I went to bed last night and my heated mattress pad was not working. NOOOO!!!!
If you don't know, this is the best thing about winter!! Really, it is. It is the greatest invention ever!!!
When my bed was cold last night, I almost couldn't stand it. I love my nice, toasty bed at night and all night long.
I didn't sleep well last night, so after Matt got up this morning, I went over to his side of the bed and turned his heater on. It was awesome!!
Tonight, I switched cords to see what was causing it and all of the sudden, something started to smell. I had shorted out Matt's side when I swtiched them! Now his didn't work either!!
UGH!!
I think this is an emergency and calls for a trip to Penney's (or wherever) tomorrow to get a new one! I'm glad we have some Christmas money!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thoughts on a new schedule
Last fall was our trial run for homeschooling. My goal was to make it to Christmas, which I did, but certainly with some bumps along the way. I knew it was going to be a huge change, but I didn't think it would rock my world as much as it did. :)
With one semester under my belt and one to go for the year, I know what works for us, what doesn't, and what I would like to change in January.
Things I would like to change:
1. Give the girls more time together.
Courtney went to preschool in the morning and we had school in the afternoon with Megan, they didn't get much time together. This was a big reason why we homeschooled! They would finally get to play when we were done with school about 4:30-5. During the afternoons lately, Courtney has just been wondering around the house trying to find something to do. I think she gets bored while we school. I enjoy it when she joins us,but she doesn't always want to.
2. Give myself some more down time. For the last 8 years, I have enjoyed some quiet/ nap time in the afternoon, I need that! Maybe I can teach Megan in the morning while Courtney is at school. I get this at the gym twice a week, but I would rather have it at home.
3. Get involved in some more homeschooling groups. I have been to two events this fall, I heard that these groups in Omaha were SOOO active, but really, where are all the activities? I am highly disappointed. I admit, it has been hard for me to do things in the afternoon (which many things are) or over the noon hour (when I have to pick Courtney up), but really, there isn't much out there.
My proposals:
1. Instead of teaching Megan in the afternoon, teach her in the morning. I can drop Courtney off at preschool and come back home for 2 hours.
I would achive two of my goals. 1. Courtney and Megan would have more time together in the afternoon. 2. I would get to enjoy nap time again.
Of course, I would need to entertain Christian while I am teaching Megan in the morning, which might be a challenge.
2. I would then need to find a different time to go to the gym or give up my gym membership all together. Exercise has done me a world of good, so I definitely need to keep that up, I just don't necessarily need the gym membership. Megan also took classes there, but they were with preschoolers, again, not high priority.
3. Get involved in a homeschooling group somewhere, somehow! This may mean messing with an afternoon nap, but he doesn't nap good anyway half the time! I have two different options figured out. They have PE classes at the gym on tuesday/ thursdays from 1-2, these would be free with my gym membership or $6 a time without. I could also have the girls take a class at the Homeschool Learning Center on Wed. afternoons. I really need to connect with other moms, I really need the support!!
4. I want to add about a half an hour a day to teach Courtney how to read this semester.
5. Get Megan involved with more kids her age, we need to have more playdates or something.
6.. Need to figure out how to fit in dance and swimming lessons (signed up, but optional). don't forget about AWANA on wed. night, groceries, errands, trips to the library.
Now if you know me, I want a weekly schedule. I want to know what is going on and where I am going. I don't want my days packed full and I like a little flixibility, but I definitely need to try something new. I could maybe even do school on only Mon/ Wed/ Fri and take tuesday and thursdays off from school and do all the kids' activities and run errands. I would need to make the extra day up on the weekend or evenings, but homeschooling is about flexibility, right?
This may take some time to figure out, can you tell I've been thinking about it for awhile?
With one semester under my belt and one to go for the year, I know what works for us, what doesn't, and what I would like to change in January.
Things I would like to change:
1. Give the girls more time together.
Courtney went to preschool in the morning and we had school in the afternoon with Megan, they didn't get much time together. This was a big reason why we homeschooled! They would finally get to play when we were done with school about 4:30-5. During the afternoons lately, Courtney has just been wondering around the house trying to find something to do. I think she gets bored while we school. I enjoy it when she joins us,but she doesn't always want to.
2. Give myself some more down time. For the last 8 years, I have enjoyed some quiet/ nap time in the afternoon, I need that! Maybe I can teach Megan in the morning while Courtney is at school. I get this at the gym twice a week, but I would rather have it at home.
3. Get involved in some more homeschooling groups. I have been to two events this fall, I heard that these groups in Omaha were SOOO active, but really, where are all the activities? I am highly disappointed. I admit, it has been hard for me to do things in the afternoon (which many things are) or over the noon hour (when I have to pick Courtney up), but really, there isn't much out there.
My proposals:
1. Instead of teaching Megan in the afternoon, teach her in the morning. I can drop Courtney off at preschool and come back home for 2 hours.
I would achive two of my goals. 1. Courtney and Megan would have more time together in the afternoon. 2. I would get to enjoy nap time again.
Of course, I would need to entertain Christian while I am teaching Megan in the morning, which might be a challenge.
2. I would then need to find a different time to go to the gym or give up my gym membership all together. Exercise has done me a world of good, so I definitely need to keep that up, I just don't necessarily need the gym membership. Megan also took classes there, but they were with preschoolers, again, not high priority.
3. Get involved in a homeschooling group somewhere, somehow! This may mean messing with an afternoon nap, but he doesn't nap good anyway half the time! I have two different options figured out. They have PE classes at the gym on tuesday/ thursdays from 1-2, these would be free with my gym membership or $6 a time without. I could also have the girls take a class at the Homeschool Learning Center on Wed. afternoons. I really need to connect with other moms, I really need the support!!
4. I want to add about a half an hour a day to teach Courtney how to read this semester.
5. Get Megan involved with more kids her age, we need to have more playdates or something.
6.. Need to figure out how to fit in dance and swimming lessons (signed up, but optional). don't forget about AWANA on wed. night, groceries, errands, trips to the library.
Now if you know me, I want a weekly schedule. I want to know what is going on and where I am going. I don't want my days packed full and I like a little flixibility, but I definitely need to try something new. I could maybe even do school on only Mon/ Wed/ Fri and take tuesday and thursdays off from school and do all the kids' activities and run errands. I would need to make the extra day up on the weekend or evenings, but homeschooling is about flexibility, right?
This may take some time to figure out, can you tell I've been thinking about it for awhile?
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Camera!
Ok, of course, we all go downstairs to open stockings and I say, "Wait, I want to get a picture of them first."
