Time is Ticking

I have been thinking, since before I got married and had kiddos, that I would consider homeschooling.
Having been a child who learned predominately by doing, hands on and life experience I really felt behind in many ways. I was homeschooled in HS and I would have to say that experience was hard given the circumstances. As a mama I realize that its my job to protect my kids when they cannot protect themselves. I am also supposed to have foresight into their needs and skills. Homeschooling would give us the freedom to give each child 1 on 1 help as well as focus on our family values when our kids are most teachable. I read a list of 15 benefits of HS- I highlighted a few of my benefits.

The Top 15 Benefits of Homeschooling

You get to...

1. Control what your children learn and when they learn it.
2. Show your children that learning is not boring, but exciting.
3. Build intimate and meaningful relationships with your children.
4. Tailor your teaching to fit your children's dominant learning styles.
5. Give your children in-depth, personal attention in any subject with which they struggle or excel.
6. Create a weekly schedule that fits your needs and allows you to do things without the constraint of a traditional classroom schedule.
7. Transfer your values and beliefs to your children and address their questions when they have them.
8. Protect your children from the negative influences they may encounter outside the home.
9. Teach more effectively by interacting with your children 1-on-1.
10. Nurture your children's natural (musical, artistic, mathematic) talents so they thrive and grow.
11. Address "big issues" with your children when you feel they're ready.
12. Share with your children the common, everyday joys of life.
13. Help your children mature through the difficult times in their lives.
14. Share the joy of teaching your children with your spouse.
15. Take vacations during the school year and make them educational.
    
    Now that's a lot of highlighting! I like the rest but the green are some of my main reasons.
    
    Having the ability to filter the world for my kids is important, being able to teach to my kids learning styles and work closely with them when they do struggle or excel. I L.O.V.E knowing that I can take my kids to the park or a museum or even on vacation and count that as hours and incorporate education.Flexibility is key to raising kids and knowing that we could meet the needs of the day with flexibility would freeing.
    
    Living in CS there are MANY homeschool connections. I think CS would set any family up for successful homeschooling if you wanted to take the plunge.
    
    Now...here are disadvantages.....
    
    

    The Top 10 Potential Disadvantages of Homeschooling

    You may have to...
    
16. Spend 24 hours a day with your children for several days at a time.
17. Justify homeschooling to family and friends who oppose your decision to learn at home.
18. Be very patient with your children when it seems they aren't learning anything at all.
19. Deal with the frustrations of sometimes being "behind."
20. Spend more money on your children's education than you're accustomed to.
21. Get out of your comfort zone to learn how to homeschool effectively.
22. Encourage your children even when you don't feel like it.
23. Seek advice from other homeschooling parents when you encounter problems you're not equipped to handle.
24. Research a few curriculum programs before you find one that works for you and your family.
25. Put forth more effort to find children with whom your children can build quality relationships.

The highlights are really a lot of planning/prep work, and I have 4-5 years before Ill need to start that. I am praying that God would intervene in the education departments around the city, state and country so that vouchers would be something each family had. Knowing that we would get a bit more money to help with HS. I do know that as my kids age that are subjects I am not as equipped to teach- math and science are not my strong suites. I would then work hard and utilize the co-op or enrichment programs available. 

Home Sweet Home

Well....we did it. We flew as a family! I have to say these two flights were the BEST I have ever had. Not only did I do better than usual, the flights themselves were AMAZING!

Elaina slept on each flight, the W.H.O.L.E way.

We had a blessed time in California. We have so many wonderful family members who loved on us; letting us stay with them to cut costs at hotels, kissed and snuggled E, all the aunties and Grammy watched E so we could do a date night in Malibu. We are very thankful.


Here are some of our favorite.

 On our flight to California...my arm fell asleep. She helped me stay calm and collected, only a few tears of thankfulness for a good take off.

 Aunt YaYa gave E these booties. They are amazing.

 Auntie Di has a great pool. While daddy surfed, we just laid out.

 Mama and the Suga'

 Chris told me the first day we knew we were going to California that he wanted to take E in the water, dip her toes a bit. He did. For a second. It was too cold.

 Sleeping on the chairs a Do's pool. The kids were so loud that this moment is rest was over before it began.

 Boating: Donna has a great boat that we took our with the family. Captain Chris showed us the beautiful lake and all the houses. A great vacation spot if you ever need one. Westlake Lake was beautiful.

 E slept the whole boat ride- after we got off she was happy as a clam. 'Waiving' hello to all!

 A collage of my favs.

 Do and Grammy had 'learning' time with Elaina. She was sung to and had lots of books.

 Sleeping on the beach the second day. Grandpa is a great resting place.

