Well, I actually did something ahead of schedule! We started school today...and all things considered, it went very well. I originally planned to start after Labor Day, but I thought if we got a few days in this week that we would be ready to really roll next week...and Garrett starts preschool Thursday, so that will be another adjustment.
Our morning went something like this...after we ate and got dressed, I told the boys to meet me in the living room (now to be referred to as the school room) and be ready to sing! We sang a couple of kids praise and Bible songs, we prayed together for a good first day of school and began our first lesson for the year. I started with Bible. We read about "love" today and how God teaches us love in the Bible and through Jesus' example. We also talked about how we show love to others. They got to demonstrate...hugging, kissing, high 5's. So far, so good.
Next I started Hunter on a math sheet about a calendar. It was really easy for him, and it tied into us "building" our calendar. I have the calendar on the file cabinet with magnets, and all of the number pieces are magnetic, so I had the boys work together to find the days in order. Garrett did really well up to 10, and then he lost interest. Hunter finished the remaining days. And now August is complete. Won't they love Friday when September begins!
After this I had Garrett listen to a book on tape. He loved that little noise that signals to turn the page. I think he felt like a big boy, reading a book without a grown up. Hunter did a couple of phonics activities, recognizing beginning blends in words and a review of the vowels. While he finished this, Garrett and I worked on numbers to 10, which he recognizes much of the time and he has learned to count with a one to one correspondence. I am really impressed!
Today was a fun day...not too much stress. After all, this is only Kindergarten for Hunter. We will try to keep school time to about an hour of actual work time...it will last a bit longer the days where both boys are here, just because I will have to bounce around. The best part was shopping today for a couple of supplies. Hunter has his own pencil pouch, pocket folder organizer, crayons, scissors and pencils...Garrett got some crayons and his very own scissors, too. I really am looking forward to tomorrow. I am anxious to get into a routine.
Pray tomorrow is as great a day!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Growing up
As much as I want them to stay little forever, the reality is that my boys are growing up. Just yesterday, Hunter informed me he was going to make his own breakfast and lunch (poptarts and grilled cheese in the toaster oven). Now, I am not irresponsible...he did not use the oven, but he put the sandwich together and put it in the oven. He told me he fixes his own food because he wants to be a chef when he grows up. How amazing that he makes that correlation so young. In addition to a chef, he wants to be a veterinarian, a cashier and a janitor. Secretly I hope he goes in the direction of veterinarian (or maybe an engineer?), but I am sure he will be great at whatever he decides to do!
Garrett is learning how to put his sandals on by himself and to buckle his seat belt in the car. Now this may not seem huge to anyone else, but this is such a time saver for me. We can get ready and Garrett not be waiting to put his shoes on (and getting into trouble of one sort or another!).
I mentioned in my last post a book I am reading. Well, I still haven't finished the book, but I have started trying to apply some of the principles. And I am seeing some success. I have been working hard to catch the boys doing something right, rather than just fuss when they do something wrong. I tell them how proud of them I am and how much they are loved. As I was telling Garrett "good job" for cleaning up his plate from breakfast, he said, "Tell me you're proud of me!" I gladly told him because I truly was proud. Both boys seem genuinely interested in receiving praise, therefore they do things that deserve praise. I am loving this!
Well, I am off to catch the boys being good!
Garrett is learning how to put his sandals on by himself and to buckle his seat belt in the car. Now this may not seem huge to anyone else, but this is such a time saver for me. We can get ready and Garrett not be waiting to put his shoes on (and getting into trouble of one sort or another!).
I mentioned in my last post a book I am reading. Well, I still haven't finished the book, but I have started trying to apply some of the principles. And I am seeing some success. I have been working hard to catch the boys doing something right, rather than just fuss when they do something wrong. I tell them how proud of them I am and how much they are loved. As I was telling Garrett "good job" for cleaning up his plate from breakfast, he said, "Tell me you're proud of me!" I gladly told him because I truly was proud. Both boys seem genuinely interested in receiving praise, therefore they do things that deserve praise. I am loving this!
Well, I am off to catch the boys being good!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Where is the time going?