I turn the camera on and it says "memory card full". Yes, this was full last night, but I didn't download the pictures then or earlier this morning when I should have, so here I am, downloading them now while the kids are waiting to open their stockings.
I just had to laugh!
I turn the camera on and it says "memory card full". Yes, this was full last night, but I didn't download the pictures then or earlier this morning when I should have, so here I am, downloading them now while the kids are waiting to open their stockings.
I just had to laugh!
Merry Christmas!
Yay, we can sleep in!!! I am sooo thankful. And yes, the kids are still asleep. We opened presents last night, but their stockings are filled this morning. But really, we've had a crazy couple of days and it's only going to keep going today, so I am going to let them sleep. Even Christian, who is usually up by 7:30, is still sleeping. :)
We had a whirlwind of a day yesterday and things did not go according to my plans, but they still worked out. And I did not get stressed out about it. :)
Yesterday morning about 9:15 am, we headed out to Matt's parents (after having a fun-filled evening the night before at my parents!) for their Christmas party. We had brunch, the kids played, we opened presents, and had a good time.
About 2:30, we headed back to Omaha. My plan was to leave around 2, so we would have time to clean the house before church (Have I really not vaccuumed since we put the tree up about 3 weeks ago?) I really like to have the living room/ piano room clean for Christmas, I just like room to open presents and I like things to look nice for pictures. :) We got home about 3:30 and we had to leave for church at 4. I wanted to get two things done in this time- clean and get our meal started for after church. I had hamballs, hash brown casserole, green bean casserole, sparkling grape juice, and ice cream all planned out. I was going to get out the good dishes and goblets to drink out of- make it a special event!
Well, here is where plans changed. Since we didn't leave Matt's parents' until about 2:30, we didn't get home until later, which meant I did a fast cleaning job and we had to head out the door again. I really like to dress up for church on Christmas Eve, but that didn't happen. Matt, Megan, and I all wore jeans to church. :( Courtney and Christian were actually dressed up. The sad thing is that 1/2 the people at church had jeans on! Ok, anyway, I didn't have time to get anything ready for our meal. I was kind of bummed that we were so rushed.
So, we finally left our house at 4:15 and church was full! We found a spot with 3 chairs and squeezed 4 of us in! Christian ended up going to the nursery. Church was very nice and when it was over, I said to Matt, "What do you want to do now? It's 5:30, nothing is ready at home, we're all starving." His response, "Let's go out to eat." Ok, it's not really want I wanted to do, but I wasn't going to stress myself out about it either. I said, "Great, let's go!" I also wasn't going to argue because along with having nothing ready, my kitchen was a complete disaster!! So off to Texas Roadhouse it was! Megan didn't like our plan AT ALL, but we went anyway. It was very crowded, but we got right in. We left the waitress a nice tip and then we headed home.
Now, in my ideal world, Christmas presents would've been put out before we left so when we got home the kids would say, "Ah look at all those presents!!" and get all excited. But no, didn't work that way either! So I said to the girls, "Ok, you need to go hide out in your room so the presents can magically appear." And they did! Matt and I rushed upstairs to get the presents (which I had wrapped the night before at 10:30 pm) and brought them downstairs. We got the girls and I got my "Aha" moment when they saw the presents.
We opened them one by one, of course, we weren't on top of things to get the video camera out or anything, so I just took pictures and movies with the camera. It worked. The kids all like their presents but then the girls said, "Wait, I thought we got three presents, I only got 2." I had bought them three and they knew they were going to get three, but where were they? Ok, silly mom again! I ran back upstairs and didn't see anything. I went downstairs and looked at their presents again and didn't see anything either. Then I went and consulted my notebook where I had been keeping notes about Christmas. I saw that I was indeed missing a present for Courtney and Megan. Christian had opened three.
Now that I knew what I was missing, I ran back upstairs to my closet and found that I had wrapped Megan's but not Courtney's. I couldn't decide between two things what to give Courtney the night before, so I had just left it and went to bed. I was going to ask Matt in the morning. Oops, that didn't happen. So I quick made a decision, wrapped it up, and took the last two presents down to the girls. They opened them and were happy. :)
Matt had also decided to get the whole family a Kinec for the XBOX, so the rest of the evening was spent playing the new games. Oh wait, Megan kept getting mad that her avatar kept turning into a boy.
Finally around 9:30, we kicked the kids to bed! I think everybody was exhausted!! But of course after they were in bed, we had to try out the new walkie talkies that grandma Lu had given them. What a great idea! It was so much fun talking back and forth between bedrooms!
8:30 and the kid are up and anxious to open thier stockings. I hope this goes well. Too funny that they am were with me when I bought everything! Hopefully they won't catch on....
We had a whirlwind of a day yesterday and things did not go according to my plans, but they still worked out. And I did not get stressed out about it. :)
Yesterday morning about 9:15 am, we headed out to Matt's parents (after having a fun-filled evening the night before at my parents!) for their Christmas party. We had brunch, the kids played, we opened presents, and had a good time.
About 2:30, we headed back to Omaha. My plan was to leave around 2, so we would have time to clean the house before church (Have I really not vaccuumed since we put the tree up about 3 weeks ago?) I really like to have the living room/ piano room clean for Christmas, I just like room to open presents and I like things to look nice for pictures. :) We got home about 3:30 and we had to leave for church at 4. I wanted to get two things done in this time- clean and get our meal started for after church. I had hamballs, hash brown casserole, green bean casserole, sparkling grape juice, and ice cream all planned out. I was going to get out the good dishes and goblets to drink out of- make it a special event!
Well, here is where plans changed. Since we didn't leave Matt's parents' until about 2:30, we didn't get home until later, which meant I did a fast cleaning job and we had to head out the door again. I really like to dress up for church on Christmas Eve, but that didn't happen. Matt, Megan, and I all wore jeans to church. :( Courtney and Christian were actually dressed up. The sad thing is that 1/2 the people at church had jeans on! Ok, anyway, I didn't have time to get anything ready for our meal. I was kind of bummed that we were so rushed.
So, we finally left our house at 4:15 and church was full! We found a spot with 3 chairs and squeezed 4 of us in! Christian ended up going to the nursery. Church was very nice and when it was over, I said to Matt, "What do you want to do now? It's 5:30, nothing is ready at home, we're all starving." His response, "Let's go out to eat." Ok, it's not really want I wanted to do, but I wasn't going to stress myself out about it either. I said, "Great, let's go!" I also wasn't going to argue because along with having nothing ready, my kitchen was a complete disaster!! So off to Texas Roadhouse it was! Megan didn't like our plan AT ALL, but we went anyway. It was very crowded, but we got right in. We left the waitress a nice tip and then we headed home.
