Weekly Wrap-Up: Progress!

Monday was our last day of co-op until February.  In some ways it seems like it just started.  It was a good session.  The girls learned a lot from their Apologia & Magic School Bus science classes.  For that reason, we haven't done much science at home, except for the pyramid projects because they were really cool and go with our history lessons.  But now, we'll get back to doing science at home, so prepare yourself to see more pictures on my blog! 

We had a short day on Tuesday, partly because I wasn't feeling motivated, and partly because I had a dentist appointment and errands to run.  Yes, I finally went to the dentist to have the bonding replaced on my tooth!  He numbed me this time so that he could dig a little deeper to grab the bonding better.  I really hope this is the last time I'm there for this tooth!

After the dentist appointment, we went to the store for new Christmas lights.  Now for the daunting task of putting them up!

We're in week 10 of MFW Creation to the Greeks.  Our fascination with Ancient history continues to grow.  MFW blends the history books so well with the Bible lessons.  This is more than the Sunday school version of Bible stories!  We are learning history through the Bible and loving it!  This curriculum is making a huge difference in the progress we're making in school this year.  It's such a nice change!  I'm sure that my maturing children helps too!  Emily finished her math book and I have all lessons planned until we break for Christmas. Ahhh, accomplishment!

Wednesday was busy, as usual.  We got through school, the kids had some play time, Emily had gymnastics, and Katie had musical practice.  I did a little shopping while the kids were at their activities.  Don't get too excited though, I only had an hour! 

I felt rushed on Thursday because my in-laws planned a visit with us in the afternoon.  The house was a wreck!  Dishes everywhere, toys all over, dirty laundry.....  So, the first thing we did was home economics!  While the kids picked up their stuff, I thoroughly cleaned the main bathroom.  (I have to put a plug in for Green Works, my new favorite cleaner!  It's environmentally friendly and leaves my bathroom & kitchen smelling clean & fresh like nothing else I've ever tried!)  The biggest job was the kitchen though.  But it was all conquered and it felt good to get it all done!

We had just enough time to complete a full day of lessons.  I can't believe we finished without "cramming."  I'm refusing to do that this year!  This has been our best year so far and I don't want to rush through it just to "get it done."  One day at a time!

I'm more and more amazed at how quickly Katie is picking up on reading.  She almost always makes a good effort and often figures it out on her own.  The MFW 1st Grade Bible Reader is perfect for her.  She loves that she can color the illustrations herself, which gives her a sense of ownership and aids in her desire to read it.  She also likes the Bible notebook and is still loving math.

Emily is now working on lessons in her new math book, she's not griping as much about writing, and is doing much better with spelling since we switched to Sequential Spelling.  The Spectrum book has been set aside for the time being (maybe forever).  She learns the words better when they are grouped in word families.  It's a remarkable difference!

The second I jumped in the shower, my inlaws arrived.  But they understood, so I carried on and even took a little extra time since the kids were occupied with them and not bugging me in the bathroom!  It was a rare and cherished moment!

I'm not sure where my energy came from on Thursday night, but I sure was thankful for it!  I made a pot of chili and a big pot of veggie soup.  The house smelled delightful. :)

Today, Friday, is a bit low-key.  We don't have much school left on our agenda, which is a good thing because we have lots to do today.  Christmas lights and running errands are at the top of the list.  Although, I'm not sure how much we will actually accomplish because I have a bit of a belly ache and Katie has an ugly cough.  I'm praying!

I didn't get a chance to write a wrap-up for last week, but I don't recall anything outstanding happening, so we'll just let that one go!  All I can say is that it, like the others, was a great week! :)



More Weekly Wrap-Up

It's Here!!!

My wassail spice blend arrived today!  Yay!!!  I've already had a cup of cider with the spice mixed in and it was so yummy!  Oh how I've missed it.

Wassail...and more!

Last week's weekly wrap-up came and went before I even had a chance to add mine!  So this week will just have to cover both.

We had a huge 2-day gymnastics meet over the weekend so there was little time for anything else.  It was great though.  We had so much fun watching these girls compete.  They continue to improve each time.

I've been longing for my Bible study group.  I haven't attended the last session or the current one because of school.  Last year was a difficult year because we had so much in our school schedule.  This year, our load is lighter and I now realize that I could have done the Bible study.  They'll be starting another one in January, so I may rejoin then, I hope!

I'm very excited to share that I just placed my order for my all-time favorite Wassail Spice Blend from the Biltmore Estate on-line shop.  It's the best ever!!!  I ordered five of them so that I'm sure to have some for guests and some for gift-giving.  YUM!!!

