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We're on our way to the annual HEAV homeschool convention! Woo hoo! We're actually 1 exit away. Guess I better get packed up. I love going every hear. Thousands of Christian Homeschoolers from all over the state to reenergize, share, and shop! I hope you're able to make it if you're in Virginia! |
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She still looks like she's 4 years old to me. But she's now seven. Sigh! I can't get the photo to load! Sniff! Here's a link... We had a party at our community beach. It was a small group, but we had a lot of fun! Thank you for everyone that made it and we missed you if you were unable to come. I remember being seven. I thought I was all grown up! It was also they year my baby brother was born and my cousin came to live with us for a year. IT was a bit difficult going from a single child to one of three. We survived somehow. Or should I say, my parents survived!?! Anyway, time moves on. I don't remember the last time I looked at a Baby Talk Magazine or One Step Ahead Catalog. Now I’m worried about math and language arts curriculum for my 7th grader! You have to figure out where you want your child to end and work backwards. If I want her to take Pre-Cal in 12th, then it’s Algebra 2 in 11th, Geometry in 10th, etc…. With working full time, I also wanted to pick a curriculum that had a bit more accountability for Language Arts. I don’t want to skip the research reports or essays that are so important for their futures. So I’m going to try SOS for my 7th grader. The HEAV homeschool convention in this coming weekend. Thursday – Saturday! I love this time of year, just to focus on my marriage, family, and homeschool. I do hope my clients won’t mind that I’ll be unavailable for most of that time. I’m a bit concerned because this weekend was very quiet in relation to work. Two dead weekends could be dangerous! But my hope is that God is being gracious so I could refresh and focus on my 7 year old’s birthday and then the convention next weekend. I continue to do most of my blog writing at CarolineVABlog.com . We just purchased SpotsyVABlog.com. As I expand my advertisement to Three more days of official school! I'm excited and obviously, so are the kids. I can't wait to take our "school hours" and take them to the beach or the pool instead of saying "is your schoolwork done yet?" Yes, we'll still have some work to do this summer, but I'm not going to be intense about it like I am during the year. I would like to catch up on our literature reading and some historical movies. Then we'll get in some hours of play. And then I hope to use the rest of the time for a productive working summer. Hopefully the homeschool convention will have a few classes on balancing work and homeschool. |
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I did not know what to title this post. I'm 33. And I noticed during the past year, I've been slowing adding products to my daily routine. My current routine for getting ready for work includes:
Is that enough? Nope! If I leave the house I still need the make up..
Then the hair
Don't forget the deoderant! And the worst part.... I don't think any of it helps! Well, maybe it will help slow down the process. We'll see... |
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We're on Spring Break right now. My grandparents are visiting from Oklahoma. So the kids had school the 2 days after Easter and then I took them to Colonial Beach on Wednesday. While they were there, I got to go with Matthew to Hampton Roads for the night. That was fun! It was mostly driving. But we got to stop in in Williamsburg and see some friends. This weekend we have all been in this little town trying to visit with different family members. We had a barbecue and a birthday party. My Mom is turning 55! I’ve been wanting to share the surprise my Dad had planned. Finally the plan has been revealed so I can share it. My Dad is taking my mom and my oldest daughter to New York City. They are going by train. And they will be visiting the Empire State Building, the American Girl Store, take a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, and then they are going to watch Wicked at the theatre on Broadway. When I heard that I was confused, but I guess it’s like a prequel to the Wizard of Oz movie. All of this will push our school year into the summer. I planned out the school year all in advance so I’ll need to redo the last month and a half of school. But I think this time off is good. Besides visiting family, I’ve noticed several things we need to work on – especially attitudes with each other. I’m not sure when we’ll be starting school again. Grandma’s not feeling well and now with my oldest going to New York on Saturday for 4 days. I guess I should just relax and enjoy the time off of school and spend extra time working on Real Estate until everyone is back from all trips. But with the rain and cold weather, there’s not much for them to do. When we start back up, we’ll finish reviewing WWI and WWII, finish the life of Jesus from crucifixion to ascension, and then the workbooks for L.Arts and Math. We’re missing several mid week Bible Studies this month. I miss that. I’m reading a great little book called A Bride Most Begrudging.
