This week was more productive than last, I think. The boys were on task much more. The MOM was on task much better, too! I let them go back to their Handwriting Without Tears books, but changed up handwriting time. They can write and listen at the same time (usually), so now I read our Bible story while they do handwriting. I have been making them narrate afterward, but the interesting thing is that we do a quick review of the previous day’s Bible lesson, and they are SO detailed it just blows me away. They give better 2nd day narrations than immediately after the reading.
Tuesdays last year (or “last term” as D1 keeps saying?!) I went to the ladies’ Bible study at church. This year, with co-op taking away a whole day a week, I just can’t do it. 
We will go to Bible study after co-op ends, so we’ll be able to attend for 8 weeks in the winter, and 10 weeks in the spring, with co-op in between. 
Until then, it’s Jesus and me and a mug of tea in the mornings. I finished the New Testament this week. Not sure where I want to pick up now. I’m thinking about doing a study in Corinthians. The boys and I are still memorizing James… or I should say, we have begun again, to memorize James. We’re up to 1:5.
Wednesday our Speedy Spanish Book One & tapes finally arrived! I had forgotten all about it, actually. Love that media mail. We started listening to the first tape and went over the first 3 lessons. It won’t be a time consuming program, to be sure, but I can see that there is a LOT of vocabulary which we will need to take the time for. Friday we spent 20 minutes going over vocabulary. I love that we will be learning Scriptures in Spanish, and worship songs too! I’m going to have to keep my eyes open for Book Two & the tapes for it too. I would much prefer CDs but I’ll take what I can get.
Thursday we went to the fair. P (17) is taking 3 classes at the high school this year, but Thursdays is block schedule and she only had 1 class, so I got her out early and she came with us. We had fun! It started out as a rainy day, rather gloomy but that didn’t bother us. I’m all for staying inside with the cool exhibits and animals and all that anyway! It cleared up by the time we got there, and turned out to be a beautiful day. D2 wanted to do Mutton Bustin’, which is where little kids ride hang on for dear life to a sheep. He was disappointed to find out he is too big. All of the kids who did it were 4 and 5, but he’s 7 and tall for his age.
Friday was short lessons and grocery shopping, concluded by our weekly phone call with J, who we miss terribly. She is doing great though, and I know that this time will pass and she’ll be home with us soon. God is GOOD!
And finally, I have been working behind the blog-scenes, preparing to unveil my new, improved, 5 Kids and a Dog blog! I trimmed down my categories to 10 from 27. I deleted several completely useless posts. I am still working on a theme. I’m also still without my laptop so I’ve been working off of my external HD. My goal was to have it ready by Monday. I’m not sure yet if that will be a reality, but I’m working on it. I hope you had a wonderful week!
Just to let you know, I finally caught the comment you left on Just Thinkin'. Sorry about the delay, I've been caught up working on my wife's new-old Sable wagon (cleaning up minor rust spots and such).
Glad to hear you're taking your blog to a "do-it-yourself" setup. WordPress I take it? If you have any questions or need a bit of help/info, I'm always available. I've helped others with learning the ropes of new WordPress installations and I'd be happy to lend a hand if needed.
Sounds like a productive week! Looking forward to seeing the blog "makeover"!
I like your idea of combining handwriting and read aloud time. That's a great use of time. We're going to the fair on Monday, I'm really looking forward to it. LOL, Mutton Bustin' I've seen that, what a riot!
Wow– I can't believe this, but your first paragraph reminded me that: I've forgotten about handwriting for the past few week!! I only have one left that is still practicing his handwriting, and I totally forgot about it!! Thanks for the reminder!
Great week! I love your blog header. Did you do it yourself? (I'm going to be jealous if you say yes. ;-0) You and Jesus and a cup of tea doesn't sound so bad, though I'm sure you miss your Bible study group. I haven't been a part of a good Bible study group in a long, long time.