Life @ the Lindsays

LSU FETI 2012

2012-02-02T21:23:00.001-06:00

Today we had a fieldtrip to the LSU Fire and Emergency Training Institute (FETI).
Micah & Sarah before

Before starting the fieldtrip, we took a group shot. I went prepared with my tripod & remote.

Then we went inside and Crew Chief Crain told the kids general information about fire safety: smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and safety ladders for upstairs.

Can you tell who's not paying attention?

Then we watched the following video to see examples of some of the training is done.

Then he had 3 recruits come in and do a 2 minute drill to see who could get their gear on the fastest.
Afterwards, the kids got to talk to the firemen in their gear and take pictures with them.

I wonder what Cade & Luke are talking about.

When we were finished talking with the firemen, we went outside to see the LSU firetruck.

We weren't able to see a burn or ride in the firetruck today like we did in 2010, but they gave us a ride on the trailer around the facilities.

The guy in the following video was the one who was in charge of our fieldtrip.

Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance 2012

2012-02-02T16:57:00.001-06:00

Sunday night Daddy took Miriam & Micah to the Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance put on by the Baton Rouge General Foundation. This is Miriam’s 3rd year (2011, 2010) to go and Micah’s 1st.

I took a picture of them before they left and 2 when they got back with all their goodies.

Here's a picture of them at the dance and afterwards eating McFlurry's at McDonald's.

Wordless Wednesday–Howdy Buckeroo!

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

2012 Upward Games #3–Cowboy/Cowgirl Day

2012-01-29T15:23:00.001-06:00

One thing that I love about Upward Basketball at Woodlawn is that the cheerleading director comes up with these theme days for the kids. Anyone that knows me knows that I love a good theme! Today's theme was Cowboy/Cowgirl Up! It wasn't very easy for the basketball players to participate but Luke wore the bandanna until his game. I also had some western tattoos leftover from some birthday party.

Hanging out before Cameron's game and eating their breakfast...the little ones do much better if they're snacking during the games

I finally took a good amount of pictures at Cameron’s game. Maybe it helped that Daina wasn’t there and that I asked Tracy for some help with the settings on my camera. Thanks Tracy! I think they came out a lot better. Craig was getting the score from Luke because they don’t keep score in Cameron’s league.

Micah put her hat on Luke and then she was trying to put in on Tyler.

Typical Cameron…when he was on the bench he was flirting with the girl that was on the bench behind him.

Sometimes there's an hour between Luke & Cameron's games so at least we can take the kids outside to play on the playground. While we were outside, we took a group shot of all of us in our western wear. See as you can tell PawPaw & ZeeZee dressed for the theme too...maybe that's where I get it from ;)

These were our "funny face" ones. I didn't realize ZeeZee was holding a "stick up" until I uploaded the pictures!

Luke's game - the other team only had 4 players so Luke's team took turns playing for the other team. Luke went first and actually scored the 1st points for the other team.

Back on his team

I thought the little cheerleaders were so cute in their western wear!

Luke made a shot right before the end of the period.

Cole hanging out with PawPaw and his doggy.

The cheerleaders performed at half-time and after the half-time devotional they passed out spirit sticks.

Luke likes this game because he gets to play against his friend Aidan from down the street. This is the most aggressive I've seen him. He was fighting for the ball against Aidan.

Finally, Luke & Aidan got to guard each other in the final period. Luke couldn't even shoot because he was laughing too much!

Luke was trying to make it down the court to make a shot before the final buzzer, but they ended up knocking it out of bounds.

Skate Galaxy–Christian Skate Night

2012-01-28T17:25:00.001-06:00

Last night we went to Skate Galaxy for Christian Skate Night. The Shelbys' church, Trinity Baptist, had planned to go as a fellowship but only them and another family showed up. It was a great night for the kids to hang out and play especially for Ian's 11th birthday. He even won the race for his age group which included a free game of laser tag.

Levi trying to skate around the kiddy rink. Cole playing in the play area. What’s funny is that the outfit Cole was wearing was the same outfit that Levi wore the last time we went skating in 2009.

Luke had a determined spirit and kept skating most of the night even though he was not fast or skilled at it. You can see where the Shelbys get there skill at all things “adventurous.” Uncle Rob was skating backwards.

I glanced over towards the arcade, but this was all I could see. So I took a picture in honor of Cade.

Miriam and Emma went around many times. It was just so funny when they tried to help each other out. As usual, I got only 1 picture of Cameron.

It was so sweet seeing the older boys helping the girls when they could. As you can tell, Uncle Rob had his hands full a lot of the time. He was the only adult skating.

I was trying to take a picture of the disco ball and got some disco ball bokeh too.

Micah was brave and just went out into the rink by herself. Many times she would be sucking her fingers until somebody would skate by her and she would immediately take them out of her mouth.

2012 Upward Games #2

2012-01-23T17:30:00.001-06:00

I still didn't take too many pictures at Cameron's game (I have to stop talking so much to Daina), but I definitely like the quality of his better than Luke's. I must have changed some settings plus they were on different courts.

Luke as usual had to guard someone much bigger than him. He was guarding “Shaq Shawn” as we call him. He was on Luke’s team last year.

In the 3rd picture, he’s encouraging his friend Tyler after he missed a shot…definitely gets this trait from his dad.

In the 2nd picture, he was checking on Shawn who got hurt on the previous play. When they were shaking hands at the end of the game, the opposing coach told Luke he had “too good of a game.” This was his coach from last year.

My Birthday Weekend

2012-01-23T13:39:00.001-06:00

Friday night, a group of my homeschool mom friends took me out to dinner at P.F. Chang's. This was my 1st time going there and it was really good. My fortune for the evening was perfect, but I don't think it was very quiet with this group of ladies!

Tiany ordered me the great wall of chocolate cake so I could blow out some candles. After dinner, we headed to Starbucks to get some coffee and eat the king cake that Allison bought for me. Thanks Allison...we missed you!

