Watkins Way

Jul. 2, 2009

Changes...

Well, my hubby and I have decided to put our girls into a charter school this coming fall. I am a bit torn. I feel like this is a wonderful adventure for them. The selfish me is thinking about all the extra time I will have. I will be able to better care for our home and my family. On the flip side...I will feel distanced from them. I won't be in their everyday learning. I think I will feel like I am missing something everyday. I was getting very stressed about schooling and getting it all done within state standards. So I think for my health this will be a good year too. After that...who knows.

My older DD is also torn. She wants to go and be with friends but she also is scared and wants to stay with me. My younger DD I think is a bit more adventurous...although a bit slower to warm up to people. I have a feeling the first day will be hard.

I also have dreams of doing a little schooling at home in the off hours. But realisticly I'm not so sure that will happen. How much homework with they have? How much 'still' time will I get after they have been at a desk all day? Will I know what they are studying and be able to grow off that? I can dream...and then see what reality is like.
~J

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Mar. 17, 2009

So long...

It has been so long since I have been here to post or even to just read other blogs. Things have had their ups and downs this year. It is March and the weather is nice. Need I say more? Anyone else out there get that early summer fever in their homeschool house?

My hubby and I have agreed to school outside the home next year. I think I will still add things. I've really fallen for the lapbooks and just haven't had time to do them with my older DD. There are so many things on the internet to enrich a child's education. I think I'll like not being the teacher full time.

Now, both DD's got into a new charter school here in town. DD1 loves the idea of a math/science centered learning. But now we found out that DD2 got into the other charter school here. This one is more service centered. Do we put the DD's in 2 different schools or have DD2 follow DD1? I wish I knew more of what DD2's strengths were. I know DD1 is math and science loving...but is DD2 also? It's hard to say yet. She likes doing worksheets that are more game like. I haven't noticed a tendency toward numbers or letters. She likes doing the science things with us but what kids doesn't like hands on action?

It's something I have been praying about. I just don't know...and we need to answer by the 26th. I think hubby wants the girls to go to the same school. They are in different levels so they may not see each other all that often. It would probably be easier since it's one pick up and not running from one school to the next.

So after I have dumped my random thoughts...I'm off to play with the girls-outside!!
~J

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Jan. 15, 2009

So one more week until T can change her earrings. She is so excited. She did hook them on something while she was at Grma's. They were red and we washed them for a few days and they look great again. I feel like she just getting so big!

In other news...we actually printed out a page that lists the presidents in order. I think it will be something we will talk about but not cover in depth yet. We are still working on early civilizations. But with all the president stuff going on I thought we could at least talk about it. She did go with us to vote.

A is still working on letters. We are trying to do one every week. We have been doing lapbooks from lapbooklessons.com. We finished J this week. She is also getting better at her number writing and letter formations. She still doesn't 'name' the letters well yet.

As for me...I set that wonderful loose weight resolution. This year though, DH and I got an at home working out set. It has DVD's and bands to work with. Also a modified balance ball. It's been a real workout! I have lost about a 1/2 inch from my waist already...we are on week 2! I also feel like I get more done in the day since I'm up at 6 am now...and I do feel like I have more energy...in the morning anyway. By night I'm falling asleep by 10 pm. Sad!

Off I go...DH wants to do some music work with T yet tonight. So they need the computer for the music lessons.
~J

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Dec. 17, 2008

So a few things I should mention. T's ears are doing great! They look really cute. She doesn't complain when we 'wash' them and she turns them just as the lady said to do.

My SHMILY is going well. Maybe a little lazy. I got hubby a Kit Kat. It is still something I don't get him often and the surprise was nice. Other wise we have had a little fun...things to please him. I think I will try the tattoo idea tonight;-)

As for school...we were working on the 12 days of Christmas and are already behind. I hope we can catch up over the weekend. A is on the letter H-honey bees. I thought it was fun that T's reading book actually had and article on butterflies and then bees. You know, lapbooking is sort of addicting. I actually like the learning and putting the folders together. I hope the girls like it as much.

We have gotten a bit of snow now. I actually sent the girls out even though it was only 7 degrees. I think getting out (even when it's really cold) is good for you health...barring any lung illnesses.

I think that's a bit of a recap.
~J

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Dec. 10, 2008

Growing up

OK, so I know there are some moms out there against ear piercing-hubby and I thought it was best to let the girls decide (after age 6). So T finally got brave. We went once at her 7th birthday but she got scared. This week she squished a spider on her own and for some reason that seemed to give her the confidence she needed. So tonight we went to the mall and I was very surprised that it went to well. There was only one lady so each ear was done individually. She didn't cry and she held still. They look great!

Hubby said she looked older today. I do think they make her look a bit older...but she also got new glasses that are of a design that is older looking. Her old glasses are pretty scratched. So we will keep these as the inside, no horse play ones and the old ones for everything else.

