Monday, December 22, 2008

2nd (and 1st!) Nursemaid's Elbow

Well, tonight was a second (and first) for me. A couple of weeks ago, one of my nursing staff asked me, "Can you see a two year old with a broken elbow?" I said that I could, as long as it was a non-operative fracture. Well, the father brought the little girl in, and the x-rays were taken before I got in the room. I reviewed them, and there was no fracture that I could appreciate... I went in the room to evaluate the patient, and found a cute little girl sitting there with her elbow partially flexed and hand pronated. A quick supination and flex later, I heard a satisfying "pop" and told Dad, "I'll be back in a few minutes." When I came back in, Dad had a big smile on his face, and the patient was climbing up on the stool using her previously useless arm. I explained she had a Nursemaid's Elbow, which occurs when the annular ligament slips between the humerus and the radial head. After it's reduced, the patient regains use of the arm quickly (within 10 minutes usually but it sometimes takes 30 minutes to return to full use) and are as good as new. There are few things I get to do that are as quickly satisfying.

Well, tonight, as I was getting Jax ready to go to bed, he started to pitch a fit while I was holding his left arm. He went to sit down, I went to pick him up, and I felt a "pop." He cried out and I looked- yep, his arm was flexed and pronated. I picked him up, flexed and supinated him, and heard another "click." Five minutes later, he was as good as new. However, it's not as satisfying when you're the cause of it in the first place... Hopefully, that's my last family reduction- if Jax continues the way he is, however, I somehow doubt it.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Christmas Train

Last year Calen and I spent a day making a gingerbread Christmas train. We had fun making the gingerbread dough, cutting out the shapes, baking them, putting the train together and decorating it. It also tasted yummy. None of us were fans of gingerbread cookies until we tried them homemade.

This year we decided to do it again; it just took longer. The pieces were baked on Friday, but this weekend we had so much going on we didn't get to work on it. So finally this morning I decided to postpone our lessons to finish our train (homeschooling's awesome). Besides the assembly process is several lessons in itself (life's cool that way).


It took a while to get some of the pieces to stay put because royal icing can be very finicky, but we persevered and added more icing. After they had dried for a few minutes, Calen began to decorate the cars. He did a great job, and he can be a stickler for details (we have no idea were he gets it, haha). The train turned out great, and a couple wheels have already been sampled by some cookie monsters.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Shhh..I'm hunting wabbits.

Well, not really. Jax is more like that wascally wabbit. He turned 15 months the end of November. At his check-up he weighed in at a solid 27 pounds. He is two inches shorter and five pounds heavier than Calen was. While Calen was long and skinny, Jax is short and stocky. We call him Tank or Dozer a lot. He just plows right into and over everything, often leaving a path of destruction. His legs resemble small tree trunks.

Everyday Jax is doing something new. He has a vocabulary of about 30 words that we know; he also has his own language. We seldom have any idea as to what he is jabbering on about. After a few days of paying close attention to his speech, I realized he would often repeat the same "words" or "phrases." I'm trying t0 match a particular word or phrase to what he is doing or what he wants. It's not very easy. The pediatrician told me that Calen will pick up on the lingo sooner and will probably be able to help. Riley will probably be in on this secret language if it continues over the next several months. Us parents could get left out of the loop. Sigh...

Last week, Jax discovered something fun (aside from the Christmas tree). He has come to find there is great joy to be had in being sneaky. He will now "hit the deck" and crawl past us in an attempt to get somewhere or something he shouldn't. He will cover his mouth if he giggles uncontrollably at something. He will also flatten (best as he can) against the wall around the corner from mom or dad. If we discover him, he will quickly cast his eye downwards towards the floor. If he can't see us then it stands to reason we can't see him. You can see the little corners of his lips turned upward as he tries to stand very still and very quiet.

Jax has also taken to hiding things. Last week he was following me towards his room when I noticed he had stopped and turned back to the kitchen. I called him a few times with no luck. I walked back to the kitchen, and he was standing with his back towards me. I said, "Jackson," at which point he spun around with one of Calen's new toys in hand. As his eyes locked on mine, he quickly threw the hand holding the toy behind his back. He just looked at me and smiled as if to say, "Hey. I'm just hanging out doing nothing." There he stood with that incredibly cute grin and a hand behind his back.

