Preschool Prep Company

A blog that I read has found a really neat company that helps kids learn their numbers, colors, shapes, and high frequency words.  I had never really heard of this company before but it sounds really neat. the website is preschool prep company.   The lady who writes the blog has several children, two of which have Down syndrome.  The videos on this post, only1mom.com are really neat to watch.  I think I may have seen some of these video's at the used bookstore in Knoxville ( I think I may recognize the cover) ....which means I may have to check it out.  You know I am always on the look out for things to help us learn.  We have really gotten a lot of use out the books and video's from Love and Learning.  These were the first video's that Landon would watch and it is amazing what he learned from them.  He still loves watching them and I am surprised at how he still learns things.  I'll have to post about that later.

This post is really for all of those mom's out there looking for something a little different to use at home.  Hope this helps!

Cades Cove Picnic

Yesterday morning, bright and early, we took at trip to the Great Smokey Mountains.  A popular place to go is Cades Cove.  It's a great place to have a picnic, enjoy the great outdoors, and play in some VERY cold water.  When Travis and I were growing up our families often frequented this picnic area.  Even though we didn't know each other then,  both of our families enjoyed this same outing. I hate that Travis wasn't here with us to enjoy Landon in the creek but I took lots of pictures.

I knew that Landon would enjoy throwing rocks in the water and "stirring" the water with a stick but I had no idea exactly how much he would love the water.  The water is VERY cold because it is coming down from the mountains. but that didn't phase Landon.  Right in he went.  He played, and played, and played.  it was so much fun to watch him enjoy himself.

After lunch we jumped in the car and drove around the Loop.  The loop is just that, a loop that allows you to drive through "nature".  It is a one way road with little pull offs so you can stop.  You often see deer, bears, and wild turkeys.  It is a very popular activity for visitors alike.  Landon wasn't so much into this part of the trip but I really enjoyed the views.  It was a wonderful morning and I can't wait to do it again.

Ducks, Creek, and Pool

Landon has had so much fun during his first week at Granny and Papaw's.  In addition to going to VBS each morning, Landon has been doing lots of fun things in the afternoons.  Granny and Papaw have ducks down in their pond.  I'm not sure if he was trying to pet them or just enjoyed watching them waddle away but he chased them all over the place.

And who could pass up a chance to play in some water.  He found a stick and had to "stir" the water.  I hadn't gotten him any water shoes at this time so he couldn't get in so Granny had to hold him to make sure that's as far as he went. 

 The days have either been very hot and muggy or rainy.  Last year Granny bought a little pool for Landon so Papaw blew it up and it was perfect.  We sat under the trees and just let him play and play.  Of course Buzz and Woody made it to the "party".

VBS #1

This week I helped out at my mom's VBS at Roseberry Baptist Church in Mascot, TN. It was a great week but VERY busy. Landon had a great time in his class. He came home every afternoon ready for a nap but ready each morning to go back.  He enjoyed getting to listen to a Bible story, sing, make crafts, play in the gym,  eating. and playing in Granny's token store (the pic of Landon in the orange arm, head, and finger bands).  I'm glad he enjoyed him self because in another month he will be doing it again at our church.

Fell into the trap

I can't believe that it has been so long since I have written. So much has been going on and I have been trying to think of a way that I can use this wonderful tool to be more than just fun for my family and friends. Over that past several months I have come across many blogs that have been so helpful to me while I continue to figure out ways to help me be the best mommy for Landon that I can be. I have always felt that it is my duty to encourage and push Landon to do all that he can, to expose him to everything that every other 3 year old would see and do, and love him no matter what.

School was great for him this year and he loved going but I feel that I really let him down by not continuing to work with him as much as I use to. I think I fell into the trap of thinking that he was going to school therefore he was learning everything he needed. That is not to say that we didn't work with him, but I wasn't as consistent as I had been. When the school year was over and I looked back at where he was and where he is now, I saw things that made me happy and things that made me sad.

