Showing posts with label Life as Mom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life as Mom. Show all posts

Jun 22, 2012

More Summer-time Happenings

This week has been a full, full week for us.  This week we have:
  •  made a trip to the library
  •  read lots
  •  paid a visit to the Asheboro Zoo (very hot but lots of fun)
  •  been to the pool
  •  gone to a few classes at the gym(for me of course)
  •  been grocery shopping(hate)
  •  and watched Emma have her riding lesson(she's in love!). 
Of course with all of the Summer-time fun my house and it's dirt and crust have been neglected.  So today I joined up my two oldest to help me.  It took us quite awhile to get it all done but now my house is sparkling,  clean enough anyway!  We don't expect perfection around here but let's just say it's not gag nasty anymore!  AND they both received a dollar each for their help and Beau got some pennies for his piggy bank.  :) They were more than delighted with that! 

I also put a new recipe from Pinterest in the crockpot.  It's chicken fajitas.  Oh and there are chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven.  It's enough to make me feel pretty doggone productive today. ;) 

We have a packed weekend ahead of us with a trip to visit family in Virginia tomorrow and Beau's birthday on Sunday and cookout with our care group that night. 

It's been busy alright and not slowing down quite yet but it's a good kind of busy.  It's kind of my way of waiting out, or surviving you could say, these last 3 or so months until we are moved. 

I just keep waiting, waiting, waiting, and been almost fed up at times with the waiting game but it will all be worth it in the end, right? 

Jun 7, 2012

32 and counting....

"I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June." L.M. Montgomery



Birthdays.  When you're a mom of littles it's really just another day isn't it?  I've learned not to have too high of expectations when youngun's are involved.  Simple and low key is the way to go.  I mean it may be my birthday and all but the world doesn't suddenly start revolving around Tara.  I still have diapers to change, lunches to make, and dishes to clean. 

I decided to take the kids out for breakfast at Starbucks (Cory still being in SC).  It was nice actually.  We sat outside and the weather was beautiful. 

Emma chose a butter croissant. 

Both of the boys had little chocolate donuts.


Then we went to the park and "treasure hunting" at Goodwill.  Who goes to the Goodwill on their birthday?! 
Apparently I do. 

But it was fun and simple and the rest of the day we hung out at home and rested a bit and waited for Cory to get home from work. 

That's it.  Oh, and I made strawberry shortcake.  Yes, I made my very own birthday shortcakes.  They were yum though.  Cory had two heaping, and I do mean HEAPING, plate fulls of it. 

Emma gave me a necklace that she made herself last night at the gym.  I wore it ALL day. 



I'm thankful for the cards, gifts, phone calls, texts, facebook posts, and messages I received today!


“It is the month of June, The month of leaves and roses, When pleasant sights salute the eyes And pleasant scents the noses.”
Nathaniel Parker Willis





May 20, 2012

Summertime Plans

School is officially over for us here at the Peters's household!  This weekend I started planning out our Summer.  I believe in having fun with my kids and enjoying them as much as possible!  

Yes, there will be laundry and cleaning, etc.  You can never really get away from that, can you?  I like to cram it all into one day and be done with it!  Well, with the exception of the laundry.  Sometimes a couple extra loads a week is required for this family of five. :/ 

BUT, hey, life is short and my kids get older and taller by the day.  I will never get these days back and THEY only have one childhood. 

So tomorrow we are packing it up and heading to the ocean for a week filled with sand, sun (while smothered in sunscreen of course) icecream, and probably another ferry ride to the aquarium. 

And by the way, the last time we visited the aquarium I bought a membership which now gets us all in free to any of the aquariums and the zoo here in NC.  Most of the zoos/wildlife/aquariums are free or half off across the country too.  SO, for us this is an amazing deal since we will most definitely use it several times this year.  (Just an fyi for any of you moms who want to take advantage of that deal.  It's awesome.)

When we get back from the beach Cody will turn 5.  It's crazy to think that he will start kindergarten this Fall!  And also by the time we return, the pool will finally be open and I know they will all be begging to go swimming every day.  :0

So here are some things I'm planning for us this Summer '12.  By the way, if I don't plan these things out then the days come and go and before I know it it's time for school again. 

