Ok, so school has started for us.
Some have asked if Michael is still doing homeschool since he's taking college classes...the answer is YES! He has not graduated our homeschool yet. He will be taking government (which will consist of reading and paraphrasing the constitution) with a small unit study on elections, an auto repair course, intro to physics, and whatever else I decide to throw at him. :-D At Metro this quarter he is taking his 3rd CISCO networking class along with College Algebra.
Maddie is taking:
Bible Doctrines-Abeka's 10th grade course
History-All American History vol 1 &2
Science-Exploring Creation through General Science by Jay Wile
Math- Teaching Textbooks
Grammar- a combination of Easy Grammar Plus and Abeka's 9th grade Grammar & Comp Text
She and Marcus will be taking two electives every eight weeks. For Maddie volleyball and and an elections study will be her electives this eight weeks.
Marcus:
Bible Doctrines- Abeka's 10th grade course
History- All American History 1&2
Grammar-First Language Lessons-Level 3
Science-Developing Critical Thinking Through Science (Critical Thinking Press--this was recommended to us by Dr. Jay Wile who authors Apologia High School Courses)
Math-Teaching Textbooks along with some drill books-Times Tales & Two + Two Does not Equal 5
Marcus is also working on a program for his dyslexia with me. We are working on his handwriting issues also. We are using Handwriting Without Tears.
He is doing two electives this quarter: Life Skills & Elections.
We do Bible Doctrines and History together (Maddie, Marcus, and me) along with our Read Aloud time. During our Read Aloud time we are reading the recommended reading with our History program. Currently we are reading, "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare. (We also use the Progeny Press guides that go along with our Read Alouds, so I guess they are taking literature units also, but most of the work is done orally. I'm a huge fan of Progeny Press Literature Guides. If you have not checked them out before, I highly recommend them. They look at literature from a Biblical Worldview.
So that catches you up on our new school year. :-D
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The one about email not being enough...
So like I said I have tons of things swirling through my head and they continue to swim around there. I have a lot of things I want to discuss with my leader, my lord, my great and wonderful husband. While I'm very thankful for email, there are just some things that are too detailed to discuss with email.
You cannot hear someone's tone of voice, you cannot see someone's tears, you cannot feel them reach out to you in a passionate discussion of ideas. Good grief. It is very frustrating.
I know. I know. I should be thankful that we can at least iron down the details of our basic lives. He'll know when Maddie's first volleyball game is, what Marcus did in school, and the latest goings on with Michael and Amanda. But there are other life issues I really want to be able to discuss right now that just can't be done. So I'm praying to my heavenly Father...and I know...I know...I can and should go to Him all along, but I also know of the husband's role in a family and to his wife, and I want to be able to talk to mine.
End of vent.
You cannot hear someone's tone of voice, you cannot see someone's tears, you cannot feel them reach out to you in a passionate discussion of ideas. Good grief. It is very frustrating.
I know. I know. I should be thankful that we can at least iron down the details of our basic lives. He'll know when Maddie's first volleyball game is, what Marcus did in school, and the latest goings on with Michael and Amanda. But there are other life issues I really want to be able to discuss right now that just can't be done. So I'm praying to my heavenly Father...and I know...I know...I can and should go to Him all along, but I also know of the husband's role in a family and to his wife, and I want to be able to talk to mine.
End of vent.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The one about so many thoughts crowding my mind...
I'm at a loss for words. I have too many things swirling around in my mind.
AND...I miss Mickey!
AND...I miss Mickey!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The one about my trip to Ohio...
Well, I'm home!
Two years ago, when my dad turned 75 I told him I would visit he and my mom in Ohio on his birthday every year. This year I didn't get there until the 21st, (his b-day is the 17th) but he knew I was on my way.
Mickey bought me an airline ticket as it was cheaper than buying gas for the van! I was gone from home from 8/20-8/30. It was a long time for me to be away from my family, but I had a great trip to Ohio.
My brother in law, Mike picked me up from the airport in Columbus, OH. I had been quite nervous about the flight, as I have never flown by myself. I don't at all really mind flying, but I was concerned, I would miss a plane or mess something up. When I've flown in the past without Mickey, I always had small children (now you know it's been awhile since I've flown) People have always been very gracious to me, since I had such adorable little people traveling with me. This time I knew I was on my own and I couldn't rely on their sweet faces to get me out of a jam! :-D
However, everything went smoothly. I stayed with Mike and Becky through Thursday; then Becky took me down to Southern Ohio for a time with my parents. I got to see Debbie (who lives with them), my sister Leah, her husband Mike, and boys (Nicholas, Jacob, and Brock), and my brother Tim and his wife Tonda. I also got to see my niece Marisa, her husband, Adam, and my new little niece Chloe. She took after her mother and cried every time I held her. I'm excited to see how content she will be in Uncle Mickey's arms at Buckeye Christmas. Marisa always preferred Uncle Mickey to me, and I think Chloe will be the same.
