Twinkle, twinkle

Alya pointed out that we didn't have a star atop our tree yet....so we made one.....

We had an opportunity to visit a local business that was doing a big charity drive for needy children this year. The kids and I have been discussing charity a lot (almost as much as Jesus) with the onset of the season, and, since we cannot give much, we make sure to always give to the Salvation Army buckets when we see them and we will clean out and donate toys to the local thrift soon. I wanted the kids to see all of the wonderful things those "with" were able to give, and it was heartwarming. I was thrilled that my kids never asked to touch or play...and didn't ask if they'd be getting any of those things. Somehow, these lessons seem far more valuable than learning our letters and number and, well, you get the point.

We did do some school work today and a nifty little project that I will share soon.

We'll probably be heavy on the Christmas crafts this month ;)

Rosemary Wreath

This was not one of OUR projects, but was a delightful surprise, crafted by our neighbor's daughter and thoughtfully given to us. I had to share as the season of giving is upon us.

For those of you whose rosemary bushes went wild this year, snip long stems and use them to fashion wreathes. Tie a ribbon and make a beautiful (and wonderful smelling) decoration for your kitchen. When the rosemary dries, simply pluck bits of it for your recipes. BRILLIANT!!!

Turkey Day

It just sounds so....so...sad...poor turkeys. I was a vegetarian for 10 years. Some turkey's death shall not be in vain on my watch this year.

I realized about .4 seconds after our turkey hand paint project that I needed to have the children do something a little less superficial for Thanksgiving. My ideas aren't always novel. Don't read too much into this.

I asked each child to think of something they are thankful for. Ben honestly replied, "my toys". I appreciate that. It was his birthday when we did our project. I explained to Ben that this is a time of the year to reflect on our thankfulness for everything, but, mostly, the special people in our lives. He said his special person is me....awwwww.....Alya said hers is her best friend, Lucy.

I asked them to make something special for the people they love. Here is what they did:





And a video (if it loads) for you all. Alya has a head cold, so she has been asked to rest on the couch with her Cricket remote and a big glass of oj....she didn't protest..



Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Recess

You know what is difficult? Working and taking care of the house and situating things that happen (sticks in eyes, vomiting dogs, people who need you outside of your home) and managing everything that is going on....and then trying to find time for school....

Difficult is an understatement.

So, sometimes, we just play. And, by we, I mostly mean Ben and Alya because I am very easily distracted and led away to do this thing and that thing, and, lately, I have been doing some fill in work, so I am not with the kids as much as I usually am.

That said, I have never denied that play is one of the best learning environments for young children. Alya has the most vibrant imagination I have ever encountered in a child (when asked at ballet class what color butterfly she was, she followed on the numerous pinks and purples with "rainbow sparkle"). Ben is bent on math and art, and they both LOVE GAMES. Their birthday and Christmas presents seem inordinantly unbalanced on the side of ganmes, and, I'm okay with that - and I think they will be too.

I appreciate it is not a lesson. Not for you. What games do your children enjoy the most? Which do they seem to learn the most from?

Fear not about missed learning time. We hiked in a relatively new area yesterday and got to see some amazing fungi, new plants, a ladybug, and got a great view of the world below. Followed by swings and slides and a good night's sleep and I am sure the wiring is abuzz.

Game Time

Ben has been doing math, then photographing it.



Obligatory "hand" turkey pictures...you know, because they were painting and thought it was funny.





I really loved Alya's artwork today. Her imagination is out of this world....and her ways of expression are so unique.




And, since we've been loose and unstructured lately, we did a BIG "field trip" to Chattanooga Market recently followed by a walk along the riverfront.

All I know is they are absorbing, and, I oftentimes think I may not be able to keep up. I get asked why so many times a day that I often have to ask for a no question period during the day, AND I am periodically getting questions I cannot answer. I guess it is okay if the kids and I learn together.

Since we have been so unstructured lately, we've been focusing a lot on reading. I'm just returning to human zone, and I can handle snuggling and reading books. Two of our favorites right now are:

http://www.mowillems.com/
Check out Mo Willems, I Love My New Toy

AND

Scaredy Squirrel

Excellent books!

How Do You Like Me Now?

I need a dry run for my future work with ROCKET CITY MOM. I have volunteered to be a contributing "mom" writer. I needed to unload the only photographs I have done (okay ~8 out of 145) since before the 14th and sharpen my writing skills. And, please be kind...I wasn't in any condition to tote the Nikon...so these little quicky snaps are all you get.....for now.....

I think one of the gems of our city is our Botanical Gardens. No matter the time of year they always have something "growing on", and you can gorge on a Clementine's pimiento cheese (I suggest the croissant and a heath bar cookie) before you boot, scoot, and boogie.

We maintain few memberships to local attractions due, in large part, to the fact that I like to involve myself in a lot of things that don't pay money....just the reward of love (from the kids) and a plethora of wonderful friendships (well, well worth it). I think the $80 annual family membership fee is a BARGAIN! Since regular admission is $12 for me and $8 for each child, I'd be out $28 a visit anyway....I 100% make more than 3 visits a year. I think we make more than 3 visits a month, generally. That said, take advantage of the programs!

The Seeds to Sprouts program allows you to "meet other parents while nature comes alive for you and your little one, ages 2-5, at 10 a.m. on selected Fridays each month. Enjoy stories, lessons, hands-on activities and guided tours. $8 for first child, $5 for each additional sibling in the same family. Parents free with membership or Garden admission. No registration required." I am sure that information is subject to change at any time without prior notification.

The most recent class we attended was "HALLOWEEN".

The day's story was, Room on the Broom, which my children were delighted about...especially this years' head witch, Alya P. (pictures soon - I promise -you may have to visit the other blog though)



After the story, the children made a witch on a broomstick craft! [you know you get weak in the knees over a seasonally appropriate, hand made, piece of art via your children]







After the story and craft, the kids were taken on a scavenger hunt to find items from the story. Alya could barely keep it together. This kind of thing is her cup of tea.




As always, after the hour long class (which does cost $8 for the first child and $5 for the second...even with a membership...I think we could petition a reduction on that if more people joined and attended! I am sort of **cough, cough** frugal) we had
plenty of time to play!

With many of the treehouses now permanent fixtures, the scarecrows (which may now be down) and the Christmas lights (which may now all be up), there really is, always, something 'growing on'!




Get over there today to get your membership. Don't let the northerners scare ya'll with their snow. Come on southern girls...I heard we'd be back in the 70's by the end of next week.

Happy Trick or Treating y'all!

Budding

This kids are taking on photography (look, just take the kid with the eye booger and dog hair on his tooth...his sister was not willing to groom him before shooting)....AND are embracing their field trips with enthusiasm. Our homework has been rather dull, but the traveling and exploring have been FABULOUS! I have to share the mushroom story......so, Alya wore her mushroom pants on our hike last week (for those of you who have visited the other blog, this was a different hike, different day, different location).....and along the way she spotted the one and only mushroom we saw on the entire hike....a wee thing amongst some dead leaves....how she spotted it, I don't know - maybe it was all the clues she picked up along the way (lots and lots and lots of buckeyes....and lots of looking through the telescope).....I was impressed. I think we just found Alya's passion.

Goose

Because, I promised the duck field trip. Here. you. go.

Northrup

When I was in Kindergarten, my teacher, Mrs. Northrup, used to let us do math with raisins and colorful marshmallows. We got to add up a whole bunch....and then subtract them in various increments, eating the treats along the way.

Chocolate chip math seemed to be a winner (winner chicken dinner).

Glitter...always good...forever stuck in the crevices of my wood floring....

I think the pictures tell the story.