Merry Christmas!

It's unfortunate that I have fallen sick on Christmas Eve...I had to be quarantine from the kids and rest of the family during this whole time.  It wasn't a big deal..I thought to myself, I could get some "me" time...until every time I see my adorable kiddos, I want to HUG them!  That really shows how much I love to hug and kiss my kids...and the one day I couldn't do that, it was torturous!

I want to thank God that we are able to spend Christmas with families and friends.  This Monday we had our co-op Christmas Party at our house (pictures will follow later).  There were only 4 families this time, but we had an intimate time and the kids had loads of fun, even before they had ANY sugar.  We sang Christmas carols, read Christmas story, made a snowman ornament, had hot coco with marshmallows and cookies, and the funnest of all - grab bag!  It was definitely a memorable time.

Tonight my brother came to visit us.  He hasn't seen the kids in over a year, so it was truly special.  He dropped off their Christmas gifts, had dinner with us and played air hockey with the boys.  For someone like my brother who isn't used to being around kids, it was a blessing to see him roughhousing with them and being the cool uncle.  Thank you Lord, for bringing him here!

Lastly, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

St. Agnes nursing home visit

On Tuesday we visited St. Agnes nursing home in Chicago with all the co-op families.  This is probably the 3rd year we've done this.  Ours kids sang Christmas songs, played piano and violin.  We also had some new friends that had joined us and their daughters played xylophone!

We also made cross necklaces to give out as gifts to the elderly and workers there.  This was a great experience for us, starting from making the necklaces with Ethan and Noah.  Ethan was very committed and excited to make the necklaces for the "grandpa's" and "grandma's".  He helped me make like 10 out of 25 of them.  I also saw the growth in him being able to sing and do hand motions in front of an audience, which wasn't the case last year.  Noah, however, was really good at practice, but had stage fright once he had to sing for real.  However, this same thing happened to Ethan too a couple years ago, so I'm sure Noah will get over it soon enough.

A bad day turned out nice at the end

Today we learned Proverbs 12:18 - Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Ethan and Noah didn't realize that words can hurt more than physical wounds.  Foolish words can be meaningless and yet hurt others.  

There's an application for the verse from the lesson - I gave each boys 2 band-aids, each labeled "healing words".  When they see someone who's hurt, sad, angry, or discouraged, they can bring out the band-aid, say some words of encouragement, and put the band-aid on their heart. 

Throughout the day, I'd say they had many opportunities to use those band-aids - on mommy.  They were pretty bad throughout the morning, very disobedient and chaotic.  At one point, I had to scream on top of my lungs to keep them quiet.  I was being an angry mom.  Later on, I had to apologize to the kids for screaming at them.  It wasn't the right thing to do even when they weren't good.  The boys were very forgiving.  

Tonight , Ethan made Noah angry by turning off the bathroom light while Noah was still inside brushing his teeth.  I was surprised to hear Noah saying to Ethan, "it wasn't very nice to do that, I didn't like that".  He didn't say it in an angry tone, and after Ethan apologized to Noah, I praised Noah for using his words and not fighting.  Noah then ran to his room and grabbed his healing words band-aid to give to Ethan!  Ethan said he didn't need it and put it back.  Even though Ethan should be the one to give the band-aid, I was glad Noah remembered the lesson and tried to apply it.  It was a sweet ending to a bitter day!

Ethan's first LEGO Stop Motion Movie!

Ethan had the coolest project assignment from his Language Arts co-op (the Eagles) ever!  He was asked to create a LEGO stop motion movie.  He had to create a story outline based on a bible verse (Proverbs 16:24) which was also the theme.  Then he created his characters: Alvin the Chipmunk and Mr. Cheese the Mouse.  I was worried having to create animal characters out of LEGO but it turned out great!  

The most challenging part was probably coming up with the script with him.  I had to ask a lot of leading questions for him to write.  He was getting frustrated with not knowing what to write, so I had animate some things (pencils, crayons) to get him to think!  

