Great Sites List

Wow, I just came across this, so for all of you Starfall lovers, here are some new friends. We have given up TV for Lent, and this just might make it do-able, plus, as a long time "Math Shop" lover, I know that computer games really can help with math facts.

Because I am about the oldest one here, I can also laugh at the fact that the programming game on Math playground uses a little turtle for the cursor, a 3D 21st century turtle, but still a nice homage to the old days of learning lotus programming in kindergarten, funny they thought back then that we would all need to know how to program computers some day, that knowledge is stored away with all the wordperfect keystrokes my dad made me memorize in my pre-mouse middle school days.

Okay, I have officially revealed way to much about how much of a geek I am.

Lenten Resource

Don't forget that you can download The Passion for Children and listen to it for free, and if you like it, try some of the other Glory Stories, we love them!

Is this my child?

My 3.5 year old son has inherited my terrible seasonal allergies, confirmed by testing. He has a runny nose, sore throat, red eyes and has been sneezing for the last two weeks. We finally stated him on zyrtec for kids two days ago.

Since then he has been a little crazy. He has been disobeying, throwing temper tantrums, hitting and scratching me. To be fair, I prefer natural remedies in general. I feed the kids local raw honey once they turn one and keep them outside to expose them to allergens to help build up their immunity, etc. I'm not sure if I'm unfairly blaming the medication for a rough period with a three year old. I plan to take him off it tomorrow and see if his behavior changes, but he is miserable (as I am) because of allergies to pollens, grasses, trees and weeds. A google search revealed some moms that said the medication affected their kids' behavior.

Has anyone else experience behavior changes due to medication? How do you know? Is it just trial and error until you find the right medication?

New Lenten Traditions

Kat's beautiful Lenten reminder and 4ddintx's resourceful comment on Monday were enough to get me off my duff to try something new to make this a more meaningful and memorable Lent for my children.  Thus, our Jesus Tree was born.  

A trip to the craft store; some felt, scissors, and glue; and a little time and attention to detail was all it took to erect our Jesus Tree and this week's ornaments.  After two days, I'm not entirely sure how much my 4 and 2yo are "learning" from the experience, but I can say that we are all enjoying ourselves so far.  It is good for a mother's soul to know her boys are at least hearing about Christ's life, associating the stories with themes and images, and getting a creative/kinesthetic outlet to boot.  And the best part about our Jesus Tree--it can bloom again next year and the year after, making this one of our family's first Lenten traditions. Alleluia!

 

not gross

I need consumer recommendations. What are the best watercolors and crayons and pastels for a 4.5 year-old?

I am sick of the cheap stuff. We have one of those combo kits from a big-box art supply store that probably cost $19.95 and it is simply not worth it. I was up coloring with her last night and I immediately wanted to quit, no wonder she often does too. I think she is old enough and focused enough to have good supplies now, but the offerings are daunting, please tell me what brands you have in your home that you love. I want vibrant colors and durability, PLEASE! and thank you

gross

when the priest told me to be grateful for my children he did not know that a few hours later I would be cleaning poop out of the bathtub.

Lent 101

A helpful link.

h/t Amy