We our planning to:
  • Swim alot
  • See the animals at the Zoo
  • Celebrate some birthdays and our 13th anniversary
  • Have playdates at Reedy Creek Park (new fave)
  • Take a long road trip to New York to visit my Gram!
  • Take part in the reading program at the library
  • Hopefully do the beach thing one more time
It's pretty simple but it will fill our days.  I hope you are making your Summer plans and that you have a great time just enjoying your kids. 

I hope that my kids will look back on their childhood with fond memories. 

I know I will. 


Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~


May 12, 2012

Mother's Day


To every mother who:

  •  endured the pain of childbirth
  • sacrificed comforts and sleep
  • gave up the right to a perfectly clean house
  • got peed, pooped, snotted, or thrown up on
  • didn't grow her child inside her body but found love for that child through adoption
  • cooked meal after meal
  • washed grass-stained after food-stained laundry
  • endured the unimaginable pain of losing her child
  • sacrificed a dream to see the dream of her child realized
  • felt joy as her child learned to walk, talk, or ride a bike
  • felt sadness at realizing her child may never do any of the above
  • thanked God for the blessing of her child knowing that blessings sometimes come in unexpected ways
  • did it alone because he decided he was out
  • watches her growing children sleep and remembers when they were just tiny babies
  • cheerfully sits through lessons, games, and recitals
  • sat by her child in the hospital bed
  • kissed feverish foreheads
  • washed dirty faces and feet
  • proudly hung "artwork" on the refrigerator
  • doled out snack after snack
  • fished out a beloved toy that accidentally fell in the toilet
  • never runs out of hugs and kisses
  • constantly reminds herself to redeem the time for the time is short
  • prays for her children
  • knows she messes up alot but is humble enough to say "I'm sorry"
  • teaches her child manners and bible verses
  • builds blocks and reads books when sometimes she would rather take a nap or go shopping
  • slowly watches her child spread their wings and leave the nest knowing that she has to let go now
  • still prays over them when they become completely independent knowing that she will never stop being a mother
  • plays with her children's children because she is now not just a mother but a grandmother
  • knows she didn't do everything right but knows God grace can cover it
  • loves her children with all of her heart.....



         HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!



Apr 25, 2012

Every Day Stuff and a Test

Laundry.

Orthodonist appointment for Emma.

Cleaning.

Spending all Saturday morning driving around pricing new dryers because mine bit the dust.

Buying a new dryer and having it delivered.

Grocery shopping.

Oil change and tire rotation. 

Speech Therapy for Cody.

Testing for Emma.

Such are the things that have made up my days since returning from the beach.  It's just life!

On a different note....Emma did aMAZing with her testing.  She was actually looking forward to it!  By the way, if any of my homeschool mom friends want a recommendation for a test administrator, I know a great one!

Emma's reading was on a 7th grade level (she is in 2nd grade).

To quote the summary: "Emma's fluency with academic tasks is within the superior range of others at her age level.  Her academic skills are high average.  Her level of academic knowledge is average. 
When compared to others at her age level, Emma's performance is superior in broad reading; high average in mathematics; and average in math calculation skills." 

That is shameless downright bragging right there on my part but. I.Don't.Care. 



Mar 22, 2012

Blessings and Inchworms

I am overwhelmed.

Yesterday I talked with a friend.  I love her heart.  She has a great heart and when we get together or just talk on the phone I know that she is a kindred spirit.  (Anne of Green Gables fans would understand what I mean by that. )  We talked about our next get together (soon!!) and life and her heart for kids in Africa.  I think about Africa too.  I don't know why yet but I hope there is a reason!  We also talked about how blessed we are.  Generally speaking, many of us are here in America. 

So today I'm overwhelmed.  I'm overwhelmed with the blessings that are mine.  I don't deserve any of them and yet God has seen fit to give me what He has.  I've done nothing that I should have them.  I've done nothing that I should receive salvation. 

Grace.

God's good Grace.  Given to undeserving me. 

