Jul. 23, 2008 - What's my problem?

We still haven't started school.  I've never been this late into the year without having started school.  For some reason I am just not mentally prepared yet.  I have all the curriculum and I've looked it over several times.  All the notebooks are ready, I've got new ink cartridges for the printer.  All is set except for me.  It's even gotten to the point of causing some minor anxiety attacks!  What's that all about?  It's not like this is my first year!  I don't know.  Anyone else ever deal with this type thing?  I'm telling myself that ready or not -NEXT week we are starting.  Today DH made the comment that he doesn't think our DS can read well enough.  I know he didn't intend to berate me or anything, but I always, ALWAYS take it personally when he makes comments like that.  I just told him that I would make it a priority  (insert headache and shallow breathing).

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 23, 2008 - Did I do this tag thing correctly?

I'm new to being "tagged" so forgive me if I'm not doing it the right way.  Anyway, here goes:

 

1. WHO IS YOUR MAN ? Dwight

2. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TOGETHER?  16 years married

3. HOW LONG DID YOU DATE? only six months (why did the color change here?)

4. HOW OLD IS YOUR MAN? 37

5. WHO EATS MORE? Dwight does most of the time.

6. WHO SAID I LOVE YOU FIRST? I believe he did (there goes the color again!)

7. WHO IS TALLER? Dwight is.  He's 6'4", I'm 5'2"

8. WHO SINGS BETTER? I don't know. I sing more often, but I don't know if I'm better.

9.WHO IS SMARTER? Definitely Dwight - he can do anything!

10. WHOSE TEMPER IS WORSE? that would be ME.

11. WHO DOES THE LAUNDRY? I do.

12.WHO TAKES OUT THE GARBAGE? Most of the time I do.

13. WHO SLEEPS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BED? I do.

14.WHO PAYS THE BILLS? I do.

15. WHO IS BETTER WITH THE COMPUTER?  Dwight is.

16.WHO MOWS THE LAWN? He usually does but I do occasionally.

17.WHO COOKS DINNER? Me, unfortunately.

18. WHO DRIVES WHEN YOU'RE TOGETHER? Usually Dwight does unless he's really tired.

19. WHO PAYS WHEN YOU GO OUT? Technically he does since he's the money maker, but I'm the one with the debit card.

20. WHO IS MOST STUBBORN? He is!  But he'd probably say that I am (but he'd be wrong!)

21. WHO IS THE FIRST TO ADMIT WHEN THEY ARE WRONG? It used to be him always, but he's more stubborn these days - LOL!

22. WHOSE PARENTS DO YO SEE THE MOST? It's about equal.

23. WHO KISSED WHOM FIRST? He kissed me first.

24. WHO ASKED WHO OUT? I asked him to go to a singles group activity "as friends". ;)

25. WHO PROPOSED? Oh, he did.

26. WHO IS MORE SENSITIVE? That would be me!

27. WHO HAS MORE FRIENDS? Dwight - he never meets a stranger.

28. WHO HAS MORE SIBLINGS? We both have two.

29. WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY? Definitely hands down Dwight does.

30. HOW DID YOU MEET? We worked together at a credit union.

• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 15, 2008 - feast or famine

I truly enjoy reading.  Lately I haven't really been able to find much of anything that sparks my curiosity, though, until a couple of days ago, anyway.  Now I have soooo many books/magazines to read that I don't know when I'll get to them all, and I don't know which one I want to start with first!  I'm currently reading Charles Dickens' David Copperfield.  It is very entertaining and I'm thoroughly enjoying it (which is good, because it's very long).  I've also picked up a few copies of the Home School Digest, which was in the "free" box at a local book store.  There are some interesting and thought provoking articles in there.  I've also picked up a several books that I intend on reading to my kids.  AND there are still a couple of books that I want to read but have yet to purchase.  So you see, it's feast or famine for me when it comes to my reading material.  OH - and don't forget the BLOGS!  My goodness, the blogs!  I've actually told myself that I need to cut back on the blogs because I'm spending way too much online these days. 

So what are you reading?

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 7, 2008 - The new schedule has arrived

Well, I received the new schedule for my kids enrichment classes for the '08-'09 year.  DH and I usually choose the classes for them, but this time we let the kids decide.  I was surprised because they actually chose the same classes. This means that on Fridays they will spend the day together like every other day of the year.  I hope this isn't a bad idea.  I think that sometimes they need time apart from each other.  Maybe it won't be a big deal since they will be in a different atmosphere and with their friends.  Of course it could work out that the classes will be filled up before I send my reservations in and that way the kids will have to make different choices, but I'm usually pretty good at getting things in on time, so I doubt that will happen (I hope I didn't just jinx myself!). 

