Reading Aloud

I am very proud of the way that Joey is learning to read aloud. Greg claims his 2 minutes of teaching Joey how to "sound it out" is responsible, but I have my doubts. Usually we will sit together and read his basal (reading book) story of the week and also his Accelerated Reader (AR) book for the week. This way I can see the words and how Joey attacks those words. On subsequent days, Joey reads to me from the back seat of the car. My memory stinks, but Joey's stories are short/simple enough that I can remember what he is supposed to be reading. So far this method has proved to work-good grades for Joey, better memory for Mom.
Catechism continues to...work. As a professional teacher, I think I worry more about this. I am not used to being Joey's official teacher for anything. I mean, I know I am supposed to teach him manners, how to get along with others, and other morality lessons, but actually "teaching" my own son? Not something I have ever planned on doing! So far, though it seems to work for us. I am being constantly reminded, however, why I do not teach the lower grade levels. They're sweet, but...wow, that attention span!
Greg asked me why I bother blogging. Do I really have that high an opinion of myself? Do I think people care what I/we are doing? Quite frankly, none of those reasons explain my need for blogging. I love to write, and whether or not I am good at it, this allows me to creatively (or not) express myself. In the meantime, this specific blog also allows me to communicate with people with whom it may not otherwise be easy to do so. If you want to know what we(I) feel is important, read this. If not, log off now!

Going to the Dogs!

Greg's side of the family is really going to the dogs:) After losing much-loved pets, both Carole and Lois recently added to their respective families. Carole's new puppy Maggie Mae resembles her predecessor Max according to Greg. If that's in temperament as well as looks, then all is well. Lucy Lou, Lois's new puppy, even likes Barnaby and doesn't chew gas lines. It's looking good for the newest members of the family!

We went to a Halloween party last night-our first costume party of the season. Joey created his own "Freaky Bug" costume with three eyes (five if you count his own). He was very careful to conjure a costume that might be freaky, but wouldn't freak out Jay. I, on the other hand, DID freak out Jay-at least when he first woke up to a creature out of Dawn of the Dead (in my dreams). Okay, so I was going for the Goth girl/zombie/fashion victim look...Some called me Death. I also managed to "freak" out my six year old! Always an accomplishment! At least I tried, unlike my husband the Hawaiian (take an Irish/German/Polish dude with a tan, throw on a Hawaiian shirt, a shark necklace, and some shorts-you get the picture).

For those of you who think teachers have it easy, let me explain how I spent my Sunday (besides blogging). Writing lesson plans...1 hour. Grading papers...2 hours. Dreaming activities while trying to sleep...priceless! I love when the ideas come at night, at least when I can remember them. Some times though, it does not make for a restful night!

This week I started teaching Joey and a friend (or two) catechism after school. I was really worried about teaching my own son. I know some people do teach their own children, but Joey and I spend A LOT of time together, and I wasn't sure that more time would be quality time. Plus, my job is...teaching! Did I really want to spend my time with Joey doing what I do for a living? Guess what? I loved it and so did he (at least that's what he told ME)! I do love my son AND I do love teaching-maybe it's the best of both worlds.
Anyway, this week we'll continue learning about creation (last week-light, dark, things in the sky; this week-separation of land and sea, maybe the addition of plants). All I know is that there WILL be a craft. The boys tried to patient through the singing (to the tune of "London Bridge") and the reading (a much simplified explanation of scripture), but were way into the craft. We made mobiles of the sun, moon, stars, and clouds:) Searching for crafts on the Internet is very interesting-at least considering the difference in religious components. I need to be very specific which creation theory I am teaching!

The too cute moment of the week was today! Joey loves to help cook, but we haven't been cooking much at our house unless you count frozen pizza:) Trying to use up ingredients that needed some love, Joey and I made potato soup. The cute part? He brought a notebook and patiently wrote down each ingredient so that the next time he could make it himself and I would not have to get out my cookbook. Top Chef anyone?

In soccer, Joey continues to run around with a giant smile on his face as the he and the other players run like a swarm of bees fly, suddenly changing direction but not formation. You can definitely see when Joey begins to run out of steam on the field-the little brute stops throwing elbows!
After waiting for our monarch caterpillar to emerge from its chrysalis, Joey and I took it to the school butterfly garden to release it. On the way out, he couldn't stop giggling because the tiny legs and feelers of the butterfly were tickling him. Unfortunately once we reached the garden and Joey realized it was time to send our butterfly on her way, the tears flowed. This is our second year raising a monarch, but it wasn't any easier for a six year old to let go of a butterfly than it was for his five year old self.

Cub Scouts

This week Joey joined Cub Scouts. He is very excited to be a Tiger Cub. He and Greg attended their first den meeting Monday night during which Greg signed Joey up for several activities. They both came home talking about all of the opportunities!
Joey scored his second goal on Saturday! He stills runs around the field with a big grin on his face-so cute and not aggressive at all.
Greg and Joey have one idea for a Halloween costume; Cindy and Joey have another. Guess who will be expected to execute BOTH ideas:)

Not a Lot

of stuff going on right now! Joey and I are in school. Joey is playing soccer. Greg is flying. Same old, same old.

Goal!

Lots going on. Joey lost his second tooth and hopes the tooth fairy visits tonight. Yesterday Joey played in his second soccer game. For some reason, he spent more time falling than running or kicking. He did much better this week though:) He is a speedy kid, but likes to run at the back of the pack and so has to put on a burst of speed at the end to get to the ball. His kick-ins went in the right direction and he scored his first goal!
Jimmy turned 30 this weekend so we celebrated last night. A good time was had by all.
Greg is flying as I write this-Chicago and Atlanta today!

So Far, So Good

After another week of smokin' hot days, we have a long weekend for Labor Day! Greg's birthday was this past Tuesday so we plan to celebrate this weekend.
So far, Joey loves school and seems to be doing great. He has made some new friends and ridden the bus several times. He is also very into swinging and good behavior. Getting him to actually leave is the hardest part right now.