I don't make resolutions for New Years'. Never have. It's always just another date on the calendar to me. The only noteworthy thing about the years changing is that for the next 6 months I write the wrong year on my checks. As a teen it meant major spending money earned from babysitting, for a few years it meant drinking and partying with my friends. For the next dozen years after I began raising children it meant nothing, other than going to bed early enough to get up and keep the routine of housewife and mother like any other day. One year (10 years ago tonight) it almost meant the end of my life.
This year, all the cliches about New Year's Eve are seeming to actually have meaning to me. Out with the old, in with the new. New begininnings. What a year 2009 has been! I'm not making any resolutions, but I'll share some of my realizations.
I can't recall any year in my past that has had more major changes than 2009. Beginning in March, I realized my husband suffered more than an alcohol abuse problem, and that there would be no saving this marriage. From March on, my ONLY priority became protecting my daughters. There are limits even to MY loyalty. I never thought I would ever seek a divorce, but then again, I never thought I would discover the things I did on March 4th, 2009. I thank God for showing me what I needed to do.
In May, 2009 April got married. I have realized from this event, that I did pretty darn well as a mother/step-mother. Although young, she and Lance are far surpassing everyone's expectations, and are thriving. April has shown SO MUCH maturity, and responsibility, and I thank God I was given the challenge of raising her as my daughter.
July 2009 brought loss of a friend. Kristi died far too young, and suffered far too much. I feel tremendous guilt for not seeing what I should have seen, and not helping and stepping in when I should have. I wasn't there, as I should have been, but Kristi's death, above any other event this year changed me so much. It brought back to me what I used to know so well, that we are only here for a brief time, that we never know when we, or someone we care about will be gone, and that this time we are given should not be wasted. Through Kristi's death I gained the courage and strength to do what I needed to do in my own life for my own children. Through her death, I have also come to know her father. So, I thank God, not only for reminding me of the impermanance of life, but also for blessing me with an amazing new friendship.
October-December 2009 brought the actual breakdown of a marriage that has been breaking down for years. This was not the emotional breakdown; that happened gradually, and years ago. This was the actual physical act of D and I seperating, convincing him I meant it, staying strong for what I knew had to be, and filing for divorce. Of course, it involves much more than that, it is realizing I am now a single mother, I, alone, am responsible for raising and providing for 2 young girls, simple things like I can go to bed when I want to, I can set a schedule more convenient to the 3 of us left in this house, I can eat what I want. I save tons of money on food and groceries, and my water and heat bills have been the lowest they have ever been in 12 years, and yet I have no income, so I must decide major things like a job and if I will be able to continue homeschooling.I am thankful, though, for the strength God has given me to persevere, for the wisdom to make the right decisions, for leading me with clear signs of the path I should take, MUST take. I thank God for blessing me beyond measure with friends and neighbors who care, for returning to me my strength, my brains, and my happiness, and for always providing for us.
2009 has been a year of more changes than most. As Newton's law states: "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction", and that has proven true this year. For every loss, every negative, there has been a gain, and a positive. After the year I've had, I am looking foward to putting an end to 2009, and beginning anew with a fresh page on a fresh calendar. I welcome 2010 as a new start, and I wish you all a blessed New Year.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas, In Memory of my Mother
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I love the decorations, the music, getting gifts for people, the positive spirit it induces in most people...all of it. I've had a couple of not-so-good Christmases in my life, but the reason for the season, and the spirit of the holiday always lifts me up. When I was a child I think I loved the music more than anything. I LOVED to sing Christmas carols and hymns. I knew all the words to all the songs by the time I was 3 or 4, and I STILL love the music. On any random day at my house you can walk in and catch me singing Christmas carols, or playing them on the piano, and it doesn't have to be December. When I was a teenager I used to start decorating my room in August, and buying gifts for everyone I knew. My mother was very musically talented, and performed many Christmas programs...you name it, if it involved singing and a keyboard, she was more than happy to share her talents with anyone who would listen at Christmas time.
In 1998 my mother passed away on Christmas. She was my best friend. She had lived 19 months with ovarian cancer, after being told she had 3 weeks at the most. The last time she was able to talk was on December 23rd, and she called me specifically to say good-bye, and tell me how much she loved me. She was VERY worried that she would die on Christmas Day, and therefore "ruin" all future Christmases for her loved ones. Depending what time zone we were in she died either the 25th or the 26th of December. In her time zone she made until 12:56 am on Dec. 26th. In MY time zone she died at 4 minutes before midnight, Christmas Day. She tried to hold out so the date wouldn't be, as she termed it, ruined for us. A further example of Mom alwayas thinking of others besides herself was that she had a cake for me on my birthday, which is a few days after Christmas. She knew she wouldn't last THAT long, and had told my step-dad to "make sure you don't forget her birthday with all that will be going on when I die. Make sure she has a cake." Little did she know her funeral would be on my birthday, and I'm sure she would have been upset, had she thought about it....probably would have held on to life a few more days, just so THAT wouldn't be in my mind every birthday I've had since.
However, losing my mom and best friend, hasn't ruined Christmas or my birthday at all. I never remember her sadly at this time of year. I don't think too much of the one year at the end of her life. I can't think of Christmas without thinking of the 26 other years I had with her. I hear her voice singing. I remember she and I always decorating our house to the hilt. I remember baking cookies with her. I remember the big, red bow she tied on her studio door, with a sign saying, "Do Not Open 'Till Christmas", and I always opened that door and spied through the presents hidden in there anyway. I remember caroling with her and others, I remember buying presents for people we'd never met before because she had heard of a family in need. I remember every year she and I would hand-make intricate, delicate egg-shell ornaments, spending hours together, seeing who could make the prettiest one of that particular year. I remember, from the time I was a very young girl, she and I were ALWAYS the "present wrappers" for the entire family. I remember her huge list of over 400 people I helped her mail out cards and personal letters to every year. Even in 1998, when she was too sick to write she made sure I completed the entire list for her.
This year, is a year of huge change. This year is probably the oddest Christmas I've ever had. I have not put up one single decoration, not even a tree. I have not sent out one, single card. I have not even bought my presents yet. I have some, that I bought, but not nearly like I usually do, and intend to at least get more bought later today. I have not made Christmas cookies, although I hope to get at least one kind made today. The few present I DO have didn't get wrapped until yesterday.
I haven't been setting very good Christmas memories this year for my daughters. I hope, though, that like my Christmas in 1998, this one won't be one they remember negatively. My girls have had wonderful Christmases in the past, and I pray my daughters and I have many more in the future. I have been feeling pretty badly about not doing things like usual this year, but I have come to realize that "different" deosn't mean it won't be "special" in it's own way.
I pray you ALL have a blessed Christmas.
In 1998 my mother passed away on Christmas. She was my best friend. She had lived 19 months with ovarian cancer, after being told she had 3 weeks at the most. The last time she was able to talk was on December 23rd, and she called me specifically to say good-bye, and tell me how much she loved me. She was VERY worried that she would die on Christmas Day, and therefore "ruin" all future Christmases for her loved ones. Depending what time zone we were in she died either the 25th or the 26th of December. In her time zone she made until 12:56 am on Dec. 26th. In MY time zone she died at 4 minutes before midnight, Christmas Day. She tried to hold out so the date wouldn't be, as she termed it, ruined for us. A further example of Mom alwayas thinking of others besides herself was that she had a cake for me on my birthday, which is a few days after Christmas. She knew she wouldn't last THAT long, and had told my step-dad to "make sure you don't forget her birthday with all that will be going on when I die. Make sure she has a cake." Little did she know her funeral would be on my birthday, and I'm sure she would have been upset, had she thought about it....probably would have held on to life a few more days, just so THAT wouldn't be in my mind every birthday I've had since.
However, losing my mom and best friend, hasn't ruined Christmas or my birthday at all. I never remember her sadly at this time of year. I don't think too much of the one year at the end of her life. I can't think of Christmas without thinking of the 26 other years I had with her. I hear her voice singing. I remember she and I always decorating our house to the hilt. I remember baking cookies with her. I remember the big, red bow she tied on her studio door, with a sign saying, "Do Not Open 'Till Christmas", and I always opened that door and spied through the presents hidden in there anyway. I remember caroling with her and others, I remember buying presents for people we'd never met before because she had heard of a family in need. I remember every year she and I would hand-make intricate, delicate egg-shell ornaments, spending hours together, seeing who could make the prettiest one of that particular year. I remember, from the time I was a very young girl, she and I were ALWAYS the "present wrappers" for the entire family. I remember her huge list of over 400 people I helped her mail out cards and personal letters to every year. Even in 1998, when she was too sick to write she made sure I completed the entire list for her.
This year, is a year of huge change. This year is probably the oddest Christmas I've ever had. I have not put up one single decoration, not even a tree. I have not sent out one, single card. I have not even bought my presents yet. I have some, that I bought, but not nearly like I usually do, and intend to at least get more bought later today. I have not made Christmas cookies, although I hope to get at least one kind made today. The few present I DO have didn't get wrapped until yesterday.
I haven't been setting very good Christmas memories this year for my daughters. I hope, though, that like my Christmas in 1998, this one won't be one they remember negatively. My girls have had wonderful Christmases in the past, and I pray my daughters and I have many more in the future. I have been feeling pretty badly about not doing things like usual this year, but I have come to realize that "different" deosn't mean it won't be "special" in it's own way.
I pray you ALL have a blessed Christmas.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Finally Able to do an Update (very long post)
Wow. I just realized I have not done an update for over 2 months. I suppose, as tomorrow is our last day of school until after the new year, I should. First, though, Let me explain WHY I have not been posting. D and I are in the process of getting a divorce. We officially seperated Oct. 23, and he moved out of our home Nov 13. For a few of you that read this blog, this was not a surprise, as you have known D and I the entire length of our marriage. For those of you that I've met through the homeschooling community, I imagine this is quite a shock, as I keep my private life just that...PRIVATE, and this is the first time I have brought it up. I will not go into the reasons on a public blog, but this is for the best. D and I just have too many problems that could not ever be resolved. He and I both are in agreeance that we would like me to be able to continue homeschooling the girls, therefore I am trying to make plans to find an at-home job that will allow me to keep the girls here at home, and yet earn some income to survive. D is NOT contributing at this time in any way financiallly. Thankfully, the Lord has been providing, and we are making it.
Now for the update on school-related topics.
C, in 5th grade, is doing WONDERFULLY. She has completed Saxon 65 math through lesson 93, earning A's in all her tests and assignments, She will be finished with the book within 3 months. We are wrapping up Unit 8 in BJU English tomorrow, which is exactly half-way. I STILL can not say enough good things about this english program, as she is finally getting straight A's in English, too, and has actually written several good pieces this year, in addition to cementing her grammar skills, and learning to diagram sentences. She's even written some poetry, and is currently working on a play for her sister, and their friend to perform. C has also finished book 3 out of 5 in her Bible for this year, and is loving this subject. She is on unit 24 (out of 36)in Spelling. All this adds up to my daughter will be done with her 5th grade work within 3 more months.
E is doing wonderfully with her first grade material. There was quite a long period that we did not do any formal schooling....for almost 4 weeks. E is so active and high strung, and I was feeling unable to cope well with all that is going on in my life that we took an extended break. It's easy to do this, when we school year-round, and she is still ahead for her year. When we finally got back to school for her I was afraid she would have forgotten everything. To the contrary...the break was the best thing I've ever done for her! Not only did she remember everything, she has been doing a far better job in her schoolwork than before. Instead of math boring her, she whizzes thorugh her math facts, and is into adding 3 numbers at a time, and double-digit addition. Instead of whining about having to write a few words, she is now writing several sentences per day, and up to doing 2 pages a day in English, as opposed to 1/2 or 1 page a few months ago. Her had-writing has improved TREMENDOUSLY, and she is reading fairly fluently, although her spelling is still more phonetic, than correct on many words. She has only 6 lessons left in Bible, and will be done with the entire first grade Bible curriculum. As I've mentioned before, E does school on no set schedue, other than when she asks to, so I anticipate accomplishing a lot with her over the Christmas "break". As long as she keeps progressing well, and enjoying her work, I see no reason to change what we've done and has worked for 2 years now.
Both girls have still been doing science together. I had hoped to have finished Zoology 1 by Christmas, but science was laid by the way-side for awhile, while I was feeling overwhelmed just trying to get the basics, reading, writing, and 'rithmatic done, so we are only half way through the book. Science, is one subject we will probably continue with through our "break", also, as both girls ask for it frequently, and usually during the hour or so before bedtime, which actually works out very well.
C and E have both also been working in their map skills/geography books, but we have not done any FORMAL history since September. We have done quite a bit of INformal history through reading "living" books, documentaries on TV (C just loves the show, "Cities of the Underworld" on the History Channel), and looking up places and events online.
My hopes are to be able to still somehow afford Sonlight's Core 5, Eastern Hemisphere for her upcoming school year, along with SL's core 5 science. Both are reportedly THE BEST in Sonlight's line-up, and cover very extensively areas of study I feel imperative for her to learn. However, you get what you pay for, and for these 2 programs alone, the cost will be a little over $800. Add in her English and Math, and I will need to come up with $1000 for her full 6th grade year. That is my dream for her next year, but time and finances will tell the reality. Paying for a divorce from a father that does not contribute, trying to find some work that will still allow me to be home, and still keep up with normal bills and groceries, does not leave me with money for the EXCELLENT programs I've had planned for over a year now.
Thankfully, E's 2nd grade curriculum won't be nearly as expensive. No Sonlight for her, and although I have not researched enough on all her subjects, I am tentatively planning to at least use R&S English for her 2nd grade year, which is thorough, rigorous, and yet, very inexpensive. I will not decide on her math until she is closer to finishing her first grade book, and as she is such a whiz in math, it is a difficult choice among all the many good math programs out there. All I know for certain regarding math for E is that it is time to move away from Abeka, and she is too young to start Saxon; I won't begin her in Saxon until 4th grade. She does not need repetition, as she grasps concepts very quickly, although a small amount of review would be good for her. I have not even had the inclination this year to even look ahead for her other subjects.
