8/16/14 Weekly Wrap-Up: Our official start of school

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So this was our official first week of school.  Logan started his classes at his new virtual school and I started a few classes at home with Becca.  Logan is in 7th grade this year and Becca is starting 9th.  It seems alittle strange that Brandon is done with school (well high school at least).

We usually start each day by watching CNN Student News while we eat breakfast followed by bible study listening to Bible Gateway however this week we didn't get to bible study, only CNN news (and only a few days).  We're trying to find our groove with Logan's new schedule.

For Becca we're using the following curriculum:

Math:  Life of Fred Fractions
History:  Abeka World History and Cultures
Science:  Apologia Biology
Literature: Abeka Of Places Literature (we'll also be adding some novels once she gets a kindle for her birthday)
She'll also be doing PE and Health.  I have some teen yoga DVD's I got from Netflix (she wants to do Yoga) and we'll be walking and she does horseback riding. 
I'm also looking into some classes at a new homeschool center that a friend of mine is opening in September.  Maybe she can do cooking and art.

Monday:  Normally Logan only has live classes on Tues and Thurs but since this was the first week they had the kids attend all day on Monday.  So he had school from 9-2p.  He completed all his student information sheets and submitted them and did all the orientation quizzes.  All his curriculum is assigned by the school since it's a virtual public school.  He has the option to attend his classes live at the school on Tues and Thurs from 9-12 (which we plan to do) or he can watch classes from home.  The other days he does his lessons at home.

Becca did 2 lessons in Life of Fred, Chapter 1 in World History and defined all chapter terms.



  

Logan's First day of 7th Grade          Becca's first day of 9th Grade

 

Tuesday:  Today Logan had live classes in Math Enrichment, Math and Social Studies (he's studying the Middle East and Africa this year).

Becca and I watched Kingdom of David: by the rivers of Babylon on Amazon Prime.  We also did 2 lessons on Life of Fred and started Chapter 2 in World History.

In the evening I met some friends up at Starbucks so we could catch up and talk about starting our book club back up again.

Wednesday:  Today Logan was home all day to work on lessons.  Most of the day I spent working with him trying to figure out his new virtual lessons.

Thursday:  Logan had live classes at school in Language Arts (he loves his teacher), Digital Photography and Science (this year he'll be studying Life Sciences).  After I picked him up we went to Burger King for lunch.  Since we're still trying to figure this system out and get in a groove we had several lessons to catch up on in SS so we wound up working until 6pm!

Becca did 1 lesson in Life of Fred, and we finished Chapter 2 in World History and she defined terms.

Friday:  Today the kids and I went to a park down the street that has a nice lake they can swim in with a beach.  One of the homeschool groups we're part of had a "Not Back to School" party.  The kids had fun spending the afternoon with their friends.  This is one of the many reasons we love homeschooling and virtual schooling.

Enjoying lunch at the lake

On Saturday Becca had a riding lesson then after her and I went to get our hair cut.  Becca was very happy with how hers turned out :)

Becca's new haircut

Thanks for stopping by and checking out how our week went.

8/9/14 Weekly Wrap-Up

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So it's been pretty busy here this week.  We officially start school next week (minus my oldest son who graduated this past May).  My youngest son is going to a virtual public school in our County that he'll attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-12 for classes and complete the rest of his assignments virtually.  We're very excited about this opportunity.  On Wednesday and Thursday we had orientation at his school from 9-12 to go over important information regarding the new school year.  Logan was nervous but after the second day he announced that he made 3 new friends and wants to join some clubs including Student Leadership Team.  After orientation Thursday Logan and I ran some errands.  I had to get my tires rotated at Costco and we stopped by Target to get him a new backpack to safely carry his laptop back and forth to school.  While we were out and about we stopped by and had lunch at Steak and Shake, he was very excited to get a milkshake with lunch.  On Friday the Logan had to login to the school from home, they want to make sure all the kids can access their classes remotely.  It was also "bring your pet to school" day.  With the help of his sister he was able to show off our crazy cat Octavious.  

Logan showing Octavious to his classmates during "bring your pet to school" day

My friend is coming over this weekend to visit and hopefully we can find some craft fairs in the area to attend this Fall and sell some of the stuff we make.

Thanks for stopping by.  Next week the posts will start with back to school information.

