Jun. 16, 2009 - Just to let you all know......
......we are not dead, nor do we sleep".....or something like that.
With summer vacation comes some actual 'time' for reflection.
Will have to give updates soon. However, with college on my plate for me too, life gets a little crazy.
Just thought I'd type in and 'reactivate' this thing.
More later,
Denise
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Nov. 20, 2008 - Donna, co-op, the economy, garden plans, chickens and cards
Just a quick praise report on Donna.....she came home from hosptial on Sunday. She has therapy several times a week, her children are in different schools for the time being until Donna can resume her home schooling teacher role and life goes on.
A HUGE thank you to those of you who prayed that don't even know her. It is SO good to belong to the family of God, as well as a blogging community of people who really care.
I will continue to share updates when appropriate. Thanks.
Co-op is over for this year.....until sometime in January. WHEW. What a ride.
That and Lit class and art class sure made our lives MUCH busier than we ever thought possible.....and I am rethinking some of the "busy-ness". Just not our style....made me fairly cranky.....not to mention hubby, who is used to things a certain way around here.
WAYYYY different plans on our plates compliments of the stalled, uncertain economic times ahead.
Numero Uno on our list is hauling in a few truckloads of GOOD soil (ours is not only pretty sandy, but really ucky) and planting a garden this spring.
Haven't done that since small son was an infant and we were living in Northern Michigan......but.....with grocery prices as they are and me being the self proclaimed "Queen" of frugal meal prep.....I just can't see any other way around it....PLUS, it will be a great , uh........physical education dealo for small son....and will get ME out in ye olde sunshine to absorb some of that Vitamin D I'm sure I'm missing.
Not only that, but coming in at Numbre Deux is......CHICKENS. I hope this spring to get my beloved chickens back!!!......those also from an almost 13 year hiatus. This city living is sure not what it's cut out to be....or I'm not cut out for it or something like that.
And actually, we live in an "unincorporated township" and my understanding of that simply means "area where you get nothing for your taxes and can basically do anything you want".....unless someone reports you, which I also understand just doesn't happen that much here.....all things being equal, of course.
In close relation to Uno and Deux, we have TROIS.....scaling back on our menu plans, ingredients,.....basically eating back on our 'shoestring budget'. Hubby says it's too many carbs for him and he blows up like a balloon......but he can just lay off the bread stuff so much. So, starting THIS weekend (yes, just b4 the annual Thanksgiving glut), I will be once again trying to stick to $50 a week in groceries, compared to the VERY GENEROUS and never did I think I would ever to be able to spend that much on groceries in this or any other lifetime of mine amount of $200 a week hubby currently gives me.....which leads me to Quattro.......(I am mixing French and Spanish in my numbers, happens all the time).
I've also decided to take at least HALF of what my husband is giving me for groceries and putting it away. And I mean AWAY.....like in an account somewhere.....for the garden and chickens. That way, when the time comes (and IF hubby is laid off, as is threatened after the first of the year), I can just use those funds and not have to go to hubby for it!!! How's that for a Proverbs 31 woman type thing??
Oh, the woodburning stove is WONDERFUL....can't wait until we have the proper equipment and right size logs for it. We're just sort of playing around with it now.....but yesterday, the furnace only came on once during the day.....granted, it was a tad warmer (in the lower 40's), but it was exceedingly windy. Plus, my feet were not cold all day long.....and for me, that's the acid test.
Need to run and get ready to haul small son to art class.....it's 2 hours earlier this term....ugh.
Very busy weekend on the horizon. Sigh. Thought I was done with all that, but the co-op play is tomorrow night, final rehearsal tonight and something fun for MOI.....making Christmas cards with ladies from the church Sat. afternoon....sounds like fun.
I remain,
Denise, aka The Domestic Angel
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Nov. 17, 2008 - Update on Donna
I thought this email that I'm copying here was pretty important to share with the group of home schoolers who have been praying for Donna, as it concerns some home school issues. Might give an idea of how to pray more specifically.......
Now, talk about miracles. Donna was sent home from Porter Memorial yesterday! Just think, one week ago, we didn’t know if she would wake up from her coma and she is already home. Beginning Wednesday, she will begin outpatient therapy in Homewood IL. A van will pick her up at home in Valparaiso and will return her at the end of the day. She still has some therapy issues like short term memory loss and difficulty walking. Stan is returning to work today. The kids are doing well and are very happy to have their mother home.
As many of you know, Donna homeschooled all the children. That in itself is a huge issue right now. As has been explained to me, only parents may home school their own children and it looks like it will be a while before Donna will be up to speed to do that. A generous person has offered to pay the tuition to send the two youngest, Seth and Mia, to Victory Christian. Since Stan works in the Chesterton School district and they have been looking for a house in that area, Silas, Ellie and Rachel, would like to go to Chesterton. The family is currently trying to find a solution to this issue because until they move, they would have to pay tuition to go to Chesterton right now.
