No one wants to hear that people think they are parenting wrong. But it is especially painful and irritating when you have thought, studied, prayed, discussed with family and friends and done everything else you can think of before finalizing your decision and then you're told you don't know what you're doing, you're going to hurt your kid or that everything you've done is in vain because you are wrong anyways.
I am pretty sure all of my readers know by now, but next month Vinny is starting school. But he will not be going to a brick and mortar school with standard classes, he will be attending Connections Academy; an on-line charter school program.
We started looking into this option a year ago because Vinny seemed so far ahead of other kids his age. We looked into it and found that in Oregon, barring absolute genius IQ, a child cannot legally start school until they are 5 years old. While this was a disappointment, we took it upon ourselves to start his education anyways, through a very simplified home school process. It wasn't daily, but we tried to focus his life around learning even more than he already had on his own.
We spent the next year researching on-line charter, home school and standard school options for the 12-13 school year. Nothing looked right to us except CA. We found out what Vinny was expected to know before or learn during Kindergarten and we were shocked. He was well beyond what they said he should know AFTER his first year.
So I did what any parent would, I looked into a placement test, to see if I was just overly proud of son or if he really was that far ahead. According to the placement test, his knowledge is equivalent to about half way through the 1st grade already.
Now, in Oregon, he cannot legally be a 1st grader until he is 6. So public school was out as option as I knew that even with the best teachers, he would grow bored and likely stagnate. Home school was never really on our minds as I was not the best student and focusing can be hard for me with all I have going on right now.
So after all that, we decided, proudly and without hesitation, that we would enroll him in CA this year. While he is legally a kindergartener, all the work they sent us is at a 1st grade level. We got it 2 1/2 weeks ago and he is already 3 weeks into the work books and other non PC material. And school doesn't even for start in 3 weeks. And he is loving it!
But the reason I am writing this is not to brag, or even detail the process. It is to educate others on my choice. Despite feeling like we put a lot of effort into this choice and knowing it's what's best for Vinny, we have received a lot of negativity from people. People who seem to also be sorely misinformed on the school and programs, yet feel they have a right to berate me for it anyways.
Now, not everyone has been nasty, some, like my Mom, seemed to think this was just home school. But it is not, I am not the teacher, more like a teacher's aid. Vinny has a real teacher who teaches him and about 20-30 other kids, he will use video and audio to communicate with her. She will check his work and relay any possible issues to me. I will mark his attendance, but they will check is on-line time to be sure. He will be graded, he will have real work. Heck, we got a huge box of books and workbooks that are the same brand Salem-Keizer Schools use.
My Mom was also worried about Vinny's social interactions (hence the title of this post) as were many others. But CA worries about their social growth as well. They will gather on-line together, have filed trips together and class projects and assignments. They encourage kids working together in group settings.
Exercise was also an expressed concern. We were shipped a kids yoga DVD and a jump rope and I can assure you (as can my floors) that even in the dead of winter, this kid does not lack activity.
The worst things came from others. In an argument, after expressing the reasons I have listed here, someone said, "None of that matters. None of that makes me think you know better than the teachers." Which told me they knew nothing about CA and it's programs, and they clearly didn't truly listen to a word I had to say. They had made of their opinion based on whatever they had heard and chose to judge me and my parenting on that alone. I was told by others that I would stunt him socially, that I was making him an idiot. That I was a moron for even considering it.
But the very worst I heard was not directed at me. Another mom who's son will be in the 1st grade class with Vinny, was threaten by her ex-husband. He threaten to seek sole custody of their kids if she enrolled them. He didn't research, he didn't think it through, he jumped the gun and hurt her and their kids who are excited about this school year.
The reason I am putting this out there is not to bash anyone or attack anyone, but to enlighten people on this choice and let people know that there are other options. If you want to know more, or doubt what I say, visit their site, request a brochure, go to a info event. Please, educate yourselves before thinking that I or anyone else is making the wrong call.
He is my son, and I want what is best for him. And that is what I am doing.