Anyway, school, work, spring break, family, birthdays… I guess that’s everything. The next few months will bring used book sales. Hopefully I’ll have enough saved so I can get the best deals on the books I’ll need. See you soon! |
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When I went to log in tonight, I noticed that my "about me" spot was way out of date. So I changed that a bit. I woke up to the sound of gentle thunder and pounding rain. What a beautiful sound. I just wanted to cuddle up and enjoy the sound and the gray skies! But I had to get up and start working. The best part though was that I did not have to leave the house. Homeschooling and working from home has so many benefits! I think the kids decided it was a "PJ Friday!" The rest of the day brought pouring down rain and then bright sunshine! I slept so well last night (for me at least) that I did not need my caffeinated hot chocolate this morning. But I desperately need to stop by the health food store and pick up some Progesterone. If shipping not too much I may just order from Beeyoutiful . It's been a while since I relaxed and spent time thinking about girly things. But one leads to another. LOL! I need hair clips! I've been to Target and Food Lion and I did not see the ones that hold my thin hair well. I guess I'll need to try Wal-Mart and when I find them, I'll have to get several packs! I sure wish I knew where they all disappeared to! They girls promise me that they have not taken them, but the older the kids get, then more things disappear! I continue to struggle to give all my stress and worry to the Lord for Him to carry. We are so blessed and I need to daily offer up thanksgiving for His goodness towards us. I just want to do what the Lord wants and yet I find myself daily questioning if I have made the right decisions. I miss lots of things right now, but I'm really beginning to love my job too. It's like two worlds colliding. The last 2 weeks we had a ban on TV. It was really nice. And I did not feel like staying up till midnight without movies and shows to watch. So I've had lots of time to read! I have to remember to read boring novels occasionally so I won't stay up reading all night long! That's enough rambling for tonight. The ban has been lifted and the girls and I are enjoying Anne of Avonlea! |
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I love sweaters! They are warm and cozy and I don’t have to iron them! But I think I’m getting a bit tired of them. It won’t last as long a summer unless I find a few more cute sundresses that I can wear to work, but I am ready! Today, I actually started a little school planning for next year. Can you believe it?? Kinsey will be in 7th grade and since I’m working more, I think I need something for Language Arts and Math that will have a little more accountability. So I’m looking at lots of options (Abeka and Switched-On Schoolhouse mainly). I am going to stick to Weaver for everything else! It’s worked great for 6 years and we’re going to start over with round 2 next year. Maybe adding a few electives that have more accountability too. I spent a few minutes describing the differences of the different curriculums to Matthew. Of course he like the computer based – imagine that! I want to teach as much as I can to the kids, but I also want to make sure that they have different learning experiences while under my roof. We’re getting our business webpage updated with the new host. It’s a completely different format and it’s hard getting used to it. I really like the blog! And the social media platforms are popping up everywhere. I wish I could do more to help families that are struggling with making their housing payments. I hope they are reading or getting the help they need. I’d also like to connect to more moms that work and homeschool. I’ve had families contact me about how I do it, but I’d like to talk to others that have done it longer! Maybe at the homeschool convention! With my tax refund, I was able to purchase a new laptop – which will be a business tax deduction for this year! I’ll be going from the orange swirl to “flamingo pink!” This is so needed! My laptop is 99.9% full! I often have to delete items to run other programs. LOL! K. My brain just shut down. Thanks for haning in there! |
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It's been a long winter. Today, 6 families got together for an impromptu get-together. I calledthe library, brought a few games and coloring books and walla! Get-together! It was nice to laugh and realx for a couple of hours. In order to take time off I have to get out of the house. When I'm home, I just keep working. This morning did not go well either - to the point where if I had not organizedthe even, I might have kept them home because of the girls' behavior. But e all needed to get out. And tomorrow will be better. I got some great ideas about L.Arts and Math curriculum for next year for Kinsey. And I was reassured that it's not the end of the world when one of your kids cannot spell very well. And, yes, the Cosby Show is awesome as a parent. |