Now, in my ideal world, Christmas presents would've been put out before we left so when we got home the kids would say, "Ah look at all those presents!!" and get all excited. But no, didn't work that way either! So I said to the girls, "Ok, you need to go hide out in your room so the presents can magically appear." And they did! Matt and I rushed upstairs to get the presents (which I had wrapped the night before at 10:30 pm) and brought them downstairs. We got the girls and I got my "Aha" moment when they saw the presents.
We opened them one by one, of course, we weren't on top of things to get the video camera out or anything, so I just took pictures and movies with the camera. It worked. The kids all like their presents but then the girls said, "Wait, I thought we got three presents, I only got 2." I had bought them three and they knew they were going to get three, but where were they? Ok, silly mom again! I ran back upstairs and didn't see anything. I went downstairs and looked at their presents again and didn't see anything either. Then I went and consulted my notebook where I had been keeping notes about Christmas. I saw that I was indeed missing a present for Courtney and Megan. Christian had opened three.
Now that I knew what I was missing, I ran back upstairs to my closet and found that I had wrapped Megan's but not Courtney's. I couldn't decide between two things what to give Courtney the night before, so I had just left it and went to bed. I was going to ask Matt in the morning. Oops, that didn't happen. So I quick made a decision, wrapped it up, and took the last two presents down to the girls. They opened them and were happy. :)
Matt had also decided to get the whole family a Kinec for the XBOX, so the rest of the evening was spent playing the new games. Oh wait, Megan kept getting mad that her avatar kept turning into a boy.
Finally around 9:30, we kicked the kids to bed! I think everybody was exhausted!! But of course after they were in bed, we had to try out the new walkie talkies that grandma Lu had given them. What a great idea! It was so much fun talking back and forth between bedrooms!
8:30 and the kid are up and anxious to open thier stockings. I hope this goes well. Too funny that they am were with me when I bought everything! Hopefully they won't catch on....
Friday, December 23, 2011
No time to relax
That will be my next 3 days- who is ready to do this with me??
Oh wait, I can't go yet. I don't have ANY presents wrapped yet or food made.
Yikes, better get going. Nothing like waiting until the last minute!!!
Oh wait, I can't go yet. I don't have ANY presents wrapped yet or food made.
Yikes, better get going. Nothing like waiting until the last minute!!!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
School for the Holidays
I decided to keep going on school. We are going to slow down for a bit and take some time off here and there, but I really need to keep going. I am on week 17 out or 36, if I don't keep going, we will be in school until June- which was half the point of homeschooling! Megan is also begging me to have "school", so we might as well keep working. I think she just really enjoys it!
Yesterday, we read three lessons in our readers, two lessons in our read-aloud and did a lesson in history. This took about 2 1/2 hours, but now, we are ahead in readers and we can spend time on other subjects. I love the flixibility of homeschooling!
History took about an hour yesterday. Usually it doesn't take that long. But we covered 1. the emperor Nero who was the most hated emperor in the Roman empire, let's just say he loved tormenting Christians! 2. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70 (which was prophesized in the Old Testament) and 3. the destruction of Pompeii by a volcano in AD 79. Now do you think I can just read the information out of our textbook and let it be? NO!! I want to dig further! I got out books and we read some info on the internet. I I found a short documentary about Pompeii the other night on Netflix and I want to watch it with Megan. These were three huge and very important topics covered in one day! I think it is so interesting!
I'm so glad Megan is interested in history!! How would I feel if she wasn't? Would I be disappointed? I think I would be, but I also have to know that every kid is different and I need to cater to his/ her needs.
We also need to do some catching up on math. We are on lesson 67 and I want to be to lesson 80 (halfway done) by the time we end week 18 (halfway done) with our other material. We may be doing two lessons a day-good thing Megan likes Math too!
I am also still on a search for something to teach Courtney to read. We have decided that we are going to keep her home next year. (We got a letter the other day from Millard Public Schools on how to register her for kindergarten. ) She says she doesn't want to homeschool and she doesn't want to go to school, she just wants to play all day. Wrong! My mom mentioned a site to me yesterday called www.readinga-z.com and I checked it out. It is almost exactly what I am looking for! After seeing how Megan was taught to read in school, I am looking for something similiar. I want phonics based, a variety of activities, plus short books to read as you go along. This one fit all my criteria. It is about $85 and you have to print everything off yourself. I got a week's trial, so I am going to check out the lessons.
I am just debating, there are 68 lessons so I am just wondering how to set it up if I go with this program. Do I start after Christmas and work with her and then have her reading by next fall? Or do I just work with her out of her preschool books and start to teach her how to read next fall? She already knows all her upper and lower case letters and she knows most of the sounds, so I think I need to keep building on her enthusiasm. I also need to find time to fit her in.
I may redo my schedule next semester. Maybe do some school in the morning and maybe do some homeschooling activities in the afternoon. Christian hasn't been a very good napper lately, so maybe he's giving up his naps already. This is good and bad. I also need to fit an hour or so into the day where I can have some down-time. I have a couple of weeks to think things over. I also enrolled the girls in swimming lessons on Tuesdays at 4:15, so that will take some time out of our day. I may need to reconsider doing this, it may be too much.
Anyway, time to get ready for the day. Lots to do today before our big Christmas weekend!!!
Yesterday, we read three lessons in our readers, two lessons in our read-aloud and did a lesson in history. This took about 2 1/2 hours, but now, we are ahead in readers and we can spend time on other subjects. I love the flixibility of homeschooling!
History took about an hour yesterday. Usually it doesn't take that long. But we covered 1. the emperor Nero who was the most hated emperor in the Roman empire, let's just say he loved tormenting Christians! 2. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70 (which was prophesized in the Old Testament) and 3. the destruction of Pompeii by a volcano in AD 79. Now do you think I can just read the information out of our textbook and let it be? NO!! I want to dig further! I got out books and we read some info on the internet. I I found a short documentary about Pompeii the other night on Netflix and I want to watch it with Megan. These were three huge and very important topics covered in one day! I think it is so interesting!
I'm so glad Megan is interested in history!! How would I feel if she wasn't? Would I be disappointed? I think I would be, but I also have to know that every kid is different and I need to cater to his/ her needs.
We also need to do some catching up on math. We are on lesson 67 and I want to be to lesson 80 (halfway done) by the time we end week 18 (halfway done) with our other material. We may be doing two lessons a day-good thing Megan likes Math too!
