Shelving Unit

I really wanted a shelving unit that you see in preschools for Brooke's room. I got a teachers catalog and they ran from $170-$280+. There was no way I could afford that. So, I told my self that I could build one and it wouldn't cost as much. I went to lowes got the material. Had it cut there but then found out I miss calculated on a measurement. I cut 5/8" off using my father-in-laws table saw.

This morning I screwed it all together. It is not perfect but it works, looks good and I made it for around $40. A lot less than what I would have paid for out of a catalog.

I haven't painted it. I don't know if I want to just stain it or paint it bright colors.

Brooke really does like her new shelves.

In her room before I put everything on it.

Right after I built it.

Another photo of it in her room before the toys and books were on it.

New Header

Todays post is not really a post. I have a new header. This one is for Valentines day that is coming up soon. I actually made this header myself. I have been learning to use Photoshop and how to make blogger headers. The only thing that takes a long time to do is trying to decide what graphics you want to use. There are so many cute graphics out there.

The background is not mind but one that I found. I really like it but I want to try making my own background. So, that will probably be my next project.

I am really having fun learning! Now let me see if I can get that slide show for pictures to work.

Zachary was given an interesting opportunity. It was called Flat Stanley. The child traces a flat Stanley and then colors him and cuts him out. The child then mails the flat stanley to a friend and the friend takes a picture with Flat Stanley in the picture.

So, we sent Zachary's flat stanley to the Beck's who are in Portugal. Yes, he went to a different country. Zachary had to find on the map Portugal so he could see where flat stanley was going. We have received some pictures back so here they are.

I do have more pic's I am trying to figure out how to use the slide show option.

Pictures of kidos

We took the kids to Wal-marts to get their pictures taken together. UGH! The pictures turned out good but the experience wasn't good. We will go someone else to get pictures taken.

Lost and Found Cat

Last night we realized that our cat named "Belly" was not in the house. Nor had she been in the house all day and we believed that she wasn't in the house the night before. She has always been an inside cat and knows nothing about the great outdoors. She has gotten out before and she usually stays right around the edges of our house.

So, last night we braved the cold and called and called for her. We listened to see if we could hear her meows but nothing. We looked in th bushes but nothing. So, we had to go asleep without her. We planned to go walking in the morning to look for her.

So, this morning we walked and again called after her. But no meows. I was very sadden and cried a few times. We have had her for almost 10 years. So, she is like a child to me. I made flyers on my computer to past out to our neighbors. I went to go print them but before I did I opened a window to call after her. Then I looked up and there she was at a neighbors house by their deck. I quickly put shoes on and ran to go get her. I had to get on my hands and knees b/c she went back under the deck. She finally came out and I grabbed her. I hugged her tightly and brought her back into the house. I feed her and gave her a bath.

Changes Coming Soon / Update for next school year

I had mention before how we were considering using Texas's virtual school next year. Well, we have decided that that program just didn't fit us right now. We will keep it in mind for the future.

Now, the changes. Starting after the New Year we will begin several new programs and new grades.

Rod and Staff English Grade 3 - we have finished 2nd grade.

Prima Latina - will be our language program. Not that we are dropping Spanish. We will continue to try to use it daily we believe that Latin will be more useful and Zachary is excited about learning it.

Abeka 2nd grade math - We are dropping Saxon Math for Abeka. Zachary grew up using Abeka and we believe the program fits him better than Saxon. It is an all workbook based program. Also, Abeka 2nd grade is equal to Saxon 3rd and parts of Saxon 5/4. So, the program seems to be more advanced.

Classical Writing - Classical writing starts the child out by copying good literature, rewriting stories in the childs own words and then moving on to writing without copying or retelling.

I hope to also start doing weekly updates as to what Zachary is learning.

Brooke has also been learning. Her vocabulary is increasing. She now says "Thank You". She is also learning to recognize the colors Red, Blue, and Green. We have also been working on couting. Normally I would only do 1-5 but she insist on going to 10. She knows the numbers 2, 5, 6, 7 and 10. Ten being her favorite number.

Health

Well, the Alexander household and been sick a lot since my last post. Brooke got strep the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and then we all got sick too. Zachary lost his balance playing in the kitchen and fell into the diswasher. A knife cut his left side and he had to have 3 stitches. Brooke has had a runny nose and a small cough. So, today I took her to the doctor. She was diagonosed with bronchitus and a sinus infection. Mark's grandmother was put into the hospital. She had cut her finger and it got infected. They said at first she was to have surgery but after a high dose of antiobotics she doesn't need surgery. I am praying that nothing else happens for the rest of this year.