Flying and Overnights at the Polynesian Center! Hooray!

This Was The Best Idea Ever!

Yes, I am loving my new home. Love the wonderful things I can do with my kids and new experiences. Flying Planes! Overnights at the Polynesian Center and Sea Life Parks. Hooray!

Speed Racer's first Flying lesson. The boy even landed the plane. His pilot teacher told him he was a natural. 

Then they had an overnight campout with their dad at the Sea Life Park where the leading man worked in the movie FIFTY FIRST DATES.

And...just this week, we went spent the night at the Polynesian Cultural Center and it was fantastic. All these great get togethers were coordinated by our homeschool group moms. Amazing women to put together these customized homeschool adventures.

Speed Racer volunteering for acting out story telling at the Polynesian Center.

BACK TO THE GRIND of planning next school year.

Yepper, that's what I've been doing this week. I was looking at a program called Dual Credit At Home since I tried putting together a program for my older students and JUST DIDN'T HAVE THE TIME. 

So, a friend of mine is thinking of going in half with me.

Speed Racer's plan is basically going to be Abeka, some Landry Academy classes (redo of Alg 1) and Study.com for this year to orientate him with the subjects to be covered the following year. But the following year, I am considering just having him do Dual Credit At Home for CLEPs and DSST test. Both colleges we are considering accept the tests.

Tiger Lilly, will take her college courses and a few Landry and Digipen classes. I'm also looking for an in person Japanese tutorial school here since it is like the 2nd language here. This summer she is taking Java Programming 2 with the college and Calculus as a homeschooling course to prepare her for the college course this Fall.

TVs in the BEDROOMS

I am allowing the kids to have TVs in their bedrooms now. However, they are not hooked up to cable television but we are using a ROKU device for them to access netflix and hulu. 

School Work in Bedrooms

It's come a time where I had to separate them. Speed Racer is a constant distraction to Tiger Lilly. So I installed camera's in Tiger Lilly's room to make sure she stays on task. And Speed Racer is stuck at the dining room table or portable desk I have set up for him in the living room until he is finished his work.

SPEED RACER (age 11yrs) my Middle Schooler

Homeschooled at 4th grade on.

Speed Racer can't finish the projects for two of his Landry classes. Sheesh! The items have been lost in shipping or we just can't find them. I won't spend the $200 for supply replacement. Therefore, he will just watch the videos, do the reading and the questions for chapters in Electricity and Robotics He did 2 assignments over the last two weeks in his Scratch.

Finally finished 2 weeks worth of work in his 5 Paragraph Writing Class.

Getting through Algebra 1 with good scores. Basic Math review with CTCMath on Fractions - something it seems like the kid keeps forgetting.

Membean he has recovered some of his word recognition loss. Making good leeway with Python Programming.

TIGER LILLY (age 14 yrs) the Dual enrolled High Schooler

Homeschooled at 7th grade on.

The college courses are challenging. I  had to hire her a tutor for Pre-Calc.  The teacher in this class isn't very helpful and the school doesn't offer tutoring other than peer tutor service that is hit or miss. We dropped the Pre-Calc College class and are reviewing Pre-Calc using CLEP Professor and working with the tutor. Tiger Lilly will retake that class the 1st half of summer.  We agreed that if she wanted to drop the class, she had to use the time before the re-take to study and prepare. Also, we went on 'Rate My Professor' and researched the summer online course teacher better. The one Tiger Lilly had, actually got a 'D' score from students. (Epic Fail on mom's part).

She is doing well with her Professional Writing Class and I check her homework assignments. Economics took awhile to get the hang of. She is passing the test with B's instead of the D she made the first week which freaked her out.

The Landry courses is slow going. I asked them to stop grading her for the course. It's alright because I will take over the grading of the topic for her. She is frustrated she can't participate in the live classes do to our timezone change. C Programming she is now on the #2 program of the 3 she was behind, but she keeps slipping further. PC Pro is caught up with quizzes and video viewing. Unfortunately with Japanese we are to a point of frustration with how far behind we are. I am going to find a school for her in person to work on it.

The Relational Database design using Udemy and SQLZoo is easy to her and I believe she will do well in this class this fall semester.


