misc catch-up--special days:

Lots going on this time of year, between school, special events, and life in general.  

It's crunch time for the elementary school literacy project I'm helping coordinate.  We are expecting about 80 kindergarteners and their families.  Prayers are appreciated!  I'm very excited, nervous, tired, busy, encouraged--basically feeling quite alive right now.  :)  Having a church be welcomed on the campus of a local elementary school is no small thing to me.  

Some have asked if my kids go to the school and if that's why I am helping run the event.  No, but I do feel connected to those students.  Some people have also been surprised when I tell them I homeschool.  So why, they ask, would I be interested in the project?  Well, homeschooling doesn't mean I shy away from public schools.  I've worked with our school district for Lucas' evaluations and IEP.  We are also in a public school homeschool program (which is uncommon).  We're still planning for Naomi to enter public school in the fifth grade.  However, even if that weren't the case, I believe strongly in this outreach.  

At church, they showed our promotion video for the event, and I was surprised at the end when people clapped.  I would have been less surprised if they'd laughed!  I think it was obvious I was nervous in the video, so they were probably just being encouraging.  Manny was encouraging as well. 

That night we also went to a simple small group worship/campfire at church.  Isaac and Lucas were mesmerized by the fire, and all the kids enjoyed making and eating their s'mores.  I had one, too.  Manny is just too tired on Sunday nights, so we usually don't make plans.  He sort of checked out after a while, but at least he went.

I took a friend out for her birthday when the older two were in class.  She's had quite a year.  My intent is to encourage those who seem to need it, but more often I find myself encouraged by how they exude joy and goodwill despite circumstances.  They also struggle, as we all do, and I learn a lot from them in that way as well.  I don't think I'm that great of a friend, but I try to show that I care.

That Saturday, Naomi and I also took a jaunt to a cafe to grab some lunch to go.  I think she needs that, or at least she enjoys being able to talk to me without interruption and eating some of the foods only we like (in this case, we split a chicken pesto pannini).  We also brought back some baked goods for Manny and Lucas.

We've started our weekly community dinners and groups at church, although I was in the nursery for the first two weeks.  Naomi is in a dance worship class which she really enjoys, and Lucas is actually in the preschool class again, because the older kids' group is a little too old for him.  Isaac is tired but usually does pretty well, as long as he has his nap.  We wish Manny could make it, but it runs too early for his schedule these days.

Naomi dressed up like a pirate for Pirate Day at K.rispy Kreme, and we got a dozen free donuts out of it.  Our DIY pirate outfit from vacation came in handy!  They offered us two extra free donuts since we can get a free one for talking like a pirate, but I turned it down!  We're sort of a family that accepts freebies with great moderation.  Like at events where kids fill up a bag or box with candy, Lucas will only take a couple, maybe four or five if I coax him.  At many stores, the candy is strategically placed where you wait for the registers.  Last week, I had all three ask me for candy at the craft store, and I had to say no, and they all put the candy back and didn't whine or beg or argue.  Of course that made me want to buy it for them, but in the long run, this will help them more in life.  I had other issues, like Isaac wanting to run around the store, and sometimes wishing I didn't have to take all the kids on every errand or to appointments/meetings, but they're fairly sweet kids, and I'm very thankful for them.  

Last Saturday, I also attended our Women's "Speed Meeting," where we were given five minutes to get to know some other ladies one-on-one.  I actually learned a lot in those five minutes with each person.  I wish I had more time, actually.  Then we had a nice lunch, and I headed home to prepare to take the kids to a birthday party at the park.  Actually, it was for Naomi's friend, so only she was there for the majority of it.  They got to run in the water--I guess they turned it on despite the drought.  I took the boys with me to drop her off and pick her up.  The boys got to eat and play a little when we came to pick her up, and they really liked stepping in the puddles (the water spouts had been on that day).  I had to wrestle Isaac into the car, because he didn't want to leave.

