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MamaAkins

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Posts posted by MamaAkins

  1. That sounds like fun!  The few park parties we've attended have been great, but the rain possibility would worry me.  Do you have alternate plans for if it rains? 

     

    Nope, we had a shelter that was large enough to fit 100 people at a time.  We prayed a lot and ended up with a beautiful, warm, sunny day and had a fabulous time outside!  

  2. We're having dd's graduation party on Sunday afternoon (graduation ceremony is on Saturday, late afternoon-evening).  We are hosting it at a local park/lake under at large shelter.  We're going to have food (pork BBQ sandwiches, beans, slaw, hot dogs, fruit, veggies, chips, and cake), outdoor games (volleyball, cornhole, frisbee, etc) and there is also a playground nearby.  It is a family-oriented event consisting of about 80-100 of her friends, our friends, and a few family members.  

    • Like 3
  3. Our disappointments came not on the academic end, but on the financial side.  Our daughter was accepted to four out of the six schools she applied to and waitlisted at one of the others.  She received the highest merit based scholarship at one of the schools (High Point University) and a merit scholarship and fellows scholarship at Elon.  However, even with need-based financial aid at both schools, we would have been left with other $26K in loans.  Considering our EFC is $1536, there was simply no way to make that happen.  Our daughter made a wise (albeit difficult) decision to go to a school that offered her the largest merit scholarship.  She'll be able to graduate with very minimal debt (likely way under $18K for all 4 years). Since she is planning on getting her masters and possibly her doctorate, she does not want to accumulate a ridiculous amount of debt in undergrad.

    • Like 7
  4. We are in a somewhat similar situation.  Dd applied to a small, private school (Wingate University).  She was awarded nearly a full ride ($25000 in scholarships per year, plus financial aid).  She can go there and incur minimal debt (meaning she can probably graduate with less than $5000 in loans over the 4 years of undergrad studies).  The downfalls--its a very small school, probably not as academically challenging as the other schools on her list, and it doesn't have as many programs/clubs/extracurriculars as she would like.   But, we are not in a financial position to help with much of the college costs.  Her top two choices at this time, Elon University and High Point University, are around 45K per year. While she has been awarded presidential scholarships at both (6K and 10K per year, respectively) and is pursuing other scholarships, it likely won't add up to enough for her to be able to attend these schools without incurring large student loans. We are waiting to make decisions until she has all final offers in from all of the schools.  It's going to be a tough decision for her.  

  5. DD16 is a rising senior.  She has used Math U See (3rd grade thru Algebra 1), Teaching textbooks (geometry, algebra 2 and pre-calc).  She has done relatively well with these programs (mostly A's, few A-'s).  She is a solid math student, but not overly interested in it.  She has done well on the ACT and SAT math portions, but the English side is more her focus.  She needs a math credit for her senior year.  She definitely does not want to take AP Calculus.  She would prefer a regular Calculus class or a Statistics class.  We are looking for a curriculum that has a dvd or computer component that covers the "teaching portion" (much like TT or MUS).  TT does not offer Calc or Statistics.  MUS offers a Calculus, but we are looking to see if anything else is out there!  Please post with your suggestions!

  6. We have used parts of Memoria Press curriculum for Kindergarten and First grade (mostly using the lesson plans, copywork, phonics, literature suggestions).  We use our own math program.  We did not use the New American Cursive 1 book last year because my 7 year old had broken her arm in the fall and spent much of the fall not able to write.  When it was healed we just did printing.  So, this year, do I need to go back and do New American Cursive 1 with her or do I just do the suggested New American Cursive 2 book that is listed in the 2nd grade curriculum?

     

  7. I can almost see the weekend on the horizon!  

     

    get up, showered and dressed

    breakfast

    daycare kiddo arrives (8am)

    showers for older kids

    run dishwasher

    start 1st load of laundry

    write out bills

    go pick up our free bagels from Brueggers this morning / have morning snack

    school:

         dd6: phonics, math, handwriting, reading

         dd10: reading, handwriting, MegaWords, Wordly Wise, math, history

         ds: reading, handwriting, Wordly Wise, math, history, science

         dd16: finish scholarship essay, APUSH, AP Language, Chem, Economics project, Pre-Calc,

    chores: empty/reload dishwasher, 4 loads of laundry, wipe down bathroom counters, sweep floors, vacuum living room & bedrooms, trash/recycling/composting, clean toilets

    dd10: art class (12-1) and birthday party (1-3pm)

    dd16: dance classes (4-5 and 7-9pm)

    daycare child gets picked up (4;30)

    dinner

    go to gym (7:15-8:45)

    relax and get to bed at a decent hour

  8. Ready to tackle Tuesday...

     

