Researching Curricula.

It's that time of year again, where we start evaluating how the past year went and if the materials we chose worked out. I'm happy to announce that we really liked all that we used this year for 2nd, kindergarten, and preschool!!

There was a lot of putting things together, combining, and hodge-podge...but it worked out! Big hits for the year were 2nd grade Rod and Staff English grammar, Writing With Ease, and History Odyssey. I was actually most surprised that Rod and Staff grammar remained a favorite subject throughout the year.

Now the time has come to start looking and deciding on curriculum for next year. The familiar saying of "If it isn't broke, don't fix it," will stand around here. We are keeping a lot of the same: Saxon Math, Rod & Staff English, Writing With Ease. But my new conundrum lies in the time I have to invest in putting things together. With 3 kids in "school," Christian in the throws of preschool, and baby Jimmy sitting in on everything...I really want to simplify my life. So here comes...Angelicum Academy once again.

Angelicum Academy has totally redone their website and updated their curriculum. I love the look and the materials they are offering! So the next week or so I'll be researching and coming up with a plan. Angelicum is looking strong to us since they utilize much of the curricula we will be using (we, of course, also do stuff not included). History and grammar have been the only differences between what they use and what we use. But I'm starting to lean towards just doing history their way.

We'll see. But I do suggest that if you are looking for a Catholic, Classical program...check out Angelicum Academy!

Catching up.

Well, even though we've just recently moved...a lot has been happening in our lives. Family and friends keep bugging me that I haven't posted pictures, what's going on with the kids, etc. So I decided to make this post all about what's happened in the last month or so!! Get ready for a long picture post!


Best Friends Come Visit
Our awesome friends (if you remember from previous posts...they moved to Illinois last year) came over for a week to visit! It was great to see them again and to meet the newest member of their family, baby Nora. The kids had a blast and the grown-ups were all giddy to see each other after about 8 months.

Lots of hugs went around as friends were reunited!

The girls hanging out and playing together.

One last picture before our good friends leave.

Moving Day!
DH got his friends together and it was like a barn-raising event!! The men worked hard and every muscle was used. The kids got to hang out in the new house and explore it. And even through the weather that day was well into 92 degrees (never mind how much Gatorade we went through!), we celebrated with pizza and drinks.

Moving was a DIY project with friends. Here Dh parks in the driveway. Never mind the ugly grass, the previous owners left us a bit of work to do outdoors!

Laughing it up while resting.

Moving heavy furniture up the staircase was not easy!

Looking out the nursery window.

Baby Jimmy is growing like a weed!

Super Cheese!

Easter
We moved on a Good Friday, so it was a laid-back Easter this year. Super, early morning Mass means not having to dress up so much and avoiding the big crowds. Getting home back into our pajamas and play clothes while eating Krispy Kreme donuts was a treat...not to mention the excitement of the kids finding Easter baskets in their beds!

This was the scene early in the morning on Easter.

After returning home, it was time for Easter baskets!

Anthony loved his rabbit and goodies.

Isabella was the only one who left her Easter dress on.

Happy Birthday Marco!!
This was the year that Marco was to get his big birthday party. Unfortunately, his birthday came right at moving time. But he wasn't disappointed. A big party wasn't important to him. He just wanted some friends over to celebrate with him. Bike riding, cake, and even a pinata made his day special! My baby is now 8 years old!

Getting ready for pinata time!

Marco got the first hit and all the kids waited in anticipation for their turn.

Anthony did a good job whacking the pinata.

Finally, all the treats fall to the ground!

Happy Birthday!

American Girl Club
This week was our turn to host the American Girl Club. We are still reading up on Josefina's adventures. For crafts, we made memory boxes and books; snack were pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) and Mexican hot chocolate! Yum!!

Painting memory boxes.

Great girl fun!

AG Club is Isabella's highlight of the week!

American girls posing pretty on our front steps.

In the Mean Time...
We are still trying to get settled in. Boxes are almost everywhere and the garage is full of stuff left to unpack and put away. But the kids keep being kids, we keep working on crafts, and it's a happy house full of love for family, friends, and above all...God!

Life Goes On!

We are slowly getting all our things unpacked. Life doesn't stop for anything or anyone!! This week's accomplishment was setting up our computer on the desk (yes, it was on the floor before!) and getting the printer up and running!

I'm still super-busy with unpacking, school lessons, co-op planning, book meetings, etc., etc. I'm so busy that I'm to the point to where I'm ready to say "No. I can't do this anymore." and just clear my plate from so much of the things that seem to be taking away from family life.

• Dance lessons
• American Girl Club
• Planning Meetings
• Sacramental Prep classes
  
• Baptisms and First Communion
• Homeschool organizing
• Piano Lessons
• Anniversary, Birthdays, other yearly events
• Conventions and conferences
• Field Day planning
• Meetings, meetings, and more meetings!!

All this to do for the remainder of May!! It's too much and I really need to pray about what is really important and just get down to what is right for myself and my family. Saying "yes" to everything is not good for me, but it is a fault that I have. I feel like I just need to be home for the next few months with minimal extra-curricular activities for the kids. We just need to settle down into our new surroundings, do some school, and chill.

Temporary Break.

Hope everyone has enjoyed Easter!! We have moved into our new home and have spent the last week trying to get the bare necessities unpacked. Unfortunately, our Internet won't be plugged in until Tuesday. I'll make sure to post pics and keep everyone updated on our new house! BTW...I LOVE our new school room!!!!!!