Photos

Tobias and Lindsay made a snowman! It was the first snow fall. They had a blast. Not quite Frosty, but cute all the same.
What should I do now?

Superman muscles at it's best.

Look at me! How great am I? I'm Superman!

Tobias' Halloween Costume

Tobias was sleeping when I took photos of the little ones in their Halloween costumes and then later when photos were taken outside he inadvertently was not in any of them. I later put on his costume so Dawn could see how cute he was as Superman as she was not able to attend the party. There are also pictures of Tobias and Lindsay. Photos are posted below.

December Already

Dear Families,
So much for trying to post more often. I always feel that I should be posting photos and video, which takes more time, so it's hard to stay on top of it. However, I am sure that writings are just as fun for everyone.

Well, the toddlers are starting to break the language barrier. Evan, Philip, and Tobias, are communicating at an incredible rate. They use words, motions, baby sign, and body language. It is so much fun for me. It's also great to talk to them and know they understand what I am saying. They are also following 1 and 2 step directions. I've been mostly following their lead as to what are activities involve. Once again, it seems to be TRAINS that always takes the lead. Stories have gone a bit by the way side, as it just takes to much self control to sit. I am finding that interactive story telling works great.

Lilly is doing fantastic. She is always in control and knows exactly what's going on. She understands all directions, can dress herself, loves to read books on her own; I will often find her cuddled on the couch with her "Mickey" (blanket) reading stories to herself. I love to listen when she doesn't know it as she mimics the words she has heard. She is also doing well with potty training. She goes on the toilet often, but still as a few accidents. She is kind and helpful with the babies, and enjoys telling me how to care for them. Her best activity is playing with Oskar. They are good friends and she looks up to him.

Of course, their is Oskar. Oskar knows everything!!!!!! Mr. Super Mind at its best! He enjoys going to preschool, but also enjoys our days together. He is creative and an excellent leader. The other day he was the master mind behind our "paper instruments" which the children had a blast making and playing. He is great with Lilly and engages her in lots of creative play. He is kind to the toddlers and lets me know if mischief is eminent.

We've still been utilizing the basement for large muscle play. The kids love to go downstarirs. Even will often take my hand and lead me to the door. I do, however, think they miss going outside.

The school agers, although not here real often, are doing great. They have their own routines, and have figured out their own plan for who get's on the bus first.

Well, bye for now,

More to come later.

Video and Pictures

Evan made a very cute dragon!
Happy Halloween! What a gang!

Very cute dragon (Evan), Bee (Lilly) and Elmo (Philip). Tobias was a great superman, however, he was still napping when this photo was taken.

Sylvia and Oskar eating a healthy banana and yogurt breakfast!

Pop-n-Pals are too much fun!

This was a gorgeous day spent in the yard.

It's Been Too Long...Sorry!

I did not realize it was this long since my last post. I will do better. It seems with everything we use our computers for we could literally be logged on to the computer all day.

Anyway, the kids have been up to lots of activities during the month of October. We had beautiful weather so much of it was spent outdoors. We have gone on many walks and spent time visiting with neighbors and grandparents.

Inside we have been busy learning social skills. We are learning about appropriate touches, sharing, and showing empathy towards one another. It, of course, has had many ups and downs between episodes of power struggles over "Everything" and the inevitable pushing. I have witnessed wonderful acts of kindness as they retrieve security items for one another. I have also heard many words of please and thank you.

We have spent a lot of time dancing and listening to all kinds of music. We also like to spend time downstairs for a change of scenery and we can also engage in much needed gross motor play on bad weather days.

The Farm Tree Halloween party was a big success. I thank all of you for your participation and help.

Monday, November 3, the kids were off school and we spent a beautiful morning at Beach Park. The breeze was exceptional and the lake smelt so nice. The kids played beautifully. We were quite tired when we returned.

Thank you all for allowing me the honor of caring for your children. They are truly beautiful and you are all fantastic parents.

What's Happening?

Tobias, Evan, and Philip. Look how nice we can sit at the table for great snacks and milky!

