As I listen to my hubby and kids playing new video games in the other room I am beginning to think of the new year to come. What do I want to accomplish? What goals to I want to set and hopefully meet? Time seems to be in overdrive. The days, weeks and months are going by so quickly I can't really catch my breath. But I feel the need for a game plan.
For the last few years I have felt that I am at the mercy of life. What's the use in making plans if I can't reach them. I have felt beaten down by just life. Every day life. I don't want to feel like that anymore. I want to set goals, reach those goals and feel good about things again.
I'm not saying that my life has been awful, wonderful things have happened in the last year. It just seems like the stress and the bad stuff makes it where I cannot enjoy the good stuff.
So I'm going to take some time in the next week to reflect and determine what I want to focus on. Then I'm going to make a plan of action. One that can be carried out. Nothing so far out there that it realistically cannot be done. That only sets you up for failure.
Along with all this I need to come to terms with the knowledge that my family and I are never going to fit into what is considered the norm here where we live. We are different. We homeschool, we beat to our own drummer and that's okay. I also need to face up to the fact that our beliefs about life and spirituality are different than most. It is scary being different. But we have to be who we are not who others think we should be. Just some thoughts at the end of Christmas Day.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Merry Christmas!
I know it's been a long while since I posted. What can I say Nutcracker just took up every extra minute we had. It was such a wonderful experience. T threw himself into the role of the Nutcracker with everything he had. I was so proud to see him shine up on that stage. This experience has brought about so many positive changes in him. He is more focused, driven, and is even setting his own goals. The ballet company that he is a member of is a wonderful way for teens to find their way and grow up among other dedicated and focused teens.
Poogie was also a shining star on stage. This being her second Nutcracker was much easier. The bon bon routine was faster and more challenging than last year but she loved every minute of it. I will post pictures soon. I just need to find some "free time" in which to do it.
I have been working part-time for the last several weeks to supplement our income. I have to say it is nice to have the extra cash but exhausting to try to do it all. It will get better when we are all over this crud and are feeling better. It is that time of year when we all get the sinus crud, fun fun.
My plans over the holiday break mostly consist of continuing school and preparing for the second semester. I may take a day to rest, that would be a nice treat:) I hope all of you find time to chill and enjoy your families this holiday season too.
Poogie was also a shining star on stage. This being her second Nutcracker was much easier. The bon bon routine was faster and more challenging than last year but she loved every minute of it. I will post pictures soon. I just need to find some "free time" in which to do it.
I have been working part-time for the last several weeks to supplement our income. I have to say it is nice to have the extra cash but exhausting to try to do it all. It will get better when we are all over this crud and are feeling better. It is that time of year when we all get the sinus crud, fun fun.
My plans over the holiday break mostly consist of continuing school and preparing for the second semester. I may take a day to rest, that would be a nice treat:) I hope all of you find time to chill and enjoy your families this holiday season too.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
It's Nutcracker Time!
It seems only a few months ago we were preparing for Poogie's first Nutcracker. Now here we are again busy with rehearsals, dance classes, costume fittings and all that goes along with preparing for The Nutcracker. The difference this year is I have two performers, not one. Not only is T the Nutcracker Prince, but Poogie will be a tumbling Bon Bon again.
I am so excited for both of them. Poogie has worked her butt off to perfect the tumbling tricks, especially the back-handspring for this performance. T is so excited to be the Nutcracker Prince and he has been blessed to have the sweetest Clare ever. The look adorable together and will light up the stage. This year's performance will require T to lift and truly dance with a girl like he's never done before.
My time has been spend doing Ballet Arts work to get ready for the event. I love being involved and have enjoyed every minute of it. It has been so much fun since T became a member of the group.
Alas, it can't be all wonderful. It has been a time of trials too. As with any other activity there are those that are left out of roles or do not get the ones they hope to get. I know this will be something we have to deal with in the future also. But for now I want to enjoy and bask in the wonderful honor my children have been given to be part of such a wonderful production. My heart hurts for those dancers who did not receive the roles they wanted. I tell my children that you don't always get what you want. But you must enjoy what you do receive. That one day they too will be faced with not getting the roles or parts they want. But what they are given they must do their best, because it may lead to something greater.
That said, if you are in my area come and see the 2010 Nutcracker! I can promise you a great production. :)
I am so excited for both of them. Poogie has worked her butt off to perfect the tumbling tricks, especially the back-handspring for this performance. T is so excited to be the Nutcracker Prince and he has been blessed to have the sweetest Clare ever. The look adorable together and will light up the stage. This year's performance will require T to lift and truly dance with a girl like he's never done before.
My time has been spend doing Ballet Arts work to get ready for the event. I love being involved and have enjoyed every minute of it. It has been so much fun since T became a member of the group.
Alas, it can't be all wonderful. It has been a time of trials too. As with any other activity there are those that are left out of roles or do not get the ones they hope to get. I know this will be something we have to deal with in the future also. But for now I want to enjoy and bask in the wonderful honor my children have been given to be part of such a wonderful production. My heart hurts for those dancers who did not receive the roles they wanted. I tell my children that you don't always get what you want. But you must enjoy what you do receive. That one day they too will be faced with not getting the roles or parts they want. But what they are given they must do their best, because it may lead to something greater.
That said, if you are in my area come and see the 2010 Nutcracker! I can promise you a great production. :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
They are growing up so fast.
This is my sweet Poogie. I can't believe how much she has grown up in the last year. I wish I would have gotten a picture of her with her hair down but that is hard to get. Her hair is so long and she wears it up most of the time. At least the picture shows off her sweet smile.
I am in shock when I see this picture. Can this be my little boy?? Wow what a difference a few years make. I am proud of the young man he has become. He is a good soul. Can't wait to see what the next few years bring.
I am in shock when I see this picture. Can this be my little boy?? Wow what a difference a few years make. I am proud of the young man he has become. He is a good soul. Can't wait to see what the next few years bring.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Update!!
We have had a busy, unusual and exciting start to the school year. We are not only a Ballet Arts family, but my son T is this years Nutcracker Prince!! I can't believe that he has come so far in less than a year. He is so excited. Of course this means that we will have even more rehearsals and time at the studio than we already do but it will so be worth it. T loves dancing. His favorite classes are ballet, jazz and tap. He takes too many for me to count, lol. He is also taking hip hop, which is not his favorite class but he keeps working at it. It is awesome how your children can surprise you. We haven't found out yet if Poogie is a Bon Bon this year or not. Hate the waiting.
As far as school goes we have had a wild year. We started out okay, but Poogie wasn't being the most cooperative child. Everyday she wanted to go to school. Several of the kids she knows returned to school this year and she thought it would be fun. I told her no, I knew it would be hard on her with her stomach issues. Then my hubby didn't work for almost 2 months and I thought I was going to have to return to work at least as a substitute. So I gave in and enrolled her in school. Biggest mistake we ever made. By the second day she was back on her stomach medicine, crying all the time and stressed to the max. What is funny the stress didn't come from her knowing how to do the school work or not, it was from the other stuff. What did the teacher want her to do, what was the homework assignment. She wasn't given a buddy, or anyone to help her. She couldn't' hear the teacher most of the time over the talking of the other students. And every lesson was rushed through where she couldn't tell me what it was about. It was like going back in time 3 years ago to T being in school. Needless to say she is so much happier and appreciates being at home so much more. I will not be returning to work, end of story. My kids and I are happy homeschooling and that is what we will keep doing
The few days that Poogie was in school I was so shocked at what little time I got to spend with her. A few minutes here, another few minutes there. I missed being with her. Heck, I miss them even when I do get away for a few hours to myself. I like being with my kids and they like being with me and my hubby. I cannot imagine spending just a few minutes a day with them and those few doing homework or whatever. I hope I have to never return to work until at least T is graduated from high school and even then I want to have that time with Poogie. You only get these few short years with them at home, I want to cherish every moment. No regrets.
