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| Saturday, August 25, 2007 |
| We're Outta Here! |
Next August, we will be outta here, really outta here! I still haven't received word on what we can share. I'm sorry that this is drawing out so long. There was a delay in the answering of this question.
For the time being though, we're outta here for vacation. It is our first ever full family vacation. We have been to two gymnastics camps before, but not really a real live family vacation. I'm so excited! We are packing like crazy today. Laundry, more laundry, and more laundry. Packing for 8 is no small chore, in addition to bringing games, toys, some kitchen items, etc. We will be gone for a full week. We planned the trip back in May when we thought we would be home schooling again this year. The kids' teachers sent tons of work, so I guess we'll be home schooling again this week. Mostly though, we'll be relaxing and having fun together. We're going to get to see a magic show, an outdoor play, and some acrobats/contortionists. We're going to an amusement park and other attractions. We will also be hanging out by the pool quite a bit.
To keep you busy while I'm gone, someone suggested a guessing game. Many have already guessed our reason for moving. I will ask that those of you that have an understanding of this, please be very careful in the way you word things. For right now, here's the question: Where are we moving? Let's see how many get it right before I return from vacation. |
posted by 6blessings @ 9:27 AM  |
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| Thursday, August 23, 2007 |
| Which One? |
Which picture do you like the best? I need to pick one of them to go on some cards. A. Fun (not as many good smiles)  B. More Traditional (better smiles- minus J who is at that weird smiling stage) |
| posted by 6blessings @ 9:17 PM |
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| Wednesday, August 22, 2007 |
| Field Trip |
A dear friend of mine is also homeschooling her kindergartner. K is good friends with the boys and they love to play together. K's family just brought her sister home from China about a month ago. After dropping the kiddos off at school, we go to K's house. K's mom and I walk while K, L, and El ride their bikes. K's sister rides in her stroller. This is our morning exercise.
Yesterday, we decided to do something a little different. We schooled first, then we went on a picnic and took the kids to the local duck pond to feed the ducks. We had a great time! We fed not only the ducks, but also huge fish and a massive turtle. Here's some pics.
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| posted by 6blessings @ 10:46 AM |
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| Tuesday, August 21, 2007 |
| Great Quote |
No, I can't tell you anything yet. Our situation is somewhat sensitive and I'm still waiting to find out how much I can share on an open blog. However, I will reveal a little: We are moving.
I will leave you with one more thing. This quote was on the bottom of an email I received today and I thought it was incredible! Hope it encourages you.
"God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises...leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer |
| posted by 6blessings @ 8:14 AM |
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| Saturday, August 18, 2007 |
| Birthday Presents |
I promised pics of the birthday gifts I received last Sunday on my birthday! My gifts from J. At the top is a "spear" like the one he made in church that morning when he learned about David and King Saul. He made me one so we could have spearing contests. The first time out, he got me right in the throat. My advise is never to mess with J in a spearing battle!! The hand he also made in church. It lists all of the things important to him.  My gifts from the gwins- a complete handmade jewelry set, including necklace, bracelet, anklet, ring, and earrings.  My gifts from the bwins- an American flag, a book, a soccer notepad and pencil, a drawstring bag, a cross necklace made at KidsFest, and El's "first timer" award for obedience in Sunday School. They also gave me a little stuffed bear that was absent in the picture.  "Child of my Heart" statue from my parents. My mom also took me shopping.  This is me with the cake that H made. It is a homemade chocolate cake! It was delicious!! (I'm also wearing the jewelry from the gwins and necklace from the bwins.)  For all of you who are waiting for THE NEWS, I should be able to post something this week. |
| posted by 6blessings @ 4:12 PM |
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| Thursday, August 16, 2007 |
| First Day of School |
Well, they're off!! I prayed really hard for everyone to have peace and comfort. God helped me by D staying home with me today. We all went together to drop kiddos off this morning and that helped tremendously. I think I would have been a basket case if he hadn't been there. We dropped H off first and it was difficult to watch my "baby" go alone into that big school, knowing she didn't know anyone. However, I find comfort in knowing she isn't alone. God is with her. That's one thing I reminded all of the about. (H was so sweet. Last night as we were talking about today, she said, "Mom, it's going to be terrible. I have to worry all day long about the other three and wonder if they are okay." She was worried about E, Z, and J. I informed her that I understood. I had to wonder all day about FOUR kiddos. :-) )
Then it was off to the elementary school. We took J first. The last hug was a little awkward, but I think he was okay. He was a little hesitant for us to leave and blinked his eyes quickly a few times, but was very brave.
