Where the Learning Never Ends...

Cleaning House & Moving the Blog

2009-08-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

You know I love to move. So, this time I'm moving my blog. I've been cleaning and post-nesting..lol. This blog has been moved to a new address.

Oak Blossoms Academy
My Personal Blog has moved to Oak Blossoms

Free Handwriting tool

2009-06-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

I wanted to note this free site. It makes different kinds of handwriting sheets in the Zaner-Bloser font. You can do manuscript or cursive. You can choose different grade levels (thus different size lines). There is a great spelling worksheet maker, too.

Mutant Daisy

2009-06-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

This shows the top of the daisy.

Isn't it cute. It makes a little heart.

The boys are always outdoors and finding things. It's been a blast this year. We moved to my parents house and they have 5 acres. I hope I can photo document more of it this next year.

My mom loves daisies and the animals don't. So, they are all over the property. Yesterday they found this lovely mutant daisy. It seems to be two daises that grew together. So the top bends over. There isn't a bottom, just two sides. We tried to show the side. I know it looks like the bottom, but it isn't. It has two sides that look like that.

The Prophet Grade 7 (Updated 7/12/2009)

2009-05-27T10:37:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe he is going to be in Grade 7 this year. He has been doing so well this year. I'm very proud of the changes he has made. We are trying to follow The Well Trained Mind approach. But, he hasn't quite made it to Logic stage in many areas. Alas, Susan Wise Bauer does talk about this which is a confirmation of how I have felt all along. Some children won't make it past logic stage. But, they will still get an excellent education. I believe they can still be ready for college if they desire that path. There is nothing wrong with starting college and having to do Pre-Algebra or Algebra. Sure it's nice to skip ahead or not have to even take Math classes. Oh, wait I'm getting ahead of myself. Grade 7 it is.

History

He will be working through Story of the World 3 (1600-1850). He will do written narrations, mapwork, and notebook pages for each chapter.

He will do outlining of each topic from Usborne Encyclopedia or Dorling Kindersley History of the World.

He will keep track of important dates and people in his Book of Centuries.

Supplemental library materials (i.e. books and DVDs) will be available. He will keep track of these on his 6 week planner sheet and Goodreads.

Suggested memory work for the period are Declaration of Independence, First 12 Presidents of the United States, Major Wars for the time period, and Preamble to the Constitution.

I will do my best to create some kind of notebook ahead of time for at least the first term.

If I think it could be done I would consider the Primary resources and Critical Thinking Books, as suggested TWTM. But, I'm not sure if he would be capable of the above work. I think he would love the Critical Thinking books, though. If the budget allows, I might replace some of the work above with those workbooks.

Science

Option 1: I have Apologia General Science already. I will most likely plan this out to stretch over Grade 7 and Grade 8.

Option 2: The Well Trained Mind Suggestions for Biology. They have a lot of fun suggestions. But, I have no idea how he would do with dissections. He has some issues with clean hands.

Option 3: Real Science 4 Kids Biology 1

Language Arts

I like the methods outlined in The Well Trained Mind, but they seem to work at a slower Charlotte Mason approach with my boys. I'm using the the scope and sequence at Ambleside Online for most of our Language Arts planning. As budget permits, I will add in suggestions from The Well Trained Mind, although at lower grade levels.

Writing

I probably won't have a formal writing program for him this year. He should be getting enough writing practice via his other subjects with narrations, copywork, dictations, and outlining.

I would like to have him doing some sort of book reports though. We should be able to develop that through outlining. I might start him on some type of book report form to ease him into it. There seem to be plenty available online.

If he uses Rod and Staff there will be writing exercises as part of the program. He will continue in Italics Handwriting cursive. He just started this year and hopefully he will be able to do some of his work in cursive by mid-year.

Reading

Assigned reading list will come from The Well Trained Mind for the time period 1600-1850 page 353. He will have free reading time, as well.

Grammar

~~He has yet to study formal grammar. Depending on our budget he will use either Rod and Staff Year 5 or First Language Lessons 3.~~

He has had a difficult time with doing lots of handwritten work. I think he might find diagramming a huge chore. We are changing our plans to Winston Grammar for now. I think the more hands on approach would serve him better. Plus, it's one of those non-leveled programs and he appreciates that.

Spelling

~~I would prefer to use Spelling Workout D, but that is depending on budget/VA. If that is not an option, he will do studied dictation. I will pull the studied dictation from his assigned readings.~~

~~He may do both. I prefer a workbook because of the new baby.~~

We are going to try Spelling Power instead. I prefer curriculum that is reusable and can last a few grade levels. I can use Spelling Power with all the children and it lasts for all grade levels. There seems to be a little bit of prep, but it shouldn't be too overwhelming.

Math

He worked very hard this year to get through two years of Math U See. He is catching up wonderfully. He has been in school twice. Those two times were very different from Math U See and we had to literally start over the last time. They used Everyday Mathematics which did not work well for him at all. Our goal is that he makes it to Algebra during High School.

I would like to see him get through MUS Epsilon and most of MUS Zeta this school year.

Optional Resources

Field Trips
YMCA
Critical thinking press Mind Benders: Warm Ups A1, A2, A3, A4
Typing Program

The Peacemaker Grade 4

2009-05-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

He is doing quite well this year. He needs to work on his confidence a bit. He is finally reading chapter books and I think that will help a lot this upcoming work. I really need him to be more independent.

History

He will be working through Story of the World 3 (1600-1850). He will do written narrations, mapwork, and notebook pages for each chapter.

He will keep track of important dates and people in his Book of Centuries.

Supplemental library materials (i.e. books and DVDs) will be available. He will keep track of these on his 6 week planner sheet and Goodreads.

Suggested memory work for the period are Declaration of Independence, First 12 Presidents of the United States, and Major Wars for the time period.

I will do my best to create some kind of notebook ahead of time for at least the first term.

Science

I'm really considering having him do Life Science with his younger brother. The two of them really need to do more together. I think it could be a fun bonding experience for the two of them. They are both hands on learners. I just need to come up with something fun. I'm not sure how fun option 1 would be. This is another thing I'm waiting on budgeting to resolve. Bigger budget means more pre-packed experiments.

Option 1: The Well Trained Mind suggestions for Life Science. DK First Animal Encyclopedia, Kingfisher First Human Body Encyclopedia, and Laurie Carlson's Green Thumbs. Use these with the notebooking method suggested in TWTM.

Option 2: Real Science-4-kids

Option 3: Homemade Lessons using some KONOS units and library supplements.

Language Arts

Writing

He will continue with Italics Handwriting. I would like to see him to start some cursive this year.

He will do copywork from his literature selections. Once he is comfortable with copywork, he will move onto studied dictation.

Budget permitting, I might purchase Writing with Ease level 2. If so, I will nix the previous copywork plans. They are included in WWE.

Reading

Assigned reading list will come from The Well Trained Mind for the time period 1600-1850 page 79. He will have free reading time, as well.

He will probably have some type of memory work for each month. Poetry or speeches from the time period are suggested in TWTM.

He will do a short period of oral reading for a parent. We need to keep up with him and make sure he is doing well.

Grammar

I'm not sure if he is ready to study Grammar yet. At least the diagramming part. It might be too much work for him. If budget permits I might try First Language Lessons 3.

I do have First Language Lessons 1 & 2. I could pick and choose some basic lessons to give him a start on Grammar. Then allow him to perfect the skills of narration, copywork, and dictation.

Spelling

I would prefer he use Spelling Workout B. I would like some workbooks this upcoming year. If the budget does not permit than spelling will be picked up as part of copywork, narrations, and dictations.

He will keep a list of trouble words. These he will go over at the beginning of each Spelling lesson.

Like his older brother, he will be using Spelling Power at his own level. I'm excited to find a curriculum that can be used by all children. It makes my life easier and it will last more than a year.

Math

He will be moving on to the next level of Math U See. He may need to finish up two levels this year. It depends on what he accomplishes this summer.

Optional Resources

Field Trips
YMCA
Critical thinking press Mind Benders: Warm Ups A1, A2, A3, A4
Typing Program

The Warrior Grade 1

2009-05-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

These plans are for our third child. He will be in Grade 1 this year. I'm only listing what I have access to currently. We are waiting to see if we are accepted to a virtual academy. The VA would allow us more curriculum choices, field trips, and to join the YMCA.

He isn't reading yet. We are working on that over the summer. I doubt he will be able to read on his own next year. I'll add easy readers from the library as he develops those skills.

Read Alouds

I'll probably pull read alouds from the booklist for Ambleside Online 1.

Holling C. Holling Books
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
King of the Golden River by John Ruskin
Peter Pan (or, Peter Pan and Wendy) by James M. Barrie (parents may want to read this one aloud to edit, see below)
Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi
The Red Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
St. George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Pocahontas by Ingri D'Aulaire

English/Language Arts

We are following this scope and sequence from Ambleside Online
He will continue to work on phonics till he can read.
Oral narrations of most assigned readings.
Handwriting practice through copywork using Italics or my handwriting.
First Language Lessons 1.

Budget permitting I will purchase Complete Writer workbook 1, Spelling Workout A, Italics A. These would help me tremendously while trying to get used to a new baby.

Math

Math U See Alpha

History

I'm not sure if he will go along with his siblings in History or not. If not I'll probably rely on the Ambleside Online readings. The older ones will be reading through Story of the World 3. I'll do written narrations of his History readings from whichever spine I use. He can illustrate these and put them in his notebook.

Story of the World 3

This Country of Ours

We might do some Memory work for U.S. History. Perhaps work on the presidents of the United States.

Science

Science probably won't be a huge point this year. Reading is that most important point. I know little boys love Science though.

Option 1: The Well Trained Mind suggestions for Life Science. DK First Animal Encyclopedia, Kingfisher First Human Body Encyclopedia, and Laurie Carlson's Green Thumbs. Use these with the notebooking method suggested in TWTM.

Option 2: Real Science-4-kids

Option 3: Homemade Lessons using some KONOS units and library supplements.

2009-2010 Printables, Plans, and Goals TAKE 1

2009-05-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start making strange posts to keep track of stuff I would like to plan for the upcoming year. I would like to print off what I need before the actual year, if not just 6 weeks at a time.

I'm going to get more notebooking going this year, too. We end up with scattered papers a lot and no real method to organize them.

I'm posting plans for each child, as well. I'll update them as we go along this summer according to budget restraints mostly.

We are on the waiting list for a virtual academy. So, that will really change how I plan for the year. The VA would allow us to purchase more curriculum especially workbooks that would make things easier to open and go. It would, also, give us the allowance to do some fun stuff like field trips and the YMCA. I will need to keep better track of what we are actually doing including insuring that goal hours are met.

Planning & Goals

I'm going to give the children a 6 week planner sheet at the beginning of the Term/quarter. That way they can do a check off each day. I'm going to use the form from Ambleside Classical. It's on the right hand column of the page and is for Openoffice. It's easy to use it for my own subjects/curriculum. I think I will use the boxes in the right hand corner for keeping track of books read, character traits, or inspirational quotes. If we join the VA, I will include a spot to keep track of hours. They are going to get it printed on their favorite color. The Prophet is red, The Peacemaker is Green, and The Warrior is blue.

Character and Habit Training

I can't believe I'm even considering it. But, we started discussing a chart of character qualities that I printed up. I'm not sharing it because I don't entirely agree with some of the families methods. The boys have responded really well. We did get some character lessons in when we used KONOS, but we haven't used that in the last few years. It's nice to have the chart because I don't think I could come up with a list like that on my own.

These free cards might be helpful. I can print them up and insert what they need to work on. But, I wouldn't have them earn anything for them. I can't keep up with reward systems.