So that conversation with my friend yesterday has spilled over into the right here and now, today.  And I'm overwhelmed. 

And I'm thanking God for the blessings great and small.  Thanking Him for the blessing of today in all of it's simplicity. 

Today HAS been very simple.  A quiet morning doing what we do and having nowhere to be except here.  Just letting my kids be kids and enjoying it.  Not rushing but taking time to tickle and build blocks and watch the robin on the fence.  Or look at a picture book.  Or examine an inchworm. 

It's days like today when I think to myself, "I love my life".  I've had periods of sadness in my life.  I've had seasons that were hard.  I have bad days when everything seems to go awry.  They are sure to come again.  In fact I know that they will.  God uses the bad times to teach me.  It makes me appreciate the good days and to be thankful for them knowing that God is still the same God even in the good or bad.  He doesn't change.  And He always has a plan.

Today I'm grateful.  So very grateful. 

Little inchworm.

The keeper of the inchworm.

A fascination with the inchworms kept this boy busy for quite awhile.  A bike and inchworms.  Pretty simple. 

Mar 16, 2012

Parks and Pawn Shops!

Today has been an interesting day full of planned activity and alot of "go with the flow."  Well ok, that would be most days around here actually.  :)
This morning I had an appointment to drop off a couple of bags at a local consignment store to sell and even did a little shopping myself.  Apparently my kids have been doing some serious growing in the past few months and with this unseasonably warm weather they have been in desperate need for clothing! 
I have a girl who loves to shop and pick out her own stuff.  She's been developing her own taste and style for some time and she loves that independent feel of picking out her own clothing.  With mom's approval of course. ;) 

Then it was off to the park to enjoy a little sun and fresh air.



This kid cracks me up the way he climbs all the way up to the top and then sits there.  No amount of coaxing can convince him to slide down.  And yes, he has before and I guess that was enough for him. 

And there he sits up there all by himself.  Makes me laugh!

His dare devil big brother thought it high time he go down though and this is how it ended up.  The one on the bottom didn't care much for it!

A little flying hopscotch.

So this past Christmas we bought a piece of junk bike for Cody.  I kind of had that feeling when I saw that it was the last box on the shelf but I was running out of time with my last minute shopping so I got it anyways.  Well can you guess where I'm going with this?  Cory spent Christmas Eve putting it together only to find out that the tire was wack.  Messed up.  Thankfully the store took it back. 

ANYWAYS, we just never replaced it and just last week Cody started asking about a bike again.  Well, on our way home from the park we passed a pawn shop and there just happened to be two brand new Huffy bikes sitting out on the sidewalk with the plastic still on them and one was just the right size for my little man.  So I pulled on over. 
I let Cody try it out and it was perfect.  But then I had to go IN the pawn shop to pay for it. 
Well that was a first for me.  I'll admit that it made me just a little uneasy.  But I'm a pistol packin' mama. 
Don't mess with me. ;)

Here he is. :)  He rode that bike ALL afternoon.  I loved just sitting outside and watching him.  Emma and I got a lot of reading done while we sat out there with him!

After dinner he couldn't wait to get back outside to show his daddy his new bike.
So proud.

Then there were....

Icecream cones.
Baths.
And
Bedtime.
And it was a good day. 






Mar 15, 2012

Lovely Spring Days

Technically it isn't Spring yet but Spring has ARRIVED here and I'm just about ready to pack up the Winter clothing.  It's been lovely today.  Really really nice actually. 

Anyone who reads this blog faithfully should very well know that on nice days I will always have the windows open.  Every day this week has been just right for it. 


The kids and I had a great time spending a gift card from Christmas and then hopping over to an educational store for a couple of things. 

The rest of the day was spent playing outside, doing laundry (the story of my life), math, and reading. 

I don't know if it was all the fresh air or what but Emma and Cody played "school"  together this afternoon for quite awhile and it was wonderful.  Don't I wish they'd do that ALL the time! 

I'm always thankful when they do though. 

I broke out the perla beads again and they have proven to be a great tool for focusing attentions.  Although tedious, it is one of the few things that will keep my 4year old completely undistracted by anything else.  :)

And so with windows open and fresh breezes blowing I plan to enjoy the rest of this week doing what I do.  Being a mom. 

