Way Overdue!

Oh, I am so sorry I have been a poor blogger. It just seems that time flys by. Our school day flys by and I am amazed how little I get accomplished. I always seem to plan way too many things in my head and then I feel doom and gloom. You would think I would adjust, but for some reason - I don't. I apologize and hope someone still checks this blog now and then.

Anyway, there are several photos from the last couple of months. Enjoy!

Joshua and Ruthie, out in the field, drawing wildflowers at Devil's Tower National Monument. I just love this photo. Nothing like learning out in the real world. And, this was on vacation.

This was taken in South Dakota. I love the tippy toes and pretending to look through the telescope. He thinks he is seeing all kinds of neat things. Ruthie, on the other hand, understood that it needed money.

When we were in South Dakota, in September, Joshua and Ruthie observed a round-up. For the city folks out there that means that, yes, the cowgirls and cowboys round up the cattle for market. It really does still happen. How do you think you get to enjoy that juicy hamburger or tasty steak?

Our darling little ones in front of Mt. Rushmore National Monument. Notice there Junior Ranger badges, they earned three of those this past summer.

Getting ready to ride the 1880 train in Hill City, SD. This was something I thought they would both enjoy and as we go along in our studies we can revisit the topic. Notice Joshua bent down checking everything out.

In our reading, we had just finished reading The Boxcar Children, so naturally we needed a photo in front of a boxcar.

Here we are feeding trout at fish hatchery. We spent a total of 50 cents on food. The rest of the time both children scavenged for fish food people had dropped on the ground. I was amazed at how much they found. They had a blast collecting and feeding the fish.

Okay, so this post is better than nothing. Next time, I will try to write more.

Until then, Nancy

Five Again!

Last year at this time I was posting that Joshua turned five. Well, as many of you know now, he was really turning four at the time. However, we didn't know it. So, this year we celebrated his 5th birthday again. He chose a safari theme and he loves playing with the animals that I placed on his cake.
When we asked him what he would like for his birthday he said a policeman costume. So here he is apprehending his sister. She was really into the role of being a criminal. One day Joel didn't return the mail key where it was suppose to go and so I gave him the permission to arrest daddy. It was quite fun and we had a few good laughs over it.

In school, we just finished reading The Boxcar Children. As we were reading we began working on dioramas. Both children enjoyed this a lot. I am hoping it made things come alive for them.

When they were finished, I also had them do a short video presentation. I thought it would be good to make an oral presentation. (plus now I have a memory and it is on video) Yea!! You can't see it in the photo, but Ruthie even has a fish in her brook and it is swimming upright.

A recent conversation around our dinner table was about God coming and swimming with us. Joshua said that would be so cool and he could jump high. Ruthie said, "Swoosh!" Wouldn't it be great?

I guess that is it for now. I apologize that this is short and sweet.

May God richly bless you as you follow in obedience.

Nancy

Second Day of School

We are in the middle of our second day of school and everything is going well. I know it is just the second day, but I sure am feeling calm about things. If you know me well, then you know that this is good for me. It's really good for me. And obviously it is good for little ones, too. As I am typing this, Joshua is napping and Ruthie is practicing some spelling.

On the left side you will see two photos - this is a glimpse of our classroom. In the above photo, you see Joshua's desk, his workboxes, and our wonderful bookshelf. You will also notice our Bible timeline on the wall.

In this photo, you can see Ruthie's desk, my desk, her workboxes, Lit'l Bit's tent on the floor, our maps, etc. I hope it gives you some ideas. As far as the workboxes go - so far so good. If you want to know more about them click on the following link: www.workboxsystem.com This was recommended to me last spring and we are now trying it. The idea is that each child has a set of 12 boxes. They are numbered 1 - 12 and your child works one box at a time and they must go in order. So, your child's work is spread out within the boxes. So far, they can hardly wait to see what is in each box as they work through their day. The pace is up to them and they can see what they need to do.

For read-alouds or subjects that we do together, I just tell them we are going to read now or do our Bible study. After completing that work, they simply go back to their workboxes. For one of mine, it is giving them some control which they are always trying to obtain. So far it is good, real good. I think it will be interesting when one finishes before the other when a lot of messing around was happening. Talk about natural consequences! I love those and I continually look for them.

I created a lesson plan sheet that I am refining. If you are interested, let me know and I will email you a copy.