It was such a great time of food, fun and fellowship with great friends that we stayed out till midnight! Thanks Amy, Tiany, Candy, Rene, Chantelle & Becky!

On Saturday morning, Luke & Cameron had basketball games. Afterwards, we went to George's for lunch with my mom and Sara. Then Saturday night, Craig and I went out to dinner at J. Alexander's with our pastor & his wife and another couple from church.

It was a great weekend and I received some awesome gifts!

Thanks Tiany for the "C" cup and the plaque, and for the cake & coffee! Thanks Mom for the Burt's Bees collection and Dad thanks for the money! I'm going to use it to get my mani/pedi hopefully before the baby comes! Thanks Gina for the lavender candle. Sara mentioned that it was a wood wick and would make the crackling sound of a fire when lit. I look forward to using it.

Thanks Sara for the buttered rum candle. It smells just like cake and makes me hungry! I might have to hide the Junior Mints and wait till after the baby comes to eat them. Thanks Daina for the "C" cup and the family picture frame. I'm already using my cup trying to be good about drinking my water!

Of course, my favorite gift was from Craig. I collect Willow Tree figurines although it's been a while since I've recevied one. He bought me the Willow Tree "Roses in My Garden" collection. It comes with a reliquary which holds the "Roses in My Garden" figurines that represent the children in your family.
Inquisitive child represents Luke. Caring child represents Cameron. Joyful child respresents Miriam. Imaginative child represents Levi. Spirited child represents Micah. These characteristics describe those children pretty well. Two together is not part of the "Roses in My Garden" collection nor does it represent our kids perfectly since we don't have twins. But the one with his hands to his face represents Cole and the other one represents the new baby that is coming soon.

Forest Park Playday

2012-01-23T10:20:00.001-06:00

We were not able to schedule a fieldtrip for this month so we just had a park day at Forest Park. It was a nice warm day here in South Louisiana. As you can tell, we’re wearing shorts in January. I only got a few shots, because once the moms started getting there we started fellowshipping while the kids played.

2012 Upward Basketball Game 1

2012-01-14T16:05:00.001-06:00

Cameron is playing for the Bears and Craig is coaching his team.

I think Luke might be giving him some pointers!

Luke is playing for the Lions and made the 1st basket of the game.

Luke always ends up being guarded and having to guard a boy a head taller than him!

New Year’s Eve

2012-01-02T20:26:00.001-06:00

What did we do New Year's Eve? We just hung out at home and watched bowl games and enjoyed all the fireworks put on by our neighbors.

Trying out my new lens by taking a picture of the moon

We hung out in the driveway by the road for some of the fireworks and the kids enjoyed watching them while they were jumping on the trampoline. Sometimes Micah just sat inside and watched Nick Jr while everyone else was outside.

Captured lots of firework bokeh

We watched these from the tailgate of Craig's truck. It looks like they were trying to blow up our neighbors mailbox!

Is it too loud Cole? Micah back inside watching tv. Levi trying to hang in there till midnight.

At midnight, we celebrated with sparkling white grape juice. Yes, Cameron was here but he didn't seem to make any pictures again!

Micah's Christmas present

2012-01-02T18:29:00.001-06:00

One of Micah's gifts from PawPaw & ZeeZee was to get her ears pierced. She's been asking to have them done for a while now...especially since Miriam got hers pierced when she was 3 and Micah turned 3 in May.

We went on Thursday night after Christmas to have them pierced. She wanted to go in PawPaw's car. Obviously she didn't take a nap that day, because she fell asleep in the car on the way to the mall. She picked purple ones because purple is her favorite color. She didn't cry but definitely jumped when they pierced them!

Christmas with Elliott

2012-01-02T18:10:00.001-06:00

Wednesday after Christmas, Aunt Laura, Uncle Eric & Elliott came down to spend a few days with us and celebrate Christmas. I only took a couple of shots during the opening of gifts.

You see how Cole was trying to move in on Elliott's gifts!

Maybe that explains why Elliott was "loving" on Cole in this video!

Christmas Playday with Friends

2012-01-02T17:59:00.001-06:00

The Wednesday after Christmas we had a playday with our old “playday” friends. This is the 4th year that we’ve had it at our house although we’ve been getting together since 2007. We still get to see these kids because they homeschool too so now they’re part of our homeschool group. However, we don’t get to see Miss Sherry as often except for the occasional birthday party.

Group shot with all the kids...Levi even got in this year!

2010 - All the kids with Levi cropped in

2009 - Levi wouldn't get in the picture

2008

Here's the collage that Miss Sherry made...it's neat (but also sad) to see how much the kids have grown. The oldest are almost 9 and they were 3 when the 1st picture was taken.

Christmas Day 2011

2012-01-02T16:54:00.001-06:00

This Christmas morning was a little different than previous years. This was the first time in her life that Aunt Laura wouldn't be in Baton Rouge for Christmas. Plus it was a Sunday which meant we were attending church. Micah was the first to get up but she didn't know anything was different about the day. She just went to eating her breakfast. This was also different for us for Christmas morning. We usually have a breakfast casserole, but since Aunt Laura wasn't joining us we decided to wait till we celebrated Christmas with her to have our Christmas breakfast casserole. Instead, I bought Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes and chocolate milk for the kids.

Luke was the next one to get up and he just came downstairs to see if Levi was up so that they could take a shower for church. I told him while he was waiting he could either eat breakfast or open his stocking. Finally, he noticed the note hanging by the fireplace and proceeded to read it.

The note said the following:
Luke, Cameron, Miriam, Levi, Micah & Cole,
Jump outside to discover your newest toy
Because when you do you’ll leap for joy!
So hop on to it and bounce this way
It’s time to celebrate Christmas day!
Love, Mommy & Daddy
Christmas 2011

First, Luke just opened the back door and looked on the patio and said "I don't see a new toy." I told him he might have to go a little further out to find it. Finally, he saw the trampoline and went a jumped a couple of times. It was cold and wet from the dew so he didn't jump long.

Once Miriam got up, Luke & Micah showed her the new present.

