Right Start Math

When I first saw Right Start, I know that it would be perfect for our family. I am happy to say that I was right. Luk loves it, and it is really enjoyable to teach. It didn't take long to convince my very math-savy husband that this was the math curriculum for us. After looking at two other math studies at the convention he gave me the look. We need not look any further. Let's go get the one we know is us. I, also, use(d) the "123's for Preschoolers" from www.metooschool.com to help Luk learn to count and number recognition.

Things I did to help with number teaching with him knowing how to verbally count:
1) Count while showing the number flash cards.
2) Showed the association between the numbers with the cards.
   eg- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Look how they repeat in the next set: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
3) Why then 20? I show him the sets of 10, and how 2 = 1+1, 1+1 = 2. Then show him the 20 = 10 + 10, 10+10 = 20.
4) Once that was learned teaching him the to count in 10's was rather simple. As he counted to 100 with the flash cards, I would group them in 10s showing 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100.

Now, Luk does have problems remember fifteen because it's not "fiveteen" same for fifty, it's not "Fivety".  =D So, I have been reiterating in counting to remember just fifteen, we say "fif" for fifty. He catches on, but I think that this is an age and recognition thing, so I'm not too concerned over it. Other than that he counts to 100 and counts in 10s.

Now, with Right Start the beauty is that it teaches learning quantity. So, when Luk looks at an object you don't count how man, but look at the quantity. If we look at the abacus:

Luk learns that when all on the right it is "clear," from there he learns in "units." When I ask him to show me two, he doesn't go: one bead, one bead is two beads. No, he takes the "unit" of two beads at once. He recognizes that by picturing the "unit." That is one of the keys to why we picked this curriculum. We wanted Luk to look beyond the counting, but to focus on quantity, units, and reasoning. This kid is literally a son of reason, I mean Reson. =) Those that don't know that is my husband's name.

The other thing I enjoy about Right Start is that back when learning the quantities of 1-4 it taught about triangles and quadrilaterals. Once he knew the mathematical terms for these triangles (3 sides) quadrilaterals (4 sides); I knew he would enjoy the Geo Boards that came with our curriculum. It has a purpose to him, now. It is not just something to put whatever shapes, but the purpose to make these quantities.

We are big fans of this method to math. It's hands-on, visual, and the teacher's manual is easy for a mom that has baby like Logan. The planning for it (at the moment) is simple: direct list of manipulatives needed, pictures for help on word directions, and last the lessons are only about 5-10 minutes long, which is perfect for this soon-to-be five year old. The lesson is only 5 minutes, but the learning last longer as he manipulates the Abacus and Geo Board.

Did you notice my little guy in the background on the first photo?

 Do you see him?

He was doing his own manipulative himself while being entertained by what he calls, "Me-Mou." Thanks Mickey!

Also side note on ETC, I decided to stop using the computer. Logan kept distracting Luk. The time given to finish it, click errors were getting on my nerves. So, we will try that later as he gets older because I did like the program, however not being able to change settings like the timer and such was annoying.
We are back to do the books full time. Luk is doing well. He does have a problem with sounds "L" and "W." His pediatrician says that is something that will come as he gets older, and if not, we will work with it more then. I do mouth motions with him, now just in case it is something that will need work later. He also will say the "e" sound for the "i" and vice versa, but then says the word right. I correct him, but it seems like something that he does by mistake. Here is one of his pages.

 

The birds are chirping this morning... er... no, but that's okay

I'm in the kitchen awaiting for the toaster sound to be made that my bagel is done. You know that spring released sound. As I wait though for that to interrupt my thoughts I listen to Adie Camp's "Redemption Song" watching both my boys eat their cereal. Logan is in his own little world testing gravity, and Luk is writing down names of the patients he is seeing today.

I reflecting on my what I like to call "Meditation" album on my iTunes. Yea, an album that seriously chills me out and makes me reflect on God and me. Only He and I. It is an intimate album for me, and it get played ALOT. As it should because anything that makes me reflect of the one God, the one Man that loves me most I should engulf everyday in it. As a mom you gotta search for that time because if not you are going to leave Him hanging, and that... well, that's just not wise is it.

