To contact us Click HERE
Thanks to all of you who have renewed your membership, and you still have time to renew. We have made it easy. Just complete the form and email to valflorida@hotmail.com and pay with your credit card via the paypal button on the blog.
Once we get your form, we will send you a link to our members only wiki.
Thanks for your support of volunteer literacy.
Sandy Newell
President, VALF
30 Eylül 2012 Pazar
Deadline for the American Dream Starts @ Your Library Extended
To contact us Click HERE
As you see from the note below, the grant deadline has been extended.
From: Marci Merola [mailto:mmerola@ala.org]
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:27 PM
To: aladnow@ala.org
Cc: John Amundsen
Subject: [aladnow] FW: American Dream Starts @ your library -Application deadline extended to 8/31
Due to the high volume of grant applications, theapplication deadline for The American Dream Starts @ your library Englishlanguage learner grant initiative has been extended to Friday, August 31,”
Visit www.americandreamtoolkit.org for more information or contact John Amundsen,Communications Specialist at the ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services,at jamundsen@ala.org.
From: Marci Merola [mailto:mmerola@ala.org]
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:27 PM
To: aladnow@ala.org
Cc: John Amundsen
Subject: [aladnow] FW: American Dream Starts @ your library -Application deadline extended to 8/31
Visit www.americandreamtoolkit.org for more information or contact John Amundsen,Communications Specialist at the ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services,at jamundsen@ala.org.
Columbia County Spelling Bee
To contact us Click HERE
It is that time of year again, Literacy Month....
Glennis Pounds, the literacy coordinator with the library's volunteer literacy program at the Columbina County Public Library is accepting teams for the annual Spelling Bee to support the Library Literacy Program.
The Spelling Bee will be Thursday, September 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake City Mall.
Businesses and organizations are encourage to sponsor teams. The entry is $100 per team and all the proceeds go to the Literacy Program. For more information, call Glennis Pounds at (386) 758-2111.
Let VALF know what you are doing next month... Put your activities in comments below.
Glennis Pounds, the literacy coordinator with the library's volunteer literacy program at the Columbina County Public Library is accepting teams for the annual Spelling Bee to support the Library Literacy Program.
The Spelling Bee will be Thursday, September 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake City Mall.
Businesses and organizations are encourage to sponsor teams. The entry is $100 per team and all the proceeds go to the Literacy Program. For more information, call Glennis Pounds at (386) 758-2111.
Let VALF know what you are doing next month... Put your activities in comments below.
The jobs I didn't get
To contact us Click HERE
My husband often makes fun of me because I'm constantly cataloging events of the past and infusing them with meaning. Case in point: jobs I didn't get. There are several jobs in my career history that I applied for and really felt I should have gotten, but did not. In each case "not getting the job" paved the way for a bigger, better, or more interesting opportunities. Coincidence? You decide...
The first time around, I was a 22 year old promotion assistant at a TV station in Boston. After about a year on the job, I saw a listing for a position in the station's LA branch writing descriptions of TV for the blind. As a creative writing major and TV lover, I instantly thought it was the perfect job for me. Plus, I was dying to leave Boston. I interofficed my resume to HR and gave my boss a heads-up that I might be leaving soon (cocky, right?). A few weeks passed and nothing. Then, the job's no longer posted. Then, I found out someone else in my department got the job. So, I stayed in Boston and a mere two months later met my future husband at a birthday party (hey, it would have been impossible to attend if I was living in LA).
Next time around, I was a 25 year old cultural arts publicist looking for a new job (preferably one that did not mandate grueling weekend & night performance duty in addition to 9-5 office hours). I applied for a PR position at a local hospital. Made it past two rounds of interviews and felt primed to go all the way. Sent endearing, perfect thank-you cards to all involved. Two weeks later I found out they picked the other finalist. Darn. But then four weeks later, I was offered a PR job at another TV station. where I really wanted to be.
And finally there was last year, I was a 29 year old laid off mom pining over a position at a national broadcast agency. The job description felt like I had written it myself, that's how closely aligned it was with my goals and experience, but what I didn't realize (what I couldn't have known) was that the job was specific for a reason: they had an internal candidate. I didn't even make it past the first interview. The afternoon I got the email was one of my lowest in the job hunt. But (as mentioned in a previous post) a mere five hours later I was offered an invitation to apply for a position as COO of a multimedia non-profit. And you know where that got me...
