Homeschooling? Us? Oh yes!

Because with everything else going on, we decided we needed one more thing to try to devote time and attention to! LOL

My daughter is brilliant.

Yeah I know. All moms say that, right? Well I mean it! And most people we know would agree with me, too!


So like most five year olds, McCayla started Kindergarten last fall. We sent her to Alkek Elementary here in town. It's a nice school, and we really loved her teacher, Mrs. Lopez. (who happens to be the daughter of my Drivers' Ed. teacher and his wife who taught my little brother in elementary school!)


But it wasn't very long into the school year when we noticed a few things.
Once the new wore off, McCayla wasn't behaving. And I don't mean the typical pack-mentality where she just wanted to play like everybody else.
She wouldn't listen to the teacher. She would get up in the middle of class and start running around playing during lessons. She wouldn't stop what she was doing when it was clean up time. Not to mention she was acting up a bit at home as well.

Do all kindergartners do this? Yeah, probably. But this is quite out of character for her. Highly. We asked her why she was misbehaving, and got an answer that both surprised us and relieved us.

"I'm bored."

Turns out, she already knew everything they were teaching at school. For my daughter who could read at a 1st and 2nd grade level, having to sit still and learn "The A says AHH" over and over (and this was still going on toward the end of the school year) was just too much for her to handle. She was already in AR (accelerated reading) but that was stuff she brought home to do, not something to occupy her during her uninteresting school day.

So when school let out for the summer, James and I discussed our options at length. With both of us being former homeschoolers (him of the curriculum variety, and me an Unschooler), we ultimately decided that it may be the best option for our children as well. Or at least for McCayla. At least for now. And the best part is, we can teach her what SHE wants and needs to learn. At a grade level that is appropriate for her brilliant mind. :)

We started a week ago (yes, I know it's summer. But this kid craves learning daily!) and she is really enjoying it! We went for a blend of Unschooling with a little bit of bookwork and worksheets thrown in.

We started with doing reading and math every day for the first few days. Basic addition/subtraction and such mostly, and reading books from the library and some sight word lists for 1st and 2nd grade just to be sure she is on track (she definitely is). We are now getting into some more "fun" stuff and I am going to post about that separately. I figure this is a good way to keep track of the things we have done (for my records) as well as keep my family posted on what The Girl is up to. :)

More to come!

Where in the world is Outlaw Mama??

I know it has been a long time since I updated, and I apologize! Things have been crazy around here, and lots of major milestones have happened - not the least of which is our pregnancy!

In late February we were elated to discover that we were expecting again. We planned to get pregnant, and were blessed that it happened (much to our shock) the very first month.

When I broke the news to the kids, I asked if they thought it was a brother or a sister. McCayla wanted a sister. Canon said it was twins.. twin boys to be exact. Three year olds can be so funny!

A few weeks later, I made a late night trip to the emergency room for some severe cramping and minor spotting. An ultrasound revealed the source of the spotting: a small subchorionic hemorrhage (SCH) that was not a serious threat to me or our baby as it was no longer actively bleeding, and was more of a clot at this point.

However, it also revealed something else. Another baby.
Yes. That is what I said. Another baby. Twins. Fraternal twins.
I had about a split second to be shocked. Another split second to be overjoyed. And then an instant later, everything changed again.
They told me that the SCH was right where Baby B was attached to the uterus. There was a chance that the hemorrhage would reabsorb itself and cause no issues. It was also possible that it could bleed out slowly, which would also rectify the situation without too much concern. Most likely though, it would just stick around "as is" for a while.. which in and of itself is no problem. The problem was that it was in the way. It was right where Baby B needed to hang on for dear life.

Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened. Baby B was not able to get a good enough grip when laying down the groundwork for his/her placenta and could not get properly attached. We ended up losing Baby B, which saddens us deeply. The only thing that makes it a little easier on us is that we had a heads up and knew that it was likely. I am grateful that we were not caught off guard with a sudden and unexpected loss.

We are thrilled to announce though, that Baby A is a very healthy little BOY and is due around Halloween 2010, give or take a week or so either way. :) We are excited and trying to finish preparing for his arrival.
I have all of my cloth diapers and accessories ready, most of the clothes that I will need, and I am working on collecting the last few things!
Nikolas (Niko) currently doesn't have a middle name, though I think we are close! LOL As soon as we know more, I will let you know! And I will do my best to keep this updated better this year.. (blush)

Thanks for sticking around even though I haven't posted anything in eons.. I have LOTS to talk about this year so expect more updates!!
:)

Corn Maize - FINALLY.. and a Christmas Parade too!

