Leapster: Learning Games

Eli also got a Leapster 2 Leapfrog Learning system. This was the item that blew our budget out the window.

The console itself was purchased for $39.99 at Target (I had a $10 off coupon) however the games were $22 a peice (2); plus a carrying case ($14.99). Put Santa at a total of $99.99 just for this system. We didn't purchase the game charger ($19.99) as we weren't sure how often the game would get used.

This is my favorite Christmas gift Eli got. He got the Star Wars Jedi Mind Games cartridge (focus on reading) and a Scooby Doo Mystery Game (focus on math and logic). Both of these games cater to his age and development. As he passes basic concepts, the game gets harder and teaches new concepts.

Eli only plays this when he gets kicked off of the Wii (see Lego Batman review) or we are in the car. He thinks he is a big kid because his older cousins both got a DS for Christmas and this seems to him to be the same thing.

Even though this was an entirely emotional purchase (it was late, I was at Target, feeling sorry for poor Eli who would only get five or six presents) I'm still glad we did get it for him. We mostly stayed within budget for everyone else and we very rarely splurge.

Lego Batman

Wow! Santa was very giving this year!

I wanted to do a quick review of some of the things that Eli got for Christmas.

We'll start with the item I hate the most: Lego Batman

Lego Batman is great in that there is no blood and no dying, the players fall to a million lego peices when they get injured. There is also a variety of things that you have to build as you go. In one part you build a helicopter and Robin can hang from the bottom of it!

The game is more advanced than what a 4 year old can play. This is the reason I hate it. Elijah needs me or Jeff to play and we both have a bunch of other things we'd like to do. Jeff gets motion sick when he plays because Elijah likes to race through the level and he would rather stop and smell the flowers.

This would be a great game for an older child. Our solution to the problem: we invited his older cousins to come and take turns playing. We also set a time limit on how long he can play because he would play all 12 waking hours if he could.

Wii Lego Batman

"Santa's Watching"

So, uhh "Santa's Watching" doesn't work after Santa already came!

I don't believe that Santa was an effective threat in the first case. Eli is way too smart, he knew Santa wouldn't take his toys back.

What consequences work for you?

We did use the threat that if he didn't follow instructions he wouldn't be able to play his new Lego Batman tomorrow. This one worked, but I don't know how long it will work!

Neurofeedback: The Day After

I just wanted to jot down my thoughts about neurofeedback.

We have been treating my depression with neurofeedback since March of 2009. I'm lucky that my husband is my practitioner and that we can do various protocals and try to work on different areas of my brain. This has been a very long process for me, and could be very expensive if it weren't for the generosity of the Utah Youth Village who allow us to keep the equipment at our home.

I have been having a very rough go of post partum depression. I was expecting to get bad, it did after my first child and as I've been weaning our 7 month old I've been feeling it again.

Sunday, Jeff did a new protocal that worked very well. I didn't notice any changes that same day. However, Monday, the next day, I felt more clear. I felt more in control. That night, I was more observant and couldn't believe how I have let my eye brows get so out of shape.

Tuesday I got up earlier than I usually do. I also got up on my own, without the baby crying or Elijah begging me to get out of bed. That was the biggest relief. We spent the day delivering Sub for Santa for the children we work with. I felt great!

I still have an appointment next week to check into a possible underlying health concern or thyroid issues. I am starting to see a little sign of light through the clouds though and am so grateful for a husband that supports me through these times. I feel really blessed tonight.

Winner!

Yay! I won a free Picaboo photo book from Nicole's Nickels!

I've been a little discouraged lately and seeing the email from her really helped me feel a little better.

If you want to be a winner too, check out her blog. She has high value give aways a few times a week. She also has some good ideas about saving money. Her blogs typically have a high number of applicants, but the more you enter, the higher your odds of winning!

For low entry give aways, check out http://www.tightwadinutah.com/ She does a great list each day of low entry give aways that end that same day. I know she has had over a 100 people win prizes from her lists she makes. She also has very good give aways, too.

Have fun winning!!

(The more you win, the more you can give! Watch for a new give away from us after the holiday rush!)

Simple Christmas: Blew IT!

I have been planning a simple Christmas this year. No major gifts for Elijah and staying under $300 total (extended family and all).

I then decided that I needed to go to Target and get a few stocking stuffers. $167 later Elijah will now be spoiled beyond belief. Granted, $50 of it was a gift card that I was sent specifically to pick out gifts for him from a relative that lives farther away.

We have most of our gifts bought and Christmas cards sent. Where is everyone else with Christmas preparations?

Gluten Free at Olive Garden!

Gluten Free at Olive Garden!!

I was very nervous about my office lunch party that was hosted at
Olive Garden today. I told myself for the past week that a little
gluten won't hurt. "Or just this once will be fine."

I don't want to be sick. Just once isn't fine. My new plan was to
stick to the salad and be happy.

I looked at Olive Garden's website and did not find any info on gfree
food (I did use my touch phone). I decided to call ahead.

I was amazed to find that they actually have a seperate gluten free
menu. I tried the menu out today. I ordered pasta marinara and it
wasn't amazing, but it was much better than having to explain gluten
allergies and only eat salad.

The menu had steak and chicken entrees I would like to try. They also
had some kid items on the menu!

One more eating out option for those of us with special gluten needs!