Saturday, October 03, 2009
Homeschooling Through High School
Several people have asked me how we are homeschooling Tyler (16), what that looks like, and what curriculum we are using, and why we are doing it? So, I have decided to try and answer your questions.
First, let me say that the idea of homeschooling a high school aged student filled me with terror not so very long ago. Then funny things started to happen. I kept meeting families that were homeschooling a teen and my attitude began to change. Those families were successful, their children seemed well educated, and all of them were going to college (if that was their chosen path).
If you asked Zachary (who is now a senior) what he learned going to High School he will tell you pretty much nothing. He is a smart kid who took mostly honors classes. We quickly found out that the best teachers were put into the non honors classes and the honors kids got what was left. Perhaps the theory being that these kids were self starters and could learn no matter who was teaching them. Last year Zach took Physics. My husband would look over his work and see that the teacher had graded his work incorrectly. Zach told us that the teacher couldn't show them how to work one of the problems in their book and he told the class that he was sorry, but he hadn't learned how to do that one yet. When we inquired at the school we found out that this teacher had a degree in Chemistry and had never taught Physics before. They asked us to please be patient. My guess is this poor teacher probably had a few weeks notice that he would be teaching this class (if that long) and had no time to prepare. He was learning as he taught. By the way this school is a "California Distinguished School".
I have seen so many Californians running from the public schools lately. We have great teachers, there is no doubt about that. However, the politicians have ruined our schools. I could do an entire post on that one sentence but I will save that for later. Bottom line....let the teachers teach.......politicians, stay out of the classrooms.
With all that being said we had some concerns about letting Tyler go to this school. He loves math and science and I wanted to make sure he got the best education possible.
The sentence above was the first reason we began to consider home education. However, my goals quickly changed. Yes, I wanted all of my children to get a good education but I also wanted them to learn about God's truths. I wanted them to have a Christian World View and not a "Hollywood" world view. As I began to dig into God's word I became convicted that I needed to make sure my children got a Christian education. As we could not afford the $9,600 a year our local Christian High School charged, homeschooling began to look better and better.
What about college? This is probably the first and most often asked question by people when they find out we are homeschooling a highschooler. To be honest, this was our first question to. So, I started researching colleges. My husband went to The California Institute of Technology and Tyler had expressed an interest in going there. I got on their web site and saw that they had a special link for students who had been home schooled. The site explained how to keep a portfolio of your work and what they would be looking for in their applicants. They stated that they wanted to see that science classes were taught by a "qualified person". Just to make sure I understood what a "qualified person" exactly was, I gave them a call. They were extremely helpful and said the qualified person did not have to be a credentialed teacher, just someone who had a basic knowledge of the subject they were teaching. She said his SAT scores as well as his portfolio of work would be much more important than who actually taught him. Interesting.
As we have begun looking at college brochures for Zach I have been pleasantly surprised at how the majority of them accept and give guidance to home schooled applicants. We have met so many families recently who have given us guidance in this area. One families oldest daughter is in her second year at Brown. She was homeschooled since kindergarten and received a full academic scholarship. We have not met one family that has had any problems getting their children into college. We were very encouraged by this fact. However, as several families have also reminded us, as Christians, we should not be educating our children to ensure that they get into Harvard, but educating them to insure they get into Heaven. I have been pondering that statement a lot lately.
I also have a little secret I want to share with you Internets. Shhhh, come close and I will whisper it into your ear. Ready? OK. The SAT has been dumbed down since we took it. If you are in your 30's or above your child will not be taking the same SAT you took. The government dumbed it down a while back. Seems our sweet youngins were having a hard time with it and it was becoming an embarrassment to our country. Zach had to take it last year. We kept telling him he needed to study but he would rebuff us. Mom, I only have to score a 1200 or above to get into the schools I want to go to. "Don't worry" he said. His Dad and I were not so sure.
Seems our boy was right.
Without studying, even one second, he got a 1700. The national average is 1538. A perfect score is 2400. Over 1,000,000 students took the SAT last year and only 20 of them received a perfect score. A respectable score is 1200 and will get you into most schools you want to go to. If you received a 2100 or above you are in the 90th percentile. College's are slobbering all over my child because he scored about the national average. Really? I think he should take it again and study this time. Lets see what he can really do. However, what is the incentive for that when the colleges are telling him his 1700 makes him nothing less than brilliant? Can we really fall any lower in our expectations of our children?
So, in a nutshell here is why we are homeschooling our teenager (as well as the younger children).
1. I want Him to learn from a Christian perspective and leave school with a Christian World View not a Secular one. I found it nearly impossible to "Train up my child in the way he should go" when he was away from me more than he was with me.
2. I feel we can give him a more complete education that meets his specific needs.
3. I have found the greatest added bonus of homeschooling has been the closer relationships I have seen form amongst all of the children. They are better friends and nothing gives me more pleasure than to see them all huddled on the couch together doing their school work. I would home school now just for that one reason.
As this post has gotten so long I will post tomorrow about what classes he is actually taking and what a typical day actually looks like.
Please note: If your child is in the public school system right now please do not think I am telling you that you are a bad parent. I am just telling you why WE made the decisions we did. Many families tell me they would love to home school but are afraid or don't know where to start. I am just going to try and be as honest as I can about our decisions and if that helps just one person I will be thrilled. We all love our children and want what is best for them. Of that, I have no doubts.
See you all tomorrow. I'm off to a ballgame. I'm sure you are all shocked by that statement.
First, let me say that the idea of homeschooling a high school aged student filled me with terror not so very long ago. Then funny things started to happen. I kept meeting families that were homeschooling a teen and my attitude began to change. Those families were successful, their children seemed well educated, and all of them were going to college (if that was their chosen path).
If you asked Zachary (who is now a senior) what he learned going to High School he will tell you pretty much nothing. He is a smart kid who took mostly honors classes. We quickly found out that the best teachers were put into the non honors classes and the honors kids got what was left. Perhaps the theory being that these kids were self starters and could learn no matter who was teaching them. Last year Zach took Physics. My husband would look over his work and see that the teacher had graded his work incorrectly. Zach told us that the teacher couldn't show them how to work one of the problems in their book and he told the class that he was sorry, but he hadn't learned how to do that one yet. When we inquired at the school we found out that this teacher had a degree in Chemistry and had never taught Physics before. They asked us to please be patient. My guess is this poor teacher probably had a few weeks notice that he would be teaching this class (if that long) and had no time to prepare. He was learning as he taught. By the way this school is a "California Distinguished School".
I have seen so many Californians running from the public schools lately. We have great teachers, there is no doubt about that. However, the politicians have ruined our schools. I could do an entire post on that one sentence but I will save that for later. Bottom line....let the teachers teach.......politicians, stay out of the classrooms.
With all that being said we had some concerns about letting Tyler go to this school. He loves math and science and I wanted to make sure he got the best education possible.
The sentence above was the first reason we began to consider home education. However, my goals quickly changed. Yes, I wanted all of my children to get a good education but I also wanted them to learn about God's truths. I wanted them to have a Christian World View and not a "Hollywood" world view. As I began to dig into God's word I became convicted that I needed to make sure my children got a Christian education. As we could not afford the $9,600 a year our local Christian High School charged, homeschooling began to look better and better.
What about college? This is probably the first and most often asked question by people when they find out we are homeschooling a highschooler. To be honest, this was our first question to. So, I started researching colleges. My husband went to The California Institute of Technology and Tyler had expressed an interest in going there. I got on their web site and saw that they had a special link for students who had been home schooled. The site explained how to keep a portfolio of your work and what they would be looking for in their applicants. They stated that they wanted to see that science classes were taught by a "qualified person". Just to make sure I understood what a "qualified person" exactly was, I gave them a call. They were extremely helpful and said the qualified person did not have to be a credentialed teacher, just someone who had a basic knowledge of the subject they were teaching. She said his SAT scores as well as his portfolio of work would be much more important than who actually taught him. Interesting.
As we have begun looking at college brochures for Zach I have been pleasantly surprised at how the majority of them accept and give guidance to home schooled applicants. We have met so many families recently who have given us guidance in this area. One families oldest daughter is in her second year at Brown. She was homeschooled since kindergarten and received a full academic scholarship. We have not met one family that has had any problems getting their children into college. We were very encouraged by this fact. However, as several families have also reminded us, as Christians, we should not be educating our children to ensure that they get into Harvard, but educating them to insure they get into Heaven. I have been pondering that statement a lot lately.
I also have a little secret I want to share with you Internets. Shhhh, come close and I will whisper it into your ear. Ready? OK. The SAT has been dumbed down since we took it. If you are in your 30's or above your child will not be taking the same SAT you took. The government dumbed it down a while back. Seems our sweet youngins were having a hard time with it and it was becoming an embarrassment to our country. Zach had to take it last year. We kept telling him he needed to study but he would rebuff us. Mom, I only have to score a 1200 or above to get into the schools I want to go to. "Don't worry" he said. His Dad and I were not so sure.
Seems our boy was right.
Without studying, even one second, he got a 1700. The national average is 1538. A perfect score is 2400. Over 1,000,000 students took the SAT last year and only 20 of them received a perfect score. A respectable score is 1200 and will get you into most schools you want to go to. If you received a 2100 or above you are in the 90th percentile. College's are slobbering all over my child because he scored about the national average. Really? I think he should take it again and study this time. Lets see what he can really do. However, what is the incentive for that when the colleges are telling him his 1700 makes him nothing less than brilliant? Can we really fall any lower in our expectations of our children?
So, in a nutshell here is why we are homeschooling our teenager (as well as the younger children).