Happy Almost Spring!






Mar 7, 2012


Do you know how often I hear this little boy tell me he loves me? 

More than I can count!

He is WILD at heart.  He is tender and full of love. 

He is God's creation and gift to us.

I love all of my kids the same but I just had some one on one time with Cody this afternoon and he is so precious....and photogenic if I can brag a little. :)


Here is a quote that I read somewhere a little while back (also under my quotes section). 

“The season of young children is a time to refrain. Refrain from most outside activities, even some church activities. Now is a time to be faithful in discipline…it’s the springtime of mothering. Redeem the time, don’t waste it.” Sono Harris

This resonated with me and I have come back to it many times since.  It has also convicted me and encouraged me at the same time.  It's ok.  It's ok to not do it all. 

"Parents! The work entrusted to us is holier than we know.  The precious instrument, so delicate, so wonderfully made, so marred by sin already and so exposed to its power, is of such inconceivable worth.  To take charge of an immortal soul, to train a will for God and eternity, surely we ought to shrink from it.  But we cannot.  If we are parents, the duty is laid upon us.  But, thank God!  Sufficient grace is prepared and promised, too.  If we do but give up our home and our life to God for Him to come in and rule, He will Himself take possession, and by the gentle influence of His Holy Spirit bow their will to Himself."  Rev. Andrew Murray,  The Children for Christ, 1887

And for that sufficient grace I'm thankful because I don't always feel up to the task of this parenting stuff but pray that God will fill in the gaps where I lack the energy, strength, knowledge or wisdom.

So I leave with this.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matt. 6:19-21




Feb 24, 2012

Today

I love days like today. 

Simple days.

It's been another unusually warm day in February.  This morning we went to the gym but the rest of the day has been spent here at home.  The windows have been open ALL day.  I love the fresh air blowing through the house. 

We played outside.

Then I made two things I found on Pinterest.  Cory's parents are coming to dinner tomorrow night.  So today I made some homemade salsa.  Then I made a chocolate cake.  I don't know how the cake will be but the homemade frosting is awesome.  It will definitely kick the butt of that "Green Velvet" cake I made last weekend.  :)  I'm hoping we can hold off demolishing it before tomorrow night!

Some laundry.

Painting. (the kids, not me.)

A game of Alphabet Go Fish.  (That was one of our consignment shop finds yesterday. )

Just. Enjoying. My. Kids.  That was the plan. 

Being. Grateful.

Living simply.

Feb 23, 2012

Carpe Diem

What a beautiful Carolina day.  :)

The windows were open.

Some time was spent outside.

A hair cut (trim and layers) for a certain little girl.

Smoothies for all. 

A visit to the consignment shop.

Math.

Preschool games.

And an hour of spin class. 

I found these shape/peg toys at the consignment shop that had never been opened. 

She got her American Girl magazine in the mail today and she read it from front to back.
"This is fuzz you Mom."

Just grateful that I get to spend every day with them.

Life is good.





 

Feb 8, 2012


It's been a busy week so far and we're only half way through!  Coming off of a whirlwind trip to my brother and sister-in-law's house for a visit over the weekend, and an 8 miler on Sunday afternoon...I was already tired.  So far we've had co-op, more school, grocery shopping at 2 different places, more half-marathon training, cleaning, laundry, a womens meeting at church, speech therapy and the normal every day stuff.  Part of my resolution to simplify hasn't worked out too well this week.  As long as I realize it and get back on track, right? 
The picture above is Cody's breakfast this morning.  Or rather his last bite. :)  We aren't too busy for pumpkin pancakes though.  All three kids love them.  Good ol' Pinterest. ;)

Feb 1, 2012

February the 1st?

Is it really the first of February?!  Such a mild winter we've had so far!  I try to make sure the kids get some outside time every day especially on these mild days like we've had today.  Well, really all week actually.  Here are some pictures from the day. 









And sometimes this is just the reality. ;)


I hope ya'll are enjoying this day too. :)

Ps. 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.





