Yeah, yeah I know, I said I was going to do better and didn't. Well I have to admit that I am really starting to feel Fridays. Before I would just feel like it was just another day, but now Friday means I sleep a little later, just a few school things to do, and the weekend is upon us. Today we had a spelling test and Alex got them all right! Even the bonus words! We had a phonics test that was supposed to be yesterday, but it didn't happen. He got 100% on that too! No backwards letters or anything! One was backwards, but he caught it before he turned it in. We labeled the parts of the eye (what you see when you look at someone) and he wrote in his journal. Later we went to the grocery store and practiced reading (labels), addition (prices for two items), and counting (produce). We also discussed meal planning (I think that counts as nutrition) and also money management (no, ice cream sandwiches aren't in the budget this week). I think it was a pretty good day. I also got caught up on some of the housework too. Well, the thorough vacuuming got done and stuff like that.
This week we had a lot of fun but it was BUSY! Alex started his Lego Robotics class and Art Class. He really enjoyed the Lego class and he built a remote control dune buggy. He felt very accomplished and his teacher was impressed with his ability. Alex really liked that he got to build it on his own. I really hope they do some group projects, Alex really needs the interaction with kids his own age. The art class went well too but Alex really has a hard time with be a perfectionist and being obsessed with something. He was completely distraught at the end of class because his projects didn't look like he wanted them too. The teacher was so understanding and wonderful. She let us go back into the class and we looked at them and discussed what he liked and didn't like about them. We also talked about how he will be painting them next week. When we left he felt a little better. The teacher said that this isn't uncommon for children, especially those who have obsessive personalities She really is a wonderful lady and I am so glad she is Alex's art teacher. We also went to a play date this week. We went to our friend's farm and saw cows, a donkey, pigs, and goats. The boys had a blast and I am completely bummed that I forgot my camera and left my phone in the house when we went out. The boys really enjoyed being outside, playing with friends, and feeding some of the animals
Next week Alex will start piano lessons and we are both excited. I know he will enjoy it and i really think he will do well with it. Also, we have started discussing looking for a bigger home (1100 square feet is a little tight for us now). Alex has shown some apprehension regarding moving, but we are working on trying to keep his mind at ease, and keeping him as involved as we can without too much detail. We are praying and hoping that things will go forward smoothly and that we can find a home we will all love. We are very blessed and I know that as long as we have faith and do what is right, the Lord will provide for us when the time is right. Well, I am off to enjoy the rest of my Friday.
Oh, I almost forgot. I have noticed that Alex is very sweet and tender towards his baby sister. This is a huge deal to me as he is usually one who couldn't care less about how others are feeling, not that he doesn't care about people, just that he usually lacks empathy towards others. Lately he has stepped in to help out with Josephine without being asked and he tended to her in the waiting room while I was a the doctor on Thursday. I think homeschooling him was the right choice and his helping him develop more emotionally.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Running behind...what else is new, right...
Well, it has been a week and a half since i posted. Yes, we are all still alive and we are still learning and growing and doing our thing. Some of the highlights of our days since I last posted...
*Homeschool Co-op was a blast! We went to our friend's house and learned about surface tension, made bubble solution and giant bubble wands. We made HUMONGOUS bubbles! We had a great time. Even Eric enjoyed himself. Then we shared a yummy picnic lunch. I hope more friends join in with us, but if not, that's okay too. I am really nervous about when it will be my turn to lead the group, but I am thankful for Pinterest and lots of fun ideas.
*We didn't start our extra classes at the Children's Museum because their renovations took longer than expected. We start this week for sure. We have evening classes because the morning ones didn't have enough people signed up, but oh well. We are really excited!
*We went to a new restaurant in The Woodlands called Zunum. It was a lot of fun. The food is moderately priced and the kids LOVED the supervised play area. It was nice and we will do it again sometime.
*We held our Fisher-Price playdate and it was a blast, and I feel it was a huge success too. We had a lot of fun and so did our guests. I am very grateful that House Party and Fisher-Price gave us the opportunity to host such a fun play date. I will be uploading pictures and filling out surveys in a little bit. I think I will write to Fisher-Price too.
*I attended Time Out for Women and really enjoyed it. I feel uplifted and encouraged. I can do this and enjoy the ride too.
*Eric's little friend from school was diagnosed with leukemia. Him and his family have been on our minds and in our prayers. We know that he is in the Lord's hands and being held tightly.
That's all I can remember right now. If I am feeling really ambitious later I will update about our day, but don't hold your breath, we have tumbling this evening and this get a little hairy around here in the evenings. I will always say I will try and be better, and I do try, but sometimes I just can't get it together. Well, here is to another week of trying to get it right.