I told Luke not to tell Cameron about it until he read the note since he's our only other reader in the family. Cameron had already showered and was ready for church so he couldn't jump.

Levi was the last to get up and see the trampoline. Micah enjoying some of the goodies in her stocking.

Then it was time to hurry up and eat breakfast and get ready for church. Recently, we found an old Christmas dress of mine that Miriam wanted to wear. I had Craig take it to the drycleaners the week before Christmas so she could wear it. Here's a portrait of me wearing the dress in 1981 (to my best guess) and Miriam wearing it in 2011.

After church, the kids hurried up and changed clothes so they could jump on the trampoline until PawPaw & ZeeZee got here.

While lunch was cooking, we read the Christmas story and opened gifts. We didn't have a new reader (1st grader) in the family so Luke & Cameron both read the Christmas story. Luke read the Luke passage and Cameron read the Matthew passage while the younger kids played with the Little People nativity scene.

I never seem to take many pictures during the unwrapping of gifts. I guess I just want to see more of the action. Here's a couple that I did take.

Big brothers helping Cole

Cole growling at his new LSU tiger pillow pet from Daddy and playing with Micah's magic wand

Luke opening his big gift from PawPaw & Zee, Miriam excited about her pink scooter from PawPaw & ZeeZee, Cole playing with the best gift ever, a box!

The after math!

One of my gifts from Craig was a new lens. Thanks Tracy for helping him out! Luke's big gift from PawPaw & ZeeZee was a blue guitar!

Monroe Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T15:39:00.001-06:00

The Thursday before Christmas, we drove to Monroe to celebrate Christmas with Daddy's family. We picked up cousin Carolyn on the way in and she spent the night with us at Paw's house. Thursday night we ate dinner and then the kids got to open their gifts.

Carolyn & Miriam with their panda bears from Granny, Miriam with her gift from Paw

Micah with her Pumba from Granny, Miriam with her "happy napper" named Elizabeth from Uncle Chris. She named her Elizabeth after Aunt Sara's friend because they both have a lot of spots (aka freckles)

Levi & Luke with their trucks from Paw, Luke with his game set from Uncle Chris

Uncle Chris gave the kids "happy nappers" because he works at Walgreen's and this was the hot item for the year. Uncle Chris is holding his gift from Aunt Sara, a book titled "The Practical Napper" which proves he's a "happy napper".

I'm not sure why I didn't get any pictures of Cameron and I think Cole was napping during the unwrapping process.

I didn't take any group shots of the kids while Carolyn was with us so when we dropped her off on Friday night we took a quick picture in the van.

All we want for Christmas is…

2011-12-25T00:17:00.001-06:00

A National Championship win!

Merry Christmas from the Lindsays!

2011-12-25T00:15:00.001-06:00

Greetings family and friends! This year we wanted to share with you the different P.H.A.S.E.S. of our lives.

P - Professional

Craig continued his instrument engineering work at Jacobs Engineering, where he had the opportunity to work on 4 new projects. Candi didn’t do as much photography work this year besides taking pictures of the kids. However, she did take some Christmas card pictures for a friend. She also helps her friend Amy Shelby with their homeschool group, Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers, planning field trips and blogging about their events.

H - Home Life

Craig (39), decided to plant his first vegetable garden, with some help from PawPaw Rick & Uncle Randy, and saw his “first fruits” (cucumbers, okra) come in July. Candi (36) is pregnant with #7, coming some time in February (Miriam and Craig are both pulling for their birthdays). Luke (8½), the “Grasshopper”, continues to be a great student, fact-finder, and helper, and even began reconciling the credit card statement and receipts every month for Craig, even looking forward to it. Cameron (7), commonly called “C-Bob”, is our entertainer, flirt, and aspiring athlete, and back in the spring, he asked Craig about his Cardinals’ baseball team, “Why don’t we have any girls on OUR team?” Miriam (5½), aka “Girly Girly”, 5 going on 15, “handles” the boss duties, even when Candi is around, and has been a great help with Cole. Levi (4½), the “Chicken-Man”, started riding his bike without training wheels, and is awfully proud of beating Miriam to it. Micah (3½) has “grown-up” so much, especially in her little sassy and animated way, as she’s always singing, dancing, cheering, and bossing. Cole (1½), aka “Roly Poly”, finally started walking in October, and likes to point at just about any object on the wall, and growl at it as he thinks it’s a tiger.

A - Academic

Luke is in 4^th grade and continues to excel in math even doing a 5^th grade curriculum. Cameron is in 2^nd grade, but still doesn’t care much for school. He just tries to complete it as quickly as possible. Miriam is in Kindergarten and is doing really well. She will start learning to read pretty soon. Levi is doing a structured preschool program and is doing really well with his numbers thanks to sports. Micah is doing some preschool work focusing on letters, numbers, shapes & colors. She gets to do a lot of hands-on craft activities.

Our field trips this year included: Star Wars Exhibit at Lafayette Science Museum, Sweet Wishes Gourmet Cupcake Shop, Post Office, K-9 Training and Special Response Team Facility, Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm, Cabela’s, ExxonMobil, Sound Radio Station and Camp Van Dorn WWII Museum, Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center in Hammond, David Vincent’s Martial Arts, Cajun Country Corn Maze, Baton Rouge Symphony, 4^th Annual Homeschool Thanksgiving Celebration at our house, Old Governor’s Mansion.

S - Sports

In the winter, Luke (Bearcats) & Cameron (Wolves) played Upward basketball at Woodlawn Baptist. During the spring at Istrouma Baptist, Luke (Rays) and Cameron (Cardinals) played coaches pitch baseball and Miriam & Levi played tee-ball for the Marlins. This fall at Istrouma Baptist, Luke (Jaguars), Cameron (Colts) & Levi (Jets) played flag football and Miriam cheered. Craig played softball for the first time in quite a few years with the Parkview team in the summer, and then in the fall got his chance to be Rex Ryan as he coached Levi’s Jets 4-5-yr-old flag football team, which was definitely a case of organized chaos, but so much fun nonetheless.

