• Mar. 7, 2007
Where we are, right now.

Good Morning! It's almost spring here in our state. We are having delightful weather, and have been able to get outside and enjoy it! Recently we made pinecone bird feeders and watched all the beautiful birds devour the seeds! Its a great feeling to be able to wake up in the morning and sit on the screened porch with the Entomologist, enjoying our morning beverage while listening to the birds serenade us. Delightful, to say the least.

We are learning to read, and the Entomologist is getting the hang of it rather quickly. There are days that he refuses to show me what he has learned, but that is to be expected. It's hard to perform on demand! He does, however, sometimes get a little lackadasical when it comes to doing what he knows. Like for instance, he doesn't always want to write his numbers. More precisely, 2's and 5's. He oft times will get them confused for the other, so I suspect this is why he will ask me to write them.

We are learning the Pledge of Allegiance. Instead of purchasing a small flag, we made one. My thoughts behind it were that he would be more interested in learning more about it, if we made it. So, we have a cardstock piece of paper, with not neccessarily enough stars on it and they are not even white. But hey...he's proud of it, and its on our refridgerator beside the calendar and he repeats after me each morning. Yeah! 

So there you have it.. a short update on where we are in our homeschool. Math going great, reading is super, and all the rest is just gravy. I am proud of my etamoligist, and of our homeschool.

Till next time......

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• Jan. 16, 2007
New Year, New Beginnings

Hi everyone!

It's hard to believe that another year has already come and gone. Before we had children, they seemed to take their time, didn't they?

As I sit here listening to the wind howling outside, and the cat snoring,  trying to get an idea for teaching tomorrow, (We are studying the solar system, and weather right now) I can't help but to feel wonderful about the decisions that we have made, as a family. Our decision to homeschool.

Our oldest son, the Entomologist, is so excited about the solar system. The other night, at dinner, my husband asked him what we did in school today. He replied that we learned about the planets. My husband kept on asking questions, to which the Entomologist was eager and correctly answering. Well then came a question that he didn't know, or at least forgot he knew. ;-) The Entomologist came into the playroom and grabbed a Blue's Clues toy that sings a planet song, then promptly answered his daddy's question. Well my husband, being the natural smarty pants that he is, said well he had to go look for the answer. My reply was, well at least he knew where to look, would you have known? That hushed him up.

We are supposed to be getting some sort of freezing percipitation on Thursday. So, I have mentioned this to the Entomologist, and he is very eager. He is planning what he will do and where he will store all that ice.  

The baby, who we are now going to start calling Bam-Bam is now 16 mos old. Where does the time go?!?! He is a very smart child. He isn't talking too much right now, but somehow I know what he needs when he "asks". I guess that's just all part of being a mommie. He recieved a few large puzzles for Christmas, and enjoys them SO MUCH. He can get them in the right place, meaning the cow to the cow, etc., but can't seem to get the shape to fit. Oh well, this will come. He enjoys crayons, and has recently learned to love the fact they work better on paper than they do in his mouth. He is my helper around the house, and any time that I do laundry, he is all to eager to climb into the dryer.... and sit there.... then smile this really adorable little cheesy smile. He is too much. I am looking forward to this year, there are many milestones that we will encounter together.

I guess the part that I love the most about homeschooling is that I get to see my child's reaction when what we have been teaching, "clicks". I am not sure about you, but for us, that is AMAZING!! 

Ok, that is enough for one day. I will try to post something better than this in the next few days. Until then, have a wonderful day!!!!

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• Dec. 15, 2006
Thoughts

For us, the day generally doesn't begin until at least 8:30am. This is when the Entomologist decides that he is ready for breakfast. For some reason, my day has begun extra early today, it started at 5:30am. Why?? I have no idea! I just couldn't sleep, so here I am trying to blog, BEFORE an entire cup of coffee. This oughta be fun!