I am also still on a search for something to teach Courtney to read. We have decided that we are going to keep her home next year. (We got a letter the other day from Millard Public Schools on how to register her for kindergarten. ) She says she doesn't want to homeschool and she doesn't want to go to school, she just wants to play all day. Wrong! My mom mentioned a site to me yesterday called www.readinga-z.com and I checked it out. It is almost exactly what I am looking for! After seeing how Megan was taught to read in school, I am looking for something similiar. I want phonics based, a variety of activities, plus short books to read as you go along. This one fit all my criteria. It is about $85 and you have to print everything off yourself. I got a week's trial, so I am going to check out the lessons.
I am just debating, there are 68 lessons so I am just wondering how to set it up if I go with this program. Do I start after Christmas and work with her and then have her reading by next fall? Or do I just work with her out of her preschool books and start to teach her how to read next fall? She already knows all her upper and lower case letters and she knows most of the sounds, so I think I need to keep building on her enthusiasm. I also need to find time to fit her in.
I may redo my schedule next semester. Maybe do some school in the morning and maybe do some homeschooling activities in the afternoon. Christian hasn't been a very good napper lately, so maybe he's giving up his naps already. This is good and bad. I also need to fit an hour or so into the day where I can have some down-time. I have a couple of weeks to think things over. I also enrolled the girls in swimming lessons on Tuesdays at 4:15, so that will take some time out of our day. I may need to reconsider doing this, it may be too much.
Anyway, time to get ready for the day. Lots to do today before our big Christmas weekend!!!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Cars
Wherever I look, there are matchbox cars in sets of two or three laying around my house.
This is because Christian usually has two cars in his hands (or 3 lately) and when he gets interested in something else, he will put them down right where he is. I saw three different piles of matchbox cars this morning just in the kitchen and living room.
too funny.
I think after Christmas I am going to rerrange his toys. He rarely plays with the ones downstairs, so I might just pack those away and bring down some of his cars and books. I am also going to pack his baby toys away. He rarely touches those too!
I am also going to go through the playroom and get rid of some of those!
Don't you know stuff equals stress??
This is because Christian usually has two cars in his hands (or 3 lately) and when he gets interested in something else, he will put them down right where he is. I saw three different piles of matchbox cars this morning just in the kitchen and living room.
too funny.
I think after Christmas I am going to rerrange his toys. He rarely plays with the ones downstairs, so I might just pack those away and bring down some of his cars and books. I am also going to pack his baby toys away. He rarely touches those too!
I am also going to go through the playroom and get rid of some of those!
Don't you know stuff equals stress??
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
New Words
I heard these out of Christian today:
1. horses
2. owl
3. cow (a couple of days ago)
4. ruff, ruff as he was playing with a puppy
Are we finally getting somewhere??
1. horses
2. owl
3. cow (a couple of days ago)
4. ruff, ruff as he was playing with a puppy
Are we finally getting somewhere??
Monday, December 19, 2011
Stories I may not want to forget
1. The other day when Christian woke up and kept saying "ball, ball" as he was crying and pulling on his pajama feet. I couldn't figure out what he was trying to say and then I got it. He was frustrated because he didn't have his football pajamas on. I asked him, "Do you want your football pajamas?" and he nodded yes and pointed to his pajama drawer.
2. Last Saturday at the Ruwe Christmas, Courtney had gotten a gift that had a large plastic candy cane filled with M & M's. She had decided that she was going to sell them to people there. Her deal was that you got one for free, but you had to buy the rest. She made almost $2 by selling her candy! She thought it was all fun (it was great because we had only paid $1 for the candy!).
It was not so funny when we got home. She was in tears because she wanted her candy back! I mean, she was really upset (it was also 10 pm and this was our second late night!). Matt tried to tell her that she still had half her money PLUS the $2 she made from selling it, she could go buy two more candy canes full of candy!
Matt promised to take her to the store, so Sunday after we all got home, Matt decided that he needed to go back to the mall to get some pillows, so he decided to take her along to get her some candy. I thought they were going to stop and some store and buy some more, but Matt thought otherwise. He just had her stop at the candy machines in the mall and buy some! She came home with a handful of assorted candy! She also had some money left, I think this made her happy! I just want to say, "Don't sell your candy then!"
2. Last Saturday at the Ruwe Christmas, Courtney had gotten a gift that had a large plastic candy cane filled with M & M's. She had decided that she was going to sell them to people there. Her deal was that you got one for free, but you had to buy the rest. She made almost $2 by selling her candy! She thought it was all fun (it was great because we had only paid $1 for the candy!).
It was not so funny when we got home. She was in tears because she wanted her candy back! I mean, she was really upset (it was also 10 pm and this was our second late night!). Matt tried to tell her that she still had half her money PLUS the $2 she made from selling it, she could go buy two more candy canes full of candy!
Matt promised to take her to the store, so Sunday after we all got home, Matt decided that he needed to go back to the mall to get some pillows, so he decided to take her along to get her some candy. I thought they were going to stop and some store and buy some more, but Matt thought otherwise. He just had her stop at the candy machines in the mall and buy some! She came home with a handful of assorted candy! She also had some money left, I think this made her happy! I just want to say, "Don't sell your candy then!"
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Crazy Weekend- Thankful to get back to Normal
This last week, my grandma passed away pretty unexpectantly. We were all pretty sad about it.
But as everybody knows, when somebody passes away, life gets turned upside down for awhile.
Last Tuesday (13th of December) Matt left at 6 am to work in Des Moines for 3 days. We are getting pretty used to this, but about 3 pm, I got a phone call from my mom telling me that my grandma had passed away. My immediate thought was that I should stop teaching Megan, wake Christian up from his nap, and head out to Scribner to be with the family. My mother stopped me. :) It was rainy and foggy and I was home alone with 3 children. I stayed in Omaha! But I kept in close contact with everybody back home throughout the evening.
Wednesday was preschool for Courtney and school in the afternoon for Megan. We met some of Courtney's preschool friends for supper before AWANA that night, so that was a nice break in the week.
Thursday was crazy busy with two appointments for me in the morning, dr. appt. for Courtney in the afternoon for bronchitis, groceries, then dance. I am very thankful that grandma came and helped out all day. Matt also got home about 7 that night. No time for school for Megan.
Friday was preschool for Courtney and I didn't have school again with Megan on Friday afternoon. I needed the afternoon to catch up and get things ready for our busy weekend. Friday evening was my grandma's viewing back home, so by 4:30, we were ready to leave. We got to Scribner and we saw grandma. It was pretty sad for everybody, but on the other hand, it was nice seeing everybody again. I don't make it home for the Hasemann Christmas, so this was my chance to see all my relation. Many people showed up that I hadn't seen in years, but I will say the saddest part of it was towards the end. Grandpa had gotten up and just stood beside my grandma's casket, I just wonder, what was he thinking? What would he say to her? I got choked up! It was so sweet when Megan and Abby walked over to him and they were all looking at grandma. If only I could've heard their conversation! He was married to her for 65 years! Just amazing!
