I had a really great Mother's Day this year! :) Brenna was so sweet this morning and very quietly said "Mommy" to wake me up. As I slowly opened my eyes there was her sweet little face about 6 inches from mine and she had the cutest little grin as she whispered, "Happy Mother's Day Mommy!". It was very sweet and such a great way to wake up. I then received breakfast in bed (cereal and coffee! :) with cards and gifts from both Brendon and Brenna. I actually got to lay in bed and watch one of my shows for about an hour, which rarely happens! It was very nice! The rest of the day was pretty relaxing too with a bar-b-que at my Aunt's house.
Tonight Brendon is giving Brenna her bath and reading books to her..... and me -- I get to take it easy! :) I love Mother's Day! hehe
I hope all the mothers reading this had a wonderful Mother's Day too!!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
What about socialization? (from another angle)
Two women meet at a playground, where their children are swinging and playing ball. The women are sitting on a bench watching. Eventually, they begin to talk.
W1: Hi. My name is Maggie. My kids are the three in red shirts - helps me keep track of them.
W2: (Smiles) I'm Terri. Mine are in the pink and yellow shirts. Do you come here a lot?
W1: Usually two or three times a week, after we go to the library.
W2: Wow. Where do you find the time?
W1: We home school, so we do it during the day most of the time.
W2: Some of my neighbours home school, but I send my kids to public school.
W1: How do you do it?
W2: It's not easy. I go to all the PTO meetings and work with the kids everyday after school and stay real involved.
W1: But what about socialization? Aren't you worried about them being cooped up all day with kids their own ages, never getting the opportunity for natural relationships?
W2: Well, yes. But I work hard to balance that. They have some friends who're home schooled, and we visit their grandparents almost every month.
W1: Sounds like you're a very dedicated mom. But don't you worry about all the opportunities they're missing out on? I mean they're so isolated from real life -- how will they know what the world is like -- what people do to make a living -- how to get along with all different kinds of people?
W2: Oh, we discussed that at PTO, and we started a fund to bring real people into the classrooms. Last month, we had a policeman and a doctor come in to talk to every class. And next month, we're having a woman from Japan and a man from Kenya come to speak.
W1: Oh, we met a man from Japan in the grocery store the other week, and he got to talking about his childhood in Tokyo. My kids were absolutely fascinated. We invited him to dinner and got to meet his wife and their three children.
W2: That's nice. Hmm. Maybe we should plan some Japanese food for the lunch room on Multicultural Day.
W1: Maybe your Japanese guest could eat with the children.
W2: Oh, no. She's on a very tight schedule. She has two other schools to visit that day. It's a system-wide thing we're doing.
W1: Oh, I'm sorry. Well, maybe you'll meet someone interesting in the grocery store sometime and you'll end up having them over for dinner.
W2: I don't think so. I never talk to people in the store -- certainly not people who might not even speak my language. What if that Japanese man hadn't spoken English?
W1: To tell you the truth, I never had time to think about it. Before I even saw him, my six-year-old had asked him what he was going to do with all the oranges he was buying.
W2: Your child talks to strangers?
W1: I was right there with him. He knows that as long as he's with me, he can talk to anyone he wishes.
W2: But you're developing dangerous habits in him. My children never talk to strangers.
W1: Not even when they're with you?
W2: They're never with me, except at home after school. So you see why it's so important for them to understand that talking to strangers is a big no-no.
W1: Yes, I do. But if they were with you, they could get to meet interesting people and still be safe. They'd get a taste of the real world, in real settings. They'd also get a real feel for how to tell when a situation is dangerous or suspicious.
W2: They'll get that in the third and fifth grades in their health courses.
W1: Well, I can tell you're a very caring mom. Let me give you my number--if you ever want to talk, give me call. It was good to meet you.
--Author unknown
W1: Hi. My name is Maggie. My kids are the three in red shirts - helps me keep track of them.
W2: (Smiles) I'm Terri. Mine are in the pink and yellow shirts. Do you come here a lot?
W1: Usually two or three times a week, after we go to the library.
W2: Wow. Where do you find the time?
W1: We home school, so we do it during the day most of the time.
W2: Some of my neighbours home school, but I send my kids to public school.
W1: How do you do it?
W2: It's not easy. I go to all the PTO meetings and work with the kids everyday after school and stay real involved.
W1: But what about socialization? Aren't you worried about them being cooped up all day with kids their own ages, never getting the opportunity for natural relationships?
W2: Well, yes. But I work hard to balance that. They have some friends who're home schooled, and we visit their grandparents almost every month.