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/home.aspx
(P.s My Mom is on board now, FYI, and it's all good. Or I never would have listed who it was I talked to!)
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
I swear I didn't die!
Wow, it's been awhile since I visited you all. I guess I have just been REALLY busy. But I am back, at least for now!
To update all y'all:
Vinny is officially starting Kindergarten with Oregon Connections Academy this year. He is going to be starting with 1st grade work after he flew by the Kindergarten placement test. I mean FLEW by.
He is also almost done with his swim lessons this summer, which he rocked! The past 2 years have been a struggle. We were so excited last year when right near the end of a month of lessons he finally started doing bobs and letting go of the wall. This year he is working the kick board, practicing arm strokes and kicking of the wall and "swimming" (arms and legs going at the same time with face in the water) for about 4 feet. We are just so happy he is finally getting the hang of it and enjoying it for once! We are really proud of him.
William is talking like a crazy person (literally) and learning more and more each day. He is learning to count to 10 and does it about 40% of the time, but like any toddler, he often skips numbers or repeats them.
The little bug is also having something akin to Night Terrors, we think it's because he's stopped taking naps and is too exhausted at bed time so we are going to have to start forcing naps again, which bites, but it's better than what he is going through.
Dan got a new job with the state, which is good for the wallet but a pain for my day. He works until 5pm now so I am the only one at the shop 4 days a week. It's only 6 hours, but when you have been working 4 hours or less for 3 years, then it's a drag, at least for awhile.
But he is rocking the job, only 2 weeks in and he has proven himself a hard worker, a smart worker and someone they want to keep around! Which makes me proud.
Then there is me. I haven't lost the weight I have wanted, I am going to be one of the last to finish the Triathlon this Saturday and I am not feeling the heat. Ugh.
But on a good note, we have been going on a trail walk/hike every Monday as a family and it has helped my jogging stamina. We also have been eating better and working on filling healthy meals but it's hard when Dan thinks that carrots, peas, corn and iceberg lettuce are the only vegetables worth eating. We are trying to convert him.
But that is an update on the family and life. I will be trying to get back onto this more often, but I have no idea when I will have the time come school. I thought my life was busy BEFORE I had to keep Vinny on task with school. I think I am in for a shock.
To update all y'all:
Vinny is officially starting Kindergarten with Oregon Connections Academy this year. He is going to be starting with 1st grade work after he flew by the Kindergarten placement test. I mean FLEW by.
He is also almost done with his swim lessons this summer, which he rocked! The past 2 years have been a struggle. We were so excited last year when right near the end of a month of lessons he finally started doing bobs and letting go of the wall. This year he is working the kick board, practicing arm strokes and kicking of the wall and "swimming" (arms and legs going at the same time with face in the water) for about 4 feet. We are just so happy he is finally getting the hang of it and enjoying it for once! We are really proud of him.
William is talking like a crazy person (literally) and learning more and more each day. He is learning to count to 10 and does it about 40% of the time, but like any toddler, he often skips numbers or repeats them.
The little bug is also having something akin to Night Terrors, we think it's because he's stopped taking naps and is too exhausted at bed time so we are going to have to start forcing naps again, which bites, but it's better than what he is going through.
Dan got a new job with the state, which is good for the wallet but a pain for my day. He works until 5pm now so I am the only one at the shop 4 days a week. It's only 6 hours, but when you have been working 4 hours or less for 3 years, then it's a drag, at least for awhile.
But he is rocking the job, only 2 weeks in and he has proven himself a hard worker, a smart worker and someone they want to keep around! Which makes me proud.
Then there is me. I haven't lost the weight I have wanted, I am going to be one of the last to finish the Triathlon this Saturday and I am not feeling the heat. Ugh.
But on a good note, we have been going on a trail walk/hike every Monday as a family and it has helped my jogging stamina. We also have been eating better and working on filling healthy meals but it's hard when Dan thinks that carrots, peas, corn and iceberg lettuce are the only vegetables worth eating. We are trying to convert him.
