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Monday, June 30, 2008

Chapter 1

This was my first entry into bloggerland: (the fiddle at home went well for A., E. needs more structure, so we hope to be taking formal lessons in the fall.)

28 February 2008
Well, here I am, in the land of blogs. I am the mother/teacher of 2 dear children. We primarily use the Robinson Self Teaching Curriculum, and I am pleased with our progress thus far.
Youngest (age 7.5) is busy learning his vocab words. I have found that we need to spend a bit more time on phonics, vowel combinations in particular. He also needs practice on his math facts before he can start Saxon Math.
Oldest (age 9.5) is reading Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and whizzing through the vocab. She says she hates math, but is actually quite good at it.
They both are participating in an outside art class, and also P.E. that runs for 3 more sessions (6 total). We also are studying the fiddle by video at home after 3 years of Suzuki lessons.
So, as you can see, we are busy. But my thoughts are full of what and how to do next. I returned from a trip to India recently and it has changed my perspective greatly. At times I have felt compelled to comparison. How do my children measure up to those in their classes at church? Are we on grade level? The true question is..."does this really matter?" And my answer is emphatically "No!".
We are making progress. Our children are learning and growing. We are content and confident in this life we are living. After getting back from India I am more convinced that we do need some sort of a schedule to get things accomplished rather than just letting the day happen. So far we are doing well getting our Bible reading and prayer done after breakfast before starting the studies. Violin and Awana comes next, then we jump in with the math and reading.
For those of you reading this, thank you for being interested in our life and school. May God be glorified in all that is said and done through this blog.

Summer Awry

Well, plans are not going as I wished, but that may be a good thing. We are watching the neighbor girl, and instead of doing our regular home-school thing, we are focusing on the non-academics. You know... important things like integrity, respect for people and their things (general things like toothpaste - please don't mix them together in the bowl.) and how to come when called (or you miss the opportunity to eat!).

I have started a "day camp" complete with schedule for chores so we will have some structure. The other cabin leader is already reporting some success at the neighboring cabin with chores and cleanliness, so that is a good thing. I must say that it is not quite as exciting as my kids would have hoped for - who does chores at camp?? But they are on board with the plan and doing well.

Camper E going with his uncle and cousin for a "guys only" trip this week. Camper A and I will hopefully get the cabin into tip-top shape for his return.

Something that was not mentioned previously is that the mom and dad of this family live in 2 different countries. Kids and I are here in the US. Dad is north of the border. We pray for and eagerly await his return, when ever that may be. (one more reason to get the cabin into tip-top shape!) We are learning patience as we wait. (Don't EVER pray for patience. God will give you the opportunity to learn it. (and sometimes I believe He laughs at our request, as if we only KNEW what we were asking for!) :)

That said, it is my utmost concern to protect the privacy of our life regarding certain things. I mention our situation because it is certainly not the norm. (but, as you will see if you continue down this blog path with me...why be normal, and who gets to pick what normal is anyways??)

Thanks for reading!