It's been busy and time is going by fast. Today the boys went to the U of A for a SHiNE High Kick off. They went on the climbing wall, fitness centre and swimming pool. It was a good day.
Other than that, Nicholas got on his hockey team. He's Tier 4 Peewee this year, and his coach is Mancini. He's happy to be with his friends again, very happy. They already had one practice, and a dry land training practice. This Sunday morning he has a 6 am practice already!
Monday was a hard day again. Mondays are always hard. The boys weren't cooperating, and Nicholas had attitude. I left the house and took Jessie for a walk. When I came back, Nicholas offered me a solution. He said "How about we forget about today, and start over tomorrow? We've set our alarms for 7:45 am, and will get up and do our routine and homeschooling."
Well, I know it was PMS for me too and I was tired, but loved his ability to come up with a workable compromise. Bob said 'he's a problem solver!'
It was a bad couple days last week when Michael had his hockey grading practice, and his cup and one skate was left at home! There was no time to go back as we were running late already.
Poor Nicholas had been in charge of packing Michael's bag that afternoon, and he felt bad for the outcome. Michael was upset, Bob was upset....we were all upset. It was an important grading session, and there was no chance to make up for it. Anyhow, his grading game on Saturday went well, and now we are awaiting the final teams......
I met with Tricia K. last week to go over the education plans this year. We really need to buckle down and learn, learn, learn. I'm motivated and excited.
Friday was another lego day for Nicholas and Bob took him. They got to start building the lego pieces. Michael and I went to the library for a homeschooling session on doing research. They got to work on the laptops, so Michael was excited. He learned how to work with the catalogue, and how to do sorting.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Two Days Gone
Well, another two days gone by already. I don't know where the time is going. Monday was another hard day. I started first thing in the morning at Esso doing payroll. The boys and I concentrated mostly on music since they hadn't done any since Friday. I practiced both the piano, and attempted to tune the guitar. I'm doing quite well with "Land of the Silver Birch" song on the piano. In the afternoon, the boys had their second drama class. Michael came out so excited, and loving the class. They got their parts for the skit and Michael just loves his part. I talked to Marcie, and she said the boys are quick on their feet, and good at improv. Nice compliment.
Today I started off at Esso again to finish the payroll. I'm feeling a little stressed with how busy the days have been since September 3rd. Bob came home feeling the same, but he's doing okay. He's trying to take it easy, think things through, and being really patient these days. I think what I need is a good bubble bath, and dimly lit candles. Need to let go of the worries, and just get on with the work. Janet emailed and she'll be able to help me out at least every other week, so that's a relief.
Today was also the first day of guitar lessons again. It was good to see Carl again. It sounds like he is busy as well getting his university schedules together and fitting us in. Everyone is busy!
He said that Nicholas has maintained his technique (eg. his hand and finger posture), and just has to review the prior songs, pay attention to the detail, and play without hesitation. Pretty good lesson.
Today we did a spelling lesson. Nicholas wanted to do his orally this time, and Michael did half of it oral and written. Michael was getting frustrated after awhile, but I calmly talked to him about how we get better at things when we practice them. He seemed better after that.
The boys also did a page of math review. Nicholas mastered double digit multiplication (eg. 42x59), reviewed perimeter and area (which he forgot), and understood word problems.
Michael added money such as 7.09+1.92 and did ll of that correctly. Great, we can quickly move on to the next lesson.
Today I started off at Esso again to finish the payroll. I'm feeling a little stressed with how busy the days have been since September 3rd. Bob came home feeling the same, but he's doing okay. He's trying to take it easy, think things through, and being really patient these days. I think what I need is a good bubble bath, and dimly lit candles. Need to let go of the worries, and just get on with the work. Janet emailed and she'll be able to help me out at least every other week, so that's a relief.
Today was also the first day of guitar lessons again. It was good to see Carl again. It sounds like he is busy as well getting his university schedules together and fitting us in. Everyone is busy!
He said that Nicholas has maintained his technique (eg. his hand and finger posture), and just has to review the prior songs, pay attention to the detail, and play without hesitation. Pretty good lesson.
Today we did a spelling lesson. Nicholas wanted to do his orally this time, and Michael did half of it oral and written. Michael was getting frustrated after awhile, but I calmly talked to him about how we get better at things when we practice them. He seemed better after that.
