Smrt Lernins

Well, piffle. I’m way behind on Weekly Reviewins again! Life keeps getting away from me. I need a break! *yawn*

We’ve made it through 120 days, and 60 days remaining looks like a whole lotta nothing from this side of things.

Tank has been making tremendous strides in his math. He’s doing double digit subtraction using the abacus and white board, and often comes up with the answers without having to use the abacus! Today, he did 11-8=3 without having to refer to his abacus. He has also memorized the I and O verses of his vowel poem. I would like to be doing more, but his ability to sit still is still quite limited. He’s much more active than Captain Science ever way, and while he loves memory work, he could give or take the other activities we’re doing (making words on the magnet board, guessing which vowel is in a word). We’ve continued with reading poetry to him, though I made the horrible mistake of reading The Giving Tree to him, which sent him into a spiral of sadness that resulted in him standing on the top of the stairs at 10 o’clock one night, sobbing, “I don’t understand, Mama! Why did the tree give away all her things just to be wasteful!” Oops! MomFAIL. He also has continued working on mazes, which I think are great for both his hand-eye coordination and his problem solving skills.

Captain Science hasn’t been any less busy. Over the previous two weeks, he has:

• Attended two more STARBASE days, where he’s done flight simulation, worked on safety systems to keep an egg from smashing during a rocket launch, did tests using various materials under different conditions, and learned about air and space travel. He also left an apple core in his lunch box for a week, resulting in an impromptu science experiment for Smrt Mama. Imagine my joy.
• Completed lessons 56-60 in Life of Fred: Beginning Algebra/Fred’s Home Companion and attended a Math Olympiad meeting. The other was canceled on event of inclement weather, which is different from increment weather in that it gets nasty suddenly, rather than progressively.
• Finished chapter 7 in Essay Voyage, wrote an essay on the Crimean War (two drafts) with quotes/citation, and started Chapter 8 (“Conclusion”).
• Read the section on sonnets in World of Poetry and written a beautiful sonnet.
• Read and took notes on sections in History: The Definitive Visual Guide covering exploration of the New World.
• Read a biography of Christopher Columbus, prompting the remark, “Now I understand why people think he was such a bad guy!”
• Completed chapter 15 in Caesar’s English II and all the activities therein.
• Worked on a few sentences in Practice Voyage, just to keep things fresh.
• Wrapped up PLATO Earth & Space Science by finished in the final unit, “Space: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe.”
• Completed two chapters of Kid Coder [thank you, Officer Daddyman, for reminding me!]
• [Argh! Remembered one more thing!] Started Type to Learn 4. We’re doing the 30 day trial right now, but I think we’ll end up purchasing it.

I always feel like I’ve forgotten something [and I had, but Daddyman reminded me]. He probably did a lot of additional reading in there, but it’s hard to track that, since he reads so much and so often. Mostly, unless I’ve assigned it, I don’t even try to keep track!

Babypie continues to use the potty (with a few accidents here or there), has expanded her vocabulary yet again, and is telling stories and knock knock jokes. “Knock knock. Who dere? Beepst*! Beepst who? Beepst inna water!” Yes, she not only made that up herself, she tells it herself, with no need for an audience.

Everybody send positive thoughts for Officer Daddyman, who is sitting before the FTO board next week to find out if he’s being activated as a Field Training Officer. Not only would this be a raise for him, but it would be incredibly fulfilling for him to be able to train the next crop of officers coming out of academy. I don’t think it’ll be a problem, as he has been recommended with glowing praise, but still, every well-wish helps, right?

I am about to embark on a new venture: providing childcare for one of Daddyman’s co-workers. More on that later, though!

*Beepst means Beast, her imaginary friend. Sometimes Babypie is the Beast. Sometimes the Beast is outside, playing in the street or the trees. Sometimes he does naughty things, like teetee in Babypie’s panties or knock things over.

My children received many, many wonderful gifts this year. After all, they had my parents, Officer Daddyman’s mother, and my grandparents here to make sure they reached their maximum holiday capacity. The snow (the kids’ first white Christmas) and the fulfillment of their wish lists led Tank to randomly and passionately exclaim, “Best. Christmas. EVER!”

