Archive for October, 2011
Our Merry Brood
It’s already that time of year! It’s time to dress the kids up in cute outfits, ask for free candy, and give the munchkins too much sugar too late in the evening. Halloween! It only comes once a year and we love it. The scary stuff isn’t for us, but the excitement and the dressing up is timeless fun.
Trick-or-treating on base is a blast. We feel safe, know most of our neighbors, and don’t feel wary about going door-to-door. I didn’t feel comfortable with traditional trick-or-treating out in town because we didn’t know most people in our neighborhood. Who knows who is out there. In base housing, it’s a totally different story. It’s homey and most people are friendly and welcoming.
The kids have been counting down the days until Halloween and were thrilled when October 31st finally arrived. Friends began to arrive around 4:30, and shortly after 5 we were out of the door and on our way to a sugar high. By the evening’s end, the kids had four gallon-sized plastic ziploc bags full of sugery treats! We’ll have plenty of “reward treats” for quite some time!
This Halloween was particularly special because Hubby was able to be here. He was deployed last Halloween and I believe he was on a training mission the one before. Nevertheless, the kids were thrilled to have him around and he was happy to make memories with us.
Alex dressed up as Cinderella, Ethan as a pilot, Derek as a frog, and Bella as a chicken. She was NOT happy about the chicken outfit and broke two buttons off by the time we left. When we got home, only one button remained, her foot and leg was out of the costume, and we were calling her a “Grumpy Chicken.”
Overall, the evening was a great success! It was sunny and mildly warm. There were lots of costumed kids out and about and plenty of residents passing out candy. This is the stuff that childhood memories are made from.
Michael, the kids, and some friends
Daddy and our little monsters
Trick-or-Treat!
Our Little Princess
Brothers scheming Candy
Bella gets daddy to carry her most of the way (instead of riding in the stroller)
Bella and Mommy
Alex and two of her best friends
Baby Derek the Frog
Mommy and Her Favorite Lil' Buddy
Our Merry Brood
October 31, 2011 | Categories: Fun Projects | Tags: Halloween, Halloween for kids, homeschooling, Jacksonville, NAS Jacksonville, Navy housing, safety, Trick-or-treating, United States | Leave A Comment »
Everywhere you look, there are signs of the Halloween season. Orange fruits carved with glowing faces peer out of windows and from front porches and whispery ghosts dance from the trees. The tradition of carving jack-o-lanterns traveled across the Atlantic with Irish immigrants and has been an integral part of American Halloween festivities ever since.
Who ever thought to carve a pumpkin anyway? Have you looked inside one lately? It’s pretty stringy and slimy. As Derek says, “Eeeeew! Disgusting!” Jack-o-lantern carving has been around for several centuries and originated with the Irish tale of “Jack of the Lantern.” Stingy Jack made a deal with the devil, but when the devil came to claim his soul he tricked the evil spectre. When Stingy Jack died, God wouldn’t allow such a dishonest and scheming man into Heaven. The Devil wouldn’t allow Jack into Hell either and was so upset that he cast Jack away with a burning coal to light his way. Jack put his coal into a carved out turnip and has wandered the earth ever since. He became known as “Jack of the Lantern,” and later simply as “Jack-o-Lantern.” That’s at least one version of the legend. There are many more out there if you care to look them up.
From then on, children throughout Great Britain carved beets, potatoes, and other forms of bulbous produce into scary faces to frighten away Jack-of-the-Lantern and any other evil spirit who happens to pass by. When Irish immigrants came to America, they discovered that the native American pumpkin made a perfect Jack-o-Lantern. We’ve been carving them ever since.
Evidentially, the ancient Pagans also carved gourds, turnips, and other vegetables and put an ember from their sacred bonfire inside so that they could light their fires at home. Interesting stuff.
Pumpkin carving is a favorite pastime in our family. We don’t necessarily believe in evil spirits or celebrate Halloween in a scary way, but it is a fun activity. The kids can’t wait to choose out their bulbous orange fruits and draw creative faces on the fronts with washable markers. This was Alex’s second Halloween pumpkin of the year and she was sure she’d come up with a even better design than last year. She decided on Tinkerbell and enlisted Daddy to help her with the cutting. It turned into “Evil Tinkerbell” as soon as daddy started carving with the knife.
The boys and I got to work as well. Derek requested Mickey Mouse and Ethan wanted Lightening McQueen from the movie Cars. We found some templates online and printed them out for guidance. They turned out pretty well, I think. The boys were thrilled with the results. Derek thought that the pumpkin’s insides were disgusting, however, and got Mom and Daddy to clean it out for him. “If I stick my head in there, it will get stuck and yellow and slimy,” he proclaimed. Well, I guess that’s as good a reason as any not to clean out one’s pumpkin. 
Our Jack-o-Lanterns are lit and eerily glowing from the front stoop. It’s Halloween tomorrow! Stay away, Jack-of-the-Lanterns, the children have carved spooky pumpkins to keep you away.
