The Beginning of Blending

So we're into Phase 3 of this Blending Families Experiment. My kids with his kids. My girls and I arrived Thursday with our kitten. During daylight hours we are with David's family. His cat and our kitten haven't developed tolerance or respect for each other, but all of the kids have. I attribute this smooth transition to the fact that everyone of the 7 kids wants this big family to work out. They each seem eager to live in a home with a Dad and a Mom and have lots of brothers and sisters. Another helpful fact is that our kids are not spoiled. They easily share and get along well with each other. During the past year, I have been working to soften my heart and to train myself to love more easily, deeply and carelessly. I realize my heart is forward and venerable in this new condition. His kids are so easy to love! I really believe I would love them so much even if my heart were smaller, pushed in deeper and harder like it had been in the past.
My girls are usually joined at the hip and feel that they NEED each others' companionship even on bathroom trips. In the past couple of days though they have practiced more independence. They feel loved and secure in this big family. Yesterday David and I sat on the couch with the baby while the six others plus a neighbor friend played/worked quietly in small little groups in the same family room. It didn't feel like I thought 8 kids would feel or sound like.
Saturday, after chores, we took both our identical vans to get a live tree. I can't tell you how comically relieving it was to be the helper, not the leader in sawing and drilling to prep thetree for the stand. This was one of those times when I pictured myself completing a task with my previous husband. It is beautiful to have a capable, loving, and patient partner. Last night our family of 9 sat around the dinner table in love and gratitude. After dinner, I took the oldest girls along with their friends to a movie while David stayed home with the younger ones. It was reported that they did kids' yoga and spread blankets out for lots of bedtime stories. I love him!! The kids adore him too!

What's Scarier than Falling? Blending

I took an intermediate level painting class in college. I had recently earned a bunch of ART credits by taking a Portuguese written assessment and by resubmitting my AP Art History test score from high school. I just needed this painting class to meet the BA requirement and graduate. I should have been in Beginning Watercolor, but it wasn't offered my last semester. I had to get permission to be in the class with the real art students. Getting these last 2 ART credits was the easiest way to get a BA instead of going the BS route and would allow me to graduate ahead of schedule.

I liked painting, but I was no where near good enough to succeed at the "collegiate" level and I really didn't want this class to taint my GPA. After moving through some fairly easy assignments, the professor required us to paint something with difficult colors warning us that if we didn't paint properly, we would end up with a muddy mess. I painted with 2 of the difficult colors he allowed--red and green. Red and green together make muddy brown. I was so careful. There's only one tiny part of my painting that is muddy. I was pleased with my work, but it took a long long time. I still remember the pleasantly shocked look on his face when I presented my painting of a red apple on a green and yellow background. He told me, "Wow! I didn't know you had it in you! You took risks and it tuned out okay."

A while back, I poured my heart out about being scared to fall in love. He is an intelligent, hard working, kind, loving man. I had been afraid that I would love too much and get hurt in the end. It turns out that falling can be really fun if you have a partner that's falling in love right along with you.
Now, as we prepare to blend our lives together, the blending of our families is what scares me. I've heard of others' experiences with step children and step mothers and ex wives and realize that ours will be different. Different doesn't mean easy. Blending families can't be easy for anyone involved. I am so grateful to have a partner right along side of me as we begin the challenging process of blending.
This weekend my girls will get to have more time with him and Emerson, more than Kamryn, realizes that he and I may eventually marry. She sees him differently now than she did when she met him casually in September. She's texted him a few times and is pretty thrilled for his upcoming arrival.
His kids are excited to get to know me, my girls are excited to get to know him--but just like the "excitement" with new love--there will be many other feelings to experience. Here's to the hope, faith and charity we will need to blend these kids as carefully as possible. In the end, I hope to hear something similar to: "I knew you had it in you! You took risks and it tuned out beautifully."

Snow Saturday Slumber NO

We knew it would snow when we fell asleep. In my mind the first snow landing on a Saturday meant snuggling down deeper in my warm bed for at least 30 extra minutes.

To them, it meant SNOW PLAY!!

At 6:45 AM, I bundled them up in the snow pants and gloves (that I got for a bargain at the end of Spring last year). It was dark and I told them to stay in the yard while I started laundry and breakfast.

Only 5 minute later did I realize I needed to grab something from the garden shed and drop it off at the Coombs' house around the corner.

I bundled myself up and headed outside. No girls in the front yard. I had just been in the garden shed and didn't see them in the back yard either. My heart raced. They had run off on Halloween night and were awarded tough consequences--How could they do this again?!?!?

The only place I thought that they would go would be to the Coombs' house where I needed to go, so I calmed down. I was hoping that my girls weren't ringing the doorbell at 7 in the morning on a snowy Saturday, but I could picture it.

Arriving at Coombs, my heart sank when my girls weren't visible. It was still really dark and everything was quiet. Back to my yard, I investigated the footprint in the snow. The markings proved that they had, in fact, walked out of the yard down to the corner and then the prints stopped. Did they cross the street to walk three blocks to visit the horse pasture and check on the horses in the snow? Did a StRaNgEr take them?!?! It was at this moment that my "freak out" turned on. At the corner, I pulled out my phone and looked up the number for the police department--I knew not to use 911, even though this was, in fact, an emergency. I prayed a quick prayer to calm down and guide my actions. As I began dialing, I heard their voices. I ran to the driveway to my laughing daughters. I pulled them close and and asked them why they disobeyed and left the yard. Emerson said, "We walked to the corner, but remembered the rule, so we've been playing in the backyard the whole time."

I'm so thankful for these girls. I can't imagine life without them. I know life without them would include snowy Saturday sleeping in, but I don't like to sleep in anyway.

Falling is sometimes scary

The only ride that I hate at our local amusement park is the Rocket Re-Entry. There are 2 Rocket rides. One blasts you off 200 feet into the air quickly (within 3 seconds) and then you are let down at a slower speed.

The other Rocket Ride is horrible and works in the opposite direction.

Here is the description from Lagoon's website: "Guests are slowly raised to the top of the 200 foot tower in approximately 20 -25 seconds and then blasted downward."

Blasted is correct.

"As they near the bottom of the tower, they enjoy several cushioned bounces."

Enjoy is not correct. (For me at least)

I went on this ride only once and I cried like a baby for several minutes afterwards. I was 24 at the time and terrified, but in a social setting with single guys and I really tried to pull myself together. I was a mess. I vowed never to do it again.

Falling is scary.

Falling in love is terrifying.

I have been happy to meet new guy friends and had fun dating for the past 6 months. I made a few really good friends and learned a lot from quality individuals.

There were many many nights as I journaled, studied and prayed at the end of the day that I tried to plan and negotiate ways to stay single forever. To date and have friends, but to not get too attached to anyone.

I was afraid of falling in love.

We have had season passes to Lagoon this year. My girls have a few favorite rides. One of their favorites is called the Dinosaur Drop. It is a vertical drop tower ride, but on a smaller scale. The rider only gets to "enjoy" the feeling of dropping to her death from 40 feet, not 200 feet.

I went on this Dinosaur Drop at the beginning of the summer ONLY because I thought that I was required to accompany the little girls. Tears came to my eyes and I hated it, but I didn't completely lose it and I was not an official mess.

For the past couple of months the girls have ridden the Dinosaur Drop without me, but this last weekend, they really wanted me to join them. You know what, I didn't HATE it this time. I didn't exactly LOVE it, but I almost thought it was fun.

A couple of months ago, a certain man really stood out. Not only is he super handsome, but he's an incredible father to his 5 kids. I tried not to get too impressed, but he is pretty amazing. I tried to convince myself that I could prevent myself from falling in love with him. Looking back I can see why I did this. I didn't want to be vulnerable. I didn't want to fall, get hurt and then become a mess.

I was happy being single and I felt very safe physically and emotionally.

I knew from the start that this man would keep me safe physically, but I thought that I wasn't yet willing to allow myself emotional hurt. I still feel like he is out of my league in many areas. However, I am willing to risk the potential hurt because he makes me a better, happier person.

