An Apple a Day...by Jordyn and Josiah

It's Friday!

This is Jordyn reporting: It's the end of another week of school. Yes, I know, I know. We haven't had that many. We've all been very busy this week as Janelle began adding more subjects to her schedule and I picked up my routine as well. Mom did say we were going to get more organized. Anyway, the way I see it, Janelle can give you her own report...so here's mine:

First, let me tell you more about my daily activities. Each morning we come together (we being Mom, Janelle, Josiah and me) to review our scripture of the week, some songs, and to pray. I usually offer to pray. I think it's cool to pray about random things that may not have to do with school at all and Mom once had to cut me a little short. Oh, well. Then Janelle goes off to her independent activities, Josiah goes to play and I work with Mom. We do the calendar, our number line and read, read, read. I really like our number line because we are counting up to the 100th day of school. Today was day 13. And, I love Mom reading to me! I also work on writing my first and last name and reviewing my letter sounds. Eventually I hear they are supposed to combine and make words! Yeah! I cannot wait.

Hmmm...what else? This week we did a science unit on apples, airplanes and archeology. Yes, a-r-c-h-e-o-l-o-g-y. Mom strongly believes in deviating from solely the apples, bears and cat mode of ABCs. Something about children being able to learn so much more if we only offer it to them. She turned out to be right because I enjoyed everything we did. We wrap it up next week, so I'll post pictures then.

Well, I should go to bed. Tonight we went out as a family to play mini golf and I'm pooped. Have a great weekend everyone!

There's a Voice in the Monkey in the Jacuzzi.....

There is a new game that Mom and Janelle are enjoying. It's called In A Pickle and we're having loads of fun thinking up silly and quite funny connections between words. This had us laughing today and we can't wait to introduce it to Jackie and Dad. It's sure to be a family favorite!

Taking Time to Play

Ah, warm air and beautiful sunshine make for a perfect day to hang out in the sandbox. Yes, even kings take time to play and enjoy their surroundings!

It's a Fiesta!

Feliz Cumpleanos to me! That is "Happy Birthday" for those who haven't studied Spanish. My (Janelle) 9th BD slumber party was last weekend and this year I decided on a Mexican Fiesta theme. We had lots of fun doing the Hat dance, swinging at our chili pepper pinata, eating at the taco bar, playing loteria (the Spanish version of lotto), and making clay bead necklaces. One game we did was a relay race where we carried pinto beans on a wooden spoon--talk about hard!

Mom and I made several tissue paper flowers to decorate & then we also cut the bottom of paper cups, & then hung them on some yarn for a garland effect. I was happy with the results and Mom was happy with the price. We stayed up very, very late! Jackie had the 10p.m. to 1 a.m. shift and then we had a mandatory lights out. But of course that didn't keep us from giggling and talking for a little longer. I had friends from church, our homeschool group, and also our neighborhood. A special guest was my mentor friend Crystal. She's in her 20s and married and has been to each of my BD parties since I was 4. I was in her wedding 2yrs ago.

After all my friends left the next morning, I went shopping with Mom to spend gift $$ from my Mimi & Popi (Mom's parents). Whew! Between a party in CT with my Nana & Grandad (yep, Dad's parents) the weekend before and this slumber party, I think I've celebrated my birthday in style!

Introductions

sweet little old Jackie

Hello folks! I'm the head of the group here at Westgate, though I'm attending another institution of learning at this point. :o) Hooray! for my senior year which consists of a half day of school and a half day of working at my father's office. I'm enjoying the work...ahem, *cough*...well, yes...the money as well. This year a big goal is to dig deep into my language studies--French 4 and Spanish 5. I also recently did an orientation to volunteer at our local crisis pregnancy center. My responsibilities will include helping sort and stack clothes and diapers then also providing childcare while the moms are in class or counseling. Of course I'm always doing something with my family and/or friends!

Janelle

Hi! I'll be quick because I'm much too busy to sit around and blog all day long. But, you'll hear from me often. This is my 3rd year with homeschool and I'm loving it! Outside of academics I enjoy soccer, piano, drama, sewing, ballet and reading, reading, reading. Playing with my siblings and coordinating my social schedule are top priorities. Gotta go...see ya!

It's me, Jordyn!

Hi there readers! I can't wait to be able to be able to read just like you, which is why I insisted that my mother include me into the program at Westgate this year.....it worked and here I am at my little desk. I am having soooo much fun so far and will have to let you know what all is going on around here (I'll tell you the good stuff). I enjoy Mom reading to me, coloring and cutting, play-doh, dressing up, cooking, eating and playing with my brother & sister. Tootles!

King Josiah

Hello everyone. I am King Josiah. And believe it or not, I'm in charge.

That's it, there is no more to say.

Let the School Days Begin!!

Hooray for the first day of school (yesterday)! We are all very excited about the new schoolroom added to our basement this summer, and so the day was a bit on the wild side as we tried everything out. Mom says we are going to get some routine around here before long. We'll just have to see about that, huh?

Here are some pics of the new room!

our cool setup

We'll post more later....gotta run!