Friday, November 15, 2013
Time Flies and so does my baby girl
Ah sigh, and cry for a while because time passes so quickly. Senior and graduating...today it is photos for her scattered homeschool class, we'll get together for a moment and click some pics.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Halloween Meanderings from my Youth and Now.....
October 31st.... yes this day occurs every year and once again I find myself wishing November 1st was here.....this day a distant memory. I've chosen to enjoy this day, not celebrate it but to enjoy it. I don't get into the pretending, dressing up part, spending hours on a creative costume.
This year my daughter will be pretending, she'll be acting...no by October 31st her play will be over...but I am trying to think what the reason is that I do not like costumes....I guess it's because I don't know who is behind the mask, but God does.
I was raised in a home that gave out candy and tracks in foreign countries, in America I don't remember the tracks. Overseas you'd find them days after on the road or other places, always wondered if anyone learned anything from them....perhaps.
This year I took a stand that I would not be part of anything involving witches or ghost. Mostly because my son who has hemihypertrophy says, "I a ghost..wooooo...or I a witch." it's kinda funny but not something I want him doing later in life so I'm not going to anything that encourages this type of thing. Also if I wanted to pull a Bible card it's Biblical but let's just say after hearing this a few times from my son....it is annoying!!!
So I've learned to say on October 31st, this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.....and hey ummm yeah eating a carmel apple but then again why wait, this is also the day that the Lord has made!!
This year my daughter will be pretending, she'll be acting...no by October 31st her play will be over...but I am trying to think what the reason is that I do not like costumes....I guess it's because I don't know who is behind the mask, but God does.
I was raised in a home that gave out candy and tracks in foreign countries, in America I don't remember the tracks. Overseas you'd find them days after on the road or other places, always wondered if anyone learned anything from them....perhaps.
This year I took a stand that I would not be part of anything involving witches or ghost. Mostly because my son who has hemihypertrophy says, "I a ghost..wooooo...or I a witch." it's kinda funny but not something I want him doing later in life so I'm not going to anything that encourages this type of thing. Also if I wanted to pull a Bible card it's Biblical but let's just say after hearing this a few times from my son....it is annoying!!!
So I've learned to say on October 31st, this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.....and hey ummm yeah eating a carmel apple but then again why wait, this is also the day that the Lord has made!!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Time Flies....
Over the years it has often been just me....but not with so many children that are older, more grown up, still children but yet more independent so sure of themselves and yet for a moment still the babies I remember. The wonder years they are in, or have passed with so many different ages under one roof, it is the Wonder Years for me.
Reflections of who I once was and what I have become.... a Mom of five children, I'm not a writer and it's hard to recall things they just happen around here. I wonder how often my Mother just listened to the laughter and sat there quietly enjoying just being. I know she did it. I wish I could remember how the conversation went but I loved listening to my children talk to each other.
I miss my husband being here to hear them and smile at his little boy all too soon he's going to grow up and I can't believe how quickly his brothers have.
Reflections of who I once was and what I have become.... a Mom of five children, I'm not a writer and it's hard to recall things they just happen around here. I wonder how often my Mother just listened to the laughter and sat there quietly enjoying just being. I know she did it. I wish I could remember how the conversation went but I loved listening to my children talk to each other.
I miss my husband being here to hear them and smile at his little boy all too soon he's going to grow up and I can't believe how quickly his brothers have.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Apologia Science
Oh the journey of Apologia, I love the elementary program Astronomy, Botany, Swimming Creatures, Animals, Animals, Human Body......
The year I did astronomy I was pregnant with Nate but it was the year my son Jay, became aware of Apologia. He loved the book, and we moved on to Botany, and then Swimming creatures this past year.....our adventure has continued by purchasing plants, birds, an aquarium or two. Turtles, clown fish, and others.
The adventure continues for his younger brother as he moves on to Biology.
The year I did astronomy I was pregnant with Nate but it was the year my son Jay, became aware of Apologia. He loved the book, and we moved on to Botany, and then Swimming creatures this past year.....our adventure has continued by purchasing plants, birds, an aquarium or two. Turtles, clown fish, and others.