As far as school goes we have had a wild year. We started out okay, but Poogie wasn't being the most cooperative child. Everyday she wanted to go to school. Several of the kids she knows returned to school this year and she thought it would be fun. I told her no, I knew it would be hard on her with her stomach issues. Then my hubby didn't work for almost 2 months and I thought I was going to have to return to work at least as a substitute. So I gave in and enrolled her in school. Biggest mistake we ever made. By the second day she was back on her stomach medicine, crying all the time and stressed to the max. What is funny the stress didn't come from her knowing how to do the school work or not, it was from the other stuff. What did the teacher want her to do, what was the homework assignment. She wasn't given a buddy, or anyone to help her. She couldn't' hear the teacher most of the time over the talking of the other students. And every lesson was rushed through where she couldn't tell me what it was about. It was like going back in time 3 years ago to T being in school. Needless to say she is so much happier and appreciates being at home so much more. I will not be returning to work, end of story. My kids and I are happy homeschooling and that is what we will keep doing
The few days that Poogie was in school I was so shocked at what little time I got to spend with her. A few minutes here, another few minutes there. I missed being with her. Heck, I miss them even when I do get away for a few hours to myself. I like being with my kids and they like being with me and my hubby. I cannot imagine spending just a few minutes a day with them and those few doing homework or whatever. I hope I have to never return to work until at least T is graduated from high school and even then I want to have that time with Poogie. You only get these few short years with them at home, I want to cherish every moment. No regrets.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Just in case you didn't know....
we are a Ballet Arts family. T is a first year trainee in the company. He is so excited. Now all he has to do is dance and work hard till the parts are given for Nutcracker. He is taking lots of dance classes. I stopped counting at 6. But he's loving it. So now we are at the studio 5 days a week. So what's a few more when rehearsals start.
Poogie is enjoying her 4th year ballet class. She got to move on up an extra year and is loving it. She is also taking 2 other ballet classes, 2 jazz, 2 acrobats, and 1 tap. But she helps out in other classes especially hip hop, she loves it. Since starting back in acro she has been working on her standing back handspring, which she finally got last week, and the side aerial. Not too bad for an 8 year old. She amazes me everyday.
Poogie is enjoying her 4th year ballet class. She got to move on up an extra year and is loving it. She is also taking 2 other ballet classes, 2 jazz, 2 acrobats, and 1 tap. But she helps out in other classes especially hip hop, she loves it. Since starting back in acro she has been working on her standing back handspring, which she finally got last week, and the side aerial. Not too bad for an 8 year old. She amazes me everyday.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Summer's End
The days of sleeping in, staying up late and spending all day in the pool are almost over. The kids attended their last summer dance classes for July, and have a whole two weeks off. It feels like it just begun and now another school year is upon us.
We have been busy this summer with dance, hanging with friends, being lazy, and just plain having fun. I was so lucky to get to watch T dance in his final day of classes. He amazed me at the progress he has made in such a short time. This crazy ride he has taken us on with dance has been well worth it. Yes, I do get tired of going to the studio and setting there for hours several days a week. But when I see the smiles on their faces when they accomplish something they have worked so hard for, it is well worth it. I can't wait to see what this year brings with dance. I now have the privilege to have two dancers in the family. What's funny is I keep saying how surprised I am about it. But, then I remember that dancing was how my hubby and I met. Weird, huh. I guess they might get it from us after all:)
We have been busy this summer with dance, hanging with friends, being lazy, and just plain having fun. I was so lucky to get to watch T dance in his final day of classes. He amazed me at the progress he has made in such a short time. This crazy ride he has taken us on with dance has been well worth it. Yes, I do get tired of going to the studio and setting there for hours several days a week. But when I see the smiles on their faces when they accomplish something they have worked so hard for, it is well worth it. I can't wait to see what this year brings with dance. I now have the privilege to have two dancers in the family. What's funny is I keep saying how surprised I am about it. But, then I remember that dancing was how my hubby and I met. Weird, huh. I guess they might get it from us after all:)
Saturday, July 17, 2010
It's HOT!
I feel like I'm setting on the sun! That's the best way to describe what it has felt like being outside the last week or so. Today wasn't too bad if you were in the pool, otherwise it was way to hot. Since Mother Nature has turned up the heat my central air system decided to act up. It is out of freon. Thank goodness my hubby found a wonderful gentleman to come and charge it up. I was so glad to see the man I think I scared him a little, but it was getting way to warm in this house. Of course it wasn't cheap but you cannot put a price on cool air, lol.
I've been spending my days cleaning and organizing the house for fall. Working out a list of dinners to use to plan my grocery lists, and of course making lesson plans. I've squeezed in some time to hang out with my girlfriend, and layout in our pool. But mostly I've been busy working on the house. It's still a work in progress, but hopefully in the next few weeks it will be done.
While I have been cleaning and laying out and all this I have been thinking too. I have been thinking about what I am going to do. I know sooner or later, and probably sooner I will have to go back to work. I am hoping it will be after T graduates in 5 years but it may be sooner. It all depends on how my hubby's job works out and right now it isn't working. There are several fields I am interested in, but it is hard to make up my mind. I know I do not want to go back to teaching. The only way would be if I could teach college level science and that isn't going to happen. I really don't have time to go back to school but it is a must for what I'd like to do. Decisions, decisions. Hmmmm.
I've been spending my days cleaning and organizing the house for fall. Working out a list of dinners to use to plan my grocery lists, and of course making lesson plans. I've squeezed in some time to hang out with my girlfriend, and layout in our pool. But mostly I've been busy working on the house. It's still a work in progress, but hopefully in the next few weeks it will be done.
While I have been cleaning and laying out and all this I have been thinking too. I have been thinking about what I am going to do. I know sooner or later, and probably sooner I will have to go back to work. I am hoping it will be after T graduates in 5 years but it may be sooner. It all depends on how my hubby's job works out and right now it isn't working. There are several fields I am interested in, but it is hard to make up my mind. I know I do not want to go back to teaching. The only way would be if I could teach college level science and that isn't going to happen. I really don't have time to go back to school but it is a must for what I'd like to do. Decisions, decisions. Hmmmm.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Stomach aches!
I haven't been posting much lately. Been trying to enjoy our short break this summer. It has been hard enjoying it all with Poogie not feeling well. She has been having problems with her stomach. It's more like heartburn of all things. I mean she's 8, she shouldn't have to deal with heart burn. We changed her diet and waited to get in to see her doctor today. He checked her for all the normal stuff and decided to put her on an heartburn medicine for a few weeks to see if that works. I hope it does. I hate her having such a bad time of it.
On top of all this she started her back handspring class last week. And T started ballet and tap. Poogie really wants to master this bh and get it over with. Well, bless her heart she ended up spraining her wrist yesterday in class. The doctor says she shouldn't flip tomorrow. I just want her to heal and feel better.
I have been so busy with family stuff that I have neglected my lesson planning for the upcoming school year. So for the last few days I have been working on science and history plans. I am ready to have it all planned out and over with to start our new year.
Well, I'm gonna enjoy some much needed quiet time.
On top of all this she started her back handspring class last week. And T started ballet and tap. Poogie really wants to master this bh and get it over with. Well, bless her heart she ended up spraining her wrist yesterday in class. The doctor says she shouldn't flip tomorrow. I just want her to heal and feel better.
I have been so busy with family stuff that I have neglected my lesson planning for the upcoming school year. So for the last few days I have been working on science and history plans. I am ready to have it all planned out and over with to start our new year.
Well, I'm gonna enjoy some much needed quiet time.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
What's going on?
We have been one busy family the last few weeks. We made it through recital as you can see by the beautiful pictures above. Maddie was a little heartbroken that my hubby wasn't here, but she went through it lie a trooper. When her daddy finally did make it home she received a pool as a present. Not too shabby. She helped my hubby put it up yesterday while I took T to his first summer intensive dance class. He was invited to work with one of the dancer from the Joffrey Ballet. The gentleman was very nice, but he pushed them really hard. T was so sore today, lol. But he can't wait to go back tomorrow, so it must we worth it.
I also have been in the process of ordering our curriculum for next year. It's like X-Mas around here with all the packages coming in. This is a small list of the things I have planned.
For Both Poogie and T I will be doing a literature based History curriculum of Early American History based on The Otter curriculum. I put the link on here in an earlier post and I have it posted on my side bar. For it I have purchased tons of books. Most of them have been used but the consumable ones are new. T will also be doing SOS Tennessee History.