Happy Halloween!
Derek gets ready to dig in!Alex is hard at work cleaning out the pumpkin
But mom, I want to eat the pumpkin! Waaa!
Eeeew, dad! You clean it out!
Ethan cleans out his pumpkin
Alex looks on as Daddy attempts to cut out Tinkerbell
Derek's Mickey Mouse Pumpkin
Ethan's Cars Pumpkin
Alex's "Tinkerbell" Pumpkin
Three Little Pumpkins Sitting in a Row
October 30, 2011 | Categories: Fun Projects | Tags: Halloween, Halloween for kids, Halloween legends, homeschooling, Jack of the Lanterns, Jack-o'-lantern, Mickey Mouse, photography, Pumpkin, Stingy Jack, why we carve pumpkins | 2 Comments »
The air is crisp and cool, the breeze is blustery, and Halloween is in the air. To keep my little goblins occupied on this fine Fall day, I brought out some cookie cutters and baking supplies, seasonal frosting, spooky sprinkles, and yummy candy toppings. It’s time for some Halloween cookies!
The kids were excited to get icky and sticky, and to swipe candy toppers and pop them into their mouths. Derek wanted black pirate frosting and was thrilled to spread it all over his cookie, arms, and table top. Of course, it didn’t clean up all that nicely. He’s got a slightly blue moustache right now.
Alex carefully painted her pumpkin cookie orange and delicately decorated it with sprinkles. Ethan chose to mix orange and white frosting to create a fluffy ghost. I used the last of the white frosting to top Bella’s cookie. Each child got one big, frosted, candy-coated cookie. Their eyes were so big. They don’t usually get that much. It turned out that their eyes were bigger than their stomaches, because not one of them finished their cookie. More sugery, frosting-coated fun for tomorrow I guess!
Bella loved painting with the frosting, but was not a fan of her cookie. She touched her frosting with a pointed little finger and quickly jerked it away. “Uh-oh!” she said. She then lowered her little lips to the cookie like a dog trying to drink from a bowl. “Eeeeew!” she exclaimed. She pushed the cookie aside and went for her goldfish crackers instead.
I love baking this time of year. It’s so fun watching the kids be creative and to experiment with various shapes, colors, textures, and flavors. Learning is so darn fun when you’re little.
Mmmm... how much frosting can I eat before mom hollars at me?
Alex is sure that hers will be the best. She's the pincess, after all.
Mmmmm!
Sugar high!
Maybe black frosting wasn't the best idea for clean-up...
Bella prefers her goldfish crackers
October 30, 2011 | Categories: Fun Projects | Tags: Baking, Cookie cutter, Fall kids projects, Fall projects, Halloween, Halloween Cookies, Halloween kids projects, homeschooling | Leave A Comment »
As multi-cultural as our world is today, it’s easy to forget that people have vastly different customs and traditions in different parts of the planet. We were reminded of these differences when it came time to carve our Halloween Jack-o-lanterns at Grandpa Jim and Grandma Brenda’s Washington home. They have two high-school exchange students this year, one from China and one from Brazil, and neither boy had any idea what the whole pumpkin-carving thing was about. They were willing to get involved, though, and we had great fun learning from each other!
Alexandria was very excited to make a “vampire” pumpkin and busily sketched her ideas on newspaper. Grandpa Jim (my dad) helped the kids cut open their pumpkins and each of them busily scooped out the inside. The exchange students thought this part was so gross. “This never ends!” each boy bemoaned. I think they thought it was a weird holiday tradition. Brazilian exchange student Bruno asked my mom if he could search the internet for ideas for a pumpkin face. He found a super-complicated design. My dad warned him he’d need specialized tools to successfully create his design, but Bruno opted to try it with a knife. It didn’t exactly work out… but he had fun and it was a great experience with a common American Halloween tradition!
Chinese Exchange student “Little Jim” took his design slower and drew a dragon face and flames on his pumpkin. It was a simple design and turned out well. Alex and her cousins learned a lot and shared what they knew about the holiday as well. We talked about what pumpkins are used for in different countries. Little Jim said that while they don’t carve pumpkins where he’s from, pumpkin seeds are sold in traditional Chinese markets.
Not only was it special to carve pumpkins with Grandma and Grandpa, but it was a learning experience as well. We were able to relate to and bond with the exchange students over a common project. Alex liked both boys very much. She and Little Jim were able to relate well despite the language barrier. One evening, she and Little Jim were playing on the couch. She played a sonnet on her piano Ipad app and he would try to complete his Rubix Cube before she finished. Very little language involved, but lots of fun. She also liked playing ball with Bruno, who has a little sister just her age back home in Brazil.
I’m so glad that my parents got such great boys. Their nearly empty home is no longer quiet, but instead full of laughter and funny stories. Perhaps when the kids are older we’ll host an exchange student of our own. It was a great experience for me when I was a high-school exchange student in France. It’s amazing what we can learn from one another. Something as simple as carving jack-o-lanterns can be a new and exciting experience. I hope Alex remembers it for years to come.