E - Extra Activities

This was the 2^nd year that Daddy took Miriam to the Baton Rouge General’s Sweetheart Dance. She always enjoys their time together and asks about it throughout the year. At the end of May, Luke, Cameron, & Miriam attended a week-long children’s choir camp called “Art-is-In”. At the end of the camp, they performed a musical entitled “I Only Want to Be with You.” Luke had the role of a professor and sang a solo while both Cameron (surfer) & Miriam (cheerleader) were dancers in different songs. In August, Luke & Cameron attended a week-long fine arts camp where they learned how to use fine arts to worship God. Luke also had the opportunity to learn a little guitar at this camp.

(over please)

In July, Craig took Cameron on his special trip, to St. Louis. It was a long road trip, but well worth it, as they toured the Gateway Arch, did a good bit of trail bike riding, and finished the trip with a Cardinals baseball game, and Cameron even got to run the bases (not during the game though). By the way, congrats to the World Series champs! In August, we took a trip to Houston to visit Lee, Lauren, Grace, & Teddy. While we were there we toured NASA and did some shopping. In September, we took our annual trip to Fort Morgan Beach with the Lindsays, Stanfords, and Busbys.

S - Spiritual

We continue worshiping at Parkview Baptist where Craig and Candi sing in the sanctuary choir and Craig sings in the praise team. Craig leads WAK (Worship Arts for Kids) on Sunday nights and Candi leads Children’s Bible Drill on Wednesday nights. Candi also attends a monthly ladies’ Bible Study at the Shelby’s church, Trinity Baptist. The kids were able to attend 3 Vacation Bible Schools this year. Luke, Cameron & Miriam spent a week with Aunt Laura & Uncle Eric to attend the VBS at their church, Morrison Heights Baptist. The weekend after that the 5 oldest attended VBS at the Shelby’s church, Trinity Baptist. Finally at the end of June, we had a family VBS at our church where Craig & Candi got to attend classes with Luke and Cameron.

And finally, our Top 11 of 2011 (random funny and interesting things):

One August morning, at 8:47 am, Candi heard Cameron talking to someone on the phone. It was Amy Shelby asking if Candi and the kids were on their way to a Field trip in Hammond. Candi had forgotten about the field trip, and quickly started getting the kids ready. Believe it or not, in a 17 minute span, the kids were in the van, pop-tarts in hand, and they made it in time, man (Craig’s try at a rap). Anyway, she really is the most unbelievable mom.
Sometime recently, our Music Minister Bro. John decided to pick Luke up and flip him, which if anyone who knows Luke really well, he doesn’t do well with leaving the ground. It was hilarious for us, scary for Luke.
One day Micah was trying to figure out if a plastic cup on the counter was hers. Craig told her to spin it around to look for her name on it. She proceeded to spin herself around at least 3 or 4 times…oh well.
As most of you know, Candi comes up with some of the most creative ideas. For our Children’s Choir “Wacky WAK Kickoff Party” in August, she dressed everyone up as a color-coded Boomwhacker. (Go to the website to see what a Boomwhacker is) Worked out that 8 makes an octave, as everyone was a note, from low C to high C, and even the ages and heights somewhat worked out.
Every July brings Cow Appreciation Day to Chick-fil-A, where if you dress-up as a cow, you get a free meal. This year Candi and the kids showed up for breakfast, lunch, and supper…3 free meals in one day (with lots of leftovers)…possibly a Lindsay record.
Also in July, when riding bikes in the St. Louis area, Craig asked Cameron, “Why do you keep drifting to the left side of the trail?” Cam says, “Cause I’m left-handed Daddy.” Well, of course.
The kids played their first games of “football freeze tag” upstairs, which always results in a good bit of crying eventually.
Micah wants new leadership in our country. Recently when asked what she wants for Christmas, she said, “A Presinent”, which we would agree, a new one would be great.
Sometime in October, while the kids were playing outside with the Shelby’s, Miriam must have decided that acting like a dog would be fun, as she found a perfectly innocent tree, and commenced to peeing right by it.
Generally speaking, when eating fast food, Levi doesn’t ever want French fries or tater tots. He only wants to eat chicken nuggets, because he’s a “chicken”! (BTW, he gets his nickname from running like a chicken)
The Top 11 just would not be complete without mentioning the Neville Tigers (4A State Football Champs) and the LSU Tigers both going undefeated, with one very big game left on Jan 9^th. Oh, and don’t forget the LA Tech Bulldogs going 8-4, and the Saints heading toward a great playoff run.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, and please do not forget the reason for it in all the busyness.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

Pajama Party

2011-12-15T14:34:00.001-06:00

Last night we had our Christmas party for the kids that come to our Wednesday night activities. It was a pizza and pajama party. We had pizza, Christmas cookies, and drinks and watched 2 Christmas movies on our sleeping bags. Afterwards, each of the kids got a goody bag with several treats.

If you know me well, you know I participated in the theme. We took a group shot when we got home from the party.

Just a couple of fun shots showing off some of their new pajamas. Luke, Cameron, Miriam & Micah got new pajamas for the occasion.

Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers Moms’ Christmas Fellowship

2011-12-15T14:06:00.001-06:00

Tuesday night we had our annual Christmas fellowship for the Mom’s of Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers. It’s a time of food, fellowship & fun!

Some of Amy's beautiful decorations

Just some of the delicious goodies that we had

Some of the moms getting food

Group shot before we started the ornament exchange game

Playing the ornament exchange game...as you can tell we had lots of fun. Because we didn't set a limit on how many times an ornament could be "stolen", Becky, Candy, and Amy C. had a circle of exchange going numerous times and it would last for quite a while until Becky would finally give up.

Jones Creek Christmas Parade

2011-12-15T12:28:00.001-06:00

Sunday after church, we went to the Jones Creek Christmas Parade. Luke, Cameron & Daddy were marching in it for Woodlawn Upward Basketball.

Waiting for the parade to start

Waving to the policeman as the parade starts

I only got a picture of Luke because Cameron was too fast!

