2011 Gratitude Challenge ~ Day 5

Today, I am making this thankful for post an extension of yesterday's.  
I am thankful for my children's friends.  Mainly due to homeschooling, they have made some like-minded friends that I approve of them hanging out with!  (This is an extension of the friends that I have made through homeschooling!).  
They also have friends from scouts and the fire department and other places that I am grateful for.  There are not any of their friends that I wouldn't take in as my own...

Gratitude Challenge ~ Day 4

Today I am thankful for my friends.  I have a few friends that I have been friends with FOREVER (Amy, Amy!) and they are the BEST!!  No matter where we go, what happens in our lives, our friendship never fades!
I have made some really special friends through our homeschool group over the past few years. I would have never thought that being a homeschool family would mean that I would have friends like I do now!
I can't forget my friends that live in my computer!  I would have never thought that I could have such a strong bond with people I have never met!  
I am also thankful for friends in my past, that I have lost touch with, those who's life has taken them a different direction than where mine was going... I know I am who I am today because of them.
I fully believe that saying about A Season, A Reason or A Lifetime.

Gratitude Challenge ~ Day 3

Today, I am thankful for the rest of my family ~ my parents, my sister, my aunts & uncles, cousins, and all the extended folks!
I know I am super blessed that I had all 4 of my grandparents many years longer than most.  I lost my first gramma in December of 01, almost 10 years ago.  My granpa passed in 09, then I lost my Meme this past May.  I am thankful for my Pepaw, who is a blessing in my & my kiddos life!  Not only was I blessed with grandparents for so long, but my kiddos got to know 3 of their 4 great grandparents!  
My family has always been close. I have 4 cousins that are all within a couple of years age range from me and we have always been close.  Life has changed us and we are all at different places right now, but I know they are there for me.  Same for my aunts and uncles, great aunts & great uncles.  My kiddos have been blessed with not only great aunts & uncles, but great-greats that they have been able to get to know.

Gratitude Challenge ~ Day 2

Another pretty common thing that I need to start off with being thankful for ~ my immediate family.

Roger and I just celebrated 15 years of marriage.  I could never express my gratitude for him and for all he does for me and the kiddos.  He works two jobs so I can stay home, something that is good for my health and my kiddos! Not only does he work double hard so I can stay home, he helps out around the house & he calls me a brat!  He can only call me that because he spoils me!  

And, my kiddos ~ God knew what He was doing when He gave me twins!  After several years of trying, then getting sick and being told that getting pregnant was a bad idea - look at what we have:

I know that everyone says treasure them at each stage because the stages go so fast~ but each year older they get, the more I enjoy them!  I reserve the right to revoke that statement, we are quickly approaching teen years! I have an awesome relationship with each of them and I wouldn't change it for the world!  

Gratitude Challenge ~ Day 1

I'm going to start this challenge off the way we all should.  
I am thankful for my relationship with the Lord and my Salvation! 
I was not raised in church (long story & my parents are now actively involved with our church).  I went to Sunday School a lot with my Meme, but it was just going to be with her & she always stopped afterwards and bought us candy!  
We were married in a church (our church, by our pastor).  We talked about going, but never did.  I knew about Jesus, and believed in Him, but had never accepted Him.. I didn't know.  When the kiddos were about three, we passed a church and there were people mingling in the parking lot.  Riley asked was was that building and why were all the people there..I told him it was a church. His response - I want to go to church. So, Sunday morning, we went to church.  We were visitors for about 2 years or so and learned quite a bit.  In January of 2007, Roger and I spent some time with our pastor and accepted Jesus into our hearts and lives.  We were baptized together in March of that year.   
We continued to attend Kellogg, but there was not much for the kiddos.  We visited other churches and never felt welcome like we did at Kellogg. We even stopped going all together for a while.  Finally, the kiddos wanted to go again, so we started back at Kellogg and have been going ever since. 
In May of 2010, Samantha wanted to talk to Brother Paul about being baptized.  She accepted Jesus into her heart and life and has been very involved in church and the youth group ever since.
In March of 2011, Riley made the decision and talked to Brother Paul and accepted Jesus and was baptized as well. 
Somewhere between these two things, my parents joined the church as well.

