Our Super Cool Sons.
Twinville Trekker's Stamping Adventures
Showing posts with label Cool Stuff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cool Stuff. Show all posts
May 14, 2008
May 06, 2008
B & J's Free Cone Day
Had a fun and yummy visit at Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day about a week ago in Albuquerque. We had never been before, but we're glad we drove into town to check it out, and we fitted in a few other errands to 'pad' the gas cost, too.
Jenna and Jackson thought it was really cool that we could just walk up and they would hand us a free ie cream cone of our choice. Free doesn't happen all that much anymore, so it was a nice treat.
Jax finished his first and kept pestering Jenna for a nibble of hers. The answer was a 'No!" hehe
Jenna and Jackson thought it was really cool that we could just walk up and they would hand us a free ie cream cone of our choice. Free doesn't happen all that much anymore, so it was a nice treat.
Jax finished his first and kept pestering Jenna for a nibble of hers. The answer was a 'No!" hehe
April 23, 2008
ABQ Lacrosse~Homeschooler Plays for High School!
Got some exciting news to share! Even though our son Jackson has been playing lacrosse for a number of years, through lacrosse camps, scrimmages, and practices, he had never played a 'real' game against another 'real' team.
But yesterday Jackson did just that!
Jackson played lacrosse for Sandia Prep, a local Albuquerque private high school, and he played against the Varsity Lacrosse team at Bosque School, another private school.
Jackson is the youngest player on the team, playing lacrosse among kids aged 12-17 yrs old. But because he has years of experience, he held his own and did very well.
This opportunity started when one of my husband, John's, former lacrosse players at UNM decided to get more involved in the world of lacrosse. He moved up as Assistant Lacrosse Coach to John at UNM, and then created his own company, called South West Lacrosse. This company was created to promote and expand lacrosse in New Mexico by organizing summer lacrosse sports camp, which Jackson has participated in, along with creating and supporting local high school teams.
So far, it has been a huge success, in large part to Michael Mooney, Lacrosse SouthWest' Founder and Organizer.
Recently, Michael, along with John decided to start up a brand new team at Sandia Prep and John was asked to volunteer as the Head Coach.
The parents at Sandia Prep are extremely supportive and the kids stood in line to join the newly formed lacrosse team. Many of them, who had never even held a lacrosse stick before.
Several of the kids on the new team had played in Michael's summer lacrosse sportz camps and remembered Jackson and asked Coach John if Jackson could join them on the team. Because the new lacrosse team isn't a varsity team, just a club team, Jackson was welcome to play lacrosse with Sandia Prep students.
There has recently been a new homeschool law/opportunity passed concerning homeschooled students being offered the chance to play One Sport through a ABQ public school. But this new law didn't have any bearing on Jackson's opportunity to play lacrosse for Sandia Prep.
Well, it was a busy day for us because first we had to drop off Jeremiah with his baseball coach, his wife and our friends, so he could attend the baseball game that afternoon. Then John, Jenna, Jackson and I drove to ABQ for the lacrosse game.
And after the game was over, we all hauled ourselves back over to the East Mountains to watch Jeremiah (and Jackson, too) play the baseball game. So, it was a long, exhausting day, particularly for Jackson, who played both baseball and Lacrosse one after the other.
But it was also a really great day, too!
Coach John is in the center with the team encircling him for their 'power cheer'.
Here's Jackson (#5) playing the 'crease'.
Another shot of Jackson. Notice how big the other players are.
Coach John (on the right) and his assistant coach on the field at Bosque School.
Coach John giving some coaching tips to one of his players.
Jenna sitting on the sidelines cheering for her brother.
The end of the game hand-slaps with Bosque school(they won the game). Sandia Prep did an amazing job for it being their very first game and Sandia Prep's very first lacrosse team, and for it being the very first time many of the players had ever even held a lacrosse stick before their previous 3 week practice!!
End of game 'kudos' huddle. Notice Jenna walked up to tell Jackson(to her right) and Daddy what a good job they both did.
Jackson, tired, but proud of himself after the game.
