I really, honestly and truly do have things to blog about each and every day. But the minutes, hours, days...they get away from me.
We've been super-busy here. After spending two weeks in Florida, we returned home to commence our spring semester. So many new things on the table! The girls are having a wonderful time. Goodsports Phys Ed class for homeschoolers has been a wonderful outlet for a lot of their energy that would otherwise be spent outside. However, New Jersey has been in a deep freeze since the day after Christmas.
We have also been dabbling with "Classical Conversations". So far, my girls have memorized the kingdoms and classifications of living things, can do their 1,2,3,4 and 5 times tables, can recite the components of the Assyrian Empire and Fertile Crescent, and know all prepositions beginning with "a". We have been doing this along with some friends, and all the children are doing just amazingly well with their recitations!
We have also begun working on our history timeline!! We are using "Wonders of Old" blank timeline book, and printable historical icons to affix to the pages. I had considered Sonlight, but chose this one as it has a hardcover, making it more durable for our homeschool journey.
My girls also have earned badges in Pioneer Club, and are about to receive awards in Sunday School, too! (insert proud mama glow here).
My son is also doing beautifully in school this semester, and I am hoping, (xfingersandtoescrossed!x), that he can get into vocational school a year earlier - sophomore year as opposed to junior year. WOW, his freshman year is just flying by!!
On a more personal note, I have become one of those coupon addicts. I am exceedingly happy with how much money I have saved on my last two trips!! I make a circuit of all stores in my area, using the coupons on items that are also on sale. Instead of being loyal to only one supermarket, I have become loyal to the Sunday circulars. I have also started weekly menu planning for breakfast and lunches, and - believe it or not! - monthly planning for dinners. Now, some of you may already be doing this; for me, it is a huge testimony of just how organized I have become. Finally.
Sooooo....let's see what's on the Hauser Menu this week: (in the absence of time, I can only divulge dinners at this moment).
Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, fried apples
Tuesday: Stuffed pepper soup, biscuits
Wednesday: Teriyaki salmon, Chinese noodles with stir-fry veggies
Thursday: CrockPot barbecued chicken, sweet potatoes, baked beans
Friday: Balsamic pork chops, au gratin potatoes, peas
Saturday: Breaded tilapia, stewed tomatoes, mac & cheese, carrots
Sunday: Dinner out with cousins!! =)
I am also getting very, very excited about the Valley Forge homeschool convention - Susan Wise Bauer!!!!!!!! (Admittedly, I am equally as excited about the used curriculum sales!!)
Hark, I hear the gentle sounds of my children clamoring for my attention. Must be time to head out the door again. Shoe shopping!! Wait - we're homeschoolers! - can't they just go barefoot?
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
Why I Homeschool
This really deserves its own post.
My girls reminded me why I homeschool. In the midst of holiday craziness, it's easy to lose focus. It's even easier to get completely stressed out. The other day, I gave the girls a "day off" so I could tackle the seemingly insurmountable list of pre-Holiday chores. I sat down to take a break and watch Sesame Street with them.
They both came over, snuggled up to me, and were completely content. When the show ended, I said, "You know what? I don't feel like cleaning anymore! What do you girls want to do?" Their answer? Honestly? In unison, "Schoolwork!"
Only a homeschooled child would beg to do some work, and that spark never dims. They genuinely love to learn, and I love to be here every step of the way!
My girls reminded me why I homeschool. In the midst of holiday craziness, it's easy to lose focus. It's even easier to get completely stressed out. The other day, I gave the girls a "day off" so I could tackle the seemingly insurmountable list of pre-Holiday chores. I sat down to take a break and watch Sesame Street with them.
They both came over, snuggled up to me, and were completely content. When the show ended, I said, "You know what? I don't feel like cleaning anymore! What do you girls want to do?" Their answer? Honestly? In unison, "Schoolwork!"
Only a homeschooled child would beg to do some work, and that spark never dims. They genuinely love to learn, and I love to be here every step of the way!
