Finding our new "normal"

In my life this week…

Life has been nice and slow, kinda, this week.  Jon and I are figuring out how evenings will look now that we are both home at the same time.  Not working has been really nice.  In fact even though it has only been a few weeks I already can't imagine going back, at least not for a while.  

In our homeschool this week…

We have been plugging a way at school.  I'm trying to get a regular routine down before activities, cousins, and field trips start popping up and interrupting.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Merry started All About Spelling near the end of last year, because we were so "on the go." we didn't use the tiles much.  This year I am excited to have a desk for each of the girls which fit the tiles perfectly, at least when I set out the tiles they do.

Merry on the other hand had a bit of trouble keeping her tiles in a straight line.  No matter how careful she was they still managed to get turned sideways and hide under other tiles.  Luckily in my moment of frustration a brilliant idea came to me; I put a piece of tape across her desk for her to line the letter tiles up on.  She has only had the tape for a few days but it is a huge help.  Spelling doesn't take as long, there is less playing with (arranging) tiles and, best of all, she likes having a line on her desk.

So that is my advice, if your kid has trouble with straight lines, put a piece of tape on their desk.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This weekend will be a busy one, we are looking forward to the Oregon State Fair.  Jon's internship is paying him to take pictures of a bridge so we figure we'll take a break from the city and go for a family drive.  And nothing says "Labor Day Weekend" like a family BBQ.  I'm tired (and happy) just thinking about it.  The best part... I'm not working!

My favorite thing this week was…

Starting Latin as a family.  Jon thought my idea of learning something as a family was a good.  We are using "Minimus, Starting out in Latin."  The program is pretty simple and we are taking it slow (we did half of lesson one this week.)  I loved learning Latin in highschool and am happy to be sharing my joy with my family. 

What’s working/not working for us…

What's working is our check lists, I have them divided by subject so if we don't have time to complete a math lesson (it happens) I make sure they have at least done a practice worksheet or flash cards.  And our science books have a 2 days a week suggested schedule that was too intense for my kids, having the check list helps us to get a few things (reading or worksheets or experiment or other) done each day so we stay on track.

What's not working... well there is nothing thats not working but I am seeing a need to be more active.  I am a house bum, book worm and if I'm not carful my kids will be too.  We need to see more of the out doors!

Things I’m working on…

Housework.  Now that I'm not working outside of the home I am trying to work more inside of the home.  Refrigerator needs cleaned, laundry is never caught up and I was sure I just vacuumed.  Housework is a work in progress (like Oregon's Highways, snicker, snicker)

I’m grateful for…

I have so much to be grateful to God for this year.  My husband is out of school and working.  I am able to not be working.  My family is close and care for one another.  Life is not easy but it is good right now and I thank God for that.

I’m praying for…

My mom, She is finishing up the paper work to sell her house.  I pray the bank will accept the offer so she can be done with that hassle.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Charry working on Latin, we made "Quis es?" (Who are you) comics.  Pater (Dad) was even drinking Dr. Pepper and Mater (Mom) had her cell phone and her i-pod.