The boys also did a page of math review. Nicholas mastered double digit multiplication (eg. 42x59), reviewed perimeter and area (which he forgot), and understood word problems.
Michael added money such as 7.09+1.92 and did ll of that correctly. Great, we can quickly move on to the next lesson.
Terry Fox & Galaxyland
It was a busy weekend, especially Sunday. On Saturday I took the boys out to play with their cousins in the Fort while I helped mom clean offices. Michael had his first hockey grading that morning. On Sunday, the boys and I did the 10 km bike ride for Terry Fox in Sherwood Park, while Bob was helping with hockey grading. Nicholas had his hockey grading, and Michael and I went to cousin Kyle's birthday (age 8) party at Galaxyland. Michael had lots of fun on the rides. We met Auntie Nancy and Evelyn at McDonalds for food and cake. It was a beautiful fall day, hot and sunny. It was a busy one, but it was good.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Friday and First Lego League
Finally Friday! It was a busy week! Bob's hockey camp was running four days this week so it was too many late nights. I stayed up late myself searching for 6-plex's for sale. Wade is really interested in investing in something like that together so it's been exciting.
Today was the first day of the First Lego SHiNE team. We met the other boys and it's going to be a lot of fun. As well as building the lego and completing the challenges, they have to do an actual energy study on a building used by the community. Sounds like a cool project! The boys will be getting together every Friday afternoon. The boys and I read a book on "Energy" today, and we get started on the project next week.
Today was the first day of the First Lego SHiNE team. We met the other boys and it's going to be a lot of fun. As well as building the lego and completing the challenges, they have to do an actual energy study on a building used by the community. Sounds like a cool project! The boys will be getting together every Friday afternoon. The boys and I read a book on "Energy" today, and we get started on the project next week.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Chemistry and Wayne's Cards
Thursday is Science day. We watched the first lecture of Chemistry of the Great Courses by the Teaching Company. Bob is eager for Nicholas to start watching these even though they're considered high school. We'll just take it fairly easy on these, watch one lecture once a week.
I'm still wanting to order Real Science 4 Kids program and start teaching that program.
We did some more review of math. Michael added triple digits eg. 168+235. We also talked about rounding up or down and "estimating" the number before figuring out the actual number.
Estimating numbers is an important technique especially when faced with adding big numbers in your head. Anyhow, rolling along in math. They have to have the basic foundations in math, so I'm making sure they have it before we start covering new topics.
The boys & I made a trip to the west end to Wayne's World to get Zavier a birthday gift. Well, I think it's actually called Wayne's Trading Cards or something like that. They were so excited when they saw the new 2007/08 cards that just came out within the last couple days (Upper Deck, I believe?). They split their garage sale money and bought them. They were cooing with delight all the way home.
Junior Forest Wardens - I made some phone calls to see who's still interested. I phoned Terry B. and got some ideas. Every parent will just have to organize one or two activities instead of me thinking I have to do it all. Terry said it doesn't have to be big activities, even just going for nature walks.
I'm still wanting to order Real Science 4 Kids program and start teaching that program.
We did some more review of math. Michael added triple digits eg. 168+235. We also talked about rounding up or down and "estimating" the number before figuring out the actual number.
Estimating numbers is an important technique especially when faced with adding big numbers in your head. Anyhow, rolling along in math. They have to have the basic foundations in math, so I'm making sure they have it before we start covering new topics.
The boys & I made a trip to the west end to Wayne's World to get Zavier a birthday gift. Well, I think it's actually called Wayne's Trading Cards or something like that. They were so excited when they saw the new 2007/08 cards that just came out within the last couple days (Upper Deck, I believe?). They split their garage sale money and bought them. They were cooing with delight all the way home.
Junior Forest Wardens - I made some phone calls to see who's still interested. I phoned Terry B. and got some ideas. Every parent will just have to organize one or two activities instead of me thinking I have to do it all. Terry said it doesn't have to be big activities, even just going for nature walks.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Wednesday was a busy day. The boys and I stayed home again all day. We reviewed some math again.....it seems to be an area that the boys lose it, if they don't use it (especially after the summer break). But, it's coming back and probably even stronger as they develop their minds and actually "understand" math. Nicholas solved a math problem yesterday and used a process in his mind that I wouldn't have thought of. They're thinking! They counted out money they made from the garage sale, and split the money in half. They were pretty excited!
