Saturday, December 29, 2012

The time passes so quickly

Kevin is on his way back to CA later today.  We've enjoyed having daddy around for the last two weeks and it will be hard on the kiddos.  We're stopping at Mall of America on the way home to go to Build a Bear....that should ease some of the girls' pain.

We went down to IA to get family photos done with Kevin's family.  The last time we were all together was about 11 years ago.  I was pregnant with Princess and there were only five grandkids....now there are ten.  It was nice to get those done and they were alot of fun.

Unfortunately, I don't have any photos from when he was here.  My camera is dead and TLs isn't working.  The camera Kevin brought with him is out of charge and the cord is back in CA.  I guess we'll have to use the camera phone.

We've been planning the chicken coop and garden while he's been home.  He also helped hang up some things for me.  The walls are plaster so hanging things are a huge issue.  My dad is also here and they put in a new dishwasher so I don't have to hand wash anymore and a new faucet for the sink since the old one was leaking.  Dad is also building an island for me for the kitchen and brought five school desks for the kids that he built.  I really wish I had a camera!!

I'm off to get the kids moving and into the showers.  Take care and have a very safe New Years if I don't get to post again.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Mid Year Review

Well, okay, not quite mid year review.

Everything is working well for us but history and art.

TLs art program, Artistic Pursuits is a nice program but its not really working for us.  It assumes that you already know how to sketch, which he really doesn't.  I'm looking into other programs or looking into a lower level for him to learn the sketching part.  The girls are using Meet the Masters and I don't love it.  Their program teaches them about the different artists, but does very little drawing.

History.  Love history!  I'm a history major.  With the move to the farm with lots more to do and starting school back up in January, I've decided to go ahead and purchase a history curriculum.  I just cant keep designing our own.  I love to do it but have been so busy, its been hodge podge for a couple of weeks.  I really want to do a good job and make it interesting so I've decided to go ahead and get Tapestry of Grace.  We will start mid year three and then move into year four next year.  I'm very excited about it.  I'm looking forward to this move for us.  It will relieve alot of pressure off of me!

Writing-The big girls are going to start IEW's SWI level A.  TL is finishing up Rockets, Radar, and Robots.  I'm going to move him into SICC level C as soon as he's done.  It will take us till mid year next year. 

Everything else is working and flowing well.  The girls are finishing up their grammer from last year and Im going to move them into Easy Grammer for the rest of the year. 

Our weeks have been really busy and I'm so behind for Christmas.  I don't have any baking or shopping done!!  I cant believe I am this far behind.  I plan on working hard to get caught up this week so I can enjoy my hubby being here for two weeks!! 

Have a wonderful and enjoyable Christmas season!!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Stress and stocking up

For my stocking up this week, I purchased four gallons of water, 4 cans of cream of chicken soup, and an 8pk package of AA batteries.  I still had money left over, so I'm going to grab another soup.

School went really well this week.  I'm looking into getting Tapestry of Grace for history for the rest of the year.  I start school back up in January and I just can't plan out the history program like I want. Also, I've been so busy with the kids and the house that I haven't been doing a really good job at it!!

I am so far behind on Christmas.  Cards are done.  Baking has not even been started.  No shopping done (thankfully we don't buy alot).  And I have two gifts that I have to make and I haven't started those yet either.  ugh

Good news though, hubby comes into town on Saturday.  He'll be here for two weeks and I can shop all I want while he spends time with the kids.  It will be alot of fun!!

I'll post more about our school week later!