Train Picture! The wheels on the train go clickety clack, all around the railroad track. The wheels on the train go clickety clack, clickety clack, clickety clack! Choo Choo!
Playing with trains, trains and more trains. We like trains, yes we do, we like trains, how 'bout you? Chug-a-chug a choo choo!
Rock, Scissors, Paper!
What's for lunch, Teresa? Can I have a Peanut Butter sandwich? It's my favorite!
Lilly's favorite spot to sit while she's enjoying a cold cup of milk!

Learning from Eachother

Getting the kids ready to go outside lately has been quite an ordeal. First there is the 4 diaper changes. Then we need to put on 5 pairs of shoes and 5 jackets. Sometimes socks too depending on who has taken theirs off. Of course there is Slipper, who runs around with her leash in her mouth, waiting without much patience to get outside. Once we are all dressed and ready to go there is always one more diaper change, somebody always poops!

We head to the door. Oskar is the first one down the stairs and out the door with slipper. Then there is Lilly who has mastered the stairs for quite some time, out she goes. Lastly, the toddlers take turns jumping into my arms to be carried out one at a time.

Yesterday, however, as I was prompting Tobias to jump into my arms he shakes his head "no." He proceeds to get down on the floor, turns around, and crawls down the stairs backwards. Evan and Philip are standing there watching Tobias with utter amazement on their faces. Tobias goes out the door, walking on his own. I turn to get the other two boys and to my surprise they are both attempting to crawl down the stairs backwards as they had just seen. I could not believe it. With much excitement I guided them down the stairs and out the door we went.

Remember When

Remember when Lilly was this little? She is sitting next to her friend, Aidan, who sadly had to leave Farm Tree. Lilly has grown up so fast. Spring 2007.
Remember Evan and Philip, Halloween 2007? What a stitch!
Look at this great looking crew! Kristine, Lindsay, Kelly, Henry, Chris, Evan, Oskar and Sylvia. December 2007

Today is Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008. Present at Farm Tree today was Lindsay, Henry, Lexi, Sylvia, Oskar, Tobias, and Evan. It was wet and rainy outside so we did inside activities. We danced and moved to a kids song music video. Oskar made an arts and crafts. The toddlers ate mounds of spaghetti for lunch as well as fruit and bread. Oskar ate a variety of fruit, veggies, and PB bread. And oh yes, the recycling was played with by all. Thanks Tobias!

Bye for now.

The Rugrats

Oh What a Beautiful Week!

Looking at my shape thing. Oskar and Lilly are great friends!
Babies on the Train!
Come on Lilly! Help me!
Oskar the Train Conductor!

Chug a Chug a Choo Choo!

This week was spent outside. What a beautiful week spent in the back yard and around the neighborhood. The rugrats played many outdoor activities. Oskar says, "We played trains, made a big sling shot, went on walks, had snacks, played with Katie and Reed, relay races and statue maker with the big kids when they go home early." Lilly says, "Big train outside."



We've also been working on "simple dance" which all the rugrats love. They are so funny. They each have their favorite part. Tobias turns circles, Evan smacks his hands to "all fall down," Philip claps his hands, Oskar does all movements and Lilly laughs and follows Oskar. It is hilarious.



The rugrats have been very happy with great appetites and lots of energy. It's rewarding to see their minds developing when their faces light up with excitement upon their accomplishments.

Bye for now,
The Rugrats!

Music Makers

Music Makers
Mr. Super Mind

The transition back to school is in its second week. The school age Rugrats are doing great and depart everyday eager to learn. I still miss them but am settling into a new and exciting schedule with the toddler Rugrats.



So far we have engaged in many toddler activities such as power struggles, learning boundaries, testing, temper tantrums, hair pulling, attempted biting, and lets not forget the best activity of all "It's Mine!" Oh the joys of toddler time!



The toddlers are learning about positive socialization through our play and activity time. We have been engaging in large muscle play outside, small motor skills inside through the use of blocks, shape sorters, and puzzles. We are working on vocabulary through everyday verbalization, stories, and object naming. Learning about our bodies and self awareness is fun through finger plays, music and movement. And finally we are learning about the world around us on our daily walks and visiting.



