back to school party:

We had a great turnout for our Back to School party for the Active Mamas group.  This one was primarily for the homeschoolers of the group.  All three communities/groups we are in have hundreds of members locally, but I've had the most opportunities to get to know the moms through this group.  

We brought our own lunches and then something to share.  I was originally planning to bring caramel apples, but they are a lot of work, and tricky if you don't get it right.  Homemade caramel can be a pain at times as well.  So I was glad to come across a way to make caramel in the Instant Pot with just a can of condensed milk and some vanilla.  It worked well, and the caramel was great.  My only regret is not realizing that the littlest ones might stick their hand in the dip, and eventually one did, so I had to toss it when I got home.  I know other people don't mind sharing germs, but we usually do.  

I also helped with the prayer time.  I tried having the kids color or draw what they wanted to pray about.  I would post a picture of their art, except that one boy drew a shark attacking a person (I assume from watching Soul Surfer), so I decided not to.  We talked about where we were in our journeys and what we'd like to pray for.

The most fun part were the obstacle courses run by A.  She teaches fitness and P.E. to adults and children, and she's great at it.  The kids had a lot of fun, except Lucas didn't really want to participate and have an issue with the boys again.  He did finally participate in one obstacle course, and then sat out the rest.  I know he enjoys sports, but he has a hard time with other kids not following rules or shouting (normal with sports, but hard for him).

Apples soaking in lemon juice and apple cider.  Caramel held up well in the fridge; never hardened.

Intro time.

I forgot the name of this, but one person from each team hops across the hula hoops, and when they meet, they play rock-paper-scissors, and whoever loses goes to the back, and the next team member has to come forward and do the same until someone gets all the way to the other side and scores a point.

Obstacle course--going throug a slalom and then jumping over the noodles, going through a tunnel, and into jumproping.

Isaac enjoying the new rock bridge at this park.

The new spinner as well.

One of the moms baked school-themed cookies with apples, pencils, and notebook paper.  We had a bigger turnout than expected, so just one per family.  Lucas chose this one but gave it to Isaac since he's not a huge sweets person (and Isaac most definitely is).

family day trip to sf:

On August 18, our family took a trip up to San Francisco.  We rarely all have Saturdays free, but so glad this worked out, and we could be out for a while as a family.  We've been needing it.  We actually went up for a lunch and one of those vacation club sales pitches to get a free hotel stay next year.  It took much longer than we thought, maybe because the lady was so nice.  The clubs are general okay as an investment, but it's the non-fixed HOA fees that are the dealbreaker for us.  Our poor kids were by themselves for over three hours, and the game room was smaller/fuller than expected.  We did pay Naomi for babysitting her brothers (she doesn't get allowance, so this is how she makes a small amount on occasion).  Because it took so long, we missed our plans to ride the cable car or go to Ghiradelli square, but we did manage to go Pier 39 and the Golden Gate Bridge, which are at least an almost annual tradition for our kids (now that Monterey no longer is).  It was very crowded at Pier 39, perhaps people squeezing in something before the school year begins for many.  In contrast, the fog and cold made for a more empty walk along the bridge.  It was cold, but a fun experience we hadn't had at the Golden Gate before.  Lucas said he felt less scared since he couldn't see the bay below.  Naomi found the fog a bit eerie, but she wasn't scared.  Isaac's not afraid of anything high up or foggy but runs off sometimes as well.  Trying to help him balance his love for adventure and for safety.  He doesn't like to be held like the other two did, either, and he loves to run distances.  His legs and feet were hurting the next day.

Driving into the City.

Lunch provided by Wyndham.  Lucas wearing one of his three Golden Gate shirts.  Still a fan.

Trish's donuts.

Someone's happy.

Manny thought I would enjoy the cioppino, and he was right!  It's a treat to not have to order food that I have to share with a toddler anymore.

HK Pez at the candy store.

Sea lions at sunset.

