The Boys’ Music Recital June ‘10

Another family post.

Here is the video from the boys’ violin recital.

Mark’s Turn

I accidentally published this as a page yesterday.

Just another video for relatives. Mark’s been working hard on learning the violin, too. Last night were just goofing around and he wanted to make up a song to share. -We’ve been working on bowing and I’ve just been letting him have at it sometimes to get a better feel.

Definite points for creativity and enthusiasm.

Parenting Aside

I’ve read a lot of advice to parents and most of it has been utter crap, with the boys.

With Ellie the little magic tricks all seem to work. Want her to lower her voice, I simply have to whisper. If I say she needs to be gentle because something hurts, she gets very concerned and wants to give me a kiss.

The boys? It’s always been a matter of enforcing boundaries to keep them from running pell mell over everything, destroying themselves, the house, and people’s opinions in the process.

I was recently recognized in the grocery store as the lady from church with three kids. She was very kind, but I had to wonder how hard she had to work to not say the crazy lady from church with three kids.

Yes, I am procrastinating.

Happy Birthday Aidan

Happy birthday to you, my son. You bring a lot of laughter into our lives.

I’m thankful to watch you grow.

You could slow down just a little, Mr. Six Years and Four Foot Two.

Transparency note, this is a picture from the party we had for both boys; I have still to upload the ones from Mark’s birthday because he’s the neglected middle child and par for the course. (Kidding people, I’m just seriously behind).

Slow Down, Mark, Slow Down

I’ve got better ones, but he’s not letting me stay inside long enough to link up.

He had an appointment with the allergist today and I think things are going to get a lot better now that he’s on appropriate allergy medication. Wish the little guy luck. he won’t slow down for anything right now.

And It Has Begun

Ever since Aidan was a baby, I knew we would probably end up homeschooling. Private school is out of the question and my own public school experience left some things to be desired.

We are very lucky to have found the South Carolina Virtual Charter School. It’s a great cross between public and homeschooling. Aidan can move at his own pace through the curriculum that meets national standards. We are free to supplement and work under the guidance of a teacher. This program offers the accountability I need to maintain focus and drive and removed the the fear of choosing the wrong curriculum.

At this point, my only concern is trying to figure out how to fill the six hour a day attendance requirement until we catch up to his ability. Yesterday, with a huge chunk of time to fill and requirements completed I came up with an activity that blends several disciplines at any given time.

Yes, Aidan now has his own site. I resized and uploaded the pictures. We talked about what to say and I wrote down what he wanted to type. I underlined each letter that needed to be capitalized and he did all of the typing, including entering all of the captions.

Not too shabby for a first day of kindergarten, eh?

Summer Fun

Aidan has finally let us take off the training wheels.

I love that look of pure joy.

Friday’s Violin Recital

Aidan has been working hard on Frere Jacque. We threw him for a loop when we finally found a 1/4 size violin for a good price. He loves the new violin, but is still getting used to the size difference.

It’s All a Game

Only once did the thought of banning toy guns from my house ever really cross my mind.  I dismissed it promptly.  I know my husband and knew he would have fallen out of his chair laughing and writhing from hysterics over that sentiment. Compromise works, there are guns and dolls.

I have held firm to the never point guns at people (or the dogs) rule.

It wouldn’t have mattered if they were banned or not.  My four year old constructs guns out of other toys and my two year old is walking around “shooting baddies” with a measuring cup.

Tree Cutting

This one is for the grandparents.

This way.

I can do it.

I’m two. I don’t know why I’m pissed.

Mom and Dad took too long looking for the lights.