Hopping Around the Holidays

Per tradition, we put our Christmas Tree up on Thanksgiving (thanks to all who sent cards to decorate our tree with this year.)

A first for the Otto Family, was additional chore that day, decorating the outside of the house.  We were surprised when we found out decorating the outside of the house had been a long desired task by the children. Once we knew we loaded up with a Costco Starter Kit, the kids were happy to install on their own.

Then Grandpa Bob started the holidays right with a visit the first day of December.  As always, this is a much awaited trip.  He came loaded down with gifts and litany of stories to share.  The children in turn shared their stories from throughout the year; meals were shared and new memories made.  Jared took some time to update the Grandpa on shooting archery and Lance entertained us all with the new Air Grenade (a show he's put on for many throughout the season, thankfully our dear neighbors find my boys shenanigans entertaining).  With many a tear we wished him well till we see him again next year.

Each year I try to find a new way to celebrate the HOLYday season.  This year I got us tickets to "Duke at Candlelight", I had to mark the calendar a few months back to get the ticket before they sold-out.  The idea is they take you back in time to what Christmas was like in 1850s on the Duke Homestead.  All the lighting is candle light and there are reinactors that take you through the various rooms and activities.  We started in the tobacco barn learning how to do the Virginia Reel.  Everyone participated, it was such fun to finally learn and practice an old dance like we see in the period pieces we love to watch (Titus practiced his rolling techniques as his tripped and landed on his feet down the promenade).  Next we went to a room in main house to hear the Christmas story read, followed by decorating the Christmas tree with paper decorations and strung popcorn, singing of some Christmas Carols in the dinning room was next and finishing with cookies and hot cider by the fire with Santa Claus.  We rode back to our cars in a horse drawn wagon.  We had met the horses when they arrived back in the parking lot, two beautiful Percherons.  The wagon was a bit small for the group so I sat on Lance's lap to make room for the last couple (told him to stop growing).  This being the horses first run of the evening, they were a little spry but all made it back safely.  It was a beautiful night.

The following week, Chris and I had lunch with the owners of his company at our favorite restaurant downtown, Sitti.  They are a wonderful couple and it was nice to catch-up with them and hear the plans for the companies future.  We finished off lunch with a walking tour of the capital.

The day of Jared's Christmas play was filled with other activities as well.  Amber was invited to a Christmas party with friends and the boys went to perform at a nursing home and bring some Christmas Cheer with Footsteps again this year.  Chris took the boys and he said they all played beautifully.  I took Amber and she had a marvelous time playing with friends.

Then two days later we got the teaser.  It snowed!  Boys were hoping it would stay but no such luck. Christmas Eve Day arrived with no snow in sight.  But we had added a much desired bear to the family instead.

Christmas Eve we caught up on a few more house projects (another post on that) and watched much anticipated annual showing of "A Muppet Christmas Carol".  Afterward we quickly got dressed to meet our friends at church for Christmas Eve services where we enjoyed more singing.  On the way home, we took our traditional Christmas Light Drive.  We saw some new sights and visited a few standbys as well.  As this was the first year we had decorated our house it was fun to hear their comparisons along the way.

Christmas Day we started a new tradition, using Grandma Mary's China (Uncle Janet sent it too us earlier this year).  Chris made his first gluten free goat cheese lasagna (which was agreed by adults and children to be rather delicious).  We took the time to teach them some formal edicate, standing till the ladies are seated, how to use a fork and a teacup in a formal setting (they quickly gave up on the fork but had fun with the teacups).

Feeding His Habit

When you get your first job there is usually something you are hoping to save up and buy.  In Lance's case, it's all about FISH.

His fist purchase was a new rod and reel, for fishing with his friend Nick.  Nick and his family even met us at Dick's to pick it out (Nick fishes professionally, so he knows a bit more than Lance).  Since Lance didn't care about appearances, he was able to get a great deal on a rod and a non-matching yet high performance reel.  Nick and Lance try to go fishing once a week, when life and the weather allows.  It's nice to have someone to share the excitement of the catch, but they are both rather quiet, so they can enjoy the peace together as well.