The adventure continues for his younger brother as he moves on to Biology.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
June 2013
Church Picnic...pretty sure it's that week at my folks farm. Growing up we had these every year at the Owens farm in New Jersey...I guess over the years it was held at different places. It is where I get my ideas for parties often. We seemed to do something different each year but it was fun.
This week I'll be doing something I haven't done since I was in Highschool. I'll be packing up my van (as a kid it was a camper.) I won't have a dog, or a cat to make the adventure more of one. I'm thinking the last time I did this it was with my two brothers and my parents oh it's a blur.
The last trip driving across country I remember is with Jelly Bean aka JB. JB was the dog I picked up from Collingswood auction. She was a mutt....no a serious mutt, she had beagle in her and was a bit of an idiot but in the end one awesome dog, filled with memories of my childhood. Wondering if you should get your child a dog....do it.
My adventure across country will be different. I'll be going with my two daughters and my 4 year old son. I'm sad that my husband hasn't made it a priority to do a trip with just our family each year, but he's wrapped up with getting our sons that Eagle award or as many scout trips in as he can. It's memories for my sons but leaves my daughters out. I feel that the girls have become unattached to family and do whatever they want to do.
At least my oldest wants to return for her college years. We shall see. For now she has a job to do for the summer.
This week I'll be doing something I haven't done since I was in Highschool. I'll be packing up my van (as a kid it was a camper.) I won't have a dog, or a cat to make the adventure more of one. I'm thinking the last time I did this it was with my two brothers and my parents oh it's a blur.
The last trip driving across country I remember is with Jelly Bean aka JB. JB was the dog I picked up from Collingswood auction. She was a mutt....no a serious mutt, she had beagle in her and was a bit of an idiot but in the end one awesome dog, filled with memories of my childhood. Wondering if you should get your child a dog....do it.
My adventure across country will be different. I'll be going with my two daughters and my 4 year old son. I'm sad that my husband hasn't made it a priority to do a trip with just our family each year, but he's wrapped up with getting our sons that Eagle award or as many scout trips in as he can. It's memories for my sons but leaves my daughters out. I feel that the girls have become unattached to family and do whatever they want to do.
At least my oldest wants to return for her college years. We shall see. For now she has a job to do for the summer.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
End of 2013 School Year!!!!
Congratulations to me, I have survived another year of homeschooling. I'm going to start with my youngest, Nate, he actually has his own blog as he has hemihypertrphy. The twist and turns of this child. He started at preschool but I pulled him out. He ended the year, still challenging and not up to age level, but he graduated to the 4 year old program. He'll keep moving on as best as he can.
My 10 year old....whew, now a scout he's bridge over. He's done well at Trinity, enjoyed his homeschool days there, at co-op, and Classical Conversations.
14 years-whew many challenges lie ahead as he continues to learn at his own pace. He's doing great for all the times we struggled to get this child reading, he seems to of taken his own way of studying and succeeds at learning and doing it by himself.
16....could she be a little less independent. Sure this was my goal, I didn't want my kids relying on me to get things finished, but she doesn't want any help or guidance. Glad she has had some teachers that really care about her. Not enjoying the Administration of her school, and she is debating on what to do next year. First her SAT and then she will decide what and where she wants to graduate. ONE YEAR LEFT!!!
19-2 semesters of college done, and on her own!! She's loving learning, a goal met!!
Keep going kiddos, the journey continues. Love of Learning is my goal.
My 10 year old....whew, now a scout he's bridge over. He's done well at Trinity, enjoyed his homeschool days there, at co-op, and Classical Conversations.
14 years-whew many challenges lie ahead as he continues to learn at his own pace. He's doing great for all the times we struggled to get this child reading, he seems to of taken his own way of studying and succeeds at learning and doing it by himself.
16....could she be a little less independent. Sure this was my goal, I didn't want my kids relying on me to get things finished, but she doesn't want any help or guidance. Glad she has had some teachers that really care about her. Not enjoying the Administration of her school, and she is debating on what to do next year. First her SAT and then she will decide what and where she wants to graduate. ONE YEAR LEFT!!!