1. I want Him to learn from a Christian perspective and leave school with a Christian World View not a Secular one. I found it nearly impossible to "Train up my child in the way he should go" when he was away from me more than he was with me.
2. I feel we can give him a more complete education that meets his specific needs.
3. I have found the greatest added bonus of homeschooling has been the closer relationships I have seen form amongst all of the children. They are better friends and nothing gives me more pleasure than to see them all huddled on the couch together doing their school work. I would home school now just for that one reason.
As this post has gotten so long I will post tomorrow about what classes he is actually taking and what a typical day actually looks like.
Please note: If your child is in the public school system right now please do not think I am telling you that you are a bad parent. I am just telling you why WE made the decisions we did. Many families tell me they would love to home school but are afraid or don't know where to start. I am just going to try and be as honest as I can about our decisions and if that helps just one person I will be thrilled. We all love our children and want what is best for them. Of that, I have no doubts.
See you all tomorrow. I'm off to a ballgame. I'm sure you are all shocked by that statement.
Labels: Home Schooling, teenagers
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Overwhelmed
Feeling a little stressed:
Waiting for the documents to officially accept our referral. They were suppose to be overnighted yesterday but still haven't arrived.
Trying to plan a 90th birthday party for my mom with my sisters. To many idea's not enough time. How will I ever get my house clean before the party?
Home schooling a high schooler is kicking my butt! I think I am being to anal about everything, I really need to relax.
I have no clean clothes. Bills need to be paid. What to make for dinner?
All I want to do is sit and stare into the beautiful brown eyes of my Ethiopian children.
Why can't all this other stuff just go away?
Waiting for the documents to officially accept our referral. They were suppose to be overnighted yesterday but still haven't arrived.
Trying to plan a 90th birthday party for my mom with my sisters. To many idea's not enough time. How will I ever get my house clean before the party?
Home schooling a high schooler is kicking my butt! I think I am being to anal about everything, I really need to relax.
I have no clean clothes. Bills need to be paid. What to make for dinner?
All I want to do is sit and stare into the beautiful brown eyes of my Ethiopian children.
Why can't all this other stuff just go away?
Labels: Adoption, Home Schooling, Mom Stuff
Thursday, September 03, 2009
I Don't Remember How I Used To Do It.....
Before we started home schooling last year I had 5 children at four different schools and used to spend two hours a day just dropping off and picking up kids.
One of the things I Love Love Love about home schooling is that I no longer have to do this. As a result I find that I have so much more energy in the early evening. I used to be exhausted by 4:00 every day from all the running around and trying to keep every one's schedules straight. We would rush home get homework done, or nearly done, run to a sports practice, maybe get dinner in as a family, and then spend the rest of the evening with at least one child in tears because they were exhausted and still had some homework to finish.
My whole life has changed. I love the slow mornings and the easy pace. It is bliss.
Then, I had the great idea of signing the older kids up for a home school Christian Academy that meets on Thursdays. It sounded fun and I thought we would give it a try. Tyler is taking Spanish 2, English Comp., and guitar. Samantha is taking English Comp., Creative Cooking, and a teen Bible Study.
I then thought, well, why not sign the younger kids up to? This was my big mistake. You see, you can just drop the Jr. high and high school kids off for the day. The younger ones have to have a parent present at all times.
So, for the past 2 Thursdays I have been at "school" from 8:30-3:00. I am exhausted. I have no idea how I did this before. I used to be at the kids schools all the time. It really isn't any different. Maybe I am just getting old.
The parents have to sign up to help in the elementary age classes. Paige is taking Physical education ( I am the teacher helper, today we played soccer in the 100 degree weather), Backyard science (totally fun!), and We Sing states and Capitols (she loves this and they are going to perform for the parents at back to school night). Garrett is taking a writing class, guitar, kids bible study, and a simple machines class that is totally cool. They are building robots with Lego's. Very fun.
Everyone loves it. I really think it is fun to. Just exhausting.
Zachary is totally confused. He keeps asking me questions like "If they are homeschooled how come they have classes not at home". He doesn't quite seem to get the fact that just because you are homeschooled you don't have to be locked in the house all the time.
The teenagers seem to like the fact they get to hang out with other teens one day a week. They are making new friends and it is fun to watch. This is kind of a nice transition for them into homeschooling. There lives have changed so much and I am thankful they are having a positive experience.
Once again God has faithfully answered my prayers in this area. He is so AWESOME!
*********************************************************************************
Grocery Challenge Update: Last night I made burgers and hot dogs on the BBQ, pasta salad (with lots of fresh veggies in it from the farmers market), and cut up watermelon.
We had cereal for breakfast and french dip with fruit for lunch.
Today I feel like I blew it a little because I didn't make lunches for our Academy day and I took the kids out to eat. I spent $21.89 at In N Out. I am going to take that out of my $400.00 I have allotted for this month so I am down to 378.11.
For dinner I am grilling chicken and having the left over pasta salad and watermelon from last night. That's the best I can do. The game of soccer today really wore me out!
One of the things I Love Love Love about home schooling is that I no longer have to do this. As a result I find that I have so much more energy in the early evening. I used to be exhausted by 4:00 every day from all the running around and trying to keep every one's schedules straight. We would rush home get homework done, or nearly done, run to a sports practice, maybe get dinner in as a family, and then spend the rest of the evening with at least one child in tears because they were exhausted and still had some homework to finish.
My whole life has changed. I love the slow mornings and the easy pace. It is bliss.
Then, I had the great idea of signing the older kids up for a home school Christian Academy that meets on Thursdays. It sounded fun and I thought we would give it a try. Tyler is taking Spanish 2, English Comp., and guitar. Samantha is taking English Comp., Creative Cooking, and a teen Bible Study.
I then thought, well, why not sign the younger kids up to? This was my big mistake. You see, you can just drop the Jr. high and high school kids off for the day. The younger ones have to have a parent present at all times.
So, for the past 2 Thursdays I have been at "school" from 8:30-3:00. I am exhausted. I have no idea how I did this before. I used to be at the kids schools all the time. It really isn't any different. Maybe I am just getting old.
The parents have to sign up to help in the elementary age classes. Paige is taking Physical education ( I am the teacher helper, today we played soccer in the 100 degree weather), Backyard science (totally fun!), and We Sing states and Capitols (she loves this and they are going to perform for the parents at back to school night). Garrett is taking a writing class, guitar, kids bible study, and a simple machines class that is totally cool. They are building robots with Lego's. Very fun.
Everyone loves it. I really think it is fun to. Just exhausting.
Zachary is totally confused. He keeps asking me questions like "If they are homeschooled how come they have classes not at home". He doesn't quite seem to get the fact that just because you are homeschooled you don't have to be locked in the house all the time.
The teenagers seem to like the fact they get to hang out with other teens one day a week. They are making new friends and it is fun to watch. This is kind of a nice transition for them into homeschooling. There lives have changed so much and I am thankful they are having a positive experience.
Once again God has faithfully answered my prayers in this area. He is so AWESOME!
*********************************************************************************
Grocery Challenge Update: Last night I made burgers and hot dogs on the BBQ, pasta salad (with lots of fresh veggies in it from the farmers market), and cut up watermelon.
We had cereal for breakfast and french dip with fruit for lunch.
Today I feel like I blew it a little because I didn't make lunches for our Academy day and I took the kids out to eat. I spent $21.89 at In N Out. I am going to take that out of my $400.00 I have allotted for this month so I am down to 378.11.
For dinner I am grilling chicken and having the left over pasta salad and watermelon from last night. That's the best I can do. The game of soccer today really wore me out!
Labels: grocery challenge, Home Schooling
Monday, August 03, 2009
On A Lighter Note.............
I have spent the last three days trying to get organized for school which we plan to start on the 17th. My 10th grade son is none to happy that he will be starting school on his 16th birthday. I told him not to worry, I hear his teacher is super nice and will make it a special day for him anyways. hee hee hee.
Samantha, of course, has been bemoaning her lack of a social life since I took her out of "regular school" last year.
Just for fun lets review her activities over the past few days.
Last Monday we returned from a trip to the mountains and she quickly packed for a two night trip with a friends family up to the lake. She left Tuesday, hence, missing our home school beach day where all of her friends moaned and complained that she was not there. She came home Thursday afternoon and then was quickly picked up by another friend to spend the evening at Knotts Berry Farm riding on crazy rides and giggling with a new set of friends. She gets home after midnight, sleeps til one in the afternoon, and then immediately starts getting ready for youth group which starts at 6:00p.m.. Leaves for youth group and then calls at 9:00 wanting to know if she can go to the 10:30 showing of Harry Potter at the IMAX theatre. Some of the parents are taking them. Sure I say. She arrives home at 1:30 a.m..
The next day as she is catching up on her chores she starts bemoaning the fact that I have ruined her social life with this new homeschooling lifestyle. Let me add that this complaint only seems to come out at chore time. Not sure why that is.
My poor unsocialized home schooling 8th grader. I will pray you make a few friends here in the next few weeks so you won't have to sit around the house all day feeling bored......oh brother!
Overall, I think our first year of homeschooling went great. Garrett is really excited to start again as is Paige, the other two are teenagers and that is all I am going to say about that.
I had a moment of sadness when I came across some materials I had bought for Ayele and Kasanesh for next year. We did write a letter to our agency requesting they get our children back for us as a result of all the successful court cases last week. I don't expect to hear anything for a few days. Please keep this in your prayers.
I'm off to plan some more. I figure it will take me about another week and then I should be organized and ready to go. Let the learning begin!!!!
Samantha, of course, has been bemoaning her lack of a social life since I took her out of "regular school" last year.
Just for fun lets review her activities over the past few days.
