Are you infected? September 26, 2008

I have come down with a case of “Twilight-is”.  This is caused by reading Stephenie Meyer’s book “Twilight” and worsened when you read “New Moon”, “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn”.  I don’t know if I have ever been so entranced by a book series before.  I actually feel what Edward and Bella must be feeling.  I read all four books in one week, neglecting all of my wifely and motherly duties.  I find myself reading fansites, something I never would have done before these books.  I dream about these characters, think of them throughout my day and find myself wondering “what if Bella/Edward did…..?”  At first I thought I was really losing my grip on reality and that I must be in worse shape than I thought.  But then I talked to one of my friends and found that she is just as obsessed as I am.  I am not alone, there are others that are just as captivated by these imaginary people, more than I could have imagined. 

 

The movie comes out November 21st.  We have already made plans to leave the children with daddies, request the night off of work and stand in line if necessary to see this movie. 

 

I highly recommend reading these books.  You have been warned though.  Reading can lead to a severe case of “Twilight-is”. 

Hiking at War Eagle September 12, 2008

We’ve been trying to get out together as a family more often.  Here’s some pics of our latest adventures hiking.

Kiddos all together at the beginning of our hike.

 

One of the thousands of grasshoppers on the hill that day!

Food for Eyore!

My boys. Overlooking the Missouri River

Very cool katydid!

We’ve been enjoying the cooler weather.  It is still nice during the day but getting cold at night.  I love it!

Going back to school! September 1, 2008

 The time is here, the time is now….  a new year of homeschooling is upon me!  I’m kinda ready but not like I was last year.  Last year I had the entire year planned out day-by-day.  This year, I know what curriculum I’m using and I know the general pace we will be working at but beyond that…. not so organized this year. 

 

In my defense, I have alot on my plate this year.  I, myself, started classes 2 weeks ago to get my Nursing Assistant Certificate.  I love my classes, I love the studying and learning.  I love doing well and the confidence it is breeding in me.  I have class Tuesday and Thursday for 4 hours each time.  I also got a job at Holy Spirit Retirement working as a Nurse Tech.  I work the overnight shift Friday and Saturday nights.  I have been pleasantly surprised by absolutely loving it.  I love the residents that I serve.  If I can bring a smile to one of their faces while I’m there, then the whole shift has been worth it.  Between school and work, I’m finding that I have a self confidence and a sense of fulfillment that has been missing for far too long.   I don’t want anyone to take that the wrong way, because the ministry I have in my family is very fulfilling as well.  It is just in a different realm.  The other item on my rather full plate is that I agreed to watch my neighbors children for 3 hours 4 afternoons a week.  And then, of course, homeschooling.

 

I don’t know, maybe I’m crazy but for some reason I am getting more done than I have in quite awhile.  Maybe it is knowing that if I don’t get certain things done in a reasonable amount of time, I’ll never catch up.  I’m not sure what the reason is but the pressure has actually been good for me.

 

I’m taking a bit of a different approach to school this year.  I have curriculum for Math, Science and Phonics.  Language Arts and Reading I’m  going to use Five In A Row Vol.1 (FIAR)  I am most excited about the FIAR.  I found a nifty website called  HomeschoolShare.com  On this website they offer all sorts of homeschool resources for FREE!  Most homeschoolers will agree that FREE is a very good thing.    Anyhoo, my favorite thing on this site is that they offer free lapbook printouts that go along with FIAR books.  So we will be doing several lapbooks during the year.  We will do our math, science and phonics work in the mornings, before noon.  Then in the afternoon when I have my neighbors’ children, we will do FIAR.  I still need to pick up the Pathway Readers that I want to use for my oldest boy, and the piano books for all three since we decided that I would teach them to play piano this year.  But I’ll just have to pick those up as I have extra cash and work them in as I can.  I think we are definitely moving toward the schedule of schooling all year long.  I’m thinking primarily of a six weeks on with a week off rotation.

 

All in all, life is good.  I love the going back to school feeling.  I love shopping for school supplies.  I love knowing that another year of learning adventures is just around the corner.