Going for *relaxed* this year!

Crew Blog Cruise ~ What does your lesson planning look like?

Lesson planning... isn't it every teacher's worse enemy AND best friend at the same time?  I am a planner by nature... so, one would think that lesson plans would be more of my friend than not... but... not so.

When I was a preK teacher at the day care center, lesson plans were essential and you followed through with them, usually no matter what.  Same thing when I had the older kiddos in the summer - you planned it and you did it... whatever 'it' was!  Coming home, I tried to follow that as well, but over the years, I am finding out life just happens...

I have always, ALWAYS, made out detailed lesson plans.  I have gone through tons of planners, calendars and pages to find that *perfect* one!  A couple of years ago I found it.  It was a monthly/weekly 8x10 planner that had vertical weekly instead of horizontal... loved it!  Used it the last half of their 3rd grade year, all of their 4th grade year and most of their 5th grade year.  When LIFE started happening during the spring of their 5th grade year, it ended up being easier for all of us (me, kiddos & my in laws - who were helping out) for them to keep up with what they were doing.

After the spring we had, full force into a busy summer, the pre-planning just wasn't there.  They went with me and picked out their own calendar and we started out their 6th grade year without written lesson plans... I had looked over all of their books and lessons and knew what we needed to be doing, but I didn't write anything down.

With some of their lessons, we aim for a lesson a day - like with our Language Arts - we are using Spectrum & there are 5 books - one lesson in each of these a day (don't freak, they are only one page!). Same with Math.  If we are home, then I expect these at minimum completed each day, if we have field trip or if something else comes up, then they get what they can done.  These are workbooks, so they travel easy, so they get Math done no matter what & usually most of their LA books as well.  They just have to keep up with what lesson they have done in their calendar. Sometimes they end up on the same lesson- but this way, they are able to work at their own pace.

Science & History, we are working through together, so we just work on things a little each day.  I know where we stop and where we pick up the next time we get to that subject.  They are also responsible for keeping up with this in their calendar!

With Roger's schedule, we are finding days are no longer normal around here... we love being able to just go with the flow of things and not worry about what's on mom's lesson plans for the day or having to work extra hard to make things up or catch up.  It really makes for things to be much less stressful around here and they are getting to spend time with their dad-do!  In addition to going with the flow, they have been learning just how much they are learning.  I try to catch them each day, but it is usually a couple times a week, and ask them - what did you do today.  This goes in their calendar - they get to decided what subject whatever they have done - fits in!  This has been pretty beneficial to us, I have them coming to me all the time now and discussing what they have done and where that would fit into a subject and why.

By doing this, it does give them the freedom to learn what they want to learn, to work in scout stuff and to chase more rabbit trails - because we know that there's nothing on the calendar that we have to get back to!  I am thinking I like this relaxed route much better!

Crew Blog Cruise: How do you plan your homeschool money?

Budgeting... not something that we are good at around here... period.  The topic for the Crew Cruise is budgeting for books and supplies...

I don't set a specific budget for our school stuff each year, but I don't go all crazy either.  I know about what I want to/can spend and I do pretty good about sticking to that. I think I luck out a lot of time, because my kiddos are the same age, so I can get away with only one teachers guide per subject (I am finally to the point where those are important and I have to have those!!).  I have tried several things with the student guides... just one, making  copies for them...just one, having them share and write things down... one each- that seems to work the best - even if it is a bit more costly, that's just how it works here.

As for supplies, I try to space things out and buy them when they are on sale throughout the year.  We are getting to the point where pencil and paper pretty much covers our supply list!  (Not really, but seems like it!) Plus, we have to have the fun notebooks and paper and neat pens and all...right?

Another thing that I try to keep in mind, but don't really budget for - Field Trips!  With three, sometimes all four, of us doing things, it can get costly!  We are always up for freebies, but really have to consider those that cost more than a few dollars each.