I also got to spend some time with Mickey's family. I saw almost everyone: Glenna and Homer, (my mother and father in law), my sister in law Ruth and her two boys: Noah and Malachai. I got to see P.D., Mickey's brother and his wife, April. Their two children are Parker and Aubrey and I got to spend time with them also. The kids have really grown and they were so much fun to
see. :-D
During most of this time, my kids were in CA visiting their friends the Wilson's. When scheduling everything, it wasn't really apparent to me, that the kids wouldn't be able to go with me to OH. I haven't visited my parents alone in over 21 years. So that was different, but I did enjoy it. We played Scrabble, we talked, we went out to eat, we went to Community Day at their church, and attended church services together. It was very quiet and peaceful, and so pleasant.
I missed Mickey and the kids very much and I think I will enjoy their company the next time I make the trip, but I wouldn't trade this memory for anything.
Two years ago, when my dad turned 75 I told him I would visit he and my mom in Ohio on his birthday every year. This year I didn't get there until the 21st, (his b-day is the 17th) but he knew I was on my way.
Mickey bought me an airline ticket as it was cheaper than buying gas for the van! I was gone from home from 8/20-8/30. It was a long time for me to be away from my family, but I had a great trip to Ohio.
My brother in law, Mike picked me up from the airport in Columbus, OH. I had been quite nervous about the flight, as I have never flown by myself. I don't at all really mind flying, but I was concerned, I would miss a plane or mess something up. When I've flown in the past without Mickey, I always had small children (now you know it's been awhile since I've flown) People have always been very gracious to me, since I had such adorable little people traveling with me. This time I knew I was on my own and I couldn't rely on their sweet faces to get me out of a jam! :-D
However, everything went smoothly. I stayed with Mike and Becky through Thursday; then Becky took me down to Southern Ohio for a time with my parents. I got to see Debbie (who lives with them), my sister Leah, her husband Mike, and boys (Nicholas, Jacob, and Brock), and my brother Tim and his wife Tonda. I also got to see my niece Marisa, her husband, Adam, and my new little niece Chloe. She took after her mother and cried every time I held her. I'm excited to see how content she will be in Uncle Mickey's arms at Buckeye Christmas. Marisa always preferred Uncle Mickey to me, and I think Chloe will be the same.
I also got to spend some time with Mickey's family. I saw almost everyone: Glenna and Homer, (my mother and father in law), my sister in law Ruth and her two boys: Noah and Malachai. I got to see P.D., Mickey's brother and his wife, April. Their two children are Parker and Aubrey and I got to spend time with them also. The kids have really grown and they were so much fun to
see. :-D
During most of this time, my kids were in CA visiting their friends the Wilson's. When scheduling everything, it wasn't really apparent to me, that the kids wouldn't be able to go with me to OH. I haven't visited my parents alone in over 21 years. So that was different, but I did enjoy it. We played Scrabble, we talked, we went out to eat, we went to Community Day at their church, and attended church services together. It was very quiet and peaceful, and so pleasant.
I missed Mickey and the kids very much and I think I will enjoy their company the next time I make the trip, but I wouldn't trade this memory for anything.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The one about being so behind on my fighter verses....
Ok, so I'm like totally behind on my fighter verses for this summer...like I've been lazy all summer. So the challenge for this week is to get back on the wagon and memorize.
This week's verse for me is:
Romans 12:17-19
Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, as far as it depend on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
So, like...hold me accountable for studying this and learning it. If you see me...ask me about my fighter verse and get me to say what I know so far. Sharpen me up, fellow brothers and sisters! :-D
By the way, you can view the list of this year's fighter verses at:
http://c4.atomicplaypen.com/sites/BBC/resources/images/70209.pdf
Bethlehem Baptist Church Fighter Verses Set C 2008
You will of course, see how far behind I am. :-D
This week's verse for me is:
Romans 12:17-19
Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, as far as it depend on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
So, like...hold me accountable for studying this and learning it. If you see me...ask me about my fighter verse and get me to say what I know so far. Sharpen me up, fellow brothers and sisters! :-D
By the way, you can view the list of this year's fighter verses at:
http://c4.atomicplaypen.com/sites/BBC/resources/images/70209.pdf
Bethlehem Baptist Church Fighter Verses Set C 2008
You will of course, see how far behind I am. :-D
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The one about busy-ness, activity, and productivity
Well, all three comments about my last post talked about how busy our summer was. That is exactly what I think it wasn't. When I looked back at the list, this was spread out over a 3 month period...beginning May to August. I deliberately didn't make our schedules "busy" this summer because I wanted to enjoy this summer.
