Our Official First Week of Homeschool.....

I can't believe it's come and gone already! It was a last minute decision to start school on Monday. (August 18, 2014) The week prior I was arranging my schedule...thinking about things and how busy September is going to be. It occurred to me that rather than start October 1st (because September is going to be INSANE), I should just start a couple of weeks early. Get in a few good solid weeks and then I won't feel so bad when we break. Not that it's honestly that big of a deal either way, but I would feel better. So the road to Kindgerarten officially started Monday, August 18, 2014. Both boys were very excited. They had each picked out a "School Box" and certain supplies so they've been eager to use them. Their "School Boxes" contained a brand new box of "Big" crayons, 2 big pencils, one regular #2 pencil with a grip to learn how to properly hold a pencil (for righties and lefties cause I have one of each. lol), a shiny new pair of scissors and a jumbo glue stick. The first day consisted of basically "testing" to see where the kids were at. They really did surprise me in some areas. Seriously, I'm not saying it because they're my children, but they are really smart. Even Collin, who more often than not, has his head up in the clouds. lol Once the initial first day was over we then began working on the areas that needed improvement. For Collin right now, main thing is learning colors. For Isaiah, it's identifying numbers (he can count...just doesn't know what numbers look like) and counting without stopping, to 20! Other things we're working on are writing/learning their names. What they look like, how to spell etc. Our general schooling format goes as such:


1) Get "School Boxes" and set them in their spots at the table
2) Meet in living room
3) Recite/Memorize Bible verse that is on the back of the front door
4) Stretch and do morning warm up routine
5) Go to kitchen table
6) Pray for the day
7) Go through Mickey Mouse Number Flashcards, sometimes play a game with them.
8) Go through Alphabet Flashcards, sometimes play a game.
9) Go through Colors/Shapes Flashcards
10) Draw the letter "I" (for Isaiah) and the letter "C" (for Collin) Talk about capital letters and little letters.
11) Isaiah-Does 2 mazes in his Maze book for critical thinking
12) Collin-Colors a picture by identifying what colors Momma says to use
13) Isaiah-Colors a picture and practices coloring inside the lines


And that's about it! Simple but they learn SO much! Sometimes they're focus isn't where it should be so we do less. Sometimes we do more. But that's the basic structure of our school day! And it barely takes an hour! We also have PLENTY of library books checked out along with Lit Kits! All for learning! I love homeschooling and I'm so grateful to God that HE allowed me to A) Stay at home with them and B) Teach them! It may get harder as they get older, but for now, I'm totally satisfied and grateful! Happy School Year Friends! :-)

Talks with Isaiah Brent....

I can't believe how big and smart my baby boy has gotten! He's only 4 but he's definitely not a toddler any more. He is a walking, talking active boy! Full on boy! The things he picks up on and knows amaze me on a regular basis. He's just like his Momma and feels the need to talk 24/7. He has to know ALL social outings and the ins and outs of every single thing. It's incredible. Now I know how my Mom felt. haha! The other day I was reviewing my days Timehop. 3 years ago I was pregnant with Collin so just about all my posts 3 years ago were about that. He was sitting next to me and I showed him the picture of me 38 weeks pregnant with Collin. Here is the conversation that followed.


Me-Look! Hahaha Look at that belly!
Isaiah-*laughs* Wow! That's really big! Is that me?
Me-No, that's Collin.
Isaiah-Oh! Momma?
Me-Yeah?
Isaiah-I really wish you could have a new baby in your tummy. Cause I'd really like one. Can you have a new baby?
Me-*sigh* I wish buddy. Maybe some day.....
Isaiah-Yeah...that would be really nice.


As much as this conversation made me sad it also made me realize that I'm not alone. Our family desires another baby. Theo does, Isaiah does and maybe not exactly Collin since most of the time he spends his time with his head in the clouds...hahaha...but I'm not alone. We all want it. I think it would be great for our family. But there's so much to do before we can get to that point. So as much as this conversation made me sad, it also made me realize that I have to keep my chin up and keep fighting. Keep struggling and taking baby steps. Because not only do I need it...but my little family needs it. One day, maybe we'll be there. But for now, just gotta keep my chin up and keep working hard!

After 5 years....

So, it's been awhile since I've popped popcorn and Theo and I have settled in to watching a movie or show. But last night I was 100% in snack mode and I've barely been eating as it is....so I decided...what the heck! Why not? So here is the beginning conversation that happened between Theo and I.


Me-Hey! I think I'm gonna pop some popcorn....you want any?
Theo-Me? Nah....I'm good.
Me-Ya sure? Cause I know once I pop some you're going to want some.
Theo-Yeah....not tonight.
Me-Mmm....okay....

As I walk into the kitchen to make it I know full well he can't resist popcorn. I know he THINKS he doesn't want any and can resist it...but I know him. I was chuckling to myself because I knew he was going to have some. So I'm standing there trying to decide...."Okay! He said no...but he's going to have some for sure...but I wonder how much? Should I make two bags? Or one? I think one will probably be okay cause since he didn't ask for it...he probably won't eat that much...so I'll just do one." This is the exact conversation I have in my head while I'm popping popcorn. I was pretty sure one would be enough. Well, we then settle in to watching our show and sure enough he reaches for some....I of course start giggling. He then drops what he reached for and pretends like he wasn't ever going to have any. We both start laughing. After I kiss him I then say....


Me-I love you! I knew you were going to have some!
Theo-Yeah...I know...*laughing*
Me-After all these years I KNEW there was no way I was going to have popcorn and you weren't going to have any at all! But the thing was...I didn't know how much you were going to eat!
Theo-That's the thing...you don't know! Am I gonna eat one handful? Am I gonna eat one kernel. I mean...who knows? Maybe even 10 handfuls!
Me-*dying of laughter* I mean...we just don't know....one bag? Two bags! Who knows? *laughs*


To everyone else...this might seem silly....but to me, these are the things that make our marriage work. Our love stay strong. Our compatibility so strong. I love when he makes me laugh! We've been married 5 years now and I still don't know every little thing about him. For example while he was cleaning our flooded basement, I made him a hearty sandwich. Took my time, added all the stuff he loves but I hate. Like lettuce and tomato. He hated it. Why? Because I spread the Dijon mustard out on bread...and according to him mustard should be a messy circle blog and squeeze the bread together...NEVER spread! haha And he hates american cheese. Which I actually knew but got caught up in the moment and forgot. It made me feel so bad because I was just trying to treat him to a nice sandwich while he slaved away in the basement. Haha He was of course just happy I made him anything at all. haha But after last night, I have no doubt that even if I don't know everything about him...I sure do know some things and I'm so happy to know those things about him. Even the flaws. I love him and I can't wait to discover more things about him that will later make us giggle like middle school crushes! :-) Here's to way more than 5 more years down the road! :-)