*Homeschool Co-op was a blast! We went to our friend's house and learned about surface tension, made bubble solution and giant bubble wands. We made HUMONGOUS bubbles! We had a great time. Even Eric enjoyed himself. Then we shared a yummy picnic lunch. I hope more friends join in with us, but if not, that's okay too. I am really nervous about when it will be my turn to lead the group, but I am thankful for Pinterest and lots of fun ideas.
*We didn't start our extra classes at the Children's Museum because their renovations took longer than expected. We start this week for sure. We have evening classes because the morning ones didn't have enough people signed up, but oh well. We are really excited!
*We went to a new restaurant in The Woodlands called Zunum. It was a lot of fun. The food is moderately priced and the kids LOVED the supervised play area. It was nice and we will do it again sometime.
*We held our Fisher-Price playdate and it was a blast, and I feel it was a huge success too. We had a lot of fun and so did our guests. I am very grateful that House Party and Fisher-Price gave us the opportunity to host such a fun play date. I will be uploading pictures and filling out surveys in a little bit. I think I will write to Fisher-Price too.
*I attended Time Out for Women and really enjoyed it. I feel uplifted and encouraged. I can do this and enjoy the ride too.
*Eric's little friend from school was diagnosed with leukemia. Him and his family have been on our minds and in our prayers. We know that he is in the Lord's hands and being held tightly.
That's all I can remember right now. If I am feeling really ambitious later I will update about our day, but don't hold your breath, we have tumbling this evening and this get a little hairy around here in the evenings. I will always say I will try and be better, and I do try, but sometimes I just can't get it together. Well, here is to another week of trying to get it right.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
A Good Day
Today was a good day (I can say now that it is over). We took Eric to school, went groery shopping, Cleaned up a bit, did schoolwork, visited with my visiting teachers, got some good rain (and thnunder too), had breakfast for dinner and Daddy will be home soon.
Grocery shopping was interesting. Alex wasn't thrilled about not going to the Kroger with the play area, but it really saved on time and gas to go to the one near Eric' school. While we shopped I had Alex count produce, read labels, add prices, push the basket, help me decide ship flavors, and assorted other things that he really enjoyed and I know were great learning experiences. I like being able to use the real world as my text book. We did some book work today too, and really there are days I feel like he is above what is in his text books, but I think it is a great review and helps boost his confidence in his skills. I am looking forward to his classes at the Children's Museum next week. I know he will LOVE them!
Grocery shopping was interesting. Alex wasn't thrilled about not going to the Kroger with the play area, but it really saved on time and gas to go to the one near Eric' school. While we shopped I had Alex count produce, read labels, add prices, push the basket, help me decide ship flavors, and assorted other things that he really enjoyed and I know were great learning experiences. I like being able to use the real world as my text book. We did some book work today too, and really there are days I feel like he is above what is in his text books, but I think it is a great review and helps boost his confidence in his skills. I am looking forward to his classes at the Children's Museum next week. I know he will LOVE them!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
My Blog, So My Rant
Okay, so here is your warning label on this post. I will be posting MY thoughts! These are mine and nobody else's. I am not censoring them and I am not worried about hurting feelings. If you are quick to anger or quick to find offense, don't read this (even though I post this I know people will still read it). I have had a lot on my mind and a lot on my plate lately and I need to put it somewhere, so here it goes. These thoughts will probably lead to nowhere important and will probably have no sense of direction, but that's the way my mind has been working, so here it goes. Oh, and even one comment, email, or anything of the sort that condemns one things I say or think, I will strongly consider our friendship. I try to not judge people on their personal views and thoughts and I am quick to defend those who have the bravery to say it how it is, even if I don't agree. So don't judge me because I think differently from you.
1. Holy crap yesterday was a rough one. I am not sure why everything hit me all at once, but it did (you can ask my GiGi, I cried in her ear for over half an hour)
2. Sometimes I just don't wanna! I don't want ot be the better person, I don't want to serve those that hurt me, I don't want to homeschool, I don't want to be a friend, I don't want to watch what I eat, I don't want to exercise!
3. Even though I don't wanna, I usually do it anyway.
4. I have had some serious mommy guilt lately, and it really came to a head yesterday as i was driving to somewhere I didn't want to go and my son was doing reading work in the backseat, my baby girl was screaming, and my gas tank was emptying. The guilt that I wanted to homeschool my child, yet I can't even sit at home and teach him and guide him through learning in a natural and loving environment, instead he is in the back of our van, doing book work while his mother murmurs about how unfair life is. My baby (who I BEGGED the Lord for) was wailing because she just wanted to be held and had been in the car seat much too long. I wailed along with her and hated myself for every moment. I sat and thought about how disappointed my Heavenly Father must be with me, I mean, I asked for her, and then I don't even have a spare moment to just sit and hold her today! GEEZ! Then the gas gauge goes down as gas prices go up. Money is tight and the bills continue to come in! Like I really needed to drive an additional 65 miles today than what had already been driven because I needed to go to the doctor today, and of course the doctor I need to see is WAY across town, and I can't find another one because there isn't another doctor in his field of work in the ENTIRE area! I did get to Eric's school sooner than I thought, so I took Josephine out and held her, and kissed her and nursed her. Alex sat in the front seat and we reviewed his reading assignment together. I went and picked up Eric on time and he was happy and smiling. I think Josephine forgave me as she snuggled in close to me whenever someone came near and she even gave me a big smile when I had to put her back in the car seat.