Butterfly in our butterfly bush.

7/5/14 Weekly Wrap Up....the one that summarizes our Summer

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So it's been pretty busy around here and I haven't posted all summer.  So Brandon graduated on May 31st.  We had lots of family here to help us celebrate.  The graduation ceremony was the first one for Georgia Cyber Academy, it was pretty good.  After the ceremony we headed back to the house to have a party to celebrate :) 

Proud parents :)

 

Yummy desserts....Becca and I made graduation cap pops :)

Becca left with grandparents to spend 2 weeks down in Florida.  Logan and Brandon left with different grandparents to spend some time up in Massachusettes.  Travis and I were home alone for one week before we took the most amazing vacation to Jamaica.  It was the first time we had been on a vacation by ourselves since our honeymoon 20 years ago and it was AMAZING!  We can't wait to do another vacation next year, Travis wants to go back to Jamaica and stay at the same resort, it was that great.  I've already spoken to our travel agent and she's going to get us some info on the Dominican as well.  So we'll see.  We flew out of Orlando so on our return we could swing by and pick Becca up. 

Sunset from beach at Grand Lido in Negril, Jamaica

 

Visit to famous Ricks Café in Negril, Jamaica

 





Tree on resort property that's over 350 yrs old

We've been home for 3 weeks and the boys are still up north on vacation.  On Thursday 7/3 we had a get together with friends in the neighborhood down at the pool.  Since hubby has to work on 4th Becca and I are just chillin at home.  Since we got home from vacation we haven't done too much since we sold hubby's truck, payment was just too much with increase in medical insurance.  So Becca and I have been pretty much stuck at home.  Next week our niece and her boyfriend are coming to visit from Florida and we're planning (weather permitting) on going camping up in the mountains.   So that about sums up the past several weeks. 

Thanks for stopping by and seeing what's been going on.

5/10 and 5/17 Two Weekly Wrap-Ups

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So it's been pretty busy around here finishing up school so I'm just going to post some of the highlights from the last 2 weeks.

Our crazy cat Octavious



My poor husband got into a car accident, fortunately only his truck was damaged and not very bad at that.  Which is good seeing as the driver was not only drunk but also uninsured!

Mother's day was quiet.  The kids made me a "French Café" inspired breakfast in bed.  Later in the day we went to our pool for a few hours to hang out.

On 5/13 Brandon finished ALL his classes....he is officially done with High School.  His graduation ceremony is next weekend.  It's very exciting, he finished with all A's and B's.  Very proud of him.

On 5/22 Brandon finally got his drivers license!  Lots of big events for him this month, he turned 18, opened his checking/savings account, got his drivers license and he graduated High School!!

Logan and Becca officially finished school on 5/22.  Becca didn't do so well but I'm not concerned seeing as we're doing traditional homeschool next year.  Logan finished with all A's and he exceeded state standards on his Reading and Grammar CRCT tests.  Very proud of him.

On Monday 5/12 we had an end of year beach party at the lake down the road from us.  The kids had fun playing and visiting with friends.

Fun at the lake :)

We had an alligator snapping turtle show up in our front garden this past week.  He was pretty big!

Alligator snapping turtle

So those are pretty much the highlights of the past 2 weeks.  Thanks for stopping by and seeing what's been going on in our world!

5/3 Weekly Wrap-Up

So here's my weekly wrap up.  I'm linking up with

 

So our neighborhood pool opened last weekend.  I took Becca and Logan down for about an hour on Saturday, the water was freezing but Logan went in :)  Sunday we ran some errands.

We start each day by watching CNN Student News while we eat breakfast followed by bible study listening to Bible Gateway however this week we didn't get to bible study, only CNN news.

Monday:  Sunny 80's.  Cinco de Mayo.  In honor of this holiday I made Salsa Chicken in the crock pot-YUM!

School:  Becca and Logan worked on odds and ends.  Brandon worked on last unit in Earth Science.

Exercise:  Walked 1.5 miles in neighborhood.

Tuesday:  Sunny 90! 

School:  Becca finished her math and reading scantrons (tests that our virtual school requires the kids take in Fall and end of year).  Brandon finished Earth Science and worked on bring Nutrition grade up to an A.