Last Monday we returned from a trip to the mountains and she quickly packed for a two night trip with a friends family up to the lake. She left Tuesday, hence, missing our home school beach day where all of her friends moaned and complained that she was not there. She came home Thursday afternoon and then was quickly picked up by another friend to spend the evening at Knotts Berry Farm riding on crazy rides and giggling with a new set of friends. She gets home after midnight, sleeps til one in the afternoon, and then immediately starts getting ready for youth group which starts at 6:00p.m.. Leaves for youth group and then calls at 9:00 wanting to know if she can go to the 10:30 showing of Harry Potter at the IMAX theatre. Some of the parents are taking them. Sure I say. She arrives home at 1:30 a.m..
The next day as she is catching up on her chores she starts bemoaning the fact that I have ruined her social life with this new homeschooling lifestyle. Let me add that this complaint only seems to come out at chore time. Not sure why that is.
My poor unsocialized home schooling 8th grader. I will pray you make a few friends here in the next few weeks so you won't have to sit around the house all day feeling bored......oh brother!
Overall, I think our first year of homeschooling went great. Garrett is really excited to start again as is Paige, the other two are teenagers and that is all I am going to say about that.
I had a moment of sadness when I came across some materials I had bought for Ayele and Kasanesh for next year. We did write a letter to our agency requesting they get our children back for us as a result of all the successful court cases last week. I don't expect to hear anything for a few days. Please keep this in your prayers.
I'm off to plan some more. I figure it will take me about another week and then I should be organized and ready to go. Let the learning begin!!!!
Labels: Adoption, Home Schooling
Friday, July 10, 2009
Happy Days!
Court dates have been given to those families stuck in the abandonment mess. July 20th is their big day. I know their will be lots of prayers going up that they all pass. Most of these kids have been referred since January. These families have waited a long long time to bring their kiddo's home. I am so happy for you all.
We are still waiting for a court date. We hit the three week mark yesterday. I am going to stay hopeful that we will hear something when MOWA opens again in two weeks.
The strangest thing happened yesterday. There was a referral for a little boy (2) and a girl (5). The family had only waited 5 months. That means we were at the top of the list for a boy/girl 0-6 (we had waited 9 months). It was so strange to know that if we had not been allowed to adopt our kids off the waiting children's page, most likely, they would have been the kids we were referred.
I had a moment of panic. Did we adopt OUR kids?
The answer is YES, YES, YES.
I am so in love with these children, however, I did have a moment where I let the enemy in and started doubting.
All along I have prayed that God would send us OUR kids. The mountains that were moved for us to adopt these children has left no doubt in my mind that they are OUR children, sent from God and an answer to all of our prayers.
Why do I let the enemy in? Some times I get so mad at myself.
I am off to the Christian Home Educators conference for the weekend. I am going with a few girlfriends and will be going to several classes that I hope will help me teach our new children. I am excited to go and get refreshed and ready for our second year of homeschooling.
I am so so excited.
Have a great weekend my friends!
We are still waiting for a court date. We hit the three week mark yesterday. I am going to stay hopeful that we will hear something when MOWA opens again in two weeks.
The strangest thing happened yesterday. There was a referral for a little boy (2) and a girl (5). The family had only waited 5 months. That means we were at the top of the list for a boy/girl 0-6 (we had waited 9 months). It was so strange to know that if we had not been allowed to adopt our kids off the waiting children's page, most likely, they would have been the kids we were referred.
I had a moment of panic. Did we adopt OUR kids?
The answer is YES, YES, YES.
I am so in love with these children, however, I did have a moment where I let the enemy in and started doubting.
All along I have prayed that God would send us OUR kids. The mountains that were moved for us to adopt these children has left no doubt in my mind that they are OUR children, sent from God and an answer to all of our prayers.
Why do I let the enemy in? Some times I get so mad at myself.
I am off to the Christian Home Educators conference for the weekend. I am going with a few girlfriends and will be going to several classes that I hope will help me teach our new children. I am excited to go and get refreshed and ready for our second year of homeschooling.
I am so so excited.
Have a great weekend my friends!
Labels: Adoption, Home Schooling
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Yes, I am still here....
Sorry for the long absence. Life has been very very busy lately.
The swine flu seems to have left the area, or at least they aren't talking about it non stop any more. Thank you very much.
Samantha turned 13 a few weeks ago. We now have three teens living in the house. People used to warn me about this. They told me it would be awful. While their are a lot of hormones and mood swings to be dealt with, I find I really like my teenagers. They are fun and interesting. I can't wait to see what God has planned for their futures.
Our home school year is winding down and we are going to try and finish by the first week of June. It has been a fun, scary, exsillarating, frustrating, wonderful year of home schooling. I am really excited for next year now that I have one year of doing this under my belt. I am going to the home school convention in July and can't wait to hear all the speakers and look at all the new curriculum, etc. Should be lots of fun.
I'll be back in a few days with pictures and more information. I just wanted to check in and tell everyone Hi. I have really missed checking in with all of you.
Have a Blessed Day!
The swine flu seems to have left the area, or at least they aren't talking about it non stop any more. Thank you very much.
Samantha turned 13 a few weeks ago. We now have three teens living in the house. People used to warn me about this. They told me it would be awful. While their are a lot of hormones and mood swings to be dealt with, I find I really like my teenagers. They are fun and interesting. I can't wait to see what God has planned for their futures.
Our home school year is winding down and we are going to try and finish by the first week of June. It has been a fun, scary, exsillarating, frustrating, wonderful year of home schooling. I am really excited for next year now that I have one year of doing this under my belt. I am going to the home school convention in July and can't wait to hear all the speakers and look at all the new curriculum, etc. Should be lots of fun.
I'll be back in a few days with pictures and more information. I just wanted to check in and tell everyone Hi. I have really missed checking in with all of you.
Have a Blessed Day!
Labels: Home Schooling, Mom Stuff
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Better Late Than Never
I have been a bad blogger lately. To much running around, no time for the computer.
I had a friend ask me the other day if I was on Facebook? People ask me this all the time and are always amazed that I am not. To be honest I really don't need another addiction that takes me away from my family. Something else to do on the computer could be very dangerous for me. Do those of you on Facebook find it as addicting as blogging? Let me know.
Since last Saturday our family has had 10 baseball games and 2 basketball games. Our kids have been so busy I thought my head might spin off. I am looking forward to the break over Easter weekend. Some families will be playing ball over Easter, OUR FAMILY WILL NOT. There are actually some things more important than baseball, and Easter, the Resurrection, and Jesus are definitely one of them.
All of the pictures I took from last weekends basketball tournament turned out blurry. I was so disappointed. However, here is one from after the game (Garrett is on the left holding the basketball) as the whole team was trying to catch their breath.
Garrett's team came in second overall and we were so proud of the entire team. He had a great time and I feel so blessed to have found this Home School Sports Organization. He has made some good friends and I love how they pray before each game and give the kids Scripture to memorize. Fantastic!I'm off to get ready for Church now. This afternoon I hope to catch up on all the laundry that has piled up over this crazy week. A nap may be in my future as well.
Happy Sunday Everyone!
Labels: baseball, Home Schooling
Friday, February 20, 2009
Rock Climbing
Our home school group went to an indoor rock climbing facility this week.
The kids had fun and got quite a workout. Here is Garrett trying to make it to the top.
He did make it, and was very proud of himself.
They climbed pretty high.
Here is Samantha hanging from the top.
She wasn't to sure about this in the beginning. It didn't really seem like a "girlie" thing to do.
I think the pink ropes helped to change her mind.
She actually did great! I think the fact that she has long legs really helped her. She did some of the more difficult climbs at harder inclines and really enjoyed it.
Yes! I did it! A happy girl talking with her friends about her awesome climb.
The kids had fun and got quite a workout. Here is Garrett trying to make it to the top.
He did make it, and was very proud of himself.
They climbed pretty high.
Here is Samantha hanging from the top.
She wasn't to sure about this in the beginning. It didn't really seem like a "girlie" thing to do.
I think the pink ropes helped to change her mind.
She actually did great! I think the fact that she has long legs really helped her. She did some of the more difficult climbs at harder inclines and really enjoyed it.
Yes! I did it! A happy girl talking with her friends about her awesome climb.
*******************************************************************************
Nothing new on the adoption front. I can't believe four months has already gone by. I think the fact that I am so busy with the other children helps not to obsess about the long wait.
It has been a quiet week for referrals. I am praying we end the day with a bang and have a flood of referrals this afternoon. They seem to come in waves.
Here's hoping for a tsunami!!!!
Labels: Adoption, Home Schooling
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
And So We Try A New Sport
The boys stood holding hands in a circle on the basketball court. One team in white the other in blue. A prayer was said for a good game.
Then they played ball.
That would be BASKETBALL.
We are trying to branch out and try new things around here.
I had a great time watching the game and talking with all the other parents.
Unfortunately Garrett's team got their butt's kicked.
It almost killed my husband.
I think the Dad who is coaching doesn't know that much about this sport. However, he tried, and he voluneered. So as far as I am concerned he did great.
I reminded wonderful husband that we signed Garrett up for this homeschool sports league so he could have fun and meet other kids who were homeschooled.
He has. And he had an awesome time, even though they lost.
Hubby agreed. He was OK.
Or so he said.
He kept groaning under his breath as he watched the game.
As we were leaving he said he was glad Garrett had such a good time......but the seaon just might kill him. He wasn't sure he could take it.
Hang in there honey, the season will be over in 3 months. Plus, baseball is just around the corner, and your team needs you.
Then they played ball.
That would be BASKETBALL.
We are trying to branch out and try new things around here.
I had a great time watching the game and talking with all the other parents.
Unfortunately Garrett's team got their butt's kicked.
It almost killed my husband.
