The first Christmas tree at home...

We normally have artificial trees. I have two in the garage already. However, my mom said that we shouldn't be cheap and deprive the boys of a real tree for our first Christmas at home. When Buddy brought home this 8 foot tall tree, I thought it was ridiculously large. As we added the lights, our ornaments, the polar express train set, and finally the presents, I fell completely in love with our tree. It's now the 2nd of January and I'm teary eyed that the time has come to take it down. I'll miss you tree but you'll forever be in my memories. Thanks for making our Christmas beautiful and complete.

Living in the Moment...

IM exchange between Buddy and I this afternoon.

(3:42:09 PM) Christy Brunker: i do love you.
(3:42:40 PM) buddy: i know. we love you too. we're very happy w/ our little family in our new house in the new year. we need to love each other and be happy for what we have. 'cause we have a lot. :-)

January 1, 2011

Happy New Year! Random, Perrin, Twitch and I are watching the New Year's Count down on television. I think I am the luckiest Mom in the world to have these 3 wonderful boys in my life!

Update for Fairhaven by Random

School Year 2008-2009

My apologies for not updating my blog more often. I won't bother to come up with any excuses. =P

Here's an update on what we are doing for school this year. I hope that you find it interesting.

Random:


Random is attending a public charter school this year. He's a part of an independent study/homeschool charter school community. So, yes - we're still homeschooling BUT this year we are using public school tax dollars for our materials and classes. In exchange, Random will be asked to do some standardized testing. The testing doesn't change how we homeschool. It's just one of those things that we find mostly unpleasant about our government and we treat it accordingly.

We still treat the learning process like it is organic. It is much easier for us to learn together when Random is interested in the subject that we are studying. Not all subjects are like that but we manage the best that we can.

Random is studying the history and geography of California, standard 4th grade mathematics, standard 4th grade language arts, Latin, chess, animation, basic concepts of art through drawing, and the scientific process. Random is currently reading a series of books called The Titans. Random prefers to type rather than write but his handwriting is getting much better. We also go on a field trip once a week. I'm including a movie that Random made about our most recent field trip. We lived the day in the life of the Chumash Indians. It was an awesome day filled with the great outdoors and fun activities.



Perrin:

Perrin goes to daycare two days a week. These are the two days that Random and I use for attending classes, running errands, and do anything that we can't do without Perrin around. We can do most everything with Perrin around, however, math is much easier for us when he's not here. Perrin goes with us on field trips, to the library, and to meet our other homeschool friends at the park anywhere from 1 to 3 times a week. Perrin can count to 20 and is working on learning his colors and shapes. He loves to make noise on his harmonica and his drums. Perrin spends alot of time building with blocks and legos.

News for Grandma...

One more video blog from Perrin and Random... after I gave up trying to work with them. =\

9/26/08 Video Blog Update

Now onto something from Perrin...

It's loud and distorted and totally Perrin.

Our first VBlog - Starring Christy and Random

It's raining - it's pouring...

Yep, that's right - sunny California has not been very sunny lately. In fact, it's been downright dreary. There has been so much rain, that our pool is overflowing. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't mind the rain. I actually love rainy days. My problem with the rain is house related. The roof in my office leaks. When you scrapbook and own $$$ in paper - this is a big problem. Last night, I ran out and bought a couple of tarps so the bulk of the stuff will be okay. Random freaked the first time he saw the big blue tarps spread out over my scrapbook supplies. I agree, it's not a pretty sight.

So, my question for you is how much do you think Buddy is going to be annoyed with me when I tell him that we need to move everything out of this room and upstairs to my bedroom??? It won't be pretty!

Looking back...

Perrin and Random - on Perrin's Birthday. Totally brings tears of joy to my eyes... such an amazing day for our family. When Random first saw Perrin, he started to cry. We asked him what was wrong and he replied "Haven't you ever heard of tears of joy!?!"

Day 3 of Family: Holiday Breakfast

It was a hectic hour of cooking but so worth it. We had such a great time sitting around the table together, eating food, and just being together. I love when we share a meal together and totally reconnect with each other.

I'll post a picture as soon as I get them off of my camera.

Day 2 of Family: Family dinner and decorate the Christmas Tree

We had beef tips and rice with broccoli for dinner. We decorated the tree with all of our favorite ornaments. The we read the Velveteen Rabbit together. Just so nice to be together. :o)

Buddy and kids are watching Christmas specials on the dvr and I am posting this then heading upstairs to wrap presents.

Day 1 of Family: Family Lunch

So, we had to go with Family Lunch for day 1. Perrin had a cardiology appointment in the morning. (He's doing fine, btw. His blood pressure is perfect. The stenosis is fine. It's the insufficiency that the doctors are monitoring.) Buddy and Random dropped Perrin and I off at the house after the appointment and then Buddy and Random went to just about every fast food place within a 5 mile radius. We had food from Arbys, Burger King, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, McDonald's and El Polo Loco. This may not sound like much of a celebration BUT it was. Not a single family member had to compromise for lunch. It was wonderful!

Here's a picture of Perrin. I know his nose is gooey. He's teething - 2 year molars... but the picture is cute.

14 Days of Family

So, this year we are trying out a new tradition. We're going to make the giving and caring part of the season last 14 days. It's a celebration that's all about being a family and appreciating one another. My parent's will be here from 12/27 until 12/30 and we're looking forward to seeing them.

Here's how the schedule lines up, beginning today (12/19):

Day 1: Family lunch
Day 2: Family dinner and decorate the Christmas tree
Day 3: Family breakfast
Day 4: LA Zoo to see reindeer
Day 5: Dinner, movie, and homemade gift exchange
Day 6: Christmas Eve Dinner
Day 7: Christmas
Day 8: After Christmas Shopping (yes, it's an event for us... we love a good bargain)
Day 9: Board game day
Day 10: Off to see Golden Compass
Day 11: Trip to Santa Barbara (or another beach city)
Day 12: Pajama Day
Day 13: New Year's Eve
Day 14: New Year's Day and family movie day

I'll try to post everyday (with pictures to let you know how it's going).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh, and just for the record - In the last 20 hours, Perrin has thrown up 8 times. Lots of good holiday fun at our house. :o) And yes, those are boxes from the move - still in the dining room. Some are empty, some are full. Also, do you love the nice pumpkin centerpiece that Random made? You know, the one on top of the huge Heroscape castle that has been on the dining room table since Buddy's birthday... the house is just so us. Cluttered, a little messy, and full of things that we love.

If your Halloween ends this way...

Mostly naked on your front porch with a cauldron on your head - you probably had a pretty good time! :o)

Happy Halloween from our monsters!

Pictures of the Kids