4. I seriously can't wait until my sweetheart comes home today. I miss him like crazy! I need him and I depend on him. My mom once told me to never be so dependent on another person that you can't live happily on your own. Well, I proved these last few days I can live on my own, but it isn't near as easy or as enjoyable without him. I need him!
5. I am SO TIRED of political talk! GAH!
6. Obama and Leader of Israel Dude issue! GEEZ! I am sick of it. If I can make time for things that are important in my life, than so can you. Obviously relations with each other are not too important if neither of you can get your schedules to agree for the last three years! The liberals blame Israel, the conservatives blame Obama! FIGURE IT OUT and quit it! My stance is, you NEVER want to be an enemy of Israel, you always want to be a defender because if not you are in BIG trouble, just go read your scriptures and you will find out what happens!
7. I feel like Romney is the lesser of two evils and even though I am a Mormon doesn't mean I agree with him on everything. That is an internal struggle that I will have to deal with sooner or later.
8. I really hope it doesn't rain on Saturday, but I know it will so I need to remember to bring my umbrella.
9. I can't remember who, but I heard someone say that they "think its funny when people who have homeschooled put their kids back in to public school". Well, this struck me a couple of ways. One way is that did this person mean "ha ha funny" or "odd-funny" Well, I don't think it is either one! Homeschooling is HARD and there are days it really just SUCKS! I am only in my third week and I already think it is no fun for me a lot of the time (good thing Alex enjoys it). Sometimes circumstances in our control or beyond our control make our "plan" change, hence why I am done having a plan. I may not homeschool forever, any maybe I will, but either way I will make the decision with my husband and we will choose what is right for our child and for our family's circumstances. There is no answer key to raising your children, but there are guides and help desk along the way. It is a personal decision and I think people need to STAY OUT OF EACH OTHER'S BUSINESS!!!!! If you think you can do it better, then go at it! Take my kids and make them into perfect functioning adults (oh wait, that doesn't exist). We all make mistakes and we all make choices that mothers may not agree with, but guess what, we don't have to agree to be friends or to coexist. We just have to love each other and not kill each other. (I will probably vent on this again sometime soon, as it really irks me).
10. Itruly do not believe that most human beings do things to intentionally hurt another person. That person who commented on your status, or gave you a funny look, or even said something to you that you didn't like, I seriously doubt that they did it to hurt your feelings or to rub you the wrong way. I can't even imagine my friends sitting at their computers coming up with ways to make me cry or hurt me. Maybe I am wrong, but I think that we all get in funks. We all say or do things that we don't mean to. Guess what, people don't know they have hurt you unless you let them know (usually) so when you look at that person who hurt your feelings and you are seething because they just don't seem repentant, well, they probably aren't because they don't even know they did something wrong! TELL THEM! BE HONEST! Let them know in a kind way that they hurt you, and a true friend will apologize and try to make it better. If they don't, then maybe they aren't a true friend. Even if they think you over reacted, they should still be sympathetic to your feelings. You have a right to your feelings. Please also remember that tone cannot be written. When you read that text message/FB post/email you read it in the tone you feel. Maybe they meant it that way. maybe they were kidding, so either give the person the benefit of the doubt and be careful what you write as well. And if you think that I sit and think of ways to hurt you or pull you down, then you don't know me well and maybe we shouldn't be friends if you can't remember that I am human and I have bad days too.
And I think my last beef for the day is that just because I am a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean I have nothing to do. And since I am trying to teach my six year old and raise a 4 year old and baby, I have a whole bunch on my plate and when I tell you I can't do something or I am too busy, please don't roll your eyes at me or insist that I need a break. I know I need a break. I have NO time without my children, and even though I love them dearly, they drive me up the wall most days. I wouldn't trade my life for anything, but I can still be frustrated by it daily. Life is not ideal!
I love all of my friends and family and I value each one of you. Please remember to share hugs and not judgments, you never know when you will be walking in there shoes or crossing paths
Oh, and I bought a TON of chocolate yesterday!
1. Holy crap yesterday was a rough one. I am not sure why everything hit me all at once, but it did (you can ask my GiGi, I cried in her ear for over half an hour)
2. Sometimes I just don't wanna! I don't want ot be the better person, I don't want to serve those that hurt me, I don't want to homeschool, I don't want to be a friend, I don't want to watch what I eat, I don't want to exercise!