And two TV stations were there to interview players and coaches, and video tape the game. CH 13 KRQE broadcasted the story last night. And CH 4 will broadcast the story tomorrow night! Here's a photo from CH 13 on our TV.
This is Michael Mooney, from Lacrosse SouthWest.
We were so exhilarated to see this news story on TV. We are so so proud of Jackson, his team and John, too!
But yesterday Jackson did just that!
Jackson played lacrosse for Sandia Prep, a local Albuquerque private high school, and he played against the Varsity Lacrosse team at Bosque School, another private school.
Jackson is the youngest player on the team, playing lacrosse among kids aged 12-17 yrs old. But because he has years of experience, he held his own and did very well.
This opportunity started when one of my husband, John's, former lacrosse players at UNM decided to get more involved in the world of lacrosse. He moved up as Assistant Lacrosse Coach to John at UNM, and then created his own company, called South West Lacrosse. This company was created to promote and expand lacrosse in New Mexico by organizing summer lacrosse sports camp, which Jackson has participated in, along with creating and supporting local high school teams.
So far, it has been a huge success, in large part to Michael Mooney, Lacrosse SouthWest' Founder and Organizer.
Recently, Michael, along with John decided to start up a brand new team at Sandia Prep and John was asked to volunteer as the Head Coach.
The parents at Sandia Prep are extremely supportive and the kids stood in line to join the newly formed lacrosse team. Many of them, who had never even held a lacrosse stick before.
Several of the kids on the new team had played in Michael's summer lacrosse sportz camps and remembered Jackson and asked Coach John if Jackson could join them on the team. Because the new lacrosse team isn't a varsity team, just a club team, Jackson was welcome to play lacrosse with Sandia Prep students.
There has recently been a new homeschool law/opportunity passed concerning homeschooled students being offered the chance to play One Sport through a ABQ public school. But this new law didn't have any bearing on Jackson's opportunity to play lacrosse for Sandia Prep.
Well, it was a busy day for us because first we had to drop off Jeremiah with his baseball coach, his wife and our friends, so he could attend the baseball game that afternoon. Then John, Jenna, Jackson and I drove to ABQ for the lacrosse game.
And after the game was over, we all hauled ourselves back over to the East Mountains to watch Jeremiah (and Jackson, too) play the baseball game. So, it was a long, exhausting day, particularly for Jackson, who played both baseball and Lacrosse one after the other.
But it was also a really great day, too!
Coach John is in the center with the team encircling him for their 'power cheer'.
Here's Jackson (#5) playing the 'crease'.
Another shot of Jackson. Notice how big the other players are.
Coach John (on the right) and his assistant coach on the field at Bosque School.
Coach John giving some coaching tips to one of his players.
Jenna sitting on the sidelines cheering for her brother.
The end of the game hand-slaps with Bosque school(they won the game). Sandia Prep did an amazing job for it being their very first game and Sandia Prep's very first lacrosse team, and for it being the very first time many of the players had ever even held a lacrosse stick before their previous 3 week practice!!
End of game 'kudos' huddle. Notice Jenna walked up to tell Jackson(to her right) and Daddy what a good job they both did.
Jackson, tired, but proud of himself after the game.
And two TV stations were there to interview players and coaches, and video tape the game. CH 13 KRQE broadcasted the story last night. And CH 4 will broadcast the story tomorrow night! Here's a photo from CH 13 on our TV.
This is Michael Mooney, from Lacrosse SouthWest.
We were so exhilarated to see this news story on TV. We are so so proud of Jackson, his team and John, too!
March 28, 2008
Science~Star Watch
See the difference you can make!
Star Watch!
Go outside and look at the night sky. Can you identify any of the stars or constellations? Print out this star chart and viewer from the National Research Council of Canada to help you identify the stars and constellations you see.
Count the Stars!
Visit the Canadian Space Agency web site to take part in a fairly easy to do Star Count Project.
Star Count is part of an international scientific study to investigate the visual quality of the nighttime sky and to help assess the national and global extent of atmospheric light pollution. It will also help to evaluate the amount of energy wasted through poor or inappropriate lighting practices. There's no better time to take part than during Earth Hour!
