Currently Using for Sixth Grade

Horizons Math (5th) - Finishing this one up now.

Horizons Math (6th) - Will be starting on this in a few months.

Building Spelling Skills - 6

Studying God's Word - G

Story of the Middle Ages

Observing God's World

God's Gift of Language - C

Children of the Covered Wagon

Currently Using for Second Grade

Horizons Math - 2nd grade

Building Spelling Skills - Grade 2

Adventures in Phonics - Level C

Christian Liberty Nature Reader - 2

Studying God's Word - C

Abeka Language - 2

Currently Using for Kindergarten

Some have asked what we are using for school this year and what we plan to use next year.  Here is everything with links, so you can see exactly what it is.  I also have pictures I took of most all of it on other posts.

Horizons Math (K)

Adventures in Phonics Level A

Phonics Readers (K)

Christian Liberty Nature Reader (K)

Trottino's Tale

Big Kindergarten Workbook

Big Preschool Activity Workbook

Lemonade

The kids wanted to make homemade lemonade. 

It was delicious! 

We followed a recipe that I found online,

but it needed way more water than it called for.

When you are done with the lemons,

you can put them down your garbage disposal to freshen it up! :)

Sunrise Of Your Smile

HANDWRITING AND MORE

Preschool book for our 5 year old. 

Mazes and dot-to-dots help with early reading and writing skills.

Inside the book.

Our 7 year old's handwriting book.

Inside of the book.

Our 5 year old doing his Horizons K math.

HISTORY

Our 11 year old's 6th grade history book.

Christian Liberty Press

There are 12 chapters, so she is doing one per month.

SCIENCE

Our 6th grader's Abeka Science book.  She really loves it.

This is our 2nd year and we plan to keep using it.

BIBLE

This is our Bible curriculum.  We really love it. 

This is our second year using Christian Liberty Press - Studying God's Word

This is the 6th grade book.

This is the 2nd grade book.

PHONICS

These are the books we are using for phonics right now for our 5 and 7 year olds.

Christian Liberty Press

This is the book we are using for our 2nd grader.

Her folder where we keep the loose papers.

This is the book my Kindergartener is using now.

SPELLING

Here is the spelling curriculum that our girls use.

Christian Liberty Press

6th grade (for our 11 year old)

2nd grade for our 7 year old.

GRAMMAR

I thought I would share the grammar we use for the girls.

We love Abeka's language.  This is the 6th grade book that my 11 year old uses.

Her folder for the pages.

This is the Abeka language book that my 7 year old is using.  This is her first year using grammar.

This book is WONDERFUL!

Her folder for the pages.

Dictionary and Thesaurus.  Essentials for grammar!

MATH

I thought I would share the math we use. We love Horizons math and all 3 children are using it this year.

There are 2 workbooks for each grade.  Here is what they look like inside.  Very colorful and exciting.  My kids love them.  This is the 5th grade book my 11 year old is in.

We remove the pages a few at a time and put them on the right.  When she finishes a page, she puts it on the left of her folder for me to grade.  If she needs to make corrections, I put it back on the right side.  Once she makes her corrections, she puts back on the left for me to check again.  It's a nice way to keep up with it and works for us.

This is the 2nd grade book that my 7 year old is in now.  A view inside of the book.  As you can see, also very colorful.  All the Horizons math books are like this from K-6th.

My 7 year old's folder for math.  Same system as above.

The math book that my 5 year old is using now.  He's learning a lot already.  You can see the inside here as well.  Beautiful pictures to keep him interested!

Saying goodbye to a friend

Christiana's mouse, Nibbles has been ill for a while with a tumor. It finally got to be too much, so we put her to sleep this evening. She died right about midnight. I had no idea I would be so upset about it. We plan to bury her in the yard on Friday. She's the gray mouse on the right. Spot is the white and brown one. She's sick, but is ok for now.

A new school year

It's a new school year, thought we really never stopped from last year. As we finished books, we started new ones. I need to change my curriculum list on the side to match what we are actually doing now. I think most of those are the old books.

Been a while since I updated. Been using facebook more than this blog lately and made lots of new friends on there. Hope to update here more often.

Weekend

I didn't post all weekend as you can see.  WHY?  I was crazy busy.  Well, crazy busy for ME.  Most people would have said it was a nice relaxing weekend.

