Weekly Wrap-Up: The Counting the Days Edition
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This week’s Weekly Wrap-Up is up super-early because, well, we’re not doing a single exciting thing. We’re just trying to dig in and get the basics done until we can count enough days to take Christmas break. How’s that for nitty-gritty, in-the-trenches honesty? While I wish the daydream of the kids happily following their own interests and working independently or skipping to the table, ready to start another exciting day of learning was true, for us, many days — especially this time of year — we’re just doing what we have to do because we have to do it. My kids, generally speaking, don’t love school any more than the average kid.
So, was that a gloom and doom way to start my Wrap-Up? I didn’t intend it that way. A lot of times, we’re really having fun with school and loving the projects we’re doing. Aside from the handful of really bad days, I wouldn’t have it any other way than to homeschool. My kids, for sure, have no desire to go to public school. All that aside, some days — or weeks — we’re just ready for a break. This is one of those weeks. We’ve got to get the basic covered through next Wednesday, to keep us on track for getting our 180 days in before Brianna’s birthday in May, then, we’re done until after New Year’s. Woo hoo!
So, since we’ve done nothing terribly exciting, school-wise, this week, my Wrap-Up will be of a more personal nature. First off, I did not win an award in the Homeschool Blog Awards this year, but it was such an incredible honor to be nominated. Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for me!! There were so many great blogs nominated and it was an honor to be among them.
I also want to thank you all for showing me such incredible support and encouragement in my weight-loss journey. I lost 4.2 pounds last week!! I was so excited to lose that much on my first week, especially since it was Thanksgiving week.
Guess what I did Monday night? Go ahead, think about it. I’ll give you a minute. Ready? I went to see New Moon again! I hadn’t planned to, but what was I supposed to do when friend called, all sad because she wanted to go and couldn’t find anyone to go with her? Brianna went, too. It would have been cruel and unusual punishment for me not to take her. For the record, it was just as good the third time. I love that movie!
Yeah, that was pretty much the highlight of the week. I did order myself a Christmas present last Friday, with Brian’s full blessing – a BodyBugg. It’s just like they use on Biggest Loser and has gotten great reviews. I never would have ordered it myself, but I was reading reviews on it and told Brian that I wanted one, just thinking “someday.” He immediately asked if I wanted it for Christmas and that was more temptation than I could stand. It’s supposed to be delivered today! I can’t wait! It’s a Christmas present, but I’m going to go ahead and start using it…and plan on having a present of more weight loss by Christmas Day.
Last Saturday, we put up our Christmas tree and decorated a bit. It seems we’re training Josh for his role in decorating. He and Brian (with help from the girls) assembled the tree, added the lights and the garland, then, went and watched football while the girls and I put on the decorations. Brian and I learned, a long time ago, that we’re not about the Norman Rockwell moments when it comes to decorating. He likes to just get the tree up and be done with it. I don’t like anything but putting on the ornaments. We’ve found what works for us, though, and everyone is happy.
That’s about it for the highlights of my week. How was yours? Be sure to post about it and link up. If this is your first time to join us, be sure to read the Weekly Wrap-Up guidelines.
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Kris Bales is a newly-retired homeschool mom and the quirky, Christ-following, painfully honest founder (and former owner) of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. She has a pretty serious addiction to sweet tea and Words with Friends. Kris and her husband of over 30 years are parents to three amazing homeschool grads. They share their home with three dogs, two cats, a ball python, a bearded dragon, and seven birds.
Horray for seeing New Moon again! I went with my sister for the first time Monday (her hubby is deployed to Iraq, so she needed a date…LOL). Tomorrow I go see it with my husband, a wonderful man who has read the books too! It will be a fun night together and a needed time out together. Grandma will be spoiling the kids while we are out.
I hear you on counting down to break. While the kids are happily homeschooling away right now, I need the break. We're going to do two more weeks then take off the week of Christmas and the week after. I am wanting to get so mega planning and printing done for the next few months of school, so we may even take a third week off where they just do some math and read, because I really do not see me getting a lot of things done the week of Christmas. We'll see!
This is my first time to your blog and I loved reading your Weekly Wrap-Up. It actually made me feel normal because in our homeschool we are doing the same – just the basics and then on to the New Year. We also put up our tree. The guys in the house put up the tree then put the lights on. The girls and I love putting on all the ornaments while blasting Christmas music and singing along. I love traditions! Soon we will be singing along to Christmas music while baking cookies.
Hi, Kris! I missed last week with traveling, and the holidays. This week has been holiday busy for us.
One of these days I will have to read the Twilight series. Sounds like fun. Hope you are all having a good holiday season.
Wow! Over four pounds is a great start.
We've actually cut back our assignments for homeschool for now. But in their free time I've seen the kids take on some activities that I can actually count as school work so I think it's going to even out.
It is hard to get things done when everyone's brain is on Christmas activities and such. And we have big changes coming, so we're just hanging in there til then. 😛
Congrats on your weight loss jump start! That's awesome 🙂 I had never heard of the BodyBugg before, what a cool idea.
I'm counting the days too, just trying to stay on track until the Christmas break! I hope to get my tree up by next week at the latest…time will tell though.
Congratulations on the early weight loss. I know you will reach your goal! So exciting.
Funny, I guess I'm the opposite about Christmas decorations. I like to do the tree and lights and leave someone else to do the ornaments. My kids are the only ones that like to put on ornaments, and that sure makes an interesting tree. :-)I do enjoy going through the ornaments together and reliving all the memories that they symbolize.
Yeah for boring weeks. 🙂 I am definitely loving this time off of co-op and the other "extras" that usually pack our schedule.
~Erin
It's good you keep plugging away. Congrats again on the weight loss.
We're pretty much doing the same thing-just counting down until we get to Christmas break. I need a break more than the kids do.
I always enjoy reading about your week!
We are doing the same thing and just tryign to get the basics done before our Christmas break! Great job on your weight loss!
I so understand about weeks when you are just doing the basics. We have done alot of that this year, not because of the holidays, but because my daugher takes longer than normal because she struggles with learning. It's not much fun!
My hubby and daughters did our tree this year. From dragging it out of the attic, to decorating it. It's definately not Better Homes and Gardens material, but hey, it's done! LOL! My job is to do all the shopping and wrapping. UGH! Oh, and everything else Christmas related.
Congrats on your weight loss and for buying yourself a Christmas present.
Thanks for feeling sorry for me and going with me. I loved it!!
What a great gift! Nothing like a package full of something wonderful arriving at your door.
I guess I'd better go write my wrap-up. LOL
We're in the counting down the days mode too. I can sympathize!
Congratulations on the weight loss. (And on getting to see New Moon again 🙂 )
We're counting down to Christmas break too. I think it may come earlier then I had planned, we need the break.
I tired to post my wrap up post but I guess I was too late this week. Oops…