BFS - KEEW YKCAW ...oops..WACKY WEEK!

This is WACKY WEEK here at Blogger Friend School! Everything is wacky fun! This week YOU, the student, get to share something of your choice that is little “Wacky”!!!
Have you done something crazy in your homeschool? Do you fingerpaint with your toes? Do you let your children do your hair? Do you wear your pajamas during homeschool? Oh, the list is endless, but it’s up to you and how much fun you want to have.
To make it even “wackier” (not sure if it’s really a word, but hey, we don’t check spelling this week at BFS either!!!…..try and type some or all of your post sdrawkcab. (backwards!)
!keew gnixaler dna nuf a siht ekaM
(…and forwards…Make this a fun and relaxing week!)

Wow...keew ykcaw (wacky week)...how cute! Let's see...I'm sad to admit, but we're not all that wacky with homeschooling. About the wackiest thing we've done is *reaw samajap* (wear pajamas) for homeschooling. But -- this is also our first year. And -- I'm sure as the years go by, we will get a bit *reikcaw* (wackier). You have definitely give me some *saedi* (ideas) to use in the *erutuf* (future).

Oh, I guess another *ykcaw* (wacky) thing we do is put lots of stuff to *cisum* (music). You see...DS is a very auditory learner. He can learn anything when it is put to *cisum* (music). So, on any given day, you are likely to hear us *gnignis drow seilimaf, sesrev elbiB, cte* (singing word families, Bible verses, etc.).

Thanks for such a wonderful idea. Typing *sdrawkcab saw a tol fo nuf* (backwards was a lot of fun).

And once again it changes...

Okay, at the request of Brian and his brother, I changed the blog title once again. Besides, I did a google search, and it does appear others like "Snips, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails." So, why not aim for something more unique? I don't think anyone else will have this blog title.

Brian also shared that he included all of us in the title...here's how it pans out:
Boogers -- Caleb
Screams -- Micah
Headaches -- ME
Dreams -- Brian

So, there you have it...the perfect fit! So, enjoy!

Sorry for all the changes...been playing a bit

Okay, I apologize for all the changes on the blog. As you can tell, I've been playing with it a bit. Hopefully the "newness" will settle down, and I'll stick with it. I tell you...there are so many different layouts out there. It's so hard to pick just one, but I managed. I'm sure it'll change again. Anyways, hope you enjoy it for now!

Snips, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails

After looking at lots of blogs, I kept seeing some eye-catching blog titles. Well, Childress Household didn't stand out like any of the ones I've seen. So, with Brian's help, I began pondering some "catchy" phrases. It wasn't very easy. He came up with "Chillin' with the Childress'", but it just didn't sound really good to me. His next choice was "Boogers, Screams, Headaches, and Dreams." While that one is quite catchy, I wasn't so sure I wanted to have that as my blog description. Granted, it describes our household really well. Note -- the screams come from Micah...he has this obsession with hearing himself scream at the top of his lungs. It's quite cute and annoying at the same time.

So, I finally remembered the little nursery rhyme about what girls and boys are made of, and we now have a blog title. And -- being as I'm the only girl in this household of all boys (Brian and the dog included), it's only fitting that our blog title be "Snips, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails."

Homeschool Week 14 In Review

Okay, another week has come and gone, and we managed to get a bit behind. Oh well, I've just come to realize it will happen. Anyway, here's how this week panned out.

Beginnings: We took a break from our reading book to do a unit on Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin. This is a GREAT book, and it allowed us to do lots of various lessons. Caleb categorized animals into 3 categories (0 legs, 2 legs, 4 legs). He sequenced the story, retold the story, made a mini-storybook, matched the animal picture cards to their names, matched the animal picture cards to their colors, etc. We also labeled the parts of a brown bear, talked about the history of teddy bears, and learned about syllabication. Caleb had lots of fun doing this unit study. I enjoyed it as well.

