2014-15 School Year Summary

We started today! I’m excited to get going, but hope I have everything ready.  Anyway, here’s what’s up for this year for each of the kids.

GREG – 17yo and Senior

It’s Greg’s Senior year, so is bittersweet in some ways.  We are both ready for him to move along and head out to college.  We’ve knocked heads more than I care to remember!  However the past year was one of much growth for him.  Maybe we’ll enjoy this last year together more than we have since he was in single digits.

Greg’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), ND State 4-H Ambassador, member of the Catholic Youth Advisory Council, FFA president & member, Crop Judging, Football (he was elected one of the team captain’s), wrestling, altar server, and teen ministry/study group at our local church.

MODG’s Catholic Doctrine using Following Christ in the World. 

Math-U-See Calculus (after we finish up the last couple lessons of Pre-Calculus)

MODG’s British Literature

MODG’s World Geography

American Government & Economics (he’ll be finishing up the last half of this class)

Exploring Creation with Physics (and he’ll also be finishing up the last few lesson of Exploring Creation with Chemistry)

MODG’s Health using the encyclical Casti Connubi

Physical Education – weight lifting twice a week

 

ANGELINA – 14yo and Freshman

Aaak!  Another high schooler!  Angelina will be a freshman this year.  I think she’s excited.  Well, she’s excited except for when Latin or piano are mentioned.  I’ve asked her to continue so that her language requirement can be met with Latin and without starting another language.  She didn’t have much to say.  I’ve asked a friend to help grade some of her papers so that she’ll have outside input on her writing.  She is the creative one in the family.  While organization of her room is not a priority, she can make just about any activity fun for her siblings or those around her.

Eva’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), first year member of the Catholic Youth Advisory Council, FFA member, Crop Judging, dance (two nights a week for ballet, tap & jazz), and teen ministry/study group at our local church.  We are unsure at this point, if she’ll be able to be a part of the Ballet Academy production, as lessons are to be held on Friday nights….it’s a possibility.

MODG’s Religion 9

Grammar & Composition 9 using Warriners English 3rd Course

Math-U-See Geometry

U.S. History & Geography

American Literature

Exploring Creation with Biology

Art: Drawing with Nature & Landscapes in Pencil

Music: Music of the Great Composers & Piano

Poetry

Latin: Fourth Form Latin

ZEKE – 11yo and Sixth Grade

Zeke is growing up so fast.  He’s fast approaching me in height; I have no doubt he’ll pass me in the next 2 years.  He’s a hard worker when he sets his mind to it and loves to be outside helping his dad in the field.

Zeke’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), Crop Judging, Wolfpack Football, possibly basketball, wrestling, altar server, and religious education classes at our local church.

St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 2

Math-U-See Pre-Algebra

CHC’s plan for Grammar/Composition/English

Logic of English (plan to finish it up this year)

Phonetic Zoo Level A

Poetry

ND History & All Ye Lands

Exploring Creation with Zoology 2

Prima Latina

Art 7 For Young Catholics (1st Semester) & Art Lab for Kids (2nd Semester)

Piano & Ready to Use Music Activities

 

GRAHAM – 8yo and Third Grade

Graham is also a hard worker.  He’s determined and sometimes a little stubborn.  He has a twinkle in his eye when he smiles and always has such great enthusiasm.

Graham’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), first year Crop Judging, Flag Football, wrestling, religious education (he’ll be studying for both Holy Eucharist and Confirmation) class at our local church.

St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1

Math-U-See Delta

CHC’s plan for Grammar/Composition/English & Spelling

Writing Can Help Book 3

Logic of English (plan to finish it up this year)

Poetry

CHC’s Tour a Country

Take it to Your Seat Geography e-book

Exploring Creation with Zoology 2

Prima Latina

Art Masterpieces (1st Semester) & Art Lab for Kids (2nd Semester)

Let’s Learn Music #2 & Piano

 

LOUIS – 4yo and Pre-School

Louis has an endless supply of energy.  He’s hardly ever in a bad mood and according to his sister, ‘says the most random things.’  He loves super heroes and especially likes to wear his Superman shirts.  He likes legos, Thomas the Train, Link, and being read to by anyone.

His day will consist mainly of play, but he’s also learning more about the letters and numbers.  He enjoys workbooks and art with his sister, who has been the one to lead him through the majority of his workbooks.

