Life with our boys

A year of changes

2011-08-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

It's been forever, I know!!!! I've been a little busy & I finally wanted to share what we've been doing. It all started last year with horrible eczema on my hands from harsh cleaning chemicals. I loved the Clorox & Simple Green but YIKES! my hands were hurting & looking all kinds of icky. The last thing I wanted was to go to the doctors & get a prescription. So I changed how I cleaned...

I made my own detergent & household cleaners!!!

Guess what? No more eczema!!!

I've scaled way back on traditional household cleaners & keep on making more cause I'm frugal. And the kids can use them. I don't worry so much about their safety, you know what I mean?

Well, this new knowledge lead me to do other things, crazy things......like bake our bread. I don't know about you, but once you can achieve product from yeast, nothing can hold me back!!! I make Homemade Granola Bars...no more store bought for us, thanks. AND......

I started to freeze fruits & learned how to can. I started growing our pantry & although I still have a ways to go ....I'll get there!! Didn't stop there though......

We started a garden!!!

These little buds are my new herbs peeking through. I'm thinking of learning to make tinctures with them...I make my own Vanilla Extract now too...doesn't seem that it would be that different. Although, we haven't produced anything from the garden yet....we've learned tons for new year...like how to catch Tomato Hornworms faster....those worms!!!! (shaking my fist) & perhaps adding composting to our list.

The last thing I've done is this.....

I've decided to use my dryer A LOT less! I've committed to line drying (for the time being). I actually enjoy it. It dries faster than the dryer....I'm curious as too what the power bill will be...hmmm.

It comes down to this....I like the learning involved with doing it myself. The feeling of a job well done. I don't want to be so dependant on stores or spending so much $$$ to get the same product I can make myself. Well this type of thinking has sent my brain into overdrive....what can I do next?? I have a list ....more homemade & possible solar (crazy, I know) :) :) :) :)

There are so many people & blogs & websites that have encouraged us & continue to do so. Thank you!

WOAH!...Already!

2010-10-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

This is what 35 looks like for me!

(notice the pic is taken on a side angle)

Now I want to remember this day!!...I woke up at 6am with both of my sons (younger ones) asleep on the ground! As I wobbled around them..to try not to step on them...i looked like an 80 yr old....with painful feet! Maybe I should wear sneakers more often....but sandals are way more COMFY. As I got ready checked my grays & committed to dyeing them this weekend...& almost a commitment to diet & exercise...I said ALMOST! :)

At a Glance..

2010-09-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our classroom!
I love this time of year..getting the classroom ready for returning faces & new friends. Come with me around the room & peek into what a day looks like in The Blooming Cactus :)

Hello Practical Life! Whatever the child can do for himself...should be done by himself.. The Montessori Approach. On this shelf you'll find pouring exercises, spooning, tweezing, pinching, lacing....care for the person (folding, ironing, buttoning, tying) & care of the environment (table setting, flower arranging & so much more)

We Love Art!!
Daily they have experiences in cutting, pasting, tracing, free art, color mixing, & Painting & Playdough!! What!!! :) Happy times! I will, very often, have a special project that can be done ..a craft of sorts...today was finger painting fall colored leaves onto trees with paper towel rolls.

Can you feel that? Sensorial, it is!
Children get to use their senses in this special area. Learning colors & shapes (2 & 3 dimentional) , feeling with textures & listening to sounds.

Language, here we come!
Whether the child comes into my room knowing sounds or just likes to be read to...there is much here...SEE ..the bottom shelf even has Science...& the Writing Table has fun things to do!
Cool Math!

The child explores & recognizes numerals into the thousands...if they so wish! At the preschool age...we work a lot with 1-20 but it's not uncommon to find me giving lessons into the hundreds & with addition involved....What ! A preschooler adding...You betcha! Why not? That Calendar is where we congregate for group.

Shhh! I'm trying to read here!

The children love this spot...A chair for them & they are reading from books specially picked out to go with our themes for the month...Sept has a bunch of Fall & Apple books...Don't forget about Peace Day!

