Homework Help

In a past lifetime, at least sometimes its seems like one, I was a teacher. I can't believe it's been 6 years since I last stepped foot on school as a teacher. As the school year is now in full swing, I've heard many of my friends have some choice words for homework time. I very rarely offer my "teacher" opinion, since they are talking to me as a friends and not as a teacher. But, I figured I'd offer a few things to try out through the blog. Homework has been pretty seamless around here. Some of that has to do with Bailey loving it, some has to do with our routine. Here are a few suggestions to try out if you are dreading homework time.

1. The area

Setting up a homework area is critical. If you don't have a table/chairs or desk, the kitchen table or dining room area will do. But be consistent with where you do homework. If you're constantly searching for a spot, you've already wasted time they will be able to concentrate.

2. Routine

A must. Bailey and I walk home, everyone has a snack, then Raif has his nap. This gives me time to spend alone with Bailey and really concentrate on her homework. If you don't have a napper, then some quiet time or some other quiet activity will do, with the caveat that you are not to be interrupted.

3. Don't push it!

Most elementary schools are giving out weekly homework packets. This offers some flexibility on how you do homework. For instance, Bailey was so exhausted the other day, we finished 3/4 of her math papers, and then stopped. I knew she was too tired to concentrate, so we finished the other paper the next day. No biggie.

4. Read ahead.

I know, I know. It's not your homework. But, if you read ahead all the directions, you will know how to direct your child, and you will get any additional things you might need before you sit down. Again, this gets rid of any unnecessary distractions or getting up that would interrupt homework time.

5. The Stuff

If you walk into a classroom, a good teacher will have everything a student needs accessible, without having to get up every 5 seconds. The same should be for at home. This is Bailey's homework tray. In it are pencils, a box of crayons, scissors, erasers, glue, glue sticks, a ruler, index cards, marker (for me), counters for math time, and her homework folder. This stuff is only to be used for homework time, so none of it is misplaced and we don't EVER have to go searching for it during homework time.

6. Make it their own

Bailey had to decorate a box for her books she brings home from school. She also helped me organize the "stuff" as to where it should go. By making it their own, 1. They know where the stuff is. 2. They feel grown-up about making the decisions 3. It just seems more fun

Now, I might have organized it a bit differently, but hey, it's not my homework, it's hers.

Hope this helps. Happy Homework Time!

True Friends

What is a true friend?

As you grow older, you often ponder this question. I've never been the type of person who has a million friends. I have a few close friends, and I'm fine with that. My sister, my mom and dad, and my husband are at the top of that list. I do so much with each of them.

Take for instance, today, my sister and I had a pedicure, mindless shopping, and a late afternoon lunch. No reason for this event, we just hadn't had one in a while and we needed it.

My husband and I had great conversation last night, a great dinner, put the kids to bed early, and had more great conversation.

My mom and dad are gone on vacation, I miss them both, and can't wait to talk to them until the next port on their cruise. Hearing about their fun adventures.

And then tonight, I texted our dear friends, our true friends. They had no dinner plans, we didn't either. So, we had dinner. There were no pictures taken. No fancy shmancy-ness for the blog. It was just a fun evening. The kids played, while the adults ate. Then the kids ate, and the adults drank.

A PERFECT evening with true friends. The friends you can call up, tell them to bring what's in the fridge, change the menu, then change it again. You can come in your sweats, or not. No one cares, because that's what true friends are all about. You can be yourself, no strings attached.

I just love those types of days. Hanging out with friends. Great conversations. I hope you are enjoying your weekend with some of your true friends.

Pumpkin Patch 2011

Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch was so much fun. The kids rode so many more rides, and Bailey got to play with some of her new school friends. Due to the rain, the pumpkin patch fundraiser through Bailey's school was delayed a day, which meant Colby got to come with us! There was a chill in the air, I got to wear my new boots and sweater. Fall is officially here!

Family photo
My kiddos and me

Daddy with his little pumpkins

Being a little silly

Bailey and Raif

Spinning around, I think Raif was chillin'

Vroom, vroom!

I'm not sure what the licking of the lips means...

Stretch, Raif!

How Did She Get So Big?

Each October, we go to the pumpkin patch. Bailey's first trip to the pumpkin patch was while we were in San Diego. Subsequent years have all been at Pa's Pumpkin Patch, just minutes from our house. It has been our tradition to go as a family, but this year was a bit different. Bailey's school holds a fundraiser at Pa's, over half the school attends. Bailey rode lots of rides with us, but she also went off with some of her new friends, by herself. A big step for a baby who used to cry every time I left her. I'm a bit sad, those days gone...but more excited for these new adventures. I found this picture of Bailey's first trip to the pumpkin patch, I can't believe how grown-up she looks now!

October 2006
October 2011

Buccaneer Days 2011

We went this past weekend for our annual trip to buccaneer days. We had 8 people on our boat, and there were 4 people on Curtis and Yvette's boat, who side-tide with us. Our friends Jami and Dustin also had their boat, and they joined us for our fun. Here are a few pictures of our day and night.

Piratey boat, check!
Pirate flags, check!

Curtis, well, Curtis being Curtis. He always manages to get the party started! Yvette and Laura out on the raft.

Floating on the raft, Colby is "toeing" us in.

The boys got into a friendly competition of trying to cast to the buoys.

Jerry, having fun!

The girls, dressed and ready to go. Yes, Laura is Tinkerbell. Last year her hubby was Peter Pan looking for Captain Hook!

Liz and Jerry

Me and my pirate. Yes, it's a repeat of last year's costume. I ran out of time...

Miles and Tawny

Part of our crew

Ahoy mateys!

Miles was focused on his bird.

Jami and me

Dustin and Jami, I think he was doing a karate kid chop!

Another group photo opp

One more try, I think our photographer was a bit tipsy to try and get all of us in on one shot!

Rob and Laura, it doesn't show up but her costume lit up. We never lost Laura!

Things are going south!

Liz out on the dance floor

Me, Tawny and Jami

Really going south! I have no idea who is standing in front of Colby. Can you see the look of concern on my face?

Colby confiscated the skeleton stick, none of us know from who!

And then Liz stole it from Colby.

On the ride home from the bar.

There were only 4 of us on the boat ride home from the bar, thankfully all were accounted for when we arrived home!

On the boat ride home, Liz taking a snooze

Miles too!

Laura as well.

Tawny took her snooze outside.

Rob had a snooze as well, but I didn't get his picture since he fell asleep after I started taking my nap. Colby and Jerry were the only troopers to stay awake!

The End

Until next year's pirate adventure!

Abigail Iris Library Fundraiser

The Long Beach Public Library Foundations held a fundraiser at a beautiful Long Beach home to host the author's of the children's' book "Abigail Iris." Bailey, my mom and I took Reagan to the event. The girls had a great time decorating book markers, listening to stories, and even got an autograph from the authors.

Bailey and Reagan making cat treats to donate to the animal shelter.
Reagan, Bailey and Cameron making their book markers.

Bailey getting her book autographed.

Reagan's turn

Bailey and Reagan playing on the fun swings.

Reagan seems to be enjoying it!

Reagan and Bailey posing by the poster of Abigail Iris