February 1, 2010 – 10:11 am
This year we made an almost instant decision to homeschool our youngest son Derek. This was an educational and social decision on what we felt would benefit Derek. He needed a lot of one on one and was moving into a classroom of over 30 kids. That scared us. With a co-morbid disability of Aspergers, ADD, SID I had a strong feeling he would slowly start falling through the cracks.
I knew my job of 12 years would disappear this year, so we took the leap. PA has very strict homeschooling laws and requirements (still crossing my fingers I did everything right). I am running a full curriculum of History (including PA history), Civics, Math, English, all the way to Fire Safety. He also has to provide the school district a Standardized Test since he is in 3rd grade. At the end of the year I will drop my portfolio off at the school, pray I did everything right and pray some more that my son is benefitting from homeschooling.
Halfway through I can say he is so much happier. There is not any anxiety trying to fit in or dealing w/ a peer he does not get along with. That would consume Derek. We do not have flourescent lights bothering his eyes. A friend tapping a pencil and distracting during a test. It is a much more controlled social environment too! We have gym weekly with a very large homeschool group – over 50 children! We have field trips and monthly Enrichment Days. Derek and I are starting a lego club for our homeschool group. I am thinking he is more socialized now than he was before.
For education, I have chose not to buy a boxed curriculum. I chose to devise my own based on a few books (Well Trained Mind and What Your Third Grader Needs to Know). This has been very tough. There are general Standards that your third grader should study the Mayflower. In my opinion, they should start history in the beginning. The beginning of man, the Nomads. So I have been running a double track of History and of Science. We do weekly chemistry experiments but, also study plants, animals, etc. This spring we will be planting a garden and that will be part of our studies.
I love homeschooling Derek. It’s a ton of work. More than any other job I have had. More than photographing a wedding, more than being a Business Analyst for a top telecommunications business. Every Sunday I draw up our weekly lesson plans only to have some of them fail or not be completed. But he is happy, he has someone to answer his questions, he is learning, and he can do his math in pj’s. Life is good!
Our classroom at Christmas.
January 25, 2010 – 5:23 pm
I added 2 new products to my Pink Ink Store. While you’re there be sure to check out all of the amazing goodness coming from the other designers!
December 11, 2009 – 2:41 pm
Lot’s of great stuff going on at Pink Ink. I have a new calendar and card up over there. Coming this month will be accordian album templates and Valentine goodies. I made this for my client gifts this year:
Christmas is 2 weeks away and I am so done shopping! WOOHOO! I have never been done this early and am loving the chance to focus on baking, family goodness, volunteering and homeschooling.
I have been scooping up every possible digi kit that contains a snowman too! Like this: Chocolate Frosted Snowflakes from Scrapmatters (artist Stolen Moments)
And This from Sweet Shoppe Designs: Kwismis by Lauren Reid
So much talent out there! Bring on the snowmen!
November 7, 2009 – 3:25 pm
So much to catch up on! 2 Weddings in one weekend have kicked me as far as proofing goes. I am in the middle of Fall Family sessions and it seems I am going to be photographing mostly boys.
Back Mountain Furniture is the designer of the bowl. Dave is the most amazing furniture designer. I give him my quirky ideas like a bowl to put children in and he makes this beauty out of wood. I will post a picture of the bowl by itself along with the bed and frames he has made for me in two days.
First up is Will who just turned 2. Will is my nephew and such an awesome kid! Soon he will be a big brother.
Next up is Nathan who is 4.5 months. Such a sweetie! Not a peep out of him the whole time.
This one should be on a canvas:
Last is Joshua. I have been photographing Josh since he was a couple of days old. I love this kid! I have never heard him cry, he just smiles and smiles.
I’ll have another post tomorrow with two families……….
October 15, 2009 – 5:43 pm
One last choice for the undecided. I had a few requests from clients who were still unsure what they wanted. I am adding this to the other packages.
September 30, 2009 – 3:11 pm
I am limiting the number of sessions I do this year for the holiday so I will only be doing these sessions in Oct. and possibly early November.
August 25, 2009 – 5:12 pm
I had so much fun working with Stacy!! A great sport too – trekking through the soaked grass and some rain. Get a load of that gorgeous hair – yep, all natural curls and so very red! Love it! Thanks Stacy for letting me take your senior portraits.
Alex is such a sweet wonderful girl! Soon to be Dr. Alex. I wish you the best in ALL that you do.
Amy and Bo are going to have a beautiful Fall wedding! I am so excited to be their photographer.
With the family. A much needed, very short vacation…..
I think I filled my little point and shoot with sand.
