I am listening to the fireworks and trying to stay awake. My boys have had a little nap and will probably hang out until midnight.
As 2007 exits through the door, I pray that all the baggage of this year will get stuck in the doorway and fall away. I pray that the hope of 2008 never fades and this year is bright and lovely for all.
Signing off now as I can no longer type correctly, I'm too tired.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Education of the day: How to Play with Fire
My boys are already out and have started a burn pile in the yard. Quite honestly most people in our neighborhood burn so it's not that big of a deal, but I hate watching the flames shooting to the sky. Maybe they're not that high, but it's too big for my comfort zone.
I got up early today, did some work and went back to bed. I'm just getting up again. My husband has been working too many days in a row and I was going to suggest he take said son out to do something today. Apparently bonding over burning wood is it.
Have you seen "The Dangerous Book for Boys"? I dare not buy it for my family, they're capable of being dangerous all on their own.
I got up early today, did some work and went back to bed. I'm just getting up again. My husband has been working too many days in a row and I was going to suggest he take said son out to do something today. Apparently bonding over burning wood is it.
Have you seen "The Dangerous Book for Boys"? I dare not buy it for my family, they're capable of being dangerous all on their own.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
The merriest of Christmas
I just wanted to share our son's favorite gift. Let's just call it "research" as he wants to invent real lightsabers some day. He has a profound interest in anything Star Wars related and he even gave up asking for a Wii to ask for a PSP. Since is also smart about the size of packaging it was wrapped in a huge box loaded with old homeschool books, it was heavy. It was the last box he opened and this photo barely does justice to joy showed when opening it.
10/07 - 12/07 Previous posts
Dec. 27, 2007
The after Christmas blah's
They have set in, my husband is back at work, my son's friends aren't home and I'm sitting on my new exercise ball. Perhaps it's just because the chocolate has nearly run out, perhaps it's because my pile of laundry is almost as tall as the house. Perhaps it's because I'm ready to do more school and my blessed son is enjoying his time off.
We did get out last night and roamed around Target trying to figure out how to spend my gift card. We're probably going back tonight. I suffer from SI (Shopping indecision). I can never make a choice while there. I thought I had it all planned out, I made a list from my online decision, but they didn't have my online items in the store. Normally they do, but the threadbare racks just showed that they hadn't restocked yet. I've already done one order from Target and it's supposed to arrive today. I hear the UPS truck in the neighborhood or perhaps it's just wishful thinking. So I shopped online again today and discovered the items I want cost 8.00 in shipping. These are items I did see in the store last night, so no thanks, I'll go back to the store.
We did get in a few items today, a couple of logic pages. Those are fun. My son is naturally logical, he might have vulcan blood. Now he has asked to go play with the dog. So off we go, PE time.
Dec. 23, 2007
Merry Christmas to All
May you all have a blessed Christmas and enjoy the holiday
Dec. 16, 2007
Another 12 blogs of Christmas entry from homeschoolestore.com
1. How many children do you have / homeschool? one fabulous 10 year old son
2. How long have you been homeschooling? We are in the middle of our 4th year, and 4th grade.
3. Have they always been homeschooled, or did they ever go to public/private school? We started in 1st grade so it would be easier for me to count how long we've been homeschooling :) He was in private Christian school for prek and K.
4. Do you plan on homeschooling until graduation? Yes, unless God has anything else to say on the matter.
5. Do you belong to a co-op? No.
6. Do you school all year long, or use some other schedule? We follow a traditional school schedule for the most part. We do a light schedule part of the summer to keep things fresh.
7. Do you use textbooks only, or do you like to supplement with other materials? We use a very eclectic mix. We use a lot of living books.
8. Are field trips included in your school plans, or are they just family time? Field trips are done as a family.
9. Do you and your kids do crafty stuff together for school time? We are a very artistic family. While we don't do a lot of crafts, we do a lot of art, make up silly songs to go with our studies, and our history program often takes the form of a news report.
10. Would you consider everyday household life stuff ‘home ec’? Absolutely! For a while we did "health" class before school. That meant picking up and getting the morning chores done, it is good for our mental health.
11. Do you have any advice for new homeschoolers? Don't get overwhelemed!!! There is so much diversity in homeschooling that every homeschool family looks different. Approaching it like everything else in parenting, utilize what will work for your family. Yes, you can school your children!
12. Do you have advice for homeschoolers with little ones under foot? Well, the cat sometimes sit on the table with us for school and we put the dog outside. Aside from that we have no little ones.
If you are interested in entering the 12 blogs of Christmas you can find information at this blog.
http://tnmomwith3kids.wordpress.com/
May God bless you and have a Merry Christmas.
Dec. 15, 2007
Two More School Days for the Rest of the Year
I'm such a nerd, I still love the play on words. My son didn't quite get it when I told him we were done with grammar and math for the rest of the year. After I explained it he laughed.
We have been using the last three days to play catch up on a few subjects. We have been behind in art, geography, music, and history. So have we touched history since then? NO! We've been having too much fun with art, music and geography. I feel the American Revolution will still be waging over Christmas if we don't study it most of Monday and Tuesday.
We also started reading "The Magician's Nephew" from the Chronicles of Narnia. We opted to save it until the 2nd to last book. I read the many different thought patterns on which order to read the books in, and decided to jumble the numbers written on the spine. I have to say I'm glad we did. I had never read the books before and we are having a blast discovering all the.... well, let's just say we're enjoying this book the most so far.
We have been using "Drawing Basic with Thomas Kinkade" for art this year. We have been getting behind, but we enjoy the lessons. Thomas Kinkade is wonderful at teaching. Having never used lifepacs before I've been a little confused, but I get out my sketch pad and work right along with my son, it's been great. This week he was jumping up and down asking to do more art so we spent most of Thursday and Friday on it. I love art, and it is nice to see some of those genes got passed down as well.
We've also enjoyed catching up on some composers. This week we looked at Beethoven. My son also made a quite profound statement while reading about Beethoven's appearance and confidence. It was something like, "your confidence has nothing to do with the way you look". Amazed! I love his wisdome. Of course, I think he is fiendishly cute, and handsome just like his daddy. But it is so nice that he know that is not where his confidence should lie.
May you all have a blessed and joyous Christmas.
Dec. 10, 2007
New contest from homeschoolestore.com
Homeschoolestore.com is having a Christmas contest. The below 12 Days of homeschool song is part of that. Please check their website for the opportunity to win a $50.00 gift certificate from homeschoolestore.com. Have a Merry Christmas!
Dec. 10, 2007
12 days of homeschool
Sing to the tune of 12 days of Christmas.
On the first day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, a cartridge of new black ink
On the second day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the third day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the fourth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the fifth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and cartridge of new black ink.
On the sixth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the seventh day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the eighth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the ninth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, nine planets (or is it), eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history 3A Singapore, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the tenth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, ten 3 ring binders, nine planets (or is it), eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink
On the eleventh day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, eleven dry erase markers, ten 3 ring binders, nine planets (or is it), eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink
On the twelfth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, twelve years of learning, eleven dry erase markers, ten 3 ring binders, nine planets (or is it), eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink
Dec. 9, 2007
Johnny Tremain
We finished this book as a read aloud a few weeks ago. I can truly say that this is one of my favorite books ever. I remember reading it as a child and having visions in my head of colonial Boston and the sympathy I felt for Johnny throughout the book.
As I read it aloud to my son I pictured some of those same sentiments rolling through his head. We had detailed conversations about the characters in the book. We brought out some of my silver collection as we discussed the art of silversmithing. We pulled out a tourism map of Massachusetts that we had just received. We compared the current town of Boston with the colonial maps. It was a wonderful study.
Reading it as a child I never knew how much historical information was packed into that volume. As we have gotten further into our American Revolution study I find myself continually referring him back to Johnny Tremain. It truly is a plethora of history. I am enjoying rediscovering the books of my youth with my son.