Do you have a budget? How does your family plan things? What about the extras that come up during the year?

Goal Plan Monday ~ Week #5

 Join MamaManuscripts to participate and get your goals for the week planned out!!

Here are last week's goals... not too bad...
LAUNDRY ROOM: Floor picked up and sweptDEN: Get all clothes put awayKITCHEN: Clean out fridgeDINING ROOM: Clean out turtle cageSCHOOL ROOM: work on cleaning school deskBATHROOMS: toilets cleanedBEDROOMS: get sheets changed
Let's see what we can get accomplished this week!LAUNDRY ROOM: Clean out and defrost big freezerKITCHEN: Clean out and defrost little freezerDINING ROOM: Shelf dustedSCHOOL ROOM: Finish school deskBATHROOMS: Tubs scrubbedBEDROOMS: Floors picked up and swept

CREW BLOG HOP ~~ Not Back to School

Come join the Crew for the September Blog Hop! This blog hop is open to all homeschoolers!  Just click the button to sign the Linky!
This months theme is "Not-Back-To-School" but don't let the name of the theme fool you. The blog hop folks have tried really hard to choose themes that are vague and open. You can really write about anything that has anything to do with the theme.
The September hosts are Families Again,  Marine Corps Nomad, Faith, Family & Fun & Training up Children For Christ - click over to any of these blogs to learn more!

*Not back to school* is a time we LOVE!  We always start school first week in August.  It's too hot to do anything else, so we get started - gives us time to take off whenever we want for fun things (in the cool weather!). The first couple of years I homeschooled, we celebrated not going back to school by going to IHOP for a late breakfast/brunch.  Of course, we got tons of questions!!  Anyways, we became active with a homeschool group and we invited them.  A few said that was too expensive, so we opted to meet the group at the donut shop.  For the past three years, on the first day of public school, we raid the donut shop.  Our group has always been kinda spread out, so we have set up a few meeting spots and there are Central AR Homeschoolers all over central AR!
Last year, one of the moms arranged for a skate day and so we left the donut shop and headed to skate off that sugar high!  This year, we all meet at a large play area and the kiddos played greatly together while the mommas chatted!  We don't really do any formal schooling on that day, just celebrating the fact that we don't have to go back!  
My favorite - when someone asks *did you not start school today* is being able to say that we have already been in school for 3 weeks!!

(friday) favorite THINGS @ Finding Joy

Friday morning, we meet our homeschool group at Toltec Mounds State Park.  We have been there many times with both Boy & Girl Scouts, but it is still a neat field trip.  On the way, we found several Civil War Markers - we are going back soon to check all of those out!  Here is Samantha using the blow dart to kill a foam bird ~

They love the hands on learning!

I didn't go on the walk with them, but they took a few pictures (that's another whole post!).

Fearlessly Feminine Challenge ~ Day 3

We are headed out to hang out with some friends this morning & then ball & scouts this evening!  I have a casual shirt on with one of my black skirts ~ not sure on shoes yet - normally flip flops, but it cooled down here and my toes are cold ... I'm thinking socks and keds!  Anyways... here's my full body picture...

(I forgot about this full length mirror!  The other one shows too much mess behind it!)

Fearlessly Feminine Challenge ~ Day 2

Well, since the whole family was gone this morning, I didn't think I would really be getting dressed.  I had some cleaning around the house to do, and some stuff at the computer, so I was just going to stay in my house/lounge clothes.  Then a friend called - was headed this way to spray for ants - so, I proceeded like it was any other normal busy day and got my shower and dressed... even though I wanted just ONE lazy day...

So, here is the photo of my feminine challenge - I took it while sitting out back, in the nice cool, fall like weather - playing catch up on my Bible in 90 Days Challenge. *if your are part of this challenge, please DO NOT look at my page and see how very far behind I am!*

Sorry ~ no full body shot today ~ no one was home to take it!