With the loot!

By the time the parade was over, Cole was exhausted! He had this sucker but he wasn't really sucking on it.

Neville Championship Game

2011-12-15T12:00:00.001-06:00

Friday night we went to New Orleans to see Neville (Craig's alma mater) play in the State Championship Game in the Super Dome.
Somebody from Neville was passing out these shakers made with plastic water bottles, corn & black beans. The kids really enjoyed shaking it.
After the 1st quarter, Neville was winning.

Thanks to PawPaw & ZeeZee for watching Micah & Cole so I could tag along to the game. I don't get to go to many sporting events anymore. It was a great time for me to practice my photography.

Miriam enjoyed taking pictures too. Here's one she took of me.

Levi & Miriam propping their feet up.

Touchdown for Neville!

Neville won!

Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-15T10:06:00.001-06:00

On Saturday morning, we went to a “Breakfast with Santa” event at Craig’s work, Jacob’s Engineering. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve been to it. First we ate pancakes and everyone got real sticky! Then we went to take a picture with Santa.

Our picture turned out really great. Plus it was free and they sent us the digital copy so I could share. Then we rode the elevator down to the craft stations.

First they made candy cane reindeer. And then they made gifts cards to attach to a hot chocolate mix to give as a gift.

Then they decorated ginger bread cookies.

Finally, we headed downstairs get tattoos and to sing along with the Shaky Egg Band. Cole really enjoyed playing the jingle bells.
Afterwards, we rode the elevator up to see where Daddy works. The kids always enjoy that!

Louisiana Old Governor’s Mansion Fieldtrip

2011-12-14T16:37:00.001-06:00

Last Thursday, we toured the Louisiana Old Governor's Mansion. The Governor’s Mansion was built in 1929 by Huey P. Long and is modeled after the White House. It was used till 1963 when the new mansion was built. It was more cost effective to build a new house than to remodel the house to include air conditioning.

Here are some the kids hanging out waiting for our tour to get started. Of course, they had it nicely decorated for Christmas.

A shot of our Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers group before the tours started

Our tour started in the Foyer of the mansion. We were asked by the field trip coordinator if it we would give permission for our families to be photographed during the tour. They were making a new brochure and wanted some pictures from a tour. The following 2 photos were taken by the photographer. The one on the right is being used for the brochure.

In the East Room, they have beautiful chandeliers and an infinity mirror. If you look into the mirror, you can see the chandeliers going on for eternity. These mirrors are actually built into the wall.

Also on the ceiling of this room are 4 gold animals in the molding. The photographer caputured the kids looking for them. A gold lizard.
The State Dining room has hand-blocked wallpaper from Frances with scenes of America. The 1st 2 pictures were taken by the photographer.

Showing us an original James Audubon print...taken by the photographer

Huey P. Long's office...picture on left taken by the photographer

Huey P. Long's bedroom...some of the books about Huey P. Long and the LSU songs that Huey P. Long wrote. Touchdown for LSU is still played at every game (pregame)

The secret staircase...taken by the photographer

From one of the rooms upstairs you have a great view of the state capital.

Earl K. Long's bedroom...checking out a campaign button for Earl K. Long...picture on left taken by the photographer

The view of the garden from the game room where Huey P. Long would have the LSU football team over on Friday nights before the game. There was a display case that had some of the following items. Huey P. Long didn't think children should have to pay for school books so he passed a law that allowed children to receive school books for free. Some of the blocks that a child would have played with.

These 2 were captured by the photographer. Checking out the phonograph record player...I love the expression he caught of Micah looking at the doll in the case!

Jimmie Davis room...author of "You are my Sunshine"...group shot taken by the photographer

Governor Leche proclaimed Walt Disney some type of Colonel so Walt made this for him. He's making fun of our Louisiana accent in the comic strip. I missed the whole story about this, but we had just read about Walt Disney as part of our history lesson so I took a picture of it.
Of course, we had to finish with some group shots...The Lindsays, The Lindsays & Shelbys, part of our group

The Lindsays & part of our group in front of the mansion

Week 10 Highlights

2011-12-09T15:36:00.001-06:00

Letter I – I is for Ice so we had ice pops for snack

Number 9 - Counting inchworms and "inchworms" AKA sour bright crawlers for snack

Using triangle and circles to make an ice cream cone, playing with ice cream cone playset, and of course our snack was mint chocolate chip ice cream cones (my favorite - so I even ate one!)

This week we also had a fieldtrip to tour the Old Govenor's mansion (post to come) and one more day of school work but that day wasn't too exciting.

School Week 9 Highlights

2011-12-03T13:21:00.001-06:00

Micah was studying the letter H and the number 8 this week. On Monday, she made the "H is for House" craft.

On Tuesday, she counted 8 horses and we had haystacks for snacks since horses eat hay!

WAK Parent Demonstration

2011-11-29T13:11:00.001-06:00

Back on Sunday, November 11/20 we had the parent demonstration for WAK (Worship Arts for Kids). This is similar to a recital where the kids demonstrate the skills that they’ve learned during the semester. The preschoolers went first and definitely were the most entertaining.

Demonstrating whether a note was high or low

Playing rhythm instruments - fast and slow/soft and loud - Miriam beat her block so hard that she broke the head off of her stick. You can see it flying in the last picture.

Singing a song and keeping steady beat with clapping, stomping, patching, head bobbing, and sticking your tongue out

Marching to the steady beat

Lastly, their favorite song - The Beetle Song - crawling like a beetle and then flying away!

The older kids read a dramatic reading, sang songs with and without choreography, and kept a steady beat with rhythm sticks.

School Week 8 Highlight

2011-11-26T16:30:00.001-06:00

This past week Micah studied the letter "G" and the number "7". So one of our snacks for the week was graham crackers. She had 7 crackers and made them into the number "7."

WAK in Worship

2011-11-20T13:56:00.001-06:00

Last Sunday, the kids lead helped to lead in worship. First they did a dramatic reading and then sang "Love Never Fails".
Afterwards, they played "America, the Beautiful" on boomwhackers while the congregation sang. Finally, they played "Hosanna" with the praise team and band.

