The Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up

In my life this week......Another week has disappeared. They weeks seem to be flying by faster and faster. This good in some ways and bad in others.

 I am ready for spring. I love the warm weather, budding trees, and brightly flowers emerging from the ground. This week was over before it began.... at least that is how I felt. It could be my goals of cleaning were cut short when we lost power on Tuesday because of heavy rains and all 19 inches of snow had melted. I think a tree uprooted because of the saturated ground. Of course, the next free day I had to do laundry, I wasn't in the mood. It always seems when I want to clean something comes up but when I have to clean I really don't want to. I guess that's life.
Wednesday after violin, we headed to a local thrift store I had never been to. It was recommended by a friend. We found a basket full of goodies! For me.... a Ann Taylor yellow 3/4 sleeve sweater, a Talbots coral sweater set, a Ann Taylor Loft blue peasant top, a Talbots pink short sleeve cardigan, and a black and white skirt. For Princess P.....a denim purse (she has suddenly gotten into purses) and a pair of Bermuda length shorts(new w/tags). For Lego Man.... a pair of khaki  pants, a DK Eyewitness Electricity book and a paper book book we need to replace because the dog had eaten it. All eleven items cost $34. Just one of the sweaters alone would have cost more than that! I was proud of our score.

In our homeschool this week...Monday was co-op day. The kids were able to dissect an owl pellet. Lego Man was excited about it. Somehow he lost his on the way home, so I ordered 2 more for the kids to do at home. Princess P, on the other hand, thought it was gross. On Tuesday, we schooled in the dark. We were having heavy rains, lost power, but continued to do our schooling. We have a huge bay window that lets in a lot of sunlight into our school room. Wednesday was violin day so we just did the basics....Math, Reading, English and Religion.
On Thursday, we got a late start. The time change has really affected Princess P. We had a fund and easy school day. After finishing up our schoolwork, we working on cleaning the house. I of course worked on laundry. We've had a few days of 60 degree weather so I have more laundry than normal. We have started pulling out the summer clothes. We had choir in the evening and arrived to find her sweet teacher in tears. Her violin class before choir was giving her a difficult time. I guess most of the class has not been practicing and she gets so upset. She cares so much and wants her students to care. It breaks her heart. She a sweet older lady that does this because she wants to pass on her love of music. The worst part was some of the parents responses...."I understand she's like that home." "she doesn't want to practice, what can I do?" and plenty of other excuses. As a parent of a young girl taking lesson, I strongly encourage her to practice. When she complains, I explain that her teacher is taking her time to teach and I am taking time out of our day to travel there. You need to take the time to practice. Anything worth doing isn't easy. I have also stressed that if she refuses to practice we will stop lessons. I do not want to waste this sweet ladies time. Why do some parents not see that? It is selfish to not think about the teacher and what she puts into it. Sadly, I think so parents are too focused on having their kids do anything and everything whether they enjoy it our not.
Friday was a normal school day with some cleaning. Our goal is to attend a home school skate in the afternoon.

Lesson learned this week.......Always appreciate the things people do for you. So many people perform duties of tasks out of pure love. Do not take advantage of their sweet loving nature.

What we are reading......Greek myths, Greek myths, and more Greek myths.

My homeschool advice this week......Don't be afraid to step out of the box. If a curriculum isn't working and you can't find one that does, create your own! No one knows your children better than you. You will be able to prepare a lesson that your child will enjoy. Search the library, surf the Internet, and ask other mothers for ideas. It isn't as hard as you think to create your own lessons. It takes longer but it's fun. At least I enjoy it!

What I am working on.......I have finally gotten the dinning room table cleaned off. It tends to be the drop off point for books, mail, papers, violins, metal detectors, etc. Now that the table is clear we can use! This Sunday we are having friends over for Saint Patrick's Day. After Saint Patrick's day, Princess P and I are going to start sewing our new skirts for summer. YEAH!!

What I am thankful for.....Pope Francis.

We are so blessed to have a new pope. I was rather surprised the conclave didn't last longer. We were lucky to see the white smoke and to see Pope Francis step out and greet his flock. We received our blessing and are very excited he took the name Francis. My son's favorite saint is Saint Francis of Assisi.

Linking up with.....The Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, 7 Quick Takes, 

Friendship Friday, No Ordinary Blog Hop, Live and Learn, Friday Flash Blog, and It's a Wrap