Today we left the country of Mexico and headed North to Canada. I had a Pastor from Canada who informed me years ago that Canadians don't understand why they learn American history and geography and yet we learn very little about Canada. Keeping that in mind we learned some really cool Canadian facts today:
1. Almost half of the freshwater in the world is found in Canada.
2. It is the 2nd largest country in the world.
3. Water makes up most of the countries area.
4. National motto is "from sea to sea" which refers to: Atlantic coast to Pacific to Arctic.
5. We also learned a Canadian song: Going over the Sea and we had fun singing all 10 verses of the song. It's very cute.
6. There are rumored to be more than a million lakes, streams but no one has ever counted them.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
One More Day
I get xrays tomorrow of my foot and I am really hoping I am out of this brace. It;s been a really tough 6 weeks as my schedule really hasn't lightened too much. I think it may have even gotten a little heavier. I can handle the boot better in spring when I am expecting it. My nemesis this foot! Part genetics, part pointe shoe.
So, it's 2am (isn't that a Edwin McCain song) and I'm stressing over the results. Well, kinda. I went to the Dr.'s October 5th expecting to get a shot so I wasn't ready for this, especially since I've never broken a bone.
So, it's 2am (isn't that a Edwin McCain song) and I'm stressing over the results. Well, kinda. I went to the Dr.'s October 5th expecting to get a shot so I wasn't ready for this, especially since I've never broken a bone.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tired and Cranky
I have to begin by say how exhausting this brace is on my foot. Especially now with the days of rain coming and walking on tile after makes it very slippery. I see myself getting crankier and crankier which is just not cool.
My house, don't get me started. Mike works a lot and there is only so much he can do, but, for me, I just get annoyed when I can't find things and do things for myself.
Now comes the next problem. We return to co-op on Monday and the thought makes me cringe. I keep hearing Doctors orders of staying off this foot as much as possible and co-op is huge. Going to the bathroom will take me about 20 mins. Not to mention all the lugging of teaching materials.
Good thing though, I had an insight into what next semester will be and have decided to only teach one class instead of 2. I love my World War II history class on the 101st Airborne, but there are so many books that I have to bring and with another surgery pending (and they will have to break my toe to reset it) I will be back in the same boat. Lots and Lots of walking that I shouldn't be doing.
Can you tell I am beyond frustrated with this stupid boot and foot? I really am. If I throw in how slippery on tile this thing is when it rains I could scream as we are in for a few more days of rain. Found the slippery out last night at 7-11 when I almost took a header. It's just exhausting!
My house, don't get me started. Mike works a lot and there is only so much he can do, but, for me, I just get annoyed when I can't find things and do things for myself.
Now comes the next problem. We return to co-op on Monday and the thought makes me cringe. I keep hearing Doctors orders of staying off this foot as much as possible and co-op is huge. Going to the bathroom will take me about 20 mins. Not to mention all the lugging of teaching materials.
Good thing though, I had an insight into what next semester will be and have decided to only teach one class instead of 2. I love my World War II history class on the 101st Airborne, but there are so many books that I have to bring and with another surgery pending (and they will have to break my toe to reset it) I will be back in the same boat. Lots and Lots of walking that I shouldn't be doing.
Can you tell I am beyond frustrated with this stupid boot and foot? I really am. If I throw in how slippery on tile this thing is when it rains I could scream as we are in for a few more days of rain. Found the slippery out last night at 7-11 when I almost took a header. It's just exhausting!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Awesome Trip and back to reality
Back to reality. Though everyone is still asleep since we got in at 3am.
Pittsburgh was awesome as always. Getting to be with my fans for two games is incredible. I was so upset to leave, but, since we've been going out there for 14 years now I know we'll be back.
The music of course was great. Sermon got me thinking, exactly what it was supposed to do. I'll miss being there.
The ride home wasn't as bad as I expected. We watched movies and I learned one of my daughter's movies is not approriate for her age. So, I guess I'll be hiding that one for about 10 years :O). Funny movie though, just not for Jana. I'm sure she doesn't get it.
I posted a ton of pictures on facebook. I miss the mountains already.
Being with my fans for two games was the best! I haven't been out for games in a very long time. I started to re-watch the game last night on the DVR. I'll finish it tonight after the Devils/Flyers game.
All stocked up on new Pittsburgh gear! License plate holder and sticker for the truck, new hoodies and shirts. It was nice running to Target and not buying things on Ebay, though I am still getting my new jacket with the 3 cups on it.
The city is all Black and Gold on Sunday's. Even at Eat n Park. Totally cool. We passed the Steelers game on the way out. We waited for traffic to clear.
