We're taking a break from a formal writing program and to write random paragraphs. I talked her through the idea of a topic sentence and supporting sentences. I gave her extensive coaching on organizing her paragraphs. (Lack of organization is one of my pet peeves.) After she composed the paragraphs orally, I had her write them down. She made minor revisions as she transcribed the words.Here are some of the results. Each selection is about an hours worth of work, split evenly between discussion and handwriting.
*******
Ballet Positions
There are five basic positions in ballet 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. To get to 1st position stand
with your heels together and toes pointing out. Tendu by pointing one leg and toes to the side. Lower the working heel and you're in second position. Tendu in and put your heel in the arch of your other foot and you've got 3rd position. Tendu forward and lower your heel, a perfect 4th position. Place your heel in front of your supporting foot's toes and a beautiful 5th position is
formed.
**********
The Dolls
There are 5 dolls living in a corner. They are Elizabeth, Clare, Julie, Ethan, and Rose. Elizabeth was for Christmas. Clare came for Christmas too. Julie was originally an American Girl doll called Kit. Ethan was from Michael's and we stuffed him and sewed him up ourselves. Rose my Mommy bought online.
The dolls have lots of acessories. They sleep in a trundle bed, and sit at the table with chairs. The real looking bench they relax on and the morror, bathtub, and shelves serve them well.
************
Butterfly Metamorphosis
The complete stages of butterfly metamorphosis are egg, larva, pupa, and adult. First, the butterfly lays the egg on a leaf or flower. After a while, the egg hatches into the larva or caterpillar. Then, after eating and eating and getting fat, the caterpillar spins its pupa or cocoon. In a few weeks, the adult butterfly emerges, dries its wings, and flies off.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
MIA, Easter eve
Wow, I've really been ignoring this blog.
Probably because I have stopped taking pictures.
What?! My kids are cuter than ever and I'm not photo-journaling their lives? The horror.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that I am so proud of my kids.
They have a bit of spending money and we went on a shopping trip. The main reason for the trip was to get make-up supplies for their spring dance recital. However, we ended up in Michael's.
Oh dear, I need to back-track a bit.
Glitter has been announcing that she's going to give a big surprise to Sparkle for Easter. Glitter has been stashing bits of candy in a plastic baggie for Sparkle. She even wrote in permanent marker that it is Easter Candy for Sparkle. Every now and then she snags a piece out of the baggie and eats it herself, but the baggie still actually has some candy left in it, and I suspect that Glitter really will hand it over to Sparkle tomorrow morning. However, Glitter wanted to get Sparkle even more for Easter. She thought the big pre-packaged Easter baskets at Sam's club would be perfect for Sparkle, but had to let go of that idea when she saw the price tag. She considered buying Sparkle some more candy, but didn't find just the right ones. I was super pleased with Glitter when she saw a chocolate egg in the store and exclaimed "$1 for just a little egg? That's crazy, I wouldn't spend that much on such a tiny egg!" Wow. Major breakthrough here. My girl normally thinks that there are only two prices in the world: yes, I have enough money (even if it's all she has), or darn, I don't have enough money. Now she's starting to figure out that some things aren't worth the money, even if you can afford it.
To continue this meandering of thoughts, Glitter discovered a sticker book sale at Michael's. She immediately decided to buy it for Sparkle for Easter. Then she discovered a different sticker book with sparkly Easter stickers and decided that would be even better. She wondered aloud which sticker book would be better and worried for a moment that Sparkle would be disappointed. Too bad that she couldn't ask Sparkle, who was standing right next to her and listening to her, because the present is supposed to be a surprise. I told Glitter that part of gift-giving is accepting that the giftee may or may not find the gift as wonderful as the giver. Anyway I'm surprised at Glitter's generosity. Although she is often very selfish, she also shares with her sister.
I think Glitter's generosity was starting to get to Sparkle. After weeks of hearing how Glitter was saving a special bag of candy for her, Sparkle decided to divide some of her candy into little baggies, one for each family member. Then at Michael's, after hearing Glitter decide to buy a sticker book for her, Sparkle started to look for something for Glitter. Only, Sparkle was better about keeping it a secret from her sister. Sparkle finally decided on a small, round, jeweled box.
I was also proud of Sparkle earlier at Michael's. She saw a little pendent that she really liked. At $4, it would have taken all of her money. I let her know I was skeptical, and wondered how soon she would loose it. (It's the type of toy she'd hold in her hand and then set down in some random spot.) However, I also let her know that it was her decision. After much angst, she decided to not buy the trinket. A minute later, the trinket was forgotten and Sparkle started hunting for something to get for her sister. The tiny box she got was a much better buy, and when we got home Sparkle filled it with candy for her sister.