If I can handle the risk of the Dinosaur Drop, I can do almost anything. Yeah, right!!?!!

Someday I may even get married again, but that's as scary as the Rocket Re-entry ride don't you think?

The Doctor Visit

Today we welcomed a doctor to our 3rd grade as a launch to the health unit on the Skeletal system. He brought a huge skeleton and pointed out joints and named about 30 bones then he asked a few questions, but realized he just needed to let them ask the questions.

The questions and answers made me laugh, so I started taking notes during the discussion.

Doctor: What are your bones made of?

Student A: Wood

Doctor: No actually it's in something we drink?

Student B: Milk--Bones are made of milk.

STUDENT QUESTIONS

What's your butt made of?

How do you get disease?

Can you pop your knuckles?

Is it bad to twist your arm really weird?

How do your eyeballs stay in?

Does your tongue have bones?

Later in the day one girl told me that it was really weird that the doctor thought that the "finger" was the biggest bone in the body. I explained to the class that the thigh bone is the largest bone and is called the "femur"-- more than half of them though he said "finger".

I like being the observer occasionally. Funny kids. Patient doctor.

A Memory from Budapest

During the Summer of 2001, I spent some time in Budapest, Hungary. On the 2nd morning, I woke before my hosts (my friend John and his parents) and headed out walking around the neighborhood on the Buda side. I loved it. The houses were brightly painted and beautiful flowers filled the window boxes. There were quite a few older men out in their yards or cleaning their driveways. As I walked passed I wanted to be friendly in their language so I used a term that had been said to me several times the day before. "Csókolom!" The first man looked at me strangely, but smiled. But, by the 4th time I said this word to one of my temporary neighbors, I knew I was saying it wrong. But I remember how it sounded and I really thought I was pronouncing it correctly--it sounds like "Chocolom".

Later in the day while I was out shopping with John's mom, I asked her about the word. She laughed right out loud and told me that word is only said to women and it means "I kiss your hand".

Got it!

Train Ride to the Salt Lake Temple Square

The train ride was a reward for doing chores for many days in a row.
Our favorite place was in the Children's Book of Mormon exhibit. We danced Latina Dances with big screen demos and mirrors.
The agricultural play was a favorite spot too. The girls went through all the motions of getting the vegetables and eggs to the play kitchen and then to the dining table for me to sample--delicious!!

Fishing from Nephi's ship was exciting to watch too because the girls know the story so well that they took turns being Nephi when his brothers tied him up.

We loved the temple grounds too. They kept reminding me to be reverent because a temple is more special and important than even a church.

Adults can pretend too

This morning I played make believe that I'm a runner for my long run (jog) and then drove up to the hills above my parents' house to do some incline and decline sprints. It's my 3rd day of hills in this training for the Halloween Half and my calves were so sore that going down the stairs was painful, but I was stoked!

When I parked the van on the hill and started putting up the girls' tent, I noticed steam coming from the hood and tons of leaking fluid underneath. Last night, I had some overheating trouble and a friend helped me out by adding some water but couldn't see the problem at that time. I had scheduled an appointment at the car shop for this afternoon to find the problem. I shouldn't have been driving it until after the mechanic found the problem, but luckily I did drive it and I found the problem myself. There was a tiny hole in the return hose causing a steady fast stream of a leak.

Mr. Haddad, my parents' Lebonese neighbor, pulled over to assist me. He told me how easy it will be for my father to fix it. Well, dad wasn't home and isn't much of a mechanic, so I asked him to tell me what to do. Remove the clamps, take the hose to the auto supply store, buy a replacement and clamp the new hose into place. Easy!! So I broke into my parents house, borrowed some tools and the keys to my little brother's car and began removing the hose. My dad pulled up with my brother and I told them my plan. As my little brother was driving me to the auto parts store he asked who was going to tow my car. I re-explained that I could fix it. Mr. Haddad told me how to do it. Obviously, my brother has no faith in my pretending to be a mechanic.

I replaced the hose with a total cost of $3.99 and total labor time 15 minutes (because the car was still hot).

Finding the problem.
Removing the old hose by simply squeezing the clamps with pliers to loosen.

Buying the new hose.

Clamping it in place (and feeling pretty tricky for saving money) It looks great doesn't it?





Then I ran my hills and pretended to be a runner! I love make believe.

The girls get to play house in the tent while I play like I can run hills really fast (but in real life I am so slow).

The view from the bottom of hill one.

Saying goodbye to my tent dwellers at the bottom of the hill.

View from the top of hill one.

This last photo is my favorite--getting greeted by my tent dwellers at the bottom of hill #1. They do this outstretched arm run toward me at every lap at the park too--it totally keeps me going!! Love them!!

Antelope Island

My first post on this Back from Malaysia blog began with a visit to Antelope Island. We have returned 10 times since then and last week's camping trip there might be the last of 2011. It's starting to get cold here in Utah.

Preparing him for someone else

I was given excellent advice from Brother VanShaar as I was ending my mission and heading home. He said, "Sister Dunroe as you date and seek out a marriage partner, please choose a priesthood leader not a project." I hurts me that I remember so well the best advice that I didn't take.

I began dating 30 months after my marriage ended, 8 months after the divorce was final. I was an emotional mess and put off dating. Finally, after lots of healing had taken place, I took the plunge. I didn't feel ready or have a huge desire to date, but I had a nagging feeling that it was time to go for it.

In that time, I have been out with 15 guys and dated 6 for an extended period. It seemed like 5 of those were priesthood leaders, but all were ALSO projects. They had really been broken by the previous women in their lives. 5 of them have thanked me repeatedly for boosting their confidence, making them feel attractive and worthy of a fantastic partner. One even called me his hero when I said that I no longer wanted to develop our relationship. It was a little weird, but it has gotten me thinking. At first I was resentful that I had used my precious time to provide free emotional therapy to these men that I would no longer date. I WAS COACHING THEM FOR THEIR FUTURE WIVES ;-)

My attitude and perspective have been changing (thankfully). The last couple of days have been really enlightening.

I started to open my heart to the women who may be investing time in the man I will marry and

I scratched out this letter to those ladies as I sat in the parking lot after a temple session today:

Dear Dating Ladies,

Thank you my sisters for not playing games with him. Thank you for building him up and making him feel proud to be with you. Thank you for being direct with him if he hurts your feelings or lets you down. Pouting is pointless and tantrums are ridiculous. Thank you for making him feel attractive, but not tossing meaningless affection his way. Thank you for listening to him and the details about his family and life. I really appreciate that you do not add stress and drama or prattle on and on about problems in your own life. Mostly, I appreciate that you encourage him to attend the temple often and hold significant family home evenings with his kids. If you are currently studying the scriptures with him--I will love you forever! And have fun!! Laugh lots, but recognize, please, that he won't be yours forever. It's okay to let him go when he meets me.

love,

Your Friend

Trip to Idaho

We headed to Idaho on Thursday afternoon. After filling up at a gas station in Brigham City, I opened the back of the van and started rattling off roadtrip snack options. "Okay girls, this is what we have to eat: kale, red leaf lettuce, carrots, apples, peaches or plums. What do you want?" As they were giving me their requests, a male voice at the car next to me said, "Your kids eat that stuff?" I laughed, looked over and relied, "Oh yeah, they'll eat it all unless I walk in the store and buy cheetos and oreos."

A couple of hours later, Emerson requested cheetos and oreos.

We had a great time in Idaho. It was exciting to see some fabulous people again. Our first stop was outside of Black foot at my cousin's farm. She is so spunky and the girls loved her sweet attention.

Here's a shot of the girls inside one of the spud cellars with Daisy and Duke the lovable farm dogs.

We slept at the farm mansion and then set off for Rexburg the next day. Rexburg has expanded and changed so much since I was a student there in 1996. The highlight for us was the Rexburg temple set up on the hill. My girls love temples.

