Creative Kids

I've often felt a twinge of guilt because I don't do more artsy stuff with my kids. I'd like to be, but am not the type of mom who has a whole art center with an unending supply of paper, pens, crayons, paint, glitter, glue, tape, stickers, pipe cleaner, and whatever other stuff is needed to make some amazing craft when inspiration hits. Even with my experience in teaching Sabbath school, doing a craft at the end of the lesson was never my strong point.

But, despite my inadequacies here, my kids are still learning to be creative and have avenues of self-expression. They never cease to amaze me with the things they come up with. As much as I may dislike their collection of "junk" I'm super proud of them for being able to see something of "no value" and turn it into something they prize highly.

Exhibit A: They created a "trailer" for their bikes using rope and boxes. They transport whatever they want now with ease, including taking out the trash for me! Instead of carrying their heavy roller skates to the tennis courts, now they can just load them in their trailer and bike over.

Exhibit B: They made these little "beds" out of a tire. I had to spoil their fun by explaining that their beloved blankets, pillows and stuffed animals would get filthy outside and stained black from the tires. Though I love their creativity, too often I spoil their fun :(

Exhibit C: The maintenance guy, who my kids affectionately call "Happy Jim" (he's always very chipper and friendly) gave them a board that has a road painted on it so they can drive their cars around. Instead, they turned it into a table with these construction cones as table legs. Now they have their very own tea party table. They dug these plates and cups out of the trash too. (Yes there's a big dumpster near by which they frequent). 

As much as they love store bought toys, they often tire of them within a few days and are on to creating their own inventions using common "junk". For example, they found some Mardi Gras beads and used them to make a strap for a purse (a plastic bag) so they can transport their "Kiwis"

 They found this dolly in the trash too and rescued it. Omega didn't like it's hair so she put a "sock cap" on it (in the Midwest where David is from, they call beanies sock caps). So, literally, she is wearing a sock on her head decorated with bows. The dolly, which Omega named Amber, is joining them for their picnic lunch.

 

I've been eager for our house to sell so I can officially start homeschooling. But, praise the Lord, at least my kids are still learning, despite any formal, structured teaching schedule. They may not be learning to print neatly yet, but they are learning to think, to create, to problem solve, to work as a team, to explore and dream.

I don't want my kids to collect clutter, but I do want them to experience the truthfulness of this quote:

 "Nothing that can be utilized should be thrown away. This will require wisdom, and forethought, and constant care. It has been presented to me that the inability to save, in little things, is one reason why so many families suffer for lack of the necessities of life." CG 135

Camping Easter weekend

We got to go camping at Bass Lake this past weekend. There were 16 people total, utilizing 3 sites. Friday afternoon, everyone set up their tents and ate a supper of hot dogs, tofu sandwich spread and sliced watermelon. As it became Sabbath, we sang songs and had worship on 1 Corinthians 15, seeing the importance of believing in the resurrection. 

On Sabbath morning, after a delicious breakfast of overnight oats (oats and nuts soaked in pineapple juice with cut fruit added in the morning) and muffins we began our "Sabbath School." I was in charge of planning the spiritual activities and wanted to do something that would be meaningful and enjoyable for the children. Too often my kids whisper to me in church asking, "Mom, when will he be done?" They sit quietly just waiting for it to be over. Though I know there are probably tidbits they hear and comprehend, overall, they don't seem to be getting much out of church yet.  So, after a good hunt on Pinterest I found an idea I thought would work. My mom gave me some Easter eggs and inside I put an object that represented Jesus' last days of life, his death and resurrection. David hid the 12 eggs around the campsites.

 I began by explaining that the Jews thought they had the truth. They were entrusted the "oracles of God" and assumed they had a correct understanding. Their arrogance became their snare.The disciples were overwhelmed with disappointment because they thought Jesus was going to deliver them from the Romans. In light of this, I encouraged that as they seek for the eggs, to think of how they need to continue seeking truth in God's word, not ever resting content in their understanding of things. As we learned in 1 Corinthians, 15:1-2 "Moreover brethren I declare unto you the gospel...By which also are ye saved, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." Its important to study and restudy things, especially the gospel. 

