Saturday, June 28, 2008

Wow Ya'll!!!

I am so happy and excited. After 2 years of having James in our home as a foster child, he is finally my legal child. I mean, he was a child that moved into my heart from the first minute that I met him. He is sweet, loving and despite all of the abuse he suffered, he is trusting and happy. We are also very happy that we were able to finalize on Jackson who is happy and busy! He is teddy-bear huggable and is learning so much everyday.


I'm still a little shy on showing complete faces...but here are some pics of the great moment.











The after party at Cici's was great fun and let's just say...they are gonna need to order more supplies! LOL Here is my complete crew. One word: Beautiful!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

First Days and Add Ons!!

Our first day of summer session went well. The kids "came to the table" enthusiastically and classes went well. I must say again how much I really like the Summer Bridge workbooks.

And now...the BIG NEWS!!!

We got a court date for our adoption to be finalized for James and Jackson. I am so excited, satisfied, teary and mushy in love. We are so blessed to "add on" 2 of the sweetest and loving boys. They are excited too...not so much about going to court, but about the all-you-can-eat-pizza at Cici's that is planned after the hearing. Truly motivated by pizza my boys they are. LOL

Friday, June 20, 2008

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Transcripts

The Internet has been such an awesome resource for me during our homeschooling journey. I have found the answers to questions that I did not even know to ask when I first started. When it was time to start high school, I was a bit frantic about the whole transcript thing. After searching and "chatting" on HomeschoolChat.us, I learned about a site that fit what I was looking for. Just thought I would share it here.

Teascript is an easy way to build a transcript and the basic version is free (my favorite "number"). I may have to buy the Plus later, but for now it works for me. What do you use?

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Field Day!

We usually have a field day during the last week of school, but this year was so busy for us that we just could get it on the schedule. The kids decided to have it during our summer session. We have activities like the broad jump, 50 yard dash, egg & spoon races and basketball shoot contest. We also have the silliest obstacle course that I can come up with using the swing set, tree and picnic table.

Any other ideas for activities would be neat to hear. We are looking for original and fun activities that are suitable for a 4 yr old up to a 15 yr old (with some modification as needed).

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Cheapest Art Class LOL

We really enjoy painting, but the cost of supplies sometimes got in the way of the enjoyment of the art. We started "painting" on the computer and have really come up with some nice pieces. During the summer months, we will share some of our pieces.





This piece is titled, "tracks of the sun".

Try some and share your inner artist with us.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

WE ARE DONE!!

We made it! Today was our last day and we are ready for a much needed summer break. We have our award ceremony tomorrow where the children will receive their certificates of completion and promotion. They also get certificates for returning school supplies, completing homework and having the neatest desk.

This year, we had a new reward system that was found on the edhelper.com site (and modified a great deal to meet my needs) where the children received custom-made checks from the "First Bank of MHS" in some pretty significant amounts. It was explained that they could turn in that check at the end of the school year for legal tender, however, discipline, citizenship and grade problems would result in fees being paid out of the student's checking account. These checks were made out to the school leader which in turn will be "drafted" against the students original reward check, leaving a final reward amount. Let's just say that cash motivates my crew! LOL Only a few fees were incurred throughout the school year.

During our 2 1/2 week break, we are going camping and look forward to time away from the classroom. The summer session will begin June 26th with 4 half days per week.

Thanks to all my "cyber-friends" for all of the support given for this past school year. I have learned a great deal from you all.

:)De