Alex draws a "Vampire" Face on Her Pumpkin
Grandpa Jim Helps Alex Make a Vampire Mouth
Grandpa Jim Helps Anthony Too
Alex Scoops Out The Insides Like a Pro
Sis-in-Law Ashley and Cousin Emily Clean Out Their Pumpkin
My neice Emily and I work on a pumpkin.... I was bundled up because it was cold!
My brother Kent and Emily
My dad and his exchange students, Bruno and Jim
Brazilian Exchange Student Bruno and His Jack-o-Lantern
Alex's Jack-o-Lantern
Our Halloween Pumpkins Light Up the Night
October 29, 2011 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Brazil, carving pumpkins, China, cultural differences, exchange students, Halloween, homeschooling, Jack-o'-lantern, Pumpkin, Washington | 2 Comments »
Alex and Great-Grandma Bonnie
So many of my childhood memories revolve around my Grandma Bonnie’s little house in the prairie. I remember how big her house seemed and the tins of cookies she always kept in the kitchen, full of surgery deliciousness and jelly filled confections. I remember eating the scraps of the wedding cakes she baked and looking forward to her traditional Norwegian lefsa every holiday season. Grandma’s house has always been one full of delicious baking, enticing scents, and warm hugs.
Every time we trek across the country and visit home, Grandma Bonnie’s house is one of the first places we visit. It no longer seems so big, but it’s still just as magical. Grandma still has a plate of fresh cookies waiting for us and lots of hugs.
Now Alexandria is making her own memories at her Great-Grandmother’s house. She loved the cookies and always scouts out the delicate glass jars full of seasonal candy on the coffee table. She loves exploring the house and playing with the toys and books waiting for visits like hers. At home, Alex keeps her cards from her Great-Grandma Bonnie in a special box in her room. Still, cards don’t make up for a Grandma hug and a cuddly lap to sit on.
Mom: “Alex, why do you like to visit Great-Grandma Bonnie’s house?”
Alex: “Cause I like her. I like her curly white hair and her blue eyes like mine. She’s really nice and likes to see me.”
Mom: “What do you like most?”
Alex: “I like her hugs. I like to eat her candy and cookies too.”
Mom: “What do you like to do at her house?”
Alex: “I like to play with toys. She always has fun new toys. I like snuggling her sometimes and I like visiting. I love my Great-Grandma.”
My kids are so fortunate to get to know their Great-Grandparents. There are two Great-Grandma’s left and they have lived such amazing lives. My husband never even got to know his grandparents, let alone his great-grandparents. I don’t think we’ll ever tire of listening to their stories. My Grandma Bonnie in particular makes my life look boring, she’s been through and done so much! She outlived three husbands, worked and supported her children as a single mother in a time when that was practically unheard of, traveled the world, and continues to be actively involved in her church and community. I think she’s even busier than I am! I can only hope to be as happy, active, and involved when I’m her age!
I hope we get orders much closer to Washington this time around so we can visit our elders much more often. We miss out on too much when we’re this far away. I’d gladly give up the beaches and warm weather to let the kids develop strong, memorably relationships with their Grandparents and Great-Grandparents. Florida is lovely… but memories at Grandma (and Great-Grandma!)’s house last a lifetime.
Great-Grandma Bonnie and Alex, Oct. 2011
Cousin Anthony
Cousin Anthony and Great-Grandma Bonnie
Great-Grandma Bonnie, October 2011
Cousin Emily Cheeses it Up
October 29, 2011 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Cooking, elders, grandchildren, Grandparent, great-grandparents, homeschooling, photography, Washington | 1 Comment »
Living in Florida does have its drawbacks. Sure, the weather is gorgeous most of the year and we live not too far from the beach. What’s missing, you ask? Pumpkin patches. Real, honest-to-God pumpkin patches. Sure, there are partitioned-off areas at local churches where you can buy pumpkins and even some neat corn mazes. Some even sell pumpkins. But… I miss the pumpkin patches I grew up with. You know, the ones where you have to walk way out into a farmer’s field and pick the perfect, bulbous orange masterpiece straight from the vine. I have yet to find one in Florida.
Last week we took an unexpected trip up to visit Grandma and Grandpa Sarkkinen in Washington State. On our second-to-last day in town, we stopped by a real pumpkin patch. It was a nice chance for the kids to get out and stretch their legs after days of visiting relatives. We stopped by Velvet Acres Gardens at 18905 NE 83rd Street in Vancouver, Washington. They were one of the few pumpkin patches open to the public during the week, and we were short on time.
Velvet Acres is a relatively small farm, but it’s big on Fall Fun. They have a petting zoo, hay-bale tunnels for kids to climb through, and a field full of pumpkins just waiting to be picked. Alex and her cousins had a blast petting the pony, cows, and goats. Alex begged to go for a pony ride. Maybe next time!
