E is TEN today! A decade old! Ten years ago at this moment she was less than an hour old. Probably her Auntie Julie & her Daddy were wrestling over her while I was still waiting for the spinal to wear off enough to get out of recovery room-jail... Amma was trapped in Winnipeg by the gigantic, Manitoba-stopping snowstorm of '98... and that sweet little 8 pound, 14 ounce, ten-fingered, ten-toed, perfect little baby girl was finally here!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY E!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Changin' It Up
I applaud those homeschoolers who can get into their routine & do their thing, day in & day out. I think. At least, I applaud them insofar as I recognize that they're doing something that is SO not a good fit for us.
Yes, yes, kids love routine, yada yada. I know, I know.
Well, for starters, "kids" don't all love one thing. Some do love routine. Many do. Some do better with an ever-changing menu. I happen to have one of each. But the cool thing, so far at least, is that the one who loves routine is also quite flexible & game to try just about anything, so we're good to go.
Where am I going with all of this? Well, we're on about version twenty of what our homeschool week looks like this year. Crazy, isn't it? But there you have it. And this week, it's about to look different - again. I'm very excited about the coming changes, and am really optimistic that all three of us will have a great time while really learning a lot.
E, for all who know her, is an extremely socially-driven person. She also loves learning in a fairly social setting much of the time. So, she enjoys our co-ops & other group activities. Don't get me wrong - she also loves her hours of reading, art time, etc. - a good mix is just perfect for her. She's had a hankering for some science lately. Some good, hands-on, experimental science. I vetoed her first request for "mythbusters" style science (yipes!), but we've got lots & lots of cool stuff to cover, just waiting for an enthusiastic student or two to want to do it. So I was delighted to hear that she's eager to tackle some of it. But she also said she'd like to do it with more people - it's "better" with more. So, why not? It is better with more, if it means more enthusiasm, more ideas, more fun... that all amounts to more learning. Happily, we are able to hook up with a fellow homeschooler & her family, who also enjoy having some joint learning in their weekly "menu" - so now, every Monday morning, we'll be able to kick-start our week with a science morning, followed by co-op afternoon!
That's such a fun way to start the week, I just can't think of a finer way to stir up enthusiasm and eagerness to get back at it. The moms will take turns hosting the science days, meaning that it also buys each mom alternating Monday mornings off, for homeschool prep or groceries or just R&R. Also a wonderful off-shoot of this arrangement. Maybe even a regular cuppa together. (o:
In our family, Tuesdays are already plan-free. We have no extra-curricular or group activities, so it's our wide-open day. Yes, we school, of course ... but because we have no sports or kid activities or group activities, we're free to plan field trips, or have a PJ day, or get together with others for playdates, or do whatever fits. It's kept intentionally free from recurring activities so that we have that freedom - a weekday breather - and it's so very worth it.
Wednesdays - crazy Wednesdays! E has her job on Wednesday mornings, volunteering with the gymnastics class. We have group art class in the afternoon, then the girls both have musical theatre, and M has swimming. We're not home 'til about 7 pm ... busy, busy!
Thursdays for now will still be school in the morning, then Recess followed by History in a group setting for E - then the kids are off for their weekly sleepover with Amma 'til Friday afternoon. That'll change in April when homeschool swimming starts Thursdays ... but for now ...
So between group activities of history, science, art, co-op, recess, swimming, musical theatre, gymnastics ... we squeeze in circle time where we can, some math for E, some reading for M, english lit for E, and we're all filled up. This is promising to be a fun couple of months! (Yup, I said couple of months ... my mind's already working on the changes we'll make once the Spring weather hits!).
Yes, yes, kids love routine, yada yada. I know, I know.
Well, for starters, "kids" don't all love one thing. Some do love routine. Many do. Some do better with an ever-changing menu. I happen to have one of each. But the cool thing, so far at least, is that the one who loves routine is also quite flexible & game to try just about anything, so we're good to go.
Where am I going with all of this? Well, we're on about version twenty of what our homeschool week looks like this year. Crazy, isn't it? But there you have it. And this week, it's about to look different - again. I'm very excited about the coming changes, and am really optimistic that all three of us will have a great time while really learning a lot.
E, for all who know her, is an extremely socially-driven person. She also loves learning in a fairly social setting much of the time. So, she enjoys our co-ops & other group activities. Don't get me wrong - she also loves her hours of reading, art time, etc. - a good mix is just perfect for her. She's had a hankering for some science lately. Some good, hands-on, experimental science. I vetoed her first request for "mythbusters" style science (yipes!), but we've got lots & lots of cool stuff to cover, just waiting for an enthusiastic student or two to want to do it. So I was delighted to hear that she's eager to tackle some of it. But she also said she'd like to do it with more people - it's "better" with more. So, why not? It is better with more, if it means more enthusiasm, more ideas, more fun... that all amounts to more learning. Happily, we are able to hook up with a fellow homeschooler & her family, who also enjoy having some joint learning in their weekly "menu" - so now, every Monday morning, we'll be able to kick-start our week with a science morning, followed by co-op afternoon!
