funny ZZ story....
Zac and I were trying to load paper into his calculator yesterday. You know, the kind that you can add things up and print it out? I got it at a garage sale for free last year, and it's a fav toy around here. But the paper came out during the move. And it's really crazy how HARD it is to figure out how to reload it. Seriously. I've done google searches and tons of people have the same problem. I still haven't figured it out yet.
ANYWAYS.
We're on the floor with a butter knife and post-it notes (idea from google) and Zac looks up at me and says, "I have a hypothesis."
I was like, huh?!
He cracks me up. It was sort of in context... so I give him an A+ in vocabulary this week. Because I can.
I'm going to try and sew this weekend. But I'm very emotional right now. It's hard to sew while crying.
Why am I crying? No reason, really. Just emotional I guess.
I actually have a thousand reasons, but they all are just SO lame and make no sense. Unless you're 39 weeks pregnant. Then you'd TOTALLY understand.
But I have that halloween outfit to make. And a pillow for Zac I need to finish. And I found two outfits that don't have a matching bow (I know... the horror). And the kids' room has window treatments that are about 2 feet off the floor, which need to find the matching fabric to fix it. And there are some really cute cubby holders that are $84 which would totally match their room, but I got a big fat no on that. And even if I wanted to get them now, they are sold out. And I need to figure out how to make a Clone Wars cake between now and Saturday. And a Texas Tech cake, too. (he's having two... don't ask!) I haven't made Selah Grace a single burp cloth. She has not one. Because me, in my infinite wisdom, claimed I would make them all personalized for her. So, they are lying on top of my sewing machine, along with all the fabric to make a little tutu, and a Tech cheer uniform, and too many other projects. I have all these things that I meant to make or bring or buy for friends with new babies, birthdays, new teachers for ZZ, etc. But now I'm so behind. I didn't know to bring a lunch for Zac today at MOPS, so he ate a ghetto lunch consisting of Lucky Charms (remainder of his ghetto breakfast) and an old water bottle from my car in a walmart bag with an ugly piece of masking tape across it. Nice. In the cute "lunch basket" where the other children had embroidered lunch bags probably stuffed with dinosaur shaped sandwiches and representatives of each of the 4 food groups. My computer table is a mess. I still haven't finished the September budget (yes, we are already 11 days into that). I haven't made a call list for the hospital. Or a birth plan. Or the really cute idea to bring the nurses baskets of food, snacks, and drinks. This apartment is so messy, even Zac told me it was time to do some laundry. I think I'd rather drag Zac to the hospital to watch me in labor than have ANYone see this disaster. Seriously. All the people/things on my prayer list have me crying before I even start praying. And for some reason, I am having a super hard time with Brian traveling lately. Even though it's never bothered me before. I can't say goodbye lately without turning into a blubbering mess. Poor guy can't even call to say hi without me completely losing it. He just called to tell me about how fast the four-wheeler can go, and I burst into tears envisioning some sort of terrible accident. My wonderful amazing doctor is going out of town FOR A WHOLE WEEK next week. NEXT WEEK. That is totally freaking me out and I am soliciting any kind of prayer you can offer up that I do not go into labor next week without him.
Last night I went to bed at 8:00pm. But I still took a super long nap today. I'm exhausted and sore. My hands hurt (the "falling asleep" turned into carpal tunnel), my back hurts, my feet hurt.
My brain hurts.
I think I am going to buy some ice cream and call it a night.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
What is co-op?
I've gotten this question, so here's a little post on that. :)
Basically it's a group of parents who homeschool, that get together teach classes for each other's kids. One parent might be gifted in science, and offer a science class. One might offer a class on writing. It's completely parent-led. And each child must have a parent on "campus" while the child is there. Parents are 100% responsible for their own child.
The classes are great, but most parents also have some sort of formal curriculum they also use at home to supplement. There are tons on the market. But we haven't needed to go there yet. Actually, Target Dollar Spot has been awesome for us this year in making Zac's homework packets.
Our Tuesday co-op has been around for 20 years or something. So, it's quite a large group. Because of that, we have other perks, like legal help and things like that. It's extremely organized. When we walk in, we have to sign in, get nametags, sign in for whatever job I have to do (all the parents have "jobs" to do, from supervising the playground to hallway monitor, etc).