    DONE:

    get up, showered and dressed

    breakfast

    showers for older kids

    daycare child arrived (7:45am)

    take sheets off of our bed so they can be washed

     

    STILL TO DO:

    school IN PROGRESS

    make pizza sauce

    chores: empty/reload dishwasher, clean counters, trash/recycling/composting, vacuum, 2 loads of laundry

    go to bank to make GS Troop deposit

    go to Aldi's

    library

    naptime for daycare child

    reading time for 3 of my kids

    dd16: dance class (4-5pm)

    daycare child gets picked up (5pm)

    make homemade pizza for dinner

    kitchen clean-up

    bath for dd6

    bedtime

  9. After 4 snow days last week, today's biggest challenge was getting up and getting back to a good routine!  It's 1:15pm now and so far we've had a fairly good day.

     

    DONE:

    up, showered, dressed

    breakfast

    showers for kids

    dd16: Economics class (9-10:30)

    dd9: dentist appt (11-11:30)

    bank

    post office

    gas station

    school: 

         dd6: math, phonics, handwriting, reading

        dd10: handwriting, reading, 

         ds: science, math, reading, handwriting,

     chores: empty/reload dishwasher, 2 loads of laundry, 

     

    STILL TO DO:

    chores:  finish folding and putting away laundry, wipe down bathrooms counters, sweep bathrooms, trash/recycling/composting, vacuum living room & bedrooms

    school:

         dd6: spelling

         dd10: math, history, Megawords, Wordly Wise

         ds: history, work on archaelogy merit badge for scouts

         dd16: APUSH, AP Language, Pre-Calc, finish Spanish assignment, work on Chemistry 

    dd6: dance class (4-5pm)

    dd16: dance classes (4:30-8:45)

    dd10: girl Scouts (6:30-8)

    ds & dh: Boy Scouts (7:30-9)

    me: work out at gym (5:30-7:15)

  10. My mom passed away this morning at 8:00. My older sister was with her, and she said it was a very peaceful passing.  

     

    My dh had told me to sleep in this morning, and he'd get his food together. I woke up around 7:15 and thought about getting up, but I decided to go back to sleep. I dreamed that she called me, and I remember thinking, Oh, she's woken up from this. I was so excited. I don't really remember what she said to me, but I do remember not being able to hear her after just a little bit. Maybe it was her way of letting me know she was waking up in a better place. 

     

    Thanks for all your prayers and sweet thoughts. The next few days are going to be extremely hard, but I know it will get better. 

    (((Amy)))

    I am grateful that your mom's passing was peaceful and pray that you continue to feel God comforting you in your grief.  

  11. DONE:

    showered, dressed

    breakfast

    daycare child arrived (8am)

    take daycare child to preschool (9am)

    dentist appts for all 4 kids (10-11:15)

    lunch

    school:

         dd6: phonics, math, handwriting, reading

         dd10: math, Megawords, Wordly WIse, handwriting, reading

         ds: math, Wordly Wise, handwriting, science, review scout stuff for Scoutmaster conference tonight

    chores: 2 loads of laundry, empty/reload dishwasher, trash, wipe down bathroom counters, sweep bathroom floors, vacuum, 

    pick up daycare child from preschool (1pm)

     

    STILL TO DO:

    dd6: dance class (4-5pm)

    cook dinner

    daycare child gets picked up (4;30-4:45)

    dd16: dance class (4:30-8:45pm)

    dd10: Girl Scout meeting 6:30-7:30

    ds & dh: Boy Scout meeting 7:30-9

    take dd6 and dd10 to deliver GS cookies to a friend 

    general kitchen tidy after dinner

    relax

     

     