Friday, dh got another seat for our van at a salvage yard.  $40 for a 98, but we have an 02.  He had to modify it, but that's no problem for that genius husband of mine.  He took it into work and actually improved it.  He's a machinist and so creative.  He came back home, installed it and put all the car seats and boosters in.  We only have 1 child that is not using a seat, so that was a chore.  I think this seating arrangement is going to work well (for now).

What else happened on Friday? I forget...that was top on my mind all day.

Saturday we went to my dad's cabin/pond for a birthday party.  All the May birthdays (6) were celebrated and it was a great time.

Sunday, all 8 of us went to church for the first time.  It was interesting getting us all out the door but we did it.  You just never know when a newborn will want to eat or poo last minute. :)

Today...the house looks like a bomb went off.  Mondays are usually like that, but this looks like the worst one ever.  It's pretty scary!  Lots of cleaning today.  Oh and Laundry....I am scared to even guess at how many loads await me.  Good thing I don't mind doing it. HA!

Baby shower???

No, not a party.  A REAL baby shower.  John's cord fell off last night, so he got a shower...first one ever.  He loved it.  He only cried when I turned the water off because he was cold, but I wrapped him in a towel right away and he was happy again.  I didn't get any pictures..oops!

Our 4 year old is sick this morning!! :(

FINISHED A BOOK!

We have finished our first HS book!  AG just finished Our Father's World.  It was great!  R will use it when he is in 1st grade next year.  Actually I think it is more on a Kindergarten level, so I might just read it to him this year.

Cinnamons? Sim and hymns? M&M's? Different words with similar meanings!!

Was teaching the kids the sophisticated version of Row Row Row your boat.

Propel propel propel your craft

Swiftly down liquid solution

Ecstatically ecstatically ecstatically ecstatically

Existence is but an illusion

Lots of great synonyms, right?

Now they sing it and mix up the words. 

The boys sing, "like a spotted dream". 

Interesting.  I have had spotted dreams and it makes as much sense!

Kids are so funny!

Juveniles are remarkably amusing!

Last night

E has been in our bed since she was born.  With the new baby here, it's a bit too much.  She punches and kicks us in her sleep.  That's no fun and we don't get much sleep.  SO...she went to her room last night, which is with the boys.  C slept in there with her and it worked.  She got up at 3am crying, but after a cup of water, she was back to bed and slept the rest of the night.  Hopefully tonight goes just as well.  We will see.

John got up at 3am and 6am to eat and slept great the rest of the time.  You would think I got a good night's sleep, but I woke up with a massive headache!  Two motrins and some coffee and I am feeling a bit better.

1 year ago.......

On this day last year, we pulled the girls out of public school to home school them.  They were in 4th and K.  It's been a great year and we have learned so much.  I am not talking academics here.  I am talking about learning a lot about life and home schooling.  I had preconceived notions of how it would go and boy was I wrong.  We just kept adjusting things and I think now we have finally figured things out.  I know as time goes on we will learn so much more. 

We officially started HSing on May 4th (the following Monday) and kept on right through the summer.  We took off this past week and part of the week before for the birth of the baby.  We plan to start back up tomorrow (slowly). 

That's the great thing about HSing as those of you who do it know.  You can do what you want when you want and how it works for you.  If they only get 1 or 2 subjects done tomorrow..that's ok.  That's better than nothing.  It's nice to take off for things like babies and illnesses, and of course birthdays! 

Had the girls been in school still, I would not have had all this help I have had from them.  They sure have done a lot to help out.  They hold the baby, clean, and get things for me. 

I am looking forward to the next school year.  It's hard to say when we will "start" because we will just start new books when we finish the old ones.  But I am looking forward to the new books.

What a wonderful adventure!

1 Week Old

John is 1 week old today!

He had his 1 week check up and is
 "perfect" (in the words of the doctor).

Birth weight-8lbs 10oz.

Day 2  - 8lbs 6oz.

Day 3  - 8lbs 5oz.

Today - 8lbs 7oz.

He's now taking 3oz every 3 hours or so, plus nursing.

He slept 4.5 hours last night.  HOORAY!

More photos (click to see a larger size)

Adjusting

We are still adjusting to life with a new baby.  It's never easy to go from sleeping all night to suddenly getting up every 2 hours, or having to stop everything to hold or feed the baby in the day time.  Lots more laundry and dishes, and then of course trying to keep up with what you once never kept up with in the first place! ha

It's all wonderful though.  I like stopping for the baby and am thankful he cries when he needs something.  In a large family, you have to be a very squeaky wheel to get your grease.