Another sneaky trick that he tried last week on Danny had me almost in tears. This is one of those "Where is the video camera when you need it?!" moments. Danny was sitting on the couch downstairs. Next to the couch is Danny's cue stick rack. Jax keep trying to walk past Danny to get to the rack so he could pull all the cue sticks off into the floor. Every time he would try to get past, Danny would hold out his arm to block him. After a few unsuccessful attempts to get past Danny, Jax finally looked at Danny and then pointed up to a picture hanging on the wall. Danny brought it back from a Peru mission trip, and it has a couple llamas on it. Jax would point and jabber. Danny would look up and say something about the picture and look back a Jax. After a few times, I told to Danny to just keep looking up at the llamas. As Danny kept looking up at the wall, Jax turned around and pressed his back against the wall with arms spread out hugging the wall. With his eyes closely watching Danny, he took a big step sideways, squatting slightly, stood up and did it again until he was at the corner near the rack. Where DO they learn these things?

First Snow

While there are so many people, places and things we miss in Greenwood and Winston-Salem, we love being back home. The seasons here are wonderful. As we approach winter, we had our "first" snow on December 1st. We have actually had several days with flurries here and there since October 27th. None of them have stuck to the ground.

The boys have been so excited to see so many days with flurries. Calen is like me and loves to just sit and watch it, especially since he hasn't seen very many. This particular day, we had had flurries on and off. I happened to look out the window later that afternoon and see that the ground was a little white. I gathered up the boys and outside we went. This was Jax's first experience with snow, and he loved it! Calen helped him make his first snow angel.

Those first flurries bring excitement and anticipation of snow angels, snowball fights, snowmen and sledding. While it wasn't by any means a lot of snow, we were happy and thankful for it. We pray to more to come. A White Christmas would be nice.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Our New Home...

After Jessica's Thanksgiving post, I realized that we had not posted any pictures of our new home. As she mentioned, we feel as if this is the home that was meant for us at this time. Once we knew that we were coming to Greeneville, she did a wonderful job searching for a home that would be a fit for each of us. We needed lots of room for the kids, plenty of yard for them to play and grow in, as well as room for homeschooling and, of course, for my Man-Cave (lol). Greeneville is not a very big town, and there were not a large number of large homes for sale. Jessica spent a couple of weekends looking over homes, particularly in one marathon Saturday with our wonderful realtor (who may not have realized what he was getting himself into), and then brought my father and I along the next weekend to finalize the choice. There was no doubt this one was it once we had seen the others. A few hours later, after some extensive conversations between the two realtors, the home was ours.


At this point, we seem to have settled in nicely. Of course, any home has to be decorated for the holidays, and Jessica had a plan in mind for how she wanted our new house to appear for its 1st Christmas with the Lewis household. She has a wonderful sense of style and country grace, and she visualized things beautifully. It has a simple yet elegant look... I love how it turned out!


Just so everyone is aware, we have two large porches (symmetric on each side of the home) that are very inviting for company (hint hint- we'd love to have any of you up for a visit!) Jessica will be adding country style rocking chairs and a couple porch swings in the spring. If you come there will be lemonade and some cookies.

And, just for the Garretts and Spruills this Holiday season, I left out pictures of my Volunteer items from my Man Cave. Of course, not that anyone would want to brag about being a UT fan right about now...

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Reasons for Giving Thanks

This time a year allows us to reflect upon all the things for which we should be grateful. There are so many things great and small to be thankful for that the list is endless. We, here in our household, are often not as thankful as we should be or even thankful often enough for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. The last few years have really reminded me to be thankful for the good times and the bad (even the bad times can often times be a blessing in disguise), for the blessings I've had, and for the blessings to come.


Here's our top 10 Reasons for Giving Thanks this year.

1. Our children: Riley will be one month old on Thanksgiving Day. We are so blessed and thankful for our little surprise. She is sleeping and growing well, and loves to be cuddled. Jax will 15 months old on the 30th. He is a ball of fire that keeps us on our toes. He will be able to keep us young and die of a heart attack at the same time. Calen is zooming towards his 6th birthday. He is growing up more and more everyday. We can't believe how big our first baby is.

2. Homeschooling: What a blessing it has been for our family. We love almost everything about this time together. We are thankful for the good times and the bad (there is probably more to be learned during the bad times anyway...) At the end of this week we will have completed 1/3 of our school year. Calen would be thankful if he no longer had to do copywork or handwriting. These subjects are the majority of those bad times that really are a blessing in disguise. He'll thank me later... maybe.

3. Family: It has been nice to be back home in TN closer to family. I like not having to schedule extended periods to come visit. I enjoy being able to have our families over for their birthdays and cook them dinner and their favorite desserts.

4. Friends: How fortunate we are to have so many wonderful people in our lives! There are many that we don't communicate with as much as we would like, but we are still thankful for their part in our lives. God has blessed us by putting each one of you in our lives when and where we truly needed you, and for that we are thankful.