Most co-ops are held on a church campus. For our Tuesday co-op, the kids are ages preschool through high school. Classes are much like what you would see in a Jr. High or High School. There are 6 "periods" with a lunch hour. Each period is 55 minutes, leaving 5 minutes to switch classes. The kids can choose to take one class or all 6. It's just one day a week, which leaves the older kids time to attend college part-time as well. It's not uncommon for these kids to graduate high school as college sophomores. They do have quite an elaborate graduation ceremony, prom, etc, as well as all the committees (fundraising) etc to go with it. They also have clubs, too - like yearbook. The teachers give homework, grades, etc. They even have study hall.
It's not what I thought "homeschooling" was like. But we have been pleasantly surprised at all the options we have been offered! And the price is really really good. Some classes are free, most are between $20-45 a month. Zac has two classes that were just $20 for the entire semester. :) There is also a fee to actually join the co-op (pays for the church that we use, etc). And we have to buy the extra things (School ID card, yearbook, etc).
In January, we will most likely join another co-op as well. There are 2 others in town - but they both meet on Mondays, so we'll have to choose. And it's a HARD choice! We've heard wonderful things about both of them.
One of theMonday co-ops has 5 periods with a great variety in classes for Zac. I mean - how do you choose?!
Kindergarten
Paint/Clay
Colonial Kids
Advance Math
Gymnastics
Grammar
Art
Galloping the Globe
Botany Science
Ancient History
Munchie Math
Nuts about Nature
Draw Write Now
Kid Concoctions
Castles and Knights
All Star Sports
Extreme Science Experiments
The other Monday co-op has:
Well, first, it has care for babies. Which means, I could actually teach something next year, which I would love to do. Selah Grace would do fine for an hour without me.
For Zac, it offers:
Mini-Masterpieces
Nursery Rhyme Math
Legos
PE
Starting in first grade, there are a lot more classes offered - over 20 of them. Everything from Handwriting Without Tears (awesome program), spanish, even baseball!
Okay, that's all for now. Zac and I need to go get ready for co-op! :)
Basically it's a group of parents who homeschool, that get together teach classes for each other's kids. One parent might be gifted in science, and offer a science class. One might offer a class on writing. It's completely parent-led. And each child must have a parent on "campus" while the child is there. Parents are 100% responsible for their own child.
The classes are great, but most parents also have some sort of formal curriculum they also use at home to supplement. There are tons on the market. But we haven't needed to go there yet. Actually, Target Dollar Spot has been awesome for us this year in making Zac's homework packets.
Our Tuesday co-op has been around for 20 years or something. So, it's quite a large group. Because of that, we have other perks, like legal help and things like that. It's extremely organized. When we walk in, we have to sign in, get nametags, sign in for whatever job I have to do (all the parents have "jobs" to do, from supervising the playground to hallway monitor, etc).
Most co-ops are held on a church campus. For our Tuesday co-op, the kids are ages preschool through high school. Classes are much like what you would see in a Jr. High or High School. There are 6 "periods" with a lunch hour. Each period is 55 minutes, leaving 5 minutes to switch classes. The kids can choose to take one class or all 6. It's just one day a week, which leaves the older kids time to attend college part-time as well. It's not uncommon for these kids to graduate high school as college sophomores. They do have quite an elaborate graduation ceremony, prom, etc, as well as all the committees (fundraising) etc to go with it. They also have clubs, too - like yearbook. The teachers give homework, grades, etc. They even have study hall.
It's not what I thought "homeschooling" was like. But we have been pleasantly surprised at all the options we have been offered! And the price is really really good. Some classes are free, most are between $20-45 a month. Zac has two classes that were just $20 for the entire semester. :) There is also a fee to actually join the co-op (pays for the church that we use, etc). And we have to buy the extra things (School ID card, yearbook, etc).
In January, we will most likely join another co-op as well. There are 2 others in town - but they both meet on Mondays, so we'll have to choose. And it's a HARD choice! We've heard wonderful things about both of them.
One of theMonday co-ops has 5 periods with a great variety in classes for Zac. I mean - how do you choose?!
Kindergarten
Paint/Clay
Colonial Kids
Advance Math
Gymnastics
Grammar
Art
Galloping the Globe
Botany Science
Ancient History
Munchie Math
Nuts about Nature
Draw Write Now
Kid Concoctions
Castles and Knights
All Star Sports
Extreme Science Experiments
The other Monday co-op has:
Well, first, it has care for babies. Which means, I could actually teach something next year, which I would love to do. Selah Grace would do fine for an hour without me.