In short, the universe acts in mysterious ways. Sometimes you just have to accept that what seems like the right fit, is not. There's something else in store for you.
The first time around, I was a 22 year old promotion assistant at a TV station in Boston. After about a year on the job, I saw a listing for a position in the station's LA branch writing descriptions of TV for the blind. As a creative writing major and TV lover, I instantly thought it was the perfect job for me. Plus, I was dying to leave Boston. I interofficed my resume to HR and gave my boss a heads-up that I might be leaving soon (cocky, right?). A few weeks passed and nothing. Then, the job's no longer posted. Then, I found out someone else in my department got the job. So, I stayed in Boston and a mere two months later met my future husband at a birthday party (hey, it would have been impossible to attend if I was living in LA).
Next time around, I was a 25 year old cultural arts publicist looking for a new job (preferably one that did not mandate grueling weekend & night performance duty in addition to 9-5 office hours). I applied for a PR position at a local hospital. Made it past two rounds of interviews and felt primed to go all the way. Sent endearing, perfect thank-you cards to all involved. Two weeks later I found out they picked the other finalist. Darn. But then four weeks later, I was offered a PR job at another TV station. where I really wanted to be.
And finally there was last year, I was a 29 year old laid off mom pining over a position at a national broadcast agency. The job description felt like I had written it myself, that's how closely aligned it was with my goals and experience, but what I didn't realize (what I couldn't have known) was that the job was specific for a reason: they had an internal candidate. I didn't even make it past the first interview. The afternoon I got the email was one of my lowest in the job hunt. But (as mentioned in a previous post) a mere five hours later I was offered an invitation to apply for a position as COO of a multimedia non-profit. And you know where that got me...
In short, the universe acts in mysterious ways. Sometimes you just have to accept that what seems like the right fit, is not. There's something else in store for you.
What I'm Giving Up
To contact us Click HERE
Unemployment is a time to consider what's essential. Last year when I was laid off, I had a really generous severance package and with lots of job prospects, I felt pretty secure with moderate adjustments. I reduced my gym membership to a restricted hours plan. I cut my allowance in half. We ate out less.
This time around, I'm not quite as confident. For starters, it's possible I'll be out of work longer than the 3 months it took me last time. And without severance, things get real pretty fast. I'm erring on the side of caution and giving up as many non-essentials as I can stomach. In particular, my entire allowance and entire gym membership. If you read my entry about working out for less then you know giving up the gym is not a big deal. I'll run and lift weights at my house for free.
Allowance is the real sacrifice. When my husband and I first got married, we opened a joint checking & savings account, but also opted to each keep a private checking account. All individual purchases come out of this account: clothes, shoes, haircuts, makeup, dining out, classes, entertainment, gum, magazines, books, music, etc.
Luckily, I had a bit of reserve saved up before becoming unemployed, which should get me through the next couple of months if I'm frugal. In the meantime, it's a fascinating study in what is and isn't essential to spend money on in the short run.
This time around, I'm not quite as confident. For starters, it's possible I'll be out of work longer than the 3 months it took me last time. And without severance, things get real pretty fast. I'm erring on the side of caution and giving up as many non-essentials as I can stomach. In particular, my entire allowance and entire gym membership. If you read my entry about working out for less then you know giving up the gym is not a big deal. I'll run and lift weights at my house for free.
Allowance is the real sacrifice. When my husband and I first got married, we opened a joint checking & savings account, but also opted to each keep a private checking account. All individual purchases come out of this account: clothes, shoes, haircuts, makeup, dining out, classes, entertainment, gum, magazines, books, music, etc.
Luckily, I had a bit of reserve saved up before becoming unemployed, which should get me through the next couple of months if I'm frugal. In the meantime, it's a fascinating study in what is and isn't essential to spend money on in the short run.