History

I'm pretty certain we will use at least Story of the world 3 for the upcoming year. I've never had much luck using the Activity Guides. It seems to slow us down and I end up feeling guilty for not doing activities. Activities that my children never seem to enjoy.

I'm trying to decide if I want to do a History Notebook as described in The Well Trained Mind. My oldest is not fully at the Logic Stage yet and I think it would be to confusing to keep track of.

I have a good size set of History Scribe pages. I plan on printing those out to go along with some of the chapters. If I run out, I think I will utilize the Free History printables here. I like the looks of either the second one down on the left or the top middle one with the timeline. I would like to use google images and pull up images to use for notebooking, as well. I might throw in a few packs of "real" notebooking paper to liven things up a bit.

I've been wanting to start a Book of Centuries for years. But, we start and stop and loose the pages. I like the look of this one. I should probably put it on some nicer paper to make it more durable.

There was a lot of talk on the Well Trained Mind Forums about creating History notebooks. I'm not interested in binding anything. But, I would like to have everything prepared for the 6 week period. Anything that helps with keeping me from having to recall all the steps I want to take. I'm getting way to distracted with having all these kids and now there is going to be a baby. I know Peace Hill Press offers the notebooking pages from SOTW already printed up. We tried those with SOTW 1 and they didn't go over well. But, it's one of those things that I might consider if we join the virtual academy.

I love using these Story of the World planning sheets. I use them more as a log of what we read or notebooked during the week. I don't like planning supplemental materials. We never have the budget for extras. So, we depend on the library. I never know if we will enjoy something from the library or if it will even arrive around the time of study. It, also, lines up the 42 chapters into a "real" school year. I've been using the one for SOTW 2 and it's keeping me on track and giving me some focus.

Science

I would like to do some sort of Life Science with the boys. We did a little introduction a few years back. But, they were really young then. It really depends on my budget constraints. I have Apologia General Science and I might start doing that with my oldest. I can stretch it out over two years.

Read Alouds

I might do notebooks for some of these. Here and Here are some samples. A narration per chapter.

This Country of Ours

Language Arts

Here is the scope and sequence at Ambleside Online.

We use Italics for Handwriting.

We started some copywork this year. I will continue with that for a bit in the summer and pick it up again during the school year. It made a huge difference in handwriting. I like the Italics because the boys are doing better with it. But, there isn't much practice in the workbooks.

I would like to start some studied dictation, as well. I think I might try with the oldest and see how it goes. I think it could do a lot to help with his writing skills.

Grammar

I plan to start with First Language Lessons 1 for The Warrior. He needs to be reading well before we start. I'm looking at Rod and Staff or First Language Lessons 3 or 4, for the older two. Neither have done any formal grammar yet.

Nearing the end of our year

2009-05-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Washington weather is becoming so beautiful. We are not entirely up to where I would like us to all be. But, then again I didn't really have any written goals this year or really any years.

This summer we are going to finish up SOTW 2. I think I'm about done notebooking at this point. I think we will just read and discuss. I'll keep up a nice basket of library supplements.

The boys will continue on in Math since they are both "behind". The youngest will continue with reading lessons. I would love for him to have some basic reading skills since I will be so busy with the baby.

So, I probably won't be posting about our learning too much more. (Not that I've been consistent on that.) But, I will be using my blog to keep track of plans and goals for the upcoming year. We did well with adding more structure into our days. So, I'm hoping I can bump it up a notch this upcoming school year.

How about a May update...

2009-05-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

so much for posting more. When do people find the time for that anyway?

So, it's going well. The boys are half way done with their new level of MUS. The prophet should be caught up by High School! The Peacemaker will be caught up by next year. I guess they just needed some time.

Handwriting is going well for both of them. Since, they both finished their books we are finally getting in more copywork. I love copywork. They may not, but it's so useful. I really wish I had been doing more of this all along. Next year there will be copywork for everyone. And, dictation for the oldest one.

The Warrior is really getting into reading. It's given us the opportunity to continue some speech work, as well. I've been hoping he will be reading by September, although I would love if he could "get it" by the time the baby comes in July. But, I may be overly hopeful with the last bit. He is still very interested in writing things down, so I think there is some kind of learning thing going on with using his hands.

So far, the Prophet is a reader, the Peacemaker is visual and artistic learner, and I'm wondering if the Warrior will need to write things down to get it. It's interesting to see how different they are.

We are implementing more of schedule/routine to our day. I've been using the scanner my mom gave me to make little packets of Math work, so they know exactly how much work they have this week. Overall school is going a lot better and we are learning a lot more. So, although I wasn't sure if doing more schoolish type work would go over well...I think we needed some time for it to sink in and find a plan we could take on.

We made it to SOTW 2, as well. We did quite a bit of Middle Ages stuff via KONOS when they were younger. I'm borrowing the book from the library and we are going through more chapters per week than normal. I would like to get into the SOTW 3 and SOTW 4 for my oldest in middle school. So, it seems like we are rushing. But, we are spending greater chunks of time on it during the day. We try to get a History Scribe or other notebook page and some copywork or narrations done for each chapter. Plus, we are reading an eyewitness book and discussing a lot. Things seem to be sticking enough. We dragged SOTW 1 out for almost 2 years and that was way too much.

I went ahead and ordered the new copy of The Well Trained Mind. I don't have a copy, so I always make notes and send it back to the library. But, I really think if this is going so well, that it would be nice to have something to reference back to. It got here right before Mother's Day which I thought was a good sign.

An April 2009 update

2009-04-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

I've had the most amazing Braxton Hicks this pregnancy. I feel like I need to keep my legs together at all times. Sitting at my computer desk leaves me a bit breathless.

Neverless there is school getting done!

History

We are just getting into chapter 18 of Story of the World:Volume 1. I've been better at getting to the library and keeping our shelves full. Even our youngest is getting to enjoy history. Since, my 12 year old has little desire to color our 6 year old has taken over coloring sheets. He especially loves the gruesome ones.

Science

For Apologia Science we are just starting the chapter on Mars. The boys are doing narrations for each reading. I've picked up supplemental library books and DVD's for the youngest.

English

The boys have post finished their Italics books for the year. I'm going to wait on ordering new ones till the summer. For now I'm going to really step up the written narrations and copywork. They didn't get much of that at younger stages and I think they need it.

The Prophet is not interested in Writing Strands at all. This is the second year and it's still not going over well. I'm giving up. I've been defeated. I liked it because it was pretty short and sweet. But, he doesn't end up with much writing accomplished. So, I'm having him do typed narrations of History and Science readings. He is doing copy work from his current reading book. He just started the Eragon series. I hope this gets him a bit more interested and comfortable. Next year we are going to start Grammar and cursive Italics. So, I think it would be good to boost his Writing Esteem a bit before then.

The Peacemaker is doing oral narrations, which I write and he copies. I wish this is something I did when he was younger. But, he was in public school for much of that time. They had the children writing in journals and not correcting their work. It was funny sometimes. But, I think it was detrimental for a child who wasn't reading well yet. He is doing wonderfully with his reading, btw. His confidence has soared and he doesn't put himself down when reading aloud.

I'm learning so much about my boys this year. I've been trying to figure out what to do with the Warrior for his upcoming Grade 1 year. It's allowed me to see where we have gotten behind and had to play catch up with the other boys. I've learned to utilize different methods to combine writing and reading skills in with different subjects. I'm getting better at combining children and working with my own "classroom". All in time for a new little one to come in an demand a new schedule.

Thursday 5 March, 2009

2009-03-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

The boys listened to me read 2 chapters from Swiss Family Robinson. As always we encountered some news words. They actually figured out what formidable means.

A Child's Geography: Explore the Holy Land.
We discussed Israel, honey bees & their disappearances & importance, growing crops, pesticides, organic growing, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and Industrial Farming.

Prophet worked on Math, read more from the Popcorn book and we did some online research to see if Cheerios was still the top cereal. Polled the rest of the family about what cereal they saw as the best and what they thought would be at the top.

Peacemaker worked on MUS & ETC.

Monday 2 March, 2009

2009-03-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

Everyone did some Math today. We are going to try 3 days a week with more work each day. My boys are like their parents. They don't like doing the same thing everyday.

We finished up Chapter 14 of SOTW 1. I was thinking of doing projects...but honestly where to find the time? Perhaps this weekend we can do something with chapter 15. I found the blog of a family who does the projects. So, I thought they could at least see some and see what they think. We are actually a pretty creative family, but they hate when things are disguised as school. I'm not sure how to separate that. We use to have a lot of fun with projects. I don't know what happened. I still think it's the transitions of this year.

They all did some reading. Prophet from the popcorn book and a National Geographic. While Peacemaker read aloud from Bighorn Sheep. He really needs more everyday practice to get reading more regularly. I need him to be able to read and comprehend by himself.

They all listened while I read aloud from Swiss Family Robinson. Every time I pick up the book they comment on how the movie is nothing like the book.

They all made breakfast and lunch by themselves. At least, I can be happy to know they will not starve when they grow up.

Weekend Learning

2009-03-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

Today the boys wondered...are cocoa beans fruit or vegetable? What are they?

They figured they were fruits and here is the answer. Chocolate is somehow a popular topic this week. I swear it's not because I'm pregnant.

I think they forgot about their bikes because they are off on another bike ride today.

Wednesday 25 February, 2009

2009-02-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Prophet: Read from Why does Popcorn Pop? & worked on Lesson 2 of MUS Delta. He learned that Europeans like dark chocolate while Americans prefer milk chocolate. Mom prefers dark chocolate (they think it's because I was born in Europe) and they like milk chocolate.
Peacemaker: Worked on Lesson 5 from MUS Beta.
Warrior: Had Reading & Writing lesson with TOPGTR, flashcards, and white board.

The boys were observing the aquarium. We have just a few tadpoles left. But, the most interesting thing now is the snails. They were minuscule almost microscopic. Now they are huge. They realized the snail shells keep getting bigger and they must make their shells. So, we did some online research of that.

Here is Prophets book review:

Why Does Popcorn Pop by Don Voorhees

My review

I like the book. I like it because it tells me foods that I like. I like food a lot. It tells me what's the best chocolate to eat and how they make it.

View all my reviews.

Learning to Read

2009-02-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

Here is Warrior learning to read. It started with just reading instruction, but he is very interested in writing, as well. Our older two attended public K and half of Grade 1. So, I have yet to enjoy reading and phonics instruction. Peacemaker really struggled with reading, so I figured I wouldn't even start with Warrior till maybe next year. Too my surprise he is interested and doing well. We are following The Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading. We use premade flashcards and he writes the letters on the white board, as well. I'm really going to use the white board and chalkboard more in our homeschooling. I can just take pictures and blog instead of trying to figure out what to do with all that paper. And, then he drew me a person and had me label the parts he called out.

Here are some of the curriculum we are using with him. This day we did get too far along in Singapore for his understanding. But, he does enjoy counting the pictures and writing his numbers on the whiteboard. I'm thinking about slowly introducing MUS Alpha to him (what we have used with his brothers), but I don't know how ready he is for that either. I think for now we will keep on counting and playing with our Pattern Blocks.

And, last of all a mozzarella string cheese stick for a snack. Because learning is hard work for boys.

Peacemaker Book Making

2009-02-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

Peacemaker loves to make books. Here is his latest. (Sorry if pics are blurry, he took them. I had to show him how to hold the button down halfway to focus the shot. Honestly it took me a week before my husband had to show me to do the same thing.)

The book title is Attack of the Cat. It's a common theme around here as we happen to have a cat who is tiny, swift, brave, and sneaky.

August stalking something outside.