Another thing my daughter even noticed is how nice everyone is out there. She commented on it a few times. Dinners aren't rushed and traffic may back up but not like here in Jersey.
We loved the mountains and I miss them already!
Pittsburgh was awesome as always. Getting to be with my fans for two games is incredible. I was so upset to leave, but, since we've been going out there for 14 years now I know we'll be back.
The music of course was great. Sermon got me thinking, exactly what it was supposed to do. I'll miss being there.
The ride home wasn't as bad as I expected. We watched movies and I learned one of my daughter's movies is not approriate for her age. So, I guess I'll be hiding that one for about 10 years :O). Funny movie though, just not for Jana. I'm sure she doesn't get it.
I posted a ton of pictures on facebook. I miss the mountains already.
Being with my fans for two games was the best! I haven't been out for games in a very long time. I started to re-watch the game last night on the DVR. I'll finish it tonight after the Devils/Flyers game.
All stocked up on new Pittsburgh gear! License plate holder and sticker for the truck, new hoodies and shirts. It was nice running to Target and not buying things on Ebay, though I am still getting my new jacket with the 3 cups on it.
The city is all Black and Gold on Sunday's. Even at Eat n Park. Totally cool. We passed the Steelers game on the way out. We waited for traffic to clear.
Another thing my daughter even noticed is how nice everyone is out there. She commented on it a few times. Dinners aren't rushed and traffic may back up but not like here in Jersey.
We loved the mountains and I miss them already!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Jana's First Lessons with a Broadway Performer.......Mr. Jeff Shade
Despite the longest day yesterday in the history of our dance life (well Jana's anyway) Jana had a great time with Jeff Shade from Broadway in NYC. She took three class', Tap/Jazz/ and Musical Theatre. That was her first taste of musical theatre. Mr. Shade's energy was incredible! I think the girls on Team MSDS were all encouraged yesterday.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Time for a Break
I could see that Jana was not in the mood for school today. We've both been fighting our allergies (I had to cancel a field trip Tuesday to the local nature center because the woods is the last place we need to be right now). She just seemed tired, and honestly I was pretty tired too. We've both been maxed just about on allergy medicine.
So we finished our Bible and then did some math work for a half hour. After that, we got a chance to do something we don't always have a chance to do, get down on the floor and play. We are always running here or there, we just needed a little break. This is after all why I decided to school through July, gives us more chances to have days like today.
That being said, Jana has really come along with her math skills of late. I've been very proud of her, almost like the light just went on and now she is finally getting it. No more whining over math (that seems to come with handwriting which is very new this year).
As for handwriting, I enrolled her in a penpal club and she is now exchanging letters with a little homeschooled girl in Vermont. She loved getting the first letter and has plans to buy her postcards as we travel across Pennsylvania next week. That's a low maintenance and fun way to encourage her to keep writing. She's very excited to do that. They are both the same age. She should have fun with this, especially as the holidays get closer. She did a great job with her first letter and I am proud to say that her penpal will be able to read her letter.
So we finish up the week and then have a few days next week and then we are off on a long overdue vacation.
So we finished our Bible and then did some math work for a half hour. After that, we got a chance to do something we don't always have a chance to do, get down on the floor and play. We are always running here or there, we just needed a little break. This is after all why I decided to school through July, gives us more chances to have days like today.
That being said, Jana has really come along with her math skills of late. I've been very proud of her, almost like the light just went on and now she is finally getting it. No more whining over math (that seems to come with handwriting which is very new this year).
As for handwriting, I enrolled her in a penpal club and she is now exchanging letters with a little homeschooled girl in Vermont. She loved getting the first letter and has plans to buy her postcards as we travel across Pennsylvania next week. That's a low maintenance and fun way to encourage her to keep writing. She's very excited to do that. They are both the same age. She should have fun with this, especially as the holidays get closer. She did a great job with her first letter and I am proud to say that her penpal will be able to read her letter.
So we finish up the week and then have a few days next week and then we are off on a long overdue vacation.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Monday, September 21, 2009
Another Week Down at Co-op
I survived week 2 of Living Water Enrichment, also know as co-op. I think things went better this week than last week. My helpers are great. I teach two class', grammar and geography. Grammar is not one of my favorite subjects but I am good at it. Geography is definitely one of my favorites. We are using a Evan Moore curriculum that is fun for 1-3 grade children. Not just facts, facts, and more facts, that children find very boring.
My favorite of geography is when we do our 7 continents study, Every time I hear that I hear the 7 Continents Song sung to Row Row Row Your Boat:
Seven continents on the globe, count them now with me.
North America, South America, Africa makes three.
Europe Asia, Australia, are three more I know.
Don't forget Antarctica, that's seven way to go!