19-2 semesters of college done, and on her own!! She's loving learning, a goal met!!
Keep going kiddos, the journey continues. Love of Learning is my goal.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Are you a Male Chauvinist Pig?
Are you a man that doesn't listen to or respect a woman? I hope my sons listen to and respect all people, for being people. So far I think I have done a good job of showing them that this is the way life should be. I hope I have taught them to help people, love, people, and listen to other people.
Life will bring you across all walks of life, if you let it. Many chose to not leave their upbringing and miss out on loving others for who they are, and their life experiences. Lately I keep having to deal with men that don't respect their wives, much less me or my children.
I hope I can teach my children to not be a doormat. Often I feel as if I am still wiping a footprint off my face, and I need to be better about standing up for my feelings and opinions. I have a right to them. (note I am not talking about my husband.)
Life will bring you across all walks of life, if you let it. Many chose to not leave their upbringing and miss out on loving others for who they are, and their life experiences. Lately I keep having to deal with men that don't respect their wives, much less me or my children.
I hope I can teach my children to not be a doormat. Often I feel as if I am still wiping a footprint off my face, and I need to be better about standing up for my feelings and opinions. I have a right to them. (note I am not talking about my husband.)
Public School
I put my girls in Public school yesterday. I have lost my mind!! I thought they were really behind....NOT. I thought they would struggle....NOT!! I wondered how they would do. They are doing awesome. Proof in point that homeschooling is benificial for my children. So why are they continuing in the public school next week. Their Dad doesn't want them to switch back again. He feels they have changed enough. We'll see.
A girl is "gay" in my 6th graders gym class. She says this along with the other girls. "gay means lesbian right??" My daughter asks....well okey dokey.... Sex education, discussion about the week. Curse words.....The big F and P word.....angry P word....so they hear it all the time now..... I think it was a nice two days of learning and it is time to homeschool them.
A girl is "gay" in my 6th graders gym class. She says this along with the other girls. "gay means lesbian right??" My daughter asks....well okey dokey.... Sex education, discussion about the week. Curse words.....The big F and P word.....angry P word....so they hear it all the time now..... I think it was a nice two days of learning and it is time to homeschool them.
Bounce
Trampoline, I always thought well, they are dangerous but I always wanted one, so I got one. I love watching the kids on this.
Reflection
GROW OLD ALONG WITH ME, THE BEST IS YET TO BE. Recently my husband and I ran away from home for a day. As we had dinner we walked through memories of our lives. I thought healthy life, there isn't much we don't share as time goes on except his travels as he continues on his career path.
Letting Go
Early this AM, I said bye to my oldest. My husband took her to the airport, weighed her suitcases and said fairwell to our baby. She is headed to Africa as I write this. Madagascar, to be exact. 19 years ago I was counting the weeks and hoping this second child I was carrying would live. This child is yours God. I gave her to you when I knew she was there, and trusted you had the best for me in store, and you did.
19 years ago, you were only 8 weeks old in utero, and we were living in Ft. Riley, Kansas. Max and Lady, were puppies, destroying my house. It seemed like right and left something was breaking in that quad house. The air conditioner flooding the house, the bathroom upstairs, the temperature always needing the windows open upstairs and freezing down stairs. It was an interesting place to live, you were one of the last children to live there. Destroyed after we moved out. Woofard Drive.....
Your first choice in life after high school was to go see Madagascar. So glad you got your choice, and your life takes a clearer direction to being a nurse. ( : or whatever you desire. You'll always be my daughter, and I am happy to call you His.
19 years ago, you were only 8 weeks old in utero, and we were living in Ft. Riley, Kansas. Max and Lady, were puppies, destroying my house. It seemed like right and left something was breaking in that quad house. The air conditioner flooding the house, the bathroom upstairs, the temperature always needing the windows open upstairs and freezing down stairs. It was an interesting place to live, you were one of the last children to live there. Destroyed after we moved out. Woofard Drive.....
Your first choice in life after high school was to go see Madagascar. So glad you got your choice, and your life takes a clearer direction to being a nurse. ( : or whatever you desire. You'll always be my daughter, and I am happy to call you His.
