Sep. 4, 2008 - Sneak Peek!

We received an email from Kya's foster Mom last night with some pictures!  We were so glad to see her again.  She is beautiful and just look at that sweet face!  Kya has made progress in her training and no longer jumps up on her foster Mom.  She also stays aslelep at night without being put in her kennel.   Kya is being cleared by the vet today and will come to live with us on Saturday!

We have a running list of new names for her.  The top few are:
Mandy
Daisy
Goldie
Lainey - my favorite, and no longer on the table, is a scottish British name meaning beautiful. The Golden Retriever breed is originally from Scotland, which is why I chose the name.   A British Lord is responsible for making the breed known.

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Sep. 3, 2008 - Homeschool Routines

The theme this week is Routines.  I did set up one we follow pretty closely.  Each day however, brings something new for which we adapt our schedule.  For example, this morning, the weather here is down right Fall like.  This does not normally come our way until late October or November.  But Hurricane Gustav has brought rain as well as cool winds.  So this morning, the kids are enjoying the backyard minus the searing heat of the Texas sun.  This is such a perk of homeschooling! 

Our routine is as follows for thos who want a look-see:

8:00a - 8:30a - Bible time, discussion, reenactment of bible story.
8:30a- 9:00a - Journal on topic for the day with or without pics.
9:00a- 10:00a - Reading and Writing, Handwriting/Copy work for Madilynn,Click n Read Phonics for both and reading time with Mom.  Outside time.
10:00a - 11:00a - Math U See
11:00a - 11:30a - Catch up on things that need more time/attention, outside time if we missed it earlier.
11:30a - 1p - Chores, lunch, quick errands, free time.
1:00p - 3:00p - KONOS activities and group read time.
3:00p - 5:00p - Free time, chores, play time with nieghborhood kids.
5:30p - 6:30p - Tuesday-Thursday - soccer practice for both.
The rest of the evening is with Daddy - family time, games, reading, outside, video games and even a lesson or two if prompted by the kids interest or as needed.
8:00a-12:00p - Friday - Twice a month Kingdom Kids Coop.
8:30p-9:00p - Bed time for kids.

Of course, in between all this is chores for me, but in such a more relaxed manor, since I am not limited to only a few hours a day with the kids.  I have set up some great cleaning routines through FLY LADY.  It has helped me keep on top of my house duties, so the house stays presentable and not overwhelmingly dirty.

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Sep. 3, 2008 - Window to a whole new world...

I took this photo during our FREE TIME, while I was making lunch.  If you have read my Praise Post, or Dyslexia Post you will know how monumental this is!

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Sep. 3, 2008 - A boy and his book

Just wanted to post a praise report that leaves me encouraged!

Firstly, we had a great reading time yesterday.  The weather was semi-cool and breezy with the leftover hurricane winds reaching into far North East Texas.  Mitchell and I sprawled out on the backyard grass to read a couple of easy readers.  Then after our afternoon Konos activities, Mitchell began checking out all the Magic Treehouse books I have on the book shelf.  Having purchased them at Half Price Books (love that place!), for family reading, I have read one or two to the kids in the past.  He noticed we were missing some of them in the series and asked me why.  I told him I wanted to wait to get more until he began reading them.  He told me, "You can buy them now Mom, because I am going to read them."  He picked up book #1 about Dinosaurs, plopped himself snuggly on my bed and began reading.  I was so proud. He would come out every so often and announce to us what chapter he was currently reading.  Later last night, he read a chapter to Troy and promptly asked if we could go to Half Price Books this weekend to get the rest in the series. 

You know where we will be this weekend!

p.s. - he just woke up and guess what he has in his hand - his book!

Thank you Lord for your perfect timing and many treasured blessings.

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Sep. 1, 2008 - A picture is worth a thousand words.

Governor Palin of Alaska, Future Vice President of USA.

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Sep. 1, 2008 - Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day!

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Aug. 29, 2008 - Week in Review

In our Attentiveness Unit this week, we have studied:
Samuel - who had to learn how to "hear" the Lord speaking to him.
Mary and Martha - discerning what we need to pay attention to, at what time.
Jesus - who turned his attention to the children who had come to see him.

