Plugging along

Remember when school started in September?  These days, I don't think we get past the first week of August before cute "first day of school" pictures fill my facebook new feed and instagram.  As for my little homeschooling clan, we just keep plugging along.  But in honor of school starting for everyone else, I will do a little school update on my students.

Jake will be 7 and a half this month and never ceases to amaze me with the way he both retains and comprehends information!  Another homeschooling mom asked me just the other day, "How is Jake so smart?!?"  I laughed it off when she asked, but as I have said countless times before, he just came that way.  He has been blessed with an incredible mind!

He has fallen in love with reading this past year, and I half jokingly say that my job with him is done.  But really, once you can read, you really can teach yourself anything so I feel like it is an exciting milestone in his life!  Every time I see him nose deep in a book my heart is happy!  I am not exactly sure what his reading level is, but I would guess early middle school.  He flies through books at a rapid rate and has already enjoyed classics by Jake London and Mark Twain (they were adapted versions, so he still has the real ones to look forward to in several years).  He also loved the Shiloh trilogy and we have been reading quite a bit of historical Christian fictions together, but his current favorite is anything related to ancient Greece and their mythology.

As for math, we have stuck with the Saxon program and he is working on the beginning of the 4/5 curriculum.  While most of it is review for him so far, I like that he is able to do nearly all of it independently.  I think he is enjoying taking a break from long division and multiplication using extended form for a little while we brush up on the basics.  The lessons are longer, but I see his conference growing as works through the lessons with little to no assistance from me.  I guess that is what we parents do, work ourselves right out a job, right?  Maybe he will need me again when he gets to algebra.

James started the Hooked on Phonics program this summer and is catching on quite quickly!  We just finished the first half of the kindergarten level where he learned words with short a and i sounds.  He will almost always have a big sigh when I say it is time to read, but with in seconds of snuggling up with our lesson he is all smiles.  He really enjoys when he can "sound them out in my mind," so he can just say them without verbally blending the sounds together.  There are so many times I feel like a crazy person for homeschooling, but moments like this, I remember that there is no other option for us.  I want to be a part of all their childhood first...listening to him read his first words is just as wonderful as it was to watch him take his first steps.

James appears to have a math brain.  He understands numbers and the way they work together.  While one shouldn't compare their children, Jake is my only point of reference.   As Jamie makes his way through the Saxon 1 book, I have been surprised several times when we come to concepts that I remember Jake struggling with that click with James right away.  Just like his older brother, James has been blessed with an incredible mind, but I love that they appear to have unique strengths.

In the "real world" James wouldn't be starting Kindergarten until the following year, but I can't imagine him waiting that long!  He has been doing school along side his big brother since he was a baby.  Not because I expected him to, but because he wanted to.  I think that is one of the great part about this life, the "school" part is just part of life, the same way meals and playing are or catching bugs and getting in trouble for playing ball in the house is.  I hope that my children are learning that learning is not something you do in one place and a certain time in you life, but that it should be a part of our life each and every day even if the "flow" that I dream of looks more like roaring rapids than a gentle stream.

Homeschool is definitely not the easiest thing.  There are many times Jake gets frustrated with me because I am helping too much or not enough (basically he just gets frustrated when he doesn't get it perfect on the first try).  I lose my patience more often than I would like to admit (mostly when I feel like I am not balancing all of my life responsibilities perfectly...I guess those cute dimples aren't the only thing he inherited from me.  James often melts down when he has to put his toys down for scripture study, and Scarlett...well, Scarlett adds an extra set of challenges to any lesson.  But we are all learning, and the longer I do this the more I see the life lessons we are learning between the math, through the reading, and under the forts made of blankets that I always end up cleaning up...

A "REAL" 7th Birthday Party

Sometimes I look over at Jake expecting to see a chubby cheeked little boy smiling at me, but instead,   a tall lanky "big" boy is now in his place.  But the truth is, Jake seems more comfortable in this "big boy" skin.  I think his mature spirit always seemed to be fighting the littleness a little, and as he gets older it is like his body is catching up to where is the rest of him has always been.