The best part of all was lugging the sturdy red wagon out through the farmer’s field to find the perfect pumpkin. Alex ran and skipped through the mud and hay, checking and touching at least a dozen pumpkins before deciding on a 22 pound behemoth. She rolled it to the wagon and I helped her pick it up. She was so proud of her pumpkin and couldn’t wait to get back to Grandma and Grandpa’s house to carve it! At 18 cents a pound, it was an awesome deal too.
We had an amazing afternoon out in the crisp October breeze. We were snug in our sweaters and left covered in hay and mud. I definitely don’t recommend wearing ballet flats to a real pumpkin patch! I have definitely lived in the city for too long to make that faux pas. Alex’s first trip to a real, honest-to-God pumpkin patch was a roaring success. I hope we can go to one next year too. Farm life, pumpkins, and a little bit of dirt are what Fall is all about.
Alex at Velvet Acres Gardens
She couldn't get enough of the pony! Like Mama, Like Daughter
Hay bales are so much fun to climb!
My sis-in-law Ashley and Niece Emily
Baby Emily loved the animals!
Mommy and Alex
This one looks good!
Cousin Anthony loved the pumpkin patch!
Look at our pumpkins!
Alex really wanted to bring the pony home
Alex and Mommy
October 28, 2011 | Categories: Field Trips | Tags: Autumn activities, Corn maze, Fall, Florida, Fun Fall Activities, Halloween, homeschooling, photography, Pumpkin, pumpkin patch, Washington | Leave A Comment »
Fall in Washington State is a far cry different from fall in Florida. I miss the seasons a lot. Cool crisp air, sweaters, hot tea, and brightly colored leaves put me in the mood to celebrate. That’s what I grew up with. Alex has never experienced Washington in the Fall, so this trip to see Grandma and Grandpa was a real treat for her.
Here are 5 ways in which Fall is different in Washington than in Florida:
1. It’s not 80 degrees. You can actually wear sweaters, pants, and.. gasp!… socks without sweating your butt off! It was so chilly in the mornings (27 degrees one day!) that we had to go buy sweaters! I love sweaters. They simply symbolize Fall to me. Plus I love a reason to go shopping for cute new sweaters.
2. The apples are crisp and delicious. I love Red Delicious apples, but by the time they get down to Florida they are mushy and kind of gross. Not so in Washington, the apple state! My dad picks up farm-fresh apples at the farmer’s market and they are amazing. There are even apple orchards where you can pick your own apples!
3. The leaves change colors! Everywhere we looked, the leaves were dazzling shades of red, orange, and yellow. They fell gracefully from the trees and graced every surface. Here in Florida, most trees still have their leaves. When they do fall, they are brown. It’s just not the same. As a side note, leaf-piles in both states are equally as good at making little girls filthy and grass-stained from head to toe.
4. They have real pumpkin patches! In Florida, a pumpkin patch is a fenced-off area at a church with a selection of pumpkins on the ground. In Washington, we went to a farm and trudged out to a field with a wagon to choose our pumpkin from a vine. There was mud! There were cows! Ballet flats were probably not the best choice to wear to the pumpkin patch… I’ve seriously been away for too long.
5. You can curl up with a blanket and hot cider and not feel weird about it! It’s just not the same getting “warm and cozy” when it’s hot and sunny. In Washington, we piled on the blankets to sleep and warmed our hands with mugs of hot drinks. Sigh. Heaven.
Fall in Washington clearly win… at least to me. Although.. it was nice to go home and not have to wear socks.
Alex loved making piles of leaves to jump in
Cousin Anthony was a great playmate for Alex
Fall is a beautiful time of year
October 28, 2011 | Categories: Field Trips | Tags: Apple, Fall in Florida, Fall in Washington, Florida, Halloween, homeschooling, photography, Pumpkin, Washington | 1 Comment »
Wilfred Sarkkinen in Uniform, World War II
If there’s one hard thing about growing up, it’s watching those you love grow old. The circle of life is a vicious beast. Family is more important to me than anything else in this world. It was very hard last week when our Family Patriarch, Wilfred Sarkkinen, passed away at the age of 88. After all, he’s been around for my entire life. He lived next door throughout my childhood and was one of the first people we visited every time we went home. Although we knew it was coming, Grandpa’s death touched me more deeply than I ever thought it would. It was the first time someone close to me died.
What really surprised me was how deeply the loss of Grandpa Wilfred touched my 6-year-old, Alexandria. I didn’t really consider her feelings at first. She didn’t know him well, after all, and I thought I was keeping my emotions well-hidden when she was around. Then, Friday morning, she asked if she could begin school by journaling. What she handed me 30 minutes later brought tears to my eyes:
“One day my great Grandpa Wilfred died.
Derek kept on saying “Can we fix him?”
Momma said “God will fix him up in heaven. And he won’t come back to Earth.”
I felt sad hat he had died, because we didn’t see him very often.
And I felt uncomfortable because I didn’t know anyone that had died before.
