Unrelated Thoughts

The following things are totally unrelated to each other:

1.  A conversation with Lukas:  "Why is it called a butterfly?"  "Ummm, I don't know.  Oh!  Because that's what Adam named it.  Remember that Adam got to name all the animals?"  "Oh, that's right.  It's Adam's fault."  My assumption from this is that Lukas believes that Adam made a poor choice in choosing the word butterfly for this beautiful creature.  (We're not even going to try to account for the fact that Adam may have spoken a completely different language.)

2.  Our reading curriculum...I love, love, love our reading curriculum.  BUT...Today I have my first complaint.  Why in the same unit that we are focusing on the "Magic E Rule" in which the e at the end of a word changes a short vowel sound to a long vowel sound (this was introduced a couple months ago, but this unit is driving it hard), anyway...why do they want my child to memorize site words like gone and done, which are completely confusing in themselves because they look the same and sound completely different?  (Wow, that was one very long sentence.)Time for some flash cards.

3.  Can I sing well...I don't know anymore.  We do a lot of singing in our household.  I starting singing to both of my kids inutero, and the singing has not stopped ever since.  But now I'm wondering, can I actually sing well?  You may wonder why this is.  Well, dear, sweet Ava has started singing while nodding her head quickly up and down to create the effect of a very bad sounding vibrato(you can laugh at this because it truly is hilarious.  I wish I could describe it better).  Now I assume that since I am the one she hears singing  most often that she is trying to mimic me.  And so I wonder...can sing at all or I am like one of those crazy people who audition for American Idol and really, truly believe that they are great singers only to find out from Simon and the gang that they totally stink?  And on that note, some of them actually have family members along with them who also really, truly believe these people can sing.  Last night this cute little southern girl went in and sang her heart out.  Her family and friends were waiting outside rejoicing because she was hitting all the right notes (their words, not mine).  I actually felt sorry for this girl when I heard her sing because she truly believed that she could sing, and all of these other people who were supporting her were telling her that she could sing.  I am telling you, the girl could not sing.

4.  Too much information for some of you...but today I am cranky mommy and it is all Eve's fault.

5.  PRAYER REQUEST...Now this one is actually serious.  If you actually stop by to read this today, Jan. 31st, pray for Eric and Bob, my father-in-law.  They are super stressed today with their deadline for mailing quarterly tax reports and W2s coming at midnight tonight.  The W2s are done, but they still have some reports to finish up and they are really feeling the stress.  Pray for focus, few interuptions, and that they make it to the main post office by midnight!

6.  I almost forgot this one...I understand when people spell Lukas' name wrong.  We're the dumb parents who spelled it with a K, but we had very good intentions of calling him LUKE not Lukas, and then we never dropped that second syllable.  So, basically, there is a purpose to the K.  BUT...I do not understand how people can mispell AVA.  It looks exactly the way it sounds.  I cannot tell you how often people spell her name with an E at the beginning.  Blog readers, let me share with you...AVA is pronounced with a long A sound at the beginning and EVA is pronounced with a long E sound at the beginning.  This is not hard.  And...when my wonderful 5 year old tells you that you have spelled his sister's name wrong, don't tell him that it is okay because it isn't okay!  Fix the problem.  (I told you I was cranky mommy today and you kept reading.  Maybe later I'll write again and confess my bad attitude while laying prostrate on the ground and weeping.) 

Busy Times

It has been a few days since I've written anything, so I figure I should come up with something.  We've been busy here in the McEvoy family.  Eric has been working a lot of hours towards a major deadline at work tomorrow.  The kids have had a difficult time adjusting to him being gone so much, but we're managing.  Lukas understands that the deadline is tomorrow and that Eric will have a little break from the super long hours after that.  Since he realized that there is a "light at the end of the tunnel," his behavior has been much better.  Towards the end of last week, I was pulling my hair out!

On another topic...The other day in the car, the kids wanted to listen to Ava's favorite CD, which is Jana Alayra's Jump Into the Light.  She loves, loves, loves this CD.  Her favorite song to sing during our family devotions each night is the title song, Jump Into the Light, which would be fine if it weren't for the fact that we're usually trying to move them towards being calm, quiet, and sleepy during devotions rather than jumping around like crazy kids.  We sing it anyway though.