4th Annual Homeschool Thanksgiving Celebration

2011-11-19T13:53:00.001-06:00

On Thursday, we had our 4th Annual Homeschool Thanksgiving Celebration at our house. We had around 100 people for this event. For some reason, I didn't take many pictures although I felt that I walked around alot getting glimpses of everyone participating. I guess I was just tired from preparing for the event. So here's a little glimpse of the event.

Thanksgiving info station - Ms. Amanda did a great job preparing for this station. She kept asking for more time to finish her presentation for the kids.

Cupcake Turkey - Thanks to Mrs. Tiany who made all the cupcakes so that the kids could decorate them like a turkey.

We also had these make-a-turkey sticker sheets for them to do after they completed their cupcakes.

Placemat weaving - Mrs. Rachel prepared all the strips of paper for the kids to use for this activity.

Butter making - The kids each took a turn shaking some heavy whipping cream which eventually turned to butter. Mrs. Allison did a great job talking to the kids about how animals have jobs on the farm. She even brought some of her chickens for the kids to see. One of the chickens even laid an egg while she was at our house. Amy brought some wheat berries and freshly ground flour for the kids to see where bread comes from. For some reason, I took the most pictures at this station...must have been the fresh butter and homemade bread that made me stick close!

Corn station - Mrs. Laura did a great job presenting information about the different types of corn and the different uses of corn. She even grew some of her own corn to show us and she made some popcorn for the kids to snack on during the presentation.

Thanksgiving craft station - The kids made this "Give Thanks" craft from Oriental Trading.

After all the stations were completed, it was time for our feast.

Check out Amy's pictures from the celebration.

Free LSU Basketball

2011-11-19T11:36:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday we went to the LSU basketball game because it was FREE! We parked in the free lot and they had a shuttle bus that was taking people to the PMAC. I think the kids' favorite thing was riding the shuttle bus. After the game, we had to take a picture with the new Shaq statue.

Monday Night Football

2011-11-19T10:59:00.001-06:00

The last flag football game was on Monday Night 11/7/11 so my pictures weren't that great. I'm not experienced at taking pictures under the bright lights.

School Week 7 Highlight

2011-11-19T10:29:00.001-06:00

This week Micah was studying the letter F so she made a flag using the shapes rectangle and stars. It also happened to be Veteran's Day that day.

School Week #6 Highlights

2011-11-10T13:45:00.001-06:00

One of Levi's math activities was to make quick donuts using biscuits. We used the smaller canned biscuits so he used an apple corer to make the hole.

Micah was studying the letter E this week and this day she was focusing on the oval shape. I boiled eggs and the kids got to dye them and eat them for a snack. I put magnetic letters in plastic Easter eggs and Luke and Cameron hid them upstairs for Miriam, Levi & Micah to find. Micah and Levi enjoyed showing me the letters that were in their names.

On Friday before the big LSU/Alabama game, we had "elephant ears" for breakfast and Micah made this elephant craft.

Magician's Assistant

2011-11-10T13:23:00.001-06:00

At our Fall Festival, Miriam was chosen to be the magician's assistant for illusionist Jonathan Dupree. She helped him out with the coloring book trick.

Football Game #6

2011-11-10T13:07:00.001-06:00

I didn't take many pictures at this game...just a couple of Levi & Miriam. I also took some videos of Miriam cheering...or at least doing the motions.

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra Field Trip

2011-11-07T09:16:00.001-06:00

Two weeks ago, our group went to the BRSO Discovery Concert for students. This was one of our activities for our older children. It was for Kindergarten thru high school. So I took Luke & Cameron and the 5 oldest Shelby boys while Amy watched the younger ones.

First they started off by introducing the instrument types (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion). Then each of the instruments in that group played a little selection so that they students could hear what the instrument sounded like. I think the favorite was the french horn because he played the Star Wars theme.

There was a selection of music from all over the world so that they students could hear a variety of music. Here's a list of songs that were performed:

The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key
Duke Ellington Medley (USA)
William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini (Italy)
O Mio Babbino Caro by Giacomo Puccini (Italy)
3 Nigerian Dances by Samuel Akpabot (Nigeria)
Tico Tico by Zequinha de Abreu (Brazil)
Symphony No. 4 by Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky (Russia)
Finale - "When the Saints Go Marching In"

This is a little video of a few pictures that were taken by a few moms with their cell phones at the performance. The music you hear in the background was the actual opera performace of "O Mio Babbino Caro" that was recorded my a mom's cell phone as well.

Football Game #5

2011-11-04T13:57:00.001-05:00

Grandparent Appreciation Day at ISO Flag Football

Cajun Country Corn Maze 2011

2011-10-21T10:12:00.001-05:00

Monday we went on a fieldtrip to the Cajun Country Corn Maze. Just like years past, the kids had a great time and we closed down the place.

We started off learning about the farm animals and getting to feed them.

Then it was time for the pig races. This was the first year that I actually watched them.

Miriam was chosen to cheer for one of the pigs...actually she was supposed to cheer for a pygmy goat. She didn't care that her goat lost...she got a blow pop!

Finally, it was time for the maze!

One of the moms braved the lift to ride up and take a shot of the maze. Thanks Kristie! Be sure to check out her photos from the maze.
After lunch, it was time to play and enjoy the rides. They added 2 new things this year...a bouncing pillow and a "hay" ride minus the hay!
Group shots

All the pictures that I took are in the slideshow below

Elliott’s 1st Bee-day Party

2011-10-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday we drove up to Clinton after the flag football games to attend Elliott’s first birthday party. It was a great time visiting with family.

Elliott with his bee-day cake

Cole got messier than the birthday boy

Elliott loved his peewee bee pillow pet that Cameron bought him. Cameron had been planning to get Elliott the bee pillow pet for his birthday for a while. He was excited that they had the peewee ones so that Elliott could play with it. Last week when we went to Walmart Cameron brought his own money and paid for it at the self-checkout.