- Clothes: I shouldn't need to buy new clothes. I have enough suits for interviews and jeans and t-shirts to wear around the house. Nonessential
- Hair: My hair is really short right now, but no job = no bob. I'll need one last trip to the salon to get things evened out and ready to grow. Semi-essential
- Makeup: I don't wear very much, but I stockpiled the expensive stuff at a Christmas sale. All the rest, I buy at the beauty bodega down the street for less than $6 a piece. Semi-essential
- Entertainment: First, DC's full of free museums and many lovely parks. Second, my bedside drawer is stacked with books I haven't read. Third, we've got NetFlix, TiVo and various online viewing options. Nonessential
- Eating out: This is both an easy & hard one. It's extremely easy for me to eat what's in the house. On the other hand, one expense that's always worth it (especially in unemployment) is connecting with people over lunch and drinks. Essential
29 Eylül 2012 Cumartesi
Free General Education Online Courses at the Library
To contact us Click HERE
Library system offering onlinecourses – Stuart News
Martin County Library Systemannounced that beginning Aug. 27, library users will have access to more than500 online continuing education courses through a new online learning toolcalled Universal Class. Topics include arts and photography, alternativemedicine, business, office skills, crafts, pet and animal care, home andgarden, teacher tools, web development, writing help, self help, home schooling, general educationand more. Each course offers a certificate of completion when finished
List of Courses: Scroll down to see the general education courses
Library system offering onlinecourses – Stuart News
Martin County Library Systemannounced that beginning Aug. 27, library users will have access to more than500 online continuing education courses through a new online learning toolcalled Universal Class. Topics include arts and photography, alternativemedicine, business, office skills, crafts, pet and animal care, home andgarden, teacher tools, web development, writing help, self help, home schooling, general educationand more. Each course offers a certificate of completion when finished
List of Courses: Scroll down to see the general education courses
Free Online Training Through Libraries
To contact us Click HERE
Many public libraries in Florida provide free online training for adult education. As students gain very basic skills with help from a volunteer tutor, their lessons can be enhanced if they add independent learning strategies. They can take courses online free at some libraries. Or if they are lucky enough to have access to the Internet in other locations via a wireless hotspot or from home--though their library. Larger libraries tend to be able to afford these programs. Ask your library if they have a free program or are considering getting a program. Tell them that you will help promote the program to your clientele if they purchase it.
Tutor.com is one libraries provide. It provides free tutors for all ages. Learning Express is another online tool. Tutor.com can be accessed through an I.Phone which extends access as many students have smart phones.
If you are a tutor or program manager, share how you introduce these free resources to students in comments below. Most require a library card to sign in. I know alot of programs, help students get a library card early in their tutoring sessions. What do you do?
The programs need to be used to make it worthwhile for a library to pay for them. I just learned that Learning Express only provides data on students who complete a full test --not those who go in and only go part way. If tutors promote these online tools and share their success stories of their students with library staff, libraries may be more likely to keep paying for them--even as the collection budget shrinks.
As a tutor, you can be the cheerleader for students who complete a course.
Continue to share your student outcomes--with funders and with your library partners too. Libraries need stories like these, to convince the politicians that libraries are important in the 21st Century!
Have a good Labor Day weekend and Happy Literacy Month.
Thanks,
Sandy Newell, President, VALF
Tutor.com is one libraries provide. It provides free tutors for all ages. Learning Express is another online tool. Tutor.com can be accessed through an I.Phone which extends access as many students have smart phones.
If you are a tutor or program manager, share how you introduce these free resources to students in comments below. Most require a library card to sign in. I know alot of programs, help students get a library card early in their tutoring sessions. What do you do?
The programs need to be used to make it worthwhile for a library to pay for them. I just learned that Learning Express only provides data on students who complete a full test --not those who go in and only go part way. If tutors promote these online tools and share their success stories of their students with library staff, libraries may be more likely to keep paying for them--even as the collection budget shrinks.
As a tutor, you can be the cheerleader for students who complete a course.
Continue to share your student outcomes--with funders and with your library partners too. Libraries need stories like these, to convince the politicians that libraries are important in the 21st Century!
Have a good Labor Day weekend and Happy Literacy Month.
Thanks,
Sandy Newell, President, VALF
Webinar Tonight --Recording Will be Available--FYI
To contact us Click HERE
To control which emails you receive on Student 2.0, click here |
To contact us Click HERE
Check out vocabulary.com to learn new words. It pulls words from many places, including the New York Times.
As students progress, they need to learn a lot more to be able to pass the GED. They can do it via online tools like this one. Even if your student reads at a very low level, you can read to your student and discuss the articles together. This builds their critical thinking skills --which will be even more important in the 2014 test. Even if a student can't read a word like grandeur, he or she can learn what it means and how to use it in a sentence.