WORKING PARENT's LOG


Meals are on a roll. We are now making veggie and fruit smoothies daily so the kids get in their vitamins. It's also helped me as a meal replacement for dinner. I pre-made cut the fruit and placed in the freezer. Also, pre-made dinner and tried some new recipes. Hubby's here and he's been prepping dinner for me. I am going to miss that when he starts back at work on Monday.

Cleaning. Well we have been making up our beds daily, easy to clean until another shipped box shoes up at our door that we have to unpack. Ugh!

Work & Life Balance. Finally, things have calmed down at the day gig. Love the new job though. The work really gives me a good diversion from things I have to do at home. And I get in 2 - 15 minute walks as well as a 30 minute lunch break with some work friends. I enjoy having the juggle of both work and home. It gives me and hubby tons to talk about. Also, ways to meet new friends.

Lesson Planning. On track these weeks, but it's our Spring schedule and not as hectic. Since we are back to doing year around school, I won't get a complete break from this.

Rest. I am sleeping like a baby, now that hubby is here and reminding me to go to sleep at a decent hour, lol! And he is helping with homeschooling.  

Marriage Check Up. These last weeks have been wonderful since hubby is here. We try not to bicker as much since we still remember how much we missed each other. But we haven't resumed date night every week since the kiddos are hogging up dad's free time for video game playing and sight seeing.

Back in the Saddle Again

 Yep, We are at it again. 
Spring Break is over.
We are moved in.
And it's back to work.

Here's a little something to think about. My daughter snapped this picture.

 Sometimes, the little things just make you think.

 Now on to more thoughtful topics.

WHY DID WE MOVE?

We had a moment or a few of life reflection and planning out a hopeful retirement, redirection of our lives and said...why wait to retire to live our dreams. The options for us was, option 1: work diligently to save, pinch every penny to invest away and be able to live in Hawaii for 2 months out of the year - while we were still healthy and able to travel. Option number 2 was, have a mini-retirement of 12 weeks stay anywhere we want to explore, every 3 years as it would take us that long to save up for it and take off of our jobs. Option number 3 was - work where we want to explore, live or retire and experience our retirement dream life now.

Well you know which one we chose.

Will we move back ever? Will we move to another exotic place?

Maybe. Maybe not. But we are opened to figuring it out. So stay tuned.

Some blogs that helped us change our way of thinking in that typical work til you are near dead to retire are: (GoCurryCracker, Budgets are Sexy, and Afford Anything)

NOW BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM

Since moving, the homeschool group we found spends lots of time on field trips. Which is perfect for us and how we plan our co op time. In addition, I have found some traditional school goodies like 'Spring Break Camp', Summer Camps, After School Programs, and various sports that make homeschooling here a lot of fun.

This was our first week back to full-time homeschool (sort of)

Speed Racer completed his Abeka Curriculum, so he has a lighter schedule until we resume full-time status in August. Tiger Lilly has been focusing on her college classes which started the Sunday we moved here. She had a rough start since we didn't have internet for a week.

SPEED RACER (age 11yrs) my Middle Schooler

Homeschooled at 4th grade on.

Speed Racer is back from hiatus of no internet and Spring Break Camp at the YMCA.

He surprised me with the vigor in which he finished his studies this week. I think the kid was actually bored with not doing school work.

We are focusing on catching up to Speed Racer's Landry classes.  Electricity and Robotics are the hardest to catch up on as they have at least 3 projects that we are behind in. He only got through one project of each and has to double up to catch up with his class. He did 2 assignments in his Scratch class with Landry and just has 2 more to make up before he is on track with the class.

He is also behind in his 5 Paragraph Writing Class, he finished Lesson 4's journal entry, quiz and exercises then emailed the teacher his progress to be reviewed.

Speed Racer is getting back on the wagon again with Algebra 1 in Teaching Textbook I started him back at Lesson 1. His scores started decreasing and hey, with homeschooling, we have time to redo. Also, he is taking Saxon based interactive class next year with Landry and I want him to get the basics solidified. With CTCMath he is still reviewing Basic Math concepts and doing speed drills.

Membean has started up again and he lost some momentum he has to recover. He is back on track  with Python Programming and finished up an exercise a day.  with Code Academy and we took a break with IXL for Language.