All the pictures from the party

Flag Football Game #4

2011-10-20T14:03:00.001-05:00

I only took pictures from Levi's & Cameron's game. Luke & Cameron's games were at the same time, but Luke's game was 3 fields away. Miriam's cheer coach was out of town so they didn't really cheer.

School Week 3 Highlight

2011-10-14T18:51:00.001-05:00

This was the only picture that I captured this week. This was their before school snack on Monday when Micah was doing this letter B craft.

Football Games #3

2011-10-14T18:47:00.001-05:00

Special thanks again to Ron Moore for many of these shots.

Week 2 Highlights

2011-10-13T09:56:00.001-05:00

Wearing the clay shape necklaces that they made in conjunction with Levi's work

Levi with the crayon muffins that he made

Singing in church

2011-10-12T16:20:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, 10/2, the WAK singers sang 2 songs during the 11:00 service.
"Fruit of the Spirit"

"Grace Through Faith"

Then they helped Bro. John and the praise team lead in worship singing "Today is the Day."

ISO Flag Football & Cheer Game #2

2011-10-11T18:57:00.001-05:00

Highlights from Game 2

David Vincent's Martial Arts Fieldtrip

2011-10-10T16:34:00.001-05:00

On Friday, September 30th we went on a fieldtrip to David Vincent's Martial Arts. This is the place where Tiany's boys take taekwondo and she set up a fieldtrip for our group, Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers. Mr. Vincent gave the children a free 40 minute class and then Tiany's boys did a demonstration for us. The kids really had a great time. Thanks Tiany for setting this up for us and for Mr. Vincent for graciously agreeing to do this for us free of charge.

Cole’s new bed

2011-10-04T22:10:00.001-05:00

Sunday night we put Cole in his big bed because he "told" Daddy he was ready to sleep in it. He's been doing really well and hasn't fallen out yet.

School Projects–Week 1

2011-10-04T19:53:00.001-05:00

We’ve been reading Apologia Science Exploring Creation with Astronomy. We actually started the book last school year, but never finished. One of the projects last week was to create a solar system model. We attempted to do this project.

Luke is sitting on the sun which is the size of the basketball. I'm standing where Mercury is which is the size of a small round sprinkle. (10 yards from the sun)

Next I'm standing where Venus is (18 yards from the sun). It was supposed to be the size of a red hot, but we used a lemonhead.

Next is Earth (26 yards from the sun)...also the size of a red hot(lemonhead).

Next is Mars (40 yards from the sun)...another round sprinkle.

Then we only had room to go the asteroid belt (77 yards from the sun)...represented by a bunch of yellow sugar sprinkles.

To go Jupiter we would have to go 134 yards away from our sun (the basketball). They had another scale where you could fit the whole model, although the planets weren't the right scale.

The basketball is the sun and Luke is standing at Neptune. Then I'm standing at Neptune and Luke is holding the sun.

In our history, we read about the Wright brothers and the first airplane. After reading the book, Luke noticed this billboard around town. One of the suggested art activities for our history curriculum was to make paper airplanes. We had a kit that someone gave the kids for a birthday present so I thought it was good time to use it.

Fort Morgan - Day 4

2011-10-04T18:45:00.001-05:00

Our last day at the beach...it includes a couple of videos of Luke & Miriam riding the waves.

Fort Morgan Beach–Day 3

2011-10-04T15:41:00.001-05:00

Either it was really humid that day and my camera was fogged up or my lens was really dirty.

Fort Morgan Beach–Day 2

2011-10-04T13:44:00.001-05:00

Fort Morgan Beach–Day 1

2011-10-04T12:18:00.001-05:00

As I get my pictures edited from our vacation, I will be posting them. We went to Fort Morgan Beach (Gulf Shores) the week of September 9/19-9/23.

ISO Flag Football & Cheer Game 1

2011-10-01T18:02:00.001-05:00

Luke, Cameron & Levi are playing flag football at Istrouma Baptist this year. This is their first year to offer flag football. They’re using a model similar to Upward. Craig is coaching Levi’s team, the Jets. Cameron is on the Colts and Luke is on the Jaguars. Cameron is on the team with his friend, Terrance from church. Luke is on the team with many friends: Aidan, Thomas, Tyler, Seth, James & Brooks. Miriam is also cheering at the games. Here are the pictures from the 1st weeks game on 9/24. Special thanks to Ron Moore who captured some shots of Luke’s team.

First Day of School

2011-09-26T20:18:00.001-05:00

Today was our first day of school. At least we got started before October this year.

Unit Studies

History, Literature, Worldview, Arts/Activities - Tapestry of Grace Year 4
Science - Apologia Science Exploring Creation with Astronomy
Character Training – For Instruction in Righteousness

Luke - 4th grade

Grammar - Easy Grammar 4, Daily Grams 4
Vocabulary - Wordly Wise 3000 Book 4
Math - Teaching Textbooks Math 5
Spelling - MCP Spelling Workout D
Reading - McGuffey Ecletic 3rd Reader
Handwriting - Scripture Memory Verses for Bible Drill, ISO & Upward Sports, Character Training
Typing Instructor for Kids
Extra Activities - ISO flag football, Upward basketball, ISO baseball, WAK (Worship Arts for Kids), Bible Drill

Cameron - 2nd grade

Grammar - Easy Grammar Daily Guided Teaching and Review for Grade 2
Reading - McGuffey's 1st Ecletic Reader
Spelling – MCP Spelling Workout B
Math - MCP Math B
Handwriting - Manuscript Review & Introduction to Cursive
Extra Activities - ISO flag football, Upward basketball, ISO baseball, WAK (Worship Arts for Kids), Bible Drill

Miriam - Kindergarten

Phonics - Covenant Home Reading with Phonics, MCP Plaid Phonics K and A
Reading - A Big, Big Man; In the Tent; In the Big Boat; McGuffey's Eclectic Primer
Math - MCP Math K
Handwriting – Universal Publishing We Write Our Words
Extra Activities - ISO cheerleading, Upward cheerleading, ISO baseball, WAK (Worship Arts for Kids)

