This is a bitter sweet moment. I decided to move my blog to worldpress since they have more options to add to my blog; gives me a tad more freedom. Go to Homeschoolinmomma.worldpress.com, stop in and say hi. I will be closing this one day in two months after I all those links moved over to the new one. Whew!
On a side note......yes Jill =P, I haven't been posting to the blog since Sept. 3rd. Well, my grandma passed away on the 6th and I've been going through some major grieving/depression due to all the drama. Families are good for drama and I have a gem of a tale to tell one day.
Stop by and see the new blog. I promise it will be worth the move.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
That isn't GG
My grandma isn't doing well. Her doctor put her into the hospital last Thursday evening for a blood transfusion and to have a surgeon look at her legs (sores caused by poor circulation). The surgeon did what she could for her (cleaned out the wounds), but amputation would be the only way to remove the infection spreading through her body. Monday we got the call that her kidneys are shutting down. They can't do much for her except make her comfortable. Morphine is her best friend at this time. Its hard to see this woman, who was so full of life, diminish day-by-day; hour-by-hour.
We have spent may hours by her bed side these last few days. Or I should say I have. The boys are very close to her and it is so hard for them to see her like this. Zane has said "that isn't GG.".........I totally agree.
We have spent may hours by her bed side these last few days. Or I should say I have. The boys are very close to her and it is so hard for them to see her like this. Zane has said "that isn't GG.".........I totally agree.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Menu Plan - Aug 31-Sept 6
Found a great idea on a blog a while back. Every Monday post your dinner menu for the week. No more guessing what to fix everyday. Grocery shopping is much easier...you have a plan with a list. :)
We have several pounds of hamburger left from the 1/2 cow we bought last year from a processing center. This has to be used up before we get any more meat. Lots of hamburger recipes will be in our menu until its depleted; creativity is the key.
Monday - Chicken & Wild Rice Soup with rolls
Tuesday - Meatball subs, cucumber salad
Wednesday - French toast bake, bacon, and strawberries
Thursday - Chicken Spaghetti, salad
Friday - Slow cooker chili
Saturday - Steak, twice-backed potatoes, roasted asparagus and possible leftover salad
Sunday - Roasted Turkey breast w/gravy, stuffing, stewed apples, and green beans.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Prorities and routines
Ever notice if one thing is left out other items multiply at that spot becoming a huge cluttered mess? Or one thing in our daily routine doesn't get done and makes you feel behind all day? Yesterday nothing went right. All of my routines were out of whack or not done at all. Why? I woke up late because I stayed up to late the night before (there was this tv show I wanted to watch and....). This caused my morning routine not to be done and chaos ensued. Routines are a must with me. I'm easily distracted and without them or my to-do lists my day goes to the wayside. What is our focus for the day? What is the most important part to accomplish? What is our goals/our priorities for home and school? Do they coincide with our routines or focus?
1. Every morning, after I feed the cat or she won't let me be due to starvation (if you see my cat she is far from starved), is sit down and read from the Bible. Fifteen minutes every morning puts me into focus of what is truly important. If I don't do this my day is a wreck waiting to happen. 2. My second routine is read my calendar, the menu for the day, school planner, and my emails for flylady's to-do list as well as my own personal to-do for errands, who to call, etc. Knowing what my day holds for me or my family keeps chaos at bay. No one wants to wake up to find no milk for breakfast because I didn't go to the store on errand day. 3. I'm also finding that walking every day is helping me clear my head. A counselor I was seeing once told me this is the best time to pray. And it is! Not only do you have uninterrupted 'quiet' time but you get to see God's beautiful creations He made (flowers, trees as they change, sun rise, etc) as you walk.
Everything in our home has a place and a place for everything. If it doesn't or we don't need it, it doesn't stay for very long. As easily distracted I am, having to much clutter is bad for me. I'm not a neat freak, but my home must have a sense of order. Its a welcome haven for my family and friends.
Simple order, daily spiritual time, and routines can help our day go much smother.
1. Every morning, after I feed the cat or she won't let me be due to starvation (if you see my cat she is far from starved), is sit down and read from the Bible. Fifteen minutes every morning puts me into focus of what is truly important. If I don't do this my day is a wreck waiting to happen. 2. My second routine is read my calendar, the menu for the day, school planner, and my emails for flylady's to-do list as well as my own personal to-do for errands, who to call, etc. Knowing what my day holds for me or my family keeps chaos at bay. No one wants to wake up to find no milk for breakfast because I didn't go to the store on errand day. 3. I'm also finding that walking every day is helping me clear my head. A counselor I was seeing once told me this is the best time to pray. And it is! Not only do you have uninterrupted 'quiet' time but you get to see God's beautiful creations He made (flowers, trees as they change, sun rise, etc) as you walk.
Everything in our home has a place and a place for everything. If it doesn't or we don't need it, it doesn't stay for very long. As easily distracted I am, having to much clutter is bad for me. I'm not a neat freak, but my home must have a sense of order. Its a welcome haven for my family and friends.