Nov 25, 2011

Falalalala...la.la.la.la!

My ragamuffin crew and I picked out our Christmas tree this afternoon.  I really like going to this place every year.  It's a family-owned business and they come down from Asheville with their trees.  They are always very friendly and the customer service is great.  The kids always like the HUGE snowman and the free candy canes.  :)





The halls are decked and the kids helped so that means damage control is in order but they had fun.  Emma enjoyed bossing everyone decorating.  She really gets into it.  Cody is more patient with her than I would be and Beau made a mess and pulled more ornaments off the tree than he helped put on. 

Merry Christmas!!

Nov 2, 2011

Blessings

Do you ever look at your growing children and remember when they were babies?  I do that all of the time. 

Sometimes I look at Emma and I remember seeing her scrunched up face for the first time. 
My first baby. 
That little girl that I had wanted.  There she was!  Now she is one month from being 8. 
Everyone says she looks like me. 
Anyone who knows her knows that she loves books.  At just the age of 2 she would sit and flip through a magazine page by page.  She would read a phone book.  Any catalogs or flyers that come in the mail do not escape her. 
She has an amazing memory! 
She loves going to Co-op on Mondays.  She hates Math even though it seems to come quite easy to her.  She loves to learn. 
She's into horses much to Cory's dismay.  All things Princess, ballet, and pink have passed.  She prefers blue. 
She will be taller than I.  I think 5'7 was the last prediction from the pediatrician...possibly taller.  I'm happy for her. :) 
She likes to go anywhere I go. 
She likes I Love Lucy reruns. 
She can't wait until we build our house so she can have her own room. 
Her husband will have to be understanding of her love of books.  He will probably need to be somewhat intelligent and have a love of learning like she does but not too stuffy.  He has to get along with her father and brothers.  A knowledge of guns and hunting is highly recommended. 

And I look at Cody and remember that fat little face he had.  He was the biggest baby I've had weighing 8 pounds 3 oz.  My first boy. 
He looks like Cory. 
He's rough. 
He's tender and sweet and always the first to give kisses and say he loves us.  He climbs into bed with us in the morning to snuggle and occasionally a wayward knee or elbow to the face.  :/
He's not too shy. 
If he gets a boo boo you hear about it until it's gone. 
He has learned the alphabet song and when I call out each of the 50 US Capitals he can recite back to me all corresponding 50 States.  He still sees a speech therapist every week so they (the States) aren't always recognizable by just anyone but I know what he's saying. :)
He's our picky eater.  He lives on Ritz crackers, cheese sticks, chocolate milk, yogurt, and pb on a spoon.  I just give him his vitamins and fruit smoothies (he likes those thankfully!!) and I don't worry about it.
I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a rodeo cowboy.  Whatever he does it will not be boring and always full steam ahead.  His wife will probably need to be the calm type who doesn't frighten easily and who also loves a little adventure herself.   

Last but not least, my little Beau.  His baby days are easier to remember being they were just last year!  He was my smallest baby at an even 7 pounds.  And what a good baby he was. 
He was a good sleeper and still is. 
I never tire of kissing his face. 
I'm not sure who he looks like but he's a good mix of all of us.
He likes to eat. 
He likes to be outside. 
His personality is still developing so I have so much more to study about him. 
He is cautious.  He likes to wrestle with the "big boys" but don't throw him in the air!  He freaks out and stiffens his body like a board. 
He seems to gravitate toward being musical.  At least he enjoys it anyways.  He likes to dance.  He's not a music snob either.  He likes it all. 
He is being toughened by his big brother and loved on by his big sister.
His wife will probably be spontaneous and bubbly.  :)

Well this post went in a different direction than I had planned but that's ok.  I do that often and when it happens I just go with it.  :)  Until next time!

This is the best, most recent picture I could find of me with all three.  Beau is being squeezed by Cody but hey, what's new?  ;)

Oct 24, 2011

Give Them Grace

Best.  Parenting.  Book.  Ever. 