Better than television.

Next, was the big purchase; a 75 gallon fish tank.  We looked with him at a number of options available on Craigslist but decided on a floor model at a box store that was only a little more than the used ones and could be returned if it leaked.  Getting this tank to where it is now has taken a lot of work.  So much that I am giving Lance a credit in "Freshwater Aquatics" on his transcript for the amount of time he has spent researching and learning about every aspect of all things fish; from substrates, to equipment, to the chemistry of water (pH, nitrate, nitrites, hardness what drives them, etc), to needs and growing habits of various plants, lighting requirements (LED, Florescent, types of light waves), how plants impact different fish, how different fish impact each other, the chemistry of the tank and the plants.

He has also learned how to recover from failure, to talk to experts in the field and to ask for refunds and assistance as needed from store owners.

The 75 gallon is currently home to: 5 Panda Catfish, 5 Kuhli Loaches, 9 Danios (various kinds), 1 Dwarf Gourami, 1 Clown Pleco,  2 Nerite Snails and 1 Siamese Algae Eater.

Then a friend at work was moving and gave him a 33 gallon hex tank, with a canister filter (different technology to learn and try out).  This tank took some work.  It had to be cleaned, resealed (by dad) and per me, the base painted before it came into the house.  He wanted to experiment with this tank being a fully planted tank with dirt substrate.  He only got this tank up and running in last few weeks ago, so its still a work in progress.  For instance, today he swapped out the intact and outtake pipes to improve water flow.  Other than the plants the only residents currently are 3 Honey Gouramis and Red cherry shrimp.

Lance, not wanting to leave Jared out, knowing how much he missed Captain, bought one more tank (on craigslist this time) a ten gallon tank for Jared to have a beta fish he named "Spectrum".  Lance has become quite the fanatic about appropriate tank sizes, please don't tell him you keep your beta in a fish bowl, ten gallons is the minimum they need.  Spectrum does have two small Nerite snail buddies (Slo and Mo), to keep the algae in check (because Nerite snails don't have antennae for Spectrum to attack).

That's it for aquariums, Chris will not allow them on the second floor and we are out of room on the first floor but I'm sure he'll keep improving the ones he has, its a regular part time job maintaining them, both in time and money.

P.S.  Dogs don't get the fish thing but the cats well....they definitely had a fish issue at first.  Thankfully, they went back to watching the birds at the bird feeder through the window.

Yong-In Taekwondo

Today was the last day of testing at Yong-In Martial Arts for the year.  Titus advanced to Green Belt and Jared advanced to Yellow/Green Stripe.

Back in January, we started Titus in taekwondo (TKD), one of my Chemistry students was a black belt instructor and he helped set-up a homeschooling class at his Dojang.  We had been looking at various Dojangs in the area but I never saw the fruits I was looking for till this one.  Karate had such a wonderful impact on Lance, we hoped it would be the same with Titus.  Titus was a natural, and the Masters quickly fell in love with him.  Master Kim, not only has an impressive resume in TKD on a world level, but a gift for teaching that is enhanced by his clear love of children.  The time Master Kim spends each week talking about character to the group and pulling kids aside individually is invaluable.  As a bonus, its a great physical workout and Master Kim keeps the parents entertained from time to time with silly antics ("You can't kick my butt" drills). 

After Titus had completed two belt curricula, Jared's best friend Nathan decided to join the class at which point we had a talk with Master Kim about our concerns over Jared safety, felt confident he understood and let Jared join the class as well.  What a great choice that has been, it has really been a great physical outlet for him and he excels with enthusiasm in the poomsaes.