I can't believe that it is Tuesday already! I am not keeping up with this blog thing very well...and I have a couple of very loyal readers who want to know what is going on in our world! Sorry you have had to wait!
I am trying to think about all of the things that happened this past week...Oh, let's see...We went to several yard sales Saturday...I was looking for Homeschooling stuff, and found a game for Hunter we've wanted to get for a while. The game is Guess Who? and by deductive reasoning skills you figure out the other player's person. The best part is how much both Hunter and Garrett enjoy playing the game. Garrett needs to be on a team (preferably with Brian or me), but he loves asking questions. I don't feel too guilty about spending $3 on a brand new game that lived in someone else's house for a while...it beats the $16 Wal-Mart and Target want.
Oh, another big happening this week is some of our homeschool books arrived. Hunter is so excited...he saw some math fact cards that are part of the Saxon Math curriculum and asked to do school right then (this was at 5PM!) He asks me everyday when it is time for school. I hope his excitement for learning continues for a long time. We even bought Garrett some "school" books...letters and numbers. He was beaming when he said, "I get to do school, too?" He's too cute sometimes.
I have a new ministry opportunity at church now. I am going to be leading the women's small group leaders. We have a new head of adult ministries and I think he and I will work well building this ministry again. A lot of prayer has gone into this...but mostly I am amazed how God is bringing new ladies to me to lead groups. In such a large church, there is no way for me to know everyone...but God is bringing people to me each week! How exciting!
At this very moment, my adorable 3 year old has turned into an extremely adorable tiger! He is wearing a tiger costume that is intended for babies sized 12-24 months. Admittedly, it is big, but not really big enough...but he looks so darn cute!
I have had a productive couple of days this week. I have gotten lots of laundry done, cleaned most of the house, and organized a lot of my homeschool things. I also cleaned out the playroom (threw away a bag full of happy meal toys) and organized it, putting like objects together in drawers and bins and actually labeled them. I have wanted to do this for several years and now that I have done it, I hope that it will be easier to keep it straight.
I am reading a book called One Minute Mother. This is an interesting book. The author has written several business management books, and a lot of the strategies were presented in his other books, but reading how these could work when parenting was really eye-opening. The premise is helping children feel good about themselves and want to behave. I am sure some of you are skeptical, and I am not totally convinced the strategies work as well as described, but I am willing to give it a try. I want peace in my house. One strategy is to set one minute goals. Without expanding on the how, we have set our first family goal: to have a house that is nice (and clean) for others to want to visit. This goal is helping the boys to understand why they should clean up their toys before going on to something else, etc. Again, this is a work in progress...I will let you know if this really is working. So far, so good.
Well, it is time to bathe the boys. This day has flown by, as did the past week. I will try to be more diligent to post more often...then I will have less to say with each post! Good night!
I am trying to think about all of the things that happened this past week...Oh, let's see...We went to several yard sales Saturday...I was looking for Homeschooling stuff, and found a game for Hunter we've wanted to get for a while. The game is Guess Who? and by deductive reasoning skills you figure out the other player's person. The best part is how much both Hunter and Garrett enjoy playing the game. Garrett needs to be on a team (preferably with Brian or me), but he loves asking questions. I don't feel too guilty about spending $3 on a brand new game that lived in someone else's house for a while...it beats the $16 Wal-Mart and Target want.
Oh, another big happening this week is some of our homeschool books arrived. Hunter is so excited...he saw some math fact cards that are part of the Saxon Math curriculum and asked to do school right then (this was at 5PM!) He asks me everyday when it is time for school. I hope his excitement for learning continues for a long time. We even bought Garrett some "school" books...letters and numbers. He was beaming when he said, "I get to do school, too?" He's too cute sometimes.
I have a new ministry opportunity at church now. I am going to be leading the women's small group leaders. We have a new head of adult ministries and I think he and I will work well building this ministry again. A lot of prayer has gone into this...but mostly I am amazed how God is bringing new ladies to me to lead groups. In such a large church, there is no way for me to know everyone...but God is bringing people to me each week! How exciting!
