October fun

   So, October in the Randall/Lenzer household was a huge success this year.  We took a field trip to a pumpkin patch and had soooo much fun.  Each child got to take home a pumpkin that we later painted with glow in the dark paint.  We, of course, did they typical pumpkin carving, scary movies, Halloween cartoons and weekly trips to look at all the "spookies" at the Halloween shops to start getting ideas for what we're going to add next year to our decorations.  The only thing missing was our class Halloween party, but with everyone being so sick on and off over the last month, that was unavoidable :(  I did take the last two school days of the month off and implemented some special lessons as a break from the regular lesson schedule.  We did the history of Halloween, history of  Jack o' Lanterns and Halloween worksheets.  Trick or Treat was so much fun this year since Audrey was actually into it and the new neighborhood is full of kids and a lot of houses participated in handing out candy.

   On another note.....As much as I love having my kids at home and doing virtual school, there are times that it just seems to be too much school and not enough fun.  I'm going to change things up this year and integrate more seasonal and holiday lessons.  I know if I'm getting bored, so are they.  I did this to enjoy more time with my kids and I feel like a full time teaching tyrant....lol.  I had a girlfriend send me lessons on the Mayflower, pilgrims and Thanksgiving so we'll be doing that for this month and probably making turkeys for art.  Come on Thanksgiving break!!  I need some downtime to plan for December and Christmas lessons ;)

Here goes nothing......

   Well, here I am.  After thinking about doing this for awhile, I finally decided why not?  This just may be the one thing that saves my sanity :)

   So, for those of you that may be reading and don't know me, I'll give a little background.  I am married to a very good man that goes to work and busts it every day so that I may stay home with our children.  We have 5.....2 boys, ages 11 and 8, and 3 daughters, ages 9, 8 & 2.  The eight year olds are NOT twins (thank goodness), one is from my first marriage and one is his.  It's a crazy, thrown together yours, mine and ours.  As of last year, we decided virtual school would be better for our kids and the two oldest came home.  This year, we brought the other two home as well so I now have 3 in virtual school, one traditional homeschool and a very overactive 2 year old at home 24 hours a day.  What was I thinking?!  LOL!  The girls play select softball so that also keeps us all busy.  Luckily, for me, my husband FINALLY is out of retail and at home decent hours so it helps a little. 

   Okay, so there's some background.  This is going to be for my vents, frustrations, celebrations, opinions, milestones, amusement, crazy times, and sometimes just for the sake of saving sanity and not screaming at someone in the house.  Hope you enjoy the ride on the crazy train!


.......Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride