It took many years, but all of a sudden I realized that my homeschool is... calm. All those years of trying to figure out what to do with my insane load of toddlers seems to be over.
Right now, at this very moment, Shane and Genna work independently. Fiona and Daniel get started on their own and can work quietly. Lula needs someone sitting with her to keep her on task. And Heidi and Jason are great little playmates. Of course we get interrupted, but it isn’t nearly as bad as diapers needing changing or a fussy toddler. The mornings are quiet and we get get a lot accomplished.
I made it. I survived.
Just in time for the soul crushing experience of raising teens.
Monday, November 18, 2019
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Back to School 2019-2020
This is seriously the only place I can go back and remember what I did for each year...even though I have tons of spreadsheets with possibilities and costs.
In year's past, I started with the oldest and went down to the youngest. I'll shake things up a bit and start with Jason. Jason is now four years old and will always be the baby of the family; he certainly acts like a baby still! Many of my older kids were in full curriculum by the time they were four, but being the baby, Jason can wait until he is older haha! But seriously, he is taking two classes at our co-op: a multisensory play class, which I hope he stays in and doesn't cry for me the whole time, and Little Learners A to Z, which is taught by me. Again, I hope he doesn't cry for me the whole time because I need to help other kids too. At home, he will have workbooks to play with. He really likes to sit at the table with everyone and work in cast-off workbooks.
Heidi is 5 1/2 and would be starting Kindergarten! She started the language arts portion of Memoria Press' Kindergarten package last year and Math U See's Primer math, along with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. We will see how much she remembers and then start back up wherever we left off. Her classes at co-op include Little Green Thumbs, a class Lula took previously, where she will learn about plant science, a drawing/writing class, and PE.
Jason and Heidi will also do a preschool science course with me on Wednesday evenings while the rest of the family is at Taekwondo.
Lula is seven years old and in second grade! She is taking a hands-on history class and a science experiment class at co-op, along with a show and tell class that teaches public speaking. The teacher for history and science told me she is using Sonlight at home with her kids, so I decided to do the same with Lula. I've purchased and sold Sonlight's first grade history guide at least twice now, so I am not going to do that again- in fact, I think I sold the books too...hmm...where are they? Anyway, I went ahead and bought Sonlight's level C science, just for the books and worksheets. I think Lula will have fun having control over her reading and worksheet time, just like the older kids. She is also using Memoria Press Second Grade for her language arts and (gasp) Latin. Math is going to be our good old trusty Saxon Math 2, the same program I used for Ian and Shane back in the day.
Daniel (9 and 4th grade) and Fiona (11 and 6th grade) are grouped together on most of their subjects. Daniel caught up to Fiona in most areas and Fiona is okay with working with him in some subjects, but wants to use a separate math and spelling program. Daniel will be using Saxon 5/4 (I can't wait to see if he can write neatly on lined paper) and Fiona will be sticking with Math U See Epsilon. They are both taking Art at co-op. Daniel is also taking PE and study hall. Fiona is taking cooking and geography. At home, we are focusing on American History for all, so I'm using Sonlight D+E, which is American History and Literature condensed into one year. We are also using Memoria Press Fourth Grade for language arts, (gasp) Latin, and other classical subjects: Astronomy, Christian Studies, and Greek Myths. Their science will be through Sonlight as well; Level E, which I've always liked but for some reason sold... I went through a decluttering/selling phase a year or so ago... but now I'm getting updated instructor's guides printed with colored worksheets, so I don't mind :)
Genevieve is 13 1/2 and in 8th grade. Can you believe I have only one more year until she is high school aged and I need to keep records!?!?!? She has been using Memoria Press for a few years and has had a really good middle school education. This last year she burned out a bit because she traveled so much for vaulting. She competed in California, Oregon (twice), Canada, Lynden, Spokane, and Missouri. This year she is taking Life Skills, cooking, and knitting at co-op. She is using Bookshark Level 100 for American History and Literature, Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science, Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1, and Institute for Excellence in Writing at home.
Shane is 16 and this may be his last year homeschooling with me. At co-op, he is taking American History, Life Skills (same class as Genna), and Material Logic (a Memoria Press course). At home, he is taking Algebra 2 using the textbook Memoria Press schedules, Exploring Design through Chemistry, either Sonlight 330 or 430 for literature (I can't decided between them: one is 20th Century and has so many great books and the other is American Lit but the books aren't as good), and Institute for Excellence in Writing. He also needs to finish Second Form Latin from last year.