5. New Home: I truly believe this is the house we were meant to buy at this time. It had almost everything on my wish list. It has a large yard for the kids to play, bedrooms large enough for most of the kids' things, a finished basement that was completed with a homeschool area (THE selling point), a kitchen that has lots of cabinets, pantries, and counter space, and welcoming porches were you can seat, swing, sip tea or lemonade, nibble cookies and chat the day away if you have the time.

6. New Job: Danny's job is going very well so far. He's enjoying being free from the vigors and restrictions of residency and fellowship, and he's enjoying establishing his own practice style. His Sports Medicine clinic are expanding nicely, particularly for a location that has never had Sports Medicine before, and he's picking up new patients rapidly in his Family Medicine clinics (there's 11 new patients on the schedule for tomorrow so far). He's working with Tusculum College, and is beginning to get involved with teaching residents and medical students again. He's very thankful to be at a hospital where he feels a vital part of the system, and to be in a practice where it's not only all right to talk about God and Faith- it's expected to be part of his practice.

7. Freedom: We are so blessed to live in a country in which we are free to do pretty much as we please. The benefits are vast, but the cost is pricey. We are able to come and go as we please, get an education, attend the church of our choosing (or not), and speak our thoughts and opinions. It is often taken for granted without much thought of our we obtained it and how we keep it. Please pray and keep our troops in mind this holiday season, and thank a soldier and their families if you can.

Xerox is doing something awesome for our soliders. Follow this link, pick out a card, Xerox will print it and send it to a solider in Iraq. http://www.letssaythanks.com/

8. Eight and 9 are a combination of thanksgivings and blessings. On November 12th, Calen accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. In recent months, his questions and discussions about God and Jesus had become more detailed. He began to worry and fret about things that most children do not think about such as dying and the Rapture. Although he has always been a thinker and a worrier, it seemed more intense. We thought the Lord could be working on his young heart. He had also been asking how you got saved, when you knew to get saved, and so on. That night we were talking about something spiritual although the specific topic escapes me. We were in the car waiting on Danny. When Danny got in I told him that Calen had said he "couldn't wait to get saved." Calen then said with a cracking voice that he wanted to get saved but didn't know how. We told him would be talk and pray when we got home. He chose the couch for this special moment. We couldn't wait for that Sunday when we as a family joined the church, and Calen stood in front by himself to tell everyone that he had accepted Jesus into his life. He also couldn't wait to be Bapitized.

9. Calen (and Mom) are Bapitized. On the morning of November 23rd, Calen and I were Bapitized together. Although I have been a Christian for 15-16 years, I have not been Bapitized. For months I had been telling Danny that I needed to get Bapitized before Calen (I had a feeling he was getting close). In fact, on November 5th I had talked with a friend about it and said that we would be joining the church after the New Year and I had to get Bapitized before Calen. The next Wednesday Calen was saved and wanted to be Bapitized immediately. It is humbling to be reminded that God's plans for our lives are better than the ones we had. That leds me to the most important thing to be thankful for this (and every) season.




















10. Our Heavenly Father. I am thankful for His grace, love, strength and mercy. I love that He tells us that with Him all things are possible, apart from Him we can do nothing, and that if we let Him he will lighten our burdens and set us free. I am thankful for His gift of salvation. It is truly a gift, and it can not be bought or earned. All we have to do is accept it and be thankful.

Hope you all have a day of being Happy Giving Thanks!
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessaonians 5:18

Friday, November 14, 2008

I Hate Picture Day

Well, we've survived the week. Danny went back to work on Monday, and Calen and I began our second quarter of school. All has went well until today... picture day. This afternoon we had the kids' Christmas pictures taken. Well, actually, we attempted to have pictures taken. We settled on ones that would work. It took almost two hours including settling on the pictures we wanted.

I'm not sure what happens on picture day, but it is a day of stress and chaos. No matter how diligent I am, schedules are off as well as the kids behavior. It doesn't matter when I schedule to have pictures taken- one or more will be tired, cranky, hungry, thirsty, silly, sick, wet, dirty... (the list goes on and on). This session brought even more challenges because it required the cooperation of three children.

Calen is still in his cheese phase, but even if he starts out with his beautiful natural smile, it is strained by the time Jax is somewhat in the pictures. Jax, oh my, that child is all over the place. He can not sit or stand still for one second. His beautiful natural smile is seen walking directly towards the camera, climbing the chairs, trying to open the present props, or throwing the ornaments. Hey, they look like balls. As for the presents, after a birthday under his belt he knows what to do to that pretty little bow.