One of them (in the center) sort of woke up.

Going through the tunnel to the bridge.

They don't call it Fog City for nothing.

Bridge to nowhere!

Finally close enough to see the tower.

Us at the first tower.

Isaac "holding up" the light.

Isaac wanted to hang out with this guy.

special breakfast and haircuts:

I am still enjoying getting out on Saturday mornings when I can.  This was a couple of weeks ago when I took M. out for breakfast so we could catch up and also to thank her for watching Isaac for us.  It was early, we were both tired, but she was gracious enough to accommodate my schedule.  While I was out, Manny made the kids some special chocolate chip protein pancakes.  Isaac was obviously happy about that.  He said they were the yummiest ever.

While back-to-school shopping with Naomi (thank you, Grandma, for the giftcards!), I used this new-customer coupon for this kids' haircut place.  The one we'd been to for years sometimes cut the boys' skin and had a somewhat rude manager.  Isaac had so many traumatic experiences, he refused to go anymore, and I just did what I could to cut his hair at home.  At this new place, they don't do as good of a job cutting their hair, but for the same price, the hairdressers are nice and the boys enjoyed it more.  Isaac was nervous, but he was brave and tried them out, and said he'd like to go there again.  Then I took Lucas on a different day, and he liked it, too.  It's unlikely I'll ever go back to the other place.

They had this giant Connect Four at the haircut place, which appealed to my boys.  Then another boy came in and took over, and another little boy came and kept undoing everyone's games.  For some reason, rather than confront the other boy, Lucas took out his frustration on Isaac.  This is something I have been trying to teach the boys not to do.  Isaac does the same thing--except I tend to be his target.  I try to teach the boys that while preferring others, they don't have to be pushovers, but more importantly, a house divided cannot stand, and they need to seek unity rather than finding someone to blame.  I think Lucas can be too afraid to confront another child, and it's much easier to pick on Isaac, who is half his size.  The bullying triggers me, since I was bullied often as a child, so things go south.  So I told the other boy he should have waited his turn or asked if it was okay to step in, and I talked to the boys about what they could have done differently in that scenario.  I hope they are learning from me, but I know their father and I aren't always the best examples, so we need to work on our interactions as well.

Early morning breakfast at the vegan crepes cafe.

I had savory crepes and my friend had salad and a tofu scramble.

Isaac enjoying his giant chocolate chip pancake that Manny made.

Isaac's first haircut at a salon in maybe two years.

And they give out lollipops, bouncy balls, and animal crackers, too.  

Isaac and Lucas playing Connect Four.

back to school, back to community:

Reach Potential held their first annual Back-to-School community event in partnership with the city and our church.  Families from the community received quality backpacks, school supplies, and some treats.  The police and fire departments were part of the event and brought a firetruck.  Children could learn bike safety through a scaled and supervised bike course.  Families could also get helmet fittings.  Someone or some group generously donated some high-quality backpacks, so we handed those out first.

This year I had to step down from coordinating the annual literacy project, but I'm so thankful two other wonderful people stepped up to take it over.  It was part of a long list of changes I had to make this year to re-prioritize and sort some things out.  I still participate where I can at these events, but in a way that doesn't take away too much from my family.

Sorting backpacks.

My friend M. in charge of water and snacks next to me.

Children were taught safety through this cool bike course.

Students visiting with an officer.  Check out the construction sign mascot in the back.

quick date / k's football birthday party:

The day after the fair, Manny and I were able to get out for a quick dinner at Fish's Wild after a counseling meeting while our friend M. babysat Isaac.  I am indebted to friends and family who have watched our kids so we could have those rare outings.  

