I was doing so well this week. Or so I thought. We are going to Splash Village for Hubs birthday on Saturday. Yep, that's right, my hubby is a weenie baby. So he really doesn't get to spend the day celebrating. It's spent getting costumes ready and making sure everyone is well rested for a night of candy eating and game playing. Poor guy. :) And we had a sleepover planned for Little man. He was gonna go over his best buddy's house tonight. So I've been trying to slam 5 days worth of school into three. But last night Little man decides that he was gonna change it up a bit and get sick. Yep, he threw up around 3:30 am. So there goes the sleepover, MAFA and school for today. So now I get to slam 8 days into five next week. Yay me!!
I think the poor boy worked himself into it. This was gonna be his first sleepover at a friends house. We have anxiety issues over here. He gets them from me, and I get them from one of my parents. :) You should see us on vacations. We are a fun family. :)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
She can be taught!!
I am having the best time teaching Sassy this week. I know I said this last week, but I am just so excited. :) I have been using Phonics made plain with her since last year. But I really wasn't doing it often. She was also doing the reading/language books that go along with McGuffey readers. But this year I decided, after much agony and confusion, that I was gonna take a step back and get back to the basics with her. I stopped using the reading books and I bought a $10 phonics book. She is still doing a lesson in her McGuffey reader every day and I have her do a page or two in her phonics book. I've been doing the letter flash cards so she learns ALL the sounds, and now we're into a few blends. I'm gonna slowly throw in a few more blends every week, just to keep her trying. She has also, just this week, completed all the pre primer and primer sight words. She recognizes all but 6ish. She is so proud and I am super excited. While I watch Transformers2 tonight with Hubs, I am gonna make flash cards with the next batch of words on them. I can hardly contain my excitement over this. I never thought this would happen.
What's even better, is that she reminds me about her letters and words. I get so caught up in the everyday teaching and preparing, I sometimes forget. But, thank God, she never does.
Also, the website that I use for everything, but My Father's World, is Homeschooling books. It's about an hour away from my house, and we used to drive there every year and look around and let them look at all the homeschooling stuff. But they moved to a warehouse, so now we can't look around, only pick up our orders or have them shipped. They are about the same price, if not cheaper, as some other homeschooling catalogs. We like to support our Michigan businesses as much as possible. That makes us very happy. And, as you know, Michigan is going downhill very fast. So if you need anything, check them out first. I just thought I'd add my two cents in. :)
What's even better, is that she reminds me about her letters and words. I get so caught up in the everyday teaching and preparing, I sometimes forget. But, thank God, she never does.
Also, the website that I use for everything, but My Father's World, is Homeschooling books. It's about an hour away from my house, and we used to drive there every year and look around and let them look at all the homeschooling stuff. But they moved to a warehouse, so now we can't look around, only pick up our orders or have them shipped. They are about the same price, if not cheaper, as some other homeschooling catalogs. We like to support our Michigan businesses as much as possible. That makes us very happy. And, as you know, Michigan is going downhill very fast. So if you need anything, check them out first. I just thought I'd add my two cents in. :)
Friday, October 16, 2009
weekly highlights
This week has actually been great. I know, I'm shocked too. :) Sassy, I think, is finally starting to "get it." I hear angels singing when she is doing school. No complaints at all this week. If you read my last post, you can see how she's doing. They love My Father's World. This week we are in Canada. I was gonna do the soap carving yesterday, but we had "a day" yesterday and I wasn't in the mood. I'm hoping for next week.
Dick and Jane are the best. Sassy has a bunch from the library this week. She can read them almost all by herself. She is so proud. She is even gonna bring one of them over to my parents house today. They love to hear my kids read. They encourage my kids so much. Hubs told me to order some online for her, instead of waiting for the library to get them in. But it's so hard for me to spend $$ on something I hope she won't be reading by the end of the year. But I'm sure I'll get some, or have the family get some for Christmas or her birthday in February.
