When I looked at this picture I just had to smile. We were taking a leisurely walk through the woods a few days ago when I snapped this picture of my angel. The one thing that stood out to me was the look of pure contentment on her face. When I capture moments such as this one I realize that my most important goal has been fulfilled. Happiness! Happy Love Thursday!!!
It’s been a couple of days since I’ve been able to post anything but I am back. Today was the start of my new semester and I’m beyond excited. I had a wonderful week off but now it’s back to the grind. My new classes are Art History 100, Digital Imaging and College Writing (which I desperately need). Out of all of my classes, I think that I am most looking forward to college writing and art history, but after reading the course syllabus I have to say that this semester will not be an easy one. The course load is crazy, I’m going to have to really stay focused so that I do not fall behind on my work. I am currently in the process of putting together a schedule for not only my own work but for the children’s schoolwork as well so that I can stay on top of everything including housework and my favorite chore laundry. With the help of my wonderful husband and children I truly believe that we can have this house running like a well oiled machine (or at least I hope J). I’m looking forward to having yet another productive semester.
I was looking through some older photos the other day and came across this one of my youngest son Jules. This photo was taken approximately three years ago by my brother in law on our yearly trip to South Carolina. From the moment I laid eyes on him at birth I was in love.
Jules is an incredibly outgoing little man always looking to get into trouble. Whether it’s jumping off of the top of the bunk bed or doing head spins on the living room floor he is my clever, loving little daredevil with the angelic face. He’s incredibly precocious, insatiably curious and talks incessantly about whatever tickles his fancy at the moment. This week the conversation revolves around his new friend (pictured below) Fred. Fred has become an instant favorite in our household. Fred travels with Jules everywhere he goes. He is the new honorary member of our family. Fred is unconditionally well loved by my creative little artist who lovingly cut out and colored a friend to accompany him on his many adventures. Happy Love Thursday Everyone!!!
I was reading an article on MSN about an interesting phenomenon in home-schooling. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15029646/wid/11915773/ Un-schooling is a different approach to home schooling where parents allow children to ultimately take the lead and plan out their own educational path. In other words, they do not follow the standard state mandated curriculum. Children are encouraged to freely express themselves through play and by learning what they want when they want with (of course) their parent’s guidance.
I was not entirely familiar with this form of home schooling until recently and I have been wondering whether this form of learning has been effective in the long run. Have children who have been home schooled in this manner successfully been able to go on to college? Are they able to compete with children traditionally home schooled or otherwise when pursuing higher education or employment? Or if put in a brick & mortar school would they be able to keep up with the other children? These are all questions which have been weighing heavily on my mind (since reading up on this) and I would really love to hear from someone who has taken this interesting approach to educating their children.
I just recently embarked on this home schooling journey. I am following the standard curriculum, but I’m very curious to find out from other parents who are teaching their children in this manner if it is indeed effective. If you are home schooling I would love to hear from you. Please leave me a comment.
Yesterday I officially completed my first semester of school. After weeks of hard work and extremely late nights I managed to actually pull it off getting A’s in all three of my classes. This in itself might seem minor to most, but my former track record as a student has not been good. When I initially started school at the tender age of 18 I spent most if not all of my time partying. I’m not even sure if I opened a book. My classes were on Monday – Thursday and I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday night partaking in those wonderful college rituals that (let’s just say) distracted me to complete irrationality. Alcohol was plentiful and so was the pot. Needless to say I decided that I was going to test the waters and ended up jumping in head first. My other problems (as if I could have any more) revolved around men. I decided that I was going to marry a man I met through my little brother who basically convinced me to drop out of school and move in with him. I was unfocused and completely spontaneous during my formative years. Due to my flightiness I was unable and unwilling to complete college.
It took me a long time to figure it out but I realize now that I was not emotionally ready to be in school those many years ago. Above and beyond my insatiable desire to party, I now understand that my need to belong and my inability to cope with my home life played an integral part in my inability to complete my education. Don’t misunderstand I am not placing blame on anyone but myself for my condition but I realize that sometimes life circumstances can lead us to do some pretty irresponsible things.
Now at the tender YOUNG age of 37 I have decided to go back and finish the degree that I (kind of) started almost 20 years ago. My goal is to have my degree in hand before my 40th birthday. The past few weeks have not been easy especially after school started for the kids. I spend my days teaching them, which is definitely fun, but I find that I was often unable to do my work until late at night after I put them to bed. Some nights I wouldn’t get to bed until 2:00 am. So, this is a major accomplishment for me. I had many doubts about being able to educate myself and the children at the same time. This semester proved to me that I am more than capable of achieving my goals. Yeah…….for the first time since (I believe) junior high school I earned an A. I’m very serious when I say that I can barely remember when I have received an acceptable grade. Report card times for me were always scary. Some days I just didn’t want to come home.
I have a few days off from school this week. The next semester starts on the 10th. Hmmm……I don’t know what I’ll do with myself. I know……….laundry. Laundry is the one thing in my life next to taxes and death that remains forever consistent and true. It’s unavoidable!
My next three classes are Art History 100, Intro to Adobe Photoshop and College Writing!! What fun…..I can’t wait! I better get as much rest as I can this week because next week my late nights will most definitely return and my wonderful laundry pile will undoubtedly return as well.
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