So Proud

I'm so proud of Sylvie. We are almost all the way through her kindergarten version of "Hooked on Phonics." I'm a big fan of this program for learning at home. It's been really fun. We only do it every couple days so Sylvie doesn't get burned out. She is really into it now, because she's really starting to be able to read and it's exciting. If she's interested, we'll start in on the first grade edition. Anyway, I got all teary eyed when she was reading her phonics books to Rex on the couch today.

Boo!

We actually managed to have a nice Halloween. Kids and I carved pumpkins a couple days before. We attended the annual "Boo at the Zoo" day at the fabulous Oakland Zoo. The kids also had a Day of the Dead fiesta followed by a costume party for the "Parents Night Out" at the preschool. Then, Jeff came back from a conference in SoCal and, despite our turmoil, we spent the day with the kids going to the Bellavista neighborhood party and a party held here in our own courtyard (masterfully planned by Anna and our neighbor Michelle). I'm proud of us that we were able to give the kids a nice day - they deserve it. The kids were wild with excitement to wear their costumes and hang out with both their parents. Sylvie and I were witches, though Sylvie was a very princessy witch. Rex wore his dragon costume, which got lots of rave reviews. He walked around for most of the time with his "claws" up. Jeff was an evil tree. Here are some Halloween photos. By the way, it's confirmed that there is a fingerprint on the lens; sorry for the blurry photos.

The witch, dragon and pumpkin at Boo at the Zoo

On the train at the Zoo

The finished pumpkins

Scary (blurry) pumpkins

I know you are all wondering what an evil tree looks like.

My amazing kids

Camping at Big Basin Redwoods

A couple weeks ago, we took the kids camping at Big Basin Redwoods. We hadn't been camping in a long time. I've been looking forward to starting to camp again with the kids. They love sleeping in the tent in their sleeping bags. They even have their own headlamps. It's really fun. On the last day, the kids and I went hiking in one of the redwood groves. Here are some pictures (though they look fuzzy indicating that either kids have changed settings or touched the lens!). Sylvie is really into taking pictures. Any picture that I'm in, Sylvie took. She has asked Santa for a real, pink digital camera for Christmas (which he will deliver).

Sad Day

It's with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that Jeff and I are divorcing. After a really tough period of time, someone finally revealed to me the truth of what my husband has been up to for more than a year, compelling me to ask him to leave our house. I just want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of my friends and family who stood by me and comforted me. I couldn't have made it alone.

Don't worry, this blog will go on with Sylvie, Rex and I. We are doing well and already planning a fun November.

Jolie-Anne

Time Travel

These are some pictures of me in my early 20's in Kenya. They were sent to me by my father-in-law who is turning Jeff's slides into digital versions. It's incredible how much we all change in appearance. Now, I have trouble even remembering this girl.

Big Day in the Ansley Household

Today we hit two big milestones:

(1) Rex peed in the potty before his nap! Of course, I had to read books and sing songs to him for like 30 minutes, but he's very very proud of himself. He kept remarking that he is a big boy and that he peed in the potty like Mommy, Sylvie and Daddy. I really hope he is inspired to try again, because up until now he has had no interest.

(2) Sylvie made it halfway through her Hooked-on-Phonics (kindergarten edition) chart, which qualifies her for a prize (tiara making kit). She is also very proud of herself and has made BIG strides in reading this week. We usually work on it every day or so for 15-20 minutes though I will let her skip days if she is not that interested. She now really understands sounding out words. When she gets through the whole chart, her big gift is a trip to the used toy store to stock up on Barbie clothes.

Just to include a photo. Here's a super cute one from when Sylvie and Rex were visiting their grandparents in Florida. They really enjoyed playing with their grandparents' two dogs.

Hoes Down Festival

This weekend, the kids and I went to the Hoes Down Festival at Full Belly Farms in the Capay Valley of California with Johnny, Anna and Robbie. We get a weekly veggie box from this farm. The Hoes Down Festival is a pretty big event drawing lots and lots of people. It's very old-fashioned with crafts, farm tours, wagon rides and a kids' area with activities like shucking corn or shearing sheep. My kids love the activities, the animals and the Strauss Family ice cream. We had an amazing time. Here are some pictures and one video of Sylvie on the zipline. Enjoy.

The storytime teepee

Rex throwing hay waiting for the story to begin.

Sylvie and I made a garland out of flowers

Enjoying the ice cream.

Rex running an obstacle course.

Rex really liked the BIG tractors.

Some really cute chicks.

Sylvie on the zipline.