I think the Dad who is coaching doesn't know that much about this sport. However, he tried, and he voluneered. So as far as I am concerned he did great.
I reminded wonderful husband that we signed Garrett up for this homeschool sports league so he could have fun and meet other kids who were homeschooled.
He has. And he had an awesome time, even though they lost.
Hubby agreed. He was OK.
Or so he said.
He kept groaning under his breath as he watched the game.
As we were leaving he said he was glad Garrett had such a good time......but the seaon just might kill him. He wasn't sure he could take it.
Hang in there honey, the season will be over in 3 months. Plus, baseball is just around the corner, and your team needs you.
Labels: Home Schooling, sports
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Digging Out
Does anyone else feel like it is taking them FOREVER to dig out from the holiday mess and get their houses back in order?
Our play room is a disaster with all the new "stuff" and I just haven't felt like going in there and tackling it. The dirty laundry is piled up (I'm up right now at 2:00 a.m. doing laundry so the high schoolers will have clean clothes for school today), bills need to be paid and we need to get back on our school schedule.
Hubby is home for another week which makes it a little hard. We want to play, not work. He had extra vacation at the end of the year which he needed to take so hence the extra week off. He has been home for 3 weeks now and we haven't killed each other yet. I guess that bodes well for our retirement years.
My heart has been heavy this past weeks regarding the atmosphere at the school our teenager's go to. Without going into a lot of detail I will tell you that we have decided none of our other children will go to this school. To be honest, I have been agonizing over a way to get my two boys out of there.
I have said before that I really wanted them to go to the Christian High School about 30 minutes from our home. However, with adoption expenses this year that seemed way beyond our means. This problem has been heavy on my heart for months and I have spent much time in prayer over it.
Things came to a head in the last few months when one of the boys coach's was suspended for changing players grades, letting the boys chew tobacco, and possible knowledge of steroid use just to name a few things. My son had to go into a private meeting (I was allowed to sit in) with the school district and answer questions about these charges. He was not involved in any of it but was asked about his knowledge. Not a very comfortable situation for a kid that doesn't want to lie but also doesn't want to get his friends or coach in trouble. There were a lot of yes/no answers.
For what ever reason, even though some of the accusations turned out to be true, the coach was reinstated and life is going on as normal. I don't really understand why he is still the coach, however, we all know how hard it is to fire a teacher. My sister-in-law, who is a teacher, told me that it has gotten so bad that if a teacher is accused of molesting a child he "may" get fired. Depends on all the circumstances. Huh? Really, what has this world come to?
Anyway, this past week I have really been convicted to get our youngest out of that school. The other high school has an Independent Study Program where you can home school them half the time, they attend classes half the time, and they can participate in all sports, clubs, etc. on campus. This sounded great, and is quite a bit cheaper than enrolling them full time.
However, upon further inspection, the schedule would really not work for our family this year. Next year it would be fine. The only real option was to put him in full time for the second semester if we wanted to move him this year.
I am all for that. So is hubby.
The only problem is we don't have $4,000.00 laying around to pay for it.
The only money we have has been set aside for the adoption.
So, I have been fretting and praying. We are sure God wants us to move him, just not sure how to do it.
Yesterday in my quite time I read this verse;
If I really believe God wants us to move him, don't I also believe he will provide the way?
We have decided to have faith. We know God is a lot bigger than a mere $4,000.00.
We will take money from our adoption fund to pay for it and trust that when we need it again God will provide for us.
My heart has lost it's heaviness now. I'm feeling so much better.
We would love to move oldest as well but he is almost done with High School so we will let him finish where he is at. There are other reasons he needs to stay put for a while but I don't want to invade his privacy by sharing that here.
Besides, one son who doesn't like me very much right now is enough. He isn't quite as happy about the change as his dad and I are.
Oh well, it isn't our job to make our kids happy all the time. It is much more important to do what we feel God leading us to do.
Sometimes being a parent is so very very hard.
Our play room is a disaster with all the new "stuff" and I just haven't felt like going in there and tackling it. The dirty laundry is piled up (I'm up right now at 2:00 a.m. doing laundry so the high schoolers will have clean clothes for school today), bills need to be paid and we need to get back on our school schedule.
Hubby is home for another week which makes it a little hard. We want to play, not work. He had extra vacation at the end of the year which he needed to take so hence the extra week off. He has been home for 3 weeks now and we haven't killed each other yet. I guess that bodes well for our retirement years.
My heart has been heavy this past weeks regarding the atmosphere at the school our teenager's go to. Without going into a lot of detail I will tell you that we have decided none of our other children will go to this school. To be honest, I have been agonizing over a way to get my two boys out of there.
I have said before that I really wanted them to go to the Christian High School about 30 minutes from our home. However, with adoption expenses this year that seemed way beyond our means. This problem has been heavy on my heart for months and I have spent much time in prayer over it.
Things came to a head in the last few months when one of the boys coach's was suspended for changing players grades, letting the boys chew tobacco, and possible knowledge of steroid use just to name a few things. My son had to go into a private meeting (I was allowed to sit in) with the school district and answer questions about these charges. He was not involved in any of it but was asked about his knowledge. Not a very comfortable situation for a kid that doesn't want to lie but also doesn't want to get his friends or coach in trouble. There were a lot of yes/no answers.
For what ever reason, even though some of the accusations turned out to be true, the coach was reinstated and life is going on as normal. I don't really understand why he is still the coach, however, we all know how hard it is to fire a teacher. My sister-in-law, who is a teacher, told me that it has gotten so bad that if a teacher is accused of molesting a child he "may" get fired. Depends on all the circumstances. Huh? Really, what has this world come to?
Anyway, this past week I have really been convicted to get our youngest out of that school. The other high school has an Independent Study Program where you can home school them half the time, they attend classes half the time, and they can participate in all sports, clubs, etc. on campus. This sounded great, and is quite a bit cheaper than enrolling them full time.
However, upon further inspection, the schedule would really not work for our family this year. Next year it would be fine. The only real option was to put him in full time for the second semester if we wanted to move him this year.
I am all for that. So is hubby.
The only problem is we don't have $4,000.00 laying around to pay for it.
The only money we have has been set aside for the adoption.
So, I have been fretting and praying. We are sure God wants us to move him, just not sure how to do it.
Yesterday in my quite time I read this verse;
"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry
about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Mathew
6:34
If I really believe God wants us to move him, don't I also believe he will provide the way?
We have decided to have faith. We know God is a lot bigger than a mere $4,000.00.
We will take money from our adoption fund to pay for it and trust that when we need it again God will provide for us.
My heart has lost it's heaviness now. I'm feeling so much better.
We would love to move oldest as well but he is almost done with High School so we will let him finish where he is at. There are other reasons he needs to stay put for a while but I don't want to invade his privacy by sharing that here.
Besides, one son who doesn't like me very much right now is enough. He isn't quite as happy about the change as his dad and I are.
Oh well, it isn't our job to make our kids happy all the time. It is much more important to do what we feel God leading us to do.
Sometimes being a parent is so very very hard.
Labels: High School, Home Schooling, stuff
Friday, December 12, 2008
School? What School?
Monday morning we did school for a couple of hours and then the kids helped me clean the house for a while.
If I had known how the rest of the week was going to go I would have done school all day long.
I have to laugh at the perception of some of those who don't home school that our kids aren't socialized enough.
Well, I am here to tell you that my kids are over socialized. WE NEED TO STOP SOCIALIZING AND GET SOME MORE WORK DONE.
Samantha (in red) at the Christmas party with friends.
My children have been blessed by being warmly included in this group of wonderful children. The thing is, I had planned on doing school through the middle of next week. Yesterday I surrendered to the fact that not much school was going to happen for a while (that is book learning school I mean). There are just to many fun things going on we can't miss out on. The phone just wont stop ringing.
Paige doing a craft at the party.
We had a basketball activity and the kids school Christmas party this week. Yesterday morning I was getting their daily work organized for them when hubby called and said "You remember about my work Christmas party today, right"? Umm, yes, yes I do.
They made these cute little nativity snow globes.
While I was gone the kids taught Paige how to play Chutes-n-Ladders. Then Samantha took some of the clothes that no longer fit her and made clothes for Jo Jo out of them. She didn't know how to sew, but she taught herself while I was gone. The little shirts are so cute, I will post some pictures tomorrow. We are going to have a fashion show today of all her new wardrobe
The boys playing basketball. Garrett is in the red shirt and black shorts.
So, see, I told myself. They might not have had a lot of formal schooling this week, but they are learning to teach each other and learn independently. We had a great week of schooling after all.
If I had known how the rest of the week was going to go I would have done school all day long.
I have to laugh at the perception of some of those who don't home school that our kids aren't socialized enough.
Well, I am here to tell you that my kids are over socialized. WE NEED TO STOP SOCIALIZING AND GET SOME MORE WORK DONE.
Samantha (in red) at the Christmas party with friends.The members of our home school group seem to take the month of December off from school. They all start school in August. No one told me about this. lol. We started in September when we thought we were suppose to.
My children have been blessed by being warmly included in this group of wonderful children. The thing is, I had planned on doing school through the middle of next week. Yesterday I surrendered to the fact that not much school was going to happen for a while (that is book learning school I mean). There are just to many fun things going on we can't miss out on. The phone just wont stop ringing.
Paige doing a craft at the party.
They made these cute little nativity snow globes.So I ran off to get dressed and make myself look acceptable. Samantha asked if she could curl my hair on the hot rollers and I was thrilled to let her. I touched up my nail polish and put on makeup while she did that. The only thing is, I think she used the little rollers and my hair turned out looking like a really bad Afro. I didn't have the heart to tell her I didn't like it so I went to his party (where I only see these people once a year) with bad hair.
