I am often tempted with the thought of going on strike. It never works. I get so angry & frustrated & live in filth for a few days...but then in the end *I* am the one who has to clean it all up anyways! And then I just get angrier...mostly at myself because I shouldn't have let it get so bad. I can totally relate to how you are feeling! Now then, I strongly believe that the atmosphere of a house affects how the days go...it makes such a difference to *my* peace of mind to have things in order and then I'm able to function & do all that I want to do. I also believe the mother sets the tone of the home...(sometimes I don't set the best tone...but if I'm cranky, everyone is cranky...if I'm in a productive mood, everyone gets things done...if I'm tired & lazy, everyone else sits around, too). We seem to go in cycles--for awhile things work well, then I get lazy or don't follow through as much and it all falls apart, then I create some new method of organizing the chaos and we begin again. I just consider it my role as a mother...to constantly be teaching them how to do things. One thing that has worked well for me is to set a time for a Time Out Sweep. Gather everyone together and say, "At ten o'clock tomorrow morning, I am cleaning this room/floor/house...anything that is out of place will be confiscated for a week. After that point, you can earn things back the next week by doing designated chores. After that point, the bag will go in the trash." (I would love to put the bag straight into the trash...but I am much too frugal for that and could never throw away things that are valuable/important!) I'd also suggest a heart-to-heart discussion with your dh so that you two can determine which tasks each of you will be in charge of. I think that spelling it out in detail can make a world of a difference. Often my dh is willing to help, but doesn't know what needs to be done (even though it is obvious to me!!!), so if I can clearly communicate what needs to happen, he'll respond willingly & get right to work. And then there is the fact that his ideas of cleanliness and mine are very different! For some reason, he doesn't see things the way I do...his idea of a clean room is if the center of the room has nothing on it...so he'll shove things around the edges of the walls and feel like it's clean. Also, I've found it helpful to just accept certain things as my job, simply because they are important to me, but not to anybody else. (Dh could care less if the shower curtain was open/closed, but to me, my bathroom doesn't feel clean unless it is closed...it used to drive me crazy, but when I realized this, I decided it's a simple thing for me to just close the dang curtain and then I feel better and it's not a huge issue with dh). And then after things get put back together...you start the training process with the kids. It's a never-ending, constantly-changing process. It's hard and I often want to give up...but I have faith that somehow it is all going to be worth it!

My dd11 was recently invited to a fun party, 7-9:30--the girls were asked to come in their pajamas, they had a ice cream sundae bar and watched a movie. Each girl got to bring home a fun sundae dish from the dollar store. If you don't do it at a meal time, you can save a lot on the cost. When my dd was 9, we had a fun karaoke birthday--the girls put on hats, scarves, necklaces and took turns singing in pairs. We decorated cupcakes, played a few backyard games, and called it good. I always like to use the food part as an activity--decorating cupcakes, making sundaes, making own homemade pizzas. It takes up some time, is a lot of fun, plus they get their treat.

Wow! It was right on for me, too! One of my close friends is Mennonite--she & her husband are great examples of Christians who reach out to others around them. From my understanding there are lots and lots of differences among congregations--it kind of depends on what you are looking for and what each congregation views as important. I remember her talking about a division of their congregation because one group liked one leader/the other didn't. We were living in an area with an Amish community close by and then within that area there were quite a few congregations of Mennonite.