(friday) favorite THINGS @ Finding Joy

I started to participate in this a few weeks ago, then life happened!  I *think* we are back on routine, back in the swing of things, so I am going to give it a go again!  (one good thing, this post can sometimes be written earlier in the week... now to just remember that and follow through!).
Here are a few of my favorite things from this past week..Girl Scout Cardboard Boat Race:

Samantha concentrating on duct tape!

Samantha and a few of her friends with their boat *HOT AIR* at the race!

Riley's boat from the race - *WHO CARES*

Riley in his boat

PLUS, we joined Roger at the Fire Station for his training this week and they got to get in the helicopter!

CurrClick Twitter Party

"We are excited to announce that Currclick will be co-hosting a back to homeschool TWITTER PARTY with The Homeschool Village, August 3rd, 9pm EST.  This is a fantastic opportunity to win FREE curriculum and hang out with your homeschool friends!"

ALL ABOARD!!!

Yep, that’s where we went! 

Really cute restaurant in Little Rock. We took off after our last rehearsal of Splash Kingdom and treated them to lunch at All Aboard Restaurant and Grill.  It was really cute, maybe a little high priced, but the kiddos enjoyed it (so did Gramma!)

You place your order and receive a key.  You put that key in a thing on the table and wait.  A train on the tracks high above your head comes driving by and drops your food off on the platform and it lowers down to the table. 

Disney: Wordless Wednesday

Help me!!!

I have lost the ability to comment on this blog.... I think I am goin to cry... I have tried everything....

ANY SUGGESTIONS???

My Week at a Glance

Well, I thought if I have to list my to do list of things that are not as fun, then I could list my week at a glance, with all of the fun things I/we hope to do!! Well, I know that my to do list could {should} also include fun things, and I may include a few this next week, but if I do that, then where's the fun in participating in both of these fun memes?
1. Game and Fish Turtle exhibit - perfect timing, since we have a new turtle friend residing on my sofa table!
2. Charlotte's Web at the movies!
3.  Mr. Brian!! If you are anywhere, even semi-located to AR, please make plans to go see Mr. Brian and Miss Terry! They are traveling a little out of state now as well!  He also has a FB fan page.  
4. Swim Team team party @ Splash Zone!
5. Percy Jackson at the movie!
At this time, I am unsure what the holiday weekend has in store for us.  I know there is some talks about a family get together on Saturday and I plan on attending that, UNLESS, I have to meet Rog's cousin Z outside of Memphis so he can come visit us for a couple of weeks!

(friday) favorite THINGS @ Finding Joy

So, this is my first week participating in (friday) Favorite Things & I like where she is going with this, being able to share the things that have really stood out to us this week!  Here goes my first attempt at this!
Seeing as how Riley was gone all last week to Boy Scout Camp, my favorite thing this week has been having him home!  Sam has been gone all week, so we got some good one-on-one Momma/Son time!  Here are a few shots of him from last week (that I am super thankful his scout leaders took & shared!)

Ultimate Blog Party 2011

Welcome to my small space on the WWW! 

About me: I am married to my best friend for almost 15  years.  We live in the same community that we grew up in.  He is a firefighter for the city not to far from here, as well as a part-time job at a smaller station close to home  and we are both involved in our local volunteer fire department (that is also where we met!).  We have 2 kiddos ~ twins ~ 11 years old.  Samantha and Riley.  I homeschool them. We are members of a small family oriented church here in the area as well.  We are very involved in the church, attending services, bible study and other activities as they come up.  Samantha is very involved in Girl Scouts - I am her troop leader. We have 7 girls in our troop and they are all the best of friends.  Riley has recently bridged to Boy Scouts and has recently started his second season in baseball.  They enjoy being a part of and helping out at the Fire Department as well as many other avenues of volunteer work and community service.

My blog was started as a way for me to keep up with what we were doing in school each day, but has since evolved into something bigger and better!  I have enjoyed reading and sharing books through reviews, I spent time on TOS Homeschool Crew and I made many friends throughout the bloggy world!