Pirate Day

Lately at school they have been having all these different themed days. Today is pirate day.


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Football Photos

 

Game Time

We had another late night football game here.  It seems as that will be the norm for this team.  Another 7:30 pm game.  Thankfully it was on  Saturday.   My parents attended last week and then mentioned to my brothers that Stephen's games are close.  So this game we had quite the fan base.  In the group is Me, my Mom, Allie,  Jason, Tiffany, and Eva.  Also in attendance were Abs, Josh, Jaide, Kevin, and my Dad.  Bill too, he took picture.
(Cannot locate my card reader.  Will upload photo later.)

Stephen played well on offense.  They did change up his position during the week so he felt he did not play his new position well but he did score the two touchdowns the team got.  They did lose but only due to a bad call by the refs.  With about a minute left one of the players on our tema had an interception that they ruled against us, so the other team was able to take it in for a touchdown in the next 3 plays.  It is a hard lesson for these boys to learn but they played well.  They were also down some key players.  Last week there was a boy who suffered a slight concussion, so he was out.  And this week we had a sick player and one get a heal spur.  They will face this team again as there are only a few teams at this level.

Fantasy Football

Our family decided to do a fantasy football league this year.   We are only 4 people but we are really enjoying it.  We started only this week so we are 2 weeks late but since it is just us, no biggy.  We spent most of the day watching football games and checking on our players and the stats!   Love love love the Sundays where we are all together in the house with nothing or no obligations.   Ahhhh.   October Sundays look fairly busy.  Bummer.  http://www.nfl.com/fantasy

The results will be in on Monday night after all the games are played.  So interesting to see the changes throughout the afternoon.

While the rest of us are busy checking out all the games, Miss Abs was playing with our new toy!

Our other consoles died. Yes you read that right consoles, plural. When we did the research as to how much it would cost to fix them,  with shipping and handling it would cost half as much as the new one. So I decided that we should just purchase the new one. Me, Pier, of all people wanting to purchase a gaming console for my family. Heh. I joke that this one is mine and they must ask me to play it!!!! She is much prettier and quieter than the old ones. Something to be said about new technology.

First Field Trip

We attended our first field trip this school year.  We went to the NASTAR Center.  A place that trains people how to fly fighter jets and outer space stuff.  It was very short but pretty cool.  The upside being that this place was close by - 25 minutes away - and free!!!

Josh trying on helmet.

Abs with helmet on.

Barb tried on helmet as well.

The whole group.

House Gift

Last week when my patents cane over they brought a house warming gift. A new mat for kitchen.



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In her glory

Abby went riding today!!!!! We had seen friends that used to go to our church, that live near us, tell us about this farm. We were able to join the same lessons. Very excited.

Art 101

The kiddos have art class together. I am a happy person. Makes our Mondays go smoother. Here is first products.



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Time with Parents

Sunday sunday sunday = football.  We just love football in this house.   Watched a few football games today.  My parents came over to watch the Jets, eat dinner, and then head over to Stephen's first football game.

All, except Abigail, were very excited to watch him play.  She just cannot stand sports (I can't figure that out as we watch soooooo much, you would think she doesn't mind it.  Oh well!).  She suffered through two hours of watching, well at least being at the field, her brother play.

The game was great.  Lots of back and forth between the teams for scoring.  We were able to score in the last minutes of the game to tie!!!  We thought they had us beat but one of our players ran the kick back and we tied.   Very very exciting.  The coaches were very happy with the level of play!  Our guys never quit! 

Stephen played well.  He got lots of tackles and he even scored.  There was two times that he almost had a catch but one was in and out of his hands and the second was overthrown.  On one of his tackles, suffice it to say he cleaned the kids clock.  Boy did he hit him hard!!! 

Joshua had the opportunity to play on the sidelines with some boys and was in his glory.  However, those boys were playing tackle.  And they tackle hard!!!!  I think they forgot they did not have pads!  He really did enjoy his time though.  Just need to find some girls for Miss Ab!   Pictures will be posted after I get them from Bill's camera!!

Stephen number 32

In motion

Josh and his new friends playing.

New patio set.

Have been wanting to change the patio set but don't want the price tag sooo we decided to try and paint it.
Before.


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Lunch at Cosi

We found a Cosi just minutes from home. Yummy.


