Spring is in full bloom here in Arkansas! It's so beautiful! Today we went to the daffodil fields in Bigelow, Arkansas, to take pictures of the kids in their Easter outfits. You probably didn't say "Bigelow" right, you have to say it with your best southern accent. My sister is a professional photographer (Kerry) and was SO nice to take pictures of my kids. She took pictures of my sister Sarah and her new baby, and pictures of her own daughter Violet as well.
It was a beautiful, gorgeous sunny day and we all even got some sunburns. Nathan said it was a hateful day because we had to take pictures. But the boys got to explore while we did the girls' pictures and came home with acorns, sticks, pinecones and even a tick. Kerry made a picnic lunch for us and it was wonderful to be able to spend time with Sarah and Kerry and their babies and my "babies". We said that we wished Allison and her boys could have been there, though.
There were lots of people there taking pictures of their kids and I could have stayed there all day (well, I guess we did) looking at all the kids in their cute outfits! White eyelet sundresses, Easter hats, just tons of cute kids! Ours were definitely the cutest though. I CAN'T WAIT to see the pictures! Kerry took a total of 700 pictures! I'll post some as soon as I can!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
The public school, changed back to homeschool update
Well, it's a long story, but after a week of public school we are going back to doing homeschool. My dad tried out for the tv show "The Biggest Loser" and made it past a few rounds until the last round. They wanted a video of him with his grandkids to turn into the producers for the final cut. The catch- it had to be turned in this past week, and he lives in Arkansas, and I live in Utah and my sister lives in AZ. So last Sunday he called and asked if we would come out to AR for the video. My dad does anything and everything for us, so I packed the kids in the car Monday morning and headed down to AZ to meet my sister and drive to AR together. We drove for 3 days straight, 10+ hours each day. To make it back for school the next Monday, we were going to stay in AR 2 days, and then again make the 3 day trip back. There was no way the kids and I were going to make another 3 day trip! But taking more than a week off from school for the kids was not good, so Todd and I decided we would just go back to doing homeschool and I am staying in AR for a couple weeks. My parents drove my sister back to AZ so her kids could go back to school (they spring break last week), and they are going to drive my van back here. Todd is going to fly out here and drive us back to Utah. That is one of the great things about homeschool versus public school- being able to travel when you want!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
public school update
The first week of public school has been successfully completed.
Alex has lots of friends, but usually he plays with Christina and Mikey at recess. One day the boys were trying to chase Christina and so Alex said he was tackling them. He said they like to play "camping" and put their coats on the ground for their beds. We brought treats to school for Alex's class and Alex sold the leftover treats for Ram Awards (you earn these and turn them in for little treasures). I think Alex would say that lunch is his favorite part of school. He always looks on the computer to see what they're having the next day for lunch. Alex's teacher got chick eggs and they are in an incubator in the classroom right now, and Alex is very excited about that. I talked to Alex's teacher on Thurs. and she said that he is having an adjustment academically to the way things are done in public school. What I mean is that things on the math page "look" different than in our book at home, or for reading comprehension they do a worksheet instead of telling back what they read, etc. He has never had a "test" before either. This has been hard for me, but doesn't seem to bother Alex. He is a very very happy boy and loves school and loves to learn.
Nathan had his first cry about school last night. As a mother, especially transitioning from homeschooling to public school, this ripped my heart out. He was crying because recess is boring, and all the stuff they do is too easy. I asked him even though it was too easy if he liked it and he said yes. He said he didn't want to go back to school, but I'm sure by Monday he'll be fine. All the other days he comes home happy. His kindergarten does more play activities than academics, which is good for Nathan so that he's having fun and not bored. He told me the other day they did math and he asked to do his workbook instead. Yesterday in math they measured dinos and other things. I saw math problems on his paper and asked what it was. He said he was adding the measurements together, like the width and heighth of his paper. So, he's trying to make it more challanging for himself:). I get the feeling that his teacher thinks I'm trying to push this poor kindergartener into doing all this academic work, but really this is what he wants. The day before public school we were doing some review and I put in a big math problem and Nathan said, "I can't wait until I get to the treat!" (the treat was the big math problem).
