Great evening

So after I wrote my earlier entry (before the survey) I went outside, Chad and the boys were no where to be found, so I came up and got my book and went back out to read and enjoy the nice breeze and comfortable temps. Chad and the boys arrived a few minutes later, the boys road their bikes and Chad walked up to the shoppette to get some sand toys for the park! Chad and I sat at our table and had a great talk about Jacob's school and how initially a couple years ago he was hesitant on it, but how happy he is that this is the route we're going. We both feel so strongly that Jacob does not need the "influence" of what public school provides children. It's honestly really disturbing to both of us what kids Jacob's age are exposed to. Call me over-protective I don't care, but my child does not need to hear about the things that some of these families expose their kids to and with the quality if teachers they have here I know he's learned far more than he would have in the school here. I've met far more parents who are disgusted by the school and the teachers than are happy or even just satisfied and we're talking a DODDS school (military), which in general DODDS schools are often ranked high compared to other public schools. The one here is terrible. I have had so many friends who have said they couldn't homeschool, but think it's so good that I am, and that Jacob will be much better off because he's not exposed to the school here and some of them are teachers themselves (not teaching here).

Ok so anyways...Chad and I then started talking about new expectations for Jacob. I told him that I want Jacob to start officially doing chores that he's accountable for everyday and we discussed allowance and how we both feel about that. We also talked about Jackson being responsible for a couple of chores as well.

Jacob's 6 and Jackson's 3 (will be 4 in August). They've both always had things they have to do such as clear their plates, pick up toys, etc. Jacob's been good most the time about  making his bed and for a while he was doing chores, but then Dad came home and it all fell apart. So, I'm going to go and get a dry erase board (the last time I went and looked for one they were out so hopefully they have the size I want in).

Jack will be responsible for: Making his bed, getting dressed, brushing his teeth every morning. I know I'll have to help to a degree (like getting his clothes down, putting tooth paste on his tooth brush) so those things won't change from what's happening now, but making his own bed is new. We haven't been as "hard" on him when it comes to picking up toys, and that's changing. It's been something the last few weeks I've been working with him on. Lets just say he's enjoyed the role of being "youngest" very well...that's changing! I want some of these things good and established before the baby comes for two reason's, because he's old enough to be doing it and so that when she is here I'm not laying down all these new rules and requirements and there's resentment towards her!

For Jacob it'll be: bed, teeth, dressing. He'll also be responsible 2-3 times a week (or as needed) to scoop the litter box (he did this while Chad was deployed). He'll also have to take the recycling out daily. He will also have to wipe the table down after meals. Chad and I are still discussing anything else we may have him do here and there as well, but we're going to start off with these and go from there.

It was really nice to just sit outside and talk. We talked about other things as well and I actually didn't get upstairs to start dinner until 6:40! :X But it was worth it! To have some quality time to just talk, laugh and enjoy each other's company. We also talked to the boys about what school things we're planning on doing. A lot of science things that Chad will be helping with. We're all excited and Jack will get to participate in some of them as well. This summer our school schedule will be much lighter. We'll be doing 1 subject a day and spending our afternoons at the pool. I plan on going to some castles and there's a Children's Science museum in Nurnberg that I want to take the boys to as well. I think this summer's going to be good!