For curriculum we are using:

• Sonlight Core K (our read-alouds, History/Geography, Bible)
• Math-U-See and Horizons Math (I alternate these - in the future, I am hoping to get rid of one of these)
• Sing, Spell, Read, and Write (for language arts)
• Bible Study pages through Rainbow Resource (for our actual Bible Study)
• Sonlight K - more language arts for Ruthie
• Rosetta Stone (let's learn the English language)
• Other: Explode the Code books, Minute Math drills, Sight Word practice, Everyday Graces, etc.

We have decided to table science for awhile and really focus on language arts. Our goal is to get Ruthie reading more proficiently and then we will bring the science back. This doesn't mean we aren't doing any science, however. That just comes naturally in conversation or experiencing it. In fact, just this morning we had two big discussions on nutrition and health. One discussion was what would happen if a bear ate too many blueberries and the other was about visiting the doctor. Another goal is to work real hard on Ruthie's speech, so we can eliminate that from our schedule.

Finishing up for now,

Nancy

Family Adventures

Howdy! from the wild, wild West! If you look at Joshua in the photo below you will understand why I am starting this post like this. Apparently, he picked up two imaginary six shooters between our home and the Grand Canyon.
Our next stop was .... (read below)

We got caught in some rain but we didn't mind a bit. We found it refreshing and just part of the adventure. At the National Parks we visited, we started our National Park family passport. It was fun to stamp the date in our books and add the parks special stamp. This will be something that will be fun to discuss and add more stamps as the years pass.

After spending the night with good friends in Bozeman, we headed to West Glacier. We didn't make it to the Tetons this time, it was just too much to squeeze in. Sigh ... maybe next time. Anyway, we had a short but very sweet visit with our friends.

When we arrived at West Glacier we were still doing great. The kiddos did great in the car. We have been busy reading, listening to music, doing our devotional, etc. I have a variety of activities for them to do and I switch the activities now and then. It has worked great!!

Our first fun activity was picking Flathead cherries at a U-pick. I packed old clothes but no one got messy at all. Now we are continually draining water and throwing ice into the cooler to preserve them.
On Friday night, we went to the Backroom Restaurant in Columbia Falls. It was delicious! Aunt Paula and Ruthie had a rib eating contest. Joshua joined in, too. Joshua had four on his plate and when he finished he thought that he had won. I thought the winner was the one who finished first. Can you believe that he is wearing white and didn't get any sauce on his shirt? I was amazed. As for Ruthie and Aunt Paula, they both ate six. Ruthie was stuffed afterwards and I think Paula was too. Aunt Paula, who was sitting across the room, told us afterwards that she would glance over at Ruthie while eating. Ruthie would smile at her and then keep on eating. It was fun!

The next day we hiked to Avalanche Lake and walked the loop of the cedars. By the time we were done we had walked/hiked 5 miles. It was beautiful! and quite adventurous. We saw a buck in the velvet, chipmunks, and a fresh bear track.

On our hike, we encountered a Park Ranger. We asked her all kinds of questions. We were working towards the Junior Ranger badge, so this was great! We asked questions like: what is your job? have you been here during a forest fire? have you seen any animals? like a bear?

One of our favorite places to go is the Lake Macdonald lodge in Glacier National Park. So.... here we are!

After a few moments here, we headed up the Going to the Sun Road. At one point, Joel said, to Ruthie, look at your window. Ruthie said, "Please, don't make me." If you have ever been on this road you know why she didn't want to look. It is extremely trepidating to be on a side of a mountain at a high elevation.

This is my sweet girl checking out St. Mary's Lake and looking at Wild Goose Island. What a beautiful place! Wouldn't you agree?

As we headed East, leaving the park we rounded a corner and stopped. There was another vehicle in front of us and it took a few moments to realize why we were stopping. Right on the road stood a black bear. It was amazing! Joel is saying, "Get the camera! Get the camera!" By the time I reached for it and got the lens cap off the bear galloped into the underbrush. It was great to see and amazing that our children experienced it with us.

We had a nice time with family at the reunion and in Great Falls, Joel's hometown. We spent a couple of nights at Joel's parents home and that was enjoyable. Our hopes are that Joshua and Ruthie will really remember this trip and meeting the rest of their extended family.

Two nights ago we were in Idaho Falls and we stayed with some good friends. We took the kids to the park and they played for awhile. After the children went to bed we visited late into the night. It was sweet.

As I am typing this, Joel is back at work and the kids and I are hanging out in a hotel room. For some of you, you may be thinking how is she doing it? Ahh - no problem. This is how our relationships started. This is a breeze, now. At one time it wasn't - ahum, like in Russia. Hey, we even speak the same language now. Anyway, we are enjoying this time before we finally head home. As we spend these last moments out of town, I am beginning to plan our schedule and our school year. So, we are in Arizona, but enjoying lingering moments of vacation.