Anyway, my point in mentioning this is that we were listening to the CD in the car when Ava suddenly burst out in the cutest little astonished sounding voice, "They are singing about myyyy Jesus."  Adorable.  Sweet.  I love it when kids do or say things like this.  It was just too cute.

In other news, our homeschool co-op started our winter session today.  We just met for dessert, a meeting, and registration today.  Last session, I kind of felt like I didn't really connect too much with anyone, so I'm hoping to make some better connections this time.  I did get to talk to a few of the other moms today, which was nice.  My kids love going.  They were actually disappointed that they didn't have their classes or much playtime today with their friends.  

Another note about our co-op...I volunteered to teach a Community Helpers class to the 3-5 year olds.  Both of my kids are in that class, and I didn't like some of the other options too well, so I volunteered.  Last session, I had 6 kids in this class, all boys.  This session I am going to have 12 kids in this class, which isn't too bad really.  BUT...the only girl is going to be Ava.  Seriously.  11 boys ages 3-5 all running around in a small space, some still needing assistance in the potty, some who can't sit still if their lives depended on it, some who are quiet and shy, some who are rambunctious (Lukas is in this category), etc...  Pray for me!  I have to say that I am thankful that I found out that I will have 2 helpers instead of 1, which will be a big blessing.  I'm looking forward to the class.  My kids are going to love it, and I think the other kids will also.

A lot of people ask me about our homeschool group and how it works, so maybe this blog entry will give you a better idea.  If you want to learn more about it, visit the Home on the Rock website, which is the name of the organization that our group, which is called Jasper, is a part of.  It is a great organization.  I'm so glad to be a part of it!  I'm always willing to answer questions too.  I remember being curious about homeschooling and thinking that anyone who did it had to be a freak.  Well, I'm one of those freaks now, so feel free to ask anything!  

Until next time!  Have a great week my friends!

Ava's Check-up

This morning was Ava's three year check-up at the pediatrician.  She did a great job!  I had prepared her a little by telling her what the doctor would do (check her ears, nose, throat, tummy, etc...).  She didn't hesitate as the doctor checked everything out.  In fact, when Dr. Kirkby was checking her ears, she sat with her mouth gaping open because she knew her mouth was going to be checked soon.  It was kind of cute.

Ava has finally had a growth spurt big enough to move her into the 50th percentile for height for her age.  She has been pretty consistently in the 30th since her first birthday.  I knew she had a major growth spurt this past fall.  She pretty much went from wearing size 18 and 24 month pants to wearing 3Ts overnight.  That's right...she never really wore a 2T pant ever other than a couple of Old Navy stretch pants, but there clothes are never sized right anyway.  

So, Ava is 37 inches tall and weighs almost 29 pounds fully clothed.  Lukas weighed over 30 pounds at his 2 year check-up, so it makes me laugh to see how tiny she still is at 3!  This puts her just below the 50th percentile for weight though.  I don't get that.  She gains 2 pounds in a year and has suddenly moved from the 25th percentile at age 2 to the 50th percentile at age 3.  I guess most kids lose that baby pudge between 2 and 3.

I'm babbling now...sorry.  

The last thing I want to share is that Lukas was so, so, so wonderful to his sister today.  The doctor explained to me that I might want to consider giving Ava a hepatitis A vaccine.  After talking it over and ensuring me that there was no mercury in the vaccine, I agreed to let her have the shot.  When the doctor left the room, Lukas sat down and asked Ava to come to him.  She did so willingly, and he hugged her and stroked her back as he explained to her that the shot would only hurt for a second.  Then, he said, they would put a really cool kid band-aid on it and give her a sucker.  I cannot describe this scene well enough in writing.  It was one of the sweetest moments I have ever witnessed between my kids.

Enough bragging about my kiddos for one day.  Of course, if you didn't want to hear me bragging about my kids, then you would have stopped reading my blog ages ago.    Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Smilebox

Here is the Smilebox link that I promised you.  There are tons of pics.  My dad actually took them all.  Enjoy!  Here's the link:

SMILEBOX

My Baby Turned 3

My baby is three years old today.  I can't believe how quickly time flies when you have children.  I guess it moved just as quickly before they were born, but watching them grow and change so quickly on a daily basis makes you realize how fast things are going and how easy it is to miss what is important.