Jana still loves to sing that song.
Since we are at co-op today we just do math when we get home. Jana seems to be doing much better by doing more. Someone also showed me a great website by Khan that someone sent me.
Jana is in Chess, I am about to start cleaning up and getting ready to go. Just wanted to drop down my thoughts before I forgot to.
My favorite of geography is when we do our 7 continents study, Every time I hear that I hear the 7 Continents Song sung to Row Row Row Your Boat:
Seven continents on the globe, count them now with me.
North America, South America, Africa makes three.
Europe Asia, Australia, are three more I know.
Don't forget Antarctica, that's seven way to go!
Jana still loves to sing that song.
Since we are at co-op today we just do math when we get home. Jana seems to be doing much better by doing more. Someone also showed me a great website by Khan that someone sent me.
Jana is in Chess, I am about to start cleaning up and getting ready to go. Just wanted to drop down my thoughts before I forgot to.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Homeschooling Is Becooming More Popular for So Many Reasons
Of course I am sitting at rehearsal on a Sunday afternoon. I led Worship this morning at Edgely. First time for me being there in the morning and the first time I've played in a very long time.
Cool thing happened today is that I am learning that so many people are turning to homeschooling. I know of 3 other homeschoolers here at Jana's studio in Northeast Philly despite Pennsylvania being a harder state to homeschool in. New Jersey is quite the opposite.
From what I hear there are many reasons that people are turning to homeschooling:
1. Bullying is really a big issues. I've seen a big difference myself from homeschooled to public schooled children. Not that homeschooled kids are angels all the time, believe me there are issues at co-op as well, but, it is different and resolved much quicker.
2. Parents taking control of their children's education.
3. The new one I've heard today is the amount of work given to children in public schools. Not that homeschoolers don't work hard, because they definitely do, but we work at a different pace.
So whatever the reason, I am really glad to see people taking the road that we have taken. I cannot see our life any other way.
Almost time for me to dance. I guess I'm done blogging for now.
Cool thing happened today is that I am learning that so many people are turning to homeschooling. I know of 3 other homeschoolers here at Jana's studio in Northeast Philly despite Pennsylvania being a harder state to homeschool in. New Jersey is quite the opposite.
From what I hear there are many reasons that people are turning to homeschooling:
1. Bullying is really a big issues. I've seen a big difference myself from homeschooled to public schooled children. Not that homeschooled kids are angels all the time, believe me there are issues at co-op as well, but, it is different and resolved much quicker.
2. Parents taking control of their children's education.
3. The new one I've heard today is the amount of work given to children in public schools. Not that homeschoolers don't work hard, because they definitely do, but we work at a different pace.
So whatever the reason, I am really glad to see people taking the road that we have taken. I cannot see our life any other way.
Almost time for me to dance. I guess I'm done blogging for now.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Another Homeschooling Day
I've been having so many people talk to me lately about homeschooling. I am not sure what the reasons are nor do I ask but when people do ask me I certainly tell them my reasons. If they have any relationship with God I can use the simple and truthful reason, "it's what God has lead me to do" but if not, I simply tell them that my values and moral code is what I want implanted in my daughter and it is not flexible, nor is it negotiable. I know what I believe is right. But, I'm afraid I am away from my point here. Homeschooling works. I get a kick out of the people who ask about "socialization". Are you kidding me? Homeschooling in the year 2009 has no problems with that as my daughter dances 6 days a week, and also gymnastics, tennis, softball, and I could go on. Not to mention the field trips and things we homeschoolers do as a community.
We spent the night with our homeschool family at a baseball game. Jana had a blast with her friends and I have to admit, I even loosened up a little and lead the kids in a "Cotton Eyed Joe" dance. Not exactly easy for me despite the fact that I am performer. I tend to be quite the introvert in public. I've never figured that one out myself. Seriously.
But....back to my point....homeschooling works. It may not be the norm, and it certainly isn't for everyone. I never thought I would homeschool. Never. Thought I would drop J off at school and go back to sleep. I could picture it. Yet here I am...year 5 of homeschooling and not seeing life any other way.
So in a way, questions are good. It helps others to understand. I sometimes get defensive (and with very good reason being surrounded by public school teachers quite often) with my answers and that's something I have to work on. It just annoys me more often than not.....I mean, do I question public school kids on what they learned in school that day? Nope, not my place, but you know how it is with double standards.
Our co-op has seriously grown this year. I was very surprised to pull in the parking lot and be forced to park on the grass because there was no spots left. We do not go to a small church, it's pretty big with many additions and nooks for more rooms. My classes are bursting and I've been adding on all week. It's wonderful to see people step up and take the responsiblity of their children's education and upbringing. Too many parents just don't care or don't have time. It's quite disturbing.