Nov. 16, 2007
Nanowrimo and other such stuff
I haven't posted much this month. We are kind in that lull of our school year. You know the one where you have the groove figured out and you feel as if you are moving along, but nothing real exciting. We've had some great moments of hilarity and spontanaiety (sp?) this month as well. Those are sometimes hard to describe and sometimes best kept between mother and son.
I mean do you really want to know that to avoid going over the edge I break into song? The other day my ds(that's darling with a smirk, today) told me he hates math. He was basically stating that he refused to do math. Instead of my usual reaction I broke into song. I came up with an "I hate math" song in several genres, tied it into our composer study, sang about the marriage of music and math and kept going until we were both laughing so hard it hurt. Seriously, how would I know a waltz was a waltz without math? What about a 1/2 note? Would it be a partial note? Would a whole note be a circle note or a pie note? It just wouldn't be right.
Okay, okay back to my little reality. What is a nanowrimo? It is a yearly contest where writers and would be writers compete with themselves. We strive to reach 50k words in some form of a story between Nov 1 and Nov 30. I'm currently close to 32k words and going strong. I've been sucked into this alternate reality I've created with story. My story has bits of my life throughout it. Some of the characters and events are based upon real life, just not any of it is real, except the three legged cat (you'll have to wait to see what I mean). So if you are interested to see what it's all about, check out nanowrimo.org. The only real prize is a certificate with your name on it, oh and you get to print it yourself. You also get the deep satisfaction that goes with delving into undiscovered portions of your brain. You also get a glimpse of what carpal tunnel syndrome might feel like after typing over 3k words in one sitting.
So I'll be back after November, before if I can slam out the remaining 28k words in the next ten days. Or if my brain liquifies while trying to type as fast as my thoughts, or if I have to make up songs about anything besides math and music. Oh, please, I need more coffee.
Oct. 12, 2007
Forget Spring fever - I've got fall fever.
Where we live it has just cooled off. I'm sure it won't stay that way for long, but the humidity is down, the windows are open and the a/c is off. It's the middle of October and I'm just now starting to think about long pants. I think I'm starting to like winter.
My hubby and I both grew up in a state where ice, snow, and freezing temps were just a part of the norm. While I liked snow as a kid, as an adult I could so do without it. I take no pleasure in being cold. My hubby hates to wear too many layers of clothes and getting my son to wear a shirt to school is a major feat.
Last year, our first in the south, my mind kept waiting for that day to come. You know the one where you pack up the flip flops, you resign yourself to no longer wear capris because your ankles are freezing. It never really happened. While I did move onto jeans, I proudly wore my flip flops while Christmas shopping. I even wore them in February!
Today we woke up with the windows open. But instead of dreading the impending cold, I know I won't have to pack away the flip flops anytime soon. That's great because besides boots and workout tennies I have one pair of closed toe shoes.
Some people may enjoy the beauty of snow the briskness of the cool air, not us. Yes, the summers are hot, but not anymore than where we used to live. So now my years feel complete. There is no longer a winter in which I prefer to hibernate. By moving south we've added an extra three to four months of life to each year for our family. Gotta go, I'm going to open more windows!
The after Christmas blah's
They have set in, my husband is back at work, my son's friends aren't home and I'm sitting on my new exercise ball. Perhaps it's just because the chocolate has nearly run out, perhaps it's because my pile of laundry is almost as tall as the house. Perhaps it's because I'm ready to do more school and my blessed son is enjoying his time off.
We did get out last night and roamed around Target trying to figure out how to spend my gift card. We're probably going back tonight. I suffer from SI (Shopping indecision). I can never make a choice while there. I thought I had it all planned out, I made a list from my online decision, but they didn't have my online items in the store. Normally they do, but the threadbare racks just showed that they hadn't restocked yet. I've already done one order from Target and it's supposed to arrive today. I hear the UPS truck in the neighborhood or perhaps it's just wishful thinking. So I shopped online again today and discovered the items I want cost 8.00 in shipping. These are items I did see in the store last night, so no thanks, I'll go back to the store.
We did get in a few items today, a couple of logic pages. Those are fun. My son is naturally logical, he might have vulcan blood. Now he has asked to go play with the dog. So off we go, PE time.
Dec. 23, 2007
Merry Christmas to All
May you all have a blessed Christmas and enjoy the holiday
Dec. 16, 2007
Another 12 blogs of Christmas entry from homeschoolestore.com
1. How many children do you have / homeschool? one fabulous 10 year old son
2. How long have you been homeschooling? We are in the middle of our 4th year, and 4th grade.
3. Have they always been homeschooled, or did they ever go to public/private school? We started in 1st grade so it would be easier for me to count how long we've been homeschooling :) He was in private Christian school for prek and K.
4. Do you plan on homeschooling until graduation? Yes, unless God has anything else to say on the matter.
5. Do you belong to a co-op? No.
6. Do you school all year long, or use some other schedule? We follow a traditional school schedule for the most part. We do a light schedule part of the summer to keep things fresh.
7. Do you use textbooks only, or do you like to supplement with other materials? We use a very eclectic mix. We use a lot of living books.
8. Are field trips included in your school plans, or are they just family time? Field trips are done as a family.
9. Do you and your kids do crafty stuff together for school time? We are a very artistic family. While we don't do a lot of crafts, we do a lot of art, make up silly songs to go with our studies, and our history program often takes the form of a news report.
10. Would you consider everyday household life stuff ‘home ec’? Absolutely! For a while we did "health" class before school. That meant picking up and getting the morning chores done, it is good for our mental health.
11. Do you have any advice for new homeschoolers? Don't get overwhelemed!!! There is so much diversity in homeschooling that every homeschool family looks different. Approaching it like everything else in parenting, utilize what will work for your family. Yes, you can school your children!
12. Do you have advice for homeschoolers with little ones under foot? Well, the cat sometimes sit on the table with us for school and we put the dog outside. Aside from that we have no little ones.
If you are interested in entering the 12 blogs of Christmas you can find information at this blog.
http://tnmomwith3kids.wordpress.com/
May God bless you and have a Merry Christmas.
Dec. 15, 2007
Two More School Days for the Rest of the Year
I'm such a nerd, I still love the play on words. My son didn't quite get it when I told him we were done with grammar and math for the rest of the year. After I explained it he laughed.
We have been using the last three days to play catch up on a few subjects. We have been behind in art, geography, music, and history. So have we touched history since then? NO! We've been having too much fun with art, music and geography. I feel the American Revolution will still be waging over Christmas if we don't study it most of Monday and Tuesday.
We also started reading "The Magician's Nephew" from the Chronicles of Narnia. We opted to save it until the 2nd to last book. I read the many different thought patterns on which order to read the books in, and decided to jumble the numbers written on the spine. I have to say I'm glad we did. I had never read the books before and we are having a blast discovering all the.... well, let's just say we're enjoying this book the most so far.
We have been using "Drawing Basic with Thomas Kinkade" for art this year. We have been getting behind, but we enjoy the lessons. Thomas Kinkade is wonderful at teaching. Having never used lifepacs before I've been a little confused, but I get out my sketch pad and work right along with my son, it's been great. This week he was jumping up and down asking to do more art so we spent most of Thursday and Friday on it. I love art, and it is nice to see some of those genes got passed down as well.
We've also enjoyed catching up on some composers. This week we looked at Beethoven. My son also made a quite profound statement while reading about Beethoven's appearance and confidence. It was something like, "your confidence has nothing to do with the way you look". Amazed! I love his wisdome. Of course, I think he is fiendishly cute, and handsome just like his daddy. But it is so nice that he know that is not where his confidence should lie.
May you all have a blessed and joyous Christmas.
Dec. 10, 2007
New contest from homeschoolestore.com
Homeschoolestore.com is having a Christmas contest. The below 12 Days of homeschool song is part of that. Please check their website for the opportunity to win a $50.00 gift certificate from homeschoolestore.com. Have a Merry Christmas!
Dec. 10, 2007
12 days of homeschool
Sing to the tune of 12 days of Christmas.
On the first day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, a cartridge of new black ink
On the second day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the third day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the fourth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the fifth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and cartridge of new black ink.