I guess that is it for now. I think I am going to take the kids swimming. They will love it! Who knows maybe I will get in, as well.

Blessings to you and yours.

Nancy

In Salt Lake City

Well, here we are - that is we are in Salt Lake City, Utah. We are on vacation and everyone seems to be having a great time. We are on our way to West Glacier and can hardly wait to visit Glacier National Park. You see Joel and I love National Parks. In fact so much so that since we left yesterday, we have visited two already. We have been to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and today we took in a little of Bryce National Park. (by the way, Robert U., you are right, the Ranch House in Page is really tasty. We ate there this morning.

We drove through several thunderstorms and it was beautiful. After living in the desert for so long it was magnificent. Granted the desert does have thunderstorms sometimes, but usually it is a monsoon. The thunderstorm I am talking about is different. I guess it has something to do with all of the green around me, the different colors of rocks, the ominous clouds, and the majestic mountains. We really enjoyed it.

As we drive along we have been doing numerous activities: singing, reading from the Bible, reading The Boxcar Children, coloring, listening to the homeschool convention sessions that we missed, marking stars on our maps, etc. By the way, the kids are loving pulling out their maps and placing a sticker where we have stopped. I think they like seeing the progress. I am hoping they will pick up some geography and, naturally, ask some questions.

I am sorry I don't have any photos, I will try and do that on the next post. Okay, I better go and find my pillow, because tomorrow is another big day. We are hoping to drive along side the Grand Tetons (another National Park, by the way), on our way to Bozeman. After Bozeman, we are headed to West Glacier. There we will settle for a few days. It should be fun and I know a great time will be had by all.

American Day in Court

Here are a few photos of our Re-Adoption Day. Everything went well. We could tell that one of our little ones was concerned and worried. In fact they didn't sleep well because there were worries of being sent back. Then after the court proceedings I was asked if I was going to leave them there. I said, without realizing the seriousness of the question amongst all of the activity, "No, all of us are going together." I will need to revisit this with this little one and discuss it some more.

On another note court was much, much easier and different this time. It was pretty much opposite of our Russian experience. This even includes the gender of our judge, the temperature outside, the kind of seats, the lighting, the amount of questioning, etc. The only disturbing thing that happened was when we stated our names to the judge. I said, "Nancy Mee, their Mama." I was quickly reprimanded by the judge stating that this court will determine that. I have to admit I was put in my place, but I was also a little upset about it. What role does the judge think I have been in the last year or so? And we chose to be standing there, no one has to readopt. Anyway, enough about that. Everything turned out fine. Now we will be able to get the kids US birth certificates and, if they choose, as they grow older, they can keep their adoption private.

Ruthie recently celebrated her 8th birthday. She chose to have a princess party and she had 3 little friends over. We limited the number of guests to help encourage real friendships. She gets along with anyone but has a hard time remembering their names. So, we thought it was good to keep it small. Plus, this was Mom's first time to do a party like this.

I put "jewels" on her cake and she loved it. She, of course, wore a costume and absolutely loved it. Joshua was a knight and, oh, my goodness, did we strike gold with this. As the guests arrived, Ruthie curtsied and said, "Welcome to my party, Princess ???." Joshua stated that he was the knight and that he was here to protect them. It was so adorable. Ever since the party, they now play princess/knight and sometimes wedding. Yesterday, they were asking me how they should dance when there is music at the reception. It was cute.

This is a poor photo because Joshua's eyes are closed, but Ruthie is truly being herself. My heart melted, once again. Soon, I will need to plan his 5th birthday (AGAIN) and I am hoping he chooses, out of the theme topics that I am offering, one that would include a costume. In October, I think I might pick up a costume or two that they could play with over and over.

For those of you who would like to address some specific areas in the social arena, I have found a great resource. People can check out videos, books, etc. for free from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Library. It is actually called The Center for Disability Resources Library. Anyway, they mail whatever you would like to look at and then you just mail it back. The only expense is mailing it back. I checked out a video called, "Fitting In". On the video there are 13 lessons. The video addresses: how to start and end a conversation, accepting criticism, taking turns talking, speaking too loudly, embarassing situations, interrupting, ... Each lesson is modeled by children; first the inappropriate way and then the better way. I was very pleased with it and I think my kiddos gleaned some good information. The link to this is: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.htm

I am looking forward to our home school convention that will begin in three days. I am trying to prepare, so when I talk with the vendors I have my questions in order. We pretty much have our curriculum for Fall. However, I will need to pick up a few things and research for the school year as well as the future. We will also be having lunch with another family whom we adore.

