Friday, August 01, 2014

Priorities



I can never get enough of this boy. Never, ever, ever.

I can't believe how fast he is growing and changing. I just love him so much that I just want to hold him tight and cherish every single moment as he grows.

I'm trying. But it's hard sometimes to slow down enough to cherish it all the way that I really want to. Still, he is my priority.

Last night we toured a preschool. Henry loved it. And by loved it, I mean, threw a huge fit and didn't want to leave.

I hate to break it to him, but we were told he would probably not be able to go this year. The program only had a couple of spots left open and he needs some medical records and things before we can proceed any further. Plus - there's the potty-training. Ya know, the one thing we've been struggling with for a year now.

That wasn't a deal breaker, but he still needs some work.

I told Jeremy that I would make it a point to do some home-schooled preschool this year since he isn't going to be able to go. But next year we will probably definitely go with the same program. We loved it.

In other news: today I ordered a new camera. Because ya know - priorities. I've been saving for almost two years now to make this purchase and I'm finally doing it despite the anxiety that maybe I should wait, or maybe I should just purchase a couple new lenses, or maybe I should use the money for marketing, etc...

But I finally just bit the bullet and bought the camera because it's really what I need next.

Now I must attend to the three snotty-nosed boys that are screaming and fighting over toys (well, the youngest is probably just hungry) instead of writing a blog post. Somehow, over a very short period of time, these kids became a priority.


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17 comments:

  1. I have seriously been SO interested in hearing what you are planning to do for Henry preschool wise. I have been debating the same thing with Asher. With Roman I was hardcore devoted to the idea of homeschool and this year he is headed off to public school for 1st grade. I still stress over this decision so much. On one hand, public school has been SO good, especially during a very stressful year, but it's still hard for me because I never thought I'd see the day! On one hand I would love Asher to attend preschool but he too is NOT potty trained in the least! I'm just kind of keeping it on the back burner, maybe halfway through the year he could start somewhere. Or maybe I'll keep him home. AH decisions. Also, WHAT CAMERA DID YOU GET? congrats girls!!!! Can't wait to see pictures!!!

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    1. Let me say: preschool is an easy decision for us, simply because we think he can learn SO MUCH from going. Plus, he doesn't have any siblings so the social skills is a huge thing for us. With that being said, we in no way have decided that we don't want to home school. Matter of fact, we still very much DO want to home school. Preschool just seems...different. I don't know, haha. It's only 2 1/2 hours twice a week, so maybe that's why it doesn't seem like such a big deal. But yeah...potty training is still an issue and we too thought maybe we could enroll him half-way through the year if there's an opening. Camera wise, I bought the Sony A65. I think I will forever be a Sony girl after having my Sony A230 for so many years. Plus, I mean...lenses. ('nough said, right?) I bought it used from B&H: $400. I wish $400 wasn't such a big deal to me, but it is...and I can't wait to get it! The 35mm f/1.8 is next on my list...and possibly a lighting kit.

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    2. I see what you're saying, preschool is really not a "big" deal. I'm realizing now how much I've spent 24/7 with my kids alone with no help really (besides my husband of course!) when so many other people do things differently and I think I've missed out really in a way. We just need to hang out sometime in your awesome backyard and have a long chat! :) I've heard good things about Sony and I've also heard that Sony actually makes all Canon and Nikon parts!! I'm not sure if that's true or not but if it is, it's crazy! I think buying used is a great idea, I bought my Canon 5D body used for $800 in 2012 and I'm so glad that I didn't invest $3000 or something crazy. I mean $800 is pretty much crazy in and of itself!

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    3. Same here, girl. Henry and I have spent ONE night away from one another, and I can count on one hand the amount of times he's needed a sitter (and by sitter I mean grandma or his aunt). I too feel like I've missed out a little at times, like, everyone one should have SOMEONE they can count on to help. BUT...at the same time, I think of the way a lot of kids are raised, rarely seeing their parents, and that makes me so, so sad. I'm glad to do it this way. As far as Sony goes, I'm pretty certain that Sony's biggest profit comes from Nikon ;) and before I bought my first Sony, I did a lot of research and the amount of older lenses and things that can work with a Sony is UNREAL. I mean... you can buy almost ANYTHING and it will fit on my Sony. When the Sony a65 first came out, it was said to be better than even the top of the line Nikon and Canons, which to me was saying something. I think people underestimate Sony just because it's NOT Nikon or Canon. Granted they have much better models now (including a full-frame, which I would DIE to have) but this upgrade is going to be HUGE for me.

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  2. You are a wonderful mama! Love reading your posts!

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  3. Glad you were able to get your camera- it is great to save up ad obtain those goals!!! Preschool, I am not going to lie, Gunner will probably not go. I wish he could because of learning, he needs to be in a group to learn well- working one on one doesn't seem to be his thing. So preschool would be ideal….however…I am not certain there are any preschools that open at 0600 out my way- plus it would have to be within 5 minutes of my house so I could get to work on time. He has a great baby sitter who does a little bit with him and he has tons of kids to play with there, but I secretly worry he is going to be behind…..

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  4. He is such a cutie! I love the updates.

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    1. Thanks Jen! Sorry I haven't been over to your space in awhile. I must be better at keeping up with all of my other blogger friends!

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  5. Ok I had to research preschools haha. I found that there is one that has a 0600 drop off time and the price is perfect but it doesn't work logistically. Its a thirty minute drive the opposite way from work meaning I'd never get to work near on time. The preschools that logistically make since would cost way too much. So see now I am better informed and know I'll have to work harder at home! Somehow lol

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    1. The lady that we talked to when we visited this preschool gave us a break-down of EXACTLY what they do every day. Remember, this was 2 1/2 hours twice a week and they did 45 minutes of free play at the beginning of the day, 45 minutes of 'gym' time at the end of the day, and also had snack and story time (I'm guessing another 30 minutes), so the actual 'circle time' in which they would be learning a letter, color, number, ect... was about 30 minutes and she said they would learn the same letter/number/color both days of the week. SO.. I think I can manage an hour a week of actual 'learning'. The social skills is something Henry can now work on at home too since I've been babysitting, and we read enough books daily that story time would just be a bonus for him. I mean, preschool would be fun, but I don't think he's going to be behind in any way if he doesn't go this year. She said this year mainly they're just learning to sit still for a small amount of time (30 minutes), write their name, and get along with others.

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    2. I must say that Henry was going to be one of the youngest as well. Most of the kids were three getting ready to turn four.

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  6. I'm glad you and Jeremy like the school and I know that Henry will enjoy the time with "friends". Also... no preschool means you and him can meet me and C more often to play.

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  7. I ran across this preschool curriculum today and thought you might be interested in checking it out. It's called God's Little Explorers: a-z adventures in God's word and world for preschoolers. It looks like their is a free curriculum as well as a minimal cost for a more indepth curriculum.
    http://www.motherhoodonadime.com/kids/gods-little-explorer-preschool-curriculum/
    Hope this helps along in your in home preschooling!

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    1. Thank you so much, Desiree! I'm definitely going to look into it. It sounds perfect.

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  8. Thanks for you input Jenn. The preschool I am looking at is an all day thing from 0600-1730. They had an online schedule which I really liked as well. Gunner refuses to do anything with me. He has flash cards and I try to play matching games- he won't have it. We tried colors with M&M's won't do it. But if his babysitter gets all the kids to do something- he will do it. Unfortunately there are a variety of ages there so she can't teach them all nor do I expect her too lol.

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You don't know just how lovely you are...thank you.