Some pictures...

Well, we've been getting back into a routine of sorts, which keeps getting interrupted by silly things like ct scans and blood draws. Boooooooo. I went back and forth about starting a schedule, but in the end I knew it wouldn't work out for me. Instead, I decided to go with a list of things that need to be done for homeschooling. So far, so good! I created a pocket chart for Reese and Eli, and it's easy to see what we've accomplished and what still needs doing each day. I'm gearing us up to start Ambleside Online Year 1 this fall.

And of course, sewing has happened. I made this cute little dress for Reese. It's a tester pattern, and I think it's great! She does, too.


And I have to show off this scarf that a friend gifted me for Chrismtas. She made it, isn't it the best?? The weather here has been chilly enough to use it, too.

One of those mornings

You know, the morning where the kids are awake way too early. And they're very screechy and loud. And I had to stop my yoga three times to stop them from being so screechy. And I spilled water all over myself while cleaning up the kitchen (not to mention that I had to clean the kitchen up in the first place...I try to have it clean every night). Ugh.

Not terrible stuff, but in the morning? Before I've had some coffee? Ugh.

It's mornings like these that I know, way deep down, that the best way to fix it is to change something in myself. Talking calmly instead of yelling. Taking some deep breaths. An inner mantra about having a good day. The best way to change the world is to change yourself, you know?

Things seem to have settled down. I'm relaxing with some coffee and a smoothie before I need to get ready for the day. Hopefully it's nice outside today so I can get the kids (mine and a friend's) outside.

So here's to positive thinking and a good day!

The New Year! And some homeschool ramblings.

Okay, so I'm a few days late, but Happy New Year!

I have been busy for several reasons.

We were lucky enough to have Eric at home until the 3rd. We spent time hanging out and playing and trying to get things done around the house. One of the things Eric and I did was trade off so we could each see a movie. He went to see Tron. I finally, FINALLY got to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1. I must say, I think it's mean to split the movie up like that, but I suppose it lends to more details. I'd go see it again in a second, and probably will try to see it again before part 2 in July.

Another reason I've been busy is due to a slight restructuring to our homeschooling. Nothing too drastic, I wanted to add in some of the components of the new curriculum we'll be following starting this fall. I thought it would be best to start out with some small changes rather than try to do everything all at once. At first I wanted to jump right into Ambleside Online this month, but we're going to continue and finish our year (with a few things added) and start new in September. That will give me time to gather books, do some reading about Charlotte Mason, and complete a short study course about Charlotte Mason.

In the mean time, we're going to work through the kindergarten books on the Ambleside Online list. I want to finish the social studies topics that are listed in the GA state standards. For science, we have one more chapter in the Usborne Science book, and got the next volume for Christmas to work on. Our homeschool group is gearing back up again, and our calendar is full of activities and gatherings.

Anyway, I'm excited! I think the Ambleside curriculum will be really great for our family. I'll post more about the books we're reading and things we're doing as they happen.

Another something something to look forward to: I got a new cookbook for Christmas called 500 Vegan Recipes. Awwww yeah. I suspect there will be more food pics in our future too.

I hope your 2011 got off to a good start too!