As students progress, they need to learn a lot more to be able to pass the GED. They can do it via online tools like this one. Even if your student reads at a very low level, you can read to your student and discuss the articles together. This builds their critical thinking skills --which will be even more important in the 2014 test. Even if a student can't read a word like grandeur, he or she can learn what it means and how to use it in a sentence.
GED Computer Literacy Test Taking Skills
To contact us Click HERE
To pass the new GED test --starting in 2014, students will need computer literacy test taking skills. Many libraries have online programs VALF. Search earlier posts to learn a little more.
If tutors want to see a quick review of the new test, watch this video. Students entering literacy programs today will likely be taking the new test and should work toward it.
They will need prior knowledge. Watch for another post on how to learn prior knowledge.
If tutors want to see a quick review of the new test, watch this video. Students entering literacy programs today will likely be taking the new test and should work toward it.
They will need prior knowledge. Watch for another post on how to learn prior knowledge.
28 Eylül 2012 Cuma
Fun Learning Prior Knowledge Needed for the GED
To contact us Click HERE
Are you looking for free online tools to make learning more fun, then check out How Stuff Works...
Howstuffworks was created in 1998, with multi-platform ‘edutainment’ site with an android free app that puts a whole lot of knowledge on you computer or in your hand via a smart phone.
All kinds of interesting information is in categories like science, auto, money, home and garden and more.includes games, facts by authorities and much more.
Check out the biggest lies in history and more. Sign up for their newsletter today.
Tell our VALF readers what you think of the site. Could it be used in lessons or for independent learning? We want to hear from you.
Howstuffworks was created in 1998, with multi-platform ‘edutainment’ site with an android free app that puts a whole lot of knowledge on you computer or in your hand via a smart phone.
All kinds of interesting information is in categories like science, auto, money, home and garden and more.includes games, facts by authorities and much more.
Check out the biggest lies in history and more. Sign up for their newsletter today.
Tell our VALF readers what you think of the site. Could it be used in lessons or for independent learning? We want to hear from you.
Complete PreGED Lesson Plans Free
To contact us Click HERE
Tutors looking for complete preGED lesson plans with activities, pictures and a lot more can go to Florida Technet and print off or download this free material. The lesson plans are in pdf formats and are aimed at those who read at a 6th grade level but could be adapted to use with a lower level student who wanting to pass the GED test.
It is not too early for tutors to start building ways to learn prior knowledge on subjects like science or social studies. The current test --which will only be available through 2013--does not require this prior knowledge. Students must pass all components of the current test by the end of next year, or will have to start over.
Tutors and students can start working together to build a learning environment that goes beyond reading and writing. Successful students need to take advantage of all opportunities--tutors, adult education classes, independent learning opportunities on their mobile phone and through their local library.
Share below how you and your literacy program are building in ways for students to learn prior knowledge.
It is not too early for tutors to start building ways to learn prior knowledge on subjects like science or social studies. The current test --which will only be available through 2013--does not require this prior knowledge. Students must pass all components of the current test by the end of next year, or will have to start over.
Tutors and students can start working together to build a learning environment that goes beyond reading and writing. Successful students need to take advantage of all opportunities--tutors, adult education classes, independent learning opportunities on their mobile phone and through their local library.
Share below how you and your literacy program are building in ways for students to learn prior knowledge.
Health Literacy Month Ideas and Resources
To contact us Click HERE
Resources on Health Literacy
October is Health Literacy Month. You can download this Logo free at http://www.healthliteracymonth.org/. This site is provided by Helen Osborne, a health literacy consultant in the medical field, and thus promotes her books here.
Women's Health Booklet -- Easy to Read PDF published by the Florida Literacy Coalition in 2010. They also have one on stress.
Did you know you can load a pdf onto your kindle file. If you have a personal kindle account, you can email a pdf through the kindle email account that comes with it. This can put the many free easy to read items at your finger tips during a lesson. If you also have an I-phone, it will show up there in your kindle account. Here is more on how to do it. It's pretty cool and an easy way to add reading opportunities for students.
Florida Grants for Health Literacy -- Florida Literacy Coalition has partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield to award $5,000 grants each spring. To see a list of the 2012 grants and learn more about the program go to this link.