I can relate to your eagerness to teach your little one. It is so exciting to watch them catch onto something new! I remember with my first I was just so thrilled to *finally* be able to 'teach' him something...everything else he had done on his own (y'know...typical development...rolling over, sitting up, walking, etc). I'm the type of mom that is always creating 'learning activities' to do with her little ones. Some of mine have been ready to learn these types of things earlier than others. For example, the little colored bears used as a math manipulative...my intention is to teach sorting by color, then counting, then patterning. But when I first pulled them out to start with dd2, she had different ideas in mind and would rather pour them in her cups & dump them out. Then a few months later, we got to color sorting. Even though my first child was into the patterning a lot sooner, it doesn't matter...we're still playing together and the learning will come. I guess what my suggestion is to perhaps find some different kind of learning activities that YOU will enjoy with dd and that SHE will be ready for...working developmental skills that will get her ready for the workbook/schooly type of learning to come. There are a lot of ideas online...try searching Tot School, for one. Puzzles are also fabulous--easier jigsaw. Magnetic ABC letters on the frig, counting the steps you walk, writing letters in sand with your fingers, etc. It might help to find lists of developmentally appropriate skills that you can follow & then create learning opportunities to teach those. I'm sure you're already doing these types of things, but I thought I'd throw out the idea of finding things more hands-on than not. Now then, when you're talking of listening/comprehension skills, there are plenty of ways to play around with those--make it fun--and yet be teaching dd. Sit down on the floor with several items (red block, blue ball, brown box, green car)...talk about each item, label, give her the words. Then try different things...Can you put the blue ball INSIDE the brown box? Or give fun instructions...like playing follow the leader or Simon Says in a simplified way. Or do a treasure hunt...but walk alongside her and say the clues one at a time until you find a fun treasure to share at the end.

:grouphug: What a scary experience! I'm so glad everyone is okay!

I saw this a few weeks ago and thought it looked like a lot of fun! I'm hoping to make it with the kids in a few weeks. I just thought I'd add water balloon fights, water kickball (baby pools w/water as bases, someone squirting with hose while you run, using a beach ball), water balloon volleyball (two people using towels catch a water balloon and toss over net to another team), sponge relay, Duck, Duck Goose with a pitcher of water (pour on person you say goose on).

At our pools, unless it is titled "Mommy & Me," then it is only the kids who get in the water and the parents sit & observe.

I guess my dh wonders the same thing...why do I like to spend so much time on this forum when I'm not a homeschooler?!? It does seem a little crazy, perhaps. I call myself a homeschooler-at-heart...and kind of hope for the day that all the stars align and it works for us to jump in. Until that day...I guess I am just an educator-at-heart...I *love* curriculum, I *love* to do educational things with my children, I *love* to hear about what works/doesn't work with homeschoolers, I *love* to learn new things myself. (I've taught ps previously and did homeschool ds12 last year, but for several reasons he went back to ps this year.) Learning together is just such a huge part of our family life...even though we're not homeschoolers. But I think one of the main reasons I've stuck around...I finally found a group of people who care about the same kinds of things I care about! Here's an example: Last year as I was researching the ps junior high, I called two ladies in my neighborhood--I was trying to find an algebra textbook just to take a peek at what is taught before we made our decision about ds attending there. It was MAY...and neither one of these ladies had any clue if their daughters were in Algebra or not. :001_huh: I seriously was dumbfounded...how could a mom not know what math level her kid was at when the year was almost over? But that explained so much to me...I must be the strange one...who knows & cares about what math level my kids are at...no wonder I don't fit in very well irl anywhere!!! Ah...most ladies I meet want to talk about decorating or Twilight or the latest fashion or their recent cruise...(NOT that there is anything wrong with any of that)...but HERE I can talk about things that really matter to me...how to help my reluctant writer, chores, family read-alouds, ways to teach phonics to my preschooler, ideas for books that I can read myself. I also love the non-educational discussions--family vacation ideas, discipline, recipes, etc. Gosh...I learn so much here! It's a great place to spend (waste!!!) a few hours! :D

We're having snow this morning, too! The mountains are covered already. I'm sure glad I didn't sign my kids up for the first session of swimming lessons that starts next week! What a crazy start to our summer...