Monday February 16, 2009

2009-02-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

The boys have being doing pretty well. It's a big adjustment to start doing more schoolwork around here. But, honestly they seem happier when they have regular schoolwork and routine. They are kinder to each other, too. Their imaginations actually work better. I often wonder if it's a boy thing. Boys need to move and get going.

Math

The Prophet and the Peacemaker have both been finishing at least one lesson per week. I was finally able to get Prophet MUS Delta. I got it used and it cost me half the price since I didn't have to pay taxes and shipping on it. I actually would prefer to buy it new because I love MUS and want to support them. But, last month we barely had food to eat. God provides though and we all have food and the bills are paid for this month.

Warrior is working on some basic counting skills. We played with the Pattern blocks and Pattern Blocks Animals workbook. Pattern blocks are really fun and so useful. Every kid that visits likes them. He did some work in Singapore 1a with me, as well. We just used the textbook and he wrote the numbers on a whiteboard. I am amazed at how he wanted to work on it and would erase to fix the numbers.

History

We are going to actually finish Story of the World 1. Last year, we did up to chapter 11 in the activity guide and student pages. We finished the rest of the year by just listening to he DVD's, discussing them, reading a few more library books etc. We were so busy with the program we belonged to. So, I thought it wouldn't hurt to go through again. Nothing sticked with Peacemaker it seems, so I think it's a good idea. I had hoped Warrior might be interested in sitting with us, but alas it is too boring for him. I'm hoping it will be interesting in September when we start Story of the World 2.

This week will be starting Chapter 14 about Israel. Prophet starting reading National Geographic's Countries of the World:Israel. I'm going to encourage him to post his progress and reviews on Goodreads. I even wrote it down in my teacher's planner. I think it will be a nice change of pace for him. He will, also, do the SOTW student pages and about 4 sentences of written narrations for each SOTW section. I know it isn't much for his age and grade level. But, he just isn't ready yet for more (see below).

Peacemaker is listening to me read aloud SOTW. He gives me an oral narration. I write it down and he copies it. It really is helping with his retention.

Language Arts

Prophet is working through Writing Strands 3. We are compromising. He is writing for me. I am allowing him to write on amusing and non-conventional subjects such as video games and bodily functions. He is finishing up Italics C and has actually hit cursive. Yeah. It's only taken a year and half. He is on day 14 of Apples daily spelling drills. He hated this book last year, so I gave up on it. I decided to try again this month. It's not so bad now. It's been good because he didn't know when a lot of holidays were. He had to get the calendar out and look those up. I always mean to do calendar stuff with them, but never get to it...oops. I figure if I can get him doing enough writing through these workbooks and history narrations he will be more comfortable. I need him to be comfortable with his writing skills and penmanship so he can finally start Grammar this upcoming September. I think I have it whittled down to Winston Grammar for him.

Peacemaker is working on Italics B, Explode the Code 2, and First Language Lessons 1. He is whizzing through FLL and on lesson 12. I'm having him do copywork on definitions and probably will skip narration work. He has always done well with narrations and he is already doing them for History. He really struggled with reading. He went to public school for K and half of 1st. He seemed to be fine in K and had an awesome teacher. But, his 1st grade teacher was a horrible fit for him. I'm not sure he did anything but be worried and cry for 1st grade. So, it's really take him this long to get reading down. I think I'll keep him in the Explode the Code books. He is doing well with Level 2 and I think it's a good phonics reminder for him. Of what I can't in entirely figure out what he learned.

Warrior is working on the Ordinary Parents Guide to teaching reading. I like it so much better than Phonics Pathways. So, much I need to remember to sell that book. We are using flashcards we already have and our fridge magnets. We have those talking ones and I only gave him the ones he knows. That way he can play with them while we are in the kitchen. The boy has always been a music lover. So, anything with rhythm hooks him.

Science

We are just finishing up chapter 5 on Earth in Apologia Astronomy. We aren't doing much more than reading because I haven't had the energy. We are reading Answers in Genesis magazine on alternating days. We do a lot of nature walks and canoe rides and live on 5 acres.

This last few weeks we have seen a huge sea lion (it sort of chased my husband and Peacemaker in the canoe), found a den site and two otters, a starfish, hermit crabs and snails, baby mussels, and two bald eagles. One of the eagles was at the beach. But, the other is one that flys by our house every morning. Yesterday it landed out at the edge of the pond and played in the water. It was amazing. I wish we had a zoom lens on our digital camera.

Other stuff...like being social and part of a community

Today the boys did a bit of schoolwork and then helped out my Grandma and mom. Prophet cleaned the main entrance doors with vinegar. We live in my parents duplex (they own both sections) and we have an inside hallway that leads upstairs to them. It's nice because you don't have to go outside on a cold day. It's not so nice because the huge double doors get moldy because of the cold Washington air. Prophet is does not like to get his hands dirty, so we are really proud to have him help out like that. I think it's important for the boys to do their part.

Peacemaker went shopping with my Grandma, his Great Grandma. She is in her mid-80's now and really short. So, getting stuff off the shelves and on the belt is difficult. My mom or Aunt usually does it, but my mom realized she could send Peacemaker. He love to help at the grocery store and is well behaved. So, he earned a little extra money and got a nice bonding time. I remember going shopping with my Grandma when I was little, so it's fun to think of the two of them. He brought back some apples and caramel stuff for making caramel apples.

Reading Trails & giving into the flow of homeschooling

2009-01-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

We just signed up for Reading Trails and created our own Trail. I inserted the widget at the bottom of the blog because it won't show up completely in the side bar. I guess it's possible if you have a larger screen, but it's really annoying on mine.

It is for United States History using Abraham Lincoln's World by Genevieve Foster published by Beautiful Feet Books. We were using it as part of Ambleside Online Year 5. But, I've just had so little energy to keep up with using a separate schedule for the two older boys. I've decided to just use the books we like and check out extra books from the library. We seem to gravitate back to that sort of learning no matter what we try to do. So, I should probably just figure that is our style and give in.

Feeling a bit better & Christmas Break

2008-12-20T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm feeling a bit better during the day. Nights are still just awful.

We have snow and it doesn't feel like Washington State, not one bit. So, very odd. But, the boys have had so much fun sledding down the big hill here.

I have a bit of due date change on my ticker. And, there is nothing better than knocking a month off!

I told my oldest he is on official Christmas Break till Dad goes back to school Jan. 5. Even then I honestly know things are going to be a bit lax around here for awhile. I don't see me getting a great big amount of energy anytime soon.

And where have you been..

2008-12-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

I've been vomiting.

See ticker in right hand corner.

We are all very excited. My wonderful husband is in charge of everything. I'm in charge of sleeping and vomiting and the occasional bath. If my laptop hadn't died I would probably be on here quite a bit. But, alas a computer by the kitchen isn't cutting it for my body right now.

I did get sea bands and that's helping. But, I'm hoping my midwife will give me some medication. I've never been so sick before.

November 17-Monday Progress Report

2008-11-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

Prophet has started The Lord of the Rings. He ran out of MUS books to do. Until the budget is working again, we are improvising a bit with Math. I'm hoping he can somehow catch up to Grade level. His years haven't been consistent with moving in and out of public school and it shows in his Math. Yet, he is pretty good with that untaught Math. He can do some amazing things in his head but they don't translate well to Grade level. Right now he is working on AAA Math and one of the giant all encompassing workbooks which include quite a bit of Math practice. I'm trying to get him to do some copywork every day. I would like to see him work up to some dictation by the end of the year, but I've yet to see much progress in that area. We do some reading aloud from AO 5. Right now it's Abraham Lincoln's World, This Country of Ours, and Geography. He started a very plain construction paper Book of Centuries. I figure if I wait any longer to put together the perfect one then it won't happen. For science he is reading The Great Dinosaur Mystery & still trudging along in Exploring Creation with Astronomy.

Peacemaker is working on those Ed Emberley books...purple, orange, and green. We do some reading aloud from AO 2. Right now it's The Burgess Animal Book, Our Island Story (and sometimes we do that from Librivox because her voice is amazing), The Little Duke, and Understood Betsy (or is it understanding). Truthfully I think it's overload. We cannot do that much reading in such hefty books no matter how much we break it up. I think it will take two years to finish at this point. Which seems to be what happens...it always takes two years to finish everything. He has his own plain Jane Book of Centuries, as well. Both of the boys fight to write in them, but seriously they need to learn that writing with their own hands will not kill them. He had a melt down at church on Sunday. He was embarrassed because of how hard it was to write a letter (for a soldiers care package). Everyone was so kind and helpful for him. He did amazing. His handwriting was wonderful.

Warrior is working on letter recognition. He has been practicing writing letters and the sounds they make. We use some flashcards, blank paper, the white board, and starfall.com. He is still working on pronunciation by asking him to pronounce different words everyday. He asks us, too, and that can turn into quite a fun little game.

All the boys play outside everyday, ran or shine.

I really love all the books...

2008-10-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ambleside has so many good books. I suppose if I had just stuck with my earlier decision to go with Ambleside a few years back, I wouldn't feel the need to enjoy these books so much.

But, alas I have yet to read King Arthur. So, I'm reading it aloud.

My children have not really developed some of skills needed to accomplish the quantity and quality of work expected from Ambleside and one of my boys is special needs.

So, this week I'm planning in my schedule and I returned a few books to the library. I wanted to avoid the overwhelming feelings of getting everything done. I can't really keep track of so many readings at once and still insure the boys are 1-narrating, 2-comprehending, and 3-enjoying themselves. I know the fine line our family can tip over. I know what happens when they loose that love of learning. It's when all those great discussions and the questions disappear.

So, I'm working on limiting some of the books for Year 5 and Year 2. We can always do them later or during the summer. But, to loose joy and Great Discussions...just isn't worth it right now.

Just about the last week of October...

2008-10-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Middle Ages

Everyone is listening in on King Arthur now. I always forget the title. It's really good and they love it!

That sometimes useful television

Warrior watched Between the Lions. We haven't watched that since the big boys were much younger. He really gets cranky about the time it comes on and I think it might be a good thing to let him do a few days a week as a "nap" and it can be some extra phonics and reading instruction for him.

Ambleside History & Literature

AO readings are all doing well. I've been filling out their Book of Centuries for them and I think this week they can start doing it themselves. It's not fancy (just construction paper that we will staple together later), but it's getting the job done. It's a record without all the detail-ya know.

Schedules & Character

We started a new schedule for the boys. They seem to be adjusting well to it. They each have an hourly schedule and are expected to get up and do what they helped plan. We have been discussing Obedience and Joyfulness a lot this week. Nothing was planned but it seems like those things really came to a head this week. The boys thought Obedience is behaving well enough to get to play video games. I kid you not. You would think they played all day long. We dealt with that and they now understand what Obedience is and why we are Obedient. I'm thinking this is something that has to be gone over a few times through the years.

Math

Prophet is still in MUS Gamma. He just finishing up Lesson 26. He will probably be done in the beginning of November. I'm not sure if I can work Delta into our budget right now. So, I'm thinking I might just pick up a smallish workbook at the bookstore for him. It might be nice to have a change of pace at this point.

Peacemaker is about finished with MUS Alpha and we have plenty of Beta worksheets left for him to work through that book. Hopefully he will be caught up to grade level by next year.

Mid-week Update

2008-10-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

The boys let go some frogs this week. Those amazing creatures have done very well indoors. We haven't had any luck keeping frogs in the past. I think the smartest thing they did is to bring in a big ball of pond weed and all the scummy stuff that was attached to it. The tadpoles/frogs and snails ate it all up. They happily ate the fish food, as well.