On the sixth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the seventh day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the eighth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the ninth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, nine planets (or is it), eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history 3A Singapore, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink.
On the tenth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, ten 3 ring binders, nine planets (or is it), eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink
On the eleventh day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, eleven dry erase markers, ten 3 ring binders, nine planets (or is it), eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink
On the twelfth day of homeschool, my mother gave to me, twelve years of learning, eleven dry erase markers, ten 3 ring binders, nine planets (or is it), eight vocabulary words, seven volumes of Narnia, six dvd's playing, five books to read, four years of history, 3A Singapore Math, two #2's, and a cartridge of new black ink
Dec. 9, 2007
Johnny Tremain
We finished this book as a read aloud a few weeks ago. I can truly say that this is one of my favorite books ever. I remember reading it as a child and having visions in my head of colonial Boston and the sympathy I felt for Johnny throughout the book.
As I read it aloud to my son I pictured some of those same sentiments rolling through his head. We had detailed conversations about the characters in the book. We brought out some of my silver collection as we discussed the art of silversmithing. We pulled out a tourism map of Massachusetts that we had just received. We compared the current town of Boston with the colonial maps. It was a wonderful study.
Reading it as a child I never knew how much historical information was packed into that volume. As we have gotten further into our American Revolution study I find myself continually referring him back to Johnny Tremain. It truly is a plethora of history. I am enjoying rediscovering the books of my youth with my son.
Nov. 16, 2007
Nanowrimo and other such stuff
I haven't posted much this month. We are kind in that lull of our school year. You know the one where you have the groove figured out and you feel as if you are moving along, but nothing real exciting. We've had some great moments of hilarity and spontanaiety (sp?) this month as well. Those are sometimes hard to describe and sometimes best kept between mother and son.
I mean do you really want to know that to avoid going over the edge I break into song? The other day my ds(that's darling with a smirk, today) told me he hates math. He was basically stating that he refused to do math. Instead of my usual reaction I broke into song. I came up with an "I hate math" song in several genres, tied it into our composer study, sang about the marriage of music and math and kept going until we were both laughing so hard it hurt. Seriously, how would I know a waltz was a waltz without math? What about a 1/2 note? Would it be a partial note? Would a whole note be a circle note or a pie note? It just wouldn't be right.
Okay, okay back to my little reality. What is a nanowrimo? It is a yearly contest where writers and would be writers compete with themselves. We strive to reach 50k words in some form of a story between Nov 1 and Nov 30. I'm currently close to 32k words and going strong. I've been sucked into this alternate reality I've created with story. My story has bits of my life throughout it. Some of the characters and events are based upon real life, just not any of it is real, except the three legged cat (you'll have to wait to see what I mean). So if you are interested to see what it's all about, check out nanowrimo.org. The only real prize is a certificate with your name on it, oh and you get to print it yourself. You also get the deep satisfaction that goes with delving into undiscovered portions of your brain. You also get a glimpse of what carpal tunnel syndrome might feel like after typing over 3k words in one sitting.
So I'll be back after November, before if I can slam out the remaining 28k words in the next ten days. Or if my brain liquifies while trying to type as fast as my thoughts, or if I have to make up songs about anything besides math and music. Oh, please, I need more coffee.
Oct. 12, 2007
Forget Spring fever - I've got fall fever.
Where we live it has just cooled off. I'm sure it won't stay that way for long, but the humidity is down, the windows are open and the a/c is off. It's the middle of October and I'm just now starting to think about long pants. I think I'm starting to like winter.
My hubby and I both grew up in a state where ice, snow, and freezing temps were just a part of the norm. While I liked snow as a kid, as an adult I could so do without it. I take no pleasure in being cold. My hubby hates to wear too many layers of clothes and getting my son to wear a shirt to school is a major feat.
Last year, our first in the south, my mind kept waiting for that day to come. You know the one where you pack up the flip flops, you resign yourself to no longer wear capris because your ankles are freezing. It never really happened. While I did move onto jeans, I proudly wore my flip flops while Christmas shopping. I even wore them in February!
Today we woke up with the windows open. But instead of dreading the impending cold, I know I won't have to pack away the flip flops anytime soon. That's great because besides boots and workout tennies I have one pair of closed toe shoes.
Some people may enjoy the beauty of snow the briskness of the cool air, not us. Yes, the summers are hot, but not anymore than where we used to live. So now my years feel complete. There is no longer a winter in which I prefer to hibernate. By moving south we've added an extra three to four months of life to each year for our family. Gotta go, I'm going to open more windows!
8/2/07
Handwriting with(out) tears!
I finally broke down after a year of looking at Handwriting without tears and bought it! I almost cried when I started reading the teacher's manual. I had thought cursive would come a little easier for my reluctant writer and last year I bought a more traditional type cursive book. He did okay with it, but was frustrated.
So when the teacher's manual described the same frustrations we had been having I knew this was going to work. Once we got to the magic "C" my son very simply did the page without too much argument. There was a little stubborness and some "it's not perfect" talk from him. For the 400th time in our homeschooling journey I said, "No one is perfect the first time they try something." In a way I feel for him. He's just picked up those traits from us, his parents. Those are the kind of traits you see reflected in your child and then look in the mirror and know that you need to work on them as well.
I was happy to see his creativity was not stifled through his pefection as he adorned the "magic bunny" with a mustache and an outfit. He even did an impression of who he had made the bunny into. The goofiness he gets from me.
So if you are looking for a handwriting program I highly reccommend Handwriting without Tears. It's inexpensive, it looks at handwriting through the eyes of a child. As with most homeschooling activities the teaching is not just reserved for the page. I saw my stubborness, my bouts of perfection, and yes even my good creative side. My son will learn cursive and I learn about myself through his eyes. Should have ordered this last year! I guess I was being stubborn
You children may not cry while doing this program, but there is nothing in the teacher's manual about you shedding a few tears of joy along the way.
I finally broke down after a year of looking at Handwriting without tears and bought it! I almost cried when I started reading the teacher's manual. I had thought cursive would come a little easier for my reluctant writer and last year I bought a more traditional type cursive book. He did okay with it, but was frustrated.
So when the teacher's manual described the same frustrations we had been having I knew this was going to work. Once we got to the magic "C" my son very simply did the page without too much argument. There was a little stubborness and some "it's not perfect" talk from him. For the 400th time in our homeschooling journey I said, "No one is perfect the first time they try something." In a way I feel for him. He's just picked up those traits from us, his parents. Those are the kind of traits you see reflected in your child and then look in the mirror and know that you need to work on them as well.
I was happy to see his creativity was not stifled through his pefection as he adorned the "magic bunny" with a mustache and an outfit. He even did an impression of who he had made the bunny into. The goofiness he gets from me.
So if you are looking for a handwriting program I highly reccommend Handwriting without Tears. It's inexpensive, it looks at handwriting through the eyes of a child. As with most homeschooling activities the teaching is not just reserved for the page. I saw my stubborness, my bouts of perfection, and yes even my good creative side. My son will learn cursive and I learn about myself through his eyes. Should have ordered this last year! I guess I was being stubborn
You children may not cry while doing this program, but there is nothing in the teacher's manual about you shedding a few tears of joy along the way.
7/24/07 II guys from Petra
My hubby and I had to cancel our much needed vacation. For once it was because of time, not money, Praise God! Anyway, we took some of the money and updated our technology department at home. Okay we bought new laptops. I've never had a "new" computer and never a laptop, so the ability to wander while surfing is totally new to me.
It the midst of transferring information I was going through my favorite websites and I stumbled upon www.indieheaven.com. It's an outlet for christian independent artists. I found the "II guys from Petra" and just went wow. Petra was the epitome of hard rock christian music and they did their final tour in 2005. Since I have not been a practicing christian all of my life I was listening to more "worldly" hard rock in my youth and didn't know much about Petra until 2005.