Merry Christmas!
I am in SUCH a Christmas-y mood this year. Yay! Lots to blog about, so I will get right to it.
First, as 2010 draws to a rapid close, I want to mention some things that came about this year for which I am thankful. Once 2011 begins, in January, I will post about my hopes and prayers for the New Year, but for now, let's give thanks...
I am thankful, first and foremost, for the continual improvement in Emily's digestive and pancreatic health. Although the year has brought us new concerns, such as ADHD, we are taking it in stride. The complete elimination of red dyes, and the introduction of a gluten-free and additive-free diet have helped so much, and we will continue dietary means of control. Frankly, it's a much healthier diet for all five of us!
I am thankful that, although we are still in the TTC process, my husband and I are in total agreement about our desire for one more child. We just officially began the TTC journey again in November, after "chickening out" and stalling for many months. I know God and my angels are with us on this journey, and I am strangely confident that we will be blessed in the future. I just know this family is not yet complete.
I am thankful for finding my Church, and for the happiness my children and I are able to share with our faith community. Pioneer Club is the highlight of their week, and Sunday School, (for ALL of us!), has been wonderful. The girls are in their very first Christmas Pageant!! I cannot wait!
I am thankful that my children are flourishing in their educational settings. Although I often wish Tommy was homeschooling and attending co-op with us, I am equally as proud of his accomplishments in school I am just super-proud of all of my children, and they truly are the gifts for which I am most grateful.
I am thankful for both of our co-ops, and for the friendships the girls and I have made through them.
And, finally, the most sobering of all of my thoughts. In the wake of so many divorces and separations that I am hearing about from people I know, I am thankful each and every day for my husband and our marriage. Yes, we argue. And we disagree. A lot. I am Italian, he's German. Together, we're loud. But five minutes later, we don't remember what we were arguing about and we move on. Now, I don't mean to say that we argue on a daily basis. We definitely don't. And I honestly couldn't be happier with my family. I feel very, very lucky.
As for this holiday season, we are in the midst of candy-making. The girls love it. We've made peppermint bark, toffee, Hershey Kisses in shortbread cookies, crunch bars and Thin Mints. We still have peppermint and peanut butter cups to make, and hopefully some chocolate covered marshmallow snowmen, lollipops and chocolate-dipped graham crackers. These are distributed amongst the decorative Chinese food boxes I purchased and given out with gifts and brought to swaps.
My girls have been learning about the story of the first Christmas, about Jesus' birth, and about the importance of this date in our Christian history. For the first year since they've been alive, I set up my Nativity, allowing them to help me arrange the Wise Men, shepherds, camels, sheep, Mary and Joseph. I placed the Angel Gabriel, as it is the most delicate of the pieces, and together we placed Baby Jesus. I would typically wait until Christmas Eve to place Jesus, but since it is their first year they wanted Him in the manger IMMEDIATELY.
Of course, since they are children after all, they are armed with their lists. And Santa has sent his trustworthy helper, the Elf on the Shelf, to stalk my children throughout the season. It's AWESOME!
Tommy got his bass guitar and amp, plus some other items that I cannot mention as he has access to this page. (He already has the guitar and amp in hand, as we wanted his input when purchasing them). The girls are receiving the Lalaloopsy dolls they've asked for, lots of arts & crafts stuff, and newborn baby dolls that look strikingly real. I was hoping to find ones that would wake them up in the middle of the night wanting a bottle, or cry if they weren't in a baby wrap all day being worn close to Mama, but alas - the dolls will have to suffice. Perhaps one day soon, there will be an actual newborn in the house doing just those things!
First, as 2010 draws to a rapid close, I want to mention some things that came about this year for which I am thankful. Once 2011 begins, in January, I will post about my hopes and prayers for the New Year, but for now, let's give thanks...