While I was gone the kids taught Paige how to play Chutes-n-Ladders. Then Samantha took some of the clothes that no longer fit her and made clothes for Jo Jo out of them. She didn't know how to sew, but she taught herself while I was gone. The little shirts are so cute, I will post some pictures tomorrow. We are going to have a fashion show today of all her new wardrobe
The boys playing basketball. Garrett is in the red shirt and black shorts.So, see, I told myself. They might not have had a lot of formal schooling this week, but they are learning to teach each other and learn independently. We had a great week of schooling after all.
Labels: Home Schooling
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Another Reason I Love Home Schooling
Yes, my love for home schooling just keeps growing.
While Samantha and Garrett are happily sleeping away I am fighting with my teenagers to get up and get ready for school. I have heard their alarm go off twice, but still no movement.
I have run up the stairs three times already to remind them that IT IS TIME TO GET UP. None of our kids are morning people, no matter what time they go to bed. It is 6:30 a.m. and I am already exhausted from this ritual we seem to have to play out each morning.
On my next trip up the stairs I will be spraying cold water on them to force them out of bed. Yes, I am that mean.
Is their seriously a reason that 1st period has to start at 7:36? Haven't those in charge heard that teens really aren't fond of the early morning hours?
Well, at least it forces me to get up and get some stuff done before the other kids roll out of bed around 8:30.
On another note; Here are Samantha and Garrett doing an experiment on flight. They each built two different airplanes with different body styles to see which one was more conducive to flight.
Launching their aircraft.
Fixing a broken nose on one of the planes.
Working together to measure the distance.
Samantha's scientific speculation sheet. Don't you just love all the hearts on it?
Calculating data in her head.
Now if only my older boys could use this same work together attitude to get out of the house on time in the morning.
I've offered to home school them but the look of horror on their faces pretty much gives away their true feeling in this area.
I have been diligently praying that Tyler would change his mind. We have a private Christian school near bye that has a home school program for High Schoolers. They can take a few classes at the school and do the rest at home. They can also participate in all the sports and other activities the school offers. I thought this might be a good compromise for him. He didn't seem totally opposed to the idea so I am praying hard that we can go with this option next year.
My heart would be singing for joy if I only had one more school year at their current High School. The reasons I dislike it so will have to wait for another day as it will be a VERY LONG POST.
Have a good day my friends, I'm off to throw water at some unsuspecting teens.
While Samantha and Garrett are happily sleeping away I am fighting with my teenagers to get up and get ready for school. I have heard their alarm go off twice, but still no movement.
I have run up the stairs three times already to remind them that IT IS TIME TO GET UP. None of our kids are morning people, no matter what time they go to bed. It is 6:30 a.m. and I am already exhausted from this ritual we seem to have to play out each morning.
On my next trip up the stairs I will be spraying cold water on them to force them out of bed. Yes, I am that mean.
Is their seriously a reason that 1st period has to start at 7:36? Haven't those in charge heard that teens really aren't fond of the early morning hours?
Well, at least it forces me to get up and get some stuff done before the other kids roll out of bed around 8:30.
On another note; Here are Samantha and Garrett doing an experiment on flight. They each built two different airplanes with different body styles to see which one was more conducive to flight.
Launching their aircraft.
Fixing a broken nose on one of the planes.
Working together to measure the distance.
Samantha's scientific speculation sheet. Don't you just love all the hearts on it?
Calculating data in her head.
Now if only my older boys could use this same work together attitude to get out of the house on time in the morning.
I've offered to home school them but the look of horror on their faces pretty much gives away their true feeling in this area.
I have been diligently praying that Tyler would change his mind. We have a private Christian school near bye that has a home school program for High Schoolers. They can take a few classes at the school and do the rest at home. They can also participate in all the sports and other activities the school offers. I thought this might be a good compromise for him. He didn't seem totally opposed to the idea so I am praying hard that we can go with this option next year.
My heart would be singing for joy if I only had one more school year at their current High School. The reasons I dislike it so will have to wait for another day as it will be a VERY LONG POST.
Have a good day my friends, I'm off to throw water at some unsuspecting teens.
Labels: High School, Home Schooling
Thursday, November 20, 2008
When Different Personalities Collide
I promised you I would post about the trying times we have had these past few months with homeschooling. I probably should have skipped that promise as today was one of the most challenging days yet. Maybe I jinxed myself?
When I decided to home school I read this book. I found out that Samantha was a Perfect Paula type of learner. Very organized, likes a lot of structure, and could work independently for hours on end. He brother Garrett, however, is a Wiggly Willy. He is just about as opposite of a Perfect Paula as you can get. He has a short attention span, does not like book work, and prefers to be outside looking for bugs instead of looking up research information in an encyclopedia.
I knew if I wanted to do most of their subjects together this would be a challenge, and let me tell you, at times this has been an understatement.
Here is a recap of today:
1. Breakfast
2. Garrett practiced piano while Samantha did her math online.
3. Garrett is suppose to now be doing his math online as Samantha works in her math book doing problems. Garrett instead decides he needs a break and starts bouncing his basketball on the wood floors to annoy his "Perfect Paula" sister who is trying to finish her work.
4. Samantha starts screaming that Garrett isn't letting her do her work. I am upstairs putting laundry in as I feel I shouldn't have to remind Garrett 100 times a day what it is he is suppose to be doing.
5. I come downstairs, restore order, and watch him start his math. Which he does for three minutes before bouncing the ball again.
6. After about 40 minutes of this I send Garrett upstairs with a bucket of cleaning supplies and tell him to clean the boys bathroom to help get all his excess energy out of his system. He starts crying and yelling that I am so unfair and if I really loved him I would let him go outside and play basketball instead of doing school.
7. During this time Samantha starts to cry because she REALLY wants to do her math and can't concentrate with all the yelling and hollering going on.
This all took place in the first hour of our school day today. Yep, good times, good times.
When I get up early and get all my chores done before the kids get up our school day goes so much better. Although I can give Samantha something to do and she is happy to work alone, Garrett is not. If I stay in the room with him for the first 90 minutes and encourage him along we get a lot done. When I try and go off and do some of "my work" while he is suppose to be doing school I run into problems.
Today I thought I might have to call social services to protect my child from his own mother. I was almost at the end of my rope with him not listening. However, I find that I am not the one listening. I know what he needs and I need to provide it. When I don't all heck breaks lose.
The day before yesterday was a good day. This was our schedule that day;
1. Bible reading and prayer (about 10 minutes)
2. One child practices piano while the other is on computer listening to math lessons. Then they switch. I am also downstairs grading papers while this is going on. (45 minutes total)
3. We have a snack and we read a chapter together in our Zoology book and made a field guide to record all of our finding when we go to the park on Friday. I let them listen to an Adventure in Odyssey radio broadcast while they are working on their field guide. (60 minutes)
4. They go off and do their silent reading (Garrett loves this and can read for hours just like his sister) while I make lunch and check emails (OK, read a few blogs, you caught me)
5. Lunch ( I give them an hour break, they ate and then went out and played basketball together, very sweet)
6. What we do after lunch changes depending on what day it is. We either do History/Geography, or a new lesson I just started on writing and spelling. We also go to the library one day a week and they spend an hour with the piano teacher one day each week also. Our school day ends about 2:15 when I have to go and pick up Paige,
Now, obviously this is just a guide. What I love about homeschooling is you can mix things up a little. Sometimes we are crazy and do math in the afternoon. lol.
So, I guess what I am trying to say is that when I try and deviate from what I know works we have problems. That is when we have the meltdowns and the days when mom feels like she has to go in the bathroom, close the door, and scream at the top of her lungs for a few minutes.
When I sit down with them, we work together, get it done, give encouragement, we have a good day. When mom isn't really present in the moment, not so good. I am learning.
I would be interested to hear from any of you who have kids with completely different learning styles. Have you found ways to blend them together some how? How do you make it work?
p.s. Our wonderful moments by far out weigh these bad moments. However, I didn't want you to think it has been all peaches and roses. It's hard....but oh so worth it. I wouldn't change the fact they are home with me for anything! I really am loving it (and Garrett is getting really good at cleaning the bathroom).
When I decided to home school I read this book. I found out that Samantha was a Perfect Paula type of learner. Very organized, likes a lot of structure, and could work independently for hours on end. He brother Garrett, however, is a Wiggly Willy. He is just about as opposite of a Perfect Paula as you can get. He has a short attention span, does not like book work, and prefers to be outside looking for bugs instead of looking up research information in an encyclopedia.
I knew if I wanted to do most of their subjects together this would be a challenge, and let me tell you, at times this has been an understatement.
Here is a recap of today:
1. Breakfast
2. Garrett practiced piano while Samantha did her math online.
3. Garrett is suppose to now be doing his math online as Samantha works in her math book doing problems. Garrett instead decides he needs a break and starts bouncing his basketball on the wood floors to annoy his "Perfect Paula" sister who is trying to finish her work.
4. Samantha starts screaming that Garrett isn't letting her do her work. I am upstairs putting laundry in as I feel I shouldn't have to remind Garrett 100 times a day what it is he is suppose to be doing.
5. I come downstairs, restore order, and watch him start his math. Which he does for three minutes before bouncing the ball again.
6. After about 40 minutes of this I send Garrett upstairs with a bucket of cleaning supplies and tell him to clean the boys bathroom to help get all his excess energy out of his system. He starts crying and yelling that I am so unfair and if I really loved him I would let him go outside and play basketball instead of doing school.
7. During this time Samantha starts to cry because she REALLY wants to do her math and can't concentrate with all the yelling and hollering going on.
