I actually put my big foot down and ordered something...

Thanks Tulip for the suggestions. I really appreciate all your advice. I feel like of all the homeschoolers I know online and in real life you are one I can really understand. I feel like we are dealing with pretty similar schedules and expectations.

Big Hugs...Don't forget to visit for Ezzo Week. I read this book with our first. I was vulnerable and without Parenting guidance. I was, also, very young and very naive. I was only 19 when I married and got pregnant on the night of my honeymoon. I turned to the church and Babywise is what the vomited all over me. I trusted them and they ripped my heart out. The teachings of Ezzo and those like him are not from God. You cannot hit babies and get away with it. You do not need to trick your children into obeying, sleeping, or recieving salvation. These are all gifts from God and we the parents need to look towards the Almighty Grace he has shown upon us. The world is watching us. They are watching you and they are watching me.

So, Now for my list...

I ordered Story of the World 1 (the revised edition) of the Audiobook and Activity Guide. I ordered these from Amazon as well. They were $53.84 and the shipping was free.
Plus previously mentioned Curriculum Purchased
Aspergers What does it mean to me? purchased from Amazon for $28.72 includes tax and the shipping was free.
Math U See Alpha Student book for the Peacemaker who is 7 and going into Grade 2. We already have the Teacher pack from our oldest.
Math U See Beta Student & Teacher Pack for the Prophet who is 10 and going into Grade 5. Not sure if I have talked about this before. But, we finally found Math U See the year before he went back to public school. So, we started with Alpha. Then he went to school and they did the new crazy math. The one where you estimate everything and come up with your own way to answer problems. Yuck. This did not go over well for our black & white Aspie. So, even though he could probably do a higher level, he is going to start with Beta and he can whiz through it as fast he wants. Math U See is great for any child who gets "behind" since there is no grade level to make them feel bad about.
Total Math U See $92.17 (We live in the same state and had to pay tax.)

Total Spent thus far $174.73

I've really struggled with using Classical Materials. I'm reading this article by Susan Wise Bauer right now. And per Tulip, I'm heading over to find out more about Carol and what she has to say about Home Education.

I have to say I feel relieved this morning. I have been so anxious about the boys education. But, I've got that peace.

Final Curriculum Decisions

Well, I really, really wanted to use Sonlight Core 5 this year. But, something just didn't sit right with me. And, it was after a fellow homeschooler mentioned that she cannot use something that imposes a schedule.

That is so me and well us all together.

My two sons are totally different. My oldest is a rigid Aspie who devours books by the truckload. My second child is not reading well yet. He is still struggling. They both loved to be read to aloud. But, alas...

the reason I wanted Core 5 was because I really wanted to spend the next year or so studying cultures and missions. So, Instead I'm back to where I started from. I'm working through different lists I have found around the internet. I'm still not sure if I'm going to do an area a month or what. I want to outline my plans for the upcoming year with enough wiggle room to allow for the fact that was are really, super busy. I need time for my own schooling and homework. I don't want to pack so much in their days that they don't have any fun. But, they need to keep busy this year, too.

So far I've started lists on All Consuming

Year 2 List
Year 5 List

They are both doing Math U See, as well. Not sure what types of hands on stuff we will come up with. But, my second guy is a true artist and he always figures out something we can do.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Curriculum Purchased
Aspergers What does it mean to me? purchased from Amazon for $28.72 includes tax and the shipping was free.
Total Spent thus far

It's a city mailbox

0710071720.jpg
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsLewis

Yes readers, may I share my excitement.

I have my very own blue man
in little shorts
(well, I share him with the neighbors)
who walks
from door to door to deposit mail
in boxes which are hung
right next to front doors.

Front doors
which are perfectly placed
at the front of houses
(remember my old door which was
at the side of the house and opened into the kitchen)
which line up
in little rows
which line up
along
perfect
little
sidewalks.

We sign tomorrow

We got a great 3 bedroom 1 bath in a sweet neighborhood.

Today we rented a 10 X 10 storage space and you know what we are not going to fill it up. Public Storage says that is 100 sq ft and it should be enough for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment.

Yeah!!!

I can't believe how much we parted with. I feel so richly blessed to start again fresh in a new city.

Sidewalks
dogs
kids
schools
playgrounds
libraries
zoos
bungalows
coffee shops

I've missed you big city.

Plastic shampoo

I really have been looking more at the plastic we use.

Shampoo does come in plastic bottles. It's just one of those things you know.

I guess you could buy a big bulk container of shampoo. I have to use more expensive shampoos because my scalp (heck all of my skin) is really sensitive. I'm on vacation and the store here has big plastic containers of shampoo and you just pump what you want into a small reuseable bottle. But, I bet your local store or a salon store could get you those large bottles. The fill your own is cool though isn't it?

I know I use way less shampoo and NO conditioner since I cut all my hair off, but I realize a lot of women are not comfortable with that.

I did buy applesauce in a glass container instead of plastic this week. I would say it's probably more enviromentally friendly to just buy the apples. Speaking of which I hate those dumb little stickers they put on the apples, but I'm not so sure I like the tattoothing they are coming up with now.

He's a real boy...

I just overheard my two oldest...they were talking about how much they like a new video game they are playing (egads...I know). They were being all serious and conversing like little men when my 7 year old says, "Yeah and it's soooo cute."

This kid is such a heart breaker. He is one of those people who gives the best hugs. You know those people. I did not grow up with touchy, lovey, affection..so it's hard for me. But, I always knew there was something different about the good huggers. I used to think someone taught them that, but I swear there is a certain type of person that is just born with it.

I only miss one...

yes it's true.

I realized I miss someone everyday.
But, it's only one of them.
I miss them for different reasons.

When I'm at school
I catch myself gazing out a window
or watching a small child.

Sometimes it is a sign
or a rock.

But, I find it is only one of them I miss.
I wonder if I should feel guilty.
I don't miss the same one everytime.
They get a pretty fair rotation.

I came home and gave my oldest the biggest of hugs
and kisses because today I really missed him.