I am thankful, first and foremost, for the continual improvement in Emily's digestive and pancreatic health. Although the year has brought us new concerns, such as ADHD, we are taking it in stride. The complete elimination of red dyes, and the introduction of a gluten-free and additive-free diet have helped so much, and we will continue dietary means of control. Frankly, it's a much healthier diet for all five of us!
I am thankful that, although we are still in the TTC process, my husband and I are in total agreement about our desire for one more child. We just officially began the TTC journey again in November, after "chickening out" and stalling for many months. I know God and my angels are with us on this journey, and I am strangely confident that we will be blessed in the future. I just know this family is not yet complete.
I am thankful for finding my Church, and for the happiness my children and I are able to share with our faith community. Pioneer Club is the highlight of their week, and Sunday School, (for ALL of us!), has been wonderful. The girls are in their very first Christmas Pageant!! I cannot wait!
I am thankful that my children are flourishing in their educational settings. Although I often wish Tommy was homeschooling and attending co-op with us, I am equally as proud of his accomplishments in school I am just super-proud of all of my children, and they truly are the gifts for which I am most grateful.
I am thankful for both of our co-ops, and for the friendships the girls and I have made through them.
And, finally, the most sobering of all of my thoughts. In the wake of so many divorces and separations that I am hearing about from people I know, I am thankful each and every day for my husband and our marriage. Yes, we argue. And we disagree. A lot. I am Italian, he's German. Together, we're loud. But five minutes later, we don't remember what we were arguing about and we move on. Now, I don't mean to say that we argue on a daily basis. We definitely don't. And I honestly couldn't be happier with my family. I feel very, very lucky.
As for this holiday season, we are in the midst of candy-making. The girls love it. We've made peppermint bark, toffee, Hershey Kisses in shortbread cookies, crunch bars and Thin Mints. We still have peppermint and peanut butter cups to make, and hopefully some chocolate covered marshmallow snowmen, lollipops and chocolate-dipped graham crackers. These are distributed amongst the decorative Chinese food boxes I purchased and given out with gifts and brought to swaps.
My girls have been learning about the story of the first Christmas, about Jesus' birth, and about the importance of this date in our Christian history. For the first year since they've been alive, I set up my Nativity, allowing them to help me arrange the Wise Men, shepherds, camels, sheep, Mary and Joseph. I placed the Angel Gabriel, as it is the most delicate of the pieces, and together we placed Baby Jesus. I would typically wait until Christmas Eve to place Jesus, but since it is their first year they wanted Him in the manger IMMEDIATELY.
Of course, since they are children after all, they are armed with their lists. And Santa has sent his trustworthy helper, the Elf on the Shelf, to stalk my children throughout the season. It's AWESOME!
Tommy got his bass guitar and amp, plus some other items that I cannot mention as he has access to this page. (He already has the guitar and amp in hand, as we wanted his input when purchasing them). The girls are receiving the Lalaloopsy dolls they've asked for, lots of arts & crafts stuff, and newborn baby dolls that look strikingly real. I was hoping to find ones that would wake them up in the middle of the night wanting a bottle, or cry if they weren't in a baby wrap all day being worn close to Mama, but alas - the dolls will have to suffice. Perhaps one day soon, there will be an actual newborn in the house doing just those things!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wow. Has it really been that long since I've last blogged? Eek.
I honestly had no idea! Our homeschool year started late August, and I have been in over my head since then. Not in a bad way, mind you, just in a typical homeschool family kind of way.
The girls are doing beautifully this year! Although we are using some curriculum, (a nice blend of A Beka and Alpha Omega Lifepac), we are doing a lot more in the way of hands-on. The girls seem to be very kinesthetic learners when it comes to science and math, but are quite content to sit and do their worktexts for Language Arts and Health. We also have a wonderful computer program with all of the core Kindergarten subjects, and are eagerly awaiting Muzzy Italian.
Our co-op year is also going well. So many new faces, fresh to the homeschooling journey. It's funny how one year down can make you feel like a veteran! This is our second year with the co-op, and I find I get a lot of questions from the new families, especially those with young children.
