Journey To Josie

Growing Beans

2012-05-27T08:15:00.000-04:00

Josie and I have tried growing bean seeds inside for the past two years.

We used a baggie and a wet cotton ball the first year and a cup with soil the next. Last year we got a tiny sprout, but nothing too impressive.

This year we used a glass jar and lined in with a few paper towels. I had Josie pour in a cup of water then put the seeds in half way down.

Then we put it in the window and waited.

And then we watched a seed turn into new life!

It was awesome!

Such a great learning experience. Those two bottom leaves are actually the original seed! I never knew that the old seed shell became part of the plant. We planted it in the garden, but it's not doing too hot out there.

I found this Plant Observation Book on Soaring into Second. It was great for recording the changes we saw in our bean seeds.

Fontan Surgery

2012-05-25T10:33:00.000-04:00

We've been doing some research to learn more about the options we have for Gabe's heart.

I say options, but we really have no choice in the matter. His heart will either get stronger and we will have the Fontan Surgery to complete the series of heart surgeries he started days after birth or his heart will continue to weaken and we will add his name to the transplant list.

Part of me thinks the transplant would cure him so that's the best option. But in reality, heart transplants come with an insane amount of risks and lifelong medications. The thought of a doctor putting my baby to sleep, taking out his heart, and putting someone else's in his tiny body makes me want to throw up. It's scary stuff.

So I'm trying to learn all I can about the Fontan Surgery.

It's still scary, but for some reason, not nearly as sickening as a heart transplant. I recently found this video on a HLHS Blog. It explains the entire series of surgeries and I thought some of you might be interested in learning about it too.

Isn't it crazy what they can do?

I'm in awe of the whole thing. I still can't believe that my baby had these big surgeries just days after being born. He is such a rockstar.

Too Grown

2012-05-24T08:35:00.000-04:00

While most of my friends are trying to get their toddlers out of diapers, I am apparently raising another Potty Prodigy.

Gabriel has decided that diapers just aren't cool.

He used the potty the first time when we were in Florida in February.

My brother said, "I think Gabe needs to go to the bathroom."

I smirked at his naivety. "He's just turned two. He's not potty trained."

But Gabriel kept pulling at his diaper and I couldn't deny that it did sound like he was saying, "potty."

So I took him. And he went.

I figured it was a fluke, but he did it a few more times on our trip. If I wasn't lazy about it, I think he would have been out of diapers by now. But I am lazy and taking a diaper off and on isn't really all that fun.

The past few weeks, he's gotten pretty serious about it.

He wants to go as soon as he gets up and cries if I don't take him when he asks. I haven't had to change a poopy diaper in over a week.

Josie potty trained herself at 2 too. I remember how proud I was and rushed out to get her big girl undies. But then I cried. If you've ever had a baby go from diapers to undies you know, there's a mourning season for the loss of Diaper Butt. I'm not ready to upgrade Gabe just yet. I'm hoping he'll indulge me just a little longer.

I think I'm going to have to come to terms with the fact that my baby is growing up. Without my permission.

Andrew said we need to throw out his paci soon. Potty trained and no paci? That might push me over the edge.

Wiggly Worms

2012-05-23T08:44:00.000-04:00

We had a rainy week right as we started talking about how worms help gardens grow.

I figured it was perfect for us to go dig for worms and do some experiments. I went out in the rain and dug in the mud, neither of which I enjoy, twice and we came up with zero worms.

So Daddy came to the rescue.

We still only found one measly little worm, but it was good enough for our projects.

She was so excited to play with her worm.

Which she named "Stephen." I could not love this child more.

I read her a few books on earthworms while she got to know her new buddy.

Then we did a few experiments. We tested to see if he liked wet or dry paper towels, sand or soil, and water or vinegar. The little bugger moved quick! I've never looked at a worm up close so it was neat to see the segments and watch how they move.

When I thought the poor worm could use a Josie Break, we worked on our Wormery. He got quite the upgrade from the rock we found him under!

I found directions online, but we didn't have everything that we needed so we improvised. You basically want to put something in the middle of the jar or bottle to force the worm to make it's tunnels towards the outside where you can see it. The baggie of warm water is to keep it a good temperature for the worm.

We alternated soil and red clay so that we could see how a worm mixed all the soil together. We watched him for two days and then let him go since I had no idea if he needed food!

We wrapped up the week with this worm observation book and worksheet. The worksheet is meant for an older child, but with a little altering, it was great for her level.

This ended up being one of my favorite units! I had no idea worms were so interesting!

All Boy

2012-05-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Gabriel is so different then Josie.