Three years ago I was in the hospital nursing my sweet, innocent baby girl.  Her birth was easy because it was by c-section.  She was perfect.  We had only known that she was a girl for a few weeks, and we couldn't have been happier.  A boy and a girl!  How blessed were we!

I remember holding her and staring into her little face and thinking about how much God loved me.  Why would he give me such a gift if he didn't love me?  I thought the same thing when Lukas was born.  Children are one of our greatest gifts from God.  Everything we have is a gift from our loving Father.  I hope that I am truly grateful for each and everything He offers me.

I always thought that we would have a household of children, but now I'm not sure that's going to happen.  I know that it is up to God if we're going to be blessed in this way again, and I must admit that is extremely hard for me.  I am a control freak.  It is well-known by family and friends, so my blog readers might as well know too.  I like to control my life, and letting God handle the reigns has never been easy for me.  Yes, I know that attempting to handle them myself just makes life that much harder, but I keep trying anyway.  What is it they say about insanity...doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.  Yep, that's me! 

At any rate, I am so blessed to have two beautiful, healthy children.  They are loving, kind, and caring.  Lukas knows Jesus, and he is already trying to be like Him.  Ava knows about Jesus and I think she will eventually grow to accept and love Him.  They are smart, energetic, and creative, just as all children are and should be.  Indeed, I have been blessed by God in a great and wonderful way.

When I am sad, my children cheer me up.  When I am angry, they make me smile.  When I am frustrated, they remind me of what really matters.  When I am hurt, they encourage me.  They don't necessarily try to do all of these things.  They just do it by being themselves.  They say the silliest things at the perfect moment or smile and hug me when I least expect it.  I love that about them.

So...back to Ava.  She had a great turn out for her birthday party yesterday.  It was a Dora the Explorer themed party.  The kids got to play a super fun game called Cranium Hulabaloo.  Lukas got it for Christmas, and my kids love it.  All the kids at the party loved it as well.  (Advertisement:  If you have preschool or early elementary aged kids, it is such a fun game...especially for rainy days when they are itching to be active.)

Ava got lots of great gifts, and I was so proud of her for saying thank you to each person.  She usually gets shy when it is time to say thank you.  We bought her My Little Ponies.  I love them!  Why?  Because I had them when I was a little girl.  I remember saving my money until I had enough to buy a new My Little Pony.  I love introducing stuff like that to my kids.  It is just too fun!

Anyway, it is getting late, and I am exhausted.  I was up on Friday until 3 decorating the cake(so I guess I was up until Saturday), and last night I was up until 1.  So, since it it midnight now, I should head off to bed where I can dream about my little baby girl and how big she has grown overnight.  I'll try to post a smilebox tomorrow for you all to see.  If not tomorrow, then it will be soon!

Tag

I've been tagged by my friend Kristin to answer the following questions.  If you're interested in learning a little about me, then please read on.  I've never posted anything like this, so I thought it might be fun for a change.  If you read, make sure you finish because someone else is going to be tagged in the end

1). What's the most fun work you've ever done, and why? (two sentences max) – I'm not saying this to be cliche, but the truth is that the best job I have ever had is the one I have now, and that is being a mom.

2A.) Name one thing you did in the past that you no longer do but wish you did. (one sentence max) - I truly wish that I had time to devote to playing flute again.

B.) Name one thing you've always wanted to do but keep putting off. (one sentence max) – I've always wanted to learn to sew, and my mother-in-law has decided to teach me(I hope this is a good thing).

3A.) What two things would you most like to learn or be better at, and why? (two sentences max) – I'd like to learn to play the French Horn, not just to pass a class but to play it well enough to perform, and I'd love, love love even more than that to take a photography class so that I could truly learn the art of photography.  

B.) If you could take a class/workshop/apprenticeship from anyone in the world living or dead, who would it be and what would you hope to learn? (two more sentences, max) – Assuming that you don't want the obvious answer (Jesus), the only person I can really think of is Robert Frost, and I don't know if writing great poetry can really be taught.  It would definitely be great to meet him and talk with him though.

