ANYWAY, it seems that I've shared quite a bit about myself and life as I know it over the past years, but many of my readers are new(er). Rather than starting to repeat myself, I thought I'd ask if anyone had any specific questions for me. I know I've missed a few questions in the comments over this past year, so if you've asked and I failed to answer, this is a second chance to get me to respond!
Serious or frivolous, nosey or polite, big or small, it doesn't matter. Ask away. I'll tell you what I know, think, or feel (caveat emptor, and all that). (I know I forgot to answer a question about spelling programs a week or two ago, so I'll start there.) If there aren't any questions, it'll just be business as usual around here. Homeschooling, photography, books, baby girl, crazy boys, and life.
followed you for quite some time. I read back through your schooling, alot. I hope for voracious readers in my boys also, but really I'm hoping they survive each other, to read on a 3rd grade level, no matter what grade the are really in.
ReplyDeleteare there any specific things that your boys argue over (I'm sure they don't fight...) without names is the hiearchy an issue... do you have one specific grain of hopeful advice you wish to pass on to a mom, wrestling with boys.
question 2... perhaps easier. I'm considering seriously CC for next year for my oldest who will be 8 next fall. I am hoping to be more independent next year, but have found he might need more interaction in an environment like CC. Do you find there is a good balance/are the boys challenged/do you still think it's a good choice for you? Thanks!
Great questions, Laura. When you say independent, do you mean not wanting to follow a set schedule or cover specific material? Or wanting your son to work more independently? I just want to make sure I understand where you're coming from.
ReplyDeleteMy question has to do with photography...Specifically, how do you backup your photos? I back up to an external hard drive but keep looking at all of those online storage sites. I just keep thinking if we have a fire I could lose my computer and my backup and my prints all at once. Thoughts? Thank you!
ReplyDeletere: schedule. I'd like to be more motivated 'internally' less externally. Planned but less driven by someone elses agenda. I think we've got the framewor of academic study, but I feel like we're always doing a 'check list'. Less of work or reading based on interest. btw, we follow a classical plan. Cc seems like it will be more of the same, skipping over areas that I want to spend more time on. But perhaps it is more of an opportunity, than a hindrance.
ReplyDeleteNow this may sound funny, but in all serious, do you get to shower every day? I have three (6, 3 and 6 mos), and some days, I don't get a shower. I've stopped feeling bad about it. I brush my teeth, wash my face, comb my hair and move on.
ReplyDeleteI am curious to know how you and your husband arrived at the decision to homeschool, and if your husband has always been on board? Our oldest begins kindergarten next year and my husband is really reluctant to let her homeschool. I am a bit intimidated but really eager to do it. Thanks! Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 4 years! I don't know that I have a burning question (but I'm sure I will once I hit publish) but I thoroughly enjoy reading here. : )
ReplyDelete@K: Laughing only because I have been there! I have three, two boys (ages 8 and 6) and one girl (age 3). There were many days when I didn't get a shower until my husband came home. Just spritz a little perfume and no one will notice ;) Wear a hat if your hair is bothering you and no one will be the wiser!
ReplyDeleteTake heart, the difficult stage of juggling the little ones doesn't last forever. You will survive and you will adapt to your changing family needs :)
oh my gosh...a shower every day?? Are you kidding?? I have five children 8 and under, and my goal is to shower twice a week!! And most the moms I know are the same way...don't feel badly!! The days of being able to indulge in daily showers if a thing of the past, but I wouldn't trade it for my life !!
ReplyDeleteJulie
:) I'll be answering the questions over the next few days. Feel free to continue to add more here in the comments.
ReplyDelete1. How did you meet your husband?
ReplyDelete2. What jobs have you had?
3. Do you like to make supper?
4. Do you give your boys chores? If so, what are they?
I'd love to know a bit more about your homeschooling approach. I am a newer reader and enjoy your blog!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as to how you come up with all your fine arts ideas. You have such fabulous resources, and I wonder when/how you manage to pull it all together!
ReplyDeleteI've been a reader for a couple of years now, and I never fail to be inspired when I stop by!
I also am curious to know about your photo backup procedure. I'm thinking of putting more stuff online that I want to remember about my kids (besides just pictures) in case of a fire or something. A lot of those memories would be gone (funny things they say, etc). I guess you could call it "Backing up their baby books".
ReplyDeleteI also have 3 boys (9, 2, 1) and then a baby girl born Nov 30. I am LOVING your photos of your baby girl (she's so precious!) as it gives me ideas of pictures to take of my girlie. Your blog is great. I've been reading it for a year or so & I very much enjoy it. And we both live in the Pacific NW!
Shanna
Can you tell us your pros and cons of classical education now that you are in it & why you chose it? thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, my question is about your science...that is so not my strong point. It seems you use a lot of Bill Nye, but is there a rhyme and reason to what your studying and when...any SPINE, so to speak, that you are launching from? Thanks so much! Can't wait to hear all the answers!! Julie
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 4 years!! I was wondering if there are any organizational systems that work for you. I can only imagine with homeschooling, family, kids, etc. there is so much stuff to keep track of. Do you have any systems that work well for you? How do you store, rotate, purge all the stuff? Do you have any systems in play for storing the kids stuff, library books, meal planning, family activities, basically anything that has to do with family life or homeschooling? I would love to hear your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to hear more about how you manage your boys. Mine are 2 and 4, and I can't believe how much physical violence I have to nip in the bud already. How have you tried to raise your lads to get along with each other? How do you encourage them to exhaust their aggressive impulses somewhere other than on each other? How much do you step in, and how do you discipline them when a line has been crossed? I figure you must have some wisdom to pass along in this department, or you would have been institutionalized by now. :)
ReplyDelete