After the viewing, we went out for supper. It was so nice getting out of Omaha and away from all the chain restaurants. I really appreciate the small town feel and just everything that is so low-key out there. I should really visit more often! Anyway, we pulled into our garage about 10:30 pm and yes, all three kids were asleep.
By 7:30 Saturday morning, all of us were up and getting ready to go to my grandma's funeral. It was another hour drive back to Scribner. We got everybody dresseed up- even I had to get dressed up! I wore some clothes I hadn't worn for a couple of years, but it felt good to wear something besides jeans and sweatshirts! We attended the funeral and it was amazing! I thought the pastor did a great job, my grandma's huge family was there, and everybody had nice things to say about her! She always had a smile on her face, always welcomed you into her home, and always thought of you before herself. What a great lady! I will say the saddest part was seeing my grandpa cry after the commital at the cemetary, I don't think there was a dry eye anywhere around!
After the funeral, I had a chance to take my kids around my old stomping grounds-AKA St. Paul's Lutheran Church. We found secret stairways, climbed the bell tower, wondered around the cemetary and read tombstones written in German from the 1880's, and even found my old confirmation pictures! Again, I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the old country church. It is nothing like I attend now. But I think it is funny that the SAME people sing in the choir as did 15 years ago, the SAME lady is playing the organ as when I went to church there, and the SAME ladies helped serve the meal afterwards! I just had to laugh! Only a few things had changed, like they had added on an elevator and maybe there was new carpet, but really not much!
After the meal, we took my kids over to grandmas and Matt and I headed up to West Point to get gifts for a Christmas party we had at 5 in Hooper. On the way home, we stopped at my brother's house, who lives in my grandparents' house now, to see what he's done with. I think it looks great! A lot of upkeep is needed, but it will all come in time.
Lastly the Ruwe Christmas party at 5 in Hooper. More food, presents, lots of conversation. We didn't leave until about 8:30 pm (I think, it might have been more like 9?). We got home, put the kids to bed, and went to bed ourselves!
Sunday we said we were going to stay home, but that didn't happen. We went to church and little Christmas shopping til 2:30 in the afternoon! We had to finish school for the week for Megan and make some cookies for Courtney's program tomorrow at preschool.
This upcoming week is super-busy too, but the following week, I think we are going to take off from school and just take a little break. Matt also has a couple of days off. Won't that be nice for everyone?
But as everybody knows, when somebody passes away, life gets turned upside down for awhile.
Last Tuesday (13th of December) Matt left at 6 am to work in Des Moines for 3 days. We are getting pretty used to this, but about 3 pm, I got a phone call from my mom telling me that my grandma had passed away. My immediate thought was that I should stop teaching Megan, wake Christian up from his nap, and head out to Scribner to be with the family. My mother stopped me. :) It was rainy and foggy and I was home alone with 3 children. I stayed in Omaha! But I kept in close contact with everybody back home throughout the evening.
Wednesday was preschool for Courtney and school in the afternoon for Megan. We met some of Courtney's preschool friends for supper before AWANA that night, so that was a nice break in the week.
Thursday was crazy busy with two appointments for me in the morning, dr. appt. for Courtney in the afternoon for bronchitis, groceries, then dance. I am very thankful that grandma came and helped out all day. Matt also got home about 7 that night. No time for school for Megan.
Friday was preschool for Courtney and I didn't have school again with Megan on Friday afternoon. I needed the afternoon to catch up and get things ready for our busy weekend. Friday evening was my grandma's viewing back home, so by 4:30, we were ready to leave. We got to Scribner and we saw grandma. It was pretty sad for everybody, but on the other hand, it was nice seeing everybody again. I don't make it home for the Hasemann Christmas, so this was my chance to see all my relation. Many people showed up that I hadn't seen in years, but I will say the saddest part of it was towards the end. Grandpa had gotten up and just stood beside my grandma's casket, I just wonder, what was he thinking? What would he say to her? I got choked up! It was so sweet when Megan and Abby walked over to him and they were all looking at grandma. If only I could've heard their conversation! He was married to her for 65 years! Just amazing!
After the viewing, we went out for supper. It was so nice getting out of Omaha and away from all the chain restaurants. I really appreciate the small town feel and just everything that is so low-key out there. I should really visit more often! Anyway, we pulled into our garage about 10:30 pm and yes, all three kids were asleep.
By 7:30 Saturday morning, all of us were up and getting ready to go to my grandma's funeral. It was another hour drive back to Scribner. We got everybody dresseed up- even I had to get dressed up! I wore some clothes I hadn't worn for a couple of years, but it felt good to wear something besides jeans and sweatshirts! We attended the funeral and it was amazing! I thought the pastor did a great job, my grandma's huge family was there, and everybody had nice things to say about her! She always had a smile on her face, always welcomed you into her home, and always thought of you before herself. What a great lady! I will say the saddest part was seeing my grandpa cry after the commital at the cemetary, I don't think there was a dry eye anywhere around!
After the funeral, I had a chance to take my kids around my old stomping grounds-AKA St. Paul's Lutheran Church. We found secret stairways, climbed the bell tower, wondered around the cemetary and read tombstones written in German from the 1880's, and even found my old confirmation pictures! Again, I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the old country church. It is nothing like I attend now. But I think it is funny that the SAME people sing in the choir as did 15 years ago, the SAME lady is playing the organ as when I went to church there, and the SAME ladies helped serve the meal afterwards! I just had to laugh! Only a few things had changed, like they had added on an elevator and maybe there was new carpet, but really not much!
After the meal, we took my kids over to grandmas and Matt and I headed up to West Point to get gifts for a Christmas party we had at 5 in Hooper. On the way home, we stopped at my brother's house, who lives in my grandparents' house now, to see what he's done with. I think it looks great! A lot of upkeep is needed, but it will all come in time.
Lastly the Ruwe Christmas party at 5 in Hooper. More food, presents, lots of conversation. We didn't leave until about 8:30 pm (I think, it might have been more like 9?). We got home, put the kids to bed, and went to bed ourselves!
Sunday we said we were going to stay home, but that didn't happen. We went to church and little Christmas shopping til 2:30 in the afternoon! We had to finish school for the week for Megan and make some cookies for Courtney's program tomorrow at preschool.
This upcoming week is super-busy too, but the following week, I think we are going to take off from school and just take a little break. Matt also has a couple of days off. Won't that be nice for everyone?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
I was wrong!