Summer is going along a little more smoothly now.  The kids have had more things to occupy their time so there hasn't been as much bickering going on - thank the Lord! 

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jun. 27, 2008 - Boy! Am I Tired!

Well, today I did something I've never done before.  I froze vegetables from my own garden.  YEP!  Just call me Suzy Homemaker!    I had so much squash, zucchini and corn - praise God - that I had to do something with it all.  So, I finally did a google search on how to freeze veggies.  It wasn't difficult, just time consuming, and boy! am I tired!  I also have tons of cucumbers, but I'll just share those b/c I'm not prepared to pickle anything just yet!  No sir! One thing at a time for me, thank you.  Of course, I'm not so sure that my work will reap rewards.  I mean, I don't ever have confidence in things that I attempt.  I fully expect that when I pull one of those bags of veggies out for dinner, I'll heat 'em up and they'll be all soggy and gross.  Oh well, at least I tried, though, right?  I think my tomatoes will be ripe soon.  I'm excited about that but a little anxious (I know, why should tomatoes make me anxious?).  It's just that I don't want to have any go to waste and I'm not prepared to can tomatoes this year.  I think next year I will attempt to can the tomatoes and the beans.  I thought about maybe sticking a sign in the front yard and try to sell the tomatoes and the watermelon once they come in (IF they come in).  But part of me thinks that might be selfish and that I should just give the abundance away to folks.  What do you think?  I mean, the other part of me says that I need to help provide for the family financially whenever possible, so is this a good way to do that?  I don't know.  I've already given away several squash, zucchini, lettuce and cucumbers, so is it OK to now try and profit from it? 

The kids have been so excited about eating the food we've grown.  It makes me happy to know they are eating healthy at least once a day.  God has blessed this garden, because I knew nothing about it at all.  So all praise, glory and thanks go to Him - our provider. 

 

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jun. 21, 2008 - the bickering begins

OK, so we're about two months into our break and the kids are beginning to argue and bicker already.  This is why we usually start school early on in the year.   I wish that I could brag that my kids get along beautifully day after day, but that's just not the case.  We have a new neighbor boy, who is ten years old; that puts him between my two, who are ages twelve and soon-to-be nine.  He's a very sweet kid and is welcome here anytime he wants to be here.  However, the honeymoon with the kids is over and even he has started bickering a bit.  *sigh* 

My DD has pink eye in both eyes, so she isn't allowed to play with the boys right now. Her brother is treating her like she's a leper.  I did finally get through to him (I think) that even though pink eye is highly contagious, he can be in the same room as his sister.  When DD is not well, she wants to be pampered (I know, who doesn't?).  But she REALLY wants to be pampered.  It's all my fault because when she was little she had severe asthma.  I really treated her like a princess when she was sick and she has not forgotten that!  She wants to eat in the living room with the food on a tray.  She wants me to take her temperature every 30 minutes.  She wants a cool wash clothe and crushed ice.  Well, now that she's 12, I've stopped several of those things unless she is REALLY, REALLY sick.  Pink eye doesn't qualify for all of that stuff.  In fact, she just now informed me that she was finished with her TANG.  I said, "Well, bring your glass to the kitchen.  You have pink eye but you can still walk".  LOL! 

I just talked to my DH and mentioned to him about the fussing going on around here.  Since he's a firefighter he works 24-hour shifts.  That means he gets a break from all of this stuff.  Sometimes I wish I were the firefighter, you know?  Oh well, that's just the way it goes. 

So, how's it going with you?

 

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jun. 15, 2008 - About My Husband Challenge

As many other women have done, I've accepted the challenge given by Josephine "dixiecajuns" to blog about our husbands.  I think I've mentioned before how much I love and admire my husband, Dwight, but I'll be glad to say it all again.  Dwight and I have been married for 16 years.  He is an awesome provider, working three jobs.  He works with the Fire Dept. in the city of Huntsville - was recently promoted to Driver - PRAISE GOD!  His other jobs include his own home repair business and landscaping for our church.  He works more than any man I know, yet he always makes time for his family.   He knows the importance of being with his children while they are young and impressionable.  He is amazing with them.  Patience should be his middle name, because he is always patient with them.  He will be ready to drop from exhaustion by the time he makes it home, but he always welcomes their enthusiastic greetings and inquistive minds as soon as he walks in the door.  Being a father has definitely brought out the best in Dwight. 