I've typed enough nonsense.
The Easter baskets are filled with new crayons and colored pencils. The new Easter dresses are laid out. The Easter bunny has visited and scattered eggs. The colored eggs are waiting in the fridge. Wander is finally home. The dishwasher is running. I'm tired and want to go to sleep.
I'll probably sleep through the morning festivities when the girls discover their presents. Since I don't have a decent working camera, I guess it won't matter much. I do wonder when the girls will sneak their gifts for each other into their baskets. Both girls have been discussing how they will get up before each other, but after the bunny visits so that they can surprise each other. They tossed around different times 10pm, midnight, 3 am, etc. Whatever time it will be, I'll be asleep.
Probably because I have stopped taking pictures.
What?! My kids are cuter than ever and I'm not photo-journaling their lives? The horror.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that I am so proud of my kids.
They have a bit of spending money and we went on a shopping trip. The main reason for the trip was to get make-up supplies for their spring dance recital. However, we ended up in Michael's.
Oh dear, I need to back-track a bit.
Glitter has been announcing that she's going to give a big surprise to Sparkle for Easter. Glitter has been stashing bits of candy in a plastic baggie for Sparkle. She even wrote in permanent marker that it is Easter Candy for Sparkle. Every now and then she snags a piece out of the baggie and eats it herself, but the baggie still actually has some candy left in it, and I suspect that Glitter really will hand it over to Sparkle tomorrow morning. However, Glitter wanted to get Sparkle even more for Easter. She thought the big pre-packaged Easter baskets at Sam's club would be perfect for Sparkle, but had to let go of that idea when she saw the price tag. She considered buying Sparkle some more candy, but didn't find just the right ones. I was super pleased with Glitter when she saw a chocolate egg in the store and exclaimed "$1 for just a little egg? That's crazy, I wouldn't spend that much on such a tiny egg!" Wow. Major breakthrough here. My girl normally thinks that there are only two prices in the world: yes, I have enough money (even if it's all she has), or darn, I don't have enough money. Now she's starting to figure out that some things aren't worth the money, even if you can afford it.
To continue this meandering of thoughts, Glitter discovered a sticker book sale at Michael's. She immediately decided to buy it for Sparkle for Easter. Then she discovered a different sticker book with sparkly Easter stickers and decided that would be even better. She wondered aloud which sticker book would be better and worried for a moment that Sparkle would be disappointed. Too bad that she couldn't ask Sparkle, who was standing right next to her and listening to her, because the present is supposed to be a surprise. I told Glitter that part of gift-giving is accepting that the giftee may or may not find the gift as wonderful as the giver. Anyway I'm surprised at Glitter's generosity. Although she is often very selfish, she also shares with her sister.
I think Glitter's generosity was starting to get to Sparkle. After weeks of hearing how Glitter was saving a special bag of candy for her, Sparkle decided to divide some of her candy into little baggies, one for each family member. Then at Michael's, after hearing Glitter decide to buy a sticker book for her, Sparkle started to look for something for Glitter. Only, Sparkle was better about keeping it a secret from her sister. Sparkle finally decided on a small, round, jeweled box.
I was also proud of Sparkle earlier at Michael's. She saw a little pendent that she really liked. At $4, it would have taken all of her money. I let her know I was skeptical, and wondered how soon she would loose it. (It's the type of toy she'd hold in her hand and then set down in some random spot.) However, I also let her know that it was her decision. After much angst, she decided to not buy the trinket. A minute later, the trinket was forgotten and Sparkle started hunting for something to get for her sister. The tiny box she got was a much better buy, and when we got home Sparkle filled it with candy for her sister.
I've typed enough nonsense.
The Easter baskets are filled with new crayons and colored pencils. The new Easter dresses are laid out. The Easter bunny has visited and scattered eggs. The colored eggs are waiting in the fridge. Wander is finally home. The dishwasher is running. I'm tired and want to go to sleep.
I'll probably sleep through the morning festivities when the girls discover their presents. Since I don't have a decent working camera, I guess it won't matter much. I do wonder when the girls will sneak their gifts for each other into their baskets. Both girls have been discussing how they will get up before each other, but after the bunny visits so that they can surprise each other. They tossed around different times 10pm, midnight, 3 am, etc. Whatever time it will be, I'll be asleep.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Mommy Daughter Date
Sparkle was invited to a sleepover birthday party Saturday night.
Wander had to teach a class and wouldn't get home until late.
So, Glitter and I had a mommy-daughter date.