He is an investigator, an observer. He wants to know how things work and is pretty much the sweetest thing that has ever existed.

I still laugh at the Old Me who was so sure I didn't want to have a boy. Like so many other things I was sure of 10 years ago, I couldn't have been more wrong.

I could watch him all day.

I'm glad that God is teaching me to slow down and enjoy the little moments. His tractor noises are adorable. A few months ago I would be too busy to hear them, but not now. Now, when my kids get lost in their own make believe lands, I can't help but stop and listen.

Their world is magic.

Yea, I was crazy to think that a tiny little man with dimpled knuckles and short little legs wouldn't melt me.

The dude has my heart.

Sunday Morning Memories

2012-05-21T09:07:00.000-04:00

Andrew's off on Sundays now.

And we are really enjoying it.

Pancakes, eggs, and bacon.

Wrestling matches (that Mom would never allow).

And dancing.

Lots and lots of dancing.

Moods have shifted and I'm happy to report that all the Pope's are (obviously) back to our happy, silly, way to energetic for 8AM, selves!

Growing

2012-05-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Our daily garden checks are getting exciting.

Little baby fruits and veggies are starting to make their appearances. I can't wait to actually be able to start eating them.

Bell Peppers

Blueberries

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Garden School - Week Two

2012-05-18T07:19:00.000-04:00

We are still working through our unit on plants and seeds.

This week we spent some time learning about seeds in the foods we eat.

Josie loved finding seeds in all our fruits.

We are sprouting an avocado seed. No growth yet, but we are hoping it takes!

We used our soup beans for math.

Simple counting one day and then we worked on math problems for the rest of the week.

Labeling and Copy Work

I gave Josie the parts to make her own flower like our chart and had her copy the words to label it. I've started giving her daily copy work to get her used to doing her own writing assignments. She has been doing an excellent job.

We ended the week with a really fun worm unit!

Josie was sure she hated worms, but was way into all of our experiments. More on all our wiggly fun soon!

*Josie's is doing a curriculum for math, reading, and writing. These posts show our theme work for the week.*

Raindrop Plop

2012-05-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

What a week.

2012-05-16T07:52:00.000-04:00

This picture of my darling daughter pretty much sums up my days over the past week.

I'm not sure exactly what emotion it conveys, but it's accurate.

Our mornings have rocked. Chores get done without whining, everyone is dressed and groomed before we belly up to the school table, school gets done with smiles and laughs and jelly beans all around.

But something happens after nap time and we all turn into crazed monsters.

It's like the Witching Hour (if you're a Mom, you know what time I'm talking about) has decided to extend itself an extra 2 hours around here. And this go round I'm just as grumpy as they are.

I guess if I'm going to be really honest, I'm probably the culprit of all the attitudes flying around.

I'm hoping it was just an off week and that we are on track to normalcy again.

The pool finally finished filling up, so that should help.

Water logged babies are happy babies.

And tanned mamas are happy mamas.

How about a little family update?

Little Nicci's is going crazy.

Our humble little pizza place is staying super busy and keeping us on our toes. It's been pretty exciting to watch it growing from nothing. Andrew's having a blast with it and we are both really happy with the new changes. I'm most happy with the unlimited pizza and ice cream flowing through the house.

Gabe's doing great.

He had a cardiologist appointment yesterday. He had to have an EKG and an ECHO then we had to wait to talk to the doctor about the results and his medications. Gabe was a trooper and was rewarded with a whipped cream sundae from Starbucks and a long nap.

The doctor was really pleased with all his numbers. His oxygen levels were a little low, but he has a cold so that's normal. His heart sounded great. She said she didn't hear any leaking or back flow. The ECHO confirmed that the back flow of blood is minimal and his heart looks great. While it isn't improving, it isn't deteriorating either. He has gained 2 pounds and grown almost an inch since March.

And he has fallen in love with tractors.

Josie is reading.

It's been a frustrating process, but last month we started doing sight word flash cards and she memorized them insanely fast. Then just this past week a light switch went on and she can decode three letter words. I'm not sure who smiles bigger when she gets them right. Story time takes extra long now that she wants to read any words that she can, but hey, I taught her that!

It's awesome.

She's growing so much lately. I'm afraid this is the last summer for her beloved Purple Twirly Dress. She's been wearing this for 2 1/2 years now! I better be on the hunt for a replacement.

That's about it for us.

What's new in your neck of the woods? Any grumps sneaking around your place?

run

2012-05-15T12:19:00.000-04:00

Let's talk about running today.

I am not a runner.

In fact, this pretty much describes me and running to a T.