With a lot going on every day, and Isaac being so picky or sometimes needing me nearby to nap, I find it challenging to prepare three meals and two snacks every day.  It helps if the kids can help, but for a while there I was just opening packages or even resorting to fast food on occasion.  But I'm working to get us back to better meals.  I've simplified a little, and I've also found that (unless it's in the slow cooker), these "easy" freeze-ahead casseroles and dishes with a lot of ingredients are actually more work than some of the more healthful options.  Manny isn't into creamy sauces at all, so if I make something like that, I'll end up eating the majority of the fat.  I also don't have someone to watch the kids while I do all that prep and clean-up, so really I've decided the fewer the ingredients, the more pure and the easier it'll be.

Birthday lunch with M.  Isaac actually ate 2/3 of that huge bowl of pasta and olive oil.

Roasting marshmallows!

Ahoy, matey!  Free donuts for me lassy!

Happy birthday to another M!

Naomi having no trouble making new friends.

Lucas has been waiting so long to get on a swing again.

Isaac having fun, too.  I had to push both boys, but we found swings next to each other.

Wow, agua!

Simple--chicken stir fry (pre-cut veggies), tofu, roasted kale, and rice.

Simple--steak, baby broccoli in oyster sauce, pasta.

video rooms and night blooms:

Last Friday after school, I took the kids to church for another meeting for our project.  To promote the event, we met with our media guy to go over the project and plan out a video announcement.  

My co-coordinator has been a huge help despite having limited time as well.  On the day of our "shoot," she had an allergy attack and was unable to do the video, so I did it alone.  Being in front of a camera is no joke for me.  I don't even like being in pictures.  I think I look silly in this one candid photo on our church website.  I always felt that the website spots were reserved for cool-looking types.  It must be because Isaac's in the shot with me.  :)  Anyhow, the media director had to tell me to be more animated, which, if you know me, you know does not come naturally to me.  I am Ms. Monotonous.  Sometimes when I'm with kids, I'm a bit more lively.  I tried that voice, and he said it was much better.  I was nervous, but I got through it after several takes.  There is a part of me that thinks that a more outgoing or likeable person would attract more volunteers.  Of course that's completely ludicrous, but I do sometimes think that some people are more likely to help if they know or trust the person in charge.

After the video and project meeting, and dinner, we went to a friend's house for dessert and to watch their Queen of the Night flowers do their annual night bloom.  Pretty cool to watch them open.  Isaac just wanted to run around on their lawn.  He was good about only petting the cat with permission.  The kids have always been good around animals.  There was only one incident when Naomi was a toddler and pulled on Grandma's dog's face; otherwise, the kids always ask permission and are careful and gentle.  It really bothers me when kids pull on animal's tails or try to ride on their backs.  We also enjoyed the cookies and lemon cake, and I brought some home for Manny.  He had a late night at work.  I cleared our scheduled, and I'm glad he got some rest in the next day.  

Whiteboard discussion.  This is the one time of the year I get to put on the project manager hat again (I mean, besides every day as a mom).

Isaac loves to take walks wherever we go, so I add in some time before or after.

Rocking in J&J's rocking chair.  Their cat is very interested in the catnip Lucas is holding.

J took this photo with my nice camera, no flash, and being completely still.  I used the smartphone for the other photos.

Naomi combing the cat.

long time no play:

I rarely get to go to the mall or do playdates anymore, but it's great to catch up with friends every now and then, especially ones who've moved away.  I feel bad I've started saying no, but I finally realize with three that it's just not wise or even possible to say yes all the time.  I am truly blessed to have wonderful people in my life, but those truly in need are the ones for whom I need to be more available, so there has to be some exchange.  But every now and then, let's go have some bonding time!  I truly enjoy talking to Y.--we have no-holds-barred conversations without any frustration.  Rare indeed.

While the older kids were in school, Y. and I got together at the mall with our boys.  Isaac and her son V. are less than a month apart in age.  I guess she, like a lot of my friends, is what some would consider a crunchy granola mom, at least in part.  I completely support her in it.  Why not want and do what's best for our kids?  I would say I was more "crunchy" with Naomi, but more because of her condition and what I was learning at the time than anything I'd planned before having kids.  However, over time I've come to more of a middle ground approach.  I don't know if it's balanced, but it's just not as extreme.  With Isaac I actually feel too lax, but as hard as I try, I just can't be on top of him as much as I was with the other two, and he is a whole other personality.  He's a far pickier (and messier) eater right now, that's for sure.