Little man is now starting to get the whole rounding thing. That is quite hard to master. He's still working on problems like:
30,000+2,000+500+80+6=
But I'm hoping he'll get it by next week. He's at lesson 17 in Math u see. She's in Alpha, and still trying to figure out the basics. But she's almost done. She'll be on lesson 26 next week. I need to remember the online drills for them. They love using the computer for school. I just don't think they should be using it all the time. I'm a bit old fashioned.
How did your week go?
Dick and Jane are the best. Sassy has a bunch from the library this week. She can read them almost all by herself. She is so proud. She is even gonna bring one of them over to my parents house today. They love to hear my kids read. They encourage my kids so much. Hubs told me to order some online for her, instead of waiting for the library to get them in. But it's so hard for me to spend $$ on something I hope she won't be reading by the end of the year. But I'm sure I'll get some, or have the family get some for Christmas or her birthday in February.
Little man is now starting to get the whole rounding thing. That is quite hard to master. He's still working on problems like:
30,000+2,000+500+80+6=
But I'm hoping he'll get it by next week. He's at lesson 17 in Math u see. She's in Alpha, and still trying to figure out the basics. But she's almost done. She'll be on lesson 26 next week. I need to remember the online drills for them. They love using the computer for school. I just don't think they should be using it all the time. I'm a bit old fashioned.
How did your week go?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I love homeschooling
Ever have one of those days where you actually think "this crazy homeschooling thing is pretty good"? Well, today was that day. Little man woke up early, had breakfast and then asked if he could start school. My brain may not be on at 7:30 in the morning, but ears are. Did you just ask to start school? Yep, I heard correctly. So, before Sassy was even awake, he's doing his spelling. Sassy would NEVER do that. When she finally got up(8:15) she had b-fast then played for a bit. I asked her if she wanted to start, but, the reaction was interpreted as a big ol' "NO". When little man went for a haircut with Daddy, she wanted to start then.
I was so surprised at how much she is remembering. She struggles with reading, but she's getting better. I was so happy to have her fly through the sight word flash cards and the letter sounds flash cards. She is starting to remember that some letters have three sounds. YAY!!!! Yesterday, she even wanted to write on the white board. She was coming up with simple sentences all on her own, and the spelling was correct also. :) "I sit on a chair. Mom sat on a chair. Dad sat on a chair." She learned how to spell chair from the label on the chair next to her. I labeled lots of things around the house. Chair, door, table, freezer, cabinet, drawer, bathroom, etc. Chair is the only one she remembers. But I'll take it. :)
When I was teaching them together today, there was NO arguing, whining or complaining. I was shocked and happy. I was, again, looking for the hidden camera or a man behind a door with $$ for them if they were good. Now, when I'm done with lunch, I'm taking a nap.
How's your day going?
I was so surprised at how much she is remembering. She struggles with reading, but she's getting better. I was so happy to have her fly through the sight word flash cards and the letter sounds flash cards. She is starting to remember that some letters have three sounds. YAY!!!! Yesterday, she even wanted to write on the white board. She was coming up with simple sentences all on her own, and the spelling was correct also. :) "I sit on a chair. Mom sat on a chair. Dad sat on a chair." She learned how to spell chair from the label on the chair next to her. I labeled lots of things around the house. Chair, door, table, freezer, cabinet, drawer, bathroom, etc. Chair is the only one she remembers. But I'll take it. :)
When I was teaching them together today, there was NO arguing, whining or complaining. I was shocked and happy. I was, again, looking for the hidden camera or a man behind a door with $$ for them if they were good. Now, when I'm done with lunch, I'm taking a nap.
How's your day going?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sadness
This was taken from the email sent to me by the HSLDA.