The next day, I took Isaac to K's football birthday party.  Lucas wasn't feeling up to going after church and lunch.  I think he would have enjoyed the sports games they had, but he doesn't like to play with the little kids because they don't follow the rules.  He's also had bad experiences with a certain boy at this party who tends to push, kick, and grab other kids.  I used to just chastise him and tell him he has to learn to deal with it, but nowadays, if there is someone to watch him, I don't force him to go.  It's not that he doesn't want to be with other kids, but he, like me, prefers deeper, quieter friendships, and it takes a lot out of us to be around larger crowds.  However, the Practicum was also crowded, but full of kids who were friendly to him and obeyed the rules (except this one child who pushes and shoves, but they weren't in the same camp), so he was quite happy there.

The party was very fun with all kinds of good old-fashioned park party activities.  They had flag football, a potato sack race, tug of war, and a parachute.  The littler ones like Isaac liked the parachute the most.  K's mom always likes to read a book to the kids at her parties and other events, which I think is really nice.  Isaac doesn't ever seem to like storytimes anywhere, but he will sit cooperatively through it.  Lucas, despite his language issues, has always liked being read to.  It's interesting how different all my kids are.  I still stand by the fact that I do not have a favorite child.  Not that I determined not to have a favorite, but I really just don't.  They all are so interesting and fun in their own ways, which their own set of strengths and weaknesses, their own thoughts on life and the future.  

Rare dinner date.

We split some yummy grilled fish and Thai curry.

I love how the hostess is always able to get a photo of everyone.  I can never get them all to look.  She and her husband will stick their butts out at the kids, and it works, but I just can't bring myself to do it.  :) 

Flag football was a bit challenging for the younger ones.

But they sure loved the parachute games!

Storytime

Treats for all.

We got the birthday boy an young explorer's kit.  It was a string backpack with binoculars, compass, bug catcher, magnifying glass, whistle, and flashlight.  It wasn't that expensive (on sale), and he loved it!

Isaac loved the favors, especially that they were green!

new school year, new part-time job, lucas audio therapy:

I had some plans to catch up here and fell way behind once I was offered an independent contractor position for Isaac's class at the boys' homeschool program (I'm taking over for Isaac's tutor last year, who returned to her home country).  It's very part-time, just the one morning a week plus any additional meetings/events. We're revamping a lot this year, so it is still quite a bit of work for it being very part-time, especially upfront.  Our director is having us run the classes without the assistance of electronics or reading from notes or books, so more prep work is involved.  It will be challenging, but I understand and agree that things will run more smoothly this way.  I am okay with coordinating and prepping; it's actually more being in front of people and teaching when Isaac is present (and sometimes a little jealous) that is making me a little apprehensive.  All the parents in my class are really nice people, and I've asked some of them to help me with Isaac should a situation arise.  It is fairly fast-paced, and we transition quickly from one thing to the next, and this is also an area where Isaac is still learning to cope and cooperate.  I've told him during the class, I have a teacher hat on, so he will have to go with Mrs. X if he needs anything, like using the restroom.

Naomi just started the 8th grade!  So far, she likes her teachers and feels this will be an easier year than last year for her.  She also got into an elective she really wanted, Culinary Arts (her school is well-known for this program).  It is not easy to get an A in this class, but I told her we don't really care about her grade for the class, as long as she does her best.  I wouldn't want her to drop out just to keep up her GPA.  She is also in Honors Geometry, even though math is still not exactly her favorite thing.  I don't recall if I shared here before that math was a huge struggle and time sink for us when she was homeschooled.  I'm so thankful I was able to give her that time and the focus to get her going in math.  I have zero regrets about homeschooling and wish we could have homeschooled her even longer.  It was wonderful having her at home during the summer.  We had a lot of good discussions about life and growing up, and she got time off to hang out with friends, whether at home, the mall, or at camps.  I did not want her to do summer school this year, which surprised a couple of my neighbors.  Summer break is so short nowadays, and I like us to maximize our time together, so it's a better for our family, I think.  The boys were glad to see more of her as well.