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Matthew and I had a great time tonight with another homeschooling family. It was so nice to get out for a few hours - to laugh; to talk about Christ, kids, homeschooling and work; and to eat! This is something that we do not take enough time to do. We need to relax and take a break more often. This week will be a Weaver break. Once again my yearly lesson plans did not match up with my actual lessons. So we'll focus on Language Arts and Math. I have a feeling that this is going to be an interesting and busy week. Time for bed! |
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Someone asked me if I still use Publisher for web page design. I only use it for the homeschool blog in our community. In real estate we have to be able to show homes to our clients. The best way to do this is through and IDX that shows what is in our local MLS. The webpage company I was using raised their prices on me again. So I'm in the process of converting webpages. It's a bit overwhealming. I got used to changing a page anyway I wanted. Now I'm having to figure out coding to make it work. There are so many things I want to add, but I also need to work on design, layout, blogs, articles,etc... It's fun, but it's a lot! I realized last week that we only have 4 months of school left this year! I'm not sure that's actually going to be enough. We're getting through the Weaver Curriculum - usually doubling up on the days we do that. We're getting to math and Language arts every day, but maybe not as much each day as we should. So it may be a shorter summer break. I just want to time to cuddle with the girls and read! And our homeschool group does more durning the summer than the school year. Kind of funny, but it's the only thing that works right now. That will be fun too. Till then we're going to hang on tight and enjoy the ride of the next 4 months!
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I have no idea what to write. I'm beginning to sound like a broken record. Or like my 11 year old. I know I need to write. But after email, community blog, facebook, and twitter, what else is there? LOL! Since this is a Homeschool family blog, I guess I should mention school. The kids are hanging in there. We’re focusing most of our efforts on Language arts and Math. We’re not getting as many books read this year, but we’re coming along. Here are some of the books we have read: (I can't get the spaces out for some reason)
Kinsey decided to start recording the books she reads. We’ll see how it goes. It finally snowed today! Yea! The girls went out to play twice. And came in like little frozen popsicles – twice. I don’t know if I’m interesting on Twitter or not, but here’s a bit of what I’ve said: I use the Twhirl Widgit to keep up with out the need to refresh. These are backwards because you add to the top as you go.
I’m learning how to use the Flipcam for business, school and fun. Today’s video is in the link above. The Lord is blessing the business. It's a lot of work and I'm still trying to figure out how to balance work time, family time, and free time. I was feeling like I was catching up until I realized that the first month of 2009 is almost over, but I'm still thankful for all that has been accomplished so far this year. Because there are so few places to meet in Caroline County when it's cold, the kids miss their homeschool friends. We can't wait to go ice skating next month with everyone! I'm at a loss as to what else is going on in my life. If you have a question, ask! And yes, the dog is STILL alive...
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MacKenzie had a great birthday bash this past week! I'm nit sure where it all came from. I wanted to get her an American Girl Doll since she's getting older and their about to stop creating the Samantha Doll. But she wanted an activity instead. I who heartedly agree that events are much better than "stuff." But then we had to agree on what event: ice skating, roller skating, Build-A-Bear, etc... After picking the 2 friends she as allowed to invite, then we can to compare schedules and see when all 3 girls were available. Then we had to figure out what event was available for that day and time. We finally decided upon Libby Lou where their girls had their hair done, make up, picked accessories, and goodies to take home. Then the danced around. Once that was over we went to picture people for a memory shot!