Simple order, daily spiritual time, and routines can help our day go much smother.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Presents in the mailbox
Or at least it is for me. Its like opening Christmas presents when we receive a delivery of anything, even if I'm the one who ordered it. The missing teacher books arrived. I'm diving in excitedly looking over what we will accomplish this year. Smile on my face, I asked the kid if liked these new teacher aids. My brilliant second born answers "Oh, more school books". LOL
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Lost the bid
My maximum bid of $60 was lost to t***7 late last night to someone else with a bigger need than I. lol At first I was going to rebid but quickly did the math. This was going to cost me MORE than it would if I bought it from a dealer. We were only bidding on the books, not a CD in sight. That little CD is $50 by itself. Naw, I think I'll just bite the bullet and order it through my normal curriculum suppler Rainbow Resources with a rush on delivery.
On a side note, a good friend of mine stopped by last night with her copy of Exploring Creation with Zoology 2. Unfortunately she didn't have Zoology 1, yet I'm not going to worry about it.......free is a gift. I have borrowed her Exploring Creation books for the last 3 years. The boys and I have studied the planets and botany; now we are onto Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day. We have all enjoyed the details giving as well as the experiments to accomplish afterwords.
Still waiting for the teachers edition of Bob Jones History 8 and Writing/Grammar kit. Delay in shipping. This is what I get for procrastinating. Yet we will get them and the kid will get his education, that I have no worries about. Love homeschooling and the flexibility to do things that work for us instead of the system.
On a side note, a good friend of mine stopped by last night with her copy of Exploring Creation with Zoology 2. Unfortunately she didn't have Zoology 1, yet I'm not going to worry about it.......free is a gift. I have borrowed her Exploring Creation books for the last 3 years. The boys and I have studied the planets and botany; now we are onto Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day. We have all enjoyed the details giving as well as the experiments to accomplish afterwords.
Still waiting for the teachers edition of Bob Jones History 8 and Writing/Grammar kit. Delay in shipping. This is what I get for procrastinating. Yet we will get them and the kid will get his education, that I have no worries about. Love homeschooling and the flexibility to do things that work for us instead of the system.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Last set of books to get
We have always used Saxon math. Only because it was the same curriculum the kids used at public school and I wanted to keep them with something familiar. Do we stick with it this year or switch to something else? This is the last of my books we need this year. Why did I procrastinate til now?
Researching I found that Bob Jones's 8th grade math looks easier to the eyes on a page. The reviews are great about it as well as for Saxon. Only $14 difference in the price, BJP being on the higher end and this is without the cd while the the Saxon set includes the cd. The kid wants Saxon because it has the cd that teaches him instead of me. Anyways I bit the bullet and bid on a set on ebay. Now its a wait and see if I get it.
Researching I found that Bob Jones's 8th grade math looks easier to the eyes on a page. The reviews are great about it as well as for Saxon. Only $14 difference in the price, BJP being on the higher end and this is without the cd while the the Saxon set includes the cd. The kid wants Saxon because it has the cd that teaches him instead of me. Anyways I bit the bullet and bid on a set on ebay. Now its a wait and see if I get it.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Back to school again
Its that time again. I personally can't believe our summer has gone by so quickly. To much to do so little time to play. Darn it.
I'm back home again; stopped working about 3 weeks ago. The laundry mountain has become a small hill. The house is starting to look decluttered and more like an inviting home I love. There is major work ahead of me, but with FlyLady and her reminders, I'll get there eventually. (Saw a testimonial about it took a flybaby 6 months to get her home looking nice and it clicked. I don't have to do it ALL today.)
Our oldest asked to return to public school this year. He started Thursday and has said it was great and loves the challenge. I miss him during the day yet I know he needs this. Tomorrow homeschool starts for the two younger ones and me. Yeah me!!
Last week I bought a planner geared for homeschooling parents. Shocking part is I have never used any type of planner/organizer except for her calender in the kitchen. After looking at the samples and examples, it made since to me. "Why didn't I do this before?" Frankly, I thought I didn't need one. Thinking back I never knew what the boys were to do, when it was do, and so forth. This looks like it will keep me focused on what our goals are for each week/month/semester. My plan is every Sunday evening to go through all subjects per kid and write down what we need to do. Be it a test, workbook page, experiment, to a field trip...its going to be planned. What if I can't do something that day because I'm sick or the kids are? There is always tomorrow.
Our major battle this year is going to be finding act ivies for 6th-12th graders. We have support groups in our area, yet they lack activities for the older kids. Doing research on the net I'm finding the same lack of ideas and activities for this group of students. My mission today though, is to find some lessons or ideas geared for 6th - 8th grade on: Bible Study, Indiana State Studies (should have been done in 4th grade but......you get the drift), Spelling, P.E., and Home Ec. The rest of our subjects are already here or soon to be. Need to order 8th grade math yet. Thought I had one somewhere...............................now where did I put those books?
I'm back home again; stopped working about 3 weeks ago. The laundry mountain has become a small hill. The house is starting to look decluttered and more like an inviting home I love. There is major work ahead of me, but with FlyLady and her reminders, I'll get there eventually. (Saw a testimonial about it took a flybaby 6 months to get her home looking nice and it clicked. I don't have to do it ALL today.)
