A New Season

Some of our fondest memories of homeschooling the last 2 years.

The boys have really changed during this time, grown in so many ways.

They have learned to read, write, and cherish time together as a family.  The latter being the most important to me.

From the very beginning we said that we would keep an open mind to their schooling.  I have often prayed that God would direct us in this area for we can not raise these babies without Him!

So, with a peace that I have not felt in a long time but with also a sad heart, we have decided to end our homeschooling days.  I am excited for our boys and the adventures that await them and yet hesitant, but trusting.

Charlie and Tommy, I have loved being your teacher and will continue to be.  Whether you are in a traditional school, or at home, it doesn't matter.  Our family is based on love. Built on faith, loyalty, and friendship.  We will continue to teach you of Jesus' love, and the truly important things in life.  We will always look back on the last 2 years with fond memories and a grateful heart for time spent together.  We are so proud of all the things that you have learned, all the fun things we have done and the miles and miles of growth you have made!  You are wonderful boys, God's greatest gift to us and we cherish each and every moment we spend with you.  We are excited for all the things you will learn, the fun you will have and the friends you will make. 

We love you.

Love,

Daddy and Mommy

School Wrap Up 2010-2011

Ok, so I am WAY behind on writing about our first year of "official"  hscholing (home schooling).  Better late then never :)

A lot happened this year and in the midst of it all we started our hscholing adventure.  I was at the end of a difficult pregnancy, our beloved Nie Nie passed away suddenly, a little sister was born and then was hospitalized for RSV a few short months later, and then just throw in there everyday life.  To say the last year was a challenge is an understatement.  But even though there were many rough "life" moments, we still accomplished A LOT and had A LOT of fun in our first year of hschooling!

I learned a lot about my oldest little red headed boy and our relationship grew in many ways, ways I never would of even thought!  My favorite part of the year was watching all the little "light bulb" moments when something would sink and he would "get it"!  At the beginning of the year I was so worried if I would be able to teach Charlie to read, it was really my biggest fears about hschooling.  Being able to read and read well, is such an important foundation for ones' educational career, let alone life!  I was grateful to be the one to watch him on the road to reading.  To be with him when he read his first word, sentence and then book! We are so proud of him and all the accomplishments that he made this year!

Looking back on this year I can definitely say it wasn't so much about what Charlie learned, but learning how he learns.  Our boy is a mover, full of energy and needs a lot of reminders to stay on task.  So, pretty much like every other 6 year old little boy ;) He needs lots of activity and learns best mid morning.  He also does very well with manipulatives and hands on projects.

I quickly learned that if he had a good grasp on a math subject then he didn't need to do 4 weeks of review, one was more then enough for him and he retained the information when I would go back and review with him.  We worked closely with his K12 "teacher" and she encouraged us to work at a pace that was good for Charlie.  Some subjects we sailed through, others we stayed on target.  Charlie finished some of his subjects in April, and was completed with his work in the beginning of May.  The school year officially ended in June.  We didn't follow the K12 school year, but took off time when we needed to...like when baby sister was born :)

Charlie's favorite activities this year included writing in his journal, specifically making up "Choo Choo stories" and the LEGO class that he participated in at our co-op.  We both really enjoyed all the time we spent together, especially our reading time snuggled up on the couch.





Not only did I learn a lot about Charlie this year, but I also learned a lot about myself.  I am learning how to be more organized and seeing how that greatly affects the atmosphere in our home.  I also was reminded how more times then not, less is actually more and that I need to even further simplify our lives!  It was also made very apparent to me this year that I must carve out even 10-15 minutes a day for reading the scriptures and prayer time.  My life is full to the brim with responsibilities.  I rarely have a quiet moment during the day to myself (not even in the bathroom :), and I would NOT have it any other way.  But, I have to make my relationship with the Lord first and foremost!  Even if that means that something else does not get done for the day!

This year was such a blessing!  I am so grateful to be able to educate our children at home.  I am happy that they are enjoying their school time and look forward to it (they are still kids and will sometimes cringe when I say "school time!" :).  There were plenty of struggles and challenges, tears were shed and voices raised, but there was much more joy, happiness, learning and love that was experienced!!  It was far better then I could of expected!


My Dearest Charlie,
   I had so much fun with you this year.  Learning right along side of you and watching you grow!  I pray that God will guide me as your Mommy and teacher, that I might follow His plan for you in all areas of your life!  I am so grateful for the time we got to spend together! It is priceless and I will cherish this year for all my life! I love you so much and I am so excited to see all the cool things you will do this year as a BIG first grader!!!
Love you baby!
Love,
Mommy

We embrace the next year wholeheartedly, excited to see what God has in store for us!

