We're goin' to the 'ship!
One of our favorite sports movies is Hardball a movie about a group of innercity kids that play on a rag-tag baseball team. The boys pull off an incredible season and make the championship game and they start chanting "we're goin' to the 'ship! we're goin' to the 'ship!" Ever since we watched the movie, our family chants this same line when one of the kids makes it to the championship game!
So know that you know the story behind the title.....let me tell you the story!
Grant's football team made it to the play-offs. He was so excited and he hugged me this morning and said "would it be a good birthday present if I won today's game for you mom?". I smiled and answered "It would be the best present you could give me!".
When we got to the game, my friend Cathy had them announce over the PA that it was my birthday! Gotta LOVE when that happens!
The game was close and was scoreless at the end of regulation! Once again our game was heading to overtime! And as usual, the other team got the football first! Fortunately they didn't score and we managed to sneak it into the endzone on our next possession!
So we are heading to the "Superbowl", the championship of youth football! Grant is really excited!
Friday, November 12, 2004
Bowling
King Pin Lanes/Beechmont
12 noon to 2 pm
$6 per bowler/includes shoes and unlimited bowling
The kids were excited that it was time to bowl again. It is usually a great activity for our family. The older kids hang out with the "teen" crowd, the middles hang out with their friends, and the little ones end up on a lane with other young kids and I get to hang out and talk!
Little did we know what was in store for us this trip. Jay dropped us off at the bowling alley so that he could take the van to get it e-checked and get new tags for it (only 6 weeks LATER than when they were due!). When we got into the bowling alley, Sophie decided that she wanted to bowl and Emily went and got her a pair of shoes. She looked so cute in her tiny little shoes. She bowled on the lane with the little boys. She bowled her first frame and actually managed to knock down some pins she was so excited! But then, when she went to bowl the second time, she fell forward on top of the bowling ball. She SCREAMED. I ran up to her and yanked her mouth open, praying she hadn't busted out any of her teeth. As I checked, I was relieved to see that all of her teeth were still in place and she hadn't bitten her tongue. As I closed up her mouth and was telling her everything was OK, I looked at my hand....it was full of blood. She had busted her chin wide open and it was gaping! I put pressure on it with my hand and sent a mom for a towel. The manager brought out ice. One of the moms went to her car and got her first aid kit. We got the bleeding to slow down and she quit crying. We got a closer look at it.
It was gaping pretty bad, but knowing what a pain going down to the ER would be, I opted to just put some gauze and tape on it and see if it would hold. I also knew no matter what it would scar (every kid/adult I have ever known with chin stitches ends up with a scar). We gave her some tylenol and some french fries for being so good! Within about 20 minutes she was back up and bowling again! Kids are so resilient!
When Jay picked us up he wasn't too happy that I hadn't taken her to the ER. We tried some butterfly bandaids on it but she kept pulling them off. We ended up going up to Kroger's and getting some special bandages that help make a "blister" out of your body fluids to help heal your wound! At least she seemed to leave that alone!
King Pin Lanes/Beechmont
12 noon to 2 pm
$6 per bowler/includes shoes and unlimited bowling
The kids were excited that it was time to bowl again. It is usually a great activity for our family. The older kids hang out with the "teen" crowd, the middles hang out with their friends, and the little ones end up on a lane with other young kids and I get to hang out and talk!
Little did we know what was in store for us this trip. Jay dropped us off at the bowling alley so that he could take the van to get it e-checked and get new tags for it (only 6 weeks LATER than when they were due!). When we got into the bowling alley, Sophie decided that she wanted to bowl and Emily went and got her a pair of shoes. She looked so cute in her tiny little shoes. She bowled on the lane with the little boys. She bowled her first frame and actually managed to knock down some pins she was so excited! But then, when she went to bowl the second time, she fell forward on top of the bowling ball. She SCREAMED. I ran up to her and yanked her mouth open, praying she hadn't busted out any of her teeth. As I checked, I was relieved to see that all of her teeth were still in place and she hadn't bitten her tongue. As I closed up her mouth and was telling her everything was OK, I looked at my hand....it was full of blood. She had busted her chin wide open and it was gaping! I put pressure on it with my hand and sent a mom for a towel. The manager brought out ice. One of the moms went to her car and got her first aid kit. We got the bleeding to slow down and she quit crying. We got a closer look at it.
It was gaping pretty bad, but knowing what a pain going down to the ER would be, I opted to just put some gauze and tape on it and see if it would hold. I also knew no matter what it would scar (every kid/adult I have ever known with chin stitches ends up with a scar). We gave her some tylenol and some french fries for being so good! Within about 20 minutes she was back up and bowling again! Kids are so resilient!
When Jay picked us up he wasn't too happy that I hadn't taken her to the ER. We tried some butterfly bandaids on it but she kept pulling them off. We ended up going up to Kroger's and getting some special bandages that help make a "blister" out of your body fluids to help heal your wound! At least she seemed to leave that alone!
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Return to the Art Museum
Thursday November 11, 2004
1:30 PM
Korin wrote: Group 1 K-3 Stories in ArtThe docent in charge of this group called and we talked about what we would cover....DAVID & GOLIATH, Bernardo Strozzi - oil on canvas(Story of David and Goliath)WINTER LANDSCAPE - Aert Van der Neer - oil on canvas(Story of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates)PORTRAIT OF A MAN IN ARMOR - Anthony Van Dyck - oil on canvasand TOMB EFFIGY OF DON SANCHO CORRELLO - wood, tempera and gilt(Possibly a reference to or short story about Sir Gallahad and King Arthur)THE PAINTING THAT MOM MADE (Don't recall the author but I've used this bookmany times and it is very good for the children to learn the steps involvedin making a painting.)These are the pieces that I have in mind for the tour. If time permitsother pieces could be added. Every once in a while the Museum staff willmove or replace pieces so flexibility is always the key.
I must be a glutton for punishment, because I decided to venture back to the Art Museum, this time with only Grant, Jacob, Cade and Sophie. We were set up to go on a tour with our homeschooling group and I promised them that it would be better this time! I thought that there would be a hands on project as part of the tour, but I was wrong, so they were disappointed!
We got to the museum about 40 minutes early (I thought the tour was at 1 PM) so we wandered around a bit, taking in the Cincinnati Wing which the kids thought was really interesting. Then we went and met our tour group.
Our tour guide was a wonder old lady who just so happened to be hard of hearing. Everytime the kids answered one of her questions, the other mom or I had to "yell" it at her, certainly not the inside voice one is supposed to be using in the art museum. The tour started with her reading a book about the elements of art (color, shape, form, lines, etc) and then we walked around and looked at a number of pictures and we talked about the elements. Dispite the fact that there was no hands on activity, the kids seemed to enjoy themselves (and except for Grant "skating" across the museum floors on his knees behaved themselves very well!).
The next tour is next month, so we will see if they want to go back when the time rolls around!
I was really glad Brett stayed home and kept William, it was one less distraction to deal with!
Thursday November 11, 2004
1:30 PM
Korin wrote: Group 1 K-3 Stories in ArtThe docent in charge of this group called and we talked about what we would cover....DAVID & GOLIATH, Bernardo Strozzi - oil on canvas(Story of David and Goliath)WINTER LANDSCAPE - Aert Van der Neer - oil on canvas(Story of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates)PORTRAIT OF A MAN IN ARMOR - Anthony Van Dyck - oil on canvasand TOMB EFFIGY OF DON SANCHO CORRELLO - wood, tempera and gilt(Possibly a reference to or short story about Sir Gallahad and King Arthur)THE PAINTING THAT MOM MADE (Don't recall the author but I've used this bookmany times and it is very good for the children to learn the steps involvedin making a painting.)These are the pieces that I have in mind for the tour. If time permitsother pieces could be added. Every once in a while the Museum staff willmove or replace pieces so flexibility is always the key.