Science: I am also following The Otter Science curriculum for the first semester. It is a study of the human body. I am using the chapters in Apologia General Science for T and literature books for Poogie. During second semester T will be doing Real Science for Kids Chemistry. And Poogie will do Life Science and Landforms by REAL science.
Math: For Poogie I will be using Saxon 3. She loves it and if it isn't broke I'm not gonna fix it. T will be using Teaching Textbooks again.
English: Poogie will be using BJU Spelling and English 3. I wanted to use a secular curriculum, but I find BJU a well written curriculum and we can leave out what we don't want to use. She will be using an Evan Moore book I purchased for handwriting. T is using Easy Grammar Ultimate 8, Write Shop, Word Wise 3000, and Editor in Chief. That is what works for him so we are keeping it.
Literature: Our list of literature for this year is long. Some examples of read alouds are: The Birchbark House, Calico Captive, and The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Poogie will also be reading chapter books and readers on our history and science subjects. T will be reading the books I read aloud to Poogie along with Across Five Aprils, To Kill a Mockingbird, Summer of My German Soldier and Out of the Dust.
I still have lots of planning to do but I am looking forward to it. I will keep posting as I keep planning. Till then.
I also have been in the process of ordering our curriculum for next year. It's like X-Mas around here with all the packages coming in. This is a small list of the things I have planned.
For Both Poogie and T I will be doing a literature based History curriculum of Early American History based on The Otter curriculum. I put the link on here in an earlier post and I have it posted on my side bar. For it I have purchased tons of books. Most of them have been used but the consumable ones are new. T will also be doing SOS Tennessee History.
Science: I am also following The Otter Science curriculum for the first semester. It is a study of the human body. I am using the chapters in Apologia General Science for T and literature books for Poogie. During second semester T will be doing Real Science for Kids Chemistry. And Poogie will do Life Science and Landforms by REAL science.
Math: For Poogie I will be using Saxon 3. She loves it and if it isn't broke I'm not gonna fix it. T will be using Teaching Textbooks again.
English: Poogie will be using BJU Spelling and English 3. I wanted to use a secular curriculum, but I find BJU a well written curriculum and we can leave out what we don't want to use. She will be using an Evan Moore book I purchased for handwriting. T is using Easy Grammar Ultimate 8, Write Shop, Word Wise 3000, and Editor in Chief. That is what works for him so we are keeping it.
Literature: Our list of literature for this year is long. Some examples of read alouds are: The Birchbark House, Calico Captive, and The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Poogie will also be reading chapter books and readers on our history and science subjects. T will be reading the books I read aloud to Poogie along with Across Five Aprils, To Kill a Mockingbird, Summer of My German Soldier and Out of the Dust.
I still have lots of planning to do but I am looking forward to it. I will keep posting as I keep planning. Till then.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Summer Break is here!!
We made it through recital! And now we have at least a few weeks of no dance for summer break! What will I do with all that time? So far I have spent it getting school stuff ready for next year. Working on Poogie and T's literature based history curriculum. The main time sucker with that is finding all the books I need at the library on online really cheap. I've had really good luck so far.
We are all excited about this new approach to learning. T is especially happy since he loves to learn about a history subject in greater depth than the textbooks allow. So we will see. I will post more when I get it all together.
We are all excited about this new approach to learning. T is especially happy since he loves to learn about a history subject in greater depth than the textbooks allow. So we will see. I will post more when I get it all together.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Happy Memorial Day!
We celebrated Memorial Day with a green Ogar and a crazy Donkey! Yes, we ventured out to see the latest Shrek movie. It was okay. I think they should have stopped after the second one, but hey who wants my opinion. This one was different but not as funny as the first two. I still laugh at Donkey and Puss in Boots every time.
Now we prepare for Civic Center week. This is my third Civic Center week of the year and will probably be my easiest. We have studio rehearsal tomorrow. Then we have two days of dress rehearsal at the Civic Center. Every thing about Poogie's dance studio is very organized and run very professionally. I have been happy with our experiences in the last two years. Now T's Cinderella rehearsals did run long and were exhausting but so worth it when you saw the dancers on stage. Poogie is just ready to strut her stuff, lol. I'm just ready for a break. After Saturday I will finally get one, I hope. So now off to bed to relax before everything gets crazy around here.
Now we prepare for Civic Center week. This is my third Civic Center week of the year and will probably be my easiest. We have studio rehearsal tomorrow. Then we have two days of dress rehearsal at the Civic Center. Every thing about Poogie's dance studio is very organized and run very professionally. I have been happy with our experiences in the last two years. Now T's Cinderella rehearsals did run long and were exhausting but so worth it when you saw the dancers on stage. Poogie is just ready to strut her stuff, lol. I'm just ready for a break. After Saturday I will finally get one, I hope. So now off to bed to relax before everything gets crazy around here.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
I've been a busy little bee.
It always seems like there is always something to do around here. Today was not exception. I started the day mowing our 2 and half+ acres. Not an easy thing to do when there's a million things to cut around. But I accomplished the task. And I even planned ahead for dinner. The kids wanted BBQ spare ribs in the crock pot. Easy to make an melts in your mouth. My mom took pity on me and made my favorite potato salad. So I baked an apple cobbler for desert and some cinnamon bread for breakfast while the oven was hot.
After a few minutes of rest I decided to begin working on finishing the decorations in Poogies room. All went well I was even able to use my Cricut to do some of the decor with vinyl. I can't show the actual picture of that creation on here because it also shows some personal info but I can show the cool collage we made to go on her long wall. We plan on putting a dance quote on the wall next to it with the vinyl. She choose all the pictures from the last year of dance that she loved. We can change them as things change.
Poogie has been busy herself. She has created the cutest thing. She began posting sign up lists on her door today. As of the week after recital she will be offering dance and zumba classes. She came to T and I to ask us if we wanted to sign up and if we wanted to take a class or private lessons. I mean how cute is that. T would benefit from it since she is more advanced than him in all forms of dance. He just says that she is a tough teacher and expects him to be perfect. Well she expects that of everyone including herself. I just thought is was so sweet. She always does lessons with her American Girl dolls so I guess she's branching out, lol.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
R.I.P. Sony Cybershot
That's right my camera died. Right before recital too! I can't say that I loved the camera, it was okay. But it would have gotten me through recital. Alas, this did not happen so I must with much regret purchase a new one.
How did this happen. Well, I removed the memory card a while back and the end started to crack. I should have replaced it then, but hey it worked so why worry. Last week while removing it to download my son's scout pictures it fell apart. I got the photos off thankfully, but parts of the memory card were still in my camera. I shook it a little and a few pieces fell out, couldn't see anymore so I thought problem solved. NOT! I purchased a new memory card, which I should have done months ago and tried to put it in the camera. It wouldn't go in all the way. After looking with a flashlight I saw a large piece of the old memory card. Needless to say it did not come out without a struggle and the camera died in the end. It still takes photos but none of the buttons for settings works on the back.
So I spent all evening shopping for a new camera online. I knew what I really wanted was a new DSLR, but my budget just couldn't handle purchasing the one I want. The entry level ones are not what I want so I decided to get another good upper level digital. So I searched and read and searched and read until finally I narrowed it down to three choices. They were all a step above my Sony but beat out some of the entry DSLR's when it came to zoom and mega pixels.
So off I go to town thinking that one of the handful of stores would have one of these three cameras! Ha, after hours of searching I only found one. The one I really wanted and only the display model was left!!! So in the end I ordered it online. It will be here Tuesday! Just in time for me to take some photos at home of Poogie in all her dance costumes, and for me to get familiar with a new camera.
What did I end up getting? It is a Canon Powershot SX20IS. I think it will suit my needs for now. I will have to save for a while to get my DSLR and the lenses I want but it will be worth the wait. I'll let you know how it goes:)
How did this happen. Well, I removed the memory card a while back and the end started to crack. I should have replaced it then, but hey it worked so why worry. Last week while removing it to download my son's scout pictures it fell apart. I got the photos off thankfully, but parts of the memory card were still in my camera. I shook it a little and a few pieces fell out, couldn't see anymore so I thought problem solved. NOT! I purchased a new memory card, which I should have done months ago and tried to put it in the camera. It wouldn't go in all the way. After looking with a flashlight I saw a large piece of the old memory card. Needless to say it did not come out without a struggle and the camera died in the end. It still takes photos but none of the buttons for settings works on the back.