We also studied our 5 senses,the ear and it's parts, how it works, sound waves, Helen Keller, what it means to pay attention, how to focus and concentrate, the orchestra and it's various instruments including the sound each makes, famous composers such as Bethoven and much more.  We all especially enjoyed learning about Helen Keller.  Talk about someone who overcame odds and had a desire to learn and grow beyond her situation!  We rented the movie The Miracle Worker and will watch it as a family. 

The week went by so fast. I can't belive we had school, here at home, everyday!  It was treasure-filled, exciting, scary, exhausting, humorous, learning-rich and had me on an emotional roller coaster!  Almost everyday, we had tears, including me.  This is a process, I keep reminding myself.  Our schedule seems to work for all of us with breaks, outside time and even an errand or two if neccessary.  One morning, I over slept and was not quite prepared mentally for the day.  Our day got off to a slow start and we had to regroup a couple of times.  But it ended up with me realizing Madilynn needed to back-up in Math and begin a little slower, while Mitchell needed to move ahead in the lessons.  Getting most of the reading and math done in the morning was a positive!  Howvever, we did have a night or two where we did some impromptu math with the blocks.  While waiting for Daddy one eveing, we also searched grocery store adds for foods from the Food Pyramid (Olympic Unit Review) and number recognition, while Bethoven played in the background.  It was a treasured Mom moment! 

Also of note, because we did not need to do homework in the evening, the kids could enjoy their Daddy, play outside or just relax with family reading time.  There was no pressure to finish homework, eat dinner, bathe and get to bed.  The evening time was much more enjoyable and for Daddy, that was of special importance!

The week was not perfect.  It won't ever be, but it went extremely well and I am happy with that!  My home is clean and so are our clothes.  I still love my kids and am not yet crazy!  Well to some perhaps!

If I had to wrap the week up in one sentence it would be:
I have my life and my family back!

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Aug. 27, 2008 - Golden Retreiver Adoption - Pending!

We went, we saw we loved! 

BUT, there always is one....we are having second thoughts, cold paws, if you will.  Kya is beautiful, on the small side for a Golden Retriever, full of energy, playful, sweet faced and, just as her foster Mom told me, she   J-U-M-P-S!

Madilynn took to her well.  Mitchell was more reserved.  Then there was the hair!  I have been trying to prepare myself for hairballs, but this was crazy.  My pants looked like a rug when Ieft!  Regualry brushing, ie., chore for the kids, should help with this!

So our dilema.  Can we afford the cost, can we train her well enough to be a well behaved dog and is our home big enough for 4 people, a dog and a dog crate?  Can I homeschool, look after Sophie (if needed) and train the a dog?  The kids have been waiting patiently all year and we promised over the summer we would get a dog.  Unfortunately, the adoption process takes longer than I thought, so we are now into the school year.

In theory, after reading much on this breed, pack habits, obedience, etc., I think we can be successful at training her.  Goldens are quite trainable and smart.  Practically speaking we have zero, zilch, nada, real experience!  (But that did not stop us from homeschooling, now did it?)  I sincerely believe with the amount of time we woudl be able to spend with her, consistant training and regular exercise, she will be a super addition to our family.  I can't change the size of our home obviously, so not sure on that one.  I am so glad we have a few days to think it over.  Actually, she has a UTI from her surgery, is on antibiotics right now, and cannot be released to us until the first weekend in September. 

I think we should just dive right in.  It would go with our theme for the last half of 2008:

• no school
• no work (for me anyway)
• no money
• no worries
• get a dog
• (she said facetiously)

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Aug. 26, 2008 - 2nd Day

Today was good.  We added Math U See, which begins as a review for Mitchell, but further along in the lessons it will cement his addition math facts.  It is a manipulatives based math program teaching concepts along with problem solving.  Madilynn really enjoyed it today.  She gets frustrated at herself for not being perfect though.  Hhhhmmmm, wonder where she gets that?  Can't imagine?!

