WELCOME!

WELCOME! I used this blog to share our family's homeschooling thoughts and experiences. Our oldest child, EL, finished her formal education in May 2017, and we graduated our son, JJ, from High School in May 2021. I will leave this blog up for anyone who wishes to read our curriculum reviews or see what types of field trips and/or activities we participated in.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

A Coincidence?

Like I predicted on THURSDAY, Friday was a better day for us. Fridays are generally lighter in the schoolwork area, so that helped relieve some of the stress. Plus, we also spent the afternoon getting ready for company to come this weekend. That kept our minds on something better than arguing with each other and focusing on negative things. So, over all, it was a good day.

I can't help but think we were, ummm, "distracted" on Thursday because of some things we've been recently learning and sharing. For example, last Sunday, the kids used their puppet ministry to share about "counting our blessings." Hmmmm. Counting our blessings requires thinking on the GOOD things, doesn't it? Was our distraction on Thursday a test of that?

Here's the newest puppet video. (Note: My husband is in the video since he filled in for our pastor while he was out of town)...

 
 
Also, we have been learning some verses from the book of James. Maybe its just a coincidence, but don't you think its possible the devil hasn't liked hearing what we've been learning and sharing this week? Here is JJ saying the verses we have learned:

 
 
Coincidence?  I don't think so....  Press on, friends!




Thursday, February 20, 2014

Tomorrow Will Be Better

I love being at home with my kids and being able to teach them - I really do! But, I admit there are some days when teaching these young rascals gets very frustrating. This morning was one of those days...

I crawled out of bed this morning tired and unmotivated. The cloudy weather didn't help. Still, I pressed onward to try and accomplish our daily goals.

The kids picked up on my lack of motivation, and they both took their time with morning chores. Thus, we got a later start with schoolwork. JJ asked, "Can we skip school today?" Hmmmm, very tempting, but no. It's important to teach the kids that sometimes we must do things we don't want to do. Its just part of life. So, onward we went...

Spelling was first on the agenda. JJ, who has always had trouble with spelling, was frustrated about our English language and how the spelling rules just don't make much sense. I tend to agree with him on that. But, what can I do? Its just the way things are, and its something we have to learn.

Next, we did English. EL needed help putting words in alphabetical order and became stressed out over that. At the same time, JJ was working on cursive and, once again, voiced his frustrations. "They are just a bunch of squiggly lines. Who made up cursive, and why do we have to learn it?" (sigh)

After English came Science. We have been learning about flowers (botany), and today we learned about the fascinating way God used the colors in flowers to attract bees and other insects. Bees need flowers in order to survive, and flowers need bees in order to survive. JJ drew on the white board while I read aloud; EL sat on the floor and tried to comprehend what I was saying. Her comprehension, unfortunately, has declined since she started taking seizure meds. This is very frustrating for me because I have to keep repeating everything, have her repeat it back to me, and then sometimes she still doesn't comprehend it. (sigh) I know its not her fault, but its still frustrating.

We moved on to History and I read about George Washington at Valley Forge. Comprehension was once again a difficult task - for both kids. JJ's tics have been highly active lately and he just couldn't sit still, so I allowed him to continue drawing on the white board. Some days, that works out well. Other days, like today, his imagination overtakes him and he hears the words I read as "blah blah blah blah blah." More frustration on my part.

I finished up with History and decided to try a drawing lesson for Art. Since we are learning about the Revolutionary War, I used a book that gives directions for drawing a cannon. EL became grumpy and didn't like that idea, but I asked her to do her best. Then, JJ told her she was drawing it wrong and she grew irritated with him and began to mumble under her breath. We tell her its not polite to mumble, but she continues. I tell her to stop, and she yells, "I can't stop!" She threw her pencil onto the floor. I made her pick it up and told her that behavior was not acceptable. That led to a complete meltdown/tantrum - basically screaming at the top of her lungs and crying in frustration. I reacted negatively and raised my voice to her as well. Of course, that helped out a lot - NOT! She was DONE with school for the day, and so was I.

Suffice it to say, this morning was not what I would call a good morning; but, thankfully, we always have tomorrow to look forward to. I am not a perfect mom, and I do not have perfect kids. But, we love each other, and that's what matters most. After some cool down time, we all gave each other hugs and said we were sorry. Things were mostly good again... and tomorrow will be even better.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Homeschool Enrichment Magazine

The Lewis family (the editors of Homeschool Enrichment) have a goal to "publish articles that will be helpful and encouraging to homeschool families." In my eyes, they have done well meeting that goal. I have been reading HSE for several years and have received much encouragement from it. Some articles deal with family matters, some deal with education, and some deal with Biblical training. Others give informative articles regarding current events, historical events, unit studies, Creation Science, and book/curriculum reviews.

I have met Jonathan and Matthew Lewis (brothers), and have corresponded with them on occasion.  I have watched their families grow over the years, and am impressed with what I have seen. They are godly young men who have a desire to serve the Lord in all areas of their lives. Each issue has been a blessing to me, and I recommend it to all families who are homeschooling - new or experienced - or even to grandparents or other relatives who want to learn more about the world of Christian homeschoolers.

You can REQUEST A FREE COPY of the magazine to see if its a right fit for you. Or, if you are ready to place an order, click on the affiliate link below or in my sidebar to get a 38% discount off of your subscription price.

 

Friday, February 7, 2014

Spring Semester 2014 Extra-Curricular Activities

 

DRUM LESSONS for JJ
He currently goes twice per month and is learning a lot.


DRAGONFLIES DANCE and DRAMA CAMP
This was a one-day Saturday class for Special Needs.
 
DRAGONFLIES
Siblings are encouraged to join in, so JJ took part as well.
 
EL at LEGO CLUB
A club that encourages interaction, cooperation, and social skills.
Both kids participate in this twice per month, and I am a volunteer.


JJ at LEGO CLUB
 
JJ's 5th year in CUB SCOUTS
He won 3rd place at the Pinewood Derby for the Webelos group.
This was his last year to race in the derby and his first year to place.
 
 
PUPPET MINISTRY

In our latest performance, I am the pink female puppet.
JJ is the green male puppet, the tiger, and the chicken.
David is the old farmer (as well as the technical engineer).
EL is the dog and the little pink puppet with yellow hair.