To Bethlehem and Back, Twice!

Wild, wild fun for Isabella, Olivia and Lexi

One of our favorite houses in Sleepy Hollow

It was a magical night.

Eric stokes the fire by pulling on a rope attached to a pulley that opens the bellows.

Eric pounds some leather

Eric sharpens a knife

Camels had to be parked outside the City Walls

The Roman soldiers were less than friendly

Last week I learned of a church in Manhattan Beach that hosts a program called "Journey to Bethlehem".  The program runs from Friday, December 5th to  Sunday, December 7th.  Apparently the event is very popular and crowded.  Through the homeschool association, we were invited to a special preview night on Thursday.  Doug was working late that night, and we were very sad to go with out him.  Something told me that it would be worth making the trip even without Daddy. 

The kids and I arrived as the doors were opening and we waited in a very long line.  Finally, we entered Bethlehem.  First, some kind travelers shared their wealth with us.  They gave each of us a handful of shekels to help us on our journey.  Next we saw a camel.  Eric was excited to pet him.  Then, we were stopped by three wise and learned men who told us that a miracle was taking place that very night.  As we continued into the center of town to be counted for the census, we were stopped by some fierce Roman Guards who demanded that we pay our taxes to Caesar.  Once inside the center of the city, we saw artisans and tradesman, food stalls (luckily we had some shekels left), dancers, storytellers, beggars and children herding sheep through the streets.  It was quite an array.  We stayed for quite a while enjoying all that the city had to offer.  Suddenly, an angel appeared and told us that the Savior was born.  We set off to find the new baby.  Finally, we found a lowly stable with a sweet family sheltered there.  They shared with us some of their story, and we got to see and pay our respects to the Christ child.  

We had such a special and fun night, we just couldn't tell Daddy enough about it.  He insisted that we return again as a family on Saturday.  We also invited some close friends to join us.  We enjoyed the second night in Bethlehem even more.  Right after returning from from our second trip, we drove a few miles to "Sleepy Hollow" (a neighborhood in Torrance renowned for it's beautiful Christmas light displays).  We caravaned through the neighborhood with children hanging out of the sunroofs (everyone was driving about 3mph).  Many people were enjoying the amazing light display on foot.  Shouts of "Merry Christmas" rang out up and down the streets.  Finally we tandem parked and said our goodbyes.  We also exchanged children so that we could each leave with our families intact and lawfully restrained.  

If we weren't in the Christmas spirit before, we sure are now!

Socceropolis

Just after his second birthday, Eric saw some kids having a great time at a soccer camp at the park near our house.  He was dying to join in the fun.  I talked with the coaches, and they said they take kids as young as two at their weekly classes.  Socceropolis is a non-competitive skill building soccer workshop.  Eric is nearing the end of his second eight week session.  It is an hour of solid drills, with several water breaks.  The players get quite a workout.  Eric loves it.  His focus is pretty remarkable.

Eric was disappointed that he only scored two goals during the scrimmage.

Eric really likes his coach, "Coach Milton".  He and his wife Valerie have run these amazing soccer classes and camps in Santa Monica for fifteen years.

The little soccer players await instructions by sitting on their soccer balls.

Olivia and Conrad enjoy some crackers, while Eric is on the field.

Noah's Ark

On Thursday we visited The Skirball Center.  They have an amazing, interactive Noah's Ark exhibit.  We really enjoyed the experience (so much so that we were the last to leave).  

Eric and Olivia played for hours on the Ark.

There was a great baby area with adorable little animal blocks.  Conrad loved it.  He's ready to be down and playing now.

Here is a shot of Conrad eating a lion for lunch.

Extra, Extra Read All About It!

Here is the scoop:

Olivia has a blog!  

Conrad - Six Months Old

Here is Conrad at LA School of Gymnastics, during the kids' classes today.  He seems interested in the rousing political discussion I am having with Kimber Scott (an old LA 1st friend whose daughter is in the same class as Eric). Olivia snapped this cute picture.

My Hair - Before and After

Friday night during trick-or-treating.

After the reunion, Saturday night.

I got my hair cut Saturday in preparation for the LA 1st Ward Year 2000 Reunion.  I always know it's time, when I've worn a ponytail for several weeks straight.