TIGER LILLY (age 14 yrs) the Dual enrolled High Schooler

Homeschooled at 7th grade on.

Second 8 weeks of the Spring Semester at University of Maryland, University College (UMUC.edu) She started 3 classes on March 14 that run til May 9th, 2016. She only has 78 credits to go for her BS in Information Systems and Minor in Computer Science with them. Woot!

Her most challenging class this 2nd half of the Spring is Pre-Calc.  She requested to take her Java 2 class in the summer (go figure she doesn't mind taking a programming class in the summer). She had a rough start with her Economics class and had to sign up for the online tutor group. Her Professional Writing Class is proving useful and she is actually enjoying it. The teacher is good and she got off to a great start.


The Landry courses were on hold for awhile, so she too is playing catch up with them. C Programming she completed 1 of the 3 programs she is behind on. PC Pro she has 2 weeks worth to make up and only completed one of them. In Japanese she said she feels like she is drowning and too far behind to catch up, but she worked at it and made it through a week's assignment.

She is also taking Relational Database design using Udemy and SQLZoo since she will have that class in the fall and I want her to familiarize herself with the material before taking the class.

WORKING PARENT's LOG

Meals - it is way too expensive here to go out to eat. So myself and Tiger Lilly cooked. Even got lazy and had sandwhich and cereal for dinner some nights.

Cleaning. I am a neat freak in my new home. Why? Because I have way less stuff! And I like it. I really like having less.

Work & Life Balance. Loving the new job, new home, and commute to work. The job has been hectic since I've had to work late for 2 of my first 3 weeks to do work they were holding over until they hired someone. But everyone was helpful and the kids were in camp so it wasn't a BIG problem. It was a BIG challenge since I am operating as a single parent these last 3 weeks and had to drop off and pick up kids from camp on my own.

Lesson Planning. Back at it again. It's real easy now that the kids have less than half of their other 'BLOCK' sessions.

Rest. My sleep is off because I am getting used to the time change. Also, shhhh.... don't tell my husband, but I haven't been using my sleep machine since I haven't found a nightstand I wanted. Therefore, I have no place to sit the darn thing that it will reach my face. 

Marriage Check Up. It has been HARD being away from my Hubba! This is the longest we have been away from each other. We call, text, Skype, cry and moan about when we will be together again. It's rather romantic - yet VERY frustrating.

The Family Move In Progress

We Did IT!

Moved across the ocean to a new and exciting place.

Cloudy day at the new home won't stop us from moving stuff in.

Homeschooling has been a great option for us while moving. Basically, I suspended all 'homeschool managed courses' and we just concentrated on getting used to our new home.

Work and homeschooling balance is off. The new job that I took to get here is a bit hectic right now as I meet deadlines, work late, drop kids off at Spring Break camp, and entertain my friend Diva Don who dropped in on the day I arrived back after finding our home. It was nice having a guest, but it was still an 'extra' thing to do that I hadn't prepared for. But...I survived and my guest is still my friend, lol!

Also on my first week here, I enrolled my Speed Racer into YMCA Summer camp. And got connected with a great homeschool group where the kids went to their first Island pool party.

Socialization was the name of the game.

Speed Racer and Tiger Lilly weren't too excited about the move, at least not in a positive way. They complained about missing friends and not knowing anyone.

But ... mom came to the rescue. I searched for MONTHS for ACTIVITIES, PLAY GROUPS, TRIPS and all out happenings that had other kids.

Little do they know, I've only touched the iceberg.

Hubby will be joining us next week. It's been a hard 3 weeks since he has been in our old home and I here. This is the longest time we have been apart since we got married. Let me tell you, it's not easy. Areas that he has spoiled me in, that I took for granted, I have to relearn.

However, it has made us take a look at each other differently - giving us a fresh glance and a new appreciation. I think we all are in that place where we realize how important our family is to us.

And isn't that what all this homeschooling is about? Family.

Black History Month kick off

Our Movie of Choice to reflect on this Black History Month

Underground centers on a group of slaves planning a daring 600-mile escape from a Georgia plantation. Along the way, they are aided by a secret abolitionist couple running a station on the Underground Railroad as they attempt to evade the people charged with bringing them back, dead or alive.