I still had nerves in the pit of my stomach today.  They did go away when I witnessed the kids understanding how the ear works, recalling things we have read or really having fun with finding "adjectives" all over the house.  Of course we have sillies, wiggles and groans, but they subside.  I am learning to tune them out and press onward.  They do go away and they are just kids.

I obviously don't talk on the phone much during the day.  I turn the ringer down and let the machine pick-up during school hours.  If the phone lights up and we notice, if it is Daddy calling, we answer.  I hope others will leave messages.  I will get them and will return the call, IF they leave a message!

Thanks for all the supportive comments, phone messages and emails!  I appreciate the words of encouragment more than you know. 

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Aug. 25, 2008 - First Day of School at Treasure Academy

 6:00 a.m. - up and at'm to make sure I got coffee and showered before the kids woke up.
 7:00 a.m. - Kids woke up to alarm clocks, ate breakfast, did morning chores (strip beds, hair, teeth, clothes)
 

8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Took pictures outside.  Kids drew self-portrait and wrote/drew about favortie summer activity.
Snack, Discussed new Unit - Attentiveness and defined; what it means to pay attention, why we should pay attention-to learn, communicate and for safety, how God created us to be attentive. Read story of Samuel hearing Gods call during the night. We took turns playing Eli, God and Samuel and acted out the story.  They were shy at first, but then really enjoyed the drama.
 9:45 a.m. - Recess/P.E. - rode bikes around park. We were "attentive" to many sounds.
10:30 a.m. - water break, Click-n-read Phonics - both, read with Mitchell, playtime for Madilynn.
11:30 a.m. - chores, lunch - they were hungry! Sophie came for afternoon.
1:30 p.m. - sofa time with books - about hearing, how the ear works, sound, rhyming poems etc. Sophie down for nap. Learned parts of the ear and how it works, labeled and colored ear diagram. 3:00 p.m. - School's Out for the day!

Whew, I am glad the first day is behind us! It went super well. The kids did magnificently and said they enjoyed themselves. I have been nervously sick to my stomach for several days with anticipation. Waiting for an event is worse for me than the actual event!
This morning I felt like I did when I had to get up with the kids as infants, at 1, 3 and 5 in the morning.  A lonely feeling, as though you are the only person in the world!  I pushed past the emotion and followed my plan. It flowed and served us well. I even managed to wash all the sheets, make the beds with the kids, and throw in another load of laundry as well. We had leftovers for lunch and I started dinner!
I did have a surprise blessing today! On our bike ride through the park, I saw three of my good friends! They had taken their little and BIG ones to school and were praying for a good day and exercising. Like a smile from heaven, it lifted my spirits for the day!

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Aug. 23, 2008 - Beautiful Blinkie

Jodi, my friend, neighbor and Sophie's mommy, made me this blinkie!  I think it is so pretty and appreciate her unsolicited efforts!  One day, maybe I will be able to make these too!  But for now will stick with figurieng out HTML and how to get me a really cute background and matching header.  I found some awesome FREE ones at The Cutest Blog on the Block.  I have not been successful at getting it up and working here or my other blog spot.  

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Aug. 23, 2008 - Dyslexia and Homeschooling

I get asked that question a great deal.  I don't always know what to say because the anwwer is very multi-faceted.  One reason is the complete and total opposite approach to learning we will implement at home.

I read a good article written by the author of the KONOS curriculum we chose for our homeschool.  It is about the right-brained learner.  While Mitchell does not fit entirely, as he is quite popular with peers and so far is not a musician, it does describe the way he learns.  My assessment of his learning style, is not soley based on this author alone.  I have read several books on Dyslexia, Right-brained learners and have confirmation from his 2nd grade teacher, a dyslexic specialist, whom by the way, was a huge fan of Mitchell's and feared he would not be done justice in the public school system.  I also have a husband who is an undiagnosed dyslexic.  I know this after years of not understanding the way he did things and how completely opposite he was to me!  Right brain vs. left brain.  Neither is right or wrong, only different.