Stan and Donna cannot express how much they appreciate everything that their Indiana families have done to help them through this difficult time. Keep them in your prayers as they still have many obstacles to overcome. It will take a long time for Donna and her family to get back to a normal life. Besides not being able to home school her children, Donna will also not be able to work at her job as a columnist for the Post Tribune. Though they have insurance, I know that their will still be large medical bills to pay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was just an excerpt......but thought everyone who's been praying would appreciate knowing.
Thanks for all who prayed. I will give an update every week or so now......more another day.
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Nov. 14, 2008 - ugh. teen hormones (and short Donna update)
Don't let anyone tell you that boys don't have the same probs with hormones as girls......THEY DO.
Remember when small son couldn't WAIT for his extra lit class to end? Just Tuesday, he announced that he'd like to find out what book they're working on next, "just in case he might want to take the class again".
Sigh.
I'd forgotten......or seriously just blanked out all the teen angst and drama. Only daughter was ENOUGH of an experience for ANYONE'S lifetime.....and large son just sort of......well.........he was just SO EASY, comparitively so.
NOW......small son.
I've emailed the teach and haven't received a reply.....not sure if even SHE wants to tackle 6 jr. high age girls with a shy boy thrown in.....and I'm wondering now about those girls.....hmmmmm.
School is actually going better these days. He enjoys the math, grammar and other areas I've added a la Charlotte Mason.....actually, I think he enjoyed 'the hunt' as I so lovingly refer to it......and it's not over yet. STILL desperately seeking an American History book......need suggestions.
Personally, I think he enjoys transition, even though all the books on Aspergers state change is a BIG bugaboo. It's probably the lack of a few subjects he REALLY likes. Sigh.
I will devote an entire post to Donna sometime soon.....please keep praying as her husband has some important decisions to make. She is in 'step down' care at hospital and having serious short term memory probs.....see my homestead blog for details. I try not to overlap too much.
On that note, I will add here that knitting is coming along......finished some wrist warmers and soon to be mittens. My 'guys' wanted wrist warmers too.....imagine.
Ladies retreat tonight and I STILL don't know if I'm going. Don't know what's wrong with me. Hormones of my own? Winter blues setting in? Just plain lazy? Who knows?
Gonna run.
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Nov. 8, 2008 - A 'new' approach
Well, not 'new' in the true sense of the word.....but......NEW to us.
I've discovered the "multi-discplinary approach" to teaching/learning.....at least in THIS school.
After lo these many years of trying this program and that program ....... this style and that style......this approach and that approach......
......I think I've finally hit on it.....and you all out there probably already know this, but I am thinking I'm a genius.
Well, sort of.
Small son needs many different kinds of learning techniques in order to not only stay interested.....but to retain the knowledge he gleans.
Phew.
ALL computer or ALL books or ALL auditory or ALL video or ALL anything.....just doesn't cut it for him.
SOOOOO......we are creating a learning approach of our own.
Currently and working well for right now, but may need to bump it around soon, we are using this protocol......FOR NOW.
Bible - is on SOS computer. Small son is fizz banging thru this and actually LIKES the content. And it even appears to be.....advanced for him, but .....oh well. Whatever works, eh? COMPUTER
Math - is MathUSee. Re-doing the book he used last year, still trying to get a grasp on place value, time and money. Sigh. VIDEO and HANDS ON and WORKBOOK
History - Currently doing the SOS disc on computer......but am looking for a great AMERICAN history book. Really like the Bob Jones one we used about......5 years ago. Still searching.....any suggestions would be great. Have thrown in some reading from Ambleside; Marco Polo, Child's History of the World. COMPUTER and READING
Science - here's where it gets difficult. I think I'm just leaving it up to the co-op we're involved in to teach physical science and do the experiments, since our living space is just so small currently. READING and HANDS ON somewhere else.
Language Arts/Grammar - heavy sigh. SOS just isn't getting the job done. I'm considering going back to Rod and Staff, as he not necessarily enjoyed it, but "got it" more often than not. I could slow the pace and re-do certain areas that were problematic. Small son, however....does not WANT to do Rod and Staff again.....says it's 'boring'. Might do "Further Up and Further In" or have even considered "Writing the Novel Way"......again, any suggestions here would be helpful. This is also a touchy subject here, as I am a writer, editor and English major.......sigh. NOTHING CONCRETE YET
There is much more I am adding. He absolutely LOVES BOOKS and loves holding them in his hands, referring to them, stacking them.....it is a true love of all things books.
Small son has requested "nature study" again and he LOVED "The Sciences" which is only available online. Has asked me to find the 'book'.....blech. Might not happen.
Also, he LOVES all things Egypt (has even asked his dad to take him there next year for their one week 'father/son' vacation). AND wants to learn arabic. Borrowed the Pilsen method from the library for awhile and he's actually showing signs of being linguistical.....chip off the old block, I think. Like his big brother and sister.....if ONLY Rosetta stone didn't cost so much.....it goes on the Christmas wish list....along with a rich uncle!!!
Then, there is always his art. LOVES it. And we're adding art appreciation again, a la Charlotte Mason style. Should be fun.
There are other things I am toying with, but do not want to overwhelm. Him or ME.
He is also going thru a phase that I suspect is part of growing pains.....'revisiting' the old films/soundtracks of his younger years. Hard to grow up these days, eh? But, it's comforting to him in our upheaveal. Glad he found it.