I don't know if other moms feel this way, but my heart breaks a little for A. Being the younger girl she sees T do all these things and her turn has to wait and it may not seem as exciting when she gets there. It's been hard for me. I grew up with a brother and so there were different firsts for each of us. I am trying to remember everything so A can do them all in her time at about the same age. I am trying to be fair but it's hard when things keep changing.

I also have to say that my heart aches a little for my babies. 90% of the time I wish I could keep them small (babies). But I know God sent them to me for my growth as well as to train them up for His will. I just hope I am doing a good job.

Night
~J

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Nov. 28, 2008

So...I actually got up and went a shoppin'. It wasn't actually that bad. I got a few things but no real bargins for me this year. I have most of my Christmas shopping done...usually do by Thanksgiving. It's easier to buy over a longer period of time then to shop in just a few months. I might end up giving more and spending more but it doesn't affect the budge as badly.

Other wise we have been relaxing. Playing games (board ones) as a family. Snuggling and watching a movie for the last 3 nights. I think we are now caught up on the movie watching. I don't think I could handle another kid's movie now.

It has been so great just spending time together. No rushing around...though we haven't exactly been home. I am Thankful for family time...along with health. I think those are my top ones right now. Although, we all know each and everyone of us could have a very long list of Thank you God for...

~J

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Nov. 24, 2008

weight loss

OK, so I have a little extra weight...so does my hubby. I guess marriage does that to ya. I was watching an infomercial this weekend and saw this 'great' weight loss and get fit system. I am really temped to try it. The total cost would be around $120. Thing is, we have a gym membership that we hardly use. The new system would be paid for in about 6 months of membership dues. The only thing is...would we do it? It looks so doable on the TV, but is that real life?

I do know that I am sick of carrying the extra weight. I've started seeing a Chiropractor even. I don't feel much like doing the 12 days of Christmas in this body. Not like the new system would make me great looking over night but it might make me feel better.

I guess it all comes down to whether I'm fed up enough to stick to a system like this. I know hubby is willing to try it. Would it be tacky to use this as a gift to us for Christmas? Now I just thinking out loud now.

~J

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Nov. 17, 2008

S.H.M.I.L.Y.

I have joined in the '12 days of Christmas'. If you want more info, check out Dandelion Seeds here at homeschool blogger. It's all about bringing the spark back into your marriage. I better get back to teaching the kiddos-it is a school day.
~J

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Nov. 7, 2008

OK, a few things here. I had been suffering from a sinus infection for about a week when I finally went into the Dr. I am on a strong antibiotic. I use medicine sparingly so this is sort of a big deal for me. My family has been great during this. Hubby took a day off to help with the girls and schooling. He helped do some cleaning over the weekend and probably again this weekend. The girls like to help mom but I think since I can't do everything with them they have been a little at each other-which doesn't help me. I am feeling a lot better, but still have that pressure feeling under my eye and into my jaw.

So school has been slow this week and so T hasn't wanted to engage really. I hope next week will be better...or it's going to be a LONG year.

I think I mentioned the lapbooks I started with A. Well, we all worked on pumpkin lapbooks over Halloween. We have yet to get them put together completely...but I think it was fun. Who knew there could be 500+ seeds in one pumpkin?

Other than that...we are doing Alright. I do need to go to sleep and I hope to kick this thing very soon.

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Oct. 27, 2008

I haven't been here to read or write for a while. Life happens!

Last Friday the girls and I went to the apple orchard. We had a grand time! There were so many apple trees and berries could be picked. There was a small petting farm and a HUGE play area. I was telling my hubby that we should start going there every fall. The girls didn't want to leave.

My hubby was playing cards with T last night. He did a little trick on her and she actually said, "that was bunk." I had to hold back a laugh...hubby uses that a lot. It's fun to see the girls use terms the right way, especially when it's slang and just funny coming from a 7 or 4 year old. A uses the "do I look happy?" That's one I say when the girls aren't obeying.

Other than that, the usual life craziness. Sometimes I feel we are doing too much, yet I know many more families that do more. I guess I haven't found that balance. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all the classes, clubs, activities, school work, and functions we 'have' to do. But once you say yes to something, how can you turn around and say no or admit you took on too much? Is this pride?

~J

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Oct. 12, 2008

So a few things. I went to my first MOPS convention. It was great!! All the women, the music, the praise, the speakers...just that it was a little loud. 5000 women talking gets a bit higher on the volume. I was glad to get a little time to myself and refresh. I was gone for 4 days...

My home coming was wonderful. My family missed me and they were the only family to greet at the luggage claim. I did miss them...and my bed. I never sleep well away from home.