After my mom and grandmother died a year ago, I fell to pieces - even to the point of suicide.  Dwight was my rock!  Without him I wouldn't be here.  He was on his knees lifting me up to the throne of God.  He was there for the kids when I wasn't.  He was there for me when no one else knew what to say or do.  He has become my best friend. 

Dwight always makes us laugh.  He is so silly and good natured.  Everyone loves Dwight.  He is loyal, faithful and true.  He loves the Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength.  He is an awesome figure and role model for us all. 

 

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jun. 10, 2008 - Still thinking about the school thing

Well, I know it's summer, but I still find myself thinking about the school thing.  Did I choose the right curriculum?  Will I be more consistent this year?  Will the new, more structured schedule I've planned free me or stifle me?  What about the kids... will they enjoy it or fight it?  You know how it goes.  I find myself wanting to go ahead and dig in again, just to see if it's going to work or not.  But we really need to take time off, but  I have a concern that the longer we take a break, the harder it will be to start over again.  My son is already missing Friday classes; that's when the kids go to our cover group for a day of enrichment classes.  I miss it too, because that's the day I have to myself, but that's another blog. 

Today after VBS the kids and I met some friends at our local botanical gardens for the community free day.  The thought crossed my mind, "I can count this as a field trip!" But then I thought, "Why can't I just have a day of fun and not worry about school?".   *sigh*

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jun. 3, 2008 - Geneology and the Civil War

I've begun on a geneological journey.  For years I've been curious to know more about my family roots.  After my mother and grandmother died last year, I decided that now is as good a time as any to dig in, so to speak.  Even though my intentions are to research my mother's side of the family, I keep finding myself distracted with my husband's family.  His grandmother was a wonderful historian and has many records on the family she married into, the Ellis'.  Well, today I was shopping in Barnes & Noble (actually I only went in to use the restroom but I noticed they had almost everything 40% off so I got distracted!).  I picked up this huge illustrated book on the Civil War.  I come across the name Davenport Ellis, who owned an auction in Georgia; unfortunately this was a slave auction!  So I began to wonder if this Davenport Ellis is an ancestor of my husband's.  I began to do a little research, but I haven't made a connection yet.  I suppose the name Ellis is pretty common, so there's probably no relation, but I would like to know.  I haven't said anything to my husband yet.  He's a firefighter and is on shift tonight.  I do know that he had distance cousins - brothers - one who fought for the North and the other who fought for the South.  This was nothing unusual, of course.  I don't know if you've ever heard of the Sequoyah Caverns and Ellis Homestead or not, but that is connected to my husband's family, the Ellis'.  That was the home of the brothers I just mentioned.  We have huge family reunions there about every three years or so.  Anyway, I apologize that this post isn't very organized in thoughts or anything.  I just wanted to share what is currently occupying my mind. 

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 29, 2008 - bitter sweet days

Well, we went on our camping trip and did enjoy our time away. However, the day before we left, I received the horrid news that a dear lady who babysat me as a child, and was a second mother to me during those years, died.  She was only 55 years old, the same age my mom was when she died last year.  What was even more heartbreaking was to learn that she killed herself.  This was unthinkable to me!  I was torn as to whether or not to go on vacation with my family as planned.  I went on with my family and took nice clothes so that I could go on by myself to the visitation, once I found out the details.  I never heard the details (I was expecting a call from my aunt) and had no access to the computer or newspaper where I was.  So, today when I arrived home and got settled back in, I checked the newspaper online.  The visitation and funeral were yesterday.  I wasn't there.  It breaks my heart to think that I wasn't there to give support to her precious children and her husband.  It's strange to think that last year, Karen (that's her name) was comforting me at my mother's funeral!  I would never had dreamt that Karen would be the one we'd be missing this year, especially under such devastating circumstances.   So you see, my last few days have been bitter due to the loss of a dear friend and the reminders of losing my mom, but they were also sweet because I was away with my wonderful husband and children. 

I'm doing a Bible study on my own called "A Woman of Contentment".  The Scripture used is Ecclesiastes.  This week's memory verse fits well with the week's events:  "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart."  Ecclesiastes 7:2    Strange how God's work reflects our daily lives, isn't it?  I suppose "strange" isn't the proper word, but it's all that comes to me at the moment. 