Can you guess our Author of the Month?

Where in the world?

Last but not least...Geography...we've only just begun..but soon they will manipulate with clay to make Landforms & there will be Continent boxes too....How will I fit it all on that shelf? My Montessori Challenge.....

Thanks for visiting!

8 is Great...Again!

2010-06-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

With boys so close in age, what a blessing it is to celebrate Kobe's 8th birthday. This is a special age...it all begins with baptism, then he'll enter the scouting program, & let's just say he's very excited to do all these things.

Let's take a look at Kobe... (thanks Grandma for letting me hack your computer:)
Kobe at 3 ..he's a Dodger Stadium

Kobe turning 4

This is at Legoland...& priceless!!

1st day of first grade...can you tell he didn't want to go?

Happy Birthday Kobe!! You are so special to our family. We love you so much. You are tender with your brothers, in tune with the spirit, helpful with out being asked, you like to read & write, creative & imaginative....can't wait to see what's to come....
Enjoy your Birthday Days!!

Tomorrow Avatar...woohoo!

Montessori & Salt Lake City

2010-02-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

What do they have in common? Well the Utah Montessori Conference!! I had a wonderful time attending the classes there & made it a weekend with my family. We met up with friends from college & all of our children :) & visited with family.

Pictures from the Salt Lake Temple...It was beautiful & we are planning another trip

Isaiah posing in front of the Prophet Isaiah

Lots of New Works!!

2010-01-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

We are in our African Continent...with a focus on Egypt. The mummy work is very popular. Also, we are doing our calendar numbers in Swahili. Up above is an older child prepping afternoon snack for the class.

We love Practical Life!! One day we grated soap & tried to make it into snowballs (via Chasing Cheerios) but it didn't work as well. So the children grate it & we use it for bubble making. That's my 2 year old working with the bubbles.

Christmas

2009-12-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

It's my husband's family tradition to open gifts on Christmas Eve, fun right?! Of course we go to Grandpa's first & then Shirley's Christmas Party. Then when you'd think the kids are beat we come home & it's TIME!

Jonas got a tricyle & Spiderman helmet from Grandpa...which he had a temper tantrum when we had to put it in the car to go to Shirley's.

Here's Kobe separating presents into their piles.

Then we go around..youngest to wisest..& open 1 present at a time.

Lucky Jonas!!! He sure does love his Yo Gabba Gabba!! I see a Halloween costume in the future with this! So it comes to about midnight-ish & finally the boys are going to bed. Only to wake up at the crack of dawn to play with their new stuff!

So much fun & we hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well!

Holiday Show 2009

2009-12-16T21:14:00.001-08:00

Our Holiday Show was a Success! If you work with children, then you know that it can all fall apart at any moment. Fortunately, parents just adore it anyways. We had about 50 people in my home but don't worry, it was a short show :) Here is a picture from the set up & preshow. We had some children stand & tell "Antarctica" jokes. (It's our continent of the month)

What is the penguins favorite food?

Ice-Bergers, hehe

There's my little guy..all he had to remember was "Hi"..that's what the Spittlebug said to the Quiet Cricket. He did great! They all did!

They also sang quite a few songs. Some from each month! They are Pros :) Each year I do this & it is worth all the stress.

If you did a Holiday Play, how did it go? & what did you perform?

I'd love to hear.

Happy Holidays from The Blooming Cactus

Hair today, Gone tomorrow

2009-11-21T09:03:00.001-08:00

So I was taking this picture & as much as I love my mother...I look a lot like her. Well, time for a change. It's definately harder to maintain long hair. I have a great friend who cuts my hair the way I like it. I called her ASAP...sorry Mom.

I cut a bunch off!

Thanks Melanie! Now It's time to take care of the grays. :)

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

Here's Jonas practicing his Halloween songs...."for this is halloween!"
At the church's Trunk O' Treat.

Getting ready for the fun!

With Jonas' Brothers...he was scared (for a second) to stand next to them.

A recap of last night!

Today Is Your Day!

2009-11-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're on your own. (With the help of your family)
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go!!