Complete instructions for the activity can be found on the CSA web site. Although the night sky won't be dark enough to see many stars at the beginning of Earth Hour, by 9:00 pm your viewing opportunities should improve greatly (weather permitting of course!).
It is highly recommended that you take counts on at least two other evenings prior to March 29 for comparison purposes. Don't forget to register so you can submit your data.
For more information about Earth Hour, or YES I Can! Science, please visit us at yesican-science.ca
Star Watch!
Go outside and look at the night sky. Can you identify any of the stars or constellations? Print out this star chart and viewer from the National Research Council of Canada to help you identify the stars and constellations you see.
Count the Stars!
Visit the Canadian Space Agency web site to take part in a fairly easy to do Star Count Project.
Star Count is part of an international scientific study to investigate the visual quality of the nighttime sky and to help assess the national and global extent of atmospheric light pollution. It will also help to evaluate the amount of energy wasted through poor or inappropriate lighting practices. There's no better time to take part than during Earth Hour!
Complete instructions for the activity can be found on the CSA web site. Although the night sky won't be dark enough to see many stars at the beginning of Earth Hour, by 9:00 pm your viewing opportunities should improve greatly (weather permitting of course!).
It is highly recommended that you take counts on at least two other evenings prior to March 29 for comparison purposes. Don't forget to register so you can submit your data.
For more information about Earth Hour, or YES I Can! Science, please visit us at yesican-science.ca
March 26, 2008
What's in your Fridge?
An online Blogger pal at Smithical posted a fun sort of 'meme' that asks what 10 items are commonly kept in your fridge.
So here's what's kept in mine:
Ok here goes:
1)1 gallon of milk (the rest, 2-3 more, are stored in the garage fridge)
2)yogurt (for the kids: Yoplait. For me: Stonyfield Vanilla)
3)Miracle Whip (for the hubby)
4)farm fresh eggs (from our hens)
5)Grey Poupon mustard (yum)
6)Bottle of Sangria (for when the kids drive me batty...hehe)
7)small tub of bacon fat (to add to recipes for flavor)
8)worcestire sauce
9)baby carrots
10)orange juice
So, I'm very interested: What's in YOUR fridge?
So here's what's kept in mine:
Ok here goes:
1)1 gallon of milk (the rest, 2-3 more, are stored in the garage fridge)
2)yogurt (for the kids: Yoplait. For me: Stonyfield Vanilla)
3)Miracle Whip (for the hubby)
4)farm fresh eggs (from our hens)
5)Grey Poupon mustard (yum)
6)Bottle of Sangria (for when the kids drive me batty...hehe)
7)small tub of bacon fat (to add to recipes for flavor)
8)worcestire sauce
9)baby carrots
10)orange juice
So, I'm very interested: What's in YOUR fridge?
March 20, 2008
March 01, 2008
Guitar Hero
Who needs the silly video game when you've got the real thing?
Jeremiah rocks on his guitar!!
He still takes his weekly lessons and is improving his skills all the time. Best of all is his enthusiasm.
Jeremiah rocks on his guitar!!
He still takes his weekly lessons and is improving his skills all the time. Best of all is his enthusiasm.
February 23, 2008
Kite Flying
With all the breezy weather we've had, Jackson and Jeremiah are having a ball flying their kites. I love that we now have the space to fly kites safely on our own land, too. Jackson is the most focused on kite flying. He seems to like anything that flies or can be controlled with his hands or mind. Which explains his love of rocketry, too. Both Jeremiah and Jackson enjoy getting their kites up really high in the sky, though.
Jackson & Jenna and the kite. Jeremiah in the background playing with our dog, Zuni.
Jackson pleased as punch to see his kite riding a thermal.
Looking up at the kite.
Cataleya, our female llama, and Luna, our female angora goat checking out what Jackson is up to.
Our neighbor's 3 horses not quite sure if that flying thing in the sky is going to swoop down and eat them.
The kite flying high over our house.
Annie, Scout and Nadia watching from a safe distance.