I didn't take many more pictures. I need to improve at being a photo-snapping mommy (I've been saying this for a full year since starting this blog)

We stopped to see my friend on campus. He met us in the planetarium and treated us to a brilliant star show. Emerson absolutely loved it! Kamryn got a little motion sick. She asked a couple of times if we were falling. As we left, we saw my friend up in an office on a higher floor and waited until he saw us. We blew him kisses and then went on our way. A few minutes later, he appeared behind us on the sidewalk and surprised us with chocolate kisses. He's fun. He walked home and we joined him later after I ran at the park as the girls played. Back in his yard we checked out his awesome play structure and huge pumpkin patch. The girls loved it! While he went back to work, I took the girls bowling. Later we went to my childhood friend's house. She's amazing. Her house is so clean and well put together.


My girls fell in love with her kids and asked if they could come back and play with their "new cousins". She and her family wouldn't return until late, but she arranged to have a babysitter there while I went out with my friend for the evening.

It was a great evening; he's a really kind friend. It started with a Thai Restaurant and ended with a drive and a walk around the temple. In between we enjoyed nature, people watching, conversation and even dancing in the park. I could have danced with him a lot longer, but I hadn't charged my iPhone, so our music ran out. He hasn't been divorced for too long and isn't ready for a relationship yet. You don't need to think I'll be married anytime soon just because we went to the temple grounds.

The next day we woke early, thanked our great hosts and headed to the Rexburg Temple one more time before leaving town. We seem a bit obsessed with the temple, but it's my favorite place to go and I look forward with so much excitement for the day when my kids can enjoy it with me on the inside too.
We met our friends, Miow Lin and her husband at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. My girls loved the Native American dancing and the ponies.

Salad Assembly 101

I eat 2 nice salads each day. I grew butterleaf lettuce this year and picked it fresh each time I wanted a salad. Now, since school is back in session and we're a bit busier with balancing play and homework after a day away from each other, I make a four days' worth of salads at one time. I grab one for lunch as I head out and then I have one when I get home and feel ready to munch at 4:30 or just add it to our dinner. It's been great and my salads have so much more to them when I plan a time to listen to some music and chop with the beat.Zucchini and butternut squash cubes
Collard greens, spinach and carrot coins
Kale and broccoli
Packed and ready to store (after this shot, I remembered to add the garbanzo beans, so I opened them up and added the beans) For the past 6 months, I've been cooking dried beans overnight in the crock pot--this is my favorite. I didn't like using canned beans because of the price and the sodium level, but whenever I tried cooking dried beans on the stove I would mess them up and it seemed to take all day. The crock pot is the perfect way to get the beans just right!

I don't usually add dressing, but I keep a baggie of sunflower seeds and a baggie of almonds in my purse to add before eating.

She's helping me become what I can become

Two months ago I was being challenged repeatedly by my eldest. She was driving me to exhaustion in parenting. She was generally well-behaved but occasionally turned defiant and extremely irritating to her little sister and to me. One Sunday in church she was so naughty during the sacrament that I started to cry. She stared at me and then, get this, laughed at me. That afternoon, the girls took a nap and I turned to read the ancient account of the ressurrected Savior visiting the inhabitants of Ancient America. At this particular part that I felt I needed to re-read, He called the little children to Him. He ministered to them and blessed them one by one. I felt that I needed to read that part to remember how much He loves them and how much I should feel honored to take care of His little ones. (Even when a particular little one nearly drives me crazy once a week)

That night I dreamed that I was in Ancient America, I was dressed like a Nephite Woman

and I was surrounded by a multitude of others excited by Christ’s appearance. He was calling the little ones to Him. I was thrilled. I don’t know where Kamryn was, but I know Emerson was with me, hand in hand, I would not let her go until she was blessed and healed. For some reason at the beginning of this dream I saw Emerson as being broken and needing to be “fixed”. I felt such an urgency to get her to the front of the line, but I was also trying to be patient with all the other good people around me. When it was finally her turn, He smiled at her and helped her sit on a big boulder for her blessing. As soon as she was settled, His eyes locked with mine and He didn’t release His smiling stare until the blessing was over. He blessed Emerson that she would learn how to love others by watching her mother. He blessed her that she would become obedient by watching her mother and that she would learn how to repent and to become what He knew she could become by watching her mother. I choked up and my heart jumped into my throat. I was shocked to realize how much I needed Emerson. I need her not to be fixed, but to help fix me. He knew I could do it. He knows I can love more, obey more and change more. He locked His eyes with mine to give me the hope and love that I need to move forward and parent with courage.

He was calling the Little Ones to Him. He calls us all to Him. We’re still Children.

He knows us. He loves us. We are His Children. He gives us what we need. Often we need our children much more than they need us. Emerson has been continuing to "fix" me and shape me into what I know, and He knows I can become.

Back with my Work Family

Now there's a happy worker!! I have always felt really lucky to be a teacher. It's challenging at times, but probably the most rewarding career I could have chosen. I love working with kids and witnessing their growth and progress. I love my grade level team and my school!!
Today was our first big faculty meeting. This school is huge; I'm pretty sure we still have over 1,000 elementary kids. There are over 40 teachers and half of them I consider as near as family. It felt so good to be "home" again. I've been away for 3 years and haven't been able to stop smiling as I walk these halls and talk with these teachers and parents again.
I haven't worked with this principal before, but so far I am amazed and impressed with how she manages, motivates and leads. There was a table set for each grade level with a quote on a pendant. Our district has been in existence for 100 years, so our school theme is "a new century of champions" and you can see the sports theme throughout the decorations. Wrapped neatly for each teacher is a baseball shirt with our school's name on the front and our own last name across the back. We also have our grade number "03" for third grade on the shirt. These shirts will be worn every Friday by all the teachers for spirit day. (I LOVE the idea of a uniform for teachers, LOL, because I'm not a shopper or a clothes horse)

We also received the book "Teach Like a Champion" I studied this last year and LOVE it!! You can also see peanuts and cracker jacks in the middle of the table.

Fools Rush In

I have a ton of cute pictures to post of my girls and our adventures, but I am mainly typing tonight about my skill with (problem with) falling in love. I have been working to gain more charity over the past couple of months and it’s been amazing.

There was a time a few years ago when my heart had been hurt and I felt looked down upon and other junk that seemed to prevent me from loving normally. At this time in my life, my heart was small and hardened and located deep inside. Now, my heart is softer. It seems like my heart is actually moving to the front of my chest and growing. I think of the animated Grinch changing his heart and it actually growing 3 times.

I’ve had some tender experiences lately. I won’t go into too much detail, but many mornings I wake with a specific person on my mind and I sense a huge amount of love. On the 4th of July I woke thinking of my sweet sister-in-law who lost her dad when it seemed he was only in the middle of his life. I hurt for her. My eyes swelled up with tears as I thought of the dear man that her kids would not know personally as their grandpa. I had experienced feelings of love for her before, but this specific morning, I literally ached for her and loved her 10 times more than I ever had. Another morning, a neighbor flashed into my mind. She’s a breast cancer survivor and I’ve been getting to know her better. This achy, full heart beat for her and what she has been through. Yet another morning, I actually hurt for the ex-wife of the man that I was dating. I knew things had become so difficult in their marriage that it must have seemed impossible to erase the hurt. While, I have been so grateful for these small experiences to help me more fully appreciate the Savior’s love, I have to be honest when I say it has interrupted my morning routine. One morning as I was feeling the love for someone, I actually was sobbing during the drive. It took me a few minutes to get control of my emotions before entering the bank. I knew my eyes were puffy and red, but I really had to get on with my day.

I am reminded of a modern day romantic comedy starring Steve Carrel in Dan in Real Life. Dan is frustrated because his 13 year old daughter, Cara, feels like she is completely in love. Her would-be boyfriend explains to Dan that “love is not a feeling, it’s an ability”.