Our oldest asked to return to public school this year. He started Thursday and has said it was great and loves the challenge. I miss him during the day yet I know he needs this. Tomorrow homeschool starts for the two younger ones and me. Yeah me!!
Last week I bought a planner geared for homeschooling parents. Shocking part is I have never used any type of planner/organizer except for her calender in the kitchen. After looking at the samples and examples, it made since to me. "Why didn't I do this before?" Frankly, I thought I didn't need one. Thinking back I never knew what the boys were to do, when it was do, and so forth. This looks like it will keep me focused on what our goals are for each week/month/semester. My plan is every Sunday evening to go through all subjects per kid and write down what we need to do. Be it a test, workbook page, experiment, to a field trip...its going to be planned. What if I can't do something that day because I'm sick or the kids are? There is always tomorrow.
Our major battle this year is going to be finding act ivies for 6th-12th graders. We have support groups in our area, yet they lack activities for the older kids. Doing research on the net I'm finding the same lack of ideas and activities for this group of students. My mission today though, is to find some lessons or ideas geared for 6th - 8th grade on: Bible Study, Indiana State Studies (should have been done in 4th grade but......you get the drift), Spelling, P.E., and Home Ec. The rest of our subjects are already here or soon to be. Need to order 8th grade math yet. Thought I had one somewhere...............................now where did I put those books?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Gasping for air
Yeah yeah, I've been lax in posting on my blog. Kinda busy of late. Yes, I'm busy. Well lets see some of the highlights in my life........
- Part-time job was to be 20 hrs a week has turned into 30.
- Elderly grandmother (maternal) had back surgery in November and is now unable to walk without a walker. I help with her care.
- Elderly mother, on oxygen 24/7. I do what I can for her when she needs it.
- Paternal grandmother passed away unexpectedly in March.
- Homeschooling 3 kids.
- Huband is gone 5 days a week for work....I'm both parent while he is gone.
- Household chores still need to be done (I've tried to ignore them but the dust bunnies don't listen).
- Selling our house to get a bigger one so grandma can live with us.
- Got diagnosed with Insulin Resistance Syndrome. Have to revamp our cooking/eating/life.
I'm behind the eight ball. Why? To much on my plate? Yes and no. I'm exhausted all the time and have chronic headaches. My body makes to much insulin. For the last two weeks, I've eaten 90-120g of carbs a day, a lot of protein and veggies. Headaches are gone. I don't remember having one in that two weeks. This is unheard of in my life. I have headaches daily!
Started meds today to help control my insulin production. Doc said that could take a couple weeks to really notice a big difference. It will help with my exhaustion & weight loss. Today I'm more awake and alert (diet has a lot to do with this). I have been up since 6:30 and now I'm getting tired (its almost 1pm). Not like before the new meds and diet. I'd be up 2 hrs and need to sleep 5 from total exhaustion. Who knew there was life in the afternoon? I didn't.
Homeschooling. We are looking into a private school here. I do NOT like the way public schools are ran nor the way kids can do anything they want. Depending on the cost this may be prohibitive. There are some charter schools on the internet. We may have to look into them.
- Part-time job was to be 20 hrs a week has turned into 30.
- Elderly grandmother (maternal) had back surgery in November and is now unable to walk without a walker. I help with her care.
- Elderly mother, on oxygen 24/7. I do what I can for her when she needs it.
- Paternal grandmother passed away unexpectedly in March.
- Homeschooling 3 kids.
- Huband is gone 5 days a week for work....I'm both parent while he is gone.
- Household chores still need to be done (I've tried to ignore them but the dust bunnies don't listen).
- Selling our house to get a bigger one so grandma can live with us.
- Got diagnosed with Insulin Resistance Syndrome. Have to revamp our cooking/eating/life.
I'm behind the eight ball. Why? To much on my plate? Yes and no. I'm exhausted all the time and have chronic headaches. My body makes to much insulin. For the last two weeks, I've eaten 90-120g of carbs a day, a lot of protein and veggies. Headaches are gone. I don't remember having one in that two weeks. This is unheard of in my life. I have headaches daily!
Started meds today to help control my insulin production. Doc said that could take a couple weeks to really notice a big difference. It will help with my exhaustion & weight loss. Today I'm more awake and alert (diet has a lot to do with this). I have been up since 6:30 and now I'm getting tired (its almost 1pm). Not like before the new meds and diet. I'd be up 2 hrs and need to sleep 5 from total exhaustion. Who knew there was life in the afternoon? I didn't.
Homeschooling. We are looking into a private school here. I do NOT like the way public schools are ran nor the way kids can do anything they want. Depending on the cost this may be prohibitive. There are some charter schools on the internet. We may have to look into them.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Continue homeschooling or not?
How do we know if we should continue with homeschooling or its time for the chick to leave the homeschooling nest? I ask myself that question daily. If I ask myself that question, I'm sure there are others out there that ask it too.
I asked my sons if they'd like to go back to public school. The older two said no. Oldest told me it was a living nightmare there and will not go back. Gets upset if the subject is approached. Youngest has tears in his eyes, total fear of failure looms in his expression. Yet my youngest says to me, "Only if my friend Mike is going." *sigh*
After doing some research on the subject, didn't find much but I'll see what we can use.
