Apr. 12, 2006 - Changing gears again
This week we are going in a different direction. We are still using A-Beka and math-u-see but we're adding several more things to our list. We have been learning veritas press cards and a-beka's bible cards. I am adding some geography, history and science and of course we are doing our Easter activities. I'm trying to re-do my current schedule. I want to break it down better than I have in the past. In the past I have just went with the flow but now I want something concrete. I want to make sure we are getting everything done in a timely manner and done everyday. (if that's possible). I know there will be days that we won't be able to do all the things I have listed but that's okay. My ds soon to be 20 has came back home for awhile. He's been living and working in Kentucky with his dad for the past two years. His grandfather's ill so he came back to be near him. It's a long drawn out story with lots of drama so I'll keep it at that and add that he brought his dog with him. He's only here to sleep and dd has been taking care of her and has fell in love with her. She totes her around everywhere she goes. The dog is a Chihuahua and weighs about a pound. Ds calls her Angel, but we already have a bishon named Angel so dd changed her name to chi-chi. I have been trying to de-clutter the house. I think its almost impossible! Im trying to work on it at least one hour a day. Dd likes to draw and has umpteen pictures so instead of them laying everywhere I have made her a notebook to keep them in. This is one de-cluttering method! There is so much to do and such little time to do it. I cant believe its the middle of April. Where has the year gone? We started a small garden(finally). I have planted squash, cucumbers, okra (maybe a little early) tomatoes-two different kinds, carrots and lettuce. I still want to plant limas but have ran out of room so I figured I would plant them in a big pot with a trellis because they love to run. I havent seen any signs of the groundhog. He has been here for two years. Im hoping he has moved on because he has wrecked havoc on our past gardens.
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Mar. 13, 2006 -
What a gorgeous weekend it was! This is my kind of weather. I did get one of my many flower beds cleaned out. My crocus have passed and the daffodils are amazing. I need to move some of them. My lilacs aren't doing to well though, I think they are in need of separating. This is the time of the year I always get the itch to plant but know all to well it's not time. I have asked dh to till the garden so we can get some veggies planted but it hasn't happened yet.
Dd had an awesome time riding her little jeep around. It's hard to believe she has almost outgrown it. We are starting back our school work this week as she was sick last week with a cold and didn't feel too well and wanted a break from school work and ballet. She didn't seem too enthuised about starting back though. We will see how it goes. I told her learning is supposed to be fun. I guess if she's not having fun learning I need to change something's.
I got an idea for one of my scrapbooking pages. I'm always scrapping about others so this is alittle something about me. I put it on a 12x12. I have a two small squares put together of pink and dark pink in the middle that says 100 things I like. I am up to 62. I write in different pens and different handwritings. It looks like something I would have done in my teen years and it's a lot of fun. Dd and Ds will be able to look back on this one day and see the things mom liked. I also dated it March 2006 so I can see what the things were that I liked in that year as my taste in things change.
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Feb. 2, 2006 - todays agenda
Today's agenda is topped with book learning and reading. I picked up the third in the series of Narnia and started last night but only finished one chapter because of my sinus headache. I still have the headache this a.m. I'm taking advil sinus and hope it will help.
The weather is supposed to be amazing today. I think the temperature will be around 62. I would love to take dd to the park but she has ballet today and the two added together result in a cranky and whinny child.
I still haven't decided what to do for her birthday (it's Sunday). I know the birthday cake needs to be made Saturday. I honestly don't know if I can do it or have the patience for it. The cake looks like one for an intermediate level and I am a beginner. I only do this once a year. I guess the worse thing I can do is mess it up but hey you can still eat the cake. It's just all those little tiny flowers!
Dh just called to check on me (our morning ritual). He mentioned that I'm probably not feeling well because I'm not getting enough exercise. Which is true. He asked me did I want to join the gym again and I told him no. It's a long story but to make it short this is the gist of it. I made a lot of friends and found what I thought to be a perfect group to hang out with. We had a lot in common especially the kids, they became instant friends. We had some great times but that all changed when I saw the real side of them. I was completely blown away and couldn't believe that these church going mothers did some of the things they did. I completely cut all ties with them. I know God brings people in our life for a purpose but I still haven't figured this one out!