Mitchell was also given an IQ test at school last year.  They wanted to see where his IQ fell, as his performance (according to state standards) in reading did not match his perceived inteligence.  After testing it was revealed he indeed, was not suffering from a low IQ, in which case he would have been placed in special ed or remedial classes.  Given a family history of Dyslexia and some classic tell-tale signs, observed by his teachers and myself, he was placed in that category of learning disabilities.  The schools plan of action was to start from the beginning and relearn the alphabet, sounds and repition of phonics.  Well, to me that sounded terribly frustrating not to mention boring!  Plus, the program did not address other subject areas, only reading.  Dyslexia affects math and handwriting and overall how the child learns.  He has trouble telling his left from his right, looses focus when distracted and is painfully aware of his lower level reading ability compared to other kids.  His self-esteem over the years, would take a nose dive.  (Self-esteem is built at home.  It can be torn down at school.)

After taking this all in and thinking it through, inside and out (Ecclisiastes. 9:11), we decided to homeschool.  The Dyslexic program may have benefitted Mitchell, but the left-brained teaching of the school, would contribute little to his academic success. 

Basically, Mitchell takes in information to the right-side of his brain and has difficulty retrieving the answer in the left side of the brain.  This is where math facts, spelling words, vocabulary lists and phone numbers are stored.  All areas of struggle for him.  Presenting information and cementing it with hands-on learning will enable Mitchell to recall what he learns. 

Madilynn will certainly benefit from this approach to learning as well.  I do already see some signs of Dyslexia in her.  Regardless, this learning style blended with left-brained activities, will enable her to flourish at home too.  Both kids will do reading, writing, spelling, etc., but not near to the extent that it is stressed in a traditional school setting.

We did have the privelege of attending a charter school, whose approach to learning was very similar to what we will be doing at home.  We chose to leave for a variety of reasons.  If we ever had to place our children back in the school system, they would most assuredly go back to the charter school that opened my eyes to a new and better way of learning!

So when people ask me "How can you homeschool?".  I think to myself "How can I not.".

For further information check out these books:

Unicorns Are Real
The Way They Learn
The Gift of Dyslexia
Overcoming Dyslexia

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Aug. 21, 2008 - A little of this and a little of that

We have had three gorgeous days of RAIN this week.  Prior to the downpours, we experienced record heat here in North Texas and as usual in the summer, we have had drought like conditions.  So the rain and cloudy skies were welcome!  Even the kids were excited to hear and see the strange water from the sky (like they had never seen it before).  As a matter of fact, they wanted to stand out the front door and view it first hand, so I let them!  Mitchell insisted on donning his camo suite that is about two sizes too small.  They pitter-patted around the backyard as well.

Wednesday was game day.  Mitchell came up with the idea on Tuesday night and since we knew it would rain again on Wednesday, I said, why not, it is the last week of summer.  So, we played,

• Uno
• Sorry
• Littlest Pet Shop
• Zooreka - a cranium game-very fun

I'd be lying if I told you it was all fun and games!   My patience and self-control were tested.  I mean, how many times can I go around the board collecting little paw tokens with a rainforest tree frog.  Not to mention, the fact that Madilynn, is slightly too young to fully grasp the cut-throatness of the game SORRY!  I am just so totally thankful we have moved past Chutes and Ladders!

My washing machine (I say w-a-r-s-h-i-n-g) is leaking again and something smells a little moldy down in the basin area.  We pretty much know we need a new one after having repaired this one several times in 8 years.  We are holding out so we can pay cash and get one of the super nice, front loading models and a matching dryer.  Not quite sure what we will do.  This does not fit into my laundry schedule or budget! Until I can resume washing again, I guess the good Lord wants us all to realize, just how many clothes we DO have AND that He will provide what we need.

I need to be on auto pilot for meals with school beginning next week.  So,I planned our dinner menu.

Sunday - Crockpot Roast with potatoes - ok, have you priced pot roast lately?  I bought stew meat instead!

