Homeschooling Day 1

Okay, I am sitting here after a day of homeschooling, wondering "What was I thinking?" We are waiting for materials to arrive, but the principal of the Virtual School assured me we would find plenty to do. We found a lot to do, but all of it required adult help. So today I sat and helped Emma through everything while trying to entertain Gideon and take care of Gabby. Needless to say I'm a bit overwhelmed (and exhausted). I felt like Emma was wanting me to entertain her all day long. I think (hopefully) it will be better after her materials arrive (3-10 days) and we don't have to print everything off of the computer. The curriculum seems very well put together and once we have the hang of it, I think we will really like it. It just takes time to get used to new things. Emma is still really excited about homeschooling and she likes everything being tailored to her.

Emma's Schooling

After careful consideration, thought and prayer, we decided we would apply to the Virtual Academy for Emma a couple of weeks ago. We found out that the district approved her yesterday. The Virtual Academy is a home-schooling online program that the district pays for. They provide all of the curriculum and a teacher that will evaluate and work with Emma over the internet/phone. Emma took placement tests and they will work with her on her level. We have been frustrated with the school here, as Emma doesn't seem to be challenged enough. We decided we would try this program for a semester and see how it goes. It is a new program for the district as well and they aren't sure they want to approve it in the future. We are considered a pilot program, and so after the semester, we will have to meet with some people from the school district and evaluate the program. It is exciting to try something new, but I have to admit I'm a little nervous about how everything will work. Benjamin and Eliza are staying in public school. We will see how the program works before we make any decisions for next year.

Gabby is 2 months

Sorry, I'm not posting a picture. I just got back from the doctor. Gabriella is 11 lbs 10 oz. She is 24 inches. she is around the 75th percentile. I honestly thought she would rank higher because she seems so big to me. Gideon and Eliza were pretty small, so maybe it is more of a comparison thing. Anyway, she is healthy, beautiful and growing well. She also survived her shots.

Fun in the Sun

We went to California after Christmas to enjoy some warm weather. We went to Santa Monica Peir and the original "muscle beach" where Emma showed her muscles by climbing a rope. We enjoyed playing on the playgrounds there as well. We also went to Apollo Park in the Antelope Valley.

Our Christmas Pageant

On Christmas Eve, we acted out the Nativity Story. Emma was Mary. Benjamin was Joseph. Eliza was a shepherd. Gideon was a wise man. Gabriella played Baby Jesus. Dan was the reader/narrator, and I the angel/star/director. It worked out pretty well.

Gabriella is six weeks

Okay, I'm posting this a week late, but you know how it goes. All the prep for Christmas is over now, so I have a little time. We were able to weigh her when she was six weeks and she weighed 11 pounds! She is big and beautiful.

Gingerbread Houses

With the new baby, I've tried to simplify Christmas a bit this year. However, I had this mad idea to do gingerbread houses. It has been a few years since we have done them and I forgot how much work it is. We all had fun once we got them together, but it will probably be a few years before we do them again.