Homeschool Conference Vendors & Products

The Budget Beast was furiously unhappy this weekend. I successfully silenced him completely and spent to my hearts content at the Vendor Hall. We bought strategy games, math games, word games, sciene games, stories on CD, etc., etc. I met some really awesome people - my kinda people...people that love education and are finding ways to make it better. It's was paradise.

The first seminar I attended this weekend was by Kathleen Lawler. Her family company RightStart Mathamatics has developed pretty awesome math games. Their promise is that you don't need textbooks, worksheets, tests, or quizzes to successful teach math. Games are to math are books are to reading she says. I dig that! The games keep stress and anxiety about math out of the picture. I was pretty floored by the games she presented and of course visited her in the Vendor Hall and bought one of their kits. As an elementary school teacher I have seen a lot of the road blocks students have at the mathematics level and her games just seemed like the ticket. Thank you Kathleen for giving a great session and sharing your goods.

Lauren and Gary told me I had to go see Nick with Marie's Words. The story goes something like

Nick's sister was studying for her SATs as a junior in high school and was having the hardest time with the vocabulary section. She had the idea to make flashcards that have picture and color clues to the word's definition. Her brother (pictured above) illustrated all 550 of them. And they were a hit with their friends and off they went. They are now 19 and 21 years old and I was thrilled with the demonstration he did with Charlotte.

First he had her pick 5 picture cards she liked best. She chose...

                                           pugnacious                                           ruse

                                       sinuous                                             hedonist

 wane

Then he asked her to read each word if she could. Then he had her guess the definition taking clues from the picture. If she couldn't get it, he explained it and showed her the pictorial clues.

He then flipped through the cards and asked her what each word meant - she got them all. He then said "Congratulations Charlotte, you just learned college level words."

I handed over $30 immediately.  550 cards. 550 cool picture clues. Pure genius. Thank you Nick and your sister for these amazing products. Turns out John had visited the booth later without me and was impressed as well. 

Adam Degree is the first Vendor I talked to. He and his family sell products his father developed. First off I wanted to adopt Adam as my younger brother. He is the brightest, clean-cut, well-spoken and sharp 17 year old I have ever met. Yes - he was home schooled. Yes - he REALLY knows his history. Their company The Classical Historian sells incredible products for teaching history to your children. Starting at age three they have rad memory games based on prominent people, places and events in history. They have three of those - Ancient, Medieval and American. The other line I loved were their history card games - again they had three sets - Ancient, Medieval and American decks. Each deck can be played Go Fish style and a few other games. They also have what appears to be an incredibly line of history curricula for 6th grade and up. I can't wait to try it out in a few years. The point is......you can read history or you can play games and have fun while learning. I think I know what is more efficient use of my time.

I had the privilege of seeing three of Jim Weiss's sessions this weekend. I had heard of him before as he is the story teller for the famous line of Classical HIstory books "The Story of the World." Jim's company, Greathall Productions has a whole line of amazing CDs with stories Jim has created or is telling from history. He is a master story teller. And I truly mean master. He is expressive, funny, inspiring and 100% captivating. It was the highlight of my and my children's weekend.

His table of goods was beyond enticing....I bought 10 CDs and could have bought 20 more. A sampling of my purchases:

                                    Greek Myths                      A collection of beloved and funny stories and poems

                                                                                  (btw loving your "show hands" Johnny)

                                    

Stories from the Old Testament 

(because I need and want to learn the Bible too!)

The Comic Shop (unfortunately I don't have a picture of these awesome folks!) was Luke's favorite spot to hang all weekend. And I do mean ALL weekend. He played with their strategic games for hours and hours. I knew I was going to buy some games already - but after my son came in each evening with sparks in his eyes and nothing but good news to share about all the games, I knew I needed to invest in his love.

A really cool dice game. I am sure I will learn all about it.

This strategy game has had Luke captivated for hours so far. He can't get enough. You basically have to figure out ways to make the whole snake fit in different ways and move through these levels. 