1. Pray. Find a quiet time and place to talk to God about this. Ask Him what He wants you to do. Your answer may not be what you want to hear. Trust in Him with the answer that is best not only for your child but your family as well.
2. Call and talk to several fellow homeschoolers. Ask them all the questions you have. They may have felt the same way and have overcome these feelings.
3. Don't fall to pressure. If you know in your heart that God has told you to continue or to stop...do so. Feelings of failure are satan's way of making us sin. When we feel guilty, we do everything in our power to fix the problem. We try to control our lives instead of doing what God has told us to do. At the same time, not fall to pressure from others to put your child into public school.
4. Do your homework. Yes us mom's have to prepare every week for the next weeks lessons. Being prepared helps keep things running smoothly.
5. Take time for yourself. A burned out mom is not a good teacher. Schedule in a free day every so often.
I have bad days and good days. All moms do. Good luck and enjoy your time with your little ones.
I asked my sons if they'd like to go back to public school. The older two said no. Oldest told me it was a living nightmare there and will not go back. Gets upset if the subject is approached. Youngest has tears in his eyes, total fear of failure looms in his expression. Yet my youngest says to me, "Only if my friend Mike is going." *sigh*
After doing some research on the subject, didn't find much but I'll see what we can use.
1. Pray. Find a quiet time and place to talk to God about this. Ask Him what He wants you to do. Your answer may not be what you want to hear. Trust in Him with the answer that is best not only for your child but your family as well.
2. Call and talk to several fellow homeschoolers. Ask them all the questions you have. They may have felt the same way and have overcome these feelings.
3. Don't fall to pressure. If you know in your heart that God has told you to continue or to stop...do so. Feelings of failure are satan's way of making us sin. When we feel guilty, we do everything in our power to fix the problem. We try to control our lives instead of doing what God has told us to do. At the same time, not fall to pressure from others to put your child into public school.
4. Do your homework. Yes us mom's have to prepare every week for the next weeks lessons. Being prepared helps keep things running smoothly.
5. Take time for yourself. A burned out mom is not a good teacher. Schedule in a free day every so often.
I have bad days and good days. All moms do. Good luck and enjoy your time with your little ones.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Menu Plan Monday!
I had to get organized again. Life does not evolve around McDonald's, Wendy's, or whatever fast food place we happened to hit on the way home from work. I have 3-4 hrs before dinner to prepare a more healthy meal for my family. Just plain laziness on my part. NO MORE!!
Here is what we are having this week:
Monday: Cowboy Chicken Sandwiches
Tuesday: Overnight French Toast and sausage links
Wednesday: Meatloaf
Thursday: Pasta Carbonara
Friday: Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Saturday: Beef Stew
Sunday: Chicken Spaghetti
Sunday, October 19, 2008
8 Weeks to a Frazzle Free Christmas
Got an email this morning titled "8 Weeks to a Frazzle Free Christmas". Of course it bit my curosity so I opened it. What a great email. Me, the organized one, the person with unlimited amount of rememberance for detail.....forgot I had signed up for a newsletter with Families with a Purpose. This is a gem of a site, hurry up and click the link. I'll wait. NOT!
I totally forgot about it this site and shamefully didn't bookmark it for later. (Sorry Families with a Purpose, to many things going on at once.) The site has mega info. Lots and lots of advice, how-to's, ideas, free printables, items to buy, and the list goes on with this site. I'm still looking around and finding new things to read or want or wish to buy. ;)
Sooooo, I printed out the ebook containing information to make my holiday this year much easier. Its similar to FlyLady's and organizedhome.com. BUT this one I like better. It seems more Christian to me, more Christmasy, more user friends, more me. Now I get to start planning on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Make people give me more firm dates/plans and info. My family won't like me at all. hehe Which reminds me, we need to buy a new Christmas Tree this year. Better go add that to my list. TATA!
I totally forgot about it this site and shamefully didn't bookmark it for later. (Sorry Families with a Purpose, to many things going on at once.) The site has mega info. Lots and lots of advice, how-to's, ideas, free printables, items to buy, and the list goes on with this site. I'm still looking around and finding new things to read or want or wish to buy. ;)
Sooooo, I printed out the ebook containing information to make my holiday this year much easier. Its similar to FlyLady's and organizedhome.com. BUT this one I like better. It seems more Christian to me, more Christmasy, more user friends, more me. Now I get to start planning on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Make people give me more firm dates/plans and info. My family won't like me at all. hehe Which reminds me, we need to buy a new Christmas Tree this year. Better go add that to my list. TATA!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A title? What title?
Trying to come up with a routine type schedule is hard. I'll admit it. I don't like to do this, its boring. So my tendancy to procrastinate comes out. But with a little help from FlyLady's website, Motivated Mom's Chore Planner, and other searches on the net to find homeschool schedules...I came up with our own. Yes, this thing will be a work in progress. Yet I'm following KISS. Keep It Simple Sister.
Our basic schedule:
- As we leave in the morning, take your math book or other subject you wish to work on at grandma's while mom is at work.
