caitlinsmom
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Posts posted by caitlinsmom
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This looks really cool. My kids like map work but have always wanted to draw the actual maps. This may be a great resource.
I've never used these, so I don't know much about them. Draw and Write through History
I like this too. The sample lesson is quite detailed which would be nice as we start off.
It seems to me that Waldorf incorporates a lot of art -- or at least you could look to them for inspiration, but I would be interested in knowing what you find. Sounds lovely. Really. I wish you all the best. I'll be watching this thread with interest. I wish I could pull such a thing off.
Back when I first got the crazy notion to homeschool I was drawn to Waldorf in a big way. I loved the hands on artsy approach but once I started researching I was totally turned off by the whole philosophy behind it. At the time I felt like it was an all or nothing commitment. With a few years under my belt I think its time to pick and choose what I want. I will share whatever I come up with.
There is Geography through Art
I've heard lots about this program. Thanks for reminding me about it.
Oy! I found this doing a more specific search!
Oh that looks pretty and inexpensive! :)
As I have been looking at these different programs I think I've come up with some really great lessons myself. If they work out I will share them with everyone. :)
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Why doesn't reading count as a hobby? I think it is! I read all the time and it is my absolute favorite hobby. If you like to read, get out, and go read in a coffee/tea shop (or a park in the spring and summer) and just enjoy not being interrupted, asked to do anything, etc.
Unfortunately I end up using reading as a coping technique. I need to find something else at this point in my life to help create a little balance. Otherwise I totally agree with you, reading is the best hobby! :)
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Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Could you take a class? I enjoy a lot of things in groups that I wouldn't do on my own.
Introvert who likes to do things at my own pace. Classes are good but I find myself bored because they move to slowly for me. Plus I have pretty severe anxiety right now so being with people (in groups) contributes to the issues I am dealing with.
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I am on the verge of a total collapse. In desperation I went to see our counselor today. After I share just a small blip of all that goes on in my head/life, he leans back and says "This will sound simple but it's going to be the best place to start. You need to get out, focus on you and find a hobby." Arg. Obviously there was more to it but he came back to that point multiple times throughout our session.
So hive, what hobby should I take up?
Take the following into account:
-I don't like knitting.
-I like sewing but hate dragging it all out in our (very) small space.
-I started drawing this week but so did everyone else in the house. It doesn't feel like "mine".
-I read a lot but that doesn't count.
-I am a horrible crocheter, I don't find joy in scrapbooking, and working out is not a hobby in my mind but torture. :)
-I am very frugal and will feel guilt and stress if my hobby costs too much money. I NEED to avoid stress as much as possible.
-I live in an area with 4 seasons but winter is harsh with negative temps much of the time. Not a pleasant hiking/outdoorsy environment (at least to me).
-I also live in a rural area with little "culture" available. Museums, symphonies, ballets etc do not exist around here. I am at least 3 hours from the closest opportunities of that sort.
I'm all ears..... :)
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I am burnt out in a big way. More than the normal mid year doldrums. It's finally time to admit that the way I implement WTM just isn't working for my kids. :( I have been pondering for months how to best inspire my kids in our studies and I think I've come up with a decent idea. However I don't want to do all the work myself. :)
I am looking for curriculum that is art based for history, science, reading, everything but math. I am NOT looking for lapbooking. I'm not sure how to describe what I am looking for, but I want something that is art based (real art not crafts) as a major mode of learning the topic. Does this exist? Please share with me if you know of anything!
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This make get me kicked off the WTM boards... I don't like the sound of Jim Weiss' voice.
I can't stand his voice! I refuse to buy or rent the SOTW disks that he narrates even though it would be very helpful in the car.
*shudder* just not worth the headache.
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I don't get the Hunger Games obsession. Most boring book/movie combo ever.
I do not like 99% of male celebrities. They do nothing for me (in a kilt or otherwise). Give me a dirty hardworking man covered in some sort of black stuff and sweat and my heart will start beating like a drum.
I think cookie cutter houses should burn to the ground along with the HOA's that are associated.
Lunchables and Capri Suns do not qualify as lunch or any other meal.......... unless I've had the flu and a neighbor drops them off. Then they are a Godsend.
