Our Curriculum Reveal

Well, it's HERE! Pretty much everything we need. I am so thankful and grateful that we were able to get all the books that I really wanted. I am going to be going through all the teacher's guides in the coming weeks and formulating our plans.

We have also chosen the following theme for our school this year...

STEWARDS OF THE LAND

I am hoping that this is evident by the curricula that I have chosen and through our emphasis on geography, history, the earth, and science. I want my children to have an appreciation for who we are, what transpired to get to this point, and what we must do in the future to protect the earth and it's history.

Here is everything all together...

Language Arts

We will be continuing on with the Explode the Code series and the Handwriting Without Tears series which I have previously posted about. There are two components that I have not yet ordered but will be doing so in the coming weeks. They are the Grammar, Spelling, and Writing programs from JacKris Publishing and a classical language program called English from the Roots Up. We don't need either right to start to I wasn't as concerned to order them right away. 

Mathematics

For mathematics our eldest will be starting the Math U See Alpha. Math was always a difficult subject for me so I am determined to give my children the best grasp of mathematics as I can. I am not going to rush through it and try to hit certain levels at certain times. That is not my concern. Rushing the concepts and the idea of "being behind" are not part of my homeschool. We reach milestones at our own pace. Come January though our middle one will be starting the Primer version to coincide with him turning five. 

Bible Study

Our Bible Study is the Great Adventure Kids which I have also previously blogged about receiving. 

History

I chose The Story of the World. Out of all the history programs I looked at this one best fit what I was looking for. This year we are starting with the Ancient Times. In years coming up we will be able to also follow the Middle Ages and Modern Ages. It is done storybook style. I chose to order the main paperback as well as the test book, the activity book and the audio cds. They also refer to the two Usborne encyclopedias on the top so I ordered those as well. 

Geography

For Geography we are going to follow A Child's Geography of the World Volume 1. This particular volume focuses on the physical geography of the earth. It is all about Exploring His Earth. In future years we will work through volume 2 (The Holy Land) and volume 3 (The Classical World). 

Canadian Studies

Our Canadian studies curriculum is quite possibly my favourite out of everything I ordered. Okay, not possibly, it IS! Being a Canadian I am big on knowing about our country. I did order the text Canada, My Country last year but it just wasn't the same without all the supplemental books, so this year we bit the bullet and ordered the all inclusive package (which also means each boy gets their own activity text). The resources included in this package are truly magnificent. I am thrilled with the collections of books on the provinces and the regional animals. There is the atlas, map, and card game. The picture book and story of the flag and Terry Fox are awesome. The best part?? The books to read with the kids, we can cuddle up and learn all about our country by reading stories that ring true to those who live in the different areas of our beautiful Canada. Ah, I love it!

Science

I am quite excited about our science this year. We are going with Intro to Science from Elemental Science. I posted previously about a great customer experience with them. This curriculum relies a lot on experimentation as well as the importance of nature study. I ordered the Instructor guide as well as two student books. I also opted to order the suggested supplemental resources and I am very happy that I did. They are all books I am pleased to have as part of our "library". 

Environmental Awareness

Here is our environmental awareness. In my previous post I also spoke  about ordering this set of materials. We opted for a family membership. I truly feel that all families, homeschooling or not, should go through the action guide. We are at pivotal points with our environmental history colliding with the future of the earth, all children (and adults) need to learn the importance of caring for our planet. 

In addition to the curriculum I ordered we have these as supplemental resources:

and for literature sake we have a lot of this...

We have quite a collection. Chapter books, early readers (some Dick and Jane even), picture books, books from different series, books from different characters (hello Pigeon and Scaredy Squirrel). You can also see we have some Star Wars, Bible stories, and a collection of Christmas books. And I SWEAR this shelf was organized two days before. 

I am also looking at some extra activities for outside the home. I am thinking about getting the boys into dance (like Jazz/Tap style). I am leery of them going into any martial arts (they'll just use it on each other). We are hoping to get a family membership soon for a fantastic local health/gym facility so we can keep up our level of physical activity through the winter. We also already have a family membership to our local museum so on days when it gets really bad outside we will take solitude in the Planetarium, Science Centre, and travel through time in the museum's Main Gallery. 