Of course we have Lilly and Oskar who most definitely are not toddlers. They have quickly become leaders and enjoy teaching and helping. Oskar is my right hand man. He knows everything about whats going on. I so enjoy our time together. He is smart and witty and always knows the right thing to say to make me laugh. Thanks Oskar for all you do. He is also enjoying going to preschool with his friend, Reed. Lilly talks and talks and talks. The toddlers are most definitely learning from her. She too is smart and independent and talks and talks to me all day. I love it!

More Photos

Don't be so sad Linds!
The Vargo Family
Tobias's 1st birthday

Keep climbing Evan!

How long do we have to hop?

Peek a Boo

Lots of fun toys in this box!

We Made It

We made it through the summer! We ended our summer with Super Sticker day on Thursday and a walk to Beach Park on Friday. I have to say the rugrats were fantastic. It was truly one of the best summers ever. I am finding myself feeling very sad with the kids going to school today. I miss them terribly.

Today we have Lilly, Oskar, Reed, Tobias, Evan and Philip. For breakfast we had cantaloupe, toast and milk. Not sure what the lunch menu will be. The babies are all walking in full force and very fast. They definitely keep me on my toes. Lilly celebrated her 2nd birthday on September 1st. We will celebrate on Thursday of this week. Happy Birthday Lilly! She was so sweet this morning and greeted me with much needed big hugs.

Present before and after school will be Lindsay, Henry, Sylvia, and Lexi. Oskar will be going to A.M. preschool on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Reed and Katie will be coming on Wednesday afternoons.

We are going to go on a walk now...after diaper changes...and yes, Lilly is going on the potty often. Way to go Lilly!

Bye for now,

The Rugrats!

Summer Videos

Tuff Love!

Evan Walking!

Water Play Fun

Relay Races

Cheering Section

Babies on the Move!

Baby Retrieval

Summer Photos

I love my Blanket!
What are we going to do now?
Like my new hair?
Drenched!
Fun the old fashioned way! Nothing beats a bucket!

Fun in the Sun and Water

Water Day Fun

Oskar Says, "We swam in the swimming pool. We put water bottles in the swimming pool too. We played with elephant kind watering cans. Me and the babies went on a walk with Teresa to find the big kids. We found them at Katie and Reeds"

Tobias, Lilly and Philip loved the little pool too. They filled and emptied bottles for an hour. They proceeded to eat a great lunch and take a long nap.

Henry Says, "We had noodles, chicken, corn and grapes for lunch today. Today is my birthday. I am nine years old."

Teresa Says, "The favorite water toy today was by far the empty water bottles."

We are missing Evan this week as he has been home with a fever. Hopefully he will return soon. It is great to have Sylvia and Oskar back. We were all happy to be reunited.

It has also been great to have Macey with us for July and August. We all really like her. She is a sweet child and good friend.

Lindsay says, "It was a really fun water day. We played water balloons and then got to play at Tom and Sues in their pool."

Bye for now,

The Rugrats

Wednesday Already!

And the week is flying by... Today we have Philip, Evan, Maggie, Bo, Lindsay, Henry, Lexi and of course, Lady Slipper. Sylvia and Oskar have been on vacation this week. We look forward to their return.

Favorite book day was Tuesday. We loved all the books the children brought. Lindsay read "Scary Stories" to the children. The day was gloomy, the shades were drawn, the flashlight flashing scary faces. I made the sound effects. The children loved it from Tobias on up. We also had a Toss Across tournament with Maggie being the big winner. Macey and Lilly were with us too. Lilly sat on the potty again and is talking so cutely. Macey enjoyed the stories and playing scary dress up.

We went for a long walk today and visited with lots of neighbors on the street. The vote for lunch was homemade Mac and Cheese. Enjoyed by all!

bye for now!

