Homeschool "Group"

Shortly after we started homeschooling my dear friend and I decided to start our very own homeschool group. We did not know any other homeschool families in our town. We couldn't believe we were the only ones and welcomed the new relationships for us all! Initially we hoped the group would thrive into something gigantic and incredible but to our surprise no such thing happened.

Yes, I know we're crazy! We have a huge group! Look at all ten of those kids! They are all ours.... I know, we do have our hands full! First we were disappointed our group didn't grow by leaps and bounds but now we can see the blessing. We are two families from the same church, with the same values and both have a larger family.

The kids are best friends, I'm pretty sure a few of them may even think they're cousins! We've had picnic park days, class holiday parties, class learning on a particular subject and field trips. This fall it started to get cooler out and we knew we had to find somewhere to go in this little town where our little rascals could run off that extra energy. We don't have that luxury of the schools in town having a gym during the cooler months. We could dual enroll them for gym but we would eventually drive all around town to get and take our children to different schools for this experience. We finally decided to make a call.

Since my friend's youngest is older than my oldest child she was decided she should make the call. Our first choice was to contact the local YMCA hoping to have access to the gym specifically. We had no idea what would enjoy! The YMCA director met with us and we agreed for a small monthly fee to enjoy a planned gym activity AND pool time! We were all excited! Since October our kids have experienced pickle ball, kickball, dodge ball, soccer, archery, softball, floor hockey and other games I don't even remember the names of.

The director has been great with the kids and it's nice to give them someone else to look up to, listen and respect. We have grown our little group, my husband's cousin and her son come and do activities with us. They fit in great with the homeschool group and we enjoy having them participate. We are so excited and can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

The Youngest Toddler Trouble

Over the winter our youngest turned two. Let me answer the age old question, "Is there such a thing as terrible twos?" Yes, yes there is! I'm not sure what mentally changes in these tiny human beings but there is an enormous change. Toddlers are learning to make decisions and become more independent. They reach this mere independence but to them they believe they have reached their full independence. Toddlers begin to push the rules and regulations of there tiny lives.

As mothers we must remind them that they still need a lot of help. They are not nearly as independent as they believe. There must be training to reign in their spirit and true desires. Toddlers not only need a lot of help and need to have rules in their lives even though it may be extremely difficult we as mothers need to keep pressing forward.

With their growth comes a strong spirit and attitude like no other. These little spitfires feel as though they are quite capable to accomplish anything, anytime, anywhere. Whether it's crossing the street on their own or pouring their own glass of juice there is a strong will to fight all odds to accomplish the impractical.

I can't help but think what we can learn from the attitude of a toddler. Not only as mothers or even women but simply as a human being. There is persistence. Persistence to do quiet literally the impossible. Do you have a calling or a dream? Does it seem unreachable? If you keep working hard you might make it. How many times are toddlers refused and told no but continue to work toward their goal despite it? There are no great limitations to a toddler. What good could we accomplish with bravery, the bravery of a toddler?

Soccer Mom, Soccer Wife, Soccer Life

It's spring time and in our house it seems like we are eating and breathing soccer! Spring time is usually crazy with my husband being a public school teacher. The end of the school year is nuts and just plain busy! Our homeschool continues throughout the summer which is good because there is no ending the school year. At this point most schools are trying to finish up the year. It seems like the kids are extra energetic and super excited looking forward to summer and fun.

This year my big kids are playing soccer they are playing on the Pre-K Kindergarten team. This is Eli's third year since he started in preschool. He truly seems to love this sport more than the rest and his understanding of the sport is continuing to grow. This is Bella's very first year and she is very excited to play with her brother. She is fortunate to play with her little BFF Ninon. They think it is fantastic being on the same team!

Eli

Daddy

These kiddos are super lucky not only is Ninon's dad their volunteer coach from Europe (who actually knows about soccer) but their daddy caught the soccer fever in the late 90's when soccer was not prominent here in our area.  He played through high school and achieved a scholarship to college. These kids have access to a countless knowledge of the game. Which leads me to the second half of today's title he is now a coach for his home team. The team he played for in high school many years ago.

Not only do my two children have practice once a week and a game every weekend but Daddy's high school team practices every day and there are at least 2 games a week. We are fortunate this year that we have multiple home games, which the kids and I always go to. We love it! We love all things soccer and purple in this house! We wouldn't trade it for anything but if you're making plans or trying to contact me try back in the summer. ;-)

The Homeschool Thing

If you've read any previous posts on my blog you know that I homeschool my children. I'm not a self righteous homeschooler who assumes that I am better than the average private and public school family. I believe that one method does not work for all and I do not judge anyones choices so please don't judge mine.

I made this incredible discovery a few months ago that changed homeschool forever in our household. I found a website allinonehomeschool.com (Easy Peasy) and the best thing, it's free. No I didn't stutter it's free! Free curriculum is huge, homeschool materials can cost up to $1000 per child. This high cost forces most families to reuse textbooks for each child which means, erasing, white outing or even using a separate paper to write on. But if by some small mistake that child accidentally writes in a textbook, the teacher (mom) and principal (dad) lose their minds because that book costed them $50! Have no fear for with this curriculum there is not only no cost but no textbooks. This missionary mother gathered resources from the internet to teach her own children. She decided to share what she used with her own children with us. It's a ministry to homeschool families. There are endless games, videos, books and printables for an entire 171 day school year and it takes the children only a couple hours to finish their school day. 

Yes there are printables but most of us own computers and have access printer. But you may ask between buying paper and ink it's got to add up. Since starting this curriculum I've only had to change my ink once at about $40 for black ink paper twice at $3. Which is with three different kids working on Easy Peasy. We will possibly spend $100 this school year with three kids not too bad at all compared to the thousands we could spend.