After all the eggs were found, the kids opened one at a time and everyone guessed what the item represented in the "Easter Story." Then, they put them in chronological order on top of the guitar. 

1. Donkey - Jesus riding into Jerusalem the Sunday before his resurrection.

2. Tortilla - The last supper (Thursday evening)

3. 3 dimes - 30 pieces of silver that Judas received from turning Jesus over to the Pharisees.

4. A small teacup - In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed, "if it be possible let this cup pass from me"

5. Rope - the rope that Jesus was bound with as they arrested him.

6. Feather - the rooster that crowed after Peter denied Jesus 3 times.

7. Purple cloth - the robe the soldiers put on Jesus to mock him as "King of the Jews."

8. Nail - Jesus getting nailed to the cross.

9. Sponge - When the soldiers offered Jesus vinegar to numb his pain.

10. Sword - the spear they used to pierce Jesus to make sure he was dead. 

11. Rock and gauze - The stone they rolled in front of the tomb and the cloth they wrapped Jesus in

12. Empty egg - The empty tomb because he resurrected.

After that, we split into 4 groups and each group could pick one of the stories represented by an object and discuss the story, imagining what they would see, smell, taste, touch and hear if they were there. Then the group created their story using nature. I got this brilliant idea from my teacher at SOULS West (when I was a student). She is STILL full of brilliant ideas and is always doing fun things with her children. You can check out her blog here!

Here is the scene my group did. We chose to study the denial of Peter. After reading all four accounts in the gospels, we discussed it and created this "courtyard" out of stick and a fire pit out of rocks and pine needles. The "rooster" is a pine cone with a green feather sitting on the "wall" made out of bark.

Here A.J is recapping to the entire group what their small group discussed about the crucifixion of Christ.

This is their nature scene. If you look closely, you'll see a cross, a soldier offering vinegar on a sponge, people watching (sticks) and Satan (the hunched over spiky stick).

Omega and Heidi are showing the group their resurrection scene. They created a little hut that was the disciples house, then on the other side was a tomb made out of rocks and ferns.

Here is the "tomb"

After a short thought from David for "church" we at lunch (oat burgers or avocado sandwiches with all the fixin's) and then headed out for a nature walk at Lewis Creek.

I thought it was adorable that Savannah and Orion held hands along the hike. She has a gift for motivating.
















At the end we were rewarded with a beautiful waterfall.

 Though some preferred to enjoy the rocks above.

 Fittingly, at the end of our trail was this semi tomb-like rock. If there were just a little more of an overhang, it would have been perfect. :)

The water was cold, but refreshing!












When we got back to camp we ate supper (Option of taco salad or bread/muffins and spreads and fruit). While we ate we each shared one thing we saw in nature that reminded us of the death, burial and/or resurrection of Jesus. It was such a blessing to hear how God spoke through nature to each person differently. We sang some songs and prayed to close the Sabbath.

Then some of us roasted vegan marshmallows to make smores. The kids enjoyed playing with glow sticks and we all chatted around the fire until bedtime.

Sunday morning, after taking down our tents we had a short worship where those who wanted to could share a snippet of what they studied for their devotions, we sang and had a popcorn prayer. Then we ate granola with fruit, breads and spreads for breakfast.

On Saturday evening my kids begged me to wake them up when I woke up so they could spend more time with Savannah and Heidi who are earlier risers. I tried waking Orion up, but he just wouldn't wake up. Once he woke up and heard Omega playing with the Krick kids, he accusingly whined, "Mom! Why didn't you wake me up?!" I tried to explain it to him, but David invited him to snuggle and and get warm to comfort him in his distress. He stayed there for quite awhile actually, totally forgetting about playing with Savannah and Heidi. As fun as friends are, Daddy is still Orion's hero.

By the way, for my family reading this who are anticipating our June Family Reunion, these camp sites even have flushable toilets with sinks!

I'm not sure how the group felt about an Easter Egg hunt on Sabbath (maybe too Pagan?) but in light of the following quotes, I felt it was appropriate.