 

DAC – 2yo and Resident Toddler to be Entertained

Dac.  He’s a busy 2yo, but also knows how to entertain himself when needed.  He likes books, but doesn’t treat them the best, so we try not to leave him unsupervised with our favorites.  Colored rice and magnets are a favorite activity, but he pretty much likes to do anything Leo and his older siblings do.  He’s frightened of our puppy, Lily, because she’s about his height and tends to knock him over.  I have no set plan of activities to do with him this year, aside from the list of toddler activities that I printed out years ago.  We’ll see how it goes and adjust as needed.

Mid-Year School Update

So, what I did to simplify at the beginning of the year…is it still working??  For the most part, yes.  Being the type of person I am, I always have super high expectations.  Sometimes we meet them, sometimes we don’t.  It’s been a much better year in some regards because combining subjects for a couple kids always helps.

Still works for us:

1. The tablet.  Still believe this was a good decision.  Zeke and Graham use it for the following:

*States & Capitals review

*  Review and memorize Baltimore Catechism No. 1 & 2 questions.  Both sets are on Google Play, so the boys listen each day.

*Classical music on Google Play

*Spelling practice and tests.  I found an app!  I type in the list of words and the boys each have an account in the app.  They practice each day and are rewarded for correct answers.  The reward is linked to a game associated with the app, and they both enjoy playing.

*Math tables practice

*Kindle app on the tablet allows the kids access to  52 Art Lab (book we are using for Angelina, Zeke, Graham, and Louis).  This has been a lot of fun for the kids and I’ve enjoyed the results of their work.

2. Zeke & Graham together for Phonics (Logic of English) and Science (Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures).  We finished up Zoology 1 and are into Astronomy.  It works great to have them together.

3.  Greg’s Religion and History & Literature taught by a friend.  Well, at least I KNOW he won’t fight me on doing these subjects and they are the ones he has kept on track through the year.  Why he won’t just do this in his other subjects, for me, is a mystery.

4. On cleaning.  This continues to be a struggle.  The chore chart is up and it does work…when the kids choose to refer to it. 

Needed to make a change:

1. Dropped Literary Analysis for Greg.  He made it through one semester and that is where we will end.  No matter how much I desire to have an intelligent literary discussion with my oldest, it’s just not going to happen at this time.

2. First Form Latin for Zeke is on hold.  We’ll try again next year; it was just too much.  He has an interest in and wants to learn French, as well.

3. Zeke & Graham finished their current Writing Can Help cursive books and we won’t begin another until next year.  They’ll do handwriting in the writing of their other subjects.

4. Greg decided to try wrestling.  It’s been good for him physically; he’s in better shape.  His dad and I have made it to most of his meets.  He’s pinned a few guys, which I’m sure is thrilling for him.

Monday DayLook: May 9, 2011

Looking out from my back porch... the lawn is truly greening up, but it’s deceptive!   On closer inspection, the broad-leaved weeds have a strong hold on our field-turned-yard.  The trees and lilacs are starting to leaf out, too.

I am thankful for... sunny cool days.  Days when schoolwork is completed without whining and done before 4pm.

I am reading… books on poultry.  A few of my laying hens aren’t as healthy as they could be, and I’m trying to find an organic/natural resolution to their problem.

I am hearing... balls rolling on the foosball table and Louis digging in the legos.

I am wearing… jean capris, orange t-shirt and grey cardigan with flip-flops.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… Sewing is going on!!!  Both Dash and Angelina cut out their 4-H clothing projects on Saturday.  I also cut out a pattern for kid pajamas. 

From the school room... Angelina took her CAT test today (I do this every year, even if it’s not needed by the school district), and Zeke started his CAT test.  Dash is scheduled to be tested by a certified monitor on Wednesday.  His is the only test that must be submitted.  Dash and Angelina are becoming more accomplished on piano.  I enjoy listening to each of them practice and wish it were me playing!

From the kitchen... Zeke made chocolate chip cookies on Saturday.  Otherwise, I’ve felt mighty uncreative in the kitchen, lately. 

From the FarmYard …  Did I mention that the pigs arrived last Monday??  Pictures of them below.  They are rambunctious and running around when they aren’t eating or sleeping. 

sheep, four wild sheep according to Dash, arrived on the farm Sunday afternoon.  Eric and all the kids left to pick up the critters and gave me some quiet time in my messy home. 