I must be a glutton for punishment, because I decided to venture back to the Art Museum, this time with only Grant, Jacob, Cade and Sophie. We were set up to go on a tour with our homeschooling group and I promised them that it would be better this time! I thought that there would be a hands on project as part of the tour, but I was wrong, so they were disappointed!
We got to the museum about 40 minutes early (I thought the tour was at 1 PM) so we wandered around a bit, taking in the Cincinnati Wing which the kids thought was really interesting. Then we went and met our tour group.
Our tour guide was a wonder old lady who just so happened to be hard of hearing. Everytime the kids answered one of her questions, the other mom or I had to "yell" it at her, certainly not the inside voice one is supposed to be using in the art museum. The tour started with her reading a book about the elements of art (color, shape, form, lines, etc) and then we walked around and looked at a number of pictures and we talked about the elements. Dispite the fact that there was no hands on activity, the kids seemed to enjoy themselves (and except for Grant "skating" across the museum floors on his knees behaved themselves very well!).
The next tour is next month, so we will see if they want to go back when the time rolls around!
I was really glad Brett stayed home and kept William, it was one less distraction to deal with!
Football play-in
Sunday, November 7
Jacob's football team is young and didn't win enough games to be auntomatically given a playoff spot. So on Sunday we had to have a "play-in" with 2 other teams (Milford and Bethel) to see who would be given the last playoff spot. The coach asked that eveyone be there at 12 noon and we busted butt to make it there (switching around our whole Sunday schedule to be on time). I was a bit miffed when we got there at noon and only 2 other kids (out of 17) were there. Eventually the rest of the team trickled in. The play-in was set up as a two and out event. It was an alternate possession format, with each team getting the ball on the 25 yard line. The two teams that lost 2 games would be eliminated.
Our first game was against Milford. They had the ball first and didn't score. On our possession our "star" player ran it in for a touchdown. I was honestly surprised that he was even playing in the game becasue in Saturday's game he had hurt his foot (my thought was he had broken it since it had brusied pretty bad but didn't swell at all). We won the first game. Next Milford played Bethel and Milford won, so we had to face Bethel (if they lost they would be out of it). They managed to score so we had to get the ball in. Our "star" went to carry the ball and was tackled at the 1 yard line. The scream he let out echoed through the stands. He just kept SCREAMING and SCREAMING. His jerk of a dad (better known as our head coach) actually tired to get him up and WALKING on it with him SCREAMING. At one point when he was checking him out, he pushed the kid into the ground...the fans in the stands were furious......all of a sudden the paramedics showed up...apparently someone with a cell phone called 911. Despite coach and his wife saying they wanted to take him home, they insisted that the child be taken to the hospital via ambulance.
I HATE parents who feel the need to live vicariously through their children!
Our boys lost the game that they were playing when the "star" got hurt. They lost the next game too. They were all upset because they team mate was hurt, but probably lost because the coach NEVER bothered to develp any player but his son. Have you ever seen the Hey Arnold!
episode when Arnold is playing on the basketball team and the whole strategy is "Get the ball to Tucker!"....well our whole season was "Get the ball to "Star child". I am sad Jake won't get to play in the playoffs like his big brother, but I am so GLAD that that jerk of a coach will never coach my son again!
BTW, we don't know what happened at the hospital. A friend reported "star child" was walking around school Wednesday on crutches with a cast on!
Sunday, November 7
Jacob's football team is young and didn't win enough games to be auntomatically given a playoff spot. So on Sunday we had to have a "play-in" with 2 other teams (Milford and Bethel) to see who would be given the last playoff spot. The coach asked that eveyone be there at 12 noon and we busted butt to make it there (switching around our whole Sunday schedule to be on time). I was a bit miffed when we got there at noon and only 2 other kids (out of 17) were there. Eventually the rest of the team trickled in. The play-in was set up as a two and out event. It was an alternate possession format, with each team getting the ball on the 25 yard line. The two teams that lost 2 games would be eliminated.
Our first game was against Milford. They had the ball first and didn't score. On our possession our "star" player ran it in for a touchdown. I was honestly surprised that he was even playing in the game becasue in Saturday's game he had hurt his foot (my thought was he had broken it since it had brusied pretty bad but didn't swell at all). We won the first game. Next Milford played Bethel and Milford won, so we had to face Bethel (if they lost they would be out of it). They managed to score so we had to get the ball in. Our "star" went to carry the ball and was tackled at the 1 yard line. The scream he let out echoed through the stands. He just kept SCREAMING and SCREAMING. His jerk of a dad (better known as our head coach) actually tired to get him up and WALKING on it with him SCREAMING. At one point when he was checking him out, he pushed the kid into the ground...the fans in the stands were furious......all of a sudden the paramedics showed up...apparently someone with a cell phone called 911. Despite coach and his wife saying they wanted to take him home, they insisted that the child be taken to the hospital via ambulance.
I HATE parents who feel the need to live vicariously through their children!
Our boys lost the game that they were playing when the "star" got hurt. They lost the next game too. They were all upset because they team mate was hurt, but probably lost because the coach NEVER bothered to develp any player but his son. Have you ever seen the Hey Arnold!
episode when Arnold is playing on the basketball team and the whole strategy is "Get the ball to Tucker!"....well our whole season was "Get the ball to "Star child". I am sad Jake won't get to play in the playoffs like his big brother, but I am so GLAD that that jerk of a coach will never coach my son again!
BTW, we don't know what happened at the hospital. A friend reported "star child" was walking around school Wednesday on crutches with a cast on!
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Home Depot Tour
Milford Home Depot
11/9/2004
10 AM to 12 PM
I set up a tour of Home Depot for the girlscout troop a couple of weeks ago and had firmed all the details up with a woman named Stephanie. Things had been rather busy here so I never bothered to call back and reconfirm. BIG MISTAKE! When the girls and I got there, we found out that Stephanie had been terminated and that there was no record of the tour being scheduled! The girl at the service desk was wonderfully helpful and found us a "substitute" tour guide, a wonderful woman named Mary!
Mary had been with Home Depot for 6 1/2 years and had spent most of that time in the garden center so she centered our tour around the plants and plant care. I was AMAZED to learn that a whole 2/3 of Home Depot's business is their garden center which takes up just a small corner of the store and some outside patio space! We learned how to tell healthy plants from unhealthy ones, how to salvage a plant, how to detect root rot (and how BAD it smells) the signs of underwatering, that most plants prefer NOT to be placed in a window, the need to feed plants and also a bit about christmas trees (the balled and burlaped trees were out on the patio). It was amazingly informative and fun. Hannah even commented after we were back in the car that it was "way better" than she thought it would be, because all she thought we would do was look at "boring tools" not "cool plants".
As the finale to the tour, Mary let the girls pick a plant to divide and repot so they could each take on home. We decided to have a "contest" to see who can keep their plant alive and who can make it grow the best. Anyone with a still living plant in March with bring it to a meeting and the winner will get a small prize! Hannah and Emily also picked out a couple of plants to bring home (an aloe vera plant and some hen and chicks) to see if they can get them to grow!