The last time I was here, I was really questioning my ability to homeschool our children successfully. I have always had a nagging bit of doubt coming from my husband. No, no, he has always been supportive, just never really vocalized it, so that left me a bit unsure of where he stood. He would always make joking references about my returning to work, and sending the children to public school, so you can see where my doubt was coming from. One evening while watching the news, there was a story about a child bringing brass knuckles to school. The same school that our children would attend, should we place them in public school. I made the comment, "That just adds to my case." Then I asked him what his opinion of my homeschooling was. He was silent. I asked him what he wanted. His reply was that he wanted me to do whatever made me happy, whatever it was that I felt was right.  I then asked if I homeschool, do I have his support. He said... You've always had it.

Unschooling.. (that's such a negative term) or Life Learning is what we have done mostly for the past several weeks. Not by choice, but seems I can't get a handle on the other parts of life that require my attention.  I keep saying to myself that since we are not "officially" school age, that it shouldn't matter to me. I know that at this age (almost 5) children learn so much simply thru play. We learn while we are doing other things, but somehow I know that I need to get a grip on the other parts of school, and get my game plan in place before the official start of the 07/08 school year, what I feel will be 1st grade and preschool. I refer to the World Book website for things that my kindergartener should know. I have yet to make it to the library to check out that book.

Well that is all that I have time for now, I will try to post again in the next few days. 

Take care and have yourself a Merry little Christmas!!!

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• Nov. 10, 2006
Decisions Decisions

Well well.. here I am again, in that old familiar place called self doubt. What is it that I am doubting, you ask? Everything. Mainly my mental ability to homeschool our children successfully.

I am at my wit's end! I am overwhelmed, and under appreciated. I am not getting a break from our children, at all. It's me me me me, 24/7. It's SO MUCH ME, that I have forgotten who I am other than Mommie. Somewhere in the shuffle of school, diapers, and crayon boxes, I have forgotten what "Carrie" is like. I don't even know her anymore. Of course I do know that when you have children, these things will happen,but it shouldn't be like this. I went from caring deeply about my appearance and other things that were important to me, to a no make up wearing, sweat pant loving homeschooling mother of two. How?

Yes homeschooling our children is important to me, but there comes a time when you have to know when to throw in the towel, and I think that I am just about there. Our children learn and have learned ALOT from my efforts, so I do know that they can learn from me, and that I am capable of teaching them. So what is the issue you may ask?.. I will tell you. Sanity. Mine to be more specific.

I think a small part of the "problem" is that I don't get a break. EVER. Even when the children are gone somewhere with Daddy, I am cleaning the house, or at the grocery store. That is not the kind of break that I dream of. Yes, yes, don't get me wrong, I appreciate those breaks. What I really would like is a day to myself... A day to do whatever it is that I want to. What would that be? Oh boy the places I could start!

Are you really ready for this?? A day to go to the library, alone. To take my time browsing books. Ok, I know may not seem like excitement to any of you, but hey, its the MOST quiet place I know! Or if, perhaps the library was off limits, right here infront of my computer playing around with photos in Photoshop, sending them off to get printed, then coming back home and scrapbooking. IN THE QUIET!!

All of this seems really nice, but in order for me to do it in good conscience, the house would have to be clean.. no no, make that spotless.

So I have thought that if I sent my babies off to school, then I could have that clean house that my husband is convinced that everyone in the world has. He doesn't seem to realize that when you homeschool, and LIVE in your house, it gets dirty, and sometimes stays that way. But that is a whole other story. No husband bashing today. ;-)

So here I am trying to decide if I want to send the oldest to a Church Preschool, to prepare him for public school kindergarten next year,of if I just suck it up, get over it, and move on. I am still quite undecided.

The baby is crying for me now, so I must go....never a moments peace...

Till next time.............................

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• Oct. 25, 2006
Moving Mountains

When you work as a team mountains can be moved. In my last entry, I was feeling overwhelmed by all the responsibilities that I had taken on. I was loosing the battle between cleanliness and chaos.