A longtime champion of homeschooling rights around the globe, Home School Legal Defense Association Senior Counsel and Director of State and International Relations Christopher J. Klicka was called home by his Lord on October 12, 2009, at age 48, following a 15-year battle with multiple sclerosis. An attorney, spokesman, lobbyist, and homeschooling husband and father, Chris is survived by his wife, Tracy, their seven children (ages 11–21), and his parents, Ardath and George Klicka.
“Chris was both a people person and a goal person. He cared deeply about people, but was also driven to always do more!” says HSLDA President J. Michael Smith. “He was the most determined person I ever met in my life. Even with all the things he accomplished every day at HSLDA, he continually wanted to tackle new challenges and serve homeschoolers in more and better ways. He was so focused on the homeschooling world, but he was also very much focused on his family and dedicated to raising his children.”
An integral part of Home School Legal Defense Association’s staff for 24 years, Chris was HSLDA’s first full-time employee, first executive director, and first full-time attorney. He believed passionately that homeschooling was the best educational method for children and demonstrated that passion in every area of his life.
Chris and Tracy homeschooled all seven of their children. He traveled across the United States (and around the world) defending families’ right to homeschool and advocating homeschooling. He participated in countless radio interviews on homeschooling issues. He wrote five books on homeschooling, penned numerous articles, and had two more books in progress when he passed away. He lobbied state legislators, U.S. senators, and foreign diplomats to support homeschooling. He sought greater freedom for homeschooling parents and students in every area—from local school districts to sports associations, college admissions departments, and military recruitment requirements. He sought to educate the educators, truant officers, policemen, judges, and even social workers about the benefits and legality of homeschooling.
Even deeper than his passion for homeschooling was his deep love for his Lord. We may never know how many people Chris inspired to homeschool or continue homeschooling, or how many people he inspired to draw near to his Lord.
“Chris’s accomplishments as a lawyer for homeschooling are clear and of value that cannot be overstated. He was one of the most important pioneers of our movement,” says HSLDA Chairman Mike Farris. “He believed that this truly is God’s way to teach children to love God. He believed it deeply. His conviction was infectious. He was a man of single-hearted devotion that I have never, ever seen equaled. The passion that Chris felt for the mission to which God called him never, ever, ever, ever dimmed, even slightly.”
HSLDA deeply appreciates and honors Chris’s life and his dedicated contribution to our organization and to homeschooling. Our staff will miss him more than we can express, and we are praying with and for his family. The homeschooling movement has lost one of its greatest advocates and friends, but Chris leaves an incredible legacy of freedom and awareness of homeschooling to the thousands of homeschooled students whose parents have made The Right Choice.
”I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.“ II Timothy 4:7-8
”Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.“ Revelation 2:10
A longtime champion of homeschooling rights around the globe, Home School Legal Defense Association Senior Counsel and Director of State and International Relations Christopher J. Klicka was called home by his Lord on October 12, 2009, at age 48, following a 15-year battle with multiple sclerosis. An attorney, spokesman, lobbyist, and homeschooling husband and father, Chris is survived by his wife, Tracy, their seven children (ages 11–21), and his parents, Ardath and George Klicka.
“Chris was both a people person and a goal person. He cared deeply about people, but was also driven to always do more!” says HSLDA President J. Michael Smith. “He was the most determined person I ever met in my life. Even with all the things he accomplished every day at HSLDA, he continually wanted to tackle new challenges and serve homeschoolers in more and better ways. He was so focused on the homeschooling world, but he was also very much focused on his family and dedicated to raising his children.”
An integral part of Home School Legal Defense Association’s staff for 24 years, Chris was HSLDA’s first full-time employee, first executive director, and first full-time attorney. He believed passionately that homeschooling was the best educational method for children and demonstrated that passion in every area of his life.