Milford Home Depot
11/9/2004
10 AM to 12 PM
I set up a tour of Home Depot for the girlscout troop a couple of weeks ago and had firmed all the details up with a woman named Stephanie. Things had been rather busy here so I never bothered to call back and reconfirm. BIG MISTAKE! When the girls and I got there, we found out that Stephanie had been terminated and that there was no record of the tour being scheduled! The girl at the service desk was wonderfully helpful and found us a "substitute" tour guide, a wonderful woman named Mary!
Mary had been with Home Depot for 6 1/2 years and had spent most of that time in the garden center so she centered our tour around the plants and plant care. I was AMAZED to learn that a whole 2/3 of Home Depot's business is their garden center which takes up just a small corner of the store and some outside patio space! We learned how to tell healthy plants from unhealthy ones, how to salvage a plant, how to detect root rot (and how BAD it smells) the signs of underwatering, that most plants prefer NOT to be placed in a window, the need to feed plants and also a bit about christmas trees (the balled and burlaped trees were out on the patio). It was amazingly informative and fun. Hannah even commented after we were back in the car that it was "way better" than she thought it would be, because all she thought we would do was look at "boring tools" not "cool plants".
As the finale to the tour, Mary let the girls pick a plant to divide and repot so they could each take on home. We decided to have a "contest" to see who can keep their plant alive and who can make it grow the best. Anyone with a still living plant in March with bring it to a meeting and the winner will get a small prize! Hannah and Emily also picked out a couple of plants to bring home (an aloe vera plant and some hen and chicks) to see if they can get them to grow!
Monday, November 08, 2004
Brett turns 14!
It is hard to believe that my baby is 14 years old already. It seems like only yesterday my first child. We were a little shocked when our firstborn decided to make his appearance 10 weeks early, but were surprisingly fortunate that he had as few complications as he did! I went into labor with him shortly before midnight on November 7, 1990 and when we got to the hospital at 3 AM (it took me that long to get Jay out of bed, stop at the ATM for money, stop and get gas and FINALLY get to the hospital) they weren't able to stop labor. At 7:35 PM on November 8, 1990, Brett made his appearance, bruised, limp and not breathing. It had never occurred to me until that moment that things could go so horrible wrong.
This year we celebrated with a turkey dinner, complete with mashed pototoes, green beans, corn, gravy and rolls! We had cake for dessert! Unfortunately I had the worst headache and I didn't get to have cake or join the family in singing "happy birthday" to Brett. It made me sad to miss the "finale" to his birthday, but I felt miserable!
It is hard to believe that my baby is 14 years old already. It seems like only yesterday my first child. We were a little shocked when our firstborn decided to make his appearance 10 weeks early, but were surprisingly fortunate that he had as few complications as he did! I went into labor with him shortly before midnight on November 7, 1990 and when we got to the hospital at 3 AM (it took me that long to get Jay out of bed, stop at the ATM for money, stop and get gas and FINALLY get to the hospital) they weren't able to stop labor. At 7:35 PM on November 8, 1990, Brett made his appearance, bruised, limp and not breathing. It had never occurred to me until that moment that things could go so horrible wrong.
This year we celebrated with a turkey dinner, complete with mashed pototoes, green beans, corn, gravy and rolls! We had cake for dessert! Unfortunately I had the worst headache and I didn't get to have cake or join the family in singing "happy birthday" to Brett. It made me sad to miss the "finale" to his birthday, but I felt miserable!
3rd grade basketball
Jay is the head coach for Grant's basketball team and I somehow end up as team mom. Since my mind often wanders and I forget things, I decided to post the schedule here, so it would be in a "safe" place.
Tuesday November 9: 3:30-4:45 PM at Seton
Sunday November 14: 5:00-6:30 PM at St. Andrew
Tuesday November 16: 3:30-4:45 PM at Seton
Wednesday November 17: 5:00-6:00 PM at St. Andrew
Monday November 22: 3:30-4:45 PM at Seton
Sunday November 28: 5:00-6:30 at St. Andrew
Monday November 29: 3:30-4:45 at St. Andrew
Friday December 3: 3:30-4:45 at Seton
Starting in December, our regular practice time will be on Monday from 3:30-4:45 PM at St. Andrew and Friday from 3:30-4:45 at Seton.
Jay is the head coach for Grant's basketball team and I somehow end up as team mom. Since my mind often wanders and I forget things, I decided to post the schedule here, so it would be in a "safe" place.
Tuesday November 9: 3:30-4:45 PM at Seton
Sunday November 14: 5:00-6:30 PM at St. Andrew
Tuesday November 16: 3:30-4:45 PM at Seton
Wednesday November 17: 5:00-6:00 PM at St. Andrew
Monday November 22: 3:30-4:45 PM at Seton
Sunday November 28: 5:00-6:30 at St. Andrew
Monday November 29: 3:30-4:45 at St. Andrew
Friday December 3: 3:30-4:45 at Seton
Starting in December, our regular practice time will be on Monday from 3:30-4:45 PM at St. Andrew and Friday from 3:30-4:45 at Seton.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Friday, November 5
8:00 PM
The Ridimans' Home
Kas wrote: We have formed a homeschoolers writer's group that will meet monthly at my home in the Historic District of Newport (close to the Levee). The kids plan to meet monthly on Friday evenings. Girls are welcome to spend the night afterwards. The suggested age range is ten through teens--but be aware the teens' writing will be uncensored and may not be appropriate for younger children. (For example, Mandy has been writing a story about a serial killer). We plan to meet on November 5, 2004 8:00 PM-11:00 PM. In the grand old tradition of the HSN writers group, bring something sweet or salty to share. We were thinking that since it falls close to the Mexican Day of the Dead it might be fun to have a Mexican theme....drinks will be provided, as will a roaring fire in the fireplace and a safe atmosphere to share your writing. Former homeschoolers--now freshmen in college--Rachael and Elyse H. will be joining us.
Emily, Sophie, Will and I picked Hannah up from dance and we headed over to the Ridiman's house for writers group. Hannah and Emily were excited about spending time with their friends. We got there and the girls gathered in the dining room and some of them shared what they had written. After a while they started a collabrative writing project. At that point Emily and Tabby decided to make an exit and slipped out to the hot tub (they later came in and got Sophie and Shelby and took them out with them). The other girls went upstairs (claiming Kas and I were too LOUD...imagine that...lol!). Sophie and Shelby played on the rocking horses (Kas snapped some ADORABLE shots of the girls, bare butts, on the horses). Will pretty much NURSED the whole time we were there (and of course Kas got a picture of him eating!). We ended up leaving right before midnight, the girls were tired from being up with the kittens the night before, plus we had an early and busy day ahead of us for Saturday. Hannah seemed to have a good time but said she was a little overwhelmed since she was the youngest in the group although she said she wants to go again, so she must not have been too overwhelmed!
8:00 PM
The Ridimans' Home
Kas wrote: We have formed a homeschoolers writer's group that will meet monthly at my home in the Historic District of Newport (close to the Levee). The kids plan to meet monthly on Friday evenings. Girls are welcome to spend the night afterwards. The suggested age range is ten through teens--but be aware the teens' writing will be uncensored and may not be appropriate for younger children. (For example, Mandy has been writing a story about a serial killer). We plan to meet on November 5, 2004 8:00 PM-11:00 PM. In the grand old tradition of the HSN writers group, bring something sweet or salty to share. We were thinking that since it falls close to the Mexican Day of the Dead it might be fun to have a Mexican theme....drinks will be provided, as will a roaring fire in the fireplace and a safe atmosphere to share your writing. Former homeschoolers--now freshmen in college--Rachael and Elyse H. will be joining us.