Another quick thing to update on, we were able to have a week-long visit with April and Lance the first week of December. Lance's father suffered 2 heart attacks, and underwent cardiac surgery. Lance obtained emergency leave, and he and April stayed here at out house. Although they spent much of their time at the hospital and with his father, we were still able to see a lot of each other, and had a nice visit. They even worked in a special afternoon with just C and E, going out to lunch and bowling, which meant a lot to the 2 little sisters, who have missed them greatly. I am impressed with how mature April has become in just 6 months of being a married young woman. (Although her housekeeping skills need work!!!! LOL) We are so thankful Lance's dad is recovering well, and even though the reason for the visit was scary, we are thankful for April and Lance making it safely here and back home, and for the nice times we had.
One last thing I'd like to mention, a HUGE thank you to two of my friends. Denise, thank you for being tolerant of my going days/weeks without e-mailing, you, only to barrage you with my problems and moods. Thank you for listening to me, and being there for me, and for your many kind invitations. You are awesome! And M...I can't begin to list the things I have to thank YOU for. You are one super-special friend to all 3 of us.
My apologies for such a long post, but there's been a ton of changes in my life the past few months, and I haven't felt like writing until now. Wishing everyone who read this far a great Christmas and New Year.
Now for the update on school-related topics.
C, in 5th grade, is doing WONDERFULLY. She has completed Saxon 65 math through lesson 93, earning A's in all her tests and assignments, She will be finished with the book within 3 months. We are wrapping up Unit 8 in BJU English tomorrow, which is exactly half-way. I STILL can not say enough good things about this english program, as she is finally getting straight A's in English, too, and has actually written several good pieces this year, in addition to cementing her grammar skills, and learning to diagram sentences. She's even written some poetry, and is currently working on a play for her sister, and their friend to perform. C has also finished book 3 out of 5 in her Bible for this year, and is loving this subject. She is on unit 24 (out of 36)in Spelling. All this adds up to my daughter will be done with her 5th grade work within 3 more months.
E is doing wonderfully with her first grade material. There was quite a long period that we did not do any formal schooling....for almost 4 weeks. E is so active and high strung, and I was feeling unable to cope well with all that is going on in my life that we took an extended break. It's easy to do this, when we school year-round, and she is still ahead for her year. When we finally got back to school for her I was afraid she would have forgotten everything. To the contrary...the break was the best thing I've ever done for her! Not only did she remember everything, she has been doing a far better job in her schoolwork than before. Instead of math boring her, she whizzes thorugh her math facts, and is into adding 3 numbers at a time, and double-digit addition. Instead of whining about having to write a few words, she is now writing several sentences per day, and up to doing 2 pages a day in English, as opposed to 1/2 or 1 page a few months ago. Her had-writing has improved TREMENDOUSLY, and she is reading fairly fluently, although her spelling is still more phonetic, than correct on many words. She has only 6 lessons left in Bible, and will be done with the entire first grade Bible curriculum. As I've mentioned before, E does school on no set schedue, other than when she asks to, so I anticipate accomplishing a lot with her over the Christmas "break". As long as she keeps progressing well, and enjoying her work, I see no reason to change what we've done and has worked for 2 years now.
Both girls have still been doing science together. I had hoped to have finished Zoology 1 by Christmas, but science was laid by the way-side for awhile, while I was feeling overwhelmed just trying to get the basics, reading, writing, and 'rithmatic done, so we are only half way through the book. Science, is one subject we will probably continue with through our "break", also, as both girls ask for it frequently, and usually during the hour or so before bedtime, which actually works out very well.
C and E have both also been working in their map skills/geography books, but we have not done any FORMAL history since September. We have done quite a bit of INformal history through reading "living" books, documentaries on TV (C just loves the show, "Cities of the Underworld" on the History Channel), and looking up places and events online.
My hopes are to be able to still somehow afford Sonlight's Core 5, Eastern Hemisphere for her upcoming school year, along with SL's core 5 science. Both are reportedly THE BEST in Sonlight's line-up, and cover very extensively areas of study I feel imperative for her to learn. However, you get what you pay for, and for these 2 programs alone, the cost will be a little over $800. Add in her English and Math, and I will need to come up with $1000 for her full 6th grade year. That is my dream for her next year, but time and finances will tell the reality. Paying for a divorce from a father that does not contribute, trying to find some work that will still allow me to be home, and still keep up with normal bills and groceries, does not leave me with money for the EXCELLENT programs I've had planned for over a year now.
Thankfully, E's 2nd grade curriculum won't be nearly as expensive. No Sonlight for her, and although I have not researched enough on all her subjects, I am tentatively planning to at least use R&S English for her 2nd grade year, which is thorough, rigorous, and yet, very inexpensive. I will not decide on her math until she is closer to finishing her first grade book, and as she is such a whiz in math, it is a difficult choice among all the many good math programs out there. All I know for certain regarding math for E is that it is time to move away from Abeka, and she is too young to start Saxon; I won't begin her in Saxon until 4th grade. She does not need repetition, as she grasps concepts very quickly, although a small amount of review would be good for her. I have not even had the inclination this year to even look ahead for her other subjects.
Another quick thing to update on, we were able to have a week-long visit with April and Lance the first week of December. Lance's father suffered 2 heart attacks, and underwent cardiac surgery. Lance obtained emergency leave, and he and April stayed here at out house. Although they spent much of their time at the hospital and with his father, we were still able to see a lot of each other, and had a nice visit. They even worked in a special afternoon with just C and E, going out to lunch and bowling, which meant a lot to the 2 little sisters, who have missed them greatly. I am impressed with how mature April has become in just 6 months of being a married young woman. (Although her housekeeping skills need work!!!! LOL) We are so thankful Lance's dad is recovering well, and even though the reason for the visit was scary, we are thankful for April and Lance making it safely here and back home, and for the nice times we had.
One last thing I'd like to mention, a HUGE thank you to two of my friends. Denise, thank you for being tolerant of my going days/weeks without e-mailing, you, only to barrage you with my problems and moods. Thank you for listening to me, and being there for me, and for your many kind invitations. You are awesome! And M...I can't begin to list the things I have to thank YOU for. You are one super-special friend to all 3 of us.
My apologies for such a long post, but there's been a ton of changes in my life the past few months, and I haven't felt like writing until now. Wishing everyone who read this far a great Christmas and New Year.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
What's New With Our Kittens?
Abby, Ashley, and Little Spot are now almost 4 months old. Abby has discovered the joy of paper towels. Please note the shredded kitchen stool on the left... 
And here is the boy kitten, Little Spot, and a new game he and C like to play:
And here is the boy kitten, Little Spot, and a new game he and C like to play:Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Stressed, but Blessed
That just about sums up my life recently. LOL
I have been very preoccupied with personal issues, and will be taking a break from blogging for awhile. The girls and I are fine, but the house is a mess, school is just down to the basics, and I think my stomach is in a perpetual knot. I am SO thankful to my friends and family for supporting me and helping me during this time. I especially am thankful for my daughter, April, and son-in-law, Lance. You guys rock! C....age 11...you have become SUCH a help to me doing the extra work around here, and being understanding.
Most of all I am thankful to God for leading me and giving me wisdom, guidance, strength, and courage. He is definitely the one in control of my life right now.
~Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.~
I have been very preoccupied with personal issues, and will be taking a break from blogging for awhile. The girls and I are fine, but the house is a mess, school is just down to the basics, and I think my stomach is in a perpetual knot. I am SO thankful to my friends and family for supporting me and helping me during this time. I especially am thankful for my daughter, April, and son-in-law, Lance. You guys rock! C....age 11...you have become SUCH a help to me doing the extra work around here, and being understanding.
Most of all I am thankful to God for leading me and giving me wisdom, guidance, strength, and courage. He is definitely the one in control of my life right now.
~Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.~
Saturday, October 17, 2009
A (Cold) Week in Review
Schoolwise we had a much more productive week this week than last. We accomplished most of our school-work huddled in my bed under comforters, and wearing robes, jackets, and in the case of my daughters, multiple layers of socks. The reason for all the layers of clothing is that it has been extremely cold all week, and we have yet to turn the heat on. We live in a 70 year old house, with the original boiler and radiator heat. I detest turning the boiler on for 3 reasons:
*I'm terrified of it, and am so afraid we will one day be the victims of a boiler explosion
*Once it is on, the heat in here is atrocious, and the humidity levels drop to near zero. This results in several months of the girls and I being miserable with dry, itchy, painful skin. My hands become bloody nubs, from doing dishes, laundry, and all the other assorted household tasks that involve me putting my hands in water. This doesn't bother my husband in the least, and he lives by the "warmer is better" theory. It is often 75° in our home. The first thing I do when he leaves for work is shut the heat completely off, and by 6 or 7 hours later it cools down to a more survivable temperature...just in time to finallly stop sweating, and have hubby arrive back home from work. and crank the heat back up.
*The main reason our heat isn't on yet, is that our power bill goes from a managable $150-$200/month to well over $500/month, and in the REALLY cold months of January and February it has been known to be over $600 for one month. That's 2 full weeks of pay from my husband, and we obviously can't afford to spend literally half his monthly earnings on a mere luxury such as heat.
So, with a little extra clothing on, we made it just fine through school this week. We had such a boring weekend last week that we did 2 full days of first grade, and caught up on what I neglected to do for fifth grade the week prior. We continued on every weekday this week.
C began her literature last Saturday, and she LOVES it! I intentionally chose a book she would like for her first book study, "Laura Ingalls Wilder", a biography of the author of the Little House books. I had to read the book first, before assigning it, and I felt it was dry, and poorly written, and probably a little above my daughters reading level due simply to the dryness of it. Much to my surprise, she is an avid "Laura" fan, and begs for more and more pages to be assigned. She doesn't like being limited to certain pages/chapters. She is doing very well with the written assignments, and only has one minor difficulty applying the difference between describing someone's PHYSICAL traits as compared to describing what makes the person unique.
C finished chapter 4 of her BJU English. Her final assignment was to write a persuasive business letter...not an easy task for a 5th grader. Not really an easy task for ME...I can't think of a single time in 37 years I've ever had to write a persuasive business letter, but I do think for someone hoping to eventually run her own no-kill animal shelter it's a skill she will use over and over. If you're going to run a non-profit business, you'd better be good at writing letters asking people to give you money. On her own she came up with an idea for writing her own letter. She chose to write to the local pet stores and ask them to donate any expired or damaged goods and supplies from their inventory that she could then donate to our own local no-kill shelter. We actually mailed the letters, so I'm praying at least one of the pet stores contacts her.
She then moved on to Chapter 5 in English....VERBS. Oh, how she and I hate verbs. If it was simply a matter of recognizing a verb we'd be fine. It's all this other nonsense....linking verbs, state-of-being verbs (which are both the same thing), helping verbs, participles, predicate adjectives, predicate nouns, objects of the verbs. ACK! Who cares?!?! I never learned this stuff. Not once. I think I am able to write fairly well. I've never gotten anything lower than an A in anything English related. This is the point C and I were both in tears last December, and finally gave up on Abeka's English. I still see absolutely NO use for all this in-depth study of a verb. But I am remaining calm. We patiently did day 1 of this chapter. She did much better than I expected, but not as well as I'd hoped. I ran off copies of extra-practice worksheets, and we worked yesterday on the extra practice for the first days lesson. (Thank you, M, for letting me use your printer!)She did better, but still not 100% on the extra worksheet. It'd be nice if there was more than 1 extra worksheet per lesson. I've never needed them before, but with this chapter I need 10 or 12 per lesson. Please pray for C and I to make it successfully through this chapter.
C also did 4 or 5 lessons in math, and took 2 math tests yesterday. She only needed to take 1 math test, but she wasn't paying attention, and did test #12, which she had already done the week before, so she had to then take test #13, which is what she was supposed to take. LOL She got an A on it. She is really flying through her math this year.
We're finishing up with chapter 5 (I think...it's too dark to go double check) in science, and in history we read about Islam. Her history book devoted a mere 22 pages to Islam, most of it a fictional story about Sinbad. Unlike many Christians, I feel it is imperative to learn about other religions, and other beliefs, so we are now taking a break from her history book, and spending a good month or two studying in-depth the middle east, Islam, and the Muslim culture in general. I have 3 AWESOME books for her age on this, and conveniently, have a Muslim neighbor who adores the girls, and isn't offended by any questions we come to him with. He has even been so kind as to loan us his Q'raan to see and compare it to our Bible, and Christianity's teachings.
C bagan her 2nd light unit in Bible, and this one is MUCH better than the first one. Each lesson is one of the parable's of Jesus, and she and I are both LOVING the lessons.
We had a review week in spelling, and next week is week 7 of our official school year, which means we get to skip spelling. C is also still working on one page a day of Daily Grams.
As far as first grade is going...E is currently flying through her math, too. Danny hasn't done math with her for a good 4 or 5 weeks, but she's been working almost daily in it with me, in addition to timing her on her flash cards. I would like to take this moment to say to my husband, "I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!" Yes, I know that is not a proper, humble Christian attitude, but I really did tell him so. LOL The way I see it, I had 2 options. I could have nagged him every day, and angered him, or I could have just quietly noticed he was not doing math like he promised, and done it myself. E's handwriting has also improved by leaps and bounds. It is so pretty (if she has lined paper) I wanted to actually scan some of her work to post here, but my printer/copier/scanner has died, and I no longer have a way to get photos on here. Oh, wait...I have a digital camera, so I guess I could. We'll see if I actually get around to it. LOL
Anyway, E has had a wonderful week. She has worked VERY hard, and done tons in all her books. It's hard to break it down, but I am definitely seeing a big improvement in her attention-span, and her willingness to sit still and write. Thank you, God!
Still going through some personal strife and issues, but I'm used to that, and my main priority is the girls' education, happiness, and well-being. We had an excellent week. Blessings to you all!
*I'm terrified of it, and am so afraid we will one day be the victims of a boiler explosion
*Once it is on, the heat in here is atrocious, and the humidity levels drop to near zero. This results in several months of the girls and I being miserable with dry, itchy, painful skin. My hands become bloody nubs, from doing dishes, laundry, and all the other assorted household tasks that involve me putting my hands in water. This doesn't bother my husband in the least, and he lives by the "warmer is better" theory. It is often 75° in our home. The first thing I do when he leaves for work is shut the heat completely off, and by 6 or 7 hours later it cools down to a more survivable temperature...just in time to finallly stop sweating, and have hubby arrive back home from work. and crank the heat back up.