Next it was E and Z. This was our hardest. Upon getting out of the car, E announced that she couldn't go and that she was so sick to her stomach that she thought she would throw up. I held her hand while she fought back tears. We set their lunch boxes and backpacks at their desks and went to find their class outside on the playground. They were just lining up. When I gave last hugs and turned to walk away, E grabbed my arm and started bawling! The teacher suggested that I take her on inside and wait on them in the classroom, so I did. When the class arrived, the teacher talked to her and asked her about L and El who were with us. I waved goodbye and slipped out. That's the last I've heard. I think she will be fine once she gets used to it and they get busy doing things.
We came home and I spent time praying for all of them and then L and El did their school. The picture below shows the last thing we did- shaving cream on the desk top. We practiced letters, writing their names, and shapes. In addition, the desks got a great cleaning. I've been trying to stay busy with other things, hoping to dwindle the time away until 3 p.m. when I pick them up. I'm still trying to figure that all out. How do you pick up 4 kids in 3 different buildings when they all get out at the same time? Ugh!
Thanks for all of the prayers. Here's some pics.
 E and Z in front of their classroom.  J in front of his classroom.  All four kids with their backpacks heading out the door. (J's jeans aren't dirty, the light is reflecting on them from the window.) 
Update: The first day went well for all. The elementary kids had a good time and enjoyed their teachers. H also did well. She loves her Social Studies teacher and the one teacher that we didn't really care for at "Back to School Night" seemed to be all that we thought he would be. She's a little worried, but I know she'll do fine. All 4 kids met new people. All in all, everyone survived, even Mom! :-) Update#2: I apologize for the print size. I don't know what's going on. It was fine until I did the update, then the top writing was unreadably small. Then I made it larger and it is overly huge. It won't do just the normal size font when it publishes. |
| posted by 6blessings @ 10:21 AM |
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| Wednesday, August 15, 2007 |
| Quick Post |
This is just a quick update post.
Saturday's event: Good, hoping to hear final news soon.
Birthday: Great! Mom and I went shopping Saturday and my kiddos loaded me with gifts on Sunday. Will post pics later.
Back to School Night: Good, liked 8 out of the 9 teachers we met. Dropped off school supplies, put money on cafeteria accounts, got schedules, paid a bunch of extra money for a lot of extra things the teachers required, etc.
My emotional status: Not Good. I've been very teary today. We've got lunch boxes packed, except for last minute things. Backpacks are ready. Clothes are laid out. I've got the schedule for wake-up, breakfast, drop off at middle school, drop offs at 4th and 5th grade center, and drop off at elementary school all planned out. I'm going to take and pick up the first few days. After that, they'll probably ride the bus once we figure that whole mess out.
I know that this is what we were supposed to do this year. We prayed heavily about it and God gave us peace about our decision. Up until this point I've busied myself with things hoping to distract the reality. Reality is here. I'm praying like crazy some more. My mama heart is breaking in a million pieces. I know once we get in a routine it will all be better. The kids are excited, except H who is petrified. That's who I'm most worried about. I wish I could be there to hold her hand and help her along, but I can't. She's a very capable young lady. Okay, I'm just rambling. I'll try to post again soon if I can swim my way to my computer through my tears :-)! |
| posted by 6blessings @ 1:18 PM |
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| Saturday, August 11, 2007 |
| Busy Day |
Today is a big day. It is the last link before possibly being able to disclose the big secret. I won't necessarily be able to tell you everything now, but hopefully soon. We are excited. Someone had asked when this will be occurring. The answer is next summer. Formal preparations have been in the making since April. However, this has been taking shape for almost two decades.