So, to some of the questions we can clear up:
1. How do I know what to do? There's this wonderful thing called the internet......I buy her curriculum. Granted in PreK I pieced stuff together when not using Five in a Row but we are now in 3rd. That changed quickly. We use a curriculum called My Father's World since Kindergarten.
2, Is it legal.....well DUH. Am I in jail? Logic always prevails people. ALWAYS.
3. Is it hard? I've never known many things in life that are worthwhile not to take some difficulty or time. Wasn't it hard to ride a bike? But you did it. Same theory applies here.
4. Am I worried about socialization? Ummmm, take a look at my daughter's calendar or the number of kids at her birthday parties, or the parties we go to and then ask me that question. Besides, aren't their kids in public school who are anti-social? I believe the answer to that is yes.
5. Am I worried about college? Absolutely not! Ask the high schoolers in our co-op that question and please be ready to grab your dictionary.
6. What about sports? Many schools now open their doors for hs'ers to be a part of. Our local Christian school does. There are also homeschool only leagues out there. I feel bad sometimes when we are playing softball in the ball field across from a school. Hey our work is usually done by that time so we go play. We work at our pace, not a general pace for 20+ kids.
7. Is it legal? Am I in jail (I know i am repeating but you wouldn't believe the people who ask me that silly question).
8. OK, I just threw in the number because I am OCD and have even number requirements.
So there's another glance in the life of a homeschooling family. Not exciting, but busy.
We love it.
We spent the night with our homeschool family at a baseball game. Jana had a blast with her friends and I have to admit, I even loosened up a little and lead the kids in a "Cotton Eyed Joe" dance. Not exactly easy for me despite the fact that I am performer. I tend to be quite the introvert in public. I've never figured that one out myself. Seriously.
But....back to my point....homeschooling works. It may not be the norm, and it certainly isn't for everyone. I never thought I would homeschool. Never. Thought I would drop J off at school and go back to sleep. I could picture it. Yet here I am...year 5 of homeschooling and not seeing life any other way.
So in a way, questions are good. It helps others to understand. I sometimes get defensive (and with very good reason being surrounded by public school teachers quite often) with my answers and that's something I have to work on. It just annoys me more often than not.....I mean, do I question public school kids on what they learned in school that day? Nope, not my place, but you know how it is with double standards.
Our co-op has seriously grown this year. I was very surprised to pull in the parking lot and be forced to park on the grass because there was no spots left. We do not go to a small church, it's pretty big with many additions and nooks for more rooms. My classes are bursting and I've been adding on all week. It's wonderful to see people step up and take the responsiblity of their children's education and upbringing. Too many parents just don't care or don't have time. It's quite disturbing.
So, to some of the questions we can clear up:
1. How do I know what to do? There's this wonderful thing called the internet......I buy her curriculum. Granted in PreK I pieced stuff together when not using Five in a Row but we are now in 3rd. That changed quickly. We use a curriculum called My Father's World since Kindergarten.
2, Is it legal.....well DUH. Am I in jail? Logic always prevails people. ALWAYS.
3. Is it hard? I've never known many things in life that are worthwhile not to take some difficulty or time. Wasn't it hard to ride a bike? But you did it. Same theory applies here.
4. Am I worried about socialization? Ummmm, take a look at my daughter's calendar or the number of kids at her birthday parties, or the parties we go to and then ask me that question. Besides, aren't their kids in public school who are anti-social? I believe the answer to that is yes.
5. Am I worried about college? Absolutely not! Ask the high schoolers in our co-op that question and please be ready to grab your dictionary.
6. What about sports? Many schools now open their doors for hs'ers to be a part of. Our local Christian school does. There are also homeschool only leagues out there. I feel bad sometimes when we are playing softball in the ball field across from a school. Hey our work is usually done by that time so we go play. We work at our pace, not a general pace for 20+ kids.
7. Is it legal? Am I in jail (I know i am repeating but you wouldn't believe the people who ask me that silly question).
8. OK, I just threw in the number because I am OCD and have even number requirements.
So there's another glance in the life of a homeschooling family. Not exciting, but busy.
We love it.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
I'm a nightowl
The world needs balance right? Well I am the balance to all you morning people. I love to be up at night. I love the quiet, stillness, just everything about it. I don't totally understand it myself but from what I hear most musicians are night people. Good to know.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Addicted to Facebook
I admit it. I am addicted to Facebook but one thing I really miss without missing My Space and all that comes with it is blogging so I started a blog here. I am a Christian Homeschooling mommy with a very very busy little girl to go along with my own crazy and active life as a musician. Looking forward to sharing my thoughts again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