That's such a fun way to start the week, I just can't think of a finer way to stir up enthusiasm and eagerness to get back at it. The moms will take turns hosting the science days, meaning that it also buys each mom alternating Monday mornings off, for homeschool prep or groceries or just R&R. Also a wonderful off-shoot of this arrangement. Maybe even a regular cuppa together. (o:
In our family, Tuesdays are already plan-free. We have no extra-curricular or group activities, so it's our wide-open day. Yes, we school, of course ... but because we have no sports or kid activities or group activities, we're free to plan field trips, or have a PJ day, or get together with others for playdates, or do whatever fits. It's kept intentionally free from recurring activities so that we have that freedom - a weekday breather - and it's so very worth it.
Wednesdays - crazy Wednesdays! E has her job on Wednesday mornings, volunteering with the gymnastics class. We have group art class in the afternoon, then the girls both have musical theatre, and M has swimming. We're not home 'til about 7 pm ... busy, busy!
Thursdays for now will still be school in the morning, then Recess followed by History in a group setting for E - then the kids are off for their weekly sleepover with Amma 'til Friday afternoon. That'll change in April when homeschool swimming starts Thursdays ... but for now ...
So between group activities of history, science, art, co-op, recess, swimming, musical theatre, gymnastics ... we squeeze in circle time where we can, some math for E, some reading for M, english lit for E, and we're all filled up. This is promising to be a fun couple of months! (Yup, I said couple of months ... my mind's already working on the changes we'll make once the Spring weather hits!).
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sick Days = Art Days
The Plague has befallen our family. Not the real plague ... guess I shouldn't say that - I just learned recently that the plague is still alive & well in this world (!!) - but some nasty virus that knocks you off your feet & makes you feel like you've just climbed a mountain ... then fallen back down it.
So. Lots of energy for schoolin'? Um, no.
I decided to declare Monday "art day". I pulled out some paints, pencils, paper cut to ATC (artist trading card) size, and we all sat down to craft our hearts out. Time stretched on ... and on ... it turned into art day. Emily made us some lunch. More crafting.
Aside from emptying the paint water, we let the materials just stay put, to resume our venture on Tuesday - we didn't feel quite "done". Finally, Tuesday afternoon, everyone declared themselves finished. Ahhh. A good, solid two school days of sniffly, cough-y, "look-at-this!" moments together around the dining room table, interrupted by the occasional need to lie down or get a cold pack or a hot tea ...
Then, after finding ourselves all finished (suspiciously all at the same time - ??), we cleaned up the supplies, then headed to the couch, popped in "The Wizard of Oz", ordered pizza (isn't that the sure cure for flu?), swapped ATCs, and revelled in the one-ness of it all. I can't say that anything could have made this cursed illness actually enjoyable, but this was the best that could have been made of it. (o:
So. Lots of energy for schoolin'? Um, no.
I decided to declare Monday "art day". I pulled out some paints, pencils, paper cut to ATC (artist trading card) size, and we all sat down to craft our hearts out. Time stretched on ... and on ... it turned into art day. Emily made us some lunch. More crafting.
Aside from emptying the paint water, we let the materials just stay put, to resume our venture on Tuesday - we didn't feel quite "done". Finally, Tuesday afternoon, everyone declared themselves finished. Ahhh. A good, solid two school days of sniffly, cough-y, "look-at-this!" moments together around the dining room table, interrupted by the occasional need to lie down or get a cold pack or a hot tea ...
Then, after finding ourselves all finished (suspiciously all at the same time - ??), we cleaned up the supplies, then headed to the couch, popped in "The Wizard of Oz", ordered pizza (isn't that the sure cure for flu?), swapped ATCs, and revelled in the one-ness of it all. I can't say that anything could have made this cursed illness actually enjoyable, but this was the best that could have been made of it. (o:
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentines Day!
Happy Valentines Day!
E & M had a quiet, but very nice, Valentines Day at home today. They've both been busy making beautiful valentines and gifts for their friends and family - such creative kids! They loved giving their valentines to everyone, and of course, receiving some as well. (o;
I signed the girls up for a valentines swap through a message board I frequent, and they sent out 22 valentines each a while back. Well - their parcel arrived a few days ago, but I kept it under wraps until today. It was the perfect thing to brighten spirits on a low-energy day like this - they got to open 22 valentines, little treats, stickers, tattoos, etc. - it was marvellous!
This would usually have been their sleepover day with Amma, allowing their Dad & me a date night - perfect timing for Valentines Day - but with the kids being sick, we cancelled all of that, and Amma has been over with us instead. What a nice turn of events - it allowed the four of us girls & women to hang out today, and all of us will have the chance to be together for the evening: a true Valentines celebration.