We finished up the first two chapters of King Arthur by Howard Pyle. It's in the Ambleside Year 5 schedule, but I've been including all the boys. The younger two did wander off a bit during the second chapter today. It's a lot to take in. I did stop and ask questions or point things out. I have Prophet do mini-oral narrations every page or so. He doesn't realize it, but I'm sneaky like that.

They have done Math and Italics everyday. Prophet did some Grammar this week. Peacemaker has misplaced his Explode the Code book, but he has been doing reading practice. Warrior has done some readings from AO Year 1 with me. He is enjoying Pocahontas and the Aesop Fables. He has done amazingly well with oral narrations. I'm so happy to be starting this at a young age. I mean this is the kid who couldn't speak and still has a hard time pronouncing things.

Today was fruitful...

2008-10-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone did their Ambleside Readings today! We played with kittens. Went for a walk around the pond and saw a Bald Eagle. I think it's the same one I saw last week since it headed out in the same direction. We started Shakespeare. The older two are just going to read through the Lamb book according to the Year 2 schedule at this point. I think it's probably wise since my oldest hasn't really had exposure to Shakespeare.

Peacemaker worked on his reading skills. We took a walk together (just the two of us) and found a leafed tree with little pine cone looking things on it. I'll have to get my camera out there. I never noticed it before and it's a huge tree. I mean at some point in the past 18 years I would have noticed that tree.

Warrior and I had a picnic outside on a sleeping bag. He helped me prepare a psuedo-7 layer dip and some tortilla chips. I brought my second cup of coffee and a mini-bag of m&ms (I realize I never have written that before). We started reading some of the Ambleside year 1 readings together. I realize I need some more guidance to my day, so I bumped him up there. I figure he can always take more than a year (which we always seem to take with everything anyway) and perhaps he will be my first child to actually be at "grade level". We noticed some purple coneflowers in the front garden. We don't see them usually because they sit under the window. My parents have been really busy the past few years with transitions and my mom hasn't replanted anything. So, it's been survival of the fittest for the plants. It's interesting to see who is hardy.

I realized twice today that we need to set aside some nature sketching time & it would probably be a good idea to take the camera out for our daily walks.

A sick day...

2008-10-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

I woke up sick today. Indigestion and a migraine...not sure if one was caused by the other. But, I managed to get some stuff cleaned up in the living room. The Peacemaker spent a couple of hours outside with our Border Collie.

The Prophet worked on Math U See. Multiple digit multiplication is finally clicking. He does switch up some numbers in his final answer. But, I think some practice will help him work through that. Honestly, I still do that and I have to double check my work. He did some Ambleside Year 5 readings with me, as well. This Country of Ours, Abraham Lincoln's World, and Explore the Holy Land.

No one else really got any work done. I was just too sick and I had to get groceries and vacuum the house.

We didn't get out to Costco until around 3 or maybe it was 4. So, we had burritos and nachos for dinner. We will probably have burritos and nachos for the next 4 days.

Not such a good day (Monday)

2008-10-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

My dh tells me it's the air pressure. Which is our common interjection when a day leaves us just wanting to crawl into bed. Those days when you should just let your children run wild, but you hang on to them hoping they will sit and be the little soldiers you pictured when you first started homeschooling.

I'm always inspired by Melissa. But, mostly because she is real and inspired and she just keeps it going. She records those things I wonder if I should record.

Today it rained. My poor husband worked anyway...outside in the rain and backlash of a Washington Island.

I got some coffee on an empty stomach. It wasn't even the first press, but the second press (french press) and pumpkin pie creamer didn't cut it. Don't drink coffee on an empty stomach.

Harvest Moon and the Wii was calling, but we pushed away the call. Mom is not quite to Fall and the Boys are already to Winter.

Math U See for both boys.
The Prophet had to call his Dad in the middle of the Math Lesson. He needs major encouragement in that area. I have no idea how to persuade him to keep up the Math work.
The Peacemaker did some Ambleside Readings, Italics Handwriting, and Explode the Code.
After Dad came home, Prophet did some more Ambleside readings with Mom. I'm still doing those with him because we never did narrations before and he still needs some help with them.

The Warrior helped me make 2 pumpkin pies.

Updates, realizations, and a great new history reading list,

2008-09-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

As for Updates, learning is still going well. I'm noticing some things about the boys. So, updates are really mostly for me. One of these days I'll actually share some work the boys have accomplished.

Realization #1...on Reading

My two older boys both had stints in public school, for one reason or another. They both came home in the middle of first grade. Their teachers said they could read. But alas, they could not. They could memorize and guess really well however. Miraculously they both have picked up reading around 8 years of age. The Peacemaker can now finish a Dr. Suess off in one sitting!

Realization #2...on soaking in

I think I'll coin the term soaking in, unless someone else has already. The Peacemaker tell me repeatedly that he doesn't want to read History or Science today. We don't read very textbooky books very often. The Warrior likes to do these as read alouds so he can discuss with me. I've tried leaving The Peacemaker out of these discussions but he gets bored, frustrated and melancholy. Not sure what's going on there. But, I think he has to do with soaking it in. The years between say 6-9 really should be titled the soaking in years. The time at which children don't really want to learn, don't really like to or can understand those deep thoughts. Yet, they can play lego's, playdough and color pictures while other people converse. Most of them can sit still for a bit which is useful. I don't know what he will remember. But, I'm surprised what my oldest remembers even though I thought he wasn't listening.

History Reads

If you are looking for some high quality History Reads, here you go! Penny Gardner has an excellent list of Charlotte Mason friendly living books.

When citing accomplishments...

2008-09-12T17:28:00.001-07:00

let me preface that I don't share book like accomplishments often. Mostly that is because of my thoughts on education. My thoughts are clouded by John Holt and that guy who writes for Home Education magazine...ya know David Albert, and the ever so lovely Charlotte Mason (with the help of Leslie).

But, the Peacemaker finally finished Explode the Code Book 1!!! I'm so darn proud of him, too. I don't care that he is 8 years old either. He isn't behind his schedule because he is homeschooled.

Creating a Course of Study

2008-09-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

Being the laid back, relaxed, unschoolish, CMish, electic homeschool parent that I am...you wouldn't expect a course of study from me. Sure I've battled with planning in 2007-2008 because I had a "teacher" and a public school to answer to. But, this year it's a free year again.

We have had bit of guidance this year. We have our favorite curriculum (you can see on the left under elements) and suggestions from Ambleside Online. My children like a good challenge and when they are busy we all get a long better. We don't push much...I tend to push more than my husband...I'm not sure that is a female thing or not. I'm just more of a bookish nerd crunchy socks in my sandals PNW kind of gal, while he is a hands on artsy surfer boy from California.

So, I thought I might put together a course of study this year. I worry about this school district a bit & while I know they can't look at my stuff...I would prefer better safe than sorry.

Which brings me to this wonderful & amazing article by Alicia on a course of study for the Preschool years. Which is where I place my youngest even though he could officially be in Kindergarten. He has had a rough time with learning to speak well. It was so difficult that even the speech therapist could never come up with anything official to label him with.

Frogs, Apples, & Kittens Oh My!

2008-09-11T09:53:00.001-07:00

This little frog has gigantic back legs already. The Peacemaker caught this guy among many others in the pond. These are the kinds of things they get to do now that they have more area to roam. It's a positive thing from our move.

; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZPFoam5JaOI/SMlSD7kfohI/AAAAAAAAAD4/iaqEFtQuYOs/s200/DSC06482_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244813468533498386" border="0" />We have, also, made apple ciders and pies from the trees. My Dad has the apple press that was used when he was a child. He has had some work done to it and new barrels made. But, isn't this great. It really does make the best cider ever. I'm trying to convince him to set it up at the farmer's market next year and press organic and/or local apples .

Plus, a litter of new baby kittens was recently born.
Here is a kitty from the previous litter.

It's a new town...

2008-09-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

We had an unexpected move this month. Although I'm still mourning the boys seem to be adjusting well.

This year we will lack the guidance of a support school and are jumping back into being "real" homeschoolers. We have moved to my hometown to get a break on our cost of living. The boys are enjoying all of the new animals and five acres to roam free.

Science is currently being filled with nature walks and an the observation of interesting creatures in the pond water aquarium their Father set up for them.

Our first week of school went very well. I didn't plan much except that everyone would do some Math, some handwriting and we would all read together. I want to keep the learning time short this year. Hopefully some pictures will show up soon.

I pray everyone is enjoying the new school year!

Time to Travel

2008-07-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Are you planning any cultural studies or perhaps just touching on different countries? Here is a passport to print up & it includes "stamps" to modify for each destination.

Learning Logs

2008-07-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

I'm inspired by this article about Learning Logs from Home Ed Magazine.

This year I had to keep track of what we learn. I had to submit a plan to our "teacher" and then keep track of what we learned. Somehow I had to do all this. I wasn't really give any guidance. I think they want the homeschoolers to have freedom or not overstep our boundaries. I think I am just not that likely to share. The program, nor I am really at fault. Just a bad mesh somewhere.

I used a small notebook for this purpose that has a space for the date at the top. Plus, a separate notebook to keep track of the other stuff we did like workbook pages and reading logs that never, ever got filled in. I felt like a disaster at every meeting. I couldn't "prove" all this stuff we had been doing. If we are still here this upcoming school year (yes...we are pondering another move) then or than (I'm having a hard time with that) we are going to have to come up with something for at least the two youngest who want to be their "full-time". Full-time does not mean all day long...it just means more than 3 classes a week...or maybe it's two I can't remember.

This year I think I would like to have them do more of the work. Not totally sure though. More of a scrapbook of sorts. I just don't want all that girlie crap (I'm a tomboy surrounded by testosterone).

Perhaps blank artist journals? But, does that mean they each need one? That is overwhelming. This past year I used a very small lined notebook and I liked how portable it was. Sometimes I typed in a journal which is lost on my dead iBook (boo hoo, boo hoo, boo hoo). Could I type things out and cut & paste those? Would my children type things out & I end up cutting & pasting those?

Giant Map Fun!

2008-07-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a great site that has for FREE giant map printables. I think I might have to find a good use for these this next year.

Joy Sucking (A post from my wordpress bog) a reason to homeschool

2008-07-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

If you have read my wordpress blog this might not be new to you.

JOY SUCKING

Joy sucking is probably the number one reason our boys are not in school. And, it’s something we fight about. Perhaps we are spoiled little brats, the whole lot of us. But, my husband and I usually work pretty darn hard to rearrange our life, put off dreams and desires and then reroute and find all new dreams which include little adults. My two oldest both attended public Kindergarten and half of first grade. By the middle of first grade they were sucked dry.

My first went to Kindergarten even though I thought we would homeschool. It was close, seemed safe and it turned out he enjoyed it and I enjoyed the break. My second wanted to go to school and bless his heart the lucky little soul he got the one Queen of Kindergarten teachers. She who lives in a tiny little speck of a town. She was a gem. She actually hugged children and got down on her knee to insure they knew they were cared for. That is a teacher.

Beautiful Map of Ancient Greece & The Story of the Greeks

2008-07-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

We found this beautiful map of Ancient Greece for our Notebooks & I came to the realization that I my children don't have to draw on every notebook page. They can just enjoy them and file away. They are excellent proof. In fact, they are enjoyable just to look at.

We are reading aloud The Story of the Greeks by Guerber. It's suppose to be for Ambleside Year 6. But, since we are studying Ancient Greece and Rome this summer I think it should fit in just fine here. The readings captivate the children.