For Zac, it offers:
Mini-Masterpieces
Nursery Rhyme Math
Legos
PE
Starting in first grade, there are a lot more classes offered - over 20 of them. Everything from Handwriting Without Tears (awesome program), spanish, even baseball!
Okay, that's all for now. Zac and I need to go get ready for co-op! :)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Found the camera cord! :)
Happy Labor Day! Time to retire my favorite maternity pants (one of the few that still fit) because they are WHITE. bummer!
One time I wore them and someone told me I didn't even look pregnant from the back. Hence, they became my favorite pants. And she became my BFF. 4-ever.
We had a super fun and busy labor day weekend! Zac and Brian were gone for a couple of days on a hunting trip. I missed them SOOOOOOO much!!!! My original plan was to get lots of stuff done. But instead, I moped around and took lots of naps.
On Sunday, we had a BBQ pool party for our residents. We had a wonderful turn-out! But it was a lot of work and really hot. Zac swam for the entire 3 hours. He got out one time to have a popsicle. He just loves to swim. We got to connect with lots of residents and the food was great. Burgers on the grill just taste so good. We have a charcoal grill here - a weber - and I think they taste even better on that than our propane grill.
Monday was a birthday party for some of our closest friends. It's one of those families where the dads are friends, the moms are friends, and our kids are the same age, too. PLUS - she's due with a little girl this fall, too. It's so fun to hang with them! After the party, we got Zac's 5-year-old pics taken, then off to another party with great friends. They have a waterslide bounce house, so you can guess where Zac was the whole time.
We are back to the routine this morning. We have co-op and Zac had to finish some homework. And I gathered up lots of things to keep me busy this time. Although it's mostly budget stuff... yuck. But hopefully the 2 hours will fly by.
Then we rush home to go shopping and get ready for a big spaghetti dinner we are hosting tomorrow night. We have to do all the prep tonight because tomorrow will be packed full with bible study, dr appt, library, choir, etc.
A couple of pictures to share.... :)
Zac's poster for co-op last Tuesday...
When we got to class, his poster was definitely the messiest one. :( But it was totally done by him, and I felt good about that. The others were done by parents, and they were all cutely colored and matchy-matchy with stickers and stuff. But, as a teacher, I loved the kid-made projects, even if they looked terrible. So, I was really proud of him for doing this by himself. :)
Translations....He says he wants to be a pilot now (thanks to Chris being so cool!), and for the "pet" part, he writes that he wants a cat. And his favorite food is oatmeal. I think everything else is fairly legible.
He had to present this in class and was extremely nervous. But he later told me that his teacher helped him.
Outside of our apartment with banana bread for the teacher and his poster...
Outside of the church where Tuesday's co-op is held... he is starting to get really unsure... lol
With his co-op teacher.... And a friend from our summer bible study is in his class! Yay! And his name is Zachary, so they are buddies immediately. :)
The boys are hunting! :) We have so much dove to eat now. Hopefully we can have a cookout/swim party soon. :)
Zac out hunting with Brian.... He carries just a BB gun. Brian is very strict with the safety rules, so I don't worry too much. He's had this gun for over a year now, and practices a lot on Dr. Pepper cans at Brian's parent's house. He's a pretty good shot for a 4 year old. :)
I didn't get much done for Selah Grace this weekend. But I made this cute little bow! And I got some SUPER cute little hats and headbands to attach all these bows to, since she probably won't have any hair at all. :)
And I made this coming-home outfit for her to wear home from the hospital. It's just a little pinafore, but I love the pattern - it's so easy. I tried another way when I was trying to make her a halloween dress this weekend, but it turned out horrible. So I scrapped that, and I am now making a Halloween pinafore and a Thanksgiving pinafore. Hopefully I can get them done this week. :)
Hope everyone has a wonderful 4-day work week!!!
One time I wore them and someone told me I didn't even look pregnant from the back. Hence, they became my favorite pants. And she became my BFF. 4-ever.
We had a super fun and busy labor day weekend! Zac and Brian were gone for a couple of days on a hunting trip. I missed them SOOOOOOO much!!!! My original plan was to get lots of stuff done. But instead, I moped around and took lots of naps.