SPEED RACER's Week
12 yrs

Overall, Speed Racer is extremely challenged with his Landry Academy Courses (Electricity, Robotics and Scratch). His English, Biology, History, Algebra 1 (Abeka) has been experiencing a great improvement in grades. The Creative Writing course with (Sandiego Scribblers) got off to a slow start, but he grudgingly is doing the work. The Spelling using Sequential Spelling Level 2 is a bit easy for him so I am skipping forward some lessons. His independent classes that I just check on Friday are Basic Math Review (CTCMath), Python (Code Academy and TechRocket), Spanish (Middlebury Interactive).

TIGER LILLY 
14 yrs

Is doing her midterms in her only college classes in Java Programming 1, College Math 1, Illustration and Computer Graphics.  
The Landry Academy classes C Programming Pt. 2, PC Pro, Japanese had some quizzes and project she completed. Her Game Design using Udemy.com and Techrocket.com is still holding her interest and she is working on them daily. Her live Animation class is causing her to draw outside her comfort zone.

PE has been exhausting for Tiger Lilly she ended up vomiting since she didn't realize that she shouldn't eat before working out.

WORKING PARENT's LOG


Meals We did great til Tuesday. Then I had to go to the grocery store and get new goods. My nephew is visiting so I am having to adjust the portion size I was cooking.

Cleaning. The big clean is coming along. My sister in law came and got lots of our furniture. But the place itself isn't clean and we hope to get more done this weekend.

Work & Life Balance.Finding a job -is a struggle when you are working, homeschooling, planning a move and tired. But I was blessed with two interviews for work in Hawaii and an interview for the job I have here at home. I'm awaiting possibly one more interview in the coming weeks. Meanwhile I just come home and send out more resumes.

Lesson Planning. I am still working at the last minute on this. However, it can't be helped with my crazy schedule as well as the kid's multiple sources of classes.

Rest. Getting some. Now with all the last minute work we have to do, I am getting less.

Marriage Check Up. Going strong. Despite our schedule we are making time to cuddle, text 'I love you', and sneak out to dinner. Even with all this love flowing, we had are share of heated disagreements, but hey, love with be boring without some drama.

Crazy Day In a Homeschooling Working Parent's Life

OUR CRAZY SCHEDULE

AS WORKING & HOMESCHOOLING PARENTS

Everyday is different in our house. And every year we have to adjust to everyone's schedule.

Hubba:
Is an Engineer who works from home a few days a week. Co-teaches homeschooled kids: Speed Racer and Tiger Lilly.

Momma:
Is a Systems Architect that works away from home weekly - but has a very flexible schedule. Co-Teaches homeschooled kids: Speed Racer and Tiger Lilly.

Razor Ray:
College Student who works part time at the hospital on the weekends (some weekdays too) and is now taking online classes at home to finish up his last 2 semesters at college while working. Helps Speed Racer and Tiger Lilly with homework and teaches PE.

Rose:
College Student who works Internship as a Data Scientist and is finishing up her last semester at college while commuting to work and school from home. Tutors Speed Racer and Tiger Lilly when needed.

The Schedule Week

5am - Mom Leaves for day job
8am - Razor Ray drops Rose off at Train Station on Mon, Wed, Fri to work internship
9am - Dad leaves for work 3 days a week - the days change
9am - Tiger Lilly gets up to do online class and other course work
10am - Razor Ray wakes up Speed Racer to do online work and course work
3pm - Momma home, reviews all work done up until that time, and marks items for redo
3:30pm - Momma puts dinner on the stove /oven that was pre-prepped
4pm - Razor Ray takes Tiger Lilly and Speed Racer to YMCA for PE (Tue, Wed, Fri)
6pm - Momma takes Tiger Lilly and Speed Racer to Martial Arts / Dance

7:45pm - Family Dinner
8:30pm - Tiger Lilly and Speed Racer work with Hubba to finish up work
10pm - Hubba or Momma checks the work, approves it
10pm - Tiger Lilly and Speed Racer clean the kitchen
10pm - Momma goes to bed
11pm-12 am - Hubba and kids play video games or watch a movie

Tiger Lilly
Independent work from 9am - 3pm /break/
4pm-6pm /PE/
Independent work from 8:30pm-10pm

Speed Racer
Independent work from 10am-3pm /break/ *dad when home checks work or mom calls
4pm-6pm /PE/
Work with Dad 8:30pm-10pm

*If work is not completed by Friday - it has to be done on Sunday after church - Also, Landry hands on labs and projects will be worked on that day*


Yep, it's hectic, but it works. The kids are more independent and everyone helps out.