Our previous church had them brought in for a concert. It was awesome. I got to help out at their sales booth and it was fun to watch people of my generation, +35 rocking out with the youth. I got to meet the band and they all autographed my pass, it was pretty cool. So now that their retired Bob and John have formed a more aucostic version called II guys from Petra. They have samples on indieheaven and it some of today's classic worship songs, done a la Petra unplugged. It's pretty cool, I'll have to check out the full CD. A great option for those of the "hair band" generation.
So anyway I've got the samples playing on the desktop. My son is anxious to claim it as his own and has asked me several time when it will all his. I told him today. So I'm keeping my promises, but taking a few detours along the way.
It the midst of transferring information I was going through my favorite websites and I stumbled upon www.indieheaven.com. It's an outlet for christian independent artists. I found the "II guys from Petra" and just went wow. Petra was the epitome of hard rock christian music and they did their final tour in 2005. Since I have not been a practicing christian all of my life I was listening to more "worldly" hard rock in my youth and didn't know much about Petra until 2005.
Our previous church had them brought in for a concert. It was awesome. I got to help out at their sales booth and it was fun to watch people of my generation, +35 rocking out with the youth. I got to meet the band and they all autographed my pass, it was pretty cool. So now that their retired Bob and John have formed a more aucostic version called II guys from Petra. They have samples on indieheaven and it some of today's classic worship songs, done a la Petra unplugged. It's pretty cool, I'll have to check out the full CD. A great option for those of the "hair band" generation.
So anyway I've got the samples playing on the desktop. My son is anxious to claim it as his own and has asked me several time when it will all his. I told him today. So I'm keeping my promises, but taking a few detours along the way.
7/23/07
10 ways to know you are a homeschooling mom
Here is my own personal top 10, feel free to add your own in the comments.
1. You stand waiting at Goodwill doors as they open for their .50 sale and instead of heading to the clothes like everyone else you head to the books.
2. You guard your bids on e-bay like a mother lion, knowing you'll save a few buck on the homeschool material your bidding on.
3. Lesson planning is what you do in your "spare" time.
4. You overcome your fear of defacing a book. After putting it in a binder you feel like a victorious warrior.
5. Bookshelves become for books, not home accessories
6. You know what the abbreviations all stand for, even if you never plan on using that curriculum.
7. You join yahoo groups of books you don't use yet, but plan on in the future
8. You give up dining rooms, spare bedrooms, and private spaces just to have a place to do school.
9. Your birthday and Christmas lists come from places like rainbow resource, cbd, and amazon.
10. Your child starts to behave when you remind them that if they were in regular school, they would have to be wearing shoes.
Here is my own personal top 10, feel free to add your own in the comments.
1. You stand waiting at Goodwill doors as they open for their .50 sale and instead of heading to the clothes like everyone else you head to the books.
2. You guard your bids on e-bay like a mother lion, knowing you'll save a few buck on the homeschool material your bidding on.
3. Lesson planning is what you do in your "spare" time.
4. You overcome your fear of defacing a book. After putting it in a binder you feel like a victorious warrior.
5. Bookshelves become for books, not home accessories
6. You know what the abbreviations all stand for, even if you never plan on using that curriculum.
7. You join yahoo groups of books you don't use yet, but plan on in the future
8. You give up dining rooms, spare bedrooms, and private spaces just to have a place to do school.
9. Your birthday and Christmas lists come from places like rainbow resource, cbd, and amazon.
10. Your child starts to behave when you remind them that if they were in regular school, they would have to be wearing shoes.
7/18/07 Thomas Jefferson Education
My copy of "Thomas Jefferson Education" arrived yesterday. I'm already through chapter 6 with lots of highlights and notes. What caught my attention about this book in the first place was that it's goal is to teach children "how" to think. It is ironic that several of the things mentioned in the book we have been already doing on a small scale.
I've been collecting classic works at thrift stores for months. I had also decided that since I had never read most of them that I was going to devote some time to that. That is after I get done pre-reading the rest of our books for the upcoming year. Wow that's almost here. It's not "next year" anymore, it's "next month"!
My son has not quite developed "A love of learning" as described in the book. Well maybe if it relates to Star Wars, Star Trek, weapons, fighter jets, or poker. (Yes, my 9 year old has his own set of poker chips. That decision came with lots of prayer and hesitation.[insert long story here, not!] His skills in multiplication has greatly increased) We did have an "A HA" moment this spring with learning. He decided he wanted to write Star Wars 7,8, and 9. He spent the better part of two days drawing story boards and has them cataloged in order. It was one of those moments of sheer joy as a parent. All other studies were set aside so he could draw and write.
As I read this book, I realize that I still have some mindsets about what "school" should be. I was a great student, but after high school I feel ill prepared for life. I realize I've been doing some of that with my son. I've built a habit of teaching at him with one way discussion. Kind of the "I'm right, I'm the mom, I know better." Instead of a two way dialouge. One of my greatest loves as a parent was when my son started being to converse with me on a real level, why am I trying to stifle that now?
I've been wanting to create our home as more of a learning environment but was unsure how to go about it. This book has given me some direction. My husband, who is so exhausted at the end of the day, even offered to have more family reading time.
I'm not sure what this is all going to look life for our family in the end. One thing about homeschooling is that we are on this journey together. We are all learning and growing. Right now my future statesman is shooting his beloved poker chips with a dart gun. He watched a show this morning about guns and is recreating their tips. He's throwing the chips in the air and shooting them, hitting them too.
For me, I'm gazing longinly at the copy of Aristotle's "Poetics and Rhetoric" that I picked up this week. It may sit on the shelf a little longer. I have a little fear of digging into a 500 page book. Besides, I still need to pre-read a few more books, that's it, that's my excuse for today :). Okay, "Black Beauty" here we come.
I've been collecting classic works at thrift stores for months. I had also decided that since I had never read most of them that I was going to devote some time to that. That is after I get done pre-reading the rest of our books for the upcoming year. Wow that's almost here. It's not "next year" anymore, it's "next month"!
My son has not quite developed "A love of learning" as described in the book. Well maybe if it relates to Star Wars, Star Trek, weapons, fighter jets, or poker. (Yes, my 9 year old has his own set of poker chips. That decision came with lots of prayer and hesitation.[insert long story here, not!] His skills in multiplication has greatly increased) We did have an "A HA" moment this spring with learning. He decided he wanted to write Star Wars 7,8, and 9. He spent the better part of two days drawing story boards and has them cataloged in order. It was one of those moments of sheer joy as a parent. All other studies were set aside so he could draw and write.
As I read this book, I realize that I still have some mindsets about what "school" should be. I was a great student, but after high school I feel ill prepared for life. I realize I've been doing some of that with my son. I've built a habit of teaching at him with one way discussion. Kind of the "I'm right, I'm the mom, I know better." Instead of a two way dialouge. One of my greatest loves as a parent was when my son started being to converse with me on a real level, why am I trying to stifle that now?
I've been wanting to create our home as more of a learning environment but was unsure how to go about it. This book has given me some direction. My husband, who is so exhausted at the end of the day, even offered to have more family reading time.
I'm not sure what this is all going to look life for our family in the end. One thing about homeschooling is that we are on this journey together. We are all learning and growing. Right now my future statesman is shooting his beloved poker chips with a dart gun. He watched a show this morning about guns and is recreating their tips. He's throwing the chips in the air and shooting them, hitting them too.
For me, I'm gazing longinly at the copy of Aristotle's "Poetics and Rhetoric" that I picked up this week. It may sit on the shelf a little longer. I have a little fear of digging into a 500 page book. Besides, I still need to pre-read a few more books, that's it, that's my excuse for today :). Okay, "Black Beauty" here we come.
7/14/07 And the future is....
We only have one car. Sometimes it is the thorn in my side, but it is a wise decision for our household right now. My one true freedom is driving. I've always loved to just get in the car and explore. I love discovering back roads to familiar places. Being on a journey is an adventure for me. My journey as of late has been discovering the future. How, you ask? Did you build a time machine? Have you truly discovered Sliding?