I was wrong, Courtney doesn't have croup, she has bronchitis.
I really think she had croup first, she was barking like a seal last night and this morning, but then she wasn't barking anymore, but she just kept on coughing. I'm glad she was still coughing when I took her into the dr. at 1:30 this afternoon. Poor thing, she said her chest hurt so bad. The dr. said the virus probably just moved down her throat into her lungs.
Now onto an antibiotic for the next 5 days!
I really think she had croup first, she was barking like a seal last night and this morning, but then she wasn't barking anymore, but she just kept on coughing. I'm glad she was still coughing when I took her into the dr. at 1:30 this afternoon. Poor thing, she said her chest hurt so bad. The dr. said the virus probably just moved down her throat into her lungs.
Now onto an antibiotic for the next 5 days!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Croup
After listening to Courtney cough all the way home from church tonight, I am pretty sure she has croup again. I can A. take her to the doctor (again) and get her a prescription for some steroids or B. let it be.
I gave her some medicine tonight to help her breathe, hopefully it will work. (You know that stuff they took off the shelves awhile ago because parents couldn't read the bottles right!). I have some that you can give kids who are 6 and older, I think Courtney is old enough. I just lower the dose a little bit. We'll see how she does tonight.
And of course, I was just at the pedicatrician on Monday with Christian!
I gave her some medicine tonight to help her breathe, hopefully it will work. (You know that stuff they took off the shelves awhile ago because parents couldn't read the bottles right!). I have some that you can give kids who are 6 and older, I think Courtney is old enough. I just lower the dose a little bit. We'll see how she does tonight.
And of course, I was just at the pedicatrician on Monday with Christian!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Decorating for Christmas
I promised pictures for last Saturday, so here they are.
1. Matt and Megan putting up the Christmas tree. I admit it, this is a point of contigency between Matt and I. Every year when we do this together, it just doesn't work out right. I mean, I can never do it right. :) So, I was glad to hand this duty off to Megan this year!!
1. Matt and Megan putting up the Christmas tree. I admit it, this is a point of contigency between Matt and I. Every year when we do this together, it just doesn't work out right. I mean, I can never do it right. :) So, I was glad to hand this duty off to Megan this year!!
2. Courtney had the job of setting up the nativity scene on the bookshelf. We believe it needs to be in a prominent place where everybody can see it.
3. Courtney putting the angel on the top, right after she got it up, we heard a "crack" and then a couple more cracks and the tree started falling to the side! Matt reached out and grabbed it quick before it fell over!! 
4. It was the base that broke on the tree, so Matt went downstairs and rigged a new stand together with wood. I guess this is the last year for the tree!
The tree standing after Matt fixed it, we never did get the angel back on the top.5. My job was the fireplace, I think it looks great!
6. I also gave the garland to Courtney to decorate the railings on the staircase. Well, she came up with a new plan. Instead of putting it on the railing, she decided to CUT the garland in half and decorate her bed. I didn't know about her plan until it was all over...I guess her bed looks cute, right?
There you go, I think we are ready for Christmas. Maybe I should go shopping now and get some presents under the tree??
Swimming Lessons
Today is registration day for swimming lessons.
I could've registered online at midnight last night, but forgot about it. Matt was leaving this morning for Des Moines, so my mind was on that.
Until 7:30 this morning when I woke up. I thought, "It's Tuesday, I better register for lessons." It's a first come, first serve basis.
I had two different times picked out for lessons. They are free with our gym membership, so we might as well do them.
I registered for Saturday morning at 10:45, both girls at the same time. We did this is the fall and it worked out pretty good. I got an email back that said both girls were on standby. NO!!
So, I tried my second option. Courtney Tuesday nights at 4:15 and Megan Tuesday nights at 5. I got in!! This won't work as well at Saturday mornings, first, because both girls are not at the same time, lessons only go for a half an hour, so I will have a 15 minute break between the two girls. I also give piano lessons on Tuesday nights, so we would need to rush home to eat before my lessons come over. Again, ideal situation, no, but better than any other option.
The good part of this though is that during the winter, it will give me a chance to get out on a Tuesday. I usually stay home during the day now and catch up on things around the house and I really need that time!! (I didn't stay home last Tuesday or Thursday and by Saturday, the house was out of control!!) But this way, when we're stuck at home during the winter, we have an excuse to get out!
I guess we will see how it works, if not, we can pull out...maybe.
They are also starting gymnastics at the gym this semester, but those times were Monday from 6-7 or Saturday mornings from 9-10. Yikes, I don't want another evening taken up (Tuesday, Wedneday, and Thursday have things going on) and I really don't want to be at the gym by 9 am on a Saturday. That is our only day to really get up as a family and eat breakfast together. Courtney has been begging me to take gymnastics though, so I guess we will see what works out. Gymastics were not free either, but dirt cheap. $35 for 10 45minute sessions. $20 for the second child and yes, Megan wants to take them too.
Oh and I can't forget swim team either this semester. Those practices are Tuesdays from 7-8 (when I give piano lessons) and Saturday mornings from 9-10! Not doing that either!
I could've registered online at midnight last night, but forgot about it. Matt was leaving this morning for Des Moines, so my mind was on that.
Until 7:30 this morning when I woke up. I thought, "It's Tuesday, I better register for lessons." It's a first come, first serve basis.
I had two different times picked out for lessons. They are free with our gym membership, so we might as well do them.
I registered for Saturday morning at 10:45, both girls at the same time. We did this is the fall and it worked out pretty good. I got an email back that said both girls were on standby. NO!!
So, I tried my second option. Courtney Tuesday nights at 4:15 and Megan Tuesday nights at 5. I got in!! This won't work as well at Saturday mornings, first, because both girls are not at the same time, lessons only go for a half an hour, so I will have a 15 minute break between the two girls. I also give piano lessons on Tuesday nights, so we would need to rush home to eat before my lessons come over. Again, ideal situation, no, but better than any other option.
The good part of this though is that during the winter, it will give me a chance to get out on a Tuesday. I usually stay home during the day now and catch up on things around the house and I really need that time!! (I didn't stay home last Tuesday or Thursday and by Saturday, the house was out of control!!) But this way, when we're stuck at home during the winter, we have an excuse to get out!
I guess we will see how it works, if not, we can pull out...maybe.
