An Update

Hi all! I wanted to take a moment to let you, my readers, know I’m still here. Things are productive and going well. Homeschooling my girls takes up most of my days and my thoughts. The creative juices just won’t flow. I tell myself that’s ok for now.

We’ve gotten into a routine with the work and what’s expected out of the other. My 4th grader cried today because she got three words wrong on her spelling test. I will, and have been, trying to work with her on letting go of the need to be perfect. A hard concept to teach when I struggle with it myself. I keep saying to her, almost everyday, “It’s ok to make mistakes.” She just looks at me through the tears in her eyes as though she doesn’t believe me. It’s as if she’s saying, “It may be ok for you, but not for me!” I just try to remind myself that with time that maternal voice will speak to her throughout her years.

We are learning so much. It’s cool how that both girls are using the same curriculum. Fist grade social studies is teaching about what fourth grade history is teaching about. Just on a different scale. I’m learning alot too. Since I never could make it to history class most of my four years of high school. (Such a rebel was I)

My first grader is doing well with the video lessons. Upon purchasing the books needed, I learned that cursive is taught first. Say what? I had a hard time deciding if I should make the switch. I was worried it would discourage my daughter more. After a week of it though, she is doing quite well. My friend sent me an article stating why they choose cursive over manuscript. Did you know that up until like 1922 everyone learned cursive first? Some schools, nowadays have even done away with it, making it hard for kids to read other’s cursive writing. Cursive first is also easier for the child because it allows more fluid and curved lines; which an untrained hand is more inclined to do. Where manuscript is rigid in its need to have straight lines and perfect circles.

I emailed my friend Kathy to ask her opinion. She helped to me with my decision to switch her to cursive. Thanks Kathy.

We’ve managed a field trip to the zoo which was fun for all. And a couple trips to the local library for the homeschool class they have.

I implemented a reward system with paper tickets that have the girls eager to do what it takes to earn them. They have a jar full of small trinkets that they can buy out of with their tickets. Tickets can be taken away too as my first grader found out this week.

This weekend my husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. He was romantic and booked a room and reservations for dinner and tickets to a play! We saw “To Kill a Mockingbird” The plans he made were secret. All I knew was we were going overnight and the rest unfolded before my eyes. No one has done such a thoughtful thing for me. Thank you Mike. You are a true and real friend to me. I love you.

Monkeys watching monkeys!

My cousin made this for me! She custom designs them. Leave a comment if you want to have one made.

We started the keto diet! This is taco casserole

Keto taco stuffed peppers

Comfort Suites never disappoints with their beautiful rooms

A small civic theater in Lafayette, In.

I cried at the end. 😭

I don’t usually remark about the status of my blog, but 500? Wow. Thanks to those who read my stuff. You are appreciated.