This year, despite Jacob's 7th birthday falling 4 days after we moved, Arthur insisted that Jake needed a real party.  Arthur was right.  For the last 3 years something has come up, pushing "a friend" birthday party to the next year and then the next, so we really did need to make it happen.

I had no idea how we were going to pull it off, but somehow with lots of help from Ama (I'm pretty sure I would still be sitting in my house surrounded by boxes, likely crying, if it hadn't been for all her help) we made it happen and we hosted Jake's 7th birthday in our new house.

Jake has gotten very into Star Wars this year, and decided on a Star Wars theme party.  But the only thing that really translated this was the incredible Star Wars cake Arthur ordered.  It hurt my heart a little bit not to have decorations hung or some themed craft or activity planned.  But this year, a clean unpacked house was decoration enough and with 10 acres to explore the kids probably would have been annoyed if we had tried to slow them down with a craft.  Maybe next year we can really play up the Star Wars theme because I think the love of the "the force" is here to stay.

Surrounded by many favorite people on the planet,  Jake pretended (because Mommy forgot candles) to blow out the candles on his birthday cake and welcomed in another year.

I don't know what Jake wished for (very likely a new Star Wars lego set), but this is what I wish, or should I say pray, for him this year:  Jake, I pray that your curiosity and love for exploring and learning will continue to grow.   I hope that you spend countless days outside: hunting for bugs, fishing with your dad, riding your bike, getting dirty... basically, I hope that your childhood is filled to the brim with childhood.  I hope that music continues to be a big focus for you and our family, and that you will increase your skills as a violinist and you will continue to excel as a performer (it comes so naturally to you).  I pray that you will gain an appreciation for beauty because it is all around us.  There is beauty in the world, beauty in music, and beauty in good books.  Remember 'if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, [Jake,] seek after these things."  

As this is the year leading up to your baptism, I also pray that this will be a year where you strive to understand agency and to use your will to choose the right.  Be aware of how you feel when you are obedient, to you parents but more importantly to your Father in Heaven.  Good choices will bring you happiness and peace.  I pray that you will be blessed with spiritual experiences, experiences that allow you to feel and recognize the Holy Ghost and how he communicates with you so you will be ready to have him as a constant companion in you life.  Finally, I pray that through the Lord, I can be the mother you need.  I pray that I will be guided to know when to step in and when to step back.  I pray that I will receive inspiration on your behalf so that I can help you grow into the man you were sent to become.  But please remember, that I am still learning too.  I have I have never had a seven year old before and I am bound to get things wrong sometimes.  However, I can promise you that I am doing my best because I love you more than you will ever know and I am so grateful that I get to be your Mom.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

 (This is what is looks like when a seven year old finds out he is going to a Charlie Daniels' show) 

Sunday Morning Smiles

Nearly every Sunday morning I wake up thinking, "Today is the day!  Today is the day when I will have everyone dressed and ready a few minutes early so I can snap a few pictures of everyone all ready to go."

Well, it still hasn't happened.  Between Arthur having us in car at the stroke of noon (church starts at 12:30), James lack of cooperation, and the "look" that Arthur gives me at the mere mention of being in a picture, it is a daunting task..not for Mother's Day, Father's Day, not even for Scarlett's blessing.  So, as so often happens in life, I took what I could get.  These are from several weeks ago before church.  Jake is the proudest big brother, and was more than happy to pose with Scarlett so I could get a few pictures.

These two have a very special love connection!  Scarlett lights up whenever she sees Jake.  And Jake adores her right back.  He is usually the first one up the stairs to greet her when she wakes up from a nap.  He practically preforms a circus from his car seat to keep her crying in the car. 

And he LOVES to pick her up and carry her around (although is nearly gives Arthur a heart attack every time he sees it).

Siblings are one of our greatest treasures in this life, and I am so grateful that Scarlett has such awesome  loving big brothers who will help teach, protect, and love her!

Pool Practice

I really love living in the South!  However, there is one piece of California that I just can't shake...swimming.  As a child, my summers were spent in a pool.  Whether at swim practice, a swim meet, or spending the entire day at the Aquatic Center (with little more than a towel, sun screen, and a quarter to call home), I was swimming all day every day.  My teen years weren't much different.  By then we even had a pool in our own back yard.  By 14 I had started giving private swimming lessons and was helping coach the younger children on my swim team.  Then, after 10 years of teaching, I ran my own swim school for two years.  Jake spent his first year and a half on a pool deck or taking naps in a little red wagon in the back office.  Long story short...swimming has been a constant in my life...until now.

