overwhelmed

Just a note to everyone - things have been a little crazy here at our home, and they will probably continue to be so. I am feeling a little overwhelmed by it all, and won't be blogging as much or responding to email as much as normal.

curriculum

If you have dealt with school systems before, you will know that now is the time for re-enrollment. Since we homeschool, we don't have to worry about that, but we do have to start thinking of what we are using. Are we happy with the curriculum? Is it appropriate for Dot's learning style and level? Is there something better?
We have used Calvert this year, and overall I have to say it was a good way to begin homeschooling. I didn't have to come up with anything on my own, and they took care of grading. There are a few areas I would like to change, though, and so we are out to look at other curricula (we looked this up, and the dictionary says you can also use "curriculums" - but it sounds funny) this morning. Thankfully there are a few good homeschool stores in our area. We are heading out to one in Severna Park - it is a Christian homeschool store. Not only do they have new curricula, but they also have a large selection of used, not to mention a play area for the kids. Another plus - in the same shopping center there is a toy store - with Playmobil and Thomas! Sounds like we'll all have fun this Saturday!

A dog we never take on walks

Even though our children would absolutely love to own a dog, we don't. For one thing, I'm allergic to dog hair. Also, I would have to do all the work of feeding, cleaning up after, and walking the dog... I already do that for my whole family; I don't need to add a dog to the list. I'm not sure we could afford a dog, either.

Lately, though, we have had a dog for free, and it is so easy to take care of! Jamie has started to use his imagination, and he imagines that he is a puppy. He makes a really cute puppy! He pants, gives doggie kisses, crawls around on the floor, and eats his food like a dog. Every now and again he gives a little bark, too. He is the best dog I could ever hope for!

I forgot!!

In lieu of the card I forgot to send...

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Joel,
Happy birthday to you!

Another marriage benefit

From the OSU Connect email:

Want to get rich -- or at least, richer? Ohio State research scientist Jay Zagorsky has some advice: Get married and stay married.

Zagorsky recently finished a nationwide study found that divorce chops a person's wealth by 77 percent, while marriage nearly doubles it, with a 93 percent gain.

Shopping Frenzy

After many weeks of spring-like temperatures we are finally back to winter. Well, not really WINTER, since I am still not using my heavy winter coat, but it is cold now. In fact, this weekend we are supposed to get a real winter storm! From the weather underground:

.. At this time... a swath of snowfall of 5 inches or more is likely across the area... with accumulations up to ten inches possible.

In our area predictions of snow are followed by a mad rush to the store to buy milk, bread and toilet paper. Apparently they think they will be snowed in for awhile... If you happen to need something at the store you would find the bread shelves would be empty - yes, the really long set of shelves that hold hundreds of loaves of bread - totally empty!
It is unfortunate that this is payday for us, and we need to go shopping. Fortunately, though, we don't need any bread, milk, or toilet paper.


Update Sunday, Feb. 12, 1pm
We have been busy! We got over a foot of snow last night - in our yard we measured one spot at 15 1/2 inches. The trees and bushes are bowing down under the weight of the snow - the trees in the schoolyard next door lost a few branches. Jamie had a very hard time getting around, and unfortunately it was too deep for his sled! Right now Jim and Dot are putting the finishing touches on a tunnel - made in the giant mound of snow removed from our driveway. (You can see Jim playing king of the mountain on it above.) The snow plow has made only one pass down our street, and it is still too slippery to go out. (While we were shoveling we saw a couple cars spin out and have a fender bender just up the road.) Tonight we will probably be suffering from all our hard work. Pass the ibuprofen... we will sleep well tonight!

Creativity

Today Dot starts a new class. She, and two homeschooled friends from church, will be taking a pottery class. The teacher will be having them learn hand building and how to use the wheel. All three girls are terribly excited about learning pottery.

I don't mind saying that I am jealous. My creative outlets have been restricted in the past few years. I will always have my sewing machine out and ready to use, but I don't have as much time to use it now that we are homeschooling. I haven't been able to do calligraphy for quite awhile - I don't have the space to set aside for an ongoing project. (I can just imagine Jamie getting into the ink!) I still like to see others being creative, and I love to see beautiful handmade items. Timothy Botts is a wonderful example of what I would love to do it I had the time and the chance to take my creativity seriously.