We did eventually make it to the Maize before they closed for the season! And it worked out great. It was chilly but not freezing, so not too stuffy in the tall Maize Maze (ha!).. and that day happened to only be open by reservation for Scouts, Homeschooling, etc.. there was our group, one older Scout group, and one small homeschooling group. No crowds! Plus they threw in the hayride and barrel train for free!

JoAnn has the pictures since I was using her camera to take photos, but I will add those when I get them from her.. :)

They did get patches, they say "I survived the Maze!" hehe


Last Saturday was the Bandera Christmas Parade - the scouts (not just our troop, the whole Bandera Service Unit) rode on a float singing Christmas Carols (if you could call that singing! lol) and throwing candy.. turnout was decent considering it was FREEZING. (it was 20* when I took McCayla to the Legion to start decorating the float, my windshield was covered in ice which is RARE around here!)..

James was shooting the parade for the Bandera Bulletin and got a few photos of "our" girls :) The group of littluns up there in front is our's, and the red hat is Mrs. A. I'm the pale faced one next to her. HA!


(That's my little girl behind the post - long hair, looking confused.. hehehe)
They got awesome patches from a wonderful eBay store (TroopMoore) and I can't wait to put her's on her vest!

We started their Christmas craft at this week's meeting - we'll finish it next week, and we're also doing our holiday party. Sounds like fun! More updates soon!

She does so many giveaways, I have a new favorite blog to follow!

Yep, Mama B is doing a Kissaluvs giveaway too! And these looks SO nice! I didn't know KL made prints but these sure are adorable!

http://www.mamabee.net/2009/06/product-buzz-kissaluvs-marvel-fitted.html

I love the Mocca Swirl, I'd love to own that! (hey is there a :drool: icon here?!?)

Booroi covers anybody?

So I keep seeing posts on "Booroi" covers on Diaperswappers.. so I looked into them and they look SO awesome - like PUL cover meets gDiapers, in a way - you can reuse them if they're not soiled, but they have INNER gussets to hold everything in! How cool is that? And they appear to fit well..
I broke down and ordered one from Diaperlicious and can't wait for it to come, but honestly - it looks like something that's going to make me want to convert my entire hodge-podge of a stash into nothing but Booroi covers and prefolds! (eeeek!) Unfortunately you can't even find the dang things on FSOT because everyone wants them, though!

Anyway I entered a giveaway on Thrifty Mama B's blog, hopefully I win! I'm using all possible entries hehehe but you guys aren't allowed to go enter, because **I** I have to win!! I WANT THAT BOOROI!!!

http://www.mamabee.net/2009/06/product-buzz-booroi-reusable-cloth.html

Custom Camera Strap Cover Giveaway at Swanky Straps!

Swanky Straps Giveaway





I love the one strap cover that Mandy made me, so I'd love to try one from Swanky Straps. I entered. Hope I win. LOL


In other news, the Outlaw Studio is almost up and running! Just waiting on "lit up EXIT signs" before they'll issue our Certificate of Occupancy. Sigh. There used to be signs here.. a previous tenant must've thieved them. Gah!

I've been MIA, I know! :/

I've been so focused on Lil' Outlaws and Outlaw Photography (Lil' Outlaws division) that I have totally slacked on the blog! Eeek I'm so sorry!

I have been blogging lightly over at Lil' Outlaws, though!

I'll try to make some time to come post new pictures and stuff soon.. a lot has been "missed" - including a broken arm on my 2 year old son!

The latest updates - including babies and soap!

First of all, I'd like to say that I am SUPER excited and proud to announce.. I'm being interviewed for WAHM Wednesdays on Heidi's blog !! I sent her some soap in a swap, and she liked it so much that she decided to review them on the blog.. I am THRILLED! My interview will be February 4th, you guys make sure to go check it out!

Next up, new "soap porn" - AKA photos of some of my latest soaps :)

Blueberry Pomegranate (now sold out!)
Fredericksburg Peaches & Cream (Part of the Local Soaps Project)

Special "Inauguration Day" soap, scented with "Democrat" - limited edition

and one more, so I don't hog up the post with pictures..

Tomato Basil Salt Bars

Also I want to thank Jennifer from Jennifer Morais Photography, she sent me some photos she did in some Lil' Outlaws Baby Leggies - how sweet of her!

aaaaand finally for the pictures today.. my last maternity shoot, Barbara, came back yesterday and brought their beautiful 7wk old daughter, Ellarie. Here are a couple of my favorites :)





and last but not least, the few updates on the kids:
I've finally switched both kids around to forward facing carseats. McCayla hit the rear-facing limits on her's, and Canon hit a growth spurt so that even though he has a few pounds on the limits, the straps didn't fit anymore. So we saved and saved and bought them two very nice, SUPER safe carseats. We went with the Graco Nautilus - it's a 5-point harness up to 65 lbs and then a belt positioning booster to 100lbs, so basically the last carseat the kids will need. I only wish it were rear-facing as well, so that if we ever had another baby we would be able to get by with one carseat from infant to 10 years old! Oh well, it's still the safest carseat we could get, and we couldn't be happier.. and the kids are pretty happy too, I might add!