3. Even though I don't wanna, I usually do it anyway.
4. I have had some serious mommy guilt lately, and it really came to a head yesterday as i was driving to somewhere I didn't want to go and my son was doing reading work in the backseat, my baby girl was screaming, and my gas tank was emptying. The guilt that I wanted to homeschool my child, yet I can't even sit at home and teach him and guide him through learning in a natural and loving environment, instead he is in the back of our van, doing book work while his mother murmurs about how unfair life is. My baby (who I BEGGED the Lord for) was wailing because she just wanted to be held and had been in the car seat much too long. I wailed along with her and hated myself for every moment. I sat and thought about how disappointed my Heavenly Father must be with me, I mean, I asked for her, and then I don't even have a spare moment to just sit and hold her today! GEEZ! Then the gas gauge goes down as gas prices go up. Money is tight and the bills continue to come in! Like I really needed to drive an additional 65 miles today than what had already been driven because I needed to go to the doctor today, and of course the doctor I need to see is WAY across town, and I can't find another one because there isn't another doctor in his field of work in the ENTIRE area! I did get to Eric's school sooner than I thought, so I took Josephine out and held her, and kissed her and nursed her. Alex sat in the front seat and we reviewed his reading assignment together. I went and picked up Eric on time and he was happy and smiling. I think Josephine forgave me as she snuggled in close to me whenever someone came near and she even gave me a big smile when I had to put her back in the car seat.
4. I seriously can't wait until my sweetheart comes home today. I miss him like crazy! I need him and I depend on him. My mom once told me to never be so dependent on another person that you can't live happily on your own. Well, I proved these last few days I can live on my own, but it isn't near as easy or as enjoyable without him. I need him!
5. I am SO TIRED of political talk! GAH!
6. Obama and Leader of Israel Dude issue! GEEZ! I am sick of it. If I can make time for things that are important in my life, than so can you. Obviously relations with each other are not too important if neither of you can get your schedules to agree for the last three years! The liberals blame Israel, the conservatives blame Obama! FIGURE IT OUT and quit it! My stance is, you NEVER want to be an enemy of Israel, you always want to be a defender because if not you are in BIG trouble, just go read your scriptures and you will find out what happens!
7. I feel like Romney is the lesser of two evils and even though I am a Mormon doesn't mean I agree with him on everything. That is an internal struggle that I will have to deal with sooner or later.
8. I really hope it doesn't rain on Saturday, but I know it will so I need to remember to bring my umbrella.
9. I can't remember who, but I heard someone say that they "think its funny when people who have homeschooled put their kids back in to public school". Well, this struck me a couple of ways. One way is that did this person mean "ha ha funny" or "odd-funny" Well, I don't think it is either one! Homeschooling is HARD and there are days it really just SUCKS! I am only in my third week and I already think it is no fun for me a lot of the time (good thing Alex enjoys it). Sometimes circumstances in our control or beyond our control make our "plan" change, hence why I am done having a plan. I may not homeschool forever, any maybe I will, but either way I will make the decision with my husband and we will choose what is right for our child and for our family's circumstances. There is no answer key to raising your children, but there are guides and help desk along the way. It is a personal decision and I think people need to STAY OUT OF EACH OTHER'S BUSINESS!!!!! If you think you can do it better, then go at it! Take my kids and make them into perfect functioning adults (oh wait, that doesn't exist). We all make mistakes and we all make choices that mothers may not agree with, but guess what, we don't have to agree to be friends or to coexist. We just have to love each other and not kill each other. (I will probably vent on this again sometime soon, as it really irks me).
10. Itruly do not believe that most human beings do things to intentionally hurt another person. That person who commented on your status, or gave you a funny look, or even said something to you that you didn't like, I seriously doubt that they did it to hurt your feelings or to rub you the wrong way. I can't even imagine my friends sitting at their computers coming up with ways to make me cry or hurt me. Maybe I am wrong, but I think that we all get in funks. We all say or do things that we don't mean to. Guess what, people don't know they have hurt you unless you let them know (usually) so when you look at that person who hurt your feelings and you are seething because they just don't seem repentant, well, they probably aren't because they don't even know they did something wrong! TELL THEM! BE HONEST! Let them know in a kind way that they hurt you, and a true friend will apologize and try to make it better. If they don't, then maybe they aren't a true friend. Even if they think you over reacted, they should still be sympathetic to your feelings. You have a right to your feelings. Please also remember that tone cannot be written. When you read that text message/FB post/email you read it in the tone you feel. Maybe they meant it that way. maybe they were kidding, so either give the person the benefit of the doubt and be careful what you write as well. And if you think that I sit and think of ways to hurt you or pull you down, then you don't know me well and maybe we shouldn't be friends if you can't remember that I am human and I have bad days too.
