Monday, April 23, 2012

Planning ahead

On Friday we had a chance to hop into the Midwest Homeschool Convention. It was much different from last year. We only went down for the day and we had the kids. Dan came for the morning and then he had a meeting to go to.

It was still a blessing. A friend gave us a ticket to attend so that was super exciting. I think this will be a good time each year to go and just get rejuvenated and ready for the rest of the year, and excited about the next year.

We are figuring out exactly what we want to do for next year. Isaac did K12 this year and for now the plan is to continue for next year. There are a few things I don't love so we will be supplementing, but for the most part he is taken care of. Bubba, is a different story. He is just within the cut off date so we could legally start him. He is very ready for some curriculum, but we aren't sure we want him to be that young.

So, we decided to start him on K curriculum and see how he does. The beauty of homeschooling him is that we can move him ahead at his own pace.

Here is what next year looks like for each of our kiddos so far

Isaac:
K12- Math, Language Arts, History, Science, Art, and Music
Explode the code- Phonics practice
A Reason for- Handwriting and Spelling.  I love love love these. I am still a big fan of HWT, but I think this should be a great fit for us this year.

Bubba:
Learn to read in 100 Easy Lessons- Reading
Explode the code- Phonics
A Reason For- Handwriting
Math U See (?)- We haven't 100% committed to math yet.
He will sit in on History, Science, Art, and Music with us as well.

Little Man:
Preschool toys and busy bags
Starfall
Learning letters, shapes, and colors

I always love picking and organizing all our new curriculum. I think it is like Christmas morning for me. It may as well be it cost more than Christmas. :)

Did anyone else go to the convention? What did you find?

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

sweetness






These little girls are so much fun, and my boys LOVE them so. Isaac was so excited that they were here today so he could read to them. I am so excited for our baby sister to be home. These boys will spoil her rotten.

Another day

I  went to bed too late last night. Again. Two different children woke up twice last night. At one point I was awoke by my  2 year old poking me in the face with a fork. Why? I don't know, but it was not a pleasant way to wake up at 4 am. At 3am my 4 year old crawled into bed with us and kicked me in the stomach. Then the alarms start going off at 5:40.     I'M TIRED.

Then a quick trip to the dentist to have them saw down a new crown. Once home I now have two kids with low grade fevers and a terrible case of the whines. I have a sink full of dishes, counters covered in STUFF, and loads and loads of laundry to do. Did I mention, I'm tired. Really, really tired.

However, I am thankful that I got to bed late last night because I was spending time with people I love. I was able to spend time with two of my beautiful friends who are also adopting. I'm so thankful that God has put other women in my life who understand the ups and downs of this journey. Then when I got home I am thankful that I stayed up to talk to the most wonderful man ever.

I am thankful that my hubby stayed home this morning so I could go to the dentist alone! I am thankful that the dentist trip should relieve some of my tooth pain I've been having. I'm thankful for coffee that should help me have energy to do the long list of chores that await my day. I'm excited to spend some time with my friends baby girls today so I can get a good baby fix.

So, I guess when I look at my day I should go the glass half full method. Because most of the tough stuff is a result of some good stuff.

Now, I will go drink some coffee. :)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Shower time

My little sis (in law) is getting married! They have waited forever and it is finally almost here! A few weeks ago I got to go back to my hometown and help throw a bridal shower for her. We had a lot of fun. It was great because all the bridesmaids had different interests so we all were able to use our own talents to make the shower happen.








It was fun because I just brought little man along with me. We had some special alone time which is very rare. He joined me at the shower and all his great aunts spoiled him rotten. I think he was on a permanent sugar high the entire time.


After the shower we went to stay the night with my best friend since middle school. Her hubby is at Basic right now, and my hubby stayed home so it was like an old fashion sleep over. We stayed up and talked until our eyes wouldn't stay open any longer. It was great. How blessed am I to have a friend who has stuck it out with me through the majority of my life! I love her and I am so so thankful for our friendship. It was a fun trip and I loved seeing family and friends. I know I am looking forward to the wedding too!