Tank’s favorite present was a giant wooden yo-yo. Captain Science’s favorite was a Fushigi anti-gravity ball. Babypie’s favorite gift was her Bitty Baby.

A little back story on the Bitty Baby: During the summer, we attended a friend’s birthday party. One of the other children in attendance had the blonde Bitty Baby. Babypie grabbed a hold of that thing and carried it around the entire party, protesting vigorously when the doll was extricated from her grasp (and by “prostesting vigorously,” I mean, “shrieking ‘Mine! MIIIIINE! MY BABY!’”). When Nana received an American Girl catalogue, Babypie pointed her chubby little finger at the Bitty Baby page and again stated, “Mine!” She specifically wanted the dark haired baby.

Well, Christmas rolled around, and of course, Nana gave Babypie the dark haired Bitty Baby. Babypie loves her baby. Loves, loves, loves her. She named the baby Water (because of Baby in the Water, also known as Ponyo, I’m sure). We change Water’s clothes (for bed, for waking, for leaving the house) and her diaper (sometimes ten times in a row, with Babypie checking it and declaring “Boop!” in between), we give her ninnies (sometimes I “nurse” her, sometimes Babypie “nurses” her). Water is carried around everywhere. I made a special bed for Water using an empty gift basket, a flannel doll blanket, and the doll quilt Nana made to go along with Water (matches Babypie’s quilt).

Everything about Water is awesome and perfect and good, except…

Her eyes close. And it freaks Babypie out.

It didn’t bother her at first. She was fascinated by Water’s opening and closing eyelids, kept poking her in them. Some time yesterday, however, Babypie decided that Water’s eyes must never close. Not ever. Not even a little bit. “Do you want to put Water to bed?” now results in a screamed, “No! No! No!” I have to ask if Water needs to go to bed sitting up (“Yesh.”) and position her so her eyes don’t close. Water “sleeps” with her eyes open.

I don’t know what to say about that, except that babies are weird.

Babypie. Water in a basket. Cuteness.

Here’s a little something you should know about my family: we’re serious about holiday-related recycling.

We reuse bows until they’re smashed so flat that they’re no longer bows so much as crumpled-up bits of ribbon. A frequent exclamation heard about my house now and growing up, “Hey! Don’t throw away that bow! We can get another year out of it!” Bows must not be trashed, even after the sticky stuff has worn off, because tape can always be doubled over and used to attach the bow next year.

We save tissue paper — the colorful kind used to wrap gifts inside of gifts bags and the white kind for wrapping shirts and putting them in garment boxes. “Is this tissue paper too ripped to save?” is a common question as we do Christmas-morning clean up. Let me tell you: the tissue is almost never too ripped to save.

Gift bags. Oh, yeah, we reuse gift bags. We have gotten many years out of some of the bags in rotation. It’s always sad to see them finally succumb and be rendered unusable.

Our real recycling area of mastery, however, is in the saving of boxes. A decent box is not to be ripped, smushed, or ever, ever, ever thrown away. We still have boxes from Godchaux’s. Don’t remember Godchaux’s? That’s because it was a regional department store, localized primarily to Lousiana, that folded some time in the 90s. We moved away from Louisiana 26 years ago. Our Godchaux’s boxes came with us.

Next year, I’m going to up our use of reusable wrapping materials and cut down on our paper consumption, because we don’t currently recycle wrapping paper. We aren’t that loopy. Yet.

“Yet,” being the operative word here.

Here is the third in my series of WAHM-made Christmas shopping suggestions, for those of you looking for The Big One. This list will help you find that one awesome gift, the central focus of your child’s holiday extravaganza, that “best thing ever” item that your child will be talking about for months, maybe years, to come. Of course, kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy opening that one special gift on Christmas, so I’ll be sure to include gifts for the big, big kids on your list, too!