Source: tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

And if I'm totally honest, you'd really need to call an ambulance since instead of running from whatever is chasing me, I'd just lay down and let it eat me.

But I've been watching my best friend, Amber, train for a marathon and thinking her running shorts look pretty comfy. Then she got new shoes and I always want new shoes.

And then I went swimsuit shopping in Arizona and had a little issue with some extra skin on my back and pouch (which is what I call the puffy spot under my belly button).

After much research, I learned that fudge cake and wine will not shrink my problem areas. I've accepted that I need a little cardio in my life.

Disclaimer: I do not think I need to lose weight. I've been blessed with an insane metabolism that has kept me at my high school weight for 11 years.

We have a big dirt circle around our house that has 2 hills. Pretty much my own running track right outside my door.

Being healthy and having more energy and getting out of my house without children is sounding pretty wonderful.

My excuses are dwindling.

So, I'm running.

Not very fast. Not very far. But I'm running.

With cute new running shorts and some kicking new shoes.

Beans And Spinach

2012-05-14T09:47:00.000-04:00

I've got another recipe for you.

I'm going to give you a warning that this one's ingredients aren't traditional. But skeptics beware, they taste great.

I even ran them by some of the toughest food critics I know and they signed off on this as a winning recipe.

The beans replace the flour so these are perfect if you have a gluten allergy. Which we don't have, but some of our friends do.

Adding spinach was all me. Cause I'm a mean mom that thinks spinach should go in everything.

So now that you've been warned, let's whip up some Black Bean & Spinach Brownies.
*adapted from All Recipes

Ingredients:

Spinach, black beans, chocolate chips, eggs.

Cocoa, oil, sugar, vanilla, coffee.

Rinse your can of beans and toss them in a blender or food processor and pulse them a few times to break them up.

Add in the oil and spinach and blast it really well.

When you're done, you'll wonder what on earth you are making.

It will smell strange and look even stranger. But keep going. It's about to get good!

Add in the cocoa, vanilla, a few chocolate chips, and coffee. Pulse away.

Add the eggs last and just mix it a little more.

Pour in a pan and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.

Now that they smell like an actual dessert, toss it in the oven for 45 minutes.

We eat them chilled. I've heard that they aren't so awesome warm.

So there you have it.

My newest way to jazz up some spinach.

Let me know if you give them a try!

Black Bean Brownies

1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 eggs
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup spinach
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (optional)

Blend beans until well mashed. Add oil and spinach and mix very well. Add cocoa, salt, vanilla, sugar, and coffee. Blend. Add eggs and pulse a few times. Pour into an 8x8 baking dish and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Chill before eating.

Seed Dissection

2012-05-13T08:49:00.000-04:00

Josie has been having a blast working her way through Usborne Science With Plants book.

The book covers a ton of information on plants. Josie knows the parts of a plant and what a plant needs to grow, so this was great for going a bit deeper. We won't be able to fit all the projects into this unit and some are still a bit over her head, but the ones that we have done have been excellent.

We started our unit on plants by talking about the parts of a seed and then dissecting a bean seed. We let the seed soak overnight and did our experiment the next morning.

Even I thought this was pretty neat.

The hard, protective casing slid right off and the seed split in half very easily. We compared that to the very hard dry bean. We didn't see much inside of our seed but still enjoyed the experiment.

Garden School

2012-05-11T08:48:00.000-04:00

We are in full on Garden Mode around here.

I look forward to our garden unit every year. There are so many excellent resources out there and most of the lessons are totally hands on. Sometimes I think I'd like to try methods like Classical and others that are less unit minded, but weeks like this really show me how much both Josie and I love this style of learning.

We started this unit out by going to my favorite nursery to pick out our seedlings.

We had a blast going through the greenhouses and talking with the chickens. I had a list of what we were getting and let Josie pick the plant that we would bring home.

The next day was planting day.

I let her do all the work and just supervised her. Girlfriend has quite the green thumb.

Flower Observations

Josie loved this simple project. We picked a flower and then used all 5 senses to observe the flower. I can't find the link but I will share it as soon as I do.

Roll A Flower

I've seen these all over but this was our first time doing one. You roll a dice and put the corresponding part of the flower on the sheet. It's kind of like a puzzle. Josie had a hard time not going in order, but I think it was good for her following directions skills.

Flower Art

I found this wooden flower at Hobby Lobby for less then a dollar.

Math

We are working on patterns. I found these flower pattern cards on 2 Teaching Mamas. They have a whole unit on flowers. Some of it is more geared for pre-k, but we are using the parts that Josie needs some practice on.