Will keep an update here.
As always,
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Nov. 7, 2008 - Thoughts and a prayer request
I've come to realize some things in these past......9 years of homeschooling that are important.
One fact that has become evident to me lately, is that when I made a decision to homeschool, I joined a larger community of people who were pretty special.
Add to that the fact that I am a Christian and participate in Christian homeschool circles, and the involvement goes even deeper.
I have met WONDERFUL people who homeschool, Christian and non-Christian alike. They are all caring, compassionate people....sort of the 'norm' for our genre of people.
Last night I received word that another wife, homeschooling mom and wonderful woman was involved in a terrible car accident.
Today, she is in a coma in hosptial. Initial news like this can be grim, but I believe God can do anything.
Donna has a husband and 6 wonderful children. Last year, she organized a talent show/fundraiser that far surpassed my expectations.
Not that any of us would not be as 'special'......but will you pray with me for Donna?
I will keep you updated here.
Thanks
Denise
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Nov. 6, 2008 - Taking a poll here......
.....about some books you all might use for school.
FIRST, I'd like to get opinions on which AMERICAN history books you all think are best. Sort of Charlotte Masonish.....living, not dull.
For a 13 y/o with some learning challenges, but who LOVES history.
ALSO.....about Latin. Which is the easiest program?
AND......Grammar.
Some of the grammar programs we've used are just too fast paced for small son. Any suggestions?
And did I mention........not too pricey either.
Thanks, gotta fly.
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Nov. 1, 2008 - Lit, Math and youth group revisited
Side bar: AND WHERE did the frog come from on my blog??? Cute little green guy, but I sure didn't put him there....I don't know how!!!
Man, our plates are so full, I just can't seem to use this blog like I did last year; as a daily journal of small son's education. Blech.
MAYBE if I got up earlier.....but this whole menopause/hot flash/disturb your sleep every couple of hours things is for THE BIRDS. I got more sleep when my children were babies....thought the 'sleepless' part of my life was OVER!!!!
SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On that note.....some more changes.
Gotta love homeschooling, don't ya? We try something, it doesn't work for our children, or fit our lifestyle....and we can CHANGE IT!!! Try doing that in your local school system. I'd tell you stories about my neighbor and her 9 and 4 y/o and the trials they've endured just this year.....but.....it's same song second verse, so I'll spare you the details. I'd be 'preachin' to the choir' anyway, eh?
About the changes.
Small son has decided that this slick 'computer' school HE choose.....just isn't his cup of tea! Not sure exactly what it is about it that he doesn't like, but....I HAVE noticed that he likes holding a book in his hand. AND he loves reading, which is why the literature based, Charlotte Mason approach is what we're going back to ............AGAIN. Upon small son's request.
I know this happened last year, only later in the year. This time it only took about 3-4 weeks for him to 'zone out'. You'd think the flashing graphics and funny people on this thing would hold his interest.....but.....he IS gravitating more to history and is intrigued with all things Egypt and Arabic. How to explain to your Aspie 13 y/o that there is war and unrest in the part of the world he wants to go 'dig' in. Sigh. Ah, for innocence.
SOOOOO.....that being said, I am scrambling to find some of his old texts from that discipline.....some here, some there (there being the storage unit that was blown away this summer by the tornado)....and some I will have to buy or borrow from yon library.
No more Lit class......his last class was Wed. I will miss my one hour with some great moms. But, it is best for small son. He will NOT miss being the only boy in a class of 6 giggly, adolescent, soon to be full blown teen girls. Can you believe they studied Call of the Wild?? Such a boy book.....anyway, that experience is over.....and he even admitted he was glad he did it....just does NOT want to do it again. Hmmm. Maybe more unit studies or guide sheets for lit, eh?
Math. What can I say about THE most frustrating experience of my life?? It's like God is just NOT going to give up......I mean, I hated math when I was in 4th grade and the teach accused me of being a 'busy body' b/c I gave a girl a pencil who had arrived late to class b/c of 'catechism' classes. (always been a 'need filler', but in p/s, I guess that's a bad thing).
Then there was the whole "Quizmo" experience. My dad would sit me down on weekends at our dining room table and literally try to POUND math facts into my head. He thought he was "helping", I'm sure, since he was the proverbial 2nd shift dad and not around during the week in the evenings to 'help'. All I remember was tears and heartache.
I think those experiences traumatized me and I never got past......division. Anyway, large son and only daughter seemed to muck thru it ok in p/s .......and now in my twilight years......God has gifted me with this child as a reminder, I guess, of what I still need to work on (or as a reminder of my failure or maybe a chance for me to finally 'get it'??).
Sigh.
SOOOO......I ordered another MathUSee student text and we're doing it AGAIN. WHY is it so hard for him to grasp the concept of place value?? Isn't that a foundational concept???
Well, we watched "Rainman" with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise (I do NOT recommend that movie to anyone unless they have TVGuardian, HORRIBLE language, which reminds me, they seem to have replaced the atrocious language of the 80's and 90's with violence and sex?? Or is that just me that thinks that?)......Dustin Hoffmans portrayal of an autsitic adult was hard for me to watch.