Next up is Cathedrals. It's similar to Blokus (a family favorite) but wooden....I love wooden things, and using Cathedrals. 

Trantrix really got me. It's a interesting game of having to build completed loops as you add more and more pieces. A bit tricky to explain but addicting.

A HUGE thank you to Comic Shop booth peeps for making my 9 year old exceedingly happy all weekend. 

Homeschool Conference Day #3

Phew!! I'm beat. We did SO MUCH today! Again the babies were amazing and a huge shout of to my hubby for being amazingly willing to handle them and stay in the room while they slept, etc. I love you Johnny!

We did all sorts of things today - everything and anything but a few highlights were the Vendor Hall -  (sorry for spending your college funds kids!), Unschooling seminar (amazing), Homeschooling to College seminar (good), Charlotte's crafting seminars (awesome), Teaching Character Building through Story Telling seminar (amazing!), family dance party (so fun!), swimming, mexican BBQ (delicious and cheap!), racket ball (highlight of the trip for Lucas and I), and just being in this place.

 Oh my. A quote I like to say "it's not that you lower your standards as you have more children, it's that you see more and more what matters and what doesn't" I believe in this. I tell it to others. But today sadly, I really did grossly lower my standards so we could actually enjoy our breakfast. Here is William pouring sugar on his bowl of raisins and eating it. Mom of the year award! :) 

As we were strolling about the grounds this evening way past bedtime (and it's because he said "MOMMA!" when I came into the room and wanted to go out with me and there was NO way to say no to that cute face)........

we found the family dance party!!! Have I mentioned how I love these homeschooing people??

I boogied down with my bobber bear and CharChar. Forgot how much I love to dance. It was especially nice because there is no need to feel embarrassed or out of place in a room full of 1-10 year olds and their parents. Just pure fun.

And then we found the racket ball courts while daddy put William & Savannah to sleep. Oh yes.....

Luke has found another thing he loves. And me too!

 Char gave it her best but after an eye injury (she's fine now. It only took 37 minutes of crying) she retired to the room to watch a movie. 

Man oh man were we sweaty. 

But we LOVED it. Every second. Best exercise ever. I will never do machines at the gym again.

This conference had all the pros of a family cruise without the cons. I let the kids roam the hallways and seriously enjoy the freedom to come and go as they pleased. And they pleased alright.d

Oh my little putanesca. Why are you so amazing?

Just my smiling princess who basically hung out in my arms, stroller, baby carrier and just was amazing. There were a few hairy moments when I had to leave a seminar due to your.....protests :) But I really couldn't have asked for a better baby this weekend.

My trusty schedule of events. All folded and creased and sweated and written on. I almost want to frame it I have come to love it so much......(wow what is happening to me?!)

Oh my boy....you had a BLAST being daddy's gluestick, sidekick, right-hand man. This is what you did when I asked for a kiss....ran and hid! :) 

My Char darling - you had an amazing day full of crafting. Yarn dolls, rag dolls, crochet class, knitting class, etc. This seemed to be pure heaven for you. You were so freaking cute running to find me and asking me what your next class was. Then RUNNING to it and making something and then RUNNING back to find me to ask about your next class. You took this very seriously and it was adorable.

Pam Sonoordian gave an amazing speech about unschooling. I was totally against the whole idea of this but I really just didn't know what it was. Amazing seminar Pam. You are a gifted speaker and I love the way you shared your family's story with such bold honesty. I had a lot of good laughs with you. And I learned so so much. I walked out with my spirits lifted and my purpose renewed.

This was a HUGE and amazing day. I ended it under a spell of awesomeness. This has been the best vacation ever so far. I love these amazing homeschooling people. They seriously are the friendliest, and most child-loving people I've met. It's brought me out of my funk in a big way. Thank you homeschooling people of CA!