Additionally I have to hide in shame while I say that I am a libraryphobe. My kids are loud and librarians intimidate me. However I am pledging to take the kids to library this year, get them their own cards. Instead of fearing that that will turn the whole place topsy turvy I am going with the attitude that they will learn an important skill...being quiet ;) . I'll call the library before hand and set up a time where the librarian can give us a bit of an orientation so we know where to go, where to look, and what programs they offer that will suit us. PLUS I am hoping to meet some other homeschooling families there, I'll keep my eyes peeled for mum's with multiple school aged kids there in the middle of the day. 

What's Mummy Learning This Year?

Last year I posted a bit about what I was going to do along with the kids. Sadly I didn't get as much done personally as I had hoped so I will keep trudging away with my own spiritual studies and advancing of my own knowledge.

I do have one educational trick up my sleeve though. It all depends on financing but if things work out I will be applying to do a distance education nutritionist certification program. I am very EXCITED and PUMPED about taking that direction in my own education. It isn't set in stone yet as tuition is pricy but if things keep going as they have I am confident I will be starting my own studies before the new year. Can't. Wait. 

This about wraps it up. If I could add anything else it would be some education on the body and health but I think they are getting a lot of that already just through living. They know what is healthy, they know what is not. We'll get there.

Oh, and school supplies. Yep, I have to make a school supplies list. So far fat pencils and crayons are big on the list and the boys both LOVE those those pens with the five different colours. And paper, reams and reams and reams....

Oh, and a lesson planner. Must find a lesson planner. It never ends does it? 

If you made it this far KUDOS. I'm a wordy gal. I know it is just August 1st but I am so happy to have so much of this already taken care of. If you are searching for homeschool curriculum or sending your youngins off to school in a few short weeks I wish you all a wonderful and blessed start to a new "school year".

One Week Left

Last week I turned out being not as high as I thought and this week I accomplished a nice loss (my gain and then some).

There is only one week left. I am biting my fingernails. I am so close but there are a few others that are so close as well. I am going to work hard this week and whatever happens happens. Those that worked hard deserve to win. It is not an indication on how hard I worked. I know for myself where I really pulled through and I know where I wavered a bit.

I'm putting the hammer down on myself even further. Do not fear I am not doing anything crazy. I'm not seriously restricting calories. I'm not expending myself more than what is safe. I'm just being very obedient and disciplined to the plan. It is good practice really because what I am doing now I really think is what I'll have to do to maintain once I hit goal. I also have to pretty much say buh bye to my weekly points and really only EVER use them for special occasions. I am at the point of making healthy enough choices and planning choices in advance that even if I HAVE to get something while out I am more than prepared for it. 

Overall though I'm pretty happy. I'm down to 170.4. The major push for the last 20 lbs is certainly on. By the end of April I plan to be at the 150 I am aiming for. Can't wait to get there. I am feeling very confident about the next two months.

Weight Loss Stats Time!!!!!

This past weekend marked the end of the first year of my incredible weight loss journey. I have rid myself of excess pounds while gaining insight and strength. I have had ups and downs but have always maintained my positivity and know that steady and slow is the best path to success.

So while I usually don't try to toot my horn too loudly I am playing from the mountain tops today because I have had some pretty freaking awesome success. This post is dedicated to showing the progress that I have made in the last year. 

To begin with here are some cold hard stats:

Start Pant Size: 22/24       Current Pant Size: 14/16
Start Top Size: XL/XXL Current Top Size: L

Start Weight: 247.4    Current Weight: 186    Total Loss: 61.4 lbs

Start Hips: 54"           Current Hips: 46.5"      Inches Lost: 7.5"

Start Bust: 45.5"        Current Bust: 39"         Inches Lost: 6.5"

Start Waist: 45"         Current Waist: 38"       Inches Lost: 7"

                            TOTAL INCHES LOST: 21"

Start BMI: 36.53 - which they say is Obese 2, that sounds really mean :(

Current BMI: 27.46 -still considered overweight but nearing the lower end.

They always say a picture tells a thousand words, so I will show a bit more of the story...

This is Daddy and I last year on July 1, 2011. The start date. 

This is a few weeks ago, coincidently the same tank top.

As you can see Daddy shows the side effects of Mamma changing up the household diet. 

Looking mighty fine Daddy ;)

The is the best comparison to show side by side, my behind :)

How about some dreaded swimsuit pix.

