Homeschooling is going very well. Ainsley is always eager to start each day and has enjoyed learning new things and doing a LOT of activities. Here is an overview of our September and some of what Ainsley did/learned:
1) Memorized four Bible verses:
"Follow the lead of every human authority. Do it because the Lord wants you to." ~ 1 Peter 2:13
"Give me an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil." ~ 1 Kings 3:9
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." ~ Psalm 37:23
"Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." ~ 1 Peter 3:11
2) Read the books "The Story About Ping" and "Madeline" (We did activities each day using "Five in a Row".)
3) Found the countries of China and France on the map and made a flag for each country
4) Learned about two rivers: the Yangtze and the Seine
5) Learned meanings for the following "art" terms: illustrator, medium, point of view, symmetrical/asymmetrical, monochromatic and impression
6) Discussed ways to be healthy (Ainsley's favorite way? "Get lots of sleep.)
7) Covered the letters "C" and "O"
8) Covered the numbers 0 through 9
9) Learned that wood floats and metal sinks
10) Learned about syllables by counting the syllables in each of our family members' names (first and last) to see who has the longest name. (The winners? Sienna, Kelly and Patty)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A toy that will NOT be under our Christmas tree
Ainsley and I were browsing the toys at Wal-Mart today and came across the creepiest toy I have seen in a long time.
Click here to see it.
Click here to see it.
Friday, September 26, 2008
"I like to play the sticks..."
One of Ainsley's favorite activities is Kindermusik. This is the second year she has been a part of Kindermusik. This year, she is in "Kindermusik for the Young Child".Her teacher ~ Ms. Amy ~is teaching her so many neat things about music. During the past 4 weeks, Ainsley has learned about:
~ Fast beat / slow beat
~ Steady beat / rhythm
~ "Ta" and quarter rest
~ Singing on pitch
Dan and I are so happy that Ainsley has always enjoyed music...whether it is making music with one of her "instruments", listening to opera (yes...she loves opera), or creating songs and performing them for us. We know that Kindermusik (and Ms. Amy) is helping Ainsley develop a deeper love for music.
Grizzlies Block Party
Yesterday, Ainsley and I went to the Grizzlies Block Party. (Dan couldn't come. He was working.)
We ate pizza and listened to music. Ainsley bounced in a bouncer and got her face painted. When the face painter asked her what she wanted, Ainsley replied, "I want a blue sparkly heart because I love the Grizzlies."
We ate pizza and listened to music. Ainsley bounced in a bouncer and got her face painted. When the face painter asked her what she wanted, Ainsley replied, "I want a blue sparkly heart because I love the Grizzlies."
"I love the Grizzlies!"
The most exciting thing for Ainsley was meeting her favorite basketball player ~ Rudy Gay!
When Ainsley first saw Rudy, he was sitting at a table, signing autographs. As we got closer, he stood up. Ainsley immediately hid behind me. She was very shy. I guess she didn't realize how tall he was. (6 ft. 9 inches)
When it was our turn to meet him, Ainsley stood next to Rudy so I could take a photo of them together. He was so nice! Rudy told Ainsley that he liked her jersey. (She was wearing his jersey.) Ainsley wanted to know how old Rudy was when he first started playing basketball and he said "8 years old". As we walked away, she said, "Wow! 8! I'm almost 8!"
Ainsley also met one of the assistant coaches ~ Johnny Davis....
...and the television "play-by-play" announcer for the Grizzlies ~ Pete Pranica.
During the season, we see and listen to Pete on tv...a lot. It was great to meet him! (He is very nice, too.)
We really had a great time. It is neat that the Grizzlies do this for their fans!
Happy Fall!
On Tuesday, we were excited to have Ainsley's sweet friend ~ Samantha ~ at our house to spend the school day with us. Since Monday was the first day of Fall, the girls painted these very cute "Fall Tree" pictures:
The tree branches and trunk are made from their hands and arms. The leaves are made from their fingerprints.
We also enjoyed making a yummy Fall treat...caramel apples.
What a fun way to start my favorite season!
The tree branches and trunk are made from their hands and arms. The leaves are made from their fingerprints.We also enjoyed making a yummy Fall treat...caramel apples.
What a fun way to start my favorite season!
Glasses
I just realized I haven't posted a photo of Ainsley in her new glasses.
So...here she is!
Doesn't she look cute?
She has been wearing her glasses for three weeks. For the first few days, she told us when she looked down at the ground, it looked like it was "floating". Since then...no problems.
Even though she only has to wear them when she is reading, doing school work, watching television, etc., she wants to wear them most of the time. (I think it is because she notices she is able to see better with them on.) For the times when she does want to take them off, Dan taught her the following rhyme: "On your face or in the case." She is doing a very good job taking care of them.
A few people have commented that she looks like a "mini" Sarah Palin. What do you think?
So...here she is!
Doesn't she look cute?She has been wearing her glasses for three weeks. For the first few days, she told us when she looked down at the ground, it looked like it was "floating". Since then...no problems.