Easy Peasy is also focused on teaching the kids to do all of the work on their own. My kids ages 3, 4 and 6 are working on levels, getting ready one, getting ready two and second grade. They still require a lot of my help but I have a friend who teaches her older children at home using the Easy Peasy curriculum and her 10 year old is now doing the work on his own. 

As for record keeping I keep all of my children's printable work including their projects in a binder with name and grade. I also keep a notebook full of other things they're required to write.

I personally love this curriculum because there is little to no planning and there is such a large variety of learning. Since it's on the computer I feel it's high tech and moving along with the future of our society. Whether you are just beginning to homeschool or are to the end of your school year consider Easy Peasy you will find yourself and your children enjoying school a little more and possibly saving your family thousands!

I AM WOMAN

Life for any human being can be dysfunctional, busy, insane and sometimes an epic failure. As a mom I we are more likely to experience these failures, because quite frankly the failure is not of our own. The downfall of these failures effect those who rely and count on us for everything. 

As a mom I experience my own failure daily. I want to be everything to my children, husband, friends, and family. For example, I want to be a fit, spiritual, kind, patient, loving, understanding, giving, perfect mother. But every day I fail, whether I eat something that I fully know is horrid for me. Perhaps I don't spend time with my Lord or Heaven forbid my home is completely atrocious. There is something that always gives. Despite myself I do not and will not give up on my goals of becoming a better mom. But I do keep in mind that I am human and sometimes I will disappoint and that's okay.

Contrary to my belief, my husband's belief and if I'm lucky my children's belief I am not nor will I ever be Wonder Woman. She is a simple alien fictional character. I can not help but consider the fact that if all of us as human beings would be just a little more human and transparent there would be a general understanding that there is no one close to becoming the fictional woman above. But in our shallow society we honestly believe that we are to achieve the great feat of perfection. We see television, movies, books and magazines that tell us excellence is the norm. Well, It's not, every one of us lacks somewhere or feels inadequate. Honesty among women when it comes to flawed life is a difficult task. We are constantly trying to outdo another. Instead of competing let's show some unity. When a mom, friend or family member is obviously having a hard time in life; please don't condemn them or show them how much superior you are to them and there problems. But continuously show them you care and understand. Share your experiences and downfall. As women we can unite and become stronger than ever but we must stop the comparisons and prestige. Exchange perfection with failure.

Recall that today you can do just what needs to be done in your household. Share your failures with others. Become understanding of other moms and women. Because sincerely will we get it all done? Will we become Wonder Woman? No, but remember to ask for help and remember you're not a fictional alien! 

Pink Tiara and Tutu

This title is perfect to describe my oldest girl Bella. She is all about the glitter, pink, princess, glamour and glitz. Another significant event of the summer was our Bella's 4th birthday. "Where does the time go?" is so cliche but it's so very true and there is no understanding of this until you are a parent and see your child's life race past you. As a parent before you know it they're grown and having their own families. Birthdays can be a bitter-sweet celebration. This wonderfully inspiring child was born four years ago and we have the privilege to have her in our lives for a little while. The key there is a little while. Our children are not ours. There are different theories that they are their own, or the earth's etc but my personal perspective is they are God's. I am merely the care taker and trainer of these children which is an enormous responsibility that I do take seriously. But since they are God's they can easily go anywhere and do anything that He wants them to do.

I'm going to take this opportunity to tell you more about Miss. Bella Sophia. She is kind hearted, caring and fun. She does not like extreme physical activity unless she is distracted by fun. She as mentioned above loves all things pretty and girly she is a daddy's girl. Her favorite things consist of candy, princesses, my little pony, baby dolls and Barbies. I am so thankful to have her in our family. The truth is that our family would not be the same without her. She has taught me to be patient and loving even when I don't feel like it and to consider her unique sensitive nature. Thank God for Bella and yet another year to enjoy her vibrance!

Busy, Busy,Busy....

We have had some crazy couple of months, there have been projects, picnics, play dates, birthdays and graduations. I have been too busy to stop and write/type. There are some highlights to these last couple of months that I do want to share with you.

The biggest event that has happened this sumer is my little brother graduating from college! I'm so excited and proud of him! Attending his college graduation was quite the journey with four kids. I prepared for this trip like a maniac using all resources that Pinterest would provide for me. By the end of the trip I was sincerely surprised that all four kids did an excellent job the entire trip. Our trip was accident, drama and bad attitude free. The resources I used were very handy, simple and affordable.

First, I bought these beauties on eBay for $40 which were total lifesavers. If you are not familiar these are LeapPads they are simply a child version of a tablet without wi-fi capabilities and very durable. Before we left I charged them, uploaded a new episodes and a new game. What I love about LeapPads is that you can load the same game, movie etc, purchased online, on up to five devices!

Second, I purchased activity books, stickers and crayons from the Dollar Tree. These books kept the kids busy when they were not allowed on their LeapPads. I was surprised at what cool books they had for only a dollar. I did put in a few of our own books and picked up a free coloring book on the way.

Thirdly we had a ton of Penguin crackers from Walmart. They were about half the price of Goldfish and the kids really loved them. We had a few pouch drinks but I limited them to one drink while in the car to prevent "accidents" from happening.

Our trip was 8 hours total time on the way we stopped about 3 hours into the trip and stayed the night. On the way back we drove straight through and during both rides the kids were fantastic and we had an amazing trip with family!

                                                (my family, siblings and parents at Cracker Barrel)

 (Me, my little brother and little sister)

                                                                       (Our family)