None of the above. I very carefully outlined the next 9 years of my son's education. Before you freak you, it's all done in pencil, it's all chageable. I just really wanted to know what kind of path we're on. I picked some particular curriculum and some are just ideas of what I want to do. Since we are only starting 4th grade I know there will be great curriculums created before the end of his homeschooling days. Who knows, some of you may write them. While I don't mind changing curriculum if something fits the bill, I don't want to just jump on "the newest next best thing"
In my journey to the future I envision my son developing a true love of literature. I envision us having thoughtful, deep decisions about the classics. Having conversation in languages I only know how to say "hello" currently. Experimenting with chemicals and discovering the world through a microscope. In my vision I see a well spoken young man with impeccable character. One of the greatest moments for me as a parent was the time I could start having actual conversations in my son. My husband is a talker, but he is more of realist. He doesn't dig into the moment to gain greater understanding of events like I do. In other words, if we watch the same movie, he can summize it in two sentences. My dissertation about the hidden meanings and greater life lesson of the move can take twenty minutes. Watch the movie "Stranger than Fiction" and then discuss with someone and you'll see what I mean. I really crave being able to pick apart moments like that with my son.
We do that on a small scale now. Like discussing how the music at the end of Star Wars III makes me cry. Because it means Anakin is becoming Darth Vader, I can't hardly watch, it's so sad. We talk about how Anakin let his fear and anger take control of his life and that is one of the big reasons he made poor choices.
My vision of the future came to screeching halt last night at dinner. We were all tired, but went out to eat. My husband was reading the paper, we don't get it at home, he's only reads it on Sunday's and when we go out to eat. My son was playing his new game system and I was having a lovely conversation with the waitress about her son who was turning three soon. While that is not a complete picture of our family dinners it was a dose of reality. No deep meaning conversation, no foreign language unless you count a little of the Louisiana slang I've picked up.
I know homeschooling will help me guide my son's education, and eventually he'll make choices for himself. I do hope his interests will help define his education down the road. So while I keep my vision intact, I build the foundation day upon day. Today, Star Wars, tomorrow who knows. In the meantime I'll keep my vision, as long as it's written in pencil.
None of the above. I very carefully outlined the next 9 years of my son's education. Before you freak you, it's all done in pencil, it's all chageable. I just really wanted to know what kind of path we're on. I picked some particular curriculum and some are just ideas of what I want to do. Since we are only starting 4th grade I know there will be great curriculums created before the end of his homeschooling days. Who knows, some of you may write them. While I don't mind changing curriculum if something fits the bill, I don't want to just jump on "the newest next best thing"
In my journey to the future I envision my son developing a true love of literature. I envision us having thoughtful, deep decisions about the classics. Having conversation in languages I only know how to say "hello" currently. Experimenting with chemicals and discovering the world through a microscope. In my vision I see a well spoken young man with impeccable character. One of the greatest moments for me as a parent was the time I could start having actual conversations in my son. My husband is a talker, but he is more of realist. He doesn't dig into the moment to gain greater understanding of events like I do. In other words, if we watch the same movie, he can summize it in two sentences. My dissertation about the hidden meanings and greater life lesson of the move can take twenty minutes. Watch the movie "Stranger than Fiction" and then discuss with someone and you'll see what I mean. I really crave being able to pick apart moments like that with my son.
We do that on a small scale now. Like discussing how the music at the end of Star Wars III makes me cry. Because it means Anakin is becoming Darth Vader, I can't hardly watch, it's so sad. We talk about how Anakin let his fear and anger take control of his life and that is one of the big reasons he made poor choices.
My vision of the future came to screeching halt last night at dinner. We were all tired, but went out to eat. My husband was reading the paper, we don't get it at home, he's only reads it on Sunday's and when we go out to eat. My son was playing his new game system and I was having a lovely conversation with the waitress about her son who was turning three soon. While that is not a complete picture of our family dinners it was a dose of reality. No deep meaning conversation, no foreign language unless you count a little of the Louisiana slang I've picked up.
I know homeschooling will help me guide my son's education, and eventually he'll make choices for himself. I do hope his interests will help define his education down the road. So while I keep my vision intact, I build the foundation day upon day. Today, Star Wars, tomorrow who knows. In the meantime I'll keep my vision, as long as it's written in pencil.
7/9/07 Frogs anyone?
We have frogs, lots and lots of frogs. In our backyard we had what were two elevated fish ponds. In our part of the country they were more like mosiquto farms.
We didn't build them, they were here when we moved, so we tore them down. Like a good little wife I helped my hubby haul railroad ties to the trash pile. We did this earlier this summer. My reward for helping was a two week infection of poison ivy. But that is a whole other story.
After we tore out the ponds we still have the physical depression from where they were sitting. It fills with water and the frogs love to live in there. I've gotten used to their melody. The deep, guttural bbbuuurrr is almost soothing. When we first moved in it would keep me awake. It is better than traffic or loud neighbors, it's God's orchestra. If you have read "The Phantom Tollbooth" it is like the orchestra that conducts the sun. Every evening at dusk they start. When they don't sing it is almost too silent.
I'm not sure why but a few frogs have started migrating to our garage at night. Perhaps there is overpopulation at the pond. Perhaps the bug buffet is better in the garage. Who knows, but every night at least 3-4 frogs make their way inside the garage before my hubby shuts down the door for the night. One even has a bad leg. He is a can-do frog however and we've seen him hopping around a lot lately.
There are little places they like to hide, behind the grill, under the shelving units. This morning we found the best spot yet. My hubby went to put on his work boots and a frog jumped out of one of them. Funny enough, but two frogs jumped out of the other one. I asked my honey if he had ever seen a frog house. He said no, but would you buy some. So now I am on the hunt for frog houses. We had some when I was little so I know they're out there.
Matthew 25:40 says "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Frogs may not be a brother in that sense, but if God cares about the sparrow, surely he cares about frogs. So a little condo complex of frog houses sounds like a good investment.
We didn't build them, they were here when we moved, so we tore them down. Like a good little wife I helped my hubby haul railroad ties to the trash pile. We did this earlier this summer. My reward for helping was a two week infection of poison ivy. But that is a whole other story.
After we tore out the ponds we still have the physical depression from where they were sitting. It fills with water and the frogs love to live in there. I've gotten used to their melody. The deep, guttural bbbuuurrr is almost soothing. When we first moved in it would keep me awake. It is better than traffic or loud neighbors, it's God's orchestra. If you have read "The Phantom Tollbooth" it is like the orchestra that conducts the sun. Every evening at dusk they start. When they don't sing it is almost too silent.
I'm not sure why but a few frogs have started migrating to our garage at night. Perhaps there is overpopulation at the pond. Perhaps the bug buffet is better in the garage. Who knows, but every night at least 3-4 frogs make their way inside the garage before my hubby shuts down the door for the night. One even has a bad leg. He is a can-do frog however and we've seen him hopping around a lot lately.
There are little places they like to hide, behind the grill, under the shelving units. This morning we found the best spot yet. My hubby went to put on his work boots and a frog jumped out of one of them. Funny enough, but two frogs jumped out of the other one. I asked my honey if he had ever seen a frog house. He said no, but would you buy some. So now I am on the hunt for frog houses. We had some when I was little so I know they're out there.
Matthew 25:40 says "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Frogs may not be a brother in that sense, but if God cares about the sparrow, surely he cares about frogs. So a little condo complex of frog houses sounds like a good investment.
7/6/07: Help, I'm going through beach withdrawl!
My hubby and I both grew up in the Midwest. Funny thing is, we can't stand cold, snow, or ice. We prayed for years to move to a place where we wanted to be outside in February. Finally, last year God released us, not to Florida as we had hoped, but to Louisiana. We've been blessed to stand on many great beaches of the US and Costa Rica. Even from the midwest we managed to get to a real beach, real ocean every couple of years. If not, the withdrawl sets in.
I was excited moving to someplace where we would be less than an hour from the ocean. Granted, the beaches were washed away in a hurricane, but the ocean would still be there. Have I been in the last year? NO! With one car and crazy work hours for my honey, we've never made it.