The reunion was amazing.  If I look tired in the "After" pic, it's because we were out sans kids until after 1am.  Oh, but what a night.  I can't quite put across in this post, how much fun I had seeing people that I hadn't seen in seven years (along with those we see often).  We caught up and talked about the old days and laughed and laughed.  It was a perfect night.  

As a mother of young children, I am not in my most social time of life.  I put so much into taking care of my family, and am learning so much as a mother.  That said, I also really enjoy a good party!  

It's Halloween! It's Halloween!

For the last five years we have hosted four families for dinner and trick-or-treating on Halloween Night at our place.  This year we broke with tradition.  

We spent the glorious night in Santa Monica, hosted by the Christensen's.  As our families grow (now seven kids and four babies under one [babies not pictured]) our Halloween procession has become quite a sight.  We made our way from Shawna and Jared's place on 4th Street to 16th Street, stopping at all the shops along the way.  Soon we were ready to hit some houses, so we turned up 16th toward San Vicente.  Just as the front runners of our group made their way to the houses with the FULL SIZE CANDY BARS, people started dropping like flies.  Feet were aching, and some of the kids (and adults) just couldn't go on.  Doug and Jared coordinated vehicular transport, and we all made it safely home.  Back at home base, we enjoyed chili and homemade apple pie.  

After dinner, the kids played as if it was the last night on earth.  We called it a night just after 10 o'clock.  As we drove home, Eric whispered, "I love Halloween, Mommy".

AT the Trunk or Treat

My neighbor got a shot of the reluctant skeleton, the ballroom dancer (ooo-la-la) and the invisible man at the trunk or treat.  Thanks, Krystal!  Click on the picture for a better view.

After the Ward Trunk or Treat

Doug , Eric and Olivia attended the ward trunk or treat tonight.  I failed to get pictures until after the post-party, candy induced trance (Olivia) and coma (Eric) set in.  Olivia was a ballroom dancer and Eric was an incredibly elaborate skeleton (yes, I worked really hard on THAT one).  Doug was the invisible man...and thus impossible to capture on film.  No, he really was the invisible man, but he unbandaged his face before I could get a shot of him.  Apparently ace bandage over your entire head is not that comfortable.  I'll do better with pics on Halloween, I hope!

Watercolors

Many people have expressed interest in learning more about the "how" of our homeschooling adventure.  Learning (and living) as a family is always a work in progress.  Going forward, I will try to share pieces of our journey as frequently as I can.

Undertaking the challenge of learning with my children, has started me on a new path as a mother.  I have always been interested in how people truly learn, and fascinated by many different educational philosophies.  Suddenly now, I have the opportunity to put my favorite ideas into practice in my home.  Most of what we are doing falls under the umbrella of "unschooling".  I will write more about what this means in future posts.  That said, my favorite aspects of several educational theories guide me as I create an enriched environment in which my children live and learn.

The Reggio Amelia theory of early childhood education (3 - 6) emphasizes many beautiful ideas: emergent curriculum, the teacher as a partner in learning and discovery, and the documentation of the children's work, thoughts and ideas.  I am particularly inspired by the emphasis placed on art within this philosophy.  Each Reggio school has it's own staff art specialist, and even very young children work with 'real' art materials.  Rather than a handful of tempera colors (available at most traditional preschools), children attending Reggio schools have access to an extensive collection of art supplies including a full and varied palette of colors.   I am trying to emulate this aspect of the curriculum by steadily expanding the range of art supplies I have available to the children.

On Friday the kids asked to work with watercolors.  Here are some shots of what they created.

A new take on an old classic

2 cups whole organic milk

2 cups water

2 cups oats

real maple syrup 

Golden Roasted Milled Flax Seed with blueberries (from Trader Joe's)

Combine water and milk in sauce pan, and bring to a boil.  Stir in oats, and turn off heat.  Cover for fifteen minutes.  Stir in a little pure maple syrup for some sweetness.  Sprinkle with the flax seed mixture and serve.  

For the kids I added a splash of cold milk and called the flax seed powder "magic fairy dust".  Olivia did point out that growing up healthy and strong is not actually magic, but both kids gobbled it up.