4) A. What three words might your best friends or family use to describe you? – Gosh...a hard one...perfectionist, dramatic (just ask my sister or Eric), encouraging( I hope!)

B. List two words you wish described you – Christ-like, gracious

5) What are your top three passions? (can be current or past, work, hobbies, or causes-- three sentences max) – In no particular order:  1) Worship through music and teaching others what it means to truly meet with God during their worship time.  2)  Being the best wife and mother that I am capable of being because that is what God has called me to do.  3)  Music...I love listening to it, playing it, singing it, performing it, and just having it be a part of my daily life, and I hope I can pass that love on to my children.

I think I'll tag Amy Murphy to go next, but if anyone else is interested, go for it!  You're it!

Moments at the Mall

The kids and I ventured to the mall today.  Lukas needed pants...again, and I figured it would do them some good to play on the mall playground for a while.  Before heading to the mall playground, I stopped by an ATM so that I could have some cash to get a bottle of water.  While at the ATM, Lukas climbed onto a marble planter that had a nice wide ledge on it.  He stood with one hand held in the air to the side and the other hand on his chest while he sang "Figaro!  Figaro!  Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!" at the top of his lungs.  It was hilarious!  I was completely distracted and not paying attention while at the ATM, so he had quite a few on-lookers before I made him climb down.  There were half a dozen "serious" shoppers in the jewelry store watching him with pierced brows and looking completely puzzled.  I cannot tell you how funny this was.  It is not every day that you see a 5 year old boy singing opera in the middle of the mall.  Thanks to Tom and Jerry cartoons!

After our little operatic performance, we headed toward the playground only to discover that it still hadn't been put back together.  Santa took over the playground in November, and now it is simply empty.  It is usually an outer-space themed play area with all the planets and a space shuttle.  The kids didn't care though.  They ran around with a bunch of other kids for 45 minutes while I chatted with another mom.  It was a nice afternoon.  Lukas got three pair of pants all on sale, and we had a nice time.

But that's not all that happened.  I have another Lukas story.  Lukas was playing with a couple of little boys who were probably about 4.  They all wanted to wrestle, but I really didn't think that was a good idea with 20 other kids running around, all of them smaller than Lukas.  So instead, they decided to compete for the title of fastest and strongest.  Apparently, when one little boy announced that he was indeed the strongest one there, Lukas informed him that he was wrong because JESUS was the strongest one EVER (emphasis added by Lukas).  I wish I had heard that conversation, but I was busy chasing Ava.  Oh well!  I'm so glad he told me about it though.  It was a very happy, proud moment for this mommy!

It amazes me how much kids absorb and learn when we aren't even sure they are listening.  Obviously, Lukas is learning about Jesus, which is amazing to me.  I always wonder if I'm a good enough example, and I know that I'm not.  I fail daily, but he's still getting it, and that is what matters.  My prayer is that both Lukas and Ava get "it "in spite of me because I truly don't think they'll get it because of me.  I'll keep working at it, and hopefully someday, I'll get there!  I'm sure many of you feel the same way.

Chia Pets

Chia Pets are gross.  I know I left you hanging yesterday, but I didn't have time to write the whole story.  If you've never had a Chia Pet, then read on!  I had no hopes or dreams of acquiring a Chia Pet, but Lukas received a Chia Scooby Doo for Christmas.  He loves it!

The first thing you have to do is soak the seeds for 24 hours, and after they have been in the water for that long, they are a slimy, gooey substance that is kind of like mucous with seeds.  Sorry.  That's the best description I can offer.  You can see why this is gross.

After spreading the slime all over Scooby, we put a plastic bag over him to create a greenhouse effect (this is a great science project, afterall).  He sprouted hair on his ears by the next morning.  The "hair" looked a lot like tiny little white worms stuck in goo to me, but Lukas and Ava were thrilled to see it.  

Now the hair is turning green and looking a little more plant-like than worm-like, but the slime is still there and looking a little fuzzy and gray now.  Yuck.

To make this worse, Scooby will only sprout his Chia afro for a maximum of 2 weeks before I'm supposed to scrape it off.  Otherwise, it will rot and start to smell and be very difficult to clean up, according to the packaged directions.  Anyway, I'm not hoping to start over right away.  I'd like to free my countertop from the slimy mess for a while before attempting to grow another head of Chia hair.  We'll see what happens!