However, I would submit that we were productive and got things done that I had been wanting the kids to do, and we had fun while doing it.
If anyone had a "busy" summer in our family, it has been Michael and Mickey. Michael took 13.5 hours worth of classes at Metro while working his job at the golf course. He's maintaining an "A" average.
Mickey does more than I could ever remember to write here, but Mickey is the kind of guy who is always fidgeting or working on something. He has never been the kind of guy who comes home and sits on the couch all night doing nothing, ignoring his wife and kids. He is a mover and a shaker. This man works (puts in time at L-3), then comes home and helps me and helps other people, helps the church, Pastor, or whoever needs it...but that's not just in the summer...that's all the time. He's a very active and productive individual.
I'm so proud that Mickey is passing his work ethic on to Michael. (and Marcus) I appreciate what he does for me. It makes me proud to be married to a man that sees the needs of others and wants to help them. He cuts grass almost every week for the church. That's a 3-3.5 hour job. He makes sure time is put in at his job during the week, so that he can take off early on Friday afternoons and get the church's lawn care done, so that it doesn't take away time with the family and me.
He is not a workaholic working for the almight dollar. He's a helper.
So I wonder...how about you all...are you "busy" or are you "productive"? I think there is a big difference in the terms.
I don't want to be busy, I want to be productive. :-D
However, I would submit that we were productive and got things done that I had been wanting the kids to do, and we had fun while doing it.
If anyone had a "busy" summer in our family, it has been Michael and Mickey. Michael took 13.5 hours worth of classes at Metro while working his job at the golf course. He's maintaining an "A" average.
Mickey does more than I could ever remember to write here, but Mickey is the kind of guy who is always fidgeting or working on something. He has never been the kind of guy who comes home and sits on the couch all night doing nothing, ignoring his wife and kids. He is a mover and a shaker. This man works (puts in time at L-3), then comes home and helps me and helps other people, helps the church, Pastor, or whoever needs it...but that's not just in the summer...that's all the time. He's a very active and productive individual.
I'm so proud that Mickey is passing his work ethic on to Michael. (and Marcus) I appreciate what he does for me. It makes me proud to be married to a man that sees the needs of others and wants to help them. He cuts grass almost every week for the church. That's a 3-3.5 hour job. He makes sure time is put in at his job during the week, so that he can take off early on Friday afternoons and get the church's lawn care done, so that it doesn't take away time with the family and me.
He is not a workaholic working for the almight dollar. He's a helper.
So I wonder...how about you all...are you "busy" or are you "productive"? I think there is a big difference in the terms.
I don't want to be busy, I want to be productive. :-D
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The one about a new blog post...
Well, I've been given some "subtle" hints and some "not so subtle" hints that it is time to update my blog! :-D
However, as I've looked at the summer there have been so many things I should have written about and didn't and now my brain is muddled. :-D
It's been a great summer. The best thing about it, is that Mickey has been home for the whole summer. He got home right after his birthday in May and has been here since! We are thrilled!
Some fun summer facts:
1. We made jam (see previous blog post)
2. We accomplished the huge task of IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) This is a four day writing intensive. This was great for Maddie and Marcus and they will use the writing techniques they learned in various school subjects this year.
3. Michael took two classes at Metro: CISCO 2 and Operating Systems 2 and is doing very well
4. We got caught up on ortho appts, dentist appts, allergy shots, and physicals :-D
5. We met with some of our homeschooling friends for some fun play dates and "mom time"
6. I am getting the chance to coordinate Dawn Phillips and David Parkin's wedding.
7. We have continued to visit the nursing home with some of our homeschool friends and change out their calendars every month at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Bellevue
8. We went camping in Missouri and we floated/tubed down the Current River. A river that is freezing but we had a blast with the Kerseys and Nupsons. Fun times!
9. Mickey protested the over $18,000 hike in our housing assessment tax and won. It was reduced by over half! Way to go, Mickster!
1o. I got to babysit three adorable redheads because their grandmothers had other things to do and we had a great morning playing with our bird and making cookies!
11. Maddie and I went to Dawn Phillips bridal shower and Micaela Capello's baby shower. :-D
12. Our church held a 5 Day Bible Club and we reached several neighborhood families and had excellent support from everyone. It was a great summer memory!