We had a Halloween party last week...amazing... It was so wonderful to see these vibrant, happy faces - fifty kids there in all! - who were having the times of their lives. Out in the world, not in a classroom. All age barriers were non-existent; they all played together and it was, as I said, amazing. Almost breathtaking. Free range children! =) We had Mexican hot cocoa, sugar candy skulls, a hayride, pumpkin painting, eyeball on a spoon races, mummy taping races, pin the nose on the jack-o-lantern, slime making, trick-or-treating...we even all sat together on blankets and had lunch. Thanks so much to Beth for offering up her home and property last Thursday for this event!!
But, by far the best part of they year so far - BOTH of my parents now know of our educational choice for the girls. Dad was always supportive. Mom, it seems, has come around. Even if just slightly. She is concerned, and I can understand that. She and Dad are educators. They are also grandparents. This is not mainstream, and I can sympathize with her fears and concerns. But it is out there, in the open, and the respect for our choice is there. Phew. I feel like our two week trip to Disney & Venice will be even more fun - perhaps they can even help with the lapbook masterpieces we intend to make, documenting our trip and things we learned along the way!
Speaking of educators...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdqQTIQhn5A&feature=player_embedded...a joyous video. Some may argue that this is "all in the editing" or is taken "out of context". I will keep my opinions to myself and merely share. There ARE awesome teachers out there - I fully contend that my parents are two of them!! I have friends, and family, and family friends who are teachers. I have respect for them. But there does come, for many teachers, a sense of entitlement (thank you, NJEA). I have also formed many opinions on that particular union, which I will also keep to myself. Suffice to say, I think Governor Christie made some very valid points and decisions... Teachers are NOT the problem. Having hundreds and hundreds of administrators in one of the smallest states in the country IS a problem. Having bad teachers, detrimental teachers, protected by tenure IS a problem. And I do not see the problem with paying into your own benefits. Our state is taxing us into the poorhouse. Something needs to be done. And the NJEA needs to release its stronghold; education reform is necessary NOW!
Okay, enough of a rant for today. Tomorrow is the weekly homeschoolers' open swim at the YMCA. We go every week, except for once a month when Abigail has her homeschoolers' book discussion group at the library. Time to get some rest!
The girls are doing beautifully this year! Although we are using some curriculum, (a nice blend of A Beka and Alpha Omega Lifepac), we are doing a lot more in the way of hands-on. The girls seem to be very kinesthetic learners when it comes to science and math, but are quite content to sit and do their worktexts for Language Arts and Health. We also have a wonderful computer program with all of the core Kindergarten subjects, and are eagerly awaiting Muzzy Italian.
Our co-op year is also going well. So many new faces, fresh to the homeschooling journey. It's funny how one year down can make you feel like a veteran! This is our second year with the co-op, and I find I get a lot of questions from the new families, especially those with young children.
We had a Halloween party last week...amazing... It was so wonderful to see these vibrant, happy faces - fifty kids there in all! - who were having the times of their lives. Out in the world, not in a classroom. All age barriers were non-existent; they all played together and it was, as I said, amazing. Almost breathtaking. Free range children! =) We had Mexican hot cocoa, sugar candy skulls, a hayride, pumpkin painting, eyeball on a spoon races, mummy taping races, pin the nose on the jack-o-lantern, slime making, trick-or-treating...we even all sat together on blankets and had lunch. Thanks so much to Beth for offering up her home and property last Thursday for this event!!
But, by far the best part of they year so far - BOTH of my parents now know of our educational choice for the girls. Dad was always supportive. Mom, it seems, has come around. Even if just slightly. She is concerned, and I can understand that. She and Dad are educators. They are also grandparents. This is not mainstream, and I can sympathize with her fears and concerns. But it is out there, in the open, and the respect for our choice is there. Phew. I feel like our two week trip to Disney & Venice will be even more fun - perhaps they can even help with the lapbook masterpieces we intend to make, documenting our trip and things we learned along the way!