But that is an update on the family and life. I will be trying to get back onto this more often, but I have no idea when I will have the time come school. I thought my life was busy BEFORE I had to keep Vinny on task with school. I think I am in for a shock.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Potty Time!
So we started a more serious line of potty training today. Underpants.
I decided since Will has never really cared about being wet or dirty, and Vinny never did either, I needed to start on underpants for some time every day. We started this morning.
About 20 minutes after I put him in them (having had him sit on the potty for a bit first) I came into the room and found he had tried to pull his pants off, but the ankle part was still on his feet and the rest we dragging behind, he was also walking bowlegged looking down. When he saw me he pointed to the underwear and grunted uncomfortably.
I guess my idea worked because he didn't like being wet when it was all down his legs. I stuck him on the potty right away and he peed a little bit more so he got to celebrate going potty in the potty! I think he might actually connected the 2 if we keep this up.
So moms out there, any other ideas that might help? I looked up some potty training in a weekend ideas but most suggest letting them be naked so they notice or as a reward, but my boys HATE being naked so I don't think that will work very well. Any advice would be appreciated!
I decided since Will has never really cared about being wet or dirty, and Vinny never did either, I needed to start on underpants for some time every day. We started this morning.
About 20 minutes after I put him in them (having had him sit on the potty for a bit first) I came into the room and found he had tried to pull his pants off, but the ankle part was still on his feet and the rest we dragging behind, he was also walking bowlegged looking down. When he saw me he pointed to the underwear and grunted uncomfortably.
I guess my idea worked because he didn't like being wet when it was all down his legs. I stuck him on the potty right away and he peed a little bit more so he got to celebrate going potty in the potty! I think he might actually connected the 2 if we keep this up.So moms out there, any other ideas that might help? I looked up some potty training in a weekend ideas but most suggest letting them be naked so they notice or as a reward, but my boys HATE being naked so I don't think that will work very well. Any advice would be appreciated!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Rights
I keep hearing about this "war on women" that conservatives (like myself) are waging. And it gets me a little flustered. I am a woman and a conservative and I don't feel like any part of me is waging war against any other part of me.
Which gets me onto another subject: Rights.
While I agree that women have a right to use birth control, should they want to, I don't feel they have a right to it as professed by many loud liberals lately. (alteration much?)
A right to life doesn't mean the government is responsible with providing your life, a right to happiness does not mean the government needs to make you happy. A right to arms does not mean the government must give you a gun on your 18th birthday. So why is that people today think that a right to food/birth control/jobs/healthcare means that the government should be providing it for you?
A right is something the government cannot take away, a right is something that should you desire, it is within your power, through your effort, to obtain. I have the right to free speech, should I choose to clam up and live in solitude never uttering another word to another person I still have that right, though I don't have to exercise it.
People seem to think something more is owed to them simply for existing, and that it is the government's job to provide it if they cannot/will not get it themselves. A co-worker of Dan's complained that her meth using son could not (while using) provide for his food or food for his children, stating food is a right and they should be able to get it from the government.
Food is a right? Well, yes, government has no place denying you food, but they have no responsibility to provide it for you either. Individuals are welcome to help one another, and I don't have an issue with providing temporary aid to tax paying citizen who may fall on hard times, the key here is "temporary". Generations on welfare are a sure sign of national and governmental failure that spans decades.
As a nation we are giving up our responsibilities to ourselves and our families in favor of these so called "rights". But to get those rights, we must give up those that truly matter. I for one do not enjoy the idea of giving up my right to liberty in favor of a government hand out.
Which gets me onto another subject: Rights.
While I agree that women have a right to use birth control, should they want to, I don't feel they have a right to it as professed by many loud liberals lately. (alteration much?)
A right to life doesn't mean the government is responsible with providing your life, a right to happiness does not mean the government needs to make you happy. A right to arms does not mean the government must give you a gun on your 18th birthday. So why is that people today think that a right to food/birth control/jobs/healthcare means that the government should be providing it for you?