On Sunday, we had a BBQ pool party for our residents. We had a wonderful turn-out! But it was a lot of work and really hot. Zac swam for the entire 3 hours. He got out one time to have a popsicle. He just loves to swim. We got to connect with lots of residents and the food was great. Burgers on the grill just taste so good. We have a charcoal grill here - a weber - and I think they taste even better on that than our propane grill.
Monday was a birthday party for some of our closest friends. It's one of those families where the dads are friends, the moms are friends, and our kids are the same age, too. PLUS - she's due with a little girl this fall, too. It's so fun to hang with them! After the party, we got Zac's 5-year-old pics taken, then off to another party with great friends. They have a waterslide bounce house, so you can guess where Zac was the whole time.
We are back to the routine this morning. We have co-op and Zac had to finish some homework. And I gathered up lots of things to keep me busy this time. Although it's mostly budget stuff... yuck. But hopefully the 2 hours will fly by.
Then we rush home to go shopping and get ready for a big spaghetti dinner we are hosting tomorrow night. We have to do all the prep tonight because tomorrow will be packed full with bible study, dr appt, library, choir, etc.
A couple of pictures to share.... :)
Zac's poster for co-op last Tuesday...
When we got to class, his poster was definitely the messiest one. :( But it was totally done by him, and I felt good about that. The others were done by parents, and they were all cutely colored and matchy-matchy with stickers and stuff. But, as a teacher, I loved the kid-made projects, even if they looked terrible. So, I was really proud of him for doing this by himself. :)
Translations....He says he wants to be a pilot now (thanks to Chris being so cool!), and for the "pet" part, he writes that he wants a cat. And his favorite food is oatmeal. I think everything else is fairly legible.
He had to present this in class and was extremely nervous. But he later told me that his teacher helped him.
Outside of our apartment with banana bread for the teacher and his poster...
Outside of the church where Tuesday's co-op is held... he is starting to get really unsure... lol
With his co-op teacher.... And a friend from our summer bible study is in his class! Yay! And his name is Zachary, so they are buddies immediately. :)
The boys are hunting! :) We have so much dove to eat now. Hopefully we can have a cookout/swim party soon. :)
Zac out hunting with Brian.... He carries just a BB gun. Brian is very strict with the safety rules, so I don't worry too much. He's had this gun for over a year now, and practices a lot on Dr. Pepper cans at Brian's parent's house. He's a pretty good shot for a 4 year old. :)
I didn't get much done for Selah Grace this weekend. But I made this cute little bow! And I got some SUPER cute little hats and headbands to attach all these bows to, since she probably won't have any hair at all. :)
And I made this coming-home outfit for her to wear home from the hospital. It's just a little pinafore, but I love the pattern - it's so easy. I tried another way when I was trying to make her a halloween dress this weekend, but it turned out horrible. So I scrapped that, and I am now making a Halloween pinafore and a Thanksgiving pinafore. Hopefully I can get them done this week. :)
Hope everyone has a wonderful 4-day work week!!!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Sweet Selah Grace
My sweet Selah Grace...
I'm trying to sew this weekend. Just some last minute things...a little "homecoming" outfit, a halloween dress, a couple more hairbows, a Texas Tech tutu... But I keep getting distracted by your little nudges and kicks. Sewing on the floor used to be a great way for me to spread out my things, but getting up and down has been more of an effort. And it's getting harder to reach my sewing machine with you in my "lap."
I am loving this time together. I am so excited to hold you - but I'm going to miss carrying you inside of me. I'm going to miss playing with your teeny tiny little feet. I'm going to miss how you remind me of your presence during the tough times of back aches, fatigue, and restless legs - the little movements you make to remind me how much you are worth all of it. Right now, I can't go anywhere without strangers asking about you. My shirts don't really reach the top of my pants anymore because of this belly.
But how fun it is to get to talk about you every day!
Everybody has a prediction on your birthday, from the ladies at the sewing counter to your Mom and Dad. It's definitely not hard to miss my big belly lately. I am carrying you very different from your big brother. You are just straight out in front, like an extremely large beach ball. I accidentally run into things a lot now. (sorry about that, by the way) And I might have to stop parking in the garage because you and I are having some trouble getting out of the car without the door wide open.
