Learning, here, is always interesting. It seems like I am constantly challenged to find new ways of explaining things, this week was no different.
Jesse has recently started learning about negative numbers. She was totally confused why the negative number would go up when it was subtracted. Here was my explanation:
Lets say you were feeling very generous and you gave away all of your money to charity. You have no money left; however, you owe Chloe $5. But you also owe Susie $10. Does that mean you only owe $5? No. You still owe Chloe $5 and Susie $10, therefore your total debt is $15.
I asked if that helped, and she said it did.
Chloe, however, raised her hand (after listening intently to my explanation-no they do not do the same math) then asked, "Who is Susie?"
I 'bout fell out! I suppose next time I should not use whatever name pops into my head, but instead name a friend of theirs.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Time for "crazy!" to set in
Well, it is that time of year again. Time for the flowers to bloom, pollen to irritate us and time to see what we have to do to wrap up school. All while planning next year's curriculum. {sigh}
Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not stressed (no!); I'm just going to go blind from all the reading. Go mentally insane from trying to decide how to do a "new" history. But really, I suppose, it is not going so bad this year. We should finish school the last week of May (maybe the first week of June). The girls are pretty much where they should be in most of the subjects.
Science for next year is already here and waiting. English books were ordered yesterday. Spelling books have been here (Jesse will finish them this year). Math will be ordered in the middle of the month. And a few other odds and ends I need to get and some I need to work on myself, mostly history.
Everything here seems to be, finally, settling down a bit. It is quiet most afternoons. The trouble with well pumps and garage doors are behind us. The play is slowing being dropped from daily conversations while discussions of taekwondo forms are picking up again. Our lives seem to run in cycles between theater and taekwondo. It is funny how things evolve.
I am actually looking forward to putting the pool up this year. I plan on trying to relax some, at some point. I know the next few years are going to fly and I really just want to enjoy being with the girls and John. While there are things we can change, time is simply not one of them. I want to smell the roses while they are still home. :)
Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not stressed (no!); I'm just going to go blind from all the reading. Go mentally insane from trying to decide how to do a "new" history. But really, I suppose, it is not going so bad this year. We should finish school the last week of May (maybe the first week of June). The girls are pretty much where they should be in most of the subjects.
Science for next year is already here and waiting. English books were ordered yesterday. Spelling books have been here (Jesse will finish them this year). Math will be ordered in the middle of the month. And a few other odds and ends I need to get and some I need to work on myself, mostly history.
Everything here seems to be, finally, settling down a bit. It is quiet most afternoons. The trouble with well pumps and garage doors are behind us. The play is slowing being dropped from daily conversations while discussions of taekwondo forms are picking up again. Our lives seem to run in cycles between theater and taekwondo. It is funny how things evolve.
I am actually looking forward to putting the pool up this year. I plan on trying to relax some, at some point. I know the next few years are going to fly and I really just want to enjoy being with the girls and John. While there are things we can change, time is simply not one of them. I want to smell the roses while they are still home. :)
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Jesse's new adventure
Under the ATA, a person cannot become a fourth degree black belt until they are sixteen. However, Master Mike as not been part of that ATA since before we arrived to his studio (almost seven years ago). Jesse is due to graduate in December, but because it was her fourth degree Master Mike had told her she wouldn't graduate for a few years.
A week ago today, Master Mike talked to Jesse. He gave her two options. Option one was when she turned twelve she would take off her blue junior training jacket and go back to a white jacket until she turned sixteen. Then she could test for her fourth degree.
Option two. She would exchange her blue junior jacket for a red "instructor in training" jacket, take on more responsibilities in class, and help teach more classes. One year from when she put on her red jacket, she could test for her fourth degree belt.
Before we got into the car that night, she had already decided. She was going to get her red jacket. Not only does this mean she will have more responsibilities, but it also means she will retain her senior student standing. She is nervous and excited. And we are so very proud that she made this choice on her own.
A week ago today, Master Mike talked to Jesse. He gave her two options. Option one was when she turned twelve she would take off her blue junior training jacket and go back to a white jacket until she turned sixteen. Then she could test for her fourth degree.