"Therefore, there will be no rest for my bones or yours unless we listen to the Word of grace and stick to it consistently and faithfully." Martin Luther
How true that is.  How often I forget.
I think I could sit here and quote so many things from this book but I won't.  My fingers would get tired.
If you are serious about your kids, and if you are serious about parenting, then get this book.  You know what?  I think I will read it again.  I need it drilled into my head.  :)

Oct 2, 2011

Just what the doctor ordered

I'm sitting here in my living room and it's completely quiet. 

It's peaceful. 

Peaceful would describe this entire weekend actually.  Beau is upstairs taking his afternoon nap.  Cory left to meet his parents to pick up Emma and Cody who have been gone since Friday evening.  So I'm taking some time to blog about this weekend. 

This weekend has been good for my soul.  It's been pretty darn close to perfect actually.  I think when a mom is with her kids every day all day long and has a husband who travels during the week then she can get worn out and spread thin.  Add some runny noses and a baby who is teething and has a fever and she can get close to burned out. 

Saturday was perfect.  I had my windows open all day.  The weather was crisp and downright chilly.  I did a 5 mile trail run while Cory and Beau watched a kid's soccer game at the park.  I got the house clean and laundry done!  While Beau napped I caught up on some reading and Cory worked outside on the patio.  None of that sounds particularly exciting I'm sure.  That's the point.  It was just what I needed.  I needed that run.  I needed to get the housework done.  I needed that peace and quiet.  Moms (and Dads) need that sometimes.  I am so thankful for it. 

In regards to my last post, I have ideas floating around in my head about where I want to take this.  I'm going to keep my focus on homeschooling, parenting, domestic stuff, marriage, etc.  If that bores you, I'm sorry.  It excites me!  It's what I love and it's what I was made for.  Not that I know it all but I'm learning alot along the way and I like to share what I learn and I hope it's an encouragement to others just as other blogs have been encouraging to me.  :)

Sep 8, 2011

A widow's mite, laundry, diapers and dishes. Not necessarily in that order.

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9 ESV

I just decided that this will be my life verse for now.  :)  I know there are alot of good ones out there but this one keeps coming to my mind.  It reminds me of mothering.  Parenting.  Teaching.  Praying. 

You moms out there know that there is NEVER an end to the tasks.  There is ALWAYS something that needs to be done.  Always! 

This week I have:
  • Read to my kids
  • Washed, dried, folded and put away laundry
  • Changed many diapers
  • Told my kids I loved them
  • Lost my temper once...or twice
  • Read to my kids some more
  • Washed sink loads of dishes
  • Ran my butt off
  • Washed, dried, folded and put away more laundry
  • Snuggled with Beau and his bottle of milk after naptime
  • Made yet another trip to the library
  • Did school
  • Read some more
  • Colored my own hair (really didn't want to do that but the gray hairs made me)
  • Made dinners
  • Washed dishes (neVERending!)
  • Ironed Cory's pants
  • Went to the playground
I'm not complaining though.  I'm really thankful that I have a family that dirties up the dishes and continuously adds to the laundry pile.  But that's not really what tires me out the most.   It's not the laundry and the dishes.  It's the teaching and the disciplining!  So I need that verse to encourage me not to give up!  I'm just glad that when I DO fail, and when I DO get tired or overwhelmed that I can remember that it's God who is in control anyways.  It's only God who can change their hearts and it's God who directs our (mine and theirs) paths.  All I can do is teach and pray.  The rest is in His hands.


This is supposed to be a "widow's mite".  It was given to me with Emma's curriculum last year through Sonlight.  It helps to remind me of my purpose as a mom.  You can read about how I got it here http://www.sonlight.com/LP07.html

Keep on keepin' on.

Aug 30, 2011

MAMA SAID THERE WOULD BE DAYS LIKE THIS

Yeah, it's been one of those days.  The kind of day when you feel like nothing has been accomplished.  The FRUSTRATING  kind of day when your kids act every bit like their depraved nature.  We started out our day with the eye doctor.  Emma and Cody were due for a checkup.  Why?  I don't really know actually.  It had been a year since their first one so I thought I would take them again.  They might need glasses or something. 

It did not go well.  We were there for an hour and a half.  Three kids and me.  Stinging dilation drops.   Teeny tiny little room.  Not good. 