Emily, Sophie, Will and I picked Hannah up from dance and we headed over to the Ridiman's house for writers group. Hannah and Emily were excited about spending time with their friends. We got there and the girls gathered in the dining room and some of them shared what they had written. After a while they started a collabrative writing project. At that point Emily and Tabby decided to make an exit and slipped out to the hot tub (they later came in and got Sophie and Shelby and took them out with them). The other girls went upstairs (claiming Kas and I were too LOUD...imagine that...lol!). Sophie and Shelby played on the rocking horses (Kas snapped some ADORABLE shots of the girls, bare butts, on the horses). Will pretty much NURSED the whole time we were there (and of course Kas got a picture of him eating!). We ended up leaving right before midnight, the girls were tired from being up with the kittens the night before, plus we had an early and busy day ahead of us for Saturday. Hannah seemed to have a good time but said she was a little overwhelmed since she was the youngest in the group although she said she wants to go again, so she must not have been too overwhelmed!
Friday, November 05, 2004
Friday, Nov. 5th 12 PM
Craft Day
Hosted by Julieanne
Julieanne writes: I thought we could get together and just make fun stuff. We could bring crayon bits, fallen leaves and wax paper, and iron them to make leaf "stained glass." We could make pet rocks. Anything sufficiently messy, especially involving glitter or glue is fair game. : ).
Everyone but Brett decided to head over to Julieanne's for some crafty fun! Emily and Grant were extremely excited because they knew that Julieanne had SNAKES and that they would get to see them. We only got "lost" twice trying to get to her house, I missed one street and turned the wrong way on another, but we finally made it! Julieanne, True and Liam gave us a tour and introduced us to their "zoo". First we met a beautiful snake that had just "wandered" into their yard. He was just beautiful! Emily just had to hold him. We saw two baby turtles that all the kids held and met the 6 dogs, including the newest, a retired champion French Bulldog. We then saw the ferrets and then ventured to the basement to meet 2 more snakes (which of course Emily had to hold) and the 6 cats!
We then started "crafting"....first we made pet rocks (which turned out so cute) and then we made the "stained glass" leafs. We had to leave by 2 PM to get Grant to basketball. It was great fun!
Check out some pictures.... http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/album?.dir=/f85a&.src=ph
Craft Day
Hosted by Julieanne
Julieanne writes: I thought we could get together and just make fun stuff. We could bring crayon bits, fallen leaves and wax paper, and iron them to make leaf "stained glass." We could make pet rocks. Anything sufficiently messy, especially involving glitter or glue is fair game. : ).
Everyone but Brett decided to head over to Julieanne's for some crafty fun! Emily and Grant were extremely excited because they knew that Julieanne had SNAKES and that they would get to see them. We only got "lost" twice trying to get to her house, I missed one street and turned the wrong way on another, but we finally made it! Julieanne, True and Liam gave us a tour and introduced us to their "zoo". First we met a beautiful snake that had just "wandered" into their yard. He was just beautiful! Emily just had to hold him. We saw two baby turtles that all the kids held and met the 6 dogs, including the newest, a retired champion French Bulldog. We then saw the ferrets and then ventured to the basement to meet 2 more snakes (which of course Emily had to hold) and the 6 cats!
We then started "crafting"....first we made pet rocks (which turned out so cute) and then we made the "stained glass" leafs. We had to leave by 2 PM to get Grant to basketball. It was great fun!
Check out some pictures.... http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/album?.dir=/f85a&.src=ph
Kittens....
We have kittens!
We were fairly certain that Bella, one of our two indoor cats, was pregnant, but she had fooled us once before. She began waddling early this week and she had six very prominent nipples exposed, but we had no idea WHEN we would have kittens.
Thursday night, once everyone was home from football and basketball, she started getting really restless and she kept meowing for Emily to follow her upstairs. She insisted on getting into a drawer in Brett's bedroom (Brett isn't all that fond of the cat, so it was quite funny she picked his dresser drawer). Jay and Emily sat with her and about 30 minutes later the first little kitten was born. It didn't do anything at first and both Jay and Emily started crying! Then all of a sudden, Bella seemed to understand she needed to do something and she started licking it and cleaning it. All of a sudden we heard the fainted meow. Bella nudged it and pushed it to a nipple and it started nursing. Cade, who had also been standing watch, donned a pair of nonlatex hospital gloves because he said he was going to help her with the next one! About an hour later the second kitten was born. Bella reacted quicker and got it breathing, moving, clean up and nursing quite quickly. 20 minutes later the next kitten appeared. Things seemed to slow down a bit and about 45 mintues later kitten #4 made its appearance. The girls were thrilled and sat watch. Nothing happened over the next 1 1/2 hours so they decided to go to bed. Emily woke up at about 4 AM to find 6----yes 6----kittens nuzzled up next to Bella!
I won't say the kittens are cute, they are scrawny and their eyes are closed, they are about the size of gerbils, but they are "cute" in their own way! So we now have kittens that will be ready for a forever home come Christmas time, hopefully that will be in my favor when I need to find them families!
Check out some pictures snapped when they were just hours old.... http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/album?.dir=/f80a
We have kittens!
We were fairly certain that Bella, one of our two indoor cats, was pregnant, but she had fooled us once before. She began waddling early this week and she had six very prominent nipples exposed, but we had no idea WHEN we would have kittens.
Thursday night, once everyone was home from football and basketball, she started getting really restless and she kept meowing for Emily to follow her upstairs. She insisted on getting into a drawer in Brett's bedroom (Brett isn't all that fond of the cat, so it was quite funny she picked his dresser drawer). Jay and Emily sat with her and about 30 minutes later the first little kitten was born. It didn't do anything at first and both Jay and Emily started crying! Then all of a sudden, Bella seemed to understand she needed to do something and she started licking it and cleaning it. All of a sudden we heard the fainted meow. Bella nudged it and pushed it to a nipple and it started nursing. Cade, who had also been standing watch, donned a pair of nonlatex hospital gloves because he said he was going to help her with the next one! About an hour later the second kitten was born. Bella reacted quicker and got it breathing, moving, clean up and nursing quite quickly. 20 minutes later the next kitten appeared. Things seemed to slow down a bit and about 45 mintues later kitten #4 made its appearance. The girls were thrilled and sat watch. Nothing happened over the next 1 1/2 hours so they decided to go to bed. Emily woke up at about 4 AM to find 6----yes 6----kittens nuzzled up next to Bella!
I won't say the kittens are cute, they are scrawny and their eyes are closed, they are about the size of gerbils, but they are "cute" in their own way! So we now have kittens that will be ready for a forever home come Christmas time, hopefully that will be in my favor when I need to find them families!
Check out some pictures snapped when they were just hours old.... http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/album?.dir=/f80a
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Cincinnati Art Museum
PETRA Tour
Wednesday 11/03/2004 9am
Korin writes: PLEASE try to get there at least 10 minutes early!!!Petra:!! that means 8:50!! AM!! eek!We will be the first group of the day, and I have a feeling they will not APPRECIATE too much chaos or lateness. As we are all arriving separately from different places near rush hour, too early, and the morning after the election.... please try to take all that into consideration and plan accordingly. If you have rethought it, and think you have NO CHANCE of making it... call me the night before, and if you figure it out in the morning (too many crabby kiddies) please call me on my cell phone. That way I can have an idea of what is going on that morning. (I really wish I could've planned this for later in the day.... believe me!.... but this was the best I could do. And remember.. if you're thinking of chickening out... it's the only way you can see this for free.)
