tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33495310743742679382012-02-16T13:53:52.805-06:00Homeschooling is not what we do; it's what we are.3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.comBlogger2671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-18457524369899309252011-10-05T13:32:00.016-05:002011-10-05T14:04:36.947-05:00

Recently I was asked about math programs.  Because I think this is the area where so many programs exist and is so confusing to navigate, I thought I would share our whole math path here. So here goes on my map of our stumbling through the years. 1)  Mortensen Math.  We started here based on my sister's family's success with this program.  She gave me the "basic" manipulative set and I bought

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-58936734109333582792011-04-25T09:40:00.002-05:002011-04-25T09:46:50.028-05:00

Sometimes I think I'm the only one so unsure about what we're doing on this homeschooling journey.  I look 4 years into the future and I tremble.  I look at what my goals are for my sons, and I feel almost sick.  I wonder if we did the right thing, if we'll be ready for missions and college at the right time.  Somehow four years seems like forever when children are 6, but they disappear in a

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-32186508694894589652011-04-23T12:49:00.005-05:002011-04-23T13:12:25.789-05:00

I just finished making an American Civil War lap book to wrap up my sons' studies. The template came from In the Hands of a Child. We used the American Government one last fall, and I really enjoyed how it helped keep us on track. I've also started a Physical Science lap book. What I really like about these lapbooks is that I can add additional assignments and readings as I want, or we

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-32447268154746801992010-08-27T13:12:00.006-05:002011-04-23T13:13:02.749-05:00

It's the end of summer now and fall term has begun quietly. Now is a good time to kick back and tell you some of my impressions of the things we have done this summer. Math-u-See: I still love it. I still believe he pirated it from Mortenson Math, but he has much better workbooks. I highly recommend getting the VHS version because you will spend much less money. Obviously the VHS version

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-64023118485130985902010-08-02T19:56:00.007-05:002011-04-23T13:13:45.728-05:00

One thing I learned last year was that the day after co-op is a total waste educationally. I wake up late and drained, often with a mutinous headache. Or is it me that is mutinous? Every year, I get this marvelous catalog showcasing some fabulous video high school courses, and this year I caved into desire. I bought. Not only that, but I'm passing the word onto anyone who might stumble

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-74587334974271220882010-07-16T18:52:00.005-05:002011-04-23T13:33:17.630-05:00

Working on our 4-year high school reading list and looking for help. I'm open to additions and recategorizations. Thank you for your input! United StatesConstitution of the United StatesDeclaration of Independence5000 Year Leap, by Cleon SkousenCommon Sense, by Thomas Paine Fantasy and Science FictionFablehaven series, by Brandon MullAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis CarrollThe Great

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-14323543059622626572010-07-07T15:22:00.004-05:002010-07-07T15:31:39.779-05:00

Just looked over my last blog post and realized I haven't progressed at all on most of those goals except one.MATH!We're going fast and furious on it, and the kids are progressing well. That's about all I have to report. Most importantly, we still like the Math-u-see program. We're doing about a unit a day---given that he recommends taking a week or more on each, we're doing well. It's not a

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-71829215128959711442010-06-13T17:23:00.004-05:002010-06-13T17:31:53.299-05:00

I'm going to stop blogging about what we're doing because it seems to curse us for a course change!Seriously, we are going to be doing Ancient Greece, but life has been getting in the way. It may have to wait until August or September. One item down: belt rank test. My sons have taken their black belt test and now await their results, given next Saturday at Nationals. My daughter has taken

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-10518769531771469772010-06-06T17:53:00.004-05:002010-06-06T18:47:44.651-05:00

Part II'm one step closer to our next unit which will be Ancient Greece. This time, we are using a lapbook study from In the Hands of a Child as the basic unit. I am curious to see how this goes. We will also learn a little bit of Modern Greek (as opposed to ancient.) If this unit captures my kids' imagination, we will use this approach more.The only lapbook I have ever done is one on pirates

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-31159315886703494072010-05-06T08:29:00.002-05:002010-05-06T08:48:48.103-05:00

We just started a Pioneers unit study by Amanda Bennett. It is a notebooking program. So far, it looks like it will be a good unit study although easy to get bogged down doing every exercise listed. I did that with her American Government unit study so I'm being much more careful this time around! Here is the outline of people and events we will study.Daniel BooneThomas Jefferson, including

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-4036749651019851582010-04-06T11:20:00.003-05:002010-04-06T11:30:50.992-05:00

Hello! Spring is here, and the temperatures are rising very quickly! We have a long-haired dog that needs to shed! Our kids are looking forward to summer and the freedom it brings to run and play without regard to coats and bundling.Co-op is wrapping up as well. My daughter is dancing in the elementary grades' musical. She is very happy to stop listening to Parablelooza soon. My sons are

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-77892695103823691552009-10-22T21:47:00.002-05:002009-10-22T21:53:34.093-05:00

As for science: We're trying a little LifePac for 8th grade. Only comment? Hmmm....withholding judgment. I'll decide by the end of the first book. Not sure why I got the first 4th grade book; my daughter is already studying solar systems rather than plants. By the way, you can buy LifePacs a book at a time from Alpha and Omega Publishing for those who want to try it and see or simply don't