Yesterday my husband was off from the police department, he did, however, have to do his landscaping business. I knew that the house was starting to get very out of hand. I am not sure how it is there at your house, but as for us, when the house is in shambles, my brain doesn't seem to function properly, and I am constantly fussing at the children. I don't like it, not one bit. I knew that since my husband was heading off to work, that I had to take matters into my own hands. I had to do something to get this house back on track! Something drastic, but very effective. But what?! We can't hire a maid, and asking my mom to come over and help gets me nowhere. What to do what to do... Then it hit me!!

I worked VERY hard in this house yesterday. I was able to conquer the playroom. You could actually see the floor again! Who knew there was nice soft carpet under all those toys! My desk is actually made of wood, and not paper! The kitchen floor really is beautiful, under all the droplets of applesauce stains, and goodness only knows what else. Order was returning to my home. Our bedroom was really the only room that I hadn't made it to yet. It was full of laundry baskets, and even a suitcase from 2 weeks ago when we went camping that needed to be unpacked. (how I survived without those clothes is beyond me!) The master suite, should be all that it implies. Clean, a haven in which the owners of the home retreat to at the end of the day.. an oasis in the desert of life. Ours was NOT. Infact it looked more like a three ringed circus. There were bears on chairs, dust bunnies, and oh yeah, clothes.

I told my husband that I needed help. (Yes, I used that 4 letter word) Suprisingly, he agreed. He took on our bedroom, while I finished up a few other things. Its really nice in there now! I love my bedroom.. I was even able to enjoy a nice relaxing bubble bath while reading a book last night.  It's nice when the house is clean, and we work as a team to accomplish it.

Oh, and incase you are wondering how I was able to stay focused on cleaning the house..... I gave my husband the ball to the mouse. (we have a trackball mouse) It was drastic.. but it had to be done. As you can see, I did get it back.. and the house is clean.. This is an extreme measure and one should ONLY use this method in cases of EXTREME EMERGENCIES!

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• Oct. 18, 2006
Too Much

We have all done it, and I am notorious for doing it, biting off more than I can chew. I am feeling more than overwhelmed with everything I have decided to take on, and other things that are not an option.

A few months ago I decided to take on a part-time, online job, that is geared for SAHM's. It's wonderful, the concept, and the president is very good about paying on time, and even making sure there is ample work to be completed. There are days that I feel I could do this job, and more, then there are days when reality slaps me in the face....hard. Today is one of those days.

I have a major job to do for my husbands business...taxes. Don't ask, and I won't have to tell. We are 3 days past due with handing them in, the accountant says not to worry... Easy for her to say.

My house looks like 2 hurricanes, 1 tornado and a mid summer thunderstorm have hit all at once. I have already tossed one bag of toys, or so my oldest son thinks anyway. You can't see the floor in the playroom, and the screen porch is starting to look like a yard sale full of toys. UGH! The dishwasher is currently full, of clean dishes, while the sink is full of tonights dinner dishes. The laundry is piling up, most of it clean, and in need of being folded and put away, but there are 2 baskets of dirty.. just waiting, for what, I am not sure. I don't see how we get so many dirty clothes, I seems as tho I never have anything to wear, even when the laundry is caught up. Hmmm.. there is a conspiracy going on here, I am certain.

I purchased, Manangers of Their Homes, and it arrived this past Monday. I have read two pages. TWO.. thats it. I want to read more, to get a handle on this thing we call life, but who has the time?! I know I don't. A friend suggested putting the book in the 'library'.. she doesn't realize my library comes with 2 assistants, and a conference call. UGH!

So here I sit, "hiding" from all that needs my attention. I endulged in a LARGE bowl of Edy's Double Chocolate Fudge ice cream. It was good and soothing.. now the guilt is going to set in and add to my frustration becuase it will remind me that I have several workout DVD's that I ordered, and have only attempted to do, once.

Then there is school. We haven't schooled in at least a week. Not the typical type anyway. Sure we have discussed camping while we were on our camping trip, and several things as we stopped along roadside tourist traps, but not the type of schooling we are used to. Since last week, and so far this week, we have done more unschooling than ever. I know that our son doesn't mind, but I do. There is a certain way that I feel we should do school, but I suppose as long as he is learning, that is what matters.