The Rugrats are Back

After a weeks vacation we are all back in full swing. Yesterday started out with Evan, Tobias, Maggie and Bo. Maggie and Bo will be with us this week. It is fun to see them. It was great to see Evan. He has begun to pull himself up on everything. Much to my surprise he managed to tip the end table over while pulling himself up and badly bruised his cheek. Poor Evan! On a happier note as we were putting him in the high chair Lindsay asked him if he wanted some lunch and he replied "Uh Ha". The entire group turned in surprise and said, "Did Evan just say Uh Ha?" It was great! Tobias was cute as ever. We all commented on his hair cut, however he apparently did not get one. He graced us with his incredibly fast crawl. Much faster than walking which he did not show us. Bo and Maggie were engrossed with Henry and his newly purchased football equipment. He of course had no problem showing it off. Lindsay was a huge help today as I hurt my hip area inner tubing on Sunday. Wouldn't you know the last thing I said as the boat took off was, "Go slow! I have to be able to work!" Wonders never cease! I guess that's what happens when you turn 40!

Hot Week

This last week has been a steamy one for the rugrats. Despite the heat we were creative and enjoyed many games and activities inside. Tuesday was pajama day. We lounged in our comfy jammies and played many inside activities including, large floor puzzles, music and dance, toss across, cards, coloring, legos, trains, just to name a few. As Wednesday came Sylvia decided it was time for some arts and crafts. We searched in the arts and crafts department and Sylvia found a great frame making activity. The children loved it and were occupied for hours. Oskar made several frames that were just beautiful! Thursday was hat and popsicle day. The hats were very cute and the Popsicles refreshing. We also celebrated Macey's 8th birthday. Happy Birthday Macey! We also put up living room tents, made more frames, rode bikes, and played various other activities. Among some of the accomplishments this week, Tobias can take steps on his own, Philip has begun to run, Lilly is doing great on potty training and talking beautifully, Evan can say a few words...I could have too that he said Teta...this week. We will work on that.

Today is Friday! Present today is Evan, Philip, and Lexi. We will spend lots of one on one with the babies. We are looking forward to our vacation week. We will be back on Monday, August 11th. Bye Bye for now.

The Rugrats

Today...

We fed a spider ants and watched it attack and learned about it. Macey's birthday is coming up and she is going to bring a treat. Happy Birthday Macey!!! I like feeding the spider. And I liked the lunch.

The Fun of Picnic Day

Rugrats present today: Tobias, Philip, Evan, Lily, Oskar, Sylvia, Macey, Henry, Lindsay, Slipper and Teresa. We had a smorgasbord for breakfast to please all palates consisting of sausage, French toast, waffles, cinnamon toast, bananas and orange drink. Many wonderful foods were brought for our picnic today. Our main course will consist of bratwursts cooked on the grill. We will picnic in the backyard accompanied by a variety of yard games. Activities already this morning consisted of bike riding, follow the leader, video game, computer, statue maker, blocks, little cars and the fun still continues.......

bye for now, many diapers to change........

And the vote was unanimous, Evan still holds rein as "poop king!"
Lilly took her own diaper off and sat on the toilet. Way to go Lilly!

Oh the trials and tribulations of planned activities! Upon our return from Pumphouse Park and just before our picnic lunch Henry took a digger on the driveway. He hit his forehead hard and the contusion was "egg" size in no time. After doctoring a very upset Henry, feeding lunch to the babies and tucking them into bed, we had a long awaited picnic lunch on the patio. The children ate great, the food was delicious, and full tummies were had by all. With tummies full and tired eyes we ventured inside for a much needed quiet rest.

The Rugrats

Wednesday Fun

Yesterday we videotaped Evan walking and we got him to walk all the way across the room with a little bit of help!!!!! Congrats Evan!!!!!!! For quiet time we watched Penelope. At the end of the day we had a princess ice cream snack. Yum!!!!

So far we are having a FUN WEDNESDAY!!!! We played statue maker two different ways. We played helicopter(a jump rope game). Teresa, Sylvia, and Lindsay all played on the computer it was called make a wedding gown. And played with Slipper, a game she LOVES called catch me if you can. and that's all we did so far today.


The Rugrats

Favorite Book Day

As our Monday continued we went for a walk to the bank, suckers were of course a bonus, followed by the post office. We had spaghetti, garlic toast, Caesar salad and grapes for lunch. We then proceeded to take a much needed sleep nap. Later in the afternoon Evan walked across the living room floor on his own. It was great. We've all been waiting to see him walk on his own. I guess it took dad to the rescue. Congratulations Evan!