13. Mickey's Care Group from church had a get together with almost everyone there, and then another get together and it has been really great getting to know everyone a little better!
14. I've been looking at wedding songs all summer for Alaina and Josh's wedding. That is something that doesn't have closure. We are still looking....
15. Mickey bought me a plane ticket to go visit my family in Ohio. I will be leaving August 20th and coming back on August 30th. In 17 1/2 years I haven't visited my family without any children with me. It will be so different to not have the kids with me. I will miss Mickey and the kiddoes very much! I plan to get in a lot of Scrabble games with Mom though...and maybe Dad...if he'll play.
16. Maddie taught 7-5 Day Bible Clubs
17. Times with the Fabulous Folkens
Things we are looking forward to:
1. The CEF picnic this Saturday
2. Maddie is looking forward to going to World's of Fun this Thursday...I am looking forward to spending some time with Sidney and Isaiah.
3. I'm looking forward to getting my hair cut next Monday....I scheduled it too far between appointments...nobody is as good with my hair as Deb Warga in Plattsmouth!
4. David and Dawn's wedding
5. The kids are excited to see some friends later in August
6. My trip to Ohio
7. Starting back with our homeschool
8. Annual church picnic (Sept. 6)
9.. CEF training for Mickey, Michael, and I
10. Maddie playing volleyball with her friend Kristen
11. Being together
So that about catches you all up and I did it without "talking" too much! I hope you all have enjoyed your summer.
What kind of activities have filled your summer?
However, as I've looked at the summer there have been so many things I should have written about and didn't and now my brain is muddled. :-D
It's been a great summer. The best thing about it, is that Mickey has been home for the whole summer. He got home right after his birthday in May and has been here since! We are thrilled!
Some fun summer facts:
1. We made jam (see previous blog post)
2. We accomplished the huge task of IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) This is a four day writing intensive. This was great for Maddie and Marcus and they will use the writing techniques they learned in various school subjects this year.
3. Michael took two classes at Metro: CISCO 2 and Operating Systems 2 and is doing very well
4. We got caught up on ortho appts, dentist appts, allergy shots, and physicals :-D
5. We met with some of our homeschooling friends for some fun play dates and "mom time"
6. I am getting the chance to coordinate Dawn Phillips and David Parkin's wedding.
7. We have continued to visit the nursing home with some of our homeschool friends and change out their calendars every month at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Bellevue
8. We went camping in Missouri and we floated/tubed down the Current River. A river that is freezing but we had a blast with the Kerseys and Nupsons. Fun times!
9. Mickey protested the over $18,000 hike in our housing assessment tax and won. It was reduced by over half! Way to go, Mickster!
1o. I got to babysit three adorable redheads because their grandmothers had other things to do and we had a great morning playing with our bird and making cookies!
11. Maddie and I went to Dawn Phillips bridal shower and Micaela Capello's baby shower. :-D
12. Our church held a 5 Day Bible Club and we reached several neighborhood families and had excellent support from everyone. It was a great summer memory!
13. Mickey's Care Group from church had a get together with almost everyone there, and then another get together and it has been really great getting to know everyone a little better!
14. I've been looking at wedding songs all summer for Alaina and Josh's wedding. That is something that doesn't have closure. We are still looking....
15. Mickey bought me a plane ticket to go visit my family in Ohio. I will be leaving August 20th and coming back on August 30th. In 17 1/2 years I haven't visited my family without any children with me. It will be so different to not have the kids with me. I will miss Mickey and the kiddoes very much! I plan to get in a lot of Scrabble games with Mom though...and maybe Dad...if he'll play.
16. Maddie taught 7-5 Day Bible Clubs
17. Times with the Fabulous Folkens
Things we are looking forward to:
1. The CEF picnic this Saturday
2. Maddie is looking forward to going to World's of Fun this Thursday...I am looking forward to spending some time with Sidney and Isaiah.
3. I'm looking forward to getting my hair cut next Monday....I scheduled it too far between appointments...nobody is as good with my hair as Deb Warga in Plattsmouth!
4. David and Dawn's wedding
5. The kids are excited to see some friends later in August
6. My trip to Ohio
7. Starting back with our homeschool
8. Annual church picnic (Sept. 6)
9.. CEF training for Mickey, Michael, and I
10. Maddie playing volleyball with her friend Kristen
11. Being together
So that about catches you all up and I did it without "talking" too much! I hope you all have enjoyed your summer.
What kind of activities have filled your summer?
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