Rodeo Time

This week was the annual Round Up for Autism, and we were once again blessed with tickets! Paul has worked there in some capacity for several years now, and we all look forward to this event! Before the rodeo starts there are pony rides and a petting zoo, and several other places to spend your money. The Mesquite rodeo is always lots of fun. We had box seats this year, and we met the family of one of the competitors. Here are some pictures!

Rangers' Game

Paul and Katherine were blessed with free tickets to go and watch the Rangers' game Saturday night. Katherine missed the Desperados' game (the Dallas arena football team) because she had that fever back in June. They had a wonderful time, even though they lost to Baltimore 11-9. Katherine took a gob of pictures, so I thought you may enjoy a few. Paul said they were sitting at first base about 3 rows back from the field. After the game, there were fireworks. Paul and Katherine both say these are the best fireworks they've ever seen, so Katherine took some pictures. It is hard to take good night pictures from a digital, but this is the best one.

Catching My Breath!

As you've read in my last post, the school year began! AND, as you can see, I haven't been posting my goal of twice per week. Hopefully, this will change! In addition to the regular routine of home schooling every day, I am teaching on Wednesdays (one class) and then a little more than half the day on Thursdays. AND, I did take on 12 private students for music lessons. Ten are piano students, one guitar, and the other a voice student. I am especially excited to have a young voice student, as that was my area of concentration when I majored in music. God has been so good to me. This enables our family to continue our lifestyle, and enhance the children's education, by providing the money for these other classes that I really can't teach at home. I think I wasn't prepared for how busy I was about to be, as we spent most of the summer isolated from the world due to sickness and then the car accident...that STILL isn't settled by the way. ( our car insurance company is suing the other car insurance company...)
It has also been a bit of an adjustment with Karissa in 7th grade. She is not ever done before 5:00. Her school work is much more demanding, but I am so proud of her as she is rising to the challenge. I think that this is good for her. She is taking more responsibility for her education. She writes her own schedule and then I help her with any problems she may have. I ALWAYS get her started with math, but she is pretty independent apart from that. I grade her work, and she is doing very well.
Katherine is resisting me a bit, which is a surprise because she is my voracious learner. The girl just instantly absorbs everything she studies. I wonder if I'm challenging her enough.
Justin is surprising me in how well he is reading! His creative/artistic side is blossoming, too, and it is so fun to watch him grow in his knowledge and skills.
Also, we've all become addicted to Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, a little computer game where you create your own theme park. It is such a good learning game, as you have to plan, problem solve, etc. I let them take turns playing when I'm giving lessons...if their reading and other assignments are complete.
Well, I am going to go and sit next to my hubby and enjoy the quiet for a while! Until next time..hopefully in a few days.....

Welcoming the School Year

We finally started our school year today. Yes. I know. It is Labor Day. My kids were begging me to start, and quite frankly, I was ready for them to be a little more productive with their time. Plus, Paul is gone working, so what else can I do?
It is turning out to be pretty busy. It is currently a little past 5:00 and Karissa is still working on her lessons, and we started around 8:30! I know. This is 7th grade. Get used to it! There is so much she needs to accomplish. She has on her list to do math, spelling, English(grammar and writing), vocabulary, science, and reading. Right after lunch I do more literature, Bible (once in a blue moon) and history/geography and whatever else extra that comes up during the school year. Katherine, who is in 5th grade, has math, spelling, English(grammar and writing), vocabulary, handwriting and reading. (and she does the same afternoon lessons with Karissa) Justin, our first grader, is learning to read, has math, handwriting, science, history/geography. In addition to all this, they attend SALT on Wednesday where Karissa takes band--saxophone (by me!) and an acting class. Katherine takes band--flute,tae kwon do (sp?), Human Body (science--book is called "Blood and Guts!"), and Art Exploration. Justin is taking A-Z Geography, Tae Kwon Do, and Fun Art. On Thursdays they all attend a school where they have Texas History, Spanish, Music and Art. Sooooo, they, especially the older girls, may have homework during the week. OH...the girls are also in dance on Thursday afternoons again. As you can see, this is going to be very busy and expensive. Anyone wishing to make donations and knows how to reach us, we will accept any amount offered:) !!!

Lunar Eclipse

Early Tuesday morning we got up and watched the lunar eclipse! Here are a couple of photos. It got really fun when people began waking up in our neighborhood and walking/driving by. I don't think they knew there was such a cool event going on! The top photo was actually taken from the sidewalk in front of our house.