They are also starting gymnastics at the gym this semester, but those times were Monday from 6-7 or Saturday mornings from 9-10. Yikes, I don't want another evening taken up (Tuesday, Wedneday, and Thursday have things going on) and I really don't want to be at the gym by 9 am on a Saturday. That is our only day to really get up as a family and eat breakfast together. Courtney has been begging me to take gymnastics though, so I guess we will see what works out. Gymastics were not free either, but dirt cheap. $35 for 10 45minute sessions. $20 for the second child and yes, Megan wants to take them too.
Oh and I can't forget swim team either this semester. Those practices are Tuesdays from 7-8 (when I give piano lessons) and Saturday mornings from 9-10! Not doing that either!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Christmas tree is up...but down!
Yesterday we had a little incident with our Christmas tree.
It cracked at the bottom and almost fell over, but that is for another post that I can include pictures.
After it cracked, Courtney said, "I can fix it with my super powers. Wait, I might not have Christmas tree super powers..."
It cracked at the bottom and almost fell over, but that is for another post that I can include pictures.
After it cracked, Courtney said, "I can fix it with my super powers. Wait, I might not have Christmas tree super powers..."
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Weekend
My goals for the weekend...I'm not sure if it is realistic to get these all done, but I may try.
1. Get Christmas cards ordered- check
2. Write Christmas letter- check
3. Pick up Christmas cards, Christmas paper to print off letters, stamps
4. Print off Christmas letters, address all envelopes,stuff envelopes, seal envelopes, put everything in mailbox---Why are Christmas cards so much work??
5. Put up Christmas tree!
6. Put up other decorations and with a happy attitude. :)
7. Clean up kitchen counters and do dishes
8. Clean off my kitchen island, I think the pile is 2-3 feet high by now. :)
9. Clean off dining room table, we haven't ate there in about a month...
10. Get the three baskets of folded laundry put away
11. Finish washing clothes
12. Clean my sitting room. Thanks Christian for destroying it again!
13. Oh children- make sure they are dressed and fed. :)
14. And because I don't want to end on an odd number, I need to add one more. Attend the Westside Christmas Pageant tonight!!!
1. Get Christmas cards ordered- check
2. Write Christmas letter- check
3. Pick up Christmas cards, Christmas paper to print off letters, stamps
4. Print off Christmas letters, address all envelopes,stuff envelopes, seal envelopes, put everything in mailbox---Why are Christmas cards so much work??
5. Put up Christmas tree!
6. Put up other decorations and with a happy attitude. :)
7. Clean up kitchen counters and do dishes
8. Clean off my kitchen island, I think the pile is 2-3 feet high by now. :)
9. Clean off dining room table, we haven't ate there in about a month...
10. Get the three baskets of folded laundry put away
11. Finish washing clothes
12. Clean my sitting room. Thanks Christian for destroying it again!
13. Oh children- make sure they are dressed and fed. :)
14. And because I don't want to end on an odd number, I need to add one more. Attend the Westside Christmas Pageant tonight!!!
Friday, December 9, 2011
But mom, I promised!
Poor Courtney is taking her AWANA lessons to heart lately.
Everyday, I let her have an "ice cream break." Actually this is my way of giving her a little attention in the middle of homeschooling Megan in the middle of the afternoon.
We usually start school about 1:30 and by 3, Courtney is begging me, "Is it ice cream break yet?" I think she gets tired of playing by herself and this is something for her to look forward to, plus who doesn't like ice cream? Megan and I are usually due for a small break too, so it works out good.
Today, I saw the kids snacking quite a bit and I kept putting off "ice cream break." I thought they had eaten enough. She also can't read the clock yet, so I kept delaying it, hoping she might forget about it. About 4:20 though, she caught on. "Mom, is it ice cream break yet?" Then she went on, "I PROMISED daddy I would bring him some ice cream." She started to cry and continued, "I promised him!"
I said to Courtney, "Well, it's kind of past ice cream break time Courtney, but if you promised him, then you better take him some." She cheered up right away, we got the ice cream out, and she delivered some to Matt who was working in his office and of course, she had to have some herself.
Our lesson for AWANAS this week was on God's promises and when we say we promise something, then we better do it! (I don't know if this was what she was thinking, but this is the first thing I thought of!) Keep up the servants heart Courtney!!
Everyday, I let her have an "ice cream break." Actually this is my way of giving her a little attention in the middle of homeschooling Megan in the middle of the afternoon.
We usually start school about 1:30 and by 3, Courtney is begging me, "Is it ice cream break yet?" I think she gets tired of playing by herself and this is something for her to look forward to, plus who doesn't like ice cream? Megan and I are usually due for a small break too, so it works out good.
Today, I saw the kids snacking quite a bit and I kept putting off "ice cream break." I thought they had eaten enough. She also can't read the clock yet, so I kept delaying it, hoping she might forget about it. About 4:20 though, she caught on. "Mom, is it ice cream break yet?" Then she went on, "I PROMISED daddy I would bring him some ice cream." She started to cry and continued, "I promised him!"
I said to Courtney, "Well, it's kind of past ice cream break time Courtney, but if you promised him, then you better take him some." She cheered up right away, we got the ice cream out, and she delivered some to Matt who was working in his office and of course, she had to have some herself.
Our lesson for AWANAS this week was on God's promises and when we say we promise something, then we better do it! (I don't know if this was what she was thinking, but this is the first thing I thought of!) Keep up the servants heart Courtney!!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Yearly Reviews
This is the week of yearly reviews.
You know, those times once a year when you go in and talk to your insurance agent and your financial manager.
We sat at State Farm last night for an hour and a half, I am very glad they have a little playroom set up for the kids, but really, does it have to take that long? At leat I feel like we accomplished something, like added more finished square footage to our house so incase it burns down, we can get enough money to rebuild. Or put Christian on our policiy, I guess that one is important too.
Tonight we sit at Edward Jones. Finances (roth IRA, 401K, investments) are things that I do not understand very well so I get easily bored. I just have a hard time understanding all the big numbers and the big picture on it, Matt understands it really well, so I just let him take charge. I will keep an eye on the kids and try to follow along, I mean, nod my head whenever they ask me a question. :)
With those two appointments done by Tuesday, we still have a busy week. I heard back from a doctor about what it would take to fix my jaw (I have TMJ pretty bad) and the final figure was $5500 for one option and $8500 for another option! Ouch! And of course, we can't fit it in this year anymore since we're almost out of time and they can't bill me until AFTER the services have been rendered (and they can't get those services in this year, of course). Thanks for taking your sweet time to get back to me. So Wednesday, I am going to my chiropractor to get a second and probably much cheaper opinion. I'm not counting the very expensive option out, I just want to see what my chiropractor thinks, I know he is a totally opposite opinion. But who knows which one is really better...
Wednesday night we are back to AWANA and Thursday, we have dance.
