Friday, November 23, 2012

Do You Like Pumkin Pie?

Happy Thanksgiving! Who likes pie? I figured I would bring reading, writing, math, and science into the kitchen and teach the boys how to make pumpkin pie. I gave each of them $5 with clear instructions to find pumpkin pie makings that were on their lists, and took them to the store to gather our ingredients. When we got back, I asked Turbo to conduct a survey of who likes Pumpkin Pie. After he created his presentation, we set to work on making a pumpkin pie. While reading the recipe, both boys made a pumpkin pie and put it into the oven to bake: it smelled heavenly. Then I asked Turbo to write down how to make a pumpkin pie; basically write a recipe on how to make it. He did very well...surprisingly for a boy who doesn't like to write!

Time To ReTHunk some things...

This past year has really been a struggle for Turbo. This kid is a challenge every second of every day. I sometimes wonder why God bestowed upon us this boy the way He did. I keep telling myself that I'm the best mom for him, I'm the best mom for him...that he is a BLESSING!!!! Like Dory...Just keep swimming, just keep swimming... As we neared the end of 1st grade a half of a semester early, we realized that Aidan and I were struggling... A LOT...with Connections Academy. It is a great program and curriculum but definitely not for an ACTIVE young boy. We will finish out the rest of the year (2012) and without getting too much into our decision, we will begin schooling him a different way in 2013. With friends who have been in the Homeschooling "Business" a long time at my side, we will tackle this year with a new definition of school for this guy. On the same note, Tank is still in Preschool and loves it. His vocabulary has improved dramatically and his ability to communicate without grunts is a dream come true. I can honestly say for the first time, this kid can look at me and say, "I Love You" and I understand it...more importantly, so do other people! That is pretty much the best present I could ever get! He will be re-evaluated in June to see if he qualifies for another year of preschool, I pray that he does, really...Preschool and therapy have proven to be the best thing for Tank. So as we enter into the Holiday season, we have returned to our original goals of homeschooling and will pursue this for the rest of the school year...only to ReTHunk again in the summer. Gotta love change...