On top of Jax's antics was the lovely carpet burn to his forehead and gash to his eyelid. I tried to explain the the traditional Christmas colors are red and green not black and blue. He has had one accident after another since I booked the appointment earlier in the week. Thankfully his busted lip had healed, and he hadn't lost any teeth. Riley is not quite three weeks old, but she was not in the Christmas spirit during most of the picture taking. We did capture one picture of her dosing in the beginning and another with her eyes open. She looked absolutely beautiful after the session was done and we were picking out pictures to purchase.

So picture day is over for another few months. I hate picture day. Maybe the Christmas pictures in 2011 will go well. Calen will almost nine, Jax will be four, and Riley will be three. Unless... but I'm not going to go there right now. I hope to one day enjoy picture day again.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Green Eyed Monsters

Well, jealousy has descended upon the Lewis household with Riley at the center of it. However, it is not over mom's or dad's attention, but between Calen and Jax affections for their sister. Riley's love and attention has become a mini battle ground between her two brothers.

If Jax is holding Riley, then Calen will snatch her away all the while Jax is screaming at the top of his lungs. If Calen is hugging and kissing on Riley then Jax is screaming and trying to nudge his head in there so he too can love on his sister. There is screaming, and pushing, and nudging, and pulling, and smacking. Their eyes light up at the sight of little Riley, but darken when one is too close for the other's comfort.

Mom says that my sister and I were like this with our little brother. She has the pictures to prove it. One shows me holding Justin while Amanda sits beside us red-faced and screaming. We don't yet have pictures since I'm usually trying to make sure Riley is not injured or disturbed during these disputes. With Danny and I both around, it doesn't tend to happen as often or be as loud and physical than if it were just me. If there are two of us then we can generally distract either Calen or Jax.

We are so blessed that they adore their baby sister. I'm sure the "newness" of it all will eventually wear off. Until then, we'll just grin and bear it. Love can sure be brutal sometimes.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Where the Wild Things Are

How time flies! We welcomed Riley into the world a week ago today. It is so hard to believe that seven days have passed already. She is doing so well and even sleeping pretty good, although 3:30 AM is her social hour.
Riley and I came home from the hospital last Wednesday. Mom brought the boys over for a few hours to see their sister. I can not begin to tell you how much they love her. So far we've not seen one ounce of jealousy from either one. Calen was here just a few minutes until he climbed on the couch begging to hold her. While he was holding her, he gave us his blessing for another sibling. He had done the same with Jax, but I wasn't sure he would be this enthusiastic with two little ones. I was wrong. Jax was equally enthusiastic about his baby sister. He also wanted to hold her and keep running to whoever had her saying, "Sissy" "Sissy" over and over. Calen was a little sad to have to leave when it was time.


On Friday, Mom again brought the boys over for a few hours to visit so we could see them in their Halloween costumes. We went out for lunch, and while there Calen had to go to the bathroom. Before we headed to the restroom I asked Calen to pick up Jax's sippy cup because I couldn't bend over too well. On the way Calen made the comment that "You never know how many children God will give you." I told him that yes, that was true. As he went into the bathroom stall he was still talking about babies. I asked what if God gave him 10 more babies. "That's fine," he said. "What about 20 more?" I asked. "That'll be okay too, " he replied. Then I said, "What if God gave you so many brothers and sisters that you could only have one present at Christmas?" From the bathroom stall there was a brief pause, then a solemn, "Well, I don't know about that." Just thought I'd give him a different perspective...




Saturday, Mom brought the boys home- no visits this time! I had to go change Riley's diaper, and Danny was preparing Jax for a nap when Calen came into the room. "Do you have to be an adult to get married?" he asked. "Yes. Why?" Danny and I replied at the same time as we glanced sideways at each other. With Calen you never know exactly where the conversation is headed. "I can't wait to grow and get married." he said. Danny and I again looked at each other a little shocked. "I hope I grow up soon because I can't wait to get married. I hope I find a pregnant one quick!" he said. At this Danny and I both pretty much lost it. Maybe its time we start to discuss with some more detail how these babies are made.

Calen is also a sensitive soul. He kept my sister up on Tuesday night worrying about breastfeeding, getting enough to eat, if Riley will get to go to Heaven, and all sorts of other ponderings. He has also come to tears several times over the thoughts of Riley turning one, Riley growing up, Riley not being so cute once she gets bigger, Riley getting married, Riley having a baby. The things he thinks about astonishing. He worries over things most five year olds could care less about.
Overall, the adjustments home have gone well for Calen and Jax. Jax has a bilateral ear infection so he's a little whiny, but overall in good spirits. Saturday night was a little rough for him to go to sleep. Then the time changed, and he was up earlier than normal. Sundays are also rough for him because he is such a creature of habit. Yesterday and last night and tonight went much smoother. Calen adjusts fairly quickly at this point in his life. Danny and I feel so blessed that they are so in love with their little sister. I kind of feel sorry for the guys who will come calling in the future between her Daddy and two big brothers.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Happy Birthday Riley!

