Week # 5 & 6 @ The Dahlhouse: Schedule Changes, Rabbit Show & A Birthday Party

Weeks 5 & 6 are together for this update because my trusted, loved and well used PC decided to give me the "blue screen of death."  I have fiddled around with it for awhile; however, I have decided to let a good friend and computer genius have a go at it, and see if he can revive my good friend.  If not...{crying} I will be looking for a new PC. We've had our current one for 4 years, but I am not ready to part with it.  I love that computer.  But for the time being, I am currently attempting to make friends with my new laptop, which I have never really figured out.  Most of my pictures are all on the computer, so I have attempted to salvage a few from social media to make this update. 

Week 5 continued as normal.  It was mostly a quiet week.  Matthew had therapy, and continues to make progress on his speech.  He has begun to say a few phrases such as "play-it", "ready-set-doe", "bye-bye," "ba-ba," "puppies" (every animal is a puppies), "tank-u", "peeze," "nope", "daaaa-deee," "mommeee," waa-er," "beep-beeps," "bus," etc.  He has yet to really say a sentence or connect more than two words together.  Even the two words together is very far and few between.  I try not to worry too much and remind myself he is making progress.  I am still waiting for an occupational therapy evaluation.  His teacher therapist said that the waiting list is 4 months.  I've already been waiting 6 weeks.  I went this route because they told me it would be quicker.  Ha.  I have been thinking I am going to ask Matthew's pediatrician for a referral to Legacy for a "real" OT evaluation.  Like most things, you get what you pay for.  If I am going to pay for the therapy, I want it to be quality and I know it is at Legacy.

Yesterday our little Man Cub celebrated his 2nd birthday with a household of our family and very dear friends.  My heart was very full as I looked around the house at our friends and family.  What a blessing and support they are to me.  The theme for his bday was surprise..."Trucks".  I had fun decorating and coming up with ideas ( thank you Pinterest). 

Two weeks ago, Mark was asked to mentor in Longview/Kalama again.  We were shocked and overjoyed!! This position means a predictable schedule and set days off.  I can't explain how going from "no schedule" to a set schedule has changed my life.  It always does.  We had just completed 7 months of being essentially "on call" all the time to now having a schedule.  It's crazy.  The position is always temporary, mirroring the supply and demand of grain and other crops they need to ship through the port.  But I am believing for at least a few months of some peace and predictability.

Last weekend, two of the kiddos participated in a 4H rabbit show.  This was Luke's first time showing his rabbit as a senior.  This is the top class that Luke can compete in.  He was very nervous to say the least.  However, he did a fantastic job.  I had a very fun time hanging out and visiting with the other moms and taking a small break from the little 2 year old.  It was a great day.

Week 4 @ The Dahlhouse: Meetings & Projects & Trucks

Week 4 at the Dahlhouse was hard week.  Some weeks just are.  So much going on and trying to hold down the house while Mark is busy working (traveling) can take it's toll after a while.  My Monday was insane and there were moments where I wasn't sure if we were all going to make it though.  I found this quote that is so true.  On Monday I was a little bit of everything all rolled into one mom.  

Monday I had a big meeting for Luke at his school.  It wasn't because anything was going wrong, but because sometimes you just are hoping things can be better, and hopeful everyone can be on the same page.  No matter how many of these meetings I sit in over the years, they are never easy.  Even when you are all on the same side.  A lot of meetings feel like "us vs. them."  However, I am happy that this meeting was...them with us...working with us...to make sure everyone was up to date on Luke.  Monday, Mark was in Pasco, so I was flying solo on this meeting.  Mark is my rock and it's difficult to go to these meetings without him.  He is incredible source of support.  Luke's tutor; however, was an amazing support and additional advocate for Luke.  I was so thankful she was there.  I did well...despite choking back some tears at times.  I surely didn't want to cry, although I easily could have.  Even though I know all the truth about Luke and his special needs...it is never easy to hear others talk about it.  I keep going...one foot in front of the other.  Advocate...advocate...advocate his worth.