Long Division online tool

2008-07-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

This very cool tool allows you to work on long division on the computer. It then self corrects the problem. How very cool is this? Division is our next stop with our oldest. We have been using MUS up through this year. It's the only program he likes. But, I'm not sure if we can afford it this next year. So, I've been looking to see what we can come up with. The only thing I want to buy for this year is paper, ink, and a Math Curriculum. I went a little wild last year and I don't feel like we learned anything enjoyable. Nothing much stuck at the very least.

Our oldest has Aspergers and a lot of workbook stuff just really bothers him. So, I'm thinking I might try Math Mammoth since the books are inexpensive along with some fun online games/tools. I think it might fit who is a lot better. He is actually quite intelligent. He understands things the first time you give it to him. So, having to repeat constantly seem beneath him (or at least he feels that way).

But, I'm not good at Math. I'm sure I could be, but I think I need to start over again from the beginning (and thanks to homeschooling my children I get to do just that!)

Making Schedules

2008-06-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

Leslie has fabulous schedules for her children.

I have a spiral bound notebook. It's for thinking. See I've spent the years since I could first write scribbling on pieces of paper and then leaving those pieces of papers everywhere.

So, I've gotten better at wasting paper. I just write in this notebook. It's mostly useless. It's not a diary. It's not full of good stuff. It's just that my brain only works well if I'm writing with my hand. So, I get it all out and eventually I write something that makes sense.

Right now it's thoughts and schedules. This year I learned a lot about my oldest and how to help him work and stay on track. He likes to be given a plan. He doesn't do well if let to his own all day. But, he doesn't like to be told what to do. Just give him a list and let him disappear.

Last year I got so overwhelmed with day to day living. I could never keep up with his lists. I don't want to worry about it every week, but I don't know if I spend a bunch of time creating something and it fails if I will then feel like a failure.

Contest at Heart of the Matter

2008-06-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Heart of the Matter is having a contest to give away Biology 101 DVDs

Here is a description from the HOM blog:

Biology 101: Biology According To The Days of Creation is a video series that gives an overview of Biology from the Biblical perspective. It comprises four DVDs covering Plants, Aquatics Creatures, Avian Creatures, Land Animals, Mankind and Genetics. All based on the days of creation. The total length of the series is 4 1/2 hours and a guidebook which includes quizzes accompanies the series also. The creator of this wonderful series has geared it toward 15 year olds and higher but my science loving 3rd and 4th graders loved it! Wes Olson, a Bible college graduate and homeschooling father, developed and hosted this great series. He is very knowledgeable of Biology and we absolutely loved his sense of humor.

Here is my reply for my entry:

I don't know about my favorite. We really love animals around here. But, I do have to say that I have really enjoyed learning to love the scaly creatures. I used to abhor reptiles and things similar. But, a few years back a relative brought over a friends iguana. He was almost dead and the rescue suggested putting him to sleep because they could not find a home for him. But, I couldn't help myself. I fed him, bathed him, and loved him.

He now loves me dearly. He listens to my voice. He loves to be pet on the head, just like any dog or cat. His little eyes roll back and his eyelids shut.

I've learned to love a scaly little creature. He isn't beautiful because of the harm his previous owners did, do to poor nutrition and lack of proper lighting.

But, he is our little iguana. A beautiful and remarkable creature.

School is like a zoo...

2008-06-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

but for children.

This is what my 11 year old son told me today. He was sitting at the table. I was sitting on the couch with my laptop. The other boys were outside on the sidewalk. It runs along the side of the kitchen. They had the kitchen door open. At very specific times of the day we hear loud children, screeching little girls especially. It was funny at first. But, somedays it's disturbing. But, it took my sons comment to make me see why.

He told me they make them sit all day and do tricks. Then they let them out of that box. Then the children go crazy for a while. (For the record this child has attended public school.)

At least they still get recess.

2008-06-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

I was able to get these through my local library. My 8 year old has somehow missed the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Which is partially why I'm using AO this upcoming year. AO for the younger years will help me to touch all the important things they shouldn't miss, yet still give us time to enjoy all the modern rabbit trails we like to wander around.

Back to audio books. I'm amazed that my boys like these. I just put them on and wander off and sometimes we put them on at night and turn off all the lights except for a few candles. I'm always surprised at how long they will sit and how they wander over and cannot help themselves.

Black Ships Before Troy

2008-06-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last night we were set to watch a movie. But, since we didn't get through dinner and cleanup and teeth brushing till near 10pm it just didn't happen. My dh grabbed this book from the library shelf. Not to read, but to fold paper airplanes on. I've been trying to fit these in as read alouds since we are studying Greece. The prophet (now in Year 6) removed the book from such drudgery and started to read it in the sparsely lit living room. I offered to read it aloud, but he grumbled something at me and disappeared to his room. Where he read till midnight and came to get me, so that I could tuck him into bed.

Charlotte Mason & Sunshine

2008-06-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

Today Washington State is sunny and warm.

I've convinced an 11 year old man to sit outside to play his Nintendo DS.

The other two are playing with cars, robots and spaceships.

I found a shady to spot to read .

A friend once made the comment that Charlotte Mason is where Unschooling and the Classical Method meet. Her comment continues to sit and swim around in my brain. I read bits and pieces of Ms. Mason's works a few years back. Back before I found out I was accepted to the big University. The one that took up all my reading time. Ironically the English Major that snatched away my love of reading.

This quote backs up that position or so I would like to think...

It is important to understand the difference between a system and a method, because parents all too often become enamored of a system that promises development in one area--but which misses the overall growth of the entire person. A system is easier because you just follow the prescribed steps, like a recipe. But a method requires constant watchfulness over the whole being of the child, it demands more of the teacher. Who is qualified for such a mammoth task? Even the most loving, committed parent isn't physically able to be on the alert to make the most of every educable moment 24 hours a day.

But education may not require a 24-hour effort; the child is learning all the time and a few basic principles put into effect will cover the whole of the child's education. (highlighting from Heather)

quoted from Charlotte Mason in Modern English by Leslie

And, I think that's just it. If you are filling their minds with good information, mind challenging stuff then you won't have to make up discussions and force quizzes and workbook pages. Things will start to stick.

Perhaps I'm done planning and worrying for the upcoming year. I think I'll spend my summer reading CM in Modern English instead.

The Flops and Flutters and Plans Oh my...

2008-05-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Flops

Well we did a lot less reading this year.

Story of the World and it's appendages probably works well for children who like to do everything in a neat row. Or children who like coloring pages. My children do not. We spent all year trudging through SOTW and it's activity guide and really missing out on the reading we love. We do have outside classes and I did take a full-quarter this winter. But, there just wasn't enough to keep us afloat. It's not like we enjoyed it either. I said TRUDGING.

The Flutters

I want to finish up Volume 1 by the end of the summer. We have the Volume one audio and we have been listening to that during the week in very small bites. I figured I could get the boys through it faster and at least cover the information. SUPRISE, SUPRISE, SUPRISE!!! The boys enjoy it a lot more and are retaining an amazing amount of information. Jim Weiss is a gem of a speaker. Now we have free time to read other books and fill out History Scribe pages. My boys seem to prefer these since they take some imagination and I had just enough paypal to buy a set. I love that the set includes a Native American set. I wanted to start doing some American History but really had no idea what to do for Native Americans. The sets include Maps so we can fill those out when we see locations in our readings. They filled out at least 20 maps this year and each has a river or maybe an arrow. I want to be able to glance at the very least 2 or 3 maps and see what they learned that year.

The Little Plans

I'm going back to letting the children listen and read and follow tangents. It just works better that way. I do plan on using an Ambleside inspired outline for our year. We will see how that works. I have a very small budget this year so I'll be using the library and online sources. I might purchase a level or two of Math U See for my oldest as it seems to be all he is willing to use.

Reading

Books I've decided to use will be made into reading list on good reads and kept track of in my sidelines. Hopefully I can convince the boys to write reviews of books they read.

Getting Ready for a New Year

2008-05-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, here I am. I found an awesome new background at SuckMyLolly.com. This will be the first year I'm "teaching"...leading...marching on together...with all three boys this year. We actually made it through a whole year last year. No one decided to go back to public school & the Warrior (our youngest) is not going to Kindergarten!!!!!

I think I'll keep this blog just for learning adventures this year. I still have my wordpress blog...so perhaps I'll keep that for my own personal opinions.

Fairness, lazyness, homeschool updates...

2008-05-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

I've tried here and there to be part of the weekly update crowd. I sometimes lurk on blogs where Moms show pictures of all their children have accomplished. A fun way to keep relatives up to date. A fun way to have proof for the school board perhaps. I don't know. It's enjoyable to take a peek and then at some point I feel....discouraged. Some weeks we could fill a post with pictures and laughs. But, often our days are filled with just living. Spurts of "real" education happen. We have worksheets that are filled in for Math. Journals where handwriting is practiced.

Many of us moms are in awe of these orderly families. Our blogs are often overlooked. Our children have too much free time and not enough proof to be interesting. While those other children are conquering Ancient History in exactly 180 days just in time for summer break...my children are savoring Aesop's Fables. I worry about it sometimes. More often when I read those blogs. And, I feel a little lost. Because I'm often stuck in between two homeschooling worlds.

How can I be an unschooler whilst my children have curriculum (and they don't always delight in using it)? How can I be a classical homeschooler when my children are the ones who asked for it and I lack a schedule that keeps us plunging through in exactly 4 year cycles. Am I lazy? Is it fair that my children get to enjoy this leisurely education?

In A Spacious Place: How to Classically Unschool -- I Wish :)

2008-04-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

In A Spacious Place: How to Classically Unschool -- I Wish :)

I know I haven't been posting here at all. But, this handy blogger feature is enticing.

I'm getting fed up with trying to pick sides. I don't want to be a radical unschooler. I don't want to be a sadistic Psycho Classical Mother cramming knowledge down my childrens throats. I'm sure both sides would let me know that I'm missing something.

I've been at this long enough to see how things balance out with each of my children. They ask for some guidance and we teeter totter till we find it.

Praise God...there are others out there. Others trying to find that perfect spot.

I'm trying out Wordpress as well...

2007-08-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

So, I guess take your pick. I'm not sure what I'll stay with.

The Land of All Things Lewis

A story about "The Story of the World: Activity Book 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Third Edition"

2007-08-18T22:12:00.001-07:00

The Story of the World: Activity Book 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Third Edition

by Susan Wise Bauer

I actually ordered a set of student pages straight from Peace Hill Press for each child this year. They come wrapped up in plastic and they are three whole punched. I put them in a notebook right when they got here. It was totally worth it to not have to remember to copy things from the book or to do a messed up job of copying something.

Both of my older children are working on this book. My 10 year old reads the book and does the pages himself. My 7 year old listens to the CD’s and works on the pages while listening. We discuss it at a later time.

See more about The Story of the World: Activity Book 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor, Third Edition

Women in Love

2007-08-18T01:52:00.000-07:00

Allright, here is the secret book from which that largish word comes from...ugh that is how I feel when I read this book. But, luckily I did a bit of research to answer a question and I found out someone will die before the end. I'm so excited..I can now go back to reading.

Really so far it seems there is enough sexual connotations to get you to the next string of rather lengthy words OR to the mention of something that would seem to make the characters or perhaps the author appear to be rather learned. Perhaps I will feel differently after reading it with a group of people.

Todays word is megalomania, n.

2007-08-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

If you see a word you do not know then you look in the Oxford English Dictionary. Here you go!!

In Psychol.: delusions of power or self-importance, esp. resulting from mental illness; a passion for grandiose schemes. More generally: lust for power, a desire to control.