- When we get home, let the dog out and put the things away we brought with us that morning. Feed dog so he doesn't nibble on our arms as we read. lol.
- Grab what subject you need to work on next. My kids know that Mon & Wed is science and Tue and Thu is history. Or if they need to work on their spelling or grammar book.
- Put all finished papers in the "to be graded folder". I have a metal divider that hangs on the door to the computer closet that holds this folder.
- All subjects must be reviewed over with mom before she deems you are done with school for the day. Until then there is no tv, computer, or electric toy play/viewing.
- After school, evening chores are started.
- A name is put on the calendar of whom is mom's helper. They help prepare supper as well as do the dishes after the meal.
- Bath time for those that wish to bathe at night. (That would be me. The mom. I love a nice hot bath.)
School Routines:
Mon -
Tue - Library/Errand Day
Wed -
Thu -
Fri - Put away day. This is the day we put everything away.
Sat - Field trips and/or fun things to explore or do
Sun - Prepare for a new week or Prep Day. I write up the next weeks lesson plan, grade all papers and file them away in the appropriate folder; I get all the next weeks materials together (do all cutting, photocopying, gathering of books etc.) and put them in the kids' shelf, and last I make a supply list for any of the missing items to get on Tuesday (which is my Grocery and Errand Day).
Household Routines:
Mon -
Tue - Shopping Day
Wed -
Thu -
Fri - Budget/Paper work day. Also my clean out the purse/van day.
Sat - Home Blessing and Family Fun Day
Sun - Spirit renewal , pamper me, and prepare for a new week day.
See. That was easy and I kept it simple. Now I won't feel guilty for not doing something. I don't have a day for zones, I do those as I work on my list everyday with my Motivated Mom's Planner. Mending clothing...same thing or I stop what I'm doing when a button falls off and repair the items right then and there. I don't need a FREE day. To me, that's Sunday. Its my pamper/get ready for the week so I won't be harried day. Also, each kid has their own chores to do either daily or weekly. Youngest takes the trash out every night after supper. Or the oldest runs the vacuum on Sat morning or my middle son loves to do laundry. I use that kid a lot. ;)
Now I need to go find the two younger ones. They ran upstairs when we got home. Looks like a no tv night for them little buggers. Oi! A mother's job is never done.
Our basic schedule:
- As we leave in the morning, take your math book or other subject you wish to work on at grandma's while mom is at work.
- When we get home, let the dog out and put the things away we brought with us that morning. Feed dog so he doesn't nibble on our arms as we read. lol.
- Grab what subject you need to work on next. My kids know that Mon & Wed is science and Tue and Thu is history. Or if they need to work on their spelling or grammar book.
- Put all finished papers in the "to be graded folder". I have a metal divider that hangs on the door to the computer closet that holds this folder.
- All subjects must be reviewed over with mom before she deems you are done with school for the day. Until then there is no tv, computer, or electric toy play/viewing.
- After school, evening chores are started.
- A name is put on the calendar of whom is mom's helper. They help prepare supper as well as do the dishes after the meal.
- Bath time for those that wish to bathe at night. (That would be me. The mom. I love a nice hot bath.)
School Routines:
Mon -
Tue - Library/Errand Day
Wed -
Thu -
Fri - Put away day. This is the day we put everything away.
Sat - Field trips and/or fun things to explore or do
Sun - Prepare for a new week or Prep Day. I write up the next weeks lesson plan, grade all papers and file them away in the appropriate folder; I get all the next weeks materials together (do all cutting, photocopying, gathering of books etc.) and put them in the kids' shelf, and last I make a supply list for any of the missing items to get on Tuesday (which is my Grocery and Errand Day).
Household Routines:
Mon -
Tue - Shopping Day
Wed -
Thu -
Fri - Budget/Paper work day. Also my clean out the purse/van day.
Sat - Home Blessing and Family Fun Day
Sun - Spirit renewal , pamper me, and prepare for a new week day.
See. That was easy and I kept it simple. Now I won't feel guilty for not doing something. I don't have a day for zones, I do those as I work on my list everyday with my Motivated Mom's Planner. Mending clothing...same thing or I stop what I'm doing when a button falls off and repair the items right then and there. I don't need a FREE day. To me, that's Sunday. Its my pamper/get ready for the week so I won't be harried day. Also, each kid has their own chores to do either daily or weekly. Youngest takes the trash out every night after supper. Or the oldest runs the vacuum on Sat morning or my middle son loves to do laundry. I use that kid a lot. ;)
Now I need to go find the two younger ones. They ran upstairs when we got home. Looks like a no tv night for them little buggers. Oi! A mother's job is never done.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hard lessons
Guess what? Never got to making that schedule yet. Tonight, I've started it (which has nothing to do with the list below, I'll post my new schedule another time). After being the mean yelling mom yesterday we came up with a few things that give me a twitch in my eye. Today, my children found out I meant every word I said the day before.
Here are some of my highlights yesterday:
- All items left out and not put away are trash (no digging it out of the trash either).
- Everyone will do their chores, period. End of discussion.
- All school work must be completed before the tv, ninetdo ds, or other electronic (fun) devices are played with.