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Happy Homemaker

My daughter decided that I needed to rest after my dental work - yes it's started again. She brought me my tea and the made lunch for her and Josh.
So nice to be able to relax.


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Salad and carrots with dip. Here is when I love homeschooling.

Bus

And the bussing begins. I am a happy woman. One of the reasons I agreed to this school was because I knew that getting on the bus was an option. That is a good thing with others homeschooled.



-it come right to our door. God is good!!!


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Terrible horrible no good...

If you are familiar with the Alexander books by Judith Viorst you will recognize the title of this post.  Needless to say by 9 o'clock I was having a not so good day.  Some of what contributed to that are:

1. Letter from school district not accepting my affidavit to home school.  (No health records attached.)
2. The doctors office doesn't have all my kids records.   (WHAT?!)
3. $50.00 fine due to turnpike ez-pass.
4. Kids are not putting school books away and taking forever to find them.
5. Kids do not like new curriculum.
6. House is a mess.  I mean a dirty mess.

I think that gives you a good idea why my day started sour.   It did get better when I asked to be covered in prayer.

However by 5:15 pm got the call from Doctors office that they don't have Abs' records.  Let me back track and explain the letter from school district.  I knew I did not have them when I sent in the notice to homeschool but figured it would be better to let them know my intent and not have a police officer at my door some time in September.   Upon receiving my note back in August, they did call and tell me about health records.  I called over to new Doctors office and they said give a bit.   Before I knew it weeks had gone by.  And then the letter arrived.  I called and spoke with the assistant in the office and she was ever so grateful that I did call as they were just discussing our case.  Oh boy!!  What does that mean?!   She said to call her when I know anything.  After the doctors office called I left her a message.    

May I just say that I miss New Jersey.   Homeschooling there was soooooo much easier!   PA and their crazy laws!!!  

Monday

Our first Monday of the school year and we had art.  It was great to see some families that we have not seen since last school year and nice to meet some new ones. 

Abs and Josh both wanted to take art again.  Admittedly I was reluctant because I remembered all the chaos leaving the house creates.  But I made sure that they could both be in the same class.  This way we are a one shot deal.  They bring reading in the car and I don't need to worry about different subjects.  Besides it gives me some "me time". 

I had the opportunity to look over the schedule and realized that there were things from last week that did not get done!!!  I was surprised and shocked.  Still trying to figure this one out. 

This was the last day of me having to drive Stephen too.  So hopefully and prayerfully that will help with making sure they stay on course and do ALL the work.

Busy little Abs

Well this weekend was a weekend that kept Abs busy.  She loves home fellowship and since we hosted she felt so special.  Then on Saturday she had a birthday party to attend, so she and I went out shopping in the morning to find a gift.  Then it was off to the party for her.  On Sunday after church she had her Route 56 meeting.  That is the group of 5th and 6th graders that meet monthly.  They are talking about Daniel.  They will be doing a program called "Dare to be a Daniel" by Billy Graham ministries.  Very cool. 

While she was at the birthday party we saw a family that used to attend our church and now attend the church that Stephen's school is at - Calvary Chapel Philadelphia.  Anyway, they heard we moved not too far from them and then the girls were talking about horse back riding and she informed me her girls ride and I should try to get Abby in so we could car pool.   Needless to say, Abigail was VERY excited!!!  I plan on calling this week to get her started.  The girls also attend CCA and Abi really wants to go next year.  Need to be in prayer about it.

Home Fellowship Hosts

We had the opportunity to host home fellowship Friday night.  We will be trading off hosting with another family.  It was a nice turnout.  We had a total of 6.  We are beginning a new study through the book of Daniel.  I am very excited about this it has been a few years since I have read through the book and even longer since an in depth study.  We made it through chapter one and saw lots of similarities to the life of Joseph (old testament).   Gonna be a good one!

The 1st week

Okay so the 1st week (well half a week) of school is down.  And let me just say Friday was a day that I was not what one would call a good teacher.  I unfortunately said some mean things.  But the Lord is humbling and after prayer I was able to ask forgiveness.  We all righted ourselves.  Here's to a better next week.

