I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, Homeschool!

We have had so much fun learning hands on!! (Yes, I said "we" because I am learning almost as much as Morgan and Jaden are!) We have been all over the place, but I haven't been posting- so sorry! I have a lot of catching up to do!

In the beginning, Jaden struggled with seatwork. I say this because even if she sat down to do the work in workbooks and things, she did not retain anything she had learned. I revamped their homeschool experience, and all of us have enjoyed it much more. We are doing hands-on as much as possible. It is wild how when Jaden is doing something at the same time learning is taking place, she can tell me all that I said!!

This picture on this post is from the museum we went to and learned about pioneers. Jaden and Morgan asked the curators all kinds of questions, and I could tell their minds were running a mile a minute.

So, I will be posting shortly about some of our fun adventures in life and homeschool. Stay tuned!!

Jaden Turns 6 yeas old!!

Jaden turned 6 on August 5th, 2010. We had fun all day long. Grandma Leslie came by with cake and gifts, and LeCount and I gave Jaden and Morgan a bunch of things. Jaden's gifts from us were fun homeschool things and plenty of crafts and other items so they will always have something fun to do. Grandma Leslie brought clothes for both girls and play food for their kitchen. After celebrating all day long, LeCount and I sat down with Jaden with yet another surprise. We asked her what she would like to eat. She said macaroni and cheese, so we went to Olive Garden. Jaden was on the verge of tears when the staff brought her a cake and sang to her (I was actually crying)! She said it was the best day of her life! I am glad she feels that way because we are so blessed to have her as our daughter!

A Visit with Ronald

Working from home has major advantages!! For one, I can work anywhere there is a wi-fi connection. McDonalds has become a hot spot because the girls can play while I work. I let them stay for an hour or two, and I get an hour or two of work done.

Morgan's Top 4

We were sitting around the dinner table eating chocolate cake. Jaden said, "Mommy, you make the best cake ever!"

Morgan decided to add to what Jaden said and came up with this:

"who makes the best cake? Mommy!

who makes the best maccaroni and cheese? Jaden!

who makes the best toast? Daddy!

who makes the best hugs and kisses? Morgan!"

CareFlight

This is the only time I want to get a good look at the inside of a care flight helicopter!

Keeping the Peace

Coming to a town near you, policewoman Jaden and policewoman Morgan. Watch out because they are siren happy!
This policeman was super-cool. He showed the girls all of the buttons they could push. They even got to talk through the speaker and tell people to pull over. It was hilarious!

Putting out Fires

Like I said there is always something to learn almost everywhere you go! Learning is so much fun! The girls enjoyed checking out the fire truck and seeing how the fire men put out fires. They even had a pretend house with fake fire for the kids to put out with a big hose. Pretty cool! It is events like these that give children ideas for future careers.

There's Always Something to Learn

No matter where you are! At the neurologist's office, the girls enjoy drawing pictures of brains and putting a brain together.

Mother's Day Work

You won't hear from me for awhile. I found a seasonal job that will be taking up about 11 hours every day. When Grandma Leslie can watch the girls, I will just be concentrating on the job. However, on the days she can't help, I will have to do the work plus keep the girls happy. The only thing that keeps me going is that it is only for 1 month or so, and we need the money. It will be a hard month, but it will be worth it when the paycheck comes. It is customer service for Mother's Day flowers orders. I will blog again when the free time is there. Happy Mother's Day every one!

Do NOT Make Morgan Mad!

Morgan is so sweet, but she is a 3 year old afterall- As such, she gets frustrated every now and then with her limitations. This is what happens when she gets frustrated...

Starting from Seeds

We have started some seeds for spring and summer flowers. These should turn out really pretty as soon as they grow some :o) All of the seeds came from an Earth Fest we attended. We want to be a part of making the Earth beautiful!

Saying Goodbye

We went to Grandma Leslie's and Grandpa Lyale's house to bid farewell to Uncle Bryan, Aunt Amy, James and Paige. They are moving to another state. It is sad to see them go, especially now as the kids are now at an age where they enjoy each other's company :(

Jaden and the Snake

Every day I learn something new. Every day I learn at least one new thing about my girls. I took them to another Earth Fest and found out that Jaden likes snakes! Eeeeeeewwwww!

Mother's Day Crafts at Friday School

On the last day of school, I read books about mothers, and the kids made gifts for their mothers. The girls painted ladybug picture frames and the boys painted snail frames. Then, every one made a bracelet out of beads.

I am going to miss my class, and I know Morgan will, too. All of the children will be moving up to the PreK group this fall. I had the option to teach that group. I was going to instead teach the elementary students... However, after more thought, I have decided that we will sit this next school year out.

Instead of going to Friday school, the girls are going to pick an activity or two of something that they would like to learn to do at the community center. There are all kinds of classes. Morgan really wants to play soccer, so that may be one of her classes. Jaden loves art, so she might have some kind of art class.

Drawing at Friday School

At the Friday School showcase, the drawing teacher displayed 1 drawing of each child. Jaden had one of her practice sheets up. Just like "open house" in public school, all of the kids were proud to show off what they had been doing this semester to their parents, grandparents, etc.

Woodworking at Friday School

The Spring 2010 semester has come to an end, and we went to the Friday School showcase. Jaden got to show off the different items she has made this semester in woodworking. The most fun one is the game above that she made as the very last thing in class. I think she is going to miss this class- Especially since we aren't returning next semester.

Little Entrepenuers

You have to stick your tongue out when you pour lemonade or you will spill it! LOL!

The girls wanted to have a lemonade stand... So, I decided it was time for a garage sale. I did the garage sale while they sold lemonade and muffins. They sold quite a bit of lemonade in the morning, but the afternoon was pretty empty. When people stopped buying lemonade, they got bored with the idea and went on to something else!

The Carousel at the Zoo

Jaden had been on a carousel once at the fair when she was only 2 years old, so of course, she does not remember it. Morgan has never been on one, and I was anxious to see how she would resond because fake animals scare her. As you can see, she had fun and wasn't scared at all. James was on a horse right next Jaden. Aunt amy had to stand next to James, and I had to stand next to Morgan because they were too short to ride alone. It was a great way to wrap up our zoo adventure!

Checking Out the Animals at the Zoo

Fun times at the zoo!