Chris and Tracy homeschooled all seven of their children. He traveled across the United States (and around the world) defending families’ right to homeschool and advocating homeschooling. He participated in countless radio interviews on homeschooling issues. He wrote five books on homeschooling, penned numerous articles, and had two more books in progress when he passed away. He lobbied state legislators, U.S. senators, and foreign diplomats to support homeschooling. He sought greater freedom for homeschooling parents and students in every area—from local school districts to sports associations, college admissions departments, and military recruitment requirements. He sought to educate the educators, truant officers, policemen, judges, and even social workers about the benefits and legality of homeschooling.
Even deeper than his passion for homeschooling was his deep love for his Lord. We may never know how many people Chris inspired to homeschool or continue homeschooling, or how many people he inspired to draw near to his Lord.
“Chris’s accomplishments as a lawyer for homeschooling are clear and of value that cannot be overstated. He was one of the most important pioneers of our movement,” says HSLDA Chairman Mike Farris. “He believed that this truly is God’s way to teach children to love God. He believed it deeply. His conviction was infectious. He was a man of single-hearted devotion that I have never, ever seen equaled. The passion that Chris felt for the mission to which God called him never, ever, ever, ever dimmed, even slightly.”
HSLDA deeply appreciates and honors Chris’s life and his dedicated contribution to our organization and to homeschooling. Our staff will miss him more than we can express, and we are praying with and for his family. The homeschooling movement has lost one of its greatest advocates and friends, but Chris leaves an incredible legacy of freedom and awareness of homeschooling to the thousands of homeschooled students whose parents have made The Right Choice.
”I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.“ II Timothy 4:7-8
”Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.“ Revelation 2:10
Friday, October 9, 2009
Weekly homeschool highlights 10-9-09
Well, I really don't have must to highlight this week. Since we took three weeks to cover Mexico, this week was a bit light. They read and did math everyday with a splash of Mexico thrown in. They really got a kick out of learning spanish words and sayings. I was excited cuz I knew how to say all of them. After three years of spanish in HS, a little stuck with me. But all the rest, I'm gonna look stupid. :)
They did go to MAFA again on Wednesday. They were learning about WWI and WWII, so they made trenches out of homemade play dough. They were so excited. This is such a blessing to me. One of the people that run it asked me if I'd like to be a teacher's assistant, then one of my kids would be free. Hmm....It sounds tempting, right? But this is MY time. Three hours of no kids...guarenteed. I thought about it, but I just couldn't do it. I NEED my alone time. I was able to download all my Christmas songs into my computer so I could put them in my iPod later. That took an hour to do. I could never have done that at home.
Today it has been raining non stop up here. I feel like I need a boat to go anywhere. So they've been playing all day and watching movies while I bake. I did mix them some imprompto play dough out of flour and water. They loved it! They sat there and played for an hour playing. I was shocked, but happy.
How did your week go?
Friday, October 2, 2009
Weekly homeschool highlights
I'm gonna try to write the highlights every week, just so I remember.
Let me see.....what did we do? Well, we did make our tissue paper flowers for our fiesta that we were supposed to do today. But we have had a couple of choppy weeks, so the fiesta will wait til next week. It didn't help that I didn't get my library books for Mexico til the end of the week. But, that's ok. In the winter, when we are stuck inside all the time, I'll have plenty of time to keep up and do everything at the right time.
We also tried out MAFA. (Masters Academy of Fine Arts) It meets Wednesdays from 1-4 all year long. The bonus is that I don't have to teach!!!I get an actual break every week. It teaches them art, drama, music and history all within the same century. This year they are studying the modern century. So they are gonna learn about the last 100 years. Both of my kids loved it. I was surprised that little man loved it. He is my anti-fun, anti-everything guy. But he was excited afterwards. So we are gonna sign up next week. The other moms and I will go out to McDonald's and let the little kids play while we talk. I won't have any kids to watch. Three hours of silence from my children. Music to my ears. :)
Today we went to the fire department for a field trip. My hubby did our tour. My kids love to go and look at the trucks. They probably could've done the tour themselves, they've been there a million times. :) But it was fun still. And we'll be there on Sunday for the open house.
What were your highlights?
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