Gotta make this post green in honor of the Chia. 

Thought of the Day

Chia Pets are gross.

Family Hair Cut Day

I have been at my parents' house for the past couple of days.  It was a visit just for the sake of visiting.  We didn't have anything planned while we were there until today, and it was so great to just relax and visit with Mom and Dad for a couple of days.  The kids enjoyed it as well.  We had a great time, but we missed Eric.  We're glad to be home, and I think Mom and Dad were probably ready for a little peace and quiet.

While I was in Coshocton, I went to see my old hair stylist.  Praise God for Laurie Collins!  I used to plan cuts on my trips home from college because she did a great job, and even after we moved to NY I tried to hang on to her, but it was just too far.  In NY, my friend Mindy cut my hair and always did a great job, and I think that's the last time I've had a really good cut that I liked.

So today, Lori did my hair.  I went in not knowing what I was getting.  My hair was super-long, longer than it has been since we got married I believe.  Anyway, my hair is super-fine but I have a lot of hair, and I thought she was going to have to chop it all off to give it some volume on top, but she didn't.  She shortened it quite a bit and worked with the curl.  It is soooo curly!  Seriously.  Not too many of you have seen me in curls like this.  I'm not sure if I like the curly look yet, but I'm going to give it a try for a while.  It's natural curl, so I might as well go with it! 

In further hair cut news, Lori told me that if I cut Ava's hair, it would probably start to grow.  Many of you know that I have really, really, really wanted Ava's hair to grow, so tonight, I cut it.  That's right, I took scissors to my sweet daughter's head.  I barely took anything off, but she was thrilled that she was getting a cut.  All afternoon and evening she kept looking at everyone saying, "See, my hair is REALLY long, so I gettin it cut!."  Honestly, it looks exactly the same, but I'm hoping it grows now!

After Ava's cut, we decided to make it family hair cut day.  I cut Lukas' hair (also the first time I used scissors on him.  I usually just use clippers), and then I cut Eric's hair.  You'll find pics of everyone except Eric (I can't cut and take photos at the same time) in this SMILEBOX.  I love how proud Ava looks of her new cut!  Plus, you can check out my curls.  I hope I don't look like a poodle.

Another Day

I don't have much to say tonight.  I've had kind of a bad day, but I'm trudging through.  Lukas had a tough school day today, which I kind of expected to happen this week.  It took him almost 45 minutes to finish his handwriting, which is normally a 10-15 minute task.  It was all down-hill from there, but he managed to get everything done and still had time to play when it was all over.  And...he also told Eric what he learned today, so in spite of the lack of focus, learning did take place.  On most days, he's an eager student, so I can't really complain about the occasional tough day.

I haven't heard anything about Grandpa today.  Last night Dad said they wanted him to be able to hold down solid food for 24 hours before releasing him.  If that's all they are waiting for, I think he should be home soon.  When I find out, I'll write another post.  Until then, good-bye!

Grandpa, Etc...

Grandpa is back in the hospital, but they don't believe that it's cancer related.  Grandpa was home alone for part of the night and morning today.  His neighbor went to check on him around 10:30 and found him on the floor.  The pain in his leg had caused him to fall, and he was too weak to get up on his own.  On top of this, he has a stomach virus.  He has been admitted to the Coshocton County Memorial Hospital because of dehydration.  They are running tests to make sure that this is only a stomach virus.  Since my dad and others affectionately call Coshocton's hospital a "band-aid station," I'm not feeling inclined to worry too much about Grandpa right now.  If he were in danger, Coshocton would transfer him to a larger facility.  If anything else happens, I'll keep you posted.

In other news, Ava did make it through the night on Friday with dry undies.  I'm sure you were all waiting on the edge of your seats to hear the results of her diaper-free night.    Last night she was back in a pull-up because the kids ended up staying at Eric's brothers house for the evening.  Originally, our nephew, Jochen, was going to come here to babysit, but he was sick.  His parents called and offered to keep our kids overnight at their house so that they could make sure Jochen took the right meds when he was supposed to.  He wasn't contagious, so it didn't take us long to decide that this was a good idea for us!

