We are winding down school stuff, but still have stuff on the go. Regan is taking pottery classes, Sinéad still has sewing lessons and they have their stuff at the Y. We are reading much, working on grammar and math and spelling and just finished a play with our school board. There was a Science Project fair on Friday and Regan exhibited on the Ankylosaurus while Sinéad presented about butterflies.
 

I get it!!!  TJEd (sort of got it before, liked it, etc, but now I REALLY get it!) I will write more later, but I am on a new amazing journey of education for my children and I am growing leaders...

Starting Sunday afternoon, it got very cold and the snow started coming down which necessitated much shoveling (over and over) and by Monday morning we were in a deep freeze. We are now smack dab in the middle of it. It's supposed to stay very cold until Wednesday and get warmer Thursday (oh please please). I know many love the snow. I used to, as a child, and then I had children who resisted putting mittens and toques and such, on. Of course this lasts only through toddlerhood and as they age they realise this isn't a punishment but a necessity to not freeze. The cold here is drier than it was in Vancouver, growing up. Right now, we are almost at -40 with the windchill. Staying warm is important.

On Sunday evening , Pres Gordon B Hinckley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints, passed away. I shall miss him, his compassion, his sense of humour, his patience, his love for the members, his love for the Saviour and his Father in Heaven. I am glad that he is once more reunited with his wife. But I will miss him. He was a great man and a true servant of the Lord.

So today I was frustrated as my 6.5 year old son really resists writing. Well of course he does! He is a boy, and before that sounds sexist (I am aware you homeschoolers won't think so, or any parents won't really think so), what I mean is, boys generally have a different learning style. And Regan is that 'typical' boy who has a great imagination and likes hands on and though he does enjoy reading, he prefers 'doing'. I was given some good ideas on how to work with him at his level and not expect him to soar too fast (like his older sister has done, pretty much effortlessly) but to change how we do a few things. Copywork for one, instead of having him make up his own stories right now (on paper. He would rather draw them out, which is fine, I just think he needs to practice writing!) and verbal narration (read something to him or read it together and have him narrate it back to me). This will take time and patience. His printing is slowly improving, but still needs lots of work (you know, writing letters backwards, not terribly neatly, often too close together altogether, mispelling and not checking that). He is really doing great in math though, and he does enjoy reading and loves creating, so we use that to help him. The day will come when he will like writing.

I know that it is forever since I have posted anything here and my goal is to change that. I have plans for this year, for our homeschooling as well as for us as a family and for myself as an individual.

We have had a few weeks off and don't get back to schoolwork until next Monday. I am using this time to plan and to organise our homeschool stuff (and wish I had more SPACE). Our Christmas was lovely with Kim's parents joining us for the celebration of the birth of Christ and the festivities. Our New Year's Eve was quiet. Today, the first day of 2008, was a cleaning, recycling and a bit more organising day. I have the homeschool cart on my list of things to clean. I am not sure I will get to it. But there is always tomorrow (yes, I know famous procrastinator words).

The children are doing so well in everything they work at. Sinéad progresses in violin and Regan in guitar. Their teachers are wonderful and inform me that they are both doing really well. It isn't important to us that they excel, but that they enjoy, work hard and learn. Most importantly that they love what they do. Everything else progresses too. Sinéad will start sewing lessons next week. She is oh so excited. This was our birthday gift to her. She turns 9 on 12 January. Regan has nothing else planned yet, outside of the Y classes and guitar lessons. I am contemplating either soccer again (though the late evening soccer class doesn't really appeal and so we will probably wait on that) or perhaps an art class. Kim would like Sinéad to join a swim club, but she isn't too sure about that. Right now, we are in a bit of recovery mode from the last few months. Sinéad was a mouse and a Russian dancer in The Nutcracker. There were 6 performances the first week of December and it was absolutely wonderful! Regan finished up soccer through the university S.A.L.T.S programme and we may do it again. He isn't very assertive in his playing, but he does like soccer. But perhaps something else will be more appealing. We found that with music. He tried the violin but just wasn't into it. The guitar was a whole other story!