"I saw that our holidays should not be spent in patterning after the world, yet they should not be passed by unnoticed, for this will bring dissatisfaction to our children...We have tried earnestly to make the holidays as interesting as possible to the youth and children, while changing this order of things. Our object has been to keep them away from scenes of amusement among unbelievers...(472)

When you have a holiday, make it a pleasant and happy day for your children, and make it also a pleasant day for the poor and the afflicted. Do not let the day pass without bringing thanksgiving and thank offerings to Jesus. (AH 476)

Besides doing a communion service, does anyone have other ideas for future years to come on how to make "Easter" an interesting, pleasant day for children and the poor and afflicted? I'm interested in your opinions!

Glowing

One thing I really like about being in Fresno is the friendships my kids have the opportunity to develop. My kids get absolutely giddy at the thought of hanging out with Savannah and Heidi. 

This Sabbath after potluck we handed out Great Controversies at some apartments and then went to a parking lot and put GLOW tracks on the driver's side door handle. Omega LOVED it because she felt like she was being sneaky. 

This is a picture of the kids at the apartments, sorting  their GLOW into equal piles. 

Heidi has had more experience doing this because the Clovis church had a huge emphasis on handing out GLOW for about two years. She was a great coach to Omega, telling her to run faster and showing her how to hustle.

 This is what it looks like, in action.

And here is the "de-brief." 

A new chapter of life

I don't write on my blog here as often as I would like, but here's a little update.

About mid January David left for Fresno. I only lasted about a week and a half without him. It was surprisingly very stressful to not have him around. I had a hard time sleeping because I couldn't cuddle with him, and I think what made it so hard was not knowing how long our separation would last. After getting a new realtor and some other things in place, I took off with the kids to Fresno too. We went from our spacious 4 bedroom house to a 5th wheel. Here's where we've been staying.

It's a bit cramped but I'm thankful we are together.

The thing I miss most is my kitchen. We have a small fridge, not much cupboard space and certainly not a lot of counter space.

Here's a visual comparison of my huge kitchen in Willcox, compared to our little trailer. I know, I know. I'm lucky to have "first world problems."

I didn't bring my Vitamix (what was I thinking!?) and I'm not sure how to work the oven so no baking. I miss eating cornbread, biscuits and gravy and smoothies.

I also miss Marilyn's bread and free organic tomatoes and other farm fresh produce (although being here we've had all you can eat oranges! and farm fresh produce is on it's way). I miss the quietness (we are right next to an airport where loud jets scream through the air, and a train loves to chime and where traffic never stops).

I miss going to the bathroom without having to walk somewhere (there is no septic tank here) and take showers privately (we take showers at the gym).

I'm thankful to be together, so I don't want to come across as ungrateful. But I do keep praying for our house to sell and spend a few minutes here and there scouring realtor.com for hope of an affordable home in the country that's within 30 minutes of the academy.

 But all things work together for good and because of our circumstances, we get to have a picnic every day!

We eat outside on the picnic tables for lunch and supper usually. The table in the fifth wheel serves as our desk and we have our laptops on it most of the time.

The kids LOVE it here. They play outside all day. They ride their bikes, play in the dirt, watch David work, help sometimes and just occupy themselves quite happily. They have become proficient dumpster divers too. There is a dumpster on campus that they particularly love finding toys in. They are always bringing home "treasures" they found.

 They play in the dirt a lot. Here is one of the great "projects" they've been engineering. They dug a trench starting from where the hose can reach and then it flows like a little stream where they built a beaver's home. There is one swamp where a crocodile and a hippo live. There is one pond where a frog lives. There is an ocean where sea animals live. And there is a lake where  fish live and there is a tunnel they made and on the other side are ducks. They set up their cows and other land animals all along the edge of the stream.

Orion found those welding glasses in the auto shop that is now the farm building. They fit him perfectly so he feels really manly. What's really funny is the whole combo of welding glasses, safety glasses and that cheap necklace...another one of their "treasures".

