/s1600-h/100_7784%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7784" border="0" alt="100_7784" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPLKu75EI/AAAAAAAAALo/YQcB_-cvOnM/100_7784_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPLaeUyOI/AAAAAAAAALs/mSZK8Pfemwg/s1600-h/100_7785%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7785" border="0" alt="100_7785" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPL-SXllI/AAAAAAAAALw/Uuhm7mli5mM/100_7785_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>…and has discovered a love for crayons!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPMcRV8hI/AAAAAAAAAL0/dIxRZEdUeGs/s1600-h/100_7776%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7776" border="0" alt="100_7776" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPMn2_cUI/AAAAAAAAAL4/fPxSLOo6TUg/100_7776_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPNLyJyPI/AAAAAAAAAL8/NuAcGVPYarY/s1600-h/100_7780%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7780" border="0" alt="100_7780" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPNiMREHI/AAAAAAAAAMA/h7yqMu-k9Fs/100_7780_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>A few more fun ones: </p> <p>Ella with Aunt Heidi—“Go Bucks!”:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPNxGIlSI/AAAAAAAAAME/bO-1TRQ06M4/s1600-h/100_7743%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7743" border="0" alt="100_7743" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPOQwDCKI/AAAAAAAAAMI/5Xh2y4sunz0/100_7743_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Riding on her horse!  …without pants, apparently!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPOrKLY0I/AAAAAAAAAMM/Dt9P3EoDSP4/s1600-h/100_7764%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7764" border="0" alt="100_7764" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPPG7s5II/AAAAAAAAAMQ/j0-IA1N9Ku8/100_7764_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>And finally, sitting by her pumpkins!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPPldn-1I/AAAAAAAAAMU/2lUKO3EzkKw/s1600-h/100_7767%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7767" border="0" alt="100_7767" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPPxUxRzI/AAAAAAAAAMY/qT_9_T60eQc/100_7767_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPQraCwpI/AAAAAAAAAMc/ViKrsChZO2I/s1600-h/100_7768%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7768" border="0" alt="100_7768" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPQ-6qxhI/AAAAAAAAAMg/XX8PGsT8RhY/100_7768_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPRqjS02I/AAAAAAAAAMk/kEuhquIuV4I/s1600-h/100_7769%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7769" border="0" alt="100_7769" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/StyPRy4oH_I/AAAAAAAAAMo/Ph4yjZDdfac/100_7769_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>(can you see the cat in the background?)</p> <p>And, she’s officially walking!!  Well, when she chooses to.  She still crawls a lot, but is fully capable of walking when she wants to!  :)  </p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-18007251033975040762009-10-01T08:08:00.001-07:002009-10-01T08:08:08.949-07:00Catching up!<p>I have no excuses—I need to write more!  It’s been a busy, but fun month for us!  </p> <p>I made my first 2 complete pairs of baby leg and arm warmers!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFsOj-TQI/AAAAAAAAAIw/ReXvBVDOvXk/s1600-h/100_7678%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7678" border="0" alt="100_7678" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFsr-WyXI/AAAAAAAAAI0/ODMFp_hzf1A/100_7678_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFsxImUVI/AAAAAAAAAI4/-eSU3oPlbaY/s1600-h/100_7686%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7686" border="0" alt="100_7686" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFtdqWknI/AAAAAAAAAI8/kNCHia_VfdM/100_7686_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>After testing them on my tester, I have a small adjustment to make—but it won’t be a difficult or lengthy addition.  I really just need to find more time to make them.  I have another really cute pair of Halloween socks that are waiting to be made :)   </p> <p>Last weekend, we went to the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival!  As always , we enjoyed seeing the gigantic pumpkins!  This year’s winner was 1503 pounds!!  Wow!  One thing I love about the pumpkin festival is that we go every year, so we can always compare photos.  Just for fun, here is last year’s picture next to this year’s: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFtyrOP-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/ZpOO6qC8IUU/s1600-h/100_6196%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_6196" border="0" alt="100_6196" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFuFBDnxI/AAAAAAAAAJE/-BU4QViEctI/100_6196_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFuug3M5I/AAAAAAAAAJI/iGUloyJYBTc/s1600-h/100_7688%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7688" border="0" alt="100_7688" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFu3MkXhI/AAAAAAAAAJM/zTet7Q1xmlE/100_7688_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Ella was on my back this year, and fell asleep!  