Aisling is growing so much. She is 27 months and says prayers and repeats the Articles of Faith with us and does her own work. She got a magna doodle and an aqua doodle for Christmas and loves them. She also got doll paraphernelia (stroller, swing, high chair, etc) she absolutely loves to play with! She is a resourceful little 2 year old and I can hardly believe that she might be old enough and ready to do ballet next September, just before she turns 3! She seems so little to me now, but doesn't think so.

I realise that some may have given up on reading this blog, but hope to get people to come back (the few that have probably read it).

Happy New Year to all!

Alright, yes I know, very delinquent and some of you (whoever might be reading this) are wondering, what could POSSIBLY be keeping her from posting? Well this is short, my toddler (now actively walking and with that scraping her knees) needs me. We are in the flow of "summer session" which means limited school work and lots of other activities. Next week Ready Set Read starts at the library, as does Trailblazers at the Nature Centre. We have already had some hikes in, enjoyed swimming (Sinéad is almost finished Swimmer [through the YMCA] and Regan is nearly through Seal) and plan on a hopefully fun long weekend for Canada Day. Sunday is the day, but we won't celebrate it that day as that is the Lord's day. However Saturday and Monday are totally up for fun!  We are thinking Warner, to check out the dinosaurs? Perhaps! Looking into that. And next week (yes very excited) I can start ordering curricula for the new school year. It's all ready to go! And yes, I have most of my funding already earmarked. Sinéad also got a part in The Nutcracker being put on by her wonderful ballet teacher, so she has two extra ballet classes to attend from September to the end of November. The performances are the beginning of December. She is a mouse and is doing the Russian Dance. Very exciting.

 

Regan starts guitar lessons, Sinéad is going to be back doing violin and well life just keeps on.

 

But first, summer. In August we go to Vancouver for my brother Rob's wedding. From now until then, we have fun running, learning sign Language, going to the library and nature centre and doing some regular schoolwork to keep up. And swimming when there is time (2 weeks of lessons mid July).

The snow is melting now, but we had LOTS of it. I know it wasn't as bad as in some other areas of the continent, but still.

Since last time, Sinéad has been baptised and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a wonderful special day and occurred on 27 January. My dad and Kim's parents were able to come out for it. And my mum and two youngest siblings who live here were at it as well.

Sinéad is also now officially finished Gamma in Math U See. So we are progressing to Delta. Yes, very exciting. Regan is reading lots now, and learning new words very well. Aisling is climbing more and more and continues to think she is a few years older than her actual 16 months.

Another exciting event in our household was the birth of three kittens in Tuesday 13 February. They are grey, black and tabby grey/black respectively. We need to find a home for our non female cat, Diego. That is proving more difficult.

On Wednesday we went to Aggie Days

Oh it was a blast! The children learned so much, got to experience a lot of wonderful agricultural activities. Saw a cow being milked, a sheep being sheared, baby chicks, pigs, miniature horses, a goat, calves.  Learned how potatoes and canola oil are produced, grown and used and to climb up on big farm machinery. It really was a great educational experience for my city (albeit small city) bred children. We are surrounded by a huge agricultural area, but don't experience it often enough. It was good.

Sinéad had her FIRST ACTIVITY DAY last night! Ok, for you non LDS you won't see what the excitement is about, but in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, when girls turn 8 they are able to attend a twice monthly activity at the Church called Activity Days. They do different activities to help them learn the Articles of Faith and work on their Faith in God (information on that programme can be found here.)

It's a lot of fun and lots of learning and my baby is growing up. All my babies are. Regan can't wait to be a cub. He thinks now Sinéad has started Activity Days he should be going, He COULD be going to Beavers, but we are in enough already. Time enough for the scouting programme in a couple of years.

Aisling is into everything even MORE. Didn't know that was possible.

We are having a pretty good week. Regan is reading! He is finished his second story in his reader and is writing his numbers much more neatly and right way around (well, most of the time, anyway). Sinéad finished reading The Magician's Nephew and will move onto The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She loves them. I knew she would. She didn't believe me. Currently I am reading Kim for the third time (though it has been a number of years).