After we picked up our photos, we headed to Friendly's for Ice Cream Sundaes! Woo Hoo! Yum, Yum! And although it was cold and rainy, I think everyone had a great time! On another note, I finally got to do one day of Christmas Shopping. I think 1 more day and I'll be done! I need to get to the Dollar Tree to pick up some notebooks and a few other odds and ends that I know they have. Once again, we're focusing more on events and giving to other families than getting more "stuff" for our families. It's been a nice change! 3 more days of school before starting a 2 week Christmas Vacation! And I was not even expecting it! It was a nice, needed surprise. Just last Friday I was thinking that I needed a vacation at home to clean my home and time to implements some of my work studies. This is my chance! Lots of work keeping me busy! God is good! I'm very thankful for my new office this year! I love working there and the help and support they offer! My mentor and my boss are awesome! Many blessings everyone! |
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I had corndogs for lunch! LOL! Yes, now that my brother has a girlfriend, I see that we will have to share the holidays! Since it was important for Girlfriend to be with her parents for the Thanksgiving meal and Brother also wanted to eat with us, we're having our meal at Dinner time. ----- Which is actually not much later than usual, but it's cute just the same. I was trying to remember what Matthew and I did for holidays before we had kids. I think they were still spent with my parents or at the Rescue Squad. Rescue Squad's fine when you don't have little ones, but I'm so glad that phase of life is over and done with. Anyway... on to better thoughts... As for all of us, our lives don't usually look the way we planned. But maybe that can make us more thankful for what we have now. It makes me more thankful!! Although I still have so much to learn so I can be a better wife and mother, I am so thankful for my awesome husband and children that make sanctification worthwhile. I love just relaxing and laughing with friends and family! So if you come to my home for a holiday, don't expect a 20 course meal. Bring a snack and come enjoy the day. Maybe I can get Mom to downsize her meals so she will sit down more too. Time to go dry some dishes for her so I can take a nap! Our Thanksgiving 10 years ago...
And this Thanksgiving...
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I've spent 2 days updating my profiles at various sites - busness and personal because Matt and I changed the community blog to www.CarolineVABlog.com . Yep! Came back from Orlando inspired to work on details. So what suffers right now? The personal blog. But it's all good! The kids and Matthew put up the tree last night. Kinsey made cookies today - snickerdoodles. Thanksgiving starts tomorrow at our house. Yea! |
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I realize that I need spell check more and more each day. I can't blames it on my inability to type. I never learned to type correctly, but it seems that I make more mistakes now than I ever did. Maybe because I type faster? Text messaging makes even someone like me type faster. But then you have to suffer through my spelling if I forget to run spell Check. Yep, we're on our way to Florida for our work vacation. We stopped in Savannah tonight. I wrote a quick not to my Grandmother this evening. In it I said, "we have 4 cameras, a flip can, and 5 phones and we did not take a single picture today." We did keep up with work emails on the Blackberry. We kept up with friends on Twitter. The kids watched movies on the laptop, played games on the DS. Anyone see a pattern here??? My hope is for a day or two completely - ok, mostly unplugged to watch life and not screens. On that note, I'm off to read my book! If you think of it, please pray for our safety and that the Lord would reveal any new plans for our Real Estate careers that He would like us to use. And pray for my dad. He will be spending the most time with the girls at Disney while Matt, Mom, and I are in classes! |
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As Daddy is moving every toy in her room to find a tiny spider, I am reminded of several other things my 6 year old has handled from her point of view today. At one point she said, "Be careful with my hair please. It's delicate. That means..." While reading her phonics book there were definitions she gave to a few of her words: chat - "like on the computer with your friends" - I thought it was very interesting that she thought about chatting only on online and not relating it to talking to someone in person. chill - "like to chill out with your friends" - yeah! Great! My 6 year old is using slang! And then we had the word "chick." She said, "We can't use that word. It's not nice." I said that they were talking about a baby chicken and not a guy calling a girl "chick" and in this case it was ok. Very funny day for Mommy. |