Todd told me this would be a transition, but it's really hard when I'm going through it! Todd's had to do a lot of talking me through things, and my emotions have been all over the place. So far though, I think it has been good. It's helped me see what I can do better/differently in homeschooling; and if we don't do homeschooling next year, what i need to teach them to be ready for public school next year. As far as deciding whether to homeschool or do public school next year, don't even ask! I am just trying to get through this adjustment, and have a baby, and try and stay somewhat sane! We'll decide that later in the summer when we have to. I do have to say that I have the very best husband ever. He is so good with me and my crazy pregnancy emotions! I am so glad that he is so level- headed, smart, sympathetic and patient with me. Thanks, Todd, I love you!
Alex has lots of friends, but usually he plays with Christina and Mikey at recess. One day the boys were trying to chase Christina and so Alex said he was tackling them. He said they like to play "camping" and put their coats on the ground for their beds. We brought treats to school for Alex's class and Alex sold the leftover treats for Ram Awards (you earn these and turn them in for little treasures). I think Alex would say that lunch is his favorite part of school. He always looks on the computer to see what they're having the next day for lunch. Alex's teacher got chick eggs and they are in an incubator in the classroom right now, and Alex is very excited about that. I talked to Alex's teacher on Thurs. and she said that he is having an adjustment academically to the way things are done in public school. What I mean is that things on the math page "look" different than in our book at home, or for reading comprehension they do a worksheet instead of telling back what they read, etc. He has never had a "test" before either. This has been hard for me, but doesn't seem to bother Alex. He is a very very happy boy and loves school and loves to learn.
Nathan had his first cry about school last night. As a mother, especially transitioning from homeschooling to public school, this ripped my heart out. He was crying because recess is boring, and all the stuff they do is too easy. I asked him even though it was too easy if he liked it and he said yes. He said he didn't want to go back to school, but I'm sure by Monday he'll be fine. All the other days he comes home happy. His kindergarten does more play activities than academics, which is good for Nathan so that he's having fun and not bored. He told me the other day they did math and he asked to do his workbook instead. Yesterday in math they measured dinos and other things. I saw math problems on his paper and asked what it was. He said he was adding the measurements together, like the width and heighth of his paper. So, he's trying to make it more challanging for himself:). I get the feeling that his teacher thinks I'm trying to push this poor kindergartener into doing all this academic work, but really this is what he wants. The day before public school we were doing some review and I put in a big math problem and Nathan said, "I can't wait until I get to the treat!" (the treat was the big math problem).
Todd told me this would be a transition, but it's really hard when I'm going through it! Todd's had to do a lot of talking me through things, and my emotions have been all over the place. So far though, I think it has been good. It's helped me see what I can do better/differently in homeschooling; and if we don't do homeschooling next year, what i need to teach them to be ready for public school next year. As far as deciding whether to homeschool or do public school next year, don't even ask! I am just trying to get through this adjustment, and have a baby, and try and stay somewhat sane! We'll decide that later in the summer when we have to. I do have to say that I have the very best husband ever. He is so good with me and my crazy pregnancy emotions! I am so glad that he is so level- headed, smart, sympathetic and patient with me. Thanks, Todd, I love you!
Friday, March 5, 2010
pictures
Alex in the starting-to-warm-up-so-we-can-play-outside weather
Katherine at the movie theater:
The homeschool Valentines roller skating and scooter party:
exchanging Valentines:
Katherine was SO wanting to go out there with her brothers! It was the saddest thing to see her sitting there! She found that blue roller skate and wanted me to put it on her (of course it was way to big so I didn't), so she just sat there with her blue skate she found, watching her brothers:(. I did figure out though, that I could put her on the scooter and hold the handle bars with her and take her around-- she thought she was hot stuff!
She ALWAYS wants to be doing what the boys are doing! Today Nathan was reading on the couch and she got a book and smooshed up next to him and "read" her books next to him. It was so adorable. I got a picture but they were both in their underwear so I'm not going to post it.
Katherine at the movie theater:
The homeschool Valentines roller skating and scooter party:
exchanging Valentines:
Katherine was SO wanting to go out there with her brothers! It was the saddest thing to see her sitting there! She found that blue roller skate and wanted me to put it on her (of course it was way to big so I didn't), so she just sat there with her blue skate she found, watching her brothers:(. I did figure out though, that I could put her on the scooter and hold the handle bars with her and take her around-- she thought she was hot stuff!
