Seasons of change

We have started back to school.  Made the official move to year round schooling.  This allows us a great deal of flexibility when we want to take time off.  It's so hot in Houston in the summer so why not do some school so we can take time off when the weather is nice?

Cade's schedule this year (7th grade):

~Horizon's Pre-Algebra.  I LOVE Horizons math.  And apparently I forgot I really like Algebra-for real!

~Switched on Schoolhouse (SOS) - Language Arts.  SOS is computer based.  LOVE it.

~SOS - Bible

~SOS - History & Geography

~Apologia Science - Swimming Creatures of the Fifth day.  He really wanted to take this class and I've planned some fun fieldtrips.

~Writing - Can't find it right now.  Oops.

~Art/Nature Study

Cade runs 3 days a week- typically M, W, and F.  Basketball tryouts are in September-hopefully he will make the team.

Jenna's schedule this year (1st grade):

~My Father's World - 1st grade.  This is a complete curriculum that covers all classes with alot of wonderful read alouds also.

~ Science:  This is included in MFW but she will also participate with Cade in Apologia.  I think she will enjoy the projects and science experiments.

~  Nature Study will also be included and she has her own sketchbook.

~Her PE consists of playing outside with her friends everyday and walking around the lake.

Daddy doesn't know this yet but I really want to have our science experiments on the weekend and for him to lead them.  I will get all of the stuff ready and he will just conduct it.  I think all of the kids will enjoy watching them.

Other changes:  My blog.  I think about it everyday.  I feel like I'm headed towards closing it down.  Sometimes I think I will post once a week but right now that even seems alot.  So, rather that closing it down, I think I will just take a hiatus for a period of time.  Not sure how long.  When I come back I'm sure I'll link it up to facebook.

Blessings!

Lauree

We've Moved!

The last few months have brought about some major changes-the biggest being our move to Houston. Jeff accepted a much better position at a different company. We actually thought we were moving to Austin. Sometimes it is soooo funny how God works things out. Jeff interviewed in Austin, Houston wasn't really on our radar. The day they called with the offer, it was an amazing one....in Houston. We have never looked back. It was very hard to leave all of our friends and my mom in Whitehouse. I was terribly worried about our 12 year old son, Cade, who did not want to move. I was nervous about leaving my mom-we've never lived more than an hour from each other. :) But God has worked it all out. Cade immediately made friends in our new neighborhood and has been very happy. We are visiting a Church that our kids LOVE. Especially Cade. It's a small church with an even smaller youth group. Apparently this is right up Cade's alley. Our Wednesday nights at our old church were too big for him. This is a much more intimate setting and he is thriving. Who knew!! We've beeing going on regular playdates on Fridays and the little kids really look forward to that. Luke gets to hang with other little boys which I love. His sisters can be a bit overwhelming at times. :) I've been trying to get Cade into track but that's not working out like I wanted so far, so he may have to play soccer. He suggested it and as long as he's active, we don't really care. We'll be putting Jenna back in gymnastics soon, that's where her heart lies. Homeschooling is going great and even better for me since we have our dedicated classroom. I much more organized this way. We turned the formal dining area into a classroom. Jenna will finish Kindergarten this year and Cade will be heading to Jr. High. Time continues to march on.

Tidbits and such

Wow, it's been over a month since my last post! I didn't realize that until today. I don't have any pictures downloaded yet so this is just a catch-up post for now.

My life:

~The first week of July I went to Church camp in Alabama, with Cade. I thought it was crazy hot. Little did I know what was ahead for us in Texas!!

~Cade had soccer camp the week after Church camp so I was driving him around everyday.

~The next week my Uncle died from a heart attack. We made a very quick trip to Kentwood, Louisiana and my kids got to meet some family they've never met before.

~Came home on Wednesday and re-packed for a trip to San Antonio for our annual China adoption reunion (Jeff had to stay and work). That week was an extreme adventure, traveling without Jeff. Hopefully I don't have to do that anytime soon again.

~This week I've been cleaning like crazy, getting ready for school. We start next week. I have cleaning projects to be posted!!

~I'm painting this weekend!! Our living room, dining area, hallway, and front entry need a facelift.

That's it for now. Busy, Busy, Busy. Surely things will slow down when school starts?

Should Santa be Retired?

For the last few years, Santa has not been as fun as I thought. Cade asked quite awhile back about Santa and we told him the truth. I told Jeff I wasn't feeling Santa anymore and he was so relieved. He agrees with me in thinking Santa should retire.

I only know one person who doesn't "do" Santa and I know it has been difficult for her because her children know the truth and it's not the popular choice. So what happens when a child is confronted with "Santa" and they don't do the "Santa" fantasy? Children are honest and certainly speak their minds! So, I've read that some people teach their children that "Santa" is a fantasy, like the "toothfairy, Easter Bunny, etc" and that their family chooses not to "do" the fantasy, but that a lot of families choose to "do" the fantasy.

I am perfectly comfortable with retiring "Santa" from our house, but it is not the popular choice. I'm wondering if there are others out there who don't do the "Santa" game and if so, how do you blend that with your family and friends who do.