- When mom or dad calls your name, you will move quickly while hollering your coming. It could be an emergency and we need you to learn to move fast without question.
- If mom or dad tells you to put something away, we don't care if its yours or not nor do we care if you didn't do it. We are wanting something done without question. The guilty party will be dealt with when we find them.
- You will bathe daily. I don't care if you don't feel like it or you forgot. Its a daily habit; its good for your body; it keeps you from being sick; etc. You've had one everyday since your birth...get over it and just do it. (Me talking to my 15 yr old who wants to become the sloth that his father is...aka my ex.)
- Bedtime is for sleeping. This is not time for playing games or staying up reading til the wee hours of the morning. No getting up to get something. No getting up to get that snack or drink. Stay in bed and go to sleep.
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Today was another hectic day. I did get off work at 1:30 pm. BUT I had to take the van in to the dealership. The engine light has been on for a week. After siting for 2 hrs, they fixed the issue for $39 and I was on my way. So this meant we got home after 4:00 pm. *sigh* School work, dinner, dog & cat wanting attention from being left all alone all day, and mom getting to pee...whew! Oh, did I tell you it has been raining a cold drizzle all afternoon too? Yeppers.
The kids did get their book work done. I found the cd that held the history unit study. Taking that baby to work to print off the note pages. Even trade I have going there. I print things for work here, and get to print school stuff there. hehe
Everyday will have a focus. Example: Tuesdays will be errand/library day. Sundays will be mom's planning/grade papers day. My goal is for my children to learn as much as they can and remembering what they have learned. If this means they take a year and half to complete and understand Alegbra 1; so be it. They will have a better graps at the subject than those that sped through it and skipped over several lessons to boot.
So for tomorrow, my plan is to have the schedule/routine written out. We will start implementing it immediately. I can't wait. I need the structure just as badly as my kids do.
Here are some of my highlights yesterday:
- All items left out and not put away are trash (no digging it out of the trash either).
- Everyone will do their chores, period. End of discussion.
- All school work must be completed before the tv, ninetdo ds, or other electronic (fun) devices are played with.
- When mom or dad calls your name, you will move quickly while hollering your coming. It could be an emergency and we need you to learn to move fast without question.
- If mom or dad tells you to put something away, we don't care if its yours or not nor do we care if you didn't do it. We are wanting something done without question. The guilty party will be dealt with when we find them.
- You will bathe daily. I don't care if you don't feel like it or you forgot. Its a daily habit; its good for your body; it keeps you from being sick; etc. You've had one everyday since your birth...get over it and just do it. (Me talking to my 15 yr old who wants to become the sloth that his father is...aka my ex.)
- Bedtime is for sleeping. This is not time for playing games or staying up reading til the wee hours of the morning. No getting up to get something. No getting up to get that snack or drink. Stay in bed and go to sleep.
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Today was another hectic day. I did get off work at 1:30 pm. BUT I had to take the van in to the dealership. The engine light has been on for a week. After siting for 2 hrs, they fixed the issue for $39 and I was on my way. So this meant we got home after 4:00 pm. *sigh* School work, dinner, dog & cat wanting attention from being left all alone all day, and mom getting to pee...whew! Oh, did I tell you it has been raining a cold drizzle all afternoon too? Yeppers.
The kids did get their book work done. I found the cd that held the history unit study. Taking that baby to work to print off the note pages. Even trade I have going there. I print things for work here, and get to print school stuff there. hehe
Everyday will have a focus. Example: Tuesdays will be errand/library day. Sundays will be mom's planning/grade papers day. My goal is for my children to learn as much as they can and remembering what they have learned. If this means they take a year and half to complete and understand Alegbra 1; so be it. They will have a better graps at the subject than those that sped through it and skipped over several lessons to boot.
So for tomorrow, my plan is to have the schedule/routine written out. We will start implementing it immediately. I can't wait. I need the structure just as badly as my kids do.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Rescheduling the schedule
We, I mean me or is it I, need to revamp the school schedule. The one we have is not working. Or it would work if we did it. But we do not. Instead I sometimes get off work at 1 pm. Most of the time is later, up to 3 pm. Then my mom or grandma (usually grandma) needs something done. By the time we get home its supper time. Nothing is planned because I was hoping to be home by 1:30 pm. By the time I have time to think of school its bedtime. UGH!! So frustrating.
What I need to do is create a weekly schedule every weekend. Sunday afternoon is for getting my week ready. Getting my work clothes set out for the week, pampering me, etc. Why not include school planning? Because I get so frustrated. There is so much I want to include I get overwhelmed. Then I starting thinking about FlyLady. (Yes, I am a flybaby since 2001). Baby steps. Also remember KISS. No, not the rock band. Keep It Simple Sister. Ahh....simple.
So for today, revamp schedule. Have kids work on Math, Spelling, Language Arts, and science today. By tomorrow, we can include history, PE, and a couple other things the boys want to do. I will post my schedule when its done.