A right is something the government cannot take away, a right is something that should you desire, it is within your power, through your effort, to obtain. I have the right to free speech, should I choose to clam up and live in solitude never uttering another word to another person I still have that right, though I don't have to exercise it.
People seem to think something more is owed to them simply for existing, and that it is the government's job to provide it if they cannot/will not get it themselves. A co-worker of Dan's complained that her meth using son could not (while using) provide for his food or food for his children, stating food is a right and they should be able to get it from the government.
Food is a right? Well, yes, government has no place denying you food, but they have no responsibility to provide it for you either. Individuals are welcome to help one another, and I don't have an issue with providing temporary aid to tax paying citizen who may fall on hard times, the key here is "temporary". Generations on welfare are a sure sign of national and governmental failure that spans decades.
As a nation we are giving up our responsibilities to ourselves and our families in favor of these so called "rights". But to get those rights, we must give up those that truly matter. I for one do not enjoy the idea of giving up my right to liberty in favor of a government hand out.
Monday, March 12, 2012
A clean home
Okay, so we have all read the lessons, articles and blogs about how much better life is with a clean home. It used to get under my skin because my home wasn't what it should be. It was always a mess. Even if it looked clean for a party or something, there was always some back corner where I dumped everything that didn't have a home. But not anymore!
On December 23rd, 2011 we finished our den, by the next day we were mostly moved in. On the 26th we painted and arranged Vinny's room and had him moved in the next day. Everyone was finally in their place. But not the things.
We started (Dan's idea) to take everything out of the rooms that didn't belong and we put them into the front room. Needless to say it's been a disaster for months, but slowly and surely I got each room cleaned. Including drawers and cupboards, shelves and bins until the only major mess was our living room/dinning room.
Well my Grandma Joy was coming into town this week and I wanted her to see the amazing den that my dad helped us design and bring together. But I couldn't have her see that mess of a room. So I knuckled down this last week and plowed through the mess until, miracles of miracles, my house is finally a home.
Do you have any idea how good it feels to take over 10 car loads to goodwill or to other people who need it? 10 car loads NOT IN MY HOUSE ANYMORE!!!
My boys rooms are clean, everything has a place. Vinny even has a study corner with his own desk to work on "homework".
We can eat together at the DINNER table, not the coffee table. We have a great room out front for the kids to play in and watch TV and movies, we have an awesome den for hanging out. We have a laundry room where is there is more laundry in the washer and dryer than on the floor (pathetic, I know).
The only things left are sorting Vinny's old clothes into storage for Will, our bedroom and Will's closet (full of clothes he is going to fit in soon) Little jobs I can take one day at a time.
I have been so relaxed today, knowing I have some work to do when I get home, but no big messing, nothing crazy. It is amazing how calm and relaxed I feel. And coming into good weather (hopefully soon!) I will be able to get out and work in my yard, which has been severely neglected for the piles of housework over the years. I will have time to go out and get work done and make it the yard I want to spend time in.
And to keep up with this, I made a calender with scheduled days for certain tasks like laundry, sweeping, dusting, etc. I have systems in place to help the kids clean up after themselves to save me extra work. It is just so wonderful to feel this way.
I will NOT let myself go back to what my home used to be!
On December 23rd, 2011 we finished our den, by the next day we were mostly moved in. On the 26th we painted and arranged Vinny's room and had him moved in the next day. Everyone was finally in their place. But not the things.
We started (Dan's idea) to take everything out of the rooms that didn't belong and we put them into the front room. Needless to say it's been a disaster for months, but slowly and surely I got each room cleaned. Including drawers and cupboards, shelves and bins until the only major mess was our living room/dinning room.
Well my Grandma Joy was coming into town this week and I wanted her to see the amazing den that my dad helped us design and bring together. But I couldn't have her see that mess of a room. So I knuckled down this last week and plowed through the mess until, miracles of miracles, my house is finally a home.
Do you have any idea how good it feels to take over 10 car loads to goodwill or to other people who need it? 10 car loads NOT IN MY HOUSE ANYMORE!!!