W1: Sounds like you're a very dedicated mom. But don't you worry about all the opportunities they're missing out on? I mean they're so isolated from real life -- how will they know what the world is like -- what people do to make a living -- how to get along with all different kinds of people?
W2: Oh, we discussed that at PTO, and we started a fund to bring real people into the classrooms. Last month, we had a policeman and a doctor come in to talk to every class. And next month, we're having a woman from Japan and a man from Kenya come to speak.
W1: Oh, we met a man from Japan in the grocery store the other week, and he got to talking about his childhood in Tokyo. My kids were absolutely fascinated. We invited him to dinner and got to meet his wife and their three children.
W2: That's nice. Hmm. Maybe we should plan some Japanese food for the lunch room on Multicultural Day.
W1: Maybe your Japanese guest could eat with the children.
W2: Oh, no. She's on a very tight schedule. She has two other schools to visit that day. It's a system-wide thing we're doing.
W1: Oh, I'm sorry. Well, maybe you'll meet someone interesting in the grocery store sometime and you'll end up having them over for dinner.
W2: I don't think so. I never talk to people in the store -- certainly not people who might not even speak my language. What if that Japanese man hadn't spoken English?
W1: To tell you the truth, I never had time to think about it. Before I even saw him, my six-year-old had asked him what he was going to do with all the oranges he was buying.
W2: Your child talks to strangers?
W1: I was right there with him. He knows that as long as he's with me, he can talk to anyone he wishes.
W2: But you're developing dangerous habits in him. My children never talk to strangers.
W1: Not even when they're with you?
W2: They're never with me, except at home after school. So you see why it's so important for them to understand that talking to strangers is a big no-no.
W1: Yes, I do. But if they were with you, they could get to meet interesting people and still be safe. They'd get a taste of the real world, in real settings. They'd also get a real feel for how to tell when a situation is dangerous or suspicious.
W2: They'll get that in the third and fifth grades in their health courses.
W1: Well, I can tell you're a very caring mom. Let me give you my number--if you ever want to talk, give me call. It was good to meet you.
--Author unknown
Thursday, May 10, 2007
It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Super Mom!!
So here are a lot of things I have been hearing lately....
"Oh I could never home school - I don't have enough patience."
"You're so brave, I just could not do that."
"I would love to home school but I really need a break from my kids!"
"I am just not capable of doing that."
And then there is the look of total bewilderment that almost makes me want to laugh. One person even had the audacity to tell me to my face that I was completely crazy and proceeded to follow that comment with a huge, dramatic eye-roll. That one made me a little mad but what can you do.
To be honest, I didn't think I was capable or had the patience to home school Brenna. It wasn't until I started reading about public schools vs. homeschooling that I decided that I had to do what I had to do and if that meant mustering up enough patience to home school then so be it. Yes I was looking forward to her going off to Kindergarten and having a "break" and catching up on stuff like scrap booking but there are other ways that I can get "me time" - that's what family is for. HAHA! :) But seriously, to me it is completely selfish to not home school Brenna just because I will not get a lot of time to myself. I will have plenty of that once Brenna grows up and leaves the house and then I will probably wish that she was still here.
I am not some perfect Mom who doesn't yell or get upset - I lose my patience with Brenna just like any other parent. It doesn't take a "Super Mom" to home school and I don't want people thinking I am anything like that. I am just a regular Mom like anybody who wants what's best for their child. It is a personal choice that Brendon and I have made. I don't expect anybody to do what we have chosen to do and I don't look down on people who send their children to school.
I know what we have picked is not the norm in today's society (even though it is becoming more and more acceptable). I have heard from a lot of seasoned home school Moms that the negative comments and weird looks are not going to stop. People are going to scrutinize you when they find out that YOU are teaching your child instead of a "certified teacher". In fact, I got my first taste of it just the other day. I misspelled a word on one of my posts here and somebody left a nasty comment about it and said that they hope my daughter gets a better education then I did. (chuckle) Who in the world has never misspelled a word?! That just baffled me that somebody could judge what kind of teacher I am going to be to my child just from a typo I made. (sigh) I guess I have to learn to just let things roll off my back.
Well I had better get off my soap box now - Brenna and I have a play date! :)
"Oh I could never home school - I don't have enough patience."
"You're so brave, I just could not do that."
"I would love to home school but I really need a break from my kids!"
"I am just not capable of doing that."
And then there is the look of total bewilderment that almost makes me want to laugh. One person even had the audacity to tell me to my face that I was completely crazy and proceeded to follow that comment with a huge, dramatic eye-roll. That one made me a little mad but what can you do.