It felt kind of scary.
It was hard to sleep.
Grandpa Jim called us when he died.
He was very sad.
Grandpa Wilfred was very sick.
It is sad when people die.”
Those are some pretty intense feelings coming from a six-year-old. Death isn’t a topic we ever really broached before, and now it was staring us in the face. It’s not that we avoid anything unpleasant. It’s just that in my 26 years of life, no one that close to me has passed away. I was lucky, I guess. No one Alex knew had ever passed away either. This was new and intensely emotional for us. We bought some last-minute tickets and prepared for our trip. My husband came home from a training mission and I left. Saturday morning, Alex and I boarded a plane and flew clear across the country to Washington State.
It was our first trip just the two of us. She was unusually quiet and lost in her thoughts. We were so happy to see the rest of our family, even though the reason we were together was tragic. My brothers flew in from all over the country. I think Alex was a little overwhelmed by Grandpa’s viewing and funeral and all the visiting surrounding the events. Grandpa Wilfred touched so many lives. The church was packed. His funeral ripped my heart in two. I know he’s so much better off now and he looked to be so much at peace. His pain and suffering was gone.
The hardest thing for me was realizing that I couldn’t get lost in mourning. I had this bright-eyed little girl who needed me to be strong. She needed to remember her Great-Grandfather for the strong father and leader he was and the only way that would happen would be if I kept his memory alive for her. Alex saw firsthand how the strength and bonds of family can pull us through even the darkest times and how we’re there for each other no matter what. That’s what I wanted her to remember: love, strength, and family. It wasn’t just about my feelings of loss and sorrow, but about helping her through her feelings. I don’t think she’ll ever forget.
It’s so important to me that Alex remember and respect her Great-Grandparents. They have such stories to tell. If they had not lived, we would not be here. My Grandfather was wounded in action during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart. What would have happened if he had died from his wounds? I wouldn’t exist, and neither would my daughter. Elders do not get nearly enough respect in our culture. If we could just stop and think for a moment how much our past affects us today, I think it would blow people’s minds.
To remember Grandpa, my dad and I are putting together a memorial DVD. It’s a great way to heal and to commemorate a life well lived. I want to keep Grandpa’s spirit alive for his grand-children and great-grand children. I want them to know what he was like and the amazing obstacles he overcame. I want them to have a link to the past and to know where they came from.
Our visit home was full of sorrow, but also joy. Grandpa Wilfred gave us one last gift. He brought us all closer than ever before. We kids have grown up and have lives of our own. We live far apart and don’t see each other often. Grandpa’s passing brought us all together under one roof again and let us bond and realize how much we truly love and cherish each other. Life gets busy and we forget what’s really important sometimes.
Wilfred Sarkkinen in Uniform, World War II
He wrote letters home every day during WWII
Grandpa's Purple Heart
Grandpa's Bronze Star
Grandpa Wilfred and Grandma Dory with the first of their 12 kids
This is how I remember him, in his rocking chair
Grandpa and Grandma, several years ago
Grandpa Wilfred with Ethan, 2007
Grandpa Wilfred Reuben Sarkkinen was born on September 28, 1923 in Gackle, North Dakota. He was one of four children and had three sisters. Wilfred graduated from Gackle High School in 1941. He was drafted into the Army and served in World War II, when he was wounded in action. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
Wilfred married Dory on September 3, 1949 and lived in Minnesota. He worked as a mail carrier for many years. In 1969, the family moved to Southwest Washington, where he lived until his death. Wilfred and Dory had 12 children and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were married for 62 years. He was a lifelong Christian who believed strongly in his faith. He was a moral light for all of us and someone we always looked up to.
Grandpa Wilfred Sarkkinen died on October 19, 2011 in Vancouver, Washington after a short illness. He was survived by his wife, one sister, his children, and over 100 grand and great-grand children. He was 88 years old.
Dad and Kent Before Grandpa's Funeral
Mom and Dad
Mom with Mike and Kent
All together again to pay our respects to Grandpa Wilfred
Alex, Auntie Laura, and Counsin Anthony before the service
Here is a link to his obituary: http://obits.columbian.com/obituaries/columbian/obituary.aspx?n=wilfred-reuben-sarkkinen&pid=154228992
October 28, 2011 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Death, death of a grandparent, family, Grandpa, Grandparent, great-grandparents, Momma, Purple Heart, World War II | 4 Comments »
If you’re looking for some safe, family friendly Halloween fun, you simply must check out the Jacksonville Zoo and Garden’s Spooktacular. We’ve gone several times now and keep coming back for more. Today was a big milestone for our family: this was our last time experiencing Spooktacular, at least for the next few years. Next Halloween, we’ll be settled into a new part of the country and on a new adventure… wherever Hubby’s career may take us.
