Catalina SIMI 2011

I wish that every child could have the CIMI Marine Biology Camp experience.  I chaperoned my children on their school excursion to Toyon Bay.

We slept in cabins, prepared food, snorkeled 3 times and became part of 1% of the population who have ever snorkeled at night.  Algae and sea mushrooms lit up in fiber optic colors under the sea.  I monitored the edges of the group and soothed and encouraged little first time snorkelers who were terrified but tried to be so brave.

the day, we swam with Leopard Sharks, Bat Rays, Garibaldi, and Shovel Nosed Guitar Fish.  We Dredged the bottom of the ocean to learn about its composition.  We examined the ocean water under the microscope to find hundreds of plankton varieties that resembled alien creatures.

We all dissected squid with great respect for their lives, lost for our learning.

We couldn't help painting ourselves with ink or tasting the nutrient rich eye lens.  We tasted Algae reminiscent of salty carrots, let Sea Hares lick us with their rough tongues, and had Sea Anemone hugs.

The Rays and Sharks rubbed into our touch and almost leaped out of the tanks to get a little more lovin'.

The instructors were amazing young women who had the knack for silliness and serious information that would teach children the best.  Sadly, Ladybug threw up for 24 hours and missed a whole day of learning and fun but Lauren, an amazing instructor took us in for a private tour of the touch tanks and octopus lairs.

Watching children discover, learn, and grow has got to be one of the most satisfying experiences ever.  Each child went home feeling a little taller, a little more independent, and a little happier having faced their fears and overcome them.

 

The last night of our trip, we gathered round the campfire to relive our favorite memories.  Tears were shed, gratitude was shared, and no one wanted to go home.  

I learned A TON about oceanography,but I learned a lot about my two older ones watching them with their peers.  And while some of it was disturbing, I see it as a little God Breeze to let me know, "Hey! you might want to help one of these little ones out with this.  Time for a little tweaking!" 

And that is what I'll do now.

Brain Therapy

 Saturdays are tough.  We have jobs to do and its NOT fun.  Ladybug is on the final days to behaviorally earn her trip to Catalina island.  I knew at the last minute she will try to sabotage herself by thinking she doesn't deserve to go.  Sure enough.  Morning was tough... really tough.  She earned an additional 4 jobs from her dad and I couldn't settle her down.  We sat meditated with calming oils, spa music, and prayer.  Finally she was ready to tackle the day.  I want her to succeed.  I need to help her get out of that dark place she is in.  She worked for an hour, and the other two had worked for several when I called, "Break Time!"  We met on the front porch.

"On Guard!"  I threw cans of pink, purple, and green silly string and I started to spray them yellow.  "Hit me with your best Shot!"  I sang as I ran and darted behind a tree.  Five minutes later, the freshly cut lawn, Briz's back, and Sunshine's hair was covered with our festivities.  With laughter, we all went back to our chores.  Bug is back in the front of her brain where thinking, reasoning, and laughter occur.  She's going to make it! 

Tangled Party

Friday Sunshine had a Tangled Un-Birthday Party.  Yes, this mom promised a birthday party 6 months ago, but got sick, and uh well yeah... we just got to it.  

Banners flew for the Festival of the Lanterns

We had to roll a huge dice and follow the path to get to the Festival.  

On the way, we stopped and had a bite... pizza, lemon creme filled strawberries, cream cheese brownies, and cookies.

 When we arrived, we learned a ribbon dance.

Then we each made a wish and let our own "lanterns go up into the sky."

The witch caught us and we couldn't see to get our way back home.  We were blindfolded with our hair and had to find our way.

Then all princess left with goody bags and place mats.  

Small investment, brought a lot of joy to Sunshine. 

School is in Session - Part 2 - Ruins and Scenery - by Ladybug

 I didn't just see cool things on this trip, I learned lots of educational stuff.  Here are some of the words I leaned on this trip. Others are by the pictures later in the blog.
      Cairn - a pile of rocks to mark trails or other things.
      Anasazi - ancient indians that left ruins in the canyons of the southwest.

My Dad and I hiked a very long way.  33 miles in four days. I didn't know I could hike that far until this trip.  I would like to do it again soon.

The first day we found a lot of ruins.  Some were in good shape and some had fallen.  Some were like lookout towers on the cliffs and were impossible to climb to.  Others were where the people lived and could be reached easily.

It got dark early so I had time to draw some of the ruins that we had seen.  I wrote some in my journal too.