This all took place in the first hour of our school day today. Yep, good times, good times.
When I get up early and get all my chores done before the kids get up our school day goes so much better. Although I can give Samantha something to do and she is happy to work alone, Garrett is not. If I stay in the room with him for the first 90 minutes and encourage him along we get a lot done. When I try and go off and do some of "my work" while he is suppose to be doing school I run into problems.
Today I thought I might have to call social services to protect my child from his own mother. I was almost at the end of my rope with him not listening. However, I find that I am not the one listening. I know what he needs and I need to provide it. When I don't all heck breaks lose.
The day before yesterday was a good day. This was our schedule that day;
1. Bible reading and prayer (about 10 minutes)
2. One child practices piano while the other is on computer listening to math lessons. Then they switch. I am also downstairs grading papers while this is going on. (45 minutes total)
3. We have a snack and we read a chapter together in our Zoology book and made a field guide to record all of our finding when we go to the park on Friday. I let them listen to an Adventure in Odyssey radio broadcast while they are working on their field guide. (60 minutes)
4. They go off and do their silent reading (Garrett loves this and can read for hours just like his sister) while I make lunch and check emails (OK, read a few blogs, you caught me)
5. Lunch ( I give them an hour break, they ate and then went out and played basketball together, very sweet)
6. What we do after lunch changes depending on what day it is. We either do History/Geography, or a new lesson I just started on writing and spelling. We also go to the library one day a week and they spend an hour with the piano teacher one day each week also. Our school day ends about 2:15 when I have to go and pick up Paige,
Now, obviously this is just a guide. What I love about homeschooling is you can mix things up a little. Sometimes we are crazy and do math in the afternoon. lol.
So, I guess what I am trying to say is that when I try and deviate from what I know works we have problems. That is when we have the meltdowns and the days when mom feels like she has to go in the bathroom, close the door, and scream at the top of her lungs for a few minutes.
When I sit down with them, we work together, get it done, give encouragement, we have a good day. When mom isn't really present in the moment, not so good. I am learning.
I would be interested to hear from any of you who have kids with completely different learning styles. Have you found ways to blend them together some how? How do you make it work?
p.s. Our wonderful moments by far out weigh these bad moments. However, I didn't want you to think it has been all peaches and roses. It's hard....but oh so worth it. I wouldn't change the fact they are home with me for anything! I really am loving it (and Garrett is getting really good at cleaning the bathroom).
Labels: Home Schooling
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Blessings of Home Schooling
I'm happy. The kids are happy. Life is good.
I cannot express to you enough how thrilled I am that I stepped out in faith this school year and kept Samantha and Garrett home. God has been present Every. Step. Of. The. Way. and I have never felt closer to him.
I knew the transition to homeschooling would be a hard one for our kids. The public school is all they have ever known. I was so worried they would feel isolated and angry and it would take months for them to come out of their funk.
Well, only 10 weeks into our adventure and I feel like we have all settled in nicely. The kids love their schedule of not starting school until later in the morning and the fact that we don't have to do the morning rush anymore. God has sent them some homeschooling friends who live very near to us that they have already made wonderful bonds and memories with.
I was saying something to Samantha yesterday about how she wouldn't have had all these wonderful experiences if she was still going to "normal school" and she ACTUALLY agreed with me. God is good.
I wanted to write this all down and share it with you as encouragement. If you feel God tapping you on the shoulder in this area I want to encourage you that if I can do it, truly anyone can. My kids are total social butterflies and I was a little concerned about the isolation. However, we have not experienced any isolation. Just the joy of spending time together, learning new things, making new friends, and overall having a great time learning together. I would truly love to have our high school kids home with us also. I am working on that one.
If your kids are in public school I am in no way telling you to take them out. I am not the homeschool police. My kids had a good experience in public school and they were always blessed with Christian teachers.
This post is for those of you who have been thinking about it for a while. You know who you are. I was one of you not to long ago. I loved reading blogs written by homeschooling families and soaked in all the information they were giving out. If you have been feeling lead to homeschool then go ahead and take the leap of faith. I totally believe it is a decision you will not regret.
Garrett started playing basketball for our local Christian homeschool sports organization last week. He had a great time and it was good for him to see all those kids that were homeschooled just like him. Samantha didn't want to play. She is really not a sports girl and has felt kind of discouraged whenever she has tried organized sports. Well, yesterday one of the mom's emailed me that they were starting a new 12 and under girls team and would Samantha want to play? She really didn't want to but I encouraged her to give it a try. Last night was her first practice and she had a blast! All the girls were so nice to her, encouraging her, helping her learn how to play. They made her feel comfortable, like one of them, and I could tell by the spring in her step that she was really happy she had tried.
My kids have had experience after experience like this in the past 10 weeks. I have no doubt God has orchestrated it all.
Tomorrow I will share some of our not so pleasant memories over the past 10 weeks. The good has definitely outweighed the bad, but in the interest of keeping it real, I will share some of the bad with you also.
I'm off to make breakfast, have blessed day my friends.
p.s. Thanks to all of you who prayed for the wildfires to be put out. Our town is no longer in danger and for that I am very thankful. The weather is still in the 90's here so some cooler weather would definitely be appreciated by the fire crews that work this area. Thanks again for all your kind words and concern.
I cannot express to you enough how thrilled I am that I stepped out in faith this school year and kept Samantha and Garrett home. God has been present Every. Step. Of. The. Way. and I have never felt closer to him.
I knew the transition to homeschooling would be a hard one for our kids. The public school is all they have ever known. I was so worried they would feel isolated and angry and it would take months for them to come out of their funk.
Well, only 10 weeks into our adventure and I feel like we have all settled in nicely. The kids love their schedule of not starting school until later in the morning and the fact that we don't have to do the morning rush anymore. God has sent them some homeschooling friends who live very near to us that they have already made wonderful bonds and memories with.
I was saying something to Samantha yesterday about how she wouldn't have had all these wonderful experiences if she was still going to "normal school" and she ACTUALLY agreed with me. God is good.
I wanted to write this all down and share it with you as encouragement. If you feel God tapping you on the shoulder in this area I want to encourage you that if I can do it, truly anyone can. My kids are total social butterflies and I was a little concerned about the isolation. However, we have not experienced any isolation. Just the joy of spending time together, learning new things, making new friends, and overall having a great time learning together. I would truly love to have our high school kids home with us also. I am working on that one.
If your kids are in public school I am in no way telling you to take them out. I am not the homeschool police. My kids had a good experience in public school and they were always blessed with Christian teachers.
This post is for those of you who have been thinking about it for a while. You know who you are. I was one of you not to long ago. I loved reading blogs written by homeschooling families and soaked in all the information they were giving out. If you have been feeling lead to homeschool then go ahead and take the leap of faith. I totally believe it is a decision you will not regret.
Garrett started playing basketball for our local Christian homeschool sports organization last week. He had a great time and it was good for him to see all those kids that were homeschooled just like him. Samantha didn't want to play. She is really not a sports girl and has felt kind of discouraged whenever she has tried organized sports. Well, yesterday one of the mom's emailed me that they were starting a new 12 and under girls team and would Samantha want to play? She really didn't want to but I encouraged her to give it a try. Last night was her first practice and she had a blast! All the girls were so nice to her, encouraging her, helping her learn how to play. They made her feel comfortable, like one of them, and I could tell by the spring in her step that she was really happy she had tried.
My kids have had experience after experience like this in the past 10 weeks. I have no doubt God has orchestrated it all.
Tomorrow I will share some of our not so pleasant memories over the past 10 weeks. The good has definitely outweighed the bad, but in the interest of keeping it real, I will share some of the bad with you also.
I'm off to make breakfast, have blessed day my friends.
p.s. Thanks to all of you who prayed for the wildfires to be put out. Our town is no longer in danger and for that I am very thankful. The weather is still in the 90's here so some cooler weather would definitely be appreciated by the fire crews that work this area. Thanks again for all your kind words and concern.
Labels: Home Schooling
Saturday, November 15, 2008
My Gas Tank, Home Schooling & The Fires
First off, thanks to all of you who left comments about the gas pumping. My family and I had fun reading them and my boys learned about different ways to be a servant to their spouse. I must say that I was surprised to see how many of you have husbands that take care of getting your gas for you. I think it is great. My son told me he would get my gas for me if I wanted him to. Ahhh. Melt my heart.
Secondly, I have been so blessed this week with wonderful new friends. Our home school group went to a candy factory on Thursday night to watch them make home made candy canes. The owners were Christian and they shared their testimony with the kids. I also met some more home school mom's that I just loved, I was so excited. Last night six of us met at the Borders Book Store for coffee and fellowship. I spent two hours with these very experienced homeschooling moms having my tank filled up and getting all kinds of words of wisdom. The really fun part was that they all have different philosophies and styles and yet I did not detect any judging on each others parts. Just encouragement. IT. WAS. FABULOUS.
God has been so good to me throughout this journey. I was really scared and unsure at first, but he keeps sending me people to encourage me and walk along side our family. He has made my heart happy and secure. I am so very very thankful.
Lastly, you may have already heard, but our State is on fire again. We have several family members who's home's could be in danger from these fires. Please pray for the safety of the men and women battling these fierce blazes and the wind (oh my, the wind, you just wouldn't believe it), and pray that they are able to get the fires under control as soon as possible. Hundreds of people have already lost their homes, it is so very very sad.
Have a great Saturday my friends. Our family is headed up to my sisters cabin in the mountains for a day of fun. Anyone else have a family fun day planned?