Must have been comfy back there!  :)  </p> <p>Hayley and Mike, and my parents were with us too:  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFvRzkHgI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/nV7J0MtlFz8/s1600-h/100_7689%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7689" border="0" alt="100_7689" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFv1G4LKI/AAAAAAAAAJU/3PF1FqXXVKE/100_7689_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFwLvt59I/AAAAAAAAAJY/xsbq8ky23eo/s1600-h/100_7693%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7693" border="0" alt="100_7693" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFwuXUapI/AAAAAAAAAJc/rR4Qk3Py8bg/100_7693_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Talk about a giant pumpkin patch!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFxAGCFtI/AAAAAAAAAJg/Zjz3taU4ET4/s1600-h/100_7696%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7696" border="0" alt="100_7696" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFxUoKI3I/AAAAAAAAAJk/i3c50gJbMAE/100_7696_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>And our little pumpkin, with <em>her</em> little pumpkin! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFx1dt9XI/AAAAAAAAAJo/YF864zVnd1c/s1600-h/100_7713%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7713" border="0" alt="100_7713" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFyCnI4GI/AAAAAAAAAJs/vAXAlDk8jrM/100_7713_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFyl2A4NI/AAAAAAAAAJw/QoazpbdK5LM/s1600-h/100_7714%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7714" border="0" alt="100_7714" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFyyUXbxI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/bbVnI2a5uH4/100_7714_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFzd42bPI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/v1JqYPbh7s8/s1600-h/100_7716%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7716" border="0" alt="100_7716" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTFzk9vbYI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/tBGEwEfWz6E/100_7716_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTF0HTCG9I/AAAAAAAAAKA/1ViH7ikzWzA/s1600-h/100_7719%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7719" border="0" alt="100_7719" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTF0Vc2aKI/AAAAAAAAAKE/xAwdY3XNUaM/100_7719_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>And then this was yesterday, when I put tiny little pig tails in for the first time!!  She doesn’t look like a baby anymore, but a toddler instead.  <3  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTF01Mh_KI/AAAAAAAAAKI/PDaTAinJ9Ss/s1600-h/100_7727%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7727" border="0" alt="100_7727" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTF1IgJjGI/AAAAAAAAAKM/QN1hOU4sWuc/100_7727_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTF1q27dHI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/ymgYl_KhHIk/s1600-h/100_7729%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7729" border="0" alt="100_7729" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SsTF2COizYI/AAAAAAAAAKU/1nOYG_D6Mrs/100_7729_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-38936254334289517942009-09-11T18:10:00.001-07:002009-09-11T18:10:09.068-07:00Living the Dream, part 1<p>Last weekend, I was asked what my perfect dream job would be.  I thought for a second and said, “To make something, and sell it!”  But make what?  </p> <p>There are dozens of things I would love to make!  But, a few that I decided on this week are:  baby leg warmers (Ella practically LIVED in her legwarmers last winter!  They’re so comfy cozy!), hair clips and hair bows (can’t be that hard, right?), and wool dryer balls (did you know that the plastic ones are made out of PVC?  For those of you who don’t know this, PVC is one of the dangerous plastics that should be avoided if you can).  </p> <p>So I started on the wool dryer balls.  I did a little research and found people who sell their wool balls for $7 EACH!  Or, for $22 for 4 balls!  I couldn’t believe it!  …but then I started to make them, and NOW I get it!  It takes a long, long time to make wool dryer balls.  It’s not difficult work, but it does take a long time.  So when my first set of balls are done, I’ll post pictures of them.  </p> <p>I haven’t started on the clippies yet.  I kind of want to do one thing at a time and see how it goes (or 2 or 3…).  But, I DID make a leg warmer!  I say “a” leg warmer because I messed the first one up.  But, I figured I should still try the second one, so that when I try again, I know what I’m doing.  It turned out ok!  Still not perfect, but I think that my first “real” pair will work out well.  </p> <p>Observe:  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr049YPW6I/AAAAAAAAAIE/f8rqfWKESLM/s1600-h/100_7674%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7674" border="0" alt="100_7674" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr05O1QdUI/AAAAAAAAAII/Iv9lNo2VxNc/100_7674_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Today, I got out my sewing machine and did a little side project that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.  I made a slip cover for my baby carrier!  The carrier I have is a <a href="http://www.babyhawk.com/" target="_blank">babyhawk</a> mei tai.  I forgot to take a “before” photo—but basically, the print was blue and brown dots.  Not very exciting, and not very pretty.  But, with this 2-sided cover that I made, I can now wear Ella in these two prints: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr05lWKPGI/AAAAAAAAAIM/WHxBoSVzGqQ/s1600-h/100_7672%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7672" border="0" alt="100_7672" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr0528_iZI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/U2Iu3nD7bf8/100_7672_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr06Rrj1NI/AAAAAAAAAIU/UC1UmtxEWJI/s1600-h/100_7673%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7673" border="0" alt="100_7673" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr06j1C79I/AAAAAAAAAIY/9GWP85Vr1z4/100_7673_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Tadaaaaa!!  I actually feel pretty proud of myself, since I haven’t done much sewing—and the little that I have done was a long, long time ago (think years).  I’m excited to try it out with her in it!  :)  And, I’m excited to try other sewing projects as well!  :)  </p> <p>And, just because I can’t resist showing cute pictures of Ella, I love these:  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr063uNqRI/AAAAAAAAAIc/0e91XO7tn2A/s1600-h/100_7666%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7666" border="0" alt="100_7666" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr07DoM9EI/AAAAAAAAAIg/a0MyyPGCtrM/100_7666_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr07t0P1pI/AAAAAAAAAIk/wAZzR4U_NiM/s1600-h/100_7668%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7668" border="0" alt="100_7668" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr075qF39I/AAAAAAAAAIo/aCVEH5j6k5w/100_7668_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>  <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_7671" border="0" alt="100_7671" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sqr08EVMNJI/AAAAAAAAAIs/_5yUuswU3hw/100_7671_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Ok, so those show off the diaper more than her, but still… too cute not to share.  :)  Anyway, there’s my dream, out in the open!  To make stuff and sell it!  If you have any ideas of other cute or fun things I could make, I’m open to ideas!  On my list of “someday, maybe” are: clothes, knitting hats, longies, and sweaters, and diapers (Yes, I’m still on the diaper kick!)!  </p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-63995902288188690232009-09-05T21:32:00.001-07:002009-09-06T06:33:00.811-07:00Recent Photos<p>I am a huge procrastinator. I admit it. But, I still want to share some recent photos, before she gets any bigger. :) </p><p>She loves to play with the most random things. Here, she is playing with one of the carriers that I use sometimes (and her favorite teddy bear). </p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7L1wcjBI/AAAAAAAAAGk/tL301Em17ec/s1600-h/100_7440%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7440" border="0" alt="100_7440" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7MQ57OpI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Oub_muvceBc/100_7440_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>Feeding daddy! Sometimes she’ll put her spoon, or water cup, or whatever she is eating, into our mouths. She thinks it’s hilarious. :) </p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7My4EZfI/AAAAAAAAAGs/iOEKv_QthsQ/s1600-h/100_7442%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7442" border="0" alt="100_7442" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7NErIqpI/AAAAAAAAAGw/7Whef3cUrFI/100_7442_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>Wes and I went on a date a few weeks ago (yay, we actually get to go out together sometimes now without her screaming the entire time!), and much to our delight, we came home and found her sleeping on my mom!! It was so nice to come home and see that not only was she not crying, but she was sleeping. My parents said that she was happy the whole time. </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7NkvwmXI/AAAAAAAAAG0/7dgW5tiYhtk/s1600-h/100_7551%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7551" border="0" alt="100_7551" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7OLJtNlI/AAAAAAAAAG4/08dxh4qt-R0/100_7551_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p><p>Ella’s BESTEST friend—our cat Oreo. She LOVES Oreo. And Oreo actually does pretty well, even when Ella is pulling her tail and