So I spent all evening shopping for a new camera online. I knew what I really wanted was a new DSLR, but my budget just couldn't handle purchasing the one I want. The entry level ones are not what I want so I decided to get another good upper level digital. So I searched and read and searched and read until finally I narrowed it down to three choices. They were all a step above my Sony but beat out some of the entry DSLR's when it came to zoom and mega pixels.
So off I go to town thinking that one of the handful of stores would have one of these three cameras! Ha, after hours of searching I only found one. The one I really wanted and only the display model was left!!! So in the end I ordered it online. It will be here Tuesday! Just in time for me to take some photos at home of Poogie in all her dance costumes, and for me to get familiar with a new camera.
What did I end up getting? It is a Canon Powershot SX20IS. I think it will suit my needs for now. I will have to save for a while to get my DSLR and the lenses I want but it will be worth the wait. I'll let you know how it goes:)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A New Blog
I am really excited for one of my friends from high school who has started a blog about her wonderful recipes. I haven't had a chance to test any of her great food, but after reading her facebook posts everyday I am ready to try.
So check it out, it's called Dishin with Denise!
So check it out, it's called Dishin with Denise!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Summer plans
I said we would have a lazy summer. Maybe some art classes for Poogie, and some dance for T. Well that just went out the window, lol. We got the summer dance class schedule and they are both wanting to take some classes in July. It would be good for T to prepare for next year and Poogie wants to work on one specific thing.
I did make T choose between boy scout camp and dance, he choose dance. I just don't let them do everything, it's too much. They need down time to be kids. Poogie loves to play with her American Girl dolls, play basketball and ride her 4 wheeler and T likes to video game it. At least we have June to kind of chill out. And I don't plan on starting back to school until the second or third week of August. We will have a summer!!
I did make T choose between boy scout camp and dance, he choose dance. I just don't let them do everything, it's too much. They need down time to be kids. Poogie loves to play with her American Girl dolls, play basketball and ride her 4 wheeler and T likes to video game it. At least we have June to kind of chill out. And I don't plan on starting back to school until the second or third week of August. We will have a summer!!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
To Do List
Since things are getting ready to slow down for the summer I made a to do list of things I would like to get accomplished in the upcoming months. Some I have to rely on my hubby to do when he is home, but others I can accomplish myself. So here is my list (it ranges from household stuff to school stuff)
What I have accomplished so far:
What I have accomplished so far:
- Painted and redone our master bathroom.
- cleaned out and reorganized our walk in closet.
What I still want to do:
- replace shutters on all windows.
- extend and redo our front deck.
- build a small deck on back
- make a nice run for the dogs
- repaint the living room and kitchen
- refinish my bedside tables
- paint my scrapbook cabinet.
- purchase and organize the kids school work for the first semester
- complete the decorations in Poogie's room.
- Paint and rearrange my master bedroom
That is all I have so far, but I do believe it will keep me busy for a while. Since we decided against purchasing a new home right now, I want to make the one we have a little nicer. It's a work in progress, lol.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
It's starting to finally feel like summer!
I feel like I have come out of my shell. The weather has begun to warm up, with a nice breeze in the air. I have awaken from my cave and now I am ready to stretch my legs, lol. After such a long winter and a rainy cool spring I am really enjoying myself. I started by buying me a few new pieces of clothing. That was fun and made me feel so much better when I didn't have to get a size larger like I thought I would after eating so much. I am tanning a little to get some color on my pasty skin. And I am taking better care of myself inside and out.
Of course, it is a work in progress. But it is fun work. I just ordered a set of zumba DVD's for the kids and me to workout to this summer. I can't and don't really want to make the long drive to town for a short daily class so we will have one at home. Poogie and T like to do it too, so it will be money well spent.
We also plan on doing some art lessons together. Poogie is very interested in art right now so I hope to get her in some classes this summer. Poogie and I plan on starting our nature journal soon.
T is will be working on moving up in his boy scout troop and improving his dancing skills with classes through the summer.
Of course, I have been busy wrapping up this school year, working toward recital with Poogie and buying new summer clothes for both of them. I took Poogie last weekend to get the basics of her summer wardrobe and will take T this weekend or the next to get his. It's not cheap but its worth it. They enjoy getting the new clothes and love shopping. I have to say it's worth the sacrifices we make to give our kids what they need and sometimes what they want.
Till later, enjoy the great weather.
Of course, it is a work in progress. But it is fun work. I just ordered a set of zumba DVD's for the kids and me to workout to this summer. I can't and don't really want to make the long drive to town for a short daily class so we will have one at home. Poogie and T like to do it too, so it will be money well spent.
We also plan on doing some art lessons together. Poogie is very interested in art right now so I hope to get her in some classes this summer. Poogie and I plan on starting our nature journal soon.
T is will be working on moving up in his boy scout troop and improving his dancing skills with classes through the summer.
Of course, I have been busy wrapping up this school year, working toward recital with Poogie and buying new summer clothes for both of them. I took Poogie last weekend to get the basics of her summer wardrobe and will take T this weekend or the next to get his. It's not cheap but its worth it. They enjoy getting the new clothes and love shopping. I have to say it's worth the sacrifices we make to give our kids what they need and sometimes what they want.
Till later, enjoy the great weather.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Great find!
I have been spending a lot of my down time looking for next years curriculum. I thought I had found what I wanted but the kids changed my mind. They are so burned out on the textbook learning. Both of them want to enjoy science and history, their two favorite subjects. So I began to search for secular literature based curriculum. I like Sonlight and still plan on using it for Poogie for reading. But while searching through several new web sites and blogs I found a wonderful curriculum suggestion. It's called Otter science and Otter history. It is a free literature based science and history curriculum for Poogie and can even be adapted for T. There are tons of books with the history curriculum, some to purchase and some to get at the library. Many of the ones that needed to be purchased I have already found really super cheap on Vegsource and other sites. In other words I just wanted to let you all know about this little curriculum so you can check it out.
Summers almost here. Only a few more weeks of dance, yay! Then we can have some fun. Poogie has become obsessed with basketball and art. I purchased her a great little sketch pad, watercolor pad, drawing pencils, charcoal, and brushed to start her own nature journal. She was inspired by a book I picked up at the library, A Diary of an Edwardian Lady. I believe that is the title anyway, I can't find it at the moment. Poogie hasn't put it down since I brought it home. We also purchased her a new basketball goal since a storm a while back destroyed hers. That should keep us busy for a while, lol.
Well, I must go for now. Have a great day.
Summers almost here. Only a few more weeks of dance, yay! Then we can have some fun. Poogie has become obsessed with basketball and art. I purchased her a great little sketch pad, watercolor pad, drawing pencils, charcoal, and brushed to start her own nature journal. She was inspired by a book I picked up at the library, A Diary of an Edwardian Lady. I believe that is the title anyway, I can't find it at the moment. Poogie hasn't put it down since I brought it home. We also purchased her a new basketball goal since a storm a while back destroyed hers. That should keep us busy for a while, lol.
Well, I must go for now. Have a great day.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
We survived!
We officially made it through the flood of 2010! Wow. I have been living here for 15 years and I have never seen so much water. It pretty much shut down the whole area. Roads were closed due to flooding, damage or the road was completely gone. We spent two sleepless nights of one tornado warning after another. Rain that just never stopped. And way too much time stuck inside a house with 2 bored, exhausted kids and a very restless American Bulldog.
But we made it and now I am ready for things to get back to normal. Don't know when everything will be back to normal since several of the main roads are still closed, but at least we don't have to hear the weather radio going off every 5 minutes.