  12. shower, get dressed,

    daycare child (7:45am)

    breakfast

    take daycare child to preschool (9am)

    bank

    school
        dd6: phonics, handwriting, math, reading

        dd10: handwriting, Megawords, Wordly Wise, math, reading, art

        ds: science, handwriting, math, Wordly Wise, reading

        dd16: Pre-Calc, AP Language (finish paper), APUSH (submit weekly assignments)

    pick up daycare child from preschool

    lunch

    household chores: clean bathroom & kitchen counters, sweep, vacuum, wipe down kitchen appliances, empty/reload dishwasher, put away load of laundry from dryer, wash dog's blankets, 

    get daycare child down for a nap 

    write letters for two big kids (church retreat this weekend)

    make sure ds packed appropriately for weekend retreat

     

    STILL TO DO:

    scrub showers (2)

    go to Walmart to buy new shower curtain liners

    replace shower curtain liners

    pick out new curtains and paint for upstairs bathrooms (master and kids)

    renew library books online

    daycare child gets picked up (5pm)

    cook dinner

    drop ds off at church (7pm) (dd16 will drive herself since she has to be there early for set-up)

    clean kitchen

     

     

  13. It's been a productive day so far.

     

    DONE: 

    up, showered and dressed

    breakfast

    school:

         dd6: phonics, math, handwriting, reading, spelling

         dd9: math, Megawords, Wordly WIse, reading, 

         ds: math, Wordly Wise, science, reading,

         dd16: APUSH, AP Language, Pre-Calc

    chores: empty/reload dishwasher, scrub kitchen surfaces, clean bathrooms, declutter bedroom, vacuum bedroom, sweep/vacuum living room, 

    make dinner in crockpot

    lunch

    clean out cabinets in kitchen

    clean living room blinds

     

    STILL TO DO:

    drop items off at thrift store 

    pick up GS cookies from dd9's troop leader

    pick up GS cookies from dd6's troop leader

    dd16: dance class (4-5pm)

    dinner

    go to gym (6-8pm)

    shower

    clean kitchen counters / do dishes / sweep

    relax

  14. Happy Monday!  I've been tackling it in full force today!

     

    DONE:

    up, showered and dressed

    breakfast

    fold 2 loads of laundry and put away

    strip bed linens, wash, dry and put back on beds

    school:

         dd6: handwriting, math, phonics, spelling

         dd9: Megawords, Wordly Wise, math, handwriting, reading

        ds: Wordly Wise, science, math, handwriting, reading

        dd16: Pre-Calc, APUSH, AP Language, finish Spanish homework

    dd16: Economics class (9-10:30)

    chores: empty/reload dishwasher, wipe down bathroom & kitchen counters, sweep/vacuum, wash pots & pans, trash & recycling

    start dinner in crockpot

    watch friend's daughter while she has an appt (11-1pm)

    history lessons with dd9 and ds 

     

    STILL TO DO:

    read Jungle Book with ds and dd9

    request library books for this history unit

    pack clothes to take to the gym

    dd6: dance class (4-5pm)

    dd16: dance classes (4:30-8:45)

    go to gym (after dd6's dance class)

    dinner

    go to Aldi's

    ds & dh : Boy Scouts (7:30-9pm)

    list items for sale / continue decluttering

    mop kitchen & bathroom floors

     

     

  15. I've been away for almost a full month.  We had a death in our family (my grandfather) just before Christmas, which led to an unplanned trip home to NY for the funeral.  We did have a fabulous Christmas and relaxing winter break.  At the start of the New Year, our washer and microwave both died (on the same day), so we spent this past weekend shopping for a new washer/dryer set and my dad got me a new over range microwave for my birthday (which was yesterday). The washer and dryer were delivered yesterday, so I spent my bday catching up on laundry!  Today is our third day "back to school" and things are going fairly well.  We are still in a more relaxed mode since my "daycare children" are still not back. We will ramp things back up to full speed next week!

     

     

    up, showered, and dressed

    breakfast

    school:

         dd6: phonics, math, reading, handwriting

         dd9: reading, math, Megawords, Wordly Wise,

         ds:  science, math, Wordly Wise, reading

         dd16: APUSH, AP Language, Pre-Calc, Chemistry

    ds: Spanish class 11am-12pm

    dd16: Spanish class 12:45-2:15

    go to bank

    library

    Walmart

    dollar store

    ds: make two pans of brownies to take to his LifeGroup meeting at church tonight

    chores:  2 loads of laundry (wash/dry/fold/put away), wipe down bathroom counters, empty/reload dishwasher, sweep/vacuum living room, vacuum stairs/master bedroom, trash/recycling, 

    put away Nativity Set

    throw away poinsettias

    list items for sale 

    go to gym

    make dinner

    ds and dd16: LifeGroups at church (6:30-8pm)

    evening cleaning job (9pm-1am) (this will be shock to my system after not having to do it for 2+ weeks)

     

     

  16. 2:30pm update Chugging along through the day....