Even though she only has to wear them when she is reading, doing school work, watching television, etc., she wants to wear them most of the time. (I think it is because she notices she is able to see better with them on.) For the times when she does want to take them off, Dan taught her the following rhyme: "On your face or in the case." She is doing a very good job taking care of them.
A few people have commented that she looks like a "mini" Sarah Palin. What do you think?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Cousins
My cousin-in-law - Trisha - passed along this photo to me today. (Thanks, Trisha!) I absolutely love this photo! It is Ainsley and her cousins - Sienna and Patty - and was taken last weekend in Chicago at our family reunion for our Aunt Ninny's birthday.
This was the first time the three of them have been together. (Sienna lives in California, Patty lives in Illinois and Ainsley lives in Tennessee) They sure did have fun together!
Our family is such a blessing to us.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Pants
As Ainsley was getting dressed today for school, she told me that she did not like her (khaki) pants.
Why?
"Because they are brown...and I look like a farmer when I wear them."
I assured her that she did not look like a farmer and that she had to wear the pants. They were part of her school uniform. She seemed ok after that.
Fast forward to this afternoon...
As Ainsley and I were leaving her classroom, Ainsley's sweet teacher said to her, "And Ainsley...I like your pants. You do not look like a farmer."
Wonder if it's time to switch to a skirt?
Why?
"Because they are brown...and I look like a farmer when I wear them."
I assured her that she did not look like a farmer and that she had to wear the pants. They were part of her school uniform. She seemed ok after that.
Fast forward to this afternoon...
As Ainsley and I were leaving her classroom, Ainsley's sweet teacher said to her, "And Ainsley...I like your pants. You do not look like a farmer."
Wonder if it's time to switch to a skirt?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Ten on Tuesday: Things I've done during the past week
1) Celebrated my 38th birthday
2) Homeschooled Ainsley
3) Travelled with Dan and Ainsley to Chicago and back
4) Spent quality time in Chicago with my wonderful in-laws
5) Watched Ainsley and her sweet cousin, Sienna, play together
6) Watched Ainsley and her fun cousin, Patty, play together
7) Attended Aunt Ninny's 60th birthday party and enjoyed spending time with family
8) Saw a lot of rain and a little bit of flooding at my in-laws' house
9) Ate an Italian sausage sandwich at my favorite hot dog place in Chicago
10) Watched (on television) Carlos Zambrano pitch a no-hitter for the Cubbies
It's been a great week!
2) Homeschooled Ainsley
3) Travelled with Dan and Ainsley to Chicago and back
4) Spent quality time in Chicago with my wonderful in-laws
5) Watched Ainsley and her sweet cousin, Sienna, play together
6) Watched Ainsley and her fun cousin, Patty, play together
7) Attended Aunt Ninny's 60th birthday party and enjoyed spending time with family
8) Saw a lot of rain and a little bit of flooding at my in-laws' house
9) Ate an Italian sausage sandwich at my favorite hot dog place in Chicago
10) Watched (on television) Carlos Zambrano pitch a no-hitter for the Cubbies
It's been a great week!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Football funny
As we were watching our beloved Bears last night, Ainsley started cheering:
"Go Bears! Beat the Colts!
Go Bears! Beat the Packers!
Go Bears! Beat the Cowboys!
Go Bears! Beat the Ear Buckets!"
Ear Buckets?????
Me: "Ainsley. Who are the Ear Buckets?"
Ainsley: "Oh! I meant the Bucket Ears." (Buccaneers)
"Go Bears! Beat the Colts!
Go Bears! Beat the Packers!
Go Bears! Beat the Cowboys!
Go Bears! Beat the Ear Buckets!"
Ear Buckets?????
Me: "Ainsley. Who are the Ear Buckets?"
Ainsley: "Oh! I meant the Bucket Ears." (Buccaneers)
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Ainsley's first day of school - part 2
In my last post, Ainsley was ready to go to school. But were Dan and I ready for her to go to school?
I was ready...until I looked in the backseat of our car and saw our sweet Ainsley.
Look how big she looks! It seems like only yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital...and now we are taking her to school? The past 5 years have flown by.
Cue the tears...
This is a photo I will always cherish. I love how Dan is right next to her...guiding her with his hand...into a new adventure. (Ainsley is blessed to have such a loving father!)
When we arrived inside, Ainsley saw her friend, Ashley. Ashley will be her classmate this year.
Here is Ainsley's teacher - Mrs. Kristina.
When I picked-up Ainsley that afternoon, she talked non-stop about the fun she had at school. Some of the highlights of her day were:
~ Mrs. Kristina - "She is a very, very, very, very nice teacher."
~ New friends - "Laynie is very nice!"
~ Playing musical chairs - "I was the first one out so I asked Mrs. Kristina if I could help her and she said 'yes""!
~ Lunch - "I sat next to Ashley. I didn't have time to finish all of my food. I guess next time I will have to not talk so much."
~ Recess - "I played soccer with Samantha. I also played basketball with a couple of boys who were in another class and I made some baskets!"
~ Memory Verse - "Oh! I can't remember what it is. I think it is in Peter and it is about authority."
~ Reading - "Mrs. Kristina read "The Story of Ping". We learned about China and I made a flag from China. Did you know it has 5 stars? One big one and four little ones. Mrs. Kristina helped me make the stars."