Ok, baby is taking apart the lower homeschool shelf, argh.

Well, the New Year is upon us (has it been OVER a month since I posted? yikes)! We ended up the month with a break a few days before Christmas. Kim was home for two weeks and we had lots of fun, enjoyed the spiritual nature of Christmas and celebrated the birth of our Saviour in a wonderful way. Now, back to the grind. But it's not a grind, is it? Regan is beginning grade 1 stuff (reading and math). He learned to read his first page of his reader today! woohoo! I think it will be a slightly slower process than with Sinéad (who took off with reading like a shot. I didn't have to do any teaching at all, really. Just pointed her in the right direction). Sinéad is almost finished Gamma (Math U See), only a few lessons left. They are halfway through Book 1 of the Story of the World and we are doing lots of other fun stuff. I got The Well Educated Mind for Christmas, oh I was so excited! I plan on incorporating much more TJeD this year, mostly into my own life first. We have fun field trips planned this month and the children look forward to the last half of the school year. Sinéad is 8 next week and is baptised at the end of the month (27th), Regan turns 6 in January. Aisling is just doign so much (climbing is one of her favourite things right about now, sigh).

Hope everyone has a wonderful, prosperous, adventurous and educational New Year! Think of the Possibilities!

On Wednesday we had a field trip through our homeschool support group, to Save On Foods. The children had a great time and learned some stuff, although they (mine at least, and others I am sure) actually know a little more about nutrition then the tour guide. Of course she may have been trying to keep it basic. But the "protein" food group was focussed on meat. And well, ok, *I* am the vegetarian in the family and my children are not, but they are aware of what protein is, how it is used and what most of the sources are, and not only meat. Kind of disappointing in that. Another thing was, when she was asking what fruits and vegetables have that we need someone said "Vitamins". Ok, that's correct of course. Then "breads and cereals" (I prefer grains, she only addressed wheat. Like I said, basic basic, below basic, in my opinion), someone again said "vitamins" and she said, "No, it starts with "e"". Meaning, energy of course, which is correct. Simple carbohydrates. However, grains DO have other nutrients; vitamins and minerals. I am half tempted to offer a nutrition class for children. I am a Nutritional Consultant, educated, yes, in nutrition.

Anyway, it was still fun and good and great of the store to do it for us.

Yesterday was busy YMCA day for Sinéad (and we waited, went to the library and read and Aisling had a nap, woohoo; she needed it). This morning was busy too, Regan's class, to the church for me to practise a song I am singing with two other women in our ward, and now home and lots to do (make bread, vacuum, clean, yoga). Thank goodness today is a not much school day. Both children were done pretty much all they needed done this week by yesterday. Sinéad had one practise math page and they had some reading on Arctic animals. That was it! Easily complete.

Oh yes, grocery shopping last night and the chiropractor. Whew. Long day. Tonight Kim and I have our first Christmas party of the season. Children are spending the evening with Grandma.

Today at least! :) Yesterday was NOT a good day, my temper was on edge and so were the children's (not the baby, she was peaceful). School took the better part of the day and I was ready to hole myself up in the bath tub with a book. Well, actually today I would like to do that too, but not because we are all cranky. Patience is still something I am learning. Sometimes I have it, other times I do not.

Am I the only one who has cranky homeschooling days? I am sure I am not. Some days ARE idyllic. Others are not. But we know it is the best thing for us so we trudge on.

Today was more productive. This evening is swimming lessons. The laundry is more than half done, but I do need to dust. The baby has yet to have a proper nap, but she is doing alright. The only thing I would like to ban is lego. My son does not like to clean it up and everytime he is expected to, it becomes an emotional breakdown.

