http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive Read previous blog postings. <img src="http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/livesite/" alt="Lego " width="400" height="400" align="middle" /><img src="/files/IMG_0063.jpg" alt="Lego Games Tour" title="IMG_0063.jpg" width="400" height="533" /><img src="http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/livesite/" alt="" /> A couple of weeks ago, we made the trip to Austin, TX for the Lego Games Tour. It was the closest tour city to Corpus Christi and since our son and now apparently our daughters are lego fanatics, we didn't want to disappoint them. After all, when the flyer came from lego saying they would be in Austin, my son asked his dad if he would take him and he did. He took all of us plus our nephew, their cousin, to what ultimately led to a day of triumph, satisfaction, and total joy! http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=UJGNFGGJBG Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:29:34 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. With childhood obesity hovering around 17% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Childhood Overweight and Obesity page, the physical activity of our children is something we parents should be concerned with on a daily basis. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=OUD01PU22D Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:14:02 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. A little over a week ago, I had outpatient surgery at Christus Spohn Shoreline hospital. That day I spent a few hours being attended to by the nurses and of course the surgical team. When it was declared that it was time to go home, I should have protested. Why? It's bananas I tell you! http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=0Z2Y4SQA7B Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:10:16 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. The other day, after being up 48 hours helping my sister paint her bedroom, my husband got up to take the kids to a dental appointment, which I was really glad for because that meant I could sleep in. The good husband that he is, he came over to kiss me goodbye and tell me they'll be back a little later. But, right before he left, he also managed to whisper in my ear, 'if you get a chance, mow the grass!' http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=DU40K46XVO Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:27:22 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Spring cleaning in summer? When you say those words, you can hardly believe it. After all, the season of summer doesn't necessarily bring thoughts of moving out your furniture, going through your stuff, dusting, throwing out or donating the old, possibly painting, and simplifying your cluttered life does it? Well, surprisingly enough, for us, it kind of does. Why would we forgo the swimming, the basking in the sun (or as we say in Texas, 'baking in the sun', beach visits, or just enjoying our nice air conditioned home to sweat, dust, and work so hard? http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=PF2YO54YNL Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:32:47 -0500 <img src="/files/twilightpremiere.jpg" alt="twilightpremiere.jpg" title="twilightpremiere.jpg" width="500" height="394" /> It was 7pm when I ran into Danielle, Diania, Megan, and Mary at the Stadium 16 Starplex Cinema in Corpus Christi last night. They had been waiting in line since 3 pm and were looking at another 5 hours wait just to be one of the first few to get to see The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=ZJ15PJNWQ2 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:44:13 -0500 <img src="/files/wedd._anniv._photo_for_ccfam.jpg" alt="wedd._anniv._photo_for_ccfam.jpg" title="wedd._anniv._photo_for_ccfam.jpg" width="451" height="500" /> When you think of summer events, you might be thinking about a wedding you need to attend. After all, summer is the most popular time of year for nuptials. This summer, for our family, love is in the air. We’re not talking a wedding, we’re talking about love; not puppy love, not we’ve been married for how long? type of love, we’re talking about everlasting love or close to that, we’re talking about a 50th Wedding Anniversary. Before you ask, no, it not’s mine and my husband’s. We’re barely going on 10 years. It’s the 50th Wedding Anniversary of my folks and for the last several months, I have been the lead on a planning committee made up of a feisty one, a controlled one, a pleaser, and a macho one. In other words, me and some of my brothers and sisters! http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=NBYCEL6QC0 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:57:24 -0500 <div style="text-align: center"> <img src="/files/grandpa_roman_fixed.jpg" alt="grandpa_roman_fixed.jpg" title="grandpa_roman_fixed.jpg" width="350" height="442" /> </div> Most kids are not in school today because it is Memorial Day. So, when my kids found out they had to do studies, they weren't too thrilled! Not that I really blame them because I probably would have felt the same way. After all, most other Corpus Christi kids are probably having fun with their families. That is, after all, what many families do during this holiday. Still, once they started their studies, they realized that today's studies were all about Memorial Day and had a change of heart! http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=9T8S3JAZJ5 Mon, 31 May 2010 16:07:51 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. When it rains in Corpus Christi, you can't hang your clothes to dry, but what I've come to realize is that the clothesline is the smartest thing to do. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=2PX6H840XQ Tue, 25 May 2010 13:22:35 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Telling your kids to wipe off that Milk Moustache in the morning? Why worry about it when it's the thing to have at the National 'Milk the Moment' Tour scheduled to arrive in Corpus Christi? http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=3RIVP3C8AF Wed, 19 May 2010 11:10:17 -0500 <img src="/files/IMG_1313.jpg" alt="IMG_1313.jpg" title="IMG_1313.jpg" width="150" height="150" /> 'Fat Albert' is dead! He died yesterday during the day. In the morning we knew he wasn't doing that well. His tail looked like it had been taken off somehow and we were worried for him. We were right to be worried, he died later in the afternoon. Our son said......'this time it's for real,' and it was. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=YO5X2TXQ14 Tue, 18 May 2010 22:04:54 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. 'Did you see what was in the backyard?' That was the first thing I heard when my husband came home from work today. 'It was huge.' That was the second thing I heard... http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=A9EYZYCZX7 Sat, 08 May 2010 00:44:54 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Thank You, Thank You very much...We recently visited a local restaurant in northwest Corpus Christi that turned out to be a lot of fun. Why? Elvis was in the building! http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=6P7Y6OVH79 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:00:33 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. My kids are naturally inquisitive, aren't yours? Kids will be kids afterall. They love the dirt, mud, puddles of water, insects and bugs of all kind. You can say that they are naturally attracted. I'm guessing my kids are not alone! Do any of these statements sound familiar. . . http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=HOLLQSKKEV Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:44:15 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. If your kids are in Spring sports, then you know what I mean when I say, 'catch your breath!' I mean after all, with practice or a game everyday including Sunday, no kidding, and sometimes two to three sporting events a day, it can get a little hectic around here even if we homeschool! So you see, we're not that different from you after all. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=GMVQSN3PK1 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:30:04 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Yeah! It's Spring and for us, it also means it's crazy around here. After all, between Spring Break, Easter, Holy Communion, Baseball, Kickball, a couple of birthdays, plus helping to plan a 50th Wedding Anniversary for my parents this summer, we're lucky to keep our heads on straight(well, it's straight most of the time at least)! What we also think of is planting and growing our Spring Garden. So, the question I ask today is what's growing in your garden? http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=OUTOVKTX12 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 23:24:53 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Is 70 the new 50? I think so! We just got back from taking a break from Corpus Christi living and the spring break holiday and one of the first things we did on our time away was celebrate my mother-in-law's 70th birthday party. Judging from some of her gifts and a few other things, I'm here to tell you that 70 is definitely the new 50! http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=20056FV5LY Sat, 20 Mar 2010 23:16:30 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. We had a great time this evening even if it was a little late to be eating homemade pretzels, but the kids really were happy to be a part of it and it turned out to be a really, fun and meaningful family time together. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=RH3FUXKX7Z Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:56:20 -0600 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Never underestimate the power of imaginative play. It makes kids happy, very happy. I see it every day. Sometimes kids don’t get a chance to be kids. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=G05BIGAZZH Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:05:31 -0600 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. There are seven days in a week, but only one holds my favorite family time and yet, we’re not always together on this day. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=M6OA5QMHH6 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:02:27 -0600 <p> &nbsp; </p> <p> &nbsp; </p> My first thought this morning was that of my little one. She's beautiful, smart, and full of life. She also likes to come in my room at night. So, this morning upon waking, this was my first thought: http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=5V83GKWHNV Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:26:27 -0600 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. With Easter about a month away, I'm actually happy with my confetti egg (or cascarones) preparations. Yes, it's true, I am prepping for Easter. There, I admitted it! Why wait until the last minute? If you want confetti eggs without needless waste and without rushing, why not start now? Oh I hear you, 'why don't you just buy them? I'll tell you why and it's a bigger answer than you think. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=SNJV9JW6UM Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:18:53 -0600 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Did you know 'Tired' is a state of mind? At least I keep telling myself that. After a long and sleepless night, I get up looking towards a busy day. So, even though physically I'm tired, mentally it's only a state of mind because there is no time for 'tired' today. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=O2GONAX5NB Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:42:30 -0600 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. If you're Catholic and want to supplement your lessons on the ligturgical season of Lent, here's a few resources we have found online that we'd like to share with you. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=3VY0ELLWJI Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:32:23 -0600 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Catholic homeschoolers in Corpus Christi not only celebrated Valentine's Day like regular classrooms in regular schools, but they also did something that shared their love with others. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=P8K0GZRZPI Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:11:34 -0600 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Science Fair is in the air! It's that time of year again where kids are speculating, testing, and concluding anything and everything! Yes, the Science Fair. All around Corpus Christi the library branches are displaying their Science Fair book collections, teachers are sending home paperwork, and kids are busy thinking up or working on science experiments. Whether in private or public school, there is no denying that it is in the air and what a great way for students to really get a chance to be their naturally inquisitive selves! By the way, did you know the Science Fair is not just for public and private school kids? That's right, even homeschoolers can participate! http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=2QRPA8TVT5 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:36:12 -0600 <font color="#ff6600"><br /> </font> When we started homeschooling, I thought it would be easier for the kids to pick up a book and read or practice reading whenever they felt like it. I mean, after all, the kids weren't on a set schedule to read, unlike at school where reading is 'on demand' and for homework. As I quickly found out, I was wrong. That's when I knew something needed to change. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=IJFT2LHIWU Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:25:01 -0600 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. When the teacher is sick? Who teaches? Regular schools have a list of substitutes or administrators if need be who can step in and try to take over a class. When you homeschool, that option is not always available. So what do you do when you, the parent and the teacher, are the same and are sick? http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=7HGVK9R6H0 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:43:02 -0600 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Homeschooling parents know their children’s abilities better than anyone. Thus, they can pretty much identify difficulties their children might be experiencing. This is especially true throughout the elementary years when children are exposed to more formal instruction in subjects such as reading, writing, math, and spelling. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=92TM4WO2VW Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:40:42 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Every year around Halloween, pumpkin patches emerge around town, decorations go up at homes across the city, and parents everywhere start thinking about costume ideas. If you're a homeschooling family, it's also a great time to incorporate lessons related to the season into your homeschool plans. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=RYX5NHQM5Y Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:24:38 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Unlike regular school teachers, homeschoolers don't always have the luxury of getting discounts at stores that offer teacher or school discounts. There are some places that make you prove you use an accredited program to be able to qualify for the discounts. Half priced books on the other hand doesn't. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=1020G81DBV Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:39:16 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Having to tell a six and seven year old that they have to wake up early the next day to pick up trash was something we thought would not go over well. After all, how many kids their age really enjoy doing their chores or picking up anything? Add to that the agony of waking up extra early on a Saturday morning, you would think that you would end up with grouchy children and a very long day for the parent. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=X36E9W39MS Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:14:59 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. One of the best things about homeschooling your own children is that when they are sick, you're in control. There is no school nurse calling you to tell you to pick up your child, there's no time clock or worry about when he can go back to school, there's no worry about missing out on your own work day, and there's no stress of getting caught up on stuff when it's all said and done. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=Y1YG52L61Q Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:10:10 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. The process of becoming a good reader is one that is nurtured over several years, but most especially during the 'critical stages' of a child's development. A dedicated, loving, and supportive parent will begin that nurturing at birth. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=1PYVPHGUZ5 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:18:32 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. The Texas Maritime Museum, located close to Corpus Christi in nearby Rockport, is a good place to get a glimpse of what life was like for explorers in 1684. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=BSFFDN3W0L Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:30:12 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Yeah for Homeschool Days! Nowadays, there are many museums and places that offer programs specifically geared for homeschoolers. History Museums, Science Museums, or Children's Museums are all examples of places that offer Homeschool Days. Here in Corpus Christi, one such place is the Texas State Aquarium. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=MF356TF10D Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:09:37 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. If you've been homeschooling a while now or are new to homeschooling, you are probably familiar with the terms 'Nature Studies'. It is a topic that is clearly recommended for homeschoolers and is something that you can find in many homeschooling guides, methods, sites, and forums. Yet, what tends to be a little unclear is how to conduct a Nature Study. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=SEM2SHV8PF Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:54:49 -0500 <p> &nbsp; </p> <p> &nbsp; </p> Homeschooling Groups can be a wonderful asset to many homeschooling families. For a newbie homeschooler, a homeschooling group can be one of your best resources for a variety of reasons. If you're out there trying to determine whether a homeschool group is right for you, consider this: Do you want it for socialization purposes or for educational purposes? http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=5YM30TQ50O Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:14:09 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. As school is ready to begin at most public schools in the area and across the state, I'm thanking my lucky stars that I homeschool! Over the last few weeks, I have been hearing over and over again about different situations that are related to traditional schooling that have caused people I know heartache, headaches, and unwanted stress and with the economy as bad as it is, who really wants or needs that? http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=1JZ28XIP2K Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:18:49 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. If your kids have been in a public or regular private school prior to homeschooling, then there's a chance that they may be complaining that homeschooling is boring. Then again, maybe they're not, but you can't help but feeling as they might at some point. Well then, you're probably like me and trying your best to find ways to enhance your studies with fun stuff to do. Some say the 'fun' factor teaches kids nothing and you should stick to your books and paper. I don't feel that way. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=79Z8AGQHLR Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:33:18 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. With the Fall Semester about to kick off at local public schools and probably most schools across the country, the question about whether your kids are at the right educational institution crosses the minds of concerned parents everywhere, so I guess it is no surprise that in the past two days, I have been asked by a sister and a friend about homeschooling. They want information about where to start, what to do, and whats it all about. Seeing as they are asking me, someone new on the homeschooling scene, It makes me ask the question is homeschooling really going mainstream as all the latest research suggest and isn't it interesting that one sends her kids to public school and the other to private school? I think so. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=T7PUC2QLJ1 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:06:37 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. I know my kids were exposed to Art in their classrooms and certainly at home in the form of crafts and drawings, but we weren't sure where to start when it came to actually teaching them about the basics of Art, colors, lines, textures, etc....you get the point. What we found was a good introduction to Art for children online called KinderArt. It's a great website. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=3R22HGKC7K Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:18:34 -0500 There is not an RSS category specified in the form. Seeing as we were not confident in what our son was taught in the classroom in the way of Math and understanding that our children would learn best using a Multisensory approach, we thought it best to introduce the TouchMath Program to them. Although the program is not cheap compared to most Math homeschool curriculum offered, we do support and utilize the program for various reasons. http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=D7NJYN465L Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:15:28 -0500 <font face="times new roman,times"><br /> </font> As more and more individuals find out we made the decision to homeschool, many are very surprised. After all, I was a volunteer at the school; a school that is highly regarded in this town, a private catholic school, and montessori for that matter. So, why in the world would we consider homeschooling? http://www.corpuschristifamily.com/pages/blog-archive-item?r=F2TGIPNH4Y Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:27:58 -0500