So now - kids tucked into bed - we're wishing you and yours all a happy & healthy Valentines Day!
E & M had a quiet, but very nice, Valentines Day at home today. They've both been busy making beautiful valentines and gifts for their friends and family - such creative kids! They loved giving their valentines to everyone, and of course, receiving some as well. (o;
I signed the girls up for a valentines swap through a message board I frequent, and they sent out 22 valentines each a while back. Well - their parcel arrived a few days ago, but I kept it under wraps until today. It was the perfect thing to brighten spirits on a low-energy day like this - they got to open 22 valentines, little treats, stickers, tattoos, etc. - it was marvellous!
This would usually have been their sleepover day with Amma, allowing their Dad & me a date night - perfect timing for Valentines Day - but with the kids being sick, we cancelled all of that, and Amma has been over with us instead. What a nice turn of events - it allowed the four of us girls & women to hang out today, and all of us will have the chance to be together for the evening: a true Valentines celebration.
So now - kids tucked into bed - we're wishing you and yours all a happy & healthy Valentines Day!
Disappointment
Oh, the diappointment!
Everyone has been so looking forward to the Festival du Voyageurs field trip - but alas, it's not to be, for us. E has been sick for several days, and while she's feeling quite a bit better today, M has come down with the same thing. Being an outdoor winter festival, there is just no way that kids sick with flu can go - we have no choice but to take a pass on it.
On the bright side, it's an annual festival, and we're eager to attend, so there won't be anything stopping us from attending us next year, so long as we're all able-bodied!
Everyone has been so looking forward to the Festival du Voyageurs field trip - but alas, it's not to be, for us. E has been sick for several days, and while she's feeling quite a bit better today, M has come down with the same thing. Being an outdoor winter festival, there is just no way that kids sick with flu can go - we have no choice but to take a pass on it.
On the bright side, it's an annual festival, and we're eager to attend, so there won't be anything stopping us from attending us next year, so long as we're all able-bodied!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Little Voyageurs!
As part of homeschool co-op, the kids were participating in "Voyageur Games" at the park when the newspaper photographer snapped this picture. M is in the pink. E isn't in this group.
Our co-op this month is - you guessed it - about voyageurs, fur trade, etc. Here, the kids were each on a team representing one of the two main trading companies - the Hudson Bay Company, or the NorthWest Trading Company. The sled was their canoe; the poor guy pulling it was the avant position voyageur, and the rear voyageur was the steersman (why can't I remember the French term?). The two middle guys were the millieux. They had a long journey to make - going first to the church for mass, then along the river route, over several portages and one demi-décharge, and ending with one very tricky portage. They had cargo to get safely to their destination. They all did a great job - in -30 weather, I might add - and kept high spirits throughout their task! After thawing out at home, they still had energy enough to make bannock to go with the pea soup for dinner!!
On Friday, we will leave early to drive 2 hours to the Fesival du Voyageur, which will be a wonderful experience for all.
Next co-op, we plan some more fun activities, including a trading exercise...
E's most exciting news: her first job!
E was watching M's gymnastics the other day, wistfully commenting that she wished she could be a volunteer (they have paid instructors, plus several younger volunteers). Her dad & I told her that probably when she was twelve or so, she'd be old enough for that job, and she clearly looked disappointed. She mentioned that she'd like to volunteer in the homeschool class, and of course, we said it would be the same thing - but - if she wanted to, she could certainly speak with Allana, the instructor, after M's class, about it. But again, with the warning that it probably was reserved for older kids.
Well ... she spoke with Allana, and emerged five minutes later, clearly thrilled - and with a volunteer job lined up to start right away!
Congratulations E!!!
Well ... she spoke with Allana, and emerged five minutes later, clearly thrilled - and with a volunteer job lined up to start right away!
Congratulations E!!!
Ahhh, the inaugural post!
It is strange that I've started a blog. Strange mostly because I'm not a blog gal. I don't read peoples' blogs ... they've never really appealled to me. But suddenly, realizing that my good intentions to journal or scrapbook our homeschooling journey has never materialized, and that I'm much more inclined to sit in front of a monitor for a half-hour than write in a book ... I realized that this was the only logical thing to do. So now it's sounding fun!
Of course, it doesn't mean I know what I'm doing. Oh well.
So, "We're Fines Thanks" is my little online journal, mostly about our homeschooling adventures (and misadventures), but also sometimes in regular life stuff - so that we ourselves can look back & reminisce, but also so that others can share in our ups & downs.
Thanks for visiting!
Of course, it doesn't mean I know what I'm doing. Oh well.
So, "We're Fines Thanks" is my little online journal, mostly about our homeschooling adventures (and misadventures), but also sometimes in regular life stuff - so that we ourselves can look back & reminisce, but also so that others can share in our ups & downs.
Thanks for visiting!
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