And!… a mallard duck is nesting in the front planter.  Thus far she’s layed 8 eggs.  I’d like to get in there and plants some flowers (it’s a big planter and planting can be done while she’s away and without disturbing her nest)

From the Garden …  one planter has been planted … brown-eyed susan vine, gerber daisies, sweet potato vines, and something with white flowers (can’t remember the name!).  Weeded the garden bed on the side of the garage.  It felt wonderful to get out and do some yard work!

A Pull-My-Hair-Out moment … Latin … specifically Henle I.  This is the language we started with and have invested soo very much time into the learning.  I must say that Latin is really the only consistent challenge for my two oldest children.  But OOHHH is Henle I challenging for both child and teacher right now …. when the outdoors are calling and we’d both rather be doing something (anything) else.

A successful moment… I am caught up on laundry. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: Tae Kwon Do.  4-H projects.

Tuesday: 4-H projects.  Planting in the garden?

Wednesday: Dash & Angelina have orthodontist appts, I have a dental check-up for the periodontal surgery I had in March.

Thursday:   Tae Kwon Do.  4-H projects.  Planting in the garden?

Friday/Saturday/Sunday:   4-H projects.  Possible 4-H meeting.

A picture memory...

Monday DayLook - January 18, 2010

For Today: January 18, 2010

I am thankful for... health, family, being able to stay home and homeschool
my kids, and a functional (and also beautiful) roof over our heads.

I am thinking... how truly easy my life is compared to others I know.  My needs, and even my 'wants', are met. 

I am hearing... Eric and the kids playing Clue (yes, I'm writing part of this post on Sunday evening AND I'm not playing Clue because I promised I would play Catan later with the crew).

I am praying for ... a miracle for our friend's, Lori & Ryan: he has brain cancer and has already endured two surgeries.  They have three children under the age of six.  Ryan has decided to discontinue medication ... he's ready.

From the school room... the workbooks for this Latin study from CHC are on order for Angelina, who will be finished with LCI from Memoria Press this coming week.  We already own the books; each book will last approximatley ten weeks ... perfect for finishing out this semester.  Dash will complete LCII by semester's end and then they can both start First From Latin from Memoria Press in the Fall. 

Looking out my back porch... the trails for x-country skiing and snow-shoeing head out from our back yard up to farmyard ... Grandma Green Acres' home ... and to the burn barrel!

From the kitchen...  not sure how many of my readers are familiar with Chipped Beef on Toast ... it's basically diced corned beef in a white sauce served over toasted bread.  Anyway, this week, I threw together a simple white sauce, added diced chicken, chopped bacon, and seasoning for a quick sauce to serve on toasted bread.  The kids and I really liked it!  It's a great way to use up leftovers.

I am reading... quite a bit about politics, lately.  Change is occurring here in rural ND, where change is generally shunned or looked at with skepticism (at least, IMO, politically) .... our state will at least have one new senator after the next election.

State of the house… some of the Christmas decorations were put away; that's always a good way to get a little cleaning accomplished.  The kids also helped clean bathrooms this weekend.

A really cool moment… last week, my husband thanked me for doing the laundry.  He commented that he had noticed when the laundry room was empty last week and thought it looked really nice.  I epmtied and de-cluttered so I could vacuum up all the dust bunnies that had grown!

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: Angelina's dance class this evening.
Wednesday:  Prepare meals for two families with new babies -- to be delivered on my trip to town on Thursday.
Thursday: Angelina 'gets' her top braces applied today and she has a playdate with a friend (ie. girly-time for her and for me).
Friday/Saturday/Sunday:  This is the last free weekend before my husband starts attending a long streak of ag-related shows and meetings.  No kidding .... he has something every week until Easter!  I predict a penance-filled Lenten season.

A picture memory...

My hubby loves to buy flowers for me ... and progress on the detached garage.

The next two are inside shots; part of the garage has floor heat (one pic shows the tubes coming up from the floor) and we have a large storage area up above (accessed by the folding 'attic' stairs - boy! are they narrow).  The second pic is where a future workshop will be located.

This photo doesn't quite do the sunset justice, but it was beautiful when first spotted.