Back to my exercise. It will be two years in August since I've stepped into a gym or done any form of exercise. When I was going to the gym I had more energy and felt great all the time. I was running 26 miles a week! Those were some of the good ole days. Dh mentioned maybe we could get a piece of equipment to help since I didn't want to join the gym again. I told him I didn't really want to get a treadmill because I would be back to running again (something he didn't like) and that would put a lot of stress on my joints. If I had my choice I would have to go with an elliptical trainer. He asked if you could get one for $100 or less, yeah right! We'll talk it over more when he gets home and I'll talk to God about it.
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Feb. 1, 2006 - dd is okay
Dd had her doctors appointment today with her optometrist. He said her eyes were fine. Thank you, God! BUT, I still don't know what is causing them to hurt so bad. He said she could be having migraines and when it happens again to put her in a dark room and give her motrin. She hasn't complained once today, but the day is not over.
We had a great day of learning. We are doing the unit study on the Winter Olympics. She learned where Italy was colored a map and wrote in her journal. The letter for today was "F." She just finished writing her numbers 1-12 (she did this on her own). Hallelujah!
I just got off the phone with dh and was telling him about my sinus headache and he said he would wash the dishes for me. This will be a third in our 14 years of marriage. The dishwasher has been broke for about a year now and I haven't had any wishes to have it fixed since we're trying to cut down on our electric bill which by the way along with not using the dryer has cut our bill in almost half!
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Feb. 1, 2006 - Is it Wednesday already?
Wow, how time fly's. I woke up thinking today was Tuesday. Where has the week and month gone it's February 1st. I remembered after being up for a brief time that dd has her doctors appointment today so we're getting ready for that. I have not made my 'to do' list yet. I guess I'll make that while I'm waiting and maybe take some cards to color, this will make time go by pretty fast.
Happy February!!
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Jan. 31, 2006 -
We had a pretty good start today. We made our clay which turned out excellent. Dd and I made all types of silly shapes and alphabet letters. I did get at least five lbs of my 20 lbs of potatoes cooked and frozen. Tonight's meal will be beef stew with dumplings and maybe some corn on the side.
After a busy morning I took dd to get her nails painted for an early birthday present, of course, I wanted mine done to so I can keep them out of my mouth. I have always been a nail biter and it's a disgusting habit.
I can't believe she will be five! How time fly's when your having fun. I couldn't even imagine her going off to school this fall. I would miss everything. I am so glad I can homeschool her.
I have no idea what I am going to do for her birthday. We had thought about going to 'chuck e cheese' but with her being sick last week and her eyes today I don't think that will be an option. I know she wants me to make her birthday cake like I did last year so I know what I'll be doing most of Saturday. Last year I made her a princess castle cake. This year she wants flowers and I mean a lot of flowers. I told her I would do it if she'd help.
After our trip to the nail salon we went to the dreaded grocery store since we didn't go Sunday. I did pretty good I got $67 for $24. We didn't get home until 3:45 and was hoping to get in some book work but dd started complaining of her eyes hurting her. She is napping now and I know she is in pain because she never naps. I tried to get her to take some tylenol but she said she couldn't see it and didn't want to take it. I called her eye doctor and have her an appointment for tomorrow. She had eye surgery for strabismus this past July.
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Jan. 30, 2006 -
Just printed out a recipe for homemade clay which we will be doing tomorrow and figured I'd stop by for a second. What a beautiful day, the weather was magnificent. A couple more days like this will throw me into spring fever! I need alot of that right now so maybe I can finish painting the hallway. I'm never in the mood to do it in the spring I'd rather be outside planting flowers and veggies. I always wait until it gets cold outside to paint, why is that? Let summer roll around and I'm in the house for sure. I don't do hot weather good.