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-63800977255242083062009-10-02T17:27:00.006-05:002009-10-02T17:40:06.073-05:00

As I mentioned previously, we are studying the book World War I as an additional study to the boys' co-op classes. This book studies the causes of World War I and how it built into World War II.In the book, the author recommends viewing several movies directed by Frank Capra as propoganda for the war, and he gives some things to watch for (like the music) and how they affect the viewer.I have

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-92143585398056882362009-09-25T16:57:00.003-05:002009-09-25T17:36:04.228-05:00

Today we learned that density measures how tightly atoms are packed together.Democritus believed 1) all matter is made of atoms, 2) differences in atoms were in shape and size, 3) atoms were indestructible, and 4) atoms were in constant motion.Of the four, scientists have proven that 1 and 4 are true. We know that atoms are basically the same shape and are limited in size. Over

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-39731232662474066802009-09-23T19:07:00.011-05:002009-09-23T20:04:56.651-05:00

We finally leaped head first into Science. Being naturally disinclined to follow instructions exactly, I am using the Apologia text, Exploring Creation with General Science as a guide. Their approach to science is historical which is right down our ally! We'll deviate somewhat later because some of the history it presents I think is contradicted elsewhere so we'll be learning about that too.The

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-37998603918881070712009-09-05T08:30:00.002-05:002009-09-05T08:33:59.164-05:00

I received this on a homeschooling email list I'm on and found it to contain some good standards for all parents to measure their own and their children's education. I hope you enjoy it.You won't find "takes honors classes," "gets good grades," or "attends only Ivy League schools" on John Taylor Gatto's list of qualities of an educated person. Gatto taught in New York City schools for 30 years

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-80650062074431856892009-09-04T08:38:00.002-05:002009-09-04T08:44:29.366-05:00

I'm beginning to believe that this year will be the time my children learn to use their time wisely (or drive their mother crazy!) Seriously, everything seems to be going back to that and it's not being an easy lesson for them.One of the things we have done this year is left the everyone together, unit study model. My daughter would probably do better with that, but the boys are pursuing

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-43657897587051661842009-09-03T15:53:00.003-05:002009-09-03T16:04:38.544-05:00

Tuesday was our first day of our new co-op. The kids were all a bit worried/anxious/scared to go, but they loved it once they got there. The spirit there was so good: an eagerness to learn. Sure, the older kids tried to play it cool, but they obviously had no problem with completing the homework assignments. My own kids came home jazzed! They were all abuzz with telling about their day and

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-25669586746431886532009-08-27T13:27:00.003-05:002009-08-27T13:37:26.767-05:00

So far I'm on schedule for the year. The changing ideas/curriculums schedule. We've been going for about a month and some things that were not on the calendar (like finishing merit badges so the boys can get their Eagles) are gaining priority. Interestingly, some of them are working into their core learning plans (good phrase, huh) very nicely.Core learning plans. In the next few days, I will

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-56434534402205898642009-08-15T14:08:00.004-05:002009-08-15T14:21:06.310-05:00

I so oopsed! I planned out our year's curriculum and forgot to take into account what the kids would be doing at co-op. For example, we were going to study U.S. History and Western Hemisphere Geography. I just bought some of the workbooks I was missing. Steven is taking World War I and Medieval History at co-op for the first semester, and World War II and Medieval History for the second semester

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-77106286181269289682009-08-12T16:36:00.005-05:002009-08-12T16:46:49.725-05:00

You know that beautiful public school creation called teacher's planning day? Today was one. There were tickets to buy to see the Ahn Trio next month, emails to send, emails to read (only 36 more to go), blogs and forums to catch up on, merit badges to sew on, merit badges to work on (personal fitness almost done), history reading to complete, headlines to read, and public schools to notify.

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-6283572760504798842009-08-11T15:51:00.003-05:002009-08-11T16:39:11.730-05:00

Lately I've been volunteering at the local homeschooler's lending library. It is a really great thing that a local homeschoolers' association has put together, and they even have a place to put the library. A local church has allowed them to use the attic of an old building they have. It has truly been a blessing to the homeschooling community.In Kentucky, the association we belonged to had a

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-24409988848783858802009-07-31T08:26:00.005-05:002009-07-31T18:01:08.301-05:00

I have a long-standing love affair with dictionaries. Not that I have ever read one from cover to cover, but I usually get caught by something in a dictionary on my way to a specific definition.When I worked at Thiokol, I received a dictionary that had a chart of all the world's known major language families. When I changed departments, I took the dictionary with me. When I was layed off, the

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-24710666300071425742009-07-22T15:32:00.002-05:002009-07-22T15:47:03.594-05:00

I am very blessed to have a homeschool lending library in town, and I took advantage of it this year. I've gotten really gunshy at buying curriculum; I've bought too much that didn't work for us! The library operates on donations and $1 per book rented. You check them out for one year---it's a steal! A local church donates the space in its attic for its use. How awesome is that? One of the

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-46624784527764042702009-07-20T12:39:00.011-05:002009-07-20T14:41:29.440-05:00

