Two-year-olds are by nature possessive. Bethie is no exception. At the start of our school day, we recite a verse of scripture. We do a different scripture every month. Beth's favorite is the one from January: "All of you are children of the Most High" (Psalms 82:6). She can recite it with very little prompting. One day, Ammon decided to quote all of the scriptures we've learned so far this year. When he recited Psalms 82:6, Bethie got angry. She said, "That MY 'cripture, Ammon." She was very sad and upset.
We always sing before we read the scriptures in the evening. One night, Chris started singing "I am a child of God" with the kids. Bethie had a fit. "That MY I Child God!!!"
Someday Beth will learn about missionary work and sharing the things she loves. Until then, we will allow her to "own" her scripture and her song. There are a lot worse things she could be throwing fits about...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Nathan update
I homeschool, as perhaps you know. When the older kids were 4, I had plenty for them to do and they loved to be a part of school. Nathan is different. He likes to watch movies during school. He refuses to come in to do anything I've prepared for him. On the rare occasion he does come into the school area, he is a MAJOR distraction!!! So, during school he watches educational television, like Kung Fu Panda and Lightning McQueen (which is technically called Cars, but whatever). Anyway...
On Thursday, he participated in our co-op. He was totally and completely into the lesson Lisa taught. It was amazing. On Friday, I decided to do some placement tests so I can know what curriculum he needs for next year. He had so much fun. He kept asking if we could do another math test. He did fairly well on the math--especially considering most of his education has come from Pixar. He is so advanced, they recommended Kindergarten Semester 2! :) Phonics was a lot harder. He recognizes his letters, but doesn't remember how to write them that well. When we got to the writing part, I would say, "Write a Y." He would think for a minute, "Y, Y, Y,... I think I'll write an H." It was pretty funny to me. Needless to say, we will be starting Phonics at Kindergarten Semester 1.
Nathan usually refuses to take a turn "reading" during our family scripture study. But tonight, he was excited about it. I prompted him and he repeated me. I read the phrase, "Only Begotten Son," which he repeated, "only forgotten son." I know it's very irreverent. But it's also funny because he's little and cute.
One more conversation:
Nathan: "I'm just a stupid little boy."
Me: "Why would you say that?"
Nathan: "Because I'm not very cool."
Me: "Why do you think that?"
Nathan: "Because I don't know any martial arts or other cool stuff."
As Napolean taught the world, you definitely need skills to be cool.
On Thursday, he participated in our co-op. He was totally and completely into the lesson Lisa taught. It was amazing. On Friday, I decided to do some placement tests so I can know what curriculum he needs for next year. He had so much fun. He kept asking if we could do another math test. He did fairly well on the math--especially considering most of his education has come from Pixar. He is so advanced, they recommended Kindergarten Semester 2! :) Phonics was a lot harder. He recognizes his letters, but doesn't remember how to write them that well. When we got to the writing part, I would say, "Write a Y." He would think for a minute, "Y, Y, Y,... I think I'll write an H." It was pretty funny to me. Needless to say, we will be starting Phonics at Kindergarten Semester 1.
Nathan usually refuses to take a turn "reading" during our family scripture study. But tonight, he was excited about it. I prompted him and he repeated me. I read the phrase, "Only Begotten Son," which he repeated, "only forgotten son." I know it's very irreverent. But it's also funny because he's little and cute.
One more conversation:
Nathan: "I'm just a stupid little boy."
Me: "Why would you say that?"
Nathan: "Because I'm not very cool."
Me: "Why do you think that?"
Nathan: "Because I don't know any martial arts or other cool stuff."
As Napolean taught the world, you definitely need skills to be cool.
A nice way to spend a Sabbath afternoon...
I love spring time in Salt Lake City. And I love the fact that this last photo was taken right in the heart of the city. We had a really pleasant afternoon walking around Temple Square. On the way home, Nathan said, "I think that was an appropriate way to spend a Sunday." (It's a lot cuter if you can hear how he pronounces appropriate.) And he was right.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Daddy carries breath mints wherever he goes
Bethie woke up this morning (in my bed) crying for Daddy. She cried, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy" over and over until she was fully awake. Then she rolled over to me and said, "I want Daddy." I said, "You want Daddy?" (She likes it when we repeat what she said.) Beth said, "No. I want mints."
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
This is my mom and me. (I'm the one in white...) It seems appropriate to write a little something about my mom today. According to my memory, I never went through a typical teenage stage of disliking or not appreciating my mom. We have always been friends. I count her as one of my closest friends. She has always listened to me and treats me as if what I have to contribute is worthwhile. I appreciate her advice and recognize her wisdom. Her wisdom isn't the sort that comes with age--it's the sort that comes with study and learning. She has spent her life learning new things and she loves to share what she knows. I think that is among the things I admire most about her--her love of education. I am grateful she encouraged us to pursue our education. And I'm grateful she is a teacher--someone who always shares what she learns. Mom is optimistic and positive about people and about life. I love my mom and could go on and on, but I am really trying to shorten my blentries so they are more readable. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!
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