This morning I woke up saying my memorization verse for the week. That's strange for me, I usually wake up thinking, "Logan please stop screaming." However, taking the challenge to learn all of Colossians has proven to wake me up in scripture. It is only my first week (I'm beginning one week behind), and if this is what I can hope for every morning; I think I can handle that.

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother. To God's holy people of Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. Grace and Peace to you from God our Father." Is that right? Let me look, I still have three days to learn it before I recite it to Reson.

Hold on...

Colossians 1

 ¹Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,  ² To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters^[a] in Christ:
   Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Faithfulness to God MY FATHER will lead to grace and peace. That's a nice thing to wake up to. This new year has brought about new "resolutions" that I didn't really think I was going to start. However, for me they are not resolutions, they are convictions, life changes that need to happen for the beauty of sanctification. As my wonderful friend Jennifer remind me, sanctification is a beautiful thing. A transformation done by the only person that can Christ. He takes me, changes me, and I become more like His image.

Convictions for the this upcoming year:
- More budget maintenance  (sorry just got distracted by Logan spilling Gerber Stars all over the kitchen)
- Bible Memorization
- Weight Loss (getting back to pre-Logan weight)


Faithfulness in Christ. Immersing myself in His teachings, His commands, His love for me. As I write that my album has played "Redemption Song" again. Timing... God's timing, His talk to us through the things that we do.

Voice of mercy, breath of God
Life from life sustaining us
Earth below and skies above
Beautiful redemption’s song

 

Melodies like morning rise
Darkness leaning toward the dawn
Into our sorrow sings the light
Beautiful redemption song

Hallelujah, love is come
Hallelujah, God with us
Hope restored and death undone
Beautiful redemption song
Beautiful redemption song

Weeping will not last the night
Nor will sadness be for long
Joy was born of sacrifice
Beautiful redemption song

Let the wounded come and see
Empty grave and lifted stone
Sinners saved and captives, free
Beautiful redemption song
Beautiful redemption song

Next comes "Meteor Shower" and "In Christ Alone" by Adam Young aka Owl City. He's redeeming me, He's with me and I desperately need Him there, and He has saved me (sorry interrupted again because now Luk is school teacher and needed his sign hung up).

As I stand in the kitchen this all happens in a mornings span all before it is time for me to do school with Luk. "Here in the power of Christ I'll stand." I have to start my mornings right with Christ immersing my soul because if not... Mr. Doctor, Mr. Teacher, and Mr. Gravity Tester may get to be too much. =D

I'll stand in the power of Christ... in His shelter

Starting all over...

We started from scratch with my schedule/calendar. You see, my days were running into each, Logan is my tumor growth (as my friends have stated), and Luk has been a good sport. The days consisted of ham and pb&j sandwiches, school, Logan screaming, stop school, turn on computer game, Logan screams... and screams... NAP!!!

So needless to say, when the new year came, I was determined to get on a schedule again. Logan still screams, but we are SLOWLY working on independent play time with him. I made a planner for this year with my handy dandy Binding Books Beautifully kit.

Inside I have a yearly objective for each subject, monthly objective, and a weekly objective.

Bible- OT stories, what leads us to the cross? Catechism: God, man, sin, firm foundation on on our doctrine, and large focus on right and wrong.

Reading- ETC Book 1 finishing up and begin ETC Book 2. Confidence in beginners reading and sight words, consonant blends, and spelling. Books to read: Abuela (Spanish), Doctor De Soto (Character Traits), and Moses goes to a Concert (deaf awareness/ASL).

Writing- Practicing his penmanship

Vocabulary- ETC new words to him "mutt" or using other terms to say words "pup."

Math- Right Start continuation: counting, parallel lines/planes, money, simple addition, and quantity recognition without counting.

Character Building- during Bible time and all day practice- obedience, kindness, self-control (this one is killing me with him), patience (another killer), promptness (we use a timer for clean up time, etc), and manners (table, "please", "thank you", "yes ma'am").

