This week

Monday, we began homeschooling. We are going to end up with what amounts to a year round schedule, due mostly to needing four day weeks. We'll get to take breaks for the holidays and such, but for the most part we will be "doing" school.

Our first day had good parts and bad parts. The good part was that Owen is obsessed with learning to tell time, so we could stay focused on that for as long as he could stand it. The bad part was Owen is OBSESSED with learning to tell time, and it was like listening to a broken record! Another bad part was that it took a lot longer than I had anticipated. Probably a combination of me not being organized enough, and the afore mentioned obsession. A good part is that we love the math curriculum we are using, Math U See, and both boys are doing well. Jude needs a little extra time for translation, but he understands the concept. A bad part is that I think we bit off more than we can chew with the main curriculum....too artsy fartsy when I, as the teacher, and a first time teacher, need a little more hand holding than it provides (Konos is the curriculum, if you were wondering). The phonics program is going well (Happy Phonics), because it uses a lot of activities and games which keep the boys busy. I have discovered that I can teach them in waves if I send each one off on a sprint around the basement while I get the other one to complete a task. :) Jude needs extra work on the phonics, obviously,  while Owen has the early stuff already licked. Weirdly, and I don't know why, but they didn't ask for TV all day, even when we were finished. They got out puzzles, and worked those instead? Can't explain it, but like it!

This is our first day to homeschool. And these are my goofy monkeys.

These are the puzzles....

This is a tattoo of Spider-Man, that Jude wanted applied to his nose.

Tuesday we drove up to Lexington for an appointment at Shriners. This was to talk to the doctor who would perform the procedures to try and get Jude up off his knees and walking on his feet, should we opt to go one of the routes they suggest, and to have it done there at Shriners. It is too soon to go into possible options, as they are our "first opinion", despite having seen multiple doctors by now.Their  suggestions aren't pretty, nor a quick fix, nor a miracle cure, but I appreciate someone finally starting the ball rolling. Our next opinions will come from Cincinatti, in August and September.

Wednesday, we had friends over (see fb photos), and later we struggled with the concept that not everything can be governed by the laws of "it's MY turn". Some things don't have turns involved. So we grounded the battery operated vehicles for the rest of the week.

 

 

 

 

  

 

The boys also ran into trouble with the sitter on Friday and were docked $0.10 per incident from there allowance. I think the lesson was learned. For the moment.

Jim entertained the boys by letting them play with shaving cream. You can see that was a hit!. Then we went to the pool Saturday evening as a family, which doesn't happen often. The boys enjoyed showing off their swimming skills for Daddy.

Today, Jude came out of kid church singing a song they sang during chapel. Too cute! When we got home I was gifted with an hour nap and a detailed car!

So, if you've read this far, you deserve a reward! Instead, I'll ask you if you have any tips on teaching a child how to not be a sore loser, but more importantly how to be a gracious winner? Owen has always struggled with the losing part, but was doing better this last year. But ever since we have been home from China, with the increased level of competition, he has started rubbing it in when he wins something. It is really unattractive, to say the least, and nothing we have tried so far has impacted him enough to make him stop.

So, that is the week in review. We actually have a not too busy week ahead, with only one doctors appoint, the pulmonologist, on Thursday. Until next week.......