I hope you all are enjoying your labor day weekend. We dont have any big plans for this weekend. We were going to try and go out of town but the van is in dire need of tires, oil change, the works so we're getting that done instead. There's a big fest going on in town this weekend so we'll probably walk over there to join in the festivites.
The weather here is certainly turning very fall-like lately, and I'm not complaining at all! I love this overcast, cool, rainy weather - as I've said many times before. I love the sun shining too but weather, like we're having today just makes me want to curl up with a cup-a tea and relax. The leaves havent started to change here where we're at yet but I'm expecting it soon... I LOVE FALL!!
Sean has been busy making up his birthday wish-list. So far, 2 pages long of a list completely of Lego sets. HAHA!! Both he and Ryan have been completely caught up in the Lego world. They have the Lego video games. One of their favorite ones is Lego Indiana Jones - partly because they have a friend that also has the game and all three talk non-stop about it together. Anyway, the subject of Halloween came up - I think because they already have all the candy out at the PX and commissary, UGH! We told them that we will probably doing what we did last year and just going to the church and having a fun night but that they could dress up if they wanted to. Sean says right away, "I'm going to be Indiana Jones" HAHA!!!!! Funny boys!!
School has been going really well. Everyday gets better. Sean and I have our headbutting moments but all-in-all everything has been great! The positives out-weigh the negatives by FAR. Sean and I are reading a really great book called Kingdom's Dawn. It's about good knights fighting evil for the King. It has some wonderful character lessons about "owning up", "being a man" sort of things. Also, like the way the Chronicals of Narnia parallel the Bible, these books (it's a series) do the same. I'm really impressed with them, honestly, it's hard to put it down. We have to read them together because some of the words are a bit challenging for Sean but he really does a great job!! And at the back of the book, there are questions for each chapter to discuss and it points out the symbolism in the story. Really, fantastic books!!
I'm really excited about this History program that I'm waiting for now. Right now, for history, we're just basically reading from a History book, much like you'd see in school. Even I admit, it's pretty boring. I found this one program called "Time Travellers" and you learn the history by "doing". For instance, we're studying about the explorers and discovery of America. We'll learn how to make the knots they used on the ships and make maps and ship logs and time lines. I'm so excited about doing these things. Click on the link I have on the word "Time Travellers" above to see all the pictures of all the stuff you can do. It's really meant for 4-8th graders but I think Ryan will be able to do it too, the boys working together.
Hopefully that will get here next week. The mail has been HORRIBLE lately. It's been taking forever for things to get here. I ordered some skirts in the mail, they shipped Aug 3rd and they arrived on Thursday - a month later. I dont remember mail being this bad when we were in England.
In science we're learning about insects (the boys' choice)... gross!!! I think we're supposed to catch an insect next week and get a "closer look", I'm not looking forward to that. haha!
All the other subjects are pretty much standard. Sean is doing much better on his multiplication tables so we're going to work on division next week. For Language Arts, he's going to start some creative writing. Ryan is working on adding plus 1 and plus zero. Ryan is also starting to read his first stories. He's doing really well!
That's basically it for here. We've been doing well, just been very busy getting into our routine. Now I just need to get a better balance on the housework and schoolwork together, haha!! Thank you for all the encouraging comments. I really appreciate them! You all are great!! :)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Lessons in Homeschooling
I'm learning a new lesson in homeschooling today.
*Schedules are good but not written in stone. *
I got up nice and early this morning, thanks to my wonderful husband, and was able to go out for a nice brisk walk/run around the neighborhood. I came back, checked email and did a few things around the house. I woke the boys up a little later than normal... well really just Sean, Ryan is always up at the crack of dawn on his own. All was going well until Elizabeth started "cranking". She woke up too early this morning, I think. I fed her some cereal but she continued fussing so I nursed her and now she's laying here on the living room floor fast asleep. We're WAY off schedule now! haha!
I started fretting a little bit, thinking, "oh no! we've got to get school started! We're running late!" Late for what?! One of the reasons I started homeschooling was to get rid of our stressful schedule. So now, I'm sitting back and "being still". It's Friday after all!! I was planning for an easy day of review. Anyway, if I wake her up, she'll be extra cranky and we wont get anything done regardless.