1887 Polit. Sci. Q. 2 157 Dr. François Roy of Quebec testified..that [Louis] Riel was..afflicted with a form of insanity known as megalomania, by which he labored under a delusion that he had a mission to perform for the Métis. 1890 J. S. BILLINGS National Med. Dict. II. 723 Monomania involving the idea of a divine or celestial origin or connection..[is] a species of megalomania. 1892 Contemp. Rev. Feb. 166 Here again megalomaniathe desire to ‘do the great’had the upper hand. 1897 LD. SALISBURY in Daily Chron. 17 Nov. 8/2 A common intellectual complaint..which I may name (as I see Mr. Gladstone has consecrated the word) megalomaniathe passion for big things simply because they are big. 1904 A. GRIFFITHS Fifty Years Public Service xiv. 222 Megalomania was strangely prevalent among these criminal lunatics. 1914 W. J. LOCKE Jaffery viii, This is absurd. It's megalomaniala folie des grandeurs. 1959 Listener 17 Sept. 451/3 The later rake's progress toward corruption, aggression, humiliating subjection to Hitler, pathological megalomania and final catastrophe. 1974 F. FORSYTH Dogs of War II. ix. 169 Megalomania..is present in many people outside lunatic asylums and is usually..interpreted, at least when present in the rich and famous, as merely exaggerated egocentricity. 1993 Toronto Sun 17 June 12/1 The Tories reveal their megalomania, insecurity and arrogant intolerance for dissent.

Now I want to see if you are paying attention to everything I write...pardon my grammar. What am I reading?

Finger smoothies

2007-07-26T11:51:00.001-07:00

0726071139.jpg
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsLewis

eww...

(warning this is from a phone so it isn't that great)

But, here is my little guy making his own smoothies. I love it when I think up activities.

We counted each piece and he had to pick them up with the tongs himself. Which is time consuming do to the wholes. But, that was the point really.

A report on another child: my 7 year old woke up and decided to get a straw and paper. He is seeing how accurately he can spit wads of paper. It's fine with me if a) he picks them up and b) they aren't wet.

Have something to carry and want to skip that bag...

2007-07-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

Well the Government of Japan can help

A Black Bookstore

2007-07-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

It isn't right when your 10 year old thinks this is funny. I know I shouldn't let him watch it. I shouldn't let him stay up so late.

But, darn it what kind of life can you live without being introduced to British Comedy.

I'm a firm believer that the US would be a whole lot easier to live in if more people were introduced to good British Comedy at an early age.

Just a reminder...

2007-07-18T19:38:00.001-07:00

(I like those dots even if though they don't belong there...it's like a pause)

I have to moderate posts. I know it's a pain for some people. But, if I don't I get the strangest stuff posted here. I'm not perfect. I can be a bit racy at times. But, still people are so bizarre. So, for those who aren't just give me time during the busy weeks.

I actually put my big foot down and ordered something...

2007-07-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks Tulip for the suggestions. I really appreciate all your advice. I feel like of all the homeschoolers I know online and in real life you are one I can really understand. I feel like we are dealing with pretty similar schedules and expectations.

Big Hugs...Don't forget to visit for Ezzo Week. I read this book with our first. I was vulnerable and without Parenting guidance. I was, also, very young and very naive. I was only 19 when I married and got pregnant on the night of my honeymoon. I turned to the church and Babywise is what the vomited all over me. I trusted them and they ripped my heart out. The teachings of Ezzo and those like him are not from God. You cannot hit babies and get away with it. You do not need to trick your children into obeying, sleeping, or recieving salvation. These are all gifts from God and we the parents need to look towards the Almighty Grace he has shown upon us. The world is watching us. They are watching you and they are watching me.

So, Now for my list...

I ordered Story of the World 1 (the revised edition) of the Audiobook and Activity Guide. I ordered these from Amazon as well. They were $53.84 and the shipping was free.
Plus previously mentioned Curriculum Purchased
Aspergers What does it mean to me? purchased from Amazon for $28.72 includes tax and the shipping was free.
Math U See Alpha Student book for the Peacemaker who is 7 and going into Grade 2. We already have the Teacher pack from our oldest.
Math U See Beta Student & Teacher Pack for the Prophet who is 10 and going into Grade 5. Not sure if I have talked about this before. But, we finally found Math U See the year before he went back to public school. So, we started with Alpha. Then he went to school and they did the new crazy math. The one where you estimate everything and come up with your own way to answer problems. Yuck. This did not go over well for our black & white Aspie. So, even though he could probably do a higher level, he is going to start with Beta and he can whiz through it as fast he wants. Math U See is great for any child who gets "behind" since there is no grade level to make them feel bad about.
Total Math U See $92.17 (We live in the same state and had to pay tax.)

Total Spent thus far $174.73

I've really struggled with using Classical Materials. I'm reading this article by Susan Wise Bauer right now. And per Tulip, I'm heading over to find out more about Carol and what she has to say about Home Education.

I have to say I feel relieved this morning. I have been so anxious about the boys education. But, I've got that peace.

Final Curriculum Decisions

2007-07-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I really, really wanted to use Sonlight Core 5 this year. But, something just didn't sit right with me. And, it was after a fellow homeschooler mentioned that she cannot use something that imposes a schedule.

That is so me and well us all together.

My two sons are totally different. My oldest is a rigid Aspie who devours books by the truckload. My second child is not reading well yet. He is still struggling. They both loved to be read to aloud. But, alas...

the reason I wanted Core 5 was because I really wanted to spend the next year or so studying cultures and missions. So, Instead I'm back to where I started from. I'm working through different lists I have found around the internet. I'm still not sure if I'm going to do an area a month or what. I want to outline my plans for the upcoming year with enough wiggle room to allow for the fact that was are really, super busy. I need time for my own schooling and homework. I don't want to pack so much in their days that they don't have any fun. But, they need to keep busy this year, too.

So far I've started lists on All Consuming

Year 2 List
Year 5 List

They are both doing Math U See, as well. Not sure what types of hands on stuff we will come up with. But, my second guy is a true artist and he always figures out something we can do.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Curriculum Purchased
Aspergers What does it mean to me? purchased from Amazon for $28.72 includes tax and the shipping was free.
Total Spent thus far

It's a city mailbox

2007-07-10T17:38:00.001-07:00

0710071720.jpg
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsLewis

Yes readers, may I share my excitement.

I have my very own blue man
in little shorts
(well, I share him with the neighbors)
who walks
from door to door to deposit mail
in boxes which are hung
right next to front doors.

Front doors
which are perfectly placed
at the front of houses
(remember my old door which was
at the side of the house and opened into the kitchen)
which line up
in little rows
which line up
along
perfect
little
sidewalks.

Fall Quarter for Big Girls

2007-07-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

I've only got the book list for two of my classes. Since, I keep enjoying Native American classes I think I'll go ahead and minor in it.

My first class description and book list:
Survey of contemporary Native-American people, cultures, and issues. Focus on modern experiences through readings from Native-American autobiographies, contemporary narratives and literature, and reports of important topical issues, e.g., water rights, Indian gaming, treaty law.

BERNIE WHITEBEAR REYES
BLOOD STRUGGLE WILKINSON
CHIEF RED FOX IS DEAD (CUSTOM) RAWLS
SPIRIT & REASON DELORIA

Here is my English class which is my major.
Intensive examination of one or a few major works of literature. Classroom work to develop skills of careful and critical reading. Book selection varies, but reading consists of major works by important authors and of selected supplementary materials.

ART LOVER MASO
LONE RANGER & TONTO FISTFIGHT IN HEAVEN ALEXIE
WAVES * ANNOTATED (ED HITE) WOOLF
WHITE NOISE DELILLO
WOMEN IN LOVE (FARMER ED)

Not sure if I have shared my schedule or not yet. But, I thought I might! I'm, also, talking a geography class on immigrants. Thought it sounded interesting and it fits the slot I needed.

We sign tomorrow

2007-06-24T23:53:00.000-07:00

We got a great 3 bedroom 1 bath in a sweet neighborhood.

Today we rented a 10 X 10 storage space and you know what we are not going to fill it up. Public Storage says that is 100 sq ft and it should be enough for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment.

Yeah!!!

I can't believe how much we parted with. I feel so richly blessed to start again fresh in a new city.

Sidewalks
dogs
kids
schools
playgrounds
libraries
zoos
bungalows
coffee shops

I've missed you big city.

Plastic shampoo

2007-06-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

I really have been looking more at the plastic we use.

Shampoo does come in plastic bottles. It's just one of those things you know.

I guess you could buy a big bulk container of shampoo. I have to use more expensive shampoos because my scalp (heck all of my skin) is really sensitive. I'm on vacation and the store here has big plastic containers of shampoo and you just pump what you want into a small reuseable bottle. But, I bet your local store or a salon store could get you those large bottles. The fill your own is cool though isn't it?

I know I use way less shampoo and NO conditioner since I cut all my hair off, but I realize a lot of women are not comfortable with that.

I did buy applesauce in a glass container instead of plastic this week. I would say it's probably more enviromentally friendly to just buy the apples. Speaking of which I hate those dumb little stickers they put on the apples, but I'm not so sure I like the tattoothing they are coming up with now.

Inspections and Plastic Popcorn

2007-06-10T15:30:00.023-07:00

Well, our house has been inspected and now we are haggling.
It's strange to haggle in this day and age of America buy what you can for the best price.

It's hard to not be offended by their opinions.
...to be embarassed by the stuff we never got to work on.
We had so many plans for this little house
and now we let them go.

Plasticseems so easy to run away from.
I've been pretty good about using my fabric bags.
But, still today I read that article and they poked at the microwave popcorn.
I didn't have a microwave for years,
but I bought my husband one for his birthday when we moved here.
After a while the popcorn seeped in.

Could microwave popcorn really be evil?

My sister and her husband bought a huge TV to play their video games on and watch horror flicks.
They got a free popcorn maker as part of the deal.
A REAL popcorn maker on wheels that you can roll around and charge money for.

We did Jiffy Pop for a snack today.
My kids have never seen Jiffy Pop.

I'm having a hard time finding a non-plastic option for popcorn.
I've read you can microwave popcorn in a brown paper lunch bag.

I'm thinking one of those hang cranked contraptions might work.

Really I think we should eliminate the kitchen and just eat fruits and veggies. My husband won't go for it though.

How religious parents mess up their kids

2007-05-26T11:39:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share this gem from the internet monk before I add it to my links section.

H

He's a real boy...

2007-05-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

I just overheard my two oldest...they were talking about how much they like a new video game they are playing (egads...I know). They were being all serious and conversing like little men when my 7 year old says, "Yeah and it's soooo cute."

This kid is such a heart breaker. He is one of those people who gives the best hugs. You know those people. I did not grow up with touchy, lovey, affection..so it's hard for me. But, I always knew there was something different about the good huggers. I used to think someone taught them that, but I swear there is a certain type of person that is just born with it.

I only miss one...

2007-05-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

yes it's true.

I realized I miss someone everyday.
But, it's only one of them.
I miss them for different reasons.

When I'm at school
I catch myself gazing out a window
or watching a small child.

Sometimes it is a sign
or a rock.

But, I find it is only one of them I miss.
I wonder if I should feel guilty.
I don't miss the same one everytime.
They get a pretty fair rotation.

I came home and gave my oldest the biggest of hugs
and kisses because today I really missed him.

Hope I didn't scare you off...

2007-04-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

with that last post. I just couldn't stop laughing in the store. I don't (can't) drink wine, it gives me a huge itchy face breakout...but I almost bought some anyway. I'm sure I could find someone to present it to.

Got my first paper back for English and I got a 3.2. Seriously, I couldn't be happier...I was thinking I would be lucky to get a 2.0 on it. It was an absolutely horrible experience for me to finish it.

Thanks for the encouragement...my inner child really likes oatmeal cookies with the little dark chocolate chips. If desperate eating the chips out of the bag will suffice.