Math: We finished up our time study, and then we moved on to continuing learning numbers. We reveiwed #s 11-25. Caleb also learned about tens/ones as well. He did really well with that concept, and I'm so proud of him.

Bible: We added question 15 to the First Catechism study. Our Bible verse for the week was 2 Timothy 3:16a. Caleb continues to do really well in this area.

Music: We talked about high and low sounds this week.

Extra Stuff: Caleb started co-op classes on Monday. He did really well, and he seemed to have a GREAT time.

Here are some pictures from our brown bear study.

Caleb sorting the animal picture cards into categories (0 legs, 2 legs, 4 legs)

Showing off his finished work.

Caleb sequencing the story using the animal picture cards.

Showing off his finished work.

Micah's 6 month check-up

Micah had his six-month check-up today. Everything went well, and he checked out "a-okay" on everything. He weighed in at 19.9lbs, and he's 27 inches long. Can you say BIG BOY???? I have to go back and check Caleb's stats, but I'm pretty sure he has him beat for this age. We'll see how long it lasts.

He did get 3 shots, and that us both a bit sad, but he soon got over it. We're now going to do 3 solid feedings a day, and we'll see how long he takes 4 bottles. I have a feeling he'll be going down to just 3 a day pretty soon with all the extra solids. He much prefers his solids anyway, so I think it'll be sooner rather than later. We'll also introduce juice in the sippy cup. Wish us luck on that one...Caleb never really did so well with the sippy.

Anyway, just thought I'd update everyone.

Professional Pictures...finally!

Okay, so I've been a really bad mommy this time around. Well, when it comes to professional pictures that is. You see, we JUST got Micah's picture taken professionally tonight, and he's 6+ months old. I know...BAD mommy. Don't throw tomoatoes...I know I did him wrong. Anyway, we went to Sears, and because they had not put our appointment in the system, we walked away with a HUGE deal. We ordered soooo many pictures. Now, I just have to find a home on my walls for them. Anyway, here's one of the pictures we ordered...it's a collage. There are lots more to look at, but this is one of my favorites. Enjoy!

Blogger Friend School Assignment 103

Intro: It keeps going, and going, and going…. (Marketing credit: Energizer)
Housekeeping: that household mess, it keeps going and going and going. It’s a perpetual chore that we diligently need to keep going on to stay on top it. We all have different ways of keeping ourselves energized.

Assignment: How do you keep energized so you can get it all done? bouncy music? treat it like a workout? Do you use a schedule?, a housekeeping binder system? luck of the draw system?.. or is this an area where you need encouragement? Do you need God’s help to keep order and beauty in your dwelling place? Take this week to tell us how You diligently keep going with your housekeeping chores.

Housework...where do I begin? Considering that I have some OCD tendencies, you would think that I keep my house spotless and presentable. And -- before having children, you would have been right most of the time. But now that I'm a mom to two sweet boys, well, housework is not at the top of my priority list.

I have tried making a schedule, but it never fails...I don't stick with it. So, I basically just wing it and do things as I "see" they need doing. If you really want me to clean my house, then have me throw a party/get together or invite company over. Then, I really get busy. So, you would think I do this all the time...nope, not at all. I haven't hosted a party in quite some time, but I did do a good cleaning before my in-laws came over Labor Day weekend.

DH is really good about lending a helping hand when he sees that I need it, and DS#1 is also really good about helping me out. We tend to get the job done with more fun when we are all pitching in, so we try to make it a family event. We'll usually turn the TV to a music channel and work away. Admittedly, we just need to do this more often.

My favorite verse doesn't really change...Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Now, on that note...I really should go clean my house. LOL!

Homeschool Week 13 In Review

Okay, it's kinda hard for me to believe that I haven't posted a homeschool review at all this month. I guess that gives you some idea of how far behind we really are. Oh well, in due time we will get it all done. Here's how our 13th week panned out:

Beginnings: Caleb reviewed the letter "l." He added the "-ell" and "-ill" families to his list of words. The service word "for" was added to our growing list. He also learned "it" and "I." We discussed compound words as well. The theme for the week was My Bible Storybook, and he learned several different Bible stories. He read a new book called Baby Moses which reinforced his words learned thus far.