Directions here- http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/greatplace/directions.shtml
Museum does NOT allow any of the following....cameras, giant purses, backpacks, tote bags etc., umbrellas, paper and pencils (seriously!), the obvious food, drink and gum. I have heard that they are really adamant about the big purse thing... so, try to keep to a reasonably sized bag.... not big enough to stuff the bust of pisces into, ok? They do allow strollers (as I've used them there before....) so any supplies you need can be stowed there...I guess.
If you would like some idea of the exhibit or some study guides go here http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/greatfun/tg_petra.shtml There are a few PDF files of various grade levels and worth.
Also, the Cincinnati library happens to have several Petra related programs at many different branches going on all month.
Hands-On ArchaeologyW 11/3 3:00 Oakley branch ages 6-12Th 11/4 3:30 Pleasant Ridge ages 6-12W 11/10 3:00 West End ages 7-12Th 11/11 3:30 Reading ages5-9Th 11/11 4:00 Hyde Park ages 7-12W 11/17 4:00 Northside ages 7-12Th 11/18 4:00 Corryville K-6Th 11/18 4:00 Wyoming grades 4-8T 11/30 3:45 Groesbeck ages 6-12
Petra Mosaic CraftsW 11/3 3:30 West End K-2T 11/9 3:00 Madisonville ages 6-12T 11/9 7:00 Miami Township ages 6-12W 11/10 10:30 & 1:00 Cheviot ages 3 and upW 11/10 3:00 Westwood ages 6-10F 11/12 2:00 Norwood K-5Sat 11/13 Madiera Ages 6 and upSat 11/13 2:00 Main library ages 3-12Sat 11/20 2:00 Corryville all ages
Previous experiences at the Art Museum should have prepared me for what was in store for us today! We got there in a timely manner, amazing with 7 of the 8 kids in tow (Hannah had to assist at the dance studio). Brett and Emily were put in a group with the older kids and the younger ones and I were in a seperate group. Our docent, although a sweet woman, was adamant about the rules and made the children stand 2 feet from each exhibit and wouldn't even permit them to touch the plastic cases that displayed most of the pieces. The hour that the tour lasted was a bit too long for the little ones! When we finally got back down to the great hall (a large open area leading into the exhibits) the boys were really wound up. Grant started doing cartwheels. Cade and Jake were running after each other. A few of the other boys on the tour tired climbing up some columns. Hopefully our next visit will go a bit more smoothly. I think I may take mine to the park BEFOREHAND to run off some energy!
Once we were finished at the Art Museum, we headed to Frisch's for lunch and took advantage of our Halloween coupons to get lunch for everyone 10 and under free. From Frisch's we headed over to Rookwood to kill the two hours we had before we needed to be at Children's hospital for a doctor's appointment. I LUCKED into a sale at Old Navy, anything halloween was $.97 so I walked out of the store with 23 pieces of clothing (3 items were 2 piece sets) for just over $20! We then went to the bookstore and hung out, read some books (the kids found a children's book written by a WWE wrestler, Mick Foley and sat and read it to each other) and played with the trains until we needed to head out to doctor's.
While in the van, Grant discovered he knew how to spell the word "poop" (Grant really stuggles with reading/spelling/phonics) and was excited to discover it was spelled poop both forwards and backwards. I don't know what got into me but I chimed in with "well if you flip it over, it spells boob!" Brett busted out laughing. Grant added that he also knew how to spell "ass"...what more does a 8 year old boy need to know....poop, boob and ass! Somedays I really wonder just how warped my kids are going to be!
PETRA Tour
Wednesday 11/03/2004 9am
Korin writes: PLEASE try to get there at least 10 minutes early!!!Petra:!! that means 8:50!! AM!! eek!We will be the first group of the day, and I have a feeling they will not APPRECIATE too much chaos or lateness. As we are all arriving separately from different places near rush hour, too early, and the morning after the election.... please try to take all that into consideration and plan accordingly. If you have rethought it, and think you have NO CHANCE of making it... call me the night before, and if you figure it out in the morning (too many crabby kiddies) please call me on my cell phone. That way I can have an idea of what is going on that morning. (I really wish I could've planned this for later in the day.... believe me!.... but this was the best I could do. And remember.. if you're thinking of chickening out... it's the only way you can see this for free.)
Directions here- http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/greatplace/directions.shtml
Museum does NOT allow any of the following....cameras, giant purses, backpacks, tote bags etc., umbrellas, paper and pencils (seriously!), the obvious food, drink and gum. I have heard that they are really adamant about the big purse thing... so, try to keep to a reasonably sized bag.... not big enough to stuff the bust of pisces into, ok? They do allow strollers (as I've used them there before....) so any supplies you need can be stowed there...I guess.
If you would like some idea of the exhibit or some study guides go here http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/greatfun/tg_petra.shtml There are a few PDF files of various grade levels and worth.
Also, the Cincinnati library happens to have several Petra related programs at many different branches going on all month.
Hands-On ArchaeologyW 11/3 3:00 Oakley branch ages 6-12Th 11/4 3:30 Pleasant Ridge ages 6-12W 11/10 3:00 West End ages 7-12Th 11/11 3:30 Reading ages5-9Th 11/11 4:00 Hyde Park ages 7-12W 11/17 4:00 Northside ages 7-12Th 11/18 4:00 Corryville K-6Th 11/18 4:00 Wyoming grades 4-8T 11/30 3:45 Groesbeck ages 6-12
Petra Mosaic CraftsW 11/3 3:30 West End K-2T 11/9 3:00 Madisonville ages 6-12T 11/9 7:00 Miami Township ages 6-12W 11/10 10:30 & 1:00 Cheviot ages 3 and upW 11/10 3:00 Westwood ages 6-10F 11/12 2:00 Norwood K-5Sat 11/13 Madiera Ages 6 and upSat 11/13 2:00 Main library ages 3-12Sat 11/20 2:00 Corryville all ages
Previous experiences at the Art Museum should have prepared me for what was in store for us today! We got there in a timely manner, amazing with 7 of the 8 kids in tow (Hannah had to assist at the dance studio). Brett and Emily were put in a group with the older kids and the younger ones and I were in a seperate group. Our docent, although a sweet woman, was adamant about the rules and made the children stand 2 feet from each exhibit and wouldn't even permit them to touch the plastic cases that displayed most of the pieces. The hour that the tour lasted was a bit too long for the little ones! When we finally got back down to the great hall (a large open area leading into the exhibits) the boys were really wound up. Grant started doing cartwheels. Cade and Jake were running after each other. A few of the other boys on the tour tired climbing up some columns. Hopefully our next visit will go a bit more smoothly. I think I may take mine to the park BEFOREHAND to run off some energy!
Once we were finished at the Art Museum, we headed to Frisch's for lunch and took advantage of our Halloween coupons to get lunch for everyone 10 and under free. From Frisch's we headed over to Rookwood to kill the two hours we had before we needed to be at Children's hospital for a doctor's appointment. I LUCKED into a sale at Old Navy, anything halloween was $.97 so I walked out of the store with 23 pieces of clothing (3 items were 2 piece sets) for just over $20! We then went to the bookstore and hung out, read some books (the kids found a children's book written by a WWE wrestler, Mick Foley and sat and read it to each other) and played with the trains until we needed to head out to doctor's.