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 26, 2008 - Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to camp we go

We are leaving to go camping today for four days.  I've been looking forward to this for several weeks, now, as have all of us.  It'll be nice to get away from things for a while.  Of course, taking our cell phones with us means we won't be completely away, but oh well.  While I was packing last night I went ahead and grabbed my kids nature notebooks, crayons, and field guides... just in case, you know?  Each time we go I encourage the kids to try and find something to put into their nature notebooks.  They were more enthusiastic about this when they were younger, now I think they've figured out "Hey! This is a lot like school!".  So, we'll see.  I hope to remember to take the camera and a pair of binoculars.  Maybe we can get in some geocaching in while we are away.  I'll have to remind DH to download some coordinates for that. 

So, I won't be posting anything new for a week or so.  I'll look forward to checking out everyone else's posts when I get back.  Have a great week.

God Bless! 

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 22, 2008 - conversations at a graduation

I went to my cousin's high school graduation today.  She graduated from a public high school.  Of course there were a lot of people there. Thankfully my family and I arrived early, so we got good seats.  Once the seats starting filling up I start feeling closed in, but that's not where I'm going with this.  The lady who ended up sitting next to me started some casual conversation - who was I there to see, etc.  We didn't engage in anything lengthy, at first.  I brought up to my aunt, who was sitting on my other side, how my graduation was back in '87.  I told her that there were only eight in my graduating class (I went to a small private Christian school), yet the ceremony took over three hours long!  I was hoping that today's wouldn't be quite that lengthy.  Well, I didn't realize at the time that the lady to my left had listened in to my conversation, so when she asked me a little later, "So you were homeschooled?" I was taken aback.  At first I replied, "Yes!  I mean, I wasn't homeschooled, but I do  homeschool my children.  How did you know?"  She said, "I can just tell these things.  So do you think they feel left out of things?"  I replied, "Not at all".  She went on, "Do you enjoy homeschooling?"  I said, "Very much. It's good for our family".  She asked me about the socializiation - I also assured her that my children are well socialized.  UGH!  Well, she asked a few more questions and I learned that she was a public school teacher for 35 years.  After we finished our chit chat, I mulled over our conversation again and again.  This is what I do.  I'm not very good at immediate correspondance; I need time to reflect and then give an intelligent answer (or at least what I consider to be an intelligent answer).  So I was really perturbed with myself in how I responded to this lady.  I started feeling agitated that she made the comment, "I can just tell these things".  What did she mean by that, exactly?  Also, I was irritated with myself because when I thought of what I said to her, I was talking almost apologetically, like I had to defend myself or something.  What was up with that?  Why did I feel the need to assure this stranger that my children are well socialized?  I know she'll never see them, but if she were to see them she would witness that they are much more CIVILIZED than the majority of the people at the graduation today!  Well, what's done is done.  I can only hope that if/when I'm confronted with another situation like that I will be more prepared and not feel that I have to apologize to or reassure anyone.  GRRR! It frustrates me now just thinking about it! 

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 15, 2008 - Who am I?

I do not intend on sending a ripple of discontent throughout the homeschool blog family.  I am just wondering if there are any others out there who are having an identity crisis of sorts.  As usual, the past few days I've been looking at curriculum, reading on different styles of HS, and then it hit me.  Is this who I am now?  Is this all there is to me?  It must be because I can't think of anything that takes up my time more than this.  I know I should be content, but part of me wants to remember the other side of me that must be hidden deep inside somewhere.  The me who used to do things with friends that didn't include field trips.  The me who used to browse a book store for an entertaining novel, not another how-to-teach instructional.  Where did that person go and is it too late for her to make a come back?  Is it selfish to want to know that part of me again?  Another part of this identity crisis is that fact that I'll be 40 years old this year.  40!  What does that mean?  I don't think I know how to be 40.  I still remember being a kid and thinking, "40 is OLD!".  Sorry for the pity party, that's the only partying I seem to be able to do these days.   

• 6 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 7, 2008 - Need Help!

I just recently purchased the Learning Language Arts Through Literature (LLATL) for my children.  I thought I understand how it worked, but when I received the Tan Book and began looking through it, I realized I have no clue!  Do any of you have any experience with this material that you would be willing to share with me?  It would be so tremendously apprecited.  Or if you know of a website that has a support group of sorts for those using LLATL, that would be great, too. 

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 6, 2008 - The Results Are In!

