Long Time No Type

It is shameful how long it has been since I posted last. Many things have changed, but our outlook on a solid, well-rounded and life-based education has not swayed. Because of my demanding schedule, we enrolled Aidyn in public school kindergarten. While he has learned much, loves his teacher, and found new buddies, we still dream of homeschooling. I have still supplemented his education with storybooks, field trips, and activities at home to enhance what he's learning in school. I also volunteer in the classroom once a week to show my support and involvement with his education.

Aidyn's a big boy now and has mastered many new skills. He has learned to read several sight words. If arranged carefully, the sight words are readable to him as sentences and story lines. He can sit and independently read most of Green Eggs and Ham, plus I make him little books using his sight words. His handwriting has improved, and he can write his name, little sentences and numbers. His artistic creativity has blossomed even more, and he loves making crafts, most times from scratch. Although he's still my slow-to-warm-up boy, he's developed more confidence and instigates conversations with his friends and teacher with ease. At home, he has participated more in chore work and handicrafts. Now his responsibilities include vaccuuming the floor every day, dusting, and generally helping out on Clean Up Day. He's also picked up sewing and, while he's no master tailor just yet, his enthusiasm has led him to feel comfortable handing a needle and thread. A source of pride from me, his newfound ability to patiently save his money delights us. He can hold onto his tooth fairy money and allowance well, saving it up until there is a specific purchase he wants to make. His vocabulary has also expanded to include words like "normally," "usually," "horrifying," among others which he uses in sentences quite naturally. He still has a fascination with science and often hypothesizes about activities in space.

In other news, we are saving up to purchase our first home, and I dream of buying a small home on a lot of land where we can grow apple trees, among other fruits and vegetables. I, myself, am still in school and heading steadily toward my Master's in Rhetoric and Teaching Writing. My husband and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage this October; furthermore, our family feels more bonded than ever while we anticipate our future.

We are still undecided if Aidyn will attend 1st grade at his school or if we will homeschool or enroll him in a charter school; however, it feels like a decision that both must be thought over carefully and decided quickly so we can provide stability in his educational routines.