While Dan is putting teenage Marty into a car to be taken away from Cara:

Dan: Look, I'm not your parent, but I should warn you: love is a dangerous feeling.
Marty: No sir.
Dan: Are you arguing with me?
Marty: No, I'm....It's just that...[speaks spanish]. Love is not a feeling, it's an ability.
Dan: Who told you that?
Marty: I made it up Mr. Burns.

While watching Cara weep at seeing her boyfriend banished:

Marie: It's sweet.
Dan: What's sweet? How is that sweet?
Marie: To be so certain; to feel that much love...
Dan: Love. Love isn't a feeling.
Marie: No?
Dan: It's an ability.
Marie: Well, if that's true, you have one gifted daughter!
Cara: YOU ARE A MURDERER OF LOVE!

That evening at the talent show:

Aunt 1: Dan, what's your talent?
Dan: Murderer of Love.

The irony in the film is that Dan ends up falling in love with Marie more quickly than Cara fell for Marty.

Recently, I have dated some really good guys. It’s been an honor to get to know them and a couple of them have actually liked the dating rules that I use to keep me safe and comfortable.

I fell in love with one man and I announced on facebook that we were exclusive within a few hours of our Define the Relationship talk. I realized that I looked foolish, but I couldn’t hold back what I felt. There’s always excitement at the hope of a successful match, but this has been very different. It’s like I really care about him more than I care about myself and that really frightens me. He loves my dating rules and has been a perfect gentleman. I felt really safe physically and emotionally. After a few weeks, I’m realizing that this runaway train of connectedness and love needs to come to a full stop. Loving this man is more than interrupting my morning routine, it could really mess with this lovely life on the cobblestone path with my girls that I have been working on. ;-) So once again I step away from a relationship. Seriously though, I embrace this break from twitterpation and invite my brain cells to start functioning again. Apparently, I need to start praying for more logic now that I’m getting this “how to love” skill down. Maybe my brain will start enlarging and I can look like a conehead.

Breakfast of a Champion Wannabe

I used to eat breakfast just because it is "the most IMPORTANT meal of the day". Now I eat it because I LOVE it!! Since November, I've made a Green Smoothie (fruits and veggies) with protein powder, but this week I changed things up DRAMATICALLY!!

In the past, I sometimes sleepily forgot to add the protein powder and the smoothie tasted so much better and was less frothy. The drawback was that I had to mix up some water and protein powder and down it on the way out the door--yuck!

Now, I down the water/powder BEFORE treating my self to the fruit/veggie breakfast dessert.

8 oz of cool water with one scoop of vanilla OR chocolate whey, whisk, then drink as fast as possible.

Now here's the fun and yummy part:
Choose a few fruits (I like to make 1 choice frozen usually blueberries) and a couple of veggies. Today's 1 1/2 smoothie had 4 strawberries, 1 ripe banana (riper=sweeter), 4 scoops of cantaloupe, 6 chunks frozen mango, purple cabbage (4 palm sized leaves), and 6 leaves of romaine lettuce. I add about 6 oz of water too. (Note: If I have 2 medium workouts or 1 long run then I'll add yogurt, OJ or milk to boost the caloric count, but I never add sugar)
This Ninja blender is what I got for Valentine's Day from my true love (myself). I love it!!

Making smoothies every morning has given me amazing skill at eyeballing. Here's me bragging about how I can make a perfect amount for my full glass and Emerson's half glass. (Shantelle, you are pretty much awesome!!)
What does Kamryn eat, you ask? Well, for the past 2 weeks, she has eaten a piece of wheat bread with tomato ketchup. Gross, I know. She's addicted. (Shantelle, you are pretty much awesome at the indoctrination of smoothies into Emerson's diet, you still have a lot of work with Kamryn--You can do it!!)

Random

Yesterday, I ran in my first dirty race. It was so muddy at Wheeler Farm, I was feeling quite lonely as other ladies arrived with husband, boyfriends, and/or parents to watch the race. I was on my own doing something I had never done before. It turned out to be really fun, dirty, but fun. I snapped a few pictures on my phone outside of my car, but needed to leave the phone in the car to go run my wave. There were 12 waves of about 150 girls. Mine was the last wave and I was terrified that I would come in very last. I didn't--yeah! It was 4 miles through an obstacle course. I ran around some of the course instead of army crawling. The first muddy part was tire running through dirty water--I felt sad for my shoes, but got over it when I realized how much fun I was having. Next year, I'll go faster, get dirtier and bring someone to help me take pictures and clean me up afterward.

This morning, I have only Kamryn. Emerson stayed up in Bear Lake five extra days with Grandma and Grandpa. Kamryn was supposed to go to her dad's last night, but he canceled again. She and I woke and started dancing in the living room to the radio. "God Bless the Broken Road that Led me Straight To You" came on as we twirled, lept and held each other. I truly am so grateful to Heavenly Father and my broken road that led me to my 2 little girls.

Getting a drink from a spiritual firehose

I remember being in the MTC (missionary training center) and feeling such a spiritual high that it was exhausting and invigorating at the same time. My brother in law, Mike, had prepped me for this by describing the MTC experiences as trying to take a drink from a firehose. The spiritual power is amazing and strengthens us as we try hard things (like learning a language). Today after a bit of work, I drank from a spiritual firehose throughout the day.

Today I presented at a teachers’ conference. I spoke about using technology to boost motivation and achievement specifically using a class blog for the kids to write and post video of book chats and math demonstrations. It went well and my girls were in good hands with a babysitter in the morning and a neighbor’s in the afternoon. I was the first presenter so I finished at 9 am and took off to see my girls instead of staying to watch other presentations.

When I arrived at my house, the place was empty. I figured the babysitter walked them to the park, so I got really excited that I had no one expecting me to be anywhere. I jumped back in the car, called a friend and met him at the temple. What a great escape! We had a 2 hour worship session and then lunch. I then picked up my girls and took them to my cousin’s house for a sleepover. (It was weird to not have much time with my girls, but they were so excited to play with their 2nd cousins) I was free again. Should I try for a nap or head to the movies. I decided on the movie 17 Miracles. It was wonderful!! I cried (a lot). It ended at 6:50 pm giving me just enough time to get to my Wednesday night Institute class. Our instructor tonight was President Hollingshead. I had heard great things about him, but was over the top impressed. He was so down to earth and spoke from the heart. You could really tell that he loves and feels genuine concern for our group (singles age 27 - 40ish). His stake has generously sponsored all of our classes, activities and socials.

By 8 pm tonight I had experienced at least 5 hours of spiritual nourishment. What a fabulous day. After 75 minutes of socializing, I headed home for journaling, scripture study and blogging. Fantastic Day Off!! I am excited to squeeze my kids tomorrow morning though. Sometimes I just want to gobble them up--they are ADORABLE!! (especially after I’ve had a nice wholesome break from mothering)

Early Literacy APPs for your little reader Pre-3rd Grade

This list was emailed to me a couple weeks ago in a teachers' planning session. I just opened it this morning and checked out some of the activities. I'm excited to have my girls give it a try. They have enjoyed Math Girl (a basic addition app) on my iPhone and I've wanted to get some literacy stuff on there too. I'm just going to copy and paste the list I received.

LITERACY APPS FOR STRUGGLING LEARNERS

Harvey Pressman and Andrea Pietrzyk

Central Coast Children’s Foundation, Inc.

In American schools, mastery of early literacy skills is an essential prerequisite for academic success. Up to third grade, according to the old shibboleth, children have to learn to read. Starting in fourth grade, they have to read to learn. Those that haven’t mastered literacy skills by the end of third grade are destined to struggle mightily to keep up thereafter.

Mobile apps represent a new, and often inexpensive, resource now available to parents, teachers and others who try to help young children struggling to master early literacy skills. That’s the good news. The bad news is that new apps proliferate so rapidly that it is often difficult to keep up with what’s out there.

So we have collected some hopefully useful information about some of the valuable apps already on the market, in order to demonstrate the range of offerings already available, and the nature of others sure to come in rapid succession. In no way do we pretend that this is a comprehensive list, but we hope to provide a starting point for folks trying to get a handle on these kinds of resources. We have appended at the end of the list some references to web sites that provide continuing coverage of new apps on these topics as they appear.