IMPORTANT TIPS to PULL THIS OFF

• Meal Planning (do it on the weekend) Prep Meals for Mon-Fri
• Curriculum that teaches itself (mostly)
• Follow-up Daily
• Have childcare on standby or rotate work schedules
• Kids must do chores, cook, clean and help 
• Realize that you won't be able to attend all those 'homeschool' focused activities and your schedule will work better with mainstream after school activities.
• Be flexible

SPEED RACER's Week

The TUTOR wasn't schedule this week for Algebra1 but we worked it out.

His work on  English, Grammar (Abeka) included some redo from last week failing quiz grade (due to him rushing to leave for his trip). We trimmed out use of the video and Abeka Spelling in place of Sequential Spelling Level 2. Creative Writing with Sandiego Scribblers online just started this week.

Reading in Biology, History (Abeka) is going slow this week.

Middle School Math we are reviewing Fractions again, since he doesn't seem very confident in them with Algebra, the tutor suggested he needed more practice (CTCMath).

Spanish (Middlebury Interactive) I have him do 3 ten minute lessons a day. It's slow going though.

Landry Academy courses gave him a bit more homework. A new project in Scratch Programming (Landry) and one in Electricity Science (Landry). Reading for Robotics (Landry) will be done but we decided to save all projects for Sunday work.

He did 25 min of practice in Vocabulary Building (Membean). For Programming he does 15 minutes with Python (CodeAcademy).

TIGER LILLY

Had some hiccups with her week back to class. Some items weren't completed correctly, so it was added to her workload on Monday (which was supposed to be her day off)

Here college courses are not in person, so she can do the work when she wants. In Java Programming 1 she had an online interactive lab, 3 chapters to read, a discussion lab and intro to give and a Test 1. In College Math 1 she had A LOT of math problems for homework, a quiz, and had to show her problem with explanation in the discussion area. For her Illustration and Computer Graphics she had to read 3 chapters, do a demo, and write a page discussion and analysis piece about her work.

The Landry classes, C Programming Pt. 2 she had a project and a test. PC Pro consisted of reviewing on Testout.com the 3 sections for this week, doing the quizzes and interactive labs.

Japanese she had a project to start on, a writing sample, a test and homework exercise. She is taking some courses independently on Game Design and Animation using Udemy.com and Techrocket.com.

Unity 3d, Game Salad and Javascript are courses she is taking using Techrocket and Udemy.com for her own passion of Game Design and Development. So I don't really keep up with what she's doing. However, she has shown me some of her works.

PE is killing her, her brother Razor Ray is serious about keeping her on a regimen.

WORKING PARENT's LOG


Meals This week went well. I even had the kids put some of the pre-prepped meals in the oven for me when I was on my way home.

Cleaning. Nothing went as planned and the basement is still undone. Just 3 weeks to go to clear it out.

Work & Life Balance. Work went smoothly this week, packed with meetings and projects. The job hunt is proving fruitful with 3 interviews completed and in the final stages of decisions. Also, 2 prospects in waiting for me. All are exciting, but I need to think about how they will affect homeschooling. So far the kids are voting for me getting the travel job where I would work from home and travel every other week for 3 - 4 days. But they also like the on Island job in Hawaii where it would be just 10 min from home.

Lesson Planning. Last minute this week. It gets more challenging pulling from all the places the kids take their online classes. Which includes Landry, Online College, Code Academy, Sandiego Scribblers, Abeka, Middlebury, CTC Math and the list goes on.

Rest. I am getting great rest! With our revamped schedule, this is working out well.

Marriage Check Up. We are back in the swing of things after calming down about the move, cleaning and such. Also, planning for a birthday celebration for Hubba who told me he doesn't know what he wants (eek!)

And We're Off...

IN FULL SWING

This week seemed like it was a rush forward with some backwards steps. However, we made it and will have a day off on Monday for President's day.

Speed Racer and Tiger Lilly went to a weekend long 'Winter Fest' with out church which gave me and Hubba some time to finish the daunting task of clearing out our basement.

The older two kiddos, Razor Ray and Rose were either working or spending time with friends - anything to get out of doing work. Humph!!

SPEED RACER's Week

Course Lineup for 2016 Spring

The TUTOR from FunCation Academy is working out great for Algebra1 but we decided to forgo the tutor planned for Spanish. We slowed down the pace on English, Grammar and Spelling  (Abeka) by stop using the videos and just reading the workbooks and doing the work. Also, changed spelling to Sequential Spelling Level 2. Our planned move and cleanup is causing some raucous. Biology, History (Abeka) is still holding his interest and he is do decently on his test. He totally failed his recent quiz in, due to 'daze out' sessions while watching the the video. So, he went over it with the Abeka tutor and the FunCation Tutor. He also, is doing well with the Algebra 1 with Teaching Textbooks, he says it's 'easier'. We do practice Middle School Math so he doesn't lose it by doing drills and exercises in (CTCMath) and Spanish (Middlebury Interactive) is now becoming less successful do to the lack of personal interaction and writing. So I plan to just table this at the end of February and have him take a more interactive class next school year.

Landry Academy courses started and he is enjoying them. Although, I have to watch him to make sure he stays focused, he has a problem yawning and slipping off to play music. He had a project in Scratch Programming (Landry) and got his kits in Electricity Science (Landry) and Robotics (Landry) which didn't cost extra with the Landry Academy. His vocabulary and word usage improved in Vocabulary Building (Membean). He likes programming (for now) with Python (CodeAcademy)

TIGER LILLY

Is hating that her winter break is over. However, her classes are lighter this semester than next.

Thankfully I had her prep for JAVA taking Techrocket and her week's activities were not to extensive in Java Programming 1, College Math 1, Illustration and Computer Graphics.  

Her homeschool classes with Landry picked up with a bang, C Programming Pt. 2, PC Pro
Japanese. She is taking some courses independently on Game Design and Animation using Udemy.com and Techrocket.com.

Razor Ray is being paid as her personal training. Tiger Lilly hates it, but does what he asks her and she has dropped about 5lbs after 2 weeks of exercise daily.

WORKING PARENT's LOG


Meals The diet is a struggle, but I am using LiveStrong app (for myself and Tiger Lilly). She has put on weight so now we are making basic meals with lean meat, steamed veggies and a small helping of carbs. My husband hates it.

Cleaning. The house is wrecked. My older kids have 'zoned out' and are now too busy to help clean up. I called Habitat For Humanity to pick up items and told family they can come get stuff. The house still needs a hard cleaning, but now we are just getting rid of stuff my hubby hoarded in our basement.

Work & Life Balance.Finding a job - is a job! My day job is going well, just a rather toxic environment that I've grown used to and has improved a bit in the last few weeks. But now it's time to move on and find something that will get us closer to moving. My husband's job is easily transferring him - mine is still lagging which is frustrating so now I have been coming home from work and sending out about 20 resumes a day (yes, I do send out that many - finding a job is a numbers game and you have to play the odds). Thankfully, I've had 3 interviews and I've only been at this for a week. One gig is a work at home and travel 40% and the other two are in Hawaii. Many prayers that all goes smoothly.

Lesson Planning. Well I got lazy and then had to rush and get them done. My kids 'critique' sent me back to redo them 2 more times.

Rest. I love getting good sleep. I am dreaming more, and realize I tend to have rather exciting dreams where I have either super powers, am running from something or fighting something. Hum....

Marriage Check Up. We are on an up swing since we will not have the younger kids in the house for the weekend. We sent them with our church and now we can lay in bed and catch up on all the shows we've been waiting to watch together.

New Year - New Adventures

2016 Goals And Changes

I love the start of a New Year! There is HOPE, WONDER, CURIOSITY of what is to come. I can say 2016 is going to be a BIG year of adventures for our family.