Still getting used to this curriculum.  I think there are some positives and know that we can accomplish strides, I just need to settle down and relax.  Thanks Carla for that reminder of taking it easy.   Abigail has a lot of reading and we still haven't been able to get it all done.  We will be having some reading homework this weekend.   Josh too has fallen a bit behind with the reading.  I know for Josh he is used to me or the computer doing a lot so it is just a matter of his adjusting to the new format.  They both seem to really enjoy the math!!!  So far spelling has been great too!!!

Stephen is really enjoying school.  He really likes the pace of the day.  Although his day is longer he likes being able to have the information in smaller increments.  I am ever so happy about this decision.  We had an appointment on Friday at the dentist.  On the way back this momma wanted to stop at Starbucks and he was like, "You know I do have to get to school today."  

Ouch

Stephen had a great day of school.  He did not get to all his classes as they had an assembly with the principal.   He also could not get his locker open.  He even had the vp help him and she too was unable.  He said he didn't mind having his bookbag with books with him all day. 

He actually told me he prefers school to homeschooling.  (Ouch)  I keep thinking that will change once all the work is due but I must take it in stride and be thankful that he is happy and content with this decision to leave the nest. 


After feeling sorry for myself, I started thinking when I could get them all out!   Believe me I really do enjoy being with my kids and especially love watching them learn and being the one to guide that.  However, there are those moments that I think about how it would be without any.  I didn't really get to experience that all that much. 

So here's to another year of homeschooling and enjoying my young ones as much as I can as it happens all too fast and all too soon that they leave the nest.   Thank you, Lord for blessing me!

Finally

Stephen got a new toy!!!







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Yes that is a phone!!!

Begin

Working hard


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Working diligently.

1st Day

Driving to school because bus schedule is not ready.


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Being early I decided to stop for a treat.


He was 5 mins off our estimated time.

New Curriculum New Year

I decided to try yet another curriculum for homeschooling.  (What was I thinking in four years we will have tried out 4 different kinds.)   New Curriculum = Lots of Time Planning.  Now I knew when I chose the curriculum that it did require more planning time on my part.  The previous curriculum required minimal to none - at best.  I think I am in overkill mode.  I want to make the transition as easy and fluid as possible so I am going overboard to make sure the children find it understandable.  The biggest change for them is that only 1 subject is online.  Therefore, they will be referring to a paper schedule.  This year should be very interesting.  As I am going through it I am really excited about all that we will be accomplishing and learning this year.  I am very eager to see what schooling 2 children looks and feels like.  And for the first time ever I will be combining some subjects for the two!!!  They will also be taking a science lab and art class (again) outside the home.  

I am saddened by Stephen departing the home but also very excited for him as well.  I know he has been thinking about this for 3 years now.  Yes, I knew he always wanted to go back but had held out hope that he would just love it sooooo much that he would stay home.   But last week when we did the open house I could see the nervousness as well as the excitement in his eyes!!  He knows 2 kids that attend CCA and found out that they will both be in some of his classes!!  It will be fun to see what the Lord will teach him this year.  We still need to purchase all his school supplies.  We have plans to do that today.

More food

We really love our food.



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Dinner

My hubby loves cooking. And he is good at it. I got to take a nap and he prepared dinner.



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Open House

This evening was open house night at the school that Stephen will be going. (CCA).  We had to miss football so we could go and get his schedule.  Did not get some of this 1st choices but I reminded him that we trust God knows and allow that to work for our lives.   He said the school felt "big". 
I hope that as he gets settled in all will turn out great.

Dorney Park 2

Here are some more pictures of our day at the amusement park.  Let me just say it was very very hot and we were all very tired by days end.  I am glad we had the opportunity to go.  Going this late in the season allows for shorter lines.  We barely waited for anything.  There is a water park but we opted not to go. 

At the beginning.  Joshua was very happy.

Got a little wet from the first log flume ride.

Everybody went on this ride by the end of our time.

This is the Hydra.  Abi and Ste are on it.

See the water spray in the back, that is the ride that got us soaking wet.

  We are not complaining as it was a hot day. 

Abs and Josh on carousel.

Swing.  One of my favorites.

Josh and Abs on by themselves.  They felt so big.  Got to ride it 4 times.

Stephen is in the front on the left.  White shirt.  He loved this ride.

Joshua and Stephen on Steel Force.  The drop was over 200 ft.

Dorny Park

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Ste is somewhere on this ride.