Today I was watching "Pirates of the Caribbean" and once I started looking at the scenery I knew I was in trouble. The withdrawl kicked into high gear. It's one thing when you live 1000 miles from the nearest ocean, but to be a hour away and not go, UGH! It's was further aggravated knowing we have a short trip planned for later this summer to a Texas beach. My impatience is kicking in.
It rained all day today and I had a river flowing through my front yard, at least that's sort of waterfront property. I could go look at my coastal living magazine and get further frustrated. Instead I pouted. When honey got home I told him we needed to live closer to the beach if we were only going to have one car, he agreed. But God has us here for now, "Bloom where you are planted", he's(that's God not my hubby) told me before.
Oh well, the vacation is coming up soon, I can sort of see the tiny palm trees in my backyard if I look through the brush. And I do live somewhere that I can wear flip-flops in February without freezing. Tomorrow I'll gaze at my sand collection and check out some oceanfront vacation homes online. I'll probably play my "Pirates of the Caribbean" soundtrack at least once. At least I can go to bed tonight without sand in between my toes
I was excited moving to someplace where we would be less than an hour from the ocean. Granted, the beaches were washed away in a hurricane, but the ocean would still be there. Have I been in the last year? NO! With one car and crazy work hours for my honey, we've never made it.
Today I was watching "Pirates of the Caribbean" and once I started looking at the scenery I knew I was in trouble. The withdrawl kicked into high gear. It's one thing when you live 1000 miles from the nearest ocean, but to be a hour away and not go, UGH! It's was further aggravated knowing we have a short trip planned for later this summer to a Texas beach. My impatience is kicking in.
It rained all day today and I had a river flowing through my front yard, at least that's sort of waterfront property. I could go look at my coastal living magazine and get further frustrated. Instead I pouted. When honey got home I told him we needed to live closer to the beach if we were only going to have one car, he agreed. But God has us here for now, "Bloom where you are planted", he's(that's God not my hubby) told me before.
Oh well, the vacation is coming up soon, I can sort of see the tiny palm trees in my backyard if I look through the brush. And I do live somewhere that I can wear flip-flops in February without freezing. Tomorrow I'll gaze at my sand collection and check out some oceanfront vacation homes online. I'll probably play my "Pirates of the Caribbean" soundtrack at least once. At least I can go to bed tonight without sand in between my toes
7/5/07 The Journey: Building Strength
That is our theme for school this year. We've done one since we started homeschooling. Last year was "Bloom where you are planted". That worked out great. What I hadn't known when we picked that was that we would be moving 800 miles. We dug up our roots and are still in the midst of replanting them. Of course, God knew that when he placed that thought in my head.
I thought I'd share some of what we will be using for school this upcoming year. The most exciting part is the history lesson plans I just finished writing. We are doing US history from ancient Indians to modern era all in one year, crazy I know. I couldn't find anything I really wanted to use that was in my budget, so I was inspired to write my own. Wow, now I see why people pay big money for instructors guide's. So 15 books and 100+ notebooking pages later our theme for history is "Explorers, Inventors, Pioneers, & Patriots". Okay almost half of the notebooking pages are of Presidents, so it's not so bad.
Another big step I took was taking workbooks apart and putting them in binders. Talk about getting out of the box, why didn't I do this before. My son hates trying to write on the edge of a workbooks. I think last time I thought about doing it we had no budget for binders so I rationalized not doing it. When someone on a forum brought that up it got me thinking. There's always time to revisit old mindsets and this year our workbooks are free!! Free to lay flat, free to be written on properly. wow, the teacher learns a lesson and school hasn't even started yet.
We are changing providers in every subject except math. I am hoping that my structured, wiggly, don't leave me while I'm working, son will love each subject. One can dream, right? Anyway what we chose were:
Easy Grammar 4, Natural Speller
How to write a story, Just write 3, 10 Fabulous forms of poetry (used one at a time, poetry will take 2 yrs)
Abeka math 4
Apologia's Astronomy
US Geography
PE - written from a college textbook on how to teach pe to elementary kids
Music Theory (Alfred's essentials of music theory, book 1)
Drawing basics w/Thomas Kinkade
Spanish
Bible ( Student discovery bible & Teaching kids authentic worship)
Abeka Health 4
many readers and read alouds
Our journey starts in the middle of August. Like any trip that I am excited for, I want my bags packed way in advance. So I'm in the final stages of that now. School supplies in hand, pencils sharpened, and a special place for extra patience and smiles. I have to keep reminding myself the adventure is in the journey.
I thought I'd share some of what we will be using for school this upcoming year. The most exciting part is the history lesson plans I just finished writing. We are doing US history from ancient Indians to modern era all in one year, crazy I know. I couldn't find anything I really wanted to use that was in my budget, so I was inspired to write my own. Wow, now I see why people pay big money for instructors guide's. So 15 books and 100+ notebooking pages later our theme for history is "Explorers, Inventors, Pioneers, & Patriots". Okay almost half of the notebooking pages are of Presidents, so it's not so bad.
Another big step I took was taking workbooks apart and putting them in binders. Talk about getting out of the box, why didn't I do this before. My son hates trying to write on the edge of a workbooks. I think last time I thought about doing it we had no budget for binders so I rationalized not doing it. When someone on a forum brought that up it got me thinking. There's always time to revisit old mindsets and this year our workbooks are free!! Free to lay flat, free to be written on properly. wow, the teacher learns a lesson and school hasn't even started yet.
We are changing providers in every subject except math. I am hoping that my structured, wiggly, don't leave me while I'm working, son will love each subject. One can dream, right? Anyway what we chose were:
Easy Grammar 4, Natural Speller
How to write a story, Just write 3, 10 Fabulous forms of poetry (used one at a time, poetry will take 2 yrs)
Abeka math 4
Apologia's Astronomy
US Geography
PE - written from a college textbook on how to teach pe to elementary kids
Music Theory (Alfred's essentials of music theory, book 1)
Drawing basics w/Thomas Kinkade
Spanish
Bible ( Student discovery bible & Teaching kids authentic worship)
Abeka Health 4
many readers and read alouds
Our journey starts in the middle of August. Like any trip that I am excited for, I want my bags packed way in advance. So I'm in the final stages of that now. School supplies in hand, pencils sharpened, and a special place for extra patience and smiles. I have to keep reminding myself the adventure is in the journey.
5/24/07 One more day!
Tomorrow officially end our 3rd year of homeschooling. Yeah! We are going to finish a few tests and then clean up the schoolroom. It's hard to believe we've been doing this for 3 years. It has been a busy year for us.
We moved 800 miles south, we got rid of our 2nd car and have been car-less during the day since September. Our field trips have been in our own back yard.
We've discovered the world of bugs and stuff in our new yard. Including snakes and spiders. We've discovered there are such things as flying termites that "pass through" in the spring. Yuck!!
We had to move where we do school because I kept getting distracted by the birds in the feeder my husband made for us.
My son discovered that occasionally mom can make school fun, even if by accident.
We found Star Trek Voyager and have been shipping off to the Delta Quadrant in the afternoons. I discovered that my son's desire to explore space is good motivation to focus at school, "Honey, you can't be one of the first men on Mars if you don't learn your multiplication tables."
We discovered the "Jedi Apprentice" books. They are when Obi-Wan Kenobi was a child. I had forgotten how much fun an adventure novel can be. I love changing my voice for each character's dialog
Next fall we will be studying US History. I'm already brainstorming how I can come to school dressed like the people we will be studying. I'm envisioning the bag of Army guys spread all over a map laid out on the ground as we work on world war history. I found a bugle at a garage sale for Civil War studies. How about dumping tea bags into the baby pool as we read "Johnny Tremain"?
My son retains more information when I am just being my goofy self. Who knows, by the end of the summer maybe I'll figure out a way to make Grammar fun as well.
We moved 800 miles south, we got rid of our 2nd car and have been car-less during the day since September. Our field trips have been in our own back yard.
We've discovered the world of bugs and stuff in our new yard. Including snakes and spiders. We've discovered there are such things as flying termites that "pass through" in the spring. Yuck!!