Grocery Shopping

2007-04-23T20:13:00.001-07:00

0423071825.jpg
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsLewis.

Introducing week number 5...

2007-04-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

Now aren't you excited.

Seriously though...I need some pictures or something. Maybe I'll take my camera up with me soon. My camera phone just doesn't cut it. Although, I took something hilariously naughty at the store. I wonder if I can email it to flickr?

I have this little woman inside of me.
She pokes me.
She prods me.

She says
Your not a real Christian woman
She says
What kind of man plays with his sons all day long

I wish we could spend the rest of our time with them like this. I treasure my time at school. I love watching them connect so wonderfully with their father.

I hate that little, itty, bitty tiny woman inside of me.
Where did she come from?

I finally found FREE Shakespeare recordings at LibriVox, so I can memorize Sonnet 65 for my mid-term on Thursday. I am having an awful time with it and I hope this helps. It's now on my iPod and ready to be listened to over and over again for the next few days.

The computer update...

2007-03-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

I've been doing very well with my computer time. I've been on a bit here and there. I've been doing so well. It's amazing what I've gotten done this week by just getting up early and staying away from computers.

She is coming tonight

2007-03-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

The realtor is coming with papers to sign.
Last night my dh started to grieve.

The loss of his own personal
garage
hot tub
yard.

But, then he started to talk to the boys.

We have things we need to give up.
But, in exchange we gain opportunities
that far outweigh the life we have here.

We aren't happy here at all.
We have been trying to fix it.

All those fixes have failed and they are eating away
at our foundations.

So, tonight we move on. We start this journey.
We will sell our home.
We will sell our couches,
the kitchen table,
the big roll top desk,
the beds,
the bookshelves,
the pantry storage...

I've got classes

2007-03-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took my first public bus.
I got a little lost.
But, I did it.

I got my classes.
I start on Monday.

Things we have to do.

1. Sell our house for more money than we bought it for. We have a realtor already.
2. Sell our furniture and all big stuff and the Mommy Van.
3. Donate what we can't sell.

We are only going to move easy stuff. The biggest things will probably be mattresses, bikes (we actually get to use them!!!!!) and the iguana cage.

Thought of the day

2007-03-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

I was checking some information out on the UW website. They have these little tidbits all over the website and many of them reference those oh so famous people who have graduated from the UW. I found this one endearing.

Beverly Cleary, author of children’s books including the popular “Ramona” book series, graduated from the UW in 1939.

Accepted

2007-03-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I realized I had not check the mail in awhile. Oh, maybe a week. So, I purged the mailbox of late bills and credit card offers.

The purple and yellow envelope says, "Your a Husky."

But, I thought God closed that door.
I thought I was taking a break.

Is this what God was preparing me for?

I sobbed...I don't know for an hour, maybe two.
I called my husband.

He came home and loved me.
He scooped me up
and held me.

He congratulated me
and then he called my mom.

And, when I came home from Shakespeare class at night,
he encouraged me
he congratulated me again
he told me he was proud of me.

I don't handle that well.

I cannot line up with my vision of the perfect, good mother.
I just cannot do it.

I must let it go.
I must embrace my challenges,
my changes.

(A bit of back story. I was informed some of my transcript information had not been received a few weeks ago. And, a few weeks ago is well after the deadline date. When I got that email, I grieved and let go. I had applied on a whim really. I'm not finished with my AA yet. I need more foreign language and a science. I thought my boys would be in public school.)

The computer drains me of time

2007-03-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

I tend to leave it on all the time and the excuse is because when I get a moment
I work on homework.

Well the 14th is my last day of school.
It is, also, the last day I leave my computer on all day.

I'm forcing myself to get up earlier in the morning.
If I want computer time I will do it then.

I have relationships to build.
Children to raise.
Food to make.
Walks to take.

I love research.
This computer sucks me in.
I don't need to know everything.

How to buy Green Groceries, Improve your shopping trip, and get a smaller, trimmer you....

2007-03-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

So, I cannot promise you will loose weight.

A discussion prompted some thinking about how and why we shop. Here are a few suggestions I came up with. Do you have any suggestions for making a "green" grocery trip.

These are the tips that have allowed me to do the things like buy more organic or a new cloth bag. I have revamped my relationship with food and my shopping cart.

Give yourself a wholesome and good connection to your food so you can make good choices when you eat and shop.

1. Actually eating what we make. If I make soup then we eat it all. Sometimes I even freeze a portion or two before I serve it. I like mason jars for that.

2. Have a leftover day to do the above. Do this the day before you plan to shop if you shop once a week. Clean out the whole fridge, too. Take everything out and scrub it up a bit. Reshelf all your goodies. Freeze anything you don't think you will eat. Chop up that half of onion in the bottom bin and freeze it. You will feel better about what you have and you might get inspired, so you don't get wasteful at the store.

3. If you can buy from bulk bins than only buy what you need. If you need 1 cup of flour or only one meals worth of falafel than buy just that.

4. Make a menu or a list of meals and snacks family members want this week. If I'm craving something I will often stick it on the grocery list. If I want homemade pizza I'll put it on the list. When I get ready to go to the store I can just write down the ingredients we need.

We turned down the heat

2007-02-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

I turned off the radiant heater.
I turned down the thermostat 8-10 degrees.
I put an extra blanket on our bed.
We all put on more clothing.
Yesterday I wore yoga pants under my jeans and I was so comfortable.
I even wore them to my ceramics class and I wasn't cold.

I'm always cold.
I totally forgot how I always wore long johns when I was younger. I guess I must have grown out of them when I first got pregnant and got rid of them.

Next year everyone is getting 2 pairs of long johns, maybe 3, and some kind of warm slippers for house wear.

It's really not so bad. I'm so embarrassed how much our gas bill has been. What a waste?

The simple list

2007-02-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

We (as in husband and I) talked some more today.
We talked about energy assistance and food stamps.
We talked about getting off of food stamps.
We got enough money to pay all our bills and catch up.

My husband has decided to not focus on making money, but focus on his tithe instead.
I've never thought about it like that...boy he is creative.

So, I scrounged up a little notebook from around the house and started a simplifying list.

On that list is to get off of foodstamps.
1. To accomplish that I'm going to keep better track of the prices I spend.
I want to see if I can save any money buying in bulk from Azure Standard.
I know it would help us because we wouldn't be in the grocery store as much.
2. My dh plans to put up the greenhouse this spring, so we can try and start a salsa house. We eat a lot of salsa and if we could grow all the stuff year round we could probably save a bundle, plus it would be tasty. Not sure how well that would work in Washington though.
3. My dh wants chickens for eggs since my mom is not getting more after this last bunch passes away since she is planning to sell her house. Well, their house =)
4. I would like to come up with some outlines of meals we eat each month and a shopping list. Maybe then I would see what we would benefit from buying in bulk first. I can go to Costco with my mom, too. So, that helps because they have more and more good stuff there that I can eat.

This is just part of our loose plan. It's amazing really. My husband and I are growing so close. It brings tears to my eyes to see it all working.

Preparing for God's plans...

2007-02-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

and not our own.

I've not been around for awhile. I've been busy finishing up school. I've got one more class I have to take to get my Associates. But, I'm going to take a few quarters off. Then I'll be taking only one class a quarter. I don't need a foreign language because I had French in High School. But, I've decided I should be better prepared. So, I plan on taking 3 quarters in Japanese. I want to take Ceramics at least once more. Then I need that darn Science class with lab.

But, God has been putting so much on our hearts lately. We have felt like we are battling unseen forces..so I guess we are right? At least that is what our Pastor talked about today when he taught on Job. We have found a new church, it's a good fit! We actually have two. One for Saturday night and one for Sunday morning. Our oldest prefers the church we go to on Saturday night, so we compromise. It's not like you can really fight with a kid who wants to go to church twice on the weekend.

We both feel ready to move on. But, we don't know where to go. We both feel overwhelmed with burdens, the house, the chores, and stuff. We are really sensitive people. We could never work 9-5 and survive. We would have a nervous breakdown.

God is getting us ready. He is calling us to him and asking for us to prepare. We have no idea what for. But, so far these are the plans he has been sharing:
He wants us to rely on him
to simplify our household
to let go of our connection to our possessions
to reconnect and build the relationship we have as a family

So, we have been
cleaning,
condensing,
praying,
and finally tithing.

I've been working on really loving my husband.
Not just when he behaves or performs to my standards.
But, for all the things that make him who he is.

It's begun!!!

2007-01-30T09:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's official. We are not finishing out the public school year. The boys are home and very happy about it. We have started Ambleside Grade 1 and it's going well. It's engaging enough for my oldest. I'll be adding more from Grades 2 and 3 if he needs more to do.

Negate all that I have said

2007-01-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

because I read through Ambleside Online and we are going with that. We are going to do Year 1 and I will add extra if G needs it.

I'm trying to come up with a way to spend a very little amount of money for the year. This should be good. There is only one book I would purchase and I just might omit it and do something else. If G can't keep busy enough he can do some Story of the World from the library.

Yeah....I've been reading through the Modern English version of The Original Homeschooling Series. I feel so peaceful and happy =)

Once we get going I'll share what we do every week. I'm sure I'll change somethings because that is what homeschooling is all about.

The Very Happy Mommy

Grades 2 and 5: 2007-2008

2007-01-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

So, I said I would start laying out some plans here. I really want to try Sonlight, but I just cannot afford the whole thing. My oldest is almost 10, has Aspergers and will be in Grade 5. My second child is 7 and will be in Grade 2. My third child is 3.5 right now and I have no academic adventures planned for him aside from reading a lot. Anything I come up with will be in a separate post. My oldest has requested some order and my second has requested fun. So, I'm trying to put together a plan ahead of time to take advantage of Ebay and our local used curriculum sale this Spring. We homeschooled for 2 years before this year, so I know some of things that work for us and some of the things that do not. This is our plan so far....any thoughts?

I really wanted to add this...I'm not sure if I'm taking a break from The Big School this next year. So, creating a plan of study will really help my dear sweet adoring husband to have an easier life. He cannot handle much more on his plate. We might have to consider hiring my Niece for some child playing during the week, as well. I would love to just leave the house and put a plan down that says...here do this!

Heather

Otherwise here is the plan right now:
Planner
10yos really wants a planner like he has in school right now. So, I'm going to start searching for one. He really likes the spiral binding.

Magazines

My Grandma loves to buy us magazines, so maybe I'll request these for my summer birthday.

Order Home-Ed magazine for 2 years. $48.00 We all love magazines. This one is great, but the library is always out of them.

I have no idea if I should get a subscription of Learning through History Magazine. It looks really interesting, but maybe I'll just let them pick a couple to order individually. Here is a review Does anyone else have any reviews for this magazine?

History
I have a huge heart for understanding other cultures. I believe G-d has really impressed that upon me and that I am to pass that on to my children. I think it's really hard to separate History from the study of cultures and geography. We have tried doing Chronological Historyin the past. I really, really wanted to enjoy it, but none of us did. That is when I realized the method does not work for any of us. I'm their mom for a reason. So, we will be using different sources to strew about and hope they find some interests.

1. Homeschool in the Woods Timeline Figures for whatever time period Gibran or Porter wants to study $19.95. I think I might get the CD's that you can print. Do they have a MAC version? I just checked and it's MAC compatible. They are in pdf format, so that should work just fine.

