Journal of the Week::July 28, 2012


In my life this week...
We had a birthday to celebrate-
 We became parents 29 years ago when our oldest daughter, Shauna, was born. 

Shauna with her sweet hubby and her two little man cubs. 

And we had babies to watch- 

Ummm...  grandma, I don't think my uncles are really paying attention to me. 

In our homeschool this week...
We are moving forward with our Barton Reading Program. Mark admitted today that he was a little frustrated when we first started because he felt like he was going back instead of making progress. He told me that he is glad (yes, he used that word!) that we are using this program now- he feels that he is learning a lot. I have shared positive feedback from him before, but he was very convincing today! And he is not even the one I chose this curriculum for. 

Helpful homeschool tips or advice this week...

The thought that comes to mind when I read this journal prompt is "just keep at it". So often, a new curriculum or ambitious blog will convince us that we need something new or that we are falling short. Take the good, leave the rest, and keep on doing it. Consistency will win out every time. 

*a disclaimer-
I appreciate ambitious bloggers!
I am just noting that it is good to take what is reasonable for you
and leave the rest. 


Places we're going and people we're seeing...
Friends and cousins at the water park- 

This is just the most awesome bunch of kiddos! Can you tell? 
My boys had "the best time."


My favorite thing this week was...
This expression on my granddaughter's face- 


In response the zoo keeper bring the Macaw over to her. 



What's working/not working for us... 
Being home more! While everyone else is homeschool land seems to be going "back to school", I don't feel like we have had our summer vacation yet. We have had few fun outings, but we have missed the summer time rhythm around here. Hoping to find it. 


Things I am working on...
Planning. Our history plans are in a binder and looking official. I have scoped out the library, Netflix, and our own bookshelves. Next up, I need to print some history pockets and such to go with our studies. 

I'm reading...
I have a few samples ready to preview on my kindle: A Simpler Season by Jessica Fisher, Fifteen Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get Out of the House and Connect with Your Kids by Rebecca P. Cohen, Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage by Mark Gungor, and Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst. I have just read a few lines of each- I'll update. 

I'm cooking... 
Do people cook in this heat? Actually, this morning hubby and I put together a lovely lasagna to cook tonight. Our favorite recipe is just the one on the back of the Barilla noodle box- add in a carton of lightly sauteed mushrooms (left big so picky eaters can easily remove them and give them to mom to eat!).

I'm grateful for...
Friday mornings with my granddaughter and grandson, that my big boys get to experience the petting zoo through the eyes of the little ones and that they find so much joy in it, for time with my boys, memories made with family and friends. 

I'm praying for...

Friends (and friends and family of friends) who are ill, my adult children, my grandson who is fighting a really nasty bug right now, my hubby who works so hard and is so tired, and much more. 

A photo, video, link, or quote to share...
I enjoyed reading Jen's article at Homeschool Classroom this week, The Three Benefits of Year Round Homeschool. We school year round for a number of reasons. The most important, for our family, is that the learning challenges my son deals with are best served when we don't have extended breaks. 





Comments

  1. BeccaJuly 28, 2012 at 6:20 PM

    I didn't feel like we got summer either, so we're sticking with our math, copywork, plus one more subject through September.hope you guys get to enjoy some quiet summer days, too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The AdventurerJuly 29, 2012 at 6:28 AM

    Looks like your are keeping very busy this summer. We school year round as well:) I miss water parks and outdoor pools not very many here in England:( Although honestly the weather isn't very nice this year.

    Love seeing your family pictures

    ReplyDelete
  3. PattyJuly 29, 2012 at 1:35 PM

    Beautiful, beautiful post, Laurie! You had such an amazing week. I agree. I need more summer vacation. I felt as though I've been on a marathon the entire time trying to get my "to do" list done before school starts. But, what's great about living in warm climates, we can get out and enjoy the summer-like weather longer, can't we.

    ReplyDelete

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