It has been hard to get back into the groove of things. I still feel a bit behind. I was just thrust back into the daily life-which I am finding is maybe a bit too busy.

Schooling is going well. A really likes the lapbooking. T wishes she could do some. I have a couple planned out for her but since we rec'd our books late we are behind schedule. I have no idea when we will get to them.

We have been working on a few crafts for Halloween. We do like the holiday and haven't had a lot of problems with scary costumes around here. This is a younger neighborhood. No one has come to egg our house...yet?

T and I got back from Ice Skating...at the arena. It was a Girl Scout event. Only 2 of our troop girls went but it was much more than I thought. There were girls there to coach and show the GS some basic moves. T actually learned to skate backwards. Something we'll be out in the cold practicing this year.

I think that's about all to report...sometimes life is a bit boring...the usual routine but no shockers.
~J

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Sep. 11, 2008

9-11

I think all I have to say is 9-11.

Say a little prayer, remember, and hope for a better future.

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Sep. 8, 2008

I probably should start titling my entries...I was just using the letters of the alphabet because I wasn't feeling very creative. The new school year is here and my brain should be working better...but...

We are still waiting on a few things...workbooks would be really nice right now. But we are still waiting on 2 standard boxed kits as well. The school days have been pretty short yet, but in a way it's a blessing. We are forced to move into it all slowly. I am one of those people that goes full force only to run out of steam later on.

Other than that, other things are starting up. T has Gymnastics this year, the girls will be in church chior again, A has a class on her own (like a pre-school class) and then a class with dad in the evening. I have to set the Girl Scout dates yet and let the church know we would love to meet there again this year. I am down to 4 girls again (have to have at least 5 to stay a troop)...but this happened last year too. I'm not worried yet. We have registration night coming up. Fall product sales this year-if the girls' moms agree to do it. Last year we needed funds...this year not so much. I have the mad rush to get the MOPS folders together before our first meeting. We just did some promoting in the parade this past Sunday.

I'm rambling. So off to bed with me...still praying for the Drews family.

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Sep. 4, 2008

Praying for the Drews

I was visiting DandelionSeeds blog here at Homeschoolblogger. She posted about another blogger that just lost her 3 yo son tragically. I am going to remember them in my prays every night for a month per the request. I just can not get my brain around what must be going on in their hearts at this time. To loose a child-and one so young!! I was looking at my sweet babies in their beds...thanking the Lord for my 2 girls. And to think how earlier I thought they were just being monsters in the store. I will have more patience with them...for a while at least. :-) If you are out there reading please say a little pray for the Drews family. They could really use some healing, good vibes, lifting up, whatever you want to call it.

~J

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Sep. 3, 2008

School has started!...sort of.

So this was our 2nd day of schooling. It's hard when we don't have all of our books and materials. We have been doing what we can from the online pages anyway. T has been complaining a little already. I wonder what will happen when we actually do a full day's work.

A has been loving the time working with mommy. She has been fun to work with. I have been a bit impressed with what she already knows and well bummed by what I thought she knew only to find we need to review more.

We have a schedule set but haven't been following all of it. T has Language Arts first. Then it's A's Language time. Then T does Spanish. A does counting and numbers. T does math. Then lunch and a break. Finally T does either Science/music day or History/Art day. Depending on what we do A may join in. A also gets one more time where we work on other basics: colors, shapes, directions, science things, etc.

We don't have all of T's books yet. I guess it's truly first come first serve when ordering materials. We are missing all our workbooks but a lot of the worksheets can be printed off the website. It's just a pain for me to have to do this every night. I miss just tearing out what we need to do. I have been told we should have it all within the next 7-10 days.

I feel like things are going well...even if I'm still catching up on the laundry that piled up over our weekend camping. That was a fun mini vacation before school started. We went with some cousins of mine so the girls actually had girls their ages to play with. Some time I might get the pictures uploaded.

Off to prep for tomorrow and go to bed. I'm still catching up on sleep too...I never realized the ground could be so hard and blankets so lumpy.

~Jen

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Aug. 16, 2008

OK...so today (Saturday) was a slow and unproductive day. But yesterday...

A went in to the Dentist and got 2 small fillings in baby teeth she will loose, but she needs to keep them until sometime between 8-12. She said it didn't hurt, but I know she was scared. They made her as comfortable as possible. She got to watch Scooby Doo...her favorite-at least one of them. But she was still really pale in color for a while.

Then I took T to a Birthday party. There was swimming, scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, and a pinata. A few of her other friends were there. So I know she had a lot of fun. She was invited to stay later but we go with Grandma every year to...

The Co. Fair. So we met up with cousins at Grandma's and went to ride the rides for 2 hours. The kids were exhausted when we got back to eat a late supper.