Science- Real Science: Lapbooking through the year the book contents. Living things, Cells, Plants, Butterflies, Frogs, Protozoa, Our Life Cycle

History- Geography: Maps, Charts, Knowing his address, phone number, map symbols, and measuring distances (math). Holidays: Learning the root of holidays and celebrations (eg. Jesse Tree Journey), currently working on an Easter Celebration tree. Our Life: Florida and Agriculture.

Foreign Language- American Sign Language (ASL): A, B, C's, Numbers, common words (food, places). There is no curriculum for ASL. I am using my 5 years of taking classes in HS and College. Spanish: Hooked on Phonics and Home Practice- common words/phrases, and numbers.

The primary focus for the year is as followed: Reading, writing, math, Bible, character building, and physical fitness.

Here is fun thing to share with you today. As we were doing the ETC the question read was
"Can a bag rip?"
 To which I asked, "Well, can a bag rip?"
Luk responded, "No."
*in my head thinking, really*
"Luk, a bag can't rip like a piece of paper or clothes?"
"No, because it has no hands!"
*laughing out loud*
*he grins*

I explained to him that the bag is not doing the ripping, but that he can rip the bag. It was cute. The beauty of homeschool, let that imagination soar!

Finding Joy as Satan is determined to take it

"Shucks, you were going to have a swingset in your yard for the boys to play in all Christmas Day?"

"You mean you still don't have time to buy another?"

"You know you can go and just get a cheaper playground because you want the boys to have a fun-filled Christmas!"



Satan is a good liar! He likes whispering these things into my head as we walk past the toy aisle in Wal-mart. He loves trying to replace my joy with sadness, and every split second that I get just a little teary eyed I let him win that time frame. It's upsetting that the human mind can betray itself especially when you think you know yourself. I went back to my previous post and just reflected because I know that everything I wrote was true!

"Shucks, you were going to have a swingset in your yard for the boys to play in all Christmas Day?"
Sure, but you know what! As Reson pointed out we can take them to the park. Yea, I live in a country that offers playgrounds free to the public.


"You mean you still don't have time to buy another?"
Sure, I do! But then I wouldn't be following my heart of  "Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it's a sign that I've taken on something of the world and not of Christ."

"You know you can go and just get a cheaper playground because you want the boys to have a fun-filled Christmas!" Yea, I could, but then if Luk wants to buy:

a cow, 

or 20 mosquito nets, 

or 17 soccer balls, 

or 15 Chickens, 

or 10 Baking Supplies, 

or 8 Vaccinations, 

or 6 Educational Supplies, 

or 5 Kits for New Moms,

or 4 goats, 

or 4 water filters, 

or 4 beauty trainings, 

or how about 3 Bakeries, 

or even 2 Small Businesses,

or even a mechanics workshop 

 through Compassion. If I spend my money on a swingset, I couldn't do this for him.  I would be saying, "You know Luk, I told you we would be doing this, but you know, I really don't care about others in poverty I wanted to get Logan and you a swingset.


What kind of example is this? No, Satan my sad heart will not allow you to do this, to remove the joy that I have been having over this loss. No, because it has been a joy focusing on God and what he has graciously given to me and my family. We are blessed beyond measure, and it is our call to give to others that are not as fortunate. Christ came for the lowly, and he wants us to experience a sense of lowliness.

So... I'm thinking instead of a swingset we may invest a cow for a village in Kenya

and Luk... well, he told us he wanted to get the mosquito nets.

You want to know why? He relates to it. When he goes outside in the Florida heat, he and I both get eaten alive by those darned bugs. He and I both know that we would hate to try sleeping with that happening. Imagine it... being bitten all night long... with no relieve... you wake up every morning and you can't even tell where the new bites are because you have bites all over you anyways. My heart feels a conviction to get the water and kit for new moms. Why? Have you ever thought about what you live would be like without clean water, an element you need for survival. You would be sick all the time due to contaminates, you would be malnourished, and you may even die. A new mom, a small baby, no clean water, not enough food, no breastmilk flowing. You have NO idea how to keep your child alive because no one near has been able to do it.  This village would have clean filtered water, this new mom would have a Dr/Nurse to give health visits, vaccinations, and help to give this child a future.


