Wow, another week has gone by?! This week went quickly mainly because the boys worked through test review book to prepare for their Stanford Achievement Tests in a few weeks. We tried a new set of books this year, ones that are specifically geared toward the SAT, as opposed to the ones we usually get, which ask generic types of questions that prepare for a wide variety of standardized tests. I must say I prefer the old kind of review books, which are Spectrum Test Practice books. Although the questions may be not always asked the same way as Stanford asks them, I feel like they have a ton more review in them. Plus, for Caleb and Jonathan I have to read almost every question to them. The questions are only in the teacher's manual--they only have the answer choices in their book. Well, that is how the test is for 1st and 2nd grade, but it is a real hassle here at home! Because of the heavy amount of involvement from me, Caleb and Jonathan are not done yet, so we'll have to spend a few more days finishing those books up before going back to our regularly-scheduled school routine. I'm still thinking I might go ahead and order the other kind of book for Jonathan. I think he needs a little more practice before he takes the test. It's his first year testing. I always get nervous for that!
Every morning last week we expected the drywall man to show up to finish the backsplash walls. He never showed up, so Bob called Tuesday, and eventually went himself to the showroom to talk to someone. The guy did come Saturday morning. Yay! We had to wait for the caulk to dry before painting, and we had company for dinner last night, and our small group from church over this evening, so we have not been able to paint it yet. But soon!
Our company last night was a couple who we knew back in Ohio. We knew Teri from when Bob and I were dating, and her husband Jeff we met later on. They got married right after we moved back to Ohio in 2001, so we got to go to their wedding. They have a little girl who is about Grace's age. She is as cute as a button! She has been diagnosed with autism, but she did really well. She wasn't overwhelmed by all the kids, and she and the girls played really nicely. We had a great time catching up with Teri and Jeff, who are now assigned here. They are going to hopefully try our OCF Bible study out one Friday.
Today we got an exciting new addition for our backyard--a trampoline! Our German neighbors have to move soon because the people from whom they are renting their house are moving back here after their State Department tour. About 2 years ago they bought a trampoline for their daughter's birthday. Our boys have played for hours down there on it, so when they realized they wouldn't have room for it in their new yard, they asked if we wanted to buy it. I have never thought we would have one, but like I said, they have been playing on it for a few years now where I can't see them--so maybe it would be better if it was where I could see them! We did call USAA to make sure they wouldn't raise our rates or anything. Our yard is none too big here, so it definitely takes up some space back there! We trimmed a few branches to get it into the yard, and we might have to trim a few more. It's not totally level right now either, so we still have a bit of work to do.
That's our exciting and not-so-exciting news for last week!
2 comments:
We are starting the Spectrum test prep this week. I used it for Thomas last year too. I agree -- I would NOT want to be reading the test stuff to them. Have another good week!
Glad to hear you recommend the Spectrum books--we just finished going through those! Our first testing experience will be this week! We've never "had" to do these before, and I guess we technically don't "have" to this year, but it was the easiest of the 3 options Ohio gives, LOL. Who can keep track of portfolios?! Not at my house, at least, not this past year!
Also, hooray for a trampoline! We love ours...never thought about asking USAA about our rates, though...hmmm...
Post a Comment