Still Wallowing in the Muck

...of self-doubt that is.  We were off to a slow start today as the Things fought and fought and fought.  It all started with the crisis of the last nectarine at breakfast (which was given to Thing 2 who happened to wake up earlier than Thing 1) and spiraled rapidly down from there.  Luckily, the star chart at school kept the Things (mostly) on their best behavior.

My intention had been to start a dolphin lapbook today (a link forwarded to me by a veteran homeschooling friend).  We didn't quite get there, although I have all the materials printed and ready to go.  Instead, I did some math and spelling with Thing 1 while Thing 2 did some cutting.  Turns out Thing 2 has quite a penchant (and a talent) for cutting.  He even rivals Thing 1.


For her part, Thing 1 (4th grade) tested into 9th/10th grade spelling, and (humble as she is) she positively glowed over it.  I think I need to look into spelling bees for her, but a preliminary search didn't yield much.  I'll keep digging.


We also launched our running club today - woohoo!  We each logged 2 miles (4 laps around our block).  For each mile, we earn one of these little cuties which goes on a necklace.  At first I had thought we'd do 2 sessions a week, but I think we'll limit it to Fridays only, weather permitting, to keep the running flame alive.

After a brief reconnaissance mission to the library for dolphin materials, we ate lunch and then, at the request of Thing 2, launched into our science experiment for the day - magnets.  If the kids could name a highlight of the day, this might be it.  They must have played for 45 minutes with magnets, starting at our little school table, and then running all over the house to test things.  They also played a fishing game to which T.S. Geisel himself would have given the seal of approval.  (See pictures below.)

Tomorrow, my friend and homeschool guru  (same one who suggested the dolphin lapbook) is coming over to rescue me from my impending newbie meltdown.  I know I can do this;  it's just going to take hard work and dedication and a whole lot of faith.

Overall, my assessment of the day is that we thrived for parts of it and survived the rest of it (perhaps homeschooling is yet another metaphor for life).

Peace, light, & love to all.  May gratitude for the little things carry you (and me!) through the rest of it.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 fish for fish in a dish with magnets.
Dr. Seuss would be proud!  (Please disregard that the
dish is actually a cardboard box.) 

more fun with magnets