She ALWAYS wants to be doing what the boys are doing! Today Nathan was reading on the couch and she got a book and smooshed up next to him and "read" her books next to him. It was so adorable. I got a picture but they were both in their underwear so I'm not going to post it.Thursday, March 4, 2010
spoiled brats vs. grateful and helpful
Something happened today to make this transition a lot easier for me.
I took my kids to their spanish class today, and afterwards I wanted to talk to one of my friends for a little bit. It makes me feel a lot better when I get to talk to someone about the things I'm going through, and she's pregnant and homeschooling and a good friend.
My boys, however, were being quite rude. They were whining and complaining the whole time. I told them, "let's make a deal. I know it's not fun to wait for me, but I would like to talk with my friend. How about I talk for 15 more minutes and then we will go." Nathan said, "No deal." and they incessantly whined and complained the whole time.
When we got in the car, I told them I was very disappointed in their behavior. I only talked for about 20 or 30 minutes with my friend. Then Nathan interjected, "To me it was 2 hours." I explained that the reason I am having a lot of anxiety and having to cut things out is because everything I do is for them. Piano lessons, homeschool, library storytime, spanish class, friday fun class, on and on and on --I do all for them. I asked when the last time I did something for myself. "We went to Home Depot last week." I replied, "During our vacation. And I took you to Jumping Jacks yesterday and you complained the whole time there, too."
My blood was starting to boil. I do everything for my kids, and they were completely ungrateful and unwilling to sacrifice 30 minutes for me. They whine and complain all the time. Are they, dare I say, turning into spoiled brats?? I WILL NOT let my kids be spoiled brats.
I told them that in our family we need to have give and take, that we take turns helping out each other. That it's not all about them. I don't blame them, kids are naturally self-centered, and I remember being the same way as a kid to my parents. It's my job, however, to teach them to think about others, especially in the family. I told the boys that since they weren't respectful of my time, that their video game privileges were lost. Nathan screamed and cried and told me I wasn't allowed to touch him for 18 days. To which I responded, that is not being respectful and now I will not take you to library time this afternoon. He cried some more.
When we got home I told them that they needed to help make lunch- tacos. Alex was a great helper, and Nathan, still crying (which I ignored), was supposed to grate the cheese. Nathan said I was being mean to him. I told him that I wasn't yelling, that I wasn't mad, that I loved him, but he had a consequence (and I do think that it's a logical consequence). I remained calm and happy and when Nathan realized that he wasn't getting his way he stopped crying and just did his job. I told them they're going to help out a lot more- helping with everything in fact, and I am going to point out everything (every little thing) that I do for them and tell them to say thank you and be grateful for it. I told them there is a difference between whining and comlaining and voicing their opinions (Thank you for taking us to Jumping Jacks. I'm bored now, can we go home? --and if the answer is no, they drop it instead of whining and complaining).
Instead of my kids being spoiled brats, I want to teach them to help out and be grateful. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they are at a friend's house for dinner and they offer to help make dinner? Or say thank you for this and that, and then get up to help put away the dinner? And won't it be wonderful when they are married, for them to show gratitude and offer to help instead of expecting things to be done for them?
Last soap box paragraph: I'm not helping them by doing stuff for them, even though as a mother I think we want to, and it's good to. However, when Alex helped make the tacos today, he was very proud of himself, and couldn't wait to tell Todd that he knew how to make tacos all by himself. If I had made the lunch for them, the kids wouldn't have had that sense of pride and start learning life skills.
I took my kids to their spanish class today, and afterwards I wanted to talk to one of my friends for a little bit. It makes me feel a lot better when I get to talk to someone about the things I'm going through, and she's pregnant and homeschooling and a good friend.
My boys, however, were being quite rude. They were whining and complaining the whole time. I told them, "let's make a deal. I know it's not fun to wait for me, but I would like to talk with my friend. How about I talk for 15 more minutes and then we will go." Nathan said, "No deal." and they incessantly whined and complained the whole time.
