What's New?

Today is June 2, 2010. Today is the last day that Austin and Abi will be in public school (at least until High School). I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I am excited to be the one to teach my children, to actually be the one raising them instead of their teachers and school administration. I have been looking at curriculum, researching field trips, trying to think of science projects, gathering information of local co-ops, and deciding how to go about making sure they get proper exposure to physical activity and music. The process has turned out to be a lot of learning for me!

Austin will need to be challenged. He does not need a lot of repetition, and he enjoys trying to figure things out for himself; however, he will be lazy if I allow it. I have a feeling the hardest task for me will be staying one step ahead of him. I do not worry much about Austin, I know his desire to learn will overtake my inefficiencies!

Abi is a very hands-on/kinesthetic learner. In this last grading period at school she went from an on-level 'C' reader (end of Kindergarten) to an 'H' reader (end of first grade). At home we made her read everything from the menu at a restaurant to a set of books that I brought home from the library. The more she does it (especially when it benefits her), the better she understands it. She also recently started asking Mark to do math with her every night before she goes to bed. He writes several problems down for her and she goes through and answers them. Mark focused on bigger numbers, particularly on multiples of 10. She has done so well! I hope that she keeps the want to learn well into our school year. I do worry about Abi though, because she is a firecracker! If she is not interested in something, there is nothing I, or anyone, can do to make her interested in it. That will be my challenge for her.

Our homeschooling year will start officially on September 1, 2010.

Now that I have all of that off my chest, I can put down what's been going on in the Brewer house. For the most part, things are very calm. Mark and I have been working hard on making a budget and sticking to it. It is hardest for me since I am home all day and I am a shop-a-holic! There are a lot of things I want to do, so I'm trying to keep my eye on the prize! 

I have been sewing a lot lately. I made a costume for Becca's Roman day at school, a dress for Kelly's birthday, and I'm in the process of making Kelly a skirt and halter top combo. I have some other ideas in the works for a little boy dinosaur quilt, a little boy baseball outfit, and a couple of other things. I've also been making lots of hair bows lately. I've listed them on my etsy account, but haven't had any luck selling them yet. I haven't really pushed the whole etsy thing because I'm afraid I'll get burnt out of sewing. I really like doing it right now, and I just don't want to lose that 'umf'!

Anyway, I'm so happy to be starting the summer. When the seasons change it gives me new periods of time to look forward to. I look forward to hanging out with Naomi and the girls. I look forward to hearing about the kids' visit  with Grammy and Papa. I look forward to meeting my new niece. I look forward to lounging daily at the swimming pool. When I keep "the looking forward" attitude, I realize how blessed I am. Thank you God, for everything!!!