I remember how I used to meet up with other friends at this mall when it was just Naomi.  So much has changed since then.  I'm thankful for new adventures but also the things that remain.

Isaac in "school" while the kids were at theirs.

The majority of his protein intake is from tofu at the moment.  He spits out any meat.

Our boys enjoying some fries.  Y. and I both got a Truffle Mushroom & Swiss burger.  Yum.

They look happy, but Isaac is sort of scooting V. off the car.  Poor guy.

school's in:

Naomi has started the 4th grade and Lucas the 1st grade (officially).  It's hard to believe how quickly time has passed, especially in the last year.  I still remember Naomi reading all the letters (identifying them and saying their sounds) at 18 months.  I also remember her struggling with handwriting and math for a while.  One great thing about homeschooling was being able to challenge her and help her excel where she was at without worrying about grades or tests.  

Now--it may be a surprise to some--we are about to transition from homeschool to public school.  I will miss her, but I'm sure we'll continue to teach her after school.  We had such great discussions about everything from ancient history to current events.  Naomi's academic strength, as pointed out by the ISP instructors, is her ability to edit herself despite being very creative.  She also spots errors and typos in the various texts across all subjects.  She seldom just accepts without thinking about it.  I thought I would have continued down the classical route, but she never thrived with memorizing at face value, like I did as a kid.  I lived for memorizing facts and being a walking encyclopedia (but math was actually my best subject at her age).  That was never in the cards for her.  Perhaps it's because of what I taught her--don't just memorize but understand; learn to think for yourself or you'll only be standing on your parents' faith or falling for what others sell.  More likely, her approach to information is just the way she's wired.  Here's something I've been thinking about in my own learning--information is not necessarily knowledge; knowledge is not necessarily belief; belief is not necessarily character.

Lucas is finally enjoying school at home and tells me he loves it and wants to do it.  He's a little nervous to be back at the ISP, however.  The week before we had the ISP launch meeting.  There were a lot of new faces.  The two older boys who were really nice to him have moved on to other schools.  The first day was challenging.  He was clingy with Naomi.  The instructors are confident he will adjust again.  I think he will.  He enjoys his other reading class where there is a constant revolving door of unfamiliar tutors and students.  He's maturing and really making strides.  I have to be more careful not to write him off but to really help him through his growth.

I made Naomi a special bento lunch for her first day back.  She said she really missed them, and I missed making them for her.  It's hard to make time because I usually have our church community gathering the night before, and I have to get the boys ready the morning of.  Lucas doesn't care for the faces on the sandwiches and doesn't like spam/ham musubis.  I made him a roast beef sandwich with string cheese and carrots, but I also cut little cookie butter (Trader Joe's) sandwiches into hearts and stars for him.  Even though he didn't say anything, his face lit up, and he ate his entire lunch.  I wanted him to know that he is just as special to me.  I know no one will ever believe this, but I absolutely do not have a favorite child.  Especially with three, I usually have to sacrifice at least one child's needs and wants for at least one other, and I don't do that by favoritism.  I even alternate to whom I serve food first.  However, the third child unfortunately has to be carted everywhere he doesn't want to go and sometimes misses naps.  But when it's his naptime, the other two have to stay completely quiet.  I do have to tend to the baby, but affection-wise, I keep it pretty even.  

The day before the first ISP class, I took the kids on a walk in search of leaves for an art project.  Isaac was most unhappy when he realized we were done with the walk and heading home.  He loves to take walks.

In addition to the ISP, we have piano, martial arts, writing, weeknights at church, and reading (for Lucas).  I think it's what we can handle while opening up some more time for people and ministries.  Though we miss our friends, I do not regret cutting Awana at all.

As mentioned before, I do keep a private homeschool blog viewable by invite only.  I have been busy as of late, so I'm making fewer updates there, for better or worse.  