Nicholas is reviewing multiplication with double numbers such as 23 x 13. The neat thing is that he can do it in his head..... (23x10) plus (23x3). He's forgetting some of his simple multiplication facts, but it'll come back. Michael is adding double numbers such as 35+37. He's able to do this in his head as well (30+30+12).
Speaking of money, I attended a financial seminar this day sponsored by Rich Dad Education.
It was sponsored by Robert Kiyosaki "Rich Dad, Poor Dad". A former Canadian football pro, came to do the presentation. Anyhow, of course, it always leads to something else....and so I'm going to be taking a 3 day course that will give knowledge. They teach the fundamentals of investing, they give out Edmonton references (hard quick cash loans), etc. We'll be playing the cash flow game. Anyhow, I'm excited and I want to delve into this area. I want to learn how to make some money!
I started reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money - that the Poor and Middle Class do NOT!" by Robert Kiyosaki. He says that that we teach our kids to go to school, study, find a job and work hard. Well, the Rich Dad says, study, but learn how to make money! Learn how to make your 'money work for you', not 'work for your money'.
So, the big course is Nov 2, 3, and 4th in Edmonton. Can't wait...I'm going to read as many of his books before I take the course. Read, read and read. I want to learn more in this area, and start finding my team (lawyers, real estate agents, brokers, contractors).
I'll start with writing my goals out!
Nicholas is reviewing multiplication with double numbers such as 23 x 13. The neat thing is that he can do it in his head..... (23x10) plus (23x3). He's forgetting some of his simple multiplication facts, but it'll come back. Michael is adding double numbers such as 35+37. He's able to do this in his head as well (30+30+12).
Speaking of money, I attended a financial seminar this day sponsored by Rich Dad Education.
It was sponsored by Robert Kiyosaki "Rich Dad, Poor Dad". A former Canadian football pro, came to do the presentation. Anyhow, of course, it always leads to something else....and so I'm going to be taking a 3 day course that will give knowledge. They teach the fundamentals of investing, they give out Edmonton references (hard quick cash loans), etc. We'll be playing the cash flow game. Anyhow, I'm excited and I want to delve into this area. I want to learn how to make some money!
I started reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money - that the Poor and Middle Class do NOT!" by Robert Kiyosaki. He says that that we teach our kids to go to school, study, find a job and work hard. Well, the Rich Dad says, study, but learn how to make money! Learn how to make your 'money work for you', not 'work for your money'.
So, the big course is Nov 2, 3, and 4th in Edmonton. Can't wait...I'm going to read as many of his books before I take the course. Read, read and read. I want to learn more in this area, and start finding my team (lawyers, real estate agents, brokers, contractors).
I'll start with writing my goals out!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Tuesday catch up
Today was a good catch up day. The boys and I didn't leave the house, and homeschooled until 4 pm.
We did a spelling test outside in the sun and reviewed vocabulary on the blanket with Jessie. Words that we reviewed were: extraordinary, ardent, scrutinize, regale, procure, devour, ponder, endure, elicit, sheer, cater, adorn, former, abate, and enthrall. The boys did quite well.
We also reviewed the final chapters of "Oral Language Exercises" - nominative case pronouns in compound subjects (meaning "John and I"), lie/lay, among/between, beside/besides, well/good, and bad/badly.
I read aloud a picture book called "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" by Mary Hoffman to go along with our study of the Nebuchadnezzar who built the Babylonian Gardens. In this book we learned about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World -- 1. The Great Pyramid of Giza 2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon 3. The Colossus of Rhodes 4. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus 5. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus 6. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia and 7. The Lighthouse at Alexandria.
Nicholas perused the other related books from the library, and then pulled out the globe.
Besides counting how many seas there are in the world, he looked at the different time zones on the globe. Lots of self-directed learning today!
The boys did at least 15 minutes or more of music. They both did well, no fussing. Michael and I found the tempo for the Bach song we were practicing, and put on our digital metronome to see how fast the song should be played.
We ended the day with starting some math, sitting at our new card table in front of the T.V. and watching and reviewing the lessons on DVD. This is our first transition to the new Math U See program, so it will take a little while to figure out where we need to start and carry on.
