First Day of School

We've had a great first week. I started last Wednesday with our new schedule. The children seemed to be excited with doing school. They actually looked forward to their last subjects since it involved computer time. I am trying to teach my son how to type. We have a very basic typing program that teaches with a series of games. He seems to be catching on.

My other children love computer time too. Learning Spanish with Switched on Schoolhouse was somewhat of a last minute idea of mine, since I will be having my son do Latin and didn't purchase enough curriculum for anyone else. The Spanish program can have up to eight different students learning at a time. This seems to be really working out for us.

All in all, this last week was great. I hope the rest of the year turns out to be just as fun!

The Newest in Interactive Game Systems

We jumped into society this summer and purchased the most popular game system out there right now, the Nintendo Wii. For those of you that are unaware of what it really is, I will tell you briefly. This is I believe the first game system that you can literaly run, jump, box, play a real tennis game, and so much more! It took me a week and a half of going from one game seller to the next just to get my Wii Fit Board. I love it. Now I have someone that will hold me accountable for my weight loss/gain that can't pass judgement on me. The Wii Fit Board is loaded with excersizing tips and information. My posture is better and I have a pretty good awareness of my weight vs. strength levels. Unfortunately, the Wii Fit does not cater to children as well. I have to tell my children that gaining weight and growing is actually in their best interest. The Wii Fit is only programmed to celebrate at weight losses. So when my child gains 2lbs. and grows an inch, the program will respond concerned and ask why, while adding a tip on how to lose weight or something of such.

All in all, for you homeschool moms out there, it really is a great way to take care of yourself if you get the Wii Fit Board and game. It is nice to have something you can do anytime and will hold you accountable without anyone knowing what your measurements actually are.

My Trip to Germany

My last post was about not being able to travel. I should have added anymore. Having children is great, but with finances the way they are when having them, traveling sort of go's on the back burner. I did get to go to Germany when I was 17 as part of an exchange student program. I loved it, and this is probably what sparked my love of travel. I visited many of the cathedrals, the Feirnsetuerm, and Muenich to name a few. My favorite was the visit to Trier (the oldest town in Germany dating back to 12BC).

If I could, I would send my children for an experience in another country. I really began to understand a real appreciation of my country. The scenery was very different over there. It was hard to communicate because my German language skills was not so good. People are not as naturally polite. I had to look real hard for water that didn't "sparkle". Milk was purchased in a box and tasted like really thick, creamy butter with the same consistency that milk we have has.

Don't misunderstand me. I am only trying to say the things that made me appreciate America. It was a great learning experience. I hadn't traveled much outside of my home state before this. Anywhere one go's, there are differences. Even in America. Maybe even within ones own state they live in.

Getting out of my home helped me see the world and remember the differences that we all have. I now am a better person because I know that these differences are what make us who we are. It is very interesting also to see how other countries do things. The medical system, government system, and even agriculture is managed very uniquely. I wonder at times if the every day American could learn from how other countries do things and improve on our own system by comparing and contrasting the way we do things against the way others do them.