Zac can't wait to hold his little sissy. He thinks you are going to call him Bubby, so that's how he refers to himself when he's talking to you. He does not seem to have any plans to change your diaper, but he has committed to buckling you into your car seat. He loves to "play" with you, feel your feet, and give you lots of raspberries - which make you jump and I'm hoping it's not completely terrifying... but I figure a little sister must get used to having a big brother. I never had a big brother - but wish I had. He loves you so much already, and I know he will take great care of you. He is thrilled to be able to share a room with you. And just a warning - he's a snuggler. You will just have to get used to lots of hugs and kisses from him.
I'm trying to sew this weekend. Just some last minute things...a little "homecoming" outfit, a halloween dress, a couple more hairbows, a Texas Tech tutu... But I keep getting distracted by your little nudges and kicks. Sewing on the floor used to be a great way for me to spread out my things, but getting up and down has been more of an effort. And it's getting harder to reach my sewing machine with you in my "lap."
I am loving this time together. I am so excited to hold you - but I'm going to miss carrying you inside of me. I'm going to miss playing with your teeny tiny little feet. I'm going to miss how you remind me of your presence during the tough times of back aches, fatigue, and restless legs - the little movements you make to remind me how much you are worth all of it. Right now, I can't go anywhere without strangers asking about you. My shirts don't really reach the top of my pants anymore because of this belly.
But how fun it is to get to talk about you every day!
Everybody has a prediction on your birthday, from the ladies at the sewing counter to your Mom and Dad. It's definitely not hard to miss my big belly lately. I am carrying you very different from your big brother. You are just straight out in front, like an extremely large beach ball. I accidentally run into things a lot now. (sorry about that, by the way) And I might have to stop parking in the garage because you and I are having some trouble getting out of the car without the door wide open.
Zac can't wait to hold his little sissy. He thinks you are going to call him Bubby, so that's how he refers to himself when he's talking to you. He does not seem to have any plans to change your diaper, but he has committed to buckling you into your car seat. He loves to "play" with you, feel your feet, and give you lots of raspberries - which make you jump and I'm hoping it's not completely terrifying... but I figure a little sister must get used to having a big brother. I never had a big brother - but wish I had. He loves you so much already, and I know he will take great care of you. He is thrilled to be able to share a room with you. And just a warning - he's a snuggler. You will just have to get used to lots of hugs and kisses from him.
Daddy is on pins and needles, waiting for your arrival. He is so very excited! He loves to pay special attention to you after a business trip - making sure you remember his voice. He can't wait to cuddle and snuggle with you. Daddy, much like your brother, is also very much a snuggler - so be ready! Between the 3 of us, I just don't know if you'll ever be laid down.
Sweet Selah baby.... you are prayed for daily. Mommy still has to find a "verse" that fits you so that I can pray for you, like ZZ and Daddy have. Until then, we are already praying for your health, your delivery, your life in this world, and your life beyond. Stay warm and cozy for as long as you want to. But know we are anxiously awaiting the day the Lord is ready for you to join our family.
Mommy loves you, sweet baby girl....
Thursday, September 3, 2009
First week pics
Our first week is almost over!
This is really wordy as I document all my thoughts... feel free to skip to the pics! :)
Today was the 2nd co-op. The one that is secular and a little less conservative than the Tuesday co-op. Things are less structured and more laid back.
For comparison: At the Tuesday co-op, I am trying to find some of my summer maternity shirts that have sleeves, since sleeveless is not allowed per a strict dress code. At the Thursday co-op, an email had to go out regarding the students not being allowed to smoke on church grounds.
I get to be the "assistant" during his first class - the one about China. I guess I forgot how exhausting a group of children can be.
Maybe it's because I prefer things to be very orderly and structured. Maybe it's because I struggle with a chaotic classroom. Maybe it's because I'm used to being around a very obedient child. Maybe it's because I'm SO pregnant.
But it was exhausting.
I haven't been in a classroom setting in years. At my daycare, things were always so organized, I think the kids could have run it themselves if I wasn't there. But the China class was a bit different than that. Thankfully, it wasn't my show. So I just did what I was told.
The kids sure didn't do as they were told, though!
And I was glad I was there because at one point, Zac casually got up and whispered to me that he would do his work later, intending to join the other 2 boys who had been disobeying the whole time and were now on the floor playing with blocks during instruction time. I gladly stepped in his path and redirected him.
I talked to him after class about it. But it's hard to say what I wanted to say ("Please go be friends with the kids who are obeying the teacher"), because with kids you never know what they will repeat and I didn't want to embarrass either of us. And I don't want to insult other children. And there are only 3 boys in that class, and I know Zac would have rather played with the boys on the floor than sit and color neatly like the 9 girls were doing. (minus the one girl who got sent into the hallway for screaming)
I think he got what I was trying to say. And I plan to re-emphasize next Thursday morning. The thing about Zac is that he can be a follower. Oh, how I pray for him in that!!!
The China kids put together what will be a China portfolio today. Some of the children were very knowledgeable about China. And in true Zachariah fashion, he was listening FAR more than I realized and talked about it a lot on the way home. He remembered more than I did. I was very proud of his work (better than the stuff he does at home!) and I think he felt cool that he could read (most of them could - the class is ages 5-7). The portfolio looks really cute. He will bring it home at the end of the semester. I don't know if he enjoyed all the seat work, though. He asked to go home at the end of the hour.
He is a very quiet child in class. I don't know where he learned to raise his hand, but he is such a good little hand raiser. You know, the kid who will never speak out, but quietly raises his hand? That's Zac! And I know teachers really appreciate those kids. :)
Even though one of the times he raised his hand, it was only to tell why he had a bandaid on his wrist. Which was really just because we bought a new package of bandaids this week, meaning he searched his entire body for anything out of the ordinary and ended up with 4 bandaids today.
Anyways, I didn't get to see the science class because I had to volunteer in another class, but I peeked in at one point and he was enjoying a book that was being read. I was glad to see that the 2 boys in his first class weren't in his 2nd class. He didn't have a whole lot to say about the science class, but I think that the 2nd teacher had a better handle on the students.
Here is our sweetie pie, outside our apartment:
Here he is outside of the church where the 2nd co-op is held:
In his classroom:
And with his two teachers:
Hopefully I can find the camera cord for Tuesday's pics. He carries a backpack on Tuesdays and had a really cute All About Me poster he had to make. SO CUTE!!! :)
Hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend. As usual, we have an entire weekend packed full, so it will fly by. But we are excited for the extra day with Daddy. :)
This is really wordy as I document all my thoughts... feel free to skip to the pics! :)
Today was the 2nd co-op. The one that is secular and a little less conservative than the Tuesday co-op. Things are less structured and more laid back.
For comparison: At the Tuesday co-op, I am trying to find some of my summer maternity shirts that have sleeves, since sleeveless is not allowed per a strict dress code. At the Thursday co-op, an email had to go out regarding the students not being allowed to smoke on church grounds.
I get to be the "assistant" during his first class - the one about China. I guess I forgot how exhausting a group of children can be.
Maybe it's because I prefer things to be very orderly and structured. Maybe it's because I struggle with a chaotic classroom. Maybe it's because I'm used to being around a very obedient child. Maybe it's because I'm SO pregnant.
But it was exhausting.
I haven't been in a classroom setting in years. At my daycare, things were always so organized, I think the kids could have run it themselves if I wasn't there. But the China class was a bit different than that. Thankfully, it wasn't my show. So I just did what I was told.
The kids sure didn't do as they were told, though!
And I was glad I was there because at one point, Zac casually got up and whispered to me that he would do his work later, intending to join the other 2 boys who had been disobeying the whole time and were now on the floor playing with blocks during instruction time. I gladly stepped in his path and redirected him.
I talked to him after class about it. But it's hard to say what I wanted to say ("Please go be friends with the kids who are obeying the teacher"), because with kids you never know what they will repeat and I didn't want to embarrass either of us. And I don't want to insult other children. And there are only 3 boys in that class, and I know Zac would have rather played with the boys on the floor than sit and color neatly like the 9 girls were doing. (minus the one girl who got sent into the hallway for screaming)
I think he got what I was trying to say. And I plan to re-emphasize next Thursday morning. The thing about Zac is that he can be a follower. Oh, how I pray for him in that!!!
The China kids put together what will be a China portfolio today. Some of the children were very knowledgeable about China. And in true Zachariah fashion, he was listening FAR more than I realized and talked about it a lot on the way home. He remembered more than I did. I was very proud of his work (better than the stuff he does at home!) and I think he felt cool that he could read (most of them could - the class is ages 5-7). The portfolio looks really cute. He will bring it home at the end of the semester. I don't know if he enjoyed all the seat work, though. He asked to go home at the end of the hour.