Science

We used this book for a few science projects. We will be using it all month. There are a ton of great hands on experiments and really good explanations of the results. I've never used a book from Usborne that I wasn't impressed by.

Seed Dissection

We soaked a seed overnight and dissected it the next day. It was pretty neat to see the protective casing and the inside of the seed.

Bean Plant Project

We started our bean plants. We haven't had much luck with these in the past. I'm hoping this is our lucky year. I found this Plant Observation Book. We will fill out a page every few days to track the growth of her beans.

Gabe's been sitting in with us all week too.

He sits at the table and "E-O's" (writes) the whole time. He repeats Josie's answers, which I love. I hope he's catching some of our lessons!

Next week we are wrapping up flowers and seeds before moving on to worms and trees. It should be a fun month!

Garden's In!

2012-05-10T09:39:00.000-04:00

Last year's garden was a little wimpy.

We had squash and cucumbers and a rouge pepper plant that produced a million peppers at the tail end of the season, but it was all haphazard. No plan and not a lot of care went in to it.

This year I really wanted to find my inner green thumb and rock our garden.

We did mostly seedlings since I'm impatient.

So far we have tomatoes, okra, bell peppers, cucumbers, yellow squash, and zucchini in and growing. This weekend I'm putting in green bean seeds and letting Josie pick out a couple extra things to try. Watermelon and cantaloupe will go in too, per Andrew's request.

I'm super excited about all the blueberries on our bush this year! I wish I would have gotten a few more in last Fall.

I love being in the garden.

Pulling weeds, digging, watering. I love watching something grow out of a tiny little seed and produce food. I love it all.

And so does Josie. Which makes the whole thing even more fun. She is my designated water-er and takes her job very seriously.

I'm looking forward to a great Summer in the dirt.

How about you? Are you a gardener?

Bound

2012-05-09T07:45:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I stink at spending quality time with my kids.

Quantity time? I got that covered.

But simply being with them is hard for me.

It's hard for me to walk just to walk. To go slow and touch every rock and splash in every puddle. To lay in the grass and giggle with them.

But sometimes, when I really make the effort, I rock at getting that quality time in.

I sing silly songs and have dance parties and breathe in their sweet smells long past bedtime. I fill their little hearts with all the love I can muster.

And it's good.

It's way good.

My babies love tanks are full to the brim. They are happy and full of giggles and hugs and, "love, love, loves."

And I think this is one new habit I can gladly keep up.

How about you? Does playing with your kids come natural to you or is it something you really have to concentrate on doing?

So Much For That

2012-05-08T09:36:00.000-04:00

Josie loves to play with shaving cream.

And since Gabriel's two now, I thought he'd probably like it to.

I was right.

He loved it.

They were playing so nice together, I decided to let them keep playing while I went in to make dinner.

Bad idea.

These kids are trouble.

American Pickers

2012-05-07T09:30:00.000-04:00

Nothing signals the start of Summer like picking berries.

Strawberry season is wrapping up around here so the kids and I snuck in one last trip to the local patch.

Our pickings lasted a grand total of 15 hours.

So much for freezing some for later.

Up next are raspberries than peaches than blueberries!

Library Builders Review - TOS

2012-05-04T20:57:00.000-04:00

I've got some exciting news.

Pope Academy was chosen to join The Old Schoolhouse Review Team!

Which means we will get to review some really great curriculums over the next school year. I'm pretty excited about this opportunity and hope that some of you can get some ideas for your own students from these posts.

Our first review is for Homeschool Library Builder.

You don't have to be homeschooling to enjoy this company. Homeschool Library Builder is a Christian, family run book business dedicated to providing great literature at an affordable price.

I love great books. I want to read all the classics with Josie. However I'm also on a pretty tight curriculum budget. We've been using our local library a lot, but sometimes they just don't have what I'm looking for. After just a few minutes browsing the Homeschool Library Builder site I found a ton of books that went along with our upcoming units.

The site sells new and gently used books at great prices. Many of the titles I found were under $10. My favorite part of the site was how organized it is. I was able to search by age, curriculum, topic, or author. You can become a member for free and receive monthly discounts along with great lesson ideas. When you become a member you will also receive points from every purchase to use towards new books!

For the month of May, you will get 25% off any purchases! Check out the Homeschool Library Builder and start growing your library!

To read reviews from other TOS Crew Members, click here!

Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.

Desert School

2012-05-04T08:05:00.040-04:00

The kids and I spent the past month 1,805 miles from our school room.

I lightened up our usual school work schedule quite a bit, but one of my favorite things about homeschooling is that it can happen wherever we are.

