Popsicles

I made some rocket popsicles for the boys. I was sure to put ingredients in so that Cameron could enjoy them too. I used homemade yogurt, fruit and stevia. Carson had banana/blueberry and Cameron had mango/banana. Cameron was grabbing the popsicle instead of the handle and kept getting mad because his hand got cold.

Human Anatomy

Today during Cameron's nap, we put together a human anatomy puzzle. One side of the puzzle is skeletal and the other illustrates the major organs. Carson is pretty good with puzzles and this one was hard. After we put it together, we oulined his body on large brown paper. He drew a face on his body and soon we plan to draw his major organs. Like most things that we learn, this was unplanned. He really enjoyed seeing how big his body was on the paper.

Preschool Open Gym

We met up ith a few friends and went to a different gym today that has Wednesday open gym for 6yrs and under. They had a lot of great toys for little ones and Carson really liked it there. Unfortunately, there was a little boy that kept following him and harrassing him for about an hour before we left. He hit him numerous times and was telling him mean things. I told the mother about his behavior, but my words went on deaf ears. After ignoring and trying to get away from the boy (upon my insistance), Carson was fed up and retaliated by hitting the boy. The mother finally paid attention then and was angry and yelling at me and Carson. Well, she insisted that her boy doesn't hit ever and that I made it up. One thing I've learned about parenting is never claim that your child doesn't do X or does do X. Because they will make you a liar. There were definitely a few words exchanged. When she found out we homeschool, she said, "So that's why he's like that, he isn't socialized!" WHAT?! Where do people get their information? The headlines? Oh well, I used the situation as a teaching lesson for Carson that all different kinds of people make up this world and we have to learn to deal with them the best we can.

Cameron riding a bike!

We finally bought a tiny infant bike helmet for Cameron to ride on the back of our bike. Carson couldn't wait to ride with his brother! We finally got a chance to take him early this week. Cameron loved it. He cried whenever Mark stopped and laughed when he was going. The video shows him saying "Hi" and waving! I can't believe how fast he is growing.

Windy park day

We went out last Sunday to the park. We planned to stay for a while with bike, bread for ducks, picnic lunch and fishing gear. Unfortunatey, our trip was short since the wind was too strong. We had a chance to cast our lines a few times but we ate our lunch in the van. It seems all the same to Carson. A 10 minute fishing trip is just as exciting as a 3hour one!

Dinner with family

We went to my brother-in-law's for dinner Saturday night. Carson really adores his cousin Henry. Henry just turned 14 and Carson made a rocket for him that he so graciously accepted. Henry plays clarinet and at the end of the evening, he played a little for us. Cameron loved the music and danced to the beat.

Open Gym

We went to Eagle's Wings open gym last Friday. Carson really likes to go there. I was surprised when he chose to run and jump on the trampoline as he usually just jumps in the foam pit or builds forts with the giant building pieces.

Pen Pal

Carson has been corresponding with a family that moved to Ohio last year. They have 2 little girls and a brand new baby boy. Recently, they sent a thoughtful care package for the boys. Carson was so excited to open it and see all the things that were sent, Cameron even had a good time. Thanks Glancy family of 5!

Playing in the backyard

We played a lot in the backyard today. It was gorgeous!

Storm damage

The strong winds last night ripped a large branch from our Bradford Pear tree. Carson decided to play on it. Cameron was squealing with excitement as Carson jumped. Carson was trying to break the branch into firewood.

Our friend, The Squirrel

We have a corn cob feeder hanging from a tree a couple of feet from Carson's treehouse. It is for our squirrel. Carson gets a bird's eye view!

Friends at the park

Cute!

The garden is finished!

Yeah! I didn't think we would ever be finished with the garden!
We have tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, and many varieties of herbs. Everything is doing well and made it through the rough storms from last night.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

As you know, Carson does not watch TV or movies. Mark and I have been thinking about introducing a movie night that the 3 of us could enjoy. Carson has had the soundtrack to the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for over a year. He loves the music and knows all the songs so we felt like this movie would be a good first choice. Last week, I told him that in addition to the music, there is also a movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I told him that after we got Cameron to bed on Saturday night, we could have a movie night if he wanted to. He has been to plays, so I explained to him that it was like a play but it was on TV. I don't think he even realized that stories can be played out on TV.
He was happy about it and was thrilled when we made nutritional yeast popcorn - his favorite. We started the movie and although he enjoyed the songs and dancing, he did not enjoy the movie itself. We only watched half as it was getting late. I felt like this was a calm and easy movie to introduce to him, but I had no idea how upsetting it would be to him. There are moments when people are arguing (i.e. Mr. Potts and Truly in the beginning) that had him extremly upset. Also when the man wanted to buy old car No.3 to melt down into scrap metal, he lost it! He was crying and desperate to help the car. I felt so bad for him. There were parts that he enjoyed - like when Mr.Potts fixed the car up and the car drove on the water like a boat. Needless to say, he says that he does not like movies and that he would rather play.
Bottom line, I think that he is just too young for it and not emotionally mature enough. He just is not desensitized to it like many young children. I think that we might go ahead and stick to documentaries in the future.

Dinner/Playday

We had some friends over for dinner last weekend. They have 2 beautiful daughters that Carson adore. I made a cuban meal consisting of pork tenderloin, brown rice, black beans, fried plantains, and flan. My friend completed the meal with a delicious salad. Carson really enjoyed playing with his friends.

Steel-String Guitar

Mark showed up recently with a pricey real steel-string guitar for Carson. Although I am still not convinced that it was an appropriate gift for a 4 year old, I can't help but love his enthusiasm. Here is a little taste of one of their 'Jam Sessions' playing CCR's "Midnight Special". Of course, Cameron is usually close by to lend a helping hand.

The famous 'Sand Park'

There is a cute little park not far from our house we've been to a few times. However, it seems lately that we always seem to pass it by while going somewhere else. Carson has been wanting to stop and play for a while and we finally got a chance this week to go. Even though it was chilly and a little wet, we had a great time. We also looked for a 4-leaf clover. Carson thought that was fun since he's wanted to do that since St.Patrick's Day.

Library Storytime

We try to make it to the library at least once a week. Sometimes we make the preschool storytime there. Carson really enjoys it and Cameron tolerates it. Sometimes, Cameron and I stand outside the glass door and watch because those baby noises get loud sometimes. Carson really enjoys it and sits front and center (as you can see in the pictures).

Jenny McCarthy on Larry King Live

Jenny McCarthy was on Larry King Live last night to talk about Autism. Things got a little prickly when Jenny said that her son, Evan, would not be autistic if it wasn't for medical vaccinations.

Video from Larry King:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/04/02/lkl.autism.long.cnn

Part of video cut from Larry King Website:
http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=6d1afd0c-23d5-40f4-8471-4a6c3bddb626