It was a very full, very busy day. Not only did we do school time, but we also attended two Halloween parties! Enough for one day, right? Late this afternoon I realized that if we didn’t make it to Spooktacular tonight, we wouldn’t get to go at all this year. We ate a quick dinner, put on some costumes, and headed north. I was hoping and praying that the traffic wouldn’t be severely backed up like last year. Last October I made the mistake of trying to go the day before Halloween and we couldn’t even get near the zoo traffic was so bad! People were parking a mile away along the road and walking. No thanks to that. We turned around and went home. So this year was a big deal! It was now or never!
Luck was on our side. We went early and on opening day. There was some traffic, but not much at all. We parked without a problem and headed on in.
Bella waits to go inside
We waited just inside the gates with a growing crowd of people. The gates didn’t open until 6:30 and we had some time to spare. The kids liked watching the parade of costumes and playing with their glow stick necklaces. They’re free if you go on a Thursday! The sun was beginning to sink in the sky, slowly dimming the bright daylight. The air was cool and crisp. It actually felt like fall!
The kids wait for the gates to open
Shortly before 6:30, the Wizard spoke to the crowds, then led a countdown to open the gates. We moved aside and let the crowd pass so that we could walk through the maze at our own pace. It was really congested at first!
Spooky pumpkins lined the Maze
The sun began to set and our journey quickly went from “whatever” to “spooky.” The music was riveting and the costumed characters enthralled the children. There were sights and sounds everywhere. Even I was on sensory overload sometimes, but in a good way! The kids were wide-eyed and amazed. They really liked the candy stations and the thousands of glowing pumpkins lighting our walk.
The sun sets...
The courtyard was a ton of fun. There were several bounce houses and a bounce slide. This is where Ethan’s visit unfortunately went from “okay” to “I’m crying and feeling sorry for myself” and he never got over that. Derek and Alex, on the other hand, had a blast. They played for at least 20 minutes. When we moved on it was very dark and we could see stars overhead. Spooktacular at night is absolute magic.
Didn't I tell you not to speak to strange alligators? 
Alex sits with the princess and the frog
Alex meets the evil Queen of Hearts... Off With Your Head!
We saw fairies and woodland creatures, princesses and pirates too. Every corner brought a new adventure. The kids didn’t know what to expect next!
Bella was wide-eyed and alert the entire trip
Spooky flashing eyes in the woods!
Alex’s favorite section was Pirate Cove. They did an awesome job decking out the alligator habitat as a pirate ship!
The Pirate Ship! Arg!
My Merry Crew
We had an awesome evening at Spooktacular and made some great memories. The whole way home, Derek talked about the “spooky eyes” in the forest. Alex played with her glow sticks the entire drive, putting on quite a show for her brothers. Bella passed out as soon as I put her to bed. All the kids were super excited to get to stay up way past their normal bed time and to walk around the zoo at night. Sometimes it’s fun to do something totally out of the ordinary.
If you’re in the area, I totally recommend a visit to the Jacksonville Zoo and Garden’s Spooktacular. It’s relatively inexpensive ($28 for the kids and myself) and is a sensory feast. I know my kids will be talking about it for years to come. After all, they still talk about the last time we went two years ago! If you want something unique and not too scary to do with the kids, this is it!
October 20, 2011 | Categories: Field Trips | Tags: Family Halloween fun, Family-friendliness, Florida, Halloween, Halloween activities for kids, homeschooling, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Zoo, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular, Spooktacular | 1 Comment »
- 18-Month-Old Bella Says “Hi!”
Do you know what I love most about this time of year? It’s the plethora of parties and Fall festivals that fill each week with magical excitement. If childhood is full of wonder and learning, Autumn is the epitome of childhood splendor.
This week was full of Halloween-related fun in our house. Yesterday we picked out our pumpkins. We’ve been creating Halloween art and reading Fall-themed books, composing poetry about what makes Fall beautiful and singing fun Fall fingerplays. Today was the busiest day of the season, I think. We had two holiday parties in one morning!
One great thing about living on base is that Housing plans many fun events. Today they hosted a Pumpkin Patch Playgroup at a park in housing. That was our first stop of the day. A cold front blasted through last night, so it was nice and nippy out. Perfect weather for cozy Halloween costumes! The kids ran and squealed with neighborhood friends and chose small pumpkins from a good-sized supply. Bella thought it was fun to pick them up and throw them and to attempt to escape from her costume. The bigger kids carefully selected just the right pumpkin and decorated them with glitter glue and stickers. Hot cider and sugar cookies made the morning even sweeter. I loved visiting with neighbors and meeting new friends. The community base housing offers is unbeatable. I could never be lonely here.
Derek the Frog Waits Excitedly for some Halloween fun!
Bella looks for just the right pumpkin, throwing all that don't meet her fine standards
Mama's Little Chick
The boys pick out baby pumpkins
Derek the Goof-Ball and His Pumpkin
Decorating Pumpkins
Alex decorates her pumpkin for Halloween
Ethan's Pumpkin
18-Month-Old Bella Says "Hi!"