Noah and daddy also took party in this whole project.  Noah wanted to make Alvin so I let him.  I made Mr. Cheese and boy...it was challenging!  Ethan and I made the playground together, and then daddy followed the script to take pictures for the movie.  Then we each took part in recording the voices for each character.  The final step was putting the pictures and audio clips into Windows Movie Maker to create the movie.  It was fun and challenging to use this program, I was able to set different duration for each picture, as well as adding sound clips for series of pictures.  Then after all that.....voila!  

Enjoy!

Am I neglecting her?

It's amazing to see our little 2 year old girl grow up so fast!  She's been copying everything her brothers say like a little parrot, good and bad things, unfortunately.  It's also been more challenging to do lessons with the boys with her around.  I tend to neglect and just shoo her off to either watch PBS on my ipad, drawing, or playing with playdough.  Sometimes I feel that I'm neglecting her and not doing much to grow and train her. However, I have to keep in mind that she's learning a lot from her everyday interactions with her older brothers, and that she's learning to play independently.  

As for the boys, it's been a little better today, less rowdy.  I was just sharing with my mom friends how wonderful it would be if they all progress steadily...however, it's always going to be 1 step forward then 2 steps backward.  We just need to take a big picture in mind - God is faithful, even when we're not.  

Grocery store

I had wanted to post this earlier but got distracted by all the craziness with the kids.  We did this on Monday and had so much fun.  This is another Math practice, playing grocery store.  I just took out food from our pantry and put a price label on them.  Then I asked the boys to set up the store shelves with chairs and placed the food in their own categories (more or less).  We grabbed Handy Manny toy laptop as cashier machine, and a toy tool as our scanner.  Each boy took turns to be customer and cashier.  Ethan had to add up the total of the receipt.  At one time, he was able to add 3 numbers together.

Happy thoughts....

After a disastrous day yesterday, we thought the boys must have learned their lesson.  Unfortunately, it wasn't the case.  I am sad and disappointed to say that Ethan didn't learn his lesson.  He was still out of control.  Because of his disobedience, he lost his chance to play in the snow with Noah and daddy.  He was so sad and frustrated, but it had to be done.  He was only allowed to watch Noah and daddy play out in the yard from the window.

Noah, on the other hand, was not as bad.  In fact, he actually ate really well through all the meals.  I usually get really frustrated with his eating behavior, (playing, distracted, super-slow) but today with the incentive of playing with snow after lunch, he quickly finished his big bowl of noodles.  I was also surprised that he finished his whole bowl of spaghetti without having to set the timer (we usually do).  He got to enjoy dessert - yummy grapes!

Before going to bed, I told Ethan to go ask daddy if he can play with snow tomorrow if he's good.  Daddy told him it's a new day tomorrow, and we don't keep his record of wrongs.  I prayed with both of them for God to guard their hearts, mouths, hands, and feet, for them to choose to be good.

Dear God, it's been so frustrating this last few days.  I confessed that I have been yelling again and not showing the best example to be gentle myself.  Lord, I ask that you would work in my heart, to cleanse me and change my own attitude first.  Tomorrow is a new day, may your spirit remind all of us to be gentle, to choose to be good.  Even when things get tough, help me to run to you first instead of my own ways.  Quiet me and calm me down when the boys show attitude, help me to use your word to encourage and discipline. Help all of us to turn to you for wisdom, empower us with your love and grace.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Got kicked out!

It's been a tough few days for us.  Both Ethan and Noah got really rowdy and kept acting up.  Although I kept reminding them about the Obedience Chart, it wasn't as effective as before.  We even got them this ginormous M & M covered taffy apple from Mariano's as their next reward, encouraging them to help each other to be good.  However, the longing for the treat wasn't enough.

Today was especially bad for the boys.  First Ethan was disobedient during co-op time (throwing a book!!!) then both boys got timed-out twice at Karate, then acted up during their time-outs, and finally got dismissed from the class.  I was so mad and embarrassed.  That was the last straw for the day.  I didn't even want to speak to them.