When we got in the car, I told them I was very disappointed in their behavior. I only talked for about 20 or 30 minutes with my friend. Then Nathan interjected, "To me it was 2 hours." I explained that the reason I am having a lot of anxiety and having to cut things out is because everything I do is for them. Piano lessons, homeschool, library storytime, spanish class, friday fun class, on and on and on --I do all for them. I asked when the last time I did something for myself. "We went to Home Depot last week." I replied, "During our vacation. And I took you to Jumping Jacks yesterday and you complained the whole time there, too."
My blood was starting to boil. I do everything for my kids, and they were completely ungrateful and unwilling to sacrifice 30 minutes for me. They whine and complain all the time. Are they, dare I say, turning into spoiled brats?? I WILL NOT let my kids be spoiled brats.
I told them that in our family we need to have give and take, that we take turns helping out each other. That it's not all about them. I don't blame them, kids are naturally self-centered, and I remember being the same way as a kid to my parents. It's my job, however, to teach them to think about others, especially in the family. I told the boys that since they weren't respectful of my time, that their video game privileges were lost. Nathan screamed and cried and told me I wasn't allowed to touch him for 18 days. To which I responded, that is not being respectful and now I will not take you to library time this afternoon. He cried some more.
When we got home I told them that they needed to help make lunch- tacos. Alex was a great helper, and Nathan, still crying (which I ignored), was supposed to grate the cheese. Nathan said I was being mean to him. I told him that I wasn't yelling, that I wasn't mad, that I loved him, but he had a consequence (and I do think that it's a logical consequence). I remained calm and happy and when Nathan realized that he wasn't getting his way he stopped crying and just did his job. I told them they're going to help out a lot more- helping with everything in fact, and I am going to point out everything (every little thing) that I do for them and tell them to say thank you and be grateful for it. I told them there is a difference between whining and comlaining and voicing their opinions (Thank you for taking us to Jumping Jacks. I'm bored now, can we go home? --and if the answer is no, they drop it instead of whining and complaining).
Instead of my kids being spoiled brats, I want to teach them to help out and be grateful. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they are at a friend's house for dinner and they offer to help make dinner? Or say thank you for this and that, and then get up to help put away the dinner? And won't it be wonderful when they are married, for them to show gratitude and offer to help instead of expecting things to be done for them?
Last soap box paragraph: I'm not helping them by doing stuff for them, even though as a mother I think we want to, and it's good to. However, when Alex helped make the tacos today, he was very proud of himself, and couldn't wait to tell Todd that he knew how to make tacos all by himself. If I had made the lunch for them, the kids wouldn't have had that sense of pride and start learning life skills.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
school on friday
The boys start school on Friday. We met their teachers today and they seem nice. It was picture day today and we got their pictures done, which I'm happy about. Katherine even got her pcture taken. The boys are very excited about starting school. I didn't cry at the school, only when we got back to the car. I'm ok now though. We're going tonight to get them a first day of school outfit (I guess underwear can't be their school uniforms anymore:)) and some backpacks. Alex is looking forward to school lunches and Nathan is looking forward to being in a class with Rhoman and Winston. They really wanted to start school tomorrow but I wanted them to go to one more Spanish class and do one more day of school with me. I told Nathan kindergarten will be just playtime and they'll say, "I have 3 bears. If I hide 2, how many are not hiding?" Alex said, "and then you can say what 3 times 900 is." Nathan said, "I'll say it's 2,700!" I told Nathan's teacher I'll bring worksheets for him to do while they have math.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
public school
Well, my children are going to brave the public school system. I'm going to sign them up tomorrow and they'll start on Friday. I've already had nightmares about them going to public school, but I'm having lots of anxiety because of crazy pregnancy hormones. There's only 3 months of school left and I only have 2 1/2 more months left of pregnancy. 3 months isn't a big commitment.
I was talking with someone about my anxiety and they were telling me how she got into a depression with her first pregnancy because of the hormones. She said, "we hear so much about the physical challenges of pregnancy, but no one prepares you for the mental."
Wish me luck--I'll need it more than them!!
I was talking with someone about my anxiety and they were telling me how she got into a depression with her first pregnancy because of the hormones. She said, "we hear so much about the physical challenges of pregnancy, but no one prepares you for the mental."
Wish me luck--I'll need it more than them!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
let's start over
can i just go to bed and pretend this day didn't happen? i shouldn't complain, but i had a bad day! these pregnancy hormones are the worst! Can i just be put in a coma until may 12, please?
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