What's been goin' on

You might think that because I pretty much dropped out of the blogosphere for three months that I just didn't have anything going on worth blogging about. Au contraire!! The last three months of 2010 simply flew by!
September was mostly spent trying to get accustomed to our new schedule. We enrolled our kids in the local public school for the very first time this school year and it has taken some getting used to. None of our family are morning people, so mornings are struggles because we simply don't want to get up while it's still dark outside! But the kids love it...especially our youngest, who is a fifth grader.
The first six weeks she was chosen by her teacher as the "Wildcat Kid." She made straight A's and had perfect citizenship! (I would like to see what she would have been chosen as if her teacher had seen her at home for six weeks! HA!)

She was invited to a special breakfast with the other Wildcat Kids and got to have her picture taken with the mascot.




Although a karate girl in her heart, I did get Morgan hooked on the Dallas Cowboys. She even picked a favorite player and made a commemorative jersey!




Near the end of the the local high school's football season, the fifth graders were invited to come sing the Star Spangled Banner before one of their home games.


Halloween weekend found our family at our church's Trunk or Treat event. Lot of candy and lots of fun. Not to mention a couple cool characters!




In November I made this very cool zippered pouch as a gift for one of my girls' friends. With a gift card inside it was the perfect birthday gift!


For Veteran's Day, the fifth graders put on a program full of narrative and music. Morgan sang a duet with a friend at the beginning. Have I mentioned my girl can sing? One of the things they did to decorate was make some stars to honor veterans, past and present, that are friends and family.






On a more practical note, I sold my refrigerator that I was in love with. We bought it when we built our house and it was sized for the space it was in. There was no way it was going to fit in the rental. *sniff*


Right before Thanksgiving break, the fifth graders (busy, aren't they?) had Native American Day. The whole day was devoted to studying and being immersed in Native American culture. Morgan even got a new name! I love how teachers can integrate learning and fun so effortlessly!






In December we celebrated my boy's 12th birthday. Unbelievable! He got exactly what he asked for but I think he was still surprised!


And finally, in the midst of getting ready to move I got a chance to have an afternoon with one of my best friends from high school. I hadn't seen her in about 17 years! It was a wonderful time. We ate, talked, got our nails done, talked, went to Starbucks, talked...well, you get the picture. Speaking of pictures, I didn't take any! Of course I wish I had now, but at the time I just wanted to concentrate on getting caught up! However, before I left to meet her I did take a picture of myself. I knew it would probably be the last chance before we moved that I wouldn't be wearing clothes covered in dust from cleaning out closets!


So, that's about it! The last quarter of 2010! I can't wait to see what 2011 holds!

A new routine at the Hay Farm...and a project!

We've been super busy here at the Hay Farm! After eight years of homeschooling, hubby and I decided to send our kids to the local public schools this year. It's been stressful, but already rewarding.

My youngest, a 5th grader, comes home every day with tales of a new friend, a story about how her math teacher likes to play 80's music in class, and what she devoured for lunch. To say she's having no problem adjusting is an understatement! She's thriving!

Our middle child, a boy, is a little more reserved about the whole thing. Being a 6th grader and in public school for the first time ever is a lot for him to deal with. He's slower to make friends, although he has made a couple. His schedule is hectic (9 classes!) and he's constantly worrying that he's forgetting something important. I can't wait to meet his teachers with the hope of letting them in on a few things that I think will help this new adventure be smooth sailing. Our son, in some ways, is not your typical 11-year old boy.

The oldest, in 8th grade, has obviously been homeschooled the longest. But of the three, she's the one I worry about the least. She's sensible and practical. So far for her, school is a place to learn...not just a social activity in and of itself. The relationships she cultivates will probably be ones that last a lifetime, both with her peers and her teachers.

So what am I going to do with myself after having a child or children with me almost constantly for the last 13 years? I haven't exactly figured that out yet...but I've got some ideas. There are always projects around the house that need to be done. Some that have needed doing for years and others that haven't even been thought up yet. This week I kept up with all the laundry and dishes for the first time in...well, ever. I also did a little sewing. But I'm not going to make this time all about me. I hope to use it to cultivate my own relationships, both with my peers and my children's teachers and peers. I plan on visiting the schools a lot...finding out what opportunities are available for involved parents. And eating lunch with my kids, of course. As long as that doesn't embarrass them too much. LOL

I started and finished one small project this past week. I knew I needed a place to keep up with our new schedules, permission slips, lunch menus, etc. So I "stole" the bulletin board out of the old schoolroom and hung it on the door that goes into the garage. I got this great idea from Amy at Cartwheels In My Mind. Just like Amy, I painted the cork to match the walls in the laundry room. I added some cute tacks and embellishments and voila! Our new control central!










What kinds of organizational tips do you utilize to get back in the swing of school?

View from the schoolroom

Scarborough Faire and Renaissance Festival

Today is a sort of "blah" day. I just don't feel like doing the laundry, the dishes, the blah, blah, blah...I don't even feel like writing here today. But I've found on those days when you feel like doing the least, that's when you should make the most effort. So, here I am. Kitchen's clean, laundry's being done, and I'm writing this post. For you. For me.

Yesterday, my family took a short jaunt down to Waxahachie to attend Scarborough Faire. This is one of my favorite time periods in history, but I'd never been to the festival before. Several families from TXVA were able to join us. Although we mostly explored on our own, it was fun knowing that we had some friends out there enjoying the day as well.

There were lots of shops to shop and shows to see. Some of the entertainers could get a little bawdy. I feel it could have been toned down some for Student Days.

Here Morgan, Tristan, and Ron are riding an elephant.

The highlight was a science show put on by Doktor Kaboom. I could have watched his show over and over! He's a great showman for sure, but more importantly, he LOVES science, and he passes that love on to kids. With Doktor Kaboom's enthusiasm for his subject, volunteers from the audience, and plenty of messy experiments, this was my kiddos' favorite part of the day as well.

I have lots more great pics that I'll sprinkle in here and there over the next few days.

Capitol Day

Thursday was Capitol Day for the Texas Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options. It was an activity packed day! Every family that attended had an appointment to meet with their state senator and representative. (If the senator or rep was not available, the families met with a staffer.) My family's represented by Senator Kip Averitt and Representative Rob Orr. Senator Averitt was on the floor when we went to his office, so we met with an aide. But Morgan got to sit behind his desk and imagine for a moment what it would be like to have an office in the Capitol.Representative Rob Orr was also still on the floor. However, one of his staffers took us up to meet him outside of the House chamber.

After our meetings, we went to the Sam Houston building where the rest of our group was hanging out. Seana Baughman and David Fuller, both from TXVA, spoke to the families. We were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Senator Dan Patrick. He represents a district in the Houston area and is a strong supporter of virtual schools.After his talk, he hung around for some photo ops.Then it was time for lunch and a tour of the capitol building.
All in all, this was a very successful day for the coalition! I'm already looking forward to next year!