Why Homeschool?

Around Christmas time, Eric, Taylor, Jimmy and I were at Wal-Mart shopping for Christmas. As we were walking down the candy isle, this elderly woman sitting on one of those ride-on carts asked Eric if he could grab her a bag of candy on the top shelf. After he had handed her the candy, Jimmy and Taylor ran up to the woman wanting her to give them some attention as well. The lady asked Taylor where she went to school and what grade she was in. Taylor (who is used to the comments made by many people when they find out she's being homeschooled) looked at me, not knowing what she sould say, so I told the lady she was homeschooled. Silence. I was waiting for the questions, Who am I to think I can teach my child what a certified teacher could teach them? All of a sudden the lady smiled at me and just said, "I think mothers that devote their time to their children are wonderful." We stood and talked to this lady for a few minutes, (until Eric started looking antsy) but I will never forget what she said.

Let me explain to everyone the reasons why we are homeschooling our children:

1. We're homeschooling because we can.
2. We're homeschooling because we love to learn and I love being able to share the world with them as a giant classroom.
3. We're homeschooling because we have been their teachers since birth and I'm not ready to turn the job over to anybody else.
4. We're homeschooling because we love to travel and visit friends and family.
5. We're homeschooling because we frankly love our children and would miss them all day.
6. We're homeschooling because it allows our children to take the lead in what they learn. We
have the freedom to go find tons of books and projects on the things that are interesting to them at that time. This seems like a natural and fun way to learn, and it's how their daddy and I continue to learn.
7. We're homeschooling because it gives us an opportunity to slow down in life and spend real,
daily time with our kids.
8. I believe that homeschooling my kids is one of the greatest gifts I can give them in life.

I wish I would have homeschooled Taylor from the beginning. This has been a very a great experience and I'm looking forward to many more. I will homeschool Jimmy through his elementry years as well. My children will have the decision after that, if they want to go to public middle and high school, we will send them, if not I will keep up with their schooling.

School ratio (teachers per student) 1:30
Our ratio 2:2

If Taylor has problems on a subject, we can stop what we are doing and work on that until she understands. Jimmy has learned a lot from me schooling his big sister and that makes me proud...I did that!

I am not saying that everyone should homeschool, I know not everybody has the patients to do this, but why am I the one who gets all the negative for giving my children one of the best educations they could receive. Eric didn't like the idea at first, but when I asked him to join me when I went to talk to one of the homeschooling groups around Florida, he went and that changed his mind. As we were driving home he told me I better send off the letter to the school board. Eric, as most of you know, is very negative about most things, so after his questions were answered, he felt confident that this was the right thing to do. We have not regretted any of this at all, I am doing what I was meant to do, teaching and guiding my children through their life and I wouldn't change that for the world.

Baby Shopping Once Again

Taylor and I ventured out last night to baby shop. I forgot how fun it is to shop for little ones...all the cute little clothes, booties, shoes, blankets, so cute. I about fell over when I saw how expensive formula has become, why does it cost so much to feed something so small? So much has changed since I was pregnant with Jimmy, I found myself in awe at everything that's out there these days. I have to say, for a newborn there is nothing better than Carter's terry cloth sleepers, they are so cute and look very comfy. Babies R Us is definately making a killing with their prices though, I'm shocked when I see an outfit for a newborn baby that's $39.99, they use less material and jack up the price...why?

I am not going to post what I bought for Izabel Grace, but I picked up some cute bottles, a couple packs of t-shirts, a 6 pack of booties and 2 adorable sleepers for Kiara Rae/Anthony Joseph (which we will call Ki/Tony) to have when he/she finally gets here.

Tay and I had a blast with the shopping and we both found ourselves ooohhhing and awwwwing all over the place. Good ol' girl bonding lol.

A Thank You To My Family

I want to thank everyone for all your help while the kids and I were in Kansas City.

First off, thank you mom for coming down here and driving back with the kids and me, we really enjoyed the time we got to spend with you. I am also thankful for you watching the kids while I worked and when I visited Eric. I love and miss you so much and can't wait until I get to see you. I am so happy that you got me that webcam and microphone so at least I can see your face and hear your voice, but I can't wait until I get to wrap my arms around your neck and give you a big hug in person.

Thank you Poppa and Nani for letting the kids and me stay with you for two months and helping us. I enjoyed spending so much time with you. Thank you Nani for watching the kids in the morning when I was working nights, I appreciate all that you did for us. I love and miss you too.

Stephanie, thank you so very much for all the help you gave me with the kids when Eric was in town for the week and while I worked. I am very thankful to have such a wonderful sister. You mean so much to me. I am glad Taylor has you to look up to, even if she wants to have a million, zillion animals because of all the time she spends with you. I am so glad you are my sister and I love and miss you very much. PS...hope you got your computer working.

Last but not least, Renee, thank you for being such a wonderful person and such an awesome friend. I know I don't tell you this a lot, but I am so greatful that you are apart of my life. You have helped me through so many hard times and I love you for that. I am happy that you have made your family apart of mine. I miss everyone so much...hi J & D, I love you girls.