The apps on our list are sorted by focus category, then by price (least to most expensive, with all prices in US dollars). In addition, each description includes a target audience (“Ideal for”) – pre-reading (children who have not yet learned how to read), beginning reading (children who are just starting to learn how to read), and catch-up reading (children who have learned how to read but are having difficulties).

1. ALPHABET SKILLS

1. Letters A to Z (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/letters-a-to-z-from-true-learning/id307193474?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? A set of interactive flashcards that teach children the alphabet. The letters – which can be displayed in upper- or lower-case form – come with animations that play when the child taps the screen. The app reads aloud the letter name and the phonetic sound used in a word.
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later. A separate version just for the iPad is also available; it requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: The reviews for Letters A to Z are positive. The father of a toddler with cerebral palsy says that it helps his daughter’s visual, oral and reading skills. Other parents say that the app is worth the price, and that their children enjoy using it.

2. Letter Tracer Preschool Letter Writing Practice

(http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/letter-tracer-preschool-letters/id312036740?mt=8)

• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? This app, which targets pre-readers, teaches students how to draw and identify letters and numbers, so that they can develop the skills for reading and writing. There are three modes in this app: “Flashcard,” in which students learn to identify the letters and numbers shown; “Tracing,” in which children trace the letter on the screen; and “Freeform,” in which children are shown a letter and must draw it on their own. The voice, which reads out the letters as they are shown, comes in three versions – adult male, adult female and child.
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 2.2.1 or later.
• Reviews: Overall, reviewers finds this app a useful tool for teaching children handwriting skills and it is “an excellent idea.” Some reviewers would like to see feedback for their children’s input, and several note that the numbers taught in this app are not generally the style taught in American public schools.

3. ABC Expedition (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abc-expedition/id417310661?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? An app for teaching the alphabet. Children learn letters from the “Alphabet Zoo,” animals whose names begin with each letter of the alphabet.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.
• Reviews: As one parent writes, “[t]his is not your usual boring alphabet games for kids.” The sounds and animations keep children engaged and entertained.

4. Alphabytes (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alphabytes/id423710441?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? An app to teach the alphabet and beginning spelling skills. Children trace both uppercase and lowercase letters and play memory games to reinforce letters and words with visuals.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: Reviews for the app are very good; parents agree that it helps kids learn to write the alphabet. One parent particularly likes how the app teaches both upper- and lowercase letters. Some of the games are perhaps too difficult for toddlers, but they can grow into them. One complaint is that the music cannot be turned off.

5. Read & Write: Letters, Sounds and Combinations (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-write-letters-sounds/id366248369?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? Read & Write teaches children to recognize letters, so that they can write them and pronounce them. There are two modes, Teaching Mode (for educators to show students how to form the letters) and Student Mode (for students to practice).
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.
• Reviews: No reviews are available at this time.

6. Alphabet Fun (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alphabet-fun/id364729939?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? This app introduces children to the alphabet, colors and numbers. Users scroll through the alphabet, hear the letters’ pronunciations and trace over the letters (alone or in word form) to familiarize themselves with the alphabet. There are over 70 color images in this app.
• How much is it? $2.99
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: One parent writes that this app is more convenient than flashcards. Other parents say that it is easy to use and a helpful teaching tool. Another reviewer says that the app could be improved if the audio played entire words, not just letters.

7. Interactive Alphabet – ABC Flashcards (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/remote/id383967580?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? This app features flashcards for all the letters of the alphabet, with matching, interactive sounds. For instance, a child can “play” the xylophone on the “X is for xylophone” card!
• How much is it? $2.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.
• Reviews: Parents describe this app as a fun learning tool for toddlers. It is “beautifully illustrated” and helps kids learn words for describing the pictures on the cards.

8. iWrite Words (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iwritewords-tracing-game/id307025309?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? This app teaches handwriting skills with animations and an interactive game. Children draw letters as they help Mr. Crab, the animated character, collect numbers in sequence. Each letter and word is read aloud.
• How much is it? $2.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: The reviews for the app are positive, though one reviewer would like to be able to choose the order in which the letters are taught.

9. Starfall ABCs (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/starfall-abcs/id395623983?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? An app with a variety of games involving the alphabet. The games teach children about phonics, words and sentences. Through repeated use, children learn to recognize letters and see how they combine to makewords.
• How much is it? $2.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: While some users say that this app is “convenient,” others note that there is no audio, which may limit the app’s usefulness in teaching phonics.

10. RedFish 4 Kids (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/redfish-4-kids/id364898590?mt=8#)

• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? An app with more than 50 interactive activities for young learners. Children learn the alphabet, the numbers 1-9, shapes, colors and more.
• How much is it? $9.99
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: One reviewer said that the app did not interest her grandchild and was not “child friendly.” Other users said that the app was ideal for pre-K children and that it has a good variety of activities to engage kids.

2. PHONICS SKILLS

1. ABC Phonics Animals Free Lite – Talking and Spelling Alphabet Flashcards Kids Games(http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abc-phonics-animals-free-lite/id335670787?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? An interactive set of flashcards featuring animals, complete with animations and animal sounds. In one game, a voice calls out each letter, and the child selects the correct written form; in another, children must match the picture of an animal with its correct name.
• How much is it? Free for this demo version; the full set of cards costs $1.99.
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch (2nd-4th generations), iPad. Requires iOS 2.2.1 or later.
• Reviews: Several parents complained that the demo version is full of ads to purchase the full version – which kids can easily press. Another reviewer says that this game is “probably best used with headphones,” because the background music could be annoying for parents. Still, the app is “cute” “brings phonics to life.”

2. abc PocketPhonics (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abc-pocketphonics-letter-sounds/id299342927?mt=8#)

• Ideal for: Pre-reading, beginning reading
• What is it? This app combines three functions into one program. The app teaches users letter sounds (phonetics, rather than the letter names) and letter writing (users can actually trace each letter), and comes with a bank of over 170 frequently-used words. A ParentZone feature allows parents or teachers customized the app to the child’s/student’s needs.
• How much is it? $1.99, and a free demo version is available.
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1 or later.
• Reviews: Parents remark that the app engages and excites children about learning these basic skills. It is also useful for teaching techniques such as cursive, and offers positive reinforcement to encourage children. One parent wrote that the upgrade from the free to the paid version was worth the price.

3. READING SKILLS

1. ABC MAGIC READING (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abc-magic-reading-short-vowel/id416896853?mt=8#)

• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? An app to teach basic reading skills to children learning how to read – including those learning English as a second language. Through games and a focus on segmenting and blending, the app helps children develop basic phonetic awareness and pre-reading skills. The app has a built-in feature to encourage readings skills, rather than dependence on pictures.
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.
• Reviews: Teachers call this a good app to teach reading skills, as it covers some reading skills “that most parents don’t even know about.” They like that children are encouraged to develop the skills without relying on pictures or memorization. One reviewer noted that the app pre-supposes that users have already learned the letters of the alphabet, which buyers may need to consider.

2. Early Reader (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/early-reader/id327782329?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? This app helps beginning readers develop their reading skills. It has 160 flash cards, which test phonics, sounding out, sight words and sentences. A special section, “Tips for Parents,” offers advice on how to use the program as a tool.
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: This app is “extremely helpful in teaching phonics” but has some limitations, according to several users. The audio’s accent is British, which may be difficult for American English learners to understand. Another user says that the visuals and sentences presented are not interesting to keep children engaged.

3. iPlay & Sing (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iplay-learn/id342679644?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? Targeting preschoolers and children who have not yet learned how to read, this app uses games and positive reinforcement to teach early development skills. Games include letter tracings, sequencing, mazes and nursery rhymes (a recording feature lets the kids tape themselves and play it back); voice prompts help children learn the games. They earn happy faces and stars for correct answers!
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.2 or later.
• Reviews: Reviewers like the variety of games offered. One user writes that “[t]here’s not much associated with pre-school age knowledge that this app doesn’t cover!”

