No Idols Here

We watched the newly released DVD of Curious George tonight. In one of the scenes the Man in the Yellow Hat suggests trying to find the lost idol of Zagawa in order to save his museum from closure. Ryan turned and looked at me aghast asking, "Some people make idols?" I explained that some people did and they worshiped them too. He sensibly said, "But we don't because we want to obey God." It's encouraging to know that memorizing the 10 Commandments wasn't a superficial act, but that he's actually understanding and applying what he learned! I spent most of the day today reminding each of the kids to talk nicely to each other (even banning Ryan from talking for part of the day!) and felt a little frustrated at how they were behaving. It was so encouraging to hear this comment and to be reminded that little by little some good things ARE taking root.

Kindergarten

After a two-week break, Ryan started Kindergarten this week. It was not an organized start to the school year, but we managed to get five days of school in despite a sick little girl and lack of planning on Mommy's part.

Ryan is excited to be in Kindergarten, though he doesn't really know what that means. We're beginning this year with math worksheets, copywork, and reading McGuffey's First Reader. It's mostly review this first week to ease back into the routine of school.

Mr. Independence

When Gramie and Granpa came for my birthday in July we ate out a lot, and every morning Ryan had French Toast. That was the first time he seriously made an attempt at cutting his own food, and he did a fair job of it. But this morning while we were eating (French Toast again) breakfast, he decided he was big enough to cut his own food. He did a great job! There's not much left that I need to do for my little boy. He's so independent. He's learning to tie his shoes, so that's the next things he'll master. It's such a great feeling watching them gain independence, but at the same time, I still like it when he needs me!

Feeling Neglected

The last couple days we have been really focused on Abigail and her needs, and I think Ryan has been feeling a little neglected. In addition to not having his playmate around, Mommy and Daddy have been doing little more than holding Abby all day since Saturday. Then yesterday we were really focused on her and her doctor, trying to get all the information we needed to monitor her blood sugar.

So today I took him back into our room and asked him what he wanted to do. He didn't really answer so I asked him if he wanted me to read him some books. His face lit up, and he enthusiastically said, "Yeah!" So he went and got a dozen books, and for almost an hour we sat together and read his library books. Afterwards he thanked me and seemed to be in better spirits.

As a side note, Friday Ryan got Daddy's undivided attention for about five hours. He and Daddy went fishing, and Ryan did fantastically!

Weird Kid...Just Like His Mother

In addition to cleaning all of our windows, today I cleaned out and organized the kids toys and closets. I started in Abby's room, and Ryan kept running in, jumping up and down, begging me to come do his room! He loves to organize, just like his Mommy. Finally I got to his room, and we weeded through toys and games and clothes, and it is organized. So he's happy and I'm happy.

Preschool Presentation

Our homeschool year came to a close today, and Ryan did a little presentation for Daddy to show him some of the things he has learned this year during preschool.  He did the Pledge of Allegiance, sang some songs, showed a sample of his printing, recited some scripture, read a selection from his reader, etc.  Ryan enjoyed it, I think, and I know Daddy and I did.  Afterwards we had cupcakes, and Ryan showed Daddy his school folder full of all the worksheets and things he's done this school year.



He is so excited about being a kindergartener next school year, but he is also excited about the two-week break we're taking!  We will begin back with school on the 18th of September, and it's hard to believe we'll be schooling for the whole year this time around.  It's also hard to believe I have a kindergartener in our home, albeit, one younger than most.



I am so proud of Ryan!  Though he doesn't always have a great attitude, he is learning to be diligent (he can be done with school in 45 minutes if he's diligent!).  He's learned lots of math facts, his writing has improved tremendously, and I estimate that he is reading on about an upper 1st or lower 2nd grade level!

Finishing Preschool

Our homeschool year came to a close last week, and Ryan did a little presentation for Daddy to show him some of the things he has learned this year. I posted more news and some video on my homeschool blog, if you're interested in reading more and seeing him recite some poetry or say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Daddy Time

This weekend we decided to spend some one-on-one time with each of the children. Daddy took Ryan fishing on Friday morning while Mommy spent time alone with Abigail. Unfortunately Ryan and Daddy didn't catch any fish, but they had a good time being together.