Tuesday, October 22, 2002

Most of you may know already that our new baby has arrived! She decided to come on out, nevermind that it was a week late! But we are so happy to have her, and are enjoying how she has changed our lives for the better.

Most days we have not been doing any lessons like we usually have been. The week before the baby came, I was pretty much laid up in bed, but the kids would bring me books or worksheets so that I could help them. School happened at the oddest times of the day and night. So it was not a total loss!

Yesterday, we spent most of our time learning about place value. I am still looking for ways to get this concept across a little better, so if anyone has any ideas for me, I would appreciate it! Baby Gabby listened intently while we were counting beans and discussing place value, but today, she didn't let us get too much done! She is just two weeks old, and we have a bit more time to go before she is on a more normal schedule.

Posted by at 3:33 PM

Monday, September 30, 2002

Hello everyone. Sorry I have not been posting much lately! Our daily lessons have been kind of sporadic, depending on how I am feeling on a given day. Baby Gabrielle is due tomorrow and she is not giving any indication that she wants to come out! I just hope I don't have to go on too much longer. I am ready to get back to a normal schedule. I know it will be hard with a new baby in the house, but at least I will be better able to cope physically.

Please check out our Baby Blog to see updates as I am able to post them.

Posted by at 10:15 AM

Monday, September 16, 2002

I got out of bed quite late this morning. Lately I have not been able to sleep well at night, so I'm up until the early hours. I have been using the time to print out material for the next school day so that the kids can get started without me if they can. Today, the kids woke up, played around a bit and then had cereal for their breakfast. Rachel had spent the night at grandmas house, so I sent some things along with her to do there. Sarah and Lydia started on their worksheets and then I got up and went through the rest of their work with them. I am looking for some things to do with my 4 year old as far as basics - ABC's and 123's. Does anyone have some fun and inexpensive activities that we can do together? I really want to connect with him and make it fun as well.

For the past 8 months or so, all of my kids have learned so much about babies. They have learned firsthand about how our baby is growing inside me, and how she will come out into the world. I used to feel weird about having them watch "A Baby Story" on TLC, but I have learned that it has given us so much to talk about, and they ask questions and are so ready for their baby sister to come. We only have 2 weeks or less to go now, and will be sure to let you know when Gabrielle gets here!

Posted by at 1:49 AM

Thursday, September 12, 2002

Not much got done today. Lydia and I did reading lessons 5 & 6 in her book. She said that she enjoys that time the best. She is eager to learn to read, and she loves the one on one time with me. The two older girls did their writing practice in the dining room. After I finished with Lydia, I gave Rachel and Sarah a math worksheet to work on. As I was checking their answers, we got into how to add 3 digit numbers, as well as regrouping. It's funny how naturally topics flow from one thing to another. They learned several new things yesterday, that is what I love best about homeschooling!

Posted by at 11:53 AM

Wednesday, September 11, 2002

I am allowing the children to watch the ceremonies and other things taking place today because I want them to see how our country comes together at times like this. I remember so clearly last year, on that Tuesday morning, we were about to begin our homeschool day. Of course the tv was not on, and my husband Lee, called from work and told me to turn on the tv. I saw the first plane hit the World Trade Center. I truly thought it was a terrible accident, until the facts became known that it was not an accident, but a terrorist attack. Read what I wrote later on that day.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!!

Posted by at 8:44 AM

Tuesday, September 3, 2002

We started school today as usual. After the kids brushed their teeth and got dressed, I went over the "rules" for school, just in case they forgot. As a matter of fact, I know they forgot! After a long summer of chilling out, they needed some reminding.

They seemed excited and eager to get back into the swing of things. I bought new workbooks, pencils, notebooks and all that stuff. This week will be one of review and practicing our neat writing.

Rachel will begin using textbooks for the first time. Spelling, Science and Math. I am still needing to get a good social studies book. Sarah will do a lot of workbook stuff, and worksheets that I print out or make for her.  Lydia will be learning how to read, and boy is she ready! That's what I wait for, that eagerness to learn to read. Makes the lessons so much enjoyable. Jr. will be learning some pre-reading and pre-math skills. Very basic stuff.

I will try to keep you updated on a weekly basis. With the baby on the way soon, the lessons may be very short and to the point! We'll see.

Posted by at 9:57 PM

Monday, August 12, 2002

Today is the day that public schools in Alabama begin their first day back. After witnessing the frenzy of all the Moms shopping to fulfill those ever-growing supply lists, I thanked the Lord I was not a part of it. When I was a kid, I loved doing the back-to-school shopping, probably because I was getting new stuff. But when I think of my own kids, I do not feel as if they are missing out on anything. We get new stuff all of the time. Whether it's new crayons or markers or article of clothing. It's a year-round thing for us, not just a rush before a certain day. When our first day of school rolls around, I hope it's not a big to-do. I hope my kids see it as just another day....another day to learn.

Posted by at 5:00PM