At this very moment, my adorable 3 year old has turned into an extremely adorable tiger! He is wearing a tiger costume that is intended for babies sized 12-24 months. Admittedly, it is big, but not really big enough...but he looks so darn cute!
I have had a productive couple of days this week. I have gotten lots of laundry done, cleaned most of the house, and organized a lot of my homeschool things. I also cleaned out the playroom (threw away a bag full of happy meal toys) and organized it, putting like objects together in drawers and bins and actually labeled them. I have wanted to do this for several years and now that I have done it, I hope that it will be easier to keep it straight.
I am reading a book called One Minute Mother. This is an interesting book. The author has written several business management books, and a lot of the strategies were presented in his other books, but reading how these could work when parenting was really eye-opening. The premise is helping children feel good about themselves and want to behave. I am sure some of you are skeptical, and I am not totally convinced the strategies work as well as described, but I am willing to give it a try. I want peace in my house. One strategy is to set one minute goals. Without expanding on the how, we have set our first family goal: to have a house that is nice (and clean) for others to want to visit. This goal is helping the boys to understand why they should clean up their toys before going on to something else, etc. Again, this is a work in progress...I will let you know if this really is working. So far, so good.
Well, it is time to bathe the boys. This day has flown by, as did the past week. I will try to be more diligent to post more often...then I will have less to say with each post! Good night!
Monday, August 13, 2007
What a weekend!
This was a crazy weekend, to say the least. The craziness started Thursday evening when our babysitter's dog got out of our yard. Brian and I were at drama practice and I sent him home to make sure everyone was alright. The babysitter was very upset, as were the boys, so Brian went out on foot and then in the car to look for Caesar, the puppy. No luck! So then we all went out Friday morning until around 10 to look...the boys were so cute, calling for Caesar. Hunter said he couldn't call for Caesar because he was afraid he would cry like the night before. I love that he is so sensitive. We put up posters all around...someone has to have this dog.
Friday was also our anniversary...11 years...I can't believe it! We went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner...nothing too exciting. When a friend came to watch the boys for us, Hunter says, "Hey, have you seen a weiner dog? His name is Caesar and he's missing!" Again, too sweet!
Sunday we went to a birthday party and Fred Flintstone made a special appearance. The boys thought that was too cool. They just recently were introduced to the Flintstones, so this was a very special event. It seems like we did a lot more than this for as exhausted as I was Sunday night, but this is all that I recall.
Just for laughs (for someone, I hope): Last night at dinner, Garrett's affinity for the word "poop" and it's variations (poo, stinkies, etc) and other potty words got the best of me and Brian. Every other word out of his mouth seemed to be "poop" but for no apparent reason, other than he thought it was hysterical. He was informed that he was not to say that word or any variation any more, especially at the dinner table. He promptly starts whispering something, so we bit, and asked what he was saying. He said, "I'm singing the Winnie-the-Pooh song!" My comedian 3 year old had gotten us. He found a way around our restriction. I have to tell you it is hard, if not impossible, to keep a straight face around this kid. I don't like to lose, but especially not to the wit of a 3 year old.
Friday was also our anniversary...11 years...I can't believe it! We went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner...nothing too exciting. When a friend came to watch the boys for us, Hunter says, "Hey, have you seen a weiner dog? His name is Caesar and he's missing!" Again, too sweet!
Sunday we went to a birthday party and Fred Flintstone made a special appearance. The boys thought that was too cool. They just recently were introduced to the Flintstones, so this was a very special event. It seems like we did a lot more than this for as exhausted as I was Sunday night, but this is all that I recall.
Just for laughs (for someone, I hope): Last night at dinner, Garrett's affinity for the word "poop" and it's variations (poo, stinkies, etc) and other potty words got the best of me and Brian. Every other word out of his mouth seemed to be "poop" but for no apparent reason, other than he thought it was hysterical. He was informed that he was not to say that word or any variation any more, especially at the dinner table. He promptly starts whispering something, so we bit, and asked what he was saying. He said, "I'm singing the Winnie-the-Pooh song!" My comedian 3 year old had gotten us. He found a way around our restriction. I have to tell you it is hard, if not impossible, to keep a straight face around this kid. I don't like to lose, but especially not to the wit of a 3 year old.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Hot, hot, hot!