*The main reason our heat isn't on yet, is that our power bill goes from a managable $150-$200/month to well over $500/month, and in the REALLY cold months of January and February it has been known to be over $600 for one month. That's 2 full weeks of pay from my husband, and we obviously can't afford to spend literally half his monthly earnings on a mere luxury such as heat.
So, with a little extra clothing on, we made it just fine through school this week. We had such a boring weekend last week that we did 2 full days of first grade, and caught up on what I neglected to do for fifth grade the week prior. We continued on every weekday this week.
C began her literature last Saturday, and she LOVES it! I intentionally chose a book she would like for her first book study, "Laura Ingalls Wilder", a biography of the author of the Little House books. I had to read the book first, before assigning it, and I felt it was dry, and poorly written, and probably a little above my daughters reading level due simply to the dryness of it. Much to my surprise, she is an avid "Laura" fan, and begs for more and more pages to be assigned. She doesn't like being limited to certain pages/chapters. She is doing very well with the written assignments, and only has one minor difficulty applying the difference between describing someone's PHYSICAL traits as compared to describing what makes the person unique.
C finished chapter 4 of her BJU English. Her final assignment was to write a persuasive business letter...not an easy task for a 5th grader. Not really an easy task for ME...I can't think of a single time in 37 years I've ever had to write a persuasive business letter, but I do think for someone hoping to eventually run her own no-kill animal shelter it's a skill she will use over and over. If you're going to run a non-profit business, you'd better be good at writing letters asking people to give you money. On her own she came up with an idea for writing her own letter. She chose to write to the local pet stores and ask them to donate any expired or damaged goods and supplies from their inventory that she could then donate to our own local no-kill shelter. We actually mailed the letters, so I'm praying at least one of the pet stores contacts her.
She then moved on to Chapter 5 in English....VERBS. Oh, how she and I hate verbs. If it was simply a matter of recognizing a verb we'd be fine. It's all this other nonsense....linking verbs, state-of-being verbs (which are both the same thing), helping verbs, participles, predicate adjectives, predicate nouns, objects of the verbs. ACK! Who cares?!?! I never learned this stuff. Not once. I think I am able to write fairly well. I've never gotten anything lower than an A in anything English related. This is the point C and I were both in tears last December, and finally gave up on Abeka's English. I still see absolutely NO use for all this in-depth study of a verb. But I am remaining calm. We patiently did day 1 of this chapter. She did much better than I expected, but not as well as I'd hoped. I ran off copies of extra-practice worksheets, and we worked yesterday on the extra practice for the first days lesson. (Thank you, M, for letting me use your printer!)She did better, but still not 100% on the extra worksheet. It'd be nice if there was more than 1 extra worksheet per lesson. I've never needed them before, but with this chapter I need 10 or 12 per lesson. Please pray for C and I to make it successfully through this chapter.
C also did 4 or 5 lessons in math, and took 2 math tests yesterday. She only needed to take 1 math test, but she wasn't paying attention, and did test #12, which she had already done the week before, so she had to then take test #13, which is what she was supposed to take. LOL She got an A on it. She is really flying through her math this year.
We're finishing up with chapter 5 (I think...it's too dark to go double check) in science, and in history we read about Islam. Her history book devoted a mere 22 pages to Islam, most of it a fictional story about Sinbad. Unlike many Christians, I feel it is imperative to learn about other religions, and other beliefs, so we are now taking a break from her history book, and spending a good month or two studying in-depth the middle east, Islam, and the Muslim culture in general. I have 3 AWESOME books for her age on this, and conveniently, have a Muslim neighbor who adores the girls, and isn't offended by any questions we come to him with. He has even been so kind as to loan us his Q'raan to see and compare it to our Bible, and Christianity's teachings.
C bagan her 2nd light unit in Bible, and this one is MUCH better than the first one. Each lesson is one of the parable's of Jesus, and she and I are both LOVING the lessons.
We had a review week in spelling, and next week is week 7 of our official school year, which means we get to skip spelling. C is also still working on one page a day of Daily Grams.
As far as first grade is going...E is currently flying through her math, too. Danny hasn't done math with her for a good 4 or 5 weeks, but she's been working almost daily in it with me, in addition to timing her on her flash cards. I would like to take this moment to say to my husband, "I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!" Yes, I know that is not a proper, humble Christian attitude, but I really did tell him so. LOL The way I see it, I had 2 options. I could have nagged him every day, and angered him, or I could have just quietly noticed he was not doing math like he promised, and done it myself. E's handwriting has also improved by leaps and bounds. It is so pretty (if she has lined paper) I wanted to actually scan some of her work to post here, but my printer/copier/scanner has died, and I no longer have a way to get photos on here. Oh, wait...I have a digital camera, so I guess I could. We'll see if I actually get around to it. LOL
Anyway, E has had a wonderful week. She has worked VERY hard, and done tons in all her books. It's hard to break it down, but I am definitely seeing a big improvement in her attention-span, and her willingness to sit still and write. Thank you, God!
Still going through some personal strife and issues, but I'm used to that, and my main priority is the girls' education, happiness, and well-being. We had an excellent week. Blessings to you all!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Week in Review
This has been a horrible week for school. C had such a busy weekend last week with her best friend. She had fun, but virtually no sleep, and tons of sugar. By the time Sunday night rolled around the poor thing could barely hold her eyes open, so I let her sleep in Monday till 10:00! That gave me time to really do a good cleaning on the house, but because it was such a late start I skipped science and history. We're also having finanical and family issues here at our house, and I've not been in much of a mood to be cheerful and do much school. E only did 2 days this week, and C slid by with just math, spelling, grammar, english, and Bible. Both girls finished a light unit in CLE Bible. C finished the 1st one of the year, E finished #4 for 1st grade, so only has one left for the whole year. We only did 1 day of science, and 2 days of history. I did finally begin C's lit program. I intended to only do 4 book studies this year, and this is an extra class, so we aren't behind. She is loving it, as I knew she would.
Not much else to blog about. I'll return to my normal, cheerful, overly-wordy self soon. Blessings to all!
Not much else to blog about. I'll return to my normal, cheerful, overly-wordy self soon. Blessings to all!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Happy Birthday, Wee One!
I maybe shouldn't call you, "Wee One" anymore; you're almost as tall as me. You're ELEVEN years old today. Happy Birthday, sweetie!
A friend calls you an "old soul". I don't think so, at all, although I can see where your personality would lead others to think that. You've been the same since labor. You took your time getting out into this world, but when you decided to finally show up, the "pushing" stage of labor lasted all of one minute. I see myself in you every day. You may look almost exactly like your Daddy, but your personality is just, ME.
An old soul is someone who has maybe seen more than they should have, lived through more than they should have at a young age. You come across as much more mature than girls your age. Well, you HAVE seen more and been through way more than I would ever have liked for you to see. I suppose to someone who doesn't live with you day in and day out you seem mature, because you have learned to patiently wait while others go through their problems, you have learned empathy and compassion. I remember when you were a baby, one of the most important things I wanted to instill in you were these qualities, and I can at last see that I did succeed. I've worked hard to raise a daughter that cares about others, cares about even the littlest animals, and you do. I see my mother in you every day, but when I'm really thinking about it, like now, I realize how similar you are to me. When I was a child, people always said *I* was an old soul, and it made me so mad. LOL No, I wasn't...I just had a lot to deal with and a lot of maturity pushed onto me ...just like you, sweet C.
You are the helper around the house. You are the comforter to others. You're slow to warm up to people...but once you decide they're safe you're all love. This is exactly how I wanted you to be. I didn't neccesarily want you to have to see many of the things you've had to see, but I'm glad you're not sheltered from reality. Life is hard, some people are not good, and much better to learn how to deal with that while still young and the person who loves you (and your sister!) more than anything else in this world can help you properly deal with issues. Just because life is tough doesn't mean it isn't great. Just because people are mean doesn't mean ALL people are. You've learned daily that promises are meant to be kept, honesty is the only way to go, and loved ones are meant to be cherished.
I also see the other side of you...you get silly, but not as silly as me yet. (Took me 23 years to get to where *I* could be silly around others.) You get mad and pouty when you're tired or embarrassed. You are NOT good at sharing, and while you've learned to cherish just about everyone else in our world, you have far to go on that with your younger sister. Unfortunately, this is also me. LOL You're sarcastic, which I love. You have an attitude big-time, and I don't think that's because you're approaching adolesence...considering you've always had it, and your mother may have just a tiny bit of an attitude,too. LOL I don't mind sarcasm and an attitude, as long as you can control them, and not abuse these qualities to harm people.
C....you're real, and honest, and have a big heart, and those are the most important things to have. I'm SO proud of you, and I love you SO much. Even though you're only eleven, you really are my best friend. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. May God continue blessing you as you enter another year on this world.
A friend calls you an "old soul". I don't think so, at all, although I can see where your personality would lead others to think that. You've been the same since labor. You took your time getting out into this world, but when you decided to finally show up, the "pushing" stage of labor lasted all of one minute. I see myself in you every day. You may look almost exactly like your Daddy, but your personality is just, ME.
An old soul is someone who has maybe seen more than they should have, lived through more than they should have at a young age. You come across as much more mature than girls your age. Well, you HAVE seen more and been through way more than I would ever have liked for you to see. I suppose to someone who doesn't live with you day in and day out you seem mature, because you have learned to patiently wait while others go through their problems, you have learned empathy and compassion. I remember when you were a baby, one of the most important things I wanted to instill in you were these qualities, and I can at last see that I did succeed. I've worked hard to raise a daughter that cares about others, cares about even the littlest animals, and you do. I see my mother in you every day, but when I'm really thinking about it, like now, I realize how similar you are to me. When I was a child, people always said *I* was an old soul, and it made me so mad. LOL No, I wasn't...I just had a lot to deal with and a lot of maturity pushed onto me ...just like you, sweet C.
You are the helper around the house. You are the comforter to others. You're slow to warm up to people...but once you decide they're safe you're all love. This is exactly how I wanted you to be. I didn't neccesarily want you to have to see many of the things you've had to see, but I'm glad you're not sheltered from reality. Life is hard, some people are not good, and much better to learn how to deal with that while still young and the person who loves you (and your sister!) more than anything else in this world can help you properly deal with issues. Just because life is tough doesn't mean it isn't great. Just because people are mean doesn't mean ALL people are. You've learned daily that promises are meant to be kept, honesty is the only way to go, and loved ones are meant to be cherished.
I also see the other side of you...you get silly, but not as silly as me yet. (Took me 23 years to get to where *I* could be silly around others.) You get mad and pouty when you're tired or embarrassed. You are NOT good at sharing, and while you've learned to cherish just about everyone else in our world, you have far to go on that with your younger sister. Unfortunately, this is also me. LOL You're sarcastic, which I love. You have an attitude big-time, and I don't think that's because you're approaching adolesence...considering you've always had it, and your mother may have just a tiny bit of an attitude,too. LOL I don't mind sarcasm and an attitude, as long as you can control them, and not abuse these qualities to harm people.
C....you're real, and honest, and have a big heart, and those are the most important things to have. I'm SO proud of you, and I love you SO much. Even though you're only eleven, you really are my best friend. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. May God continue blessing you as you enter another year on this world.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Feeling Nostalgic
These pictures were taken within the first month my husband and I knew each other. The one of the girls and I dancing, I was 25, April (in front) was 6, and B was 3. This is just one of my all-time favorite pictures. Those 2 step-daughters of mine and I used to have SO much fun!
Anyone recognize THIS handsome guy? Yep, that's how D looked when I met him. (Excuse my finger in the picture...I had a tendency to always do that. LOL) Easy to see the attraction. Well, that and the fact he would NOT leave me alone once he met me, so I finally agreed to go on one date with him just to shut him up. LOL
Anyone recognize THIS handsome guy? Yep, that's how D looked when I met him. (Excuse my finger in the picture...I had a tendency to always do that. LOL) Easy to see the attraction. Well, that and the fact he would NOT leave me alone once he met me, so I finally agreed to go on one date with him just to shut him up. LOL
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Seriously, How Cute is This?
Upon checking the girls last night before going to bed myself, I found all 3 kittens snuggling with E, age 6. Even with the flash on the camera going off, none of them awoke. Ashley, the runt, is curled in E's arm. Spot, the boy is next to her, and Abby is closest to the wall.
When I got up this morning at 4:30 I saw C climbing out of bed with her flashlight. She kept getting up throughout the night to check on the kittens, and make sure E didn't roll over on them. I can't get her out of bed at 8:30 for school, but she gets up several times in the night to check on kittens. Go figure. LOL
When I got up this morning at 4:30 I saw C climbing out of bed with her flashlight. She kept getting up throughout the night to check on the kittens, and make sure E didn't roll over on them. I can't get her out of bed at 8:30 for school, but she gets up several times in the night to check on kittens. Go figure. LOL
Friday, September 25, 2009
Favorite Time of Day
A couple of weeks ago, C had a journal writing assignment on her favorite time of day. She chose, "Bedtime", because she enjoys her sister and I saying prayers together with her, talking, singing, and being allowed to stay up reading afterwards with her flashlight.
I like bedtime, too, but it's not my favorite part of the day. Bedtime isn't long enough to be enjoyed by me. It goes something like this...lay down, zzzzzzz. I'm so exhausted by the end of my day that many times I don't even remember going to bed.
My favorite time of day is right now. From whenever I get up in the morning (anywhere between 4:00 and 6:00, normally right around 5:30ish)until the girls wake up. E is usually up by 8 or 8:30. C tries to stay in there as long as possible, but I don't allow her to sleep past 9. On weekdays my husband leaves for work about 10 minutes after he crawls from bed. On weekends he sleeps at least until the girls get up, many times it is far later. So these few hours early in the morning, just my coffee and I, are my alone time.