Last Year...

This Year...

There are places where I can see a HUGE difference. At this point it isn't even so much about the weight, it is becoming more about health and fitness. I seriously have to credit the Jillian Michael's DVDs for making me more attentive and appreciative of my body. As I have said before I am getting addicted to working out. Today I even chose exercise over sleeping in. 

Now that I have gotten this far, I have to decide where exactly I want to go and then how I am going to maintain when I get there. I still have a lot of work cut out for me. I still need to drop another 15-20 lbs to get to just a "normal" BMI. I am however trying not to look strictly at that. I need a weight I can happily maintain. I am enjoying working out and don't intend to stop so I also know my figure and my body makeup is changing, yay for muscle weighing more than fat.

I had initially thought 175 for my finish line but am continually rethinking that. By increasing my level of exercise I can increase what I can consume in a day. That isn't too bad of a trade off. Maybe I can shoot for lower. Maybe I really can happily exist happily at say 165, or even 160.

Regardless of where I want to get to I know we are making great changes for our family. We are showing our children a healthier way to live. Being active and making healthier choices. The precise number on the finish line doesn't matter, there never even really is a finish line. It's all a journey and an exploration. It is a journey I am happy to be on. 

The Fair, The Farmer's Market, and The Forks

If this weekend was sponsored by anything it would have been brought to us by the "Letter F". It wasn't even planned out that way but just sort of happened.

THE FAIR

On Thursday evening Daddy was home from work a little earlier than usual and we decided to head out for a little drive and pick up something for supper. Little did I know that Daddy had a trick up his sleeve. We picked up a few coffees and headed west. It wasn't long until I could see the ferris wheels and roller coasters in the distance. What a wonderful surprise it was that Daddy was taking us to the fair. The boys were simply beside themselves.

We don't go too crazy anytime we go as things are ridiculously expensive there but since the kids' admissions were free (yes, for all three) we didn't mind indulging a bit. This was the first time either of the boys had been on any real rides. They simply had a blast. We also got to have a few fair treats (mini donuts, ribbon cut potatoes and beef on a bun anyone?).

Having some fun in the agriculture exhibit...

Time for some rides...

The sights and sounds kept Evelyn well entertained...

THE FARMER'S MARKET

Saturday was a very packed day. We began our afternoon here: 

Well, not in the parking, but you get the idea. We went to the Farmer's Market :) Our plan was to pick up a sweet treat and some fruit to pack with our picnic for later in the day. There wasn't much for fruit yet but we made up for that in extra sweets (kettle corn and sugar cookies). Our local (15 minute drive away) Farmer's Market has a nice variety of things from woodcrafts, knitted or crocheted or sewed items, soaps, baked goods, meats and of course fresh produce. This is really some place I need to go without Daddy (he never lets me buy anything fun, lol) so I was excited when I discovered they are open on Wednesdays too. It will make a great outing for the kids and I. Plus I really want to take a better look at a few things (okay, maybe a lot of things).

Trips to this particular Farmer's Market also kill two birds with one stone as right next door is an outdoor FREE splash park. When we set out for the day the kids were already in their attire for getting wet so on the way to the van we all got to have a great cool off. The day was hot and sunny so it was just what we needed. I wanted lots of great pix but because of the heat it was so busy and keeping an eye on all three kids was priority. There will be many splash pad outings this summer so next time, next time.

THE FORKS

We have a place in our city where two rivers connect. This place is called The Forks. It has a lot of historical value. It was a gathering place for the plains Aboriginals, it was a hub during the fur trade and it was really what spread out and eventually grew into our city. Today it still acts as a gathering place. 

This weekend was the Aboriginal Day celebrations so it would only be fitting that it were to be held at The Forks. We took a tour around the grounds and saw all sorts of vendors. It was kind of like the Farmer's Market except aboriginal style. There were dreamcatchers, pottery, moccasins, beaded wares and more. If you had gone back in time a few centuries it would have been a very similar affair. 

After a little walk around we settled down for our little picnic. We brought along our own juice, pork sandwiches, and of course our treats from earlier in the day. Daddy also grabbed some fries from a chip truck to round things out. No fruit though, dang I wish the Farmer's Market had had fruit. 

