Everything has worked out according to His will. The girls have gotten the opportunity to attend a homeschool co-op for this semester. They absolutely love it. We look forward to Mondays now - a day of the week that we used to dread. You know the beginning of the work week, but now they have these wonderful classes to go to and friends to see. It has kicked off our homeschool week with a bang.
We also started a running challenge for the older girls. They are doing a half marathon spread out over three weeks. The kick off was yesterday at the park. They ran 1 mile along with some other children. They now have three weeks to complete 11 more miles with the last mile to run on race day. They will cross a finish line and receive a medal at the end. With all the training that John and I have been doing lately the girls have wanted to run with us some too. Now they have their goal set and we are trying to run 1/2 to 1 mile with them every other day.
Emily and Kelsey also started ballet classes. Kelsey is taking through the homeschool co-op group. It is a preschool ballet class. Then we found a Dance school for Emily to attend that offers a homeschool ballet class for her age during the school day on Tuesdays. She had her first class today and came home telling us all about it. They are both learning classical ballet terms and steps - something that I have desired for them to have rather than the year-long recital piece preparation type studio.
I also got an exciting job opportunity to teach some more Zumba classes. A fitness center in a neighboring town called to see if could teach zumba for them two nights a week. The money is better than the hourly wage I make at the Y and it isn't as far of a drive. I will start teaching there in October which will up my class schedule to 6 classes a week.
So as you can see - all my worries are beginning to fade away. The Lord has always provided for us in just the right time. Things are still tight but we are relying on His provisions for us daily and our needs have been met every time.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
10K Run
Today John and I ran our first 10K race together. After running off and on now for about five years this was my next goal to complete. I am thankful that my husband decided to join me because it is always more fun to experience it with someone else. At least that is my perspective.
For me, there is always a rush of satisfaction when crossing the finish line. There are many mental games I have to play along the course though. My husband asked me - do I actually enjoy this? My answer was yes, well - sort of, it's more like a love/hate relationship I have with running. It is painful and agonizing along the way but after the run is complete there is such a feeling of joy I have. I guess I feel like I really accomplished something. And yet it is also a humbling experience to know that I could not have done it without a greater source of strength which comes from my heavenly Father.
We took the girls with us this morning. We all left the house by 6 a.m. in order to get downtown and to the race location with some time to spare. They did great. I packed them some breakfast to eat and they hung out in the gym a the YMCA. We instructed them on what time to come out onto the street when we should be arriving at the finish line. It was fun for them to experience this with us. I hope that one day I will be able to run along side my girls. I hope that this will be an example to them for goals of lifetime fitness.
Anyhow - John is always a "game talker". He had decided that he was going to beat me. The kids took sides of who they thought would cross the finish line first. I didn't mind them choosing their daddy over me - they should think of him as the strong one but Emily always believes in her Mom. So during the fifth mile when I could see John ahead of me struggling a bit, I figured it was my chance to take him. So I passed with ease and thought he probably wouldn't let me get out of his sight.
I finished the race in 52:47 and John came in at 53:36. Yes there is a smile on my face now. The Shand household always rolls with some friendly competition.
For me, there is always a rush of satisfaction when crossing the finish line. There are many mental games I have to play along the course though. My husband asked me - do I actually enjoy this? My answer was yes, well - sort of, it's more like a love/hate relationship I have with running. It is painful and agonizing along the way but after the run is complete there is such a feeling of joy I have. I guess I feel like I really accomplished something. And yet it is also a humbling experience to know that I could not have done it without a greater source of strength which comes from my heavenly Father.
We took the girls with us this morning. We all left the house by 6 a.m. in order to get downtown and to the race location with some time to spare. They did great. I packed them some breakfast to eat and they hung out in the gym a the YMCA. We instructed them on what time to come out onto the street when we should be arriving at the finish line. It was fun for them to experience this with us. I hope that one day I will be able to run along side my girls. I hope that this will be an example to them for goals of lifetime fitness.
Anyhow - John is always a "game talker". He had decided that he was going to beat me. The kids took sides of who they thought would cross the finish line first. I didn't mind them choosing their daddy over me - they should think of him as the strong one but Emily always believes in her Mom. So during the fifth mile when I could see John ahead of me struggling a bit, I figured it was my chance to take him. So I passed with ease and thought he probably wouldn't let me get out of his sight.
I finished the race in 52:47 and John came in at 53:36. Yes there is a smile on my face now. The Shand household always rolls with some friendly competition.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
homeschool activities
The pictures above include:
static electricity with balloons,
a spider web,
mummified dolls,
pyramid of rice krispies
We have been doing school for almost 4 weeks now and time has already flown by. I am so proud of the girls and the efforts they have put forth so far. It makes me thankful for the opportunity I have to educate them at home and pray that it will last. I cannot imagine not knowing what they are studying each day. I also have the benefit of relearning some things that I had forgotten along the way. It makes experiencing each thing that comes along in life a joy - a reminder that God is our ultimate Creator and Master of Everything.