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Jan. 29, 2006 - more ramblings...
Why is it you have so much to say and when you sit in front of the computer you draw a blank? Is it just me?
While washing the dishes a few moments ago, I was thinking of last weeks trip to the grocery store where I ran into a friend I'd not seen in a while. She ask my dd didn't she start school this year, my dd told her she was already in school. My friend ask me what school, I told her I was homeschooling her. She says are you crazy? This is your time. You can do so many things while she's at school. (You know that cereal commercial where the guy is eating and can't hear what the other guy is saying?) Well that was me! Blah, Blah, Blah!
I have grown tired of the comments made about homeschool. I use to defend myself to anyone at anytime regarding this issue but now I don't even bother, because defending means using unnecessary energy and some people can be so ignorant when it comes to this subject.
I didn't know I was going to homeschool, God led me. I had her in church pre-school at age three. She didn't do well with the other kids, especially boys, the teachers kept telling me it would take time since she was so shy. I ended up pulling her out after several months of this and prayed to God to let me know what to do and he brought me the idea of homeschooling. I went to the library and read everything I could get my hands on and still do. I talked to dh about it and he said give it a try and see how it goes. I could never figure out what God's plan was for me but now I know. God has given me the most precious gift in life!
I still second guess myself and need to stop and remember that God is on my side and things will work out the way their supposed to.
One last thing...on socialization. I had a comment made the other day about this which is still hanging in the back of my mind. (the comment was that my dd will be missing out on socialization and if I don't socialize her now when she gets to be a teenager she is going to rebel and get into all sorts of things (I think they meant drugs and ...)., and that she needs to know how to live in the "real world."
Yeah right! I could argue this until I'm blue in the face just like the homeschooling decision. I will not have my dd brought up around people that have no respect for parents, elders, etc., that curse and tease, that are mean, doing drugs, etc., my list could go on all night but I think I've made my point.
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Jan. 29, 2006 - Suggestions Please!
I am looking for suggestions on two things: beginning Latin and flashcards to help with beginning history lessons. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would love to hear from others on what they are using. Thanks in advance.
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Jan. 29, 2006 - Lazy Day!
I am feeling very lazy today. The last time I saw the clock was around one and got up at seven so you would think I had enough rest but my body and mind is telling me different. I guess I need to up my caffeine! I drank so much yesterday I had the shakes and they were fast and furious! I would love to be able to take a nap but again my body and mind won't let me. Dh is the type he can fall asleep anywhere, anytime. I remember one time we were at the ob/gyn for my prenatal check up, the place was packed. He sits down I go to pick a magazine and hear an awful noise turn to see, it's him! Snoring! I was so embarrased. I immediately woke him up, of course, stuff like that doesn't bother me as much anymore and plus he knows better than to nod off anywhere in public with me.
I wish I could have just a little of dd's energy. She's on the go from the time she wakes until the time her head hits the pillow at night. I'm glad she got the sleeping from dh and not me. She asleep two minutes after we finish our prayers. I'm awake two-three hours afterwards and I even take med's for sleeping!
I finished almost everything on my 'to do' list except for folding clothes and starting dd on 'FIAR'. We finished reading "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe last night while having popcorn. I also finished my 'gtky' card with a homemade envelope, I think I did a pretty good job, dd wants me to make her one. We made several together but she liked mine more than hers so I told her we would sit down and go over it together. She is stamping as I'm typing.
I received my list from the grocery game, not too many good deals this week. I don't have any motivation to hit the stores today but I know if I don't I will have to make several trips up the stairs with all those groceries. I like doing it when dh is home so he can take on that task. Isn't that awful! Hey, I figure I spend the time at the stores, making the food, cutting the coupons, the least he could do is bring it in, plus I have to put it away too!
The only thing I have on my list for today is get our curriculm ready for next week, grocery shopping and trying to make a list of things to fix for next week. I have been trying to feed my freezer but just can't get the motivation to do alot of it. I have 20 lbs of potatoes waiting to be peeled and boiled so I can make mashed potatoes and freeze them.