I'm going to go grab a cup of coffee and go find a nice devotional to read. I think I'm going to like this homeschooling stuff. ;)
"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
*Schedules are good but not written in stone. *
I got up nice and early this morning, thanks to my wonderful husband, and was able to go out for a nice brisk walk/run around the neighborhood. I came back, checked email and did a few things around the house. I woke the boys up a little later than normal... well really just Sean, Ryan is always up at the crack of dawn on his own. All was going well until Elizabeth started "cranking". She woke up too early this morning, I think. I fed her some cereal but she continued fussing so I nursed her and now she's laying here on the living room floor fast asleep. We're WAY off schedule now! haha!
I started fretting a little bit, thinking, "oh no! we've got to get school started! We're running late!" Late for what?! One of the reasons I started homeschooling was to get rid of our stressful schedule. So now, I'm sitting back and "being still". It's Friday after all!! I was planning for an easy day of review. Anyway, if I wake her up, she'll be extra cranky and we wont get anything done regardless.
I'm going to go grab a cup of coffee and go find a nice devotional to read. I think I'm going to like this homeschooling stuff. ;)
"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Homeschool fun!
I'm finally forcing myself to sit down and let you know how homeschooling is going this week. So far, pretty good. We've had a few bumps in the road but we're getting through them. It's just still so new to all of us. The boys learn together for Bible class, Science and History (we do Science and history every other day: science one day, history the next) and Sean listens in while Ryan does phonics. Then of course, grammer, reading and math are done separately, taking turns.
I'm adjusting, daily, what we are doing still though. I think today I finally got the right timing down for subjects. I had all the subjects spread out evenly through the day but I quickly found out that after lunch, the boys are pretty much useless on the learning front. Bible is always first, it's fun and makes for a good warm-up for the day... plus it reinforces its importance. ;) Then we do phonics, grammar, and then math and break for lunch around 12... it was originally 1130 but the boys wanted 12 so they can watch SpongeBob *rollseyes*. I only let them watch tv for lunch, to unwind a bit. After lunch, we do a quick poem that has some physical movements to it and then science (or history) since they are fun. We had our first experiment today - we're learning about Birds (from Apologia Science link here) and how they fly. Then Sean does his spelling/penmanship (I've combined the 2 - he writes his spelling words and works on cursive) and we do reading. Ryan has been pretty much done after Science because his work doesnt start until next week but normally we are finished sometime around 1:30 or 2 (depending how much resistance I get from the boys).
That's a quick look into our day, we've been very busy and it is an adventure! I'll keep you updated on how we're doing! I'm beat! so I'm off to bed. Good night all!
PS! did you know it's supposed to get close to 90 here tomorrow!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!! I think we're going to be homeschooling surrounded by fans. (stop rolling your eyes at me!! I know it's hotter there!! ;) )
I'm adjusting, daily, what we are doing still though. I think today I finally got the right timing down for subjects. I had all the subjects spread out evenly through the day but I quickly found out that after lunch, the boys are pretty much useless on the learning front. Bible is always first, it's fun and makes for a good warm-up for the day... plus it reinforces its importance. ;) Then we do phonics, grammar, and then math and break for lunch around 12... it was originally 1130 but the boys wanted 12 so they can watch SpongeBob *rollseyes*. I only let them watch tv for lunch, to unwind a bit. After lunch, we do a quick poem that has some physical movements to it and then science (or history) since they are fun. We had our first experiment today - we're learning about Birds (from Apologia Science link here) and how they fly. Then Sean does his spelling/penmanship (I've combined the 2 - he writes his spelling words and works on cursive) and we do reading. Ryan has been pretty much done after Science because his work doesnt start until next week but normally we are finished sometime around 1:30 or 2 (depending how much resistance I get from the boys).
That's a quick look into our day, we've been very busy and it is an adventure! I'll keep you updated on how we're doing! I'm beat! so I'm off to bed. Good night all!