The Institute for Healthcare Advancement sells low level health literacy books and hosts a health literacy conference in California each year. One of their popular titles is on teeth. IHA also has a grant program for nonprofits where you can purchase the titles for $5.00 plus shipping and handling. It looks like you can apply any time and hear within 30 days.
The American Medical Association has resources on health literacy for the medical profession. They also have grants for community based organizations.. You do not even need to be a nonprofit, but they ask for extra if you are not. In their web page, they say check back in May 2013 for more information about the grant program. This year the grants went to prescription related grants for ages up to 21 years.
The National Patient Safety Foundation has a very simple but powerful effort to improve communication between a doctor and a patient. It is called "Ask 3 questions?"
Every person who goes to a doctor can use these simple questions. English Language Learner tutors can build these questions into a dialog. Adult basic education learners can learn how to read the questions as a way to do a student centered lesson, especially for parents or an adult who has a health problem. Even tutors who use this strategy can have a better handle on a scary doctor visit.
Learn more about health literacy from a student perspective.
Share what you are doing or your questions about health literacy in comments below.
 |
| Health Literacy Month Logo |
Resources on Health Literacy
October is Health Literacy Month. You can download this Logo free at http://www.healthliteracymonth.org/. This site is provided by Helen Osborne, a health literacy consultant in the medical field, and thus promotes her books here.
Women's Health Booklet -- Easy to Read PDF published by the Florida Literacy Coalition in 2010. They also have one on stress.
Did you know you can load a pdf onto your kindle file. If you have a personal kindle account, you can email a pdf through the kindle email account that comes with it. This can put the many free easy to read items at your finger tips during a lesson. If you also have an I-phone, it will show up there in your kindle account. Here is more on how to do it. It's pretty cool and an easy way to add reading opportunities for students.
Want to know more about integrating health literacy into lessons, go to the Harvard School of Public Health.
The National Assessment of Adult Literacy Survey included health literacy in their 2003 survey. More research is available, because this is one of the few areas in adult literacy which has been well researched --from the medical perspective. Here is more research cited and posted in 2010.
Health Literacy Grants and Cheap Health Literacy Books
Florida Grants for Health Literacy -- Florida Literacy Coalition has partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield to award $5,000 grants each spring. To see a list of the 2012 grants and learn more about the program go to this link.
The Institute for Healthcare Advancement sells low level health literacy books and hosts a health literacy conference in California each year. One of their popular titles is on teeth. IHA also has a grant program for nonprofits where you can purchase the titles for $5.00 plus shipping and handling. It looks like you can apply any time and hear within 30 days.
The American Medical Association has resources on health literacy for the medical profession. They also have grants for community based organizations.. You do not even need to be a nonprofit, but they ask for extra if you are not. In their web page, they say check back in May 2013 for more information about the grant program. This year the grants went to prescription related grants for ages up to 21 years.
Taking Control of a Doctor Visit
The National Patient Safety Foundation has a very simple but powerful effort to improve communication between a doctor and a patient. It is called "Ask 3 questions?"
Every person who goes to a doctor can use these simple questions. English Language Learner tutors can build these questions into a dialog. Adult basic education learners can learn how to read the questions as a way to do a student centered lesson, especially for parents or an adult who has a health problem. Even tutors who use this strategy can have a better handle on a scary doctor visit.
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
Learn more about health literacy from a student perspective.Share what you are doing or your questions about health literacy in comments below.
Free Quality Health Information at the Florida Electronic Library
To contact us Click HERE
Want free quality health information; go to the FloridaElectronic Library. http://www.flelibrary.org/
Anyone living in Florida can go to this site through yoursmart phone, home computer or at the library. You do not need a library card.
You may want to start at the library and get help from staffon how to find what you need. It isn’tas friendly as google, but is much more authoritative. You can also listen to articles online or downloadarticles via a podcast. So, if you can’t read very well, the information isstill accessible to you. Articles canalso be translated to other languages if a person cannot read English, but canread their home language.
The My Library App helps you find your local library on themap. Through your phone you can access the free online resources. FEL is provided through federal funding via the State Library and Archives ofFlorida. The App is a littleclunky. It starts with the smaller Appformat, but once you get into the site it is the same screen as on acomputer. When you get to an article,you have to enlarge the screen, and look at the list on the right of the screen.This is where you click to listen to an article or translate it to anotherlanguage.