Secondly, I have been so blessed this week with wonderful new friends. Our home school group went to a candy factory on Thursday night to watch them make home made candy canes. The owners were Christian and they shared their testimony with the kids. I also met some more home school mom's that I just loved, I was so excited. Last night six of us met at the Borders Book Store for coffee and fellowship. I spent two hours with these very experienced homeschooling moms having my tank filled up and getting all kinds of words of wisdom. The really fun part was that they all have different philosophies and styles and yet I did not detect any judging on each others parts. Just encouragement. IT. WAS. FABULOUS.
God has been so good to me throughout this journey. I was really scared and unsure at first, but he keeps sending me people to encourage me and walk along side our family. He has made my heart happy and secure. I am so very very thankful.
Lastly, you may have already heard, but our State is on fire again. We have several family members who's home's could be in danger from these fires. Please pray for the safety of the men and women battling these fierce blazes and the wind (oh my, the wind, you just wouldn't believe it), and pray that they are able to get the fires under control as soon as possible. Hundreds of people have already lost their homes, it is so very very sad.
Have a great Saturday my friends. Our family is headed up to my sisters cabin in the mountains for a day of fun. Anyone else have a family fun day planned?
Labels: getting away from it all, Home Schooling, Mom Stuff
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The Happiest Place On Earth
Yesterday Samantha and I had a hair appointment in the early afternoon. We got very little school done in the morning and then headed off to our appointment. Some days it seems like we get so much done, and others not so much. I guess it all evens out in the end.
Anyway, after our hair appointments it was already 1:30 so we decided to go get Paige out of school a little early and spend the rest of the day at Disneyland.
This is one of my favorite things about homeschooling, I love how spontaneous your life can become. I'm trying to finagle a way to buy a RV so we can take off on trips and go explore when ever we want to. That, however, will not be happening until after we pay for our adoption.
Speaking of our upcoming adoption.....the referrals seems to be really pouring in the last few weeks. I'm pretty sure we won't get a referral until after the first of the year but it is really exciting to celebrate with all the other families.
I have been having some of the "normal" anxiety and doubts about this adoption lately. Will I feel an immediate connection to these children like I did my biological children? What will they think of me? Will they bond with there new siblings? I have been reading a lot and know all of these questions are normal. Ninety percent of the time I am excited and can't wait, and then there is the other ten percent when I worry and fret.
When I was pregnant with the other children I always had crazy dreams about my delivery. They were always awful. I would deliver and the doctor would hand me my baby. The baby was always a puppy or rabbit, etc. I was always so upset, insisting THIS WAS NOT MY BABY, but the people around me would insist it was and coo over how cute our new child was. I would wake up in a panic, crying and upset. This happened all five times I have had a baby.
Thankfully, each time I was handed an actual baby and not some furry creature after delivery.
The other night I was laying in bed with my doubts and fears, praying to God for them to go away. I drifted off to sleep and began to dream. Our entire family was in Ethiopia to pick up our little girl. We were all excited and sitting in a little room waiting for them to bring her in. A woman dressed like a nurse came in with this cute little bundle in her arms. She handed her to me. When I drew the blanket back there was a MONKEY inside. Dave and all the kids started oohing and ahhing over this cute monkey and I of course threw a fit and wanted to know where my daughter was. They all thought I was crazy and were so happy with there new little sister, I was not.
I woke up crying and upset just like I had the five times before. However, this time I smiled. Was this God's way of letting me know it was going to be OK? Things were not that different. He had our child/ren all picked out for us and they were the ones that were meant to be our children, just like the other five that we had been blessed with before.
I have never been more happy to give birth to a MONKEY. However, I warned my family that if we go to Ethiopia and they hand me a furry creature they better be just as upset as I am.
They, of course, think I am crazy. An assumption, I am pretty sure, the rest of us have already confirmed is true.
Anyway, after our hair appointments it was already 1:30 so we decided to go get Paige out of school a little early and spend the rest of the day at Disneyland.
This is one of my favorite things about homeschooling, I love how spontaneous your life can become. I'm trying to finagle a way to buy a RV so we can take off on trips and go explore when ever we want to. That, however, will not be happening until after we pay for our adoption.
Speaking of our upcoming adoption.....the referrals seems to be really pouring in the last few weeks. I'm pretty sure we won't get a referral until after the first of the year but it is really exciting to celebrate with all the other families.
I have been having some of the "normal" anxiety and doubts about this adoption lately. Will I feel an immediate connection to these children like I did my biological children? What will they think of me? Will they bond with there new siblings? I have been reading a lot and know all of these questions are normal. Ninety percent of the time I am excited and can't wait, and then there is the other ten percent when I worry and fret.
When I was pregnant with the other children I always had crazy dreams about my delivery. They were always awful. I would deliver and the doctor would hand me my baby. The baby was always a puppy or rabbit, etc. I was always so upset, insisting THIS WAS NOT MY BABY, but the people around me would insist it was and coo over how cute our new child was. I would wake up in a panic, crying and upset. This happened all five times I have had a baby.
Thankfully, each time I was handed an actual baby and not some furry creature after delivery.
The other night I was laying in bed with my doubts and fears, praying to God for them to go away. I drifted off to sleep and began to dream. Our entire family was in Ethiopia to pick up our little girl. We were all excited and sitting in a little room waiting for them to bring her in. A woman dressed like a nurse came in with this cute little bundle in her arms. She handed her to me. When I drew the blanket back there was a MONKEY inside. Dave and all the kids started oohing and ahhing over this cute monkey and I of course threw a fit and wanted to know where my daughter was. They all thought I was crazy and were so happy with there new little sister, I was not.
I woke up crying and upset just like I had the five times before. However, this time I smiled. Was this God's way of letting me know it was going to be OK? Things were not that different. He had our child/ren all picked out for us and they were the ones that were meant to be our children, just like the other five that we had been blessed with before.
I have never been more happy to give birth to a MONKEY. However, I warned my family that if we go to Ethiopia and they hand me a furry creature they better be just as upset as I am.
They, of course, think I am crazy. An assumption, I am pretty sure, the rest of us have already confirmed is true.
Labels: Adoption, Ethiopia, Home Schooling
Thursday, October 30, 2008
No Fall For Us
The weather has been in the mid 90's for the past two weeks.
Every night when I go to put the kids in bed the thermostat upstairs say it is 90 something upstairs.
I turn on the air conditioning to cool it down.
Then I get mad.
Why are we having to pay for AIR CONDITIONING at the end of October?
Please, Fall, show your face.
**********************************************************************************
I had Paige's conference with her teacher yesterday. She is doing really well in school. She knows all her letters, colors, shapes, can count to 30, understands concepts like big/tall, can write her name and knows the first row of sight words on her list.
Overall, great.
We do have a problem though. You see, she is bored.
The teacher told me that Paige will actually say "borrrringggg" (add dramatic effect) to her as she is trying to teach a concept. I was appalled. How rude is that? Mrs. S said she actually found it amusing and Paige has only verbalized it a couple of times, though, she feels she may be bored a lot of the time.
This is the problem; She is in the special education Kindergarten program due to her verbal language skills. She is way behind in this skill and the general ed class would not be good for her, she could never keep up in this area. However, in all other area's she is either right on target for her age group or very close. I want to give credit to the power of prayer for this one. I have cried out to God in worry over this child but have seen his hand in this remarkable change. To think a year ago she barely said more than a two word sentence (if we were lucky) wasn't potty trained, and acted more like a two year old than a four year old, you may remember the day when the neurologist told us he felt she was autistic (what a load of hogwash), the transformation truly is miraculous. Thank you God.
Mrs. S explained to me something I already knew. The other 11 children in her class are way behind her in most of these area of learning. They have some more severe problems. On the plus side she is in a small class of 12 with a teacher and two aides and is getting lots of individual attention. Mrs. S told me they can tell I work with her at home also and this is really helping.
So, this is my question for all of you home schoolers out there. Do any of you have special needs kids that you school at home? Do you still get services from your public school? How is that working for you?
Today Garrett and Samantha were making airplanes out of cardboard for an experiment they were doing on flight. Paige wanted to join in so we let her make one to. Just about the time we were going to test our planes it was time for her to go to school and she started to cry. She wanted to stay home with us and test the airplanes. She usually joins us for school in the morning and I am seeing more and more her ability to learn. However, I know she still needs the speech and language help from professionals.
I do know that you can home school and you still have the right to bring your child in for the special ed portion of their needs. I know that HSLDA would help me with this also if I had any problems with the school district. Paige's teacher is supportive of me home schooling (isn't that interesting?) and was peppering me with questions about the laws in our state as she would love to home school her kids if she didn't have to work. She also implied that Paige could still get services as a home schooler. I know this is something the school district really does not want parents to understand, they are not fond of this rule.
Anyway, thanks for listening to me ramble. I'm just looking for some guidance from any of you that have been there/done that. I'm not planning on moving her back home this year, but I would consider the change for next school year. I can't wait to hear if any of you have experienced a similar situation.
Every night when I go to put the kids in bed the thermostat upstairs say it is 90 something upstairs.
I turn on the air conditioning to cool it down.
Then I get mad.
Why are we having to pay for AIR CONDITIONING at the end of October?
Please, Fall, show your face.
**********************************************************************************
I had Paige's conference with her teacher yesterday. She is doing really well in school. She knows all her letters, colors, shapes, can count to 30, understands concepts like big/tall, can write her name and knows the first row of sight words on her list.
Overall, great.
We do have a problem though. You see, she is bored.
The teacher told me that Paige will actually say "borrrringggg" (add dramatic effect) to her as she is trying to teach a concept. I was appalled. How rude is that? Mrs. S said she actually found it amusing and Paige has only verbalized it a couple of times, though, she feels she may be bored a lot of the time.