Daddy had a long talk with them, explaining to them that what they did today dishonored us and God.  When they acted like clowns, people will think their parents aren't disciplining them, and that's how we are dishonored.  We then decided to take their beloved Bey Blade away indefinitely as their punishment, and sent them off to bed early.

When the kids act up like this, it's very easy for me to fear the worst, thinking all the bad what if's.  However, my husband reminded me that God is faithful, even when the kids seem to be really bad at this moment, we are to believe in His promises.  Tomorrow is another day.

Restaurant Math

After almost a semester of learning addition, it's about time to put it into practice!  One way to practice is by playing Restaurant.  Following the curriculum, I asked the boys to make their own menus (they draw and I write out the price).  I was expecting a menu full of desserts but they drew all fruits and vegetables...so cool! Then we went to the basement to begin our fun!

Ethan's menu

Noah's menu 

Then the boys each took turn to serve their customer - mommy.  Unfortunately the food items they drew on the menu didn't match the food toys we actually own, so they had to use other items to substitute...which was all in good...strawberry became strawberry pie (a red round piece of plastic).  It got their creative juices flowing!  At the end, the boys need to add up the tab for mommy to pay (with real pennies).  

Thanksgiving 2013

This is our first year celebrating Thanksgiving at our new house in the burbs!  It felt really nice preparing the food, not feeling stress about not having enough counter space to work with.  We had a very intimate dinner with just our in-laws and one family over.  It felt warm and fuzzy, even when the boys decided to bang their spoons against their empty bowls...singing loudly in their made-up songs.

There's so much to be thankful for this year.  I thank God for providing such a sweet home for our family, it's not a fancy house, but it had so far fulfilled the vision we had for it.  We had a purpose for every room of the house, and so far every room has been used quite often to create nice memories.  

I thank God for seeing the growth in each kid this year.  Ethan has grown to be a mature boy who can really take care of his brother and sister.  Of course there are challenging moments, especially with his attitude this last few days, but I see that he has overcome some heart issues he had just last year.

Noah is becoming such an incredibly talented artist who's been making some awesome drawings.  He's able to color very meticulously at the age of 4.  The coolest thing has been seeing him sitting there for an hour just making paper puppets ranging from animals to superheroes.  Praise God for blessing him with such talent! May he use this to bless others!

Our little Bethany has been growing tremendously with her language skills.  She's like a little parrot repeating every little things her brothers talk about.  The most amazing thing has been seeing her adoration for her brothers grow each day, and that her brothers appreciate and honor their sisters in the sweetest ways.

Lastly, I want to thank God for my husband who has been a great support in my homeschooling journey this year.  He has committed to teach Science to the boys and doing experiments with them on Saturdays.  The boys just love having daddy being their teacher!  My husband has also been able to work from home more so that he can help out.  I understand that this is a luxury and I am learning to appreciate it!

Thank you, Lord!  

No time-out?

I'm so happy today that both Ethan and Noah finally got no time out at Karate!  There are only 2 more sessions left and today they finally learned to listen to the instructor.  What was the difference?  I gave them a practical incentive to motivate them to be good.  I let them choose a snack from the vending machine before class and told them they would get it as reward if they don't get time-out.  It didn't really work before when I tried to offer them snacks I brought, I think being able to put coins into the machine and "get" the reward yourself makes the difference!  The instructor commented they got A+ for being good at listening!  I do hope that they keep it up for the last 2 sessions.

I really appreciate the way the Karate uses games like "Simon Says", "Red light, Green light" to help the kids improve their listening skills.  I was watching from the door and saw that Ethan and Noah did pretty well with the games.  I believe that playing games is a really good way to develop certain skills such as listening. Sometimes it's more effective, in my opinion, then just telling them to pay attention verbally.

Another valuable lesson I learned is that, do not put Ethan and Noah in the same sports class, they just keep distracting each other and get too rowdy.  I always thought that they can bond more when they participate in the same sports, but I think they would thrive more individually if they join different class.  They would be able to focus more on learning rather than on each other.