Today Regan learned about the large and small intestines. Plus a few other things, but that was the fun stuff. We did SOTW, Canada Map book (Sinéad) and she did some more practice work on double digit times double digit because that was proving a bit tricky. But she has it down! I am refusing to get the flu (it's been touch and go) and Kim is still sick, though at work. In phonics, Sinéad wrote a letter to the Mayor about how we should have a clean up the park day (in the summer of course). Maybe she will send it? A crossword for spelling and narration for reading. Regan worked on patterns (which he is quite good at). They both learned about the arctic hare and the arctic fox. SOTW was west Africa, a fable about Anansi, a spider. This afternoon, music and maybe banana bread? But oh, I need to clean.

Well we got snow this weekend. And it's here for a few days at least. The children are thrilled, and well, I would be too if it didn't create so much work!

Today is a SLOWER school day. But that's ok, it's also a mostly home day (ballet this evening is all) so we have some time. We still haven't decorated though that's the plan later this week (if there is time). Regan is learning basic subtraction. He gets it pretty well too! They are both doing Story of the World now (duh, why didn't I think of that earlier??) as well as doing art and science together too. Aisling has needed lots of mama time this morning. Oh, a snow day. :)

The season is almost upon us! Yes, I know you Americans aren't ready to start until after your Thanksgiving, but we already had ours in October, so BRING ON THE EGG NOG!

I love Christmas, the spirituality, the festivity, the music, the colours, lights, the joy.

For a special Advent Calendar go to this site

It is LDS oriented.

Now to finish my lists...

We are reading Anne of Green Gables, Sinéad and I (actually Kim has read one chapter to her). Regan isn't terribly interested in it. Sinéad likes it so far (I was certain she would). She would read it on her own, but we like to have at least one "being read to" book on the go. Regan is building a body of organs and muscles (a resource book "My Body", we photocopy, cut out, colour and glue them onto an outline of his body). He has literally been waiting to do this for over 2 years.

Another thing, we are doing Math U See and Sinéad is in Gamma. She is almost finished it which means we need to move onto Delta. I am sure she will slow down at some point, but that's not happening anytime soon. This amazes me because math was never my subject, but it is certainly hers. One of them. She is a bright girl all around. So is Regan.

Something else I find exciting is that Regan is starting to sound out words he sees. It's working! He WILL learn to read, lol. I was worried. I don't feel I actually TAUGHT Sinéad to read, she just picked it up so easily, but I guess I did and Regan is learning too.

So, Sinéad is studying life cycles and she learned (and taught *us*) that black bears do not growl, they purr. Never knew that before. I do love homeschooling.

We are into another session of gymnastics and mult-sport and continuing swimming lessons. Sinéad loves her pottery classes and Regan wants to play the guitar. I told him only one instrument at a time and he prefers the violin still.

Oh and I think I might turn Christmas preparations into a Home Ec project....

Well here we are almost into the middle of October. The air is cooler, leaves are falling off the trees (oh so beautiful reds, browns, yellows and oranges) and we are well into our school year. Sinéad has a Science workshop today through our schoolboard and Regan and I are going to spend some time reading. He is learning to read because he is sort of interested, but it's slow going. That's ok. He's only 5. Even if it is a year or two that's perfectly fine. I am reading (slowly slowly) Pilgrim's Progress. It is not an easy book to read.

I am a bit apprehensive about how to teach Regan as time goes on. He's a boy. Sinéad has been so easy to teach, and Regan so far isn't proving difficult, but I know it's a different story with boys sometimes and he is way more hands on. Sinéad is like me, give her a good book and she is in heaven. Regan likes being read to, but he likes to DO things. So figuring out how to truly help him enjoy, I will always be looking for ideas.

We are a family of homeschoolers who have been "officially" homeschooling since 2004 but unofficially since our first was a baby (and planning it since before she was born). We have three children, aged 7, 5 and 1. We have been married 11 years and live in Alberta, previously (8 years ago) in B.C. The oldest is in grade 3, the second one, he is in Kindergarten. Our style is eclectic with a Classical/Thomas Jefferson Education leaning (in a major way). We love homeschooling. *I* love homeschooling. Our children love it (usually). Alright, have to make this short, my baby has needed me twice already (for nursing) and who knows when she will again!