Math: Caleb learned how to tell time to the hour. Mommy is soooo glad that he can now do this. Hopefully he'll get a broader grasp of time from this week's lessons. Only time will tell...

Bible: We added First Catechism question 14. Our Bible verse for the week was Psalm 119:17b.

Art and Music: These two areas have been pushed aside for the time being since we're sooo far behind. We will get back into them shortly.

Extra Stuff: Wow, we've been doing so much extra stuff since I last posted a review. We've gone skating and bowling. The bowling league also started back up, and Caleb is thoroughly enjoying it.

As always, thanks for keeping up with us and pray that we can stay on track from this moment on.

Gearing up for another crazy busy week

Remember me posting last week about curveballs...well, this week is surely to have a few. We're gearing up for another crazy busy week. I don't know why I'm such a glutton for punishment, but oh well. We'll manage. Here's how this week looks...you just might agree that I've lost my mind. LOL!

Monday -- Caleb has co-op classes from 11:30-3:30pm

Tuesday -- Caleb and Micah are FINALLY getting pictures made at 6:30pm

Wednesday -- Micah has a doctor's appt at 10:00am
Caleb has speech at 2:00pm

Thursday -- CGCHE has a field trip meeting at 12:30pm
CGCHE has a playgroup at the park at 1:00pm (we may skip this)

Friday -- I have a hair appt at 11:00am
CGCHE has the Fall Picnic at 1:00pm

Saturday -- Caleb has bowling at 9:00am

Whew...I'm tired just typing all of that. I wonder how I'll feel by the time Saturday rolls around...

So, wish me luck...maybe I'll remember everything AND get homeschooling done as well. Not to mention housework...

Micah and the straw

I went to the movies last night with my friend Laura. Well, while I was gone, I asked Brian to feed Micah his baby food. The meal was turkey and rice dinner. This was Micah's first time with this particular food, but I figured he'd do okay. I guess I was wrong. Brian said he didn't like it at all.

Well, tonight, I was going to see for myself. So, I heated it up enough to take the chill off, and then proceeded to feed baby boy. Well, he ate it up. He didn't give me any problems with it at all. But -- it turned quite soupy really quickly. So, after getting frustrated each time it fell off the spoon, I decided we'd grab a straw to see if Micah could get any out with the straw (yes, it was the consistency of a liquid, so it would go in the straw). He was sooo cute trying to get it out of the straw. He mostly just chewed on the straw, but I think he did get one or two sips of his meal. Brian grabbed the camera because Micah was just irresistable. Enjoy!

Blue Eyes and Brotherly Love

I've been playing catch-up with my picture taking now that I replaced my camera. So, please forgive me. I can't help but LOVE Micah's blue eyes. They are such a piercing blue. His whites get blue because his eyes are so blue. I hope they stay as pretty as they are. He'll definitely "whoo" the ladies when he's older with those eyes...I think we may be in trouble.

We are so blessed that Caleb and Micah get along so well (right now anyway). We'll see how well they get along once Micah starts getting into Caleb's toys. But -- Caleb LOVES to love on his baby brother. He's such a big helper, too. Here's some pictures of that "brotherly love."

Bowling with CGCHE

Caleb and I were able to go bowling with CGCHE (local homeschool group) today. Since Caleb enjoys bowling so much, we'll probably join in each month. He did really well, and he had a good time. Here are a few pictures of our little bowler.

***And -- I finally replaced my camera. I'm soooo excited. Since my birthday is coming up, I figured it would be a good birthday gift. I'm loving it...it's not the exact camera I had, but I still LOVE it (maybe even more).***

It only takes one curveball...

Why, why, why? I promise you...it only takes one curveball to throw a big kink in my schedule. Being the anal retentive person that I am...it really bothers me, too, when this happens.