So many of his 'responses' to his brother were so similar to small sons. "I don't know".....the fact he had no concept of time unless it was tied to a tv program.....the sound sensitivity.....phew.
HOWEVER.....there was that phenomenal math ability.....wouldn't it be grand if our lives were like the movies??
So.....back to MathUSee, and he's really not dragging his heels too badly with this. I think b/c it's 'easier' b/c he's already done it? I refuse to skip him past the place value part until I know he REALLY understands.....and if he never does???? Well, that is something I'm leaving to God.
And it seems my decision about Youth Group has been vetoed by hubby......hmmm.
He insists small son go every other Sun. afternoon and participate.....even if all he does is sit there and soak it in.....perhaps he is right. Small son loves to do everything else with these kids.....maybe he just isn't comfortable with all the personal/God talk stuff?? Seems to fit.
This Sunday is our Hymn sing/potluck. NEXT Sunday is the YCL youth thing.....we'll see how it goes.
SO.
No more Lit class. Co-op on Tuesdays. Signed up for the second session of Art.....starts in 2 weeks. MathUSee is it for us.....AND......apparently Ambleside Online. YCL every other Sunday afternoon. And a partridge in a pear tree.
Life goes on.
Pray as we locate books.
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Oct. 20, 2008 - Just a quick "yoo-hoo"
A quick update on all things educational around here, since I've been spotty about my posts lately.
Some decisions and changes.
ONE. We will NOT be continuing the Lit class on Wednesdays after this 6 week session is done. Just WAYYYYY too much info for small son to absorb in far too short a time for him....but....we had to try. Now I have a little better handle on just how far I "can" push him and exactly what he is capable of absorbing. More than I previously thought.....but not in the 'speed' with which this group is going. I am grateful it is a short session, as I think small son can handle this challenge with as little self recrimination as possible...not so mom, here. Feeling really......bad.
TWO. I have dropped the Math course from his SOS schedule....there is absolutely NO WAY he can even begin to accomplish the subjects covered, especially since he has not mastered the 'basics' yet. Again....a good try and a good measure of where he needs. Now, we will drag out our old MathUSee, which is the BEST way he 'learns' math.....and review and go from there.....almost done with the level he was working on last year and need to get a new one ordered.
THREE. Small son has decided the challenge of being with a new youth group is a little too....advanced for him. Which is why they limit it to 14 y/o and above and some mature 13 y/o's. Small son is quiet and 'manageable', but far from the 'mature' level they have. Not a bad situation, just a few times a month he will not be with some of the young folks.
Good decisions all....and much prayed over. Feeling confident about the Holy Spirit's leading with this.....
More tomorrow.
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Oct. 15, 2008 - Tuesdays
There is hope.
Yesterday, without even being told, small son not only completed ALL of his subjects before our departure time of 12:30 (for co-op).
He has even taken it upon himself to learn Egyptian (Arabic). AND is studying, in his spare time, about Egypt.
WOW. Big time, adult stuff for around here!
He even put in one of the language CD's for Arabic in the cd player in our truck on the way home (sheesh, with that sentence construction, maybe I should tutor out grammar, eh??).....and in listening to him repeat the phrases.....I am amazed that he shows the same linguistical (is that a word?) ability as his older sister......who is about as white bread, redhead, curly, sassy ANGLO as you can get....but when she lets out a speal of Spanish like someone born and raised in Mexico......it's just short of amazing!
Perhaps this will also be one of my children who grasps the 'arts'.....and most of his qualities, especially his personality....is more like his sister than anyone......sigh.
Hmmmm.....maybe all those early years of Charlotte Mason type teaching, gently exposing him to different areas of learning......music, the Great Masters, languages......maybe it's all geling together.....
WOW.....ain't God good??
SOOOO.....take heart, all you out there with multiple little ones under say......10 or so.....or even those that have children with learning disabilities.......
THERE IS HOPE.
They really are soaking it in.
They really are listening.
God really does answer prayer.
And Satan wants to discourage.
NEVER forget that.
Yesterday was a good day at co-op also. Next week we have a 'break week', no co-op. He will be able to catch up on a few thngs and prepare his very first EVER speech for 'elections' class.
And life goes on....
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Oct. 11, 2008 - 2 days in a row
No, it's not a title for a new reading program.
It's a record of sorts for around here this year.
We actually accomplished ALL of what was on our list the for the past 2 days.
WOW. Rejoice with me!!
Let me clarify. FOR SCHOOL. The rest of this place?? I must confess, I didn't even get dressed yesterday. I am just SO tired at the end of the week.
WHY didn't someone tell me that after you have a baby late in life.....YOU are still the one that has to complete raising, training, educating and CHAUFFERING this child all over the planet (at least, the driving part fits if you live in an area like I do and want him to have any activities at all).
GOOD GRIEF.....I need some mega vitamins or something.