On a good note I was able to spend the days searching and researching for our curriculum for next year. I have to say it is irritating trying to find anything other than Christian curriculum. Now, don't misunderstand, we have enjoyed some of the BJU curriculum. It is excellent. But I want my children to be able to read a science, history or reading lesson without the influence of Christian views. I believe and have always believed that religion does not belong in the classroom. I think the great thing about going to school and learning is to gather the information about the world, all the information, not just what someone wants you to learn, and to make your own choices based on that information. You need to know both sides of the issues, not just one. And that you are a better person for understanding the way other people live or believe, why they live or believe that way and not whether it is right or wrong but just different.
That being said I was so excited to find some great curriculum this year. For T and Poogie I finally found a secular science, Holt Science. I found it along with the all the supporting material including teachers manuals. From Holt publishers I also choose the history curriculum I will base their studies around. I plan on basing our literature read alouds and independent reading to go along with the time periods we will be learning about. I also want to purchase A History of the US from Sonlight since they will both be studying US history this year.
For T I only need a health book and maybe something extra for language arts. He already has most of the other subjects thankfully.
Poogie will be using Holt for science, definitely, and maybe history. I am debating between Holt and Sonlight. She will be using Sonlight for reading and read alouds. We will be using Saxon for math again, she loves it. And as of right now we will use Bob Jones for English, Spelling and Handwriting. We are comfortable using those and the content is very good.
Now all I have to do is finish out this school year, lol. We may be going way into the summer to complete everything, which I dread. Hopefully next year without having the YMCA cutting into two of our days a week we won't get so far behind in the fall. I hope:) Well I must go and surf the web for more curriculum. It's almost addictive!
But we made it and now I am ready for things to get back to normal. Don't know when everything will be back to normal since several of the main roads are still closed, but at least we don't have to hear the weather radio going off every 5 minutes.
On a good note I was able to spend the days searching and researching for our curriculum for next year. I have to say it is irritating trying to find anything other than Christian curriculum. Now, don't misunderstand, we have enjoyed some of the BJU curriculum. It is excellent. But I want my children to be able to read a science, history or reading lesson without the influence of Christian views. I believe and have always believed that religion does not belong in the classroom. I think the great thing about going to school and learning is to gather the information about the world, all the information, not just what someone wants you to learn, and to make your own choices based on that information. You need to know both sides of the issues, not just one. And that you are a better person for understanding the way other people live or believe, why they live or believe that way and not whether it is right or wrong but just different.
That being said I was so excited to find some great curriculum this year. For T and Poogie I finally found a secular science, Holt Science. I found it along with the all the supporting material including teachers manuals. From Holt publishers I also choose the history curriculum I will base their studies around. I plan on basing our literature read alouds and independent reading to go along with the time periods we will be learning about. I also want to purchase A History of the US from Sonlight since they will both be studying US history this year.
For T I only need a health book and maybe something extra for language arts. He already has most of the other subjects thankfully.
Poogie will be using Holt for science, definitely, and maybe history. I am debating between Holt and Sonlight. She will be using Sonlight for reading and read alouds. We will be using Saxon for math again, she loves it. And as of right now we will use Bob Jones for English, Spelling and Handwriting. We are comfortable using those and the content is very good.
Now all I have to do is finish out this school year, lol. We may be going way into the summer to complete everything, which I dread. Hopefully next year without having the YMCA cutting into two of our days a week we won't get so far behind in the fall. I hope:) Well I must go and surf the web for more curriculum. It's almost addictive!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Happy Birthday to....
ME! Yes, yes. Another year has come and gone. I get to add another number to my age. I consider it my numerical age. I don't feel anything like 38 years old, most days anyway. We had planned a fun weekend. My hubby was going to take me to Nashville Friday for my favorite food, Jack in the Box tacos and shopping. But we had to skip because Poogie had to be at dance class that day to get her costume and we wouldn't have made it back in time.
So we decided we go to Memphis on Saturday to eat and I would get to shop at Archiver's and Eclectica for scrapbooks stuff. Well, that went out the window when we were up till 5 am with one Severe Thunderstorm warning and Tornado warning after another. Then thanks to the torrential rain we are experiencing the worst flood in years. We couldn't even make it to a local town to eat out.
So trying to be sweet my hubby orders a pizza from a place close by so we can watch a movie and just chill. Well, we get home with the pizza and the power is out. Now come on, I just can't catch a break. Thankfully the power comes on and we do watch some of a movie. But, I am so tired from the lack of sleep I decide to turn in and try something different tomorrow.
It hasn't' been a bad birthday just an unusual one, one I definitely won't forget, lol.
So we decided we go to Memphis on Saturday to eat and I would get to shop at Archiver's and Eclectica for scrapbooks stuff. Well, that went out the window when we were up till 5 am with one Severe Thunderstorm warning and Tornado warning after another. Then thanks to the torrential rain we are experiencing the worst flood in years. We couldn't even make it to a local town to eat out.
So trying to be sweet my hubby orders a pizza from a place close by so we can watch a movie and just chill. Well, we get home with the pizza and the power is out. Now come on, I just can't catch a break. Thankfully the power comes on and we do watch some of a movie. But, I am so tired from the lack of sleep I decide to turn in and try something different tomorrow.
It hasn't' been a bad birthday just an unusual one, one I definitely won't forget, lol.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The lyrics of my life
I love this song by Linkin Park. It sums up all my feelings so well.
I cannot take this anymore
saying everything I said before
All these words they make no sense
I find bliss in ignorance
The less I hear the less you'll say
You'll find that out anyway.
Just like before....
Everything you say to me
Takes me one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
I need a little room to breathe
Cause I'm one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
I find the answers aren't so clear
Wishing I could find a way to disappear
All these thoughts they make no sense
I find bliss in ignorance
Nothing seems to go away
Over and over again
Just like before...
Everything you say to me
Takes me one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
I need a little room to breathe
Cause I'm one step closer to the edge
And I'm about to break
Thank you so much Linkin Park! I couldn't have said it better.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Ups and downs.
We've had some changes around our house. Been working on decluttering the house. Moving things around. Makes me feel better when everything has it's own place. It is also a good stress reliever to focus on something other than the issue at hand.
It's also been nice to just chill a little. I will just be glad when June is here and we get a break from going to the dance studio 4 days a week. We will be doing some school this summer but it will be great not to have to go somewhere every day.
I am also excited to find a secular curriculum for the next school year. Nothings locked in but I am very interested in Oak Meadow. It has been a hard year with T's science and Poogie's science and history. We just aren't having the best time. I am hoping that this will be a better fit for our homeschool.
The past month has been like a roller coaster but I am hoping that the ride is almost over and things will get back to normal. Here's hoping;)
It's also been nice to just chill a little. I will just be glad when June is here and we get a break from going to the dance studio 4 days a week. We will be doing some school this summer but it will be great not to have to go somewhere every day.
I am also excited to find a secular curriculum for the next school year. Nothings locked in but I am very interested in Oak Meadow. It has been a hard year with T's science and Poogie's science and history. We just aren't having the best time. I am hoping that this will be a better fit for our homeschool.
The past month has been like a roller coaster but I am hoping that the ride is almost over and things will get back to normal. Here's hoping;)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
New look
I decided to change the look of my blog to match my mood. I love this wall paper. It's called Bella's closet. It is very romantic and dark. Just thought it would be a little more interesting than the blue and white.
Frustration!!!
I cannot even begin to share my frustration right now. There are so many things not running smoothly in my life. First, my hubby's truck still has not been returned to us. Back story, my hubby's truck caught on fire inside last summer do to a mouse eating some electrical wires. The mechanic person that fixed it did not fix everything correctly. Such as the door locks that had worked fine before the fire no longer worked, and several other small things. So we took it back to the mechanic to fix the problems. That was a month and a week ago!! I just made another truck payment on a truck we do not have to drive. I mean he had it last year for 4 months fixing it and now another month without the truck. Frustrating!!!
Yesterday I face yet another frustration, our homeschool curriculum. For the most part I have been satisfied with my curriculum choices. My main area of stress has come in science. It is so hard to find a good science text that is secular. I believe science is science and religion is religion. They are not to be taught together. Thus I have reached my limit on trying to weed out all the religious info in my son's science text. Apologia does a good job with most concepts, as in keeping to the scientific issues. But I was so disappointed in the chapters on fossils, one of T's favorite subject. I guess from one view you could say they did offer an explanation of both views of fossils, the age of the earth, etc. But it was very heavy on the religious side. I ended up throwing out so many questions from the test I almost just said forget it no test on this module. Next year I will find a science book to fit into our needs and beliefs. In fact I am looking into whole curriculum's.