Option two. She would exchange her blue junior jacket for a red "instructor in training" jacket, take on more responsibilities in class, and help teach more classes. One year from when she put on her red jacket, she could test for her fourth degree belt.
Before we got into the car that night, she had already decided. She was going to get her red jacket. Not only does this mean she will have more responsibilities, but it also means she will retain her senior student standing. She is nervous and excited. And we are so very proud that she made this choice on her own.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Chloe and "Music Man jr."
I have already posted the pictures from "Music Man jr.", but I have not told you the full story of Chloe in the play.
When the cast list originally came out, a part had been created for Chloe, "Hazel". At the time I wondered why a part had been created rather than just giving her a part. She was paired up with a 10yo named Gabi. Gabi was one of the sweetest people. In less than a week, whenever she saw me come into the theater she would hug me then skip off.
It was not too long after rehearsals started that we learned Gabi is diabetic. We found out when the battery on her pump was low so she had to leave early. The remaining rehearsals went well. And, as Candy planned, whenever you saw Gabi you saw Chloe, whether it was on stage or backstage.
The night before opening, Gabi fell ill. I found out after rehearsal her sugar shot up to well over 600. Candy told Chloe to make sure she knew all of Gabi's lines and cues "just in case". It was then Candy told us Gabi's mother had told her early on Gabi was diabetic and that is why she created the part for Chloe, as a "just in case." Well, Thursday Gabi was put in the hospital. Overnight her sugar fell to 19. She was taken off of her pump while they manually tried to level out her sugar. The problem was Gabi had gotten the flu and they could not keep fluids in her.
Opening night Chloe was scared. She was used to having Gabi holding her arm at every turn, and now she was alone (on a stage with 73 other students). No Gabi. I worked backstage that night, so when she came off she stood with Candy and myself. I asked Chloe what she was going to do the following night while I was watching, "I'll be with "Gracie"!" (Gracie was Gabi's character's name.)
Well, opening night came and went, so did Friday and Saturday. Still no Gabi. At Sunday's show I heard Gabi had 17! people coming to see her in the play. Of course, they were not coming because she was still in the hospital. It broke my heart. She had worked so hard and she was missing all of it. Gabi was finally released from the hospital on Monday. Chloe was "Gracie Shinn" for the entire play. But all Chloe wanted to do was to perform the play one more time so Gabi's family could see her as "Gracie Shinn", even without the sets and costumes.
When the cast list originally came out, a part had been created for Chloe, "Hazel". At the time I wondered why a part had been created rather than just giving her a part. She was paired up with a 10yo named Gabi. Gabi was one of the sweetest people. In less than a week, whenever she saw me come into the theater she would hug me then skip off.
It was not too long after rehearsals started that we learned Gabi is diabetic. We found out when the battery on her pump was low so she had to leave early. The remaining rehearsals went well. And, as Candy planned, whenever you saw Gabi you saw Chloe, whether it was on stage or backstage.
The night before opening, Gabi fell ill. I found out after rehearsal her sugar shot up to well over 600. Candy told Chloe to make sure she knew all of Gabi's lines and cues "just in case". It was then Candy told us Gabi's mother had told her early on Gabi was diabetic and that is why she created the part for Chloe, as a "just in case." Well, Thursday Gabi was put in the hospital. Overnight her sugar fell to 19. She was taken off of her pump while they manually tried to level out her sugar. The problem was Gabi had gotten the flu and they could not keep fluids in her.
Opening night Chloe was scared. She was used to having Gabi holding her arm at every turn, and now she was alone (on a stage with 73 other students). No Gabi. I worked backstage that night, so when she came off she stood with Candy and myself. I asked Chloe what she was going to do the following night while I was watching, "I'll be with "Gracie"!" (Gracie was Gabi's character's name.)
Well, opening night came and went, so did Friday and Saturday. Still no Gabi. At Sunday's show I heard Gabi had 17! people coming to see her in the play. Of course, they were not coming because she was still in the hospital. It broke my heart. She had worked so hard and she was missing all of it. Gabi was finally released from the hospital on Monday. Chloe was "Gracie Shinn" for the entire play. But all Chloe wanted to do was to perform the play one more time so Gabi's family could see her as "Gracie Shinn", even without the sets and costumes.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Where to start?!