Happy 9th Birthday Isaiah!!

To our Rocket Scientist/ Chef/ Singer/ Farmer/ Entrepreneur.. The world is getting ready for what you'll bring. You are so creative & bright. You are on a path that will lead you to great things. Remember who you are & We love you so much!

Today, today, today,...is someone's birthday!

2009-10-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's not the pickles or the pears, it's not the elephants or the bears...
Today, today, today, today, ..today is Jonas' Birthday!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday to our little guy. He got to share with the classroom yesterday. My middle son stayed home from school & celebrated with us. Mini brownies were at the snack table.

For your viewing pleasure...(now that I know how to upload videos)
5 Little Pumpkins with Jonas

Look what's Blooming?

2009-10-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures of my little classroom...it's not in order..I'm just sharing.

Here's the Peace Table & Book Corner. It's well used.

This is a writing/sound table. I switch out various writing instruments for the practice.

This is our calendar we use at group time. At the moment, we are also using it for parts of the horse.

Running out of shelves, use a couch :)

Classroom pet, Swimmy & Sandpaper Letter

My beautiful dishwashing table that my hubby made. The children wash their snack plates & we are now using dinner plates for lunch. It has been a very successful experience for all the children. Want one too???...my hubby is thinking about selling them.

Next post will be about the shelves...PL to Math to Cultural. Isn't it always the case??? Never enough room.

WOW!

2009-10-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

This is a fun age. What you don't see is alot of 2nd period stuff we've done. "Show me".. "Point to"..etc. This is a video of the 3 period progress. For you Montessorians. :)

Jonas is almost 2..this week. And I know I've not been posting often...if you look in the background you can see why...we are preschooling it..Montessori style :) & having fun! So I've been really busy.

A good report

2009-08-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

The boys really liked their school. All evening they were telling me something else that happened which was nice. Last year my middle son was a bit unhappy to go to school. Well we now have a Montessori Charter here in our city. Yeah!! The boys knew more kids than the other school. Which made it easier for my middle son to enjoy going.

A personal good report
Blooming Cactus Montessori & Childcare ..that's the name of my little classroom that I will be conducting out of my home. I've gotta start somewhere. My family has been great & supportive with this journey. More to report soon.. (with pictures)

Hope you had a happy 1st day of school? Or just a Happy Day?

The end of a good thing & onto the next

2009-08-21T00:36:00.000-07:00

Our little school is closing down & here I am past midnight (dreading the last day) sitting here thinking of all my fond memories. My boys & I have experiences with MCA for the past 4 years. I'll let some pictures do the talking....

There are so many more pictures I can show...Can you believe how young the boys look? Kobe wasn't even 3 when we started @ the school. Isaiah was pretty blonde back then too. They sure do grow up fast.

I've met some wonderful people, wonderful parents & made wonderful, dear friends. We've had some rocking group times, events, lessons, & most of all wonderful children. I've enjoyed my time @ MCA & wish everyone the best. I will truly miss you all. I've enjoyed our times together @ conferences & will miss all of our conversations. What's next for me? Well, time will tell....but the Blooming Cactus Class has evolved. Stay tuned...

It's been too long!

2009-07-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

I know, I know....where have I been??? Mostly working, we just ended our school year & our family just returned from a California vacation. Here's some pics...

Took a little Harbor Cruise

Looking at the Queen Mary

Some Sea Lions

Having fun at the beach

Can you believe I forgot my camera?? Geez..

2009-03-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

So I win the best teacher & mother award of the week. (NOT!) Many cute moments feeding the ducks & no proof!! It was a beautiful day & we even played a bit. Well, here's some other pics from Springs Preserve. Our family hiked the free trails there a few weeks back. We are trying to get the boys out..we only have a limited time before it gets TOO HOT here.

Got plans on Saturday??

2009-03-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Family Nature Day....

okay, okay, it sounds so official! My small classroom wanted to get out into nature with their families. We are going to

Sunset Park

@ 11am

to feed the ducks!