Interesting discussion here. I have also been extremely frustrated with the lack of writing instruction in ps...it seems they simply assign writing assignments and expect the kids to magically be able to accomplish them. When I read TWTM for the first time, I felt like I *finally* figured out what the challenge with writing is. It was a serious lightbulb moment for me! There are several skills happening simultaneously when you ask a student to write about her family vacation. (Why didn't they teach me anything about that in my education classes in college!???) Thinking what to write, thinking through which order to put the thoughts down, thinking of how to form the letters themselves, thinking of how to build the sentences, and then actually doing it. It seems the ps teachers simply assume they can sit down and write it without recognizing the various steps. This is why I think copywork, dictation and narration are great skills to focus on...and these are the steps I take to help my dc when they have school assignments to work on at home...I just walk them through the process one step at a time. We first talk & brainstorm together; we then figure out what order things should go; then I write down what they say for them; then they copy it in their own writing or by dictation, depending on their abilities. It seems the most challenging part is remembering what it was they wanted to say while they physically write it out. I will say I disagree slightly with TWTM--my recollection is that it was frowned upon to have younger kids write original thoughts/stories. I personally feel younger kids are quite capable of this...if they are taught & assisted in doing so. The more they do it, (along with copywork, dictation & narration), the better they become.

I learned Fifty-Nifty in 1979...and I consider it one of my greatest talents that I can still name the fifty states in alphabetical order in 30 seconds. I've had to prove it a time or two...and I really can do it thanks to that song!

:bigear:

I am also struggling with depression right now. Nobody irl knows this, I tend to smile and pretend everything is peachy, but I have felt for years that I'm barely holding it all together. Finally a few months ago I talked to my doctor about it and decided to try an anti-depressant. It's been about 5 weeks now...I certainly notice that I am not as emotional and feel a little more able to handle little stresses...but I am so exhausted. all. the. time...which isn't helping me any! I firmly believe that sunshine and exercise will make a difference, but I'm too tired to get my rear out and take a walk, so I feel stuck in a cycle of gloom & doom or something. Hugs to you. I hope finding that you are not alone helps you manage just a little bit better.

Ah...what a sensitive issue for dss13 to be dealing with. You are sweet to be trying to not embarrass him. I'd suggest that you talk privately, matter-of-factly, and directly with dss13 and ask if he has any ideas how you can make the vacation more enjoyable/pleasant if an accident were to happen. Perhaps buy some of the briefs that have been mentioned and have them ready to show him as a possible solution. He could wear them under his normal underwear and nobody else would know anything about it. Or mention that you could bring a 5 gallon bucket for him to do a hand-load of laundry in the bathroom & hang things around the hotel in the morning & re-make the bed that evening if an accident occurs. Come up with a few possibilities and then let dss choose which one he'd like to use on vacation.

It sure sounds like everything is falling into place for you guys! Trust in the Lord...and all things shall work together for your good!

My ds7 would be excited about: nerf gun lego set remote control car/plane art supplies sidewalk chalk/the fun sets crayola has out now for outdoors football/actually any kind of ball/sports set to play outside football cards goggles/pool toy/sunglasses

I'm a homeschooler-at-heart...currently afterschooling, homeschooled my oldest last year, hoping to homeschool in the future. I love these boards...and have learned so much from everyone here. I feel a little crazy sometimes for spending so much time on a homeschooling board when I'm not a homeschooler...but I have to admit I feel I have more in common here than many other places! I love learning about curriculum and finding ways to engage my kids in active learning...it's just part of who I am, I guess. I have four kids--ds12 (ps jr high), dd11 (charter school), ds7 (charter school), dd2. We live in a small town without any street lights...can see sheep & horses from my windows...but close to a university town, so there is plenty to do around here! I'm a sahm, dh is an attorney. We have two guinea pigs...(new to the pet thing, not so sure how long they will last around here! PU!) I love to read, quilt, spend time with my kids. I'm excited for summer to be here so I can have them all to myself! One of my favorite things is to take a nap...

Ds12 is also very prone to motion sickness when we travel. Dramamine is our friend. Take it at least 30 minutes before travelling. Peppermint gum also helps. My other rec is to have lots of gallon bags available. And baby wipes. Good luck!