And after all of that, no glasses were needed.  With my nearly blind eyes I had figured at least Emma would need them.  Nope, not yet.  Someday probably.  But not today.  What a waste of time!

We haven't done a lick of school today either.  By the time we got home it was lunchtime and then naptime and I was just too exhausted and irritated to do anything else.  I put both boys down for naps and decided I would try for a nap too.  Oh no.  No, no, no.  Not for Mommy.  Cody decided he wasn't tired. 

After I layed there and listened to quite enough noise coming from upstairs I went up there only to discover that he was actually in the bathroom with Emma's purple makeup smeared on his face.  So I marched him back into their room and he then yells "I have to go poo poo!" Of course!  Did he go into the bathroom for that purpose and get distracted by the makeup?  I don't know.  I will probably never know. 

So then I sent them outside to blow bubbles. 

That lasted all of 7 minutes. 

They are now watching a movie and I am waiting for Cory to get home.  Oh, wait.  Beau is awake from his nap.  Gotta go.

Tomorrow is another day....and I'm hoping it goes much better than this one did. 

Aug 27, 2011

Homeschooling (how creative is that title?)

Phew!  It's been a busy week.  You know I've been busy if I haven't blogged in 5 days. :) 

We have taken a more laid back approach to our schooling this year.  Actually, I've just decided that this week.  Yeah, I tend to be kind of last minute like that sometimes.   I guess adding "school" time with Cody has made me realize this.  Not that I have to do a lot with him at just 4 years of age but I can tell that he is much more ready for "learning" than he was last year.  

My plan for him this year is to read a lot of books.  Simple, I know, but so so beneficial.  I picked up the story of Peter Pan this week just because I happened to notice it on their bookshelf.  It's actually Emma's book but I thought that he might just be interested with it being about Pirates and a boy who is adventurous and flys through the air and everything.  It's bigger than any book I've read to him before so I wasn't sure if it would keep his attention.  I was pleasantly surprised however when not only did he like it, but he kept wanting to read more and more!  So now I need some new ideas of what to read to him when we're done with that one! 

Something else surprised me this week about Cody.  On Tuesday during my CC review with them both  I was completely taken by surprise by what he DID actually remember!  I got so excited with him and for him! 

Besides working on letters, numbers, shapes, etc., that's really all I have planned for him this year.  Pretty laid back I think.  I've learned that little boys need lots of playtime and I'm still studying Cody to see where his strengths and weaknesses lie. 

As part of Cody's "preschool" I decided to pull out our box of blocks.  Pretty simple right?  Well, I was amazed at how focused he became at building.  At first I thought it would be good for all of us to sit down together and build and that went pretty well, but even after I was done playing and Emma and Beau had moved on to other things Cody was still there building "house" after "house". 




Another thing I discovered about Cody?  The boy needs more positive encouragement and praise.  He's a rambunctious little stinker sometimes who gets more than his share of scoldings and discipline but I noticed that the more I praised him for his "buildings" and his memory work, and just anything that I saw him do well this week that he just soaked it up.  It was GOOD for him.  I loved seeing that. 


Wednesday was a middle of the week break from school work with a trip to the pool to swim.  The rest of the week was spent reading, doing a little math with Emma, and working on presentations for CC and reviews.  That's it.  And lots of play.  And reading.  I love reading to them.  It's by far my favorite part of homeschooling. 


Well, I had intended to write about Emma and Beau too but I think I'll save that for another time or else this post is going to get too long. :)


Oh and one more thing I was surprised by this week?  Just how much I enjoyed my children.  I'm not kidding.  I truly enjoyed spending the quality time with them.  I know there will be hard days.  I can't really escape those days but I really want this to be a great year and so far I think we are off to a great start. 


My advice to ME this year
  1. Don't overdo it.
  2. Be patient on those uncooperative days.
  3. Give lots of praise and encouragement.
  4. Be flexible.
  5. Have fun with it!  Learning should be fun.
  6. Read
  7. Read
  8. Read some more. 
  9. Play ouside alot.
  10. And read a little more.