I'm feeling mind boggled by science and realizing how closely tied science and math are. My sons are not doing algebra yet so that is limiting our options somewhat.While I have the Apologia text, I think I might swing back to the original idea of doing Janice Van Cleave's Biology. That would make my non-scientific life ever so much easier!!!It would cut down the boys' textbook load too. That

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-22802024913171498602009-07-18T00:45:00.004-05:002009-07-18T01:07:59.861-05:00

Here we are, poised to begin 8th grade, realizing that we are on the precipice called high school. That thought makes me tremble to realize that my sons are growing up! They really, really are. On the other hand, that is making me refocus like never before, taking more time to prepare for the year. I am setting up our school to deal with high school transcripts, college applications, and

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-2566438400613664872009-07-17T23:24:00.001-05:002009-07-17T23:25:58.182-05:00

Here's a link for some fun games you can use to reinforce math concepts. Or cut and paste this: http://ldsnha1.securesites.net/freedomweb/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=A%20Deck%20of%20Cards

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-40865851552462978802009-07-17T17:47:00.003-05:002009-07-17T17:50:36.707-05:00

Try this YouTube video! It's great!Sound of Music: Central Station Antwerp (Belgium)Did you see the couple enjoying the performance together? Love it!!!

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-1355596984266302102009-07-17T17:22:00.003-05:002009-07-17T17:25:43.324-05:00

This was emailed to me---just when I figured I was going to kick the depression of watching the political arena. What do you think about this? (I cut and paste this from my email with no editing.)It's Not An OptionBy INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:20 PM PTCongress: It didn't take long to run into an "uh-oh" moment when reading the House's "

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-38198160731238237802009-06-24T14:39:00.006-05:002009-06-24T15:11:44.862-05:00

I just got a letter from the school district which has me really upset. Here is the beginning of it. See if you can find the irony. I’ve tried to help by italicizing the important parts. They were not italicized in the letter. Missouri law requires that all children show proof of adequate immunizations. According to our records your child will NEED the following immunization(s) to be in

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-38058802366681437982009-06-13T14:05:00.002-05:002009-06-13T14:06:29.770-05:00

My father-in-law just left a link in a tweet, and I want to share. There are some funny parts and some are-you-listening parts to it.http://marriage.families.com/blog/marriage-fun-facts

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-51246502678280606212009-04-21T17:12:00.005-05:002009-04-21T17:55:49.367-05:00

When my sons were in Kindergarten, they had quite the absentee record because of sickness, and I was constantly pressured to send them to school unless they had a fever. One day after my son had been home for a couple of days, I sent him to school with cough drops. Halls, to be exact. I mentioned to his teacher to remind him to take them in case he started coughing, which he was doing

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-54219267868220210652009-04-14T15:04:00.007-05:002009-04-16T23:37:32.264-05:00

We did it. We took the leap to computer-based education. I purchased Alpha and Omega's Switched on Schoolhouse, at least for Language Arts, History and Geography (which will wait until we finish the Middle Ages), and Science. That brings our total of computer subjects up to four with Teaching Textbooks' math curriculum, which I love!It has gotten harder and harder to sync up all the kids'

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-34003487646148928012009-04-07T15:47:00.005-05:002009-04-07T16:33:43.911-05:00

I just signed up one of my boys for Time4Learning.com. I'm interested in the Language Arts program, but I'm not sure this is the right fit. He has given the thumbs up on it (based on 15 minutes usage), and it seems to be a good fit for him but I am still unsure. They give a 14-day trial period, and we'll probably use about half that before I decide for sure.Pros and cons:Pro: This program offers

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-76421148694204541622009-03-28T18:43:00.003-05:002009-03-28T18:45:23.096-05:00

J-Dawg and S-man both got their papers completed. Whew!They have also finished the required service hours for Life scout in Boy Scouts.And now we have snow. Blossoms a-plenty, leaves coming out, green grass, and a freeze on its way. Gross.

OJT Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579822534539544094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-31611874714323987672009-03-26T21:22:00.002-05:002009-03-26T21:25:50.646-05:00

It finally happened. J-Dawg begged to do more math. You have absolutely no idea of what a major milestone that was!The problem? He has 3 merit badges to finish up and a paper on the history of taekwondo due to his TKD master tomorrow so he can test for his blue belt. The merit badges have a few more weeks.