I am NOT a cheeful person unless I have had a minimum of 2 cups of coffee. I don't even speak coherently the first 2 hours I am awake.If you can call it "awake". The first hour is usually a total blur to me. Who knows what I do? I have to check the history on the computer, if I want to know what I did.LOL
Prior to having a computer I would read, study, pay bills, do quiet housework, or write in a journal. Now I read blogs and e-mails, prepare homeschool lessons, pay bills, do quiet housework, and write in my blog. I don't go anywhere in the house without a cup of coffee in one hand, and a cigarette in the other. In other words...I don't do anything exciting during this time, but I enjoy it simply because it is my most productive time of day, and it is QUIET! All I can hear right now is the air filter in the aquarium bubbling. I have spent the past 12 years raising children and living with a very noisy husband. He can not stand quiet. He actually will complain if it's quiet, and go make noise. He can not stand being alone. I, on the other hand, love simple peace and quiet, and a couple of hours each day just to be by myself. I'm not REALLY alone...the girls are sleeping just around the corner, and there are several cats and dogs wandering around here, but they don't demand me to talk to them or keep them company.
So, my favorite time of day is the time when I know everyone is safe and sound, but I am by myself. I've had my night's sleep, I have my French Vanilla coffee, I get to do what I want to do, and life is good.
I like bedtime, too, but it's not my favorite part of the day. Bedtime isn't long enough to be enjoyed by me. It goes something like this...lay down, zzzzzzz. I'm so exhausted by the end of my day that many times I don't even remember going to bed.
My favorite time of day is right now. From whenever I get up in the morning (anywhere between 4:00 and 6:00, normally right around 5:30ish)until the girls wake up. E is usually up by 8 or 8:30. C tries to stay in there as long as possible, but I don't allow her to sleep past 9. On weekdays my husband leaves for work about 10 minutes after he crawls from bed. On weekends he sleeps at least until the girls get up, many times it is far later. So these few hours early in the morning, just my coffee and I, are my alone time.
I am NOT a cheeful person unless I have had a minimum of 2 cups of coffee. I don't even speak coherently the first 2 hours I am awake.If you can call it "awake". The first hour is usually a total blur to me. Who knows what I do? I have to check the history on the computer, if I want to know what I did.LOL
Prior to having a computer I would read, study, pay bills, do quiet housework, or write in a journal. Now I read blogs and e-mails, prepare homeschool lessons, pay bills, do quiet housework, and write in my blog. I don't go anywhere in the house without a cup of coffee in one hand, and a cigarette in the other. In other words...I don't do anything exciting during this time, but I enjoy it simply because it is my most productive time of day, and it is QUIET! All I can hear right now is the air filter in the aquarium bubbling. I have spent the past 12 years raising children and living with a very noisy husband. He can not stand quiet. He actually will complain if it's quiet, and go make noise. He can not stand being alone. I, on the other hand, love simple peace and quiet, and a couple of hours each day just to be by myself. I'm not REALLY alone...the girls are sleeping just around the corner, and there are several cats and dogs wandering around here, but they don't demand me to talk to them or keep them company.
So, my favorite time of day is the time when I know everyone is safe and sound, but I am by myself. I've had my night's sleep, I have my French Vanilla coffee, I get to do what I want to do, and life is good.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Kittens
The kittens are 5 weeks old today. They are, of course, adorable. They are also very smart. The little boy kitty is named Spot III (His father would be Spot II, and his grandmother is a feral cat we only catch glimpses of out our back windows, named, obviously, Original Spot.) Had I known we would end up keeping these kittens I would have better names for them. However, my intentions had been to find them all good homes, and I let my daughters name them.
Spot understands English, because as soon as my husband told me it was up to me, this cat can not leave me alone. He cries at the gate until I come pet him. If I step over the gate to go in the girls' room, he climbs up my legs. If I sit down for a minute, I'm stuck for half an hour because he climbs in my lap and cuddles with me. Here's how he helps me do History with the girls. We've been doing History as a bedtime story, so please excuse the raggedy, old nightgown. That's Spot on my back.
Because Spot was smart enough to worm his little way into my heart, I began feeling guilty about the 2 little girl kitties. After all, it's not fair to keep one, and send the other 2 off to someone who might not love them as much as we do. Now I know why I made it 37 years with never having kittens around me. I'd have 37 cats if I'd been around kittens all my life. Look how much C loves them:
The 2 female kittens each have their own personality, too. Ashley is the runt, and hard to get a picture of because she thinks she's a might lioness. This little girl is FAST, and she loves to pounce and attack anything that catches her eye. I took this picture a few days ago. She WAS sitting still in the center of the photo, but in the split second between the flash going off, and the picture actually being taken she was off!
Abby is timid. She doesn't like to be picked up, but she will ease her way over to cuddle on her own time. The least little thing scares her, and she likes to hide under the bed, or behind the door. At least I don't have to worry about Abby tearing up my house like her sister. LOL As you can see she is a GORGEOUS long-haired calico:
They just began eating solid food a few days ago. (kitten chow softened with water)
So it looks as if we may be keeping all three. My next door neighbor might possibly take one, but I'm not going to look much farther for any homes. Next door is okay, because we can visit.
For any of you who read my blog and have a daughter that is in daily e-mail contact with C tell your daughter not to mention this little post because my girls still think we won't be keeping any kittens. C's birthday is next week. One of the things she asked for was to keep the kittens. I'd like it to be a surprise.
Next post: taking up a collection to pay for neutering/spaying fees. LOL I called the vet yesterday, and it's a bit more expensive than I recall from years ago. $285!!!! EACH!
Spot understands English, because as soon as my husband told me it was up to me, this cat can not leave me alone. He cries at the gate until I come pet him. If I step over the gate to go in the girls' room, he climbs up my legs. If I sit down for a minute, I'm stuck for half an hour because he climbs in my lap and cuddles with me. Here's how he helps me do History with the girls. We've been doing History as a bedtime story, so please excuse the raggedy, old nightgown. That's Spot on my back.
Because Spot was smart enough to worm his little way into my heart, I began feeling guilty about the 2 little girl kitties. After all, it's not fair to keep one, and send the other 2 off to someone who might not love them as much as we do. Now I know why I made it 37 years with never having kittens around me. I'd have 37 cats if I'd been around kittens all my life. Look how much C loves them:
The 2 female kittens each have their own personality, too. Ashley is the runt, and hard to get a picture of because she thinks she's a might lioness. This little girl is FAST, and she loves to pounce and attack anything that catches her eye. I took this picture a few days ago. She WAS sitting still in the center of the photo, but in the split second between the flash going off, and the picture actually being taken she was off!
Abby is timid. She doesn't like to be picked up, but she will ease her way over to cuddle on her own time. The least little thing scares her, and she likes to hide under the bed, or behind the door. At least I don't have to worry about Abby tearing up my house like her sister. LOL As you can see she is a GORGEOUS long-haired calico:
They just began eating solid food a few days ago. (kitten chow softened with water)
So it looks as if we may be keeping all three. My next door neighbor might possibly take one, but I'm not going to look much farther for any homes. Next door is okay, because we can visit.
For any of you who read my blog and have a daughter that is in daily e-mail contact with C tell your daughter not to mention this little post because my girls still think we won't be keeping any kittens. C's birthday is next week. One of the things she asked for was to keep the kittens. I'd like it to be a surprise.
Next post: taking up a collection to pay for neutering/spaying fees. LOL I called the vet yesterday, and it's a bit more expensive than I recall from years ago. $285!!!! EACH!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Week 4 Review
Both girls did very well this week.
In first grade E completed 2 more lessons (in addition to the 2 posted below), and got an A+ on test #11 in Saxon. Her dad also did a few pages one night in her Abeka 1 math, and I might have done 1 page in there yesterday, but I won't admit that.
She also did 3 lessons in her Queens Language Lessons, and 2 pages in Abeka Language 1.
She read me 3 stories aloud. E also completed a chapter in her Reading Comprehension workbook.
She did 2 pages in geography, which she loves, and is up to lesson 9 in CLE Bible LU 104, which she also loves. I, however, and getting tired of stories written to 6 year olds about all the evil kings, and torturous punishments going on in the Old Testament. I'm hoping they soon move to the more peaceful, and pertinent to Modern-day Christianity, New Testament soon.
We did not do any spelling this week, although I hope to get back to that over the weekend.
As usual, E also hung around listening to her sister's science lessons. We are all still loving the Zoology, which is good, since we are in book 1 out of 3. This week we completed chapter 4, which centered on migratory birds. *I* even learned a ton, and it was fascinating. We went out in our backyard one day, and pretended to "migrate", which all 3 of us enjoyed.
In 5th grade C completed 1 test (A+), and 2 lessons in math. It's hard for me to get used to doing math only 3 days/week. C won't admit it, but she ASKED to do math Thursday, so maybe it seems strange to her, too.
We flew through English 5. C did the review of Chapter 2, got an A on the test (only missed 1 this time), and has completed 6 lessons of Chapter 3. She also did a daily gram each day, and is up to #50 in the book.
She also completed chapter 14 in spelling, getting an A+ as always. She doesn't really NEED spelling, but it's good vocabulary practice.
In history we learned about "Illumination" writing, and mosaics. I have intended for the past 3 days to make our own mosaics using paper, but haven't gotten around to cutting up millions of tiny pieces of paper for the "tiles". This week has been a good one to be able to have internet for, as we found some gorgeous examples of both the illumination writing, and mosaics online. C also did 1 page in her weekly geography book.
We haven't begun Literature yet. I still have to read the first book I plan to assign, and I've been reading a series of books my brother sent me, and can't get motivated to read a biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder at the moment. Not a big deal, as I only plan to study 4 books in depth this year.
C also completed 3 lessons in her Bible, not to mention daily reminders on how God wants us to treat others....especially little sisters. LOL
I am missing a subject, but can't for the life of me remember which one at the moment. Anyway, it's been a very productive week, and I hope to tie up loose ends over this weekend. (Reading that biography, and making the mosaics.)
In non-school life we have been watching the kittens grow and falling more in love with them every day. They are now a month old. We took our pool down, as the nights have been so cold we haven't swam for 4 weeks now. We have been dealing with more spiders than I've ever seen in years past, including one at 11:00 last night that ran under E's bed. (Thank you, hubby!!!!!)
This week has also been full of step-daughter-15 issues. I don't want to say too much here, but I've been in frequent e-mail contact with her caseworkers, frequent phone contact with her biological mother, (always a joy) and dealt with B running away and missing for 3 nights in a row last weekend, a court hearing Wednesday, another one scheduled for Oct., a probation appointment next week, and a very important meeting scheduled for the 29th, at which something might actually get done to get help for this wayward child. I think I spent more time on this child's issues this week, than school, and she doesn't even live here anymore!
~May God bless you all~
In first grade E completed 2 more lessons (in addition to the 2 posted below), and got an A+ on test #11 in Saxon. Her dad also did a few pages one night in her Abeka 1 math, and I might have done 1 page in there yesterday, but I won't admit that.
She also did 3 lessons in her Queens Language Lessons, and 2 pages in Abeka Language 1.
She read me 3 stories aloud. E also completed a chapter in her Reading Comprehension workbook.
She did 2 pages in geography, which she loves, and is up to lesson 9 in CLE Bible LU 104, which she also loves. I, however, and getting tired of stories written to 6 year olds about all the evil kings, and torturous punishments going on in the Old Testament. I'm hoping they soon move to the more peaceful, and pertinent to Modern-day Christianity, New Testament soon.
We did not do any spelling this week, although I hope to get back to that over the weekend.
As usual, E also hung around listening to her sister's science lessons. We are all still loving the Zoology, which is good, since we are in book 1 out of 3. This week we completed chapter 4, which centered on migratory birds. *I* even learned a ton, and it was fascinating. We went out in our backyard one day, and pretended to "migrate", which all 3 of us enjoyed.
In 5th grade C completed 1 test (A+), and 2 lessons in math. It's hard for me to get used to doing math only 3 days/week. C won't admit it, but she ASKED to do math Thursday, so maybe it seems strange to her, too.
We flew through English 5. C did the review of Chapter 2, got an A on the test (only missed 1 this time), and has completed 6 lessons of Chapter 3. She also did a daily gram each day, and is up to #50 in the book.
She also completed chapter 14 in spelling, getting an A+ as always. She doesn't really NEED spelling, but it's good vocabulary practice.
In history we learned about "Illumination" writing, and mosaics. I have intended for the past 3 days to make our own mosaics using paper, but haven't gotten around to cutting up millions of tiny pieces of paper for the "tiles". This week has been a good one to be able to have internet for, as we found some gorgeous examples of both the illumination writing, and mosaics online. C also did 1 page in her weekly geography book.
We haven't begun Literature yet. I still have to read the first book I plan to assign, and I've been reading a series of books my brother sent me, and can't get motivated to read a biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder at the moment. Not a big deal, as I only plan to study 4 books in depth this year.
C also completed 3 lessons in her Bible, not to mention daily reminders on how God wants us to treat others....especially little sisters. LOL
I am missing a subject, but can't for the life of me remember which one at the moment. Anyway, it's been a very productive week, and I hope to tie up loose ends over this weekend. (Reading that biography, and making the mosaics.)
In non-school life we have been watching the kittens grow and falling more in love with them every day. They are now a month old. We took our pool down, as the nights have been so cold we haven't swam for 4 weeks now. We have been dealing with more spiders than I've ever seen in years past, including one at 11:00 last night that ran under E's bed. (Thank you, hubby!!!!!)
This week has also been full of step-daughter-15 issues. I don't want to say too much here, but I've been in frequent e-mail contact with her caseworkers, frequent phone contact with her biological mother, (always a joy) and dealt with B running away and missing for 3 nights in a row last weekend, a court hearing Wednesday, another one scheduled for Oct., a probation appointment next week, and a very important meeting scheduled for the 29th, at which something might actually get done to get help for this wayward child. I think I spent more time on this child's issues this week, than school, and she doesn't even live here anymore!
~May God bless you all~
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Just a thought...
WHY do they have answers in the back of all first grade school books? Or the Kindergarten ones, for that matter?
Do they REALLY think if I need an answer key that I should be TEACHING my child?
Do they REALLY think if I need an answer key that I should be TEACHING my child?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
First grade Math
Remember how my husband was going to take over teaching math for first grade? Weeellll....to put it nicely, he isn't very consistant with it. He did 2 nights of math the first 2 days. A week later he did 3 pages with her, which is 1 1/2 lessons in Abeka's first grade math. That was 9 days ago, and he hasn't done any since. He is quite possesive of doing math with her, and doesn't want me working in the book with her at all because HE can handle it.