Monday - Chicken Casserole and veggies

Tuesday - Spaghetti with meatballs and salad

Wednesday - Shrimp Pilaf Florentine

Thursday - Salad and sweet potatoes and any leftovers

Friday - Grilled burgers, tator tots and baked beans (I will be playing Bunko and this was Troy's requested fare)

Tonight Troy has to be at work late for the school's Back to School Night and after that he has a Soccer Coach meeting for U6 girls.  Tomorrow is pay bills day and grocery shopping.  Saturday, Troy will be at a Cub Scout Leader training all day and then Saturday night we have a cub scout swim party.  Sunday after church we are headed to Plano to visit Kya, our potential dog adoptee.  I hope the visit goes well!  Then Monday is our first day of school...at home!

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Aug. 21, 2008 - About Me

The weekly blog theme offered by Homeschool Memoirs is, "All About You".  Read on for more about me.

I am a 37 year old Mom of two.   Married to my husband for over 10 years, we live simply and happily, well, most of the time!  We love being outdoors, camping together and Geocaching is our new family hobby.

If love grows best in little houses, then ours is flourishing!  It gets cramped at times and with homeschooling the walls are closing in.  I need more book shelves!  Our classroom will be our dining room table, the backyard, the park, the Zoo, the library, anywhere a lesson can be had.  And I am just fine with that as my kids are wiggly and curious.  Doing workbooks and seat work won't do!

My son hates to read, loves sports and outdoors and is a shy, hugable, snuggly boy!   My daughter is half princess and half Helga from Gladiators!  She loves sparkly things and girly clothes, as long as it is not a dress.  Very fond of the outdoors also, she is often in the backyard swinging or digging in the sand.  Much to her brother's chagrin, she wants to do anything he does, looks up to him and loves him very much.

There are a myriad of reasons we chose to homeschool.  In particular,we want to instill our christian values and truly shape their heart and character.  We can't hide from the world.  But the world forces kids to grow up too fast!  During these impressionable years, we hope to give them a firm foundation to withstand the pressures of life in later years.  We know there are arguements to the contrary, but we are called to lead our family this way. 

We also know our kids need to have an interactive, hands-on learning experience!  This encourages the kids to be life-long learners.  We look forward to being together and improving our relationships with one another!  We will teach to their strengths and guide them through their weakenesses.  Thinking, reasoning, research and doing will be of utmost importance instead of rote memory drilling and testing. 

A great line I read recently of a child telling his mother after school one day, "I might be sitting still on the outside, but I'm wiggln' on the inside!" 

I say, "Let Them Wiggle!"

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Aug. 20, 2008 - Wordless Wednesday!

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Aug. 19, 2008 - I love lists!

Sprittibee challenged us to post our list of things to do for the remaining time in August.  A Mother's work is never done, so I don't see my list getting finished anytime soon.  But I can scratch things out that are completed!

Find missing Konos Compass! - YEAH!
Print off diagram of ear
Check out Miracle Worker
Plan first day of school activiities
Plan menu for two weeks-I only did one week!
Buy supplies for Cub Scout Swim Party and submit receipts
Decide on portfoliol system for storing kids work
Continue updating Home School Binder, thanks to Sprittibee
Make list of educational games to play
Build dog walks and more PE into daily schedule
Finish reading Eric Liddell, Something Greater Than Gold
Read The Reluctant Essay Writer
Make eye doctor apointment for kids
Call beautician for Madilynn haircut
Go through home videos and lable
Organize timeline figures in binder
Revise and update Home Control Binder-cleaning schedule, phone numbers, doctors, menus, personal info.-a work in progress
Purchase Brainwave Safari
Rerecord all Mitchell's belt loops and pins earned in Cub Scouts
Clean blinds-yuck!-seriously, can't I just throw them out and get new ones?
Figure out how to remove the space between the above lines!(I tried everything!)

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Aug. 18, 2008 - RTF-Radio Television Film

The kids have discovered our video camera.  Our big clunky one has been in the family since before Mitchell was born.  We bought it especially for his arrival.  81/2 years later he is behind the camera making his own movies.  Actually it began with Madilynn who asked me to tape her doing the news the other night.  This has exploded into a real area of interest for the both of them.  They are still exploring how to use the camera and have the Narcissus syndrome; they love to watch themselves!