My parents are also coming into town today and staying until Wednesday. My b'day is tomorrow and they're coming down for an extended visit before the kids start school. Our schedule won't be as flexible for seeing them as it was when we were homeschooling.
I'm beginning to get a few butterflies about the whole school scene. I've been praying like crazy for Christian teachers for the kids who will be understanding of their inhibitions and situation. I've also been praying for Christian friends for the kids and that my children make wise friend choices. Tuesday is "Back to School" night where we meet the teachers, find out schedules, etc. Thursday, they start school. That's SIX days away! Why is it coming so quickly? Slow down!
I got our school room set up this week for L and El. I cleared out all of the desks but two. It looks so bare and lonely. I said something about it to my hubby. He said, "Yeah, wait until you actually start. It will seem really different then!" Thanks hon! Just what my emotions needed. No, you have to understand- logic is his middle name. He's just trying to prepare me.
Well, I hope everyone has a blessed weekend, full of great adventures and memory makers. I will let everyone know how today goes and hopefully have a time frame for when I can reveal the news. Thanks for letting me share, even though I'm very limited at this time. |
| posted by 6blessings @ 5:32 AM |
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| Thursday, August 09, 2007 |
| Curriculum |
In the last post, many people requested that I post our curriculum.
Overall, we use Alpha Omega curriculum. We use it for Language, History, Science, and Bible. We do not use their math, although I am going to try it this year for L and El. For the elementary kids (1st-6th), we use Singapore Math. Singapore is one of the top countries in the world in Math. This is the curriculum they use in their schools. We use the 3rd Edition, U.S. Edition. Their focus is on mental math, which really helped H a lot yesterday when she was not allowed a pencil and paper for the math portion of the test. Everything had to be done in her head-fractions, algebra, conversions, etc. Last year when H was in 7th grade, we used Saxon Math for her.
Some asked about Kindergarten. After this year, I will have used 3 different K curriculum based on my children's needs. For E and Z, I used Sing Spell Read and Write. It was very good, fast moving, accelerated, and extremely intensive. I knew J wouldn't get into all of the little songs, etc., but that he would need a little more challenge than a basic curriculum. Therefore, we used Alpha Omega's Horizons program for K and 1st grade. I also used Horizons spelling and vocabulary supplements for E, Z, and J (first and second grade), in addition to their regular language/phonics program.
This year, with El and L, I knew that an advanced curriculum would not be in order. L still gets really upset if he can't remember things or gets something wrong. I chose the basic AOP (Alpha Omega Publishing) Kindergarten program. I will let you know how it works for them. It is slower-moving, less demanding.
If you are considering homeschooling, the best time of year to buy curriculum is in the spring. Many companies have sales during that time. There are also several online discount sites. Another good resource is ebay. I buy a lot of my teacher's guides there and then just buy the student books for the kids from an online distributor. Many states also have homeschool book sales in May and June. Information about these is usually on the websites for the state homeschool organizations. With both ebay and homeschool sales, know the actual new book price before buying. Otherwise, you could end up spending more on a used book than on a new one once shipping, etc., is figured in. Also , check copyright dates and edition numbers for the most current ones. Some earlier editions are only changed slightly (i.e. new sentences, incorporating modern names for old ones, etc.). However, in Science and History, I like to have the latest editions for obvious reasons.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. I know many people that use other curriculum that also seems very good. These are the ones that work best for our family. |
| posted by 6blessings @ 7:39 AM |
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| Wednesday, August 08, 2007 |
| Passing the Test |
As you know, we're sending our four oldest to public school this year after homeschooling for 5 years. The three younger ones were just admitted into their grade level. H, however, was required to test into her grade.
There were several reasons for this. First of all, the school required an achievement test on record. Secondly, she is twelve years old and entering the 8th grade. She went to Kindergarten and first grade at a public school. When we pulled her out to homeschool her, we tested her into the curriculum. She tested halfway through 3rd grade. Therefore, we skipped second grade and went on to 3rd.
After finally getting the school to return my call, we set up a testing appointment for this morning at 10 a.m. The school official said it would take 15-20 minutes, 30 minutes max. We dropped her off at the testing site and went on to the elementary school to turn in the other kids' registrations. We returned 15 minutes later and sat in the lobby. Then we sat, and sat some more, and sat some more. After about half an hour of waiting, the kids were incredibly restless so we went outside to walk around. About ten minutes later, H and the counselor emerged from the building.
Now, you have to understand that it wasn't just H being tested. This would be a test for me as a teacher and also to validate how good the curriculum we have been using is. H was nervous, but so was I. As the 15 minute test turned into 30 minutes, then into 45 minutes, and lingered on, there were two thoughts in my head. Either she was doing really well or she was doing really badly.
I knew which it was at the first sight of her exiting the building. She did incredibly well. The counselor said she had only had one other person actually complete the test. She said that H did really well and that she would be very successful in 8th grade. She gave me the test scores and I was shocked at what I saw.
In Reading Recognition, she tested 10th grade 9th month. In her total Reading, she tested 12th grade 1st month. In Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Spelling, she tested out of the 12th grade! I know these aren't college entrance exams and that she has a lot more to learn, but WOW! Out of 15 subareas, she scored 18 years 11 months on over half of them and about 16 years on the rest of them.
I guess we did okay with our schooling! I also have great faith in our curriculum now, since we will be going back to it with everyone next year (Hint #2). |
| posted by 6blessings @ 10:36 AM |
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| Monday, August 06, 2007 |
| Big Change Hint #1 |
I'm still not free to disclose our big change to the whole world, but I thought it would be fun to give hints until I can actually reveal our change.
Hint #1: It does NOT involve adding any children to our family, either through pregnancy or adoption. This would not be a problem for me, but it would cause problems with our change. Our family size is already a factor.
Hope everyone has a great week! |
| posted by 6blessings @ 10:53 AM |
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| Thursday, August 02, 2007 |
| KidsFest |
This week our church had their version of Vacation Bible School. It is called KidsFest. It is a massive community event. This year the church brought a children's evangelist from Nashville out for the elementary kids and he was awesome.
I was a group leader for L and El's group. It was kind of nice to be with just them. I hadn't done that before. Well, I shouldn't exactly say I was with just them. Most nights there were twenty-five plus 5 year olds/upcoming kindergartners in their group. We sat with them while we sang songs, watched puppets, and listened to our church clowns tell the Bible story. Then we would take them downstairs for creative snacks. Afterwards, it was back upstairs for a craft and recap on the lesson. To wrap up, they played on the playground.
The older kids were with the evangelist most of the evening. Then they went outside to what I term the carnival (of sorts). There were about 10-15 inflatables and tons of food. Each child was given tickets enough to "buy" 2 food items (hamburger, hot dog, snow cone, cotton candy, soda, or ice cream). Extra food could be purchased for 50 cents a piece. The inflatables are not just the moon bounce type things, although these were there too. There was a rock wall climb, sumo wrestling ring, obstacle courses, bungee runs, etc. It is so much fun!
As with everything like this, you wear out pretty quickly. However, there were so many great things that happened this week. First, L and El keep singing a cute little tune they learned about obeying. Obey, obey, O, Obey, obey, O, Obey, obey, Obey the Lord. Can't argue with that one, no matter how annoying it gets! Secondly, Hope Ministry was able to help a grandma that just got kinship placement of her grandkids through DHS. It was wonderful to see Hope helping people and doing what we were called to do.
The best of all was something that happened with the gwins. They have a gym friend who has spent some time with us this summer. We take her home after gym because her parents work. Many days she has just come home with us. She's a sweet little girl. We have prayed a lot for her. This week at KidsFest, she asked Jesus into her heart and made Him the Lord and Savior of her life! I was so happy for her and it was incredible to see my children get to be a part of such a wonderful thing. They saw God at work in answering their prayers for their friend. Now they are working on discipling her. There is no greater joy for a mama. |
| posted by 6blessings @ 5:49 PM |
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