These things are all more than I can give by giving my boy's a swingset. So, as Satan tries to create sadness in my heart, give me a bad day, I immerse myself in these things. If I didn't my heart would become hardened, my soul would begin to ache as my selfishness takes over. Is today a day, yes. Do I want to scream, yes. However, I will not let my joy be taken. I will sit for a bit, reflect, breath deep, and be joyful through it because I'm getting a cow for Christmas... it's just going to be living in Kenya it's whole life. Maybe one day I will meet it. =D


So... I ask you, what can you give this Christmas that means more than an iPod, or watch, or swingset? I don't know, you tell me because there is whole list stated above that can change a whole generation!

It could be worse...

I open the refrigerator. I take the chicken eggs out, and continue to take out the prepackaged already sliced pig bacon. I turn on the electric stove remembering I forgot to take out the already churned flavored and spreadable butter. I read two blogs that give me daily doses of reality and conviction for my own habits. The one prompting the above is called Sit a Spell, and how we really don't appreciate the things that we have on a daily basis. It was while doing breakfast that this reality was really hitting hard this morning. I was telling Luk how if we didn't live here in the United States that we would be hoping that our chickens laid eggs, that we even would own a pig to get pork meat, etc. He doesn't grasp the hardship that would be. I show him pictures, but he doesn't SEE it. So, I have to try to show him in some way.

Yesterday, Reson and I got back from a vacation. It was one that we didn't know we were going on, but it's funny how those unexpected things happen in your life. Scroll down to see the awesome postcard we picked up on our way back.

Isn't that great!? I'm sure by now you can sense the sarcasm in this part of my post. Yep, we are victims of a scam. A well done one if I may say so. Isn't that great? Actually, YES! There were a few things that I took from this experience. First, I want to clarify that my only heart ache is that I did involve someone else in the "deal" because I didn't want them to miss out on such an opportunity. I am grateful that they are God loving people who see that really it's a "that sucks" situation.

So, what did I get from this: ALOT!
1) It's interesting that I never even thought, "my poor boys, their Christmas is ruined!" No, I was upset that I let another group of people down with my judgment. What I got? I got that when you surround yourself with people that you care about that love you back you care about their feelings. It was actually an overbearing feeling. I bawled my eyes out thinking about it.

2) The second blog I read posted this yesterday (the day we found out it was scam), "Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it’s a sign that I’ve taken on something of the world and not of Christ." Enough said, really. This year we were pretty minimal in our spending compared to last year. The scam did involve the big gift for the boys. I could have thought many things to get angry about it. I did get angry, but it wasn't a "how dare you" anger. It was referring to the anger that stemmed from the crying for what I wrote above.

3) On the scam-side: always go to a place like www.godaddy.com search out that website and see who it belongs to. If it says this: N4892 Nassau Bahamas Tel: +852.81720004 = SCAM. You put the URL in make a domain bar, it will say it is used, but you will see where it says "more info" click there and you will see where the domain came from. The site will look legit, have FAQs from customer, payment details to the last "T," and they will even put the pretty "secure site" logos on there.

4) Report it! www.scamchecker.com is a source that you can find scams or report one. I encourage you to do it.

5) Finally, one other person posted a report on the same scam. It was actually the same the day. She went on a tirade on how this ruined her kids Christmas, that they didn't spend the money on taking their children to some dance competition, and that how could these people do this to children, etc. I am again reminded that so many people in this world care to much about materials.


Final thoughts (this will be lengthy as this is my full reaction to the whole process):
I'm sad that people think that this is okay to do. I'm sad that I got someone else involved. I am, however thankful. I still have a home; I still have money for groceries; I still have two happy little boys that have NO idea that they were getting this gift, and lastly our year of minimalizing began NOW!