PS! did you know it's supposed to get close to 90 here tomorrow!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!! I think we're going to be homeschooling surrounded by fans. (stop rolling your eyes at me!! I know it's hotter there!! ;) )
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Family Photos and other news
Finally! We got a family portrait done!! Can you believe it, after all these years!? haha! Family, you'll be getting your copies soon ;). We got a lot of different poses. They actually gave us one extra, we got one of Elizabeth on her own since we already have the boys' school pictures by themselves from last year.
So here you go, here's your sample.... the real ones will be in the mail. Hopefully soon :)
(unfortunately I have to say this one is my least favorite, but meh, guess it could be worse)
(I actually, believe it or not, like this picture)
We start school on Monday (the 17th)!!! I've been scrambling this week trying to get all the loose ends and planning put together! This should be a fun adventure for us! I cant say the boys are overly thrilled with the idea of starting school. They want summer to last "forever", they said the other night. Me, on the otherhand, I'm grateful everyday that God has given us the opportunity to be able to homeschool. These are such precious years!
I'll keep you all updated on how things are going through the year, what we're studying, etc. This week, basically, will just be getting familiar with everything and what we need to do. You know, normal first week of school stuff. :)
Well I should get to bed! It's late and we have church in the morning. It's so hot and muggy tonight, I'm not exactly looking forward to going upstairs. I know, our mere 80 degrees isnt anything to the weather a lot of you are having this year but muggy is muggy, no matter how you look at it... especially when your A/C is an open window and a fan. HAHA!
So here you go, here's your sample.... the real ones will be in the mail. Hopefully soon :)
(I think this one of the boys is my favorite)
(Elizabeth doing her cabbage patch impression)
(unfortunately I have to say this one is my least favorite, but meh, guess it could be worse)
(the munchkins all together)
(I love this one!!)
(I actually, believe it or not, like this picture)
We start school on Monday (the 17th)!!! I've been scrambling this week trying to get all the loose ends and planning put together! This should be a fun adventure for us! I cant say the boys are overly thrilled with the idea of starting school. They want summer to last "forever", they said the other night. Me, on the otherhand, I'm grateful everyday that God has given us the opportunity to be able to homeschool. These are such precious years!
I'll keep you all updated on how things are going through the year, what we're studying, etc. This week, basically, will just be getting familiar with everything and what we need to do. You know, normal first week of school stuff. :)
Well I should get to bed! It's late and we have church in the morning. It's so hot and muggy tonight, I'm not exactly looking forward to going upstairs. I know, our mere 80 degrees isnt anything to the weather a lot of you are having this year but muggy is muggy, no matter how you look at it... especially when your A/C is an open window and a fan. HAHA!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Elizabeth Dances
I caught Elizabeth doing this today. She starts her music and then dances away... so cute!!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Elizabeth sits up today!
You may have already seen these videos on Facebook, but incase you havent or arent a Facebookee, here they are!
Elizabeth turned 7months today, and she has decided that sitting up is her new thing to do! :)(hope this works)
PS dont mind the messy living room. The boys and Dennis did their "boy's night" sleep over thing and I havent picked up the blankets from the floor. They're just so comfy to lay on vs the hard wood floor!!
Elizabeth turned 7months today, and she has decided that sitting up is her new thing to do! :)(hope this works)
PS dont mind the messy living room. The boys and Dennis did their "boy's night" sleep over thing and I havent picked up the blankets from the floor. They're just so comfy to lay on vs the hard wood floor!!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Fairy Tale Gardens
Oh! I'm so excited to show you guys these pictures!! We went to the Fairy Tale gardens up in Ludwigsburg this week. We had so much fun and it was much bigger and better than we expected!
There's a giant palace up in Ludwigsburg- just 30mins north of us here. On the palace grounds, there are many gardens, one of them is the Fairy Tale Gardens. We expected just to see a bunch of flowers with a sculpture of Alice in Wonderland here and Snow white there... spend an hour, get some lunch and go home. BOY! were we pleasantly surprised that this was so much more!
The grounds were giant! We had to walk quite a bit to get to the area where the Fairy tale gardens actually were. This was pretty neat, there were a bunch of funny sculptures lined up amoungst the flowers.