John is taking 2oz every 2 hours around the clock for the most part.  Some is human and some is cow, but he's taking all of it well and is a happy baby.  He's wearing newborn diapers and clothes still. 

School is on hold for a bit, but we hope to start back up on Monday.  We will see how that goes.

John has a one week app. this Friday.  I will update afterwards.

We're home!

We got home today around 3pm.  I have more pictures to post of all the kids getting to see their baby brother for the first time.

It's going to be hard not to try to do everything I am used to doing around here and to rest. 

John loves his carseat...hooray!  He also seems to like being home much better than the hospital.  He didn't care about any of the loud noises in the house or the chaos.  He was used to hearing it inside me anyway. 

Once I can get some real sleep, I think we can settle back into a good routine.  I did not sleep much at the hospital.  I would say I probably slept only about 10 hours total of the 66 I was there.  I am glad to get back to my own bed!

Thanks to all who came to visit me.  I spaced out and totally forgot to get pictures of some that came and I apologize.  I had planned to do it, but never thought of it. 

That's all for tonight.

More tidbits of info. on baby John

John passed his hearing test today.

Ped. checked him out and he's healthy.

He was 8lbs 10oz at birth, 8lbs 6oz on Saturday, and 8lbs 5oz today.  He's doing great!

Billirubin level is 5, which is a good number.

Updates

John was circumcized this evening and all went well. 

He got his Hep B vaccine and his PKU test done.

He did not pass his hearing test this morning, but possibly from fluid still in his ears.  He will be re-tested in the morning.

We will both be going home tomorrow.  Just not sure what time.

Funny to think that he is not even 2 days old yet.  I feel like he has been here forever.  I am TOTALLY in love with this little guy. 

I can't wait for the boys and E to meet him tomorrow when we get home.  I will post pictures as soon as I can of all that.

Now..we just need a new seat for the van so we can fit this baby in there! :)

Baby Video #2

Baby Video #1

More info. on the birth

I will try to write more later, but here are some highlights from the birth.

Yes, it was a VBA2C (Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans), PRAISE TO THE LORD!!!

As you saw in the picture, he had a true not knot in his cord.  It had no ill effect on him because it was not tight.  Again we praise the Lord for sparing him from what could have been a tragedy.

He has a bruised nose and upper lip from coming out so fast and hitting my pubic bone.  He will be ok.

I did not need an episiotomy for the first time!  I did tear a little, but only 1st degree and only 3 stitches.

I got to the hospital about 8pm and had him at 3:47am.  Less than 8 hours from start to finish.  It went by so fast!

He has this REALLY high pitched scream.  He made it when he first came out and still does it.  ha

He is nursing well and sleeping a lot.

If I think of more, I will post it.

Birth Announcement

JOHN ISAAC

April 23, 2010

3:47am

8lbs 10oz

19 3/4 inches

See the knot in his cord?  We are thankful it was "knot" tight.

Heading to hospital

We are heading to the hospital in a bit.  My mom is on her way over to watch the kids.  Will update ASAP!

40 weeks 2 days

I had another app. this morning.  I am now 5cm and doctor said I am ready to go...anytime now.  Hmm...where have I heard that before?  I am waiting to hear back from his nurse who is trying to get me an app. for Monday to be induced if I make it that far.  He said really they will probably just break my water and that's all I will need.  I have the same feeling.  I tend to go fast once that happens. 

It's earth day...that would be a nice day to get all earthy and give birth!  Everyone keeps checking on me...it's really sweet.   This is the latest I have ever had a baby.  My 5 year old son was the latest until now, but I am officially past that point as of 2:37am today.

Doctor said I have lots of fluid and when my water breaks it will be a gusher.  Sounds fun. HA!

My BP was great today, so no worries there.  Looks like I really might get my VBA2C after all.  I am really praying.  Please keep us both in your prayers as well if you will.  THANKS!

That's about all there is to tell until I hear more or something happens. 

Due Day

It's my due date.  I think the baby forgot he was supposed to be out by now.  I tell ya....he's already not listening to me and isn't even born yet.  What stubborn children I have. HA!   Or maybe I should take it as a compliment that I have a comfy womb?  Or maybe he heard the kids screaming and fighting and decided he would rather not be a part of that.  hmmm.

