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Dec. 5, 2007 - Soon?

Some things you just can't explain.  Yesterday I found one of my 6th grader's English tests in a shoe box in the garage in the yard sale pile.  Care to figure that one?  When I am in the middle of teaching school I can think of 150 projects that need to be done around in the house.  When my afternoon 'free time' comes around, I can not remember one, so I waste an hour reading old e-mails. ???   Then of course they all come rushing back to me about 10PM and I can either go to bed feeling guitly about not being productive or not get any sleep. 

 

Well, I did tackle the garage, at least partly .  It's one of those things I can do while my littlest guy pokes around outside.  I am to the point with 'stuff' that I would much rather have less and have it all in good, clean working condition than have loads of junk that is broken, dirty and taking up space.  I have several pack rats in the family and I am in a constant battle with papers, artwork, memorabilia, toys, spare computers, bikes and appliance parts.  'Just in case' , ya'  never know when you might need a 38 year old toilet seat  (yes, I have one if you need one)

 

This week I also am finally tackling the Civil War.  We are starting a few months later than I originally planned, but now I think we're ready.  I found several good sites for info and ideas.  One is http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/UnitStudies/civilwar.htm   And of course I just saw the "perfect" unit study for it in a catalog.  I'm basically doing my own this time. More time consuming than I prefer, but that's ok.  As we do some of the projects I hope to put the pictures on here.    Speaking of pictures, I did go through and re-find the trip pictures so I will post the Awesome Trip.  I did not say when did I?  I am trying to get some cards made first on Shutterfly.  That requires more going through pictures to put on the computer.  Will it ever end?! 

 

Our school year has been., thus far, challenging.  But, I am learning to adjust a little better than in the past.     My 13yo is in the main independent, which is immensly helpful.  I am trying to have a regular meeting time with him where we discuss what he's learning and I grade etc. (great idea from the most recent TOS Magazine. ) 

         My 11 yo is having a rude wake up call as to his work habits and quality of work this year.  He kind of slunk by last year with a new baby around, but this year he's got my attention!  He keeps choosing to not do things on his assignment sheet and trading his 'comfort' right now for discomfort in the future.  He just lost two weeks of game time because he again is two days behind in science reading and activities.  He enjoys hands on, as long as a pencil is not directly involved.  He is however excited about his Civil War project.  He gets to study weapons! 

         My 8yo has finally turned his corner in reading!! I am thrilled.  He shines in math, but reading has been a struggle.  Oddly though, he is a good speller.  My 6yo is the exact opposite.  She is almost out reading 8yo brother and spells like a champ.  But math... let's just say she takes after her teacher and not her dad, the engineer.  But there is much time, so I'm not worried in the least. 

         My 3yo is very good with scissors.  Very good.  Tip:  Don't leave a pre-schooler with his cutting pages unsupervised.  There is a fine line between the table cloth and the paper.  or the hair, or a book. 

         My 15 mo is a very good climber.  And he specializes in sucking on chess pieces and old food under the table.  (of course not under our table, because our house is always perfect and everyone always remembers their chores.  ha)  He did manage to get a strees fracture going down the slide with a big brother three weeks ago.  He has a splint on for two more weeks but it has not slowed him down at all.

I'm looking forward to Jan. and Feb. and really digging in again.  We seem to lose alot of momentum mid-Nov. and don't get it back until Jan. 

I've been doing some theological reading in my spare time  (about 1AM)  I've got friends and family all over the theological grid, from Landmark Baptists to Anglicans, and I like to keep pace as much as I can while trying to live consistently what I understand.   I just started Old Landmarkism and the Baptists by Bob L. Ross.  So far it is  very good.  Not too scholarly that I need a dictionary right next to me to read it. I'm also reading Always Ready by Greg Bahnsen.  Great book!  I love the snippet chapters sometimes.  Just enough to sqeeze in a minute here and there.  I finished awhile ago a good book on the Puritans - Worldly Saints by Leland Ryken. A very telling book on how the Puritans really were.  And in salute to our Southern Heritage and our study of the Civil War  (the War of Northern Aggression as it's known south of the Mason Dixon)  I want to read  Being Dead Is No Excuse: The Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral.   I hope to do my tribute to the south post (all tongue in cheek of course!!)sometime during our study. (self-imposed deadlines again!!)  I love the South - but we are a strange people!

 

Other posts I hope to do soon (*there is that word again!!)  one on writing - inspirations, and the book reviews that my son has been doing for me.  Also I have two very good 'real life friends'  who have just published  books:  One on infertility and adoption and one pending publication on Evolution and Creation.  I really am going to make an effort to get a link up for the one book on Amazon.

 

Well, that's life in a nutshell right now.  It's busy, but I am enjoying it all very much.  Even in Florida!! 

Go figure :)

                               Christian to Sleeper : Soon doth never come -

                                Sleeper  in response:   Nay, I have seen it come and go many times.

 

your two cents

Dec. 7, 2007 - Thanks for your comment.

Posted by MishinIA

I enjoyed reading your post today. When we get to the civil war I hope to learn more about the south. My husband has some sympothies for the south and we are Stonewall Jackson fans. :) I know it is just a movie but we really enjoyed Gods and Generals.
Mish
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Dec. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by callmekate

Enjoyed your post. I do the same thing - I think of all these things I need to do at bedtime and sometimes I do stay up way too late to do them. In the afternoon, when I have some time, I'm either too sleepy or can't remember anything I wanted to do. Sigh!! I try to make lists, that helps me. But I procrastinate too much.

Is North Carolina considered the South? Were their loyalties divided during the Civil War? I can't remember but I'm sure my older son knows - I'll ask him. My Dad was born in NC and we have 2 ancestors on his side that were captured and imprisoned and eventually died during the Civil War.

Enjoy your study. Also, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

God bless,
Kate
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Dec. 24, 2007 - Hello!

Posted by hrlabonte

Merry Christmas!!!
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