After the pumpkins were successfully beautified, we sped across town to our second Halloween Party, hosted by Jacksonville Homeschool Kids. When we arrived, it was already bustling with activity and happy costumed kids. We dropped off our orange-frosted-and-Halloween-Sprinkled-cupcakes at the food table and set up our booth with Halloween crafts. We had two activities: Halloween placemats to color and foam jack-o-lantern ornaments. Parent participation was huge and there were numerous other booths with great activities as well as games, face-painting, and even tattoos.
Ethan was completely uncooperative by this time and sat through the party stewing, but the others had a blast. Alex tried every activity and booth at least once. Derek made playdough pumpkins and ate his share of sweet treats. Bells snacked almost the entire time.
We left with plastic pumpkins full of goodies and smiling faces covered with frosting. The kids had an amazing time. Several hours later, they’re still buzzing around on sugar highs. We could all use a little rest about now. It was all worth the hustle and bustle! We made some great Fall memories and got some cute pictures too.
Has there ever been a better time to be a child?
Alex Shows Off Her Face Paint
Derek Cuts Out Playdough Pumpkins
So Much Fun!
Alex Makes Lovely Pumpkin Ornaments
Bella and I
Alex Makes Spooky Spiders
October 20, 2011 | Categories: Field Trips | Tags: Fall kid activities, Fall parties, Halloween, Halloween kid activities, halloween parties, Holidays, homeschooling, Jack-o'-lantern, Pumpkin, Pumpkin Decorating | 1 Comment »
Image via Wikipedia
A 2-year-old girl recently wandered in front of oncoming traffic in China and was run over twice. The drivers fled the scene. If that wasn’t bad enough, what happened next will make you sick to your stomach. Rather than helping the bleeding, severely injured child, more than 18 people passed her by and ignored her. A woman picked the child up and threw her aside like trash. The sweet, innocent baby was left for dead. A garbage collector found her and got the rescue process started. Only then did her mother claim her. Last I read, the girl is in a coma and if she lives is likely going to be in a vegetative state for the rest of her life. What in the name of all that is good is wrong with modern society? If China is the future, then I am scared for mankind.
WARNING: Viewer discretion advised: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2011/10/18/2011-10-18_video_shows_2yearold_girl_in_china_being_run_over_by_van__and_ignored_by_at_leas.html
Is this what happens when countries modernize and enter the 21st century? When people become materialistic worshipers at the church of “Self,” others are forgotten. It sadly doesn’t surprise me that the baby was left to die. Rampant and state-sponsored forced or “coerced” abortions, sterilization, and the strict one-child policy have dramatically devalued human life in China. What is a baby’s life worth if it can be taken without a second thought? What is a baby’s life worth and she is born female? In China, not much.
While mankind progresses into unknown territory, human nature seems to be steadily regressing. It’s not just China. We live in the age of “Me.” We care about ourselves and our own pleasure and material gains above all else. In China as in the United States, too many young people are growing up without morals. In our quest to be politically correct and all-accepting, we’ve turned into a civilization that believes in nothing.
A new kind of human is forging ahead into the future. This human has a very sketchy idea of right and wrong. Fidelity, honesty, compassion, and civility are not important to this self-serving creature. This human doesn’t love his neighbor as himself, nor does he help those in need. If something doesn’t benefit him immediately or if it causes any discomfort, he won’t do it. The Chinese bystanders didn’t want the hassle of getting involved. Their nonchallant non-reaction makes them no better than animals. Is this truly the result of thousands and thousands of years of human evolution? If so, it’s a sincere tragedy.
I’ve noticed this deprivation in my own neighborhood. Not to the same extent to be sure, but there is something vitally wrong. The elementary-aged girls at the parks we frequent are nothing like those I played with as a child. Instead of playing with dolls and being kids, they compare their diets and pretend to be exotic dancers at a bar. They curse like sailors and are so mean to other children it’s disgusting. They’re sexually active at increasingly young ages. They do what they want, when they want, with no apparent fear of consequences. Where do they learn this garbage? More importantly, where are the parents?
As late as the 1950’s, children learned about the Ten Commandments in school. Today, there is no such guidance. Teachers cannot offer any moral guidance in public schools, and many parents don’t provide this guidance at home. Children are growing up lost. Too many parents are absent. They too are too busy serving their self-interests to notice or care that anything is amiss.
I’m not saying that there’s one belief system that would make this problem disappear. Christian values are a foundation of our home and family. My children learn to be polite and courteous, to tell the truth, and to have no false gods (money, clothes, celebrities) above God. We don’t evangelize our beliefs. We don’t tell others how to live. HOWEVER… kids do need to have something to believe in. This secular, anti-religious culture is doing so much harm. I don’t care if you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or anything else. We all believe in the same Higher Power. Please, for the good of mankind, teach your child values. Teach them to be loving, compassionate people. Teach them to value human life and to help those in need.