He is a very quiet child in class. I don't know where he learned to raise his hand, but he is such a good little hand raiser. You know, the kid who will never speak out, but quietly raises his hand? That's Zac! And I know teachers really appreciate those kids. :)
Even though one of the times he raised his hand, it was only to tell why he had a bandaid on his wrist. Which was really just because we bought a new package of bandaids this week, meaning he searched his entire body for anything out of the ordinary and ended up with 4 bandaids today.
Anyways, I didn't get to see the science class because I had to volunteer in another class, but I peeked in at one point and he was enjoying a book that was being read. I was glad to see that the 2 boys in his first class weren't in his 2nd class. He didn't have a whole lot to say about the science class, but I think that the 2nd teacher had a better handle on the students.
Here is our sweetie pie, outside our apartment:
Here he is outside of the church where the 2nd co-op is held:
In his classroom:
And with his two teachers:
Hopefully I can find the camera cord for Tuesday's pics. He carries a backpack on Tuesdays and had a really cute All About Me poster he had to make. SO CUTE!!! :)
Hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend. As usual, we have an entire weekend packed full, so it will fly by. But we are excited for the extra day with Daddy. :)
2nd day of co-op
We are getting ready for our 2nd day of classes. This is a different co-op organization from our Tuesday one. Zac is taking two classes: a social studies class on China and a science class about gardening. At this co-op, I have to volunteer in class. So I get to be an assistant in the China class and then I help with another class while he's in science. Should be fun! :) I got him in with the 5-7 year olds, so I think that will be neat for him.
This week has been a ringer, and September will be our most challenging month as we prepare for Selah Grace, go into our 2nd month with CARES and all the events that go with that, and ZZ turns the big F-I-V-E!! :) But it will all start to settle down after that. We are so blessed to have such awesome friends and a wonderful support system.
I'll bring the old camera today since I know where that power cord is. And hopefully get some cute pics of my little darling in "class."
This week has been a ringer, and September will be our most challenging month as we prepare for Selah Grace, go into our 2nd month with CARES and all the events that go with that, and ZZ turns the big F-I-V-E!! :) But it will all start to settle down after that. We are so blessed to have such awesome friends and a wonderful support system.
I'll bring the old camera today since I know where that power cord is. And hopefully get some cute pics of my little darling in "class."
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
What to do for 2 hours?
We got up this morning VERY excited for ZZ's first day at co-op!
We started off the day with Breakfast-on-the-go. Brian and I had actually been up since before dawn, making breakfast burritos to pass out to our residents on their way to work. Brian couldn't stay the whole time, but Zac was the one who passed out most of the burritos! He would tell people, "Have a great one!" and "Enjoy your breakfast!" We've met some A&M residents who we've chatted with now and then. When one of them was about to drive off, Zac yelled, "Get yer guns up!" SO funny.
Then Zac and I came back and made some banana bread for his new teacher. Then it was time to start getting ready.
Right before we left, Zac says, "Well, I decided I don't want to go. I'm too nervous."
Perhaps it was the papparazzi state I was in, trying to document his every move from the living room to the car. Instead, I decided to lay off with the camera and chill out. haha
He went in just fine. I could tell he felt uncomfortable, but was trying to be brave and play it cool.
Then I was stuck with 2 hours of nothing to do. I have to stay on campus, but there were no really good places for someone as large as me to be comfy. And I forgot to bring stuff to read or work on. It will be a fun time for me and Selah to spend together, but until then, I'm bored! And unless I can find a bed to lay down in.... I see this two hours being just a little bit tough for the next couple of weeks.
Plus I was dying not knowing what Zac was doing in class!!
We are really enjoying this co-op so far. It's very well-run and organized. I appreciate that it is more conservative (dress code, etc) and Christian based. We already know several families, including Brian's cousin's family and some family friends of one of our renters. And it's been around forEVER, so the program is excellent. They have yearbooks, ID cards, etc. My only thing so far is that there is only one class for his age. Next year, if we stay, he could have a full day of classes (just one day a week), which I think he would really benefit from.
We have two other co-ops we are members of right now. One we will start on Thursday, and the other we will start in January (ended up on the wait list for fall). So potentially, he could be in "school" 3 days a week, but we'll see.
I finally got to pick him up and although he seemed excited to see me, I was the first mom and he clearly was not ready to go. He waved happily, then went back to his playdoh creations with his new friends.