And I think my last beef for the day is that just because I am a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean I have nothing to do. And since I am trying to teach my six year old and raise a 4 year old and baby, I have a whole bunch on my plate and when I tell you I can't do something or I am too busy, please don't roll your eyes at me or insist that I need a break. I know I need a break. I have NO time without my children, and even though I love them dearly, they drive me up the wall most days. I wouldn't trade my life for anything, but I can still be frustrated by it daily. Life is not ideal!
I love all of my friends and family and I value each one of you. Please remember to share hugs and not judgments, you never know when you will be walking in there shoes or crossing paths
Oh, and I bought a TON of chocolate yesterday!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Monday Again!
Well, as you can tell I didn't write on Friday. Friday Alex had three tests! He had his first math test and his first phonics test! He did great on both and only missed two on his math test due to numbers being backwards! Some days are definitely better than others with this dyslexia thing. Then he had a spelling test that he BOMBED! I had no idea he would do so poorly on it! I used it to my advantage and we worked on the words. I did retest him on Saturday (we used the white board instead of sitting with paper and pencil). He missed one, but I tacked it on to the end and he got it right! WooHoo! So, because he got it the next time around we decided to move forward this week with list #3. I am hoping that the spelling test was a problem because he was just overwhelmed and having a hard time focusing. The whole day had been a bit of a job to get him to stay focused and on task. Alex said he likes tests on Fridays, but I am going to mix it up a bit next week and just do testing as it comes up, and not wait until Friday and see how we do. I also found a fun Spelling Words game on Pinterest that I want to try this week. Maybe it will help a bit.
Anyway, today is Monday. I am already insanely tired and it isnt even 2:00! I was up very early with baby girl and then had to get back up before my body wanted to so I could drop the kids off at a firend's house and I could go to the doctor. I REALLY didn't want to drag three kids to my anual well-woman exam if you can understand. My wonderful friend welcomed my children into her home and they had a blast. They got to experience chickens! They even collected some eggs, and for their hard work, she sent us home with a dozen fresh eggs! Yay for scrambled eggs with flavor. Anyway, as soon as we got home we did some math and language. Then break for lunch. Then we finished up. I did teach Alex some more about place value today. I think he is catching on (well, at least I hope). I had to laugh at myself yesterday. I was sitting and looking over our math assignments for the week and I came to a question that the wording totally tripped me up. Now, you must understand that I am "one of those people" who doesn't comprehend math well. I mean, math makes me sweat! So when I came to this issue I started to panic (no joke) and all I could think was that I was going to have to hire a tutor and I can't even do first grade math! Well, my husband stepped in and reassured me that I could handle this and that he too thought it was worded funny, but this is what he thought it meant. I agreed to his deductive reasoning, but still wanted some reassurance. Thank goodness for good friends and Facebook! I hopped on Facebook and sent a message to one of my friends that lives near my grandma who is a first grade teacher and specializes in math! Yay for the Facebook friend lifeline! Shee also thought it was worded weird and confirmed that my husband's idea was correct! WHEW! Why didn't they just word it like normal human beings in the first place! I am only 26! I don't need a heart attack already!
So, past the math drama things are going great. I have decided to order and additional phonics test booklet and an additional math test booklet so that I can make keys for my records and I don't have to keep using all of my ink to make copies. Oh, and Alex caught the giggles during his reading work today. The story was titled "Bob". Every time he came to the word Bob he would yell BOB! Then we came to the word "but" and of course, being a boy, this is hilarious, even after I tried to explain that this was NOT that kind of but! Anyway, at least I know he is well adjusted and still a typical six year old who thinks butts and farts are funny, heck what can I say, they are! Anyway, this looks to be a busy week, but I am confident that we will get it done and make it out alive!
Anyway, today is Monday. I am already insanely tired and it isnt even 2:00! I was up very early with baby girl and then had to get back up before my body wanted to so I could drop the kids off at a firend's house and I could go to the doctor. I REALLY didn't want to drag three kids to my anual well-woman exam if you can understand. My wonderful friend welcomed my children into her home and they had a blast. They got to experience chickens! They even collected some eggs, and for their hard work, she sent us home with a dozen fresh eggs! Yay for scrambled eggs with flavor. Anyway, as soon as we got home we did some math and language. Then break for lunch. Then we finished up. I did teach Alex some more about place value today. I think he is catching on (well, at least I hope). I had to laugh at myself yesterday. I was sitting and looking over our math assignments for the week and I came to a question that the wording totally tripped me up. Now, you must understand that I am "one of those people" who doesn't comprehend math well. I mean, math makes me sweat! So when I came to this issue I started to panic (no joke) and all I could think was that I was going to have to hire a tutor and I can't even do first grade math! Well, my husband stepped in and reassured me that I could handle this and that he too thought it was worded funny, but this is what he thought it meant. I agreed to his deductive reasoning, but still wanted some reassurance. Thank goodness for good friends and Facebook! I hopped on Facebook and sent a message to one of my friends that lives near my grandma who is a first grade teacher and specializes in math! Yay for the Facebook friend lifeline! Shee also thought it was worded weird and confirmed that my husband's idea was correct! WHEW! Why didn't they just word it like normal human beings in the first place! I am only 26! I don't need a heart attack already!