Finally, my biggest frustration has been with waiting. We are still waiting to hear whether we are going to close on the house or not. After three weeks, two of which were wasted dealing with a loan officer that was totally incompetent I am hoping to hear something today or tomorrow. I just want to know, yes or no! Then I can move on.
Sorry this has not been the best blog entry. Not uplifting or positive, but some days you just need to vent.
Yesterday I face yet another frustration, our homeschool curriculum. For the most part I have been satisfied with my curriculum choices. My main area of stress has come in science. It is so hard to find a good science text that is secular. I believe science is science and religion is religion. They are not to be taught together. Thus I have reached my limit on trying to weed out all the religious info in my son's science text. Apologia does a good job with most concepts, as in keeping to the scientific issues. But I was so disappointed in the chapters on fossils, one of T's favorite subject. I guess from one view you could say they did offer an explanation of both views of fossils, the age of the earth, etc. But it was very heavy on the religious side. I ended up throwing out so many questions from the test I almost just said forget it no test on this module. Next year I will find a science book to fit into our needs and beliefs. In fact I am looking into whole curriculum's.
Finally, my biggest frustration has been with waiting. We are still waiting to hear whether we are going to close on the house or not. After three weeks, two of which were wasted dealing with a loan officer that was totally incompetent I am hoping to hear something today or tomorrow. I just want to know, yes or no! Then I can move on.
Sorry this has not been the best blog entry. Not uplifting or positive, but some days you just need to vent.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Pictures are up!
Yes, I finally got a few of my 500+ pictures I took during Cinderella. I put up those mainly of T since it was his show. He had such a great time. And I was so proud of him. It took a lot of guts to get up in front of all those people. Poogie thrives on it, but T has always been shy. Not any more. He has the bug, lol. He can't wait for his next chance to get up on that stage. Who knew.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What have we been up to??
It's been a while since I had the time to really post a good entry in my blog. Between Cinderella, and kids being sick I haven't had a moment to spare. So here is what has been happening around here.
Today I took Poogie to Memphis to get a third opinion on her teeth. Her regular dentist has been wanting to pull her baby teeth as we go due to extreme over crowding. She wanted to go to my dentist to have her upper canines pulled because she is more comfortable with him since we are there all the time for my work. After looking at her xrays he just suggested we have her checked by and orthodontist to make sure she doesn't need help keeping all those teeth in line. So that's where we went today. The ortho we seen was so nice and determined that the extractions are the way to go. She may have to loose 4 of her small permanent molars in the end but here teeth are coming in straight when the extractions are done. So that answered that.
I have also been looking forward to the next school year. Planning and searching for curriculum. As always there are things that worked great this year, like Teaching Textbooks, and things we hated like BJU science and social studies for Poogie. I'd like to do at least one subject for each of the on the computer, maybe two for T. Math is a given and I'm thinking maybe science. We like Apologia, but it is a little overwhelming. I'd like to do Poogie's science on computer with SOS. Still thinking though.
They both want to do history by reading novels. I'm thinking Sonlight or Beautiful Feet. For Poogie I'd love to do Sonlight for reading. We are so tired of the BJU Reading. Then there is language arts. For T I will definitely stick with Word Wise and Editor in Chief. But may try Sonlight or Rod and Staff. I'm not sure with Poogie. Not really fond of BJU's layout, but the material is really good. Same with their spelling, we will keep it too. Poogie also wants to stick with Saxon math, she loves it. I wanted to try the new TT for 3rd grade but she doesn't want to try. Like I said I'm just starting to throw ideas around. We will be schooling through the summer so I have time to make the final decisions.
Everything else has been crazy. Bella, our beloved American Bulldog keeps me on my toes. She is a mess, but I thinks that's why she fits so well into our family. The kids keep me busy going to the dance studio. We made it through Cinderella alive! Now all we have is recital. Poogie is dancing 7 dances and will be in both shows. T, as far as we know, will not be in it this year.
So that's the low down on what is going on around here. Got to go for now.
Today I took Poogie to Memphis to get a third opinion on her teeth. Her regular dentist has been wanting to pull her baby teeth as we go due to extreme over crowding. She wanted to go to my dentist to have her upper canines pulled because she is more comfortable with him since we are there all the time for my work. After looking at her xrays he just suggested we have her checked by and orthodontist to make sure she doesn't need help keeping all those teeth in line. So that's where we went today. The ortho we seen was so nice and determined that the extractions are the way to go. She may have to loose 4 of her small permanent molars in the end but here teeth are coming in straight when the extractions are done. So that answered that.
I have also been looking forward to the next school year. Planning and searching for curriculum. As always there are things that worked great this year, like Teaching Textbooks, and things we hated like BJU science and social studies for Poogie. I'd like to do at least one subject for each of the on the computer, maybe two for T. Math is a given and I'm thinking maybe science. We like Apologia, but it is a little overwhelming. I'd like to do Poogie's science on computer with SOS. Still thinking though.
They both want to do history by reading novels. I'm thinking Sonlight or Beautiful Feet. For Poogie I'd love to do Sonlight for reading. We are so tired of the BJU Reading. Then there is language arts. For T I will definitely stick with Word Wise and Editor in Chief. But may try Sonlight or Rod and Staff. I'm not sure with Poogie. Not really fond of BJU's layout, but the material is really good. Same with their spelling, we will keep it too. Poogie also wants to stick with Saxon math, she loves it. I wanted to try the new TT for 3rd grade but she doesn't want to try. Like I said I'm just starting to throw ideas around. We will be schooling through the summer so I have time to make the final decisions.
Everything else has been crazy. Bella, our beloved American Bulldog keeps me on my toes. She is a mess, but I thinks that's why she fits so well into our family. The kids keep me busy going to the dance studio. We made it through Cinderella alive! Now all we have is recital. Poogie is dancing 7 dances and will be in both shows. T, as far as we know, will not be in it this year.
So that's the low down on what is going on around here. Got to go for now.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
I hope everyone had a nice Easter, I know we did. I also know I need to get some new pictures on my slide show. I have some great pictures from the production of Cinderella in which T danced in. I will try to upload those this week since we don't have any dance, it's spring break!! Don't know what I will do not having to drive to the dance studio 4 times a week, lol. I will keep busy. Sorry so short, but I am in much need of some rest.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Happy Birthday Bella!
Today my sweet Bella turned 6 months old, and weighs in at at 56 lbs. We have had her for only 3 months, and it has been a wild ride! But we wouldn't change a thing. Love you big white dog. She loves playing soccer. If you can't tell by the picture. I can't believe she has doubled in size since we got her just 3 months ago. Can't wait to see what the next 6 months will bring.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
It's Civic Center week, again!
It seems like we just finished The Nutcracker and here we are again at the Civic Center getting ready to do Cinderella. T had his first rehearsal in the CC today. He has been dancing almost every day for weeks and today marks the count down to Friday's opening show.
He has been added in Act 1 as a mouse that pulls Cinderella's carriage. So now we have to be at not only Act 2 rehearsal but Act 1 also. He is on stage so much in Act 2. That act takes place at the ball, and he is a lord that dances with the ladies at the ball. I was really proud of how calm and focused he was on the stage. I sat there thinking I would have never thought I would be here watching him up on that stage, Poogie yes, but not T. But I am so glad he has tried something new. He loves it. This has been a great learning experience for him. This week will be long and tiring but when the curtain goes up Friday it will be so worth it.
He has been added in Act 1 as a mouse that pulls Cinderella's carriage. So now we have to be at not only Act 2 rehearsal but Act 1 also. He is on stage so much in Act 2. That act takes place at the ball, and he is a lord that dances with the ladies at the ball. I was really proud of how calm and focused he was on the stage. I sat there thinking I would have never thought I would be here watching him up on that stage, Poogie yes, but not T. But I am so glad he has tried something new. He loves it. This has been a great learning experience for him. This week will be long and tiring but when the curtain goes up Friday it will be so worth it.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
School and sickness
Poogie is still sick. After another night of vomiting, dry heaves and muscle spasms we went to the doctor. Tested her for H1M1 and strep, negative. The doctor thinks it may just be a stomach bug. But she said that if it goes into next week we need to come back to test for other things including Salmonella. Ug. She did give her some meds for the cramps and pain. It seems to be working thank goodness. She has had a horrible few days. She is not much of a crier or whiner but she has really broken down with this pain.