So if you aren't busy, it's going to be beautiful & a bit windy. After all, it's Vegas. Bring a lunch & we'll picnic & the kiddies can play. Hope to see you!

This is OUR country!

2009-03-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Think you are alone in your conservative values??? We aren't, check out this website. http://www.the912project.com/ .. there are so many people going to it ..it keeps crashing. Be patient & see others who view being American in this way...

1. America is good place, not perfect, but good.
2. I believe in God and He is the center of my life.
3. I must try to be a better, more honest person than I was yesterday.
4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority.
5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness and not a guarantee of equal results.
7. I work hard for what I have. I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree or share my personal opinion.
9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them. They answer to me.

We need these values & a lot of people I know already have these. Thanks, Glenn Beck!

And the Oscar goes to...

2009-02-22T21:23:00.001-08:00

No picture tonight...just frustration!! I appreciate hard work & watched the Oscars tonight to watch actors celebrate the fruits of their labors (so to say). Well, the Sean Penn rant was predictable. He admitted that Hollywood was "Commi- loving & homo- loving" & the cheers & applause was a bit shocking. Does he speak for Hollywood?

I'm so glad that Hollywood doesn't speak for me!!!

Can I get an Amen!

Do today's kids have "nature-deficit disorder"?

2009-02-21T22:57:00.000-08:00

There was a waterfall @ Red Rock

Red Rock

On top of our cliff...the neighborhood cliff

After attending a Montessori Teacher Conference a few weeks back, I felt inspired. I don't want my children to be addicted to the couch, internet, tv. There is something to be said that it's better to feel & touch snow & the waterfalls than to watch it on the Discvery Channel...no offense...it is one of our fave channels. So to answer my own question.....Not my kids....I hope not????

Our goal is to get out into more nature outings...wanna join us??

Paul's view of what happened when we first met.

2009-01-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

When I met Ines (yes, it was a blind meeting) I was hoping to get to the predetermined meeting place before her. That way if I wasn't attracted to her I could slip away without being noticed. I try not to be a jerk, sometimes it just happens. Anyway, she came up to me as I was walking and introduced herself (I still remember what she was wearing, it was awesome). I was taken back by her exotic beauty and from that point on I would have done anything she asked. I'm glad she has high morals because it would have been difficult to push off any advances. I think she always knew that I was shy and didn't have the greatest self-esteem, but she was very open with me and put me at ease. The first date was incredible and we said how much we liked each other. However, the way I remember the whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing was like this...
After spending the morning at the ocean (Sunset Beach, I think) we went to Taco Bell, as Ines said in her timeline. I believe a Taco Bell employee took notice of me and built up a quick infatuation. She asked Ines if I was her boyfriend, and Ines grabbed my arm and said yes. I thought it was just understood from that time on that we were together. The rest of the timeline seems correct...I'm a fast mover. Long engagements are for the birds. We had business to attend to. I really LOVE Ines with all my heart and I'm so grateful she let a dork like me marry her.
Happy Anniversary 3 days later.

Paul

P.S. I know the Taco Bell worker was "special," but she really was infatuated with me!

A perfect 10

2009-01-23T14:22:00.000-08:00

When I first met Paul ( a blind meeting) I was peeking to get a good look before I introduced myself. He was so attractive & was very easy to talk to. At that time in my life, I didn't understand the quick engagement thing. After dating that first weekend, I got it....

Our timeline looked something like this...
1st weekend, great fun & said we liked each other
2nd weekend, great fun & Paul asked me to be his girl (TacoBell)
3rd weekend, great fun & professed our love.

3 weeks after that, Paul proposed

4 1/2 months later we were married at LV Temple. The engagement was that long because I was teaching at a Montessori School in CA & had to leave at the end of the semester.
Then our little family story began...

This was our engagement picture..aka "our skinny picture" :)

I'm married to my best friend. Even though we have different interests & experiences...he is my best friend. This may be hard to believe...we don't fight or argue. We discuss...:)

We are a family & work hard to make that a priority. We enjoy being around each other. I feel very blessed to have the life I have & love I share. So here's to eternity...