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-67122810285562142432009-03-24T22:38:00.006-05:002009-03-24T22:55:23.363-05:00

We have had a quiet week so far. Last week, all 3 kids were sick; this week, they aren't quite well and my daughter is threatening a second bout. I hope to avoid it!Yesterday was all about the skeleton. Today we did a little more, but ran out of tape to put the models together so we moved onto history. I didn't feel like pulling out The Story of the World today so we read a bunch of library books

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-67701787548722142312009-03-12T23:17:00.003-05:002009-03-12T23:35:02.965-05:00

Why do I wait until late at night to blog? I'm tired!We finally finished The Story of the World: Ancient World, by Susan Wise Bauer. It spanned a couple of years, mostly because we stopped about 10 chapters early and did some other things. Like workbooks.Imagine three children saying, "Boring!" Yup, that would be my three.Added to that, my son kept waving the second volume (Middle Ages) under

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-17528945677878058562009-03-06T17:31:00.003-06:002009-03-06T17:32:26.048-06:00

After about an hour of struggling with my daughter to get her ready for school, I finally got her there.  She was all,  "I don't want to go!  Why can't you unenroll me?"  Picking her up?  Much happier.  I asked her to remember that next week when she goes, and she said, "Okay.  (pause)  Well, I'll try."This happens every single day she goes to public school.  No exceptions. Today the bribe was

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-19627939781495059322009-03-04T21:29:00.007-06:002009-03-04T21:46:29.505-06:00

Okay, I'm struggling with this blog again. This time, though, it's because it is linked to an old email account, one that is being swamped with about 100 emails at a time. I can't deal with it all! If anyone knows how I can swap it over to my new email address, I'd be very grateful. I don't want to forward my emails from one to the other because the first one has the aforesaid junk that I can't

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-2644817411033287622009-02-21T16:42:00.006-06:002009-02-21T17:01:06.999-06:00

I have been thinking about the advantages of a barter system, especially right now. We have had to cut back on some lifestyle/educational choices lately because of unexpected expenses, and I have been trying to figure out ways to bring those choices back to life.My solution? The barter system. Between my husband and I, we have some skills that we could trade for some privileges. To be honest, I'm

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-83435740811332737542009-02-17T10:07:00.012-06:002009-02-17T12:15:42.888-06:00

Hello again, I think. I read another blog yesterday where the author wrote that the purpose behind her blog was to show life with spectacularly normal children. Then I received an email from a mom who was feeling horribly behind the game.I got to thinking....the problem for many of us is that none of us (or very few) really feel like we're doing enough most of the time. We homeschoolers hear

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-45510050425675074962008-12-31T18:08:00.003-06:002008-12-31T18:24:22.825-06:00

Here comes the new year and time for new resolutions and new directions.  Sometimes change is hard, and this resolution is one I have struggled with for some time.What resolution?  Retiring this blog.At first it filled a real purpose for me, but my inspiration seems to have dried up.  Plus the fact that I was beginning to spend far too much time on the computer.  So the time has come to say

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-20208373602641062962008-12-31T14:44:00.002-06:002008-12-31T14:49:41.179-06:00

I just got an email from Vitacost about how a school has found a 3% increase in kids eating fruits and vegetables when schools remove the sugary treats from the school's premises.  One rebuttal was interesting.  The person quoted said, "Sandon also said school cafeteria services get an 'awfully bad rap. The kids are only eating one meal at school, and they are only at school one third of their

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-72318678371060575912008-12-27T00:56:00.003-06:002008-12-27T01:02:59.214-06:00

Hi! We had a great Christmas although low key. I've been pretty sick and so has my husband, but it was nice anyway. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, minus sickness! I haven't been online here much either because we have been busy. My posting will likely be irregular because we have some pretty ambitious school and career plans. (Santa brought some new workbooks which J-Dawg was

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-71088559549319549522008-12-18T16:11:00.003-06:002008-12-18T16:16:15.737-06:00

Okay, so friends of mine are sending out cards, making cookies and candy, decorating their homes with lights, and participating in frenzied shopping. (The mall looked awfully quiet today though!)Us? Our tree has been up forever (and we love seeing it), I might get to writing a Christmas letter this year---maybe, fudge should happen sometime because I have everything I need or maybe Jim will make

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-8319514179631793252008-12-05T17:04:00.002-06:002008-12-05T17:10:26.095-06:00

They did it! The boys finished their workbooks. For a reward, they got some money and computer game time. They're thinking they are pretty special!

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-23001694536514723212008-12-02T15:22:00.004-06:002008-12-02T15:46:33.694-06:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We did. It was nice to have the whole family home, including Jim. He was determined not to go into the office, and he kept that promise until later Friday. For Thanksgiving, I baked 1 cherry, 2 chocolate pudding, 1 apple, and 1 pumpkin pie. I think we finished them all off yesterday. Mmm.....maybe there is one more slice of apple pie in the

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-8995564455593333712008-11-26T10:38:00.002-06:002008-11-26T10:47:42.376-06:00

We are done with the Great Depression, and I am relieved. Very depressing study. I was going to do more study on my own, but I can't face it. Thankfully the books for next year are much lighter.Onward. The boys are working on papers about the 3 kingdoms of Korea, required before they test for their purple belts. In other words, it is due today! This month they are all reading Stowaway from

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-66752156807007408612008-11-15T18:22:00.004-06:002008-11-15T18:31:12.587-06:00

Shaundra's eye is doing better. I think the bruising will be gone by Monday. Ice packs the first day and homeopathic Arnica frequently have been doing the trick. My hubby took a picture last night after she went to bed. Hopefully I'll get it posted by Monday.I froze 8 or 9 bags of sliced apples today. We bought them a couple of weeks ago, but I've been dreading canning them. So I didn't. I

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-28645582285910860662008-11-13T23:08:00.003-06:002008-11-13T23:32:48.464-06:00