The day wasn't over yet...my niece from Hubby's side was picked up at the airport while we were at the Fair. So we came home to a playmate T's age. They didn't get to bed until after 10 pm. They should have been tired today and slept in...but no. Up by 7 am as usual.

Our niece was taken up to her mother's this afternoon. Hubby will get back in the morning. It's a 3 1/2 hour trip. Oh, our niece was coming back from an extended stay with the AZ grandparents. T would have gone but she had soccer and swimming lessons this time. Maybe better planning next year and she can go to...but I'm not sure I want to be without her for a month. Not at 7 years old...am I being too protective? Is it my own selfishness? It's a year away and maybe I'll feel differently then.

off to an empty bed :-(
~J

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Aug. 10, 2008

OK...it's about time to start working on the blog again. Summer is coming to an end-the activities are (finally) over and we actual have a few weeks to relax-maybe do some things we didn't get to as a family. A few things that have happened this summer:

A: Has learned to ride a bike without training wheels, made friends of her own, and has progressed in writing her name, numbers, and other letters.

T: Has learned to swim, honed some of her soccer skills, and lost another (total now is 7) tooth.

Both: have GROWN!!! I will be buying a lot of 'new' clothes this fall. It's hard to see my babies growning up into women. T has already stretched me...I'm starting to fear the teen years...and she's only 7.

I will be trying to get here more often now...I have a schedule set up. I just hope I can stick to it better than the whole D-clutter the house this summer plan. What a bust! I do want to get organized and uncluttered but I feel I fail a lot. So I will be seeking God more. I know He has put this all into my heart and it has been weighing on me a lot (more so) lately.

I am going to list a few goals:

1. D-clutter the house

2. Loose about 35 pounds

3. Stick to the schedule-life should be easier

4. Look at things more positively

5. Treat my family with more kindness

Is 5 too much to work on at one time? I guess I will find out. Any prayers for this struggling mom would be welcomed!!

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Jul. 6, 2008

So I have taken a little break...it was the move into summer things. The summer almost feels busier than the school year!

T is in soccer again this summer and Hubby is coaching her team this year. I am there as the fill in manager. They are learning a LOT! Hubby was a big soccer player when he was young. He even coached a 16 yr old girls team to the finals. So the girls are in good hands. T also starts swimming lessons tomorrow. I really hope she does OK. I am not holding high hopes since she's afraid to dunk her head and hates water in her face. But maybe it'll get her one step closer to learning to swim.

A is in the Ed and Rec program called Super Kids. She goes to a park close to home for 2 hours and plays there. College kids supervise and teach organized games and do crafts with them. She really loves it. I didn't know she could be so out going. She's always been my clingy baby.

We've also been partaking in our local library summer reading program. T has craft/game/reading time one day and A has story/craft time another day. We've also had friands over and cousins come stay for a night or 2. We have a long weekend trip coming up and I hope we can get the details all set soon-I like to have things set well before the trip. I think it's the control freak in me.

So that's our update...I do hope to be more on this. I guess I was thinking of this as my sounding board for home school stuff, but it could be about family things as well...right? Oh, I also signed on to the Rubber Room's 'Through the lens' photo class. I just have to figure out how to upload pictures to show here. I am not very skilled in the ways of computer workings. Someday I'll know more...maybe tormorrow?

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May. 11, 2008

Mother's Day

Today is supposed to be that day you get to celebrate motherhood. Well, we're pretty normal-I get presents, we eat out (I don't have to cook), we spend most of the day as a family. I like that...but it's also a day to reflect. This year I was thinking that maybe this is the time of year I should set new goals for me as a mother. See what worked and didn't work this year. That means I have to look at everything...even all the times I yelled at the girls and felt horrible. The times I could have been more encouraging. But I also get too look at all the times I did things right...cuddling, putting down the cleaning to play, saying yes to one more story. So this is my time to feel the good and set goals to fix the bad. Happy Mother's Day!
~J

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Apr. 21, 2008

It has been a rough couple weeks. My DD1 is just in such a defiant mode. She questions everything I tell her, She'll tell me 'no' when I ask her to do something, and she'll get into pouty moods and when I say we can do something later she'll come back with some very negative things. It's like she doesn't trust/believe me. I'm getting to the end of my patience. I want to think it's testing to see if I'll still love her or the indepent part of her rearing it's head. She's always been so good and we've gotten along so well but the last 2 weeks or so have just been totally the opposite.

On the other hand my DD2 has been very helpful and listening well. Is it the change in character? Am I never to really have a peaceful house? I have been praying for guidance and answers/help, but so far I feel like I'm not my own. Is it a phase? A test for me? Please pray that I have the patiance, love and strength to get through this.

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About Me

I'm a Mother of 2, seeking a stronger relationship with God, to be a better mother, better wife, and follow the plan and path set before me. Remember, I'm just a woman (that makes a lot of mistakes).