Dec. 10-14: Self

Monday

Clean day.  We were slow getting started, but we still got quite a bit done.

Tuesday

Today the kids did a great job doing all the things we needed to do.  Hardly any grumbling!  We started out by reading "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", so we were off to a great start.  Annabelle is loving the story, and seems to be fully comprehending.  She keeps asking for "just one more chapter", and I have a hard time saying no.  

The kids did their workbook pages, a couple math quizzes, read a couple readers out loud, worked on their blog (typing practice), and wrote in their journals.

Wednesday

Today was a little busy.  We went on a tour of Navigator Pointe Academy, a local charter school.  I was fairly impressed with it.  It would be very different, but I think it'd be good.  We've been put in the "lottery" to see if we get in, but we won't know until February or March.  

After that we dropped Steve off at work, and then came home and just relaxed for a while.  (I had slept horrible the night before...probably only about 3-4 hours of sleep).  The kids did do their workbook pages independently.  We then went and dropped off Evan's birthday invitations.  He's really excited about it.  We're doing it this Saturday, and it's a pirate party!

Thursday

We began reading "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis today.  Reading time is always my favorite!  We are getting into a rut with everything else I feel.  We're doing all the same things: the workbook pages, IXL quizzes, etc. but I'm feeling I need to be more creative and switch things up a bit.  I have been really lacking in time to prepare and mental energy lately.  I always love the holidays, but they really take a toll on me.  So many things to plan and prepare for.  Sorry for complaining!

We did a fun page "All About Me", for the kids to describe themselves and what they want to be when they grow up.  It was really fun.  I've also been hard at work collecting and organizing the kid's pictures of their life to make into a scrapbook.  I was hoping we could start working on it this week, but I don't think we'll quite get to it yet.

Friday

We read again today, and the kids had some art time.  They are so creative!  I was having them cut out pictures out of magazines that describe themselves, and then coloring pictures.  They were so proud of their pictures that we decided to scan them in and put them in their blogs.  You'll have to go see them.  They thought it was pretty cool to see a picture they drew on the computer for family and friends to see.  

The kids finished their workbook packets and then we cleaned the house to get ready for Evan's birthday party.  Which was a blast.  Crazy, but a blast.  He had such a good time!  I'll post pictures in our family blog.

Dec. 2-6th: Bugs

Monday

The kids cleaned their rooms really well today!  They also had a good time playing with blocks and games. 

Tuesday

Today was a really good day!  I decided to make a checklist of all the things I expect the kids to do each day:
Read out loud
Writing practice
2 pgs. worksheets
Typing

I was afraid the kids would groan, but the really enjoyed checking things off the list.  First I read out loud to them.  We finished "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis.  They really enjoyed the story, and sat still long enough for me to read two chapters.  I can tell there is a little confusion about the story with Evan, but Annabelle is grasping it very well.  She recalls things that I didn't notice (probably when my mind was wandering off).

Next I had the kids pick out a book they want to read to me and Katelyn.  Annabelle didn't want to stop at one book.  She ended up reading about five.  I'm praising her for each page she reads and I could tell her confidence is growing.

I LOVE HOME SCHOOL!  (today :)

They did their worksheets...with very little grumbling.

The kids chose their writing practice for today.  Evan decided to make a mini Book of Mormon, and Annabelle made an I Love You book for Daddy.  I just sat there and smiled.

Next I helped the kids start their own blog. You can view it under Kids' Blogs on the right side bar.  They were really excited about that, and it gave them some fun typing practice.

Annabelle did two IXL Math quizzes.

We then got all bundled up and went to play with some of Annabelle and Evan's friends in our ward.

When Daddy got home from work he took Annabelle and Evan out to dinner, and I got Katelyn to sleep; then enjoyed some much needed alone time.  Ahhhhh!

Wednesday

Today we read "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."  Annabelle keeps begging for more and more chapters.  I'm glad she's liking it!

Today the kids and I watched a documentary on insects.  It was really interesting to see all different kinds of insects and arachnids.  The kids also watched several Kratt Brothers episodes. They loved learning about "lightning bugs."

Thursday

Today we did some IXL quizzes, read, and made some Christmas ornaments out of salt dough.  The kids had a fun time playing with the leftover dough.  Katelyn discovered that salt dough is not edible.

Friday

We worked on painting our salt dough ornaments today, as well as reading "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."  Annabelle kept picking words out of the text while I was reading.  I think that reading this book is helping her get a little more motivated to read.  Annabelle also read some books to Katelyn.  She also worked on her workbook pages.

Nov. 25-29: Birds

Monday

Today Katelyn had a doctors appointment.  The kids did some worksheets while they were there.  Katelyn had to get four shots.  Poor thing.

Tuesday

We had a fun day today.  We made turkeys, and wrote what we were thankful for.

Annabelle was so funny today.  She decided to have a lemonade stand, in our house.  She made the lemonade all by herself, advertised, and kept tally marks for how many "customers" she had.  She even changed locations to see if one place would get more people to come to her.  Such a little business woman :)  And...her lemonade was great.  

Wednesday

Today we went to the free Zoo day.  It was really fun.  Every time we go to the zoo we experience different things.  This time around the bears were really active and play fighting.  Also we went to the reptile and primate building, which we didn't go to last time (somehow we missed it).  I love seeing the beautiful birds of all colors.  We really enjoyed it, and are so grateful for Kimberly for taking us there!

The kids finished their worksheet packets today.  Here we come Grandmas and Grandpas!

Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving!  There are so many things I have to be grateful for!  My life really is wonderful, and God has blessed me with a kind and loving husband, three sweet kids, supportive families, a warm home, and everything I need.  And because I have been so blessed, I desire to do things for others.  I'm excited for this Christmas season, when we can focus on blessing others.

Friday

We spent time with families today, enjoyed yummy food and relaxed.  We went over to my parents house and put up their Christmas tree.  We wanted to suprise grandma, bu she came home before we got it done.  She enjoyed dictating our every move to make sure we did things right.  Thanks mom!  We also went for a drive and enjoyed nature.

Nov. 17-22: Birds

Monday

Clean house day.  The kids enjoyed decorating their rooms.  I'm finally getting around to hanging pictures in their rooms.  My parents are up visiting this week, so we're planning on doing some fun things with them.  We also read "Chronicles of Narnia"

Tuesday

Today after the kids had finished several worksheets, we went to a pet store and enjoyed seeing all the animals.  We also went to the library and got a bunch of fiction and non-fiction books about birds.  We read a lot of them.  We read "The Twin Princes" by Tedd Arnold.  It's a great book, and requires that the kids predict outcomes.  

Wednesday

Today we read a fun story called "The Fox and the Hen" and we talked about beginning, middle and end of a story, as well as conflict and resolution.  Today we pretended we were birds and a contest to see who could "fly" the furthest.  

Thursday

Today the kids worked on IXL math quizzes, as well as their worksheets.

Friday

Today we made a paper chain leading up to Evan's Birthday and Christmas.  We also had a hop-a-thon.  Then my mom and dad took us out to eat.  We also went to a fun educational store where the kids had a great time playing with toys.