Exercise:  Becca, Logan and myself went to Ft. Yargo and met several homeschool families to do a nature hike.  This group meets every Tuesday at this park and we're finally able to go with them.  Several of the kids friends were there so they had fun.  We hiked about 3 miles.  Earlier that morning I also walked 1.5 miles in the neighborhood.

Wednesday:  Sunny upper 80's.  Today is Brandon's 18th Birthday!!!!

Not much school.  I called and made an appointment for Brandon to go take the road test at the DMV for his drivers license.  Since dad was home today we took Brandon out to eat at his favorite restaurant-Longhorns.  Becca and I baked a double batch of brownies for dessert.

Exercise:  I did get a 1.5 mile walk in.

Brandon with his birthday key lime pie...poor Logan he didn't get any!!

Thursday:  Sunny 80's.

School:  Brandon worked on completing study island assignments in Journalism class.  Logan worked on German and a couple of literature assignments.

Becca had a riding lesson and after we ran a few errands.  I played Bunco in the evening with friends in the neighborhood.  We play once a month.  (for those that don't know bunco is a dice game, it's super easy and fun).

Octavious keeping my spot warm for me.

Friday:  Cloudy 80's.

School:  Brandon finished his Journalism class.  The only thing he has left to complete is to bring his grade up in his Government class and turn in some community service hours before next Wednesday so he's able to walk in graduation at the end of the month.

Becca had her therapy, only 2 sessions left.  Over last weekend I ordered her the pencil grips she needs so she's able to write better.   I also ordered her Daily Grams: Grade 7 even though she'll be in 9th grade next year she needs to back track for both grammar and math.
 

Earlier this morning I ran some errands and discovered that my car was out of brake fluid!  Hubby's going to look at it tomorrow. 

Becca went to a friends birthday party sleepover.

So that's the highlights of our week.  Can't wait, only 3 weeks until graduation weekend and only 4 weeks until hubby and I go to Jamaica.  :)  Thanks for stopping by and checking out our week.

4/26 Weekly Wrap Up

So here's my weekly wrap up.  I'm linking up with

So last weekend was pretty laid back.  Saturday I had some kind of 24 hour bug.  Sunday Becca baked and decorated some cupcakes for dad's birthday tomorrow.

This wasn't a normal week so I'm just going to list the highlights.

Monday:  Today was Trav's birthday.  Brandon finally finished Nutrition and Wellness and did 3 sections in Personal Finance.

Cupcakes Becca baked and decorated :)

Tuesday:  Brandon finished Personal Finance.  Logan worked on some German and did a reading scantron test that was required for school. 

Wednesday:  Brandon worked in Earth Science.  All the kids had dental cleanings in the afternoon, no cavities.  I took them out to eat Chinese food.

Thursday:  Logan finished his math scantron test for school.  Trav was home today and we took Brandon to open a Checking/Savings account.  We took him out to lunch at Firehouse Subs after.  Trav got a haircut and after we went to AT&T and changed our cell phone plan and saved $80!! 

Friday:  Becca had therapy and we got some information about the type of pencil grip she needs to help her improve her handwriting.  We ran some errands after and then came home.

Beautiful irises by my mailbox

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our week :)

4/19 Weekly Wrap-Up

So here's my weekly wrap up.  I'm linking up with

So last weekend a friend and I did an Arts/Crafts Festival (she makes jewelry and I crochet).  The weather was HORRIBLE!  Rainy, and extreme winds.  We were able to set up our tent and stuff, but the winds were so bad that after about 2 hours some of the other vendors had their tents blow away.  We finally decided to pack it up and call it a day.  There were only a few people that braved the rain and wind to actually come out, we didn't sell anything.  It wasn't a total lose though since my husband's cousin has a shop in that area so we hung out and visited with her.

Set up at Craft Fair. Picture was taken during brief moment of sunshine.

This was the first Easter we've spent home in many years.  Usually we go to my sisters over in SC but since my kids have CRCT testing all next week that wasn't an option this year. 

So Logan lost a molar on Easter while eating a tootsie roll!  

Usually we start each day by watching CNN Student News while we eat breakfast followed by bible study listening to Bible Gateway however since we had testing this week we didn't do these things.