Today I spent an inordinate amount of time grading papers. My kids have been working through some workbooks more aggressively now that one of their co-ops has ended for the term (possibly for good). Since these are workbooks and not tests, they get to rework mistakes with me---joyful times for them, I'm sure. S-man did his after taekwondo when his dad was home with the other Star Wars DVDs

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-65764551314309453242008-11-09T21:06:00.010-06:002008-11-09T22:37:22.086-06:00

I just found out we are supposed to make a presentation about the Great Depression for our literature group.What a huge topic! While it has been much on my mind, and I've been studying it, I haven't really known how to start it with my kids. We're reading the book Footprints in the Dust---not on the boys' Top Ten picks!Anyone got any ideas for me? Links?Update: I found this site and read the

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-80329566430106893202008-11-07T13:24:00.007-06:002008-11-07T14:15:49.859-06:00

I'm sure it is more than allergies! As miserable as allergies are, this is far worse!!! On the up side, I am on the mend! If I could just stop coughing to prove that. . . . Of course being as stubborn as I am, I won't go to the doctor.Due to a chilly night last night, I purchased my daughter some flannel sheets from Sam's Club and pulled out a quilt for her bed. Her room gets downright cold!

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-41967394253354078132008-11-05T07:44:00.007-06:002008-11-05T11:07:26.426-06:00

I listened to Barack Obama's speech last night and was very impressed at how he did exactly what he needed to do in that speech. He is an incredible speech maker and has such a powerful energy. What he will do (esp. with a Dem Congress) sickens me, but I'll bet he will become a very popular president.On the other hand traditional families were reaffirmed, for which I am grateful. Abortion was

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-76127946627522271892008-11-04T21:49:00.004-06:002008-11-05T07:51:37.246-06:00

My heart is heavy tonight. Barring a miracle (CA swinging red?), Republicans are in very nearly the same position that the Dems were in 8 years ago. McCain just barely lost the popular vote. My heart hurts. It doesn't help that I knew it could very well happen. At least the popular vote is close--at least, so far. There are so many moral issues that really matter that are being lost. Can

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-86966054195546540052008-11-04T06:40:00.002-06:002008-11-04T06:44:27.275-06:00

I voted. McCain and company. And I'm contemplating going to the zoo so I don't watch the results. Wonderful turnout at the booths although I did want to hit the lady who snidely said, "No, I don't want to see the sample ballot. I know everything that's on it." (There are quite a few state constitution amendments on it. It's a big election all the way around here.)

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-4864320884070979812008-10-28T12:03:00.004-05:002008-10-28T12:09:11.944-05:00

It has been awhile since my last post. Let's just assume that means everything ran smoothly but there was nothing spectacular to report. Amazingly enough, some days are just normal with nothing extra. ;-) I know that is tough to believe. (haha)However, we did a fun exercise yesterday about our federal government. We didn't get to complete it at the co-op so we are going to be doing it again

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-7929731182531934662008-10-20T18:15:00.003-05:002008-10-20T18:23:52.136-05:00

Worried about Christmas presents and trying to make it more meaningful? Check out Jen's blog and watch the You Tube video. Since we all know I am technologically challenged, I'll just let you go there. It will work better. (FYI In another lifetime, I wrote user manuals and most of these things have terrible user instructions--nonexistent.)In the meantime, I'm grateful to know I'm not the only

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-40080107213449842008-10-16T11:08:00.000-05:002008-10-16T11:08:01.187-05:00

Okay, I've been eating humble pie. My sister asked me to help with her website, and I'm finding out how truly stupid I am with things computer--at least with web design. The online documentation doesn't help me much, and I don't know HTML. Does anyone else deal with feeling pretty worthless if you can't "fix it"? As I was working through some issues that became apparent when I saw the site on

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-41137113444634638062008-10-15T10:00:00.006-05:002008-10-15T11:17:00.912-05:00

It has been an eventful week! I'm sorry for not being a little more regular in my posting. I have missed reading blogs and reporting in about some things we are doing. The dog has adjusted to not having the boys around although I think he'll be delighted to have them back. We all know now whose dog he is!The other day, my mother-in-law called to tell us to call anytime we wanted to. I guess

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-16563650984311811412008-10-11T17:58:00.007-05:002008-10-15T10:58:35.956-05:00

I moved the political commentary over to my Just Thinking blog. See the blog list for that reference if you're interested.My boys are off with their grandparents having a wonderful time seeing the Flippin Church of God (for real in Flippin, Arkansas); Memphis, Tennessee; Pickwick Dam; NASA Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama; and Chattanooga, Tennessee. We just got back with our daughter from

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-49343960957666356322008-10-11T02:05:00.002-05:002008-10-11T02:10:09.975-05:00

This blog is worth a read--right now Paula is talking about things political, specifically Proposition 8 in California about same sex marriage and how it affects every single family. I really believe this election needs to boil down to morals and morality. The predictions are ominous . . . especially when compared to prophecies.