As a working parent who co-teaches with her spouse who also works outside of the home, we realize that scheduling and planning is a big part of our lives. At the beginning of each year My Husband (Hubba) and I do the following:

PREP FOR OUR NEW YEAR: We go out, eat and discuss the following

• Review of 2015 'the positives and negatives'
• Hopeful list of improvements for 2016
• Marriage check ups 'What made us happy, What we need to work on, How to feed our marriage this year'
• Parenting challenges to tackle in 2016, new method, new direction, new hopes
• Finances in review and ways to improve, coming big purchases, expenses and payoffs
• PLANS - the big one, small one, or none

NOW FOR OUR HOMESCHOOL CHANGES

Of course we made changes. We are on a BLOCK schedule where we change up every 16 weeks or so. Especially now since TIGER LILLY is in Dual Enrollment College Classes.

SPEED RACER (age 12yrs) my Blended-Middle Schooler

Homeschooled at 4th grade on.

Course Lineup for 2016 Spring
We are changing gears and adding back on for Speed Racer:

Also, we hired a personal TUTOR from FunCation Academy - to help with Algebra1 and Spanish

Jan-Mar 2016 (Daily Courses)
English, Grammar and Spelling  (Abeka) *will end in March
Biology, History (Abeka) *will end in March

Jan-May 2016 (Daily Courses)
Algebra 1 (Teaching Textbook and Abeka)
Basic Math Review (CTCMath)
Spelling Review (Sequential Spelling)
Spanish (Middlebury Interactive)

Jan-May 2016 (1 day weekly)
Scratch Programming (Landry)
Electricity Science (Landry)
Robotics (Landry)
Vocabulary Building (Membean)
Python (CodeAcademy)

All the classes were discussed with Speed Racer and he is on board to stay on task this year. We went over his REPORT CARD for his 1st 2 quarters and made some adjustments due to our discussions. He enjoys feeling as though he has a personal say so in his interest and what he is learning.

TIGER LILLY (age 14 yrs) the Dual enrolled High Schooler

Homeschooled at 7th grade on. 

 Artwork done by Tiger Lilly for my presentation

She had a great end to her Fall Semesters with a 3.5 gpa and completion of 15 College Credit hours! Woot! Total hours completed: 21 college credits.

She is enrolled in a University as a Full time student now.


Jan-Mar 2016 (Spring 1 Semester)
Java Programming 1 
College Math 1 (this is a redo since she dropped the course with the other college to do this online)
Illustration and Computer Graphics

Mar-May 2016 (Spring 1 Semester)
Java Programming 2
Pre-Calc
Economics

Landry Homeschool Classes: (Jan-May)
C Programming Pt. 2
PC Pro
Japanese

Personal Interest Homeschool Classes:
Animation Part 2: Animation Course.

Tiger Lilly loves this new college experience. It gives her more freedom and she's able to fit in classes during the days she wants to.


WORKING PARENT's LOG


Meals Revised meal planning since Momma is going on a New Year's diet (wish me luck).

Cleaning. We are clearing out our basement in preparation for our move/house sell and it is not fun. Causing lots of 'disagreements' between my hoarder hubby and me who likes to just toss stuff away.

Work & Life Balance. Finally, I think it will be controlled. Had to closeout things with a rather difficult customer and am thankfully transitioning to another. God is good, because the difficult customer actually apologized to me for his behavior and then sang my praises at a close out meeting. "God will do it!"

Also, I am working with my company to transfer my job to Hawaii. It is a rather frustrating experience as I am having to do more legwork than I anticipated, but I know it will work out with due dilligence.

Did you know, I had a part-time business? Well I do, that was suffering some in 2015, but now it's back on track and I revamped my product releases so this will be a promising endeavor. Besides, Tiger Lilly helps me out with this business and loves it.

Lesson Planning. I finished just 1 week so far. Just in time for our coming school semester.

Rest. I am getting more restful sleep now that I am the proud owner of a Sleep Apnea machine. Didn't think I'd ever need one, but it is helping me tremendously! 

Marriage Check Up. Well this moving, and parenting has caused us to have some BIG arguments lately. More so than typical. We decided to have a truce, to stay in our lane, respectfully not argue but redirect. It's been working these last few weeks. Also, we did a few date nights - even locked our bedroom door to be able to watch a movie and eat in bed without the kids bothering us.