Kitty musubis with spam, rice, and roasted seaweed for Naomi.

Roast beef with cheese, carrots, and cookie butter minis for Lucas.

Naomi's first-day outfit, which she picked out of course.  She is really into these 80s-ish colors.  Look at those shoes!

Lucas doesn't care as much what he wears, but it has to be comfortable.  He's very attached to his Crocs, though, but he knows he'll have to wear his sneakers once cooler weather rolls in.

Isaac walking around in the field after I dropped them off.  He actually fell in the playground when a little boy came running up to me, and I got distracted.  His mom was on her phone, so he wanted to talk to me.

Naomi made herself an after-school snack--an orange/mango/yogurt smoothie.

Leaves for their school art project.  It was such a nice walk, but I didn't/couldn't take photos so I could focus on keep Isaac on the sidewalk.

me date:

On Labor Day, Manny spent some more time with Chris while I did some school with the kids.  He also had to run to a few stores to find Lucas some Robitussin since nothing we had (Hyland's, Delsym, Mucinex, raw honey, cough drops/lozenges, warm water, humidifier, Vicks, steam, Benadryl) seemed to be helping much for the past two weeks.  I remember Naomi had a cough once that only Robitussin CF could relieve, so it was worth a shot.  And it worked.  It did the job Mucinex surprisingly didn't (loosening the phlegm), and it reduced his cough.  I sound like an ad.  He still has a cough since he won't spit the mucus out, but he's substantially improved.  I'm all for homeopathic medicines, but when we all need sleep, I'm not going to be stubborn about it.

While Manny and the kids were gone at his aunt's, I went to church, stayed after to do some things, cleaned the garage, organized a little, worked on the kids' curriculum, and of course took care of and entertained Isaac.  He got overstimulated, I think, and didn't sleep great.  So the day after, I was pretty tired after cooking and doing school, so I asked Manny if I could go out and watch a movie.  He was totally fine with it.  I would have invited someone, but it was so last-minute.  I made sure the kids had food, and Isaac was changed, but then the kids didn't eat while I was gone, and Manny had to change a poopy diaper (this is a very rare occurrence).  He was mostly on the phone with Grandma trying to resolve some computer issues.  The kids occupied themselves pretty well.  Thank you, Manny, for watching the kids on your day off so I could have a break.

I went to see Guardians of the Galaxy, which was a fun throwback movie that didn't take itself too seriously.  Manny had already seen it with Chris.  I liked it for the most part, and I am a comic book and 60s-70s pop music fan, so that helps.  It had good old-fashion humor and fun, but there was still some cursing, vulgarity, and violence, so not something I'd personally take the kids to see.  Plus, movies are so expensive (to me) nowadays.  If you want to understand the whole comics history loosely tied to the Disney Marvel films, see here and here.

Luck used to be the Stanford QB before joining the Colts.  This is how Isaac kept himself occupied.  He likes to dump the soil on the ground, which stresses Lucas out to no end.

The last of the homemade key lime pie.  It's really just lime pie--key limes aren't as accessible.  Pretty good, but sadly we ran out of whipped cream.

in the woods:

Manny's aunt and uncle who live in a redwoods park invited us over for the long weekend.  Manny decided to go with the older two while I stayed behind with Isaac.  I was surprised, but like I said we're working out our rulebook, or agreements more than rules.  It worked out pretty well, since I had something to do for church, and Naomi and Lucas could be there for almost 12 hours!  I got some photos from Manny and his aunt, and Naomi gave me the play-by-play a few days later.  

