Storage area gets a make-over

The kids were such a big help getting their study room prepared. Previously a storage/junk area, the walls are now painted and window treatment put up.

Above shot of my sweeties, Drew (in green) and Wolfie (in blue) painting away. They never tired which surprised me.

Getting things cleaned up for new flooring too.

A cluttered "china" cabinet will be converted into our supply cabinet.

1st Package arrived

Today we received our first shipment from Connections Academy. Only one box which included Drew's computer monitor. Today I also completed the training videos (and quizzes for same). Whew! A plethora of information about what to expect and my responsibilities, but very long.

While we have already designated and started preparing the study area for the kids, we still have a lot of work to do. Receiving the package has motivated us to do more work this weekend. This weekend appears to be a busy one.

Setting up - phase I

Now that we have completed the final registration requirements, I am focusing now on getting our work areas set up. I work in an office all day long and so I consider myself at least little knowledgeable on what is conducive for this task, but I also have to take into consideration that I have two young people that will, on occassion, get on each others nerves. Therefore, I'd like to be able to keep them separate to an extent, but still close enough that they can share some equipment (i.e., the printer and phone) and supplies. We've got an area designated, but the hunt for furniture begins.

I'll post pictures as we progress.

It's Official!

We have just finished registration for our "homeschooling" program, Connections Academy, and we have received our "thumbs up" from the school as well.

The kids are so excited, they are ready to get started "right now". Though we need the summertime to buy desks and chairs and supplies for our study areas.

My mother has her concerns but she seems to be totally on board with the idea. That's a relief. I guess we never get so old that we outgrow the desire to have our mommy's approval.

I've received invitations for seminars for the school and I'm really hoping to get off of work so that we can attend one.

One foot in the door...

To do list:

[ ] Wolfie needs two more vaccinations to be brought up to date. Get those done and turn in current shot record.

[ ] Mail withdrawal notices to schools on Monday, then send carbon copies to "new" school.

[ ] Obtain final report cards from school and then forward to "new" school.

[ ] Then, done! After that, wait until the new school year begins.

I am enrolling the kids in an online school programs which follows the guidelines of an public ISD. Consequently, this online school, Connections Academy, will provide the curriculum, handle most of the record keeping, provide academic supplies (books, computers, worksheets, etc).

It appears I'll have a fantastic support group as well. I have a friend whose kids are currently enrolled in the program and doing fabulously. And she knows several other families who are following suit. So we're already talking field trips together, and so one.

First things first, knock out my "To do list".

Pre-registration begins

Well I've pre-registered for our "homeschooling" program, though I still have a lot of paperwork to turn in, I'll be doing most of that tomorrow. We're winding up this year and already I can't wait to get started on this program.

I informed the attorney I work for about our plans. Sort of informed her accidently though. She was surprised but supportive.

Yesterday I was dropping my son off at his middle school and there in front were five elderly men protesting abortion.

Whatever your position is on this topic, and whatever my position, I totally had a problem with this protest.

Two of the men had large 4 foot by 4 foot posters, in color. The first was of an aborted baby with the guts torn apart, and the second was of an aborted baby torn to pieces. It was horrible. And more, these men were displaying these photos at the entrance to the drive thru of the school. I suppose even if they had been at the exit of the drive thru, AFTER the children were dropped off, I would still have the same issue.

I approached one of the men and said, "my son attends school here and I don't want him seeing these horrible pictures." He turned to me and said, "talk to him about it."

Well, how about I talk to him about it when I feel the time is right - not you!

Today,

I was sick and I had to take some gross medicine and

I ate Popeyes and ice cream and played with

my toy puppy, Snuggles.

(I have promised my kids they could post to this blog on occassion. I thought it would be good to get their take on homeschooling (or whatever). Drew has been pretty persistent and so she starts. I'm thinking eventually I will assign each of them a specific day of the week.)