50 Years 50 Stars
On Saturday we'll be celebrating my parents 50th year of marriage. I am so thankful that on March 15th, I began to prepare for this moment, even before that I had an idea of what I would do. Thanks to facebook, I remembered a few things from my childhood and gathered together paints to put a picture together. It isn't finished but it's completed enough to make a story. Their real anniversary isn't until July 4th, so I have time.
I went back to my parents to gather photos, to put together a slide show. We'll be doing a photo finish of all the things we need to complete before leaving for this party. It was a strange moment in which memories apear. Things you haven't thought about for decades suddenly come back to you, or not. Preparing and looking at the past and the present is amazing.
People, places, and things are all built up into this moment of time and suddenly you realize the impact of a faithful marriage together. All the God moments, the people who play a part into the lives of two people, and the lives they touch. It's inspirational to those of us who are married to continue and a bit daunting to realize some of us won't ever make it this far in life for one reason or another. It's a huge accomplishment. Suddenly all the degrees, and studying and accomplishments in life don't seem to have as much meaning as being faithful and loving one person for this long. Suddenly till death do us part has a stronger meaning and something to look at.
I went back to my parents to gather photos, to put together a slide show. We'll be doing a photo finish of all the things we need to complete before leaving for this party. It was a strange moment in which memories apear. Things you haven't thought about for decades suddenly come back to you, or not. Preparing and looking at the past and the present is amazing.
People, places, and things are all built up into this moment of time and suddenly you realize the impact of a faithful marriage together. All the God moments, the people who play a part into the lives of two people, and the lives they touch. It's inspirational to those of us who are married to continue and a bit daunting to realize some of us won't ever make it this far in life for one reason or another. It's a huge accomplishment. Suddenly all the degrees, and studying and accomplishments in life don't seem to have as much meaning as being faithful and loving one person for this long. Suddenly till death do us part has a stronger meaning and something to look at.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Choices by My Second Child, Daughter #2
I teared up reading this. http://imightneedanap.com/2013/04/19/prom-night/ I can only remember the year my sister skipped her Junior year od High School and fast forward into her senior year. It all worked out for her, for me I took a step back in life and watched my brother's Junior year of High School happen, then we would part ways for at least 9 months out of the year. I also would be able to have another year with my oldest brother attending the same college together.
I'm thankful that my daughter has another year to grow up and move on in life, her senior year holds so much indefinite things and things I wanted her to already of done and then I think she could easily be a sophomore this year if I had my way when she was younger, she wanted to go forward, and now she seems to be turning her head back looking at a younger brother that she is already missing in some ways.
My daughter, I watch in amazement as she can memorize pages and pages of lines for a play, Bible Quizzing, spelling words that bore her so she doesn't memorize them, nor see the beauty in being able to write with words that add color and description to the moment. Once upon a time she wrote creative stories, when she didn't have others to look at. Perhaps putting her in an accredited school caused her to lose some things but I hope she looks back and smiles at her high school years.
My kids life is much like mine was when I was a child, but different as we no longer have orders telling us to move. My husband and I have made choices that have caused their lives to be a certain way, we have also permitted them to make choices as to what they want for their childhood/young adulthood. We have financed school choices, learning opportunities. Encouraged church life, or discouraged it in my case.
For the most part my Junior in Highschool has soared in what she wants in life, and she will continue. I hope she doesn't miss things along the way as she pursues her wants, and I say slow down, life happens so quickly. Step back, don't grow up so quickly, or think you have. There are so many choices to still be made, make the one you want, but make sure your heart is in the right place. Make sure you've listened to me, yeah I know that seems like a stupid idea to you. Look back on your Junior year as the year I didn't listen to my Mother, but then I did what she said anyway. My strong willed daughter, whew we have and will continue to have these days. Slow down for a moment.
