In Our Life This Week::Jan. 30-Feb. 3

It has been a while since I have mentioned our most recent graduate, Erin. She loves learning to cut hair and all that goes with it. It was a bit more of a culture shock (I believe) than going straight to college as her sisters did. Her sisters had the benefit of attending a college their first years that has a fairly large group of former homeschool students. Let's just say that this is a little not that way! No offense to non-homeschoolers out there. I am just saying that Erin is not living in her little homeschool bubble anymore. This weekend, however, she got to visit it. She, along with her brother, Paul, attended the local homeschool "Winter Ball". They had a great time!

We did not do well in the picture department, but there are a few to document the evening-

Erin's boyfriend was there with his younger siblings as well- 

the only picture we got was taken by his brother. 

After the dance, when they came home all hot and tired, 

we got a brother/sister picture of Erin and Paul. 

And one of Erin's hair because she had to put it up early in the morning before cutting 

hair all day and have it last through the night- not bad! 

Out and About:

Monday I got to stay home from horse lessons (so relaxing!)- Erin was able to take the boys. They came home super excited. Mark was moved to a different horse, Scouty-  he has loved Scouty since our first day at the stables. Scouty looks like he just galloped out of an old western movie with his black and white paint pattern (and Mark loves his crooked blaze). 

James was also pretty happy- he is working on figure eights and was able to work through the routine in nice form. Paul is taking a break. We are trying to tighten the homeschool budget, so the boys are going to alternate lessons. 

Volleyball is the passion for Paul (13yo) right now. He was promoted to what is considered the most advanced group on our little volleyball program. This program is a one wonder-woman show. For the last several (I think at least 5) years, Mrs. V has worked most Wednesdays with our homeschool group's kiddos to teach volleyball. AND, she takes her volleyball seriously- no goofing around. The kids love it! I don't often get to watch, but, when I do, I am amazed at how hard she gets her group to work. This is Paul's first year to play- in past years, he volunteered with his sister to run a program for the younger kids that is at the same time. He loved that, but I think he loves this even more. 

Paul is also among the gainfully employed these days. His sister and her hubby needed some extra help once a week or so with their little boy (6 mos.) and girl (2 yrs), so he is playing "uncle extraordinaire" when they need him. This week it was Friday and he came home with the biggest grin on his face- I think he likes getting to be the fun uncle.

In the Schoolroom: 

We have toyed with many reward systems, but the ticket system seems to work the best. After some recent organizational tweaking, it works likes this- papers (that are now labeled with name and date) are filed in the boys' boxes. Every few days I have each of the younger boys (11yo and 8yo) bring me their box. We go through the papers and evaluate what they completed- a completed paper with "best work" done (this does not mean correct- just a good solid effort) gets a ticket. To keep track, a little teacher stamp is put in the bottom right corner of the paper when a ticket has been awarded. I know this is a totally dorky classroom type thing, but my boys like it. They are not too sophisticated for such things. For subjects completed in a different format (like working problems on the whiteboard), I try and award a ticket right away so that there is no confusion. I might try making some sort of chart.

blurry picture of "the box"

The tickets can be used to purchase items from my "shopping basket". I keep little things- micro machines (purchased a big bag of them at a second hand store), Lego mini figures that I got a on a good deal, balsa wood airplanes, magnifying glasses.... 10 tickets = 1 prize. Coming off of Christmas break, I tried to make it so the boys could earn a prize every other day or so, but we are stretching it as we establish a solid routine. 

I have heard much debate over this type of reward, but I said it before and I'll say it again- it works for us. This really motivates my boys to keep their attitudes positive. 

Around the House: 

Purging and cleaning again this week. I started out with this goal last year and made some progress. I am hoping to keep up the momentum this year. I've got my large garbage can (donation bin) on the back porch and we filled it this week and last. I am also working on menu planning. This cute little dry erase menu board (posted earlier this week) should help! 

In Our Life: 

Also mentioned earlier this week, Hubby and I had our 31st wedding anniversary. This picture has been on Face*book and my other blog, so my apologies for repeating myself yet again, but I just love it! My daughter posted it on FB with the caption, "Look what a difference 31 years make!". 

Much Needed Inspiration This Week:

For Parenting: Like Mother, Like Daughter:: Is It Too Late For My Kids To Help Out?

For Getting Things Done: Forever, For Always, No Matter What::Homeschool And Life