I'm no expert and struggle daily with my own children learning to get along (still...oldest is 12 and we haven't figured it out yet!)...so I'm hardly one to give suggestions here! But your comment about ds5 perhaps being gifted caught my attention. I've done a bit of research into giftedness and there is most certainly an element of social & emotional side to giftedness that many aren't aware of. I'd recommend this site: http://www.sengifted.org/articles_index.shtml. SENG stands for Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted...and this website has some terrific articles on the social and emotional needs of these advanced kids. For me, once I learned a bit about some of these other aspects of giftedness, I was able to understand my ds a little bit better. It helped me to be able to explain some of his differences and be more understanding of helping him work through them. Just thought I'd offer that idea for you to look into, in case it helps.

I found something that makes our mornings run a little more smoothly! I created a playlist of songs on my computer and made a list of what the kids needed to get done for each song: make bed, get dressed, straighten bedroom, bring laundry down, eat breakfast, brush teeth. We can do all of that in 30 minutes (27 minutes, to be exact!). They race to get things done before the song is over. I actually made two lists--one is classical music (William Tell overture, Palchelbel Canon, etc) another is fun popular music that the kids chose.

The garage time machine sounds perfect! And your ds sounds like the perfect one for the job of time machine attendant...complete with info about the time period. How awesome. Yep...you're well on your way to a terrific birthday party. PS, I love walking encyclopedias! :D

There is a visitor's center near Omaha about the Mormon pioneers--they wintered in this area, actually at 'Winter Quarters' on their pioneer trek to Utah. This website has some info: http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1837-1-1-1,00.html I've never been there, so I can't recommend it personally, but it was the first thing I thought of in that geographical area.

Thanks for sparking my imagination, too....you've now got me thinking of a fun thing to do with my kids this summer. I've been thinking of it all day! Time Travel Thursdays...first week we'll build a time machine...then each week will be a different time period that we'll travel to...Egypt, Castle, Pirates, Western, Pioneer, even Astronauts to the moon. With library books, crafts, read aloud, field trip, etc. Good luck with your party plans! Oh...you could color dinosaur eggs...(like Easter eggs) or go on a dinosaur egg hunt (with plastic eggs--inside could be treats or pieces to a puzzle to put together).

Hmm, it does sound like quite an imaginative girl you've got there! I think it could be a fantastic party... I'd do invitations inviting the girls to a Time Travel Adventure and to come ready to travel back in time. You could build the time machine out of a refrigerator box (or even two together) so that all the girls could fit inside at one time...have them all enter; make a big deal about setting the date to travel to...even have a recording of sound effects or something fun like that & a flashing light. :D Or you could make the time machine something that goes over the top of the girls & you could 'walk' the machine to the next spot around the backyard. Meanwhile, on the outside of the machine, you're getting ready for the 1st Scene...let's say Egypt. You could have some kind of clothing prop for them to put on (hmm, like fabric & a headband on their heads), have Egyptian-type music playing, then a little activity for them to do that represents something about Egypt. Maybe building a pyramid out of sugar cubes or dancing to Walk LIke an Egyptian or even coloring a picture of an Egyptian scene. Then it's time to go back into the machine...and head to...the next destination. I'd say to have maybe 4 different stops...and one of them could even be in the future. Maybe you could come up with a little prop for each time period that the girls could take home with them and do a different kind of activity at each time period. In one you could make a craft (Egyptian pyramid), eat a snack (princess tea party, wearing crowns or borrowed dress up clothes), play a game (shooting water guns at targets, Western, wearing bandannas on necks), go on a treasure hunt (as Pirates, wearing bandannas on heads with a treasure map). Maybe the last scene could be at a birthday party...with balloons & presents & cupcakes. You could also read a picture book at each scene. Gosh, it sure sounds like fun! Maybe I can talk my 8 year old into doing that this summer, too!

Did he eat anything he hasn't eaten for awhile? My dd2 did this a few weeks back--the only thing I could figure out is that we had eaten cantaloupe with dinner & haven't really had any since last summer. I've never seen a reaction quite like that so it made me nervous...but it was gone a few hours later. I hope it goes away soon!