Today was our last day of co-op until next year.  I think everyone is glad for the break.  The next session starts in February, which I'm not sure if we'll attend or not.  I'm always so wishy-washy over co-op.  The kids love it, but it's another expense and a day out during winter months when illnesses linger.  I try to avoid taking my kids out as much as possilbe during the winter, especially with the asthma and the fact that Emily ended up in the hospital last year with pneumonia (again).  But the classes they started this session are continuing next session.  They are good classes.  But is it worth the extra risk of illness and the added expense?

How many of you attend a co-op, or some other classes outside the home?

Who are these kids?

Before I even stepped out of bed this morning, my kids had completed half their school work!  This has never happened before and I have to say, I liked it!  We finished by lunch time and since we're in the Pizza Hut Book It program, and the kids earned their first pizza, we went there for lunch.  It was a wonderful day!

Ancient Egypt on Planet Green

One of the channels we get on Direct TV is called Planet Green.  Tonight, it aired a couple of shows about Ancient Egypt.  One was about King Tut's tomb, originally aired in 2006, and the other was about discoveries in Egypt.  It was so cool and Emily was so fascinated to see an expedition about what she's been learning in school!  I recorded the second show so we can continue watching it this week.  The best part was that we actually knew what the expeditionists were talking about!  I just love learning with my kids!!!

Weekly Review: Blessed

This week, I felt almost overwhelmed with gratefullness.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and since it's soon approaching, I'm reminded of all that I have to be thakful for.  This day alone (Friday) presented itself with many blessings of which I am deeply grateful.  The kids and I spent extra time in prayer today and we got to experience immediate answers, of which we praised God for!

The entire week went really well, overall.  Monday was co-op, as usual.  We only have two more weeks of co-op and then we break until February.  I like our co-op schedule.  Not too long, not too short.  But, it's still a day out of the house, which presents some challenges on busy weeks.

This is one project that Emily made at co-op on Monday.  It is a "replica" of an old stone carving.  They used floral foam and plasic knives for carving tools.  It was a messy project, but the kids had a lot of fun with it!  We decided that the boy who carved the one on the left took on a more impressionist approach!

Tuesday was a motivational challenge for me.  But once I got started, I had a hard time stopping!  The kids hate it when that happens!  Ha-ha.

Wednesday was productive
but I felt all out of sorts on Thursday.  I felt like everything was a challenge!  Not for the kids, but for me!  What is with that?  I just felt discombobulated all day long.  Then, I realized what part (if not most) of the problem was.  Our school room was too messy and cluttered for me to think clearly.  Once I got it straightened up, the day went a bit better.

Friday was wonderful.  My new "mobile" method of schooling is working out great.  Oh, did I not mention that?  Well, I have a rolling crate that wasn't getting much use.

We sometimes take it to co-op to cart our lunch and books in.  Otherwise, it stayed folded up in the closet.  Not anymore!  I filled it with a Bible, and other reading texts, along with our schedule, so that I can easily roll it from the "classroom" to the living room or bedroom where we can all comfortably sit and relax during this portion of our schooling.  Sometimes the girls color while I read to them, or they work on another simple project, just to keep their hands busy.  A latch-hook rug was the project of choice for Emily this week.  She's done with it now though and is already wanting another one!

Katie had fun playing math games...

Friday evening was equally as wonderful.  I spent a few hours with my Barbies (my girlfriends - yes, we all have our very own Barbie names!) and it was just wonderful.  I'm incredibly blessed to have a circle of friends who love the Lord.  We stamped some cards, ate some soup, and had great conversation.  After leaving there, I went to a family birthday party, continuing to feel blessed.  What a glorious night!

Saturday will bring some busyness.  I am making a birthday cake for my niece and the party starts early in the evening.  I'm sure it will be a great day as well!



Join Weekly Wrap-Up, or read about others.

JEHOVAH-JIREH - The Lord will provide.

This year is going so much better than any other home schooling year and I owe it all to God.  Here is just a glimpse of what He has provided:

• Freedom to worship God.
• Family.
• Good health.
• Stability.
• Patience.
• Peace.
• A loving environment.
• The ability to educate at home without going nuts!
• A room dedicated to education.
• Kids that understand math.
• A daughter who has found her niche in gymnastics.
• New ideas...that actually work!
• Time.
• The ability to give.
• Satisfaction, even when things don't go quite as planned.
• Perspective.

There's so much more I could add to this list.  I feel incredibly blessed and don't want to take anything for granted.  Each day is a gift.  How we spend it is a choice.  God gave us just the right amount of time in each day.  If we feel like we need more, then we are not using our time wisely.  My desire is to spend all my time honoring God and I pray that it is so.