You see...because of my horrific backache last week, I'm behind...on EVERYTHING! The laundry is backed up, the house is a mess, and I'm slacking on homeschool. Add all the appointments we've been running, and it gets even worse. I feel like I can't catch up because we're on the move all the time.

We had just caught up with homeschooling, and now, we're behind almost 2 weeks again. It's not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things...but to me, it is. You see, this year doesn't really count because Caleb is only in Kindergarten. Kindergarten isn't mandatory in Georgia, so we're not having to report anything to the system. But -- I wanted this year as a "practice" year to get a grasp on the whole homeschooling thing. Well, that really hasn't happened yet. We get into a groove, then life throws us a curveball, and we get behind. And -- that's WHY I'm doing the year-round schooling. We basically only school 4 days a week, so we've got room to play "catch up" when we need to. If had started in August and expected to finish in May...well, that wouldn't have happened. So, I'll stick with the year-round concept. :)

Now, appointments and obligations...co-op was to meet on Monday. Well, that got cancelled because of gas prices. I had a homeschool group meeting on Monday night at 7pm. Wanna know what time I remembered it? 7:30pm...oops...forgot that appointment. Tuesday was a free day. Wednesday is speech day. Today was a dental appointment. Tomorrow is bowling with the homeschool group. Saturday is Caleb's pee-wee bowling day. Then you get to Sunday, and all I want to do is REST!!!!!

So, add a six month old into the whole mix, and you get one whacked out mommy. I feel like my head is spinning so fast I can't catch it. I really wish I could make time stand still sometimes. I wish I could have some sort of power that would allow me to get everything done without really having to do anything. Wouldn't that be great? Yeah...well, someone become my hero and make that a possibility. I promise you...every mom on the planet would buy it. :)

Anyway, at the moment, I really can't tell you why I even wrote this post. There's a million other things that I SHOULD be doing. But -- instead, I chose to come here and vent. Now, I've just taken more time away from myself...go figure!

Oh well, it helps to vent, so I feel better.

Why do they have to grow up sooo fast?

This morning Caleb had a dentist appointment, so Brian monitored his brushing. We normally just let the boy brush his teeth alone, but since the dentist would be checking them...we thought we'd help. Well, Brian and Caleb then came and found me to show me what Brian found in Caleb's mouth while brushing his teeth. A permanent tooth...come on...the boy is only 5. This means he's no longer my little baby (well, we knew he wasn't little anyway, but you know what I mean). He's growing up...fast!

Anyway, everything checked out okay at the dentist, and he doesn't have any cavities. But -- since the permanent tooth is growing in BEHIND the baby tooth, the baby tooth isn't loose at all. What does this mean? Well, to Caleb...BAD NEWS! He has to go back to the dentist to get the baby tooth pulled. He doesn't know too much yet because he has a HUGE fear of shots. And -- yep...he'll have to get a shot when they extract the tooth. We will hold off telling him as long as we can. Luckily, we go to a wonderful pediatric dentist, and he will be able to take his favorite movie to watch while having the tooth pulled.

So, there you have it...my firstborn is growing up...too fast if you ask me. I'm sure Micah is right behind too...I can't believe he's 6 months now. Geez....where is the time going?

And the Winners Are...

Okay, I've finally drawn the winners for the Homeschool Closet Giveaway. If you won, I will be emailing your or contacting you via your blog, so be looking for me.

Shelf #1 -- PENNY
Shelf #2 -- JANE
Shelf #3 -- DESIREE

Again, congrats to you three winners, and I will be contacting you shortly! Thank you to everyone who partcipated!

He's trying...

Micah is trying to talk. He's been trying for some time now, but he's finally making some progress. This week he is working on "momma", and he's getting better. He mainly uses it when he's frustrated, but hey...he's saying it. LOL!