HomeSchool Conference Day #2

It did turn around!!! Yesterday was in fact just a small hiccup to an incredible trip. First off the wonderful and amazing neighboring family next door switched rooms with us by about 8:30AM (THANK YOU AGAIN Aist family!). Awwww sweet lord - together at last. Luckily Savannah slept from 9pm until 6AM and then a quick nurse and back down until 8:30AM again. I LOVE YOU SAVANNAH! I had time to unpack, organize, clean up, get dressed and just have quiet time to get my mind wrapped around vacationing while trying to learn and keep track of 6 people.

The kids were raring to go at 8AM. I had to hold them off as best I could. I am new to this whole conference with children thing. And I think I stick out like a sore thumb. People here are peaceful, patient, kind and love children. I feel stressed, rushed, hurried and hungry........looking forward to learning the ropes.

And then we finally leave the hotel room (I had brought cereal & milk for breakfast to save a few $$ - turns out this is what about everyone does!) and head to the Family Room around 9:15 AM. This is basically a covered cabana room about 3,000sf and is set up with tables and chairs and a ton of activities for the kids to do. Exhibit A the 10,000 wooden block pieces = kids heaven. Almost immediately two boys gravitate toward John and start chatting him up and wanting to build with him. This is what happens to John. Kids gravitate toward him and tend to like it a lot! I know the feeling.

Char sets to work like a pro - what else is new.

Lucas hung back and just observed for a bit. And then saw some boys putting plastic cups up to this MEGA outdoor fan/airconditioners. The boys thought it was amazing watching the cups fly backward (aww the sweet innocence of childhood). Before long there was a group of boys (Lucas included) going to town. Of course Willsie was there to add excitement by trying to shove wooden blocks in the fan. Thanks Willsie for making sure the AM wasn't boring!

Next up Lauren and I try to hit a few seminars. The people are calling them sessions. First up was Math Games by RightStart Math. This was awesome. I was hooked. I got a warm and fuzzy and somewhat familiar feeling while in this seminar. I sure love teaching and miss my classroom but this made me feel at home. Amazing how Lauren and I were sitting out answers and no one else seemed able, awake. or interested. Or maybe we are just type A goodie two shoes? Both? 

Turns out the reason I loved this seminar is that the products were made by a certified Montessori Teacher! BUT OF COURSE!!! I love the Montessori method of teaching small children more than anything ever. It's the BEST method of teaching I have ever personally witnessed. Both my kids attended a fabulous Montessori preschool and I am just finishing Willsie's paperwork for the Fall!!!!

Next up - Lumch in the hotel room. I thought I was a bit overboard bringing a case of water, sandwich fixing ins, a cutting board, etc. But oh no. This is what most people do! I am starting to love these freaks! 

Next up: A math seminar I couldn't put enough attention on. My older kids were too busy asking me a questions about the next activity and Lauren and I were like high school girls whispering to each other. Alright - we're outta this one....

Next up: Vendor Hall. AKA The room of bankruptness. :) The kids and I wanted to buy everything!! It's like a toy store and teacher supply store in one. These places are the joy of my life and the death of my budget. We walked away only $39.43 poorer (that's just today) but now Charlotte had a loom kit and Lucas a tornado kit and a family game. Not bad. Lucas chatted up the booth keepers like a regular social butterfly while Charlotte almost cried when I told her she needed to check the price of something. Lucas's ability to talk to grown ups always startles me. He and the booth keeper just sat talking like old pals about science and her sciences kits. Heart warming.

Next up: The Art of Storytelling with Jim Weiss. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved it from beginning to end and didn't want it to end. Ever. His ability to share all these amazing tricks for successful storytelling while inspiriting and lifting you up and making you laugh was amazing. He is so expressive (as you can see) and I wish I had attending every single seminar he did.

Next up: Basketmaking class for Charlotte. Turns out the amazing Kari Aist (remember her? She was my neighbor that switched rooms with me so we could have adjoined rooms!) taught this class and it ROCKED! Charlotte was in heaven (of course) and I learned too while Savannah slept in the baby carrier( btw Savannah, you learned a golden star today. You slept like a complete dream child that you are. Thank you sweetie pie!!!!) Charlotte the artist of the century picked incredibly colors. Look at this glory!