Swimming lesson at 2 months

Hanging out at the swim office

So needless to say, it makes me a little sad that my children don't have the access to pools and rec leagues that I had growing up.  But it drives me nuts that they don't know how to swim because we don't get to spend all summer swimming.

Why am I rambling about all of this?  Because I wanted to express how much I appeciated that we had at the pool on our vacation, and how much I enjoyed watching my kids learn and play.  The first day I kind of forced Jake into a "lesson" but it only took one before he was asking me to work with him.  Each "lesson" lasted about 15 minutes and then he would let me know he was done.  But he didn't end the lesson to go play, instead he would stay in the shallow end to practice.  Again and again he would go to the wall and push off into a stream line.  Watching him glide through the water with greater and greater ease, I flashed back to car rides more than 5 years ago.  Where I would listen to my baby's little froggy voice practice words over and over again while he was buckled in his car seat.  Barely a year old and JakePool Pr would repeat a word until it sounded just right. They grow up, but I don't know how much they really change.

His practice paid off and before our trip was over, Jake was gliding with a perfect streamline, kicking with strong full leg kicks, diving for rings, and even adding some tall slow motion big arms!  I am excited to get him in the pool more this summer, even if we have to fight the crowds on post a little.  Who knows, James might even take a break from jumping off the side of the pool to join us.

Performance Day

Saturday was Jacob's third violin concert.  In the past, I have been able to snap away while he performs, but with Scarlett constantly in my arms, I had a sneaking suspicion that my normal paparazzing would be a little trickier this year.  And sure enough, it would have been nearly impossible.  So I am grateful that I had a little bit of forethought, and that I had Jake head out back for a little pre performance photo shoot.  I love how they turned out, and I love that I got to just sit back and watch this year.

Jake was so excited about the recital!  The week of the concert, it was actually easy to get him to practice.  And the morning of, was spent is a constant state of humming.  He didn't even pause for the water and bubbles running down his face as he rinsed his hair in the shower, he just squeezed his eyes tighter and hummed louder.  

As excited as he gets, I am a little surprised that he doesn't get nervous at all.  But so far he seems immune from any stage fright.  But I guess that shouldn't be too much of a shock, this boy has always been dripping in confidence.  

Jake walked onto his mark with such presence.  It is such a big stage for a little boy, but you'd never know it by the way he carries himself.  He was so eager to start playing, that he didn't even give the pianist time to play her intro (he had just practiced it with her twice only 45 minutes before), but as all good accompanists, she jumped right in.  He played a piece called Lightly Row.  It is a very pretty legato piece, and he played it perfectly.  Arthur and I were so proud of him, but more importantly, I think he was pretty proud of himself.

Just a week before the concert, he had been struggling to remember what part of the piece he was on (since the sections are quite similar) each time he tried to play it.  "How many Cs?" was the question of the week.  Jake first learned the song several months ago and we have kind of neglected it for newer songs during our practices at home.  I was actually a little surprised that it was the song Miss Robin picked.  But in retrospect, I am really glad she did.  It gave him an opportunity gain the sense of achievement that can only come through hard work.

This priceless life lessons is one of the main reasons Jake is taking violin.  Of course, I hope that he becomes a beautiful musician and will fill his life and the lives of others with music.  And I hope that we are instilling in him a life time appreciation and love for music.  But if he gains nothing else, from this experience, than the value of hard work.  Then every dollar spent and every minute of practice (event the frustrating ones) will be worth it.  Natural talent is wonderful, but it will only get you so far.

Jacob, you are amazing!  Heavenly Father has blessed you with a bright mind and an inquisitive nature. Because of these gifts many things come easily for you.  Since you were you a tiny boy, you have impressed people with intelligence and understanding far beyond your years.  Use these gifts, but remember to never shy away from things when they don't come as easily.  Never be afraid to work hard.  Remember how great it felt to perform so well after working so hard.  Set big goals throughout your life, and reach them.  And most important, use all your talents both innate and learned in service of others.  "When you are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)

Your Daddy and I love you more than words could express, and we are so proud of you! 