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-87833135294256864272008-10-10T23:21:00.003-05:002008-10-10T23:24:19.259-05:00

I absolutely love it when someone else writes a post about my kids! Here's a link to a blog of a friend of ours that graciously offered to teach art to my children. Yup, we're the homeschooling family she refers to, and those are my children and their creations.

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-28934733343984229762008-10-07T22:52:00.009-05:002008-10-08T01:06:45.825-05:00

Myth: Paul Revere waited for the message from the lanterns in the Old North Church before he began his ride.Fact: Instead, he was actually the one that came up with that system and the one that told the sexton how many lanterns to hold up. BTW, 2 men only held the lanterns up in the tower for a few moments, not long enough for the British regulars to notice, so colonists in Charlestown would

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-83244108219500984772008-10-06T16:32:00.008-05:002008-10-07T00:50:15.170-05:00

We had our homeschool co-op today, and it was rough. We take turns teaching, and the mom that had today was very uptight with her son. She had wonderful activities but wanted everyone to be perfectly orderly--at least indoors. I was so glad her last activity was outside because she was able to relax.I felt so bad for her. I know what it is like to feel like my children are the only ones who

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-85942639310563632282008-10-05T00:59:00.010-05:002008-10-05T02:53:21.647-05:00

Today was the first day of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints semi-annual conference broadcasted from Salt Lake City. It was a very reassuring, comforting conference, full of messages of the power of faith, hope, charity, and prayer. You can listen to it at www.lds.org under General Conference or here. I want to share a single thought right now, probably paraphrased (since I can't

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-29837285734483955742008-10-03T14:55:00.008-05:002008-10-03T16:10:16.064-05:00

After the vice presidential debates last night, I got on the 'net with some specific questions. I got some of those answered, but I also turned this up. Okay, somewhere along the way I missed it. Totally believable since I tend to get political overload and have to break away from it for a time. But this, filed by a Hilary Clinton supporter, is serious. Who is this man and what country is he

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-12533869925234232122008-10-03T12:48:00.006-05:002008-10-03T12:57:36.118-05:00

Good for my economy! I love living here!

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-76352036435011339312008-10-01T11:55:00.007-05:002008-10-01T12:57:11.303-05:00

I just got this information from a friend's email. I think it makes a lot of sense and has a better chance of working without passing off penalties and ugly ramifications to our children and grandchildren. It came from Dave Ramsey. If my link didn't work, you can find it at: http://www.daveramsey.com/media/pdf/the_common_sense_fix.pdf. I like this because there is accountability attached without

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-5237959599035847872008-09-27T02:45:00.001-05:002008-09-27T09:15:25.011-05:00

I am extremely thankful that I didn't throw out our Mortenson Math materials when we moved. I nearly did. Then I almost did again last spring when I was cleaning. The third time was a couple of weeks ago when I was reorganizing our art supplies and scrapbooking drawers. Thursday I pulled them out again and said, "Ah, hah!" It is exactly the approach we need toward math, a Montessori way of

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-27335743459086968092008-09-24T16:40:00.008-05:002008-09-24T17:53:07.154-05:00

For what it's worth, here's my philosophy on education:I have a responsibility to provide the opportunities my children need to learn that which is important for them to know. I have a responsibility to teach them the concepts they must understand. I have a responsibility to answer their questions at times and direct them to the answers at other times.I do not have a responsibility to learn the

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-4959425276680302272008-09-19T14:48:00.002-05:002008-09-19T14:59:54.230-05:00

I just had a Trojan worm threaten my computer so I'm warning everyone off the site that seemed to cause it. It is www dot flexequity dot com. Don't go there!I just received my bank statement with a flyer advertising their flex equity advantages. Being a curious person, I wanted to find out exactly what flex equity is since I've only had a vague idea about it. So I googled, "What is flex

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-63463316315606662422008-09-17T23:40:00.006-05:002008-09-18T01:41:42.349-05:00

Read this for an incredible lesson-in-a-post about keeping your eye on your destination. Beautifully put even though my first reaction was to be scared about her son's safety, but the visual for keeping your eye on what is important was amazingly on target.And this for an ode to mothers. Awesome post on women.

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-69104781130215001942008-09-17T13:23:00.006-05:002008-09-24T16:35:53.989-05:00

Even though we are studying spiders, I really didn't intend to have such a large specimen outside the window to study. We're trying to figure out what kind of spider it is. Can you help us? Click here to view a picture. (This is the only not-out-of-focus picture.)Here are some more pictures -- taken with my camera unfortunately, meaning they aren't in focus because I'm zoomed in so far. Point

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-82737914146154928582008-09-16T17:19:00.003-05:002008-09-16T17:32:07.503-05:00

Highlight of today:We went to the Watershed Community of the Ozarks at the Water Valley Mill Park today to learn about stream ecology by Aquatics Biologist, Mike Kromrey. That is, after we got good and lost and took 45 minutes extra to find it!The kids got to scoop out aquatic life from the stream and began identifying and counting the various species of life. They learned about how streams in

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-9132434723462392752008-09-16T07:50:00.005-05:002008-09-16T08:09:48.109-05:00