Happy Anniversary!!

Wow! A Big Achievement

2009-01-17T23:41:00.001-08:00

This curious & bright boy who has a double stigmatism & has the sight of a great grandfather learned to RIDE HIS BIKE!!! Yeah Zay!! I know ...finally. What was really funny was our 5 year old neighbor was out riding his bike giving Zay riding tips. Well after more than an hour of successful riding...Zay said his butt hurt...haha! He took Tylenol & went to bed.

Our little drummer boy

2008-12-11T23:28:00.000-08:00

So His name is Jonas & he likes Weezer & Blink 182...he's fond of our piano & these drums...he might be the child who actually might want music lessons. We'll cross our fingers...

I just thought he was just too cute in these pictures!

told you I was gonna write about my birthday present

2008-12-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

well let's see...my birthday was nearly 2 months ago...we went to see a concert....it was a lot of fun.

...Angels & Airwaves...the end.

I'm a bad blogger!

2008-11-18T21:33:00.000-08:00

Did I forget to mention we had a wonderful family vacation to DISNEYLAND??? like 3 weeks ago..

Maybe my next post will be what I did for my b-day last month...sheesh!

That's great...you're 8!!!

2008-11-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

6 weeks old

20 months old

brotherly love

5 years old

Baptism day

I know these pictures aren't the best...picture of a picture doesn't look great. Happy Birthday to our little man!! We had a special week...Disneyland, Halloween party, & your baptism. You are so special to your family. We enjoy your funny sayings & love of learning. You were always a quick learner. When you were 2 years old...we visited mommy's old Montessori School. I was visiting with the principal in the Elementary room & left you to work on a continent work. She saw you working & in mid sentence stopped & moved to the floor to continue to give you a lesson. She said you were AMAZING. I know & now you know that little story. Have a wonderful year to our AMAZING little man.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBS !!!

2008-10-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today is your day!! You are 1 today. Your family loves you dearly. Your sweetness is contagious.

You were the smallest of the 3. And everyone loves you dearly. You slept well & were so peaceful. Now that you're 1 you still do & are so much more. You are learning so much.

With all your many faces...& feelings...I think they are so cute!

I love my baby bubba..I never let him go!!

How to have a rockin' baby party!!!

2008-10-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

Step 1

Have a cutie pie who is turning 1 & loves YO GABBA GABBA

Step 2

Make some strange character cakes.

Step 3

Make some super cute goodie bags.

Step 4

Invite super fun friends & family...Thank you Everyone!!

This is all for you, Bubs!!

What's important to me?

2008-10-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

I love my family!! They are so special. They are bright, sweet, helpful, & all so very different. With our busy schedules, homework, reports, mommy's job, daddy's job..I sit here reflecting how blessed I feel & how fortunate we are. I'm truly blessed with a loving family ( & I do mean everyone in it..in-laws & all). Whenever I'm asked about my boys & their energy levels..I always say I can handle it. It's true..of course, they have their moments (we all do) but my boys like to be together. I like to be with them.
After this evening helping one of the boys with a project due tomorrow...he said, "Thanks for all the hard work I had to do"...I said "What? You mean Mom had to do :)"...he said "No, I had to do"...I said," Is this your way of saying Thank You to Mom"...he said with a big smile & a hug,"Yes".
So here's to the Moms who make their children do the hard work !! Even without the "Thank You"...

Line #2

2008-09-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

The children love art & want to do as much as possible. At group, I explain that their eyes look right at the lines. I explain what a diagonal, vertical, horizontal lines are & have the children make these lines with their bodies.

I will probably read this story if I haven't already from line lesson #1.

I will show art from Piet Mondrian & Van Gogh. I like to show art that the children feel that could create themself.