So, past the math drama things are going great. I have decided to order and additional phonics test booklet and an additional math test booklet so that I can make keys for my records and I don't have to keep using all of my ink to make copies. Oh, and Alex caught the giggles during his reading work today. The story was titled "Bob". Every time he came to the word Bob he would yell BOB! Then we came to the word "but" and of course, being a boy, this is hilarious, even after I tried to explain that this was NOT that kind of but! Anyway, at least I know he is well adjusted and still a typical six year old who thinks butts and farts are funny, heck what can I say, they are! Anyway, this looks to be a busy week, but I am confident that we will get it done and make it out alive!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Two Posts in One Day...You Should Be Proud
Hahahahaha! I called dibs on the computer tonight! Anyway, I guess Alex's little tummy bug was truly a 12 hour thing as suddenly he was feeling great, his color was normal and he had energy and a little bit of an appetite. He wanted to do his schoolwork, so we knocked it out in about one and a half hours. It was mostly a review of the week since he has three tests tomorrow. Anyway, just wanted to get that in, we DID do school work today and I have one awesome six year old that was anxious to get his work done without me asking. Yes, I am bragging.
This Time It's Not My Fault!
Seriously it's not, and that's my story and I am sticking to it! I went to get the laptop to post last night and the husband nabbed it while I was in the bathroom! Anyway, we had a ton of fun yesterday. We worked on our school work in the morning and I only had to keep Alex motivated a few times. We did some science yesterday and the topic was "Our Hands". We discussed good things we can do with our hands and things that are not good things to do. Then we made hand print art! I have some creative boys (Eric joined in) I showed them a few ideas on pinterest of what people had made out of hand prints and they took off. I even enjoyed squishing some paint between my fingers.
Later on we had our Family Night. We decided that we call Family Home Evening, Family Night and we hold it on Wednesdays. Wednesday is better for our schedule and somehow it has gotten easier when we quit trying to be so formal about it. I was in charge last night so we talked about building and strengthening our family. I got our Jenga blocks and put tape on them and we each wrote ideas that help build up our family. Then we stacked them up Jenga style. Then, after the tower was built we proceeded to remove blocks and talked about why we do things, and when we don't what it does to our family. Finally our tower (family) fell down and we talked about how sometimes we fall down, but we have to get back up again. It was fun and the kids liked it. For dessert we had apple nachos! YUM! and that was it.
I would post about today too, but it is a tough one. Alex is sick with a tummy bug and really not up to doing anything but rest (which is fine with me). I hope this is all over with by this evening or tomorrow morning and I hope nobody else catches it. He seems to be doing a bit better and the color is returning to his face. So, I prepped dinner and have enjoyed playing with baby girl! I know I should probably take the time to catch up on housework, but I really don't want to do it, I just want to giggle with my baby girl. (Who just woke up from her nap) Hopefully things will be better tomorrow.
 |
| Eric's Cheetahs at he Zoo |
 |
| Alex's Beautiful Butterfly |
 |
| My Elephant Love |
Later on we had our Family Night. We decided that we call Family Home Evening, Family Night and we hold it on Wednesdays. Wednesday is better for our schedule and somehow it has gotten easier when we quit trying to be so formal about it. I was in charge last night so we talked about building and strengthening our family. I got our Jenga blocks and put tape on them and we each wrote ideas that help build up our family. Then we stacked them up Jenga style. Then, after the tower was built we proceeded to remove blocks and talked about why we do things, and when we don't what it does to our family. Finally our tower (family) fell down and we talked about how sometimes we fall down, but we have to get back up again. It was fun and the kids liked it. For dessert we had apple nachos! YUM! and that was it.
I would post about today too, but it is a tough one. Alex is sick with a tummy bug and really not up to doing anything but rest (which is fine with me). I hope this is all over with by this evening or tomorrow morning and I hope nobody else catches it. He seems to be doing a bit better and the color is returning to his face. So, I prepped dinner and have enjoyed playing with baby girl! I know I should probably take the time to catch up on housework, but I really don't want to do it, I just want to giggle with my baby girl. (Who just woke up from her nap) Hopefully things will be better tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Catching Up
Okay, okay I am falling into old habits, but I am trying.