terrorizing her. </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7OtR4iSI/AAAAAAAAAG8/NZpokOC8Mnk/s1600-h/100_7564%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7564" border="0" alt="100_7564" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7O5syifI/AAAAAAAAAHA/90jGZWMSyuo/100_7564_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7PTSv5LI/AAAAAAAAAHE/U1CjGuX0DHk/s1600-h/100_7563%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7563" border="0" alt="100_7563" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7Pn6tYBI/AAAAAAAAAHI/wE_cvx1adSs/100_7563_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>So, a while ago, we bough her these Mega Blocks. And all of the sudden, she can build with them!! This is Ella’s very own masterpiece! We did not assist her in any way. She did this completely by herself! And then, she built this tall tower a few days later! </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7Qes43nI/AAAAAAAAAHM/8AFr1IBErwY/s1600-h/100_7592%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7592" border="0" alt="100_7592" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7QtKNRCI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/NyDJbL_SRbc/100_7592_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7RKuhIrI/AAAAAAAAAHU/d906DtmMbs0/s1600-h/100_7610%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7610" border="0" alt="100_7610" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7RQqr7KI/AAAAAAAAAHY/-RJdYLE243g/100_7610_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p><p>She looks so big in this one! My baby is turning into a little girl!</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7RqdyT1I/AAAAAAAAAHc/QvcciHij7lY/s1600-h/100_7602%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7602" border="0" alt="100_7602" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7SLFuMxI/AAAAAAAAAHg/iTNQ9uHIDFY/100_7602_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>She loves it when we play with the camera, so we have a lot of pictures of the two of us being silly. :) </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7SYVwvQI/AAAAAAAAAHk/2BjmMiDXxlI/s1600-h/100_7598%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7598" border="0" alt="100_7598" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7TAnUBeI/AAAAAAAAAHo/kagKZ9TP39o/100_7598_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>See? This was another day… </p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7TSAvIrI/AAAAAAAAAHs/VrnSzio1zW4/s1600-h/100_7626%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7626" border="0" alt="100_7626" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7T-c-H_I/AAAAAAAAAHw/ZS32J_sDRWQ/100_7626_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>Trying on one of her new diapers! </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7UTQQbDI/AAAAAAAAAH0/5l20rYzeOWw/s1600-h/100_7629%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7629" border="0" alt="100_7629" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7UjVLUtI/AAAAAAAAAH4/aoUBXuSOr9g/100_7629_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7U_AGDdI/AAAAAAAAAH8/ks8Pncf8408/s1600-h/100_7633%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7633" border="0" alt="100_7633" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqM7VdjoK_I/AAAAAAAAAIA/-mP6tvw5YqA/100_7633_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p><p>…whew! Ok, I think that’s all for tonight. Have a happy Labor Day Weekend! </p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-77040129833518156842009-09-03T20:43:00.001-07:002009-09-03T20:55:03.417-07:00My new obsession<p>CLOTH DIAPERS!! </p><p>Before Ella was born, we had planned to go the cloth route—but then she was here, and we hadn’t bought them yet. We were able to go almost 2 months without buying diapers since we had received so many as gifts. At that point, we kind of shrugged the idea of using cloth. The start-up costs can be 2-3 hundred dollars, and the disposables were working fine. </p><p>Fast forward to a little over a month ago. I’ve been reconsidering using cloth diapers off and on for many months, and then decided one day that I should just do it. So I went to <a href="http://www.sproutsoup.com/" target="_blank">Sprout Soup</a> and bought my first cloth diapers. </p><p>I ended up leaving the store with enough <a href="http://www.sproutsoup.com/gro-baby-one-size-diaper-grobaby-organic-cloth-diaper-c-6-p-1-pr-295.html" target="_blank">Gro Baby</a> diapers to get me through a day and a half to two days of diapering. These are really great diapers, because they’re really user-friendly! The days of pinning diapers is OVER (well, I guess some people still do it, but they don’t have to!). These diapers have velcro-like tabs and essentially work like a disposable diaper. But, they’re much cuter! </p><p>Since then, I have tried a few different kinds of diapers, and I LOVE them! </p><p>These adorable beauties just arrived today: </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqCM4ehwrtI/AAAAAAAAAGc/SjxaRDGV2Us/s1600-h/100_7628%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="100_7628" border="0" alt="100_7628" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SqCM4k3b3aI/AAAAAAAAAGg/OxvzZYVXfLw/100_7628_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="290" /></a></p><p>These are <a href="http://shop.thegoodmama.com/" target="_blank">Goodmama</a> diapers. They are called “fitted” diapers. They have elastic around the waist and legs, and snaps to close them. Again, very user friendly. These diapers are not waterproof though—they require a diaper cover if you don’t want to get wet. :) I like these kinds of diapers because they’re so soft, and still really easy to use. </p><p>Lately, I’ve been thinking about either making my own diapers or starting a business and selling diapers. They’ve very quickly become an obsession. I’ve been forbidden from buying any more though, so I have to use what I have and be happy. I am. But, it is fun to try new things. And, I was just telling Wes tonight that as much as I would <em>like</em> to start a diaper business, I’m not sure that I have the skills to do so. Maybe one day, he’ll help me (because he has the organizational skills that I completely lack). :) </p><p>Anyway, the experience has been different than I imagined. Better. Easier. Cloth diapers don’t have to be gross, or scary, or difficult. Those are all myths. So join the club! Get hooked on cloth!! We have almost no trash anymore as a result of switching to cloth! We already recycle, so without the disposable diapers filling our bins, we’re left with minimal waste. Plus, they’re just so darn cute! </p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-52026419040017235702009-08-23T11:47:00.001-07:002009-08-23T11:47:18.517-07:00Wes’ Company Picnic!<p><em>(written yesterday, 8.22.09)</em></p> <p>Wes’ company picnic was today—and it was a lot of fun!  It was at the <a href="http://www.columbuszoo.org/" target="_blank">Columbus Zoo</a>, and it was BEAUTIFUL today!  When we arrived, the car thermometer said 72 degrees!  It did start to sprinkle toward the end, but we were in a pavilion/shelter, so it didn’t matter.  </p> <p>A week or so ago, Wes mentioned that we needed to bring a dessert that would feed 2 dozen people.  Then, yesterday morning, he also mentioned that there would be a dessert contest!  He said that we didn’t <em>have</em> to enter, but honestly, it sounded like fun to me!  So, all day, I tried to think of something creative to make.  I asked friends for ideas, searched the internet, looked at other people’s creations for ideas—but when I went to bed last night, I still didn’t know what to make.  </p> <p>So, this morning, I woke up before Wes and Ella, and laid awake in bed for 45 minutes thinking about this.  And then I had an idea!  So, I went to the store, spent more money than I should have on decorating supplies, and ended up with this:  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SpGOpcI86II/AAAAAAAAAF8/T0wgfrIttpE/s1600-h/100_7569%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7569" border="0" alt="100_7569" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SpGOqDk0K1I/AAAAAAAAAGA/W-G9cfhjgRA/100_7569_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Now, I can’t take credit for actually decorating it!  We were running short on time, so Wes did the decorating while I finished getting myself and Ella ready.  </p> <p>There weren’t many desserts that were decorated—only a few.  As a result, our little Script Ohio Sheet Cake won 1st place for presentation!  Our prize was a gift card to PF Chang’s!  Yum!  </p> <p>Since I spent the majority of the morning baking, Ella missed her morning nap.  But, when she’s tired enough, she never fails to fall asleep on Wes…<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SpGOqmpu36I/AAAAAAAAAGE/_4FF5qJzuoQ/s1600-h/100_7571%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7571" border="0" alt="100_7571" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SpGOrPzrxFI/AAAAAAAAAGI/edYeT8COE-Q/100_7571_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>After eating, the zoo brought out some animals for us to look at close-up!  I wish I had more pictures to share, but the only animal we took pictures of was this BEAUTIFUL Snow-Leopard!  He is 4 months old!  </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SpGOr_yv1pI/AAAAAAAAAGM/tLvhPmngo20/s1600-h/100_7580%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7580" border="0" alt="100_7580" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SpGOsYpzuhI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/QUOuae5STsY/100_7580_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SpGOtHdUM-I/AAAAAAAAAGU/4enP-13WSGw/s1600-h/100_7584%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7584" border="0" alt="100_7584" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SpGOtSa1LjI/AAAAAAAAAGY/8mhVDJpkDA0/100_7584_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>A fun day was had by all.  :)  </p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-81340995594514886702009-08-18T19:31:00.001-07:002009-08-18T19:31:23.834-07:00A little home-made fun<p>I was wandering through Target the other day and saw a toy that was basically a milk jug with a hole, along with big round coin-looking things.  I thought, “I can make that!”</p> <p>And it literally took me 1 minute to make!  I just took an empty oatmeal container (you could use any container that has a plastic lid that cuts easily) and cut a long strip into the lid (make sure it’s a little bigger than the objects you plan to put in it!).  Add a few jar lids (spaghetti sauce, applesauce, etc.) and voila!  Instant fun!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sotj8XK3zJI/AAAAAAAAAE4/UekcDZHrTW0/s1600-h/100_7554%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7554" border="0" alt="100_7554" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sotj8w2SO8I/AAAAAAAAAE8/byCvgkmkfeg/100_7554_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Putting the jar lids into a hole is a great fine-motor activity.  It takes a lot of eye-hand coordination to get it to fit!  And, the lid comes off easily enough that Ella can do it herself.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sotj9Jbp-2I/AAAAAAAAAFA/embqEUFtK0Y/s1600-h/100_7556%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7556" border="0" alt="100_7556" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sotj9aaijeI/AAAAAAAAAFE/t-YL1JhE3ZA/100_7556_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sotj9zC1CRI/AAAAAAAAAFI/McHbKvZveuk/s1600-h/100_7557%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7557" border="0" alt="100_7557" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sotj-KUvjDI/AAAAAAAAAFM/RblEw5IL_ZE/100_7557_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>And then, she discovered that shaking the canister turned it into a shaker/musical instrument!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sotj-lPQkiI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/2A3MvCbFgAA/s1600-h/100_7558%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7558" border="0" alt="100_7558" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Sotj-7nMHlI/AAAAAAAAAFU/UZAo9K_-OFQ/100_7558_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>And the best part—it’s free!  If she destroys it, it’s not a big deal.  And, although we have toys that light up and make noise/music, her favorite toys are the simple ones!  Recently, she’s started actually putting shapes into shape sorters, building with blocks, and pushing cars (and her favorite—a tractor!) around on the floor making “vroom!” sounds.  I love watching her learn new concepts seemingly overnight!      </p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-8097597688669737612009-08-17T12:33:00.001-07:002009-08-17T12:33:13.638-07:00Super Moms<p>I’ve been reading blogs for years—actually, since before the term “blog” existed.  But recently, I’ve been reading the blogs of moms!  These are women who are organized!  Not only do they do awesome and fun things with their kids, maintain a home, cook, clean, garden (and eat food from their gardens!)… they have time to BLOG about it!  </p> <p>Wow.  So, I’m not a super-mom.  But, I am feeling inspired to be one, or to be as “super” as I can be while maintaining my sanity.  Now that Ella is getting older and will be past the “baby” stage and into the “toddler” stage (I can’t believe it!), I feel like I can start integrating more structure and routine into our day.  </p> <p>My dream is to have a weekly schedule that we can follow each week, along with a daily routine.  The weekly events might include trips to the library, COSI, the zoo, parks, etc.  We obviously won’t be doing those things <em>every</em> week, but I need a plan to follow.  Right now, our schedule changes from day to day and week to week.  </p> <p>I’m still looking for that perfect schedule or plan to follow!  Maybe I should just start with changing or adding one thing a week, where I can give Ella some “focused” learning time that is planned.  It can be art, music, or homemade toys that are different from her normal ones.  Just something (or anything!).  So what should my goal this week be?  What do YOU do to spend special time with your kids?   What does a “super mom” look like to you?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Somwc8gpK9I/AAAAAAAAAEw/sngoYpcbiis/s1600-h/100_7449%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_7449" border="0" alt="100_7449" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/SomwePn0QBI/AAAAAAAAAE0/s2Sy27U6KYs/100_7449_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-77242694316246780712009-08-16T13:51:00.000-07:002009-08-16T14:50:05.534-07:00So what's new?I haven't been a very good blogger in 2009! I even switched blogging sites and <em>still</em> didn't update often! So how do I summarize the last 7 months? Bullets, I guess!