Today is Favorite book day. The children brought great books in which we will read in increments throughout the day. Present today are Tobias, Evan, Lilly, Macey, Sylvia, Oskar, Lexi, Henry, Lindsay and Slipper the "barking" dog. Philip will be missed today as he is out with mom. We will have waffles, cake donuts, and bananas for breakfast. Lunch will be tuna or peanut butter sandwich, carrot sticks, apple slices and bananas. Sylvia says "I'm hungry!! lets eat breakfast!!" I guess it's time to go......

The vote was unanimous to walk to Beach Park and read some of our stories there. We will bring water, and some snacks too. Signing off for now, lots and lots and lots and lots and lots to do........................................

Tired Monday

The rugrats are tired today. Philip and Evan both took an hour morning nap. Much happier now.

Present today are Tobias, Philip, Evan, Oskar, Sylvia, Henry, Lindsay, Slipper and lets not forget Teresa. We never seem to mention her....

Sylvia, Oskar and Henry are battling Star Wars on the play station. They said they got pretty far but then the game froze. We are going to go outside now and have some playtime. Oskar says they got on the Ewok level. Sylvia is bouncing Tobias on her lap and he is laughing out loud. Evan is putting Lego's together and pulling them apart, it seems to be his new favorite activity besides of course walking. Philip is trying to put his shoes on as he knows what outside is. More to come later. Bye for now...

July, 17

Today we celebrated Tobias's birthday! His mom brought sugar cookies and all of the kids enjoyed them and LOVED them!!!!!! Thank you Tobias!!!!!!! We played in the water and got sprayed with the hose including Philip and he liked it!!!!!!! We made a water slide out of the play set and we had a ball!

Flannel Board Stories and a Hot Day

Who's present at Farm Tree today? We have Lilly, Macey, Oskar, Sylvia, Evan, Tobias, Henry, Lindsay and their cousin Aaron. Our day started out with Bakery Fresh Donuts, Strawberries and Sausage. We then listened to music from the computer. We then when outside and played in the tent. We jumped off the little playground onto cushions. Then we hung outside a little more. The weather became hot so we came in and did Flannel Board Stories. We also made flannel board faces and played "what's different"?. We had lunch consisting of spaghetti, tacos, strawberries, carrots, chicken, cheese. We then read "The Spider and the Fly" and "Humpty Dumpty." We then took a sleep nap. Was a quiet house. Sylvia, Oskar, Lilly, Macey, and Evan woke up as Evan was crying to get up. Then we did this blog. This blog was written by Macey and Sylvia.

Tobias' mom is going to have a baby and Tobias is going to be a big brother!!!!!!Big news!!!!!!We are so very excited.........

Quiet Day

Today has been a fairly quiet day. Rugrats present include Evan, Tobias, Oskar, Sylvia, Henry and Lindsay. The children had strawberries, watermelon, donuts, toast, for breakfast. We spent the morning in the yard. Evan and Tobias enjoyed the freedom of exploring including pulling grass, playing with sticks, riding and pushing bikes, playing with dirt, picking flowers, and of course playing on and around the jungle gym. The older children once again decided they needed more tent play. They were able to put it up completely on their own today. Practice makes perfect I guess. Lunch consisted of Grilled Cheese, more strawberries and watermelon, carrot sticks, pickles, and lemonade. As of this posting both babies are sleeping as well as Oskar. Sylvia is taking a movie quiet time. All is quiet on the home front.

Emily and Tanner

We had more all day vistors!!!! Emily and Tanner and we love it when they are here so we are haveing a lot of fun!!

Tent

We got a new tent and we set it up all the time and all the kids LOVE it! We have had Emily and Tanner in it to.

Bo and Maggie July 11

Today is Maggie and Bo's last day at daycare. They will only come back if needed. We hope they will be fine and we want them to know that they will always be welcome. Evan is almost walking. Philip engaged slipper with a game of fetch all on his own. The kids and teresa helped put up the new tent and all of the kids could fit in it and the kids had loads of fun!! We had lunch in the tent as well as a movie. Very good friday indeed. Have a great weekend everyone.