He completed the first unit of Science, with a quiz and a test. Did another quiz over in Grammar, did Bible (which btw, is a VERY comprehensive subject at this level....sheesh), history and geography, did some catch up work in his Lit class, did one of the drawings that were homework for art class (yeah, that hurt him to do THAT assignment) and even did a little reading/research with some books he ordered at the library about Egyptology (he wants to learn to write in hyrogliphics or however you spell that and even wants to learn to speak Egyptian....can you say "rosetta stone"?? Sorry, no math.....I chickened out. More on that at a later date....I have some plans rolling around in this tiny brain of mine!
All in all a great day.....done before 2:00.....getting up early is the ticket for us! With a few jogs around the cul de sac with his dog thrown in.
Hubby came home in a funk though......not sure what that's all about. Must investigate today.
Weather is SOOOO beautiful here....maybe I'll pull him away from this house project (the possible cause of his funk, I'm thinkin') and run away to the dunes or the lake or even an apple orchard today.....
Until the next school day,
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Oct. 10, 2008 - Ya know, there are days......
.......and then there are days.
Ya know sometimes when you pray and pray.....and you get the answer, but it's not all wrapped up pretty in the package you expect?
I think that's been happening here for a few weeks and I've not been a good gift reciever....in fact, I've been 're-gifting' and I really need to step back and examine things.
One phrase comes to mind: Be careful what you pray for......GOD DOES ANSWER PRAYER....just in HIS timing and in HIS way.
All that to say that school yesterday was a little......stressful.
Recently, and in direct answer to a prayer that I've prayed for several years now.....my husband has shown an interest in being involved in 'school' for small son.
I think my fog comes from the fact that since small son was 4 years old.....this has been ONLY my domain. I've not always done it well....but I've DONE it.
Many things have come to us lately that I have prayed long and hard for. A good church with great young people small son can associate with and come away with some form of spirituality, not just more skills for the gameboy. Consistency with hubbys job and salary. A better lifestyle afforded by that consistent income.
But I also prayed for YEARS for more involvement from hubby regarding school. I'm getting old....or just feel old sometimes and this small son can be just as stubborn as large son was AND just as .......conniving and vocal as his older sister was. What a combo!
Some days it just seemed too much for me to bear alone....but I had to.
Math is not my strong suit. Neither is consistency if I'm honest with myself.
Enter expanded notation and expotential numbers......I'm thinkin' "who in THE WORLD needs this besides the true geeks and techies, anyway" (NO disrespect here.....large son IS one, but with small son's learning challenges....I just felt it was a waste of time).
Enter hubby who has been taking baby steps into getting more involved.
Boy, did I blow it.
It should be interesting to see what transpires today.
Other than that little Math Meltdown, we had a pretty productive day.
Finished a History quiz that needed lots of review.
Did Bible, Science and Grammar. All BEFORE art class at 11:30 and in between a neighbors questions about how to treat a bee sting.
Today, he needs to work on his Lit class make up stuff, read a little more in his Physical Science book and complete his art homework (the only type of homework he REALLY enjoys) and needs to finish up the science unit, and work in EACH subject today......
Gotta run, time to get small son up so he does not turn into that foolish, slothful son in Proverbs.....comments on that over at my other blog.
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Oct. 9, 2008 - Wednesday, Oct. 8th
Busy times.
Honestly, even small son made a statement yesterday, "Man, I just don't get a break, do I?"
I will make a statement here.....we do NOT believe a child needs to be busy 24/7 in order to be fulfilled OR successful.....but the comparison of our activity level from last year to this year is......nuts.
And since it was going to be almost 6:30 when we got home, he requested that he be able to watch something HE wanted to on tv.....a sure sign it's been crazy around here.'' (another aside.....we added tv to our life this year at the request of hubby.....still 'out to lunch' on that decision....but.....)
BUT......yesterday was a GOOD day, as far as school goes, and I am convinced, as I'm sure many of you all are....that the getting up early and starting on time goes a long way to peace and success in the life of homeschoolers......at least this one!
Small son had several subjects he needed to play catch up on that he had been avoiding. SO, I got all teacherly on him and MADE him do them. We had to 'reset' some quizzes and tests, since 'review' is a bad word in his vocabulary. BUT.....I think I finally got him to understand that just b/c you read it ONCE, doesn't necessarily mean you're going to remember it.....and that you're not STUPID if you can't and if you have to read it over and over again.
SHEESH. This trait of an Aspie is making me a crazy person.
He got all subjects completed except for 2, PLUS finished all his make up work for his Lit class he would be going to later the same day.....well, until he brought home the paper that said he still had 5 things to turn in......he really is finding it tough to keep up. This class is only 8 weeks long....so ......we may not 're-up' if it proves too stressful. He ENJOYS this class, though, in spite of the fact that he's the only boy amongst 8 girls. I think he likes the reading material AND the teacher. Sigh. Boys.
Today, we have to focus on the dreaded MATH subject. Blech.
AND he has a drawing class right in the middle of the day.....and hubby wants me to go to the home improvement store with him to order our siding.....by Thursdays, I just want to stay in my jammies and not go anywhere......not gonna happen today.
I let small son sleep in an extra hour today.....he still sounds all junky from being sick last week.
So......we're off. More tomorrow.
