What's going on around here?

I used Grammarly to grammar check this post, because while blogging at nearly 3:00 a.m., my brain isn't all there. Actually, when IS it all there? ;)

We've been attempting to wrap up our homeschool year and as usual, life hasn't gone according to plan. But, when does it ever? I've decided to wrap it up as far as math and most of the handwriting we've been working on with Guggy as he finishes up kindergarten. Reading has turned into a sore spot for him, so I've decided to make that our priority over summer. 

My plans for summer learning is to keep it simple. We're not going to simply quit all together, but we're going to make reading fun. So far, we've trying to read an hour a day. This can be challenging, but on days we are running errands and daddy is driving, I can pull up books on my smart phone, or simply bring some along. It's also a great way to keep the kids entertained in the car. We live out in the country, so it's a long drive to most places for us.

We also picked up a phonics curriculum I'm planning on working on as a supplement over summer as I research what we're going to use for the fall. I actually got a great deal on You Can Read lessons and videos at the library's book sale. I'm excited to give it a try!

Also, each of our children, even the baby, has been signed up for our small town library's summer reading programs. Once a week, we'll attend a lap sit or story time. For me, it's crucial to incorporate these activities in our lives. Reading is one of my favorite past times and even if my children don't enjoy reading, I want them to be good at it, and to also have good reading comprehension. 

What are your homeschool plans for this summer?

ClosetMaid Blogger Opp

Hosted by: Everything Mommyhood

Sponsored by: Closetmaid

Event Dates: May 29th - June 16th

One winner will receive a 9 cube organizer and fabric bins. US Residents Only.

FREE TWITTER LINK with Announcement Post (or pay $5 if no announcement post) Announcement post here: Let's Get Organized

Dates: May 29th - June 16th (less than 3 weeks) Co-Host $8 - 4 links and a back-link to your page (No Host Pages Available) Links $1- (Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest ONLY) Subscribe by email link or a Daily Vote Link $3 All payments need to be paid via Paypal as a GIFT to darcibean@gmail.com Any Questions email me at everythingmommyhood@gmail.com Promotion will be required 5 days a week for the entire event on all social media, if you do not plan on promoting, DO NOT sign up because you will be deleted. I've had numerous sign ups for events with no promoting at all, there will be no free rides on the entry form. Promoting helps ALL of us. ---ALL ENTRIES WILL BE ON THE ENTRY FORM--- HTML will be emailed approximately 24-72 hours PRIOR to event, it is your responsibility to make sure you receive this, so PLEASE mark your calendars. MOST REFERRALS WILL RECEIVE A FREE CODE WORD PAGE!!!!!!!!!!!

SIGN UP HERE!!!

May is for Moms: An Interview With Myself

I've come across a great link up by Amy at Not Your Average Crazy

1. Before you ever even had children, how did you feel about being a mother?
That's a hard question. I never really envisioned myself having a lot of children, let alone being a homeschooling, stay at home mother. I guess I just figured it was something I would eventually do. I never really gave it any thought.

2. Since becoming a mother, what is something that has happened that you never thought would?
I always figured I would be a career woman. I was a sophomore in college when I became pregnant with my first child. I've always been a stay at home or work at home mom since.

3. Is being a mother less difficult, more difficult or exactly how difficult you imagined?
There are difficult parts and days. The most difficult part of mothering is getting caught up in the small things. The laundry can wait. The dishes can wait. Your babies can't. I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy my children while they are little.

4. What is your fondest memory of being a mother (so far)?
As most mothers I would say, the day each of my four babies were born. Overall, I would have to say my fondest memory has been watching my children come together as we find out our groove together in life. It's a learning process.

5. If your children could only learn one life lesson from you, what do you  hope it is?
I hope my children would really that you only get one life. Prioritize needs vs. wants, but above all, love Jesus, and live life day by day.

The Black Shard Giveaway (The Magic Warble Sequel) Ends 5/22

I'm excited to bring you all a giveaway for the sequel of The Magic Warble, which is entitled The Black Shard. This is a 255 page book that has 1-2 pictures per chapter. A perfect read for kids around the middle school age.

Synopsis:
"Kristina’s stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it’s all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester’s cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it’s actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can’t refuse.

Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends … and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn’t get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the “Black Shard”, Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it’s in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known."

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To wean or not to wean? That is the question!

   When I had my third child, I knew I wanted to be sure to exclusively breastfeed him. After a very interesting birth experience, I did everything they say to do to avoid problems with breastfeeding like avoiding bottles early in our breastfeeding relationship. I also set small breastfeeding goals of 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, etc. My ultimate goal was to reach 18 months of breastfeeding. Well, we a little over a year passed that goal at 2.5 years old.

To wean, or not to wean? Just under a year ago, we found out we were expecting our fourth baby, who is now nearing three months old. Over these last few months, we have been tandem breastfeeding. I've had to experience periods of jealousy from my son. I am well aware of the benefits of breastfeeding into toddlerhood, but sometimes it is frustrating to deal with him wanting to nurse after the baby having a marathon nursing session. 

On the other hand, it has also helped Avery ease into the transition of being a big brother instead of the baby.   It can be very easy to just offer a nursing session to calm him down. On top of that, there are so many other benefits to him. Some moms practice child led weaning until age 3 and some even longer than that. For now, we are going to keep doing what we're doing.

Image source: thealphaparent.com