Ian is a senior at Peninsula High School. I'd like to brush my hands off and say, "My work here is done," but I have a feeling my work here is NOT done. His school has him taking AP Calculus, Chemistry, English 12, Guitar, Contemporary World Problems, and Freshwater Science. I have no memory of signing off that coursework sheet, but I don't have a problem with any of those classes either. Fingers crossed he doesn't beat his tardy/unexcused absence record and he remembers to sign up to take the SATs. I don't have high expectations for him anymore.
In year's past, I started with the oldest and went down to the youngest. I'll shake things up a bit and start with Jason. Jason is now four years old and will always be the baby of the family; he certainly acts like a baby still! Many of my older kids were in full curriculum by the time they were four, but being the baby, Jason can wait until he is older haha! But seriously, he is taking two classes at our co-op: a multisensory play class, which I hope he stays in and doesn't cry for me the whole time, and Little Learners A to Z, which is taught by me. Again, I hope he doesn't cry for me the whole time because I need to help other kids too. At home, he will have workbooks to play with. He really likes to sit at the table with everyone and work in cast-off workbooks.
Heidi is 5 1/2 and would be starting Kindergarten! She started the language arts portion of Memoria Press' Kindergarten package last year and Math U See's Primer math, along with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. We will see how much she remembers and then start back up wherever we left off. Her classes at co-op include Little Green Thumbs, a class Lula took previously, where she will learn about plant science, a drawing/writing class, and PE.
Jason and Heidi will also do a preschool science course with me on Wednesday evenings while the rest of the family is at Taekwondo.
Lula is seven years old and in second grade! She is taking a hands-on history class and a science experiment class at co-op, along with a show and tell class that teaches public speaking. The teacher for history and science told me she is using Sonlight at home with her kids, so I decided to do the same with Lula. I've purchased and sold Sonlight's first grade history guide at least twice now, so I am not going to do that again- in fact, I think I sold the books too...hmm...where are they? Anyway, I went ahead and bought Sonlight's level C science, just for the books and worksheets. I think Lula will have fun having control over her reading and worksheet time, just like the older kids. She is also using Memoria Press Second Grade for her language arts and (gasp) Latin. Math is going to be our good old trusty Saxon Math 2, the same program I used for Ian and Shane back in the day.
Daniel (9 and 4th grade) and Fiona (11 and 6th grade) are grouped together on most of their subjects. Daniel caught up to Fiona in most areas and Fiona is okay with working with him in some subjects, but wants to use a separate math and spelling program. Daniel will be using Saxon 5/4 (I can't wait to see if he can write neatly on lined paper) and Fiona will be sticking with Math U See Epsilon. They are both taking Art at co-op. Daniel is also taking PE and study hall. Fiona is taking cooking and geography. At home, we are focusing on American History for all, so I'm using Sonlight D+E, which is American History and Literature condensed into one year. We are also using Memoria Press Fourth Grade for language arts, (gasp) Latin, and other classical subjects: Astronomy, Christian Studies, and Greek Myths. Their science will be through Sonlight as well; Level E, which I've always liked but for some reason sold... I went through a decluttering/selling phase a year or so ago... but now I'm getting updated instructor's guides printed with colored worksheets, so I don't mind :)
Genevieve is 13 1/2 and in 8th grade. Can you believe I have only one more year until she is high school aged and I need to keep records!?!?!? She has been using Memoria Press for a few years and has had a really good middle school education. This last year she burned out a bit because she traveled so much for vaulting. She competed in California, Oregon (twice), Canada, Lynden, Spokane, and Missouri. This year she is taking Life Skills, cooking, and knitting at co-op. She is using Bookshark Level 100 for American History and Literature, Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science, Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1, and Institute for Excellence in Writing at home.
Shane is 16 and this may be his last year homeschooling with me. At co-op, he is taking American History, Life Skills (same class as Genna), and Material Logic (a Memoria Press course). At home, he is taking Algebra 2 using the textbook Memoria Press schedules, Exploring Design through Chemistry, either Sonlight 330 or 430 for literature (I can't decided between them: one is 20th Century and has so many great books and the other is American Lit but the books aren't as good), and Institute for Excellence in Writing. He also needs to finish Second Form Latin from last year.