On the shelf..I put a work that consists of a tray, paint brush, sponge, strips of primary colored tissue paper, & starch in a jar. With a small picture of Piet Mondrian (model) & a demostration recreating one of his masterpieces(teacher model)...the children are off. This work is very popular. And so it should be..every child wants to make their own masterpiece.

courtesy of The Blooming Cactus Class

Busy,busy,busy

2008-09-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

Magnetic vs. Non-magnetic

Individual snack table art with punching washing of snack plates & cups tweezing one to many foam block for imaginative play or for the chldren who need to have something to build up & knock down..that isn't the pink tower or brown stairs :)

Elements of Art-Line #1

2008-09-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the year, I like to go over the Elements of Art. A few years ago I went to a conference & had this wonderful class...I think there was smoke coming off my pencil from writing so fast.

Line

I do a presentation at a group & inquire what can be made with a line? That feelings can be made with lines. I demo what an angry line looks like, silly or lazy lines. I'll show some art from Joan Miro. I'll ask the children what the lines are feeling???(of the shown art)

I'll read the book...The Straight Line Wonder by: Mem Fox or Harold & The Purple Crayon

Shelf Work: My Character Line Book. This little booklet is in a basket with 1 colored pencil so to focus on the lines created by emotion. I do put a sample of a booklet so that some of the younger children can copy if so inclined.

The purpose being that art begins with a line. That emotion creates art. My next post will be the second line lesson. If you are interested in a PDF of the character line book...drop a line.

You can see what's coming??

2008-09-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

He is so darn cute, anyway!!!

Peaceful days & it's Day 2

2008-09-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

We've just completed our second day & I'm very pleased to see the children being so independent. They love the tile side area...Practical life, Art, & Sensorial. This year I have many young ones...fortunately, I know most of them from working in the Toddler room (a couple days). I love the yoga work. It is near the Peace Corner. The children take the mat & mimic the poses.
A special THANK YOU to Meg @ sewliberated...the pictures are a hit. When the director walks by her heart melts watching the peaceful poses :). Also, today in the mail I received my If Peace Is...book recommended by Montessori Mama. I can't wait to read it tomorrow. I love the blogging world..what wonderful ideas I've received from other Montessorians. Anyone going to any conferences this fall?

All the prep is over...the fun begins

2008-09-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Practical Life...some faves are on the bottom shelf. There is baby washing & place setting. I love art. I teach the Elements of Art at the beginning of the year. So I intro lots of artist...then I get specific with a monthly artist. In the pic are cutting,gluing,punching (thanks for that idea Laura), pencil sharping, & since our class is named The Blooming Cactus...there is gluing flowers on a cactus cutout. I wanted something special to represent our class. Also, I have rock crayons & rock painting since that'll be themed for the beginning of all art...Cave Art!!
This is Geography. I made individual continent boxes...inside them are a continent punching, 3 part cards, & objects that represent that continent. Thanks Lorie @www.montessoriforveryone.com for that idea. Also, I made with my friend Hilary, landforms with sandpaper. I'm excited to see how the children will like them.
Children love this area..even if they don't know how to read.
And of course, the peace corner (more like...area)..there's a personal CD player with peaceful music, pictures, a globe, & a box with a special music box inside that I use on the first day of school with my silence lesson. Tomorrow is the first day...

What a morning?

2008-08-26T21:15:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day of school. Notice who is happier to go!! Off they went in their new outfits. Isaiah more trendy & Kobe was sending a message for perspective friends. He's a Star Wars fan. One enjoyed their day more than the other, can you guess?

Mom: "Kobe, line up with your class & I'll take your picture."

Kobe: "I don't want to go!"

Mom: "Smile, Kobe!"

(Moments of his first morning)

Now the work begins...

2008-08-18T12:48:00.001-07:00

I haven't been sleeping well lately...mostly because of this. The baby will wake up in the middle of the night & I'm up for good. I'm training other teachers & I want to get everything ready. Our school allows 20 kids per class with 2 teachers. Let's start with Sensorial...

Can you believe I forgot to take a picture of the third shelf? Jeez..

I really am impressed by the simplicity of this area. The concepts go way deeper than face value. :) I love how it prepares the child for math (using sets of 10 & geometry) & language/writing skills (pincer grasp). What's great about this area is all ages love it? The younger will explore, while the older child who has master alot of these materials will create further extensions. I've had children use both set of rods & all knobless cylinders to create a large & beautiful pyramid. These materials teach the child alone. I show how to respect it & give it language.