Well, I received my dd's SAT scores today.  Overall she did very well.  At first I was personally disappointed, though.  I don't know why, really.  When I showed them to my husband, he was very pleased, so that made me realize I was being too hard on myself, not to mention my dd.  Next year will be the first year that my ds will be required to take the SAT's.  He is your typical boy, not really able to sit still and stay focused, so the whole testing thing is not going to be his shining moment, but then again he could prove me completely wrong, and I certainly hope that he does!  I have almost an entire year before I have to worry about that.  Of course, I shouldn't worry, but I know I will. 

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 1, 2008 - New Pets for the Kids

Well, after much nagging, begging and pleading (on the kids' part), I finally allowed the kids to get their own pets.  Their first request was for a ferret.  I declined and did not waiver.  So, we've come to an agreement and it's for a Betta fish, one per child.  They are both quite excited and all ready to be responsible pet owners.  We'll see how long that lasts.  My DD, Haley, has had a Betta fish or two before and did pretty well with the upkeep, but I did have to strongly remind her on occasion to clean the tank.  She's older now, so hopefully I won't have to do that.  My DS, however, is only eight, and has never had a fish before.  He promises that he will be responsible, but he has said the same thing about keeping his room clean.  He does a fairly decent job with his room, but from time to time he too, has to be strongly reminded.  My DS did have a squirrel one time.  He found a baby squirrel in a bush.  He and his dad brought the squirrel home and we tried very hard to nurse it and raise it.  It only lived a week or two, though.  That was a heartbreaker.  I think the worst thing about the kids having pets is the heartbreak over them dying, and that is pretty much inevitable.  I know it's part of learning, but it's the not-so-fun part of learning.  Well, Haley decided to name her Betta "Jalapeno" because he is red (yes, I told her that jalapenos are green, but she said it's still a pepper.  I dunno, maybe there are red jalapenos).  Dawson has named his Bubble Ball - go figure!  So, wish my kids well with their new venture. 

'Til next time... God bless!  

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 28, 2008 - Remember the song, "I went to the animal fair"?

Well, Saturday, I went to the curriculum fair.  The Abeka's and Horizon's were there.  You get the idea (if you know the song I'm referring to, that is).   I was able to get everything I want to use next year, so I'm glad that's done with now.   I decided to use the Learning Language Arts Through Literature (LLATL) with both of my kids.  This one curriculum will cover reading, writing, grammar, and spelling.  I'm looking forward to using it.  The lady who was working the booth told me that her son was a very reluctant writer, but when she began using LLATL, he really started enjoying it and really took off.  I'm hopeful that it will be the same with my kids, especially my son. 

Well, that's all I really have to share for today.  Now that we have our 175 days complete, I don't have much day-to-day homeschool stuff to share.  I do intend on trying to be more creative in my postings here.  I have another blog that usually takes up my time, www.christyellis.blogspot.com, in case you're curious.  But, I do want to post better, more interesting writings on this page.  We'll see if I am able to handle more than one blog at a time. 

Let me know if you've stopped by. 

• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 23, 2008 - Am I Starting Too Late?

I've been homeschooling for six years already.  However, I feel that I need to step things up a bit for this upcoming year.  I've read The Well-Trained Mind before, but it overwhelmed me, so I put it away.  I recently pulled my copy out again and am determined to use the suggestions given in this informative book.  But, I'm wondering if it'll be too little, too late.  I am hoping that someone will read this blog who has first-hand knowledge of The Well-Trained Mind and is willing to share some insights with me.  I am always second guessing myself when it comes to my kids education, but I'm trusting God to help me since He's the one who told me to do this in the first place.  BTW, my kids are ages 11 and 8 (summer birthdays, so that'll change soon). 

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 21, 2008 - curriculum craze

Well, it's that time for me.  I actually need new curriculum for my kids.  I am overwhelmed yet again by the thought of looking at new books, not to mention the sticker shock of it all.  Hopefully I will be able to look through a few things, make a decision and find it cheap online.  That's my hope, anyway.  Wish me luck!

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 17, 2008 - it's a lovely day

Thank you Lord!  I was able to go out on my deck this morning, drink coffee and spend time reading my Bible.  It was absolutely wonderful!  Yesterday wasn't such a good day for me emotionally, so this morning really rejuvenated me.  Again, I say, "Thank You, Lord".  I am so thankful to have a Lord who is patient with me during my bad days and ready to receive me again once I take off the blinders that kept me from enjoying Him in the first place.  God is good, loving, kind and patient.  I am so blessed to know Him as Savior and Friend!  I hope you know Him, too. 

The Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thristy.  But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.  All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.  For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.  And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.  For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day".  John 6:35-40 (Italics mine)

God bless!

 

• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link