They were the first family to arrive.  They played on the play structure with cousin T.  Naomi said Manny called Grandma, and the adults talked.  Uncle Gerard cooked hot dogs and shish kebabs.  Naomi really enjoyed the kebabs.  The kids played together some more and then had some Boston cream cake.  Uncle Gerard took them on a walk where they fed ducks before returning so he could set up a campfire.  I'm not sure if this was the same walk they took with the dog, but Naomi certainly enjoyed that.  They roasted marshmallows the size of their heads.  They also got close to some deer, which was another highlight for the kids.  They also got to ring the bell at a schoolhouse.  They told stories around the campfire before everyone else left.  Then they took another walk.  Manny and the kids stayed for dinner, cooking hot dogs in the fire.  Uncle Gerard got his lantern and told them he was going to show them something cool.  The kids went while Manny stayed behind.  They came upon a large tunnel and entered a big field.  He turned off lantern, and they could see so many stars.  No light pollution like we have here.  They finished their evening with ice cream sandwiches.  What a fun-filled day for them!  I kept getting texts from Manny that the kids just weren't ready to come home yet.  They got back very late and had fallen asleep in the car.  What a great way to finish off the summer, especially for our little nature-lovers.  Thank you, Olivos!

She would love a dog of her own, but this is the next best thing!

Kids in a tree.

Another big kid in the back.  :)

I think this is only Lucas' second time roasting marshmallows, and he probably doesn't remember the first.

Roasting hot dogs.

Photo Aunt Baby Doll sent me on the phone.  None of us had ever seen one that big before.

first birthday and last hurrah:

We attended a celebration on Saturday for L's 1st birthday.  The family is moving to Texas, so this was also a goodbye party.  I'm sad to see them go just as we were getting to know them better.  Isaac and Lucas had a good time walking around after lunch, so much so that Isaac kept motioning me to go away.  The kids love their bonding time.  Naomi reconnected with a little friend who moved away but had come up for the party.  Then when the friend had to go, another little friend showed up.  She didn't want to leave early.  I had a bad headache, and Isaac needed to nap, but we stayed till the end.  

I liked the Veggie Tales theme.  Not just because of Veggie Tales, which is great, but it has a fun bold color scheme like Mario Bros.  The food was great.  Yes, they served cucumbers and tomatoes, but also fruits, fried chicken, mac-n-cheese, and potato salad.  The husband and wife are actually professional caterers and bakers (a side job for the wife; she also works in tech).  They've catered many events for people at church.  They didn't cater this time as it would have been too much work with the move and everything else.  Manny was out late with Chris on Friday night, so he wasn't feeling great and didn't make it, but I'm glad the kids and I were able to go and wish L a happy birthday and say goodbye.  

He's gotten really picky lately, but he does love a variety of fruit.  He did eat some cucumber, but that is technically a fruit.

The answer: 751 gumballs.  We weren't even close, but the winner guessed 700!

Favor bags for the 11 and under set.

A candy bar.  Each child was allowed twelve candies, but Lucas only wanted four.  

Popcorn favors, birthday cake, and cookies.  The birthday boy's cousins were all running around.  It's funny; I don't care about other kids running around, but I don't like my own kids to do that.

The Veggie Tales cake did not contain veggies, unless you count chocolate as one.  :)

Nom nom nom.

Sweet photo frames everywhere.

Amazing Bob and Larry cookies by our friend's cousin.  The kids said they tasted great, too!

Birthday boy's mom called this the girlfriend photo.  We'll miss her and her family!

neighborhood center dinner / earthquake:

Our church had a dinner last week to celebrate our neighborhood center.  We have partnerships with different community organizations to help families in our community.  It was largely funded by bonds just four years ago, but we are beginning to look at really paying it off.  It was a great dinner, with lots of pasta and pizza of all different types.  Our worship pastor DJ'd and then led us in song.  I was busy chasing Isaac everywhere, and Manny had Lucas, so I didn't get any good photos.  Naomi was at the kids' table.  It was a buffet, so they were getting food at different times, so I didn't get to take photos of that.  For dessert, it was build-your-own sundaes.  Isaac ate so many bananas I finally had to stop getting them for him, which made him pretty upset.  Between that and not letting him run around the parking lot, he was mad all the way home.  We were all pretty tired, especially with the quake in the middle of the night.  It was a long and strong one, and we felt it, even though the epicenter was pretty far away.  Many people around us didn't really feel it at all.  The damage was pretty bad and costly, but thankfully there were no related deaths.

Isaac drinking (and pouring out) a lot of water.

Lucas and Manny (both pretty tired) listening to the presentation.