Ok, I have that all off my chest now.. lets see how much work I can get accomplished before sunrise. UGH!!

Til Next Time......

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• Oct. 1, 2006
Flying By

Autumn is certainly here. A time filled with field trips, cool weather, and when Daddy's business comes to the creeping crawl that we all have anticipated since spring. Daddy was able to attend a field trip to a local area farm with us this past Friday. What a great time!

We arrived at the Ashleigh Heritage Farm around 12:00pm. We were all so excited about the events that lie ahead for us! What will we do first, milk a cow, plow a field, take a buggy ride? Oh the decisions a homeschooling family must make!  

We learned the difference between Oxen, and Cattle, how wool is dyed naturally, and then spun into yarn. We were able to witness meat inside an old fashioned smoke house, and even see an antique washing machine. The most exciting part, the Entomologist, was going on the buggy ride. He really enjoyed seeing the horses up close.

After we left the farm, we stopped by the Barnwell State Park. We didn't hike, or spend too much time there, as the baby was tired, and needed to get his nap. BSP is a beautiful place, filled with beautiful plants, and alot of camping space. On the property, there are 4? cabins. I was not impressed with these cabins, for the nightly fee. I am guessing the fees would be the same as with any state park. I found the cabins to be bare, and cold. The floors were that old laminate tile that you find in a hospital. They reminded me of a mental hospital, in the decor. It was metal, or very basic wood design. Not inviting at all. I think we will pass on ever renting a cabin here.

On our way home, we passed, Healing Springs. We of course, had to stop and collect water. We were unprepared for this part of our trip, as this was spur of the moment. We learned that during the Revolutionary War, the Indians brought the wounded here, and they were healed, I suppose by bathing in and drinking the water. It is now called God's Acre, and is deeded to God.

We finally made it home and discussed the day's events, had dinner, and got ready for bed. It was a great day, we are looking forward to the next field trip. 

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• Sep. 25, 2006
October is coming! October is coming!

Well, it's decided. We will try doing our homeschool via unit studies. Sounds interesting enough to hold my interest, but more importantly, to hold The Etamologist's attention.

October is almost here. October... hmmm. That's a tough month to choose a unit to cooridinate with. Yes, I know, there is Halloween, BUT... I don't want to do a whole unit study on Halloween. I mean, Halloween by nature is just not a 'warm fuzzy' holiday. You know?

I did a little snooping around the great WWW, and found a pretty decent site on Unit Studies. (A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling) Chocked full of wonderful ideas for Units. I can't wait to have more time to sit here and explore the website.

Weather.. we will partly study the weather, changing of leaves, and why this happens, where and how animals prepare for winter. Oh and our body, more precisely, our skeleton. Then perhaps we will make one from PVC pipes. (Thanks Family Fun!)

Ok, that is all for now.. time to get all this on paper and ready for next week!

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• Sep. 16, 2006
Haircare 101

My husband, the principal of our homeschool, keeper of my heart, was getting dressed for court as we all sat on the bed discussing the mediocore events of the past few days. Our four year old, asks, as innocently as only a 4 year old can, "Daddy, why do you have hair missing in your head?" I had to duck in the closet to hide my laughter, as my husbands balding head is a very touchy subject with him. He continued, "I saw a commerical on T.V. that will help you to grow your hair, you can buy it for the great low price of 19.99." At this point I was laughing so hard, I had to come out to see the expression on my husbands face. Just as I thought, a reluctant grin. By this time we were all laughing, even the baby. (altho I think he was laughing just for laughings sake)  

I am not sure what commercial he saw, but he remembered it, and felt that his Daddy needed that great product. He often will see one of those "As Seen on TV" products, and say that we have to get that for Daddy. He is sweet, and it is, afterall, the thought that counts.

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• Sep. 11, 2006
Unit Studies in our Future?

Today was a good day. I feel we learned quite a bit. We started out this school year with a "schedule" of how we were going to do things. I haven't stuck to it. I plan our week ahead, on Sundays. (I did NOT last night) We have roughly followed our schedule, but for the most part, we veered off course and reinvented our plans.