Yesterday morning we welcomed Riley Elizabeth to the world after months of anticipation (and some inpatience on my part). This pregnancy seemed to last forever; however, it only appeared that way because it ran together with Jax's. I have been pregnant for 18 of the past 22 months! These morning my uterus is relieved although sore.

Riley was certainly not an easy pregnancy although there weren't any complications (well, major medical ones). She spent most of her time breach and transverse so when I was standing up it felt like she was going to fall out at any moment. After 35 weeks she decided to get into the proper position. This put her right up under my ribcage. The past week and half I was uncomfortable to sit and lean forward even the slightest amount. I felt dizzy, light-headed, and as though I was going to pass out. Now I'm just doing the "old lady shuffle" as I move about the room.



It was very frustrating to go into labor the night of my scheduled c-section! I labored for seven hours until it was bumped up an hour. Not only do my abs hurt, but my back, sides, and shoulders do also. Yesterday my jaw hurt from gritting my teeth that last hour. There were times I forgot to breathe the pain was so intense. Having had two previous c-sections, the worst labor I could have had was back labor and lower uternine contractions. Well, that's what I had, and with every contraction my uterus felt like it was going to explode.



They finally gave me something for pain, but I was carted off to the OR about 15 minutes later. Now I was drugged off my butt. I tried really hard to concentrate on what everyone was telling me and to participate in the conversation while at least trying to sound like I had some intelligence. My eye lids felt like dead weights. I managed to stay awake until Danny took Riley to the nursery. I dosed in and out why they cleaned me up and put me back together.

All in all everything was great to be unexpected and unplanned- just the way our family likes.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Famous Last Words...

Jessica and I went to visit one of my dearest neighbors from my childhood yesterday, as she made us a beautiful quilt for Riley. As we were leaving, Jessica and she were discussing labor, and Jessica said, and I quote...
"I'm not going into labor. I could take off and head to California tonight, and I'd be fine."
We came home and prepped the house and went to bed. Around 1:15, I was awakened by Jessica moaning softly. Now, it's not been unusual for Jessica to be moaning with reflux or other assorted maladies recently. I sleepingly said, "Jessica, go to sleep... Have to be at hospital... four hours."
Imagine how awake I was when she said, "I've been contracting every 2-3 minutes for one and a half hours." No more dreams for me! Over the next coulple of hours, she began to have some bloody show and continued to contract, with increasing pain. Needless to say, we came to the hospital sooner than we were scheduled to arrive!
Long story short.... Jessica progressed through the first stage of labor and lost her mucus plug when the MD decided to bump up the C-section start time. Therefore, at 7:46 AM, Riley Elizabeth arrived!
Riley Elizabeth Lewis
Oct 27, 2008 at 7:46 AM
7 lb 13 oz
20 1/4 inches
Mother and baby are doing great, and Big Brother #1 and #2 couldn't be prouder...

"See, Jackson? You do it like this..." "Wow! She's smaller than me!"

Riley Elizabeth and Big Brother #2


The New and Improved Lewis Family

More pics to come as I get them loaded...




Sunday, October 26, 2008

Waiting with Bated Breath...

After months of anticipation, the day is almost upon us... At 5:30 AM, Mommy and I will depart for the hospital, and, if all goes well, will welcome you into the world a couple of hours later. It seems like only yesterday that we were undergoing the same preparations for your older brother. Of course, it doesn't seem to be that long ago that we were sitting in the doctor's office being told that we were going to the hospital to welcome your eldest brother. My, how the almost six years since have flown by... your brothers are both awaiting your appearance, as are a multitude of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and curious friends and family. Of course, your wonderful Mommy, who has undergone more struggles than any of us in awaiting your presentations, will be the most joyous Mother in the hospital, I'm sure...
I'm thankful for the gift that God is going to bestow upon us with your presence, particularly given the struggles that we went through while waiting for Jackson. There is no doubt that God has a plan for each and every one of us, and that we must be patient and prayerfully await His promises. While I am sure there will be difficulties in raising two siblings 13 months apart, I'm even more sure that the blessings and benefits will far outweigh the burdens.

Your oldest brother helping to prepare your room

Your new crib...


Miss Riley Elizabeth, I can't wait to meet you!