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I totally did the multicolored layered socks. Pink and Green was my go to colors. You probably BEGGED your mom for those clothes and just in denial now ;)
Truth be told I probably saw a similar picture in Teen or Teen Beat or some other magazine filled with gorgeous pics of Alyssa Milano. :) But since I have never nor will ever look like her, I will continue to blame it all on my mom. I wish I had a picture. It would be worth posting. Everyone would die. :)
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Stirrup leggings have scarred me too :lol: And acid washed denim. We were in the juniors' section of Target a few weeks ago and DD11 said, "Oh, look at this cool jacket!" I turned to see the most horrid acid-washed jean jacket. I actually had a physical reaction and said, "OMG, no, I will never, ever buy acid-washed denim again. It was awful 25 years ago, and it's still awful now!!!" She was like, "Um, ooookay mom!"
I've had this exact conversation with dd11! She thinks I'm uncool. I think she will one day thank me when there are no pictures of her in acid washed denim. :)
PS They were stir up pants with high tops and layered socks. black and yellow layered. Yellow on the bottom on my right foot, yellow on top of my left. Horrible, horrible times!!
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I can't wear tights, nylons, pantyhose, whatever. The pressure from the material makes my stomach hurt and my legs itch to the point of being painful (fiber content doesn't matter). In the winter when it dips to -20 I would love to add a layer to stay warm or wear a dress/skirt without my legs turning bright purple. I've tried thigh highs but an hour in and they are fitting just like regular socks. :) i haven't tried leggings because I have horrible flashbacks to 1985 when my mother dressed me (a red head) in a bright yellow and black shirt, tied at the corner, and ratted my hair after a major crimping session. The black leggings I wore were the only sane part of the whole outfit yet I am terrified of them to this day. Perhaps it's time to get over that particular childhood nightmare..... :)
Are there any other options? Links would be great!
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This.
If the money's not there, it's not there. But basing the options on past history with 4 small children scares me. (Can they get state coverage?)
The first broken bone, stick in the eye, slip with a knife, newly developed allergy, or knock in the head with a baseball makes the $500 average nothing.
(Just thinking of the more prominant things my kids have surprised us with. Ooh, add Lyme Disease to that, lol.)
This.
We've had TWO appendectomies, broken radius/ulna in left arm THEN in right arm 3 years later (on a Sunday, calling in the surgical team), 4 different rounds of stitches, just from falling or tripping.
I'm very internally stressed out in the ER during these times, but at least I know that WHEN it exceeds $2500, we're covered.
I'm not sure what your situation is... but I just have to add that it's playing with fire to have nothing. We opt for health share (a legal exemption if it works for you) over insurance. BTDT with both types and health sharing is far superior IME, but again, it doesn't work for everyone.
Like you, we rarely had any medical needs for the past oodles of years and anything we did have could easily have been covered by the amount we paid monthly in almost any given year... but... just today I received notice in the mail of $6000 worth of bills our health share is covering... and it's only the beginning for us.
Also just today we're sending a donation to someone who spent 6 weeks in the hospital with that flesh eating bacteria. I'm sure our donation barely puts a dent into his bills for those 6 weeks. It could have all been covered had he been a member, but he wasn't. Now who knows if he's looking at bankruptcy, other charity, or merely months and months of paying what he can - loads of stress on TOP of his illness. It can't be fun.
One never knows. Big ticket items just aren't planned. I shudder whenever I hear of anyone opting for nothing - and I feel for those who can't afford anything...
Thankfully thus far we haven't had big ticket illnesses or injuries. If that does happen my kids are fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) covered by medicaid. This will continue to be the case while my husband works and goes to school. Once he finishes in about 3 years we will happily jump on the insurance bandwagon. Until then, well there just isn't an extra cent to spare.
We have looked into the heath share programs. I thought that might be a decent compromise however the monthly share was $320-$440. Just not going to happen. We do have low deductibles on our auto insurance, opted for higher coverage on the medical portion and have life insurance.
I appreciate all your responses. I admit to hoping Obamacare and all its mandates were going to disappear so I've never really paid much attention to it. :blushing: Time to start reading I guess.
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https://www.healthcare.gov/what-if-someone-doesnt-have-health-coverage-in-2014/
There's a link to the IRS bulletin covering the penalty and a link to who qualifies for an exemption.
Edited: You don't have to do anything to "opt out." You either comply with the law or pay the penalty (for which you may qualify for an exemption) for non-compliance on your annual tax return.
Thanks for the link. It looks like we will qualify for the exemption so I don't need to worry about this. That's a stress relief for the time being.
We use the healthcare system so infrequently (maybe $500 max a year and that's over estimating I'm sure) that I was panicking about putting out that much extra money, not that it was an option. lol.
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I can't seem to find where we can opt-out of Obama care. We don't make enough money to afford the premiums (close to 16% of our income). All I can find are fanatical blogs and articles (for each side) but no helpful links.
Is there a link? Do I actually need to officially opt out somewhere? Help a girl out please.
