Saturday, September 27, 2014

Artemis Conference


The Artemis Medical Society is an organization that I founded to support and nurture female physicians (particularly those of color).  This weekend past was our inaugural conference/mini-retreat.  And as nervous as I was, I am proud to report was a huge success.  :)

www.ArtemisMedicalSociety.org


Letter from President Obama

Haley's awesome speech made us laugh, and cry....

Artemis kids:  because sometimes you just gotta bring 'em with you!!  This became an excellent opportunity for them to learn how to "network" and properly dine.





Selfie with the Luncheon Keynote Speaker


Community Service:  Sorting and organizing lanyards; stuffing bags for the AMS conference.



Saturday, September 20, 2014

Leadership Conference with Jack and Jill






Today we learn about LEADERSHIP, thinking for ourselves, and striving for great futures!!  The younger kids learn about Government.  The older kids gain positive reinforcements in areas that are easily influenced by peer-pressure.  

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Screen time out

It HAD to be done.  The electronics needed to be severely limited.


The Nintendo DS, tablet, computer games, Wii, and cell phone games all have a relevant and "important" place in our lives.  They are enjoyable to the children.  They allow the parents to peace and quiet.  They also have some educational value.

Day one:  Hana and Ian are playing together.
No fighting from Haley eventhough its late and she's still working

Day two:  No one even asked.  On the way home Hana and Ian made PLANS to play together...and once home, they did.  Ian went to bed without drama.  Haley stayed up until 11pm doing her harp.  #winning

Update 9/30/14:  Haley, in particular, has been much more productive without the pull of gaming technology.  In October, the "deal" is 1 hour on week-days, 2 hours on week-ends.  I do not think Haley will have the time for that...but Ian...will be glad to have the 'limited' time to engage in this activity.

Curriculum smooth sailing

Hana:  has had her last gymnastics meet.  Is now doing a conglomerate of "itty bitty sports" for fun and exercise.  She is excited about basketball, but is not wanting to try soccer, cheer, and track.  So, we thought this more "overall" program was a great way to allow her to experience various sports before committing to one.

She is doing well in Hybrid school, learning standard 1st grade stuff:

  • Handwriting (A Reason for Handwriting)
  • Spelling (A Reason for Spelling)
  • Math (Math Mammoth)
  • Explode the Code (reading/phonics)
  • Language (First Language Lessons)
  • History (American Pioneers)
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Physical Education (itty bitty sports)

Ian:  spent the summer swimming and playing Splashball.  He made the competitive swim team, but won't compete until next semester (allowing him time to enjoy the team before competing).  He continues to do guitar (both private lessons and group lessons), and he has joined the choir with his big sister.
  • Handwriting (cursive in A Reason For Handwriting)
  • Spelling (A Reason for Spelling AND Spelling U See)
  • Math (modified Math Mammoth)
  • Taiwanese Mental Math
  • History (Story of the World Volume 2)
  • Language Arts (First Language Lessons)
  • Science (Astronomy text and journal)*
*I don't whole-heartedly endorse the above books, but they are what's used at Hybrid school so we make them work, and modify as needed.
  • Swimming 3x/week
  • Water polo 2x/week
  • Choir
  • Guitar 2x/week

Haley:  is quite busy.  In addition to the Hybrid 8th grade curriculum, she has many enrichment activities.
  • Algebra I (which she scored a 96% on the first test.  This is great because it indicates that she is "in the right place" in terms of math placement - validating since I advocated for her to move up, and the summer was spent knocking out pre-algebra). 
  • History - American
  • Language Arts - grammar, essay writing, reading
  • Physical science




  • Choir
  • Piano
  • Harp
  • Orchestra
  • Debate - which is quite a bit of work, discussion, and research
  • Fencing 3x/week
  • Cotillion
And all 3 children have Jack and Jill.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Ian personality


What a nice note from his teacher.  He was SO proud.  We are so proud.  So eloquently stated by a friend:  an upbeat attitude and a calm demeanor has been shown to be a better predictor of success and leadership than "good grades."  Kudos, Ian!!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Haley auditions for, and is asked to join, the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra

What an accomplishment, and wonderful opportunity.
The harpist for the Fort Worth Youth Philharmonic Orchestra...