     

    daycare child (8-5pm)

    fold and put away 2 loads of laundry

    strip bed linens, wash, dry, and put back on beds

    empty/reload dishwasher

    wrap presents 

    write out Christmas cards / take picture of kids / order prints from CVS / mail cards

    thaw chicken for dinner

    prep dinner in the crockpot

    dd16: APUSH, AP Language, finish Spanish, work on Chem mid-term, Pre-Calc

    ds: work on Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, and Archaeology merit badges for BS

    make bank deposit for dd9's GS troop

    have dd16 pick up another box of Christmas cards from Hallmark since I ran out.

    dd16: ballet class (4-5pm)

    make final decisions re: Christmas baking / make grocery list 

    vacuum / sweep

    wipe down bathrooms / clean toilets

     
  17. 11am update:

    Kids were bickering this morning and I could see the day headed downhill.  I decided to change the mood by making them a yummy breakfast (biscuits, bacon, and clementines).  It seems to have done the trick and all are getting along better now.  Phew!

     

    daycare child (8-5pm)

    fold and put away 2 loads of laundry

    strip bed linens, wash, dry, and put back on beds (this will likely take 3 loads).

    empty/reload dishwasher

    wrap presents 

    write out Christmas cards / take picture of kids / order prints from CVS / mail cards

    thaw chicken for dinner

    prep dinner in the crockpot

    dd16: APUSH, AP Language, finish Spanish, work on Chem mid-term, Pre-Calc

    ds: work on Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, and Archaeology merit badges for BS

    make bank deposit for dd9's GS troop

    dd16: ballet class (4-5pm)

    make final decisions re: Christmas baking / make grocery list 

    vacuum / sweep

    wipe down bathrooms / clean toilets

  18. Good morning, everyone!  I need to tackle the day before it tackles me!  I was up late last night chatting with my cousin and awaiting updates on my grandfather.  The end of his earthly life is very near and I expect that he may pass today.  At this point, we are praying for a quick, peaceful passing.  (He broke his hip about a month ago and has now stopped eating and has developed an infection).  There will be travel arrangements to make for my dad to travel to NY.  I feel torn regarding my own decision as to whether or not I should travel for the funeral.  

     

    daycare child (8-5pm)

    fold and put away 2 loads of laundry

    strip bed linens, wash, dry, and put back on beds (this will likely take 3 loads).

    empty/reload dishwasher

    wrap presents 

    write out Christmas cards / take picture of kids / order prints from CVS / mail cards

    prep dinner in the crockpot

    dd16: APUSH, AP Language, finish Spanish, work on Chem mid-term, Pre-Calc

    ds: work on Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, and Archaeology merit badges for BS

    make bank deposit for dd9's GS troop

    dd16: ballet class (4-5pm)

    make final decisions re: Christmas baking / make grocery list 

    vacuum / sweep

    wipe down bathrooms / clean toilets

     

     

     

     

  19. It's been a fairly good Monday! 

     

    DONE:

    daycare child (8-4:15)

    take daycare child to preschool (9am)

    go to bank

    workout at the Y

    shower

    lunch

    clean kitchen

    pick daycare child up from preschool (1pm)

    grocery store

    nap for daycare child

    get dd6 ready for dance

    dd6 dance class (4-5pm) (dd16 drove her there and dh is picking her up)

    dd16: dance classes (4:30-8:45)

    prep dinner (sausage & potato roast)

    2 loads of laundry

    sweep & vacuum

     

     

    STILL TO DO:

    run to store to get a mug and gift bag for the Secret Santa gift that dd9 has to bring to GS tonight

    dinner

    take dd9 to GS / stay for mandatory parent meeting (6:30-8) (will probably have to take dd6 with us)

    ds & dh - Boy Scouts (7:30-9)

    general clean up / make sure laundry is folded & put away / 

    Advent reading with kids

    wrap presents?

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