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For Christmas dh will be making dd a throwing wheel. She has minimal experience with the entire process so I thought a book would be a good addition. I've looked on amazon but not much is standing out. Most books seem to be geared toward Sculpy play or the adult learner.
Is there a book that describes terms and techniques (with plenty of pictures) and possibly includes some project ideas? Dd is 11 and very much a visual learner.
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1. Would you say its too easy for a 8/9 yo? I can't tell from the pictures if the pieces are all big sections or not.
2. Do you want to part with it because your kiddo has out grown it or a few pieces are missing? If so message me your price because I cant seem to find it for under $300!!
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I haven't read anything above....
First off I think it's important to differentiate between control freaks and domineering and scary. Your brief description of the ex-dh's is definitely in the second category, at least in my book.
As a control freak I can say its not that easy to say why we do what we do. I am sure it's different for every person. I (try) to control as much as possible because it makes me feel settled, like I am prepared for whatever might happen next. Why? I think it was a coping mechanism I had to learn as a small child of addict/mentally ill parents. I know what it feels like to wake up with ambulance lights flashing in the kitchen window, your little brother under you blankets shaking and a small view of blood and a knife visable through a crack in the bedroom door. The fear and uncertainty in that kind of situation is life altering. I had to become a parent at a very young age but lacking certain mental capabilities my "parenting" became controlling.
As life has gone on I have learned to shut it off when I need to. My kids get all the normal childhood experiences even though inside I am screaming "NO!! What if!?....But..." because I don't want them to be like me. I have learned to chill out so my marriage is happy and healthy. When stress rises though, the first thing that happens is I fall into drill Sargent mode. I've learned to use key word with those around me so they know its not about them but about me.
Obviously I can only speak for myself but controlling as much as possible makes me feel like I somehow will have the strength to get through whatever has my anxiety out of control. It makes me feel like I won't have to be emotionally vulnerable (terrifying for me). It is like a drug so to speak, controlling makes all those heavy overwhelming feelings shrink back just a bit to allow a few gasps of breath. Those gasps can become a lifeline to a controller.
FWIW: Most times I don't even notice I am taking over, especially in situations like work or school. WIth my family I know my triggers so it's easier to avoid. With general company, not so easy.
Not sure if that shines any light on it or not.
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In 3 weeks we start what I lovingly refer to as "insanity" at my house. We cram 4 birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years into 6 weeks. I usually start planning in June so that I don't find myself hating everyone and everything come Christmas time but this year I didn't. In fact I haven't thought about any of it until tonight. Eek.
I need help with ideas because my searches came up blah tonight. We don't watch much TV, we don't have tablets, we don't really do computer games, and we don't own any gaming systems. That pretty much sums up all the gift ideas I found.
So here is a little about my dc. If you have any suggestions I would GREATLY appreciate it.
dd 10 (turning 11):
Likes horses although her interest seems to be waning a bit
No patience for anything that takes time
Likes music
Straddling the line on things like nails and make up
Likes to read...sometimes. Mostly fantasy with unicorns or pegasus
Isn't into clothing at this point
Other than horses, she hasn't really found her "thing" that interests her.
ds 8 (turning 9):
Likes building things (I'm sort of leaning toward another Knex system? Not sure)
Likes reading mystery, fantasy, and some historical fiction
Likes to tinker but absent minded so things like super glue have caused problems in the past. :)
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My husband is a novelist (2 books published so far) and I published poetry before I had kids.
A lot of the devotional type books out there begin with a blog and a blog readership. It's a good way to hone your writing voice and develop a readership.
It would be very helpful to start publishing small pieces in local/online papers/magazine/websites that have the same target audience as your planned non-fiction will.
A blog readership and a 'voice' elsewhere will help you get an agent.
:iagree: Earlier this year I had plans to write a non-fiction book. I had the chance to speak with a couple agents and editors and each one told me that I should start with a blog. Especially with non-fiction, they want to see that your thoughts/experiences will sell.
If you decide to go this direction I would look into sites that you can also be a contributing author as that will get you a lot of exposure, followers and a solid reputation once established. A great Christian site you may want to look into is InCourage. (lol I have no idea what it takes to get published on their site)
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Okay. I'll be the first to say it.
What do you do?
Get them evaluated.
It's not you. I believe you are doing everything right and that you have tried everything you can. Don't blame yourself. Don't blame them. Find out what's really going on before you burn out any more and they become any more demoralized. I bet they already feel stupid, don't they? But they're not. There's a logical reason for their difficulty. Find out what it is, so you can help them.