4. Josh and Emma Go to the Beach (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/josh-emma-go-to-the-beach/id386104114?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? This app teaches reading skills along with colors, numbers and objects. The story follows Josh and Emma, who ask the reader questions such as, “What’s next to the big rock?” As the narrator follows aloud, the reader answers by selecting the object and quantity of his or her choice.
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.
• Reviews: No reviews are available at this time.

5. K12 Timed Reading Practice Lite (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/k12-timed-reading-practice/id384484818?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? This app works with children’s reading skills to improve reading fluency. The app has 25 stories (targeting children in grade K-4) and 10 difficulty levels. The stories are a mix of fiction and non-fiction, and are timed to track students’ reading progress and words per minute. The full version is $1.99 and contains more than 250 stories and 46 difficulty levels.
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.
• Reviews: Overall, parents and teachers like the app, but a few users feel that “reading is about more than rate.” Reading comprehension is not tested by the app, which several users consider a negative point.

6. Mad Libs (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mad-libs/id326885152?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? A word game in which users fill in the blanks of a story with the words of their choosing. This free version comes with four stories under the theme of “Vacation.” An email option lets the users share stories with others.
• How much is it? Free (additional stories are available on iTunes and are $3.99 per “book” of 20 or more).
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Users find the app “entertaining” and a good use of time for students when they have extra time in class!

7. Reading for Kids: 100 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Read (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reading-for-kids-100-ways/id374210668?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Parents and educators
• What is it? This app is for parents, featuring 100 tips for getting children to read. Ideas include letting kids make their own bookmarks, or leaving newspapers out where kids can see them.
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.
• Reviews: Reviewers say that Reading for Kids has “great suggestions” that “get people excited about reading.” Another reviewer adds that the suggestions are perfect to help parents who “have too much to think about.”

8. Read Me Stories 30 Book Library (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-me-stories-childrens/id362042422?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? This app features 30 books for children, complete with music and sounds. The books feature words and concepts to help children improve their reading skills.
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Parents say that their children like the books, especially the images and sounds. A mother writes that her son, who normally finds children’s books “babyish,” really enjoys the books featured in this app.

9. Smarty Pants School (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smarty-pants-school/id403824279?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? An app that tests and develops early reading skills. The students begin by taking an assessment (less than 10 minutes long), and they are directed towards activities that best match their needs and skill level. The app has five categories of games – letter knowledge, phonics, phonemic awareness, phonetic words and sight words. This app can be used with an unlimited number of students, and it tracks their test results and progress. Note: This app is free for a limited time only.
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: The reviews for Smarty Pants are very positive. A teacher who uses the app in her Transitional Kindergarten class writes that it is useful “for pinpointing specific reading areas to work on with each child and for informing parents about students’ reading progress.” Several users find it easy to use and are impressed with the visual quality as well.

11. Pocket Wally Sightwords (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-wally-sightwords/id333215699?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? This app features the 220 Dolch sight words, with words sets designed for kindergarten through third grade. Children hear each sight word in a sentence and must identify five words in a row to win. The sentences change, so that the child does not always see the same thing.
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: This app has earned positive reviews from parents. One mother says it has helped her son, who once struggled with reading, but who now loves to read. Other reviewers love the positive encouragement that the app gives to the kids to help them through the game.

12. Quik Tap Words (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quiktap-words/id411616457?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? An app that teaches Dolch sight words with flashcards and games. The app sorts words into five categories (PreK, Kindergarten, 1^st grade, 2^nd grade, 3^rd grade); the child reads and listens to the cards until he or she can successfully recognize them.
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: No reviews are available at this time.

13. Scholastic (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scholastic/id383165389?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? This app is a reading tool for early readers that focuses on identifying the first, middle and final sounds of a word. Based on the Montessori method of teaching, the app uses sounds and images to teach the words. In a series of games and activities, children must identify the first, middle and last letters of a given 3-letter word. This app was also developed to use in a multilingual setting.
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
• Reviews: This app has been called a “great beginning learning tool” that “could be great for ELL [English Language Learners].”

14. TeachMe: Kindergarten (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teachme-kindergarten/id336689375?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? This app targets kindergartners, offering four areas of focus: sight words, addition, subtraction and spelling. The level practiced is entirely up to the parent’s (or educator’s) decision. Children can get help when they do not understand the material, and they earn “coins” when they answer questions correctly.
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Reviewers say this app has “an engaging format” and helps children learn the material and even get ahead in their classes. One parent calls TeachMe “the best $0.99 you can spend on your child.”

15. The Reading Game (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-reading-game/id373648406?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? This app serves as a positive reinforcement tool to encourage children to read. They enter the name of the books they are supposed to/plan to read and the number of pages. As they complete their reading assignments, they enter their progress and receive “rewards” (animations, sounds).
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1 or later.
• Reviews: Teachers, parents and librarians think that this app is a great tool for encouraging children to read. However, one teacher noted that the types of rewards offered are best suited for young children, and not older students.

16. Toby (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toby/id381709945?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? Toby teaches children how to read and sound out basic, three-letter words. Developed by a team of parents and educators from Germany, Poland and the United States, it is designed with multilingual use in mind. The child is given an object and “sounds out” the name by identifying the first, middle and last sounds.
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
• Reviews: A mother says that Toby is “cute” and very similar to the Montessori way of teaching.

17. eReading: Greek Myths (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ereading-greek-myths/id430731994?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Catch-up reading
• What is it? An app that compiles the Greek myths of Theseus, the Minotaur and Icarus in one story, with 37 illustrations. This app is especially intended for children with learning disabilities. The reader has the option to highlight and bookmark parts of the text, or listen to a narration.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.
• Reviews: The Greek names may be difficult for some readers, but the narration is clear and easy to follow. A reviewer says it can teach kids about Greek mythology along with reading skills.

18. eReading: Gulliver’s Travels, Lilliput (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ereading-gullivers-travels/id389968781?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Catch-up reading
• What is it? Designed especially for struggling readers and children with dyslexia, this app presents Robert Louis Stevensons’ Gulliver’s Travel in modern English. There are 32 illustrations, narrations (that can be turned off), highlighting and bookmarking functions, and even a Spanish translation.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: A reviewer said that the app keeps the main point of the story while simplifying the original English writing.

19. My Colors – Level 1(A) – Learn to Read Books (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-colors-level-1-a-learn/id381840844?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? This app teaches reading skills appropriate for kindergarten and first grade. This book is ten pages long, and each page has one sentence of four words. The sentences are similar, to teach words by repetition. The words are played aloud when touched.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: While some users comment that the pictures are not the best quality, most reviews like the use of simple sentences and repetition to teach beginner’s reading skills. A special education teacher says that “this app makes learning to read much more interesting” and is especially useful for children who are struggling with reading.

20. iKids Play – Caterpillar’s Dream (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id296437850?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading, beginning reading
• What is it? The app uses Sally M. Harris’ The Caterpillar’s Dream to teach reading skills to early readers. Children read, listen to, or record the story (which can be replayed); at the same time, they can play with and draw on the pictures (which can be saved and emailed).
• How much is it? $2.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 2.2 or later.
• Reviews: Reviewers think that this app can be “easily memorized by non-readers and easily learned by beginning readers.”

21. Storynory – Audio Stories for Kids (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storynory-audio-stories-for/id337740577?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? A source of weekly audio stories – including fairy tales, poems and legends.
• How much is it? $2.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: A reviewer calls Storynory “a treasure trove.”

22. Super Why! (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/super-why/id357422351?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D6#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading, beginning reading
• What is it? A collection of four games, based on the characters from the PBS show of the same name, that teach the alphabet, reading, writing, rhyming and spelling. For positive reinforcement, as children play the games, they earn virtual stickers that they can place in their “sticker book.”
• How much is it? $2.99
• Platforms: Android; iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Parents find the app “cute” and say that their children love it. However, one parent noted that users cannot set the app for use for more than one child. Another said that “for the price there should be more content” – the games repeat themselves over time.