It takes a little more preplanning then usual, but the lessons we do while out living life are always my favorites. I brought along her math workbook and her reading workbook and had her work on those on the days we were just hanging around the house, which wasn't often.

Our main lessons were hands on in the desert.

I love planning lessons around the area we are visiting. I think it's great to read about our World, but reading about it and then going to see it first hand is the best!

We started out by going to the library and getting books on what I had planned to cover.

This year I decided to focus on the Saguaro Cactus and animals that live in the desert.

Cactus Handprints

Cucumber Cactus Project

We read about Arizona's state flower that grows on the Saguaro Cactus then made a mini model.

Desert Botanical Gardens

I made a little word hunt for our trip to the gardens. Josie loved it. We got really lucky and saw lots of desert animals at the gardens and ran into a bunch of volunteers that taught us some really neat things about all the plants. It was a great field trip!

Rattlesnake Math

* from Musings of Me

so long scottsdale

2012-05-03T11:37:00.003-04:00

Once again, you were too good to us.

Until next year:

First Day - May

2012-05-01T22:38:00.000-04:00

Your turn!

Grab the code and link up your First Day post. Don't forget to spread the love. We all like comments!

BBQ Chicken Roll Ups

2012-05-01T09:51:00.000-04:00

Everyone in my house is out of clean clothes and suffering from Attention Overload Letdown.

So here's a quick, crowd pleasing recipe while I come up with something exciting to share.

BBQ Chicken Roll Ups

Dough (we use dough from Little Nicci's but any dough will do)
BBQ Sauce
1 Chicken Breast (Cooked and Shredded)
Cheddar Cheese

No specific measurements, just use what you think will be best. I used a lot of sauce, 1/2 a chicken breast, a handful of cheese, and a dough ball the size of my fist.

Let's make dinner.

Roll out your dough.

Slap on the BBQ Sauce, sprinkle with cheese, top with shredded chicken. Then roll it up tight.

Slice that bad boy into cute little pinwheels.

Toss in the oven for about 12-15 minutes and serve'em up.

Adapted From Pepper Lyn's Awesome Blog

back to reality

2012-04-30T09:14:00.010-04:00

Tomorrow is our 3rd First Day Linky Party! Set your cameras out tonight and snap away tomorrow.

I'll meet you back here on Wednesday for a little show and tell!

We are home.

But I'm not quite ready to deal with the reality of unpacking.

A month long vacation deserves at least a week of slack as we fall back into our normal life, right?

The trip was awesome. Pretty much unforgettable. The kids are at a great age for travel like this. Andrew and I couldn't believe how easily they both adjusted. I run a pretty scheduled life at home and vacations are a free for all, so I'm never sure how they will do with so much spontaneity.

They rocked it.

Which they must get from Andrew since I was begging Amber to bring me my planner by week 2. I was jonesing for some order.

Gabe's toes are certified organic, gluten free, and totally edible.

Andrew and I were reminded why we don't have TV at home.

Let's just say Jack Bauer has my heart and 24 hours of my vacation as well. Yikes.

The last day of our trip, my mom and I went and had massages.

I'd never had one before. As I laid there getting rubbed down by a stranger, I couldn't figure out why I hadn't. Relaxed muscles are awesome.

Even more awesome?

Silence.

I suppose I need to do something about the lack of clean underwear in the house now. And our empty refrigerator.

Back to reality. Full speed ahead.

Doubled Up

2012-04-27T15:09:00.000-04:00

This past week we doubled up our fun by adding two of our favorite Georgia Peaches to the desert.

Amber and Olivia flew in early Monday morning and (tear) flew back home today.

Amber is my perfect vacation friend.

Our kids get along great, she likes to just sit and read, she goes to bed at a decent hour, and to top it all off, she changes poopy diapers for me.

After 3 weeks with all adults, Josie and Gabe were super happy to have a friend here.

We spent most of the week swimming and shopping and eating more food then I care to admit. I'll just say stretchy cotton dresses will be my friend for a few weeks.

It was an awesome week.

Heck, it's been an awesome month.

I can't count how many times I've stopped to think about this past month and wondered how I got so lucky. This is a pretty amazing life I get to live and the beauty of it all isn't lost on me. I'm going home with a renewed sense of the need to pay it forward. To appreciate what I have more and to quit lusting after material things. This trip has been soul refreshing.

So much happy all bundled up in my heart right now.

We are flying home on Monday. I'm more then ready to see Andrew and a little frightened at what the house probably looks like after me being gone for so long, but as usual, I'm not looking forward to not having my Mom up the street.

The kids and I are going to fill the weekend with as many memories as humanly possible while trying to fit all our junk back into our suitcases.