I am wating for my vacation at the hospital.  Think about it:

No dishes

No laundry

Peace and quiet

Meals brought right to your bedside and picked up a while later.

Someone coming in and saying "Is there anything I can get you"? :)

One-on-one time with your baby.

You don't have to get dressed or even get out of bed if you don't feel like it.

Did I mention yummy meals they bring you?  Yes, I love hospital food.

Oh and my favorite thing of all...crushed ice!

Ok, really my favorte thing is the baby, but that aside..I will enjoy the rest of it for a few days.  I don't sleep well in the hospital, so that's something negative, but it is only for a few days, then I can sleep when I get home.

Please pray I do not have another c-section.

Please pray that even if I do, that baby and I are healthy in the end.

Please pray that I go on my own and don't need an induction next week.

Please pray that the baby is well-born and will not need the NICU for any reason.

Please pray that I do not have PPD like last time (although I believe the c-section brought that on).

Oh baby boy..I can't wait to meet you!

I can't wait to nurse you!

I can't wait to kiss your toes and face!

I can't wait to smell your newborn skin!

I can't wait to put your tiny diapers on!

I can't wait to tell the world your name!

I can't wait to find out what you REALLY weigh (the guess is about 8lbs 6oz as of right now).

I can't wait to snuggle with you in bed.

I can't wait to see your siblings meet you for the first time.

Hurry up baby boy...your daddy is getting more impatient than I am for you to get here.  He wants vacation from work too. HA!

I love you sweet boy...see you soon!

Another OB app.

39 weeks 6 days...due date is tomorrow.

BP was great!
Baby is about 8.5lbs now.

No real major news to share.

I go back on Thursday to see my OB (saw NP today), IF I have not had the baby by then.

And then we will discuss induction for next week which will put me 1 week overdue. 

With 2 c-sections in my history, it's not good for me to go much over a week. 

Hopefully I don't make it that long, but good to have something planned just incase.

Will keep you posted.

Back to laundry, dishes, and other house cleaning.

Only 2 days left until my due date...it's getting exciting.  Max of 12 days until I meet my baby boy.  We will see how soon it will be though.  I have another OB app. tomorrow because of my high BP and will update after I get back.

Baby Gift

A gift for baby boy from Grandma (my mom).

See the toes?  So cute!

Haircut

Our 7 year old got her hair cut today. 

39 week OB app.

Just got back from my app.  I am 39 weeks 3 days.
BP was high...something over 90.  Laid on my left side and it went down to 100/60.  So that's good!
I am 4cm dilated.
I actually lost .2lbs this last week.
I go back Monday because of my BP, but maybe I won't make it that long.  That would be nice.
I am to rest this weekend. HA!  I will try. :)
Baby is still head down.  I saw him on the sonogram again and he's practice breathing.

Still waiting

Incase anyone was wondering, no baby yet.  5 days until my due date and I have a 39 week app. tomorrow.  I will update after that.  Baby is about 8lbs now based on the sonogram.  Guess we will see.  8lbs would be a nice size. :)

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

Flying kites the other day. 

The wind was perfect for it. 

Oh what a beautiful sky!

8 days until my due date??  Where did the time go?  That's all I dreamt about last night.  Never dreamt about the baby, just being pregnant and going into labor.  It's on my mind all the time now.  Ok let's not say 8 days.  I could go over by 1 week.  So let's say 15 days.  That's still not much time.  I am not as anxious to have this baby as I have been in the past.  Maybe because I am so busy and think of all the things I still need/want to do.  I wanted to have this house clean before I left.

HAHAHAHAHAHA...um..that won't happen unless we move out.

Baby Shower

My church threw a baby shower for me.  I was in shock when they told me because this is my 6th and certainly not my first boy.  We are also not members of this church yet and have only been going there about 6 months.  I was overwhelmed today with attention, gifts, and love of my church family.  I am so blessed, but feel so undeserving of it all.  I wanted to share my "loot" with you all.  Baby stuff..so much fun!

Lots of diapers and wipes in all different sizes.  The baskets have newborn diapers in them with messages from all the ladies at the shower.  Encouraging words for middle of the night changings.

And here is........

....what was left of the cake!  But now it's gone.  My kids took care of that.

Balloon and....

.....flowers

It was a wonderful morning!