You know in your heart something is not right, as your experience with your 5 yo is confirming. So don't waste your money on anymore stuff to help them "get" math. Don't waste your money on a tutor until you find out what the issue is and get the right one who will help. Get to the root of it. You won't regret it.
You need an answer that will take this weight off your shoulders. You can't carry this around anymore and neither can they.
:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:
What kind of practitioner/testing am I looking for? Everyone I know who has needed testing has gone through the PS system. I have no idea where to start or even what I am looking for.
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I understand completely. I wish we had a disposable income of even $100 but that isn't our situation right now. It makes me feel bad sometimes as my kids can't do the things that interest them. I try to make myself feel better by thinking it will make them stronger people when they have to wait to get things they want.
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I am going to loose it today (well every weekday at math time)! My two oldest kids do not get math. They just don't. I know there is all sorts of studies out there that say math is "get-able" but I'm calling it crap. My kids are stumped on the most basic of math problems ALL. THE. TIME. There is no mastery, there is no moving on, there's no retention. Its sheer hell every single day that we do math.
Example: Working with ds8 on MUS Beta today. The problem is a basic regrouping problem: 155+265 His answer? 31110 Never mind that we have gone over carrying everyday for the last 3 weeks. He claims he forgets to carry. WHAT! How can a kid who has been doing math for 3 years now continue to "forget" to carry. Same thing with estimation. Problem: Estimate to the nearest hundreds 457. His answer was 450. Guess what, he forgot what he's supposed to do.
Same goes with my dd10. Only she has progressed as far as multiplication. She does do multiplication, instead she just stares with a blank look on her face while she throws out random numbers. She is still working on 4th grade work because she can't move onto 5th because there is no understanding.
We have been doing this stuff for years! How in the world are we ever going to move past this when they can't even get the basic skills!!!?? I am so frustrated right now. I have tried nearly every recommendation out there from games and flash cards, to mastery only, dvd's, hands on work, etc. Nothing seems to work. I've even learned new ways to teach this stuff in case I wasn't showing them in a way that works for them. Nope. Nothing. I am so freaking burned out on the math issues that I am ready to enroll them in public school just so I don't have to deal with it anymore. :(
This is all in sharp contrast to their 5yo sister who naturally "gets" it and works just under my 3rd graders level (yes I know, different kids different abilities). Same teaching, same programs and she gets it.
If I could afford it, I would hire private tutors just to teach them math. Someone who is "cool" and "knows" everything.
What in the world do I do?
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We have used it and almost loved it. We weeded the area first then put the newspaper down and covered with mulch. It made weeding a snap since anything that made it through the paper/mulch mix was spindly and nearly dead. The downside was it gave the mice a nice warm bed for the winter. We lived surrounded by hay fields and the mice flocked to our house. We killed over 30 that year alone. The next spring we found the most amazing set of tunnels all over the garden.
That said, I would totally do it again now that we aren't surrounded by fields. :)
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So, while I was browsing fossil sale for a new watch I saw this bag and remembered your bag and thought it was similar. http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=12052&langId=-1&catalogId=25005&categoryId=378084&productId=22198774&imagePath=ZB4524216
That is pretty similar and the price is much better. I see a trip to the mall in my future to try on hand bags. :) Thanks for the link.
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Coach Whiskey Legacy Leather Gigi Tote
From what I could find, it was made at least 5 years ago, but there are some on ebay.
:thumbup: Yay! I searched on Amazon and Overstock last night for hours. Thank you so much for finding it.
Now I need to find a knock off. :)
My counselor says I need a hobby.
in The Chat Board
Posted
I love gardening! I am on all the seed catalog lists and anxiously await their arrival each January. This is something I look forward to each year and will continue to do.
Nothing is wrong with coping techniques at all. If I were using them in a healthy way right now this thread wouldn't even exist. However since I am not I need something that will kick my butt into gear. For me, reading is a way to check out and relax. When depression enters the picture that "relaxing" becomes hiding and ignoring and only enables my depression and anxiety. As much as I love books I do not want to go any farther down the depression hole than I already am. Lucky for me I know this is something I do, something that makes me feel awful, so I decided it couldn't be my hobby.
Thanks for this. I have a child that has learning and behavioral challenges that leaves me absolutely spent most days. It is tough to take care of yourself when someone can suck every living thing from you.
This is already on my list to check out. I love volunteering but haven't done it for the last couple years.
I like this idea! I have been watching YouTube videos about oil pastels and watercolors. I already have colored pencils and charcoals. It would be great to play with each a little each week without feeling like I had to know everything about it. Thanks for the idea. :)