July 10th, Thursday

Today the rugrats will be going on an early morning walk before the heat sets in. The gang today includes: Tobias, Philip, Evan, Oskar, Maggie, Bo, Sylvia, Henry and Lindsay. Today's lunch will be homemade Mac and Cheese with Baked Beans, and mixed veggies. On a sad note Bo and Maggie will be leaving us as they have run into a scheduling conflict. Although their time was short we enjoyed them and will miss them. Their last day will be tomorrow. Some of the suggestions for today's activities were: ICE CREAM, Tag, ICE CREAM, Water balloons, ICE CREAM, tent, and of course more ICE CREAMMMMMMMMMMM........ We'll see what the day brings about.

over the days

Lindsay, Macey, Sylvia, and Maggie made games and entertaind the kids and played in the tent for the day. We all had fun!!!! We hade a dance/helie with music on the patio. Some of the girls dressed up in the old dance costumes and played in them and they all had a lot of fun!

July 9th

Today we went to beach park and abby came along to. We swam and plyed at the park. Fun!!!!!!! Macey has been here for a few days and we love her!!!! We hope she loves it here!

Lindsay Has Been Gone

Lindsay has been gone and the kids miss her terribly. I think Lindsay misses them to and her dog Slipper and her family. She will be back soon and she will have lots of attention. I hope she thinks about the kids. because the kids talk about her a lot. We miss you Lindsay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Visitors

We had two visitors today!!!!! Maggie and Taylor. Maggie is 14 and Lindsays cousin and Taylor is 11 and is Maggie and Lindsays 2nd cousin. They help a lot and are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

Abby

Today we had a all day visitor. Her name is Abby. She is 10 years old and is Lindsay's best friend and also the rugrats' best friend. She is totally awesome!!!!!!!! We love having her around and she is very helpful! We love you Abby!!!!!!!!!!!!

Icecream Social

Today we had an ice cream social. All the kids had ice cream with chocolate syrup, whip cream, and sprinkles. Mmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!! We played outside and all did different activities. We made a different post together and said things that we like about daycare. Some kids didn't say anything. We found out that Philip can say what a cow says all you have to do is say "Philip, what does the cow say?". To Cute!!!!!!!!!!

What the Kids Say

Maggie says...My favorite things are water balloons, watching movies, going to the park and beach, and playing games.

Bo says...My favorite thing are riding bikes, playing star wars, parks, and walks.

Lindsay says...I think that all the kids have great humor and are all very special.

Henry says...It has good food, playing water balloons, and squirt gun fights.

Abby (friend of the rugrats)says...all the kids are very funny, and I get to play with my best friend Lindsay.

Oskar and Sylvia say...no comment.

Slipper says...woof woof grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Lilly says.. pease teesa.

Philip says..ahhhhhhhh.

Tobias says with his hands...hug me Lindsay.

Evan says...eeeehhhhhhh.

Lexi says...Ter ter ter can I...?

Tereasa says...Are we having fun yet?

The Farmtree Rugrats

Included in this blog we have Lilly who is silly, Evan who is crawling, Philip who is walking, Tobias who is curious. We also have Maggie, Bo, and Oskar who are full of energy and creativity. Sylvia, Lindsay, and Henry who bring up the crew with their leadership and helpfulness. Lexi and Macy are included too and grace us with their presence. Lastely there is Slipper who entertains us with her play.



We hope you enjoy our blog.



By, The Rugrats

The Farmtree Rugrats june,2008

We love playing in the water! We play in the water almost every day! We always have water balloons that every kid can fill up themselves! We have a blast!!! We found an injured chipmunk and we took it to the vet and they put it to sleep and we buried it. Fun!!!!!!! We have fun adventures at Beach Park. We sometimes have picnics there too! We found a crayfish and took care of it while we were there. We made it a house and found some things to make it at home. At the end of the day we let it go. We go swimming there and have a blast!!!!!