You can read my previous list of gifts $25 and under and stocking stuffers to get an broader idea of what craftsparents have to offer your family this Christmas!

Standard Disclaimer: None of these recommendations are solicited in any way. This list is based solely on items I think are cute or that we have and love ourselves. All of the products are made by small businesses owned by mothers, father, and/or grandparents who are trying to generate an additional source of income. They’re all made by hand (ie. not mass produced) and often of “green” (eco-friendly) materials. Many WAHM-made items are one of a kind or limited production items, so if you love it, snag it while you can! Of course, many WAHMs will gladly make customs, so if you can’t get the item you want, don’t despair. Email them and find out if they offer customs options

• Imaginative play doesn’t require batteries. It doesn’t need flashing lights. All it takes is that perfect toy to help spark your child’s creativity and get that little imagination going. Help your little one imagine an exciting fishing adventure with this colorful fishing set from Bright Life Toys (fabric/felt, ages 3+, $45). Currently out of stock, but likely to be back in time for Christmas, is the popular campfire set (fabric, ages 3+, $35). Pair the fishing and camping sets with a mini pop-up tent and create the ultimate imaginary outdoors experience!
• Every child needs at least one well-made, beautiful doll. I think Waldorf dolls, with their all natural materials, wool stuffing (warms to your child’s body temperature), and simple faces make a wonderful companion for any child. They’re worth every penny, as each one is carefully handcrafted and unique. Here are a few of my favorites: 16″ Lea (ages 3+, $189) or 20″ Marina mermaid doll (all ages, $135) from Polar Bear Creations; 15.5″ Madeleine (no age listed, $175) or 18″ Phoebe (no age listed, $180) from Wool Creations (who also has custom slots available; 13″ Snuggles (age >3, $50) from Willow’s Nestings.
• For your little ones who love toys that move and go, a handcrafted wooden double decker car hauler or construction set ($38.50 each) from Grandpa John’s Wooden Toys could be just the ticket. These things are indestructible and absolutely lovely.
• If you have a husband, boyfriend, father, older son, or any other man in your life who uses a bladed razor to shave, spoil him this holiday says with this Sky shaving set or Embers shaving set (acrylester, chrome, nylon bristles, $94.00 each) from Thornbush Pens. Sets include razor, brush, and a stand to keep them in perfect position. Consider pairing them with one of the shaving soaps ($4/bar) from Country Soaps by Marlene and a green stoneware shaving mug ($28.50) from Virginia Wyoming Eclectic Pottery studio for a thoughtful gift.
• Got a crafty knitter mama on your gift list (or maybe you’re a crafty knitter mama and need to point someone in this direction)? A good project bag is a must for an on-the-go knitter — it prevents tangling, protects your projects from kids and pets, keeps you from losing all those pesky stitch markers, and just makes the whole shebang a lot more portable. For the sock knitter, this pink anime Kipster Knitting Project Bag ($34.50) from Zoe’s Bag Boutique is an adorable way to tote an in-progress pair. For larger projects, like longies or a child’s sweater, this pink flowers Chaco Project Bag ($27.50) from Chaco Creations can hold 2-4 cakes of yarn and all the tools you need. For full-sized projects (and the full-sized patterns that may come with them), Chaco Creations also offers the Santa Fe Backpack ($55), large enough to accommodate even the biggest projects. Fill that bag with pretty multi-colored stitch markers ($3/set of 5) from Paty’s Loveys, some festive Candy Cane yarn ($20/skein) from DiscoBabyKnits at Tiny Lady Cooperative, and a Namaste circular needle case ($20) from Nurturing Threads.
• The perfect gift comes in many colors. Pair all the part of this Rainbow After the Rain set (all ages) from Beneath the Rowan Tree and your little gift-receiver will get to enjoy all the colors of imagination. The set pieces are listed individually and include a wooden rainbow stacker ($12/five pieces), a set of 6 11″ “fairy silkies” (handkerchief sized playsilks) in a rainbow spectrum ($16.50/set of six), and a set of 6 35″ playsilks in a rainbow spectrum ($55/set of six).
• This Lotus Flower Family Garden Necklace (sterling silver, $48)from Anna Ourth Jewelry is a beautiful way for a mother to commemorate the births of her children. The lotus blossom pendant comes with three stamped name charms (additional charms can be added for $5 each) with birth stone crystals. A classic, lovely gift for any mother or grandmother.
• Maybe Santa is bringing your child or grandchild (or godchild or…any child!) a new play kitchen. What could be a more perfect gift for the budding chef than this Little Baker Cookie Set ($40) from Nana’s Toy Box. A festive gift box comes filled with a gingerbread apron, a wooden rolling pin, a sheet of pretend rolled dough and uncooked cookies, and four decorated play gingerbread cookies. A “delicious” treat!
• If your child is more interested in the pastoral than the pastries, this beautiful wooden farm set ($40/11 piece set) from Anne Moze All Wood Toys could fill up his/her barn! This hand-carved, hand-painted set includes a farmer and his wife, a milk cow, a goat, a rooster and hen, a goose and gosling, a sow and her piglet, and a little dog, too!