We had to move where we do school because I kept getting distracted by the birds in the feeder my husband made for us.
My son discovered that occasionally mom can make school fun, even if by accident.
We found Star Trek Voyager and have been shipping off to the Delta Quadrant in the afternoons. I discovered that my son's desire to explore space is good motivation to focus at school, "Honey, you can't be one of the first men on Mars if you don't learn your multiplication tables."
We discovered the "Jedi Apprentice" books. They are when Obi-Wan Kenobi was a child. I had forgotten how much fun an adventure novel can be. I love changing my voice for each character's dialog
Next fall we will be studying US History. I'm already brainstorming how I can come to school dressed like the people we will be studying. I'm envisioning the bag of Army guys spread all over a map laid out on the ground as we work on world war history. I found a bugle at a garage sale for Civil War studies. How about dumping tea bags into the baby pool as we read "Johnny Tremain"?
My son retains more information when I am just being my goofy self. Who knows, by the end of the summer maybe I'll figure out a way to make Grammar fun as well.
5/21/07 Our someday finally came
You know how you have those projects that you will get to someday? Well yesterday was our someday, at least partially. My hubby is a contractor so my honey do list reflects that and well, the list could be laminated as long as some projects take.
Our house is a fixer upper. It's set on a wooded lot and the layout is great. The decor is mostly 30 years old plus. We've slowly been working on it and my hubby's words, "It's all cosmetic" just ring in my ears.
As a contractor my honey is sometimes gifted with items that are totally reusable. A couple of years ago a friend of our was redoing her kitchen and he came home with a beautiful swanstone double kitchen sink and a tall long handled faucet attached. It was supposed to go in my previous home. It never made it there and after having the kitchen sink laying around for almost 2 years, it's finally in my house working. That "someday we'll put that in" finally happened. I'm truly leary of using it, it so wonderful. It's so deep I had to reach down to wash the dishes.
I've also been without a car for several months. We've been waiting for the right deal. While waiting my honey's fairly new truck blew a motor. Right now it is an extrememly expensive lawn ornament. He borrowed a truck for a while, but gave up and finally purchased a "new" SUV. It's GMC Jimmy that was top of the line brand new. Technically, it's my car. But of course he has to drive it to work. It's so nice to drive. Normally for me, we buy cars cheap and they never have had less than 100k miles. This one isn't even there yet. It has a CD player that cranks really loud. That is so nice. It really is the nicest car that I've almost owned. He has kept telling me "someday I'll get you a nice car", he never did say I would get to drive it right away LOL.
Part of our cosmetic redo in our home include redoing a harvest gold bathroom and an avacado green one. Tub, toilet, sink all in the classic colors. Finally that someday came. My parents had sent a gift card for my birthday and what did I buy with it? A toilet. We almost got it in, at least it's in the garage. The harvest gold is gone and the new floor is halfway down.
I almost didn't recognize my "someday". It was plauged with distractions. First my son accidently had the new SUV hatch bonk him on the head in the Lowe's parking lot. My hubby felt awful but said son was okay after some tlc. Then while removing carpet tacks (my project for the day) I smashed my hand with the hammer. The ensuing blood blister only hurt until the pain went away. Finally, while cutting vinyl tile my hubby sliced his thumb with a new razor knife. years of experience have taught him to be careful, but....As he was laying on the floor with a washcloth trying to stop the blood, I was wiping blood off the new tile. We dug out the first aid kit and consulted our nurse neighbor who said it could use stitches. We'll see today.
In all of those distractions I almost missed that things are getting done. I almost missed the beauty of long held promises being fufilled. I know God has been working on my patience lately, perhaps this is just one little glimpse into the rewards of it. I used to think life was like a roller coaster, ups then downs, totally seperated. As I get older I realize that the good is sometimes mixed in with the bad. You just have to decide which one to truly taste.
Our house is a fixer upper. It's set on a wooded lot and the layout is great. The decor is mostly 30 years old plus. We've slowly been working on it and my hubby's words, "It's all cosmetic" just ring in my ears.
As a contractor my honey is sometimes gifted with items that are totally reusable. A couple of years ago a friend of our was redoing her kitchen and he came home with a beautiful swanstone double kitchen sink and a tall long handled faucet attached. It was supposed to go in my previous home. It never made it there and after having the kitchen sink laying around for almost 2 years, it's finally in my house working. That "someday we'll put that in" finally happened. I'm truly leary of using it, it so wonderful. It's so deep I had to reach down to wash the dishes.
I've also been without a car for several months. We've been waiting for the right deal. While waiting my honey's fairly new truck blew a motor. Right now it is an extrememly expensive lawn ornament. He borrowed a truck for a while, but gave up and finally purchased a "new" SUV. It's GMC Jimmy that was top of the line brand new. Technically, it's my car. But of course he has to drive it to work. It's so nice to drive. Normally for me, we buy cars cheap and they never have had less than 100k miles. This one isn't even there yet. It has a CD player that cranks really loud. That is so nice. It really is the nicest car that I've almost owned. He has kept telling me "someday I'll get you a nice car", he never did say I would get to drive it right away LOL.
Part of our cosmetic redo in our home include redoing a harvest gold bathroom and an avacado green one. Tub, toilet, sink all in the classic colors. Finally that someday came. My parents had sent a gift card for my birthday and what did I buy with it? A toilet. We almost got it in, at least it's in the garage. The harvest gold is gone and the new floor is halfway down.
I almost didn't recognize my "someday". It was plauged with distractions. First my son accidently had the new SUV hatch bonk him on the head in the Lowe's parking lot. My hubby felt awful but said son was okay after some tlc. Then while removing carpet tacks (my project for the day) I smashed my hand with the hammer. The ensuing blood blister only hurt until the pain went away. Finally, while cutting vinyl tile my hubby sliced his thumb with a new razor knife. years of experience have taught him to be careful, but....As he was laying on the floor with a washcloth trying to stop the blood, I was wiping blood off the new tile. We dug out the first aid kit and consulted our nurse neighbor who said it could use stitches. We'll see today.
In all of those distractions I almost missed that things are getting done. I almost missed the beauty of long held promises being fufilled. I know God has been working on my patience lately, perhaps this is just one little glimpse into the rewards of it. I used to think life was like a roller coaster, ups then downs, totally seperated. As I get older I realize that the good is sometimes mixed in with the bad. You just have to decide which one to truly taste.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Should have stayed inside..
If you read my previous post you see that I signed off to go help my family in the yard. Turns out I should have stayed inside. I ended up getting exposed to poison ivy and have been fighting the outbreak for the last week. both of my arms, my chest and my chin have been invaded! Silly me, I didn't think to look for poison ivy. I was pulling plants in part of our backyard and worked hard. We even took pictures of my son cutting the lawn for the first time. My reward, oozing, itchy sores!
Fortunately the son didn't help so much, he has one little spot, that is thankfully not itchy. I had poison ivy as a kid, but didn't remember it being so itchy. I've lived on Benadryl for the last week and that makes me very tired, so I've felt like a zombie for the last week. Thankfully it is getting better. Great botany lesson, how not to mess with plants.
Just to rub it in, no pun intended, the paper had a big article on poison ivy this Sunday. It came a week too late. I probably would have recognized it from it's picture in the paper. Just remember when you look at leaves.... if there's three, let it be!!! Valuable life lesson, just for you....
Fortunately the son didn't help so much, he has one little spot, that is thankfully not itchy. I had poison ivy as a kid, but didn't remember it being so itchy. I've lived on Benadryl for the last week and that makes me very tired, so I've felt like a zombie for the last week. Thankfully it is getting better. Great botany lesson, how not to mess with plants.
Just to rub it in, no pun intended, the paper had a big article on poison ivy this Sunday. It came a week too late. I probably would have recognized it from it's picture in the paper. Just remember when you look at leaves.... if there's three, let it be!!! Valuable life lesson, just for you....
Sunday, April 22, 2007
How many more days until vacation?
