Pensive thoughts - Homeschool Blogger

Joys of Success

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:26:00 -0600

My 13 year old and I have really been struggling this fall with Vocabulary,Grammar and Writing. Due to his lack of focus we have been going daily to a library which seems to help him. At first he was just really upset that the work was so difficult. Vocabulary words, grammar and writing were not his thing a year ago. Actually, he wasn't doing much of that. He had a tutor but I don't think she touched on the grammar as intensively as this tutor is.

He meets his tutor once a week but she really has him going. He was just figiting with simple stuff for the past three years. Although, I should of been on top of things, many things in life were distracting me. Now I too am getting focused and going to the library is also helping me. Who would of known?

This past Friday he came running to me, " Mom, I made a 94 on my essay!" His face just lit up with joy!!!

Success in your child's eyes is priceless.

Making it work for your teen....

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:53:00 -0500

Today I realized that my teen who really struggles to concentrate and get his schoolwork done got it done today.

I think with every family one has to work through each child's needs. I'm down to my last of four sons and he is my challenging child.

This morning we headed out the door with the Spanish books we were supposed to return to the library. I told my son last night that to pack his books because we were going to the library in the morning.

Surprisingly he did! Well, we headed out the door and off we went. Once we got there we found a quiet spot and started his Geography. Well, it took him about an hour and a half to get it all done but we did it!

Hunger started setting in so we headed out for a lunch break. Then, I got an idea to go to a different library and do his Writing and Grammar. So off we went to another library after lunch. Well, it was not as quite since most ofc the kids were off of school by then. That was NOT a quite library and I could see he was not a happy trooper. Homeschool children are used to having places and parks to themselves.

Nevertheless, I told him we were staying till 5:30 if we had to to get it all done. He said if I finish earlier can we leave. WOW, what an incentive. He got it done with many distractions from the school kids but it was good for him to see into their lives.

I finally figured that being home is NOT getting his work done; with the computer, Wii and TV around (too many distractions).

Unfortunately, getting out involves gas and sometimes other expenses. However, I figure if I can do this at least twice a week we can really accomplish alot.

We as homeschooling moms have to be creative in getting our children to do their work and each of us will find a different way.

Mine is running errands and hitting every library that crosses our paths. LOL

Summer Camps

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:31:00 -0500

Been teaching at San Antonio Academy. There has been no time to homeschool. I am blessed that my mom is helping me out. Jesse finished his Geography and Vocabulary. That's awesome when you have some support form your mom.

Let me tell you though; that was not the way it used to be. She gave me such a hard time when I started homeschooling. It was not a popular thing and of course how they were going to miss out on stuff normal school kids get to do.

On what? Well, those are our parents concerns. After 18 years of homeschooling, she has see how my boys have grown up to be Godly young men. Two are now in college and one more about to graduate. Now instead of negative comments, she's there to help me out with my last son Jesse who's twelve.

So if you are just starting out to homeschool, be encouraged. Your parents will see the fruits of your labor in time.

Parents of the Groom

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:23:01 -0500

I must say that I really thought this day was a dream. I still look back at photos and see it that way. I never dreamed of such a beautiful wedding. Everything was so perfect. I felt so blessed and honored by my Lord Jesus Christ to have had such a special daughter come into our lives.

Wedding Day Aug. 2, 2008

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:20:00 -0500

Foot Washing Ceremony

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:19:00 -0500

Married At Last ... Omar & Maria Valdez

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:16:00 -0500

Bin a Long Time ....

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:54:00 -0500

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged on this site. Been rather busy this past year. I not only teach my own children but other homeschoolers as well. I've been teaching at various co-ops and not to mention online, too.

I really only have my twelve year old that I'm teaching Vocabulary, Math and Geography at home. Since I teach at so many co-ops he is going to other classes at these groups.

It has been a rather rough year teaching Jesse at home because he loves to procratinate. We tried changing his school time to after lunch since he is sleeping in more. Although, he used to be an early riser, I think he's physically changing. He will soon be a teen but his mood swings tell me he's there already.

Nevertheless, I continue to perserver with him at all costs. I sometimes have to clentch my teeth just to get through some of his school work. SIGH

Although, I'm teaching summer camps now, my mother has taken on the schooling this summer. She is enjoying learning the Voc. with him. It is a nice relief to have her help out.

My eldest is happily married now. He married on Aug. 1, 2008. My second son who is 21 is still going to college but working this summer. My third son is at this moment driving to Colorado with other homeschool buddies who are going on their senior trip although he's just a junior.

Well, that's all for now. I hope to get more focused with my son Jesse come Aug. but then again that's another story.

I don't believe in heaven...

Sat, 1 Nov 2008 16:30:00 -0500

Mom, is heaven a myth? I don't believe in heaven said my 12 year old on the way home the other day. I was shocked to hear this from a child that has been raised in the church all his life. As a parent, we try our best to raise our children to the Lord but this comment from my fourth son through me for a loop.

I didn't really say much. I must admit I did have some internal anger because I have instilled in my children love of God. Yet, knowing anger wouldn't change anything. It could of made things worse.

I think my anger issue within is mostly selfishness on my part. We think when we do something our children are to do the same. I suppose it's that control issue in us moms. But I know our children are entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. It's just strange when it isn't what we have instilled in them.

I asked him. You mean to tell me your friend Amanda who died three years ago is NOT in heaven? He said NO.

I think people die and that's it.

WOW, I was rather in shock.

Actually at this moment I feel sad and really don't know how to help him. I spoke to my husband and we both agree that as he get's older and encounters his own trials in life. He will find heaven.

Stargazing

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:10:00 -0600

I was reading about dads and homeschooling. I thought of our last night adventure stargazing through our telescope last night.

My husband was sitting outside around 5 p.m. when I looked up at the sky and saw the moon? It was bright as could be and yet there was daylight. So we pulled out a telescope that was given to our family and set it up. WOW! it was so amazing. It was as if it was around the block from us. we could see all the details.

I write this because my husband hardly participates in the education of my children; however, I think if we allow our husbands to discover things with the kids they are helping develope their skills for discovery.

My husband has never taught the boys. But he has taught them skills with minor auto mechanics, some home building skills and plumbing.

Even though your husband may not help with subjects, they do help develop other skills. Encourage your children to go help daddy. I know my husband is more a loner and never wants help but now he is older and can use more help. I feel for my older sons and how they missed out on dad some but the young sons are benefiting. Pray God's guidence with your children's education where your husbands are concerned.