My boys rooms are clean, everything has a place. Vinny even has a study corner with his own desk to work on "homework".
We can eat together at the DINNER table, not the coffee table. We have a great room out front for the kids to play in and watch TV and movies, we have an awesome den for hanging out. We have a laundry room where is there is more laundry in the washer and dryer than on the floor (pathetic, I know).
The only things left are sorting Vinny's old clothes into storage for Will, our bedroom and Will's closet (full of clothes he is going to fit in soon) Little jobs I can take one day at a time.
I have been so relaxed today, knowing I have some work to do when I get home, but no big messing, nothing crazy. It is amazing how calm and relaxed I feel. And coming into good weather (hopefully soon!) I will be able to get out and work in my yard, which has been severely neglected for the piles of housework over the years. I will have time to go out and get work done and make it the yard I want to spend time in.
And to keep up with this, I made a calender with scheduled days for certain tasks like laundry, sweeping, dusting, etc. I have systems in place to help the kids clean up after themselves to save me extra work. It is just so wonderful to feel this way.
I will NOT let myself go back to what my home used to be!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
My Dad is AMAZING!!
That is a 12inch ruler on the bottom.
A tool for every job in every size.
I just feel the need to express how much I love and adore my Dad. He is the best Dad EVER (sorry, but it's true. I am sure your dad is awesome as well, but...).
Last week, on Valentine's Day, my car finally succumbed to a leak in the radiator. For awhile we thought it was just a minor steam leak, add a little water in the morning and it was fine. Until that fateful night. We over heated just blocks from home. A gallon of water got us home and I was able to fill it up and get it to my Dad on Wednesday. And every night since, a full week, he has spent his evenings and his 3 day weekend working on my car.
We replaced the radiator but then it wouldn't start. My Dad pulled out (carefully) part after part after part until he found the issue, a damaged head gasket. He ordered all the parts, paid for them himself, allowing us to pay him back when the final price is known.
Last night he carefully reassembled it all. Loving explaining all the parts as I did my best to "help" him. I'm not sure how much help I really was. There is one last electrical connector to plug in and an air filter to be replaced, but for a man who heads to bed at 9 on weekends, 9:30pm was just too late to continue.
And this is just the latest example of his greatness. He spent countless weekends and evening helping us turn our garage into a warm, cozy den. He helped design and build our 48ft bench at our shop. He insulated, dry walled and painting the inner walls at our shop "family room", he originally helped us make our garage into our first shop. I cannot tell you how many times he has helped with backed up drains, broken lights, yard issues, car after car after car... And this is just for Dan and I in the last year.
He recently spent a few hours at my mother-in-laws when her heater broke, finding it was just a little wire that had come loose, saving her who knows how much from someone more eager to replace the system then repair the issue. She was so grateful she sent him a little something to take my mom out with. He kept the card, told her how much he appreciated the thought, then returned the money, saying he doesn't do it for payment.
Anyone who has grown up around my Dad, in church or the neighborhood, knows how hard he works to help and serve others. He is always willing to help and always there when you need him.
He taught me how to cook, change a tire, change my breaks out (I still get his help though) how to garden and more. The most important thing he's taught me is to think an issue through. Do research, don't just throw money at a problem, there is almost always a way to fix it yourself or with a little help.
I know I call on him for help so much, and he is always willing to help me. He's taken tools all the way to Seattle to help my sister with her home. He goes on vacation to visit family and without so much as a grumble helps fix those little things around the house that our relatives need.
If you don't know my Dad, I am sorry. He is a WONDERFUL man to know. I can never thank him enough for all he has selflessly done for me. He is my Daddy. And I love him.
Monday, January 30, 2012
I AM
So, I came about this idea in a very random and round about way. Watching Bruce Campbell talk about Burn Notice. Thinking about the god of awesome (AKA Campbell) and his tasty co star Jeffery Donovan made me feel like a teenager again when I was crushing on every other TV star. Long story short, I started thinking about where I thought I would be by now and where I want to be in the future. So I decided to commit to an "I am" piece like we did in 8th grade.