Ian is a senior at Peninsula High School. I'd like to brush my hands off and say, "My work here is done," but I have a feeling my work here is NOT done. His school has him taking AP Calculus, Chemistry, English 12, Guitar, Contemporary World Problems, and Freshwater Science. I have no memory of signing off that coursework sheet, but I don't have a problem with any of those classes either. Fingers crossed he doesn't beat his tardy/unexcused absence record and he remembers to sign up to take the SATs. I don't have high expectations for him anymore.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Vaulting in Vegas
Last November, a vaulting parent and friend nudged me playfully with her elbow and said, "Well, aren't we proud of our little Genevieve?" I had no idea what she was talking about. "You don't know?" Uh, no. "You haven't seen the ranking list?" What's that? My friend pulled out her phone and quickly brought up the United States Equestrian Federation Vaulting Ranking Lists. Genna....was....first....place.....in the whole country........
I can't even think about that moment without my heart pounding again. How did that happen?
Well, I didn't post about vaulting adventures in 2018, but Genna did really well (obviously). Mark and I told her we would only pay for two competitions a year, but Genna really wanted a shot at High Point Winner and in order to do that, she had to compete in at least three American Vaulting Association (AVA from now on) sanctioned competitions. If Genna wanted to participate in a third competition, she would have to earn the money to pay for it. And she did. And because she came in first place for all three competitions, she also went to Nationals in California and came in third place overall for Bronze. There is some chatter that she would have come in first place if her shoe hadn't fallen off.
Her three highest scores added together not only earned her the High Point Award for the region, but she also earned Bronze Woman Champion in the nation. And that is how we ended up in Las Vegas for the Education Symposium and Awards Ceremony.
We had such a fun time. The first day, the coaches took us on a really cool hike to see the petroglyphs in Sloane Canyon. The second day was getting checked in and I worked the AVA information booth to earn my volunteer access to all the clinics and sessions for the following three days. Genna worked so hard all weekend. She worked with famous vaulters from all over the world on different techniques. An hour on handstands. An hour on scissor swings. An hour on jumps. It was amazing.
We have so many great memories from out time in Vegas. Genevieve can't wait to go back again next year. But after how expensive this year is going to be...well, she better either earn a reason to be there or start saving her money!
I can't even think about that moment without my heart pounding again. How did that happen?
Well, I didn't post about vaulting adventures in 2018, but Genna did really well (obviously). Mark and I told her we would only pay for two competitions a year, but Genna really wanted a shot at High Point Winner and in order to do that, she had to compete in at least three American Vaulting Association (AVA from now on) sanctioned competitions. If Genna wanted to participate in a third competition, she would have to earn the money to pay for it. And she did. And because she came in first place for all three competitions, she also went to Nationals in California and came in third place overall for Bronze. There is some chatter that she would have come in first place if her shoe hadn't fallen off.
Her three highest scores added together not only earned her the High Point Award for the region, but she also earned Bronze Woman Champion in the nation. And that is how we ended up in Las Vegas for the Education Symposium and Awards Ceremony.
We had such a fun time. The first day, the coaches took us on a really cool hike to see the petroglyphs in Sloane Canyon. The second day was getting checked in and I worked the AVA information booth to earn my volunteer access to all the clinics and sessions for the following three days. Genna worked so hard all weekend. She worked with famous vaulters from all over the world on different techniques. An hour on handstands. An hour on scissor swings. An hour on jumps. It was amazing.
We have so many great memories from out time in Vegas. Genevieve can't wait to go back again next year. But after how expensive this year is going to be...well, she better either earn a reason to be there or start saving her money!
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Snowpocalypse
We've never had this much snow. We had a lot of snow over the weekend-11 inches!- but when the last system came through, we got dumped on. I wish I had an area cleared so I could accurately measure how much snow we got in total without the compaction of the bottom layer. It was at least 17 inches. People nearby had 20-24 inches.
Anytime any kids got too crazy, I sent them outside. Fiona spent the most time outside, but only because she had things to do. She probably enjoyed the peace and quiet of solitude out there. I know I did.
The animals fared well. The turkey netting drooped down to the ground and then froze in place, so the turkeys are able to fly away...if they want. The chickens just stayed in the coop.
Watching the geese traverse the deep snow was hilarious. They didn't even seek cover during the night and let the snow cover them.
Lucky Ian got to get out during the break in the weather and get "snowed in" at his best friend's house. They played hours of video games, built an igloo, and ate pork-free pizza. We "missed" him.
My van. My poor poor van. The snow is higher than the running board. There is no way I can even get the van out of that spot now, two days after the snow stopped!