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Today I went in to shadow for floor duty. Answer phones, greet customers when they come in the door. I really like my new office! I feel like I am playing catch up - learning all sorts of office policy that I should have learned in the past year. Between my mentor and my broker, I'm heading into a very busy season! I can't wait! Kid #2 went with me and was given chocolate and peanut butter chocolate cake. Came home and had to cook up 4 pounds of hamburger since I Forgot to separate it all before I froze it. So now its thawed out and I make 18 mini meat loaves and divided the rest into cooked hamburger to put in meals. Tonight is caregroup. I guess I better get ready to go! |
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Yes, I had a Divine Appointment today! It's a pretty cool feeling! I had a wonderful meeting with some friends. What I thought was going to be a cold, windy play date - ended up being a wonderful opportunity to talk about Christ and what He has done or is doing in each of our lives. I was so excited and thankful! Oh, the kids had fun too. The girls and I also started our prayer journals. I am very excited to see what the Lord wants to share of His heart with us! |
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I bought my Disney tickets today. It was odd that after you buy 3 day, 4 days was only $7 more! And 8 days was only $17 more than 3 days. That's pretty cheap entertainment even if you only go and walk around for a couple of hours. Or should I say especially if you ONLY walk around for a couple of hours! I'd like to take some of the shuttles to the different hotels and walk around. It sounds so relaxing to me! I also booked 3 nights at a value Disney resort. $60 per night! How cool is that! I tried to find bating suits today. I found some for $30 each. No thanks. I'll wait till we get to Orlando and stop by Walmart! I need to download some games onto my treo to give the kids more game options in the car for 2 days. |
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Last Sunday I asked 2 friends from church if they could run the powerpoint at church fr the next 4 weeks. They agreed. So today I got to sit in the Now I need to figure out the best time to practice waiting and listening. I've been trying unsuccessfully for 20+ years, but then I give up. I'm going to make it a habit - I just don't know when the best time of day would be. My mind is constantly going 1000 miles an hour. Even when Hubby asks me what I'm thinking and I say "nothing," it's because I just though 100 different things, but none of them in enough detail to share. I read 2 great books this week! You can see them on facebook if you're interested. Matthew and I voted against socialism and killing the unborn humans yesterday. This is going to be a very busy week. |
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My computer's been running slow since I cleaned it the other night. Really slow! And not closing down correctly. Even now, after just turning it on I can't see what I'm typing! Ok there it is. Can't sleep. Computer's telling me it's too late to work. Guess I'll try cleaning my system... if I can get there. I love Ross! The store! Oldest daughter needed new clothes. Figured we'd hit Goodwill first - just to see what bargins we could find. We found a few tops, but I find it frustrating that I have to flip through every tag to find out what size it is. Then we went to Ross. They had the same hodge-podge of clothes, BUT they were catagorized according to size! That's all I ask! Skirts size 10, dresses size 14, shirts, large. Very easy. And the prices were great too! Please remind me the next time I need clothes to head straight for Ross. While there I saw several boxes of white dishes. It's been a dream of mine for the last couple of years to have a matching serving set for 12. And I thought that white would be best because it's timeless. Most of these sets only came with serving for 4. One or 2 came with servings for 6. So the girls and I went through all the sets seeing if we could come up with 12. I found sets I liked better, but they did not have a full 12 - maybe 4 or 8. Finally we found 3 sets of 12! So now we had 3 options to choose from. None of them were my favorite, but still met my requirements. Called my Hubby to meet us there. He liked 2 of the sets. I liked the 3rd. I got the set I liked. Sorry,Hon! And I'm really sorry that I squished your fingers in the door of the van!! So serving for 12 for $45! I was not planning on purchasing this right now - especially since we're heading to Orlando for Realtor training soon. But this was too good to pass up. So Merry Christmas to me! Does this site have spell check? I could really use it right now! It seems like my typing skills are gettng worse every day...
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