The Menu: Corn Dogs
Glitter loves corn dogs, but Sparkle hates corn dogs so we never have them. Several weeks ago Glitter and I decided a mommy-Glitter date would be the perfect occasion to eat corn dogs. We had some mini corn dogs in the freezer waiting for the occasion.
Glitter decided that she didn't like the mini corn dogs as much as full sized corn dogs. Apparently it's more fun when the food is on a stick. But she still enjoyed the mini one. She also helped me make strawberry smoothies.
The Activity: Mass and a Movie
Our original intended activity for our date was to go to The Container Store which opened recently by the mall. However, that plan was made months ago, and I just wasn't able to hold out that long. I took Glitter to The Container Store on Saturday afternoon while Sparkle was at dance rehearsal. We still enjoy going to The Container Store, but it didn't quite feel right for our date night.
Glitter also wanted to go to Sam's Club to buy a sundae from the cafe there. We've been buying their pizzas on Monday nights while Sparkle is at dance, but I never let Glitter buy a sundae because we have a tight schedule and I don't want this messy girl eating a sundae in my car.
However, the youth ministry was showing a movie after Saturday mass, and we ran out of time to go to Sam's Club. I gave Glitter a choice: we could skip the sundae at Sam's Club and go to mass and the movie, or I could take her to Sam's Club for the sundae and go to mass on Sunday. She made up her mind fairly quickly: let's go to mass.
I packed up blankets and pillows and we went to mass. It was pouring rain and we were late. Fortunately a gentleman saw us looking down the aisle and made room for the two of us. Every now and then I'd look down at Glitter and see her beaming at me. We'd squeeze hands. She was so thrilled that she had me all to herself.
After mass we went to the family center for the movie. Even though one of Glitter's friends greeted her and invited us to sit with them, Glitter wanted to sit on a separate rug with just me. Wow, she chose me over another kid! Then I left Glitter in charge of my purse and went out into the rain to get our pillows and blankets. (Later that night I had a similar dream, only we were in a foreign country and I left my passport, money, and important documents in the hands of a 6 year old.) We snuggled and watched the movie. Again, every now and then Glitter would stop watching the movie and just beam at me.
*****
I bet when most people think of a parent-child date night, they would expect more than frozen corn dogs at home, church service, and a movie. However, I'm pleased that Glitter was so pleased with such a simple evening. It just goes to show that the important thing was getting exclusive time together, and fancy food or activities weren't necessary. I wonder how long I'll be able to get away with it.
It still boggles my mind that this child decided to go to mass for our date. Maybe it just didn't occur to her that we could have gone to just the movie at church, and then attend mass on Sunday as a family. However, she chose to go to Saturday mass with me, and then on Sunday she went again with Wander and Sparkle.
Wander had to teach a class and wouldn't get home until late.
So, Glitter and I had a mommy-daughter date.
The Menu: Corn Dogs
Glitter loves corn dogs, but Sparkle hates corn dogs so we never have them. Several weeks ago Glitter and I decided a mommy-Glitter date would be the perfect occasion to eat corn dogs. We had some mini corn dogs in the freezer waiting for the occasion.
Glitter decided that she didn't like the mini corn dogs as much as full sized corn dogs. Apparently it's more fun when the food is on a stick. But she still enjoyed the mini one. She also helped me make strawberry smoothies.
The Activity: Mass and a Movie
Our original intended activity for our date was to go to The Container Store which opened recently by the mall. However, that plan was made months ago, and I just wasn't able to hold out that long. I took Glitter to The Container Store on Saturday afternoon while Sparkle was at dance rehearsal. We still enjoy going to The Container Store, but it didn't quite feel right for our date night.
Glitter also wanted to go to Sam's Club to buy a sundae from the cafe there. We've been buying their pizzas on Monday nights while Sparkle is at dance, but I never let Glitter buy a sundae because we have a tight schedule and I don't want this messy girl eating a sundae in my car.
However, the youth ministry was showing a movie after Saturday mass, and we ran out of time to go to Sam's Club. I gave Glitter a choice: we could skip the sundae at Sam's Club and go to mass and the movie, or I could take her to Sam's Club for the sundae and go to mass on Sunday. She made up her mind fairly quickly: let's go to mass.
I packed up blankets and pillows and we went to mass. It was pouring rain and we were late. Fortunately a gentleman saw us looking down the aisle and made room for the two of us. Every now and then I'd look down at Glitter and see her beaming at me. We'd squeeze hands. She was so thrilled that she had me all to herself.
After mass we went to the family center for the movie. Even though one of Glitter's friends greeted her and invited us to sit with them, Glitter wanted to sit on a separate rug with just me. Wow, she chose me over another kid! Then I left Glitter in charge of my purse and went out into the rain to get our pillows and blankets. (Later that night I had a similar dream, only we were in a foreign country and I left my passport, money, and important documents in the hands of a 6 year old.) We snuggled and watched the movie. Again, every now and then Glitter would stop watching the movie and just beam at me.
