They start here.... http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938/21
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Morning Meeting
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11
This is the verse we're memorizing right now...as well as the current prayer I am praying consistantly. Wouldn't it be wonderful to always be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless?! I find that whatever verse I have to memorize, the Lord will show me countless ways in which it can be used and so many different situations to pray it.
This is a big part of our homeschool. Every morning after breakfast we move to the parlor (my fancy name for the living room) and I dictate the verse we are memorizing for the kids to write. God's word is so good for all things. I use this for spelling, grammer, vocabulary, penmanship, and great conversation starters. Writing the verse everyday really helps us to memorize it.
This kids bring me their paper when they are finished and I check and correct it. While we talk about the verse, they correct their spelling by writing the misspelled words 5 times. We discuss whatever phrases or words that are unclear like "depth of insight". I am always surprised at what I take for granted that the kids know that they really don't. It's a learning opportunity for all of us.
As we get further along in our grammer studies we will use the verse to pick out prepositional phases, direct objects, and the like.
I will usually give them a chance to repeat however much of it they have memorized. It's really fun to hear a little boy repeat some of it just when I think they never pay attention!
I like to keep the same verse until everyone can spell all the words without mistakes. It gives us plenty of time to memorize it and look for ways to apply it to everday life. This time in the day is what we call "the morning meeting" and I think my kids would say it's their favorite part of the school day. We also read the Proverb of the day, or whatever else I might want to read. I tell them what we're having for dinner, and anything different or unusual on the schedule. I also give them any list of extra jobs they need to do. It's a nice way to start the day!
This is the verse we're memorizing right now...as well as the current prayer I am praying consistantly. Wouldn't it be wonderful to always be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless?! I find that whatever verse I have to memorize, the Lord will show me countless ways in which it can be used and so many different situations to pray it.
This is a big part of our homeschool. Every morning after breakfast we move to the parlor (my fancy name for the living room) and I dictate the verse we are memorizing for the kids to write. God's word is so good for all things. I use this for spelling, grammer, vocabulary, penmanship, and great conversation starters. Writing the verse everyday really helps us to memorize it.
This kids bring me their paper when they are finished and I check and correct it. While we talk about the verse, they correct their spelling by writing the misspelled words 5 times. We discuss whatever phrases or words that are unclear like "depth of insight". I am always surprised at what I take for granted that the kids know that they really don't. It's a learning opportunity for all of us.
As we get further along in our grammer studies we will use the verse to pick out prepositional phases, direct objects, and the like.
I will usually give them a chance to repeat however much of it they have memorized. It's really fun to hear a little boy repeat some of it just when I think they never pay attention!
I like to keep the same verse until everyone can spell all the words without mistakes. It gives us plenty of time to memorize it and look for ways to apply it to everday life. This time in the day is what we call "the morning meeting" and I think my kids would say it's their favorite part of the school day. We also read the Proverb of the day, or whatever else I might want to read. I tell them what we're having for dinner, and anything different or unusual on the schedule. I also give them any list of extra jobs they need to do. It's a nice way to start the day!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Vacation
Mike is on vacation this week! I'm so glad. We really don't have anything special planned but the week is filling up fast with little things. The top thing on his list is to work on the broken garage door. I don't think it'll be an easy task. We've wanted to replace that door since we moved in almost 5 years ago, now with it broken we have the perfect opportunity.
I'm really looking forward to this week with him home. I have my own list of things to do too. Isn't it always nice to get those nagging things out of the way?
Meaggy and I went thrift store shopping Saturday. We had so much fun! We came home with a huge sack of clothes for only$23! We got something for almost everybody. Next we went to a consignment store where she got 2 shirts for $6. On the way home we hit a g-sale and got just a couple of things. Maegan bought 10 men's ties for her friend who is collecting them to sew onto a skirt. It was a good day full of bargains.
Have a great week,
Love,
Sandy
I'm really looking forward to this week with him home. I have my own list of things to do too. Isn't it always nice to get those nagging things out of the way?
Meaggy and I went thrift store shopping Saturday. We had so much fun! We came home with a huge sack of clothes for only$23! We got something for almost everybody. Next we went to a consignment store where she got 2 shirts for $6. On the way home we hit a g-sale and got just a couple of things. Maegan bought 10 men's ties for her friend who is collecting them to sew onto a skirt. It was a good day full of bargains.
Have a great week,
Love,
Sandy
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Saturday morning photos
I have added to our May photos....the latest stuff starts here:
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938/22/71837974
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938/22/71837974
Monday, May 22, 2006
This weekend
This was such a fun weekend. CT's soccer team went to Conway for the President's Cup. Mike's mom came and stayed with the kids (thank you, thank you, thank you!) and we only took CT and Mal. I'll try to summarize without bragging too much......
It started out a little rough b/c Mike had to work late. We had a 3 hour drive and didn't leave until after 9pm. We were pretty tired that night and had to be on the field at 8:15 the next morning. Our hotel room was 30 minutes away so it was an early morning.
