Our New Year of 2011!

 Natalie, my daughter is doing so well in her kindergarten math class!  She will do the paper with out any help at all sometimes.  She is also getting so good at being in the kitchen.  She is mommies little helper!

 Joshua got a new work area this year.  He does so well with having his own space.  He is now looking on the board for what needs to be done for school that day and accomplishing it very well on his own!  There is no more whining in school and everyone has gotten so used to the morning routine it is just natural to do now.  Joshua has started writing penpal letters to his friends and he has become very involved in the YOUNG FOUNDATIONS website quizzes and activities.  Im so proud of him. 
He has started piano this year and is getting his timing and note reading down perfectly.  He actually enjoys his 20 mins a day of piano.  Natalie is also learning the violin.  She goes to her teacher one day a week to take lessons.

 Joshua found this 3d tank puzzle at the store.  He saved his chore money to buy it.  Natalie and Joshua both have wallets that they keep their money and personal things in.  The money they have is usually always earned by doing chores.  This way they know that the only way they get anything is by earning it.  We also have a 5things a day chart.  Our five things are:  make your bed, pickup your room, comb your hair, get dressed, and brush your teeth.  If these things are accomplished, they recieve a sticker for that day.  After 5 days in a row, they choose from the treasure chest.  We have strips of paper with different prizes written on them.  Natalie got a bowl of yogurt from our local yogurt shop last week!  Joshua earned Playstation Time with DAD during the week!  You never know what you will get.

We have been on a wonderful field trip with our homeschool group to the International Wildlife Museum, The Rodeo Parade of Tucson, an IceHockey game, an Ostrich farm...who knows what is next!!
In this past month's homeschool art class I showed the children how to make a moving cartoon on paper.  It was alot of fun looking at all the ideas they came up with to make one.  The girls made paper heart baskets and valentines!  They needed help from the moms but, it was fun.  :)
We hope you are having a fun year also!  God Bless!