Bob had his Peewee hockey camp, so Michael and I went for a bike ride. My quads were still feeling tight from that huge bike ride we did in LacLaBiche, so I wanted to give them a workout again and keep that muscle. Michael and I biked to the library and back. It was a good workout, and he does so well with no complaining.
We did a spelling test outside in the sun and reviewed vocabulary on the blanket with Jessie. Words that we reviewed were: extraordinary, ardent, scrutinize, regale, procure, devour, ponder, endure, elicit, sheer, cater, adorn, former, abate, and enthrall. The boys did quite well.
We also reviewed the final chapters of "Oral Language Exercises" - nominative case pronouns in compound subjects (meaning "John and I"), lie/lay, among/between, beside/besides, well/good, and bad/badly.
I read aloud a picture book called "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" by Mary Hoffman to go along with our study of the Nebuchadnezzar who built the Babylonian Gardens. In this book we learned about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World -- 1. The Great Pyramid of Giza 2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon 3. The Colossus of Rhodes 4. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus 5. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus 6. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia and 7. The Lighthouse at Alexandria.
Nicholas perused the other related books from the library, and then pulled out the globe.
Besides counting how many seas there are in the world, he looked at the different time zones on the globe. Lots of self-directed learning today!
The boys did at least 15 minutes or more of music. They both did well, no fussing. Michael and I found the tempo for the Bach song we were practicing, and put on our digital metronome to see how fast the song should be played.
We ended the day with starting some math, sitting at our new card table in front of the T.V. and watching and reviewing the lessons on DVD. This is our first transition to the new Math U See program, so it will take a little while to figure out where we need to start and carry on.
Bob had his Peewee hockey camp, so Michael and I went for a bike ride. My quads were still feeling tight from that huge bike ride we did in LacLaBiche, so I wanted to give them a workout again and keep that muscle. Michael and I biked to the library and back. It was a good workout, and he does so well with no complaining.
Monday Blues & Bellydance
It was a tough Monday after such a busy weekend. I went to Esso for 6:45 am to catch up on paperwork for just half an hour, and even took Jessie for a morning walk. It took awhile to get caught up with paperwork. We did a spelling test, and then the boys attended the first day of Festival Place drama class again. Marcie, the instructor, was happy to see the boys again. They seemed to enjoy the class.
I signed up for bellydancing so it was my first class (besides the sampler class on Saturday)! I'm taking the class with Amal and her cousin -- it should be fun. A few ladies had the bellydance scarf on....I'll have to look for one of these!
I signed up for bellydancing so it was my first class (besides the sampler class on Saturday)! I'm taking the class with Amal and her cousin -- it should be fun. A few ladies had the bellydance scarf on....I'll have to look for one of these!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Garage Sale Weekend
Well, it was a busy weekend in the Fort at Grandma's garage sale. It was fairly slow, but our family made a little more money than the last one. The boys even sold some candy, comics and hockey cards. Grandma fed us ALL weekend, and we got to visit Auntie Evelyn, Pat & Ken all weekend. Bob and the boys did a bit of river fishing on the shores of the North Saskatchewan River. Sunday night was the hockey camp for the boys, so it was a very busy weekend and not much time at home.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Homeschooling at the Laundromat
The dryer is taking forever to dry laundry, so we took our laundry baskets and homeschooling books and went to the laundromat. The boys thought that was cool. As we waited for the laundry to dry, we took a walk in the hotel and did a Spelling lesson.
Came home, and the boys practiced piano and guitar. For just getting back into music, the boys did quite well today. They didn't complain. It took a bit for the notes to come back to Nicholas, but it was starting to come. Michael was keen about going through his list and check marking it off. Good job.
We learned another 5 vocabulary words: devour, ponder, endure, elicit, sheer. We learned about adjectives in the First Language Lessons book, and continued with the lesson on "well/good" and "bad/badly" in "Oral Language Exercies".
It was another restless night for me, and little sleep. I'm also trying not to let PMS get to me.
I tend to get impatient during this week, so I'm trying to not let that bother me.
Garage sale at mom's place. Her and Evelyn are busy getting it ready. Hope it's a successful weekend.
Zilch work done on business.