I really loved having so much snow. Our home is so beautiful. I felt like I was on a vacation in the mountains with my family, only I didn't have to worry about who was feeding my animals. Mark and the kids work so hard filling our woodsheds (yes, two of them) with firewood. We were never without heat.
After the snow stopped, the branches started to crack and snap. We lost our papaya tree, which isn't even a papaya tree. We've just called it that for so long, the name stuck.
Our power went out for 22 hours, along with the phone and internet. I don't need power to be content, but my new baby chicks were cold! I had to set a timer on Fiona's Kindle to wake me up every 1 to 1.5 hours all night long to make sure the fire hadn't burned out and they weren't too hot or too cold. I was so tired, but they lived.
Anytime any kids got too crazy, I sent them outside. Fiona spent the most time outside, but only because she had things to do. She probably enjoyed the peace and quiet of solitude out there. I know I did.
 |
| Mark helps Fiona finish her igloo |
 |
| Almost done! |
 |
| Kai likes to catch snowballs! |
Watching the geese traverse the deep snow was hilarious. They didn't even seek cover during the night and let the snow cover them.
 |
| Mark rescues one of his "baby" trees. It's not a baby anymore! |
 |
| The View from my Window |
 |
| Pile of snow on the back porch |
My van. My poor poor van. The snow is higher than the running board. There is no way I can even get the van out of that spot now, two days after the snow stopped!
I really loved having so much snow. Our home is so beautiful. I felt like I was on a vacation in the mountains with my family, only I didn't have to worry about who was feeding my animals. Mark and the kids work so hard filling our woodsheds (yes, two of them) with firewood. We were never without heat.
After the snow stopped, the branches started to crack and snap. We lost our papaya tree, which isn't even a papaya tree. We've just called it that for so long, the name stuck.
 |
| So much snow on the side porch!!! |
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Snowmaggedon 2019
Hi There!
It's been awhile. Sorry. I have all sorts of reasons for not writing. I'm busy. My kids don't like me writing about them for other people to read about. My old technology (digital camera, desktop computer) aren't as convenient as a smart phone and Facebook. I actually had to reset my password to this blog because I couldn't remember what it was. I tried to reset it to what it actually was, so I'm getting old and forgetful on top of everything.
But we are in the calm between two (or more) snowstorms and I do like to go back and read old stories of past storms (and other things).
I enjoy reading Facebook posts of people that haven't lived here very long. They laugh about Western Washington shutting down over a few inches of snow. But those of us who survived the ice storms of 1996 and 2012 know better and are well stocked with firewood and other essentials.
We have eight to ten inches so far and we are preparing for another eight in the next 24 hours.
Just about everything is ready. The only bad thing about this storm is that we thought winter was over. Mark bought me 29 new chicks for my birthday and they were delivered on Friday morning, just an hour before the snow started. They did not have a nice trip. We are down to 14 chicks. Some died during the shipment, some got very cold when our power went out, and one died because it had a crossed bill defect and couldn't drink. When our power goes out, and it has twice in the last 24 hours, we move them close to the woodstove and monitor closely.
The snow is perfect for sledding, so my kids that are still young in heart are packing down the snow for good sledding paths. I also got my old snowboard down.
Ian went snowboarding with some friends after Christmas; I'm sure boarding on our driveway won't be the same. My vaulter is enjoying the ride though.
National Weather Service is forecasting the next system to start in a few hours. I have plenty of time to fill the buckets and get the laundry caught up, right?
It's been awhile. Sorry. I have all sorts of reasons for not writing. I'm busy. My kids don't like me writing about them for other people to read about. My old technology (digital camera, desktop computer) aren't as convenient as a smart phone and Facebook. I actually had to reset my password to this blog because I couldn't remember what it was. I tried to reset it to what it actually was, so I'm getting old and forgetful on top of everything.
But we are in the calm between two (or more) snowstorms and I do like to go back and read old stories of past storms (and other things).
 |
| Firewood to last two years worth of snow |
We have eight to ten inches so far and we are preparing for another eight in the next 24 hours.
 |
| Oh, you thought spring was coming? |
The snow is perfect for sledding, so my kids that are still young in heart are packing down the snow for good sledding paths. I also got my old snowboard down.
Ian went snowboarding with some friends after Christmas; I'm sure boarding on our driveway won't be the same. My vaulter is enjoying the ride though.
National Weather Service is forecasting the next system to start in a few hours. I have plenty of time to fill the buckets and get the laundry caught up, right?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)