Birthday prep is underway during this week at the Dahlhouse.  I can hardly believe this little guy is going to turn two in just a few weeks.  Seriously...where has the time gone.  It has flown by.  I am really enjoying this stage.  He is funny, opinionated, strong willed, sweet, loveable, has his own personality and likes...he is joy!

Matthew LOVES his trucks!  I am so excited he is getting his two year pictures taken this next week with our favorite photographer: Brienne Kristen Photography.  And the theme will be....you guessed it "TRUCKS!"  I was looking through the newborn pictures she took of Man Cub (2 years ago) and can hardly believe he was that small.   

Projects were accomplished this week.  Luke completed his Revolutionary War Timeline.  It was a major class project for Humanities; but Luke did an amazing job.  I am very proud.  He made it out of sheetrock.  I am also excited that he will be getting to see these places when he goes on the DC Trip.

This is what was happening when I was working with Luke and not paying attention to Man Cub's every move.  Goldfish, board games and toys!

His favorite toys are anything with wheels!  He will say "choo-choo," "car," and "bus".

Grace had an ortho appointment this week.  Braces are getting closer and closer for her.  She is excited to get her teeth her fixed.  I know it will give her more confidence.  

I found this little gem when I was cleaning out the diaper bag.  Seriously!  This girl!!!  I LOVE her!!! It's glamor shots at Chuck E Cheese.

 Brother bonding.

Mark and I went to the Portland Auto Show this week and Man Cub tagged along.  Vehicles are another one of Matthew's love languages.  He LOVED getting in and out of all the cars.  He walked around saying "beep-beep".  People thought he was the cutest!   I agree.

We call this the "silent fit".  Matthew protests when he doesn't like something.  He doesn't yell or cry.  Just lays there and makes faces at you.  In this example we made him get out of the car and he didn't like that idea.  He went and laid down in the middle of the Toyota display.  Awesome.  We are obviously winning at this parenting thing.

I love this picture...we are in my dream car.  Someday!  It is a Land Rover Range Rover.  It was pretty much the best.  I am grateful for a busy, crazy, loud life, and to get to do the job of advocate for my kids.

Week 3 @ The Dahlhouse

Around here during week three, I found Man Cub lining up all the things.  He discovered lollipops and is very happy stealing them from anyone who has them.  He has started really repeating words that we say, which is very encouraging to me.  He has still yet to put two words together...but I am believing that time will come soon.  Meanwhile I enjoy his jibber jabber and sweet personality. 

I celebrated my one year anniversary with VIPKID. This is the online English tutoring company that I work for.  I can hardly believe that it has been one year.  I have taught approx. 670 classes and 270 different students.  Our family has been very blessed by the little extra income that comes in each month. 

Poor Miss B took a hard fall at recess this week.  I got a phone call from the office that she had cut open her lip and wanted to come home.  Can you blame the girl?  I think not. I picked her up from school, and the minute she saw me walk through the office doors she burst into tears.  Her chin was pretty scraped up to, which I think has bothered her more than her lip.  She enjoyed her afternoon home (and the next day off school too). 

Still stealing lollipops.

Still lining things up!

Almost two years old and I still get to rock him to sleep (sometimes). 

Still lining things up!

Playing with Grace at Chuck E Cheese.  She really is the best with him.  I love to watch the two of them together.

Playing with Luke.  He loves Matthew so much too.  I love how good they are with him. 

We actually had a week where there weren't too many appointments.  Matthew's therapy was cancelled due to the therapist having the flu.  Our van still isn't fixed and still currently in the shop.  I was quite frustrated at the amount of time it was taking.  Apparently the painter had the flu too (going around).  So the body shop rented us a van (free of charge) for the remainder of the repair.  I really appreciated the gesture and promptly picked up my rental van.  It is nice to not have to crawl into the truck to buckle car seats.  Hopefully (fingers crossed) our van will be completed Monday.  They've had it nearly two weeks. 