I am seriously considering doing unit studies. (I have to research it more) Once Caleb gets interested in a subject, he sleeps, eats and breathes that subject. It's all he talks about, plays, wants to watch, etc. I think it is the right way to go for him.

It's Monday, trash day. We lovingly say that Cameron, the baby, (he's one) is going to be a garbage man when he grows up. He is ALWAYS getting into the garbage pail under the computer desk. He thinks he is on a trashure (intended mis spelling) hunt. It's really quite cute. So anyway, Caleb, the four year old,  likes watching the garbage trucks and the guys rush off to grab the bins, and dump them in. Today he was most interested in the guy wearing a black shirt. This turned into another lesson. We discussed recycling, the land fills and how over crowded they are, and what we can do to help. Enter Freecycle. So we went around and collected things that we no longer needed, and offered them up. Enter lesson on giving.

Today we practiced writing.. again. I am just going to quit with that for awhile. He can, he just doesn't want to, and I am not going to make him, right now anyway. There are far more important things for a 4 1/2 year old to do. Like make Jello and talk about why it wiggles, or catch a cricket in the back yard, and feed it to the pet toad, and discuss the food chain.  I think the most important thing is for learning to be FUN. A child doesn't have to sit at a table, with worksheets in front, to learn. Besides, that doesn't really work for us. Caleb is very much a hands on learner. He likes to see and LIVE what he is learning. Everything for us becomes a lesson, in some way. For our friends with public schooled children, this is annoying. I am sure a few of you have 'those' kind of friends too.

That is a bit of how our day went. It was wonderful for us, hope yours was equally as entertaining.

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• Aug. 27, 2006
I'm Hiding

Well  here it is, not even one o'clock Sunday afternoon. I am in here hiding. It's already been "one of those days".

(Strike One)

It started this morning when I was so rudely woke up my a terrible tooth ache. I have my lower wisdom teeth still, they are impacted. I just haven't made the time to have them extracted. Being a dental assistant, before becoming a mommie, you would think I would know better. Well my lower left one (#17) has a terrible cavity in the portion that is above the gumline. It was bound to happen, and this morning, it did. Pain, intense, and excrusiating! Perhaps I will make time for that appointment afterall. I took something for pain, and went back to sleep, and was able to sleep in rather late this morning.

(Ball One)

The baby was sleeping next to me, and started to wake. After picking him up, it was clear to see why he was waking up. Those diapers leaked....again! I remember when our oldest was an infant, there were over night diapers, I can't seem to find them anywhere these days....

(Strike Two)

My husband was getting ready for work, he is a police officer, and was in the process of completing paperwork. Our oldest was outside on the screened porch with his pet frog, when he screams for me to come out there and see the baby lizard. It was a cute lizard. I say was, because his left foot is almost amputated...Do they regrow feet like they do tails?

(Ball Two)

So I make a cup of coffee, to help soften the blow of the day starting off bad. It was delicious! Sitting in here with my husband, remembering why I fell in love with him in the first place, I was inturrupted in my thoughts. The baby is screaming. They have removed the cushion from the chaise lounge, and are now playing boats... apparently the seas were quite rough, and the tiny ship was being tossed.. the baby was the only passenger!

(Ball Three)

I was getting the oldest son to get dressed, after all I had only told him a thousand times to do so, when I hear the familiar sound of a dish on the tile floor.. Yep, the baby was into the cats food dish, and this time it was canned food. Bath time.

(Strike Three)

The baby was being "allowed" to play in big brothers room. It is, afterall, a really cool place to be! There is an aquarium in there, two really facinating lamps, and all sorts of toys! Oh, and fish food. You'd be amazed at how much little pieces of food fit into a very small container... it's all over the sheets. Bath time....again.

There is no ball four... just an all out "TIME OUT!". Sometimes the best place to hide is in here on the computer. There are days, like today, that I wish I could crawl inside this machine! Of course there will be no school today, it is afterall the weekend.