The page has turned once again and I smile as you regain a relationship with that younger brother, the one you had seemed to forgotten but realize your stepping forward but stepping back. It's not easy being the kid in the middle, the oldest or the youngest but somehow this year my three teens are growing wings and soaring and realizing that having siblings is a gift to cherish. Not like my husband and I planned this we were just following orders in the beginning and somehow along the way our freedom was handed to us to do what we wanted in life. Who knew it would be 5 children each so different with challenges, joys, and abilities. I'm exhausted as the Mom trying to keep up with them. No education could prepare me for this, but it helped.
Now what to do next year?? Choices coming up.
I'm thankful that my daughter has another year to grow up and move on in life, her senior year holds so much indefinite things and things I wanted her to already of done and then I think she could easily be a sophomore this year if I had my way when she was younger, she wanted to go forward, and now she seems to be turning her head back looking at a younger brother that she is already missing in some ways.
My daughter, I watch in amazement as she can memorize pages and pages of lines for a play, Bible Quizzing, spelling words that bore her so she doesn't memorize them, nor see the beauty in being able to write with words that add color and description to the moment. Once upon a time she wrote creative stories, when she didn't have others to look at. Perhaps putting her in an accredited school caused her to lose some things but I hope she looks back and smiles at her high school years.
My kids life is much like mine was when I was a child, but different as we no longer have orders telling us to move. My husband and I have made choices that have caused their lives to be a certain way, we have also permitted them to make choices as to what they want for their childhood/young adulthood. We have financed school choices, learning opportunities. Encouraged church life, or discouraged it in my case.
For the most part my Junior in Highschool has soared in what she wants in life, and she will continue. I hope she doesn't miss things along the way as she pursues her wants, and I say slow down, life happens so quickly. Step back, don't grow up so quickly, or think you have. There are so many choices to still be made, make the one you want, but make sure your heart is in the right place. Make sure you've listened to me, yeah I know that seems like a stupid idea to you. Look back on your Junior year as the year I didn't listen to my Mother, but then I did what she said anyway. My strong willed daughter, whew we have and will continue to have these days. Slow down for a moment.
The page has turned once again and I smile as you regain a relationship with that younger brother, the one you had seemed to forgotten but realize your stepping forward but stepping back. It's not easy being the kid in the middle, the oldest or the youngest but somehow this year my three teens are growing wings and soaring and realizing that having siblings is a gift to cherish. Not like my husband and I planned this we were just following orders in the beginning and somehow along the way our freedom was handed to us to do what we wanted in life. Who knew it would be 5 children each so different with challenges, joys, and abilities. I'm exhausted as the Mom trying to keep up with them. No education could prepare me for this, but it helped.
Now what to do next year?? Choices coming up.
Friday, April 19, 2013
My Life's Journey
Wow, April 2013 could you be any busier?? I am sure you could. I'm taking a time out to stop and smell the roses. Okay the turtles, time to clean their cage, but I have a second in between cleaning their living space and going to an eye appointment.
I have so enjoyed this month. Went to Tennessee with Sweet Georgia Sounds. Turned out it is part of a group of 40,000 people who are part of Sweet Adelines. Not sure how this all works but know it's been fun.
Second weekend I went to North Carolina to Ridgecrest. Enjoying the new church I am part of but not a member (I am part of the church and this is what matters.) Joining churches is a strange thing and I am learning about what all that is about. For now the Alliance church is the one I am enjoying the most and spend my time, energy, and some money....spreading it around a bit because my life is not about one place. Still the nomad traveling and figuring out but know this world is not my home.
3rd weekend coming up and so happy for once to be in my own little piece of land called home. Pounding another stake in the tent area soon. 5 years and counting!!!
I have so enjoyed this month. Went to Tennessee with Sweet Georgia Sounds. Turned out it is part of a group of 40,000 people who are part of Sweet Adelines. Not sure how this all works but know it's been fun.
Second weekend I went to North Carolina to Ridgecrest. Enjoying the new church I am part of but not a member (I am part of the church and this is what matters.) Joining churches is a strange thing and I am learning about what all that is about. For now the Alliance church is the one I am enjoying the most and spend my time, energy, and some money....spreading it around a bit because my life is not about one place. Still the nomad traveling and figuring out but know this world is not my home.