The first game we tied. That was a disappointment but better than a loss. They played again in the afternoon and WON!! We made it to the semifinals on Sunday and then lost. Too bad. Even though we lost our team played great and Christian was especially fun to watch. My favorite play was in the last game when he got this big break away, faked out several players, took it up the field, and got off a shot. His foot work is so impressive. Can you tell I'm a proud Momma?
It was disappointing to lose on Sunday but nice to get home to see everyone else. We had a nice afternoon at home spending time with G'ma. What a great weekend.
It started out a little rough b/c Mike had to work late. We had a 3 hour drive and didn't leave until after 9pm. We were pretty tired that night and had to be on the field at 8:15 the next morning. Our hotel room was 30 minutes away so it was an early morning.
The first game we tied. That was a disappointment but better than a loss. They played again in the afternoon and WON!! We made it to the semifinals on Sunday and then lost. Too bad. Even though we lost our team played great and Christian was especially fun to watch. My favorite play was in the last game when he got this big break away, faked out several players, took it up the field, and got off a shot. His foot work is so impressive. Can you tell I'm a proud Momma?
It was disappointing to lose on Sunday but nice to get home to see everyone else. We had a nice afternoon at home spending time with G'ma. What a great weekend.
Monday, May 15, 2006
#5 is 2 wheelin!
View more pictures of this event and other stuff here: http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938/3
While I (dad) was cutting down limbs in the infamous "backyard", #5 decided that he wanted to take off his training wheels. I told him that I was kind of busy and that if he could get them off that I would help him out a little. I don't quite know how he got them off...but he did. :-) He did fairly well in the back yard and was able to pedal for short distances. Seeming happy with his accomplishment, he moved on to something else. As I finished up trimming in the backyard we migrated toward the front. #5's eyes lit up again and asked if he could take his bike and try it on the street. I agreed and here are the results from his attempts.
As the day went on, he became more daring and ventured to the neighbors driveway. It's a fairly steep driveway that propels him at quite a good clip into the street and down the hill. Fun! Well, since this is a relatively new skill he's acquired let's just say his speed to turn ratio is a bit out of specification. These next few photos will show his progress in this adventure.
as you can see....a definite miscalculation.
Here's his next attempt (got to give him credit for not giving up!!)
He made it a little further. But still the same result...whack! Right into the van. If you know #5 then you know he is very intelligent and it doesn't take him long to figure out a problem. So, he looks at me and says, "Dad, we need to move the van."
lol...
While I (dad) was cutting down limbs in the infamous "backyard", #5 decided that he wanted to take off his training wheels. I told him that I was kind of busy and that if he could get them off that I would help him out a little. I don't quite know how he got them off...but he did. :-) He did fairly well in the back yard and was able to pedal for short distances. Seeming happy with his accomplishment, he moved on to something else. As I finished up trimming in the backyard we migrated toward the front. #5's eyes lit up again and asked if he could take his bike and try it on the street. I agreed and here are the results from his attempts.
As the day went on, he became more daring and ventured to the neighbors driveway. It's a fairly steep driveway that propels him at quite a good clip into the street and down the hill. Fun! Well, since this is a relatively new skill he's acquired let's just say his speed to turn ratio is a bit out of specification. These next few photos will show his progress in this adventure.
as you can see....a definite miscalculation.
Here's his next attempt (got to give him credit for not giving up!!)
He made it a little further. But still the same result...whack! Right into the van. If you know #5 then you know he is very intelligent and it doesn't take him long to figure out a problem. So, he looks at me and says, "Dad, we need to move the van."
lol...
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Our backyard
When we bought this house the only thing I noticed about the backyard was that it was flat (easy to mow) and big enough for kids. Little did I know all the fun it would be.
We have one big shade tree in the middle of the yard. The kids named it Greenland. The little boys try to swing really high and touch their toes to the branches. They can't reach it just yet.
The gate is named The Black Gate of Mordor. Ever see Lord of the Rings?
We have a big overgrown tree/bush in the back corner. The kids named it George Bush and claim that it's the best thing about the whole yard. I have to admit it is a great place to play. You can duck and walk under it and you are totally surrounded by the leaves and branches. It's sort of like a hide out. The branches are low enough yet strong enough to climb into. Underneath there is dirt to dig and roots that make a little stream when it rains or when you pour water into it.
Now there is a robin's nest in George Bush. It's just low enough that you can barely see two baby birds in there when you stand on your tippy toes. The funny part is that whenever the little boys go over there to play the mamma bird swoops them! They run out laughing and squealing. She has taken over George Bush!
See more photos (Mallory included) on the May photo site....
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938
We have one big shade tree in the middle of the yard. The kids named it Greenland. The little boys try to swing really high and touch their toes to the branches. They can't reach it just yet.
The gate is named The Black Gate of Mordor. Ever see Lord of the Rings?
We have a big overgrown tree/bush in the back corner. The kids named it George Bush and claim that it's the best thing about the whole yard. I have to admit it is a great place to play. You can duck and walk under it and you are totally surrounded by the leaves and branches. It's sort of like a hide out. The branches are low enough yet strong enough to climb into. Underneath there is dirt to dig and roots that make a little stream when it rains or when you pour water into it.