Love, Daddy


Saturday, October 25, 2008

Miscellaneous Musings

You know, we should work more at blogging on a more regular schedule, rather than in bursts of activity. Oh well... I thought I'd catch everyone up on a few things that have happened recently. I'm sure that they'll be several blogs dedicated to Riley (including one in the next few minutes...), so I thought I'd dedicate this one to the other two lights of our life.

Calen and I attended a Father-Son Campout with our Sunday School class a few weekends ago. We were camping at Paint Creek, which is on the fringe of Greene County. Turns out that, between the foilage, distance, and the weather, Daddy couldn't get his pages, even though he was on call- Uh oh! Thankfully, we were able to drive out and get one of my partners to agree to cover for the rest of the night. It was rainy and a little cold; however, we had a great time and can't wait to go back.





Speaking of Calen...
He just finished his first organized sports season, as he played on the rowdy Red Rockets soccer team in the YMCA Fall Soccer League. His team was the youngest one in the league, and, at times, it showed. There are seven boys in the picture above, which was our average attendance even with a team of 10 or 12 kids overall. I was pressed into service as a volunteer coach most games, in spite of my not even knowing the positions on the field. Turns out it was ok-- none of the kids knew where to go either! The Red Rockets won once, tied once, and had lots of fun the other eight games.... no one kept score, but yet, somehow, everyone knew who won or lost.... Calen scored one goal and spent quite a bit of time at goalie, which he seems to love. Looks like the Indoor Winter League is next...


We also recently, as a family, went to Myers Pumpkin Patch here in Greeneville. Just a tip to all the guys-- don't trust your wife's directions if she's pregnant. Jessica diligently wrote down directions to the Patch-- but forgot to put mileage. Approximately 20 miles out of our way, we realized we'd passed the road we needed to turn on.... oh well. We made it and had a great time going through the Easy and Moderate corn mazes (only got turned around really good once!), taking a hay ride, and then roasting hot dogs and Smores over a campfire...


As for Jax, he's either climbing anywhere or everywhere, or he's....




Eating. This boy, for the last few months, could outeat his brother- seriously. He seems to have slowed down some recently... good thing, or I don't know if we'd have been able to keep him fed. Here he is reating a Chicken Wing on the left, and enjoying his first taste of Kool Whip below....





A Memorable Milestone


We've done it!!! Calen and I just completed the first quarter of our first year of homeschooling. It is hard to believe that it has been nine weeks so we began this amazing and awesome journey. We were so excited as his read the last story in his reader, and we were all smiles as we packed up all our books to put away for his two week break.

Not a minute after putting the books into the cabinet, Calen said, "I can't wait 'til we start our new books next." YAY! Neither can I! We've had such a great time learning together.

Let me just say that Calen is not only a wonderful son, but a fantastic student. He makes the job easy for me (unless that "Y" chromosome is acting up). Calen is also a kinestic learner, although we're not sure where it comes from because Danny nor I am not. Anyway, on those days he needs to have his hands busy to listen so play-doh, clay, blocks, or even a pen can help him focus. Although, it drives me secretly crazy (well, maybe the craziness isn't much of secret...but whatever).

We will be starting back on November 10th for our second quarter and even more homeschooling adventures as this time I'll two little ones to work with!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Homeschooling=Family Education

There once was a time (during my public instruction) that I opposed homeschooling. I bought into all the myths and fallacies surrounding the weird world of “those” people. I was taught that only “teachers” can teach. However, God placed it upon my heart that this was the path that He willed for my family- to become one of “those." What a blessing and joy homeschooling can be. It can also be frustrating and maddening, but I have lots of opportunities to practice patience. Homeschooling provides an atmosphere for all of us, as a family, to learn together. I believe through homeschooling, Danny and I are constantly being challenged and continuing our own educations.

My Philosophy of Education…

In a nut shell, I believe that a child's learning thrives when they are in a safe and encouraging environment where they are free to explore. Children need ample amounts of play (including lots of free play) and one-on-one interaction. Children have different interests, abilities, and learning styles. It is essential that they be respected as individuals and that the “teacher” be willing and able to use a variety of different techniques. They should have a diet rich in literature, learning about history should be exciting just as it actually was, and math should be practical. School and learning should mimic real life and be as hands-on as possible. The most important things your children will ever learn are not found in textbooks.

This philosophy hasn’t changed since I was an education major in college. Every early childhood major had something similar. Sadly, we (in the public arena) often lacked the time, energy, and resources in achieve our ideal classroom. There wasn’t time to cater to every individual since there were 25-35 children in a class. However, I now realize that homeschooling is EXACTLY the way the experts tell us to teach! Every component to what is considered the most ideal and perfect learning environment is found right at home! What a freeing and joyful realization that is!