Next up: Dinner at the Family Cabanna. I LOVE being able to eat while the kids play right there next to us. A genius had to have set this up that way for us. Oh yes - it's was a group of homeschoolingn moms!!! Hey wait a minute I am really starting to enjoy myself! Sign me up for the freak wagon!!!!!!

Next up: swimming! FUN! There were about 30 families having a blast. It was awesome.

Next up: a little iPad time with daddy before bed.

Char and I checked out the fitness room. They have all sorts of awesome equipment plus 4 racket ball rooms! John is excited!

Next up: Watching an episode of Storm Chasers that came in Luke's tornado kit. So interesting! Lucas was dying with the anticipation the whole time. I loved watching him watch the show. :)

Next up: bed. The kids are wonderfully exhausted and I am keyed out, wired up and restless with happiness. I need this more than I knew. I was at such a point of overwhelm and apathy at the sheer thought of making our house and life a traditional classroom. These lovely, peaceful, warm, kind, fuzzy, thoughtful, smiley, smart people are rubbing off on me. I already feel calmer and more optimistic. I feel more confident and relaxed. 

Looking forward to tomorrow!!!

California Homeschool Network Conference Day #1

I am so, so happy and proud to say we are on our way to the California Homeschool Network Conference! In just a few short hours we will arrive to the Radisson Ontario Airport Hotel to see what all the hubbub about these conferences is about. We are meeting our friends Lauren and Gary Imhoff to go be freaks with them together.

4 suitcases, 1 stroller, 2 babies, 2 cribs, 3 backpacks, 2 iPads, 2 computers, 3 coolers, 3 balls of yarns, 17 toy cars, 13 baby bottles, 4 tubes sunscreen = 

6 excited people going to homeschool conference!!!

Arrival: at 8pm with a crabby Savannah and three overtired and excited kids. The lobby and hallways and factually every room, elevator and crevice was packed with kids of all ages, races, and color of hair. At first glance there were a lot of eccentric dressers and stereotype kinds that give the..........shall I say.........freak factor to homeschooling. Thoughts of "oh man - what did I get myself into!" starting entering in. But Lauren talked me down and promised me it's just a bit exaggerated here - there are in fact tons of normal homeschoolers she promised. Phew!

The first hiccup was finding out our promised adjoining rooms didn't exist. Nope. Checked the computer twice. Deep breath...

Thank god for Lauren. (I love you Lauren!) She jumped in, in her amazing Jedi calm way and poof everything was fixed. She soothingly talked to people behind desks, gathered corporate numbers and managers and tracked down the family next door to us and set up switching rooms with them (THANK YOU AIST FAMILY for being so kind and gracious!) so we could be together starting the next AM! YAY!

That night I was a bit frustrated, tired, sweaty (packing for 6 people is no freaking joke) and exhausted. I was still in my "homeschool sucks and my life drives me crazy" funk. I had already been set to throw in the towel before arriving but these hurdles were tough. Time to sleep on it? Yes. Day #1 was a bit stressful but I had a feeling it was about to turn around.....

godmothers

Madam S,

You are one lucky girl. I chose my two best friends from childhood to be your godmothers. They are already godmother to two of your siblings - but since they are THAT special I needed them once more. I love them dearly. I hope you do to.

From L to R: Johanna Guerin Petersen, Calyn Kinney Reinhart and moi. On the eve of my 30th bday.


Here are the letters they each wrote to you after you were born:

May 28, 2012

My Dearest Madam S.,

From the moment you were born, I was absolutely in love with you. With your immediate peaceful demeanor, obvious courage and absolutely stunning auburn hair, I just knew I would be wrapped around that tiny little finger of yours.

You barely cried out, and as I looked around the room and observed the few faces that were blessed to experience such a magical moment, each pair of eyes lit up in bewilderment at the magical addition that had just joined our lives.