Just wanted to leave a quick note before I start my day. Yesterday we met for co-op and learned about spiders (arachnids). To wrap up, the kids got to make some cute crafty brown recluse spiders.Scratch that picture idea. My camera batteries died.They made a string web which I don't have a picture of, studied some poetry, and learned some more about insect metamorphosis. Next week it's my

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-48649683456322102832008-09-12T15:32:00.007-05:002008-09-12T20:49:55.632-05:00

We began our day looking up animals in the scriptures. The topical guide was helpful, but an old concordance I had was even better. We looked up "Animals" in the concordance (vs. going page by page through the topical guide) and found 30 or more. Then the kids each chose one animal and cut it out of a sponge. Once that was done, we found the properties of a sponge by putting it in water,

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-36548368723509959432008-09-10T20:56:00.005-05:002008-09-10T21:38:45.800-05:00

The other day I discovered that I really enjoy teaching English. This is the first time that I have unleashed myself from the workbooks and gone for it, drawing all over the white board of course. When I was in college completing my student teaching, I was pretty convinced that I would absolutely never teach school except to my own kids. I still don't think I'd like to take on high school and

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-63406320298407926782008-09-06T14:27:00.006-05:002008-09-06T15:55:56.300-05:00

Today I waited for my daughter at our church's Primary activity. They have a quarterly activity that is just a fun time for the children to fellowship with each other. While I was waiting, I read the book, My Brother Sam is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier. It is a rather slow read, written in a dispassionate voice.It takes place in Redding, Connecticut which was primarily

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-50856908457697089992008-09-05T23:14:00.008-05:002008-09-06T00:29:32.353-05:00

I'm still catching up on all the reading I should have done before I graduated from high school, let alone college! We have recently received a bunch of new books, some purchased one because of fond memories, some because they were highly recommended for historical studies.One of the latter was the book, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham. It received the Newberry Award. I never

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-63616503680838366272008-09-01T02:56:00.002-05:002008-09-01T03:11:12.257-05:00

I saw this on another blog and decided to do it. Heck, I'm still up at an unreasonable hour so my judgement could be cloudy. It's in honor of Labor Day and is about...well, labor. And not the kind you get a day off for, either. Check out Rocks in My Dryer for more. How long were your labors? Kid #1 and 2 (twins), 2 days. From about 8:00 a.m. one day to 6:30 p.m. the nextKid #3, 8 or 9

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-70138175141007074012008-08-29T22:20:00.005-05:002008-08-29T23:26:09.282-05:00

Lately, I have been creating an American history targeted reading list to accompany our studies from The World of Capt. John Smith, by Genevieve Foster. I want to foster a Thomas Jefferson style educational forum for our homeschool.Since I am a newbie at this, I make absolutely no claims at doing it "right". My primary goal is to study history in a world context, asking questions, and

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-7757175806970714932008-08-27T16:08:00.004-05:002008-08-30T00:35:02.168-05:00

Go here for a wonderful video!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIOogqa-5GAOriginally written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino FekarisOriginally performed by Gloria GaynorMercilessly altered with apologies by Natalie Criss(copied this from here)First I was afraidI was petrified.Kept thinking I could never teach’Cause I’m not certified.But we spent so many nightsReteaching homework that was

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-70507859537603681082008-08-25T16:02:00.007-05:002008-08-25T17:11:41.072-05:00

I didn't realize I broke off so suddenly. I guess it was one of those times when I had a bunch of conversations going on in my head and with my husband and daughter . . . and assumed everyone else could read my mind. Oops.In the 11th hour, almost literally, a cooperative educational group I have been working on for literally months came together. Friday night. I despaired too soon, and I am

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-56181274387637085132008-08-23T19:16:00.004-05:002008-08-23T19:20:49.874-05:00

I am not going to be posting very often. We have taken a new look at our upcoming curriculum and plans and daily schedule and and and and and . . . .So much for making my plans early!We have realized that we need to change directions and that is going to take a lot of my time. It has been a turbulent several days, and dust is still settling. I might talk about it when no dust is in the air,

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-11212676794742070632008-08-21T10:35:00.005-05:002008-08-21T11:07:05.183-05:00

Here's an article you may be interested interested in regarding privacy of your information via electronics commonly used today. That includes electronics from cell phones to GPS systems.My daughter went to the Meet the Teacher this morning. We got home and reviewed all the information she received. It seems odd to need a hall pass to go to the bathroom! I know, I know, I had that too when I

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-71690342097647502162008-08-20T23:33:00.006-05:002008-08-21T00:03:47.077-05:00

It's night time now and I overheard my daughter telling her brothers that I'm making her go to school--that I never even asked her. She covered her mouth when I stepped in and asked her about it. I am so afraid of "making" her do either for me or anyone else. I thought she told me last night she wanted to go so I did all the paperwork, etc. today. She has met the school secretary, principal,

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-73728316935460060752008-08-19T21:57:00.009-05:002008-08-20T23:33:08.490-05:00

I got some sobering news tonight. The co-op that I was counting on may or may not include other girls. The organizer is trying to get a firm decision from the other family tomorrow. We had worked so hard to put that together. I am very concerned about how few girls she is associating with. Unlike the boys, she has struggled with having girlfriends. The boys always had a crowd of boys, plus