Here are some of the fun things that we have been doing. We are back to ancients in our classical history cycle. This is the first time we will repeat some things that they have already learned four years ago. I'm amazed at what they remember. We are studying ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia - I love how it all ties in with the Bible stories they already know. In science we are using the Abeka curriculum. We have already learned about the moon, classified some insects, and now we are on electricity. They love science! Emily is hard at work memorizing those multiplication tables and Anna is enjoying the switch to Saxon math this year. Kelsey has begun her school work too. She is learning her alphabet sounds and beginning writing. She is always anxious for her turn with Mommy.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
My Mom visits
I was blessed to have my Mom come up for a visit before her piano teaching schedule begins next week. She drove up on Friday night just in time for my Zumba class at the Y. We spent most of our days close to home, playing games with the kids. She helped me with schooling the girls on Monday and Tuesday - Kelsey was able to get some undivided attention from Grandma.
I always think it is funny how much my mom is amazed at what I do. To me, it is just a part of my every day life. It is part of all the experiences that I've ever had mixed together to make ME. She wonders how I learned to draw, how could I know the steps to teach Zumba, and so forth. Mom it was you! You gave me all these opportunities in life. I was able to do so many things growing up from dance lessons, art lessons, girl scouts, soccer, babysitting, helping teach at church, piano and music, being around other grown-ups where I learned to play cards and games - and so many more experiences that I could go on and on. You and dad gave me such a wonderful childhood. Thank you for working so hard so that I could do all those things.
Sometimes I contemplate whether it is better to do one thing really well - like a sport or playing a particular instrument. Some people focus all their energy into one activity, to become the best at it. I never really did this. I don't know if it was because I am too easily distracted or too much of a perfectionist to finish anything. But I must say - I'm glad I have a variety of things that I can do. I may not be the best piano player but I have the ability to play and also have the ability to get out on a sports field and time to enjoy other activities.
What philosophy do you have on this for your children? Do you put them on the track to learn one skill or talent really well or do you skip around from thing to thing. I guess with mine I have wanted them to have some kind of physical activity they do well, whether it is a sport or something like dance and then I want them to have a musical skill too. So far we have relied on my piano teaching. But I am finding with four children this might be an impossible expense and schedule to keep up with in time. But I long for them to have these experiences. I consider them to be my favorite memories of childhood and the influences that made me who I am today.
I encourage you to post your comments on the subject if you'd like.
I always think it is funny how much my mom is amazed at what I do. To me, it is just a part of my every day life. It is part of all the experiences that I've ever had mixed together to make ME. She wonders how I learned to draw, how could I know the steps to teach Zumba, and so forth. Mom it was you! You gave me all these opportunities in life. I was able to do so many things growing up from dance lessons, art lessons, girl scouts, soccer, babysitting, helping teach at church, piano and music, being around other grown-ups where I learned to play cards and games - and so many more experiences that I could go on and on. You and dad gave me such a wonderful childhood. Thank you for working so hard so that I could do all those things.
Sometimes I contemplate whether it is better to do one thing really well - like a sport or playing a particular instrument. Some people focus all their energy into one activity, to become the best at it. I never really did this. I don't know if it was because I am too easily distracted or too much of a perfectionist to finish anything. But I must say - I'm glad I have a variety of things that I can do. I may not be the best piano player but I have the ability to play and also have the ability to get out on a sports field and time to enjoy other activities.
What philosophy do you have on this for your children? Do you put them on the track to learn one skill or talent really well or do you skip around from thing to thing. I guess with mine I have wanted them to have some kind of physical activity they do well, whether it is a sport or something like dance and then I want them to have a musical skill too. So far we have relied on my piano teaching. But I am finding with four children this might be an impossible expense and schedule to keep up with in time. But I long for them to have these experiences. I consider them to be my favorite memories of childhood and the influences that made me who I am today.
I encourage you to post your comments on the subject if you'd like.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Depression
Fighting off the feeling of depression seems to have become a yearly ritual I am dealing with at the close of summer. It has also been the time that after moving expenses and things begin to settle in a new home, the financial strain is felt. We have moved from one location to another for the past three summers in a row. Summer of 2008 we moved from TN to NC, then summer of 2009 we moved from the apartment to a house in Statesville, then this summer (2010) we moved from NC to IN. Let's just say that I am hoping we will stay in one place a little longer this time.
For the last two weeks I have been working around the clock. Unfortunately the positions of being a home maker and homeschool teacher don't pay. John has been working hard with the kick off of a new school year in the school picture business. We have both been preoccupied with our own responsibilities. The girls have been very diligent and have bounced right back into a schedule but I have struggled with missing my homeschool mom friends.
I don't want to have to look for new opportunities for the girls. You know - finding a new soccer team for them to play on, or finding a new dance studio, new classes or enrichment activities - new people, new routines. It has just made me sad. My heart starts to ache for the people we have left behind. With our current financial situation it doesn't look like we are going to be able to afford for the girls do any of these activities this semester anyways - which made my depression even worse. Funny right - you'd think I'd be happy that life was easier - all we have to do is stay home. But instead it has made me feel even lonelier.