Levi - Preschool

Readiness - Rod & Staff Preschool Books
Enrichment - Phonological Awareness Fun
Math - Hands on Math: Manipulative Math for Young Children
Handwriting - I Can Write Coloring Book
Extra Activities - ISO flag football, ISO baseball, WAK (Worship Arts for Kids)

Micah - Tot School: Reviewing Letters, Numbers, Shapes & Colors

Worksheet Pages from ABC Home Preschool
Ideas from No Time for Flashcards Uppercase Letter of the Week and Totally Tots Now I Know my ABCs
Lots of hands-on manipulatives & puzzles

Children’s Discovery Center

2011-09-03T14:33:00.001-05:00

On Monday, August 22nd, we went to the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center in Hammond. I totally forgot about this fieldtrip until Amy called me at 8:47 that morning to see if I was on my way. We were supposed to meet the group at 8:30 in Denham Springs. When she called, I had just gotten up and was still in my pajamas. Luckily Craig was still home so he helped get the little boys dressed while I got myself & the girls dressed. Luke & Cameron quickly got dressed, got pop-tarts for everybody and buckled everybody in the van. We were out of the house in 17 minutes and made it to the Discovery Center in Hammond before the fieldtrip rotations started at 10:00.

Miriam & Micah milking a cow, driving a fishing boat, and playing cashier

The construction area was a favorite

Cameron’s puppet show

Luke & Cameron racing cars & Micah dressing up in the theater section

The bubble area is always one of the favorite areas!

Luke and Cameron trying their hand at operation & posing in a tree with Wizard of Oz puppets

Luke’s signature in the chalk pond

Playing hide & seek with Cole in the preschool area

Happy 7th Birthday C-Bob!

2011-09-01T11:04:00.001-05:00

2004	2005	2006	2007

2008	2009	2010	2011

Can't wait to see what the next 7 years will be like!

Wacky WAK Launch Party

2011-08-26T18:35:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday, we had the kick-off party at church for our fall semester of WAK (Worship Arts for Kids). Craig is the director of this children’s choir program. The theme of the party was “wacky” so I had the idea to dress as boomwhackers, one of the instruments that we use in WAK. We had the perfect number to make a whole octave.

After we took our group shot, we attempted to play a scale, but that wasn't too successful since we have such young kids.

One of the stations that we had at the party was the "Wacky Window" based after "The Truth Booth" that I've seen from photographers. Most of the wacky costume supplies came from my own stash of "junk" including the picture frame.

Thomas really enjoyed dressing Cole up for the fun.

One of the other favorite activities was dancing to "wacky" songs such as the Hokey Pokey, the Chicken Dance, and the Macarena.

Other activities: boomwhackers, decorating your own cupcake, face painting, and a bounce house

The best part...hanging out with your "wacky" friends

Exxon/Mobil Fieldtrip

2011-08-26T11:37:00.001-05:00

On August 18th, Luke was able to attend a fieldtrip to Exxon/Mobil. This fieldtrip was only for children grades 4-12. Amy took her older kids and Luke while I watched the younger ones.

Fine Arts Camp

2011-08-02T14:51:00.001-05:00

Last week Luke & Cameron attended Fine Arts Camp at church. They learned different elements of arts used in worshipping God. On Friday afternoon, they have a parent demonstration to show some of the things that they learned during the week.

Luke learned about technology using the light board and they got to make their own slide using Powerpoint. Although they didn't learn what makes a good slide ;) The kids really enjoyed this class.

Luke was able to participate in guitar this year. I noticed that many times he was too busy trying to get his finger right for the chords and would forget to strum. Many of the kids just seem to be strumming and not moving their fingers to the chords. Remember this was only after a week so I'm still impressed how much they learn in that short amount of time.

Luke was a good sport and had to jump in a do a drama part at the last minute. The boy who originally had the part didn't come on the last day.

Luke's class, the 3rd and 4th graders set the record for putting the verse together the quickest during the week. Each word of the verse was on an individual sheet of paper and then they had to put them in order. Here they are demonstrating it.

Cameron's class demonstrated using children's handbells.

Luke's class demonstrated using boomwhackers.

Then all the kids showed what they learned in singing class...solfege and singing "My Favorite Things".
Singing the chorus to "Jesus Loves Me" in English & Spanish

Ice cream fellowship

2011-08-01T11:04:00.001-05:00

Back on July 15th, we had a PACT (Parents & Children Together) event at church to make our own homemade ice cream using ziploc bags. The kids decorated nametags, ice cream spoons, played games, and made their own ice cream.

July fieldtrip–Sound Radio & Camp Van Dorn WW II Museum

2011-08-01T10:15:00.001-05:00

In July, we took a fieldtrip to Centreville, MS to tour the Sound Radio station and Camp Van Dorn WW II Museum.

First we took a tour of the radio station and spoke with Bro. Willie Kennedy. After we toured the museum, we also went out to the location of the big radio tower.

Then we toured the Camp Van Dorn WW II museum.

Cameron & Daddy’s trip to St. Louis

2011-08-01T09:32:00.001-05:00

On Thursday, July 7th, Daddy & Cameron left for a Father/Son weekend in St. Louis, Missouri. They stopped for lunch at Captain D's which happened to be kids' day.

On the way up, they stopped at the Memphis Redbirds stadium, the minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.

On Friday morning, they visited the Gateway Arch.

Friday afternoon, they rode bikes on the Katy Trail.

On Saturday, they visited the Endangered Wolf Center and rode bikes on Route 66 State Park in Missouri and Lewis & Clark Memorial Park in Illinois.

Sunday was the highlight of the trip. They went to the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game. They waited to go to the Sunday game because afterwards children got to run the bases.

Cow Appreciation Day

2011-07-15T17:57:00.001-05:00

Last Friday we participated in Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A. We took full advantage of the day by going for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daddy & Cameron were out of town for their special trip so we decided to go all three times.

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