• Nov. 8, 2009
Weekly Wrap-Up
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From the Heart: Another week of ups and downs for me. I am beginning to think this is the new normal but I’m not willing to accept that!
The major down was on Wednesday when I received a call from the facility my dad is living in to inform me that he had fallen in the night. Stubborn reasons: won’t use his cane and he won’t call for staff assistance. Thankfully he did not have major injury, just the typical strained and sore muscles. However, I did have to arrange a doctor visit to make sure and that meant x-rays of his back as well. Wouldn’t have been as bad if dad hadn’t chosen to just be a miserable grump the entire time we were with him. I was so ready to just explode but I held my tongue! The kids were once again placed in a situation I did not want them to be, but that afternoon I did not have a choice. I did cancel his leg ultrasound appointment that was scheduled for Monday the 9th because he doesn’t want to have it done and I was done with being the whipping post.
The major up is that we managed to surprise the kids with both Ellsworth and Jolie (basset hounds) on Friday afternoon. The breeder made us an incredibly generous offer to take both of them and reluctantly Tim and I agreed. Neither of us really wanted the responsibility again so soon yet at the same time we both wanted the loveable creatures with us. Ellsworth is 7 ½ months old and a bundle of energy. Jolie is 3 years old and content to lie down somewhere and watch the happenings. They are both crate trained so that has made their transition easier. Anyway, it was fun seeing the children’s faces just light up when they realized what was happening.
The kids with both dogs.
Jolie
Ellsworth
With the Lord: So how many weeks can I say “I’m not there yet”? I’ve got my chronological Bible on the bed stand and plan to begin that (again) tonight. We will be beginning a new Max Lucado study on Wednesday nights so I need to be praying for time to do the homework required to really get more out of it.
As Wife/Mom: I woke up Saturday with a horrible sore throat and a cough. Reminiscent of my pre-allergy drop days. A cold that comes and goes every few weeks. I do have an appointment with the doctor on Tuesday so will manage through it until then. I am tired of not feeling well!
My “must do” for the coming week is to get our meal plan in place. Just makes things go smoother in that area.
I also need to work on a new chore list for the kids. With the two younger dogs in the house there are more things that will need done each day.
In the Schoolroom: Was wonderful having a full week of schoolwork accomplished by Punkin’. She did a great job! I do need to look into a different spelling program as the one with Horizons is just not working. It’s good, but I’m guessing it is the randomness of it that isn’t working. Maybe something sequential would be better. Advice???
Sweetie Boy is still pretty much stalled on Reading. I can get him through his penmanship and math most days, but haven’t touched the reading. I stopped at a curriculum place in the neighboring town last week and picked up a number 2 ½ Explode the Code and a set of Bob Books to try with him this week. Just don’t want him to lose what he’s learned and since he loves drawing and colors he may enjoy ETC because he can color it all up as he works.
We also began our Kings, Queens & Castles unit and that has been fun so far. We're reading "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins" and then the kids are drawing pictures from each section we read. We shopped for costumes and Punkin' chose a queen naturally. Sweetie Boy decided he would be a guard so he bought a plastic sword. He wouldn't let me take his picture though. Crazy boy! Since the "queen" photo she has taken the gown to grandma's and they've modified it so it fits her better. Very fun!
Comments
• Nov. 8, 2009
Untitled Comment
Posted by 4sweetums
My kids love explode the code. We are doing a Reason for Spelling, but with mixed results. Some love it and some don't seem to be getting it. I hope you feel better soon.
Blessings,
Dawn
• Nov. 9, 2009
Untitled Comment
Posted by ams
Your new additions to your family are so cute! My kids want a dog but we just can't afford one and we don't have the time to take care of one. I had a beagle growing up and it was 100% hound, always finding something to bury =)
• Nov. 14, 2009
Hi!
Posted by ThreeLittleLadies
I would suggest Sequential Spelling. It is a painless, easy program that works well for both of my girls. You start book one not before 3rd grade, and then you just give one list a day. The child writes (or spells orally) the word, you write the correct word on a whiteboard or something they can see, and then they immediately correct themselves. No studying for lists or filling in a lot of blanks in a workbook. The lists build on themselves over 4 days so review is built in. Also this way they don't continue their mistakes, as they can and are encouraged to correct their own work immediately.
We love Explode the Code, but have never used the "1/2" books. How are they different?
Your dd looks fabulous in her dress.
Hope you had a great week. I'm just about to make my new post for this week.
Carol