God has never hesitated on taking things away from Reson and me to show us that we need to refocus. Why were we waiting until next year to do our Christ-centered Christmas? Why did we purchase an expensive item when we wanted to be Christ seeking people all year round? I believe God was telling us no, you are going to seek this new traditional NOW! With that I am repentant that I thought next year was a good time. I am reminded again that God's time is the right time. We do already have six gifts for both boys. The full blown tradition will be three gifts, and looking through our Compassion Catalog to buy something for people who find JOY in God, health, family, food, and friendship. We are going to do the Compassion gifts this year, too.



We have our Jesse Tree going strong, and everyday we are reminded that God is control and His plan is the best plan for our lives. I lost money. It was basically like handing it to someone, and walking away. Deep down I'm hoping that they are using the money to help the people in their country, but the pessimist me knows it is mostly likely not. I could get angry. I could cry that it ruined my boys' Christmas, but I can't because it didn't. It didn't ruin my Christmas. I look to what Ann Voskamp wrote, "Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it's a sign that I've taken on something of the world and not of Christ." I look beyond Christmas though. If there is anything in this LIFE that can burden me, then I am surely looking to the world and not to Christ.


I have decided that I am upset that I didn't get a tan while on vacation in the Bahamas. Reson was upset that he didn't get to take photo while there. In all, we will not be going back to the Bahamas EVER, however something tells me if I say that God will find a way to put me there. So... I leave with saying I will not be going to the Bahamas if I had choice, but if be God's then I guess I will. =D


Merry Christmas! "Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it's a sign that I've taken on something of the world and not of Christ." I leave with us as we are today, JOYOUS!

Photo by Stockton Photography

Christmas Cards 2010

A sneak peek... if you get one the inside holds a sweet treat!

Family Wall Noir Christmas 5x7 folded card

Shutterfly Christmas cards

View the entire collection of cards.

One Week...

It has been one week without yelling at the boys. I know this seems like a weird thing to bring up, but what a celebration! Over a week ago our days went something like this...

Logan is screaming his death defying holler, reaching for me to pick him up while I'm trying to carry the load of laundry to the laundry room. At the same time Luk is screaming I wanna do this, I want this, can I have this... and BOOM!!! I EXPLODE!!! All I want to do it be able to carry the load of laundry to the washer without hearing that screech that is like a thousand nails scratching a hundreds of black boards or without hearing Luk complain that he wants a snack (when he already got the answer "no").

The days were like that all the time. If I wasn't doing laundry, I was trying to get something done for the husband or even trying to do school with Luk. Logan would be screaming, and for Luk that gave him the excuse to goof off and not answer the questions to his work. BOOM... EXPLOSION!!! I was sick of yelling at them, and I hated it! So, last Monday I made a pledge no more yelling!

This has almost become a detox phase, really. =D I'm used to yelling. Did you ever watch "My Big Fat Greek Wedding?" Just turn that into Cuban and that is what I'm used to. When Reson and I got married, and we moved to Louisville, and I got used to talking in a whisper to the point that when my mom visited she couldn't hear me. Well, needless to say when we moved back the yelling commenced.

With this in mind, the detox of yelling has been almost like trying not to stick that piece of yummy chocolate cake when you already had one slice. However, I have caught myself before doing it, and my conviction has been one with sincerity. So, it has been one week with no yelling for me, and I must say I can thank God for giving me the self control to maintain this.

Proverbs 16:32

  Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
   and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

I want to my boys to know that their mother is one that wants to talk it out not shout it out. Today was a true testament, and I didn't realize it until, now. Let me explain why. Today, I packed away FOUR bags of clothes that the boys out grew, reorganized their FIVE shelves of books, and reorganized their TWO bins of toys. They had their moments of screaming, crying, and asking questions, but God certainly gave me control when I wasn't even trying to do it. I didn't have to stop myself from yelling because I didn't have the desire to do it.

I praise the Lord for helping me this week, and I pray that He continues to transform me into a Proverbs 31 woman of God!