3rd weekend coming up and so happy for once to be in my own little piece of land called home. Pounding another stake in the tent area soon. 5 years and counting!!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
The Bible as a Book
Recently I was basically bashed for quoting the Bible. It seems people can no longer use this in a reason why people are the way they are. It's words are thrown out as the wrong way to live. As to where an idea came in the first place when it is the Bible the person becomes the thing to retaliate at ..... well anything the Bible says.
Now yes, I believe what the Bible says is truth. I don't assume other do, but to prove a point of direction where beliefs come from the belief that homosexuality is wrong comes from the Bible. You can't change that. It's clear, it's written. This is where people take the belief that homosexuality is wrong. They found it in the Bible.
The Bible is also where other things are found....The 10 Commandments were said in this discussion to be 'the big ones'.....oh brother I thought, as my brain tried and did have flashbacks about what I had been taught about why the law was written in the first place....was it that all have sinned or what was it....I'll have to ask on Sunday night. Its about the Law or maybe I'll look it up...
Well take this passage:
Now yes, I believe what the Bible says is truth. I don't assume other do, but to prove a point of direction where beliefs come from the belief that homosexuality is wrong comes from the Bible. You can't change that. It's clear, it's written. This is where people take the belief that homosexuality is wrong. They found it in the Bible.
The Bible is also where other things are found....The 10 Commandments were said in this discussion to be 'the big ones'.....oh brother I thought, as my brain tried and did have flashbacks about what I had been taught about why the law was written in the first place....was it that all have sinned or what was it....I'll have to ask on Sunday night. Its about the Law or maybe I'll look it up...
Well take this passage:
Galatians 5:17-19
King James Version (KJV)
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Vs. 18 explains it to me....but it was a longer sermon series or a Bible study.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Vs. 18 explains it to me....but it was a longer sermon series or a Bible study.
Friday, February 22, 2013
What Type of Homeschooler Am I?
I can't believe I've been at this journey for 18 years. It all began when my oldest was sick in first grade. I pulled her out and of course she was doing Abeka. Abeka was what I was raised on 6th-9th grade (along with Bob Jones) So of course when I found a private school that was affordable I put her in. A quick look at Abeka and I realized it was still boring....so I began to read to my two little girls while my baby grew up.
I read Little House on the Prairie, American girl Books and had my daughter do some of her Abeka work. She breezed through first grade. We got involved with girl scouts and other homeschoolers. Found a homeschool group and joined, found a care group and joined.
Second grade I ordered Sonlight, AWESOME. I learned so much this year, I put her in co-op and enjoyed this year so much. Reading the books was great but she had problems writing and reading wasn't going as smoothly as I thought. Dyslexia, yep but her auditory learning was incredible so I focused on her strengths and read, read, read. And these little girls learned. Kindergarten for Sarah and second grade for Sarah.
Third Grade and first grade, oh it's becoming a blur, what did we do that year. I can't really recall.
Forth grade and 2nd grade I believe we tried Bob Jones and the horrible try and catch the class on tape, or was this the year we did SOS...again life is a blur from so long ago. I know we did an amazing co-op downtown where Marci taught Karen simple machines with Knex and Common sense press. Meet the Masters was done for art. And a fantastic class on Africa was done.
We also did a co-op at West Acres and my daughter Sarah began to read, it was so much easier with her. I taught a reading class but learned PLAYS were the easiest way to teach kids. They had to pay attention to what was being read in order to come in on time. This kept the kids focused on not only their words but also their friends. My daughter loved this class. My baby now four years old....and this must be the year I also had a forth son.
Fifth, Third, Kindergarten, and toddlerhood.... oh it's a blur this was the year we attempted Bob Jones. I felt overwhelmed. I also didn't enjoy it. I stopped and went to Prairie Primer (maybe I had started that the year before.) It was wonderful and what I needed. Numerous field trips, we explored the world.
6th, 4th, 1st, and pre-school....yep not a clue, I know we schooled I can't remember if we were moving this year but I think that happened when my oldest was in 7th....