Ouch...my back

Okay, well, this has been a LOVELY week. Remember my post about skating last Friday.? Well, I remember my back hurting a bit while skating, but I didn't think much about it. Well, it continued to hurt Saturday and over the rest of the weekend. Brian and I decided to do some rearranging on Tuesday, and I helped him move some stuff around the house.

BIG MISTAKE!!!! I've been paying for it ever since. My back has been bothering me since Tuesday. It hurt so bad I started popping some of my leftover Tylenol with Codine that I had from my labor with Micah. But -- it didn't help. I used the heating pad, and nope...that didn't help either.

I've been in so much pain...I've fussed, I've cried, I've prayed. I ended up calling my ob-gyn today, and I asked them to prescribe something. Unfortunately, my ob is out of town, so the only thing they could give me was Motrin 800mg. Brian had to go pick it up. While he was gone...my back really bothered me. I couldn't even sit down. Caleb felt so bad for me, and I felt bad, too. We both cried and prayed, and Brian finally made it home with the Motrin.

I've felt a little bit better since taking one, and I'm hoping and praying that this will soon pass. If it doesn't get better with the help of Motrin, then I'll have to go to the doctor. So, keep me in your prayers...pray that the Motrin will work and God will relieve my pain.

Caleb and Brian have been wonderful. Brian has helped where he could, and so has Caleb. We've also skipped homeschooling, too, so we're behind again. Oh well...

Blogger Friend School Assignment 101

Intro: Plop, plop, Fizz, fizz; Oh, What a Relief It Is! (Marketing Credit: Alka Seltzer)
Assignment: This would be a good week to tell about your worst struggles with a lifestyle of homeschooling. Tell about something you’ve struggled with and how God’s mercies gave us the strength to get past it. Also, share any curriculum/homeschool methods that have been a relief to you, i.e., a particular Teacher’s Manual or Homeschooling method that’s been easier for your family. Talk about how you felt when the burden was lifted and Oh, What a Relief it is!

Okay, well, being as we're new to homeschooling, I really can't talk much about struggles yet. But -- I think the main thing I struggle with right now is trying to manage homeschooling AND a 6 month old at the same time. Yes, I KNOW it's possible, but it wasn't we had planned. I thought I'd be able to get the first year done before having a little one around, but God had other ideas. I know HIS timing is perfect, so I'm not complaining. That though is probably my biggest struggle at the moment.

At the moment, I'm more comfortable with the traditional textbook way of homeschooling. Being as I taught public school for 8 years, I'm used to using teacher's manuals and student editions. So, when it was time to choose a curriculum, I felt more comfortable with the boxed curriculums. We looked, reviewed, looked, reviewed, and finally settled on Bob Jones Univ. Press, and I am really pleased with our decision so far. Caleb seems to do well with their materials, and I really like what they have to offer. We do supplement with some Bible materials that are more in line with our beliefs, but other than that, I can't say enough about BJUP.

I will admit though...I was a bit overwhelmed with all the curriculum materials once they all arrived. I had to sit down and look through everything and come up with a plan. Being the anal retentive person that I am, I had to make sure that I was able to get enough "future" planning done so I wouldn't fret about anything. So, I got busy planning. I basically lined out the whole school year (we do year-round), and I was so relieved when it was all done.

However, as we all know...life throws us curveballs, and we've had a few. They've interfered with the "schedule" I had planned out, but I'm learning to just go with the flow.

I still rely on Proverbs 3:5-6 whenever life throws me curveballs..."Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

I would post a picture, but at the moment, I'm using the laptop, and there aren't any pictures relevant to homeschooling on this PC.

Thanks again for providing a way for us to delve into our "personal thoughts".

Micah and the meats...

Well, yesterday I tried giving Micah some Stage 1 meats. And -- he does NOT like them. I gave him some chicken & chicken broth, and he immediately gagged on it. So, I tried to mix it with his sweet potatoes, and he didn't go for that either. There was no tricking him...he knew it was there, and he did not like it at all.