What I need to do is create a weekly schedule every weekend. Sunday afternoon is for getting my week ready. Getting my work clothes set out for the week, pampering me, etc. Why not include school planning? Because I get so frustrated. There is so much I want to include I get overwhelmed. Then I starting thinking about FlyLady. (Yes, I am a flybaby since 2001). Baby steps. Also remember KISS. No, not the rock band. Keep It Simple Sister. Ahh....simple.
So for today, revamp schedule. Have kids work on Math, Spelling, Language Arts, and science today. By tomorrow, we can include history, PE, and a couple other things the boys want to do. I will post my schedule when its done.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Government Bailout
I usually keep my political opinions to myself. But this bailout really ticks me off to no end. It is plain wrong and still it was vote for. Who pays for this huge ole mistake? Us, the taxpayers of America that's who. I wrote to my senators and congressman. My husband called them. So did several of my friends, family, and complete strangers. Yet these men still voted for it, even after admitting to the press that all of their emails and phone calls received from voters said to not vote for it. Looks like we'll be not voting for them in the next election. Oh, wait...that's coming up in November. *mawhahahaha*
What I'd like to know is where is the old fashioned punishment for these individuals that blindly allowed the debt to rack up as it did? You know, getting fired for being an idiot, blackballed from the business world, and sued for the money they basically stole from the taxpayers. Instead, we are in the "Its not my fault" generation so lets slap them on the wrist so we don't hurt their feelings or some such drivel.
Where has the world gone to that your word doesn't mean anything anymore? Where has the world come to when it's ok to default on your loans (debt) and only get a "its ok, you'll do better next time". Where has personal responsiblility gone? Instead the pattern of defaulting on your loans is repeated again and again and again and again. No one learns from a mistake if things are taken care for them. A baby won't talk or walk if someone does it for them. What is the difference if they are adults? None.
If I remember right, there is a war in history that stopped crap like this. Didn't the colonists start a revolutionary war because of being taxed to death? Why yes my dear Watson, I believe they did. Looks like I need to go find some tea.
What I'd like to know is where is the old fashioned punishment for these individuals that blindly allowed the debt to rack up as it did? You know, getting fired for being an idiot, blackballed from the business world, and sued for the money they basically stole from the taxpayers. Instead, we are in the "Its not my fault" generation so lets slap them on the wrist so we don't hurt their feelings or some such drivel.
Where has the world gone to that your word doesn't mean anything anymore? Where has the world come to when it's ok to default on your loans (debt) and only get a "its ok, you'll do better next time". Where has personal responsiblility gone? Instead the pattern of defaulting on your loans is repeated again and again and again and again. No one learns from a mistake if things are taken care for them. A baby won't talk or walk if someone does it for them. What is the difference if they are adults? None.
If I remember right, there is a war in history that stopped crap like this. Didn't the colonists start a revolutionary war because of being taxed to death? Why yes my dear Watson, I believe they did. Looks like I need to go find some tea.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
DING! DING! DING!
The 2009 Motivated Moms Chore Planners are available! Woot!!! I love these planners. Last year I used the half-sized planner with Bible Study. Can one be more organized than I am after using this little planner. This size worked very well and fit perfectly in my organizer. This year I'm going to try out full-size per day planner. I'll print out a weeks worth and hang them on the fridge. As I finish up a chore, I can check it off my list. Each evening I can remove the finished day's list.
There are eight versions of the Motivated Moms Chore Planner, the full-sized planner with scheduled Bible reading (Read the Bible Through in a Year), the full-sized without Bible readings, half-sized planner with and without the Bible readings scheduled, the full-sized Page Per Day planner (with or without the Bible readings scheduled) and now a *NEW* version half-sized Page Per Day planner (with or without the Read the Bible Through in a Year option).
Click on this link, Motivated Moms Chore Planners, to learn more.
There are eight versions of the Motivated Moms Chore Planner, the full-sized planner with scheduled Bible reading (Read the Bible Through in a Year), the full-sized without Bible readings, half-sized planner with and without the Bible readings scheduled, the full-sized Page Per Day planner (with or without the Bible readings scheduled) and now a *NEW* version half-sized Page Per Day planner (with or without the Read the Bible Through in a Year option).
Click on this link, Motivated Moms Chore Planners, to learn more.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Free family fun
Friday at work my boss offered me 5 free tickets to a St. Louis Cardinal's baseball game for the next day. With them came free transportation. Woot!! Can't beat that with a stick. My dh was the most excited with the news, followed by two of my three boys.
Several things I've learned attended a major league baseball game.
- This new stadium, its huge. Not just huge, mega huge. Our seats were in section 271. We figured second level, newp. Third level because of the special CQ seats in between the levels. After hiking 6 flights of stairs, my oldest noticed the elevator next to them. *duh!*
- Don't arrive hungry. Every restaurant within walking distance is packed full. Even the restaurants farther out are filled to capacity. Why? Because in a major city one huge sporting event isn't enough. We need two or three going on at the same time.
- If you do buy food in the ball park, bring lots of moola. I have teen and pre-teen boys. We all eat a lot. We are not shy with this fact either. We only ordered 2 regular hot dogs, 3 polish sausages (better than a brat any day I say), 4 coke colas, and 1 beer. Total cost $52 and change. Not kidding. Small box of popcorn was $4. Bucket of cotton candy was $6. Bag of shelled roasted peanuts was $4. Ice lemonade (10 oz cup) was $4. You get the picture.