While in the van, Grant discovered he knew how to spell the word "poop" (Grant really stuggles with reading/spelling/phonics) and was excited to discover it was spelled poop both forwards and backwards. I don't know what got into me but I chimed in with "well if you flip it over, it spells boob!" Brett busted out laughing. Grant added that he also knew how to spell "ass"...what more does a 8 year old boy need to know....poop, boob and ass! Somedays I really wonder just how warped my kids are going to be!
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Jay went out to vote first thing this morning, he was in line before the polling place even opened. He waited about 30 minutes. When I got there at 11:15 AM, it was packed! I had to wait about 45 minutes to vote. I can't complain too much though. Our polling place houses 2 seperate precincts and the other precinct had a 2 1/2 hour wait. I couldn't believe the turn out!
I made the mistake of taking Will with me without anyone to help me out. The girls decided that they wanted to go to a movie with their friends (who were off school today for an inservice, I assume because all the schools in that district serve as polling places). Of course, as usual, he was fine as long as he had a boob in his mouth, but when I decided to unlatch him so I could color in the stupid little ovals on the ballot, he started screaming. Luckily a mom I knew through a local homeschooling group happened to have just finished voting and I asked her to hold him for 5 minutes while I filled in the circles. I had done all my research ahead of time so I knew who I was voting for and where I stood on each issue.
Quite a few people got a kick out of Will's shirt!
I made the mistake of taking Will with me without anyone to help me out. The girls decided that they wanted to go to a movie with their friends (who were off school today for an inservice, I assume because all the schools in that district serve as polling places). Of course, as usual, he was fine as long as he had a boob in his mouth, but when I decided to unlatch him so I could color in the stupid little ovals on the ballot, he started screaming. Luckily a mom I knew through a local homeschooling group happened to have just finished voting and I asked her to hold him for 5 minutes while I filled in the circles. I had done all my research ahead of time so I knew who I was voting for and where I stood on each issue.
Quite a few people got a kick out of Will's shirt!
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Trick or Treating, twice the fun!
On Saturday, when Brett and Hannah were at the teen party, we decided to go out to our friend's (Cathy and Curt Alldred) house in Batavia and go trick or treating. It was so nice of the Alldred's to invite us over and the weather was perfect.
Emily wore her pioneer costume (although a couple people thought she was Amish), Grant was a nerd (complete with a hat with a spinner on top), Jacob was a slice of pizza, Cade a crocodile and Sophie an elephant. Will didn't wear his costume but we put him in a cute halloween turtleneck and he hung out in his Baby Bjorn.
The subdivision the Alldred's live in is HUGE, I don't doubt that we probably walked 4 miles. There were even two haunted houses set up that the kids loved going through. It was really nice, since the time hadn't changed yet, that we got to trick or treat for the first hour in the daylight. Cade is immensely afraid of being outside in the dark and as I predicted, he said he was done as soon as the sun went down. There are days that I am sure that those 8 minutes that kid spent without oxygen during labor warped him! Sophie was so cute. She would go up and say "trick or treat" (which sounded more like "twik or tweet") and then she would say "thank you" (which sounded like "dank u") without anyone having to remind her! This one woman got such a kick out of her that she kept dropping candy into her basket just to hear her say "thank you"! She must have given her 6 pieces of candy!
At one point when we were trick or treating I asked Cade to give me his pumpkin with candy in it because it was full to the top. I told him I would put the candy in a pillowcase for him. He absolutely REFUSED to let me carry the pillow case with his candy in it, he insisted on carrying it himself and it was so heavy! As darkness fell, Cathy and I went back to her house with the little ones and Curt took Emily and the older boys out to hit more of the subdivision.
Today was trick or treating in our subdivision. We spent the early afternoon having dinner with my mom and dad and then everyone got ready to trick or treat. Cade only went to a couple houses, he hated the dark, so I was so glad I had taken him out the night before so he could enjoy the fun! Hannah invited 3 friends to come trick or treat with her and they went off with Emily and Grant, so Jacob and I walked together. He was so sweet when we were walking he hugged me and said "thank you for making my costume". Bret, dressed up as a farmer and ended up staying home and passing out candy and kept Will (the cow) with him.
I was suprised by how many houses in our subdivision didn't have their lights on to hand out candy. It used to be when we first moved here, every house was light up. Tonight, I would say almost half the houses were dark! Despite the lack of participating houses, the kids brought home quite a haul! It is candy heaven in the Riesenberg house!
Check out some pictures.... http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/album?.dir=9c19
On Saturday, when Brett and Hannah were at the teen party, we decided to go out to our friend's (Cathy and Curt Alldred) house in Batavia and go trick or treating. It was so nice of the Alldred's to invite us over and the weather was perfect.
Emily wore her pioneer costume (although a couple people thought she was Amish), Grant was a nerd (complete with a hat with a spinner on top), Jacob was a slice of pizza, Cade a crocodile and Sophie an elephant. Will didn't wear his costume but we put him in a cute halloween turtleneck and he hung out in his Baby Bjorn.
The subdivision the Alldred's live in is HUGE, I don't doubt that we probably walked 4 miles. There were even two haunted houses set up that the kids loved going through. It was really nice, since the time hadn't changed yet, that we got to trick or treat for the first hour in the daylight. Cade is immensely afraid of being outside in the dark and as I predicted, he said he was done as soon as the sun went down. There are days that I am sure that those 8 minutes that kid spent without oxygen during labor warped him! Sophie was so cute. She would go up and say "trick or treat" (which sounded more like "twik or tweet") and then she would say "thank you" (which sounded like "dank u") without anyone having to remind her! This one woman got such a kick out of her that she kept dropping candy into her basket just to hear her say "thank you"! She must have given her 6 pieces of candy!
At one point when we were trick or treating I asked Cade to give me his pumpkin with candy in it because it was full to the top. I told him I would put the candy in a pillowcase for him. He absolutely REFUSED to let me carry the pillow case with his candy in it, he insisted on carrying it himself and it was so heavy! As darkness fell, Cathy and I went back to her house with the little ones and Curt took Emily and the older boys out to hit more of the subdivision.
Today was trick or treating in our subdivision. We spent the early afternoon having dinner with my mom and dad and then everyone got ready to trick or treat. Cade only went to a couple houses, he hated the dark, so I was so glad I had taken him out the night before so he could enjoy the fun! Hannah invited 3 friends to come trick or treat with her and they went off with Emily and Grant, so Jacob and I walked together. He was so sweet when we were walking he hugged me and said "thank you for making my costume". Bret, dressed up as a farmer and ended up staying home and passing out candy and kept Will (the cow) with him.
I was suprised by how many houses in our subdivision didn't have their lights on to hand out candy. It used to be when we first moved here, every house was light up. Tonight, I would say almost half the houses were dark! Despite the lack of participating houses, the kids brought home quite a haul! It is candy heaven in the Riesenberg house!
Check out some pictures.... http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/album?.dir=9c19
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Bonfire/Hot Dog & Marshmallow Roast/Pumpkin Carving/Movie Night!!!
Saturday, October 30 ; 6pm to 10 pm
Ages: 12 and up
Hosted by The Freson Family at their home just outside of Fayetteville
Attention, homeschoolers ages 12 an d up!! You will not want to miss out on this incredible evening. Here's what's planned. First, we'll cook hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire (yum) Then, we'll be carving pumpkins and awarding the most creative, the scariest, and the funniest. After we set them out for display with candles and all, we'll go in and watch a movie. We're hoping to see The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (or something that is supposed to be scary but is really quite funny)
This event IS far. But it will be worth the trip. For those that don't want to drive that far, we have a plan. Andrea Hall and myself will take 2 vanloads of teens to the party if you have them to Dance Etc. (on Meijer Drive in Milford, right off the expressway) by 5pm. We will bring them back there afterwards. So, PLEASE come!