Monday:  Sunny low 70's.
School:  All week Becca and Logan have state testing (CRCT).  Since we do virtual school we have to go someplace to have the test administered and this year we went to the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center.  Our testing time is 1:30pm each day.

Today they had Reading.  Now Becca gets small group accommodations (which means no more than 10-12 kids in the room with her) and she has all sections, except math, read to her.  Now since reading is obviously based on the students ability to read they can only read questions and answers, not the passages.  Since Becca struggles so much with reading  she reads extremely slow.  She started to panic during the test because they were reading the questions before she finished the passages and she eventually broke down and had to leave the room.  Since she left during the test it's basically void.  Logan did fine on test.

Today was a LONG day, the first day always is, we didn't get home until 8pm.

Other Activities:  I got all but 4 graduation announcements out in the mail today.  I also ordered Life of Fred fractions math book for Becca.  I've read good things about this and I'm excited to try it with her.

Exercise:  At the center where the kids are testing all week a friend of mine is also there with her daughter.  The center has some really nice hiking trails so we're planning to walk each day.  We walked 1.5 miles today.

Tuesday:  Rainy upper 60's.
School:  Today is Grammar for CRCT.  Last night after we got home the site coordinator contacted me and wanted to see if Becca could test earlier today, at 11am.  She would be able to test one on one with the administrator.  So I got her there early and she did great today.  She finished both sections with no problems.  Travis had off work today so he met me at the center to drop Logan off and pick Becca up.  He took Becca out to eat for lunch and then shopping at the mall. 

Logan did fine with testing.  When I asked him how it went his standard reply is "it was easy".

Other Activities:  This morning I had my first Mammogram.  For dinner I cooked salmon and rice and Trav and I watched Ghostbusters on Netflix.  I haven't seen that movie in years.

Exercise:  We weren't able to walk today since it was rainy out.

Wednesday:  Sunny 70's.
School:  Today was Math testing.  This is definitely Becca's worst subject.  With all the testing they did to determine her eligibility for Special Education she's basically at a 4th grade level and she's in 8th grade.  So it doesn't take much to figure out she's not going to do well on this test.  She finished the first section but when she got to the second section she basically froze and then started to cry.  They came and found me and said she would have to once again be pulled out of the test and of course this voids any work she did.  Logan said he did good except that he never did anything with finding the circumference of a circle and having to use Pi.  He couldn't stop talking about it, I think he just wanted to talk about Pi!!

Other Activities:  After everyone finished we went with our friends out to dinner at Chili's.  It was another long day.

Exercise:  We walked about 1.5 mile again today.

Vulture we saw on our hike today.

Thursday:  Cloudy, in the 70's.
School:  Today was Science.  Becca finished this test just fine.  She said that she knew some of the stuff.  Logan said he forgot about the different types of rocks and how they were formed (that was the first unit we did back in August.)

On the way home we stopped at Krispy Kreme donuts cause the HOT sign was on!  Anyone familiar with Krispy Kreme knows you can't just drive by if the HOT sign is on :)

Other Activities:  Before the kids had testing today I went down to Gwinnett Tech and picked up Brandon's cap and gown for graduation.  Can't believe that's right around the corner.  We grilled out some burgers for dinner and Becca made some velveeta mac n cheese.

Exercise:  Another friend met us today and we walked about 2 miles on the trials.

Brandon's Cap and Gown!!!

Friday:  Sunny, windy and upper 70's.
School:  Today is the last day of testing!!!  They had Social Studies.  For Becca it's Georgia history and for Logan it's World history (Canada, South and Central America, Mexico, Europe, Russia and Australia).  Becca did great again today.

Other Activities:  Becca had therapy this morning and after we picked up Chick-Fil-A and headed to the park to eat and enjoy some time outside before heading to testing.  Becca had a friend spend the night.

Fitness:  We walked about 1 mile today.

Enjoying some time at the park.

So in case your wondering what it means for Becca since she wasn't able to complete some of the CRCT test.....Nothing!  Since we're doing traditional homeschool for her through High School she didn't even need to take these tests to be honest.  She wanted to take them because she really wants to show us what she's learned.  If she we're staying with GCA next year she would have to do summer school then retake those portions of CRCT that she didn't complete.

So that's our week.  No big plans for the weekend, just relaxing after testing all week.  Thanks for stopping by.