Tonight I thought I'd try again but with turkey & turkey broth. Well, nope...he doesn't like it either. Hopefully he'll take to the combo meals that have meats/veggies OR meats/fruits (I know...sick, right?), but we'll see.

I wish I would have taken some pictures, but since I'm still waiting to replace the Canon, I despise taking pictures at the moment...they're always blurry. Anyway, that's another story...

Yeah for Homeschool Co-op

Today I registered Caleb for some homeschool co-op classes. This gives him the opportunity to be with other homeschool children and get away from mommy for a bit. Since he's a social kid, we really thought it was necessary to do as many activities as we could with other homeschool children. So, he'll go to co-op classes every Monday from 11:30-3:30. Here's his schedule:

11:30-12:30 Fun & Games
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:30 Beginning Reading Fun
2:30-3:30 PE

All of his classes will consist of other K-2nd graders. We're really hoping that the Fun & Games and PE class will help with his competitive spirit. He is so competitive it isn't funny. If he doesn't win...well, that's it...he's had it. Brian and I have tried and tried to teach him that it's not always about winning. It's about having fun and learning at the same time. So, we're really hoping that it will finally sink in if someone else stresses the point...wish us luck.

Classes start next week, and we're excited. Not only will Caleb get some time away from me, but I'll get some alone time with baby Micah. He's growing up soooo fast, so I'm trying to enjoy every little minute with him.

Caleb and "Teddy"

Caleb continues to do a wonderful job of sleeping in his own bed. In fact, he rarely wakes me up in the middle of the night, and I couldn't be happier about that. He's really surprised us by being so good about it all this time. We say his prayers each night (they are so sweet by the way), and then we tuck him into bed.

Omi and Opa gave him a teddy bear back when they visited for his birthday in July. Well, he promptly named the bear "Teddy." I know...very original but hey, he's 5...give him a break! LOL! Anyway, Caleb takes Teddy to bed with him EVERY night. He never really took to any "security" objects when he was younger other than the dreadful pacifier. We didn't get rid of that thing until he was 3.5 years old. Luckily (well we'll see in a few years), Micah prefers his thumb. So, needless to say, we were both suprised that Caleb has really taken to this little bear.

Anyway, I check in on the boys each night before I go to bed, and here's how I found Caleb this evening. All sprawled out with Teddy on his chest...how sweet is that?!!?

Bowling

Today was the beginning of the bowling season for this year. Caleb was so excited...he's really missed it this summer. Granted, Brian and I didn't miss it because it means we have to get up a LOT earlier than we normally do. You see...bowling starts promptly at 9am. That's the time we usually roll out of bed on a good day...LOL!

Anyhoo...Caleb did really well today. He bowled a 98 and an 85. There weren't as many children this time, but I'm sure the number will increase as the league progresses. We're looking forward to watching Caleb improve each time.

Skating

Today, Caleb and I had the joy of going skating with CGCHE (local homeschool group). Now, most of you know that I grew up in Byron, so Warner Robins is basically home. Well, we went to the SAME skating rink that I frequented as a child and teen. And -- guess what?!!? It has barely changed in some 20+ years. I told Caleb that I used to skate there, and that I remember having my 5th birthday party there. Talk about a LONG time ago...geez.

I was a bit nervous being as I haven't been on roller skates since some time back in college. I'm not good with inline skates either, so I opted for the traditional roller skates. Caleb got some as well. We both got our skates on, and we wobbled onto the rink...and dare I say that it's the same wood from 20 years ago? I don't know...but it could be. LOL!

Well, we went around the rink a few times, and of course, Caleb fell. But -- he got back up every time. Then I noticed some kids "practicing" on the carpet, and I thought that was a genius idea. So, off to the carpet we go so Caleb can practice. He skated and skated and skated. He was getting pretty good, too, so we went back onto the rink. He did much better. We skated around the rink a few times, but by that point, my back and legs were killing me. I tell ya...I'm not in the same shape I was in back in my teens, and my body wears out quickly. Caleb continued to skate on the carpet for a bit, then we grabbed a drink and he played some of the games (skee ball to be exact...he LOVES it).