To be honest, I didn't think I was capable or had the patience to home school Brenna. It wasn't until I started reading about public schools vs. homeschooling that I decided that I had to do what I had to do and if that meant mustering up enough patience to home school then so be it. Yes I was looking forward to her going off to Kindergarten and having a "break" and catching up on stuff like scrap booking but there are other ways that I can get "me time" - that's what family is for. HAHA! :) But seriously, to me it is completely selfish to not home school Brenna just because I will not get a lot of time to myself. I will have plenty of that once Brenna grows up and leaves the house and then I will probably wish that she was still here.
I am not some perfect Mom who doesn't yell or get upset - I lose my patience with Brenna just like any other parent. It doesn't take a "Super Mom" to home school and I don't want people thinking I am anything like that. I am just a regular Mom like anybody who wants what's best for their child. It is a personal choice that Brendon and I have made. I don't expect anybody to do what we have chosen to do and I don't look down on people who send their children to school.
I know what we have picked is not the norm in today's society (even though it is becoming more and more acceptable). I have heard from a lot of seasoned home school Moms that the negative comments and weird looks are not going to stop. People are going to scrutinize you when they find out that YOU are teaching your child instead of a "certified teacher". In fact, I got my first taste of it just the other day. I misspelled a word on one of my posts here and somebody left a nasty comment about it and said that they hope my daughter gets a better education then I did. (chuckle) Who in the world has never misspelled a word?! That just baffled me that somebody could judge what kind of teacher I am going to be to my child just from a typo I made. (sigh) I guess I have to learn to just let things roll off my back.
Well I had better get off my soap box now - Brenna and I have a play date! :)
Monday, May 07, 2007
Big Day at Dance/Gym Class
Today was Brenna's last day for her dance class before the big recital. They were awarded medals and the parents got to go into the classrooms and take pictures. Her recital will be May 20th and I am really looking forward to that. I think I will be one of those Moms who is going to sit there with tears running down her face seeing her little 'baby' on a big stage doing a darling little dance.She was so proud of her medals and wanted to go straight to Grandma and Grandpa's to show them off, which is what we did of course.
She wants to do gymnastics again this summer and then we will start in the Fall with the dance and gym combo class again. She made some great friends (and so did I!) in her dance class so I am hoping that we see them again next Fall.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Reasons Why I Want to Homeschool
This is a list I recently made of some of the reasons why I want to homeschool Brenna. I guess I wrote it out so I can have something to read whenever a time comes when I wonder why exactly I am doing this or if I really am doing the right thing. Of course these are not ALL the reasons but a nice chunk........
-To stay a close family - homeschooled kids are a lot closer to their parents and siblings.
-I am in control of what kind of socialization Brenna has.
-To teach Brenna real-life things in the world instead of her education consisting of being in a classroom seven hours a day reading and learning out of textbooks.
-It has been, and will continue to be, rewarding for ME as I see her learn and to know that I am the one who is teaching her.
-With Brendon's job hours, if she went to school there might be days that go by that he wouldn't even get to see her.
-To give Brenna a quality education and learn at HER pace instead of a whole classroom's pace.
-Brenna will be "leaving the nest" before we know it and I really want to spend this time with her before it's gone. I will really cherish it later.
-Schools have really become so dangerous now and it scares me (shootings, kidnappings, child molesters...)
-To stay a close family - homeschooled kids are a lot closer to their parents and siblings.
-I am in control of what kind of socialization Brenna has.
-To teach Brenna real-life things in the world instead of her education consisting of being in a classroom seven hours a day reading and learning out of textbooks.
-It has been, and will continue to be, rewarding for ME as I see her learn and to know that I am the one who is teaching her.
-With Brendon's job hours, if she went to school there might be days that go by that he wouldn't even get to see her.
-To give Brenna a quality education and learn at HER pace instead of a whole classroom's pace.
-Brenna will be "leaving the nest" before we know it and I really want to spend this time with her before it's gone. I will really cherish it later.
-Schools have really become so dangerous now and it scares me (shootings, kidnappings, child molesters...)
Saturday, May 05, 2007
And Here We Go....
So I have decided to take on the adventure of Homeschooling! I had never really thought about it before or figured it would be an option - I just thought that Brenna would go to school when she started Kindergarten and that would be that. Everyone else does that, don't they?