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Oct. 8, 2008 - WOW!
Has it been a long time since I've been here, or WHAT???
Life is just so busy at times.....well, you all know exactly what I mean, so I will not belabor the point.
I DO plan on using this blog again this year to chronicle our school year. I need a place to do this and since I now finally have a lovely new computer.....should be able to do this and add some fancy smanshey type pics and graphics when I finally teach myself how. I'm convinced the older one gets, the bigger the learning curve is......with technology at least.
Small son and I have made quite a few adjustments to what 'school' looks like this year.
After quite a time of prayer and searching and encouragment from hubby.....I decided to 'ramp up' the learning experience for small son.
This has not been an easy task considering all his.....challenges. However, this is what we did and what our schedule looks like now.
One thing I knew especially in my 'mother's heart' was that small son needed more of an outlet for social interaction. Add to that the fact that we were not pleased AT ALL with the direction the youth group was taking at the church we had been at for a few years.....and we just were really lost as to what to do.
Doesn't prayer help SOOOO much?
After literally YEARS of praying about this one church, we decided to take the plunge and begin visiting this early summer. This was a church that was VERY "homeschool friendly", and one I had been hearing about for several years. One glitch, it was quite a drive.....and with gas prices exploding thru the roof this summer, we seriously doubted our decision. It is also not of the same 'denomination' we had been involved with over the past several years......we were a little worried.
We are SO glad we trusted God and went ahead with our bold decision. We are now involved with a homeschool co-op on Tuesdays. He 'takes' 3 classes there. Physical Science, an 'elections' class (so appropriate for this season, no?) and a beginning art class. There is a play he could be involved in, which I am helping with costumes with, then they serve a dinner and currently there is a doctrines class after that. A very full day, but such a blessing.
Associated with this group of people, but not with the co-op, there is a Literature class on Weds at someones home.....they are studying "Call of the Wild" and learning so much about writing also.
On Thurs, he takes a beginning drawing class at a local art studio from a woman who is a professional illustrator. SUCH a blessing that it is only about 5 minutes away from our home. AND that he enjoys art so much. I think we may have finally discovered his 'niche'.
ALSO for this year, he elected to do the SOS program on computer. AND I went ahead and got the program that is only one year below where he would be in traditional school......keeping with the decision that it is just "time" for him to become more serious about his studies....especially since he is STILL talking about paleantology (I can't even spell that right) or archaeology.
SOOOO. Our lives are very full right now, but once again, I've re-examined my time and schedule and see that I need to have some time in the early am again, much like last year. Time to reflect and also time to journal our school days.
That's the nutshell version of what's up now with school. More later.
Denise, STILL The Domestic Angel
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Sep. 2, 2008 - Frustration
Not sure what button I just hit.....but my "update" entry just went bye-bye.....did I mention we got a new computer this weekend? Sigh.
However.....I will be back. More tomorrow morning about our travels, move, medical adventures oh, and of course, the new school year.
I plan to keep a daily log here again this year. That was SO helpful last year.
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Feb. 26, 2008 - And now, a news flash from Sickie Central
Honestly, we have all been SOOOOO sick here, I have not even logged into this thing in AGES.
Here's the recap in a nutshell.
2 weeks ago Tuesday, small son became ill. By Thursday, he declared himself "all better", so as not to miss several activities in the next 4 days that he had been looking forward to.
By the following Tuesday, yours truly was down with whatever the ailment (yet to be diagnosed) was. Thursday small son was ill again and Friday morning when hubby got home, declared himself to be "sick".
So sick, in fact, he called off work that night for the first time in our 17 year marriage.....now that, my friends is SICK.
I hauled us ALL into the docs Sat. morning. We ALL have a 'flu/bronchitis' thing. Ya know, it used to worry me when my health care professional used terms like "thing" and "crud", but now I understand that sometimes they are about as clueless as we are.....but they are the ones with the prescription pads!
HOWEVER.....he was 'quite concerned' about small son. And wrote an additional order for a chest x-ray should he not be 'any better' by Monday.
Now, ya gotta know that when a doc does that......he KNOWS he's not going to get any better, he's just tryin' to make YOU feel better about it all.
Sure enough, I declared a 104 temp after 36 hours on an antibiotic was NOT better.....and we took our sick selves back off to the 'city' again for a chest x-ray. FAR too much drama there for me to go into here, but ........suffice it to say the phrase "I will advocate for my child" goes a long way. Instead of waiting 2 days to get the x-rays read, they were done in about 2 minutes......and yes, Virginia, he DOES have pneumonia!
ANOTHER trip to the docs office (and ya know, I like this guy, he's the most down to earth, REAL, doc we could find here, but .....enough is enough!), ANOTHER trip to the pharmacy and $300 dollars worth of meds later.....I think we are all finally on the mend.
Our doc is a funny man sometimes. Asks on our first visit "so, how you doing in school, young man?" And with the blank look ONLY an almost teen can give someone, he shakes his head and says "GOOD?" like, "is this the right answer and what does school have to do with the fact I can't breathe?" I reminded him we home school....."oh, that's right".