Every night is busy this week, anybody want to fill Friday night for us??
You know, those times once a year when you go in and talk to your insurance agent and your financial manager.
We sat at State Farm last night for an hour and a half, I am very glad they have a little playroom set up for the kids, but really, does it have to take that long? At leat I feel like we accomplished something, like added more finished square footage to our house so incase it burns down, we can get enough money to rebuild. Or put Christian on our policiy, I guess that one is important too.
Tonight we sit at Edward Jones. Finances (roth IRA, 401K, investments) are things that I do not understand very well so I get easily bored. I just have a hard time understanding all the big numbers and the big picture on it, Matt understands it really well, so I just let him take charge. I will keep an eye on the kids and try to follow along, I mean, nod my head whenever they ask me a question. :)
With those two appointments done by Tuesday, we still have a busy week. I heard back from a doctor about what it would take to fix my jaw (I have TMJ pretty bad) and the final figure was $5500 for one option and $8500 for another option! Ouch! And of course, we can't fit it in this year anymore since we're almost out of time and they can't bill me until AFTER the services have been rendered (and they can't get those services in this year, of course). Thanks for taking your sweet time to get back to me. So Wednesday, I am going to my chiropractor to get a second and probably much cheaper opinion. I'm not counting the very expensive option out, I just want to see what my chiropractor thinks, I know he is a totally opposite opinion. But who knows which one is really better...
Wednesday night we are back to AWANA and Thursday, we have dance.
Every night is busy this week, anybody want to fill Friday night for us??
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Very Low-Key Weekend
What did I do this weekend? about nothing. :)
Thursday and Friday was crazy busy, so I am glad we had time to relax and recooperate.
I'm glad it snowed on Saturday, it gave us a good excuse to stay home.
I'm glad we had church today, it gave me a good reason to get out, for at least a little bit.
Even now, the family is sitting and watching a movie. Very relaxing.
Yesterday we were supposed to have Megan's private horse riding lesson that Matt and I gave her for her birthday. We called and rescheduled.
We were supposed to go to "Junie B Jones" down at the Rose Theater with some homeschooling friends. I didn't order tickets, so we didn't go.
We also had the opportunity to go "Walk through Bethlehem" last night at our church. We had plans to go with some friends of Courtney's from preschool, but again, I put off getting tickets and when I went to get some, they were gone.
Oh well, it was nice to stay home. We played outside TWICE in the snow. Christian is obsessed with the snow blower, he calls it a tractor and he was MAD when I brought him in yesterday. The poor boy was chattering!
We had church this morning and we could've went to the Wells Fargo Family Fun Day downtown, but again, didn't go.
We can go to Walk Through Bethlehem yet tonight, I doubt it because it is already 5 and we haven't gotten tickets yet.
Hmmm. Nice night at home? I think so.
We did finish our homeschooling lessons this afternoon, so we are ready to go tomorrow. Matt is working from home this week too, so that will be nice.
Thursday and Friday was crazy busy, so I am glad we had time to relax and recooperate.
I'm glad it snowed on Saturday, it gave us a good excuse to stay home.
I'm glad we had church today, it gave me a good reason to get out, for at least a little bit.
Even now, the family is sitting and watching a movie. Very relaxing.
Yesterday we were supposed to have Megan's private horse riding lesson that Matt and I gave her for her birthday. We called and rescheduled.
We were supposed to go to "Junie B Jones" down at the Rose Theater with some homeschooling friends. I didn't order tickets, so we didn't go.
We also had the opportunity to go "Walk through Bethlehem" last night at our church. We had plans to go with some friends of Courtney's from preschool, but again, I put off getting tickets and when I went to get some, they were gone.
Oh well, it was nice to stay home. We played outside TWICE in the snow. Christian is obsessed with the snow blower, he calls it a tractor and he was MAD when I brought him in yesterday. The poor boy was chattering!
We had church this morning and we could've went to the Wells Fargo Family Fun Day downtown, but again, didn't go.
We can go to Walk Through Bethlehem yet tonight, I doubt it because it is already 5 and we haven't gotten tickets yet.
Hmmm. Nice night at home? I think so.
We did finish our homeschooling lessons this afternoon, so we are ready to go tomorrow. Matt is working from home this week too, so that will be nice.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Any suggestions?
I am currently looking for a program to teach Courtney how to read. Matt and I have pretty much decided that we are going to homeschool her next year too, so why not get started now? If she was going to school, I would just let school teach her how to read, but if she stays home, I think we are going to start working on it next semester.
We have already been working on her letters. I found her letter flashcards and we have been working on those pretty hard. She has the most trouble with lowercase and uppercase I, J, and lowercase d. She had trouble with lowercase q until I had to her think of "cutie patootie" and now she never misses it. :)
I think the next step up is sounds, but this is where I get stuck. I want her to learn short and long vowel sounds along with hard and soft consonant sounds. I want to teach her right from the beginning, not just teach her and then go back and reteach her the proper rules.
I have been looking all over the internet for a program and I just cannot find one that fits my needs. Here is what I want:
1. Phonics based. Short simple rules, learn different sounds of vowels and consonants
2. Simple, yet challenging. I want a simple page layout, nothing too busy that is overwhelming.
3. Short stories so Courtney could practice reading as we learn the words
4. Some writing to go along with it.
5. Not a program that teaches letter by letter, we already know our letters.
6. Something that moves along pretty quickly. not 160 lessons.
I actually want something that I can teach her how to read next semester. I could then start her in some readers next year for kindergarten instead of taking another year to teach her how to read.
Any suggestions??
We have already been working on her letters. I found her letter flashcards and we have been working on those pretty hard. She has the most trouble with lowercase and uppercase I, J, and lowercase d. She had trouble with lowercase q until I had to her think of "cutie patootie" and now she never misses it. :)
I think the next step up is sounds, but this is where I get stuck. I want her to learn short and long vowel sounds along with hard and soft consonant sounds. I want to teach her right from the beginning, not just teach her and then go back and reteach her the proper rules.
I have been looking all over the internet for a program and I just cannot find one that fits my needs. Here is what I want:
1. Phonics based. Short simple rules, learn different sounds of vowels and consonants
2. Simple, yet challenging. I want a simple page layout, nothing too busy that is overwhelming.
3. Short stories so Courtney could practice reading as we learn the words
4. Some writing to go along with it.
5. Not a program that teaches letter by letter, we already know our letters.
6. Something that moves along pretty quickly. not 160 lessons.
I actually want something that I can teach her how to read next semester. I could then start her in some readers next year for kindergarten instead of taking another year to teach her how to read.
Any suggestions??
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