Titus is very excited about trying out for the Demo Team the first week of the new year.  He's already trying round-offs on his way to the back of the line in class.  He's such a great athlete, we pray this will give keener focus to his athletic potential.  Amber in scheduled to start next year, after she turns eight. DV  Till then she'll enjoy her time playing with her friend Hannah in class.

Our Thespian

Jared completed his third season with Salt Shakers, this year.  Salt Shakers is a unique twist on a theater group, in that its goal is to bring the message of Christ out into the community.  Each semester the troupe spends time getting to know the kids in YMCA after school programs at local elementary schools.  The students lead theater games, do devotionals and build relationships with the kids in these schools, then at the end of the semester they preform an original play, demonstrating Christ like character through a variety of different skits.  As a bonus in the fall they also preform their play in a local nursing home, a treat much appreciated by the residents.

In the Spring Jared played "Doctor Shots" a doctor with really wild hair, who learned it was alright to be different. Click to watch Part1, Part2, Part3.

This Fall Jared played the Mayor of Curly Town (which is the fictional town where all the plays take place).  The Mayor was a bit of a germaphobe to say the least (a character development Jared came up with on his own.)

Salt Shakers is a wonderful creative group of kids whom enjoy getting together and playing outside of the theater as well.  It is great to see Jared continuing to progress in his acting.

Additionally, this fall, he also joined a "Dramatic Expression" class being held at a church walking distance from our house.  The dogs, kids and I enjoyed walking him to class and picking him up; everyday it wasn't raining.  Oliver was in charge of drop-off and Rex pick-up because Rex has major issues leaving people behind anywhere; he likes to gather more people.

Today they preformed (twice) the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever".  Jared played Ralph Herdsman with great dramatic flair, much to the great enjoyment of both audiences today.  

Jared's gift for acting is only overshadowed by his uncanny knack for directing. The stop motion videos he has planned for the coming year are going to be even better than those he did this year such as:

Video of the book "Miss Nelson is Missing" (in collaboration with his siblings) Click Here to watch

A comical product review Click Here to watch

When I was struggling to get an experiment to work, he sneaked upstairs and made me this quick video to show my class.  Click Here to watch, my Chemistry class loved it!

This is just a sample of his work, check out his whole YouTube Channel for more "J-Rod Studios" (One with Lego guy as the profile picture).  Better yet, please subscribe as he is trying to build his subscriber base and turn his channel into a business.

Dance, Dance, Dance

In June, Amber preformed downtown at the Duke Performing Arts Center with her ballet class.  She has such natural grace, beauty and confidence.  As the timing worked out, after the performance we went to see the year-end recital for Inis Cairde School of Irish Dance.  Amber had been doing an eight week trial with the Irish dance school.  Our whole family, enjoyed the performance and with encouragement from her brothers, Amber switched from ballet to Irish Dance this fall.  The boys liked the modesty of the dance, Chris and I like the activity.  

When she has an Irish Dance class, she gets a true, need water break kind of athletic workout.  Though she is talented at ballet, the other students held her back making classes very slow and unchallenging.  When Jared did Irish Dance a few years back the teacher said "Ballet is a discipline, Irish Dance is a sport.", we totally agree.  We also like that talent determines advancement, not age and time spent in class.  

She is currently working up to be in St. Patrick's Day Parade Downtown in the Spring.  She has been given permission to buy a "soft dress" in January, something she is very excited about.  It's a lot of fun to watch her dancing around the house, and trying to teach her brother's to dance.

Back to Classical Converstaions

This fall we returned to Classical Conversations, it was a strange road to this decision but it was a good one for both Amber and Titus.  The main push was community, finding a place for Amber and Titus to grow a friend base. 

Girls singing their Latin together.

The side benefit was someplace they could do more fine arts.  This fall they did art for six weeks and then the tin whistle for six weeks. 

Science experiments involved owl pellets, crayfish dissections and other messy fun, which helped direct both their inherent appetite for doing science experiments at home.