Thankfully, there's a solution to this problem. In addition (puns intended LOL) to me orally working on her skip counting and math facts through the day, I also happen to own Saxon 1, which we had completed almost 1/2 of the book in before buying Abeka. I had left off at Lesson 56 out of 130 lessons. Over the weekend I picked it back up, and E and I did lessons 57, and 58. My husband suspiciously asked what we were doing. I just innocently replied we were doing Saxon. He said, "It looks like math." I replied, "This isn't the book you guys do math in, is it?" LOL
Now watch...this will be the semi-annual time he reads my blog....LOL!
Thankfully, there's a solution to this problem. In addition (puns intended LOL) to me orally working on her skip counting and math facts through the day, I also happen to own Saxon 1, which we had completed almost 1/2 of the book in before buying Abeka. I had left off at Lesson 56 out of 130 lessons. Over the weekend I picked it back up, and E and I did lessons 57, and 58. My husband suspiciously asked what we were doing. I just innocently replied we were doing Saxon. He said, "It looks like math." I replied, "This isn't the book you guys do math in, is it?" LOL
Now watch...this will be the semi-annual time he reads my blog....LOL!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Week 3 Review
We had a very productive week, even though it was shortened by Labor Day.
In Math, C completed Lessons 52, 53, and 54. She missed one problem each day, and every time it was a problem on using the distributive property of multiplication. She obviously isn't getting it, but since she can multiply those numbers in her head, I don't really care. Yesterday she was so tired of missing the same type of problem she actually voluntarily took notes on my explanation to refer to.
E did 3 pages of math with her dad. He's not being very consistent, so I've started orally drilling her on facts and skip counting, so she doesn't forget. She does fine; it's just that they will never get through the book at this rate, even though I had her 1/3 of the way through it before he took over.
C completed the next 4 pages of Daily Grams, and wrote a compare/contrast essay all by herself. She earned an A. This is a huge accomplishment for her...an A on writing, with no help from me. She has completed 19 lessons in her 5th grade English book now. E did 7 lessons in her Queens Language Lessons, and 2 pages in her Abeka Language.
Both girls finished lesson 3 in Zoology 1. I hadn't intended for E to participate in C's science, but she loves it, and is having no trouble retaining the information, so we've been doing science together. C is notebooking through this course, and writing lab reports on all experiments. E just listens, and helps out with the experiments.
Both girls also completed a few pages in their respective mapwork books.
C did Chapter 13 in BJU Spelling 5. She got A+ on it, as always. E completed Step 4, and half of Step 5 in her All About Spelling.
Both girls completed 4 lessons in their Bible workbooks.
C and I began the first 2 chapters in history. They are all still pretty much review of the fall of the Roman Empire, which we just finished studying a few weeks ago. She did get to read an abbreviated version of "Beowolf", which was pretty cool. She liked the poetry style of story writing.
We have not started literature yet. I will next week. It has a ton of time-consuming work, so thought it better to hold off until she wasn't on a writing chpater in English.
E read me 3 stories. She actually asked to. She doesn't like the stories in her graded reader, but she begs to read to me from real books.
Both girls have sinus infections, but not severe ones. They've been well enough to play outside with friends every day this week. I think it is interesting that this is the first time either one of them has gotten sick since I pulled them out of public school a year and a half ago. I'm almost positive they caught their bugs from a little boy they play with who was over here, and didn't mention he'd been out sick from school until my girls had been playing with him for over an hour.
This week was a very good week school-wise for all of us. It has also been a very busy week with step-daughter, B. She is having more issues, and has a court hearing next Wednesday. This was an unscheduled hearing, but due to her extreme problems, it was requested.
In Math, C completed Lessons 52, 53, and 54. She missed one problem each day, and every time it was a problem on using the distributive property of multiplication. She obviously isn't getting it, but since she can multiply those numbers in her head, I don't really care. Yesterday she was so tired of missing the same type of problem she actually voluntarily took notes on my explanation to refer to.
E did 3 pages of math with her dad. He's not being very consistent, so I've started orally drilling her on facts and skip counting, so she doesn't forget. She does fine; it's just that they will never get through the book at this rate, even though I had her 1/3 of the way through it before he took over.
C completed the next 4 pages of Daily Grams, and wrote a compare/contrast essay all by herself. She earned an A. This is a huge accomplishment for her...an A on writing, with no help from me. She has completed 19 lessons in her 5th grade English book now. E did 7 lessons in her Queens Language Lessons, and 2 pages in her Abeka Language.
Both girls finished lesson 3 in Zoology 1. I hadn't intended for E to participate in C's science, but she loves it, and is having no trouble retaining the information, so we've been doing science together. C is notebooking through this course, and writing lab reports on all experiments. E just listens, and helps out with the experiments.
Both girls also completed a few pages in their respective mapwork books.
C did Chapter 13 in BJU Spelling 5. She got A+ on it, as always. E completed Step 4, and half of Step 5 in her All About Spelling.
Both girls completed 4 lessons in their Bible workbooks.
C and I began the first 2 chapters in history. They are all still pretty much review of the fall of the Roman Empire, which we just finished studying a few weeks ago. She did get to read an abbreviated version of "Beowolf", which was pretty cool. She liked the poetry style of story writing.
We have not started literature yet. I will next week. It has a ton of time-consuming work, so thought it better to hold off until she wasn't on a writing chpater in English.
E read me 3 stories. She actually asked to. She doesn't like the stories in her graded reader, but she begs to read to me from real books.
Both girls have sinus infections, but not severe ones. They've been well enough to play outside with friends every day this week. I think it is interesting that this is the first time either one of them has gotten sick since I pulled them out of public school a year and a half ago. I'm almost positive they caught their bugs from a little boy they play with who was over here, and didn't mention he'd been out sick from school until my girls had been playing with him for over an hour.
This week was a very good week school-wise for all of us. It has also been a very busy week with step-daughter, B. She is having more issues, and has a court hearing next Wednesday. This was an unscheduled hearing, but due to her extreme problems, it was requested.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Stealing a Quote
I have no idea where this quote originated. I recently saw it on a friend's blog, and like it well enough to "steal" it for my own. Remember Hillary Clinton's famous, "It takes a village to raise a child..."? (when the U.S. was reforming education to the No Child Left Behind mind-set? the one that leaves more children behind now?)
Well:
No truer statement was ever said!
Well:
No truer statement was ever said!
Yesterday...(5th grade)
...was just one of those days where school flowed smoothly. C was up at 8:30, ate breakfast, and began her independant work by 9. (Bible, Spelling, and Grammar.)By 10, I'd given her math lesson and assignment, and her English assignment. She and I spent last week writing a Compare/Contrast Essay together. This week she is doing one entirely on her own. While she did those assignments, I finished cleaning the kitchen, and switching laundries around. By 11, all we had left was science. (We alternate science and history/geography.) By lunchtime we were done.
After lunch I made the suggestion that, even though she did very well all day, and had her work done, she might want to consider working ahead, since she had 2 writing assignments today. Her choices were to do her journal writing a day early, or go ahead and begin her rough draft of her essay. I let her know she didn't HAVE to do either, but it would make her day easier today. Shockingly...she chose the essay. Even MORE shocking...she wrote it fairly well. She didn't ask for help one time. She wrote it in the correct format, and had zero punctuation or spelling errors. I only saw one thing she could add, and I'm trying to make her figure it out on her own, without pointing it out.
So...here's my reminder to myself in black and white (okay, technically GREEN and white, LOL) that C CAN write, and she can even do well at it. And some days we can do 6 subjects in just 2 1/2 hours.
After lunch I made the suggestion that, even though she did very well all day, and had her work done, she might want to consider working ahead, since she had 2 writing assignments today. Her choices were to do her journal writing a day early, or go ahead and begin her rough draft of her essay. I let her know she didn't HAVE to do either, but it would make her day easier today. Shockingly...she chose the essay. Even MORE shocking...she wrote it fairly well. She didn't ask for help one time. She wrote it in the correct format, and had zero punctuation or spelling errors. I only saw one thing she could add, and I'm trying to make her figure it out on her own, without pointing it out.
So...here's my reminder to myself in black and white (okay, technically GREEN and white, LOL) that C CAN write, and she can even do well at it. And some days we can do 6 subjects in just 2 1/2 hours.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Every Child Should Have the Right to a Loving Mother
Why are there so many children in our country that are unloved and unwanted by their mothers? I just can't understand this. I was loved very much by my own mother, and had a great, idyllic even, childhood.
From the age of 4 I informed everyone that I was going to be a nurse until I got married, and then I was going to be a mommy. That was all I ever really wanted. (I even told mom when I was about 12 or 13 that I was going to marry a man named the same name as my husband, and that I was going to have 2 girls in a row...right again.)
From the moment my first daughter was born I've been in love with her. The very first thought I had, when the cord wasn't even cut, but I could feel her tiny movements, was, "WHOA! I have NEVER felt like this before. There is no man on earth that I've even come close to loving like this little girl, and I will do anything, anytime for her." Almost 11 years later, that hasn't changed. I believe this is how it should be.
I know there are other women just like me when it comes to mothering. They adore their children. They protect them, watch them, do their best to guide them, listen to them, talk to them, help them, and most of all, love them. The thought of them leaving one day for college, or marriage, or work is almost unbearable. Who will protect them then? Yet we know that day is coming, so we do our best to at least prepare them to make it successfully on their own.
Lately, though, I've noticed more and more children seemingly longing for the love and guidance of an adult. The little 8 year old boy down the street who comes to play with my girls, but sits talking to me, instead. A 10 year old girl who comes to our house, and after playing a few minutes with C, comes to sit on the bed with me, and talk for an hour. A 3 year old behind us who wanders the streets day and night with no one even calling him home or noticing he's not there. A 13 year old across the street whose mother leaves him home alone night after night, in a house with no electricity, but she has the money to pay her cell phone bill and nightly booze. My own step-daughters, whose mother literally abandoned them when they were age 3 and 6. (Dropped the 3 year old at the police station while Daddy was at work, and 6 year old was at school.) I just can't figure out how it is that some women don't see what treasures their children are!
This morning on the news I watched the saddest story that happened right here in my hometown this week. A 10 year old girl was found riding her bike down the busiest street in town, NAKED and soaking wet. She was crying, and trying to find someone to help her. A man finally stopped to give her a blanket, and call the police. Turns out her mom had just tried to drown her in the bathtub, but relented when the girl promised she would leave and never come back home.
These are little people! They crave love and need nurturing. They have feelings. Honestly, if someone doesn't want children these days, there are so many options for birth control. If that's too difficult there are tens of thousands of parents willing, and anxiously waiting to adopt. I realize most of the people who read this are followers of the Bible, and don't believe in birth control, but you must look at all the people who don't follow the Bible, and for whatever reason choose to bring children into this world, only to neglect them or abuse them. A trip to the local pharmacy or free clinic would be better than a suffering child.
I hear so many moms say, " I need ME time." I can empathize with that, but I haven't had ME time in almost 11 years. I didn't have children to neglect them. I didn't have children to let someone else raise them most of the day. I didn't have children to gain ME time. I don't have a weekly date night. I don't have a weekly, "go-out-with-my-girlfriends" time. These growing-up years are my daughters' time to be with me. I'll have plenty of my own time (too much) when they are grown up.
Every child deserves to at least have love. I can't understand "mothers" who have children, but don't care for them and love them. I am, by no means, a great mother. I lose my temper. I try not to cook, if any other means of providing a meal is available. I can't teach English well. (LOL...see post below.) Some days I'm just so tired, or sad about other things in my life, I go hide out in my room with the pillow over my head for half an hour. But always I listen to my girls, talk to them, play with them, read with them, teach them, and above all CHERISH, LOVE, and TREASURE them. Don't all children deserve at least that much?
From the age of 4 I informed everyone that I was going to be a nurse until I got married, and then I was going to be a mommy. That was all I ever really wanted. (I even told mom when I was about 12 or 13 that I was going to marry a man named the same name as my husband, and that I was going to have 2 girls in a row...right again.)
From the moment my first daughter was born I've been in love with her. The very first thought I had, when the cord wasn't even cut, but I could feel her tiny movements, was, "WHOA! I have NEVER felt like this before. There is no man on earth that I've even come close to loving like this little girl, and I will do anything, anytime for her." Almost 11 years later, that hasn't changed. I believe this is how it should be.
I know there are other women just like me when it comes to mothering. They adore their children. They protect them, watch them, do their best to guide them, listen to them, talk to them, help them, and most of all, love them. The thought of them leaving one day for college, or marriage, or work is almost unbearable. Who will protect them then? Yet we know that day is coming, so we do our best to at least prepare them to make it successfully on their own.
Lately, though, I've noticed more and more children seemingly longing for the love and guidance of an adult. The little 8 year old boy down the street who comes to play with my girls, but sits talking to me, instead. A 10 year old girl who comes to our house, and after playing a few minutes with C, comes to sit on the bed with me, and talk for an hour. A 3 year old behind us who wanders the streets day and night with no one even calling him home or noticing he's not there. A 13 year old across the street whose mother leaves him home alone night after night, in a house with no electricity, but she has the money to pay her cell phone bill and nightly booze. My own step-daughters, whose mother literally abandoned them when they were age 3 and 6. (Dropped the 3 year old at the police station while Daddy was at work, and 6 year old was at school.) I just can't figure out how it is that some women don't see what treasures their children are!
This morning on the news I watched the saddest story that happened right here in my hometown this week. A 10 year old girl was found riding her bike down the busiest street in town, NAKED and soaking wet. She was crying, and trying to find someone to help her. A man finally stopped to give her a blanket, and call the police. Turns out her mom had just tried to drown her in the bathtub, but relented when the girl promised she would leave and never come back home.
These are little people! They crave love and need nurturing. They have feelings. Honestly, if someone doesn't want children these days, there are so many options for birth control. If that's too difficult there are tens of thousands of parents willing, and anxiously waiting to adopt. I realize most of the people who read this are followers of the Bible, and don't believe in birth control, but you must look at all the people who don't follow the Bible, and for whatever reason choose to bring children into this world, only to neglect them or abuse them. A trip to the local pharmacy or free clinic would be better than a suffering child.
