Where's Doodle? (revisited)

I know I stopped the "Where's Doodle?" posts a few weeks ago, but I couldn't help but revisit the idea as she's been at it again.

Quite inconspicuous...wouldn't you say?!?


Where's Doooooooooodle?

Learning Spanish (part 2...ahem "dos")

Last week, I posted about Cinco de Mayo and learning Spanish and recommended some ways to help introduce a second language (Spanish in our case) to children.

This week, I wanted to post some media related materials that we use to help learn new Spanish vocabulary and reinforce what we have learned.

This is an app that has pictures which correspond with vocabulary.  This one is great for little ones. 

Sesame Street: Fiesta! is such a fun and active video that not only incorporates Spanish into songs, but also introduces some cultural influences of various Spanish speaking communities/countries.

Songs are a great way to introduce new vocabulary for a second language, especially with actions that correspond.  Cantos Bíblicos Con Acción is one that we enjoy.

Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) Level 1 is pretty widely known and self explanatory.  We got this for my husband before we went to stay in Costa Rica for 3 months several years ago.  (I think it would have been cheaper for me to just speak it with him?!?!)  It is a good program though. : )


Enjoy!  Que viva el Español!

Don't become weary momma

Early, around one o'clock in the morning, I stood rocking a toddler next to the shower with the hot water on trying to steam out a croupy cough.  As soon as her tired head fell to the pillow, the soft cries from her baby sister summoned me to feed her.  Although everyone else was asleep and I was tired, I did not feel alone.


I knew there were mothers near and far sitting by cribs, hospital beds or in rocking chairs, holding little hands, cuddling, rocking, praying soothing, feeding, comforting.  It was as if they were cheering me on and I them.  Go momma go! You can do it! Don't become weary, momma!


His word encourages us:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.   (Galations 6:9)


The dishes pile up, the laundry, shopping and cooking.  Don't become weary momma! The training, the discipline and the snuggles. Don't become weary momma... you will reap a harvest.


One of the most beautiful descriptions of mothers' sacrifice that I have read is by Ann Voskamp in her writing What a Mother Must Sacrifice (I hope you will check it out and be encouraged).  In it she describes how a mother duck lines her nest with the feathers from her own breast. 

"Eyes fixed on a duck breast puffed, mother plunging beak in deep, I question wondering self: “How else did you think nests were lined?”

With leftovers. With feathers discarded, the molted, the not-so-necessary feathers. I thought mother ducks picked feathers up from what was laying about, scraps, lining nests with what simply could be mustered after the fact.

But no. (Is that only the way of human mothers?) No, a mother duck plucks each feather out from the heart of her bosom, warm and soft.   


She lines the nest with bits of herself. The best of her, from the deep spots." 
                                                                                                                     (-Ann Voskamp)

She gives her best.  She doesn't give the fallen or discarded feathers, she plucks from within.  When you feel the sting of the sacrifice.  Don't become weary, momma! When it feels like you can't do anymore and your burning the midnight oil...don't become weary, momma!  As He promises, if you do not give up, the harvest is coming [in their lives]. 


May you have a very Happy Mother's Day, everyday!

Our baby girl is 6 months old

I wanted to add an extra little post today to recognize the 1/2 birthday (this week) of our tiniest joy.

It's milestones like these that make me waver between smiling and sobbing.  I'm so grateful for happy healthy children that are growing...but it happens way too quickly for my taste : ).  

This little princess is such a sweet addition to our family.  She is the epitome of all things feminine.  She speaks in the softest little coos and she bats her eyelashes when she smiles.  Yes people, she bats her eyelashes {insert the sound of my heart beating loudly}.  

Her big sisters would literally choose to hold her over playing with any of their toys.  This, especially, blesses my heart!  We are so thankful for "Edie Wose" and all that she gives to our family.  Happy 6 months sweet girl!

My favorite deals (this week)

Half price frappuccinos @ Starbucks!
Yum!  This explains itself.  If you are one who prefers not to spend the price of a meal on a drink (I totally get ya), now's your chance to get one for a little less.

Free Mother's Day craft time @ Michael's this weekend.

Why I love having a large(r) family

So last Thursday I began a short series of posts entitled Why I love having a large(r) family.  I say large(r) because it's all perspective.  Many people think four children is large (I used to be one of those people).  In fact, not a day goes by when we are out in public that I don't hear "are they all yours?" or "wow, you really have your hands full!". 


My/our reactions vary.  Sometimes, I've {if you want me to be honest} been slightly annoyed at how, at times, people can seem offended or bothered by it?!  Other times, I feel so very proud that they noticed?!

Regardless...yes, they are all mine/ours.  Yes, my/our hands are full (so is my heart).  It's a big beautiful mess!

There are so many reasons why I love having a large(r) family, but one of them is:

Because I get to wake up to this everyday!

(Side note:  I told them to go get their "cleaning hats" on because we were going to clean the house.  They took me very literally).  These girls are hilarious!

Cinco de Mayo and learning Spanish

I didn't post my regular homeschool/educational Tuesday post yesterday because we went on a "field trip".  We had a great time at a local mini children's museum/play place.  It's a great place for kids to learn, play and imagine.  I'll post more about that later.

One thing I was excited that the girls got to do is practice some Spanish.  The people there were doing various activities in honor of Cinco de Mayo.  One of the activities was focused on practicing the names of the colors in Spanish (hence the colored poms in the photo below).

As I've mentioned before, I am passionate about the Spanish language and the Spanish speaking cultures around the globe.  I want to be able to pass on that passion and gift of language to my children, as well.  

As most people know, early childhood is the greatest time to learn a language - any language.  Children are like sponges and can learn vocabulary and accents very quickly.  (Don't worry if you didn't learn a second language as a child or haven't started with your children, it's NEVER too late!)

There are many theories out there regarding learning a second language.  My original plan was to speak fluent Spanish at home with our children, but unfortunately, I have not been as disciplined as I would have liked with that.  I have, however, implemented various everyday words that we use in Spanish i.e. leche (milk), agua (water), por favor (please), gracias (thank you). That has helped them really grasp the meaning of each word as a part of everyday life.  

The great part is there are so many resources available for helping children learn a different language.  I want to share a few of the things that we do to make learning Spanish fun and easier.  I have also used my glorious [insert wink] Swagbucks to purchase various items on Amazon to help make learning Spanish fun.  Here are a few of our favorites:  

Eeboo Spanish Bingo





 Ready for School (Flash Kids Spanish Flash Cards) (Flash Kids Flash Cards)




 
Oso pardo, oso pardo, ¿qué ves ahí? This is a well know Eric Carle book in English, but the Spanish version is a great way to help children learn the colors and animals in Spanish.


I hope this inspires you to help give your children the gift of a second language if you haven't already begun this journey.  Next Tuesday, I will share some more ideas and resources regarding Spanish for children.