I don't now what's with Orion sticking his tongue out. Photogophobia I suppose.


Anyway, that's all I can update for now.

Grocery Stats

Was going to post this on facebook, but decided to post it here:

Fun facts from our year's spending (yes I'm a Geek and record EVERYTHING! I like statistics, what can I say?) Here goes with my analysis: I spent as much on butter and vegenaise as I did on beans this year ($170). I spent twice as much on fruit as vegetables (thanks to getting lots of produce from the farm/wish we had mature fruit trees!), if we built a high tunnel for $350 where we could grow bell peppers, lettuce, onions, potatoes, zucchini and sweet potato only, it would pay itself off in a year). I spent as much money on avocados throughout the year as I did on cantaloupe during the summer (around $105) (a result of not having a garden this summer!), if I could make my own tofu, I could save about $100 a year, if I could bake my own bread I'd save a lot of money ($520!) which gives incentive to buy a grain grinder and fancy Kitchen aid dough mixer...but only after I read "Wheat Belly" and decide if I should invest in Kitchen Toys that are mainly used for wheat. If I went oil free, I'd save $200 a year, I spent as much on sea salt as I did on sugar ($62). If David had several hives of bees that were productive and provided us lots of honey we could save $125. We could never grow enough peanuts to satiate our love of peanut butter, nor would it be worth it ($163).

Orion's 6th birthday

December 25, 2013

I know I’m 23 days past due, but I’d like to give a review of Orion’s growth over this past year.

He still plays dolls with Omega but it’s becoming less and less interesting to him. You can tell from the following pictures that it's Omega who usually comes up with the ideas of what to play...

His masculinity is definitely starting to be more noticeable. He loves cars, trucks, tractors and trains. Often on Sunday mornings he’ll say with a sweet yet desperate voice, “Daddy, will you play cars with me?” He has started to notice that he's not quite like Omega and I. He really needs male influences and fellowship. I'm glad David takes his role seriously and makes time to teach him manly things and be a godly role model Orion can imitate.

I'll be honest. David really knows how to help Orion much better than I. I want to get the book "Love and Respect in the Home" by Emmerson Eggerich so I can learn how to show respect to Orion.

This is what he does when he gets to decide what to play.

Little by little he is gaining more independence and personality apart from Omega. So far he’s been her little parrot. We still have a hard time in worship when we ask a question, Omega is first to answer and then he just repeats what she says. When we started homeschooling (translate: Doing one hour of phonics per day), Orion didn’t know what to do with himself. He was unbearably lonely and at a loss for what he could do that would be fun by himself. Now, he’s a little more comfortable without Omega but still definitely prefers to play with her. Bottom line: They're best friends.

Favorites –

• They both look forward to staying in hotels because they like going swimming, and it’s especially fun when Daddy gets to play with them.
• His favorite toys are kiwi’s (little stuffed animals) and cars/tractors.
• He loves riding bikes. We finally got him a bike that fits his legs and which the chain doesn’t fall off. When we went to SOULS they spent the week biking around the loop.
•  One of Omega’s favorite past times is listening to me read her a story. Orion’s not quite as fond of that unless there are pictures. I think the books I’m trying to read are over his head and he can’t follow along. I need to be sensitive to that. But, he does love watching you tube videos with Daddy. They watch the Discovery channel “How It’s Made” a lot. And they watch videos about helicopters and motorcycles too.

Linguistic Quirks–

·         He can say his R’s now. I think this development happened sometime in the summer. So, no more baby pronunciations. Some words are still cute, like “amblueyence” and “breakfrist”

·         Tonight I heard him copying something David says frequently, “Bad day” like in the context of an accident and you say, “Oh…bad day for that guy!” And, I’ve also heard him copy something I say, “Oh dear!”

·         He’s been having more and more control over his emotions and verbal expressions when he doesn’t get what he wants or someone crosses him. More and more he actually pauses and says, “Mom I’m having a hard time with Omega, can you help me?” instead of getting angry. 

