If you Build it, they will Learn

We built a desk.

Ok, I didn't build the desk, my Dad built the desk.

I saw this Ana White desk that looked perfect for our home school.

It has two spaces for computers and two spaces for books.  It said it would take about 2 hours to build.  That was the funniest joke of all.  It took us 16 hours to build it and paint it.  It was supposed to cost around $100 and we spend about $120 for everything.  I do not think we could have bought a desk this nice for this price.  So all in all, it was a win!

When the Walls Come Tumbling Down

You know that moment in your life when everything is going according to plan and everything that is happening is just too good to be true?  Then, you ask yourself, "What could go wrong?" 

Well I did that.  AND all went wrong.

This year has been tough.  

This year has been challenging.

This year has add a lot of stress and forced me to change, A LOT!

I guess I needed a good change.  Last year was challenging in some ways but this year has been a whole new level of stress I never saw coming!

Trump shutdown the government at the beginning of the year.

My car broke down and needed a new water pump for $1600.

Nolen broke is arm.

I strained my knee.

I tore my calf muscle.

I ended my photography business and lost a friend. VERY STRESSFUL!

We had to live off savings and had to start from scratch again.

Our roof leaks.

The master bath leaked.  We thought we could fix it.  It was much harder than we ever imagined.  It took us weeks and we went a few days without water in our house.

Our air conditioner broke.

I am homeschooling.

My car broke down again and it absolutely must be replaced.

Now I would sit here and list out positive things; however, the main thing is we are still alive and breathing.  I have changed my prices for piano lesson so I am hoping to bring in $2000 a month so I can get a new car soon.  I hope I have a lot of students who are willing to show up each month and be dedicated.

Here is what has happened over last few weeks.  We have had so much fun with my parents here.

 My dad helping me fix the leaky bathtub.  I am much more appreciative of plumbers and running water.

 My first official run after tearing my calf muscle earlier this summer.

 Edward has not been taking care of his teeth.  The dentist is super worried about him loosing bone and gum tissue.  This is a picture of his clean teeth!

 Nolen got a much needed haircut.

 I have been taking my parents on walks every day. My mom is down 15 pounds and I hope my dad can lose 15 pounds before he moves away in March.

 We reorganized the play room so we can home school.  These are all the toys we have left in the house.  It still looks like a lot of toys to me!

 The Webelos went on a hike at the top of the Sandia's on Saturday. Nolen, my mom, my dad, and I joined them as they hiked nearly 4 miles round trip.

 Our first day of school started off with some serious play time!  It was just what we needed.

 Oscar even came out to play on our first day of school.

 After a hot and hard cross country run we went to get frozen yogurt to celebrate!

 

First day of School!

Today is the first day of school.

Not just any school, home school.

After a lot of thought, a lot of prayer, a lot of questions, and a lot more thought, I decided to home school my boys this year.  

I have many reasons for keeping my boys at home this year but the most important reason is to help raise their self-esteems.  Both boys do not think they are smart.  Edward is testing a grade level ahead in everything.  He tends to get in trouble a lot at school.  He is extremely stubborn. I don't mind this at all.  I have learned a work around.  A lot of times teachers take his attitude personally and will not work with him.  Today, we worked great together.  (Except for Cello but that's another blog for another day)

Nolen, on the other hand, is EASY to work with for most teachers.  He is funny.  He is silly.  He loves to laugh and play.  Therein lies the problem.  He loves to play so much that he is not getting any work done at all.  Zero.  He learned nearly nothing in second grade.  Such a shame because he is so bright.  Now we are starting over with a lot of second grade material so get his skills up and find a new way to learn.  He asked for FOUR recesses and we did them all.  We played cars, jumped on the trampoline, and read some books.  

Overall, I was unhappy with the school principal.  She was unwilling to change or listen to parents who had great ideas to improve the school.  She picked and chose who she was going to discipline and unfortunately it was Edward who felt the worst of it. I spoke with the school board and they didn't have a problem firing ALL of Edward's teachers in the last 5 years.  Two of which were fired during the school year leaving the classroom void of a teacher with only the teachers aid to take over.  Sad.  Pathetic if you ask me.  

The school failed my children.  It claims to be one of the best in the city; however, I beg to differ.  I spent MANY hours in the classroom and I know what was actually happening. 

Here is to a great school year at home.  AND if my children learn only one thing it will be to choose KINDNESS!

A Quick Trip

I drove over to Kingman for a quick trip over the weekend. I took my parents and my boys with me to my high school reunion.  They all had their own fun.  They celebrated Logan's 11th birthday.  We went out on the lake then they went back to my parents house to sing and eat cake.  The boys stayed up all night laughing.  I think they were as exhausted as I was on Sunday morning. 

We zoomed home on Sunday so that we could get back in time for the swim team awards banquet.  The boys were so excited to get their ribbons and medals from Sundance Championships.

3rd in the Medley Relay

11th in the Breast stroke