That's A Homeschool Wrap!

This year has been a incredible homeschool journey for our family!  I can't believe how much we have learned and grown...me, probably, more than anyone else!  So before 2013 comes to a close, I want to share some of the milestones, discoveries, and lessons we have experienced this year.

1) One of our biggest accomplishments was our study of the Old Testament.  We started out using the LDS Old Testament reader and Discover the Scriptures curriculum.  But within several months, I realized that we all wanted a little more.  So after a visit to California, Grandpa Dave sent us home with his childhood Bible stories, and an illustrated children's Bible what includes lot of fun historical facts and picture of artifacts.  Throughout the year Jake has memorized nearly 20 scriptures (James became familiar with quite a few too), became better acquainted with prophets of old, and learned how these ancient stories can directly help us in our lives today.

2) Jacob completed Saxon's Kindergarten and First Grade math curriculum, and is nearly half way through the Second Grade program.  It is amazing how much he has learned this year!  He is counting money (pennies, dimes, and nickels), learning to tell time, measuring, adding, and subtracting.

3) James started his math this year too.  We did most of the things that I did with Jake several years ago.  It is something of a Montessori hands on approach to begin identifying numbers and to understand the quantity they represent.  James caught on quickly and enjoyed playing with the rocks  and counting bears, but then about four months ago, he decided he was ready for something more like his brother was doing.  So now he is learning to write the numbers 1-10, he can count till 20 (although it sometimes gets a little muddled around "firteen"), he can complete AB patterns, and he is a pro with shapes and sizes.

4) Jacob has learned to READ!  I tried several methods, and most of them left us both feeling frustrated and unmotivated.  I started to think that maybe he just wasn't ready and that I was pushing to hard, but after some research (and a lot of prayer), I decided to give Hooked on Phonics a try.  We started with the Kindergarten program, and immediately I could see it working.  We supplement by using the Explode the Code workbooks which him a chance to put the rules he was learning into action.  

And over the last few months we have brought in weekly spelling words so that he can get some of those pesky "sight" words under his belt.  We are about half way through the 2nd grade program, and I am sad that it is the last one in the set.

5) Guess who decided he needed his own Hooked on Phonics?  You guessed it!  James, who had already been working on identifying and writing his letters this year, started the preschool Hooked on Phonics a few months ago.  We are moving slowly through the program because I really want to make sure that he connecting each letter with its sound.  But I don't think it will take too long because this boy really wants to learn to read!  He actually started crying at church a few weeks ago because he was frustrated that he couldn't read the hymn.

While I think it is wonderful that he is so eager to learn, I am not too eager for him to stop using words like "caterpittle" and "popporn"or telling me how "busy" he is after he spins in circles.  So don't judge me when I help him learn what each letter says, but I don't correct him when he tells me that he saved my hair tie from "going down the dream" or when he asks "where the water castle (aka fountain) is."  And the other day, I just smiled when he proudly announced, "I know where the alligator is!" as he lead the way to elevator.  I am a huge faun of learning, but I am also just as passionate about letting them stay little.

If I have learned one thing this year, it is how much I need to learn!  Homeschooling has not only helped me get to know my boys' strength and weaknesses, but it has really highlighted my own.  Talk about humbling!  For example, I am not as patient as I use to considered myself to be.  After teaching swimming for over a decade, I once might have listed patience as one of my strengths...and then I had my own children.  It is funny how the people you love like no one else, are also the ones who can push your buttons like no one else.  I realized that for my sake and for the happiness of my family, I needed to follow the council found in the Book of Ether:  And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27)  So, through lots of prayer, scripture study, and some amazing conference talks...I am making progress.   I have learned that patience really is the foundation for a Christ like life, but the trick is, acquiring patience takes patience...I am sure it will be something I will strive and work for each day.  

It is difficult to say who is benefiting the most from homeschool, but it is my humble prayer that we are all growing together as a family.  And that as we learn, each day, we are not only acquiring knowledge but wisdom through the Lord.