Catlinite, our male llama joins the viewing audience, too.
Jackson & Jenna and the kite. Jeremiah in the background playing with our dog, Zuni.
Jackson pleased as punch to see his kite riding a thermal.
Looking up at the kite.
Cataleya, our female llama, and Luna, our female angora goat checking out what Jackson is up to.
Our neighbor's 3 horses not quite sure if that flying thing in the sky is going to swoop down and eat them.
The kite flying high over our house.
Annie, Scout and Nadia watching from a safe distance.
Catlinite, our male llama joins the viewing audience, too.
January 30, 2008
Rocket Boy
Jackson has been fascinated with rocketry every since we first read Homer Hickam's book called Rocket Boys: A Memoir, and then watched the movie based on it called October Sky. Interestingly, the title of the paperback released at the same time was changed to the movie title, which is an ANAGRAM of Rocket Boys (take the letters of rocket boys and move them around to spell october sky!). Is that cool, or what?
The book and movie are based upon Homer Hickam's life as a young boy growing up in Coalwood, WV and aspiring to be a rocket scientist. For more info about Homer Hickam and his books and movie, click
Rocket Boys.
So, for the past 2 years, Jackson has been studying and reading about rocketry, watching documentaries and science shows about rocketery, and building and launching rockets.
John is thoroughly enjoying Jackson's interest in rockets and they spend each week involved in rocketry.
Usually we launch smaller rockets at our 3 acre ranch, but with all the trees and tall grasses, it's often difficult to find the rockets after being launched.
So, at least once a week, Jackson and John head to the city to launch rockets at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park, off Alamada Rd. The park is open to the pubic and allows model airplanes, kites and model rockets. John and Jackson like the large open expanse of grass which makes it easier to find the rockets after being launched.
Last weekend, they went to the park and John took the following pictures. Click for larger views.
The book and movie are based upon Homer Hickam's life as a young boy growing up in Coalwood, WV and aspiring to be a rocket scientist. For more info about Homer Hickam and his books and movie, click
Rocket Boys.
So, for the past 2 years, Jackson has been studying and reading about rocketry, watching documentaries and science shows about rocketery, and building and launching rockets.
John is thoroughly enjoying Jackson's interest in rockets and they spend each week involved in rocketry.
Usually we launch smaller rockets at our 3 acre ranch, but with all the trees and tall grasses, it's often difficult to find the rockets after being launched.
So, at least once a week, Jackson and John head to the city to launch rockets at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park, off Alamada Rd. The park is open to the pubic and allows model airplanes, kites and model rockets. John and Jackson like the large open expanse of grass which makes it easier to find the rockets after being launched.
Last weekend, they went to the park and John took the following pictures. Click for larger views.
January 15, 2008
Little Bargains
We enjoy perusing some of Albuquerque's and Edgewood's Dollar Tree stores whenever we're in town. Much of the stuff tends to be one-time-use-throw-away items, especially the toys. But sometimes we discover fun little bargains that make our lives a little more enjoyable. The other day, Jackson found a mini-twi speaker gizmo that he could plug into his CD-Player, but could also be used on computers, I-Pods, MP3 players, etc.
Jackson has been having a blast playing his favorite CD's in stereo mode using his CD-Player.
Jackson has been having a blast playing his favorite CD's in stereo mode using his CD-Player.
January 14, 2008
Jackson's Rocketry
One of Jackson's favorite hobbies is building rockets and then shooting them off into the sky with his Daddy. Together they seem to really enjoy themselves seeing how far their rockets can fly.
I took these photos from either our loft balcony (in the rear of our house) or the master bedroom balcony (in the front). Ok, I admit it, I was a wimp and didn't want to go tromping in the snow. Hey, it was cold outside! You can see that we still have snow on the ground, and it snowed over a week ago. The snow is that crunchy crisp snow that feels like mummified bones when you walk on it. And at night it freezes solid.
Preparing the rocket for take-off.
The rocket before it was set-off.