Sick weeks = catch up work

What do you do with school when your kids are still sick for the third week?  Do you panic or do you take it easy?  We had already started the school year 2 weeks late due to a family trip to Hong Kong, and now holidays are approaching and we're still doing week 7's worth of work!  I admit that I was getting somewhat worried and panicky.  However, if I look at the whole picture, we would really be 2 weeks behind at the end of school year.  Being a homeschooler, we often do unit studies and reviews during the summer anyways, so what is another 2 weeks?

It's also been good to do catch-ups and reviews instead of teaching new stuff this past couple weeks.  I was able to work on the boys' characters more than academic things.  Ethan was having a bad attachment problem to his birthday present (Bey Blade).  He had to learn that toys are not important, even if they are gifts from mommy and daddy.  We took it away for one day, then he tried to play with it during probation period so we ended up confiscated it for 2 days.  It was really upsetting for him.  Today he got his Bey Blade back and he was more careful with not being too obsessed with it, waiting for school time to be over to play with it.  So we shall observe further to see if this obsession continues.

Obedience reaps Rewards!

Today was a fun day for the boys.  They get to shop for their obedience reward at Target's $1 bin.

 I have been training the boys for a while now to come right away when I call, without having to count 1-2-3. Before I would oppose this training method, thinking they just need more time to come.  However, after having to repeat counting numerous times and still they don't come, I understand the major flaw in this method. When you count to 3 (sometimes more), you give them at least 3 chances to disobey you.

So I now train and expect the kids to come right away when I call them, and  to do things I ask right away. My friend Karen passed on this 5 Finger Rule to obedience from a book: 1. Yes, mommy 2. I'm coming 3. Right away 4. All the way 5. In a Happy Way.  This rule helps kids to obey right away without grumbling.

To help the boys do this, Karen had also suggested to make an Obedience Chart for each kid, even for my 2 year old daughter!  Each kid gets 3 chances to earn a sticker for the day if they obey the 5 Finger Rule.  When they earn all the stickers, then they get $1 to buy anything they want from a store.  I was so surprised to see how much it's been working!  Both Ethan and Noah are much more aware and tuned-in when I call them, and they would also know right away if they had missed the chance.  Even little Bethany is able to earn 11 stickers so far by coming right away when I call...not so much on doing what I ask her yet.  Look at their happy faces when they get their reward!  Praise God!

Noah earned himself a R2D2
candy dispenser.

Ethan earned himself a yo-yo

The bible REALLY has 66 books!

During today's lesson, the boys learned about basic facts of the Bible - It's divided into Old and New Testament with 66 books total.  Thanks to the "My Father's World" curriculum, it suggests a really great way to help them visualize just how many books there are in each testament.

The stack on the left has 39 books (Old Testament) and the right has 27 books (New Testament).  Ethan and Noah were surprised to see that these many books are actually in the bible!  The boys also could visually see that the Old Testament has more books than the New Testament.  I love these demonstrations! 

Let's start blogging!

I'm so happy the blog is finally up!  It's been tough trying to get all the settings and configurations just the way I want it - I am a perfectionist.

Let's start by saying Happy Birthday to my oldest, Ethan.  He just turned 6 a couple days ago!  I can only praise God for the past 6 years of raising him.  From the beginning of freaking out about his eczema to now focusing on growing his character, God has been my strength and comfort.

An area of biggest growth in Ethan.  Ethan has a very strong sense of right and wrong, he used to carry out his own form of judgment upon others even at the age of 4.  However, those judgments were also combined with anger and frustration, which resulted in hurting others.  We believed it is a blessing for him to have this innate character and given the right guidance and nurture, it would become something great.  It took a long time for us to work with him on this and he's been growing more mature in this area.  He can now use words to communicate and work out issues rather than getting into physical fights, most of the time.

Dear Lord, I thank you for blessing me with such a sweet and thoughtful boy.  Thank you for giving me the privilege to raise Ethan to be a man of God.  May your words penetrate deep into his heart, so that he may walk in your ways and not his own.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.