The other great part of CC for me is the weekly practice public speaking.  For Amber it's been a lot of show and tell but she's also done some "how-to" speeches as well.  For Titus, his speech content has been all over the board but animated and entertaining every time. 

Today was the last day of CC, which included a pancake breakfast and a "Christmas Market".  All the students in the community are invited to sell things they have made for $3 or less.  Amber worked diligently on making pot-holders/coffee cup coasters.  Titus made a dozen sets of the pieces of origami needed to play the Korean game Takjichigi.  I tried to prepare them for the possibility they would not sell any of their wares, that warning was in vain; they sold everything.  They set-up the market so that the first half the parents got to shop and the second half the students got a chance to shop; they each picked out different wares to bring home.  In the end they probably broke even, but that wasn't the point, the point was getting a chance to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit.  I was very pleased that most of the students in the community participated.

The second half will start the second Tuesday of the New Year.  Hoping for continued growth in learning and community. dv

Bullseye!

Archery had interested Jared for a while but finding a place close to home where he could learn was no small task, so we stopped looking close to home.  In May, he started lessons at First Flight Archery School, NE of Raleigh.  It's a hike from the house but well worth the trip.  The indoor facility is clean and quiet.  I find taking him to lessons quite relaxing compared to the noise an activity of the rest of my days.  

After his initial introductory lesson, he was hooked so we search Craigslist that night, found a good deal and negotiated it into a great deal the next day.  He shoots a compound bow and has competed at both indoor and outdoor tournaments for his JOAD team, the Raleigh Revolution.

After one month of shooting he got his first "Robin Hood" ie. one arrow hitting the other arrow.

Over the summer he competed in a USA Archery Outdoor competition where she scored 2nd in the nation in his division.

For fun he also competed in an outdoor field archery tournament, where you walk to different targets along a trail and each target is set up different, sort of like golf.

Shooting side by side with his coach.

As of today, he has advanced to his six star blue pin in Indoor competitions.  You can only move one pin per tournament, so that is a ton of advancement in seven months.  Today he had to score a minimum of 200 out of a possible 300 points (30 arrows max 10 points each).  He scored 217.  This was a nationally ranked competition but we won't get his standings for a month or two.  However, earning his six pin also earned him the right to start training with the advanced Archery students at his school.  His next pin may take a bit longer, as he will have to shoot 240, each pin dials in the need to more precise with each arrow and the wiggle room for even one mistakes goes down dramatically, but I know he'll get it.  Jared has a real natural talent for Archery. 

Employee of the Month

Letting him work was one of the best decisions we have made as parents.  The life skills learned (balancing a check book, filling out tax forms, people skills dealing with kids, parents, co-workers and bosses) has been invaluable; as a bonus he loves his work. 

Earlier in the year he spent time teaching with one of the founders of Goldfish when they came for a visit.  Then this Month he became "Employee of the Month".  Here's the write-up.

Employee of the month - Lance! He's one of our swim instructors and has some serious talent for working with kids. He's also very punctual and is respectful and kind to everyone on the Goldfish team. He almost never calls out sick! Lance is an all around awesome guy and we are so happy he is part of our Goldfish team. If you see him, be sure to give him a high five!

Sniper in the Trees

Airsoft sensation swept our home this year.  It started to creep in a little last year, then well....it grew.

First big event was Lance's birthday party at our house, thankfully our neighbors are not easily moved by a bunch of teenagers running around in camo, shooting each other with guns.

Lance graciously made sure all his brothers had the gear they needed to play, with each other or friends that came over.

Having a bunch of teenage boys over can be useful too; as this time I had them move the playset for me, while the girls played inside.

Then over the summer things took another uptick when the games moved to a friends wooded property.

The final match-up was today for Daniel's party.  Combining both day and evening competitions.  I find all all the different game scenarios the boys come up with very interesting, there's a lot of strategy and cooperation required; capture the flag, Terrorist vs. Police, and many more.  Love seeing boys be boys!