We are winding down our third grade year. I look back to the beginning of the year and realize we have come a long way. Just like children grow physically, it's there you may not see it everyday, but it is there. In fact, my son grew 1/4" in the last month. We have the "chart" on his closet doorframe. As this school year ends, I am already planning for next fall.
We were blessed to be able to order all of his books already. Just need to pull it all together. We are changing providers on every subject, so there is new material to look at, lesson plans for some subjects, and folders to make for others. I had to pull an extra bookshelf into the office, just for the new books. I haven't let him look at them too much, I don't want him running away in terror over the sheer number of them.
Fourth grade is going to be an exciting time. Aside from the usual subjects, such as grammar and math, we will be adding some great subjects. In science, we are going to spend all year on Astronomy, History is a year long study on US history and geography. We'll also do Creative writing, poetry, Spanish, teaching on worship, music theory, conflict resolution, and drawing basics. We have a slew of books for reading and even some historical movies planned. I plan on learning a lot.
Right now he is learning lawn maintenance from dad. I better go join them I'm sure there is something for me to do.
We were blessed to be able to order all of his books already. Just need to pull it all together. We are changing providers on every subject, so there is new material to look at, lesson plans for some subjects, and folders to make for others. I had to pull an extra bookshelf into the office, just for the new books. I haven't let him look at them too much, I don't want him running away in terror over the sheer number of them.
Fourth grade is going to be an exciting time. Aside from the usual subjects, such as grammar and math, we will be adding some great subjects. In science, we are going to spend all year on Astronomy, History is a year long study on US history and geography. We'll also do Creative writing, poetry, Spanish, teaching on worship, music theory, conflict resolution, and drawing basics. We have a slew of books for reading and even some historical movies planned. I plan on learning a lot.
Right now he is learning lawn maintenance from dad. I better go join them I'm sure there is something for me to do.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Little Women: A Review
My son and I recently studied Louisa May Alcott in history. His third grade book is made up of biography snippets from great Americans. They are brief and sometimes vague, but it is fun to fill in the blanks with additional studies.
For our adventure with Ms. Alcott, we watched the movie "Little Women". I remembered going to see it in the theater when it came out more than a decade ago. My mom and I went together and we cried together and enjoyed ourselves. I wasn’t sure how a nine-year-old boy would react to watching a movie about four sisters. He did great. Only once did I have to tell him to focus. Granted he didn’t sit still the entire time. He is, of course, his father’s child and sitting still for too long just isn’t in his nature. He actually learns better when he isn’t confined with lack of movement. He actually used the word multi-tasking the other day to describe what he can do. I about fell over. I never thought of him as a multi-tasker, but just a kid.
I remember the first time I watched this movie in the theater that I really only knew of Susan Sarandon and Winona Ryder as actresses. This time as I watched I was distracted by the actors. Christian Bale who plays Laurie also played Batman. Young Amy, Kirsten Dunst, is now Spiderman’s girlfriend, and Beth, Clare Danes was in "Terminator 3". That might tell you the genre of movie I am used to watching.
I enjoyed the movie for the story however and jotted questions to quiz my son on after the movie was over. I love being able to generate my own questions like that. Instead of factual information I was more interested in how this movie might expand his thinking. We were able to talk a little bit about what he wants to do when he grows up, what is more important how people perceive you or who you truly are, and if the movie still reflected anything of modern life. His answers were very mature and intuitive.
We were also able to compare them to the C.S. Lewis classic "The Chronicles of Narnia". We were able to find many similarities between the four March sisters and the Pevensie children. The most obvious being that their fathers were both off at war at the beginning of the movie. We’ve been talking a lot in reading how books and movies may differ. I had originally thought we might read the book "Little Women" but now we are in the middle of the Narnia series and I am just as intrigued by them as Dave. So I didn’t want to break it up.
Amazingly at dinner my son asked me if I knew the differences between the movie and the book of "Little Women". I replied that I didn’t. It’s been so long since I’ve read the book, or did I ever finish it, that I don’t remember. "Well maybe we need to find that out." He said. It is a good thing I was seated. So the reading of "Little Women" goes back on the agenda. Third grade has been a surprising wonderful year and sometimes the teacher becomes the student.
For our adventure with Ms. Alcott, we watched the movie "Little Women". I remembered going to see it in the theater when it came out more than a decade ago. My mom and I went together and we cried together and enjoyed ourselves. I wasn’t sure how a nine-year-old boy would react to watching a movie about four sisters. He did great. Only once did I have to tell him to focus. Granted he didn’t sit still the entire time. He is, of course, his father’s child and sitting still for too long just isn’t in his nature. He actually learns better when he isn’t confined with lack of movement. He actually used the word multi-tasking the other day to describe what he can do. I about fell over. I never thought of him as a multi-tasker, but just a kid.
I remember the first time I watched this movie in the theater that I really only knew of Susan Sarandon and Winona Ryder as actresses. This time as I watched I was distracted by the actors. Christian Bale who plays Laurie also played Batman. Young Amy, Kirsten Dunst, is now Spiderman’s girlfriend, and Beth, Clare Danes was in "Terminator 3". That might tell you the genre of movie I am used to watching.
I enjoyed the movie for the story however and jotted questions to quiz my son on after the movie was over. I love being able to generate my own questions like that. Instead of factual information I was more interested in how this movie might expand his thinking. We were able to talk a little bit about what he wants to do when he grows up, what is more important how people perceive you or who you truly are, and if the movie still reflected anything of modern life. His answers were very mature and intuitive.
We were also able to compare them to the C.S. Lewis classic "The Chronicles of Narnia". We were able to find many similarities between the four March sisters and the Pevensie children. The most obvious being that their fathers were both off at war at the beginning of the movie. We’ve been talking a lot in reading how books and movies may differ. I had originally thought we might read the book "Little Women" but now we are in the middle of the Narnia series and I am just as intrigued by them as Dave. So I didn’t want to break it up.
Amazingly at dinner my son asked me if I knew the differences between the movie and the book of "Little Women". I replied that I didn’t. It’s been so long since I’ve read the book, or did I ever finish it, that I don’t remember. "Well maybe we need to find that out." He said. It is a good thing I was seated. So the reading of "Little Women" goes back on the agenda. Third grade has been a surprising wonderful year and sometimes the teacher becomes the student.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Half-way there
We just finished the half- way mark for this school year. We have been a little distracted this week. In science we are studying birds and Sean built us a bird feeder to put right outside of our window. Yesterday we were discussing birds right when a male and female cardinal landed and began eating off of the ground. It was right on cue and I couldn't have planned it any better. Our yard is indeed one big science experiment.
A couple of weeks ago we finished reading "Because of Winn-Dixie". We enjoyed the book and are going to be renting the movie soon to compare them. I created space on our bookshelves just for my son's books. We are currently reading "Prince Caspian" from the Chronicles of Narnia. That too will be released as a movie next year.
We originally committed to homeschool for a period of three years. We are almost at that time frame and are opting to commit to at least three more years. We love the flexibility, Dave is learning at pace or ahead of his peers. Each year as homeschooling grows there are more and more options available to them for outside activities.
The greatest thing about homeschooling is this. It's been raining and dh is not in a hurry to get to work. My son is up and the two of them are playing. They were wrestling around and both laughing. We are not rushing to get anywhere, in fact we're still in our pj's. We are just a family this morning, and isn't that the way it should be?
A couple of weeks ago we finished reading "Because of Winn-Dixie". We enjoyed the book and are going to be renting the movie soon to compare them. I created space on our bookshelves just for my son's books. We are currently reading "Prince Caspian" from the Chronicles of Narnia. That too will be released as a movie next year.
We originally committed to homeschool for a period of three years. We are almost at that time frame and are opting to commit to at least three more years. We love the flexibility, Dave is learning at pace or ahead of his peers. Each year as homeschooling grows there are more and more options available to them for outside activities.
The greatest thing about homeschooling is this. It's been raining and dh is not in a hurry to get to work. My son is up and the two of them are playing. They were wrestling around and both laughing. We are not rushing to get anywhere, in fact we're still in our pj's. We are just a family this morning, and isn't that the way it should be?
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