I'll start with the rally, it went well. We had quite a few people attend. The funny part, to me, was during our protest a large group of high schoolers were above us on the steps having their picture taken with the medals they had just received. We don't know what the medals were for, but they were up there quite awhile taking pictures. Then they moved to one side of the steps and a group of private school high schoolers came out on the other side of the steps to have their picture made (no medals). Lauren and I kept snickering over it because it was too ironic.
January 10th the girls auditioned for Music Man jr. at the Kershaw County Fine Arts Center. They both received parts. Rehearsals started on the 24th of January and continued until this past weekend when we finally had the show. And what a show!! We had an amazing cast. Both actors who played Harold Hill and Marion were in the last Music Man jr. with the girls in Columbia. Who knew they would wind up the leads in this play. Alex (Marion) has the voice of an angel. When she came out singing after audtions, I looked at her Mom and said, "she has to be Marion". She only had one singing line in the last show. She was amazing and I cannot imagine how good she is going to get because she is only 11!!!
Another friend's son, Alex, played Harold Hill. He was part of the barber shop quartet and a foot shorter in the play. He made a great Harold! And I cannot begin to explain to how phenominal the mayor was for this show. I just met him during rehearsals, but to watch him on stage was incredible. He even amazed John!!!
We met so many wonderful people. The funny thing was yesterday I went to the doctor and a couple of people in there knew me because of the show. My name was in the playbill with a thank you from Candy, the director, for all the help I (and several others) gave her during the rehearsals and the show.
On top of all of that (like it wasn't enough), John surprised all of us with a trip to Disney two weeks ago. I think we had a week to get ready. We had so much fun! I have been wanting to go to the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival for a few years now. We were there for opening day!!!!!
There you go. I believe you are now mostly caught up with the events of our lives. I still have few more things to add, but that will be another post. ;)
January 10th the girls auditioned for Music Man jr. at the Kershaw County Fine Arts Center. They both received parts. Rehearsals started on the 24th of January and continued until this past weekend when we finally had the show. And what a show!! We had an amazing cast. Both actors who played Harold Hill and Marion were in the last Music Man jr. with the girls in Columbia. Who knew they would wind up the leads in this play. Alex (Marion) has the voice of an angel. When she came out singing after audtions, I looked at her Mom and said, "she has to be Marion". She only had one singing line in the last show. She was amazing and I cannot imagine how good she is going to get because she is only 11!!!
Another friend's son, Alex, played Harold Hill. He was part of the barber shop quartet and a foot shorter in the play. He made a great Harold! And I cannot begin to explain to how phenominal the mayor was for this show. I just met him during rehearsals, but to watch him on stage was incredible. He even amazed John!!!
We met so many wonderful people. The funny thing was yesterday I went to the doctor and a couple of people in there knew me because of the show. My name was in the playbill with a thank you from Candy, the director, for all the help I (and several others) gave her during the rehearsals and the show.
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| Chloe as "Hazel Shinn". |
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| Chloe with Gabi ("Hazel" and "Gracie") |
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| Noah as the "Mayor". |
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| "Marion", "Mayor Shinn" and "Harold Hill" |
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| Love it!!!! Jesse as "Mrs. Squires" and Chloe with her hat. |
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| Adam as "Marcellus". |
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| "Shinn family" last day of the show, less the "Mayor". |
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| She wound up with the same hat she had in the last show!! Now, it doesn't look nearly as large. |
On top of all of that (like it wasn't enough), John surprised all of us with a trip to Disney two weeks ago. I think we had a week to get ready. We had so much fun! I have been wanting to go to the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival for a few years now. We were there for opening day!!!!!
There you go. I believe you are now mostly caught up with the events of our lives. I still have few more things to add, but that will be another post. ;)
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Under attack!
No, that is not really an overstatement. Last week, a bill was put to the House K-12 committee that would eliminate the 3rd Option to homeschooling in South Carolina. In addition, they are wanting other requirements, that are already being done differently, but somehow they want to change things...for the worse.
I spent last week writing to all the representatives about how I feel regarding this bill. I also spent a good bit of time explaining what was going on to the girls, and John. I have to tell you John is not happy with this introduction of this bill. I have also spent a good deal of time on FB with a group of over 2000 homeschool moms and dads discussing our next move.