Second visit "So how long you plan on keeping him out of school?" Sigh. I understand that this man sees a bazillion patients a week, especially this time of year.....and he doesn't usually see us very often. But, you'd THINK he'd remember something from a day and a half ago.
I just told him .......AGAIN.......'we homeschool, and even though his teacher was really sick, I made him do school all week until Friday'........blank look. Sigh.
Anyway, small son was able to keep up with his studies for 3 of the 4 days last week. AND the doc said to 'keep him out of school' this week.....does that mean he can't stay at our house? or that he can't go in the kitchen? where we do most of school? Sigh.
Which turns out to be one of those blessings in disguise. Since this started, I have been unable to work on a presentation I have to make this weekend......gives me time to focus on that.
So, it will probably be another week b4 I get back to our regular journaling about school.
Later,
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Feb. 18, 2008 - NO..........
.....we haven't been A) blown away by the gale force winds here, B) swept away by the flooding that happens each time it warms up (and we are grateful for our sump pump!!, C) teleported to a different galaxy or D) won the lottery and are traveling in Europe.
Sigh.
I am simply in a conundrum. A quandry. A fog of my own thoughts regarding the rest of this school year.
I wish I could say that these past 2 weeks have been a welcome break. The first week was, as it was PLANNED and much was accomplished. The second week was NOT planned, since illness cannot be foretold.....so it was a very frustrating week.
Small son STILL has such a heavy cough.
BUT he did not share it with myself OR hubby.....so that's a good thing.
Something is NOT working well here with our educational system. I need to pull out my old CM books and REREAD everything. Hubby is worried about him not 'getting it'.....the basics, I guess. I'm worried about him not liking 'school'.
It just seems we are at different poles of this thing right now.
Sigh.
I need to make out a lesson plan (loosely)for not only this week, but for up until we leave for TX in late April.
Just not motivated.
Pray for us.
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Feb. 13, 2008 - Mid Winter Break - EXTENDED
Good grief. Have you ever felt like you deserve the 'bad mom of the year' award??
Well, yesterday I could have been the dubious winner of such!
Monday was absolutely CRAZY. I needed to meet with a lady about our women's ministries at the church. And we don't normally do school on Mondays, so that's all right....not where the bad mom award comes in....I'm getting there!
Friends hubby going to car show in the city. Chicago. Biggest one in the country. Can you say YAWN? At least for me, so I was glad when they worked it out and not only hubby, but small son were off on the train, whilst I was nestled in my friends home, drinking chicory coffee and taking notes.
Went and had my hair done, coffee with my spiritual mentor (we've learned when we're 'in town' to do everything we can at once.....saves on gas!). Snow started. Men got home. Small son acting a tad 'off'. Nothing new there. I just figured he was exhausted from traipsing thru acres of fast cars and the multimedia delight of sound and motion.....NOT pleasant to someone with the sensory problems of small son.
I digress.
As SOON as we get in our vehicle....small son says "I have a sore throat". Now, this is the child who whines profusely if he has a hang nail....so I just told him it was probably from being in a dry building around all those cars and in a strange train. Such a 'mommy' thing to say!
Lots of whining later, I finally convince him it's BEDTIME.
Morning comes, he really is under the weather. STILL not thinking much of it, I continue with my morning. By 10, I realize he is NOT going to be 'up' to doing school, so .....I call an extension of our Mid Winter Break....and continue on with the housework, laundry, phone calls I needed to make to make arrangements for this women's retreat I've been invited to.......busy, busy, busy.
Hubby finally comes home (LATE, due to weather), lunch.....and I'm STILL not 'tuned in' or conscious or something.
Prepare dinner, get hubby up. It's now dark and small son has listened to just about every Narnia CD he has....(thank goodness they are LONG) while I make MORE phone calls to family members that I've put off for WAY too long.....and I'm still not gettin' it.
Poor child. I come out of the kitchen just b4 serving dinner and this child has a thermometer stuck in his mouth TAKING HIS OWN TEMP.....this is when the bad mom award comes in.......
He asks me to tell him when 5 minutes is up.....I do....look at the thermometer.......it says 102!!!! OH MY GOODNESS.
This child is really sick!!! He hardly EVER runs a fever. Truly. And if this excuses my bad mommy radar.....I seriously have taken this child's temp NUMEROUS times in his lifetime and hardly EVER does he run a temp!!!!
Feeling chagrined and just a tad HORRIBLE.....I kick the mommy stuff into high gear. Get him a cold washcloth. Make him more comfortable. Sit with him a while. Bring him a glass of water.
HOWEVER, by now.....it's my wind down, snuggle in, read and collapse into bed time.
THEN, he couldn't go to sleep last night. He must have wandered into my bedroom a dozen times.....finally around 12:30, I tell him to just try reading a book....must've worked, b/c I didn't see him anymore .....until 7:30 THIS MORNING.....
Now, this is the child, that if left unmolested, will sleep until at least 10 or 11.
And I seriously do not know WHAT on earth is wrong with him. His throat does not hurt anymore. His headache he had yesterday for about 10 minutes is gone. No stomach ache. No throwing up (YEAH). Only symptom seems to be a profusely runny nose. Lots of wiping, now lots of soreness.
