I knew I wouldn't keep up with this.    Life has a way of just jumping in and taking over.  To be honest, after the first couple of weeks of trying to settle into a "good" daily routine for the boys, I became totally immersed in teaching them.  That left little time for anything else....most especially sharing our days with the rest of the world.    And I have the audacity to complain about feelings of isolation.

Let's see if I can catch up a bit.  I last posted in September!  Gee Whiz.  I didn't even make it one month!!

Since then, we have indeed settled into a "good routine".  In fact, it's so good - it's non existent!  I found out early on that my boys like to mix it up.  They are their mother's sons!  I have been thrilled to find out that we can still learn and have fun - a LOT of fun - at the same time.

The boys are moving along academically: 

Nick is working very close to grade level or above in math.  This was my goal for him for this year.  Next year he will exceed grade level standards with no problems!  He is a math whiz.  He didn't believe this of himself when we started.  I'm very proud of him - not just because he has exceeded my expectations academically, but more because he has allowed himself to believe in himself!  He is moving along swiftly and confidently in all other areas as well.  He is reading at a sixth grade level!  The boy can't get enough of books!  When we started, I had to force him to read.  I'll keep you posted!

Scott continues to concern me.  He is still working to master third grade material.  I showed in my letter of intent to the county that I would be teaching him on a sixth grade level.  I did not submit an IEP for him.  So, when I give him the standardized test at the sixth grade level, I am fearful that he will not pass the math section of the test.    I am looking for clever ways to get him to remember his multiplication facts.  Any suggestions readers have that would assist me would be MORE than appreciated!  Scott, as I may have mentioned in my earlier posts, has ADHD.  This stands in his way for doing things that are simple for other kids his age:  Memorization is a nightmare, as are tasks that involve multiple stages (i.e. multi-digit multiplication).  I need help!  And I don't know where to look.  As far as other academic areas, Scott holds his own.  He easily functions at grade level in grammar, reading, history, and science.  Spelling is not any more of a challenge than it is for any kid his age.  He excells in the area of vocabulary.  The kid can guess the definition of just about any word if given the word in a good sentence.  It's amazing.  Scott also started the year unwilling to read.  He has settled into a nice reading schedule (I require at least one hour daily) and has found a couple of authors he really enjoys!  I"ll keep you posted here too!

All in all, we are still thoroughly enjoying learning together.  The boys continue to teach me valuable lessons about learning and life.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the time we spend together and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

Still - there are days when I crave the company of another Mom!  I belong to a wonderful online group.  They are pillars of strength and encouragement for me.  I wish they lived closer to me, though.  Some days I desperately need to meet someone at Starbuck's for an hour, ya know?

 From the House of Hooligans ~ Have an awesome Tuesday!