The rocket flew at least 300ft high and more than 500 ft wide. It flew from one side of our 3 acre property to the other side of our house (over 1/2 acre surrounding our house, not counting the pastures) and then it landed in our neighbor's field!.
Jackson was very excited not just about the rocket's distance flown, but also that he was able to find it. They have lost several rockets so far, but they were all colors that blended into either the grass or trees or snow. This time, I assisted by using red marker to color it so it stood out better.
It worked!!!
Jackson & Daddy inspecting their rocket together.
I took these photos from either our loft balcony (in the rear of our house) or the master bedroom balcony (in the front). Ok, I admit it, I was a wimp and didn't want to go tromping in the snow. Hey, it was cold outside! You can see that we still have snow on the ground, and it snowed over a week ago. The snow is that crunchy crisp snow that feels like mummified bones when you walk on it. And at night it freezes solid.
Preparing the rocket for take-off.
The rocket before it was set-off.
The rocket flew at least 300ft high and more than 500 ft wide. It flew from one side of our 3 acre property to the other side of our house (over 1/2 acre surrounding our house, not counting the pastures) and then it landed in our neighbor's field!.
Jackson was very excited not just about the rocket's distance flown, but also that he was able to find it. They have lost several rockets so far, but they were all colors that blended into either the grass or trees or snow. This time, I assisted by using red marker to color it so it stood out better.
It worked!!!
Jackson & Daddy inspecting their rocket together.
January 08, 2008
Icelandia Magic
Any snowfall up here in the mountains excites both Jackson & Jeremiah because they have discovered a magical land in our pasture that only reveals itself when covered by ice crystals. They call this magical place, Icelandia and it is very similar to the other magical land from the book/movie: Terebithia.
Once the pasture is covered in snow, they hightail it over the gates and enter into Icelandia and an exciting place filled with adventure.
(I took these photos using the zoom on my camera.)
(Click for larger views)First they conversed with the royal llama lords inside their castle.
A tent is a necessary piece of equipment to give them a safe place to hide from any enemies and protect them from savage storms.
Weapons, such as their wooden knight swords, are very important to carry into Icelandia, too. They never know when an evil trollmight show himself.
A magical world full of imagination and adventure.
Once the pasture is covered in snow, they hightail it over the gates and enter into Icelandia and an exciting place filled with adventure.
(I took these photos using the zoom on my camera.)
(Click for larger views)First they conversed with the royal llama lords inside their castle.
A tent is a necessary piece of equipment to give them a safe place to hide from any enemies and protect them from savage storms.
Weapons, such as their wooden knight swords, are very important to carry into Icelandia, too. They never know when an evil trollmight show himself.
A magical world full of imagination and adventure.
January 04, 2008
Coaster Engineering
As usual Jackson is into anything involving designing, engineering and building. I bought this Roller Coaster K'Nex set at the Mothers of Twins Garage Sale back in September for only $10.00. There are over 1300 pieces inside of the box, and most of the plastic bags holding the pieces were unopened. So it was basically brand new.
This past week, Jackson, enlisting the assistance of his brother Jeremiah, got started creating a roller coaster. He followed the directions a little, but he also made design changes so he could add a corkscrew and a couple of extra twists.
It is exciting to watch him work on something like this, and even more fun to watch the project completed and his pride and seriousness when showing us how it all works.
And it did, too.
The roller coaster even has a sound box which emits roller coaster sounds and screaming sounds, as it passes specific timed sensors on the coaster. These guys didn't have a chance! hehe
This past week, Jackson, enlisting the assistance of his brother Jeremiah, got started creating a roller coaster. He followed the directions a little, but he also made design changes so he could add a corkscrew and a couple of extra twists.
It is exciting to watch him work on something like this, and even more fun to watch the project completed and his pride and seriousness when showing us how it all works.
And it did, too.
The roller coaster even has a sound box which emits roller coaster sounds and screaming sounds, as it passes specific timed sensors on the coaster. These guys didn't have a chance! hehe
December 31, 2007
Battery Charged Boy
Jackson has been busily building some of the 500+ experiments and projects from his Snap Circuits Electric set. Today he built a Battery Tester that really works.
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