By listening, astudent can build literacy skills. Even if you are working with a student whocan’t read very well, you can help him practice critical thinking skills and learn information on health problems important to him or her.
As a homework assignment, ask the student to download thearticle to his IPod. He can then listen to it before the next lesson. The tutor should read the article too. When a tutor and student get back together,the two can discuss, ask questions and more. This process of critical questioning and thinking is an important skill topass the GED and to survive in general.
If you as a tutor are uncomfortable with technology, your student may be able to take the lead on this and help you!
Want free quality health information; go to the FloridaElectronic Library. http://www.flelibrary.org/Anyone living in Florida can go to this site through yoursmart phone, home computer or at the library. You do not need a library card.
You may want to start at the library and get help from staffon how to find what you need. It isn’tas friendly as google, but is much more authoritative. You can also listen to articles online or downloadarticles via a podcast. So, if you can’t read very well, the information isstill accessible to you. Articles canalso be translated to other languages if a person cannot read English, but canread their home language.
The My Library App helps you find your local library on themap. Through your phone you can access the free online resources. FEL is provided through federal funding via the State Library and Archives ofFlorida. The App is a littleclunky. It starts with the smaller Appformat, but once you get into the site it is the same screen as on acomputer. When you get to an article,you have to enlarge the screen, and look at the list on the right of the screen.This is where you click to listen to an article or translate it to anotherlanguage.
By listening, astudent can build literacy skills. Even if you are working with a student whocan’t read very well, you can help him practice critical thinking skills and learn information on health problems important to him or her.
As a homework assignment, ask the student to download thearticle to his IPod. He can then listen to it before the next lesson. The tutor should read the article too. When a tutor and student get back together,the two can discuss, ask questions and more. This process of critical questioning and thinking is an important skill topass the GED and to survive in general.
If you as a tutor are uncomfortable with technology, your student may be able to take the lead on this and help you!
Take the GED Test On Computer
To contact us Click HERE
The GED Testing Service is rebranding itself to be a GEDMarketPlace. They released a pressrelease this month announcing this. Itis partnering with Scholastic and says it won’t have GED advertisements. This is a good thing, because adds are a hugeproblem when you search the internet.
There are many for profit companies that tryto get the GED business of those who don’t have a diploma. Some are real scamsto suck you in and get your money. When going to any online site, make sure anonline company or school is creditable. The new marketplace site, still bothered me as it moved quickly to selling books.
You can still take the test in paper or can now do it viacomputer in Florida through 2013, but you still need to go into an Official GEDTest Site. Starting in 2014 you willonly be able to take the new test online.
Computer literacy can be an issue for adult learners. Some are unfamiliar with compters. There is a tutorial at this site that provides a computerliteracy overview for those who are not savvy with the computer. Go to www.GEDtestingservice.com/educators/great-things
The GED Testing Service is rebranding itself to be a GEDMarketPlace. They released a pressrelease this month announcing this. Itis partnering with Scholastic and says it won’t have GED advertisements. This is a good thing, because adds are a hugeproblem when you search the internet.
There are many for profit companies that tryto get the GED business of those who don’t have a diploma. Some are real scamsto suck you in and get your money. When going to any online site, make sure anonline company or school is creditable. The new marketplace site, still bothered me as it moved quickly to selling books.
You can still take the test in paper or can now do it viacomputer in Florida through 2013, but you still need to go into an Official GEDTest Site. Starting in 2014 you willonly be able to take the new test online.
Computer literacy can be an issue for adult learners. Some are unfamiliar with compters. There is a tutorial at this site that provides a computerliteracy overview for those who are not savvy with the computer. Go to www.GEDtestingservice.com/educators/great-things
27 Eylül 2012 Perşembe
Todays post will come a bit late...
To contact us Click HERE
I'm puppy sitting this week and I can't get their Mac to link with dropbox and blogger to actually post pictures in my post (for some reason it tries to download pictures from Itunes?????)
It worked the other day, so who really knows anymore, but I just can't post the week with family post sans pictures... its just not right...