This is the problem; She is in the special education Kindergarten program due to her verbal language skills. She is way behind in this skill and the general ed class would not be good for her, she could never keep up in this area. However, in all other area's she is either right on target for her age group or very close. I want to give credit to the power of prayer for this one. I have cried out to God in worry over this child but have seen his hand in this remarkable change. To think a year ago she barely said more than a two word sentence (if we were lucky) wasn't potty trained, and acted more like a two year old than a four year old, you may remember the day when the neurologist told us he felt she was autistic (what a load of hogwash), the transformation truly is miraculous. Thank you God.
Mrs. S explained to me something I already knew. The other 11 children in her class are way behind her in most of these area of learning. They have some more severe problems. On the plus side she is in a small class of 12 with a teacher and two aides and is getting lots of individual attention. Mrs. S told me they can tell I work with her at home also and this is really helping.
So, this is my question for all of you home schoolers out there. Do any of you have special needs kids that you school at home? Do you still get services from your public school? How is that working for you?
Today Garrett and Samantha were making airplanes out of cardboard for an experiment they were doing on flight. Paige wanted to join in so we let her make one to. Just about the time we were going to test our planes it was time for her to go to school and she started to cry. She wanted to stay home with us and test the airplanes. She usually joins us for school in the morning and I am seeing more and more her ability to learn. However, I know she still needs the speech and language help from professionals.
I do know that you can home school and you still have the right to bring your child in for the special ed portion of their needs. I know that HSLDA would help me with this also if I had any problems with the school district. Paige's teacher is supportive of me home schooling (isn't that interesting?) and was peppering me with questions about the laws in our state as she would love to home school her kids if she didn't have to work. She also implied that Paige could still get services as a home schooler. I know this is something the school district really does not want parents to understand, they are not fond of this rule.
Anyway, thanks for listening to me ramble. I'm just looking for some guidance from any of you that have been there/done that. I'm not planning on moving her back home this year, but I would consider the change for next school year. I can't wait to hear if any of you have experienced a similar situation.
Labels: Developmental Delays, Home Schooling
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Settling In
I told you that Dave took Zach and Garrett with him to Arizona this past weekend. Zach had a baseball tournament that started Friday morning. Tyler didn't want to go this time so he stayed home with Samantha, Paige and I.
I had big plans.
I wanted to get some school work organized for the kids. Because I decided to homeschool a few weeks before the school year started I never had any time to plan and organize before we started. I have been flying by the seat of my pants, which has worked out OK, I much prefer to be a little more on top of things.
Well, Friday night I got sick. I mean REALLY sick. Sick to the point I thought I might be having gallbladder or appendix problems. I called one of my girlfriends to see what she thought might be going on and for moral support since I was the only adult around. By Sunday night I was feeling a little better and figured I had just had a bad case of the stomach flu. I also think my stomach was really over reacting because I took two different kinds of medicine for my symptoms, I hardly ever even take an aspirin, and it was to much for my system. I'm still not 100% but feeling much better. My nose is still stuffy and my ears are all clogged up. I feel like my balance is really off still due to the ear issues. Overall though, much better.
However, my plans of getting organized for school were gone. Oh well.
Monday we did a little school and the kids helped me dig out of the mess made over the weekend while I was down and out. On Tuesday we really needed to do lots of school to catch up, however, we had joined this new mother's book club and the first meeting was that day. It was at the house of the very experienced home schooler who runs our group. I really wanted to go. The kids really wanted to go. We went.
The mom's are all reading Season's of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson. I had already read Sally's other book Educating The Whole Hearted Child and really enjoyed it. I recommend this book to any new (or old) homeschooling mom. It really encouraged me and brought me to a whole new perspective on our homeschooling journey.
We had three hours of wonderful sharing and encouragement while our kids ran around this families large property and played all kinds of games together. The wisdom and idea's I got from these more experienced ladies was fantastic. I left there so excited to have met these wonderful women, I can't wait for next months meeting!
Samantha, Garrett and Paige all had a great time also. They all seemed to make friends easily and really didn't want to leave when it was over.
Samantha said this on the way home in the car. "Mom", she said, "This was one of the best days ever".
Which, of course, made this mom really happy. I wasn't at all sure how long it would take them to adjust to there new life as homeschoolers, or if they ever would at all. However, they haven't complained in weeks, other than when they didn't want to do an assignment I had given them. No asking when they can go back to there "real school". What an Awesome answer to prayer!
I had big plans.
I wanted to get some school work organized for the kids. Because I decided to homeschool a few weeks before the school year started I never had any time to plan and organize before we started. I have been flying by the seat of my pants, which has worked out OK, I much prefer to be a little more on top of things.
Well, Friday night I got sick. I mean REALLY sick. Sick to the point I thought I might be having gallbladder or appendix problems. I called one of my girlfriends to see what she thought might be going on and for moral support since I was the only adult around. By Sunday night I was feeling a little better and figured I had just had a bad case of the stomach flu. I also think my stomach was really over reacting because I took two different kinds of medicine for my symptoms, I hardly ever even take an aspirin, and it was to much for my system. I'm still not 100% but feeling much better. My nose is still stuffy and my ears are all clogged up. I feel like my balance is really off still due to the ear issues. Overall though, much better.
However, my plans of getting organized for school were gone. Oh well.
Monday we did a little school and the kids helped me dig out of the mess made over the weekend while I was down and out. On Tuesday we really needed to do lots of school to catch up, however, we had joined this new mother's book club and the first meeting was that day. It was at the house of the very experienced home schooler who runs our group. I really wanted to go. The kids really wanted to go. We went.
The mom's are all reading Season's of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson. I had already read Sally's other book Educating The Whole Hearted Child and really enjoyed it. I recommend this book to any new (or old) homeschooling mom. It really encouraged me and brought me to a whole new perspective on our homeschooling journey.
We had three hours of wonderful sharing and encouragement while our kids ran around this families large property and played all kinds of games together. The wisdom and idea's I got from these more experienced ladies was fantastic. I left there so excited to have met these wonderful women, I can't wait for next months meeting!
Samantha, Garrett and Paige all had a great time also. They all seemed to make friends easily and really didn't want to leave when it was over.
Samantha said this on the way home in the car. "Mom", she said, "This was one of the best days ever".
Which, of course, made this mom really happy. I wasn't at all sure how long it would take them to adjust to there new life as homeschoolers, or if they ever would at all. However, they haven't complained in weeks, other than when they didn't want to do an assignment I had given them. No asking when they can go back to there "real school". What an Awesome answer to prayer!
Labels: baseball, Home Schooling
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Pioneer Days
We went on our first official field trip with our homeschool group last week. We went to Riley Farms to learn about how things were done back in the "olden days".
We learned to write with a Quill.
We learned to write with a Quill.
Working hard on getting it right.
Wow, this is harder than it looks!
Samantha made a new friend and they had fun sitting together during all of the classes.
The teacher and his students.
We learned how to make butter and we are all very thankful for the little cubes we pick up at the corner market. That is a lot of work! We also made candles and fresh apple cider. The bees were buzzing all over the machine you use to squish the apples to make the cider. I thought for sure my bee phobic kids would never go near that thing, however, they proved me wrong. Samantha was even the helper (with her new friend) who go to put all the apples into the machine.
One of the highlights of the day was the yummy carmel apple we were all given. Oh my goodness that thing was heavenly. The kids bought there Dad a 5 pound apple pie (it is his favorite) and it was so good I think he only got one piece. I'm going to have to go back sometime in the next few weeks to buy another one.
It was nice for the kids to make some more new friends. The kids and I were a little nervous about going because we didn't know anyone. I think the hardest part of this new journey of homeschooling has been all the "new" and "unknown" things. Now that we have met some people in our local group through the park days and this field trip I think we are all feeling much more comfortable. We have found everyone to be so nice and welcoming, this has really helped the kids settle in and not feel as anxious about all the changes they have been experiencing.
Just another example of God's provisions for our lives. He told me not to fret, that he had it all under control. Now I just wish he would send an Angel over this evening to take care of all those dishes in my sink. Well, maybe, I just better go do them myself, and be thankful I don't live during the pioneer days. I'm going to kiss my dishwasher tonight before I go to bed, hope hubby won't get jealous.
Labels: Home Schooling
Monday, October 20, 2008
Honey For My Heart
Today I have no errands to run, nothing that needs my attention outside of our home. I am staying in my pj's all day and puttering around the house. This is my most favorite thing to do.
I have so many little projects that I just can't seem to get to, and today I am determined to finish some of them.
I had a dream last night that we got a call from our adoption agency saying they had two children for us. I woke up in a panic. My house is sooo not ready for little ones. We seriously have to baby proof again.
Today we were doing our science lessons and learning about air pressure and why birds can fly. We did a really fun experiment and I was explaining why it worked and what it meant. Samantha looks at me and says, "Mom, that was a really fun lesson but it is hard to take you seriously, like you are a REAL teacher when you are standing their in your pajama's".
Oh well, you just can't please everyone.
I, on the other hand, thought it was a fabulous day all around.
Hope yours was good to!
I have so many little projects that I just can't seem to get to, and today I am determined to finish some of them.
I had a dream last night that we got a call from our adoption agency saying they had two children for us. I woke up in a panic. My house is sooo not ready for little ones. We seriously have to baby proof again.
Today we were doing our science lessons and learning about air pressure and why birds can fly. We did a really fun experiment and I was explaining why it worked and what it meant. Samantha looks at me and says, "Mom, that was a really fun lesson but it is hard to take you seriously, like you are a REAL teacher when you are standing their in your pajama's".
Oh well, you just can't please everyone.
I, on the other hand, thought it was a fabulous day all around.
Hope yours was good to!
Labels: Adoption, Home Schooling, Mom Stuff