I am honored to be a part of your life, and even more honored to be your co-godmother, Madam S. At even just a few weeks old, I just know you have an unbelievable lifetime ahead of you of flourishing, prospering and spreading enormous amount of joy to all whose lives you touch.

The particulars of my job as a godparent are dote on you with affection and toys, indulge you with sweets, overlook the crayon on the wall, encourage finger-painting, loud singing, and staying up past bedtime, and of course, create the obligatory godmother-created embarrassing moments.
Yet, in more traditional terms, my duties also include the support and cultivation of your well-being. In light of that, I should probably offer you some actual insight. My first words of advice are not my own, but rather I’d like to share with you my favorite simple guide to happiness—The Joy of Creating by L. Ron Hubbard.

THE JOY OF CREATING

Force yourself to smile and you’ll soon stop frowning.

Force yourself to laugh and you’ll soon find
something to laugh about.

Wax enthusiastic and you’ll very soon feel so.

A being causes his own feelings.

The greatest joy there is in life is creating.

Splurge on it!

-L. Ron Hubbard

I will remind you of this guide, as needed, throughout your life as we share many play dates, recitals, manicures, late night talks, laughs and tears, my dear.

I accept the task as your godmother with open arms. I hope to be a fun, compassionate, guiding light in your life, as you are already are in mine.

Yours truly,

Calyn

Dear Savannah,

I have known your mommy for a very long time.  We used to play together when we were babies, little girls, then we grew up as teenagers together and now we have our own families and kids. I can honestly say that we have an unconditional love for one another that childhood friends so often have.  So, when your mommy asked me if I would be one of your godmothers it meant so much to me that she and your dad would give me an opportunity to be a part of your life in this way.  When I met you for the first time a few weeks ago, I just fell for you immediately.  Although I haven't been able to spend much time with you since you arrived I have admired you from afar and like everyone else around you I just can't get enough!  With that fiery red hair, sweet smile and calmness about you how could anyone resist?!  

So-- as one of your godmothers, there are a few things that I want you to know- 

-I will always be your friend.

-I love you unconditionally.

-You can come to me for anything.

-I will always be willing to help you if you need it.

And most importantly, I will always be there if and when you feel like you need a pretty new dress! 

Savannah- I'm very excited to get to know you and be your friend!

Love,

Johanna

Cuddle fever

John is the perfect father for a baby. Babies love to cuddle. John LOVES to cuddle.

It's a match made it heaven.

Clockwise from top left...Lucas 2003, Charlotte 2005, William 2010, Savannah 2012

School shows over the years

Every year the kid's school has a end of term show.

The dress code is black and white. Can you tell? :)

I was having a good time looking through all four years they have been there....

2009

2010

I start getting choked up right about here....

2011

2012

It's been a great four years at Canyon View. And now for the next adventure.....homeschool!!!

30

Children,

When I was little I would walk up and down the sidewalk holding and burping this baby doll pretending she was real. I did all sorts of things to this poor plastic toy - all the while feeling a bit silly because I just wanted to be a grownup already and do it for real. Never the less, I still pushed, burped, pierced her ears and changed her diapers. And loved it.

Fast forward 10 years to my teenage boyfriend (poor guy). I wanted nothing more than for him to propose to me. I even talked myself into believing that on any given important day in the near future he would get down on one knee. I prayed for this to happen. I wanted to have children with him more than anything. OH MY GOD!! What 16 year old thinks things like this?! I was such a dramatic teenager (redundant statement). I was itching to start my life so badly I almost physically hurt with it. I hated school because I felt like it was holding me back. I could not WAIT to grow up. I just knew that 27 was MY age. I would "have it all together" by then and really be living. Please come 27! Please!

Fast forward 3 years. I met your dad around this time and thought he was a cool & funny guy but didn't think much more about him. He was so much older than me so the idea of marrying him never crossed my mind.  He was John - the funny guy who worked for my dad. And then over the next year our friendship grew and by the next year there seemed to be more. Before long we were talking about what we wanted out of a serious relationship. And not long after that he was asking permission from my dad to date me.