As far as school goes, Poogie isn't doing any. T is back to his regular pace. We have added some new subjects and made some changes. First, he was moving through Easy Grammar Plus so fast I decided to add something more challenging. I purchased a used set of Rod and Staff English for him. I love R & S, him not so much. But it is challenging and I know he needs more challenge. I also purchased Word Wise 3000 for him. We were working on vocabulary with his reading but I felt he needed more.
We are also working through all the Key to... Percentages, Fractions and Decimals in a certain order to hopefully get the most from the series. After hitting a wall in a few chapters of Teaching Textbooks I decided to step back and make sure he has a real grasp of the material before moving on.
After 3 nights of almost no sleep I need to rest while Poogie is finally resting, so bye till later.
As far as school goes, Poogie isn't doing any. T is back to his regular pace. We have added some new subjects and made some changes. First, he was moving through Easy Grammar Plus so fast I decided to add something more challenging. I purchased a used set of Rod and Staff English for him. I love R & S, him not so much. But it is challenging and I know he needs more challenge. I also purchased Word Wise 3000 for him. We were working on vocabulary with his reading but I felt he needed more.
We are also working through all the Key to... Percentages, Fractions and Decimals in a certain order to hopefully get the most from the series. After hitting a wall in a few chapters of Teaching Textbooks I decided to step back and make sure he has a real grasp of the material before moving on.
After 3 nights of almost no sleep I need to rest while Poogie is finally resting, so bye till later.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Whew what a few weeks.
The last few weeks have been horrible. And to top that off Poogie has come down with a stomach virus, we think. She began feeling poorly Saturday night and Sunday morning. By Sunday afternoon she had diarrhea and horrible stomach cramps. Then that night the vomiting started. She ended up having the dry heaves all night. I hate it when my kids are sick like this, you feel so helpless.
She finally got to feeling a little better tonight. I'm hoping it will be gone by tomorrow, though she is still running a fever. T has rehearsal tomorrow. I just hope I don't get it too. With all the stress I have been under I don't think my body would welcome being sick too. I was hoping to get back to regular school work today, but toss that idea. T did do his work, along with his new stuff which I will talk about in my next post. For now I am tired from no sleep, so good nite all.
She finally got to feeling a little better tonight. I'm hoping it will be gone by tomorrow, though she is still running a fever. T has rehearsal tomorrow. I just hope I don't get it too. With all the stress I have been under I don't think my body would welcome being sick too. I was hoping to get back to regular school work today, but toss that idea. T did do his work, along with his new stuff which I will talk about in my next post. For now I am tired from no sleep, so good nite all.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Back to blogging.
Now that facebook has lost its appeal to me I hope to get back to blogging regularly again. With T not swimming and Cinderella over at the end of March I hope to have some time on my hands. At least a little. I want to get back to blogging about homeschooling and our journey. We have gotten so caught up in extra curricular junk that we were having a hard time even fitting school in.
I hope T can return to swim later in the summer. But if he doesn't that is fine too. He is loving dance and wants to take lots of classes next fall so it would have been hard to do both and do them well.
He is happy and excited about dancing. He is so much more confident in his abilities. He knows he will always have to face being called names for being a dancer, especially in ballet, but he says it worth it. I am really sick and tired of the gay thing. I mean come on people, football players take ballet. It is a physically demanding activity. I do not want my kids lives to be defined by sexual stereotypes. I was raised in a house in which my dad loved to cook and could sew better than my mom. Was he gay, um no. Was he a great dad, yes. If Poogie wanted to do a "guy" thing like auto mechanics or build transformers like her dad I would think that is awesome. It is okay to let your kids try new things. Don't worry so much about what other people say, just try it. You never know what will happen.
I hope T can return to swim later in the summer. But if he doesn't that is fine too. He is loving dance and wants to take lots of classes next fall so it would have been hard to do both and do them well.
He is happy and excited about dancing. He is so much more confident in his abilities. He knows he will always have to face being called names for being a dancer, especially in ballet, but he says it worth it. I am really sick and tired of the gay thing. I mean come on people, football players take ballet. It is a physically demanding activity. I do not want my kids lives to be defined by sexual stereotypes. I was raised in a house in which my dad loved to cook and could sew better than my mom. Was he gay, um no. Was he a great dad, yes. If Poogie wanted to do a "guy" thing like auto mechanics or build transformers like her dad I would think that is awesome. It is okay to let your kids try new things. Don't worry so much about what other people say, just try it. You never know what will happen.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Who would have thought??
Who would have thought just a few months ago that I would be driving TT to dance rehearsal? That's right, not Poogie, TT! As I posted before he got interested in dance while Poogie was in the Nutcracker. He started ballet in January and loves it. I still can't believe it. And now he is dancing the part of a lord in the Cinderella ballet this month.
He went to his first rehearsal this weekend and loved it. Told me that he would love to do it every day. I was like, now wait a minute, this I have become used to hearing from Poogie but not him. He wants to take more classes during the week so I am hopefully going to get the teacher to find some time for him. He is so excited.
This goes to show as a parent never begin to think you've got your children all figured out. Because as soon as you do, BAM, they throw you a curve ball. I am happy as a lark about the dancing and all, just a little surprised. I have been very blessed to have two children that try new things, and enjoy them. Two stars in one year, what more could I ask for.
He went to his first rehearsal this weekend and loved it. Told me that he would love to do it every day. I was like, now wait a minute, this I have become used to hearing from Poogie but not him. He wants to take more classes during the week so I am hopefully going to get the teacher to find some time for him. He is so excited.
This goes to show as a parent never begin to think you've got your children all figured out. Because as soon as you do, BAM, they throw you a curve ball. I am happy as a lark about the dancing and all, just a little surprised. I have been very blessed to have two children that try new things, and enjoy them. Two stars in one year, what more could I ask for.
Monday, February 15, 2010
New Look!
I decided to give my blog a new look in hopes that it would help usher in some spring time weather. After another day of below freezing temperatures and more snow I will do about anything to help spring along. I think all this cold, wet weather has taken it's toll on my sanity. I've always heard about cabin fever but now believe I have actually experienced it. Our yard has not been dry or snow free since before Christmas. And hello, yesterday was Valentine's Day!!! I can't remember the last time we have had such a winter.
I know those poor folks in the Northeast are wondering if they will ever see their lawns again. Or if there is another color other than white! So here is hoping for some much needed sunshine and warmer weather.
I know those poor folks in the Northeast are wondering if they will ever see their lawns again. Or if there is another color other than white! So here is hoping for some much needed sunshine and warmer weather.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Change isn't always easy
We finally bit the bullet and changed swim teams. It got to the point that things were not going to improve. After a year of waiting, and listening to empty promises and excuses we left. We completed the season with our team at the championships this past weekend and it was over. TT really loves swimming but the coach of our old team was killing his enthusiasm. It is hard to get kids excited about something if; 1) they don't improve their skills due to the coaches lack of well "coaching abilities" 2) the coach misses 3 out of 4 practices a week on a regular basis or 3) when the said coach is out, two of the three "assistant coaches" do not have any real competitive swim experience.
With all this said. We held on for months. We kept thinking it will get better. But it didn't and after a while you just get tired of waiting. Our choice of teams has caused quite the controversy but I think it is the right choice for us.
With all this said. We held on for months. We kept thinking it will get better. But it didn't and after a while you just get tired of waiting. Our choice of teams has caused quite the controversy but I think it is the right choice for us.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A Busy Weekend
This weekend we were looking forward to my hubby coming home for a few days. I pictured just hanging out, spending time together. Well, we will be together but not at home. TT has two swim meets this weekend. First, we have to attend the meet his USS Germantown team is hosting in Memphis on Sat. We have to be up at the crack of dawn and in Germantown by 7:15 for warm ups. Then Sunday is the MSC finals in Memphis. At least this brings the MSC season to an end until this summer, but the USS just keeps going. Now we go into long course season.