There were lots of cool rock formations and pretty views during this trip.  Here are some of them.

My dad and I saw pictograph.  It was fun to try and guess what they meant.  A pictograph is painted and a petroglyph is carved or scratched out of the petrified desert varnish.

kiva - a round, underground building that was used for meetings and protection.  The door is always on the ceiling.  I think that they also had feasts in there.

There were lots of pottery and grinding stones around the ruins.  We left them there so others could see them too.  This was the law for hiking there.

I found some arrowheads out in the river area.  These were used for hunting and fighting.

Some of the rocks looked like painted waves.

Some parts of the creeks were still frozen from the winter and were very beautiful.

My Dad took this while he was going to the bathroom.  He had to take the shot fast before the clouds changed.  It was funny.

This was my friend on the trip.  She has the same name as me.  Cool, huh.

This was the coolest rock thing on the whole trip.  It looks like the little rock in the middle fell from the sky and cracked the big rock.  This was right on the trail.


Thanks Dad for taking me on this trip!

Sunrise Breakfast

I've always wanted to have a sunrise breakfast for Easter... ideally in the mountains where I could watch the sun come up and think about the resurrection. 

I am sick and need my sleep so we rose long after sunrise.  Not willing to give up my dream, Ladybug and I ate on my deck, simple fare, pesto eggs and grapefruit.  It did not matter that it was not fancy.  The birds chirped, the breeze was light, the cows and horses were frolicking the the field beneath us and it was quiet, special, beautiful, ours.  

We sang He is risen to all the animals that kept us company this morning. I guess all that mattered was that we were together, thinking of him... it was enough. 

Easter Cookies

It was late... we really should be getting to bed.  We'd had a lovely day.  Ladybug accompanied me to a hair appointment, then we weeded and mowed the lawn, then a trip to her therapy apointment, out to lunch at in-and-out.  Animal style and Animal style.  We shopped, planted flowers, worked out together, steamed to let the menthol clear my sore throat, and had soup for dinner. 

But, Easter was tomorrow, and we needed to commemorate it.  We ran to the store... AGAIN, and grabbed eggs.  "Who's going to do this with us Mom?"  "No one.  It's still Easter and we are important too.  Grab your apron." 

It was sweet, touching, and fun.  It got us both in the mood and then kept us up a bit late as we discussed the deeper elements of the story in answer to Bug's questions. 

Easter Cookies

To be made the evening before Easter

• 1cup whole pecans
• 1tsp vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• pinch salt
• 1 cup sugar
• zipper baggie
• wooden spoon
• tape
• Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!)

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was Beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1tsp vinegar into mixing bowl.  Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.  Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.  Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.  Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup sugar.

Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us to know and belong to Him.  Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.  Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.  Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.  Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.  Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.  Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.  Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.  Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED!  Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.  Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.  Read John 16:20 and 22.

 On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.  Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.  Read Matthew 28:1-9.

Plus.... they're quite yummy.

Weekend Munchies

Ladybug and I are at home.  Alone.  Easter Weekend.  Family is playing in the warmth with extended family... egg hunts, hikes, swimming.

All of Ladybug's therapy assignments effect me too.  So in effect, we are both in therapy.  Many would say I need it, so I guess that $90 an hour is getting a bang for its buck.

My tasks are to bond, to maintain strict order, to refrain from any activity which Bug has not earned AND to have a wonderful weekend for me where I can recoup.  Uh... putting these conflicting goals together is hard work.

Nonetheless, we are completing all the assigned tasks.  Food isn't banned so we went to Costco and loaded up on my favorites... Wasabi cheese, Smoked Gouda, RiceWorks crackers, Jalapeno Yogurt dip, Veggies, Shrimp... AND, we are only eating in beautiful stimulating places, tonight that means my tea table.  Hey I'm celebrating within my boundaries.

Ladybug asked if the Queen ever did what we are doing with her daughters... she felt like a princess.  I said I doubted if they did that they had quite as much fun.

Recovered

Briz has made a remarkable recovery.  I am so proud of him for allowing us to wheel him around for days.  He has tried to make healthy eating choices and for him, this is TOUGH.  But, so is he. 

Today in church he spoke of wake up calls that force him to realize that he spends much of his time on the unimportant. 

From my perspective, I reach over and pet his head, grateful that it is there for me.  He jumps up and down outside my shower with a mischievous grin and though I chastise him, I glow that his hyper self is still around to pester me.