Well, we are 11 days into this very busy month and so far things are holding steady. Most of the time I am hanging onto joy and making the kids' world enjoyable as well. The next 2 weeks will be the most difficult of the month, so I am just praying and bracing for it. I might as well get used to a really crazy schedule every few months anyway. When my son went in for his occupational therapy evaluation at Tomatis this past week, the evaluator told me what I kind of suspected. Our experiment of doing Tomatis every 4 months instead of every 2 months had failed this past year. Since Tom Sawyer is really struggling with sensory issues and seems very autistic some days, we need to resume the 8 day loops every 2 months for the coming year. Hopefully, after the loop we are just beginning, which will actually last 10 days this one time, Elijah MIGHT be back to the great place he was in 10 months ago.
On the Homefront
When the going gets tough, the tough get help! I brought back by popular demand the chore packs! The kids have morning chore packs and evening chore packs with an extra 15 minute "help mom time" in the middle of the day. The kids really prefer to have their chores in a little pack than to have to run back and forth and check the chart. Hey, as long as they do the chores with happy hearts, I don't care what system they use.
In the School Room
We are winding down school now. The kids are done with language art books, science goals, art goals and music goals. Little Red Riding Hood is on lesson 80 of 100 Easy Lessons reading book. She might even get her reading party before school lets out. That is the goal anyway. The kids really enjoyed our travels on the silk road last week.
Family Time
We still managed to get some nice family time this week. We had a picnic this weekend and then walked on our city's urban trail. Here are some pictures from our walk.
Behind the children is our brand new city park with a splash zone that will open this summer. You know where I will be soon!
I love this picture of Little Red Riding Hood with a statue.
I love this sculpture of Thomas Wolfe...can you see Tom Sawyer?
They had fun standing in Thomas Wolfe's enormous shoes.
Blessings, Dawn
Wonderful pictures. I like the comment that when the going gets tough, the tough get help. Very nice. Have a great week, and God bless you.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a good week! I love the pictures, especially the one of Little Red Ridinghood and the statue. So sweet... Sorry to hear that the Tomatis experiment didn't work; I know your schedule was crazy in the beginning. It's great that you're almost finished with your school year, though.
ReplyDeleteDenise
Looks like a wonderful park day! I just love this time of year.
ReplyDeleteJanet
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/wdworkman/
What a wonderful way you were able to keep the joy in the middle of craziness. You always amaze me with all you do and with such a willing spirit.
ReplyDeleteThe pics were great to see. I need to get back to taking more pics of the boys in their daily life. I guess in some ways I am pulling back b/c of all the letting go of my oldest ds. It's hard on a mama's heart.
Blessings and ((HUGS)) my SSiC
In Him<><
-Mary
Is the park in Asheville? We'd love to visit there sometime. My in-laws live in Marion, so we're through there often.
ReplyDelete~Kellie
I love that pic of your little red riding hood with the statue, too.
ReplyDeleteHang in there - your doing awesome - as usual! :)
ANtoinette
A splash park sounds fun. You asked me last week when we were finishing up. I'm planning on going until June 4. But we'll be tapering off on subjects as they are finishing their books.
ReplyDeleteDidn't you use Song School Latin this year? What did you think? I'm considering it for my younger son next year.
Been trying to catch up a bit reading your blog; you do so many fun & creative things! You sound very organized too, to make it through this busy month for you all. I do hope it all goes well for everyone. I've considered auditory therapy for my oldest at least, but not sure yet. So pricey & of course, no guarantees.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Michele
Loved the pictures. Everyone looks so happy and having so much fun. I especially liked the sunshine and absence of snow. When I look out the window here I see another 3 feet of snow left to melt, and more coming down almost daily. But, spring snowball fights are fun. We'll finish school about the time we plant the garden. Looking forward to catching up on your blog.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jenny