The things that made me happy: (1) Landon loved his teachers and I think they loved him too. (2) He worked hard on his physical, and occupational therapy goals. He really made some great progress in these area. (2) He made some friends. Each time I said something about school he would say, "Aidan", which was a little boy in his class. (3) He became more of a participant instead of a observer.
The things that made me sad: (1) Landon's speech did not go as I thought it should have. That is nothing against anyone, just that I think he needs more one-on-one. So....to fix this we are working on getting private speech for him. (2) His sight word's have not been worked on therefore he is starting to lose them and is not gaining any new ones. (3) He didn't really improve on math skills such as counting or identifying numbers (4) He still doesn't know his colors very well.

Now why am I saying all of this? It's not because I think the school didn't their job.....It's that I don't think I did mine. I shouldn't depend on the school to teach Landon what I know I can teach him, not at this point at least. When he gets into Kindergarten I will expect more but right now the schools main job, in my opinion, is to work on how to play with others, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The therapy time he gets at school is not enough so I do need the therapist to work with me on what to do at home so that he can continue to improve and for the most part most of them did well with keeping me up on what they were working on.

I have said all of that to say this....My lack of "teaching" is going to change. During the past couple of months I have been working on a list of goals that I want Landon and I to work on. I am in the process of creating my own "curriculum" , for a lack of a better word. I hope to use this blog to help other parents see what their child CAN do. I have found that if you make the right labels, when parents are looking for ideas blogs will come up on their search. We will see how this goes.

He are the goals I have written so far for Landon. These goals will and should change as we work. This list is just a start. As I do more research I will add to this list. He is already close to reaching some of the goals already such as putting his pants on. That goes to show you that with just a little work Landon can reach the stars!!

Landon's Goals 2010-2011

Math

• count 1-10
• identify numerals 1-10
• count groups of items 1-5
• identify shapes: circle, square, triangle, heart, star, rectangle, diamond
• identify colors: red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, white, black, brown
• order shapes by size: large to small; small to large

Reading

• read number words 1-10
• read color words
• read shape words
• read basic word families (-at, -ar, -ig, etc.)
• read short simple sentences (3-4 words)
• capital/lowercase match

Language-Verbal

• yes
• no
• please
• out
• help
• on
• drink
• one-ten
• A-Z

• two word phrases
• repeat words
• attempt to say words when reading

Language-Receptive

• big/little
• on/under
• in front/behind
• on/off
• right/left
• first/middle/last
• sequencing

Fine Motor-clothing

• take pants off
• put pants on
• put shirt on
• take shirt off

• put socks on
• take off shoes
• put jacket on (flip method)
• button large buttons

Fine Motor

· snip paper

· lacing cards

· work large floor puzzles (with assistance)

· open jar lid

· turn key in lock

Fine Motor-Prewriting

• draw horizontal lines
• draw vertical lines
• draw "circle"
• trace lines

Home Life

• put bag in trash can and put can under sink (with supervision)
• put plates, cups, and silverware on table for dinner
• pick up toys
• pour liquid from pitcher to cup
• follow "schedule" chart

Snow, snow, and more snow

This was our first snow while home this year. The storm that hit just before Christmas we missed by leaving for Knoxville several days early to ensure that we could spend the holidays with our families.

This time we ended up with about a foot of snow and Travis worked very hard all day Saturday to clean off the front porch, sidewalk, and driveway. That afternoon was a great time to take Landon outside to try out the snow. He didn't care much for it last year so I was interested to see what he would think this year. As you can see in this picture he has a big smile on his face and it didn't go away, that's saying a lot considering what happened. More on that later.



When time came to get ready to go out we had to hunt down Landon's gloves and pile on the tons of clothes that mom thought he needed for his 15 mins out in the snow. Of course we had to take pictures of Travis and Landon and Beverly and Landon.

I must say that I was surprised at how much Landon liked the snow. He didn't want to get "in" the snow but he wanted to scoop it up and throw it and "splat" it on the sidewalk. Once he got a little too brave and as he was bending over to scoop up the snow his foot slipped and over he went. I was taking a picture just as he went into the snow. When I realized what had happened, I walked over and pulled him out of the snow, because he didn't move, and wiped the snow off his face. I thought for sure that was going to be the end of our snow fun but he never really quit smiling. He walked over to Travis and started playing again. That's my boy!