Florida: 7th, 5th, 2nd, and pre-k what a year!! Joined Sea World, joined the Aquarium and had a blast. F.I.S.H was the best homeschool group I had ever joined and we loved it. Sports, co-op classes, graduation recognition for all kids....it was an amazing group. Chess club with the top in the nation teaching my kids how to play chess...basketball for my oldest. A VERITAS co-op of parents teaching classes that lasted 2 hours. It was awesome. We paid the teachers directly and they named the price. We signed up and if their were enough kiddos the class ran. Most kids graduated with their associates degree but I didn't know anyone that didn't have some college finished before their senior year. The kids were also welcome to walk in to the public school take a class and walk out.
8th, 6th, 3rd, Kindergarten: Move to Kathleen....hardest year so far. I hated it. I enrolled the three oldest kids in Veritas classical School but the drive was a killer 45 minutes and their seemed to be one thing after another that went wrong. Price of gas went up to $4.00 a gallon. The tires went flat thanks to some guy dropping his tool box on the high way...I stopped after 6 weeks. Our house in Florida was also not selling. The girls were older and I sent them to public school where they lasted a few days before the 6th grader begged to be homeschooled again. She hates cursing to this day. The 8th grader loved it for about 10 days and then just found it so stupid she wanted to learn something so home again. About this time the K12 free public school at home was starting so I had signed up the youngest son, then the 3rd grader.....then all but the oldest.
9th, 7th, 4th, 1st...we moved to Bonaire. And thankfully Veritas Classical School moved to our town also. The oldest attended. the rest K12. co-op and Bible Quizzing, soccer, and busy.
10th, 8th, 5th, 2nd and wham another baby. Stuck the boys in school and homeschooled one tough 8th grader.
11th, 9th, 6th, 3rd...and special needs 1 year old.... Veritas for the oldest two. Classical Conversations, K12 (I attempted to learn and teach the old Essentials book.) My oldest son grew leaps and bounds from his severely dyslexic (I had been told to take him to numerous specialist, Garfield Comics worked for him and he loves to read books now.) Of course co-op continued. A new one room school house for my boys. Both attended and loved it two days a week. Of course this was way to much but we picked and chose what we wanted to do.
12th, 10th, 7th, 4th.... . My two oldest stayed at Veritas and the boys just did the one room school house. We continued with co-op but mostly it was only Bible quizzing.
So here it is this year and my oldest is at college, one is at Veritas, two boys are at Classical Conversations and one son still attends the one room school house. And all three are still doing Bible Quizzing....while I struggle through learning about my youngest and teaching him.
.....So what kind of homeschooler am I? What ever I want to do, it's done. Mostly I enjoy sending my kids places to learn. I enjoy the flexibility of co-ops, people who want to teach for one day a week meeting schools like Classical Conversations, Veritas.....it works somehow. My kids have enjoyed life, they are happy, and important love to learn but this has taken many twist and turns in discovering how to get them to the point. The most expensive lesson with much prayer sending my oldest to Madagascar. It worked and her love of learning returned. I am an unschool, schooler I send them to classes for school but I want them to learn. Not be concerned about grades, but have failed as the second child cares too much. I am a classical learner and my brain is mostly wired for this. I enjoy it the most.
I read Little House on the Prairie, American girl Books and had my daughter do some of her Abeka work. She breezed through first grade. We got involved with girl scouts and other homeschoolers. Found a homeschool group and joined, found a care group and joined.
Second grade I ordered Sonlight, AWESOME. I learned so much this year, I put her in co-op and enjoyed this year so much. Reading the books was great but she had problems writing and reading wasn't going as smoothly as I thought. Dyslexia, yep but her auditory learning was incredible so I focused on her strengths and read, read, read. And these little girls learned. Kindergarten for Sarah and second grade for Sarah.
Third Grade and first grade, oh it's becoming a blur, what did we do that year. I can't really recall.
Forth grade and 2nd grade I believe we tried Bob Jones and the horrible try and catch the class on tape, or was this the year we did SOS...again life is a blur from so long ago. I know we did an amazing co-op downtown where Marci taught Karen simple machines with Knex and Common sense press. Meet the Masters was done for art. And a fantastic class on Africa was done.