I hear so many moms say, " I need ME time." I can empathize with that, but I haven't had ME time in almost 11 years. I didn't have children to neglect them. I didn't have children to let someone else raise them most of the day. I didn't have children to gain ME time. I don't have a weekly date night. I don't have a weekly, "go-out-with-my-girlfriends" time. These growing-up years are my daughters' time to be with me. I'll have plenty of my own time (too much) when they are grown up.
Every child deserves to at least have love. I can't understand "mothers" who have children, but don't care for them and love them. I am, by no means, a great mother. I lose my temper. I try not to cook, if any other means of providing a meal is available. I can't teach English well. (LOL...see post below.) Some days I'm just so tired, or sad about other things in my life, I go hide out in my room with the pillow over my head for half an hour. But always I listen to my girls, talk to them, play with them, read with them, teach them, and above all CHERISH, LOVE, and TREASURE them. Don't all children deserve at least that much?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
What is it About English?
I love teaching my daughters. Some days it's hard to find time, and some days I get incredibly bored, but the teaching itself, is usually actually fun. I loved that my daughters aren't wasting hours waiting for other students to catch up, and I love that when they "get it", we can keep moving on to new material. My daughter used to literally cry over math in public school. They spent almost 2 hours a day on it, and C was done in 1/4 of that time. She still won't admit to liking it, but we do the entire lesson, and homework assignment in under half an hour most days. Science is more of a fun activity than boring. I couldn't stand science in school, but my daughters and I love it now. Rocks, birds, clouds, it doesn't matter, it's fun. History is apparently my strong point. I'm a history buff, anyway, so teaching it is easy, and I always have a flair for turning some boring old war into a funny story. (If I do say so, myself. LOL) I get so into history that I've caught my husband eavesdropping in the hall, and laughing out loud. Whatever it takes for her to remember the stuff.
Then...there is English. Growing up, English was one of those subjects I called a "blow off" subject. An easy A. No work involved. I never really got into poetry, but I could spout something off if I was assigned to. I could write volumes of stories, essays, persuasive arguments...you name it, I could take 10 minutes, and have an "A" paper. We didn't do a whole lot of grammar, but that was easy, too. Noun, verb, adjective...guess the rest. Essay question that I didn't know the answer to?..no problem. Just baffle 'em with B.S. I could cover half a page in answer to said question, and say absolutely nothing, and get one of those little "Excellent" comments written in red pen next to it from the teacher. Another A. Spelling...no problem for someone that taught herself to read AND write at age 4 during naptime. Literature...easy....just read a book, something I did non-stop back then, and still do now. I didn't have to take English classes of any sort in college, because I was allowed to "test out" of them. (I did the same with college math.) I did, however, take some just for fun. Yes, I'm a nerd.
So......WHY IN THE WORLD CAN'T I TEACH IT?!? It is my daughter's weakest area. She's not really bad at English, but she certainly isn't good, either. She loves to read, and thankfully seems to be a natural speller, like me. We do a spelling curriculum, but only because it has really good vocabulary exercises, and there are some thinking skills involved. Up until yesterday I would even have said she's good at the grammar portion of English. Her weak area is writing. She can not stand to write, and will always take the easiest (read...laziest) way out of a written assignment. I KNOW part of it is that I expect too much from a ten year old. I expect that because she excels in other areas that I excelled at, she should go above and beyond in writing. (If anyone has ever noticed that I occasionally let her type "guest posts" here in my blog, that is why. If she manages a decent paragraph, she feels very special to be able to type it up on the computer and put it on Mommy's blog.) I rarely yell at my children, but poor C gets frequent rants from me about English.
We just started the year. I have it planned that, although we will do grammar, we are going to concentrate on writing this year. Her book is set up so that every other chapter is grammar, alternating with a writing chapter. It is written very well. I had high hopes for this English program, after going through 2 last year. (And the second half of last year I wussed out, and did only grammar. My excuse being, that some children need a little more time for their brains to grasp the abstract thinking involved with writing.) C has never (until yesterday) had any problems with grammar. She has a good, solid background in grammar. The first chapter we doubled up on lessons, and did 2 each day. She did the chapter review Monday, and took the test yesterday. She didn't miss a single thing the entire chapter. I didn't expect her to, as it was mainly review of things she has done for 2 years now. She missed SIX test questions yesterday, earning her an 82%. That's a C. On things she's never had a problem with, and should have easily aced. For those of you that know me, C's are completely unacceptable. B's are barely tolerable, but C's?!? I figure if you know the stuff you will get an A. Anything less means 1.) I didn't do my job as a teacher, and 2.) the child is a borderline idiot, and needs more work. (Sorry to offend. If you don't like it, don't read my blog.)
Remember, this C was on a test of things she KNEW. She's done hundreds of times. She had no issues whatsoever on the entire chapter, but when she did the test apparently the word "are" became a preposition, and interrogative sentences suddenly became confused with imperative sentences. (Cute side note.....during my rant after grading the test I asked C, "Why do you think they call it an interrogation when the police question their suspect after arresting them???" Poor C said, "I don't know, Mom. I've never been to jail." LOL!)
So, on day 7 of our official start of 5th grade, I am already having issues with English. I would like to call in a substitute, but as the only legal substitutes for homeschooling are other, immediate family members, that won't be happening. My choices are limited to a 6 year old, and a man that skated through school with D's, dropping out at age 16, and has read a total of two books in twelve years that I've known him. (both having to do with snipers in Iraq killing the enemy.)
I'm not sure who dreads English more, me or my daughter. Yes, I realize she zooms in on the "subtle" little clues I give her, and that my attitude affects hers. My attitude reguarding English has not been subtle at all. I have not been patient or humble. I have a mental block when it comes to people that don't understand concepts quickly. I am, basically, a horrible English teacher. I have no qualms about admitting that. I am not helping my daughter out. If I could afford to hire a private tutor, I most likely would, for this one subject. If it was legal to do so, I would skip English entirely until I get her into high school.
However, the moral of this story/rant is that I, at least care. In school a C is perfectly acceptable, and they move on. In homeschool we CAN work through this, and if we have to do it in baby steps we will. If I feel myself getting angry we should stop for the day. If I see C becoming frustrated we should stop for the day. We school year round, and we are far ahead in every other subject. We have plenty of time. I love this girl with everything in me. I want her to learn, to do well, and to enjoy learning. We CAN make it through 5th grade English.
Today we begin her first writing chapter, and I promise to remain calm. In the event I feel my blood pressure rising, we will stop.
Then...there is English. Growing up, English was one of those subjects I called a "blow off" subject. An easy A. No work involved. I never really got into poetry, but I could spout something off if I was assigned to. I could write volumes of stories, essays, persuasive arguments...you name it, I could take 10 minutes, and have an "A" paper. We didn't do a whole lot of grammar, but that was easy, too. Noun, verb, adjective...guess the rest. Essay question that I didn't know the answer to?..no problem. Just baffle 'em with B.S. I could cover half a page in answer to said question, and say absolutely nothing, and get one of those little "Excellent" comments written in red pen next to it from the teacher. Another A. Spelling...no problem for someone that taught herself to read AND write at age 4 during naptime. Literature...easy....just read a book, something I did non-stop back then, and still do now. I didn't have to take English classes of any sort in college, because I was allowed to "test out" of them. (I did the same with college math.) I did, however, take some just for fun. Yes, I'm a nerd.
So......WHY IN THE WORLD CAN'T I TEACH IT?!? It is my daughter's weakest area. She's not really bad at English, but she certainly isn't good, either. She loves to read, and thankfully seems to be a natural speller, like me. We do a spelling curriculum, but only because it has really good vocabulary exercises, and there are some thinking skills involved. Up until yesterday I would even have said she's good at the grammar portion of English. Her weak area is writing. She can not stand to write, and will always take the easiest (read...laziest) way out of a written assignment. I KNOW part of it is that I expect too much from a ten year old. I expect that because she excels in other areas that I excelled at, she should go above and beyond in writing. (If anyone has ever noticed that I occasionally let her type "guest posts" here in my blog, that is why. If she manages a decent paragraph, she feels very special to be able to type it up on the computer and put it on Mommy's blog.) I rarely yell at my children, but poor C gets frequent rants from me about English.
We just started the year. I have it planned that, although we will do grammar, we are going to concentrate on writing this year. Her book is set up so that every other chapter is grammar, alternating with a writing chapter. It is written very well. I had high hopes for this English program, after going through 2 last year. (And the second half of last year I wussed out, and did only grammar. My excuse being, that some children need a little more time for their brains to grasp the abstract thinking involved with writing.) C has never (until yesterday) had any problems with grammar. She has a good, solid background in grammar. The first chapter we doubled up on lessons, and did 2 each day. She did the chapter review Monday, and took the test yesterday. She didn't miss a single thing the entire chapter. I didn't expect her to, as it was mainly review of things she has done for 2 years now. She missed SIX test questions yesterday, earning her an 82%. That's a C. On things she's never had a problem with, and should have easily aced. For those of you that know me, C's are completely unacceptable. B's are barely tolerable, but C's?!? I figure if you know the stuff you will get an A. Anything less means 1.) I didn't do my job as a teacher, and 2.) the child is a borderline idiot, and needs more work. (Sorry to offend. If you don't like it, don't read my blog.)
Remember, this C was on a test of things she KNEW. She's done hundreds of times. She had no issues whatsoever on the entire chapter, but when she did the test apparently the word "are" became a preposition, and interrogative sentences suddenly became confused with imperative sentences. (Cute side note.....during my rant after grading the test I asked C, "Why do you think they call it an interrogation when the police question their suspect after arresting them???" Poor C said, "I don't know, Mom. I've never been to jail." LOL!)
So, on day 7 of our official start of 5th grade, I am already having issues with English. I would like to call in a substitute, but as the only legal substitutes for homeschooling are other, immediate family members, that won't be happening. My choices are limited to a 6 year old, and a man that skated through school with D's, dropping out at age 16, and has read a total of two books in twelve years that I've known him. (both having to do with snipers in Iraq killing the enemy.)
I'm not sure who dreads English more, me or my daughter. Yes, I realize she zooms in on the "subtle" little clues I give her, and that my attitude affects hers. My attitude reguarding English has not been subtle at all. I have not been patient or humble. I have a mental block when it comes to people that don't understand concepts quickly. I am, basically, a horrible English teacher. I have no qualms about admitting that. I am not helping my daughter out. If I could afford to hire a private tutor, I most likely would, for this one subject. If it was legal to do so, I would skip English entirely until I get her into high school.
However, the moral of this story/rant is that I, at least care. In school a C is perfectly acceptable, and they move on. In homeschool we CAN work through this, and if we have to do it in baby steps we will. If I feel myself getting angry we should stop for the day. If I see C becoming frustrated we should stop for the day. We school year round, and we are far ahead in every other subject. We have plenty of time. I love this girl with everything in me. I want her to learn, to do well, and to enjoy learning. We CAN make it through 5th grade English.
Today we begin her first writing chapter, and I promise to remain calm. In the event I feel my blood pressure rising, we will stop.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Week 1 Review
C began her first official week of 5th grade this week. We are only doing half days, until after Labor Day.
She finished her 3rd grade Bible program. The curriculum we use runs one year behind in publishing their new, revised versions, so she will do 4th grade for her 5th grade year. I'm not concerned about grade levels for Bible, as it's not something like English or Math.
C completed 6 more lessons in Math, and got a 90% on test #9. I wasn't too thrilled with the 90%, because her mistakes were, as always, careless ones that should have been caught by checking her work before turning it in.
She has done the first 9 lessons in her 5th grade English. We were able to do 2 lessons each day thanks to Easy Grammar last year. It was all review, although she and I are both learning a new technique for grammar...diagramming. I don't see the point of diagramming sentences, but others swear by it, and BJU English uses it, so we're seeing how it goes. She got A+'s on every assignment.
For Science, C completed unit 2 in her Zoology 1 book, and began unit 3.
I hadn't intended to start History for 2 more weeks, as we JUST finished a summer of reviewing Ancient History, but C asked if we could please start it, so we've done the first chapter of the Middle Ages. I have an entire box of "living" books to go along with our History, but if anyone has any really good recommendations for books pertinent to the Middle ages, please post them in my comments. C and I are both voracious readers, and we can never have too many books.
E is continuing on with her 1st grade work. We completed 2 lessons in her spelling/phonics program. She finished LU 103 in Bible. We began a new geography book, and she completed 2 pages. She has been reading aloud to both her Daddy and I, and particiapting in C's Zoology lessons for science.
The big news with E is that Daddy has agreed to finish teaching her math this year. She is already 1/3 through her book. He managed to do 3 pages in her book 1 evening this week. I was looking foward to getting a break from at least one class, freeing up a little more time each day, but Daddy isn't too consistent, and I'm not sure how long this arrangement will last. LOL
She finished her 3rd grade Bible program. The curriculum we use runs one year behind in publishing their new, revised versions, so she will do 4th grade for her 5th grade year. I'm not concerned about grade levels for Bible, as it's not something like English or Math.
C completed 6 more lessons in Math, and got a 90% on test #9. I wasn't too thrilled with the 90%, because her mistakes were, as always, careless ones that should have been caught by checking her work before turning it in.
She has done the first 9 lessons in her 5th grade English. We were able to do 2 lessons each day thanks to Easy Grammar last year. It was all review, although she and I are both learning a new technique for grammar...diagramming. I don't see the point of diagramming sentences, but others swear by it, and BJU English uses it, so we're seeing how it goes. She got A+'s on every assignment.
For Science, C completed unit 2 in her Zoology 1 book, and began unit 3.
I hadn't intended to start History for 2 more weeks, as we JUST finished a summer of reviewing Ancient History, but C asked if we could please start it, so we've done the first chapter of the Middle Ages. I have an entire box of "living" books to go along with our History, but if anyone has any really good recommendations for books pertinent to the Middle ages, please post them in my comments. C and I are both voracious readers, and we can never have too many books.
E is continuing on with her 1st grade work. We completed 2 lessons in her spelling/phonics program. She finished LU 103 in Bible. We began a new geography book, and she completed 2 pages. She has been reading aloud to both her Daddy and I, and particiapting in C's Zoology lessons for science.
The big news with E is that Daddy has agreed to finish teaching her math this year. She is already 1/3 through her book. He managed to do 3 pages in her book 1 evening this week. I was looking foward to getting a break from at least one class, freeing up a little more time each day, but Daddy isn't too consistent, and I'm not sure how long this arrangement will last. LOL
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
My Girls Have Fallen in Love....
