“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Dr. Suess

What a simple lesson! I don’t know much about Dr. Seuss but I read somewhere that March 2nd is his birthday. I also read that he wrote his first children’s book on a dare. A friend bet him he couldn’t write a book using only fifty words. It really does make you admire the way his mind must have worked.

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, here’s a link to Seussville – A wonderful way to explore the life of Dr. Seuss, his books and characters, and have some fun with games and activities.

Rave: I have lost 40 pounds since November 1st! “What is your secret?” I get that a lot! There is no secret! I just started eating better. I cut out sugar, starches and enriched flour. I eat more often and I drink lots of water. I eat 4-5 meals/snacks a day. I do some exercise and try to get at least 8 hours sleep each night. I find that makes a difference. Im not on any celebrity trainer plan but if you wondered if any of them were inspiration, it would have to be Chris Powell and Bob Harper.

Rave: I decided a week ago that I did not need to smoke anymore. I have quit in the past and always gone back. I feel like I need to figure out how to cope better. Im not sure what the answers are yet, but Im taking it one day at a time. Im sure I will find success in this. My health is my focus right now and that is how it should be! The grandchildren are great motivators towards wanting to live a healthier life!

Recently I shared that we are home schooling Anthony. The reality is he is registered in our school district, but simply attends school at home (well at Nana’s). His mom enrolled him with k12.com back at the start of the school year. k12 sent Anthony anything you could imagine a student needing. A globe for history and safety goggles for science, even a phonics kit with letter tiles and instructions. They sent him a computer so he was able to connect to do class connect classes, attend Monday meetings, assemblies and more. I have to boast about the literature they sent to him as well, books like Madeline, Peter Rabbit, Tom Thumb and more!

I am not Anthony’s teacher, I am his learning coach. He has a homeroom teacher that he can connect with anytime we need help in the school day. We can contact him with k-mail or a phone call. He also has a math and phonics teacher for his online classes. All I am expected to do is present the lessons. Several times a week we connect with his teachers and other students in an online classroom. The students actually get to raise their hands and participate. We started his history lessons this year by making a passport and constructing suitcases to travel the world with our imaginations. After learning, what each continent offers we moved on to the next. I do not remember learning that in kindergarten!

I am amazed at the lessons we accomplish everyday. When I brag about Anthony and this virtual school, people seem to think I sit him down in front of a computer all day. When in reality only about 20% of what we do is online. One of the online features this virtual school provides is Study Island. There students do lessons that are appropriate for their age. When the lesson is completed, they just move onto the next. Recently they added Reading Eggs to the Study Island program. Anthony loves this so much he begs to ‘play’ Reading Eggs.

K12 is all over the USA. I would recommend this program to anyone. If your family has different schedules or a child that needs extra attention, then this program might just be your answer. There are clubs and activities for children of all ages. Monthly the school holds outings for the many families around the state to get together and share an experience. This month is the 153rd birthday of our state, and they are holding the meeting at the state capitol. We do not have to work our schedules around school; we work school around our schedules.

The other day when Anthony arrived for school he brought his brand new brother Carter along with him. He asked if he could rock his baby brother. “Of course you can!” I told him and grabbed the camera!
Anthony and I have been home schooling him here at the house. Everyday when we are done he asks me for homework. His older siblings have to do theirs and I guess he wants to fit in. We decided to home school him within the k12 program because it is public school. He is completely enrolled and this summer he will have completed kindergarten. He didnt meet the age limit to be accepted into our local primary school, so this worked out really well.