Speaking of educators...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdqQTIQhn5A&feature=player_embedded...a joyous video. Some may argue that this is "all in the editing" or is taken "out of context". I will keep my opinions to myself and merely share. There ARE awesome teachers out there - I fully contend that my parents are two of them!! I have friends, and family, and family friends who are teachers. I have respect for them. But there does come, for many teachers, a sense of entitlement (thank you, NJEA). I have also formed many opinions on that particular union, which I will also keep to myself. Suffice to say, I think Governor Christie made some very valid points and decisions... Teachers are NOT the problem. Having hundreds and hundreds of administrators in one of the smallest states in the country IS a problem. Having bad teachers, detrimental teachers, protected by tenure IS a problem. And I do not see the problem with paying into your own benefits. Our state is taxing us into the poorhouse. Something needs to be done. And the NJEA needs to release its stronghold; education reform is necessary NOW!
Okay, enough of a rant for today. Tomorrow is the weekly homeschoolers' open swim at the YMCA. We go every week, except for once a month when Abigail has her homeschoolers' book discussion group at the library. Time to get some rest!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
I Love This Time of Year!
Fall...autumn...AMAZING.
Typically, January is the month that people attribute reaffirmations to. You know, those life-altering goals set on New Year's Eve that are abandoned by Valentine's Day? But to me, that's not the case. I re-evaluate my life every fall. I don't look at the leaf-bare trees and think of emptiness - I look at them and think of potential.
So, this year, I am looking forward to just that...potential.
After a long...well...break, for lack of a better word, I am returning to a more health and environmentally conscious diet. (Thanks, Gardein, for inspiring me!). What's even more impressive is that two neighboring families are of the same mindset. I got them to join the organic produce co-op, and we've been having potluck dinners and recipe swaps - a true vegetarian utopia right here on Brentwood!!
I also have my girls firmly rooted in physical and environmental activities. 4H and scouts, (which won't start until after soccer and football season), promise to be very inspiring for my girls! Couple that with Pioneer Club at Church, and they should be well-rounded!
Abigail is cheering at her first football game this coming Wednesday. And, on September 11, Emily is playing her first soccer scrimmage! I am hopeful Tommy will be inspired to join a sport; he's mentioned track. I am hoping he'll choose swim team, but totally not my choice to make.
Tommy is also joining his school's radio/television station. I need to interject here just how proud of this boy - I mean, young MAN, I am. He's awesome!!
The girls and I are now part of TWO co-ops. That thought nearly takes my breath away!! I thought we'd be so alone on this journey!! I don't WANT to homeschool my girls in a bubble! I am not an isolationist. (Which is reflected in my day planner!). I merely want the freedom to travel with my husband, take educational (and recreational!) vacations at leisure, and give my girls what I think is a dynamic education. Having math teachers as parents, my own degree in English education, AND a strong background in health and science as a nurse, I am quite confident I can provide well for them.
I am starting off this new school year with optimism, enough to circle the globe. Along with enthusiasm, excitement, anticipation...wow, I could go on and on. We have field trips planned (Ellis Island, apple picking, 1890-style harvest county fair, Civil War reinactment, maple sugaring, sheep shearing, cider pressing, holiday candy making, pumpkin and Indian corn picking, Bronx Zoo...and these are just the FALL ones!!).
I hope that everyone, regardless of whether or not you homeschool, regardless of whether or not you've revamped your diet, and regardless of whether or not you have a day planner so packed you don't even have room to write your name, has a fabulous "new year". Please, share my enthusiasm!!
Typically, January is the month that people attribute reaffirmations to. You know, those life-altering goals set on New Year's Eve that are abandoned by Valentine's Day? But to me, that's not the case. I re-evaluate my life every fall. I don't look at the leaf-bare trees and think of emptiness - I look at them and think of potential.
So, this year, I am looking forward to just that...potential.