Well, today I thought I would try posting early. It is going to be a scorcher again today. I am running out of things to do indoors to occupy my wild monkeys. Yesterday, I gave in and let them play in the pool in the driveway. I decided that if they were playing outside and I needed to be out to supervise, that I would wash my car. It did help to keep me from melting completely, but even washing the car in 100 degree weather is exhausting. But, I did learn that washing a Camry is much easier than washing a Caravan. It's fun learning something new.
Before I forget, I must warn anyone who will heed, beware of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers! I think they need to come with a warning...that you can't wash only one area. If you start, be prepared for the long haul. I made the mistake of trying to clean the kitchen floor just by the door. This area is always so dirty/dingy and I wanted to make it look just a little less dirty. Well, as you may already have guessed...I couldn't stop with the doorway because the floor looked so good. I spent the better part of 2 hours on my knees (not praying) getting the entire floor cleaned. I must say, the floor looks AMAZING! Even Brian noticed when he walked in from work.
Today, we are planning to go swimming with a friend...hopefully earlier rather than later in the day. That should sufficiently wear the boys out. They love to swim. Hunter has gotten pretty skilled at it and even does tricks. Garrett is not so fond of water on his face, so he is a bit more cautious. This is probably the only time this boy is cautious. And I may even get a nap out of this deal!
Tomorrow is our 11th anniversary! I can't believe it has been 11 years. This last year really has flown by. I guess I am getting older. Gone are the days when a year is an eternity. I guess I must get off the computer and get my day going. The boys are done with breakfast and are itching to get bathing suits on! Gotta run!
Before I forget, I must warn anyone who will heed, beware of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers! I think they need to come with a warning...that you can't wash only one area. If you start, be prepared for the long haul. I made the mistake of trying to clean the kitchen floor just by the door. This area is always so dirty/dingy and I wanted to make it look just a little less dirty. Well, as you may already have guessed...I couldn't stop with the doorway because the floor looked so good. I spent the better part of 2 hours on my knees (not praying) getting the entire floor cleaned. I must say, the floor looks AMAZING! Even Brian noticed when he walked in from work.
Today, we are planning to go swimming with a friend...hopefully earlier rather than later in the day. That should sufficiently wear the boys out. They love to swim. Hunter has gotten pretty skilled at it and even does tricks. Garrett is not so fond of water on his face, so he is a bit more cautious. This is probably the only time this boy is cautious. And I may even get a nap out of this deal!
Tomorrow is our 11th anniversary! I can't believe it has been 11 years. This last year really has flown by. I guess I am getting older. Gone are the days when a year is an eternity. I guess I must get off the computer and get my day going. The boys are done with breakfast and are itching to get bathing suits on! Gotta run!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
The van is sold!
Today was a weird day for me as a mommy. We have been trying for the last two weeks or so to sell our van. We bought a Toyota Camry a few weeks ago in an effort to maximize fuel efficiency, and since we are set with just the two boys, we felt we didn't need the van anymore. I loved my van. It was a badge of motherhood that I wore proudly. Everyone knew that I was a mom when I drove around town, toting my boys, their toys, a stroller or two and whatever other essentials were needed for the day.
The man we sold the van to actually was getting it for his son who has 4 children, 3 under 3. Yikes!!! He needed the van much more than me. I am at least comforted by the fact that the van is going to a good home (like it is a dog or something?). I did not realize how attached to this vehicle I was. I have never really thought of myself as overly materialistic, but it felt like the close of a chapter in our life, not needing the room of the van. On a positive note, we got over 400 miles on a tank of gas in the Camry. I think I will get over the gas-guzzler soon. (yes, I am "frugal" or "thrifty" or whatever you want to call it. Thanks Mom, you raised me well!)
It was unbelievably hot today, so we didn't do much exciting. We may just have to go to a movie or something tomorrow to entertain the boys. It is too hot to go outside and they are getting stir crazy in the house.