We also did a co-op at West Acres and my daughter Sarah began to read, it was so much easier with her. I taught a reading class but learned PLAYS were the easiest way to teach kids. They had to pay attention to what was being read in order to come in on time. This kept the kids focused on not only their words but also their friends. My daughter loved this class. My baby now four years old....and this must be the year I also had a forth son.
Fifth, Third, Kindergarten, and toddlerhood.... oh it's a blur this was the year we attempted Bob Jones. I felt overwhelmed. I also didn't enjoy it. I stopped and went to Prairie Primer (maybe I had started that the year before.) It was wonderful and what I needed. Numerous field trips, we explored the world.
6th, 4th, 1st, and pre-school....yep not a clue, I know we schooled I can't remember if we were moving this year but I think that happened when my oldest was in 7th....
Florida: 7th, 5th, 2nd, and pre-k what a year!! Joined Sea World, joined the Aquarium and had a blast. F.I.S.H was the best homeschool group I had ever joined and we loved it. Sports, co-op classes, graduation recognition for all kids....it was an amazing group. Chess club with the top in the nation teaching my kids how to play chess...basketball for my oldest. A VERITAS co-op of parents teaching classes that lasted 2 hours. It was awesome. We paid the teachers directly and they named the price. We signed up and if their were enough kiddos the class ran. Most kids graduated with their associates degree but I didn't know anyone that didn't have some college finished before their senior year. The kids were also welcome to walk in to the public school take a class and walk out.
8th, 6th, 3rd, Kindergarten: Move to Kathleen....hardest year so far. I hated it. I enrolled the three oldest kids in Veritas classical School but the drive was a killer 45 minutes and their seemed to be one thing after another that went wrong. Price of gas went up to $4.00 a gallon. The tires went flat thanks to some guy dropping his tool box on the high way...I stopped after 6 weeks. Our house in Florida was also not selling. The girls were older and I sent them to public school where they lasted a few days before the 6th grader begged to be homeschooled again. She hates cursing to this day. The 8th grader loved it for about 10 days and then just found it so stupid she wanted to learn something so home again. About this time the K12 free public school at home was starting so I had signed up the youngest son, then the 3rd grader.....then all but the oldest.
9th, 7th, 4th, 1st...we moved to Bonaire. And thankfully Veritas Classical School moved to our town also. The oldest attended. the rest K12. co-op and Bible Quizzing, soccer, and busy.
10th, 8th, 5th, 2nd and wham another baby. Stuck the boys in school and homeschooled one tough 8th grader.
11th, 9th, 6th, 3rd...and special needs 1 year old.... Veritas for the oldest two. Classical Conversations, K12 (I attempted to learn and teach the old Essentials book.) My oldest son grew leaps and bounds from his severely dyslexic (I had been told to take him to numerous specialist, Garfield Comics worked for him and he loves to read books now.) Of course co-op continued. A new one room school house for my boys. Both attended and loved it two days a week. Of course this was way to much but we picked and chose what we wanted to do.
12th, 10th, 7th, 4th.... . My two oldest stayed at Veritas and the boys just did the one room school house. We continued with co-op but mostly it was only Bible quizzing.
So here it is this year and my oldest is at college, one is at Veritas, two boys are at Classical Conversations and one son still attends the one room school house. And all three are still doing Bible Quizzing....while I struggle through learning about my youngest and teaching him.
.....So what kind of homeschooler am I? What ever I want to do, it's done. Mostly I enjoy sending my kids places to learn. I enjoy the flexibility of co-ops, people who want to teach for one day a week meeting schools like Classical Conversations, Veritas.....it works somehow. My kids have enjoyed life, they are happy, and important love to learn but this has taken many twist and turns in discovering how to get them to the point. The most expensive lesson with much prayer sending my oldest to Madagascar. It worked and her love of learning returned. I am an unschool, schooler I send them to classes for school but I want them to learn. Not be concerned about grades, but have failed as the second child cares too much. I am a classical learner and my brain is mostly wired for this. I enjoy it the most.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)