After a long...well...break, for lack of a better word, I am returning to a more health and environmentally conscious diet. (Thanks, Gardein, for inspiring me!). What's even more impressive is that two neighboring families are of the same mindset. I got them to join the organic produce co-op, and we've been having potluck dinners and recipe swaps - a true vegetarian utopia right here on Brentwood!!
I also have my girls firmly rooted in physical and environmental activities. 4H and scouts, (which won't start until after soccer and football season), promise to be very inspiring for my girls! Couple that with Pioneer Club at Church, and they should be well-rounded!
Abigail is cheering at her first football game this coming Wednesday. And, on September 11, Emily is playing her first soccer scrimmage! I am hopeful Tommy will be inspired to join a sport; he's mentioned track. I am hoping he'll choose swim team, but totally not my choice to make.
Tommy is also joining his school's radio/television station. I need to interject here just how proud of this boy - I mean, young MAN, I am. He's awesome!!
The girls and I are now part of TWO co-ops. That thought nearly takes my breath away!! I thought we'd be so alone on this journey!! I don't WANT to homeschool my girls in a bubble! I am not an isolationist. (Which is reflected in my day planner!). I merely want the freedom to travel with my husband, take educational (and recreational!) vacations at leisure, and give my girls what I think is a dynamic education. Having math teachers as parents, my own degree in English education, AND a strong background in health and science as a nurse, I am quite confident I can provide well for them.
I am starting off this new school year with optimism, enough to circle the globe. Along with enthusiasm, excitement, anticipation...wow, I could go on and on. We have field trips planned (Ellis Island, apple picking, 1890-style harvest county fair, Civil War reinactment, maple sugaring, sheep shearing, cider pressing, holiday candy making, pumpkin and Indian corn picking, Bronx Zoo...and these are just the FALL ones!!).
I hope that everyone, regardless of whether or not you homeschool, regardless of whether or not you've revamped your diet, and regardless of whether or not you have a day planner so packed you don't even have room to write your name, has a fabulous "new year". Please, share my enthusiasm!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
OH - and almost forgot!
The most important aspect of our "new" year - our new Church!! Whiting Bible Church is where we attend our academic co-op, and will now be where we attend worship and religious education. In addition, the girls will attend Pioneer Club, and hopefully Tommy will join the teen youth group.
Yep, this is gonna be a GREAT year!!!!!!!! =)
Yep, this is gonna be a GREAT year!!!!!!!! =)
NEW SCHOOL YEAR! YEAH!
I am super-excited to start a "new" school year! So much going on!!
After much deliberation, I think I'm going to start off with the girls at the same level. Using LifePac for mathematics, language and health. A Beka for reading and history. And - for phys ed - we are (hopefully!) joining a local fitness club's homeschool classes! And, in addition, Emily is playing soccer, Abigail is cheerleading, and both will be doing gymnastics. (In preparation for next year, when Emily will also be old enough to cheer!)
I am teaching three classes at our academic co-op. I am assistant cheer coach. I am also signing them up for a co-op that does field trips and presentations. (For example, September 17th is Egypt Day!!)
Academic and social co-ops. Phys Ed. classes. Sports. OH, and, 4H! Yeah - that's right - homeschoolers are UNsocialized! HA!
After much deliberation, I think I'm going to start off with the girls at the same level. Using LifePac for mathematics, language and health. A Beka for reading and history. And - for phys ed - we are (hopefully!) joining a local fitness club's homeschool classes! And, in addition, Emily is playing soccer, Abigail is cheerleading, and both will be doing gymnastics. (In preparation for next year, when Emily will also be old enough to cheer!)
I am teaching three classes at our academic co-op. I am assistant cheer coach. I am also signing them up for a co-op that does field trips and presentations. (For example, September 17th is Egypt Day!!)
Academic and social co-ops. Phys Ed. classes. Sports. OH, and, 4H! Yeah - that's right - homeschoolers are UNsocialized! HA!
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