I guess I better get a move on to do something! Maybe the energy will come once I've stayed away from this computer for a while!
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Jan. 28, 2006 - Today's list
I got up at 7 this morning and haven't accomplished a thing except for reading the blogs. I have my 'to do' list done and it's waiting. I read two chapters last night and promised dd that we would work on finishing it today. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
On my 'to do' list today, I have to finish up my 'get to know you' card and mail it. It shouldn't take but a hour, of course, there are the daily chores that have to be done, my main two are the dishes and folding clothes. I'm starting on our second book for 'FIAR'. We will be reading 'Lentil'. Our normal day of Abeka Phonics, Math-u-see, Handwriting without Tears, Social Studies and Bible Time, etc. I need to re-new our late library books. Finish 'The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe'; organize the craft room and last but not least get ready for tomorrow's grocery game.
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Jan. 27, 2006 - Today
I took dd to the doctor. She was running a fever Tuesday of 103, gave her tylenol, temperature stayed around 101-102 Wednesday. Thursday no fever, she seemed a little congested and complained of a sore throat. I didn't want it to be a weekend nightmare trip to the emergency room! I was thinking maybe an ear infection. Thank you Lord, she's fine. The doctor said she should be over it by this weekend. I thought about using one of those Vicks Vapor plug-ins to help with the congestion, but not sure if this will help or hurt.
I decided to go to the rubber stamp/scrapbooking store afterwards since it was only two miles away. I am like a kid in the candy store. I love looking and dreaming. I would have every type of stamp, paper, pens, pencils that were ever made! I did purchase a flower stamp and some stickles. I am currently in a stamping swap (three to be exact) and needed it for next months swap. I also had to purchase it for my 'get to know you swap.' Dd is getting into stamping and scrapbooking as much as I am, of course, scrapbooking has been put on hold until I can get things more organized.
I have not done anything else at all! The dishes need washing, clothes folded, no school work except for a little creativity with the stamps for dd and me! 
It's coming close to supper and not a thing has been taken out and I have nothing fresh to fix. I could open some can stuff and add some potatoes but I am really exhausted! (lol) I hope maybe dh will pick something up to eat on the way home so me and dd can finish reading the lion, the witch and the wardrobe.
I see I have comments on my page and am still trying to figure this all out. I'm not sure if I should comment back, email back or what. I am putting this on my long "to do" list. I do appreciate and welcome all comments.
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Jan. 26, 2006 - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
We had an awesome day, after my headache this morning or should I say noon?
Dd has been wanting to see the movie but due to the theaters being way to loud for her we opted to read the book. I tried reading it back in November but she had no interest whatsoever. Today was a different story! She hung on every word. I am up to chapter twelve "Peters First Battle." She wants me to finish it (maybe tonight) but I will most definitely finish it tomorrow.
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Jan. 26, 2006 - Ouch! What a headache!
I got up this morning at seven figuring I would have some time to work on my page and it's what quarter til eleven? I have worked up such a headache trying to figure out the terms of these foreign words of html, avatar, etc. I think I did a pretty good job. I did atleast get the verse of the day added. I don't see a spell check anywhere tho. I guess I'll have to figure that one out next. I love to ramble and sometimes my spelling is not up to par so that's next on my list of to do's, but for now it's time for lunch and learning for dd.
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Jan. 25, 2006 - second guessing my methods of homeschooling
I started homeschooling my dd this past July. She will turn five in February. I thought I had everything figured out. I bought curriculm from A-Beka and Math-U-See. I thought we were doing great and cruising right along until I met another homeschool family with a daughter the same age. This child knows her multipication, dates in history, all 50 states, etc. I think she actually knows more than I do. Well to say the least I started second guessing my homeschooling. Am I holding my child back? Am I providing the right tools for her? Should she know this stuff at age four or am I setting her up for failure? I have been obsessing about this since last week.
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