I AM
Beautiful
Smart
Random
Odd
Special
Sexy
Lovable
A good mom
Funny
Social
Kind
Hopeful
Excited
A dreamer
Different
Busy
I Will Be
Healthy
Sexy
Helpful
Spiritual
Kind
A good teacher
Active
The best mother I can be
Playful
Loving
A hard worker
Musical
Wise
Beautiful
Smart
Random
Odd
Special
Sexy
Lovable
A good mom
Funny
Social
Kind
Hopeful
Excited
A dreamer
Different
Busy
I Will Be
Healthy
Sexy
Helpful
Spiritual
Kind
A good teacher
Active
The best mother I can be
Playful
Loving
A hard worker
Musical
Wise
I would challenge all of you (all four) to write one of these yourselves, on Facebook, your blog, in your journal, wherever. Focus on what you are proud of in yourself and what you want to be without thinking too much on how you are not yet. It is empowering and fun.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Snow daze
It has been so hard to get any work done that last few days. With the cold snowy weather, being kept inside (I WILL NOT drive in the snow. Period.) I have been struggling to have ANY drive to get work done. I just want to lie on the couch and watch old movies.
The weekend itself ended up being great. Our friend was over Saturday night when things started freezing over so we had her spend the night. It was a blast. I haven't had a sleep over in ages! So much fun!
But come Monday I was tired and lethargic. Yesterday wasn't much better. I hope having it all clear out is going to help me. But who knows.
On a different note, William is adding more and more words to his vocabulary. He also loves singing. Normally nonsense but his favorite is "Open, shut them"
Open, shut them, open shut them (open and shut your hands)
Give a little clap, clap, clap (clap your hands)
Open, shut them, open shut them (open and shut your hands)
Fold them in your lap, lap, lap (fold arms)
He will do all the actions and sing the words. It's so darling to watch him because he is so excited and proud to have done it. He is communicating better every day. I am so proud of the little nut.
The weekend itself ended up being great. Our friend was over Saturday night when things started freezing over so we had her spend the night. It was a blast. I haven't had a sleep over in ages! So much fun!
But come Monday I was tired and lethargic. Yesterday wasn't much better. I hope having it all clear out is going to help me. But who knows.
On a different note, William is adding more and more words to his vocabulary. He also loves singing. Normally nonsense but his favorite is "Open, shut them"
Open, shut them, open shut them (open and shut your hands)
Give a little clap, clap, clap (clap your hands)
Open, shut them, open shut them (open and shut your hands)
Fold them in your lap, lap, lap (fold arms)
He will do all the actions and sing the words. It's so darling to watch him because he is so excited and proud to have done it. He is communicating better every day. I am so proud of the little nut.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Get Healthy
So as any of you who read my last post know, I have some weight loss goals this year (who doesn't). So I was very excited to find out about a multi-Ward (church for those non-Mormons out there) Triathlon! It is going to be in June or July, I can't remember, but we are going to be building up to it by training together and trying to help each other as relief society sisters.
I am really happy about this because it is always easier to do with a set goal in mind and with the help and support of others working along the same path. I can't wait to get to participate.
The only issue I have with the whole thing is that I will have to run (my least favorite of the tri) because my bike is falling apart and I have no place to practice swimming. But that is fine. I will get into shape, work hard and hopefully meet my minimum 20lbs lost by July 1st!
Also, anyone in the Salem area who is not in the wards participating or not a member are more than welcome to join in. It's all about getting and staying healthy and enjoying life!
I am really happy about this because it is always easier to do with a set goal in mind and with the help and support of others working along the same path. I can't wait to get to participate.
The only issue I have with the whole thing is that I will have to run (my least favorite of the tri) because my bike is falling apart and I have no place to practice swimming. But that is fine. I will get into shape, work hard and hopefully meet my minimum 20lbs lost by July 1st!
Also, anyone in the Salem area who is not in the wards participating or not a member are more than welcome to join in. It's all about getting and staying healthy and enjoying life!
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