 Donna came up with a great term. First morning and second morning. Since E wakes up early and then quickly lays down for a second nap she has 2 mornings. This was first morning and the FIRST AND ONLY time E gets to watch tv with my permission. Donna found a 5 minute Tow-Mater show on Disney and taped if for Saturday morning cartoons with E. It was so sweet. Donna always things of the small things.

 At the Getty

 Daddy and E before boarding out flight home

 Driving back to the Springs....we all just want out cozy, warm bed

Good bye California. We had such great memories.

A shield

I love you, Lord, my strength.

² The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield^[b] and the horn^[c] of my salvation, my stronghold.

³ I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and I have been saved from my enemies. 

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;
    my God turns my darkness into light.
²⁹ With your help I can advance against a troop^[e];
    with my God I can scale a wall.

³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.

We are about to embark on a family first., Flying with Elaina! 

As many of you know flying has been extremely hard for me since 2010. With lots of mercy from God, help from a professional and sometimes a sip of  water wine I have made it through many flights. We are headed to California and its going to be a quick, easy flight. Since I am not able to have a glass of wine or take anything (I tried Xanax for Paris and I didn't notice a difference), I am relying on GOD! and hoping that focusing on E's needs will help relieve some of my normal anxiety. I gotta stay in control for her (and for everyone else on the flight)!

For me flying is a way that I live out my faith. I live out my trust in God, depending on his grace and power. By flying I am letting others know that I am not defeated or overcome by fear, even though at times I feel like I am.

Please pray for God hand over us, the plane and all that is connected to the trip. We are so excited to celebrate Ally's wedding and have a great vacation!

Recipes of the week

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wrap

Wash Grapes, slice.

I never follow directions, I eyeball and use what I think will make the salad moist enough. Smart Balance or plain yogurt are great alternatives to mayonnaise.

 Chicken breast, or the grocery store has rotisserie chickens you can buy and pull apart. Whole Foods has 1/2 price on Wednesdays after 7:00pm

 honey, agave or other sweetener

I mix the PB and mayo/yogurt  together bc the PB is so thick it will stick to the chicken.....this makes it more spreadable/stir-able. I prefer to use almond butter I tried both ways and the almond butter has a much better taste.

Chop apple into tiny pieces. 


Here is the recipe:
Apples, Chicken & Grapes in Lettuce: 1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken breast, 3 tablespoons chopped Fuji apple, 2 tablespoons chopped black or red grapes, 2 tablespoons Almond Butter, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons honey, Iceberg lettuce. Made this today. We usually use Smart Balance mayo 50 calories per TBSP and extra omega and GLUTEN FREE!

 

A thousand words

We have bee taking lots of photos. I wanted to share a few. Please be advised that we used face juggler while my aunts and uncles were in town and I chose one of Chris and I.

 Patting her head and being "gentle" with our little angel. What a sweet cousin!!

Liam turned 1 on June 26th. He had a delicious gluten, dairy and sugar free cupcake. It took him a while to eat it, he had never had anything like it before. He has been such a joy to our family. We are sad that we don't get to see him as often, but when we do its so special. Elaina and he get along very well- he toughens her up (see above).

 

She is 11 lbs. I used our scale at home. She has been growing like crazy!

 What I do all day: love on this cutie pie

We sing, read book, eat, explore the house, listen to music, go on walks, sleep, eat, laundry, take pictures, tummy time, bake, eat, see friends, clean, the list goes on....

Mama lovin'

You have grown so much. You were skin and bones just a few months ago. I laugh when i see this- I try to remember what this was like, and I cant. Living in the moment!

 Warning: this is not normal...............

I have decided we are going to have a face juggle party. We will have everyone with iphones use their app and then we will show all the photos taken in the night on the TV. There will be voting and prizes!

Recipe of the week- is here!

Power Oatmeal Pancakes:Ingredients • 2½ cups / 600 ml dry rolled oats • 6 egg whites • 1 cup / 240 ml low-fat milk of your choice • 1 Tbsp / 15 ml ground flaxseed • 1 Tbsp / 15 ml safflower oil • 1 tsp / 5 ml baking powder • 1 tsp / 5ml vanilla • 1 tsp / 5ml cinnamon • Cooking spray Blend well.

Mine was a bit gooey so I added 1/2 cup more oats

 

Place left overs in glassware and eat throughout the week

Add honey, agave, or powdered sugar to make it sweeter, if you like.

she loves her daddy

This morning Elaina woke up, happy and smiley! She ate a good breakfast and then we quietly got in bed to wake daddy. Chris is such a great dad; he is a great teammate in the game of parenting.

Elaina always smiles and laughs with Chris. She adores him! She is a daddy's girl through and through.

 Exploring the world..one day I hope to give little chicks to our sweet loves on Easter.

