How we normally start our day...

This is what the start of our day normally looks like.



I read out loud from one of the many readers that we have for our history curriculum,



and he eats breakfast.

Lets us both get 'warmed up' a little before we tackle some math.

Crazy days..... and Othello!

Do you know how to play Othello? Great game. A game of strategy, skill and focus and a guaranteed self-esteem booster when you continue to play it day after day with a ding-dong like me. I do believe I have won one game in about fifty..... but that's beside the point.

Sometimes we like to start off the school day with a quick game just to start the day on a good note. Other days we turn to a game of Othello when things go downhill. Either way, it's always fun, and lightens the mood....while working on focus, strategy and other thinking skills. Sneaky, I know.

Yesterday we were in the middle of a heated game of Othello, I turned away to get my camera, and when I turned back around....



In answer to your question, yes, the dog is up on my dining room table. No, she does not know how to play the game, but given enough time and a brief tutorial I am quite sure she would be the house champion.

I have no idea how she got up on the table, but I do know that chaos ensued shortly thereafter. Ever seen an over-excited 9 year old Jack Russell Terrier romping around on a dining room table like it was the most exciting thing that has happened to her all year? It was quite a sight. After that, we didn't get much school work done. What can I say. It was one of those days.

A Flock of Birds

Origami birds that is....


Our latest art project.

They're great for a breather between subjects. Or just when we're in the mood.



We're starting to accumulate a flock of them.

If only things were that easy....

5 weeks down and 2 weeks behind..... hmmmmmmm... something doesn't seem quite right with that scenario.

We are experiencing many, many, hurdles and difficulties, but are pushing through them for the moment. I am doing my very best to maintain a positive attitude and a smile on my face. Failing on many days, unfortunately, but trying. Some days it seems an almost insurmountable task.

Last week we bought an 'Easy Button' for our school room. By far, the best purchase I've made all month. It's good for a smile, laugh, or at the very least it takes a little of the pressure off of a situation with a wierd look. A priceless reminder that perhaps we shouldn't take everything so seriously.

As with anything, this is a constant learning process. Without a doubt the hardest thing that I've ever done. I read something tonight in a book.... 'If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough'. We seem to be floundering and perhaps even failing, but we're giving it our best effort all around, without a doubt. It's been a huge strain as well as very draining for both of us.

We shall prevail. I keep telling myself, 'This too shall pass, everything does...' Right when I feel like I don't know how to possibly continue any further with this venture, I get an idea. A little tiny idea, but an idea all the same. I know that someone is watching out for us, and that's all that matters. Keep those ideas comin' please...

4 weeks

4 weeks down..... 32 more to go.

Trouble

I don't know who this new student is... but she looks like trouble to me...

I'm off to NYC......

Me: I'm headed for New York City, and in my bag I have an apple.

Him: I'm headed for New York City, and in my bag I have an apple and a baseball bat.

.... an apple, a baseball bat and a box of crayons.

.... an apple, a baseball bat, some crayons and a duck.

Me: You're gonna put a duck in the bag?

Him: Yep.

Okaaaaaaay .... an apple, a baseball bat..... and an energy bar.

.... a fan

.... a great big cookie.

Me: Hmmmmmm...... how come all my things are food?

Him: (strange look) .... an apple... a great big cookie and a baseball hat.

.... an ice cream sandwich.

.... a jar of jam.

.... a kid.

Him: A what???

Me: A kid. You know, a baby goat.

Him: You're putting a baby goat in the bag?

Me: I was going to throw a kangaroo in there, but I didn't think the bag was big enough. He'll keep the duck company.

(...giggles all around)

Me: Quit your gigglin' and put something in the bag!

Him: Can I have the 'M'?

Me: No, the M is mine....now put something in the bag!

.... an apple ... a duck ... a great big cookie ... and a little midget.

Me: Huh? What's going on here? And what exactly is the difference between a 'little' midget and a regular midget?

(...giggles again...)

...an apple ... a little midget and a magician.

(more strange looks...)

.... a duck ... aaaaaaand Napoleon.

Me: Whaaaaaaaaaa? This is getting more than a little ridiculous, and you seem to be more than a little obsessed with short people...

(giggles, giggles, and more giggles....)

.... a little midget ... and an oreo cookie.......


It's days and things like this that are what I love about homeschooling. An exercise intended to improve not only focus, but short term memory turns into a fun-filled 10-15 minutes full of creativity and laughter. I couldn't have planned it better myself.