Why Homeschool?

Before I begin, I believe that homeschooling is NOT for everyone. However, I also believe that there are wonderful families that are missing out on this incredible journey for a variety of factors.

There are several reasons homeschooling is right for us. First and foremost because it is God’s desire for us to so. Secondly, Calen would be bored in traditional schools and get into trouble (more so than here at home). In fact, I believe that within a few weeks the teacher would call us in for a conference to explain that he had ADD and needs to be medicated. He doesn’t really (although at times…) Third, I want to teach him to be a child of God and incorporate that into his education. Fourth, I want our family to grow closer. Fifth, I want to experience learning new things and relearning old things with my children. I want to see the lights come on when they “get it." I want to see their excitement and their frustration. I want to truly get to know my children. How excited I am to be able to revisit the “boring” material from my old textbooks with new insight. School is going to rock this time around!

All children are unique individuals. They have different personalities, preferences, and learning styles. There isn’t a "one size fits all" solution to raising children- including siblings. Soapbox: Why do we feel the need to force children into some prefabricated mold? Homeschooling provides us with the liberty to train each child in to the way that is best for him or her.

In all, homeschooling allows parents to truly bring up a child in the way he/she should go. You can accomplish more academically with your children and customize the curriculum and learning environment for each child. Homeschooling allows you to use a variety of different approaches, to enhance your family relationships and provide guided, positive social interactions, all in a safe and loving environment. After all, who, here on Earth, knows and loves your children more than you?

Myths and Facts about Homeschooling

A parent should be a certified teacher in order to educate their own children properly? A background in teaching is not necessary; in fact, "home educated students' test scores remained between the 80th and 90th percentiles, whether their mothers had a college degree or did not complete high school." I can tell you (being a certified teacher) that it is completely unnecessary. I’m still deprogramming myself in some areas. Not only can parents be a major part of their child’s education, it is their ultimate responsibility.

Homeschooling prevents original thought, ideas, and opinions. This is one argument that “experts” believe to be a legitimate reason to firmly regulate homeschooling. There are several that admit that they wish to prevent parents from having authority over their child’s education. They argue that if the government doesn’t intervene then homeschooled children will never learn about or be exposed to competing or alternative ways of life. Soapbox: Hmmm, how does standardized public education and tests that are presented in a water-downed curriculum deprived of inspiration, excitement, and joy build individual thoughts and ideas when the thoughts and ideas are already presented to them? Homeschooling, to the contrary, encourages and respects original thought, quality work, and values individuality. While we instill our values and beliefs into our children, it is equally important that they know not only what they believe but why. The world is brought forth not only in knowledge but the understanding of that knowledge.

Children who are homeschooled lack socialization. This is a complete myth. Children are in constant socialization with their parents, siblings, extended families, and whomever they encounter on a day to day basis. In fact, they are exposed to more positive interactions because they are able to avoid negative and destructive socialization with peers. Soapbox: I’m sorry but there are some people (including children) that I do not want my children around. I want to protect their hearts, self-worth, and self-esteem. I chose to expose them to better, healthier socialization! That being said, let’s truly look at the point of socialization. When children go off to school they are in a classroom consisting of children whom are all the same age. They sit at their desks and only speak when they raise their hand to ask or answer a question. They have about 20 minutes at lunch (some schools don’t allow the children to talk) about 30 minutes of recess (some schools have also cut out this time). So when do the children actually socialize? How many of you can recall the teacher saying something to the effect, “No more talking, we’re not here to socialize"? Now, think for a moment, when in the real world, after the children complete high school do they ever encounter another environment such as this? Will they work with only people their age? Will they have to raise their hands before speaking? Public schools are really an artificial environment that postpones real life experiences and the very experiences necessary to succeed in life.

What the research shows…
  • The home-educated typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
  • Homeschool students score above average on achievement tests regardless of their parents' level of formal education or their family's household income.
  • Whether homeschool parents were ever certified teachers is not related to their children's academic achievement.
  • Degree of state control and regulation of homeschooling is not related to academic achievement.
  • Home-educated students typically score above average on the SAT and ACT tests that colleges consider for admissions.
  • Homeschool students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges.
  • By grade eight, the average homeschooled student performs four grade levels above their public and private school counterparts
  • The home-educated are doing well, typically above average, on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development. Research measures include peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem.
  • Homeschool students are regularly engaged in social and educational activities outside their homes and with people other than their nuclear-family members. They are commonly involved in activities such as field trips, scouting, 4-H, political drives, church ministry, sports teams, and community volunteer work.
  • 94% of homeschoolers keep the faith and 93% continue to attend church after the high school years. But a shocking 75% to 85% of Christian children sent to public school drop out of church, and do not hold a Christian worldview after high school graduation
  • Adults that were homeschooled participate in local community service more frequently than does the general population, vote and attend public meetings more frequently than the general population
  • The home-educated go to and succeed at college at an equal or higher rate than the general population.