Goodbye June

I can barely  believe that June is almost but a memory!  I feel like summer has just started and yet we are already at the midway point.  June has been a whirlwind of fun, work, challanges and much growth.  We started the month off with Trent graduating from college with a degree in business management.  I have been so excited for him and proud of this huge accomplishment.  However, he hasn't been able to enjoy some the well deserved "down" time from not having to write papers, study for tests or attend his weekly classes, because he has been traveling for work most of the month.  Literally home for a night or two, only to pack up and leave again.  It has been exhausting, for both of us.  But there is light at the end of the tunnel and in a few short days we leave for our annual lake vacation, as a family, together!  We are all very excited and counting down the days.

But despite our crazy schedule, we also had a lot of fun to the beginning of our summer.

Tommy at "his" VBS camp. 

Crafts on the back porch

They love projects.

We have laughed a lot.

And spent some learning and trying new things.

Planted a garden.

And made homemade ice cream in a bag.

Charlie said it was the best ice cream he has ever had!

We made lots of fun, cold, treats.

And some pretty precious moments.

We have spent lots of time at the play ground

and have had some great laughs.

.

We have learned about money

and played a lot of games.

Made some smoothies

and learned about giving.

Had a fairy visit, or two

 

and read a bunch of books.

And that is just a bit of our fun, crazy, month called June.

Organize, Purge, Plan, Clean

It is that time of year again to organize, purge, plan and clean up our house and lives.  Spring is always a period of rejuvenating for me and this year more then ever.  After having a rough Fall/Winter I am  ready clean house!

flying homemade kites in the mud pit backyard

I have started to slowly go through every closet, bin, basket and cupboard and get rid of everything that needs to go.  I plan to go back through everything and really organize and make it all pretty.  But for now I just need the junk stuff out of the house or at least in a huge pile in the basement waiting to head off to the garage sale!

The kids toys need organizing again.  The basement is now functioning as a playroom and they love it as do I!  It is so nice to have a separate room to house most of their toys and where they can go and play.  This task is just underway and I have a long ways to go but the pile in the basement is growing.  That is a good thing!


We are almost done with our school for the year. We all need a break and are looking forward to lazy summer days :)  I am busy planning Tommy's PreK curriculum for next year and hope to get it all done by May.  Charlie's curriculum comes at the end of June, beginning of July.  When it gets here I will go through all the lessons, worksheets, experiments etc and decide when and what we will be doing and what I need to supplement.  I just bought a new homeschooling mom's daily planner and I can't wait for it to come!

Charlie and Sammie

We were forced to clear our schedules all winter long trying to keep Penny healthy during flu season.  So far it has worked and we are beyond thankful for her health.  It has been a wonderful few months spending lots of time together as a family and focusing on what is really important.  We have really simplified our lives and it feels good.  With Spring right around the corner we will be getting out again.  We have signed the boys up for soccer and this summer they will go to VBS and take swim lessons.

On a personal note, I have begun to shed the baby weight.  I started off strong with WW (Weight Watchers) about 7 weeks ago and easily lost 11 pounds.  Then I got lazy and stopped counting my points and writing down everything I eat.  I haven't gained any, but I haven't lost any since either.  I am SO ready to have a body that slightly resembles my pre-baby body.  I am realistic in knowing it will never be quite the same and that is ok.  I have had three children.  I know some ladies can slim right back down to where they were, but that just isn't my reality.  I am trying to also look at this journey with a new perspective.  I want to focus more on being healthy then how much I weigh.  I know that very soon I will have a precious little girl looking up to me to be an example on many things.  I want to be able to give Penny a positive message when it comes to her body image.


The rain keeps coming but I know that sunny days lay ahead.  I can't wait!!

Kindergarten: Mummy week 3

Tommy the Mummy

We finished our study of Mummies this week.  We read both Mummies in the Morning and Mummies and Pyramids from The Magic Tree House series.  We all enjoyed reading these books during lunch or  as a family before bed.

Charlie participated in almost all of the Winter/Penguin themed activities that we did for Tommy's school.

Making his snowman and penguin out of model magic

 

 He worked way at his math lessons, mastering the concepts of addition and subtraction.  He has been able to do simple addition and subtraction problems in his head for over a year now.  However, for most of the equations K12 has him using  number line or simple models/pictures to determine the answer.  He continues to enjoy math.

He also completed 5 phonic lessons, spelled words, started a dictation notebook, reviewed letter sounds and finger stretching. 

Brother's doing school together

Having fun with shaving cream and ice chunks.

The boys also started their Co-op this week.  We all had a great time.  Charlie is enrolled in a LEGO class and a Fun With Numbers class.  Tommy had fun playing in the nursery and  I enjoyed myself at the Bible study for one class and then volunteering in the nursery.  There are about 100 other kids at the Co-op ranging from newborn to high school. 

We are really getting into a groove with our schooling and it feels good.  Life is settling down a bit and we are getting to experience our new "normal".  I love each and every day that I get to spend with our boys, teaching them and watching them grow.  I truly feel blessed!