So i'll be posting later this afternoon/evening from my house before I run over for a meeting on that side of town :)
I'm puppy sitting this week and I can't get their Mac to link with dropbox and blogger to actually post pictures in my post (for some reason it tries to download pictures from Itunes?????)It worked the other day, so who really knows anymore, but I just can't post the week with family post sans pictures... its just not right...
So i'll be posting later this afternoon/evening from my house before I run over for a meeting on that side of town :)
A Week with Family!
To contact us Click HERE
I decided to do one large post to sum up having family in town instead of two... so hopefully the delay was worth it :)
Last Tuesday night the first of South County Boy's family slowly started trickling into town for my baptism and confirmation. Since we live in a one bedroom condo and just one of his brothers family is 6 people all on its own, it was decided that the family would just book the same camp grounds they used for the wedding and all stay there and use our condo as home base and a break from the really hot weather we have been experiencing.
Of course when traveling with little kiddos, something always gets left behind and plans slightly delayed, so they weren't able to make it to camp until night fall so SCB and I headed over there with a better lantern and some extra flash lights to try and help them set up camp before it got too late into the evening.
We spent the next morning at our house making plans for the week and decided that we should spend the day at the beach. We packed and loaded up our cars and grabbed chairs and sun shades and spent a full day breaking the heat on the coast, playing in the surf, and getting a good lead in to the book i've been working on. It was a really pleasant day all around! We had to race home that night because we had a last minute meeting with the missionaries to talk about my baptism and then we headed out to the campgrounds to help SCB's parents set up their campsite since they had arrived that evening.
After getting them settled in, we decided to spend the next morning going over to finally experience the giant orange county balloon! The city of Irvine has a giant orange helium balloon that's free to ride with a carousel inside "the great park" that they have been constructing over the years. While they ended up having some temporary issues and we could only go up part of the way (100 of the 400 feet), it was a pretty cool experience and SCB and I now have 10 "skip the line" passes that we can use to come back since the balloon was having issues that day and we never made it back out as a family to go back on it while everyone was there.
Our friends from Utah drove down to visit family in California and thursday afternoon they drove down from LA to see us and for my baptism. Just after they arrived, SCB's other brother and family were there as well!! We did a condo style BBQ (where some people ate outside on the grass, others on the patio, others in the kitchen and living room... few people on my bedroom floor) and my best friend came down and hung out with everyone too since she stopped in after working in Anaheim and stayed with us until after the baptism since she lives out in Riverside. I had invited my mom and sister to come over for the BBQ, but they declined... again. (It seems like whenever SCB's family is in town, they don't want to have anything to do with them, and then once they are gone my mom complains about how they never reach out to her... No wonder SCB's parents no longer thing kindly of my family)...
After the BBQ we went over to the Church to prep for my baptism.... It was a really great ceremony. One of my old sister missionaries drove down from Arizona to speak at my baptism, My brother in law Carlos performed the actual baptism, and SCB's mom also spoke and gave a talk after I shared my testimony. All my close friends in my bridal party were there, my friends from church who could make it, and members of our local ward... At one point it was standing room only and it made me smile and feel loved. I wore a cute all white outfit (instead of the jumpsuit they have as a clothing option), and it went over well.
While my mom, sister, and her fiance were in attendance, my mom was drunk (yup, you could smell it on her), but on the upside, SCB's mom thought she was nicer drunk at my baptism than sober at my wedding. Oh, and they left the nano second they could afterward. My friend took photos and i'll post them once I get them from him, but I just have a post baptism shot with our friends from Utah.
Friday we spent down at the farmer's market selling pens and my crochet flowers in the morning, and then grabbed lunch and walked the mall to take advantage of the AC to help beat the heat before we hit chipotle for dinner with the family. I'll do a separate post on the breakdown from the farmers market a bit later.
Saturday we did a family trip down to the discover science center. I had never been there, but SCB had fond memories of the place from his childhood... and we had a pretty good time. The place is kind of neat and if I had kids that were old enough to enjoy it, i'd grab that $99 annual family pass they offer.
After the discovery Science Center we hung out at the campsite and got little Cesars cheap pizza for a quite and not clean up dinner. There were more electronic devises (ipods, tablets, smart phones) than people at one point. I heart my new family.
The next morning was my confirmation at Church. My father-in-law conformed me a member and all South County Boy's brothers (and himself), plus the elders and a few members of the ward joined in. Allen even wore a tie for the occasion :)
All in all, a good Sunday! Many family members had to leave after sacrament service to head back home, but I was so thankful to have them come out and be there. Family is good!