Eric had soccer this morning.  As we watched him practice his soccer skills, Olivia and Conrad cuddled up on the blanket.  I am by no means a great photographer, but blogging has made me want to make a better effort at family photography.  This quick shot came out so sweetly.  I was actually surprised.  

Teething Helper #2

Meet Sophie, the giraffe.  Before I listened to my sister and utilized her wonderful necklace (see previous post), I wandered into the Pump Station and asked for the best teether around.  A great teething toy must be both fun to chew and easy to grab and hold.  I was referred to this squeaky giraffe named "Sophie".  She is made in the French Alps of all natural rubber and nontoxic paint.  Again, I was a bit skeptical, and felt strange buying what seemed to be a fancy dog toy for my baby.  My friends at the store assured me that this was the best teether ever, so home we went.  It turns out Sophie is unlike any other teething toy we've tried - very easy to grab and hold.  Conrad loves her (and so do we).

Teething Helper #1

My lovely sister, Rachel, shares many of my interests and pursuits.  We talk often about parenting, education, gentle discipline and the many other aspects of family life (mundane and weighty).  When Rachel's daughter Scarlett was teething, Rachel discovered "Amber Teething Necklaces".  These necklaces are made of certified baltic amber and have natural anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the wearers tender gums.  Apparently, Scarlett was greatly soothed by wearing her necklace.  

At the time of Conrad's birth, Rachel sent me a necklace for each of my children (she didn't want the non-teethers to be left out).  I was grateful and saved Conrad's necklace for a needful moment.  The time came, and the little guy was chomping everything in sight.  I kept mentioning his teething challenges to my sister, who patiently urged me to "put his necklace on him".  I can't say exactly why I delayed.  I guess I was a tiny bit skeptical that a mineral worn around the neck could really make much of an impact.  Well....I WAS WRONG!!!  I put his necklace on him a few days ago, and it's been smooth sailing ever since.  Thanks Rachel!

Family Bed - Sunday afternoon

Eric and Conrad napping peacefully.  I could come up with a clever, informative or lengthy post...or just join the boys for a nap.  I am afraid the nap wins!

Happy 3rd Birthday Eric!

Does he look like he likes his skateboard?

Waiting for his birthday present

Olivia playing "Ode to Joy" for the party entertainment

Go, Eric, go!

The big moment!

Olivia made this centerpiece for the party table

Doug and Conrad

Eric, Staci and Olivia

Today between conference sessions we had Eric's 3rd birthday party.  Here are some of the highlights.

Legoland with Daddy

Doug and the kids spent one last day at Legoland before our passes expired.  Olivia and Eric built lego cars and other items in a workshop.  They all enjoyed the newly open "Adventureland".  The highlight of the day was Eric finally driving the race cars independently.  This was a privilege he had awaited for an entire year (min. driving age is 3).  His lucky day had finally arrived.  After one shaky lap around the track, it all clicked and he really "put the pedal to the medal" for three more super fast, cut throat laps.

KidSpace

We had some fun at KidSpace Children's Museum this week with the Atkinson's.  The top picture shows Freya, Oliva and Halle under the waterfall.  The Middle shot shows Donovin and Eric splashing in the stream.  And last, we see Olivia and Halle enjoying the "electrifying" entry hall.

Conrad - almost five months

Conrad is at the stage where he is visibly cuter and bigger by the day.  His most interesting characteristic is his incredible appetite for real food.  He demands copious amounts of whatever we are eating and will reject the breast in favor of table food at family meal times.  This is quite a switch from Eric (who wouldn't even look at food until around one year).   Proof that every child is truly unique!

Lazy Days of Summer

The kids and I spent many days in outdoor spots around LA this summer.  One of our favorites was the LA County Arboretum in Arcadia.  As a little girl, it was my favorite place to go with my Aunt Christina.  Sharing it with my kids was very fun (Aunt Christina even came along with us once).  The other two pictures are of the kids resting in the great outdoors.  Eric is under a statue of a prehistoric sloth (La Brea Tar Pits), and Olivia is wrapped in Michelle's blanket at Playa Vista Park.