I'm glad to know we have a few representatives on our side. I am hoping this bill dies in the house. I'm not looking to have it changed; I want it DEAD.
So, I didn't have a chance to put pictures here. I'll try to get to it this week; however, this week is busier than last. ;)
BTW, Happy (Chinese) New Year!!!!!
I spent last week writing to all the representatives about how I feel regarding this bill. I also spent a good bit of time explaining what was going on to the girls, and John. I have to tell you John is not happy with this introduction of this bill. I have also spent a good deal of time on FB with a group of over 2000 homeschool moms and dads discussing our next move.
I'm glad to know we have a few representatives on our side. I am hoping this bill dies in the house. I'm not looking to have it changed; I want it DEAD.
So, I didn't have a chance to put pictures here. I'll try to get to it this week; however, this week is busier than last. ;)
BTW, Happy (Chinese) New Year!!!!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Hello, friend (Love that Bill!)
I know it has been quite awhile since I blogged, because Jesse has sent me multiple pleas for me to blog through the messaging system. LOL
December was crazy, as usual. I am always amazed by the fact our calendar is empty just before Thanksgiving, then blows up just after. This past December we had two homeschool parties, three family parties and one for John's work. We also spent Christmas Eve at my parent's (no deputies with guns this year!).
So, I'm sure after reading all of that you'll forgive me for not blogging. And if not, maybe this will shed even more light. In addition to all the parties, John decided (after decorating for Christmas) that we would paint the living and dining rooms and the kitchen! I love it! A week after finishing the painting, but before getting everything back place, John decided the classroom needed painting and a complete overhaul! Really?! To say our December was busy, would be a vast understatement!
January brought on new adventures...sort of. The girls auditioned for "Music Man". Yes, I know they have done this play before, but not at Kershaw's Fine Arts Center with the lovely Candice at the director's wheel. This time auditions were for elementary and middle schoolers only. Jesse is still a Pick-A-Little Lady, but she is a "main" one this time rather than being in the background. Chloe is Hazel, a part that is being added and created just for her; she too is a supporting character. They are both thrilled and excited rehearsals have now started.
We finally took a break from everything and escaped to Pigeon Forge last weekend. Of course, that had its own mishaps. Well, one mishap: weather. We were originally going to leave Friday, but I received a call from the office Thursday afternoon saying they were getting lots of snow, but if we had a four-wheel drive and felt comfortable we should be okay. We'll I neither have four-wheel drive or am comfortable driving up a huge mountain in ice/snow. We left Saturday instead and got to the resort just as the power was coming back on. Yeah!
I'll post pictures on the next post.
December was crazy, as usual. I am always amazed by the fact our calendar is empty just before Thanksgiving, then blows up just after. This past December we had two homeschool parties, three family parties and one for John's work. We also spent Christmas Eve at my parent's (no deputies with guns this year!).
So, I'm sure after reading all of that you'll forgive me for not blogging. And if not, maybe this will shed even more light. In addition to all the parties, John decided (after decorating for Christmas) that we would paint the living and dining rooms and the kitchen! I love it! A week after finishing the painting, but before getting everything back place, John decided the classroom needed painting and a complete overhaul! Really?! To say our December was busy, would be a vast understatement!
January brought on new adventures...sort of. The girls auditioned for "Music Man". Yes, I know they have done this play before, but not at Kershaw's Fine Arts Center with the lovely Candice at the director's wheel. This time auditions were for elementary and middle schoolers only. Jesse is still a Pick-A-Little Lady, but she is a "main" one this time rather than being in the background. Chloe is Hazel, a part that is being added and created just for her; she too is a supporting character. They are both thrilled and excited rehearsals have now started.
We finally took a break from everything and escaped to Pigeon Forge last weekend. Of course, that had its own mishaps. Well, one mishap: weather. We were originally going to leave Friday, but I received a call from the office Thursday afternoon saying they were getting lots of snow, but if we had a four-wheel drive and felt comfortable we should be okay. We'll I neither have four-wheel drive or am comfortable driving up a huge mountain in ice/snow. We left Saturday instead and got to the resort just as the power was coming back on. Yeah!
I'll post pictures on the next post.
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