....with these:
I think I've mentioned in a prior post that our kitty, Minnie, was expecting. She gave birth yesterday morning to these 3 adorable kittens. Two females, and one we aren't sure if it's a male or female. I think it's male. My husband thinks it's female. That means it's male because I'm always right. LOL!!!
Unfortunately, Minnie chose to have her babies in my 6 year old's bed. E was thrilled to have that honor. I was not quite as thrilled, as I had to spend the day doing umpteen extra loads of laundry. I was already going on only 4 hours of sleep yesterday, so 7 or 8 extra trips down the basement stairs and back up again didn't help my mood or my knee. LOL
E could not stop crying when she first saw the newborn kittens. I asked her if she was okay, and she clasped her hands and replied, "I'm fine! These are tears of JOY!" She was just completely enthralled at the new lives. (And yes, that is her bed. E keeps everything but the kitchen sink in there...including, it seems, mother cats and newborn kittens. LOL)
All seem to be doing well. Minnie is used to the girls, and will be staying in the girls' room. I have moved her from E's bed, though, and we bought a baby gate to keep the dogs out of their bedroom. Here they are just five minutes ago:
I think I've mentioned in a prior post that our kitty, Minnie, was expecting. She gave birth yesterday morning to these 3 adorable kittens. Two females, and one we aren't sure if it's a male or female. I think it's male. My husband thinks it's female. That means it's male because I'm always right. LOL!!!
Unfortunately, Minnie chose to have her babies in my 6 year old's bed. E was thrilled to have that honor. I was not quite as thrilled, as I had to spend the day doing umpteen extra loads of laundry. I was already going on only 4 hours of sleep yesterday, so 7 or 8 extra trips down the basement stairs and back up again didn't help my mood or my knee. LOL
E could not stop crying when she first saw the newborn kittens. I asked her if she was okay, and she clasped her hands and replied, "I'm fine! These are tears of JOY!" She was just completely enthralled at the new lives. (And yes, that is her bed. E keeps everything but the kitchen sink in there...including, it seems, mother cats and newborn kittens. LOL)
All seem to be doing well. Minnie is used to the girls, and will be staying in the girls' room. I have moved her from E's bed, though, and we bought a baby gate to keep the dogs out of their bedroom. Here they are just five minutes ago:
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What is Homeschooling?
Two years ago I didn't know a thing about homeschooling. I had no idea exactly how one went about homeschooling, where one obtained books and materials, or even that it is perfectly legal in all 50 states. Different states have different criteria to meet. I live in a state where it is very simple and easy to stay within legal boundaries, but even the most rigid states aren't that complicated. It is such a part of my life now, that I forget the "average" person doesn't know what it might entail. Recently, I was asked a question by someone, and this is the thought that popped into my head to write about this morning.
Everyone chooses to school their children in different ways. One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is that we parents have a HUGE variety of materials and curriculum to choose from. We can choose which math program works best for each individual child. We can choose whether to use textbooks or "living" books, or just life. We can choose secular or Christian content. We can choose whether to spend the next year concentrating more on grammar or more on writing depending upon each child's needs. In other words, we are free to choose what works best for each child, AND what works best for us, as teachers. Some mothers (I will use mothers as teachers, because they are most often the ones staying home and educating the children. I know of a few fathers who homeschool, but they are in the minority.) find a program they like that includes all the subjects, and stick with it for each and every one of their kids. Some mothers always second guess their choices, and try something for 6 weeks, only to drop it, and try another program. Some use textbooks only. Some are die-hard unschoolers, and never once do their children see a book or workbook. Virtually everyone begins the same way...reading a myriad of books written by homoeschoolers and researching the topic. Most of us nowadays find our way to a website or two devoted to homeschooling where we can "talk" to other homeschooling parents, and gain insight and knowledge from others' previous experiences.
I've been fairly blessed with my curriculum choices. Of course, I'm the type of woman who can't ever make a serious decision without researching it to death first, but I've only had one issue with one of my daughters. Everything else I've bought has worked well for the child I bought it for, and exceeded my expectations. With the exception of C's English last year, I've stuck to all of my original choices. I don't use one program for all subjects; I mix-and-match with whatever works for each child in each subject area.
More about curriculum choices in a later post....for now I'll get back on topic. Homeschooling is basically educating your children at home (or in the car, or out in the park, or waiting in a doctor's office...)in the way that works best for your particular family. For my family, this means I use textbooks for Math, English, and Science. My daughters are definitely allowed to state their likes/dislikes with each book, and they have input in decisions when choosing a textbook, but we DO use textbooks. I feel that not using a textbook in the basic subjects leaves a good chance for "gaps" in their education. On the other hand I detest textbooks for History and Geography. I don't remember one single thing I learned in 13 years of school, and 3 years of college that had to do with history. Do you? I learned more about the Civil War from trashy romance novels I read in high shcool, and anyone that knows me knows I have a fetish for anything related to WWII. I will read ANYthing having to do with the 1930's-40's. I have a series of books I use to keep myself going in the right direction, but mainly I use living books. Living books are just your normal book read for pleasure. Of course, I choose these books carefully, picking ones that have to do with the time frame in history we are studying. Last year, for US History I used a text for our spine to ensure I didn't skip any major historical events, but C was saturated with living books that she read to herself, or that I read aloud with her. I found the textbook was very boring, and very innaccurate, and left tons of history completely out. We read biographies of Helen Keller, Louis Braille, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and Thomas Edison. We read the entire "Little House on the Prairie" series aloud. We read books by Mark Twain. I almost ommitted the Mark Twain books, because I thought they were boring, but C adored them, and found them hilarious.We read "The Witch of Blackbird Pond", and we read others that I can't even recall now. C really enjoys biographies. (just like her mother LOL)
Not only did we read tons of enjoyable books having to do with our history, we utilized the TV. I hadn't even intended the story of our country and its' foundations to coincide with the presidential elections last year, but it did. C watched the national debates with me. She attentively listened to my opinions on Barack Obama and John McCain. She helped me research their respective voting records, and political history. We compared the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and The Articles of Confederation and what our founding fathers had in mind with the state of our union in current times. We watched the election and innauguration speech. Although I completely was against Obama (don't even start with me about him!) his election worked perfectly into not only our study of what our country was founded on, but also went along with slavery, the Civil War, and the civil rights movement of the 1960's. Enough said on that before I get myself in trouble with the blog police.....
Homeschooling just becomes a way of life. I probably annoy my children to no end. We frequently enjoy studying nature. Not for school, but just because nature is cool, and I enjoy being in solitude out in a forest or down by a lake than being around other people. Lately, though, my poor children can't find something neat in the woods without me researching it online or in books when we get home. Find a bone? Let's look it up and compare it to animals native to our area. Find a cool rock? Let's find out what kind it is, and how it was formed. Poor kids. Yesterday C and I had an hour-and-a-half long discussion about labor, delivery, and the female reproductive tract just because our cat is soon expecting kittens. Who needs a health book, when it worked so well into the natural conversation? (An added bonus that she loved...she learned all about her own personal labor/delivery story, and how pitocin works. LOL)Final exam will be watching (hopefully) the cat actually give birth. C loves animals, and has seen many surgeries and 1 birth (of a Panda) on TV. I know birth won't bother her a bit in person. E, on the other hand will probably gag, and go to a room as far away as possible. C even got to hear the stintilating stories of my high-school boyfriend who was a hog farmer, and the deliveries of piglets he and I assisted at many times. (Well, okay, not me. I just watched him assist. If you've ever seen someone have to assist a pig having trouble giving birth you will know what I'm talking about. It ain't pretty.)
Homeschooling takes more time than any full-time job. It takes time away from your housework (not neccessarily a bad thing), your husband, your friends, and your own personal time. Actually....I think I've forgotten what my own personal time is. I literally have both my daughters with me 24/7, but that's the way I like it. It makes it a little difficult to shop for birthday or Christmas gifts, but other than that I feel it's what I am meant to do, and SHOULD do. It's not something we do only from 9:00 to 3:00. We are learning all the time, and just because we complete assignments in school-books, we aren't done. I'm completely involved in all aspects of my daughters' lives. I never have to ask, "How was school today?" or "What have you learned in Math this week?" The worst problem my girls have with school is they do a lot more work than in public school, and they have one of those teachers that has a tendency to ramble on too long. : )
Everyone chooses to school their children in different ways. One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is that we parents have a HUGE variety of materials and curriculum to choose from. We can choose which math program works best for each individual child. We can choose whether to use textbooks or "living" books, or just life. We can choose secular or Christian content. We can choose whether to spend the next year concentrating more on grammar or more on writing depending upon each child's needs. In other words, we are free to choose what works best for each child, AND what works best for us, as teachers. Some mothers (I will use mothers as teachers, because they are most often the ones staying home and educating the children. I know of a few fathers who homeschool, but they are in the minority.) find a program they like that includes all the subjects, and stick with it for each and every one of their kids. Some mothers always second guess their choices, and try something for 6 weeks, only to drop it, and try another program. Some use textbooks only. Some are die-hard unschoolers, and never once do their children see a book or workbook. Virtually everyone begins the same way...reading a myriad of books written by homoeschoolers and researching the topic. Most of us nowadays find our way to a website or two devoted to homeschooling where we can "talk" to other homeschooling parents, and gain insight and knowledge from others' previous experiences.
I've been fairly blessed with my curriculum choices. Of course, I'm the type of woman who can't ever make a serious decision without researching it to death first, but I've only had one issue with one of my daughters. Everything else I've bought has worked well for the child I bought it for, and exceeded my expectations. With the exception of C's English last year, I've stuck to all of my original choices. I don't use one program for all subjects; I mix-and-match with whatever works for each child in each subject area.
More about curriculum choices in a later post....for now I'll get back on topic. Homeschooling is basically educating your children at home (or in the car, or out in the park, or waiting in a doctor's office...)in the way that works best for your particular family. For my family, this means I use textbooks for Math, English, and Science. My daughters are definitely allowed to state their likes/dislikes with each book, and they have input in decisions when choosing a textbook, but we DO use textbooks. I feel that not using a textbook in the basic subjects leaves a good chance for "gaps" in their education. On the other hand I detest textbooks for History and Geography. I don't remember one single thing I learned in 13 years of school, and 3 years of college that had to do with history. Do you? I learned more about the Civil War from trashy romance novels I read in high shcool, and anyone that knows me knows I have a fetish for anything related to WWII. I will read ANYthing having to do with the 1930's-40's. I have a series of books I use to keep myself going in the right direction, but mainly I use living books. Living books are just your normal book read for pleasure. Of course, I choose these books carefully, picking ones that have to do with the time frame in history we are studying. Last year, for US History I used a text for our spine to ensure I didn't skip any major historical events, but C was saturated with living books that she read to herself, or that I read aloud with her. I found the textbook was very boring, and very innaccurate, and left tons of history completely out. We read biographies of Helen Keller, Louis Braille, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and Thomas Edison. We read the entire "Little House on the Prairie" series aloud. We read books by Mark Twain. I almost ommitted the Mark Twain books, because I thought they were boring, but C adored them, and found them hilarious.We read "The Witch of Blackbird Pond", and we read others that I can't even recall now. C really enjoys biographies. (just like her mother LOL)
Not only did we read tons of enjoyable books having to do with our history, we utilized the TV. I hadn't even intended the story of our country and its' foundations to coincide with the presidential elections last year, but it did. C watched the national debates with me. She attentively listened to my opinions on Barack Obama and John McCain. She helped me research their respective voting records, and political history. We compared the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and The Articles of Confederation and what our founding fathers had in mind with the state of our union in current times. We watched the election and innauguration speech. Although I completely was against Obama (don't even start with me about him!) his election worked perfectly into not only our study of what our country was founded on, but also went along with slavery, the Civil War, and the civil rights movement of the 1960's. Enough said on that before I get myself in trouble with the blog police.....
Homeschooling just becomes a way of life. I probably annoy my children to no end. We frequently enjoy studying nature. Not for school, but just because nature is cool, and I enjoy being in solitude out in a forest or down by a lake than being around other people. Lately, though, my poor children can't find something neat in the woods without me researching it online or in books when we get home. Find a bone? Let's look it up and compare it to animals native to our area. Find a cool rock? Let's find out what kind it is, and how it was formed. Poor kids. Yesterday C and I had an hour-and-a-half long discussion about labor, delivery, and the female reproductive tract just because our cat is soon expecting kittens. Who needs a health book, when it worked so well into the natural conversation? (An added bonus that she loved...she learned all about her own personal labor/delivery story, and how pitocin works. LOL)Final exam will be watching (hopefully) the cat actually give birth. C loves animals, and has seen many surgeries and 1 birth (of a Panda) on TV. I know birth won't bother her a bit in person. E, on the other hand will probably gag, and go to a room as far away as possible. C even got to hear the stintilating stories of my high-school boyfriend who was a hog farmer, and the deliveries of piglets he and I assisted at many times. (Well, okay, not me. I just watched him assist. If you've ever seen someone have to assist a pig having trouble giving birth you will know what I'm talking about. It ain't pretty.)
Homeschooling takes more time than any full-time job. It takes time away from your housework (not neccessarily a bad thing), your husband, your friends, and your own personal time. Actually....I think I've forgotten what my own personal time is. I literally have both my daughters with me 24/7, but that's the way I like it. It makes it a little difficult to shop for birthday or Christmas gifts, but other than that I feel it's what I am meant to do, and SHOULD do. It's not something we do only from 9:00 to 3:00. We are learning all the time, and just because we complete assignments in school-books, we aren't done. I'm completely involved in all aspects of my daughters' lives. I never have to ask, "How was school today?" or "What have you learned in Math this week?" The worst problem my girls have with school is they do a lot more work than in public school, and they have one of those teachers that has a tendency to ramble on too long. : )
Monday, August 3, 2009
C and E's Fist Catches
We haven't really fished much the past 5 years, so C and E are a little late in learning. We went last week, but I was the only one who caught anything. Tonight they each caught small Bluegills. I did, too, but for some reason no one thought it momentous enough to photograph me. LOL
C did very well. She fished for 3 hours non-stop, and was determined to catch more.