Fast forward 7 years. It was 2009. I was turning 27 that year. My old goal of "having it all together" long forgotten as I had become so busy with two awesome kids, a growing business and thriving marriage. We had been through a whole lot together. That spring we performed a miracle and I was able to receive about 175 intensive hours of therapy at our church. WOAH. To say it changed my life would be a gross understatement. It felt like what I had been doing wasn't even living before then. I had always kind of had this idea that therapy of that intensity was for those with messed up lives or serious problems - both of which I didn't feel I had. But what I came to realize was that receiving help and digging deep within yourself is so much more productive when life is going well (just my views on it anyway). As I was nearing the end of what I had set out to do I remember my "27 goal" and had a really good laugh. I had done it. I love when forgotten goals still happen. I was electrified with satisfaction and pride in myself. I knew I had a lot to learn and a lot of growing left to do but in my mind I had taken a HUGE step.

When I finished, and was basking in my happiness your dad announced to me that if I wanted to have more kids it was "now or never." This took a lot of hemming and hawing on my part before I decided to go forward and multiply some more. About a week. And then before I knew it we were expecting William. And as soon as that bugger was sleeping through the night we decided it was time to add another. And before we knew it Savannah was on the way.

And here I am now. I just turned 30. THIRTY!!!!! Age has always been exciting for me. I loved birthdays and turning older and checking things of my life to-do list. I always viewed it as progress. And then about a month before I turned said age, it dawned on me that 30 was only 10 years from FOURTY! I freaked out. I blinked several times. I gulped. I paced. Fourty is old. OLD. I never signed on for anything past 27! Remember?? I was upset and felt betrayed. This is not good. I called my long time best friend Calyn and asked her if she had realized this. In fact she hadn't - and "thanked" me for ruining her day. Oops. But seriously - what was I supposed to do?

Fast forward two weeks. I was getting out of the bath and noticed something alarming. I now had spider veins on my right lower leg. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON AROUND HERE?!?!! My heart raced a little bit. I was headed to my dark and scary place quickly. And then it all came together in a startling realization. No one ever signed on to get old. NO ONE. No one likes it. Every old person I know was once vibrant and youthful, full of life and dreams and dance moves. I realized that "old" is a slow and betraying and inevitable thing that comes without permission. It's not something for grandmas, it's something that comes slowly and quietly and creeps up on you in your twenties. And all of the sudden as I sat there on the side of the tub wrapped in my towel I was at peace with it. It's out of my control.....it's out of all of our control.

A friend at my 30th birthday party said words that really put it all together for me though and I wish I could remember them exactly. It went something like  "your ideal scene for your life is constantly evolving and changing because as you achieve it you immediately set up some new goals for the future" This gave me the final piece of peace my heart needed.

My summary and conclusion to you my children is that you are timeless, immortal, beautiful, spiritual beings and don't you forget it. Your physical age and body is NOT you. Everything you do today counts for tomorrow. Nothing is wasted. So keep dreaming, learning, achieving, helping and showing off your dance moves. You are timeless and important and loved. You are forever.

Slither like me

When I came to get you here is what was going on. I am a mean and horrible mother because I stood by and took pictures instead of picking you up. 

Check you out!!! Slithering up your bassinet and out of your clothes!

You are my little caterpillar, expect you are already as beautiful as a butterfly.

xoxo

To Do Lists & Untimely deaths

So I text John the other day that I really need some todo list items done. Things like killing a huge black widow in the sports closet and putting batteries in the baby swing. Here's what he emails back to me. The subject line is "Your husband's untimely death"

"He couldn't confront the list.

He heard there were no liars in heavan and made a choice.

He left you a list of things to do in the event of his death.  

They are as follows:   Raise my children as if they were your own.

Don't spend all the life insurance $ in one place.

Tell your dad to be cub scout den leader.

Weep daily now that he is gone.

He might come back if you shorten the list?"

Oh lover man - you kill me. Thank goodness for your sense of humor. As much as it kills me to admit it sometimes - it sure does help a LOT! xo