<br /><ul><li>I started watching 2 little girls on a regular basis. One came over once a week for a few hours, so that her mom could have some time to do some things at home without any "help" from her daughter. This arrangement worked out well for all involved--but they ended up moving across the country. I'm happy for them, since they are close to family and are where they want to be. But, I do miss this little girl and her mom! (I feel weird about writing their names, since this is a public blog and I didn't ask for permission). The other little girl started coming in April, and has been here for 1-3 days a week since! The little girl ("A") is 2 months older than Ella, so they get along wonderfully. This summer, the girls and I have gone to the library for "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">babytime</span>," gone swimming in our little baby pool, gone to a playgroup, and lots and lots of walks! It's a great arrangement--she's part-time, so I still have days with just Ella, but Ella still gets some peer interaction, so that's great too. And, the money I earn goes straight toward my student loan! </li><br /><li>It's been a busy year of weddings! Ella has now been to 4 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">weddings</span> and 3 funerals. WOW. 2 of the weddings were ones that I was in, so that has made it especially busy! Ella did so well at all of them--and fell asleep on Wes a couple of times, too. Congratulations to Lisa & Josh, Heidi & Ryan, Megan & Perry, and Janna & Eric! </li><br /><li>Ella <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">loooooves</span> water! Splashing in our baby pool, taking a bath, even washing her hands--she loves it! Recently, she's started saying "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">weeee</span>!" when playing in water. And sliding down slides, and with anything else that she's having fun with!<br /></li><li>Speaking of saying "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">weeeee</span>!"... she speaks! She says mama, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">dada</span>, ball, baby, shoe, kitty, hi, bye, hello, that, wow, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">yay</span>!, wee!, no (I don't like this one!), and others. :) </li><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Soh8RieDYyI/AAAAAAAAAEo/6LdAZlvqdK8/100_7106.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 640px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 480px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Soh8RieDYyI/AAAAAAAAAEo/6LdAZlvqdK8/100_7106.jpg" /></a><br /><li>We celebrated Ella's first birthday in June! (above). We had a party with some friends and family, ate cake (she smashed hers and played in it, but didn't eat it!), and opened presents. It was a wonderful, fun, exciting day! I thought that I would be teary or cry that day--but I did really well! The only time I was teary at all was when everyone sang her Happy Birthday! My birthday girl was all smiles and the center of attention, and I couldn't help but think back to that day a year earlier when she was born. She was so tiny and precious--and here she is now, my "big" girl! </li><li>We've made the switch to cloth diapers! I took the plunge a couple of weeks ago, and so far, we're loving it! Our trash has almost completely disappeared! We already recycle, so we were mostly just throwing away diapers. Using cloth diapers is completely different than it used to be. No more pins, leaks, or messes! They're not complicated--and actually, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">ones</span> we use are pretty much just like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disposables</span> with a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">velcro</span>-type closure. And the laundry isn't bad either. So far so good! And I must say, she's pretty cute in cloth! <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Soh7AuzcLzI/AAAAAAAAAEI/DYNpIoHXIVk/s512/100_7453.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 384px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 512px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_c1dVcUnfDKs/Soh7AuzcLzI/AAAAAAAAAEI/DYNpIoHXIVk/s512/100_7453.jpg" /></a> </li></ul><br /><p>I'm sure that a lot more has happened that I'm forgetting, but I guess those are the main things! We're loving Ella's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">newfound</span> independence with crawling, and are waiting for her to start walking. We know that she'll do it when she's ready! But, she's still my mama's girl. :) She's adjusting better to being away from me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasionally</span>, especially if she's with Wes!! We're going to start weekly "Ella and Daddy" nights soon, where they can have their special time without me, and I can spend time with a few friends in a bible study/fellowship. </p><p> </p>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4114743228297318638.post-57099131705714096182009-08-16T07:09:00.000-07:002009-08-16T07:10:48.140-07:00Trying this againWe've deicided to give blogger another try! So look forward to some new entries! We're headed off to church at the moment, so stay tuned!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11532351839675979626noreply@blogger.com0