On the way home, he told me about all the kids in his class, how he got to present his All About Me poster we worked on, the craft they made, the snack they made. And how they talked about the alphabet and each child got to point to the first letter of their first name on the ABC poster. (please let him be challenged at some point this year!) He also said, "When we first got here, I was nervous about talking about my poster and that this wouldn't be fun. But it was really fun, Mommy." Yay for that!!! :)
We drove to my dr appt and Zac did his homework (tracing the letters A,B,C). Then we stopped at the two really great thrift shops near the office.
This is where I get in trouble for buying more clothes for the kids - but I only spent $15 and Selah got 2 outfits - including a Texas Tech!!! And Zac got 8 long sleeved shirts - including Cowboys, Star Wars, AND Under Armour!! Come on babe - it's SO worth it!!.
As ZZ said at the checkout line, "You can't beat that deal."
Right on my little shopping partner.
We left the thrift store too close to bedtime and he crashed on the way home. This child is NOT a night person. He was sound asleep by 6:55.
All that to say - I can't find the camera cord. So hopefully that was a good enough mental picture of ZZ's first day at co-op!! :)
(Pictures as soon as I can find the cord!)
We started off the day with Breakfast-on-the-go. Brian and I had actually been up since before dawn, making breakfast burritos to pass out to our residents on their way to work. Brian couldn't stay the whole time, but Zac was the one who passed out most of the burritos! He would tell people, "Have a great one!" and "Enjoy your breakfast!" We've met some A&M residents who we've chatted with now and then. When one of them was about to drive off, Zac yelled, "Get yer guns up!" SO funny.
Then Zac and I came back and made some banana bread for his new teacher. Then it was time to start getting ready.
Right before we left, Zac says, "Well, I decided I don't want to go. I'm too nervous."
Perhaps it was the papparazzi state I was in, trying to document his every move from the living room to the car. Instead, I decided to lay off with the camera and chill out. haha
He went in just fine. I could tell he felt uncomfortable, but was trying to be brave and play it cool.
Then I was stuck with 2 hours of nothing to do. I have to stay on campus, but there were no really good places for someone as large as me to be comfy. And I forgot to bring stuff to read or work on. It will be a fun time for me and Selah to spend together, but until then, I'm bored! And unless I can find a bed to lay down in.... I see this two hours being just a little bit tough for the next couple of weeks.
Plus I was dying not knowing what Zac was doing in class!!
We are really enjoying this co-op so far. It's very well-run and organized. I appreciate that it is more conservative (dress code, etc) and Christian based. We already know several families, including Brian's cousin's family and some family friends of one of our renters. And it's been around forEVER, so the program is excellent. They have yearbooks, ID cards, etc. My only thing so far is that there is only one class for his age. Next year, if we stay, he could have a full day of classes (just one day a week), which I think he would really benefit from.
We have two other co-ops we are members of right now. One we will start on Thursday, and the other we will start in January (ended up on the wait list for fall). So potentially, he could be in "school" 3 days a week, but we'll see.
I finally got to pick him up and although he seemed excited to see me, I was the first mom and he clearly was not ready to go. He waved happily, then went back to his playdoh creations with his new friends.
On the way home, he told me about all the kids in his class, how he got to present his All About Me poster we worked on, the craft they made, the snack they made. And how they talked about the alphabet and each child got to point to the first letter of their first name on the ABC poster. (please let him be challenged at some point this year!) He also said, "When we first got here, I was nervous about talking about my poster and that this wouldn't be fun. But it was really fun, Mommy." Yay for that!!! :)
We drove to my dr appt and Zac did his homework (tracing the letters A,B,C). Then we stopped at the two really great thrift shops near the office.
This is where I get in trouble for buying more clothes for the kids - but I only spent $15 and Selah got 2 outfits - including a Texas Tech!!! And Zac got 8 long sleeved shirts - including Cowboys, Star Wars, AND Under Armour!! Come on babe - it's SO worth it!!.
As ZZ said at the checkout line, "You can't beat that deal."
Right on my little shopping partner.
We left the thrift store too close to bedtime and he crashed on the way home. This child is NOT a night person. He was sound asleep by 6:55.
All that to say - I can't find the camera cord. So hopefully that was a good enough mental picture of ZZ's first day at co-op!! :)
(Pictures as soon as I can find the cord!)
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