The above findings are extensively documented in one or more resources; but can be found at http://www.nheri.org/

Monday, September 1, 2008

Not To Be Left Out

Calen celebrated his fifth birthday in February. He is quite the party planner and usually has his birthday parties planned out six months in advance. This year was no different. Before Jax was even born he had decided he wanted a Knight, Dragon, and Castle party. He has an impressive collection of plastic swords and other knight apparel (do knights have apparel?). Anyway... Here he is the morning of his party.








He also decided he wanted a castle cake. After much researching and discussion it became clear he wanted a "real" castle cake. In the end mommy decided she would make it herself. It only took 17 hours. This was also the event that caused me to go take the pregnancy test. It was positive.


He had a great time with his friends. As we waited for all of our guests to arrive, we played with a castle set. After everyone was ready I told the children that it took a long time to become a knight. Children started out around age 5 or 6 as a page. Then when they were teenagers they became a squire. And finally, after proving themselves worthy they would be knighted.



As pages, the children went on a quest to find the king's treasure that had been stolen by a troll. I left riddles on a "troll footstep" for the children to find. Once they figured out the riddle they went to the location were they found another clue (and a prize). If they were successful in their journey they would become a squire.



After successfully locating the king's treasure, they enjoyed a nice reward (chocolate coins) and became squires. We held a tournament to test their skills.

They jousted

They threw javelins

They tested spearing

They each received a medal for their skills. After working up a hearty appetite, the squires enjoyed a meal of chicken leg, ham and roast beef sandwiches, and some fruit and veggies. After the meal they were informed that the dragon's lair had been found. If they could destroy the dragon then they would become knights. They found the dragon (a pinata) and destroyed it. Although it was quite a feat on the part of everyone's (adults included) part.


After the dragon's demise, we had a knighting ceremony where Danny, the king, knighted the children. Sir Calen opened his gifts and the day was done. Next year, pirates! Yep, he's currently planning his next party. (And Riley's will be flowers)


Jax played the jester.

Happy 1st Birthday




It is hard to believe that a year has already gone by! Yesterday was Jackson's first birthday. He has grown so much over the last year. We celebrated with our families. Calen, the ever ready party planner, decided several months ago (maybe right before Jax was born) that he would have a John Deere tractor party. Easy enough! We all had a great time eating, vistiting, and watching the little ones play.
My mom had Jax's cake made for him. It was awesome. We added the tractors, animals, windmill, and water barrel for decoration. Let me just say, this cake was delicious.




Here are pictures of
the side and the
top of the cake.





I made Jax's cake for him to enjoy and destroy. However, he didn't destroy it at all! He set right in to methodically eating it one tractor part at a time. We ended up taking it from him because we didn't want him to get sick!



So, here is the birthday boy celebrating his birthday!

Papaw!!!! When will the hotdogs be done?

Nope, I will not share my pizza!





Uh-oh, not good, where's the food?


Say! I like sugar! I do! I like it Mom and Dad!


I think I can, I think I can.
Next year we'll be entering him
in the Nathan's hot dog eating
contest!
Watch out Josh!


Got milk? Give it to me!!



Cool!
I made the water change colors! Mommy had to rinse me off, clean the tub, then clean me.


Friday, August 29, 2008

Speaking of Jax...

Now, you may be wondering about Jax. Well, he currently has two moods- happy and NOT happy. There isn’t a middle ground with him. He's happiest with food or other items in his mouth... He'll eat just about anything, including mushrooms, cabbage, and onions. His fruit he prefers in a dessert- banana pudding, strawberry pie, peach cobbler.... that still counts? Right?

Jax playing the part of the family pet when he doesn't have his pacifier



He's happiest with foods that are messy...

When he’s sweet he’s very, very sweet and when he’s rotten he’s very, very rotten. I really hope that whoever is peeing in his Cheerios will stop because his smiles and laughter are contagious. The grumps can also be contagious but they're not as much fun.






See? Told you....



Jax prefers his Cheerios in the floor... two days old if he can find them...



He is walking along now without hardly any problems.... if only he can figure out he has to be steady on his feet before he can take off running.... he's growing up so fast! (Like my "Go Big Orange!" diaper cover, Dawg fans?)

Jax thinks it's ALL his...