23. Dr. Seuss’s ABC (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dr-seusss-abc/id354855128?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading, beginning reading
• What is it? This app presents the children’s book of the same name with all of the original pictures. Children can learn the alphabet and practice their reading skills at once. The book comes in three modes: “Read to Me” plays a narrated version in which each word is highlighted as it is read; “Read to Myself” lets the user read the story at his or her own pace, as a regular books; “Auto Play” reads the book aloud and turns the pages automatically.
• How much is it? $3.99
• Platforms: Android; iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Parents write that their children love the app. However, one user says that the app does not allow much interaction.

24. Jack and the Beanstalk Children’s Interactive Storybook (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jack-beanstalk-childrens-interactive/id364871348?mt=8#)

• Ideal for: Beginning reading; catch-up reading
• What is it? A 32-page illustrated, interactive version of “Jack and the Beanstalk.” The children can play games and hear songs as well as read along by themselves or with narration.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1 or later.
• Reviews: A user calls this “a parent’s dream – one of the best children’s book apps.” Several users praise the interaction that the app allows – it engages kids with the story.

25. The Lorax – Dr. Seuss (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-lorax-dr-seuss/id367260225?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? This app presents Dr. Seuss’ book The Lorax on a handheld device. It features narration and all of the illustrations from the original book. There are three modes: “Read to Me,” in which the story is narrated, highlighting the words as they are read aloud; “Read to Myself,” in which the user reads the story as a typical book; and “Auto Play,” which reads the book out loud and automatically turns the pages.
• How much is it? $3.99
• Platforms: Android; iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Users give positive reviews, with one calling it “out of this world.” Reviewers like the different options for reading, and note that this could easily be used with older children or adults working on their literacy skills.

26. Alpha Writer (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alpha-writer-by-montessorium/id394038232?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading, beginning reading
• What is it? Based on the Montessori “moveable alphabet” method (in which writing is taught before reading), this app teaches children to read, write and spell phonetically. The app has two components: First, children select an image that they want to practice writing; second, they create their own stories on the storyboard feature.
• How much is it? $4.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Some reviewers find the app useful and entertaining for their children. Others think it is “confusing” and not completely in line with the Montessori methods.

27. Milly, Molly and the Bike Ride HD (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/milly-molly-bike-ride-hd/id382014358?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? An app that teaches reading and spelling skills to early readers. Children can hear the story in its entirety, hear individual words or hear the letters that spell a given word. They can also record themselves reading the story out loud and have it played back. To personalize the story, children can also draw on the pages. The interface, text and audio come in four different languages: American English, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
• How much is it? $4.99
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: A bilingual parent says that the app is simple to use and “is a must” for parents raising their children in multilingual households. Another reviewer calls it “worth the investment” and good for building literacy and language skills.

28. Tumblebooks ToGo Munsch 6-Pack (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tumblebookstogo-munsch-6-pack/id342957356?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? The app features 6 books by Robert Munsch, narrated by the author. The phrases are highlighted as they are read out loud.
• How much is it? $5.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.2 or later.
• Reviews: Teachers and parents write that the app is entertaining for children. While the app is “well-done” overall, it is not very interactive as the stories are simply read aloud.

29. Alice for the iPad (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alice-for-the-ipad/id354537426?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Catch-up reading
• What is it? An interactive presentation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Children read the story and explore illustrations and animations that bring the story to life.
• How much is it? $8.99
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: One review calls it “the best iPad eBook.” It gets children reading “classic” literature while bringing the story to life. One parent writes that since the app lets the user choose between an abridged or a full version, the app can be enjoyed by children with different reading levels.

30. Pictello (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pictello/id397858008?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? An app that lets users of all ages and skill levels create talking photo albums and books. On a single page, users can upload a picture and record up to five lines of text (or have typed text “spoken” by the app). While no Internet connection is needed to play or create stories, the stories can be shared through the iTunes Sharing File or via WiFi on the Pictello Sharing Server (users can get an account for free).
• How much is it? $14.99
• Platform: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
• Reviews: Users are raving about this app. One reviewer praises its “well-designed and pleasing to the eye” interface that makes it easy to share stories. Other reviewers like the voice quality and feel that they can make the albums and stories “personalized.” This app lets children create their own stories.

31. Narrator (http://www.marinersoftware.com/products/narrator/)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? This is text-to-speech software allows users to read a piece in multiple voices – different voices to represent different characters in a story, for example. The words are highlighted as they are read, and for each voice, the volume, pitch and rate can be modified. Stories can be exported to iTunes to listen on an iPod or iPhone.
• How much is it? $39.95, but a 30-day trial is free.
• Platforms: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher
• Reviews: One reviewer writes that the ability to use different voice recordings is a feature that other text-to-speech apps do not have, and thus makes this one worth buying. There are a few reports of voices breaking down during use, though.

4. WORD SKILLS

1. GoodieWords (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goodiewords/id409516388?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading, beginning reading
• What is it? This app helps early learners understand hard-to-explain words. The child touches a word and is presented with activities and pictures explaining its meaning. The app comes with three free words and their activities; additional word packs can be purchased on iTunes for $1.99 each (there are 15 total).
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: The app comes with activities that teach definitions “in a fun and interactive way,” according to one reviewer. A mother writes that it does a good job of defining words “in a way that kids easily understand.” The major complaint among reviewers is that this app only comes with 3 word sets; the rest must be purchased.

2. Clifford’s BE BIG with Words (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cliffords-be-big-with-words/id329022340?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? Children learn how to spell, build words and work on their reading and phonics skills through games based on the character Clifford the Big Red Dog. The app works with more than 115 3-letter words and uses images and sounds to teach and reinforce the words and their meanings.
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Parents say that this game engages both younger and older children – though one parent noted that it is difficult for very beginners. One parent in particular likes how the order in which letters appear in a word is stressed.

3. Word Bingo (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/word-bingo/id406264088?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? This app offers four interactive games to teach sight words. In “Word It Up,” “Word Fling” and “Word Bingo,” children eliminate words that the app calls out. In “Spelling Practice,” they drag and tap letters to spell out the words. The games teach over 300 sight words and track the child’s progress. A “report card” shows which words the child has mastered.
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Parents say that the app is fun and effective. A mother writes that Word Bingo has helped her dyslexic daughter who cannot get the support she needs in school: “The variety of word games beyond just bingo allow her growing skills to be tested and challenged.”

4. Word Magic (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/word-magic/id293630633?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? This app is a word game that uses pictures and positive reinforcement to teach spelling skills. Players are shown a picture and an incomplete word, and they must select the correct letter to fill in the blank.
• How much is it? $0.99 on iTunes; the Android version costs $1.50.
• Platforms: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Parents write that their children enjoy Word Magic. The positive reinforcement (in the form of virtual “stickers” and “ribbons”) help to boost confidence. An Android user noted that the app takes up a lot of memory on his device.

5. Word Scramble (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/word-scramble/id301058043?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Catch-up reading
• What is it? A word scramble game, featuring words from Scrabble lists. Users are given four words, which they must unscramble in a fixed amount of time. The goal is to unscramble as quickly as possible!
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 2.0 or later.
• Reviews: This app is “decent,” but tends to freeze up. It is also best-suited for older children.

6. Word Spree (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/word-spree/id391219575?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? This app teaches word meanings and types by letting users fill in the blanks of 30 different stories. The app instructs the player to fill in the blank with a particular type of word (e.g., noun, verb) until all of the blanks are completed. For help, users can select a help box which explains the word type and shows an example. Finished stories can then be “spreeted” (shared on Twitter).
• How much is it? $0.99
• Platforms: Android; iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.
• Reviews: Reviewers comment that Word Spree is especially useful for elementary-aged students. A parent notes that if your children enjoy “Mad Libs,” they will probably enjoy this app as well.

