Sunday, July 31, 2016

Primary

Last Sunday I was called to be a Primary worker in our church. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have been a substitute teacher in Primary for the past several months off and on and so it was not a huge surprise. I was unsure at first if I really wanted to do it. I mean, after all, I have 6 children of my own and not a whole lot of free time on my hands with which to plan and prepare lessons for a group of 4 and 5 year old children. I also had moments of insecurity followed by a confidence that I could do it. Today was my first day and I must say, I way over prepared. I had a laminated story book and cut out flannel board pieces and coloring pages and was ready to deliver the best lesson ever. Too bad the children missed that memo and just wanted snacks, which of course in all my preparation, didn't even think about! Hopefully next week will be better. Overall I would say the lesson was a success, pictures were colored, stories were exchanged and no one left without a smile.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Catch-up is crazy!

So the origami calendar was put on hold when we ended up taking Ben to the hospital following his overheating episode, which although showing as posting today was actually supposed to post 2 weeks ago! He is now doing much better!! He had some kind of virus and it just hit him really hard and was kinda scary! On a brighter note, with all the snow we got in the last few days, Ben had his first adventure in the snow! 
I pulled him around in a cardboard makeshift sled so he could enjoy being outside. He didn't entirely enjoy it though...
But he does make the cutest tiniest snow angel!! 
Overall it was a success and he was able to have some fun too! Look at that smile!!
And look at that snowman! 

On a calendar note, Noah and I had a marathon folding session this morning! He thoroughly enjoyed helping and tried in vain to get me to do more...he was very cute begging though. So here's our shots from this morning! 
Grasshopper:
A kite base:
A baby bunny:
A yacht: (Noah called it a yack!)
Some helpful tips! Aka extra paper...
Easy tree:
Aka weird paper airplane.
Simple penguin:
Very proud of himself!
Helmet base:
Cat finger puppet:
Puppy finger puppet:
Excited to play with his new puppets:
More random (and boring) tips...aka even more extra paper:
And lastly, today's cupboard base:
Nothing too exciting, but the puppy and cat finger puppets were a hit with all and are now exploring the rest of the house...now to go have hot cocoa while the kids go back outside into the snow! One more day off school! 

Monday musings

Last night we were up for a bit with Ben since he was having issues with overheating. Kinda scary but I suppose it's not unheard of for children with Down Syndrome. New to me though! I feel so much like a new mom when it comes to him. I thought I would be fine since I've already had 5 children but boy was I wrong! It's a new adventure for sure. 

Thankfully he looks much better today but still isn't 100%. 

For my origami calendar this morning I was a bit disappointed to see it was just a technique page. Simply teaching a new folding technique. 
So I tried it and it's not fun. 

On a brighter note, today was my man's first day of college!!! I am so proud of him! He was so excited this morning and I am happy for him. He is going to be amazing!

Proud guy with his new student ID!

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Better!

Today's origami is perfect! Well not perfect but close! This is the kind of thing I think of when I imagine origami. A butterfly airplane. 
It looks great and although I am sure someone could have folded it better it was fun to make! 
It does look like it could fly...maybe we will take it outside and test it! 
Of the airplanes I have made in my life, this has similar construction so it has a breath of a chance at becoming airborne, even if it's just briefly! We shall see...
Here's a quick cute picture I just have to share!



Thursday, January 7, 2016

Random shapes

As I thought, these paper creations are getting strange and it's only day 8! Today's design, a dogs head...
Not sure if this is just part of the filler designs but it's good practice I suppose. Not much to today's folding. 
I will admit it does look like a dogs head. Although the paper choices are great! I love all the different designs so far!!

Wednesday and Thursday Origami

Most days are filled with doctors appointments, therapy and housework, mingled with snuggles and playtime. We are a pretty busy family! Things got busier with Benjamin's birth this last year since he has Down Syndrome and there is a lot about it you just can't google. The everyday goodness that is gift wrapped in such an adorable bundle makes living with someone with Down Syndrome an absolute joy. There are moments of frustration as with all children, as he is more similar to them than different, but there are so many more moments of plain happiness and contentment it makes it hard to remember the not so great times. In fact I need to get a shower, kids up and bathed and things packed for another trip to therapy in just about an hour so I'll make this brief. 

Yesterday, the design was a rain coat! Not necessarily needed but it was the coldest day yet! 
I love the paper designs! I just had hoped it would stand up by itself but no, it doesn't.
Not quite Barbie sized either so nothing can use it. Boo! 

Today's design is a Parakeet. It'll be interesting to see just how obscure these get as the year goes on...
It seems kinda cute and I suppose bird-like but not sure it looks just like a parakeet...we shall see what tomorrow brings! Off to get clean!!!

Monday, January 4, 2016

Homemade Playdoh Recipe

I don't know about your children, but I know mine believe that mixed play dough is the only kind we should have. I really do not like when the colors get mixed. Lately the play dough we have is all mushed between a couple containers and there is hardly any of the same color visible in each blob. I decided it is time to refresh our play dough! I have a recipe for play dough from my Aunt and I love it! It works great and takes about 5 minutes to cook and then another few minutes to color. Of course you can add the color while cooking it and get it done quick but I like to make more than one color at a time and so I usually do a double batch and then divide and color it once it is done. Here's what you need to make homemade play dough.

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 Tablespoon oil
1 cup water
food coloring
saucepan
wooden spoon/strong spatula


Origami

So...the nightingale flight test was a bomb...check out the video: Bummer. Anyway, on to the next day! Day 4!! Today was a most appropriate creation! A sled!! Perfect for getting us over-excited about the bits of snowy wispies that fell from the sky today. Unfortunately, that is all it was and we will not be able to use the sled. (the real one that is) Our dollhouse family will get to use this one though! Perfect size for the little sister or brother!
I hope tomorrow's paper creation does not bring with it false hopes...

Saturday, January 2, 2016

New Year in Origami

I love page-a-day calendars but will be the first to admit I rip off hunks of pages several times each year after I have forgotten to change it daily. I haven't had one in over 5 years simply because I don't like forgetting and inevitably feel guilt over not changing it! So, I have planners. I love my planners and use them daily for my poor scatterbrained mind to be able to remember anything! Well, my well meaning children got me a page-a-day calendar that is actually a fold-a-day calendar! I love origami and so it was a very thoughtful gift. So...will I do it everyday this year? Probably not. But I will try my best to fold them as close to the dates they are meant for! Here's some pictures of the calendar and days 1 and 2/3. So far? Very fun! 
Very cute calendar, very thoughtful children! 
Day 1: Penguin
Cute right? Um...kinda weird looking and does not stand up, but very simple origami. I could actually tell it was meant to be a penguin so that's good!
Day2/3: Nightingale 
I wonder if I threw it outside if it would fly...guess I'm off to go see! 

❤️ Becca