She can't wait to go back again!
I was ready...until I looked in the backseat of our car and saw our sweet Ainsley.
Look how big she looks! It seems like only yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital...and now we are taking her to school? The past 5 years have flown by.Cue the tears...
This is a photo I will always cherish. I love how Dan is right next to her...guiding her with his hand...into a new adventure. (Ainsley is blessed to have such a loving father!)
When we arrived inside, Ainsley saw her friend, Ashley. Ashley will be her classmate this year.
Here is Ainsley's teacher - Mrs. Kristina.When I picked-up Ainsley that afternoon, she talked non-stop about the fun she had at school. Some of the highlights of her day were:
~ Mrs. Kristina - "She is a very, very, very, very nice teacher."
~ New friends - "Laynie is very nice!"
~ Playing musical chairs - "I was the first one out so I asked Mrs. Kristina if I could help her and she said 'yes""!
~ Lunch - "I sat next to Ashley. I didn't have time to finish all of my food. I guess next time I will have to not talk so much."
~ Recess - "I played soccer with Samantha. I also played basketball with a couple of boys who were in another class and I made some baskets!"
~ Memory Verse - "Oh! I can't remember what it is. I think it is in Peter and it is about authority."
~ Reading - "Mrs. Kristina read "The Story of Ping". We learned about China and I made a flag from China. Did you know it has 5 stars? One big one and four little ones. Mrs. Kristina helped me make the stars."
She can't wait to go back again!
Ainsley's first day of school - part 1
Thursday was Ainsley's first day of school. Although we are homeschooling her, one day a week she will attend a classroom setting with other Kindergarteners and a teacher. (To read more about this program, click here.)
"Cheers!" Ainsley chose a breakfast of cinnamon rolls and orange juice. She didn't eat much because she was very excited to get ready for school.
Dan and I wanted to give Ainsley something special...to let her know how proud we are of her. Since she is our princess, Dan chose a beautiful crown necklace for her.
Ainsley with her very proud dad.
Ainsley's Uncle Ken and Aunt Ebby gave her this backpack.
"I'm ready to go, Mom and Dad!"
But are WE ready for her to go?
"Cheers!" Ainsley chose a breakfast of cinnamon rolls and orange juice. She didn't eat much because she was very excited to get ready for school.
Dan and I wanted to give Ainsley something special...to let her know how proud we are of her. Since she is our princess, Dan chose a beautiful crown necklace for her.
Ainsley with her very proud dad.
Ainsley's Uncle Ken and Aunt Ebby gave her this backpack.
"I'm ready to go, Mom and Dad!" But are WE ready for her to go?
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Our homeschooling journey begins
Today is the day! Ainsley will "officially" begin Kindergarten and we (as a family) will begin our homeschooling journey.
Dan and I feel blessed we will be educating Ainsley at home. While I say "home", we know that home will not be the only place she will learn. "The world will be her classroom."
We are excited about customizing Ainsley's studies and giving her one-on-one instruction. We are excited we can bring God into everyday life lessons, helping her to grow closer to Him. We are excited she can learn in an environment where Christianity and academics can be integrated.
It is my hope that we will make learning fun and exciting for Ainsley. That we will be encouraging and supportive of her hard work. That each and every day we will ask the Lord to bless our efforts in educating her.
That throughout this homeschooling journey, Ainsley will grow closer and closer to God.
Dan and I feel blessed we will be educating Ainsley at home. While I say "home", we know that home will not be the only place she will learn. "The world will be her classroom."
We are excited about customizing Ainsley's studies and giving her one-on-one instruction. We are excited we can bring God into everyday life lessons, helping her to grow closer to Him. We are excited she can learn in an environment where Christianity and academics can be integrated.
It is my hope that we will make learning fun and exciting for Ainsley. That we will be encouraging and supportive of her hard work. That each and every day we will ask the Lord to bless our efforts in educating her.
That throughout this homeschooling journey, Ainsley will grow closer and closer to God.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Fun with maps
To prepare for school, we bought two huge maps for Ainsley's playroom- one of the World and one of the USA. (They are laminated so we should be able to use them for a long time.)Ainsley is already having fun finding cities, states and countries. Yesterday, as we were watching Gustav coverage, she found New Orleans.
She is also learning the compass points on the map. Instead of saying that New Orleans is "below" Memphis, she was saying it is "south" of Memphis.
My photo won!
The photo I entered in Kim & Jason's "ballooons" contest won!
(This was the photo of Ainsley with her Pa Langston...with Pa showing her ballooons. You can click here to see the original post.)
I am so excited! I won a $20 gift card to one of the neatest places to shop. If you click here, you can go to the Lemonade Stand and see my photo...plus a lot of "cool stuff for the young at heart."
(This was the photo of Ainsley with her Pa Langston...with Pa showing her ballooons. You can click here to see the original post.)
I am so excited! I won a $20 gift card to one of the neatest places to shop. If you click here, you can go to the Lemonade Stand and see my photo...plus a lot of "cool stuff for the young at heart."
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