The kids had a great time with their cousins, and we had a great time with friends.  Our small group from church all decided to go to Saturday night church, and then we headed downtown to Buca di Beppo.  We had never been there, but now that we have been there, we are big fans.  The food was great, but the time we had there was even better.  We laughed harder than we have laughed in a long time, and that was much needed.  We are truly blessed to be a part of a phenomenal small group.

So that's what we've been up to this weekend.  We managed to un-decorate, but I haven't had a chance to put all my regular decor back up yet.  I was busy doing other household chores today, and now I've got to finish this week's school plans.  You would think that I would have these done since I just had a break, but I don't.  Well, I'm probably about half-way done with them.  I just need to write it all down.  I know some homeschoolers probably don't take the time to write it all down, but I absolutely have to.  It's ingrained in me for some reason.  Maybe it's the education degree.  Nah.  It's just me. 

Well, I'm starting to babble again, so I'll wrap this up.  Have a happy Monday everyone!

Ava's Day

It has been "one of those days" around here.  Ava seemed to be on a one way road to destruction.  I'm not exaggerating about this.  She was jumping off the stairs, climbing onto the back of the couch and jumping to the floor, hanging on the banister, etc...  Plus, I can't forget pushing and hitting her brother, taking his toys, and just being generally unpleasurable to be around.

And now...she is in bed for the night, and I hope she goes to sleep very soon.  Naptime was a catastrophe today, but once she fell asleep, she actually slept for 2 hours.  I hope that bedtime is better than that.

In other Ava news...we ran out of pull-ups.  We only use them at night anyway.  She's been fully day-time potty-trained since September, so we have decided that tonight is the night that we're giving overnight training a try.  I remember it being so easy with Lukas.  He trained completely in a week, but he was older than Ava.  She daytime trained in a week, but not during the night.

So...here's to dry beds and better behavior!  Of course, I could just go to the store and buy a bag of pull-ups, but we might as well give it a try.  We'll let you know how it goes.   

My Love of Homeschooling

I had to take Lukas to the pedi again today.  He has a sinus affection again, and this time his eye is infected.  It is actually kind of gross looking, but it's not pink eye, thank goodness.  He just finished his last antibiotic over the weekend, and now he's on a stronger one for 5 days.

When I called to make the appointment, they set it up with a different pedi than we usually see.  That was fine with me.  I just wanted him to see someone so that we could get meds ASAP.  During the visit, we found out that the doctor we saw today is actually a homeschooler himself!  He and his wife have been homeschooling their kids for 20 years!  If I had more time, I would have picked his brain big time.  I love talking to experienced homeschoolers!

The funny part was that he asked me what curriculum we were using before he told me that they homeschooled.  I thought, "He's a doctor.  I could totally make something up and he wouldn't know."  But...I didn't make anything up, of course, and then he told me what they've used.  A little of everything, which is what most people say.  I so wish there was a cookie-cutter way to do this sometimes just so that I know I'm getting it right.  But then, that would defeat the entire purpose of homeschooling, now wouldn't it?

I, of course, do not want more regulations or anything like that either.  I just want a homeschooling mentor or two who can reassure me and give me advice now and then.  Sometimes I feel so insecure as a new homeschooler, but then I see how much Lukas is learning and how eager he is to keep learning.  That's really all the satisfaction I need to keep going.  Plus, Ava is interested as well.  She loves to sit with me while I read to her, and she is usually at the table with us during school time coloring, learning numbers, or making crafts with us.  What better way to spend my days? 

I am so blessed to homeschool.  I can't even describe to those of you who have never experienced homeschooling how amazing it is.  It's worth the time I put into it and then some.  It brings joy to me daily, and I know that I am helping my kids form a life-long love of learning that they may not ever have found otherwise.  Plus, wouldn't we all have excelled more and retained more if our education was perfectly suited for our learning style and capabilities?

Anyway...I'm nearing a soapbox now, so I'll wrap this up.  I'm not naive enough to think that everyone should homeschool, but I love it, and it's definitely the best choice for us and our kids.  I love talking about it with anyone who will listen, and you, my readers, got to hear about it tonight.