(just noticed that McCayla had her chest clip pushed down.. we were parked though LOL)

Everything else is going well here.. still trying to sell the houses and move, but who isn't? Housing market is pretty much shot right now.. Oh well!

Thanks for checking in!

-Jacklen

Miscellaneous Updates and a fun contest!

Contest first!
My friend Holly's company was reviewed on MySentiment Exact Lee - and how cool is that!??! She makes pendants using breastmilk, preserved in a resin bead. I know some of you think "okay, that's a bit nuts" but as a mother who breastfed my children, I think it's beautiful. Making human milk is a special gift, and once your children are older and that gift is gone.. well, you have nothing left but memories of special bonding moments with your babies. Her pendants are a great way to hold on to a bit of that :) And MySentiment Exact Lee is having a giveaway - just post a comment to be entered, but it ends tonight at midnight! So act fast :) Holly has graciously offered to give one lucky winner their very own pendant! I entered - will you?

http://www.mysentimentexactlee.com/2009/01/hollydaydesigns-breastmilk-pendant.html



and I'll be back later with more updates - Canon has a doctor's appointment today for a weird rash and stuff so I need to go get him a bath and get the diapers folded :)

It's been a while, I know :( TONS of pics included..

Sorry it's been so long since I updated.. it's just been one of those months.. holidays are so hectic, lots of rush orders for Lil' Outlaws , trying to get my website updated with a shopping cart feature, plus lots of stuff going on around Bandera in general. Here are a bunch of photos from recently, I'll try to add more text ASAP!

TONS of pics here..
First off, you guys wouldn't believe how many packages have gone out in the last couple of weeks. I finally closed down customs from last Friday until the beginning of the year - however I will be having an after Christmas sale over at Raining Baby Fluff for the few days following Christmas (starting at midnight 12/25).

Check out all the outgoing orders...






And this is how I keep orders straight.. as they come in and get paid for, I copy shipping info and order details to a text file on the computer.. every evening before James gets home, I copy the orders into categories on a dry erase board. When James gets home, he watches kids and gives me free time to work. I knock out all of the day's orders every night, so they can ship the next morning. This is how I get all orders (except wood crafts and Tumbleweeds) out within 24 hours.


And some of my favorites from recently..

Mint Chocolate Pony Soap (scented Mint Chocolate with a toy pony inside, intended to match the fabric of the same name):


Joy to the World embossed soap:

Tumbleweeds:

Bath Fizzers:

and I also now offer bath crayons! Here I wrote on my fridge to test the color intensity..



Let's see, what else..? Oh yeah, we took the kids to drive through Johnson City to see the Christmas lights.. Canon was asleep by the time we got there, but McCayla had a BLAST. Lights are her favorite part of the season..



And we got some snow one night.. it didn't really stick and it was so late at night that we didn't really get any photos.. but when we took McCayla to my mom's the next day there was still a little bit sitting in the shady areas.. here's McCayla with a handful she got off of the trunk of my dad's car..


We went to the Tarpley Christmas Party down at the old schoolhouse.. it was a potluck, so I took my Andes Mint Pie..

And McCayla took this picture of James at the party.. check out the full beard!


And I also started trying my hand at a different kind of soapmaking - I usually do melt and pour soapcasting, but now I'm trying cold process and I really like it. Still getting used to it, I'm only 4 batches in.. but I really am having a lot of fun.
Down front is my first, it's a bluebonnet swirl.. the round ones are Chamomile Tea shampoo bars for my mom, the orange one is a pumpkin spice..

and this is batch #4, it's Sweet Milk and Amber, made with goat's milk..


aaaaaaand yet more pictures :) Lots of photos from the studio - babies and maternity, hooray!











and FINALLY, some photos from this past weekend... we went to the coast with my "sister" Danielle and did round one of her senior photos.. is she amazing or what??








..and then my darling, wonderful hubby dropped me off at the aquarium for a last minute dolphin show :) It's my favorite part and he knows it.. so he watched Canon in the car (Canon was sleeping) while I ran in and watched the dolphins :)


and last but not least, I want to wish my Mommy a very happy birthday - she turns [expletive deleted] today - so Happy XXth Birthday, Mom!! (ROFLMAO)