Over the past month, Lucas has been doing central audio processing disorder therapy at home.  The program can be administered by a therapist or specialist, but there was no one available or willing in the district or at his therapist's office to do it.  Either way, we'd have to pay out of pocket for it, so I went ahead and did the training and went through the program with him myself.  It was rather tedious and repetitive, but it seemed to help.  We go back for results and a re-evaluation in the fall. 

The boys are doing sort of an ease-in period, since they do school year-round, and then we will officially start kindergarten with Isaac and third grade with Lucas on Monday.

Getting my stuff ready for my first day.  I purposely left the material off the trifold board, because it's copyrighted.

First day of 8th grade!  We re-dyed her hair, but you can't see it that well in the picture.  She was dressed more nicely (to me) the second and third days of school, but she really likes the color of this sweatshirt.

Lucas' therapy.  By the way, insurance companies should cover audiology.  Central processing disorders are a medical condition.  I don't understand why the testing and therapy are not covered.

a day at the fair:

One of our parents groups had planned a field trip to the County Fair, but then the organizer got sick at the last minute.  After that, the other families cancelled or just didn't show up, so we just went ahead.  We don't often go to fairs--they can be expensive with a lot of kids.  Naomi brought her friend L., and we just checked back with each other every hour or so.  All in all, we had a great time, but the boys did have a few rough moments.  It was hot that day.  One of the workers there told me it's so much cooler than the State Fair in Sacramento where it's really hot and there's no breeze, so it's all relative.  I tried to keep everyone hydrated, but should have done the same for myself.  I ended up suffering a migraine and vomiting that evening, likely due to heat exhaustion and dehydration.  I'll know better for next time--don't be so cheap!  The girls conserved their money wherever they could, splitting food and drinks and finding the best bang for their buck.  I brought some snacks for Isaac, which they let me bring into the fair.  It's a good thing, since the only things he can eat at the fair (that are not sweet) are pizza and fries.  He doesn't like corn dogs, burgers, tacos, anything with meat.

Isaac just met the height requirement for the bigger-kid rides, so he was so happy.  I was happy, too, since we paid for the ride wristbands (L. paid for her own).  Lucas unfortunately has outgrown a couple of the rides he wanted to go on, but they were still able to have fun together.  The girls went on all those crazy scary fair rides that make me dizzy just looking at them.  What I really wanted to do was check out the animals, but we weren't able to see more than the reptiles and sea lions in the time we had.  I guess that's one advantage of the other families not showing up--we could be on our own schedule.  The girls also made these tiles for a booth raising awareness for human trafficking.  

Free fair photo.  They gave out little tchotchkes as well.

It was hard to get Isaac in this photo, so we just hurried and took it while another family was there (but they left right as I took this, thus the blank space on the left).

The boys went through the fun house countless times.

I paid for a few ride tickets to join them.

The boys discovered this gazeebo with misters, and other families followed suit.  Helped us stay cool throughout the day.

Isaac and Lucas' first time in the water balls.  I figured it may be the only chance they'll ever get to do it.

They met up a few times.

This one flavored lemonade was a better deal and fresher than the other stands.  So glad the girls found it.

Isaac super happy on the kids' Ferris wheel.  He wanted to get on the bigger one, but I didn't want to walk out there at the end of the day and wait in line.

Up front in the train ride.

Learning about snakes.  This one is a mini python.

Lucas taking a dippin' dots break while the others are on a ride.

Sea lion exhibit was fun, but we didn't stay very long.

This juggling unicyclist and the person on the penny farthing (behind him) stopped to give each other high-fives.

Isaac trying the giant slide for the first time.  He wasn't scared at all.  He had to carry this big burlap sack all the way up the stairs by himself.  Lucas asked me to go up and make sure he was okay.  He was fine, but I wasn't okay.  I was shaking just trying to take this photo.

I think he went down four times, three by himself and once with the girls.  

He won a medium prize and picked out a purple ball.

These mangoes on a stick were huge and delicious.

All the kids on a spinning boat ride together.

Yeah, he doesn't look like he had any fun... 😁