Hunter very randomly informed me today that he didn't eat sea food. I thought that was a very strange statement. But even stranger was the fact that Brian picked up some tuna steaks to grill today for dinner. Little did Hunter know, but he was going to eat sea food and he actually enjoyed it. Garrett did too. He said, "It tastes like chicken!" He is so funny.
Our evening ended with a cut-throat game of Monopoly, jr. Hunter, Garrett and I were playing. I am so impressed by Garrett's counting skills...he is getting the concept of one to one correspondance. I am also blown away by Hunter's addition skills. He likes to see how many ways he can make the dollar amounts he needs to pay. ($3 plus $2 or $2 plus $2 plus $1, etc). I am really looking forward to the fall and really taking the opportunity to teach Hunter. He just loves to learn...and it comes easily to him. He must get that from his dad, because nothing academic came easy for me...I just wanted to make high marks.
That is enough for tonight. I really am going to learn how to post pictures. I think pictures will add so much to the posts (especially for Granny, and Granny and Pop!). Good night!
The man we sold the van to actually was getting it for his son who has 4 children, 3 under 3. Yikes!!! He needed the van much more than me. I am at least comforted by the fact that the van is going to a good home (like it is a dog or something?). I did not realize how attached to this vehicle I was. I have never really thought of myself as overly materialistic, but it felt like the close of a chapter in our life, not needing the room of the van. On a positive note, we got over 400 miles on a tank of gas in the Camry. I think I will get over the gas-guzzler soon. (yes, I am "frugal" or "thrifty" or whatever you want to call it. Thanks Mom, you raised me well!)
It was unbelievably hot today, so we didn't do much exciting. We may just have to go to a movie or something tomorrow to entertain the boys. It is too hot to go outside and they are getting stir crazy in the house.
Hunter very randomly informed me today that he didn't eat sea food. I thought that was a very strange statement. But even stranger was the fact that Brian picked up some tuna steaks to grill today for dinner. Little did Hunter know, but he was going to eat sea food and he actually enjoyed it. Garrett did too. He said, "It tastes like chicken!" He is so funny.
Our evening ended with a cut-throat game of Monopoly, jr. Hunter, Garrett and I were playing. I am so impressed by Garrett's counting skills...he is getting the concept of one to one correspondance. I am also blown away by Hunter's addition skills. He likes to see how many ways he can make the dollar amounts he needs to pay. ($3 plus $2 or $2 plus $2 plus $1, etc). I am really looking forward to the fall and really taking the opportunity to teach Hunter. He just loves to learn...and it comes easily to him. He must get that from his dad, because nothing academic came easy for me...I just wanted to make high marks.
That is enough for tonight. I really am going to learn how to post pictures. I think pictures will add so much to the posts (especially for Granny, and Granny and Pop!). Good night!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
There's a pocket where?
This morning Garrett ran out of his room at 6:45 just bursting with excitement. He says to me, "Mommy, when I put my hands in my undies there is a pocket in there just for my hand." Not wanting to burst his bubble, I gently told him I didn't think it was really a pocket. But he insisted, "But my hand fits in it. It's a pocket!" How could I argue with his logic...at least he had thought it through!
Sunday we had torrential rain that washed a lot of dirt onto the driveway, and that dirt just invited the water from the pool to play and we had a driveway full of mud! But that wasn't enough! No, the dirt wanted to see where the water was, so then there was mud in the pool! I love boys!!! I wonder why I even bother with toys when they will dig in the mud for hours. They had a great time, and I enjoyed spraying them off when they were done.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn about strange hidden pockets and the endless fun of a mud hole. It's time for bed...I'm sure I'll have more to write tomorrow...
Sunday we had torrential rain that washed a lot of dirt onto the driveway, and that dirt just invited the water from the pool to play and we had a driveway full of mud! But that wasn't enough! No, the dirt wanted to see where the water was, so then there was mud in the pool! I love boys!!! I wonder why I even bother with toys when they will dig in the mud for hours. They had a great time, and I enjoyed spraying them off when they were done.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn about strange hidden pockets and the endless fun of a mud hole. It's time for bed...I'm sure I'll have more to write tomorrow...
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