·         One of his oft repeated sayings is “Mom, I’m hungry.” (usually about 30 minutes before it’s time to eat)

 Bedtime – Our bedtime rituals have evolved yet again. Usually I read a story on Omega’s bed with my head on the feet side so I don’t get sleepy. They snuggle on each side of me, and they have particular sides they always go on.  After that I have talky/play snuggle time with each of them (5 minutes) and then “huggy/kissy snuggle” where I pet their face and “do their back.” Recently, after I’ve left the room and said goodnight they’ll call me and say they’re scared. I go back into pray with them and lay next to them for a few minutes until they fall asleep. What are they scared of? A few months ago we had an illegal come barreling into our driveway at full speed and circled our house, then weaved around the garage and barn and flew through “garden #2”, breaking several T posts. It was rather frightening for her and ever since then she doesn’t want to go into a room by herself. Our neighbor’s car also got stolen by illegals while they were at church and the intern guys’ house got food and shoes stolen from them while they were at work. We’ve had just a few too many incidents with illegals and we are eager to move. For the play-snuggle time Orion usually wants me to play “Kiwi’s” with him or cars.

Eating habits –

•  He still likes desserts.
• He actually really likes salad too, as long as it has “yeast flakes dressing.” They like that on their rice too (It’s a simple recipe with oil, lemon, braggs, yeast flakes and peanut butter).
• Biscuits and gravy is a favorite food as well as cornbread.
• They both like plain cheerios with soymilk and of course they could eat toast with butter and yeast flakes and fruit for every meal and be very happy.
• They love popsicles, even water popsicles if we don’t have any juice or smoothie.
• He REALLY likes banana ice cream (just frozen banana blended in the Vitamix with no water.)
• He likes helping me in the kitchen as long as I let him taste test things. He’s usually hungry before anyone else and will readily help if he perceives there is something to much on while he does it (especially popcorn on Friday night).
• Lately they’ve really enjoyed eating on the counters. 

I let them sit up there when I’m getting their breakfast ready and sometimes we’ll just stay there and they’ll eat while I clean up the kitchen (I usually eat breakfast before they wake up). Then at supper, since David and I have stopped eating then, they just stay in the kitchen instead of going to the dining room table to eat. It just feels more cozy and laid back to sit on a counter. It’s easier to clean up too.

Last year I prayed that Orion would develop a servant’s heart. I bought him tractor pajama’s because I wanted to be reminded to pray for him to work hard like a tractor. Since then I've become a little more organized in regard to chores. I read a book called “Managers of their Chores” which gave me a little more direction and motivation for how to implement expectations and see them followed through. (“You can only expect what you inspect” was a little gem I picked up in that book!) I need to do a little more tweaking but as far as “chores” go, he makes his bed, gets dressed, puts his pajama’s away, turns off the salt rock night light, unloads the dishwasher, washes dishes, wipes the table, cleans up toys, and helps with meal prep throughout the course of the day. You may read this and feel really impressed, but let me tell you, this too is still a work in progress. It takes a lot of prodding, and a hovering presence to see that it gets done. I’m still learning how to motivate and instruct without getting impatient. Playing while he works is still so irresistible.

One of the activities we came up with to teach work ethic was “Little Helper’s Kitchen.” We basically turned our dining room into a restaurant and sewed matching aprons and a created a menu that people could order from. We have showed it to church family and neighbors and they order a week in advance so I can get the right ingredients. The kids help me make the food and then when the customer’s show up, they open the door, greet them, show them to their seat and fill their water cups. They bring them a menu, take their order and then serve their food. When they are done they clear the table, give them their check and provide change if needed. Then they help me clean up the kitchen when the customer leaves. So far we’ve earned $125 from three sets of customers!

This next year I’m continuing to pray for a strong work ethic. “The very best legacy which parents can leave their children is a knowledge of useful labor and the example of a life characterized by disinterested benevolence” {AH 390.1} If by God’s grace he can learn to work hard and do it cheerfully, without complaining or delaying, I will feel like a very successful mother. I really want to look for opportunities this next year to serve others. My kids MUST experience the joy of service regularly and habitually. I need to make it happen more frequently.