He loves swimming but unlike most sports that only last a few months a year, swim is year round. Then, of course, I have Poogie in dance. We are still going 4 days a week. TT only has one class but it keeps us there late one day. I was hoping after Nutcracker things would slow down at the dance studio, but they have not.
We are looking forward to attending the spring production of Cinderella in the audience. Poogie is looking forward to attending her first tea party too.
It is a busy, crazy life, and yes I do get tired. But it is so worth it when you watch you children love something and excel at it. Suddenly all those hours of sitting by a pool or at a dance studio seem so unimportant and so worth it.
He loves swimming but unlike most sports that only last a few months a year, swim is year round. Then, of course, I have Poogie in dance. We are still going 4 days a week. TT only has one class but it keeps us there late one day. I was hoping after Nutcracker things would slow down at the dance studio, but they have not.
We are looking forward to attending the spring production of Cinderella in the audience. Poogie is looking forward to attending her first tea party too.
It is a busy, crazy life, and yes I do get tired. But it is so worth it when you watch you children love something and excel at it. Suddenly all those hours of sitting by a pool or at a dance studio seem so unimportant and so worth it.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Snow in 2010!
TT taking a break from sledding. Can't believe how big he has gotten.
Poogie at the end of the run, getting ready to climb the hill "one more time". They had a blast at their Aunt an Uncle's who happen to live right next to us, but have much better hills to sled down.
Poogie at the end of the run, getting ready to climb the hill "one more time". They had a blast at their Aunt an Uncle's who happen to live right next to us, but have much better hills to sled down.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
It snowed!
Yes, it finally snowed here. The kids have been wanting it to snow, really snow all winter. First of course we got ice, then snow and then more ice. So we ended up with about 8 to 10 inches of snow in between two layers of ice. Not the best snow for sledding or building a snowman, but we enjoyed it anyway.
Poogie's birthday party was cancelled. We will have to reschedule. The roads were way to bad and the YMCA cancelled all parties. It was sad, but Poogie enjoyed the snow so much she never mentioned it.
I enjoyed having time to get some much needed work done around the house and with school. I purchased a little machine to clean my couch. It worked wonderfully. It's like I have a new couch and chair. Who knew!
We watched movies, ate a lot of home cooked meals, and just hung out. It was nice. But it had to come to an end and now we get to enjoy the mud and muck left over from all the snow melting. Yuck.
I must go, so much to do and I have to find time to sleep to, lol.
Poogie's birthday party was cancelled. We will have to reschedule. The roads were way to bad and the YMCA cancelled all parties. It was sad, but Poogie enjoyed the snow so much she never mentioned it.
I enjoyed having time to get some much needed work done around the house and with school. I purchased a little machine to clean my couch. It worked wonderfully. It's like I have a new couch and chair. Who knew!
We watched movies, ate a lot of home cooked meals, and just hung out. It was nice. But it had to come to an end and now we get to enjoy the mud and muck left over from all the snow melting. Yuck.
I must go, so much to do and I have to find time to sleep to, lol.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Update!!
As usual I have resorted to updates since I am to darn busy to keep up a daily blog. So here it goes.
Today we took Bella for her 15 week check up. She gained almost 7 pounds in almost 4 weeks, weighing in at 30 pounds. Not to shabby. She got the last of her shots, and received her heart worm pills. The worst part was that when the vet checked for worms she ended up having round worms, yuck. The vet seemed to think they were from the kennel and not from our house thank goodness. She behaved beautifully. Walked on her leash, sat and stayed when asked. She was a little scared at first so I had to hold her like a baby, but soon she warmed up and was every ones friend. She has offered her own challenges in our house. She will not let me out of her site. We are still working on house training, but it is getting better.
After the new year I thought the kids extra curricular activities would slow down since we were not returning to the YMCA program, but I was mistaken. Poogie dropped two dance classes and ended up picking up two more. Mmm, no reduction there. Then TT ends up adding ballet and maybe hip hop, on top of swim 4 days a week. Do you see the pattern. At least they are extremely happy in what they are doing.
I've also been working like a mad woman to make all the appointments I put off due to terrible insurance or the lack of in the last months of '09. Now we have dentist appointments, eye appointments, etc. Must be done, but man are they time suckers.
Finally, I have been planning Poogies 8th birthday party. She decided on a swim party. I made her invitations today. She is having an American Girl party, no surprise there. But the invites and decorations are hard to find so we are making our own.
So given all I have to do it is no wonder that I must go for now.
Today we took Bella for her 15 week check up. She gained almost 7 pounds in almost 4 weeks, weighing in at 30 pounds. Not to shabby. She got the last of her shots, and received her heart worm pills. The worst part was that when the vet checked for worms she ended up having round worms, yuck. The vet seemed to think they were from the kennel and not from our house thank goodness. She behaved beautifully. Walked on her leash, sat and stayed when asked. She was a little scared at first so I had to hold her like a baby, but soon she warmed up and was every ones friend. She has offered her own challenges in our house. She will not let me out of her site. We are still working on house training, but it is getting better.
After the new year I thought the kids extra curricular activities would slow down since we were not returning to the YMCA program, but I was mistaken. Poogie dropped two dance classes and ended up picking up two more. Mmm, no reduction there. Then TT ends up adding ballet and maybe hip hop, on top of swim 4 days a week. Do you see the pattern. At least they are extremely happy in what they are doing.
I've also been working like a mad woman to make all the appointments I put off due to terrible insurance or the lack of in the last months of '09. Now we have dentist appointments, eye appointments, etc. Must be done, but man are they time suckers.
Finally, I have been planning Poogies 8th birthday party. She decided on a swim party. I made her invitations today. She is having an American Girl party, no surprise there. But the invites and decorations are hard to find so we are making our own.
So given all I have to do it is no wonder that I must go for now.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Happy Birthday Sweet Poogie!
I can't believe it. Eight years ago today my sweet Poogie fluttered into our lives at 3:12 in the afternoon. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 18 and a half inches long. I had waited so long for her and she was finally here. I remember it all like it was yesterday. And now here she is a big 8 year old. It just gets harder every year to watch her grow up. I wish I had a better recent picture of her but all the pictures I get of her are usually at dance.
So what are we doing for the big day? Sunday we went to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. Today,we opened her presents, well all but one she got earlier in the week, American Girl doll of the Year, Lanie. She also got some AG clothes and stuff to go with Lanie, plus a digital camera. Tomorrow her Nana and I are taking her out to lunch at the restaurant of her choice. Then she will have a swim party with her buddies at the YMCA later in the month. Pretty good for an 8 yr old. Oh, and her daddy is going to take her ice skating again.
She is well worth all this celebration. She has brought such joy and love into our lives. We are blessed.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
It's getting a little wild around here
I had forgotten just how much work a puppy could be. Our little chihuahua wasn't this hard to deal with. Bella is like having a child. I can't walk out of her site or she whines. She is a total handful. She has to pee every 10 minutes and it is freezing outside. Not my favorite thing to do. Don't get me wrong she is sweet and I love her to death. But, man is she demanding. She hogs all the bed. Snores like a freight train. Has wild dreams that actually wake her up barking, I kid you not.
I'm beginning to think I need the dog whisperer or psychic. Someone needs to tell her that we are the good guys. That she isn't a person, and that it is 10 below out so do your business before we freeze to death, lol. I guess I am spoiled to not having to take care of a baby. Plus with all the cold weather we now have two cats and two dogs in the house most of the time. Bella loves the cats, especially Bugsy. The get along great, a little wild but great. I feel like Noah in the ark. Things are getting a little crazy around here.
I'm beginning to think I need the dog whisperer or psychic. Someone needs to tell her that we are the good guys. That she isn't a person, and that it is 10 below out so do your business before we freeze to death, lol. I guess I am spoiled to not having to take care of a baby. Plus with all the cold weather we now have two cats and two dogs in the house most of the time. Bella loves the cats, especially Bugsy. The get along great, a little wild but great. I feel like Noah in the ark. Things are getting a little crazy around here.
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