"Trees are nice..."

For many reasons, my husband and I decided to homeschool. Our oldest is 4 so now we are investigating all our options. I am part of a Mom's Book Club which used to be a playgroup and is becoming a homeschooling group. We had a Nature Project at one mom's house last month and I volunteered to do the next one here at my house. I really love to teach those who want to learn. Especially things I am interested in :)

This month, the topic is "Trees." Broad subject, I know, but I am trying to keep it simple. 'Tis the season so we will be making Christmas trees out of construction paper and decorating them in addition to other activities. I am posting a few videos here so I don't have to look for them later :)







There. That should do it....

Our Christmas Mascot

After a long day of visiting family, and not sleeping but 2 hours last night, I awoke to my Husband playing Lego Batman on the Wii and our Daughter next to me in bed (she got a nap too yay!). We came out and after a while, I noticed there was a garden slug crawling on the ceiling right above the TV. When I announced this, well, let's just say that I am the designated 'bug-getter' or 'bug killer' in the family ;o) So, we poked it and it fell off the cieling - I caught it - 'someone' flipped out a bit then composed him, er ah, themselves, and I took the opportunity to show our Daughter in the bathroom - because the slug was a little dry. I have no problem gardening without gloves when I do get out there (and I have energy) and touching the things that are in our wonderful Florida dirt - slugs, snails, worms, and other wriggly critters. I pet the slug, got it to relax and stretch the eye stalks out, and it was on his way navigating my hand. DD was interested but not enough to touch. It now lives in the front garden.

I must saw that a slug is a good mascot for Christmas - it can teach us to adapt to our surroundings, relax, slow down, and teach others.

...yes, i did wash my hands...

Mama is relaxed...

I just had an awesome weekend! I was able to get away - just myself (and the dog) - I stayed at my parents house from Friday night until Sunday evening and got do just relax!!

On Saturday, I had a prenatal massage by Mohammad at Essential Massage in Cocoa Village, FL, visited Stacy at Sadie's baby boutique, then went to lunch with Mom and Dad. I got to see people I had not seen in a while at the St Mary's Christmas Party that night. Then came home and saw the movie Love Actually with so many really good actors in it - it was a great 'holiday' movie though not recommended for children (only for the nudity scenes and some adult situations ;o)

Then on Sunday, I had wanted to go to a baby expo in Orlando then on to IKEA...but that night before, the more I thought about it, the less I wanted to drive into Orlando and deal with that traffic and people! And besides! it was MY relaxation weekend anyway!! So, I ended up going to Viera - the SuperTarget, and a couple of other stores there - and got some Christmas shopping done. Now if I could find time to wrap presents...!

When I was done with that and it was getting dark, I went back to Mom and Dad's, packed up my stuff (and the dog) and made my way back home.

Thank you, Patrick my love, for watching Anastasia on those days and glad you got to bond!

Green Holiday Tips!

I got this from a forwarded email from...I don't remember anymore...(pregnant brain)....but they are good ideas!

1)Buy your green or organic gifts locally: Support your local economy by buying from local businesses. Ideally, choose items produced locally. Even if the item isn't produced locally, you are supporting a local business and recirculating your money back through your community.

2) Gift certificates: In a struggling economy, letting your loved ones choose what they want to buy can sometimes be the best gift. Consider buying gift certificates from your local co-op or natural food store, independent bookstore, or locally-owned restaurants.

3) Get crafty: Don't be afraid to offer handmade gifts. Put together a book of family favorite recipes. Make your own calendar. Give your loved one a coupon book offering your free services for massages, chores, and hugs.

4) Donate to a nonprofit of your choice in your friend or loved one's name. Many organizations provide certificates or thank you cards, that you can give to your loved one, acknowledging that you have made a gift donation in their name.

We got a live Christmas tree!

Yesterday, the three of us went to Rockledge Gardens and picked out our Christmas tree: it is a live Red Cedar tree, native to Florida and looks beautiful! Last year, we visited a tree farm and picked out a cut tree from there. We did that to support local business as well as our family tradition of having lunch or dinner afterward at a local restaurant. The tree farm is at the North Brevard/South Volusia county line on US-1. A bit out of the way, but totally worth the experience and trip! The place we had lunch after was a BBQ place on Us-1 in Mims - locally owned and really good pulled pork, Brunswick stew, mac'n'cheese.... Okay! gotta stop! Being pregnant and talking about food may require someone to go on a midnight run ;o)

This year, after getting our live tree, we stopped at Ryan's, an Irish Pizzeria in Cocoa Village. You heard me ;o) An Irish Pizza place! Then we went to Taylor Park to play with our 3 yr old on the swings, when Lo and Belhold! Santa was just starting to set up to take pictures on his sleigh!! We got to hang out with him before he had to work, our DD got candy canes and a tiger toy and after the shock wore off, she gave him a big hug!! It was awesome timing!