These are just a few samplings of the wonderful WAHM-made items available at sites like Hyena Cart and Etsy. Give yourself time to search and explore; you might find something even better than what I’ve listed here!

Here is the second in my series of WAHM-made Christmas shopping suggestions. You can read my previous list of for gifts $25 and under to get an broader idea of what craftsparents have to offer your family this Christmas!

Standard Disclaimer: None of these recommendations are solicited in any way. This list is based solely on items I think are cute or that we have and love ourselves. All of the products are made by small businesses owned by mothers, father, and/or grandparents who are trying to generate an additional source of income. They’re all made by hand (ie. not mass produced) and often of “green” (eco-friendly) materials. Many WAHM-made items are one of a kind or limited production items, so if you love it, snag it while you can! Of course, many WAHMs will gladly make customs, so if you can’t get the item you want, don’t despair. Email them and find out if they offer customs options

• Whether you have a toddler who loves his play kitchen, a child who enjoys imaginative fairy play, or a teenager who is into Super Mario Bros, you’ll find a great home for this assortment of rainbow mushrooms (washable acrylic yarn) from Jody’s Designs. At only $12 for a set of 6, that’s a “one up” you can feel pretty super about. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, Jody’s Designs also offers a set of rainbow muffins ($12/set of 6, acrylic yarn).
• Make getting clean fun this Christmas with cotton candy animal soaps from The Rumor Mill Soaps ($6.50/bar). Also available in a toy soldier variety ($6.00/bar).
• Portable and reusable: two words that parents love to hear! Mini I-Spy Chalkmats from Aliah’s Creations ($7, chalk cloth, print fabric, and denim) at Wonderland will roll up for an easy fit in a stocking or in a “go bag” for car travel.
• Playsilks are one of the most versatile playthings in the toybox. They can be uses for dressup, for carrying a dolly around, as scenery for playing with dinosaurs or cars. They come in a wide array of sizes and colors. I like these mini playsilks (11″ x 11″) from Vivid Tribe ($3 each), this Rainbow Playsilk (35″ x 35″) from Earth Store ($10), and this elemental set of three (35″ by 35″) from Beneath the Rowan Tree ($35.50/set of three).
• Speaking of Beneath the Rowan Tree (and I often do), they’re listing several adorable sets of natural toys (available on November 19th) that would fill up a little one’s stocking perfectly, like this Moondrop doll, wooden teether, and mini “Bitty Bu” comfort blanket set ($35). You can see all the sets available on the Beneath the Rowan Tree store. Talk about one-stop shopping!
• For the readers on your shopping list, you might consider a beautiful beaded bookmark by Adorn ($14-16, stainless steel and glass or clay beads) at WAHM Nation or a Trio of Kokeshi bookmarks from Becky’s Paper Creations ($5.50/set of three, laminated paper with yarn/ribbon tassels).
• One of my absolute favorite stocking stuffers is an “I Spy” Bag. These awesome little bags hold hidden treasures and come with a reference card for searching for them. Choose your own fabrics and special theme items (including name beads) with these custom treasure bags ($4 for small, $9 for medium, $12 for large) from Corinne’s Treasure Hunts at Creative Mamas.
• The knitters on your list deserve some goodies, too. You can never have too many sets of stitch markers and they’re a perfect gift to sneak into the toe of a stocking. If you’ve got clothdiapering knitters to shop for, try these EviePants AIO Stitch Markers from EviePants Wool that indicate the beginning of a round, the left and right hips, and center back for knitting longies/shorties/soakers ($4/set of four). Sock knitters will enjoy these delicate silver bullet sock stitch markers from Pitterpat ($3.75/set of 8). For your loved ones who knit large projects, these Rowan Tree large stitch markers from Pitterpat at Bitty Fluff are stunning.
• My kids love the simplicity of wooden cars. The Speedy Duo from Cars from Papa ($16/set of two) or this set of “Smart” vehicles from Grandpa John’s Wooden Toys ($18/set of three) would fit just right into most stockings and will provide endless hours of creative play.
• Encourage the art of handwriting with this beautiful butterfly stationery set from Becky’s Paper Creations at Necessitae ($6/10 sheets & envelopes) and this elegant holly slimline pen from Thornbush Pens ($11, wooden case with optional engraving available for additional cost).
• A gourmet lip balm is a nice stocking stuffer, but you know what’s better? An assortment of gourmet lip balms! More specifically, a Happy Birthday Cake lip balm collection from Clear Hills Honey Company ($13.95/set of four). Yum!
• Knockout Lotion from Frost Fish Cove Soaps ($10 for 4oz) is the best lotion ever in this whole world. Smells delicious and really well help you, your kids, and/or anybody else to whom you’d like to gift a bottle settle into a gentle, easy sleep. Put this in a stocking and reap the benefits! I recommend the vanilla lavender.