I am happy to report that we are all mostly well.  A few coughs but no one is down or has a fever. This week the kids have worked on a lot of school projects. Miss B had a book talk.  She choose Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse.  She brought in her Barbie dream car with Ken and Barbie.  I wish I could have seen it.  The night before I asked her if she wanted to practice what she wanted to say.  She told me "nope".  "Its my favorite book mom.  I am just going to talk about my favorite part and read some from the book."  OK.  I am glad she is confident.  

Luke had a big revolutionary war timeline that needed to be completed. He finished it up last night.  It was a big project and he worked very hard on it.  It was also really awesome to see how the learning that he is doing in humanities is carrying over to his trip to DC with the 8th grade.  These places and events on his timeline are things that he will get to see in person.  I am very excited for him! 

Work From Home Job...VIPKID One Year Later

Today I am celebrating my 1 year anniversary of working for VIPKID!  I can hardly believe that 365 days have flown by.  What an amazing opportunity and adventure this has been for this stay at home mama of four!  VIPKID is a company that pairs native English speaking teachers with Chinese students.  The students are taught in a full immersion English class; one-to-one.  The company has continued to grow over this past year.  When I was hired there were around 5,000 teachers.  That number has grown to nearly 20,000 teachers and 200,000 active students this past year.  I had the privilege of just signing my third contract.  Teachers are contracted for 6 month periods of time.

This is what my set up looked like in the very beginning (Jan 2017).  I was downstairs moving the computer back and forth between desks so I could use the wall for props.  It wasn't the most effective.  I can recall the heart banner falling down in the middle of a class.  LOL. And it got old real quick moving the computer back and forth. 

My next move was to our upstairs walk in closet.  I taught classes between February and July in the closet.  It was the perfect set up for awhile.  I could contain all of my things and shut the door so my kiddos couldn't "help" re-arrange my teaching materials.

I was very happy in my new space.  I got the swing of the program and began building a base of regular students.  I also enjoyed only being steps from my bedroom and sleeping kiddos.  

Props are a part of this job.  They help bring the curriculum alive for the students and enhance the lessons.  I think I really enjoy props.  I have a few! 

VIPKID is a very fun, young company to work for.  Here I was participating in a prop contest for the VIPKID Instagram account.  I didn't win this contest, but I have received $275 extra dollars for incentives and bonuses through the company this past year.  VIPKID sends teachers to China twice per year, and offers all sorts of fun prizes and incentives throughout the year.  

I enjoyed and currently enjoy designing and improving my virtual classroom.  I love being my own boss, setting my own schedule and hours.  The flexibility has been wonderful, and I mostly teach while my kiddos are sleeping.  You can see a glimpse of the platform.  The PowerPoint is on the left and video chatting with both of us would be on the right in the blue boxes.  There are currently 6 levels of certification in VIPKID.  Some of the levels are even interactive.

In July I made a move downstairs next to a window.  LOL.  After months in a stuffy closet, it was so nice to have airflow and fresh air.  The set up has allowed me to be closer to the router to plug in, and further away from those that wish to sleep.  LOL.

VIPKID has also allowed my children and I to experience and learn about a different culture.  They are always asking my questions about who I am teaching and what they are doing.  This little blonde cutie wants to visit China as much as I do.  

I think she might also aspire to be an online teacher.  I've caught her practicing many times.

I couldn't be more thrilled with this opportunity to really work from home, in my PJ pants while my kids sleep.  I have been paid on time and correctly every month for the past year.  The money is direct deposited into my account the same time each month.  There are a few requirements that you need to be hired for this company.  You must have a 4 year degree (it doesn't have to be in education).  You also need to have a year experience teaching children.  You do NOT need a teaching certificate.  If you think this opportunity might work for you, I encourage you to try it out.  It has given our family a little bit of extra money each month.  You can visit the website here and apply VIPKID WEBSITE.  If you decided to sign up you can copy and paste my referral code.  I will get a small bonus if you apply and are hired.  Here is my referral code: https://t.vipkid.com.cn/?refereeId=3266666
I would also be available for anyone that has questions.  My email address is misscarissa@hotmail.com

This past year has been an exciting experience and I look forward to this next 365 days, as I start as a veteran teacher of VIPKID.  I can't wait to see how much more I grow.  Thank you VIPKID!