Last Tuesday night the first of South County Boy's family slowly started trickling into town for my baptism and confirmation. Since we live in a one bedroom condo and just one of his brothers family is 6 people all on its own, it was decided that the family would just book the same camp grounds they used for the wedding and all stay there and use our condo as home base and a break from the really hot weather we have been experiencing.
Of course when traveling with little kiddos, something always gets left behind and plans slightly delayed, so they weren't able to make it to camp until night fall so SCB and I headed over there with a better lantern and some extra flash lights to try and help them set up camp before it got too late into the evening.
We spent the next morning at our house making plans for the week and decided that we should spend the day at the beach. We packed and loaded up our cars and grabbed chairs and sun shades and spent a full day breaking the heat on the coast, playing in the surf, and getting a good lead in to the book i've been working on. It was a really pleasant day all around! We had to race home that night because we had a last minute meeting with the missionaries to talk about my baptism and then we headed out to the campgrounds to help SCB's parents set up their campsite since they had arrived that evening.After getting them settled in, we decided to spend the next morning going over to finally experience the giant orange county balloon! The city of Irvine has a giant orange helium balloon that's free to ride with a carousel inside "the great park" that they have been constructing over the years. While they ended up having some temporary issues and we could only go up part of the way (100 of the 400 feet), it was a pretty cool experience and SCB and I now have 10 "skip the line" passes that we can use to come back since the balloon was having issues that day and we never made it back out as a family to go back on it while everyone was there.
 |
| Look!!! Its a panda! |
 |
| I like him! |
 |
| The Balloon! |
Our friends from Utah drove down to visit family in California and thursday afternoon they drove down from LA to see us and for my baptism. Just after they arrived, SCB's other brother and family were there as well!! We did a condo style BBQ (where some people ate outside on the grass, others on the patio, others in the kitchen and living room... few people on my bedroom floor) and my best friend came down and hung out with everyone too since she stopped in after working in Anaheim and stayed with us until after the baptism since she lives out in Riverside. I had invited my mom and sister to come over for the BBQ, but they declined... again. (It seems like whenever SCB's family is in town, they don't want to have anything to do with them, and then once they are gone my mom complains about how they never reach out to her... No wonder SCB's parents no longer thing kindly of my family)...
 |
| My friends adorable baby girl... makes me want kids.... |
After the BBQ we went over to the Church to prep for my baptism.... It was a really great ceremony. One of my old sister missionaries drove down from Arizona to speak at my baptism, My brother in law Carlos performed the actual baptism, and SCB's mom also spoke and gave a talk after I shared my testimony. All my close friends in my bridal party were there, my friends from church who could make it, and members of our local ward... At one point it was standing room only and it made me smile and feel loved. I wore a cute all white outfit (instead of the jumpsuit they have as a clothing option), and it went over well.
While my mom, sister, and her fiance were in attendance, my mom was drunk (yup, you could smell it on her), but on the upside, SCB's mom thought she was nicer drunk at my baptism than sober at my wedding. Oh, and they left the nano second they could afterward. My friend took photos and i'll post them once I get them from him, but I just have a post baptism shot with our friends from Utah.
Friday we spent down at the farmer's market selling pens and my crochet flowers in the morning, and then grabbed lunch and walked the mall to take advantage of the AC to help beat the heat before we hit chipotle for dinner with the family. I'll do a separate post on the breakdown from the farmers market a bit later.
Saturday we did a family trip down to the discover science center. I had never been there, but SCB had fond memories of the place from his childhood... and we had a pretty good time. The place is kind of neat and if I had kids that were old enough to enjoy it, i'd grab that $99 annual family pass they offer.
 |
| Wind Tunnel! |
 |
| I'm a "smart" shopper! |
 |
| I'm laying on a bed of nails.. It wasn't all that pleasant |
 |
| yeah for fake screen backgrounds!!! |
 |
| PIN WALL!!! |
The next morning was my confirmation at Church. My father-in-law conformed me a member and all South County Boy's brothers (and himself), plus the elders and a few members of the ward joined in. Allen even wore a tie for the occasion :)
 |
| My old sister missionary :) |
Kaydol:
Yorumlar (Atom)