Tomorrow will be better... I hope.

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• Aug. 22, 2006
Our Plans

Well today is another day. We didn't get alot accomplished yesterday since I spent the majority of the day working. It's not typical for me to work during the day, but there were many phone calls that needed to be made, so I did what I had to. Today is a whole new day, and we plan to learn lots! I guess my teaching style, until we find what works for us, is a hodge podge of whatever works. We read... alot. I did recently get a CD for the computer for Spanish. I feel that the sooner Caleb starts learning spanish, the better off he will be. I took Latin in High School, and I don't see a need to that these days. (what was I thinking!)

Reading and science is what we are giong to focus on today. Caleb loves learning about bugs, what boy doesn't. So I will get off here for now, and I am sure I will post another entry later today.

Take care!

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• Aug. 20, 2006
Smarty Pants

We all have them, they come in many different shapes and sizes. Mine just happens to be the cutest one on our block tho. He is four years old, blonde hair, and the cutest freckle face I have ever seen.....He is adorable.

Today while making his lunch, he says, "Mommie can I please have a piece of candy while I wait for lunch?" Of course not, was my reply. "I can assure you that you will not die while you wait 10 minutes for your food to cook." "But Mommie, Mommie. I will!! Remember when you told me that you didn't want anything to ever happen to me, you would cry if I was hurting, or if I died?" Smarty pants.....

GRRRR... When exactly does it happen?? You know, when do they become so smart? When...or I guess I should say WHY does whatever it is that you have told them in the past, ALWAYS come back to bite you in the hinee?

Minds like steel traps. They have them, and fortunately for us, they too will forget some things. Hopefully the things that are most important, they will retain. Yeah yeah yeah, we all want them to graduate with honors, and to be the best "them" they can be. I mean more than just the academics. I want my sons to retain manners, integrity, devotion, compassion, and self respect. I feel these are equally as important as education. I feel that these traits are what makes a person a success, not the diplomas adorning an office wall.

I feel that we are off to a great start, just 4 years into this incredible journey of parenting. Our 4 year old is very tender with his little brother, who is a mere 11 months old. Of course there are days that he doesn't want to have a little brother.. but those are few and far, thankfully.

Ok, enough of all that... off to enjoy a little time with my squirts....

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• Aug. 19, 2006
Chicken

Chicken... That is the first word that comes to mind when I think how I felt when I decided that I would homeschool our children.

You see, I had always imagined that I would put our children in a nice private school, and continue working as a dental assistant. Well, as we all know, actually having these children really does change everything.

I was talking to a friend of mine one day, and she mentioned that she was going to homeschool her oldest son. Interesting, I thought. So in true nosey neighbor fashion, I searched the WWW to find what I could about the subject. Even back then it seemed a little overwhelming. Do you unschool, do unit studies, is your teaching style compatable with your childs learning style.... the uncertainties are endless.

Then it happened... I got that feeling. You know the one, because chances are you felt it too. That one that sinks like a bowling ball straight to the pit of your stomach. It's more or less like an Extreme Eureka moment. A light goes off, and you suddenly say it out loud.. I am going to homeschool our children!

I guess since we are not really Kindergarteners yet, at least not by the states standards, what I do at this point really is a learning process, for both my children and myself. I held my breath, and dove in... not really knowing if I would sink or swim.

Dog Paddle... that is what I am doing. I am never really sure how each day will go. I plan our lessons on Sunday evenings, but to be perfectly honest, we don't stick to them. Child lead learning? Maybe.  I don't really know what it is I am doing here, I almost make it up as I go along. The one thing that I am certian of is that I want my children to grow up and love learning, I want them to learn with the same enthusiasm and passion when they are 40, as they do today. Learning is a wonderful thing, it doesn't have to be boring, and that is something that homeschooling provides countless paths for... making it fun and exciting.

So as each day goes by, I am finding that I learn something too. I learn much about myself, and more about my children, and what it is that makes them hungry for more knowledge. It's exciting... homeschooling. There are few things more rewarding.

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