Came home, and the boys practiced piano and guitar. For just getting back into music, the boys did quite well today. They didn't complain. It took a bit for the notes to come back to Nicholas, but it was starting to come. Michael was keen about going through his list and check marking it off. Good job.
We learned another 5 vocabulary words: devour, ponder, endure, elicit, sheer. We learned about adjectives in the First Language Lessons book, and continued with the lesson on "well/good" and "bad/badly" in "Oral Language Exercies".
It was another restless night for me, and little sleep. I'm also trying not to let PMS get to me.
I tend to get impatient during this week, so I'm trying to not let that bother me.
Garage sale at mom's place. Her and Evelyn are busy getting it ready. Hope it's a successful weekend.
Zilch work done on business.
Vichyna Pamyiat
Well, today was a day for mourning and celebrating the life of Auntie Rosie, Grandpa's sister. Bob took the day off and the four of us picked up Grandma and drove to Bellis for Auntie Rosie's funeral. Michael (9), asked lots of questions about the funeral that was mostly in Ukrainian. We walked around the cemetary and introduced the boys to all the CHERNIWCHAN gravestones. Nicholas noticed how most of the other names ended in a "K".....yep, that's Ukrainian names. We had the most delicious Ukrainian dinner at Bellis hall and a nice time visiting the relatives. All tonight, I've got the song "Vichnya Pamyiat" in my head, wishing Eternal Rest to Auntie Rosie.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
First Day of Not Back to School
First blog! Well, I started a blog September of 2006, but that only lasted a day or two. So here we go again. Today is the first day of a new school year again! It's also PMS week and I'm feeling the stress of what needs to be done....my business and the files I'm behind in, starting homeschooling, finanical worries, a funeral to go to, hockey camps that Bob is organizing and scheduling conflicts.....needless to say I did not get a lot of sleep. My buzzer went off at 5:00 am, and I layed there for a half hour. Got up at 5:30 am, got dressed and was at Esso for 6:05 am. Bill was working in the front. Shortage of staff again.
After finishing payroll I left at 7:30 am and drove into the city to my computer client's place.
Wow, traffic was horrendous. First day of school! I missed my turnoff and had to make extra miles. Spent only 15 minutes at my client's and headed back home. Was home at 8:30 am. Michael was up, and Nicholas slept in until about 9:30 am. He started off with his usual grouchiness. I was patient with him and his mood turned around fairly quickly.
We accomplished quite a bit of work fairly early in the morning. I started a new book called "Painless Vocabulary". THey learned about 5 new words to add to their vocabulary.....extraordinary, ardent, procure, scrutinize, and regale. Then from a selection of words, they chose synonyms to match the word.
After that, we did a lesson on "Oral Language Exercises". We discussed when to use the word well/good - bad/badly. I think they have a good understanding of that. Nicholas has a good understanding of what is being described.
As the good mood continued, I read Chapter 17 of Story of the World -Ancient Times. We read about how the Babylonians took over Assyria around 604-561 BC. They narrated back to me what we read while I typed it out. They have such good comprehension and remember small details. I reserved a bunch of books from the library on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World since we learned about The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. And we stopped there for lunch. The day was a good one.
After finishing payroll I left at 7:30 am and drove into the city to my computer client's place.
Wow, traffic was horrendous. First day of school! I missed my turnoff and had to make extra miles. Spent only 15 minutes at my client's and headed back home. Was home at 8:30 am. Michael was up, and Nicholas slept in until about 9:30 am. He started off with his usual grouchiness. I was patient with him and his mood turned around fairly quickly.
We accomplished quite a bit of work fairly early in the morning. I started a new book called "Painless Vocabulary". THey learned about 5 new words to add to their vocabulary.....extraordinary, ardent, procure, scrutinize, and regale. Then from a selection of words, they chose synonyms to match the word.
After that, we did a lesson on "Oral Language Exercises". We discussed when to use the word well/good - bad/badly. I think they have a good understanding of that. Nicholas has a good understanding of what is being described.
As the good mood continued, I read Chapter 17 of Story of the World -Ancient Times. We read about how the Babylonians took over Assyria around 604-561 BC. They narrated back to me what we read while I typed it out. They have such good comprehension and remember small details. I reserved a bunch of books from the library on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World since we learned about The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. And we stopped there for lunch. The day was a good one.
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