Just this weird fever. And his eyes are burning out of his head. And he still has fever this morning. I'm sure it's not as high b/c it IS morning.....but good grief.
SOOOOO....I get the 'bad mommy' award today!!!
AND our self imposed, self declared "Mid Winter Break" has been extended until further notice. Due to illness.
Just when you thought it was safe to get back into ministry work. Kids. Never know, do ya?
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Feb. 8, 2008 - Book Tag
Seriously, I have NO idea how to do this, but it sounds like fun and since Curious Cat has been very patient with me, I will post this here and see what happens.
- Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
- Open the book to page 123.
- Find the fifth sentence.
- Post the next three sentences.
- Tag five people.
The Defined King James Bible - (Ex 29:42) "This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee. 43. And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory. 44. And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office." (always next to me every morning as I post on another blog about my reading thru the Bible in a year....I need to catch up on that one!)
Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Gardening - Foliage is bright green but red-leaved varieties do exist. Twigs are thorny. Dwarf from grows to two feet."
Seasons of the Heart by Janette Oke - "It was her special blue one and made her eyes look even bigger and bluer. She had left her hair loose and flowin' around her face and shoulders. A small blue bow secured a handful of it at the back of her head."
Catch as Cat Can by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown (The Mrs. Murphy Murder Mysteries) - Rick, too, had wondered if he'd been hoisted up on a truck bed. "Washed out." Wesley Partlow didn't seem like the suicide type.
I will stop here. Since there is literally only one book beside me, close to me or even in the same room, I went and got one book off the end of each self closest to this room.....a way off in the other part of the house. We are still settling in. Can ya tell?
And I'm sure by now you can see how eclectic my book selections and my taste are. Funny, as we were putting them on the shelves the other day, I came to the conclusion that there must be something wrong with me......
There on one shelf is a fairly large selection of Tom Clancy books right next to Janette Oke (not alphabatized)......and I am currently RE reading the Left Behind series, but LOVE Jane Austen too. Anne of Green Gables is my alter ego, yet I read Robert Ludlum before Matt Damon made it cool to lose your identity and be 'black ops'.
Go figure.
I will tag.......JNLANG, opheliag (with apologizes for not talking to her in a while), ApplesofGold, 2boysmom and gnjlopez.
Sorry if I've tagged anyone in a tag free zone.....
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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Feb. 6, 2008 - Mid Winter Break
I have called a Mid Winter Break for school. Now, I was feeling pretty sheepish and almost guilty about this until yesterday, when my daughter informed me that in one part of this country (Michigan) there is a school district that only had 12 days of school in the whole month of January due to 'snow days'. That's only 2 full 'weeks' of school plus 2 days in a very long month and I'm pretty sure there were MLK celebrations, teacher in service and half days in THOSE days of school.
Now, I've lived the most part of my life in that good state, was born and raised there and went to public school there back when there was more snowfall. NEVER did we EVER miss that much school......things are so different now. School districts and teachers and administrators use whatever they can to call a 'day'.........my personal favorite 'excuse' is that if they at least have 'lunch', then they can call that a WHOLE day of school, even if the children are sent home at 11:30!!!
And the legislators are 'concerned' about home schoolers getting the proper amount of education in the 'allotted' time??
I no longer feel 'guilty' about my 4 day, self imposed, self named, self declared "Mid winter break". NOR do I feel guilty if we don't 'fit it all in' in one day. We are fortunate enough to live in a state that requires very little in the line of accountability. And I am a rabid record keeper. So.....all in all, even if the state or anyone else comes knocking at my door.....all I have to do is NOW, point them to this blog.....and before that my record books.
So......all that being said.....we are on 'break'. Time to revive the engines, check out a few more books, rearrange the living room, put the basement back together after last months flood and set up the sewing room (slash:computer room/laundry room/office) so I can begin my home based business. There are several boxes of books that need to be put on bookshelves and other things to be organized to either give away or sell come spring at a yard sale I plan on having before we go to Texas.......
And speaking of Texas......only daughter is due May 2nd, and I have been asked to be there. I am SOOOO happy to do that. I love stuff like that. Anyway, due to hubby's schedule, small son will have to travel with me. AND, since I'll be down there....plan on leaving early to visit with large son and family and I get to see my first grandSON for the first time. I'll stay there until only daughter's 3rd daughter is born. Large son will take small son and I down to Houston from his place, then I will stay THERE for a few weeks and leave from there to come home.......
UNLESS she has little Aubrey Faith early.....If that happens then I will stay there a few weeks and come back to large sons and stay for a few more days.....trying to 'even' this out.....PLUS, since my Daddy is down there now, I'll be able to visit with him often while I'm at large sons, since he is only about 15 minutes away in THAT part of Texas.
PHEW. Some vacation, huh? At least we'll be taking the train, which is SO much fun. And relaxing. At least to me.
Plans are to leave April 15th and be gone until May 15th. We have alot of school to squeeze into the next 2 months.
Now, if I can only get hubby to till up and then plant the garden while I'm gone.......
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
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