We both had a good time, and Caleb is excited about going back again next month. Here are a couple of pictures...Enjoy!

They really should come with a warning...

Okay, I'm a bit peturbed at the moment, but at the same time...I can't help but laugh. I'm sure you're wondering why, so I'll share.

You see...my sweet precious Caleb has a love for scissors. He loves to cut paper into tiny pieces and keep it in a bucket. What for?!!? No clue! But -- it's something he loves to do, so we indulge and allow him the pleasure.

Well, these same scissors must just have an attractive force in them that causes Caleb to use them to cut things that aren't supposed to be cut. You see...not only has Caleb used said scissors for cutting paper, but he's used them to cut ALL sorts of things. Here's our latest conversation:

Caleb: "Mom, what happens when you cut the wire to the small TV?" (note...this is not actually a small TV. It's the portable DVD player that is kept in his room so he can watch movies at his leisure).
Me: "Hmm...what?"
Brian: "You cut what?"

So, off Brian goes into Caleb's bedroom, and sure enough...there lies the power cord cut in two. It is fixable, but still...what is it with the scissors?

Here's a list of some of the things that these lovely scissors have cut in their lifetime: the obvious paper, power cords, shirts, blankets, sheets, etc. They've yet to cut hair, but I'm sure that's around the corner with our luck.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share so that everyone would know...scissors do not come with a warning. I guess it's just a given that ALL kids will use them to cut more than just paper at some point in their childhood. So, share your scissor cutting stories with me...give me something to laugh about!

A Visit from Omi and Opa

Brian's parents...better known as Omi and Opa around here...came down for a visit on Sunday. They were here until early this morning. Both of the boys truly enjoyed having them here for a visit. Brian and I enjoyed their visit as well. We learned more about them (well, I did, really) by listening to stories of Omi's childhood, how she met Opa, their life together, etc. It was truly an interesting story, and Brian says it'll make a great movie. I tend to agree with him...so watch out...we might just become producers one of these days. LOL!

Omi and Opa just ate up Micah and Caleb. Since they're in Virginia, we don't see them as often as we'd like. So, every moment the boys get with them is extra special. We're hoping they'll move down here in a couple of years once they retire...I know the boys would enjoy that as much as Omi and Opa would.

We all had a great time just talking, laughing, and spending time together. It was truly a wonderful visit (well, minus my accident prone happenings...let's see, I got a fever blister, cut my thumb, and burnt 3 fingers...can you say...WAY TO GO SHERRIE).

Thanks for visiting Omi and Opa. We hope to make it up your way soon. Here are some pictures of the visit. Enjoy!

Open mouth, insert thumb...Micah is GREAT at this! LOL!

Micah having fun with Opa.

Caleb and Omi smooching on Micah.

Micah smooching on Omi.

Micah loving on Omi.

Splish, splash

Baby kisses...slobber.

Blue eyes..

Homeschool Closet Giveaway

Valerie over at Christian Preschool Printables is hosting a Homeschool Closet Giveaway, so I thought I'd participate. Besides, I'm hoping someone can benefit from these books because I don't need them.

Here's how it works: Let me know which shelf you're intersted in by leaving a comment. I will draw a winner on September 14th, and I'll announce the winner on September 15th. ***I will pay for shipping within the continental US only.***

So, take a look and comment with the shelf # if you're interested. Thanks for looking!