There has been much news this past year about China being the way of the future. I don’t believe it. Sure, they may have an economic advantage for a while. But if they don’t figure out a way to fix their culture and learn to value and respect each other, they will self-implode. They have already doomed themselves with their long-standing contempt for female infants. As of 2009, there were 32 million more Chinese males than females. This gap is increasingly annually. How long can this really go on?
My fellow Americans, we have a ways to go as well. If we want to be the leaders of the future world, we need to get our act together. This atheist, anti-religion, hyper-sexual, immoral popular culture has to go. We have to rediscover our humility and our humanity. We need to learn that there are much more important things in life than having the largest television, the most fashionable clothing, or the most expensive car. We’re broken and lost, but not irrevocably hopeless. America, we can lead the way into tomorrow. We just have to step up and have the courage to be politically incorrect and teach our kids that life is a gift from our common Creator, that life must be valued and protected, and that we must care for and love one another even if it means a little self-sacrifice. What is truly so radical about that?
Related Sources:
NY Daily News: Video Shows 2-year-old girl in China being run over by van- and ignored by at least 18 people: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2011/10/18/2011-10-18_video_shows_2yearold_girl_in_china_being_run_over_by_van__and_ignored_by_at_leas.html
The Washington Post: Video of Toddler Twice Hit By Cars and Left for Dead Sparks Outrage in China: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/video-of-toddler-twice-hit-by-cars-and-left-for-dead-sparks-outrage-in-china/2011/10/17/gIQABRLvsL_story.html?wprss=rss_world
NY Times: Chinese Bias for Baby Boys Creates Gap of 32 Million: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/11/world/asia/11china.html
October 18, 2011 | Categories: Parenting | Tags: China, Chinese girl run over by van, Foshan, Guangdong, morals, One-child policy, parenting, Ten Commandments, United States | 2 Comments »
The children present their Fall creation of the day: Spectacularly Spooky Caramel Apple Marshmallow Crispy Treats. Now that’s a mouthful!
After a busy morning of school, we delved into this fun and hands-on project. My big helpers were more than happy to lend a hand and to be taste testers too. This was a cool twist on traditional rice crispy treats. They were easy to make and even easier to enjoy. I hope you like them as much as we did!
Spectacularly Spooky Caramel Apple Marshmallow Crispy Treats
Ingredients:
-1/2 stick butter
-1 package (10 1/2 oz) Halloween themed marshmallows
-1 package Caramel Apple Fruity Pebbles Cereal
Halloween sprinkles
Directions:
1.Mivrowave butter in 4-qt, microwave safe dish or bowl for 45 seconds.
2. Add marshmallows and stir to coat.
Derek coats the marshmallows with melted butter
3. Microwave mixture for 45 seconds, then stir. Microwave another 45 seconds until fully melted. Stir again.
4. Add cereal and stir to blend. We needed to transfer the mixture to a bigger bowl because it was spilling everywhere.
My helpful stirrers
We needed a larger bowl!
5. Spoon mixture into a foil-lined, greased 13 by 9-inch pan. Press into place and evenly distribute mixture.
6. Sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles!
Derek decorates with Halloween sprinkles
7. Cool. We put ours in the fridge to keep grabby little hands out of the ultra-sticky bars. Once they cooled, they were much less sticky.
8. Cut and enjoy! Mmmm!
Yum! These are good!
Our October-themed cooking time was a big success. Alex loved the crispy treats and was very proud of her handiwork. Derek says they’re “dangerous” because they’re sticky… I’m not sure what that means exactly, but I’m sure it makes sense in his 3-year-old brain. Our Spectacularly Spooky Caramel Apple Marshmallow Crispy Treats were an inexpensive and memorable way to spice up our day.
Let me know if you try them!
October 18, 2011 | Categories: Fun Projects | Tags: Autumn kids projects, Cooking, cooking with kids, crispy treats recipe, Halloween, Holiday, homeschooling, kids Halloween projects, Marshmallow | 3 Comments »
Bella's "Five Little Ghosts"
Who can resist little kid handprints and footprints? They are seriously the cutest things ever, and kid-print crafts are perfect keepsakes. I borrowed an idea from a great friend and helped Derek and Bella make Footprint Ghosts and Handprint Spiders this afternoon. They turned out so adorable! I know I’m going to treasure them forever.
Derek gets ready to make "Scary Halloween 'Goats' "
Derek has been talking a lot about “Scary Halloween Goats” since he’s seen the decorations around the neighborhood. We practiced the fingerplay “Five Little Ghosts” and got ready to paint. His feet were too big to fit 5 on a page, so we made 2 ghosts and a pumpkin.
Derek's Ghosts
Next, we made handprint spiders:
Derek's Spooky Spider
Bella’s footprint ghosts were just too cute. I already framed the paper and put it on display on the counter top. I love baby feet! The handprints didn’t work out since she wouldn’t straighten her paint-covered hand on the paper.
Alex took a shot of Bella and I preparing to "foot stamp"
Bella thought painting was pretty fun!
Baby feet! Bella's "Five Little Ghosts"