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-70483406362410220522008-08-19T04:52:00.004-05:002008-08-19T15:40:22.328-05:00

I mentioned before that my kids are doing math worksheets to the tune of 100 problems a day, and it seems to be helping. Sunday, S-man came up to my husband and asked him to quiz him. Surprised, my husband complied. S-man answered every single equation quickly. When Jim commented on it, S-man replied that, "Mom has been making us do worksheets every day." Jim asked if he liked it, and S-man

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-2459961087115520612008-08-15T11:09:00.003-05:002008-08-15T11:14:18.316-05:00

It seems very strange that only a couple of weeks ago we were pretty sure we would die if the air conditioner did not get fixed soon. Now it keeps threatening rain and is fairly cool. I'm wondering if the repair bill was worth it. Not this year, it seems! We used it constantly for about one week then started occasionally turning it on. Now it hasn't been on at all for about a week. It is

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-55484232167467564902008-08-14T15:48:00.004-05:002008-08-14T16:06:12.330-05:00

Yesterday my daughter and I cleaned our 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. It is now up for sale although I'm thinking I need to clean the carpets. I found two spots that are in need of carpet cleaner. Otherwise it's in great shape and just over 24,000 miles.Today we headed out to the homeschool Edufair to see what kind of exhibits there were and peruse the free curriculum. We arrived in time for an

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-87071570947846070612008-08-12T08:53:00.005-05:002008-08-12T10:23:18.808-05:00

As I was checking my email this morning, I ran across an article about why capitalism and charity truly go hand in hand. The main point that I agree with wholeheartedly is that anyone who wants to succeed in a capitalistic society must help others do the same.I tried to write a quick summary of the whole article (it is lengthy), but I failed miserably in my view. So......please go to the link

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-41752099068665388562008-08-11T22:51:00.009-05:002008-08-12T06:59:24.035-05:00

Today was not what I would term an outstanding success. The kids were looking at me like, "Are we done yet?" the entire time. When we launched into Astronomy, S-man asked, "Are we going to do something fun?" Nope, just read and learn together. After spending quite a bit of time with dissecting a poem and then reviewing English grammar, he was giving up the day as hopeless.As he asked if we

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-40195378982133819092008-08-06T19:23:00.004-05:002008-08-06T19:58:50.619-05:00

My post about how boys learn got quoted in 3 Steps to Homeschooling Success. I haven't been through her whole site, but I have a lot to chew on already! Diane has a book you can download for free too.Today the kids did their math worksheets as usual first thing in the morning. It's part of their wake-up-get-dressed-make-bed-complete 100 problems routine. It isn't hard math, just review to get

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-91790491064500075292008-08-05T20:42:00.005-05:002008-08-05T21:08:01.438-05:00

If I had known back when I started homeschooling how much I would like Konos, I would have saved so much time! Then again, they didn't have the Konos in a Bag programs yet, and I didn't think I had the budget to buy the big book. I wish I had known how spot on it would be for us. I would have done summer daycare to have paid for it!Konos is a classical, hands-on approach to learning, and it is

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-11845911099334963322008-08-05T01:00:00.004-05:002008-08-05T01:10:09.836-05:00

As of 1:00 a.m., I know what I am going to be doing curriculum-wise for the next month. I will be using the Classic Character Curriculum from Konos on Orderliness. It is a unit study covering everything but math for grades K-8 so all three of my children are included. It teaches plants, animals and rocks, planets, and the solar system.Since this is the book that the co-op we are joining will

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-80061385048821066032008-08-04T10:14:00.002-05:002008-08-04T10:17:12.151-05:00

On my wishlist: The newly published Joseph Smith Papers, a scholarly work based on Joseph Smith's life.Otherwise, I have my calendar out and am busy planning the next couple of months.

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-37528795037777342332008-08-02T08:08:00.010-05:002008-08-02T09:08:25.154-05:00

The Heart of the Matter virtual homeschooling conference is happening this weekend, and it has been awesome!The best class for me was the last one yesterday. It was by Andrew Pudewa from the Institute for Excellence in Writing, titled Teaching Boys Who Would Rather Be Building Forts. Awesome title, eh?Did you know that boys and girls are wired differently? Literally neurologically differently.

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-56995460028066822582008-07-28T23:34:00.004-05:002008-07-28T23:56:49.473-05:00

My sister is here visiting, and we have spent the last day chatting about books, methods, ideas, curriculums, etc. She is a treasure trove of ideas and excellent at putting together unit studies---realistic unit studies. That somebody like me who has off days can actually implement and hold together.My sister sat down with me in front of our American History bookshelves (since I've arranged all

3 for schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02512647913767303288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3349531074374267938.post-67269276236443375642008-07-23T13:29:00.009-05:002008-07-23T18:17:31.799-05:00

I just read an interesting article about a BYU study that found that "employees who could get home for dinner felt they worked in a healthy environment." Because of other studies finding that children reap many benefits from regular family dinners, BYU focused on the effect of traditional family dinners on the parents.The study found that the conflict between work and home increased in

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