A Lesson in Humility

So, yesterday I was particularly ugly toward my family. Do you ever have these kinds of days? Where no one can do anything right in your eyes and you are just irritated by everything? A day where you show no self-control and just walk around with a puss on your face? Well, this is how I chose to handle my day yesterday.

I'm not going to sit here and analyze why I acted this way; the 'why' doesn't matter. In fact, I know that there is absolutely NO reason to walk around with a grumpy demeanor. I do wonder, however, why do we often treat others better than we treat our own families?

What else strikes me is how easy it was to apologize to my girls this morning for yesterday's behavior but I have yet to apologize to my dear husband. Of course, for most of the day, I've successfully convinced myself it is because he is working & I'm just waiting till after work but I know the truth... I'm being childish and prideful.

My man is no saint but I'll tell you, he could be mistaken for one on occasion. That man loves me. He is patient with me & each of my faults. For this I am eternally grateful. For this he deserves all my love & respect. For this, he deserves my apology.

Since he works from home, just a wall away, he shouldn't have to wait till 'after-work'. I'll just go knock on his door and give him a big hug, kiss and apology right now.

Weekly Review

We had a good week. Accomplished a lot. Joined Awanas. Practiced & went to lessons for Drums, Guitar & Dance. We are contemplating hosting an International Foreign Exchange Student next year. The girls & I think it would be GREAT - Ferris isn't convinced yet but, he hasn't said NO either!

History: Rosie & Delly studied about Sargon taking over the King of Kish in ancient Mesopotamia, did their extra readings, map work, essay questions, & had a test. Both did great.

Science: R&D have decided on & began research for their science projects. Rosie is going to research tree frogs. Delly is completely fascinated with sugar (big surprise) so she is going to delve into the world of sweeteners!

Math: Rosie is LOVING geometry! Delly is attacking the concept of 100,000.

Spelling: Both are working their way through Spelling Power & LOVE IT! They had a lot of fun playing a crossword type game with their word lists this week.

Grammar: Both are using grade appropriate Rod & Staff English texts. They actually enjoy this 'hard-core' grammar program.

Writing: Delly composed & illustrated a delightful story about a boy & his dog at the zoo. Rosie is working on her 'novel'.

Pumpkin is just SO good. She mothered her babies, built block towers, assembled puzzles, 'read' books, cut, pasted & colored. We have been working on recognizing letters, saying the alphabet, and learning letter sounds.

A Few of the Reasons We HomeSchool

Desired effect on family as a whole
Daily attention to personal & familial philosophy
Avoid falling standards
Provide richer learning
Meet individual needs
Assist daughters to be secure in who they are
Provide emotional stability
Spiritual Nurturing
Consistent Morals/Morality
Extra 30 hours together every week
Being there for 'firsts'
Structured, yet relaxed, learning environment
Chance to build deep relationships with siblings
Teach them to be socially responsible
Help them reach their fullest potential
Foster deep friendships amongst sisters

Wordless Wednesday

I couldn't wait till Wednesday to share these pictures. The sound that dear hen made this AM was unbelievable! Poor thing could probably have used an epidural!

This egg was still warm when Rosie brought it in! WOW, a double-yoker & it was delicious!

Excited about my girls

They are a fun bunch of girls - LOTS of energy, very imaginative with their play, art & ideas!

Lately, they have just been kicking butt with their instruments. I actually WAKE up to Delly playing the drums and I'm not annoyed! (LOL)

And Rosie plays the beginning of Hendrix Purple Haze on her electric guitar and it sounds GREAT! It just cracks me up, since she hardly even know who Hendrix IS!!!

They LOVE making music & it sounds pretty good! I am so very excited for the two of them. It is just amazing when your children find something that they love to do and are good at - there's no better feeling ...

A Snow Day

Now that we're home schooling we don't take snow days. Truth be told, we tend to do a little more work on snowy days simply because it's cold outside and the weather is bad.

I feel so incredibly blessed that my girls will be done with school by early/mid June instead of late June, possibly July, like publicly schooled children.

What a relief it is to be on our own schedule.
What a priviledge it is to be in charge of the time we get to spend together as a family.
What a blessing it is to be able to call school off for the day on account of it being "too sunny, warm, & bright" to stay inside!

We cancel school for SUN Days!

What unspeakable Joy it brings to my heart to see my children running along the ocean's edge of an empty beach, on a warm day in April, all the while knowing the education they have received over the year, has been the best they could have ever received, anywhere.

I am humbled that God would grant me such a gift.

My Family

I have a friend who came up with cute names for her family members. I think it is a great idea so I'm copying it! Let me introduce my cast of characters.

Ferris, my husband. We met in 1992 at the sculpture "Wave" downtown Newport, RI. I was completely drawn to his smile and charm. He was the guy everyone wanted to be around. Where ever Ferris was, there fun would follow. Oddly enough, I had hardly seen my husband's other side until after we were married and had children. What I found was a fabulous surprise & gift - not only was my husband fun to be around, but turns out he's really responsible, very smart & a hard worker!

Rosie is 10 years old and in 5th grade. Bright, Creative, Inventive, a Leader, Entertaining, Determined, Thoughtful, Funny, & Helpful. Rosie plays the guitar, both acoustic & electric. Ferris & I just sit in awe of her.

Delly is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. Comical, Smart, Sweet, Athletic, Fun, Pleasant, Loyal, Steady, Consistent, & Dependable. Delly is taking dance for the first time this year. She has a lot of enthusiasm for it.

Pumpkin is 3 years old and a pistol! Just as sweet, and adorable as a 3 year old can be. Pumpkin exhibits patience beyond her years, most likely a result of being the '3rd wheel'. She has just learned to wait. Pumpkin is helpful, tireless, determined, funny & bright.