My kids are not overly expressive around others. (unless they know you and you show yourself to be kid friendly!)  They are not performers.  Content to be involved behind the scenes, they shy away from the spotlight when given the opportunity.  I am pleased to see them wanting to be in front of the camera, even if it is in the comfort of their own home.  It gives them a chance to express their thoughts and creativity! 

We will surely use this medium in our home studies.  I can see it now, interviews with Columbus, a Navajo Indian Chief, quiz shows, nature studies...I can't wait!

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Aug. 18, 2008 - Cub Scout Olympics

   We attended the Cub Scout Olympics on Saturday night.  Madiynn competed with the siblings team while Mitchell was with his Bear Den.  Troy was Chief Chef and I was Head of Kitchen Duty.

We took our full-size Olympic Flag, provided by Paw Paw and held opening ceremonies complete with flag presentation and the National Anthem of the United States of America.  Mitchell and Madilynn were so very excited to carry out what we have seen and studied about the Olympics.

Competition commenced in the following areas:

• Hop, Skip and Jump
• Parking Lot Relay
• 30 yard dash - word on the street is Mitchell won all foot races!
• Water Baloon Shot Put
• Basketball Free Throw Shoot Out
• Frisbee Discus Throw
• Horseshoe Toss
• Family Volleyball

No medals or ribbons were given.  Just the satisfaction of competing fun and fair.  It was a fantastic evening! 

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Aug. 16, 2008 - On the hunt...again!

We all enjoy geocaching.  Seems odd to some, I'm sure!  But it gets us outside and provides a mission to accomplish rather than just walking through the same old park.  Our adventure took us to another local park where a whole series of caches are waiting to be discovered.  This series has been hidden since 2006 and it is still there and people are still seeking and finding.  Each one is large enough to have treaure trinkets the kids can swap for.  We have our "cache stash" to take with us to trade.  We hike through places we would normally not go, at least not me!  Mitchell eye spies snakes all the time.  Madilynn and I just try to stay clear of the poison ivy! 

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Aug. 15, 2008 - Treasure Academy, opening soon!

First day of learning at home is August 25th!!  Our schedule will be as follows from Monday to Thursday.  Friday will serve as Kingdom Kids Coop days as well as days to review, or expound on lessons we find particularly interesting and field trips.

8:00a - 8:30a - Bible time, discussion, reenactment of bible story
8:30a- 9:00a - Journal on topic for the day with or without pics.
9:00a- 10:00a - Reading and Writing, Handwriting/Copy work for Madilynn,Click n Read Phonics for both and review.
10:00a - 11:00a - Math U See
11:00a - 11:30a - Reading Centers - books on tape or review of phonics lesson
11:30a - 1p - Chores, lunch, quick errands, free time
1:00p - 3:00p - KONOS-Attentiveness-Attention and Ear Parts Unit - First Unit

I am sure our schedule will ebb and flow as we see what works and what doesn't, but for now this is how we will begin!  I am making a list of activities the kids can do on their own when we have extra time or I need some one-on-one with either of them.  I also will see where our natural "break" occurs and get some outside time and snack time in for all of us.  The kids will play soccer again this fall for P.E.

KONOS is our main curriculum.  Each unit covers bible stories,science, history, geography, art, music, phys. ed, reasoning, health, character, practical living, literature, languag arts and field trips, centered around the unit topic.  The activities are all hands-on and kid oriented for multiple grade levels.  This combination not only makes learning fun, it increase retention and builds life-long learners!

Kingdom Kids Coop - meets 2-3 times per month

Mitchell will take:

1. Real Science for Kids - Physics
2. P.E.
3. Lego Building - The lego sets are specialty ordered sets or contraptions to foster a variety of building/thinking skills and will help with his fine motor skills. 

Madilynn will be involved with the kindergartners doing a variety of writing and reading skills as well as Kindermusic.  It is all taught by Coop. Moms and Dads using a curriculum of their choosing.  I am a helper with the 3rd to 5th grade Drama class!  That ought to be interesting!  The Coop also organizes field trips, book clubs, art expos, science fairs, talent shows and Mom's night out.

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