Now there is a robin's nest in George Bush. It's just low enough that you can barely see two baby birds in there when you stand on your tippy toes. The funny part is that whenever the little boys go over there to play the mamma bird swoops them! They run out laughing and squealing. She has taken over George Bush!
See more photos (Mallory included) on the May photo site....
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Victory!!
Anger is something that I've been praying about for our family this year. God says that anger doesn't bring about a righteous life. I want that righteous life that God desires and I want to be able to control my emotions.
I am usually not the kind of person to be loud and yell. Usually I will give a longer-than-necessary speech (complete with "the tone") or roll my eyes. I also do not call it "anger" in most cases, but frustration. I have learned that frustration is just a prettier word for the same thing and I should just call it what it is. In any case, it's a bad example to my kids. My heart's desire is to be able correct them in love, without a hint of pride or an I-told-you-so, and to remember that repetition is the mother of learning.
Today I was put to the test. Without mentioning names, a child of mine had a great idea that did not turn out so well. It also had the potential of making a lot of unnecessary work. Thankfully the unnecessary work did not materialize. I was mad and wondered how this child could have overlooked such an obvious (to me) outcome. It was a situation where the child knew the wrong but my pride wanted to "let 'em have it" anyway. I prayed and the Lord gave me restraint with my words. I wanted more. I wanted my voice to not even betray my emotion..... so I was quiet and just kept praying!
When I did speak, it sounded sweet! I can't tell you what a victory this is. My child's heart was right, the action just didn't turn out right. If I had spoken in anger I think it would've done much to discourage, not much to help. I really want to judge the hearts of my children more than the blundered actions. I praise the Lord for this victory!! I am going to start praying now for the next test!
I am usually not the kind of person to be loud and yell. Usually I will give a longer-than-necessary speech (complete with "the tone") or roll my eyes. I also do not call it "anger" in most cases, but frustration. I have learned that frustration is just a prettier word for the same thing and I should just call it what it is. In any case, it's a bad example to my kids. My heart's desire is to be able correct them in love, without a hint of pride or an I-told-you-so, and to remember that repetition is the mother of learning.
Today I was put to the test. Without mentioning names, a child of mine had a great idea that did not turn out so well. It also had the potential of making a lot of unnecessary work. Thankfully the unnecessary work did not materialize. I was mad and wondered how this child could have overlooked such an obvious (to me) outcome. It was a situation where the child knew the wrong but my pride wanted to "let 'em have it" anyway. I prayed and the Lord gave me restraint with my words. I wanted more. I wanted my voice to not even betray my emotion..... so I was quiet and just kept praying!
When I did speak, it sounded sweet! I can't tell you what a victory this is. My child's heart was right, the action just didn't turn out right. If I had spoken in anger I think it would've done much to discourage, not much to help. I really want to judge the hearts of my children more than the blundered actions. I praise the Lord for this victory!! I am going to start praying now for the next test!
Maegan's Good Day
I have to brag on Maegan today. It's been a good day for her.
We started off the day with a cold and rainy soccer game for Joshua. No matter how miserable the weather conditions they never complain. Everyone was just happy to be there for Joshua and cheer him on. They are good examples to me.
After the game, Maegan bought everyone hot chocolate and popcorn at the concession stand. She remembered to bring her money to do this. It was sweet.
I had her make bread today and she did it start-to-finish with no help from me! That was a first. She also managed to get 6 loaves out of the recipe where I usually only get five.
Because of Maegan, I could go to Christian's games later in the afternoon and we didn't have to get little ones out in the windy cold. While we were gone and the little guys were napping, she and her sisters made up a dance. A good use of time I think.
I had dinner in the crockpot to have ready after the games. The games went long and I called home to have them start dinner without us. When we got here everyone was eating nicely at the table. It was nice and peaceful when we joined them.
It is a blessing to have such a sweet daughter. Thank you Maegan, you're a good girl!! I love you.
We started off the day with a cold and rainy soccer game for Joshua. No matter how miserable the weather conditions they never complain. Everyone was just happy to be there for Joshua and cheer him on. They are good examples to me.
After the game, Maegan bought everyone hot chocolate and popcorn at the concession stand. She remembered to bring her money to do this. It was sweet.
I had her make bread today and she did it start-to-finish with no help from me! That was a first. She also managed to get 6 loaves out of the recipe where I usually only get five.
Because of Maegan, I could go to Christian's games later in the afternoon and we didn't have to get little ones out in the windy cold. While we were gone and the little guys were napping, she and her sisters made up a dance. A good use of time I think.
I had dinner in the crockpot to have ready after the games. The games went long and I called home to have them start dinner without us. When we got here everyone was eating nicely at the table. It was nice and peaceful when we joined them.
It is a blessing to have such a sweet daughter. Thank you Maegan, you're a good girl!! I love you.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
See our May photos!
Here are some photos we have posted for May of the kiddos. We will use this same location for all our updates during this month...so, check back often!
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938
Here are April's:
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1386280
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1419938
Here are April's:
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1386280
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