I love E's face in the second picture. : ) She's so delighted, yet scared to get the fish too close to her.
C did very well. She fished for 3 hours non-stop, and was determined to catch more.
I love E's face in the second picture. : ) She's so delighted, yet scared to get the fish too close to her.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Whew!
Just a quick update for now. C is finished with her 4th softball season. Her team won the first game of the tournaments, and lost the next two, so her team finished in 4th place for the season and the tournament. In the very last inning of the very last game she was injured. C is the pitcher for our team, and was hit in the ankle bone by a line-drive grounder. Although it is bruised and swollen, she refused to sit out, and finished pitching the game. Our team pizza party is this Sunday, and the entire softball league's annual potluck/coach softball game is the following week.
C was also busy with Bible school, and her enrichment classes at the college. Those are finished now, too. E participated in Bible school again, too.
My husband's transmission went out in his truck, so he has spent the last 2 weeks riding his bike to work. It will be quite awhile before we have enough spare money to work on getting a new transmission, or fixing this one.
We're close to meeting our goals for the summer with our schoolwork, and have even exceeded our plans in some areas. I'll try to make that a separate post.
The girls have learned a few extra "life-lessons" this summer, too. They are still grieving over the loss of their friend across the street. At the same time they (and me) are anxiously awaiting the arrival of kittens. Minnie, an abused stray, has decided she likes being fed and loved enough to stay here. One of our outside cats decided he liked her, too, so sometime in the next month we will be caring for newborn kittens. I've had cats all my life, but always had them spayed/neitered, so this will be a new experience for me, too.
And what would an update be without letting everyone know how the newlyweds are doing? They seem to be enjoying life, spending money like it grows on trees, and behaving just like any other newly married teen couple. I've had some interesting phone calls...."How do you make green beans?" "Mom, Lance is at the store, and he called me to ask you where the instant mashed potoatoes might be?" "What does it mean when the directions says to grease a cookie sheet? And what IS a cookie sheet? All I have is those big, flat pans you bake cookies on." (ROFL!!!) You get the point. This child stood in the kitchen myriad times talking to me while I was making dinner or baking, and obviously didn't notice a single thing. She's catching on, though, and at least she calls. : ) I'll be nice, and not even post in public the checking account drama....
As for myself, I'm fine, just glad to have some down-time finally, to prepare and organize for the new school year. Both girls are already ahead for their grades, but there are still boxes of books I need to put in order, and figure out some semblance of lesson plans for 5th grade. I might even stick to them for 2 weeks this year....
C was also busy with Bible school, and her enrichment classes at the college. Those are finished now, too. E participated in Bible school again, too.
My husband's transmission went out in his truck, so he has spent the last 2 weeks riding his bike to work. It will be quite awhile before we have enough spare money to work on getting a new transmission, or fixing this one.
We're close to meeting our goals for the summer with our schoolwork, and have even exceeded our plans in some areas. I'll try to make that a separate post.
The girls have learned a few extra "life-lessons" this summer, too. They are still grieving over the loss of their friend across the street. At the same time they (and me) are anxiously awaiting the arrival of kittens. Minnie, an abused stray, has decided she likes being fed and loved enough to stay here. One of our outside cats decided he liked her, too, so sometime in the next month we will be caring for newborn kittens. I've had cats all my life, but always had them spayed/neitered, so this will be a new experience for me, too.
And what would an update be without letting everyone know how the newlyweds are doing? They seem to be enjoying life, spending money like it grows on trees, and behaving just like any other newly married teen couple. I've had some interesting phone calls...."How do you make green beans?" "Mom, Lance is at the store, and he called me to ask you where the instant mashed potoatoes might be?" "What does it mean when the directions says to grease a cookie sheet? And what IS a cookie sheet? All I have is those big, flat pans you bake cookies on." (ROFL!!!) You get the point. This child stood in the kitchen myriad times talking to me while I was making dinner or baking, and obviously didn't notice a single thing. She's catching on, though, and at least she calls. : ) I'll be nice, and not even post in public the checking account drama....
As for myself, I'm fine, just glad to have some down-time finally, to prepare and organize for the new school year. Both girls are already ahead for their grades, but there are still boxes of books I need to put in order, and figure out some semblance of lesson plans for 5th grade. I might even stick to them for 2 weeks this year....
Friday, July 24, 2009
Feeling a Little Better Today
My apologies for the long-winded, depressing post of yesterday. I thought about deleting it, but decided I will leave it up for now, and not even go edit the typos. : ) We will soon return to the regularly scheduled homeschooling topics.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
In Loving Memory
Immediately after my post yesterday my neighbor yelled across the street for me to come over RIGHT NOW. Entering his house I found his daughter, and our dear friend, had died in her sleep. Kristi was only 33 years old, and leaves behind her 12 year old daughter, and her father, Mark. (also a dear friend)
Kristi was such a dear to my girls. They spent many happy hours with her at her house, not only playing with her daughter, but with Kristi, too. We'll never forget the night C kept her up until 2 a.m. making homemade Mother's Day gifts for me. The picture above was taken that night. From the top is Kristi's daughter, Kristi, and my 2 daughters. As always, no matter how badly she was feeling, she has a smile on her face. We will miss her, and all our visits so much.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The Best Kind of Day
See that picture above in my header? The girls and I went out there yesterday for a few hours between C's Astronomy class at another session of College for Kids Enrichment classes, and her softball game last night. We:
fed the geese,
looked at pretty scenery,
played in the river,
and found lots of interesting rocks.
We also found tons of tadpoles and baby frogs, but those were a little difficult to get a picture of. My favorite picture of all, though, is this one. That's my right hand in the photo, and I was afraid it wouldn't turn out well, but I love it! : )
I hope you all can have great days like this sometimes! : )
fed the geese,
looked at pretty scenery,
played in the river,
and found lots of interesting rocks.
We also found tons of tadpoles and baby frogs, but those were a little difficult to get a picture of. My favorite picture of all, though, is this one. That's my right hand in the photo, and I was afraid it wouldn't turn out well, but I love it! : )
I hope you all can have great days like this sometimes! : )
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Schooling Year-Round
This is our second summer of schooling year-round. I've had several people ask us why we don't take a break in the summer like public schools. There's really only two simple reasons.
First, we get bored. Summer is our busiest season with softball, swimming, and other "outside" activities, and it's my time to catch up on all that housework that barely gets done when we are schooling full-time. However, these things don't take up every second of our time, and both my daughters actually ask to do school some days. (C will never publicly admit that, though. LOL)
My other main reason for summer-schooling is because it allows me to fit in the extra subjects we do, and actually gets our work ahead enough that we can school 4 full days, and one short day each week during the typical 9 months of the school year.
What does our summer schedule look like? Well, it is certainly not the same as our main part of the year schedule. We only do "light" days, and only a few days each week.
For C, who is in 5th grade, we do one Math test each week. The way Saxon Math is set up, there is a test every 5 lessons. I allow her 1 missed problem on a test. (out of 20 problems) If she misses more than 1 we will stop the tests, back up 5 lessons, and that is where we will begin doing lessons and assignments. Yesterday, she took test #7, and got 100% on it. Therefore, currently, she has "tested through" 35 lessons in her math. Adding the 7 tests and 3 investigations to the 35 lessons she won't need to do equals 45 days of math we won't have to do through the school year. So, once again, she will be able to have a 4 day week in Math, as she did last year. Technically, she could even do a 3 day week at this point, (M-W-F) and still finish by next May. I'd prefer to finish a little earlier, though, so I won't do a 3 day week unless she passes at least 3 or 4 more tests.
Public and private schooled children don't have the option of testing through parts of the book they already know. Even the more advanced children will have to slog through wasted lessons with 20 or more other kids who have forgotten over the 3 months of summer break.
C also is still working through her Bible lessons. Normally we only do formal Bible 2 or 3 days a week, no matter what time of year it is. C also is working through Grammar 5. Our goal is to complete 40 pages in her Daily Gram book. She has already completed several chapters in Easy Grammar, and 19 lessons in Daily Grams. Again, I set this goal with a 4 day week in mind.
For history, we are re-reading Story of the World, Volume 1, Ancient History. We did an in-depth study of the Ancients last spring and summer, then skipped to a full year of American History for the school year. As I plan to stick to a chronological approach to history and do an in-depth study of the Middle Ages for 5th grade, C and I both thought we should do a quick review study of the Ancients over this summer. This is her favorite subject, and doesn't even seem like school work to us. (She never says it is her favorite, yet it is the one subject she asks most frequently to do.)
We haven't done any formal science since April. This week, we finally began our first book in C's Zoology series. She will be working much harder in science this year, keeping a notebook and writing reports, and also writing up formal experiments. As she chose Zoology, she has 3 full-length textbooks to finish in only 2 years, so we HAVE to work on science through the summer. I want her to take the usual 7th grade General Science, 8th grade Physical Science, and be right on track for the high school sciences. I'm somehow also hoping to add a 4th science in the next 2 years: Exploring Anatomy, which won't be released until this August. So, in order to cover what she wants, and what I want, we have to do science full-time for the next 2 years. We don't have the luxury of taking summers off.
Summer school for E, 1st grade, looks exactly like her schedule any other time, except that E gets a little MORE school in the summer, as I have more time, doing so little with her older sister. We try to do 2 pages of math a few days a week, practice reading, (which is coming along wonderfully, btw!) and work on E's, Moving Beyond the Page concepts. MBTP is aimed towards gifted children, and is a complete program that works in every area of study, except math and phonics. (social studies, science, reading, thinking skills, handwriting, etc...) It's a combination of lit/unit studies, and has wonderful hands-on for "active" learners like E. And no, I'm unsure as to whether E is truly a "gifted" child. She comes from a highly gifted family, and has the advantage of one-on-one tailored-to-her-needs learning. So, maybe she is, maybe she isn't, but I really don't care. She seems so, but I refuse to push my children more than a few months ahead of their peers, and don't receive any government funding for having such a labeled child in our school, so it's irrevelant.
So, that's why and how we school year-round. Summers are much lighter than the main school year for my 10 year old, and the same for my 6 year old. We do it because we enjoy it, and because it gives us 1 day a week through the school year to concentrate on only 3 or 4 subjects, instead of 7. Mom's gotta do housework and get bills paid sometime, right?
First, we get bored. Summer is our busiest season with softball, swimming, and other "outside" activities, and it's my time to catch up on all that housework that barely gets done when we are schooling full-time. However, these things don't take up every second of our time, and both my daughters actually ask to do school some days. (C will never publicly admit that, though. LOL)
My other main reason for summer-schooling is because it allows me to fit in the extra subjects we do, and actually gets our work ahead enough that we can school 4 full days, and one short day each week during the typical 9 months of the school year.
What does our summer schedule look like? Well, it is certainly not the same as our main part of the year schedule. We only do "light" days, and only a few days each week.
For C, who is in 5th grade, we do one Math test each week. The way Saxon Math is set up, there is a test every 5 lessons. I allow her 1 missed problem on a test. (out of 20 problems) If she misses more than 1 we will stop the tests, back up 5 lessons, and that is where we will begin doing lessons and assignments. Yesterday, she took test #7, and got 100% on it. Therefore, currently, she has "tested through" 35 lessons in her math. Adding the 7 tests and 3 investigations to the 35 lessons she won't need to do equals 45 days of math we won't have to do through the school year. So, once again, she will be able to have a 4 day week in Math, as she did last year. Technically, she could even do a 3 day week at this point, (M-W-F) and still finish by next May. I'd prefer to finish a little earlier, though, so I won't do a 3 day week unless she passes at least 3 or 4 more tests.
Public and private schooled children don't have the option of testing through parts of the book they already know. Even the more advanced children will have to slog through wasted lessons with 20 or more other kids who have forgotten over the 3 months of summer break.
C also is still working through her Bible lessons. Normally we only do formal Bible 2 or 3 days a week, no matter what time of year it is. C also is working through Grammar 5. Our goal is to complete 40 pages in her Daily Gram book. She has already completed several chapters in Easy Grammar, and 19 lessons in Daily Grams. Again, I set this goal with a 4 day week in mind.
For history, we are re-reading Story of the World, Volume 1, Ancient History. We did an in-depth study of the Ancients last spring and summer, then skipped to a full year of American History for the school year. As I plan to stick to a chronological approach to history and do an in-depth study of the Middle Ages for 5th grade, C and I both thought we should do a quick review study of the Ancients over this summer. This is her favorite subject, and doesn't even seem like school work to us. (She never says it is her favorite, yet it is the one subject she asks most frequently to do.)
We haven't done any formal science since April. This week, we finally began our first book in C's Zoology series. She will be working much harder in science this year, keeping a notebook and writing reports, and also writing up formal experiments. As she chose Zoology, she has 3 full-length textbooks to finish in only 2 years, so we HAVE to work on science through the summer. I want her to take the usual 7th grade General Science, 8th grade Physical Science, and be right on track for the high school sciences. I'm somehow also hoping to add a 4th science in the next 2 years: Exploring Anatomy, which won't be released until this August. So, in order to cover what she wants, and what I want, we have to do science full-time for the next 2 years. We don't have the luxury of taking summers off.
Summer school for E, 1st grade, looks exactly like her schedule any other time, except that E gets a little MORE school in the summer, as I have more time, doing so little with her older sister. We try to do 2 pages of math a few days a week, practice reading, (which is coming along wonderfully, btw!) and work on E's, Moving Beyond the Page concepts. MBTP is aimed towards gifted children, and is a complete program that works in every area of study, except math and phonics. (social studies, science, reading, thinking skills, handwriting, etc...) It's a combination of lit/unit studies, and has wonderful hands-on for "active" learners like E. And no, I'm unsure as to whether E is truly a "gifted" child. She comes from a highly gifted family, and has the advantage of one-on-one tailored-to-her-needs learning. So, maybe she is, maybe she isn't, but I really don't care. She seems so, but I refuse to push my children more than a few months ahead of their peers, and don't receive any government funding for having such a labeled child in our school, so it's irrevelant.
So, that's why and how we school year-round. Summers are much lighter than the main school year for my 10 year old, and the same for my 6 year old. We do it because we enjoy it, and because it gives us 1 day a week through the school year to concentrate on only 3 or 4 subjects, instead of 7. Mom's gotta do housework and get bills paid sometime, right?
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