quote of the week

Wrote it on the chalkboard in my classroom. We discussed it. They are learning. Happy Monday.

meet them

I said to them, "Maybe you girls can do some of these long division problems at home if you get bored." Laughter erupted in our little classroom. One of them said, "O.K. now that is funny. Can you just imagine someone sitting at home doing math problems?" more laughing... I joined them. This really is an amazing journey. Hope your week is happy!

may i have a moment?

Hello blog friends! I would like to take a tiny moment to say an enormous thanks to all of you who have sent precious emails and facebook messages and blog comments (in english) with kind words about my homeschool project. Today was (what we call in the Turner home) "A DAY." So your kind words have kept me afloat. The girls are learning and actually read the whole first chapter of Anne of Green Gables (stopping after each paragraph to draw a picture of what was happening). A HUGE accomplishment since none of them have ever read an entire book. More updates soon!

we've only just begun

Operation "homeschool five high school girls" is officially underway! I didn't know what to expect.  Preparations for our school year have created every emotion inside my body (from fear to excitement to exhaustion and back to fear). I must say, the first two days could not have been more pleasant. That seems like a funny word to describe this huge task, but it's fitting... pleasant. Not too heavy or dramatic or draining. Not giggly and unprepared... just pleasant.

We start the day with journal/creative writing time. I like watching them think. They seem to be eager to learn and they all agree that "Mrs. Mel's School" (as they call it) is WAY better than dropping out and working at Steak and Shake! I am excited for next week.

first day of kindergarten

It happened. I woke up this morning, made lunch, put lunch carefully into an alligator lunch box. I zipped the lunchbox into a little backpack with some crayons, kid scissors and glue sticks. I sat with little Dean at the kitchen table, hugged him tight and literally felt him outgrowing my arms.

He had a great day. He calls his teacher "Mrs. Coupon" (her name is Mrs. Kuchar), he made a friend named David, his playground has a big slide. I'll be fine.

finally

We've been waiting for this day for about 4 years now. Millie g's first ballet class. It was wonderful. I made her a new baby to celebrate this special day...

Of course I didn't use a pattern so the head is crooked and one of her feet looks a little "L" shaped. Still she's cute and Millie g loves her.

Happy first day of being a ballerina, Millie g!

Happy Birthday to Charlie!

Charlie is my favorite person! He is handsome and smart. He looks like a rock star and I will always be jealous of his quiet, disciplined personality.  He is super. I like drawing pictures for Charlie on special occasions... 

Happy Birthday, Charlie. I like you.

yesterday... in florida

Today is our last day of vacation. Here is an exciting list of my favorite moments from yesterday...

1. Beach
2. Pool
3. Walked with Charlie to an adorable local coffee shop
4. Beach
5. Single-handedly put together a 550 piece puzzle
6. Had a small anxiety attack about Little Dean going to kindergarten next week. I cried because, "he might not know what to do in the cafeteria." I'm o.k. now.
7. Pool
8. Went on a date with Charlie to see Inception... amazing
9. Watched a ferris wheel go round and round for probably 20 minutes
10. Didn't look at a television, computer or iPhone

Happy summer's almost over week! Hummus and rice chips for everyone!

one more week

Charlie and I returned safely from our little overnight trip. Now we are on our real family vacation in Florida. So relaxing and GORGEOUS! Lots of pics to share when we get back. Hoping your week is full of tea and lemons and books and mexican food.

overnight

A little overnight road trip with no kids? Yes please! We drove 5 hours to a beautiful part of Georgia. Charlie had to wrap up a few Teameffort Camp details. We laughed with some funny friends, went to the movies, stayed in a hotel, drank some good coffee this morning with a few other funny friends and now we're headed home! Fastest road trip/much needed time alone ever!

campfire dinner

We built a fire in our backyard by the lake. The kids were less excited about the fire and more excited about the marshmallows. We roasted hot dogs for dinner and marshmallows for dessert. No plates. No napkins. Lots of laughing. Summer is fun!

Do you like campfires?

art journaling

Just a few friendly reminders to myself from my art journal...

It's good to look back at these pages. Hope your Tuesday was bright.