*****
I bet when most people think of a parent-child date night, they would expect more than frozen corn dogs at home, church service, and a movie. However, I'm pleased that Glitter was so pleased with such a simple evening. It just goes to show that the important thing was getting exclusive time together, and fancy food or activities weren't necessary. I wonder how long I'll be able to get away with it.
It still boggles my mind that this child decided to go to mass for our date. Maybe it just didn't occur to her that we could have gone to just the movie at church, and then attend mass on Sunday as a family. However, she chose to go to Saturday mass with me, and then on Sunday she went again with Wander and Sparkle.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Easter Book
Sparkle made a little picture booklet for Glitter during school today. The booklet was not part of her schoolwork. Sparkle snuck the drawing and writing in between her school work, then she stapled the booklet after school was done.
I love how she even included page numbers.
Easter Book
Grab a basket, come on search at the egg hunt by the church!
1 --- 2 --- 3 Go! get all the eggs you can don't get stepped on Oops Whoa!
Open the eggs what did you get? Alota sugar I can bet!
I love how she even included page numbers.
Easter Book
Grab a basket, come on search at the egg hunt by the church!
1 --- 2 --- 3 Go! get all the eggs you can don't get stepped on Oops Whoa!
Open the eggs what did you get? Alota sugar I can bet!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
rain and shine, busy busy
This is just a note to remind myself how blessed I am in the details.
These past weeks have been super busy.
Monday the 6th: 2 indoor trips (rain)
Tuesday the 7th: 1 indoor trip + scheduled outdoor picnic (no rain)
Wednesday the 8th: 4 indoor trips (rain)
Thursday the 9th: 2 indoor trips + scheduled nature walk (no rain)
Friday the 10th: 2 indoor trips (rain)
Saturday the 11th: 1 indoor trip + 1 scheduled outdoor trip (no rain)
Sunday the 12th: 1 indoor trip + 1 scheduled outdoor trip (no rain)
Monday the 13th: 2 indoor trips (rain)
Tuesday the 14th: 1 scheduled outdoor trip (no rain)
Wednesday the 15th: 3 indoor trips (rain)
See the trend? It's rained every day except those when I've had scheduled outdoor activities. Every single time when we've had plans that required being outside, it's been clear for those activities. These were events that had to be outdoors and would have been difficult to move indoors.
I must be blessed.
Just an idea of how busy I've been in this two week period:
- dance 4 days a week
- regular weekly science, piano, library trips, co-op
- once-a-month science class, girl's club meetings, book club, CCE
- Glitter's birthday party
- doctor's appt. for a sick kid
- doctor's appt. for a well check-up
- homeschool park day (missed due to sick kid)
- homeschool Valentine's party
- homeschool mom's planning meeting
- homeschool mom's religion class
- ballet field trip (only offered twice per year)
- romantic late evening walk in the woods with Wander and yummy food (normally $80 per person but Wander managed to score tickets for free)
These past weeks have been super busy.
Monday the 6th: 2 indoor trips (rain)
Tuesday the 7th: 1 indoor trip + scheduled outdoor picnic (no rain)
Wednesday the 8th: 4 indoor trips (rain)
Thursday the 9th: 2 indoor trips + scheduled nature walk (no rain)
Friday the 10th: 2 indoor trips (rain)
Saturday the 11th: 1 indoor trip + 1 scheduled outdoor trip (no rain)
Sunday the 12th: 1 indoor trip + 1 scheduled outdoor trip (no rain)
Monday the 13th: 2 indoor trips (rain)
Tuesday the 14th: 1 scheduled outdoor trip (no rain)
Wednesday the 15th: 3 indoor trips (rain)
See the trend? It's rained every day except those when I've had scheduled outdoor activities. Every single time when we've had plans that required being outside, it's been clear for those activities. These were events that had to be outdoors and would have been difficult to move indoors.
I must be blessed.
Just an idea of how busy I've been in this two week period:
- dance 4 days a week
- regular weekly science, piano, library trips, co-op
- once-a-month science class, girl's club meetings, book club, CCE
- Glitter's birthday party
- doctor's appt. for a sick kid
- doctor's appt. for a well check-up
- homeschool park day (missed due to sick kid)
- homeschool Valentine's party
- homeschool mom's planning meeting
- homeschool mom's religion class
- ballet field trip (only offered twice per year)
- romantic late evening walk in the woods with Wander and yummy food (normally $80 per person but Wander managed to score tickets for free)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)