Happy baby

2008-08-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Look at that happy face! He is on the move...he doesn't crawl but army pulls. That's the reason for dirty shirt.

These pictures are for a book we are making for him. It's to show concepts using pictures of Jonas. I saw this idea from Montessori Mama. I loved the idea, so thank you. This is for the concepts of near & far.

Are you like us?

2008-08-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

2007 Trick o' Treat Party..Party again this year!!!

Probably so...We have a small collection of costumes that the boys are growing out of. I am planning at my school in the fall a costume swap. I believe that other parents will benefit from the trade. So if you are interested, you can post...I'll try to have pictures up soon of our collection. I will donate the rest. Can you believe we are already planning ahead? The fall is one of the busiest times of the year & add a vacation...I need to be planning ahead.

Waste not, give some

2008-08-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

This year, our school will be participating in a recycling program. When the children are done with their juice pouches, we will be sending them to Terracycle to create bags. They will become super cute Capri Sun bags that are sold on Target.com. The children at MCA & my own love to help reduce. Without sounding too green trendy...:)

A busy mommy finishes something???

2008-08-01T13:41:00.001-07:00

Since I've had the baby, I wanted to read more. So I just finished this great book. Actually, I've read 3 of Nicholas Sparks' books plus another book since Jonas came along. (I'm patting myself on the back) All mothers know its very hard unless you make the time to finish anything. I recommend it highly. It's very sweet & not graphic.

Toothfairies & Growing Up

2008-07-26T22:34:00.000-07:00

Our almost 8 year old is finally starting to lose some teeth. He lost his third one on Thursday evening. And while it was worth a mini celebration, Isaiah had another idea. Off to bed, toothfairy visited because Isaiah found his dollar & confronted his Dad. "It was you, I pretend sleep, and I saw you"...."There's no toothfairy." And with that announcement...He looked differently to me...like he was growing up too fast. He already told his younger brother the news..but vowed to not spill the beans for anyone at school. We told him he was now part of a secret society that knows special information. What else could we do? I wasn't fond of the toothfairy thing to begin with. But when he lost that first tooth, he was excited to get that special visit. I must say a part of me is relieved to not have to pretend anymore...what's next??? The Christmas Secret of a special visitor...I'm sure it will.

Recycled Crayons

2008-07-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

I recently saw this on a blog & I love it...I almost gave away all of our old crayons until I came upon this idea..thanks. You can have your kids help...I won't say they love it, but they like to see the ending result. You have to tear off the wrappers & put as many into a muffin tin. Depending on how deep the tins are will determine the time. Spray cooking spray first before you add the crayons. Bake at 275 degrees..for 5-15 minutes. We did some really cute pumpkin ones for the fall.

Also, I've been working alot on my classroom for the fall. I hope to have pictures posted soon.

chore chart..different

2008-07-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

I came across this picture on how to do chores...i liked it so much that I tweeked it to work in the classroom. In the past, children would choose their chore for the week...leaving the not so desirable ones to the younger children. I really like the randomness of it all. You can definately use it at home as well.

Look at those Q-T's

2008-07-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

Snack,anyone?

2008-07-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a creative way to get your children to eat healthy? I saw this on a Montessori site & I can't wait to use it with the boys & with my classroom. Since they have to serve their own snacks, I might as well have different choices. The ideas are endless...use a smaller muffin tin & use it instead of a plate for a meal...I love it!!

Our Summer Trip & Mommy's Vacation

2008-07-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

We went to California & for the first time visited Legoland. The boys enjoyed themselves. Kobe is very much into Lego Indiana Jones. The boys went on most of the rides with their daddy. It left me with the baby & plenty of time to enjoy a good book. This was a quick read & very good. I've always appreciated different perspectives on life lessons.

Welcome to Blogging!

2008-07-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

This is a great image. The boys like it & so do I. We are very new to all this technology.