By this time everyone was beat and had reached our sun quotient. It was time to call it a day. Had we stayed though there would have been live music (traditional and non traditional) and fireworks. While the boys were asleep not long after their heads hit their pillows Daddy and I could still hear the music long into the night.

So that was our busy weekend. The Fair, The Farmer's Market, and The Forks. 

Max and the Big 0-3

Three years ago today our Max was born. He came into the world via a VBAC and only 4 or so hours of labour. He was 7 lbs 14 oz and 21 inches long (I loved that-I have a thing for number patterns). Labour although short was hard and with virtually no medication it was tough. It seems so long ago yet only like yesterday. 

Max is now a strapping young lad with a love of super heroes (especially Ironman and Batman-Uh oh, DC/Marvel). I have noticed such huge changes in him even in just the last few weeks. I know they get older but every time I look at him I still see my little baby.

Max at a week old and at one year.

Max's 2nd Birthday and just under a month short of three.

We had quite a time coming up with what to do to make his day special. There were a few details that were easy. Batman cake? Check. Batman balloons? Check. Activities and Fun? Uh.....what?

Since we don’t do the daycare or school thing and we are new in the homeschooling community it meant that we didn’t really have anyone to invite to a party. Our house is small too so hosting a party here wasn’t really an option either. Making the decision to keep the festivities to our fun family of five was the easy part. 

We finally settled on spending time at the Children’s Museum (as per his gift from my mum) followed by a swim at a nearby YMCA followed by chinese takeout and birthday cake.

Our day started with some hearty blueberry pancakes and then we bundled up and headed to the museum. And bundle up we did as today also brought along a -34C windchill (-29.2F).

The Children’s Museum was FABULOUS. I hadn’t been in a few years in which time renovations took place. I’m not sure how much they spent to renovate the place (it certainly needed) but I feel as though my tax dollars were well spent. The boys were able to run and play and do all sorts of activities. They even had a special place for babies but we didn’t test it out as Evelyn was happy in the carrier. It’s such a nice clean and bright space now. The layout is fantastic too as you can see easily from one end to the other and not as many places to lose sight of a kid as the old layout.

Inside the optical illusions display. Lots of fun lights and spinning things.

 

The boys checking out some mighty machines. The Caterpillar actually fired up so the boys could control the hydraulics. They loved the train too, especially sitting in the conductor's chairs.

They loved spending time at the water tables.

These are pictures of the Lasagna Lookout. It's a jungle gym with a full on pasta theme which includes pool noodle "noodles" a sauce section and even meatballs (like a hanging exercise ball). 

I seriously love these pin things. I can not resist shoving a hand or a face in them. 

Fortunately my family likes them too.

Making some art at the PopArt centre. Vik got right to work drawing what else? Angry Birds. Max is quite the artist too eh? Daddy actually drew the car and then Max took over :)

After the Children’s Museum we headed over to the pool. We even lucked out as it was our first time there so they waived the family drop in fee. SCORE!!! The YMCA we went to also underwent some renovations a few years ago. Our time there was a great experience. The family change room was nice and roomy, important when you have five people to get changed and keep wrangled together. 

The kids all had a blast swimming. It was surreal though sitting in a heated pool while just a few feet away people were shivering as they walked past, separated from the frigid temperature by just a few inches of glass. It was lovely though. I would have liked to check out the hot tub but I thought it would be too hot for Evelyn. Daddy and the boys went in it though after Evelyn and I went to shower and Vik told me all about the all the bubbles after.


I wish I had pix of swimming but I find they never turn out. Something about the chlorine in the air. Too bad too because Evelyn got a very cute new swimsuit. I guess those will have to wait until summer.

After swimming we hit the party store to pick up a few balloons and then picked up the cake at Safeway. My sister (Auntie Rachael) came over and joined us for the chinese takeout and birthday cake.

Of course...the Bat Man cake.

Our initial plan had involved a trip to the arcade tonight but it is just too cold. Now with the sun down we have a -41C windchill (OMG!!) which comes with a wind chill warning. I just did not want to take the kids out into that and run the risk the van not starting after. 

We are spending the rest of the evening cozied up at home. I hope after such a big day the boys go to bed easy tonight. They should be tired. I wish I could make all days like this. Full of fun activities, but I know that just isn’t how it goes. Tomorrow it is back to the regular same old.

Celebrating family and special days. That makes this Mamma and family uber happy.