Shelf #1 -- First Catechism - Teaching Childreen Bible Truths -- I accidentally purchased two of these, and I only need one. It's a great way to instill Christian truths into younger children.
http://ebiz.netopia.com/clpress/pages/store/skudetail.nhtml?profile=kindergarten&uid=10777&returnURL=http%3A//ebiz.netopia.com/clpress/kindergarten

Shelf #2 -- Celebrating Art by Debbie & Darrel Trulson -- I purchased this from Christian Liberty Press hoping that it would meet my art needs this year. However, I decided to just wing it until purchasing a curriculum next year.
http://ebiz.netopia.com/clpress/pages/store/skudetail.nhtml?profile=kindergarten&uid=10981&returnURL=http%3A//ebiz.netopia.com/clpress/kindergarten

Shelf #3 -- Art Basics for Children by Rich and Sharon Jeffus -- Again, I purchased this hoping I could use it for K art, but I'm holding off on anything this year.
http://www.visualmanna.com/catalog/item/4506039/4532289.htm

Good luck and happy entering! Again, the winner will be announced on September 15th.

Blogger Friend School Assignment #100

Assignment: Take time this week to write about YOU and your feelings of trials and triumphs with homeschooling. Touch on when you first heard about the concept of home schooling and whether you tip-toed into the idea or just jumped in and never looked back. Share your schooling as a child and how you compare it to what your goals are for your children.

I believe the first time I ever heard of homeschooling was shortly after Brian and I married in 2000. We started attending a Reformed Baptist Church in Macon, and it was a very small church. Almost all of the families there homeschooled their children, and it began to pique my interest. So, after some prayer and discussion, Brian and I decided it was what we wanted to do for our children when we became parents. And -- from that moment on, I never doubted that I would homeschool...it was a given.

My years as a public school teacher also confirmed our decision to homeschool. I dealt with so many issues as a PS teacher. There was almost always a lack of respect from the students, and quite frankly, the administration wasn't up to par when it came to discipline either. Add to that the fact that there was paperwork overload, and it's amazing I even found the time to teach. And when the "no child left behind" came into effect, it made it even harder to do my job as a teacher. I'm sorry, but in my honest opinion, I can teach you something until I'm blue in the face. But -- I cannot get into your little head and make it stick. So, I don't think holding the teacher fully accountable for the students' lack of learning is fair. Teaching is both the job of the teacher AND the parents. Now, I know...some people may blast me for this, and that's okay...it's my opinion, and we're all entitled to our opinions. Plus, the students need to step up and accept some responsibility as well.

Okay, off of my soapbox and back to the assignment...LOL! My schooling as a child wasn't that bad. I attended public school, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had some good teachers, and I had some bad teachers. Many of the good teachers are the ones that inspired me to become the person I am today. I was a good student, and I made good grades. I was actually #12 in my graduating class of 200+, so that's not too shabby. But -- my parents stepped in and helped me at home. My mom stayed at home, and she was there to guide me with homework and assist me whenever I asked for help. As you can tell from above, it wasn't my schooling as a child that led me to become a homeschooling parent. It's what I saw as a new wife and teacher that led me in the homeschooling direction.

I've only been homeschooling since June, and it's going really well. Caleb is soaking up so much information, and he's learning so much. I think my main challenge is that I have high expectations for him. After seeing so many students who weren't succeeding in public school, I want so much more for Caleb. I had first graders who didn't know the ABC's, and I found that very sad. It also made my job harder because I had to start with the basics that should have been done in Kindergarten. Another challenge I face is that I'm very anal retentive, and I'm very structured. And -- kids aren't always that way...Caleb included. But -- I'm slowly learning it's okay when things don't go as planned...sometimes it even adds for more excitement and spontaneity.

Our goals for Caleb are for him to first and foremost become a Godly young man. We want to instill Christian values and morals. Brian and I also want him to try as many things as he would like...if he wants to play the keyboard, he can. If he wants to learn the trumpet, then so be it. We will support him in whatever endeavors he chooses. Finally, we want him to value learning and the information that is available to him. We want him to have the ability to become whatever he so chooses later on in life, and by instilling a love for learning...I think he'll be a very successful person.

A verse that I truly love and try to live by is Proverbs 3:5-6..."Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." I find this verse very comforting in all areas of my life and especially as a homeschool parent. The only thing I can do is "trust in the Lord." If I do that, he promises to guide me...what more can I ask for?

Here's a picture of Caleb on the first day of Kindergarten.