Ok, I think that’s a long enough list for now! Go, shop, enjoy!

I like to start my Christmas shopping early. I actually bought one of Babypie’s Christmas presents for this year back around her first birthday. I’m going to post my (in progress) list for the kids here so that a) you can see its awesomeness, b) it’s all written down somewhere for me to look at, and c) so if you see a glaring hole in the list, you can make a recommendation. *Denotes a “Santa” present (and while Captain Science is in the know about the whole Santa thing, he still gets under-the-tree stuff from Santa. SO THERE. OH THE LIES AND HUMANITY!) and ** denotes stocking. Anything else is wrapped.

Captain Science
*Flip video camera (probably one of the older models, like this one)
*Some kind of easy-to-use video editing software
*LEGO Hogwarts Board Game
Black t-shirt w/ cool sprayed-on raven design
**Set of three knitted monster chunks
**LEGO grab bag (got it at the LEGO store in Downtown Disney)
**LEGO figure (won’t know which one until he opens it!)

The Tank
*Dinosaur Island playset (yes, we have to order the damn thing from the UK, but it’s exactly what I wanted to get him and there’s no domestically-available equivalent I can find)
*/**More dinosaurs of various sizes, because one cannot have too many dinosaurs (maybe some neat wooden dinosaurs from someplace like here
*Bzz Out board game
*Feed the Kitty board game
**Orange squishy cup (no monster included, this pic is just for example)
**Knitted monster w/ pocket, but instead of making the baby, I’m going to stuff the pocket full of something else.
**LEGO figure (won’t know which one until he opens it!)

Babypie
*Tea Party Motif play kitchen and refrigerator (got them deeply discounted at Costco.com — $70 for the set, shipping included!)
*The kitchen will be stocked with vegetables, fruit, breakfast, dessert, and kitchen utensils from IKEA. (Hey, I didn’t get the cookware, baking set, or utensils, so I feel like I’m doing ok)
*Ergo baby doll carrier in the Heartrose print (same print as my full-size Ergo — got this half-off at Babysteals.com back in the spring)
**Knitted Daphne and Delilah (monster mom & baby)
**Luna sweater for her babies