Here's what to bring: The Fresons are nicely providing the food, plates, etc. Each family needs to bring a 2-litre drink and a snack or festive treat. Each person needs to bring a pumpkin (one per person).
To RSVP: Please contact Cindy and let her know if you are going directly to the Fresons or are planning to meet us at Dance Etc. in Milford.
Saturday, October 30 ; 6pm to 10 pm
Ages: 12 and up
Hosted by The Freson Family at their home just outside of Fayetteville
Attention, homeschoolers ages 12 an d up!! You will not want to miss out on this incredible evening. Here's what's planned. First, we'll cook hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire (yum) Then, we'll be carving pumpkins and awarding the most creative, the scariest, and the funniest. After we set them out for display with candles and all, we'll go in and watch a movie. We're hoping to see The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (or something that is supposed to be scary but is really quite funny)
This event IS far. But it will be worth the trip. For those that don't want to drive that far, we have a plan. Andrea Hall and myself will take 2 vanloads of teens to the party if you have them to Dance Etc. (on Meijer Drive in Milford, right off the expressway) by 5pm. We will bring them back there afterwards. So, PLEASE come!
Here's what to bring: The Fresons are nicely providing the food, plates, etc. Each family needs to bring a 2-litre drink and a snack or festive treat. Each person needs to bring a pumpkin (one per person).
To RSVP: Please contact Cindy and let her know if you are going directly to the Fresons or are planning to meet us at Dance Etc. in Milford.
When we first started homeschooling people WARNED us of all the things our kids would miss out on by not being "in" school. What is so funny about this is that there are actually often "too many" actvities to chose from. The wonderful thing is that the events are always well supervised by other parents that we know and trust. And the groups, though of mixed sexes and ages, aren't pairing off and "coupling".
Brett and Hannah had a wonderful time at the party. Hannah's pumpkin took second place in the pumpkin carving contest. Brett's pumpkin didn't fair nearly as well but he said he had fun carving it. They really seem to enjoy hanging out with their electic group of friends!
Friday, October 29, 2004
The Maize at Turpin Farms
Organized by Laura Riesenberg
Cost: $3.50 for kids 5 - 12; $5.00 for adults
This activity is for ALL ages, although it probably doesn’t seem like it. Teens, you will LOVE the huge corn maze that can take up to 2 hours to go through. For other ages, there is a petting zoo, hayride, cow train, pumpkin patch, hay jump, and tube slide. We plan to pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it as there are plenty of tables for picnicking. Bring a water bottle (plowing through the maize is hard work!) and a picnic lunch. Dress for the weather.
Turpin Farms is located at 3295 Turpin Lane in Newtown, Ohio on the east side of Cincinnati. Here are directions and a website. You can actually see an aerial view of the corn maze on the website. It is:http://www.cornfieldmaze.com/sites.php?ID=&username=ohcincinnati.
Directions:From the north, take I-275 east to Rt. 32 West (exit 63A) towards Newtown. Follow Rt. 32 west for about 5.5 miles. Go through Newtown and turn left on Turpin Lane.From downtown Cincinnati (and KY) take Columbia Parkway (OH 50) east to the Beechmont Levee (OH 125) and go east. Go across the levee to the Rt. 32 exit. Follow Rt. 32 east for about 1.5 miles and turn right on Turpin Lane.
What an absolutely wonderful day. It was a bit overcast and I was worried it might rain (the weatherman said we had a 30% chance) but it turned out absolutely wonderful. It was overcast and in the low 70's.
We were the first family to get to Turpin Farms (probably a good thing since we were the ones organizing the event) and slowly our friends began to show up. It was a tremendous crowd we ended up with 20 teens/adults and 27 children aged 5-12 participating, plus about 7 moms and numerous toddlers who just ended up hanging out while the rest of the group plodded through the maze.
Will was a bit hungry (and my boobs a bit FULL since he had only nursed once since 10 PM last night) so we opted to hang out and nurse. Sophie and Cade played on the playgound equipment and in the haydive while the older kids were off doing their thing in the maze. It was great because Kas and I got to talk while the kids played. We even had the opportunity to enjoy the company of some other homeschooling moms.
It took the kid about 1 1/2 hours to complete the maze and then they came and found us, hungry and tired ready for lunch. Amazing as it might be, Brett and Grant didn't get LOST in the maze this year (last year the two of them and another boy, Michael took about 1 1/2 LONGER than everyone else to emerge from the maze). The yellow jackets were everywhere, one of the pitfalls of fall picnicing! It made it really hard for the little ones to drink the soft drinks we brought with us!
The farm was peppered with adorable farm cats, one of which was so friendly it would cuddle up with anyone and let them hold and pet it. It even decided to take a nap in the Ridiman's stroller. There were also numerous chickens waddling around the farm.
We were really thrilled when the woman in charge of the farm came over and apologized, saying they were out of the small "pie" pumpkins we were supposed to get as part of the tour (we hadn't known about getting pumkins) and said that the kids could pick out ANY pumpkin they could CARRY as their "free" pumpkin. The kids were THRILLED as I think most of the pumpkins they picked would have cost more than the $3.50 admission they paid to get in. So for less than the cost of the pumpkin, they got to go through the maze, go on a hayride, ride the cowtrain, sit around a huge bonfire, and enjoy the fellowship of their homeschooling buddies!
Check out some of the pictures taken at the farm... http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/album?.dir=b988&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/my_photos
Organized by Laura Riesenberg
Cost: $3.50 for kids 5 - 12; $5.00 for adults
This activity is for ALL ages, although it probably doesn’t seem like it. Teens, you will LOVE the huge corn maze that can take up to 2 hours to go through. For other ages, there is a petting zoo, hayride, cow train, pumpkin patch, hay jump, and tube slide. We plan to pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it as there are plenty of tables for picnicking. Bring a water bottle (plowing through the maize is hard work!) and a picnic lunch. Dress for the weather.
Turpin Farms is located at 3295 Turpin Lane in Newtown, Ohio on the east side of Cincinnati. Here are directions and a website. You can actually see an aerial view of the corn maze on the website. It is:http://www.cornfieldmaze.com/sites.php?ID=&username=ohcincinnati.
Directions:From the north, take I-275 east to Rt. 32 West (exit 63A) towards Newtown. Follow Rt. 32 west for about 5.5 miles. Go through Newtown and turn left on Turpin Lane.From downtown Cincinnati (and KY) take Columbia Parkway (OH 50) east to the Beechmont Levee (OH 125) and go east. Go across the levee to the Rt. 32 exit. Follow Rt. 32 east for about 1.5 miles and turn right on Turpin Lane.
What an absolutely wonderful day. It was a bit overcast and I was worried it might rain (the weatherman said we had a 30% chance) but it turned out absolutely wonderful. It was overcast and in the low 70's.
We were the first family to get to Turpin Farms (probably a good thing since we were the ones organizing the event) and slowly our friends began to show up. It was a tremendous crowd we ended up with 20 teens/adults and 27 children aged 5-12 participating, plus about 7 moms and numerous toddlers who just ended up hanging out while the rest of the group plodded through the maze.