I am searching for reasons why God has us here. I know it is all a part of His plan but wonder why it has to hurt so bad in the process. I feel like I've already had to deal with this once in my life and dont' want to do it again. I wonder why anyone would want to be my friend. These are the thoughts that I fight off each day. So if for no other reason, it at least feels better at the moment to write it down and release it. You can please pray for contentment for me.
For the last two weeks I have been working around the clock. Unfortunately the positions of being a home maker and homeschool teacher don't pay. John has been working hard with the kick off of a new school year in the school picture business. We have both been preoccupied with our own responsibilities. The girls have been very diligent and have bounced right back into a schedule but I have struggled with missing my homeschool mom friends.
I don't want to have to look for new opportunities for the girls. You know - finding a new soccer team for them to play on, or finding a new dance studio, new classes or enrichment activities - new people, new routines. It has just made me sad. My heart starts to ache for the people we have left behind. With our current financial situation it doesn't look like we are going to be able to afford for the girls do any of these activities this semester anyways - which made my depression even worse. Funny right - you'd think I'd be happy that life was easier - all we have to do is stay home. But instead it has made me feel even lonelier.
I am searching for reasons why God has us here. I know it is all a part of His plan but wonder why it has to hurt so bad in the process. I feel like I've already had to deal with this once in my life and dont' want to do it again. I wonder why anyone would want to be my friend. These are the thoughts that I fight off each day. So if for no other reason, it at least feels better at the moment to write it down and release it. You can please pray for contentment for me.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Back into the swing of things
We started our school year this week. Seems strange to be starting school when it so extremely hot outside but then again it gives us a good reason to be inside. All the pools here are already closed for the season since public schools started this week as well. It's uncomfortable to be outside so I figured getting us back into the routine of things would be best.
The girls have done well with their school work this week. I think there is always a little thrill in it at the beginning - even for me. We have enjoyed science the most this week. Something I have really never put much effort into before but found an easy to use curriculum and we are having fun with the activities and discussions. I don't have all of their curriculum ordered yet. We are still lacking two subjects, but starting out with five this week has been a good reentry into our schedule.
The most difficult task for this school year will be finding enough things for Clara Bea to do while I am instructing. Her attention span is short and she is loud. It seems like the entire downstairs level of our house is completely torn up after the few hours of morning instruction. Clara Bea has unloaded every toy, pot or pan, tupperware dishes, paper, crayons, books from shelves, and so forth that she can get her little hands on. I had actually added the chore of "cleaning up after Clara Bea" to our list, not realizing what a big task it was going to be. I think it will be the dreaded chore on the list now.
We have also dealt with some behavior issues this week. After the girls have spent time away from home it seems like we always go through a period of re-entry. The good news is that it seems to get better with age. Anna has shown strides of maturity. However again it has fallen on the youngest - mostly with temper tantrums and crying to be held.
I am excited about our school year here. We are hoping to find new friends and relationships here as we pursue activities around town. Prayers are appreciated!
The girls have done well with their school work this week. I think there is always a little thrill in it at the beginning - even for me. We have enjoyed science the most this week. Something I have really never put much effort into before but found an easy to use curriculum and we are having fun with the activities and discussions. I don't have all of their curriculum ordered yet. We are still lacking two subjects, but starting out with five this week has been a good reentry into our schedule.
The most difficult task for this school year will be finding enough things for Clara Bea to do while I am instructing. Her attention span is short and she is loud. It seems like the entire downstairs level of our house is completely torn up after the few hours of morning instruction. Clara Bea has unloaded every toy, pot or pan, tupperware dishes, paper, crayons, books from shelves, and so forth that she can get her little hands on. I had actually added the chore of "cleaning up after Clara Bea" to our list, not realizing what a big task it was going to be. I think it will be the dreaded chore on the list now.
We have also dealt with some behavior issues this week. After the girls have spent time away from home it seems like we always go through a period of re-entry. The good news is that it seems to get better with age. Anna has shown strides of maturity. However again it has fallen on the youngest - mostly with temper tantrums and crying to be held.
I am excited about our school year here. We are hoping to find new friends and relationships here as we pursue activities around town. Prayers are appreciated!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Running
I have decided to pursue a fitness goal of mine that I've had for a while now. I have registered myself for a half marathon race here in Evansville on 10-10-10. In order to prepare for this I have started training for the race by running on the weekends. My dear husband has also agreed to run with me. (I kind of talked him into this- he doesn't like to run.) We have both been taking a boot camp class at the YMCA over the summer. It is a great conditioning class. But I also needed to work on my endurance for the long runs. So I marked in my calender how many miles we have to run each weekend adding a mile each week. Today we ran 6 miles. Neither of us have run this far before. I did the six miles in 57:20. Yes, I'm bragging on myself a little. I'm just really excited about this and realize that I owe all my strength to my Lord and Savior. To God be the glory!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)