7. First Words (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-words/id292620958?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? An app to drill basic words with sounds and animations. There are eight categories – ABCs, animals, beach, numbers, sports, fruit, colors and shapes. The child touches a picture and then sees and hears the word.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Although one user remarked that the app is only interesting for “a toddler learning first words,” other parents said that their children loved it and learned words with it.

8. Learn to Read! (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/learn-to-read/id303421554?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading
• What is it? Ideal for children in kindergarten through 2nd grade, this app has 220 flash cards of commonly-taught sight words. These include “service words” (adverbs, adjectives, pronouns, etc.) that can only be learned through repetition. Voice recordings play each word as it is shown to the child.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: One reviewer says that the app is really best suited for kindergarteners, even though it is targeted to first and second graders as well. Even though it “only offers the interactive value of a normal set of flashcards,” the app at least keeps the cards all together for easy transport!

9. Montessori Crosswords – Teach and Learn Spelling with Fun Puzzles for Children(http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/montessori-crosswords-learn/id384334005?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading, beginning reading
• What is it? This app, based on Montessori teaching methods, has 300 word-picture-audio sets. There are three different levels. Level 1, for absolute beginners, shows simple words; Levels 2 and 3 put these words into crossword puzzles to reinforce reading and phonics skills. There is also a “Moveable Alphabet” feature which allows children open-ended activities to play with the words (for example, they can resize words, or rotate them).
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1 or later.
• Reviews: This app has received very good reviews. Parents say that it is a helpful spelling tool, and the games keep children interested. Other parents like how it emphasizes the letter sound, instead of the letter name. A few users complained about the visual quality, and one teacher noted that a few pronunciations were incorrect.

10. See Read Say (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/see-read-say/id322313775?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? This app teaches children all 220 Dolch words (sight words) that make up 50-75% of student reading material. Words are sorted by frequency and grade level and are spoken aloud. A tracking feature allows the user to measure his or her progress. Up to four different users can use and store their progress on the app at one time.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Parents reviewing the app say that it is useful for their elementary-aged children. A father noted that his daughter, who typically does not like flash cards or sounding-out, enjoys the app a lot. However, a couple of users feel that the app is not worth the price; a mother was disappointed that it does not let users recite the words out loud for themselves.

11. Word Cub (http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/word-cub-letters-sounds/id335597350?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Pre-reading, beginning reading
• What is it? Word Cub offers three games that teach children basic phonics skills. Children match letters and sounds, and see how words are formed. The app can be customized to match the child’s skill level or learning goal.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.
• Reviews: Parents say that Word Cub “does an effective job teaching these early reader skills.” It keeps children’s attention and develops their reading skills.

12. Word Wagon (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/word-wagon-by-duck-duck-moose/id423629048?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Early reading
• What is it? Word Wagon helps children with letters, spelling and phonics. The app features over 100 words in 7 categories, in games that have four levels.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.2 or later.
• Reviews: Parents have given very positive reviews of this app, calling it “brilliantly designed” and lots of fun for the kids. One user even calls it “unique” because it teaches phonics at the same time it teaches letters.

13. Wurdle (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wurdle/id287712243?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Catch-up reading
• What is it? Similar to the game Boggle, Wurdle is a game in which users have to make as many words as possible with the given tiles before the time runs out. The features are customizable for the user’s preference and skill level – he or she can set a minimum word length, choose the size of the grad, and even play without a timer.
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 2.2 or later.
• Reviews: Several users say that this app is slow and freezes often, but is otherwise a good game.

14. Zombies vs. Literacy (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zombies-vs-literacy/id393601768?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? The app teaches sight words and word families through interactive activities. Children can tap words and letters to hear their pronunciation, drag letters to make words and even create their own word lists. They “fight” zombies as they work on their reading skills, making their “brain” too big for the monsters to eat!
• How much is it? $1.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
• Reviews: No reviews are available at this time.

15. Spelling Bee! (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spelling-bee/id291548285?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Catch-up reading
• What is it? This app contains words used in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. The words are played for the user, complete with a definition, origin and sentence.
• How much is it? $2.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 2.0 or later.
• Reviews: The app gives a “great mind-workout” although the voice quality could be clearer. Another user says that there is only one level available, so it is not helpful for learning a lot of new words.

5. WRITING/GRAMMAR SKILLS

1. Grammar Jammers Primary Edition (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grammar-jammers-primary-edition/id386384446?mt=8#)

• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? A collection of quizzes, songs, rhymes and animations that teach basic (K-5) English grammar. As a positive reinforcement, children receive points for each correct quiz answer; with enough points, they get an interactive “reward.”
• How much is it? Free
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.2 or later.
• Reviews: Most of the reviews are positive, saying that students and children enjoy the games. One user, though, says that the songs are “annoying.”

2. Language Builder (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/languagebuilder-for-ipad/id405801365?mt=8)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading
• What is it? A sentence-building app. Children see a picture and form a sentence with the prompts provided. There are three levels: fill-in-the-blank, finish the sentence, and make a sentence with the given words. The app has an audio recording feature that lets the child save and send his or her sentences.
• How much is it? $3.99
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 4.1 or later.
• Reviews: There are no reviews available at this time.

3. Sentence Builder (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sentence-builder/id344378741?mt=8#)

• Ideal for: Catch-up reading
• What is it? An app to teach grammatically-correct sentence construction. A spin wheel lets users put together sentences, while tracking progress and offering encouragement animations.
• How much is it? $3.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch. Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later. A separate version is available for iPad, which requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: Parents and educators have praised Sentence Builder as an effective tool for teaching grammar and sentence construction. One teacher likes how “it prompts students to keep trying” after mistakes; another remarks that the app has a good focus on connector words. While the app is targeted to elementary-aged children, educators who work with both special needs and with adults say that it can be easily adapted to those groups as well. Another teacher noted that it was especially useful for adults who cannot write legibly or need to see a sentence written out before speaking it.

4. StoryBuilder (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storybuilder/id402652939?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Catch-up reading
• What is it? This app helps children develop their writing skills. It targets three skills: paragraph formation, idea integration, and inference. Children answer questions about pictures, and their answers are put together into a story. Audio clips help children follow along.
• How much is it? $3.99
• Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad. Requires iOS 4.1 or later.
• Reviews: This app is “a great concept” good for helping children learn story structure.

5. Story Patch (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/story-patch/id388613157?mt=8#)
• Ideal for: Beginning reading, catch-up reading
• What is it? This app lets children create their own stories. The app has several “themes” that form a story based on children’s responses to a series of questions. The children then select the images they want – pre-installed pictures, or their own uploads. The story can be shared as a PDF as well.
• How much is it? $4.99
• Platforms: iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
• Reviews: One parent writes that this app has helped her kids’ writing skills and creativity. It “keeps their attention” while practicing sentence structure and word use. A speech-language pathologist adds that the app is great for speech therapy.

Additional Lists of Early Literacy Apps

In today’s high-tech world, technology is ever-changing. New apps appear on a daily basis, making it next to impossible to keep up with them. To make this task somewhat easier, we have provided a list of web sites that are frequently updated and provide reviews on apps related to early literacy.

• 50 Fun iPhone Apps to Get Kids Reading and Learning: http://onlineultrasoundschool.com/2009/50-fun-iphone-apps-to-get-kids-reading-and-learning/
  This site has a variety of categories (not just literacy) and even has some study tools, such as make-your-own flashcards.

• 6 iPhone, iPad, iTouch Apps for Teaching Children How to Read: http://www.iphoneandkids.com/2010/09/6-iphone-ipad-itouch-apps-for-teaching-children-how-to-read.html
  Specifically for young children.

• There's a Special App for that - Apps for Literacy Instruction: http://www.inov8-ed.com/2011/03/theres-a-special-app-for-that-part-7-apps-that-support-literacy-instruction/
  This site breaks literacy down into categories, such as phonics and reading fluency.
  
• Learn to Read on Appolicious: http://www.appolicious.com/searches/site?t=1&term=Learn-to-Read
  This site also has many apps for younger children.