On Sunday morning, YAHOOOOO!!!!, we are getting out of here. That is getting out of the heat. We are headed to Montana. We hope to pick cherries, hunt for bugs, do some bark rubs, look for alligators, (Joshua is anyway) meet the rest of our cousins for the first time, play, breathe fresh air, and talk. We are planning on visiting with a few friends along the way and coming back. That should be fun, too. Joel and I are looking forward to talking along the way. He has been gone a lot lately and I miss him. My prayer is that we can reconnect as we head down the road. We are looking forward to it.

Okay, so I better go hand out popsicles and check the dryer. Oh, I will try and post photos of the classroom when we get back.

Blessings to you and your family,
Nancy

Ballet and Biting Ants

Hello All!

We have been busy. I thought during the summer that things were suppose to slow down. In some ways it has but in others it has gotten busier. Please don't take me wrong we are having fun and even squeezing in some speech practice, reading, and math flashcards.

Our new classroom is almost complete. For those of you who don't know, Joel and I have switched rooms. His office is now downstairs and the classroom is upstairs. We needed more room and I think Joel's office gives him more quiet. I will have to post a few photos when I get things hung on the wall. This was our big project for the summer.

Ruthie danced in the ballet "Sleeping Beauty" by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The music is beautiful if you have never listened to it. Anyway, it was quite the event at our house. We had several friends come to watch and Ruthie was delighted. It was fun for Joel and I to watch her in action. She would attempt to warm up with the big girls and she tried to move like they did. It was adorable.



Joshua and I were photographers at dress rehearsel. He brought his little plastic camera which isn't one really. He said he charged it and that it was ready to go. So, when I would take a picture, he would as well. Sometimes he would exclaim that he took a really good one and then he would show me. What a great imagination!

Recently, he asked Joel how God washes his clothes. And tonight while in the bathtub he was asking me if alligators eat fish. I answered him and then he asked, "When they burp, do they way excuse me?" I said I wasn't sure but in alligator talk they just might. If then asked, "Do they cover their mouth with their tails?" He even asked this later at the dinner table. He comes up with some good questions, don't you think?

We also finished a 2 week session of swim lessons. Both kids love the water and I think they would swim all the time, if I let them. Joshua has improved much but needs to practice his backstroke. Ruthie has passed to the next level. She will be in level 4 next year. This summer she learned how to dive in and can swim down 11 feet to get the plastic ring. She is amazing. I never learned how to dive, I just couldn't get it.

On the 4th of July, we talked more about why we celebrate this day. That was fun for Joel and I because it gave us the opportunity to talk about freedoms of all kinds. We also talked a little about persecution and being grateful to soldiers. It's so sweet when you hear your little ones singing a patriotic song, even if the words aren't right. I love it! ok, any song for that matter.

We had a gathering at our house in the afternoon and then in the evening we set off to find some firework activity. When we arrived Joel dropped us off and then he went to park the car. The next 5 minutes were probably hilarious to watch. When stepping out of the car I heard that there was going to be a flyover. So, I took out my camera and told the kids to look up. We had a snack with us, drinks, and our chairs. Then the hopping started by all of us! We were quickly notified that we were in ant territory. Whew! did they sting! Joshua panicked, cried, and was hopping around. Ruthie seemed fine, but then she joined in. I was trying to help Joshua and hold my heavy camera. Meanwhile, I was getting bitten, too. The sad thing is we totally missed the flyover. The good thing is we now have a funny memory. Well, it wasn't funny at the time.

When the fireworks started I caught this photo. Ruthie wanted me to take a photo of each and every one. I tried and then on the way home she asked me if I could put them in her photo album. She said she didn't want to ever forget those. Joshua was concerned they were going to break open the sky. I assured him that the sky was much bigger and that it was okay. Joshua then became scared, with time we figured out what was really going on. The loud booms and crackles, etc. were just too much for him. We covered his ears and then he was fine. Oh, he was also very concerned about all of the smoke. He truly is our safety guy. Last year, we didn't get to see any because it was stormy. So, this was another first for them.

Tomorrow is a very special day for us. It is our Readoption Day. I am excited about this and it will truly be memorable. It will be great to stand before a judge as a family. In Russia, it was just Joel and I. Here it will be more of a celebration. I can't wait. Speaking of which I better go and figure out what I am going to wear.