When we finally made it to our destination, this is what we saw!!
If I understood it correctly (everything was in German of course), this was Goliath rising up out of the castle. You had to knock on the door and he would rise up saying something that we couldnt understand LOL. The boys thought it was fun to run away.
This park was so fun! Pretty much everything was interactive. This donkey below, you put in a few Euro cent and he spit a golden chocolate coin out his mouth!
The boys opening their treasure :)
This, below, was the old witch's house from Hanzel and Gretel. You rang the doorbell and the window would open and she would peep out. HAHA!
Of course, Little Red Riding hood and the wolf!
Here the boys were being forced to smile infront of a story telling of SnowWhite and RoseRed.
OH OH OH!! You must see this!!! This is Rapunzel's tower... notice her golden lock hanging over the side for her prince to climb up. Amazingly, you shout up to the tower, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down you hair!" (or really, just shout real loud LOL) and the hair ACTUALLY comes down!! HAHA! We got a kick out of that!!
Another view of the tower to show you how big it was!
They had little rides to go on too. This was a little boat ride story the boys went on. At one point they went through the fish's belly from Pinoccio's adventure.
Here was another, You shout at the cave door "Open Sesame!"and the door opened to reveal the treasure!
Of course, a trip is not a trip unless there is a playground involved. LOL!!
OH! and there's Ella!! I cant wait to go back when she is a little older so she can play too! She had a good time watching her brothers run around though :)
OH!! Random picture here. I saw this house as we were coming into Ludwigsburg. I didnt get a good picture of it because the light had turned green just as I got the camera out. This house (the white one with the orange roof) looked almost exactly like the house from Alice in Wonderland to me. HAHA! You know, the one that is the white rabbit's house, where she eats the food and grows REALLY big! Eh, maybe it was just me. ;)
There's a giant palace up in Ludwigsburg- just 30mins north of us here. On the palace grounds, there are many gardens, one of them is the Fairy Tale Gardens. We expected just to see a bunch of flowers with a sculpture of Alice in Wonderland here and Snow white there... spend an hour, get some lunch and go home. BOY! were we pleasantly surprised that this was so much more!
The grounds were giant! We had to walk quite a bit to get to the area where the Fairy tale gardens actually were. This was pretty neat, there were a bunch of funny sculptures lined up amoungst the flowers.
When we finally made it to our destination, this is what we saw!!
If I understood it correctly (everything was in German of course), this was Goliath rising up out of the castle. You had to knock on the door and he would rise up saying something that we couldnt understand LOL. The boys thought it was fun to run away.
This park was so fun! Pretty much everything was interactive. This donkey below, you put in a few Euro cent and he spit a golden chocolate coin out his mouth!
The boys opening their treasure :)
This, below, was the old witch's house from Hanzel and Gretel. You rang the doorbell and the window would open and she would peep out. HAHA!
Of course, Little Red Riding hood and the wolf!
Here the boys were being forced to smile infront of a story telling of SnowWhite and RoseRed.
OH OH OH!! You must see this!!! This is Rapunzel's tower... notice her golden lock hanging over the side for her prince to climb up. Amazingly, you shout up to the tower, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down you hair!" (or really, just shout real loud LOL) and the hair ACTUALLY comes down!! HAHA! We got a kick out of that!!
Another view of the tower to show you how big it was!
They had little rides to go on too. This was a little boat ride story the boys went on. At one point they went through the fish's belly from Pinoccio's adventure.
Here was another, You shout at the cave door "Open Sesame!"and the door opened to reveal the treasure!
Of course, a trip is not a trip unless there is a playground involved. LOL!!
OH! and there's Ella!! I cant wait to go back when she is a little older so she can play too! She had a good time watching her brothers run around though :)
OH!! Random picture here. I saw this house as we were coming into Ludwigsburg. I didnt get a good picture of it because the light had turned green just as I got the camera out. This house (the white one with the orange roof) looked almost exactly like the house from Alice in Wonderland to me. HAHA! You know, the one that is the white rabbit's house, where she eats the food and grows REALLY big! Eh, maybe it was just me. ;)
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