So what exactly made me start thinking about it? Brenna started dance class in September '06 and one of the Moms there homeschools both her kids. I really wasn't too interested but asked questions because I was a little curious and was trying to make conversation. I then started reading a little about it on the Internet and the more I read the more I thought, "I really COULD do this!" The more information I got about homeschooling the more I realized that I just could NOT herd my daughter into the public school system. Scared about it? YOU BET! But I have a great support group that consists of my wonderful sister-in-law, Lisa, who is homeschooling her daughter as well, a great friend of mine who is starting the adventure along with me with her daughter and just about everyone else in my family who I have told about this (Thank you ALL by the way!).
Another realization I stumbled on was that I am already a homeschooler. I have been staying at home with Brenna since the day she was born and I tell you what - she is a smart little thing! I have taught her so much already so I figured why mess with something that is working so wonderfully?
I still have so much to prepare for for this upcoming Fall when we will 'officially' start. Brenna is very excited about it and tells everyone "my Mommy is going to homeschool me!" She is excited about taking trips to the library to fill that brain of hers with lots of info and being able to go places like the zoo or a museum to learn things instead of just reading it out of a textbook. How wonderful will THAT be?? To be able to learn things more hands on rather then just sitting in a classroom all day?
A lot of people worry about socialization. That has been the "big question" when it comes to telling certain people about our decision. And believe me, I worried about that too. But what most people don't realize is that kids really don't get to socialize all that much with their peers at school. Most friendships are formed away from school (Girl Scouts, dance class, ect...). You know what I read in the newspaper the other day? They do a "Student of the Day" type thing and these kids they pick answer certain questions. One of the questions is What is your favorite day of the week? This little 1st grader answered "Friday, because that is the day we get to play on the playground." WHAT?! I had heard that schools have cut back on recess time but ONE day a week? That's just crazy. Brenna will have plenty of interaction with other kids of ALL AGES (which is actually better then being stuck in a classroom all day with kids all your own age). We will be joining one of the homeschool groups here, she will continue her dance class and she will also start karate soon and she also wants to be in Girl Scouts. Sounds like a lot huh? Well without the 7 hour a day public school schedule things will be A LOT less hectic and we WILL be able to do all those things.
So exactly how long will I homeschool? I have no idea - I'm just taking it year by year. But I have a feeling that things are going to be wonderful and we will be doing this for quite sometime.
So what exactly made me start thinking about it? Brenna started dance class in September '06 and one of the Moms there homeschools both her kids. I really wasn't too interested but asked questions because I was a little curious and was trying to make conversation. I then started reading a little about it on the Internet and the more I read the more I thought, "I really COULD do this!" The more information I got about homeschooling the more I realized that I just could NOT herd my daughter into the public school system. Scared about it? YOU BET! But I have a great support group that consists of my wonderful sister-in-law, Lisa, who is homeschooling her daughter as well, a great friend of mine who is starting the adventure along with me with her daughter and just about everyone else in my family who I have told about this (Thank you ALL by the way!).
Another realization I stumbled on was that I am already a homeschooler. I have been staying at home with Brenna since the day she was born and I tell you what - she is a smart little thing! I have taught her so much already so I figured why mess with something that is working so wonderfully?
I still have so much to prepare for for this upcoming Fall when we will 'officially' start. Brenna is very excited about it and tells everyone "my Mommy is going to homeschool me!" She is excited about taking trips to the library to fill that brain of hers with lots of info and being able to go places like the zoo or a museum to learn things instead of just reading it out of a textbook. How wonderful will THAT be?? To be able to learn things more hands on rather then just sitting in a classroom all day?
A lot of people worry about socialization. That has been the "big question" when it comes to telling certain people about our decision. And believe me, I worried about that too. But what most people don't realize is that kids really don't get to socialize all that much with their peers at school. Most friendships are formed away from school (Girl Scouts, dance class, ect...). You know what I read in the newspaper the other day? They do a "Student of the Day" type thing and these kids they pick answer certain questions. One of the questions is What is your favorite day of the week? This little 1st grader answered "Friday, because that is the day we get to play on the playground." WHAT?! I had heard that schools have cut back on recess time but ONE day a week? That's just crazy. Brenna will have plenty of interaction with other kids of ALL AGES (which is actually better then being stuck in a classroom all day with kids all your own age). We will be joining one of the homeschool groups here, she will continue her dance class and she will also start karate soon and she also wants to be in Girl Scouts. Sounds like a lot huh? Well without the 7 hour a day public school schedule things will be A LOT less hectic and we WILL be able to do all those things.
So exactly how long will I homeschool? I have no idea - I'm just taking it year by year. But I have a feeling that things are going to be wonderful and we will be doing this for quite sometime.
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