On Saturday we surprised the boys by taking them to the Lego Kid Fest at the Austin Convention Center. My boys (and husband) were in heaven! We spent over 4 hours doing nothing but Lego stuff. Lego competitions, building, monochrome designs, listening about Legos, looking at Lego sculptures and more. It was pretty amazing. I am grateful that my husband likes to spend time with our boys and enjoys the some of the same things they do. I feel blessed to have him play such an active role in their lives.
On Sunday we went to church and enjoyed some quiet time together as a family. Oh, and we got a new Bishopric! Monday was Labor Day and even though it was a school holiday, we still had a lot to do, including school work. We started the morning with chores and a trip to my doctor. Then we went back-to-school shopping (finally) and got the boys some much needed clothes and shoes. Later we came home and had some school work to finish and dinner. Later, my husband conducted PPI's (Personal Priesthood Interviews) with each of the boys individually. This was a special time for them and it was much needed as I have been terrible overwhelmed by everything and needed someone on the same page as me. Then he gave Eric a blessing for the start of school. It was a very special and tender blessing and I know it will help him throughout the school year.
Tuesday turned into a Monday, full of busy-ness and what not. I started school at 8:00 today. This allowed us to do our morning stuff (pledge of allegiance, singing, stretching, calendar and stuff) before we took Eric to school. Then we headed to Eric's school and dropped him off. It was really easy as he was super excited to return to school. Then we came home and did reading. Then we rushed off to a meeting that I needed to attend. Then, the meeting ran late so we came home with enough time to start math and for Alex to eat half of his lunch. Then, back into the car to pick up Eric. Then home to finish school work and then came dinner and baths and all that jazz, and now I am typing with my eyes at half mast and really wanting some Banana Pudding Blue Bell ice cream that is in the freezer (it is AMAZING!). I am praying tomorrow will be somewhat calmer and I can actually do a few chores around the house and we can get Alex's work done in a timely manner.
I am still feeling terrible inadequate and overwhelmed but at the same time I am feeling more at peace. I think the Lord is definitely calming my nerves. I was given a new calling and set apart a few weeks ago and part of the blessing was that I would be able to fulfill my duties with peace. I really felt that today as I was attending a planning meeting with the other committee members. I was feeling overwhelmed when I got there, and then a peace filled my heart and I was able to think clearly (first time in a LONG time). I know I am truly blessed and even though I get really stressed and anxious, I try to remember how much my Heavenly Father loves me and needs me.
On Saturday we surprised the boys by taking them to the Lego Kid Fest at the Austin Convention Center. My boys (and husband) were in heaven! We spent over 4 hours doing nothing but Lego stuff. Lego competitions, building, monochrome designs, listening about Legos, looking at Lego sculptures and more. It was pretty amazing. I am grateful that my husband likes to spend time with our boys and enjoys the some of the same things they do. I feel blessed to have him play such an active role in their lives.
 |
| My Little Ninjas |
On Sunday we went to church and enjoyed some quiet time together as a family. Oh, and we got a new Bishopric! Monday was Labor Day and even though it was a school holiday, we still had a lot to do, including school work. We started the morning with chores and a trip to my doctor. Then we went back-to-school shopping (finally) and got the boys some much needed clothes and shoes. Later we came home and had some school work to finish and dinner. Later, my husband conducted PPI's (Personal Priesthood Interviews) with each of the boys individually. This was a special time for them and it was much needed as I have been terrible overwhelmed by everything and needed someone on the same page as me. Then he gave Eric a blessing for the start of school. It was a very special and tender blessing and I know it will help him throughout the school year.
Tuesday turned into a Monday, full of busy-ness and what not. I started school at 8:00 today. This allowed us to do our morning stuff (pledge of allegiance, singing, stretching, calendar and stuff) before we took Eric to school. Then we headed to Eric's school and dropped him off. It was really easy as he was super excited to return to school. Then we came home and did reading. Then we rushed off to a meeting that I needed to attend. Then, the meeting ran late so we came home with enough time to start math and for Alex to eat half of his lunch. Then, back into the car to pick up Eric. Then home to finish school work and then came dinner and baths and all that jazz, and now I am typing with my eyes at half mast and really wanting some Banana Pudding Blue Bell ice cream that is in the freezer (it is AMAZING!). I am praying tomorrow will be somewhat calmer and I can actually do a few chores around the house and we can get Alex's work done in a timely manner.