Landon turns 3

Can you believe that it has been three years since we were blessed with our little guy? It's hard to fathom that so much time has passed and yet it also seems as though we have had him forever. Travis and I can't image life without Landon. He has brought us so much joy during the past 3 years. Looking back we can see how God has had His hand in our lives and how much He has proven that He is in control.

Here are a few pictures from the day.

These two pictures are from his preschool on Thursday. This was his first school celebration. It was so much fun watching him and his classmates enjoy the cupcakes.
Thees pictures are from Friday which was his real birthday. It was kind of a rainy day outside so we had to do inside. We didn't have many choices so we just went to the mall to have a little Chick-fil-a and play at the "happy zone". When Travis got home we went out to eat and back home for cake and presents.


Then, when we got to Tennessee, we had another party to celebrate Landon and Spencer's Birthday. Spencer is Landon's cousin who also has a birthday on September 25. We had a great time with both my family and Travis'. I love being able to get together with all of our family's and celebrate. Everyone gets along and seems to have a great time. Travis and I are truly blessed in so many ways.

First Day of PreSchool

Well, yesterday was Landon's first day of preschool. I knew that he would have a good time but I wasn't sure how I would do leaving him. He had been in his classroom twice before now, once for back to school night and once for his IEP meeting, so he already knew where the cars, toy animals, and books were kept. As soon as we walked into the room he went straight for the "big" teachers books and pulled out the one about dinosaurs. He wasn't the least bit hesitant.

I got all of his things organized on his hook and left him in his room so that I could drop his registration papers in the office. When I came back, I asked if he had even missed me and he hadn't which made me feel better. He was sitting down next to a little boy coloring. I gave him kisses and left him to his first day. I did better than I thought, no tears, because he did so well. In matter of fact, when I went to go pick him up at 12:00 he didn't want to leave. When I said, "Landon, are you ready to go home?" he stamped his feet and shook his head. I guess that's the sign of a good first day.

His next day will be Thursday. Though I miss having him with me, I know that he is being well cared for and, so far, he loves going. I pray that this will just be another step that helps him grow and develop in the way that God has planned. I pray that Ms. Lisa, his teacher, Ms. Shelly & Ms. Doe, his TA's, will grow to love him and enjoy having him around as much as we do.

I know that there will be more to come so just stay posted to see how things go.

King of the playground

Landon has been working for months on trying to climb UP the slide. Now, I know that most "good" parents try to teach their children good playground etiquette, and going up the slide is a "no, no" but Oh well. He has watched other children slide down and turn around and go back up for so long now and was determined that he was going to accomplish this goal one way or another. Here is the video I made of him on his second day of his new ability. Of course on the video you hear Travis being the concerned father asking about him falling off. The clarity is not great...I forgot to get the camera focused before I shot the video but you get to see his trick.



We always have a lot of fun at the play ground. Here is another short video of Travis and Landon going down the slide. I am so thankful to have a husband who loves me and our little boy. I love watching them play together and doing things that only dad's can teach their sons such as the noises cars, trains, plans, and boats make, and how to burp :(. I can "do" those things but just not the same way Travis does. I am also thankful that Landon is so determined to do all of the things little boys should do. We are so proud of him and all that he is.

Fire Truck Bed

Yes, I know it has been a while since my last post but I just had to let you see the bed we found for Landon this weekend. He isn't quite ready for a toddler bed but he is getting close. I drove by a yard sale and the woman was asking $15 for this fire truck bed. It was just too cute but I knew I should ask Travis what he thought first. As soon as I told him about it, he got in the car and drove down the street to get it. I can't wait until he can sleep in it. Here are some pictures of what it looks like.




There are so many things that have happened over the past few months so I can't believe this is the first thing I have put on here but.....What can I say. I will try to do better and go back and write some about all of the other things that have occurred such as our two week stay in Knoxville, Landon getting his tonsils taken out, playing at the pool, etc. Just wanted our moms and other family members to see Landon's cool bed.

We love you all.