 I sing-song a lot. We usually have singing time in the morning- which eventually wakes daddy.

 Its nice that C always wants to help calm her down when she is sad.I have to say he is the baby whisperer when it comes to sleep, he can get her down fast than I can :)

 He loves showing her off.

 You were so tiny.

Next week we take E to the beach. Chris loves the beach and so do I; hoping we have a water baby on our hands.

Recipe of the Week

Power Oatmeal Pancakes

I have been finding so many amazing recipes, figured I would share them with you.We are going to be making cauliflower pizza crust this week- stay tuned.

I am making these pancakes on Sunday night. My staple breakfast is oatmeal with fresh fruit or plain Greek yogurt with berries and cinnamon.I like to make a large batch of  breakfast and heat it up, if i have time, every morning. Baby is usually hungry the exact time I am hungry, should I be surprised? I need quick, high protein, fresh options.

These can be heated in oven, or microwave; I'll probably eat them cold with fresh berries.

Ingredients*:

• 2½ cups / 600 ml dry rolled oats
• 6 egg whites
• 1 cup / 240 ml low-fat milk of your choice
• 1 Tbsp / 15 ml ground flaxseed
• 1 Tbsp / 15 ml safflower oil
• 1 tsp / 5 ml baking powder
• 1 tsp / 5ml vanilla
• 1 tsp / 5ml cinnamon
• Cooking spray/coconut oil
 *I may add one scoop of protein powder

Preparation

1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture for 20 seconds. The resulting mixture should be smooth. Spray a griddle or skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of pancake mixture on the hot surface. Cook until the panckes are dry and bubbly on the edges. Bubbles should appear on top, as well. Turn and brown the other side.
2. Try using unsweetened applesauce or mixed fresh fruit to top your pancakes.

 

Nutrients per Serving (3 small pancakes):

Calories: 274
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Carbs: 38 g
Protein: 16 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sodium: 117 mg

Corn on the Coffin

Corn on the Coffin

~Chris Rooney

“Because we aren’t certain about the effects of GMOs, we must consider one of the guiding principles in science, the precautionary principle. Under this principle, if a policy or action could harm human health or the environment, we must not proceed until we know for sure what the impact will be. And it is up to those proposing the action or policy to prove that it is not harmful.”
~David Suzuki

Below you can see what the impact of GMO's are....

print, and keep in wallet

I have been reading a lot on Monsanto and the hand they have in GM foods.  Most of our food, which I am sure many of you know, are filled with pesticides, preservatives and additives- even our fruits and veggies. A tomato is not just a tomato and "natural" food is far from what you and I think of as NATURAL.
Food in Europe "containing more than 0.9 percent G.M.O.’s must be labeled. G.E. products may grow faster, require fewer pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides, and reduce stress on land, water and other resources; they may be more profitable to farmers. But many of these claims are in dispute, and advances in conventional agriculture, some as simple as drip irrigation, may achieve these same goals more simply." Most of our food contains ingredients that are genetically engineered or modified.

Whole Foods 365 does not use Monsanto corn

our mattress' specify what they are made with, why not our food?

What are the affects of GM/GE foods? Death, allergies, bacterial illness,soil toxicity, and future dependency of GM/GE seeds and crops.

So what do we do? Join a local Co-Op!

Chris and I are looking into local farmer co-op's. 

Grains: can be bought at Taste Of Life store in Monument- grains, and more grains
Farmers Market: All over CS, ask each seller about their food 
Milk: Thanks for Melissa's recommendation we get the 1.5% milk. Its organic! It is costly to be considered "organic". "Royal Crest All Natural Milk equaled or exceeded organic milk products in independent laboratory tests"!
Eggs/Fruit and Veggies: You pay up front & receive seasonal produce. We are hoping to do the fall harvest and get a family size box.


I think there a million different causes to join and work against or for. Having a baby is one tiny push, along with many other things that have made me realize that I can make small changes in my life to live healthier and hopefully avoid sickness through food.

Grandparents!

Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting.  ~Author Unknown

Papa, Liam, Nana and Elaina

We have been blessed to have both  sets of grandparents relatively close. We get to see each set about once a month, which is so fun for all of us.

I have always wanted our kids to have lots of cousin time and  to see their grandparents for holidays and birthdays. Glad to know we can make that happen.

I am slowly getting used to E staying with a sitter/grandparent, I love motherhood so much and with how busy we have been, I am not in any rush to get away. Chris and I have enjoyed every minute, we don't feel that having E has been a hindrance in any way, the exact opposite, its been so life giving!  We are grateful for family time and support. Its been so great to have my sister as an example. As Brett and Dennae welcome their little boy there is so much excitement around us all raising kiddos together.

Grandpa Rooney

Grammy