I am still feeling terrible inadequate and overwhelmed but at the same time I am feeling more at peace. I think the Lord is definitely calming my nerves. I was given a new calling and set apart a few weeks ago and part of the blessing was that I would be able to fulfill my duties with peace. I really felt that today as I was attending a planning meeting with the other committee members. I was feeling overwhelmed when I got there, and then a peace filled my heart and I was able to think clearly (first time in a LONG time). I know I am truly blessed and even though I get really stressed and anxious, I try to remember how much my Heavenly Father loves me and needs me.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
End of the Week and More
Okay so I didn't post on Thursday because it really wasn't one of the best days and by the time I had time to sit and blog, I didn't want to do it. So, I ate a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream and watched Chris Christie (I am a huge fan of his boldness and honesty) at the RNC that I had recorded. Everything about that put me in a better mood. I really don't know why Thursday was so rough. The kids were great and we went to Meet the Teacher at Eric's school, which was fabulous. I just had a mental breakdown on Thursday. Everything came to a head for me and I wasn't coping well at all.
I have to admit that I am a perfectionist and I hold myself to high standards. Sometimes too high (well, that's what people tell me) and lately I feel like I am constantly failing myself. I try to keep up, and lately, I just can't. I keep praying that I can pull it back together soon or that I can identify what the problem is. So far, no luck, but I can still hope and pray.
Anyway, school is going really well for Alex. He is happy and eager still. When we went to Eric's Meet the Teacher, he was a bit shy, but was happy to see his Pre-K teachers and a friend of his that he has known for a few years. His friend seemed overjoyed to see Alex and they spent almost an hour talking and laughing. It was really nice to see him have a close friend.
Friday we all ran around like chickens with our heads cut off. We were preparing to go out of town on a surprise trip for the boys. The to-do list was long, and honestly I think only 3/4 of it was completed and some that was completed wasn't completed very well. I have decided to keep Alex's work load on Friday's light. We did a page of math, a spelling test and some free reading (he got to pick a book from his shelf to read to me). Alex did great with everything. His spelling test we got them all correct orally, and he spelled the two bonus words correctly, but in the written test he misspelled cub and bus. He reversed his B's and D's so he spelled cud and dus. His dyslexia frustrates him a lot, but we are working on it together. We have some ways we are handling it...I should do a whole separate post about that. Anyway, I encouraged him and told him that we would work on it. Also, I realized on Thursday that cursive really aggravates the dyslexia and when I was having him write his spelling words from an assignment in his book he was getting VERY agitated by the whole thing. He wants to learn to write in cursive, and I would love for him to learn it too, but I think we will work on neatening up our printing first, then we will branch off in to cursive.
Well, last night we took the boys to the Congress Bridge in Austin. We rode a boat under the bridge and watched the bats emerge. It was an amazing experience and Alex was in animal heaven! I think we will be doing a whole unit on bats the month of September. I want to build a bat house and stuff like that. I love that we can use our play time as learning time, and really that's what it is all about.
Well, we are off to the big surprise for the boys. Believe me, I know I will have a post and pictures for this one. So excited!
I have to admit that I am a perfectionist and I hold myself to high standards. Sometimes too high (well, that's what people tell me) and lately I feel like I am constantly failing myself. I try to keep up, and lately, I just can't. I keep praying that I can pull it back together soon or that I can identify what the problem is. So far, no luck, but I can still hope and pray.
Anyway, school is going really well for Alex. He is happy and eager still. When we went to Eric's Meet the Teacher, he was a bit shy, but was happy to see his Pre-K teachers and a friend of his that he has known for a few years. His friend seemed overjoyed to see Alex and they spent almost an hour talking and laughing. It was really nice to see him have a close friend.
Friday we all ran around like chickens with our heads cut off. We were preparing to go out of town on a surprise trip for the boys. The to-do list was long, and honestly I think only 3/4 of it was completed and some that was completed wasn't completed very well. I have decided to keep Alex's work load on Friday's light. We did a page of math, a spelling test and some free reading (he got to pick a book from his shelf to read to me). Alex did great with everything. His spelling test we got them all correct orally, and he spelled the two bonus words correctly, but in the written test he misspelled cub and bus. He reversed his B's and D's so he spelled cud and dus. His dyslexia frustrates him a lot, but we are working on it together. We have some ways we are handling it...I should do a whole separate post about that. Anyway, I encouraged him and told him that we would work on it. Also, I realized on Thursday that cursive really aggravates the dyslexia and when I was having him write his spelling words from an assignment in his book he was getting VERY agitated by the whole thing. He wants to learn to write in cursive, and I would love for him to learn it too, but I think we will work on neatening up our printing first, then we will branch off in to cursive.
Well, last night we took the boys to the Congress Bridge in Austin. We rode a boat under the bridge and watched the bats emerge. It was an amazing experience and Alex was in animal heaven! I think we will be doing a whole unit on bats the month of September. I want to build a bat house and stuff like that. I love that we can use our play time as learning time, and really that's what it is all about.
Well, we are off to the big surprise for the boys. Believe me, I know I will have a post and pictures for this one. So excited!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)