- Be prepared to get up out of the way for others in your row for food, potty breaks, and whatnot. Everyone is always polite which is quite refreshing.
- Cracking up with your kids at the antics of the mascot.
- Getting home after 2 am.
- Having your child fall asleep on you on the ride home due to exhaustion. No matter their age. Priceless.
All in all, we had a super time. We'd do it again in a heart beat. Well, then again maybe not that soon.
Several things I've learned attended a major league baseball game.
- This new stadium, its huge. Not just huge, mega huge. Our seats were in section 271. We figured second level, newp. Third level because of the special CQ seats in between the levels. After hiking 6 flights of stairs, my oldest noticed the elevator next to them. *duh!*
- Don't arrive hungry. Every restaurant within walking distance is packed full. Even the restaurants farther out are filled to capacity. Why? Because in a major city one huge sporting event isn't enough. We need two or three going on at the same time.
- If you do buy food in the ball park, bring lots of moola. I have teen and pre-teen boys. We all eat a lot. We are not shy with this fact either. We only ordered 2 regular hot dogs, 3 polish sausages (better than a brat any day I say), 4 coke colas, and 1 beer. Total cost $52 and change. Not kidding. Small box of popcorn was $4. Bucket of cotton candy was $6. Bag of shelled roasted peanuts was $4. Ice lemonade (10 oz cup) was $4. You get the picture.
- Be prepared to get up out of the way for others in your row for food, potty breaks, and whatnot. Everyone is always polite which is quite refreshing.
- Cracking up with your kids at the antics of the mascot.
- Getting home after 2 am.
- Having your child fall asleep on you on the ride home due to exhaustion. No matter their age. Priceless.
All in all, we had a super time. We'd do it again in a heart beat. Well, then again maybe not that soon.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Pioneer Woman Cooks
I love to cook. Really love to cook. Hate the clean up, but that's all part of the process. So someone told me. Quite by chance, someone on a forum told me to look at a recipe on this site. OMG!! Step by step instructions, mouth watering recipes.....I've become an adict to this site. Who knew butter can be my friend? This site is a gem of a find.
Ree, owner of said site, teaches us how to cook (even the ones that know how to cook...me). Every recipe she posts to her website, she painstakenly takes photos of each step in the cooking process. Now that takes a huge amount of time in a person's day. Go Pioneer Woman!! You Rock!
Each recipe I've tried have become a family favorite here. This has also expanded my culinary experimentation too. My kids are willing for me to try out new recipes.
Go and check her website out, The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I swear you won't regret it.
Ree, owner of said site, teaches us how to cook (even the ones that know how to cook...me). Every recipe she posts to her website, she painstakenly takes photos of each step in the cooking process. Now that takes a huge amount of time in a person's day. Go Pioneer Woman!! You Rock!
Each recipe I've tried have become a family favorite here. This has also expanded my culinary experimentation too. My kids are willing for me to try out new recipes.
Go and check her website out, The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I swear you won't regret it.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Planning ahead
Our computer crashed last week. A week and a half ago to be exact. This has thrown me and the kids into a tailspin of not knowing what to do, when to do it, or where to put it. Our homeschooling schedule and unit study material was in that metal box. No to mention the games they and dh played. Who knew that our life revolved around that machine? I sure didn't.
This unexpected catastrophe has caused me to rethink things. How should we store our information? What kind of backup system should we use? A shoe box? A memory stick? What would be best for us? At the moment, anything would be better than doing nothing. Which is what we did. Nothing. No backup of any sort. Nada. Zilch.
As of tonight, I still have no idea what kind of damage was done to our computer. The techs have yet to contact me to say, "hey, your computer is fixed". For all I know it could be dead. How long does it take to look at and fix a computer anyways. They have had my baby since Friday. What's taking so long?
For the most part, I've done my best to keep having school each day. Even if its only Math & Spelling, we are doing something each day. The kids read all the time from books from the library, they love watching the History & Discovery channels, and everyday chores must be done. They are helping to take care of two elderly grandmothers with me has taught them more than what they could learn in a class room. As many will say, there will be holes in every education...we have holes here. Wish they were donut holes. ; )
This unexpected catastrophe has caused me to rethink things. How should we store our information? What kind of backup system should we use? A shoe box? A memory stick? What would be best for us? At the moment, anything would be better than doing nothing. Which is what we did. Nothing. No backup of any sort. Nada. Zilch.
As of tonight, I still have no idea what kind of damage was done to our computer. The techs have yet to contact me to say, "hey, your computer is fixed". For all I know it could be dead. How long does it take to look at and fix a computer anyways. They have had my baby since Friday. What's taking so long?
For the most part, I've done my best to keep having school each day. Even if its only Math & Spelling, we are doing something each day. The kids read all the time from books from the library, they love watching the History & Discovery channels, and everyday chores must be done. They are helping to take care of two elderly grandmothers with me has taught them more than what they could learn in a class room. As many will say, there will be holes in every education...we have holes here. Wish they were donut holes. ; )
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