Bringing A Book To Life

As a former teacher, I've done all kinds of activities based on books. Two of my favorite were making stone soup, obviously based on the book of the same title. And making snow candy as described in one of the Little House on the Prairie books.

But Tom has me beat. Hands down.

He and Ida have been reading all the American Girl books. They've gone through almost all of the series of the historical characters. Right now they are reading the Josefina series.

Josefina and her family weave on a loom.

So Tom made a loom. He built it. Out of wood. And it works. Of course, he isn't satisfied with it and wants to improve upon his plan. But Ida thinks it's pretty cool. So do I.

Again, I'd like to state that he really is the superior home schooling parent. He challenges me to be better. But I'm just not as creative or talented. Guess I'll just wait for the first snow of the season and try to impress him with my snow candy.

Ida's Mission

Having dropped off our Operation Christmas Child shoe box at church on Sunday, I assumed we were done with that project until next year.

Wrong.

Ida continued to talk about how she wishes she could fill more boxes, follow each box to the country it is delivered to, and work on them all year long.

So this morning as she carried around a shoe box asking if she could fill it, I didn't want to say no. So I began to explain why it might be hard to do another one this year.

With our new budget that is cutting out all extra spending, we don't have the funds to fill another shoe box.

But that isn't stopping Ida. She has a plan.

She is going to ask Daddy for permission to break into her piggy bank and head to the dollar store on their Daddy-Daughter outing tomorrow. She also came up with the idea of sending along the Bible verses we've learned so far as part of her gift. She is determined to get another box sent out.

I found it impossible to say no to that request, as I'm sure Tom will. So I'm trying to scrounge up the seven dollars to cover the shipping so she'll only need to pay for the gifts.

I am proud of her for choosing to spend her own money. And for wanting to share the word of God with another child. She helped remind me that the reason for our tight budget is not something to complain about, but instead be thankful for.

So shoe box number two is in the works. Ida is on a mission.

Hurricane Ida

Ida was excited to see her name on the television screen and liked hearing people tell her there's a hurricane with her name. Funny how many people pointed this out to her. Not having a common name makes it pretty exciting when it shows up somewhere...even if it is to name a hurricane.

Way back when, after living through three hurricanes in Orlando, we saw the published list of the upcoming storm names. I remember seeing Ida and wondering if it would go over our house in 2009. Even with moving north, we have our very own storm living right here with us. We know Hurricane Ida quite well.

It's big news at our house. It's not every day one's name is used for a hurricane...or tropical storm as now the case may be.

Wonder if John's name will be given to a storm in the future. Or if he's just too calm to have one borrow his name.

Shoe Box Time

Last night we got our shoe box ready for Operation Christmas Child.

This year John Boy joined us in shopping for, filling, wrapping, and praying over our box.

Having seen a Veggie Tale promotion for this

wonderful ministry in her Sunday school class, Ida has been even more enthusiastic about it than in past years.

The sweetest moment was when we all placed our hand on the box and prayed aloud.

Nothing is more precious to me than listening to the prayers of my children.

Schmee and Boy

After sickness and a long road trip, it's nice to be back into our normal routine. And our routine has been going smoothly this week.

We've hit our stride with homeschooling...at least for the moment. It isn't such a struggle and I find myself enjoying our lessons more and more. Ida is quick to learn and needs practically no practice with any of the skills we've worked on.

As usual, Ida does a lot independently. Such as reading. She reads books on her own that I wouldn't have thought she could tackle. And I love to catch her with a book, completely absorbed.

Today I was cleaning up the kitchen and turned to find her reading while eating her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

She reads to John as well and he's a captive audience.

That could be one of the few times the Boy sits still. He's jumping, running, diving, and climbing more often than not. He's doing well with pedaling his new bike. He just can't quite steer and pedal at the same time. He also now loves playing with his cars and trucks.

And his newest expression since turning three...

"What's the big idea?"

He says it many, many times a day.

Add to that "that's strange"(said in a very strange tone of voice), "bye-bye, alligator"(instead of see you later alligator), and "OK, Mr. Bones!"(no clue where that came from), we find ourselves laughing often.

When I sit down and think about it, it's hard to believe that Ida will be turning six next month and John is now three.

Schmee and Boy. I just love them.

Third Birthday

Birthdays are always a lot of fun. But being here in Pennsylvania made John's third birthday seem even more special.

John's celebration started with a Daddy date to the Disney Store. Upon arriving home, he discovered his Mickey decorations. Then lunch, cupcakes, and presents followed. Mommy and Daddy surprised him with a big boy bike.

We all went to dinner at Buca di Beppo. The birthday boy was a little tired after not napping earlier, but he hung in there and blew out the candles the waitress brought to our table with his dessert. The adults all had fun eating a delicious dinner in the Pope Room.

Wearing his brand new Mickey jammies to bed completed his Mickey third birthday.

We love you John Matteo!

Over The River And Through The Woods

To Granmom and Grandad's house we go!

Since it's been a little difficult to convince Grandad to make the long drive to our house, I asked Tom if we could head north for a short visit. When he said yes, my first choice of dates was over John's third birthday. That way we could not only visit, but celebrate as well.

I'm so appreciative of Tom's willingness to drive north only to have to work each day via email and phone calls. I know it's not a vacation for him, but it is much needed time with my parents for me.

So we'll drive up to Pennsylvania on Thursday and leave for home again early Monday morning. Short, but very sweet.

John is very excited about his Mickey Party. He keeps asking for a party hat. And yes, I had one specially made for him. Along with all the other custom made party supplies. Since there was no other choice for a party theme than Mickey, I had to come up with something original since we used the Mickey Clubhouse theme that is out in all the stores last year.

John loves going over his guest list. Granmom, Grandad, Grandma, Grandfog, and CHUCHEE HEIDI. The last name is usually yelled.

It will feel so good to go back home, especially after all the germs and viruses that have been at our house in the past few weeks.

But next time it's Grandad's turn to drive. If his neurotic-travel-stressed daughter can do it, so can he!