Thanks to everyone for just being a part of my life, I love you all so very much. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful family.

~Joey~

Taylor is starting another week of school after having all last week off for Christmas and she was also off yesterday. She is upset with Eric and my decision to have her do school this week since all of her friends are off for Christmas vacation. She has done so wonderful in her first year of homeschooling, she is a straight A student and almost always scores 100% on her spelling tests. I love bragging about my girl, I am very proud of her. Eric does her schooling every once in a while, but he would rather leave it up to me, which is fine, I really enjoy spending the time with her. Thank you Stephi for helping me out with her schooling while we were in KC, you made a great teacher (even when she was mad that you made her write the whole word when she didn't have to.) Taylor, good job on doing so well and being so bright, we are very proud of you and the beautiful young lady you have become.  

My baby started pre-school today. When Eric told him a couple days ago, he got so excited, jumping up and down shouting, "Yeah, go to school!" His day went great and he did very well. He is very good with numbers and counting and did extremely well with writing the letter Aa for the first time. We are so proud of you Jimmy, congratulations on starting a new part of your life. 

Taylor loved her Christmas and made out very nicely. Thank you all for such great gifts.

Santa: Nintendo DS, Scooby-Doo Unmasked game, Madagascar dvd, Hilary Duff CD, magazine (with Chad Michael Murray of course) and candy.

Dad & Mom: One Tree Hill the Complete 2nd Season DVD, Spongebob Look 'n Find book, Bratz (Jade) watch, Bratz clip 'n store desk, 6 Dick and Jane books, Care Bears waterball, frog slippers, 2 Bratz toe socks, 3 Precious Moments cheerleading figurines, jewelry making kit, 3 Bratz cosmetic kits, Disney Bedtime Storybook, 2 cushie pillows, Bratz purse and a sewing machine.

Grandpa Ky-Ky & Nani: pajamas, Cabbage Patch Kid, Barbie coloring book, $20.

Uncle Nick & Uncle Jason: fizzing bath soap.

Auntie Ste: homemade Care Bear blanket, scented Marie (The Aristocats) stuffed animal.

Poppa & Nani Celli: Care Bear latch hook kit.

Maw-Maw: Barbie head.

Grandpa Billy & Grandma Sue: porcelain doll

Grandpa Bob & Grandma Joan: Monopoly and Twister.

Uncle Matt & Auntie Angie: $15 Toys R Us giftcard

Jimmy Loved Christmas

Jimmy had a great christmas this year and thanks everyone for the wonderful gifts that he received.

Santa: Hot Wheels Jeep Wrangler, coloring book, 2 hot wheels, tub tints, The Polar Express DVD and lots of candy.

Daddy and Mommy: talking Elmo, 4 Winnie the Pooh workbooks, Blue's Clues doodle board, 4 Spider-Man puzzles, Subway playset, Pizza Hut playset, Spongebob plate/cup/spoon, electronic Alphabet board, electronic stacking blocks, Dora the Explorer Look 'n Find book, remote control Hummer, 315 stickers Spongebob/Dora/Thomas, Disney My First book, Spongebob armchair, 4 books Blue's Clues/Dora the Explorer/Elmo/Winnie the Pooh, Sounds book, Bob the Builder PJ's.

Grandpa Ky-Ky & Nani: Dinosaur (that scared him at first), pajamas, Thomas coloring book, Bob the Builder bathtub paints. Thomas the Train figurines.

Uncle Nick & Uncle Jason: G.I. Joe

Auntie Ste: homemade Thomas the Tank Engine blanket, Thomas the Train figurine.

Poppa & Nani Celli: 2 Magic color books, magic color markers

Maw-Maw: truck

Grandpa Billy & Grandma Sue: tractor

Grandpa Bob & Grandma Joan: Lincoln Logs

Uncle Matt & Auntie Angie: $15 Toys R Us giftcard

Thanks to all for all the gifts, he loved everything.

The Day After Christmas and All Through the House...

WAS TRASHED!!! Why do we insist on buying our children just toys for Christmas when they already have hundreds that they refuse to pick up? This is what I ask myself every year on Christmas.

Taylor and Jimmy had a great Christmas this year and received everything they asked for and then some. Santa was very good to the children and they really enjoyed their special holiday. Jimmy let Eric & me know that he wants Santa to come everyday.

Everyone received DVD's this Christmas and it seems we spent the day watching movies. I made a Christmas dinner with all the fixings and then Jimmy and Eric headed outside to play with their new toys. Eric got a BIG remote controlled International truck and Jimmy received a Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler. Taylor and I spent a lot of time trying to figure out her new Nintendo DS Scooby-Doo game (I am so video game stupid), but we did our best.

Being our first Christmas away from family was different but we had a good time spending it as a family. I guess spending the two months up in Kansas City was a good thing for the kids and me, we miss everyone so much and can't wait to see you in January and February...Alisha expect me to come see Izabel and the new house...okay I guess I'll see you and Greg too!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and we wish all a very Happy New Year.

~Joey~