Will was a bit hungry (and my boobs a bit FULL since he had only nursed once since 10 PM last night) so we opted to hang out and nurse. Sophie and Cade played on the playgound equipment and in the haydive while the older kids were off doing their thing in the maze. It was great because Kas and I got to talk while the kids played. We even had the opportunity to enjoy the company of some other homeschooling moms.
It took the kid about 1 1/2 hours to complete the maze and then they came and found us, hungry and tired ready for lunch. Amazing as it might be, Brett and Grant didn't get LOST in the maze this year (last year the two of them and another boy, Michael took about 1 1/2 LONGER than everyone else to emerge from the maze). The yellow jackets were everywhere, one of the pitfalls of fall picnicing! It made it really hard for the little ones to drink the soft drinks we brought with us!
The farm was peppered with adorable farm cats, one of which was so friendly it would cuddle up with anyone and let them hold and pet it. It even decided to take a nap in the Ridiman's stroller. There were also numerous chickens waddling around the farm.
We were really thrilled when the woman in charge of the farm came over and apologized, saying they were out of the small "pie" pumpkins we were supposed to get as part of the tour (we hadn't known about getting pumkins) and said that the kids could pick out ANY pumpkin they could CARRY as their "free" pumpkin. The kids were THRILLED as I think most of the pumpkins they picked would have cost more than the $3.50 admission they paid to get in. So for less than the cost of the pumpkin, they got to go through the maze, go on a hayride, ride the cowtrain, sit around a huge bonfire, and enjoy the fellowship of their homeschooling buddies!
Check out some of the pictures taken at the farm... http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/album?.dir=b988&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrsmomof6/my_photos
Thursday, October 28, 2004
4 months old!
Where has the time gone?
I took Will to JC Penney's today to have his 4 month picture taken. We got there early so I would have time to nurse him and get him dresses. Once he had finsihed nursing I put his cute little pumpkin one piece outfit on him. Orange is definitely a good color on him!
After he was dressed, i was holding him in my lap with his face supported by my hand. He managed to get my thumb into his mouth and bit down.....lo and behold I felt something HARD push against my skin. My sweet Will had cut his first tooth! I can't BELIEVE that he has a tooth! I haven't had a chance to look in eveyone's baby books, but I think he is my earliest teether (and is DEFINATELY the earliest if you adjust his age since he was a preemie). Brett didn't get a tooth until he was 11 months old! I looked at him and said "CONGRATULATIONS!" and he got this HUGE smile on his little face!
We finally got in to get the pictures taken. Only 30 minutes behind schedule, but no big deal since he was in a good mood and the other kids were at home! Can't say I was all that happy with the photographer, she seemed to snap every photo just a second too late, I really like the other photographer much better! But we got one REALLY good picture, so I can't complain!
Where has the time gone?
I took Will to JC Penney's today to have his 4 month picture taken. We got there early so I would have time to nurse him and get him dresses. Once he had finsihed nursing I put his cute little pumpkin one piece outfit on him. Orange is definitely a good color on him!
After he was dressed, i was holding him in my lap with his face supported by my hand. He managed to get my thumb into his mouth and bit down.....lo and behold I felt something HARD push against my skin. My sweet Will had cut his first tooth! I can't BELIEVE that he has a tooth! I haven't had a chance to look in eveyone's baby books, but I think he is my earliest teether (and is DEFINATELY the earliest if you adjust his age since he was a preemie). Brett didn't get a tooth until he was 11 months old! I looked at him and said "CONGRATULATIONS!" and he got this HUGE smile on his little face!
We finally got in to get the pictures taken. Only 30 minutes behind schedule, but no big deal since he was in a good mood and the other kids were at home! Can't say I was all that happy with the photographer, she seemed to snap every photo just a second too late, I really like the other photographer much better! But we got one REALLY good picture, so I can't complain!
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Just out of reach......
After changing Will's diaper, he seemed to be in an unusually good mood, so I decided to leave him to play on the living room floor. Maybe, just maybe, I could check my emails without holding him! He was laying on this back enjoying the sights and sounds (Cade was talking to him), the next thing I know he is laying on his stomach! The little turkey managed to roll over from back to tummy, just one day shy of being 4 months old!
Once he was on his stomach, I decided to put some toys on the floor with him so he would have something to look at. If the floor was the face of a watch, I placed a baby mirror at 9 o'clock, a stuffed activity octopus at 12 o'clack and a little bug rattle at 3 o'clock. He was all excited and was kicking his legs and looking around. He spotted the bug and managed to turn his body to it was directly in front of him (he had been pointing at the octopus) then he started moving his arms like CRAZY trying to reach the bug rattle. He had never purposefully reached for anything. After about 10 minutes of trying (and a little scootch of the toy by mom) it was within fingers reach, he grabbed it, got this HUGE smile on his mouth, and shoved it into his mouth!
How quickly they go from BLOB BABY to an ACTIVE CURIOUS INFANT.....my baby is growing up, a bit too fast for mom's liking!
After changing Will's diaper, he seemed to be in an unusually good mood, so I decided to leave him to play on the living room floor. Maybe, just maybe, I could check my emails without holding him! He was laying on this back enjoying the sights and sounds (Cade was talking to him), the next thing I know he is laying on his stomach! The little turkey managed to roll over from back to tummy, just one day shy of being 4 months old!
Once he was on his stomach, I decided to put some toys on the floor with him so he would have something to look at. If the floor was the face of a watch, I placed a baby mirror at 9 o'clock, a stuffed activity octopus at 12 o'clack and a little bug rattle at 3 o'clock. He was all excited and was kicking his legs and looking around. He spotted the bug and managed to turn his body to it was directly in front of him (he had been pointing at the octopus) then he started moving his arms like CRAZY trying to reach the bug rattle. He had never purposefully reached for anything. After about 10 minutes of trying (and a little scootch of the toy by mom) it was within fingers reach, he grabbed it, got this HUGE smile on his mouth, and shoved it into his mouth!
How quickly they go from BLOB BABY to an ACTIVE CURIOUS INFANT.....my baby is growing up, a bit too fast for mom's liking!
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Dancing......
As part of the requirements for doing a solo, the dancers at our studio are required to have their routines critiqued by a master teacher. Sunday at 12:30 PM was Hannah's first critic session.
Miss Becky's fist comment to Hannah was "this certainly isn't the little girl dances I have seen the last couple of years." Both Hannah and I figured that was a huge compliment. She seemed to really like the routine, of course she kept telling Hannah to work on technique and to watch her thumbs (Hannah has a tendency to point her thumbs up...think the Fonz from Happy Days minus the fist....instead of keeping them tucked in).
It was the first time I had seen the whole routine, beginning to end, with music. I really like it. Of course I am probably prejudice, after all it is my child up there dancing! I can't wait until Feb. to see how well it scores in front of the judges!
As part of the requirements for doing a solo, the dancers at our studio are required to have their routines critiqued by a master teacher. Sunday at 12:30 PM was Hannah's first critic session.
Miss Becky's fist comment to Hannah was "this certainly isn't the little girl dances I have seen the last couple of years." Both Hannah and I figured that was a huge compliment. She seemed to really like the routine, of course she kept telling Hannah to work on technique and to watch her thumbs (Hannah has a tendency to point her thumbs up...think the Fonz from Happy Days minus the fist....instead of keeping them tucked in).
It was the first time I had seen the whole routine, beginning to end, with music. I really like it. Of course I am probably prejudice, after all it is my child up there dancing! I can't wait until Feb. to see how well it scores in front of the judges!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