2. Make Timeline book with our own pages, so we can include maps and large pictures-Notebook and paper $10.00 Book of Centuries

3. Family Pass to the State Historical Society-Free Admission to State History Museum $65.00

4. History Pockets $19.95. The boys love these things. They are great for when they want paperwork stuff!

5.The ReMARKable map from Rainbow Resource looks neat. I guess it's like OR is what the map Sonlight uses. I guess this might be nice to hang up. We used a full color one in the past and it was really helpful. I don't know if we have it still. When we would read during the week we might circle a country that came up. G might be reading a nature magazine and read about another country, so we would find it and put Gorilla there or whatever he was reading about. It's fun and well...easy. Once, you get in the habit you start to look at the map whenever you see a new country or whatever.

Math
Each boy will get Math U See. I'm, also, interested in Noble Knights of Knowledge but yikes it's expensive.

Language Arts

1. Book Reports for a few books a month. We read a lot so probably just a few here and there. A sneaky way to get some handwriting in.

2. I'm considering Copywork for boys and little boys $19.95.

3. If P is still having problems reading I might get AlphaPhonics.

4. A Reason for Handwriting for both boys. G is working on this anyway to do cursive because everyone in his class knows cursive. I think it's important, but it has a hard time with handwriting. He is doing better.

5. First Language Lessons for P if I think he can do it. I don't want to overwhelm him. Our library has it, so I can just check it out from there.

Readers

Use book selections from Sonlight, Ambleside Online Grade 2, and Ambleside Online Grade 5 to create reading list. We are avid readers and I'm a whizz at the library, so we have read quite a few of these books already. But, I would like to come up with a list. I'm thinking I could print these out and then highlight them once they are read. Stay tuned as I update this more. Did I mention I love to read and my love has been passed onto my boys.

Science

1. We love Apologia Science. We will be going through Exploring Creation with Zoology 1 and Exploring Creation with Zoology 2. I'm not sure how long that will take us. I know it may be hard to believe, but I don't believe in pushing formal academics during the elementary years. It's the time to look into everything and really find our loves. Zoology is for our 10yos. He wants to major in Zoology or Biology when he is grown. If it takes us four years to get through this program I would be fine with that. If all we do for a month is this program I will be fine with that.

2. The ZooGuide at Christianbook.com. G has requested this book. I would like to get him the guide as well as a zoo pass. We have one that is close to us and one that takes a ferry ride. But, the one in Seattle is so much bigger....

Foreign Language

Rosetta Stone is available for free through our local library catalog.

These are some extras
There is rock climbing once a month throughout the school year.
Enchanted Learning Daily Calendar gives interesting topics for every day of the month. The boys can look through here and see if anything pops for them.
Homeschool Sports Club-Fall Soccer, Winter Basketball, Spring Baseball
I think this is perfect for our Grade 5. We have been looking for something like this to help him understand what having Aspergers really means.

Read Aloud January 19, 2007

2007-01-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

My 7 year old had this read aloud in his class. I love this book and I can't believe we have never read it yet.

Shame
Shame

2007 10 year old reading list

2007-01-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

So, here is my ever evolving list. I'm trying to make a list for each child. I would like to have something to print off and check off during the year. Many of these will come from Ambleside Online or Sonlight. When I come upon other suggestions I will add those. We have our wishlists on Amazon and they always make suggestions based on items you pick. I'm always surprised to see childhood favorites. *Books we will definitely be including.

Nature Study
Nature in the Neighborhood by Gordon Morrison Our library does not have this particular book. But, I was able to order two of his other ones. If they look as good as they do on Amazon I will either order it or see if the library will order it. We are really fortunate to have a library with enough funds to order new books. All we have to do is email the reference desk.

Ambleside list for Grade 5
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (I'm not sure if I can convince him to read this.)
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Tanglewood Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Kipling
This is how things start to happen here.
I start with a small piece of information, check the library
and bam....a month's worth of study is in progress.
Really, with a name like Rudyard Kipling what more could you expect than a writer?

These two books are recommended at Ambleside:
*Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling I need to look this over yet. I don't remember reading it.
Puck of Pook's Hill by Rudyard Kipling
Kim
My library has these available:
1. Captains courageous [DVD] Fleming, Victor, 1883-1949.
2. The poetry of Rudyard Kipling [sound recording]
3. How the camel got his hump-Easy Reader
4. Poetry for Young People: Rudyard Kipling We have already read this series together. These are beautiful!
5. The story of how the leopard got his spots [sound recording]
6. Rikki-tikki-tavi We have read this quite a few times. My SIL used to have a ferret named this.
7. The Jungle Book from the Whole Story Series

Online
Rikki-tikki-tavi study
Life and Society in Kipling's British Empire

*The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain I picked this up at a garage sale along with Huck Finn.
*The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
*Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Lad: A Dog (or another book in the Lad series; many are online) by Albert Payson Terhune
The Treasure Seekers by Edith Nesbit
The Wouldbegoods by Edith Nesbit
*Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery I love these! Maybe I can get them to watch the movies with me.

I've got these on the 7 year old's list, so we will probably do these as read alouds.
*Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
*The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
*These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder
*The First Four Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham We have already studied this book. It's great. I might see if we have the time to tuck it in again when Escher is a bit older to remember it.
Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith
Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt
Falcons of France by Charles Nordhoff, James Norman Hall
Goodbye Mr. Chips by James Hilton
The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

2007 7 year old Reading List

2007-01-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

Our 7 year old is still having some difficulties read well. I know he will be fine because I have watched my first child "struggle" as well. Personally, I have come to the conclusion that 7 year old boys are not suppose to read until they are 8. Most if not all of these will be read-alouds or read togethers. That means the older and younger child will probably be there for these, too. I'm thinking it might be fun to give them there own basket of books to work on each week. I'm still trying to figure how to give them structure you know.

* Are the books I will definitely include. I imagine those are going to be enough. But, I can always bump them to the next year right?
From Sonlight
The God's must be Angry All I can think of when I read that title is the San people.
Thailand
New Toes for Tia from Sonlight

And from Ambleside Year Two
*Heidi by Joanna Spyri
A Wonder Book by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sidney
Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales
Pied Piper of Hamlin by Robert Browning
Abraham Lincoln by Ingri D'Aulaire (I don't know about these books. I read a bad review of them. I will have to search for that and link to it here.)
Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit
*Little House on the Prairie, Farmer Boy... by Laura Ingalls Wilder (I'm just going to read this whole series through to them. I loved, loved, loved this as a child and I'm curious if boys could love them, too.)
*The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
*Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers Watch the movie afterwards and compare them
Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry
*Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard AtwaterI keep hearing so many good things about this one.
Otto of the Silver Hand by Howard Pyle (sensitive readers - be aware that the child loses a hand in this story)
Chanticleer and the Fox - Barbara Cooney's is one version
Along Came A Dog by Meindert De Jong
*The Door in the Wall by Marguerite De AngeliWe actually have this one.

The Omnivore's Dilemma

2007-01-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my gal Punkie I have yet another book to add to my list. Occasionally I push one up to the front and this is definitely it.

Thank you Punkie! I'm so very fortunate to have become friends with you and go through some very similar journey's at the exact same time.

HLL

Preschool Plan Ahead

2007-01-13T22:38:00.000-08:00

I'm just starting some plans for next year.
I might have to pack in a whole lot during the year.
I still haven't decided if I'll stay in school or
take a break for a few years. But, for now I would like
to start some plans.

Charlotte Mason Early Year Read Alouds

I findOak Meadowabsolutley dreamy.

Drooling fantastic

Things we have:
Pattern Blocks
Leap frog Alphabet Fridge Letters

I'll update with some links later!

Working on plans for next year

2007-01-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

Well this is really just for me.
I'm a list maker.
Just trying to come up with what to do next year.

They ask for plans.
Who are these children?

Don't they know I could sit all day long,
under a bookshelf (literally I used to sleep under the
bottom shelf of a bookshelf in my bedroom)
and read books (I thought it was quirky
and interesting)
without being bothered over
(I was so strange as a child).

How do you make loose plans.
Room for budging and moving.
Possibly room for mom to wander off
a few times a week
to have interests
of her own.

Back to home education?

2007-01-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

So, we have had some long talks lately.

Yes, I think we will be leaving public school behind next year. We really feel like it will be good to finish up this year, though.

So, we are looking and planning. I don't want school to end and then bang oh surprise remember me.....

G asked for more structure. He likes structure. He craves structure.

P wants art, more art. Mom get creative. Dad is creative, but it's just not enough.

E wants a drum set. Well, my Dad wants to get him a drum set.

Today is windbreak

2007-01-13T16:29:00.001-08:00

DSC04910.JPG
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsLewis.

I was trying to get a better close up and I forgot to turn off the flash. Still I think you can see it much better now.

A closeup of the end of December into January

2007-01-13T16:28:00.001-08:00

DSC04909.JPG
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsLewis.

This calendar goes by the Equinoxes and Solstices...so it started on December 22.

Winter Calendar and Nature Table

2007-01-13T16:25:00.001-08:00

DSC04908.JPG
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsLewis.

I have desired to set up a nature table for some time. It's on my long list of things I would like to do and that list is sitting right at the back of my brain just waiting to pop up at a moments notice.

Today it popped up when I remembered we got The Ecological Calendar for Christmas from my SIL and BIL.

I'm a creationist, so I'm not too happy about the Big Bang mentioned at the very top of the middle of the Calendar. I think it could be easily covered up or filled in with a dark blue pen. I just tend to live that stuff out in the open, so we have an opportunity to talk about everyone's theories.

Dr. Jones Update

2007-01-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I have posted on here much about Dr. Jones. He is the green iguana we rescued back in November. He had been living with his second owner for about 6 months in the back of a shed. He had a partner but he or she died. That is when they decided they couldn't keep him anymore. He had obviously stopped shedding, wasn't being fed properly and his lighting was just one simple red light.

Since, we have had him...
...he has started eating real fresh food instead of the horrible canned stuff and lettuce they had been feeding him
...he has started to shed like crazy...I mean it's an explosion of skin and sometimes it makes me gag
...he is MBD does not seem to be getting worse
...he is way more active
...he can run! Have you ever seen an Iguana run, it's so cute =)
...he is turning green again. HE IS TURNING GREEN!!!!! He was just about completely black when we got him.

Yesterday he finally shed the skin on his arm. It's horrible looking, but the skin had so many layers on it that it was squeezing his arm and he couldn't move it anymore. The skin that came off is like dark grey leather. That is what makes me gag. He bled a bit from it, but he has been iodined and patched up. He looks much better today and we are hoping he will be using it some more soon. It's really skinny because it hasn't been used much.

Noble Knights of Knowledge

2007-01-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

This game looks like so much fun. The basic kit is $78, but I really think it could replace a few years of curriculum. It would be great for those who don't like to use curriculum at all.

I'm putting it on our wishlist.

Library Thing

2007-01-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

I just found Library thing and it's sweet. I love, love, love, it. I'm sure like Flickr I will get so into it that I will have to pay the extra to upgrade my account. I just added the link to the right column of the page.

Enjoy

Big School Winter Quarter

2007-01-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Big School started only for Mom this Winter Quarter. Dad is stressed and wants a break....I can't imagine why. He does like his new job though.

Just going to share some of my school books for the next few months.

A few more Shakespeare in the same series....

Titus Andronicus
The Comedy of Errors
Richard III

I'm waiting on my Ceramics book because it's backordered. I usually try to buy books early if I can, but I just couldn't afford it till I got my Financial Aid.

Winter books

2006-12-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

Well, we are back. I've been on Wordpress, but they don't allow you to put Amazon links in there. I really like the Amazon links...not because I want you to purchase books at Amazon...but I like the pictures and reviews about the books. I love books so much and it's nice to see all their pictures. Some books are so good that I can spot them anywhere.

Here are three sweet little books that go along perfectly with Winter! I really like finding good Winter books. We celebrate Christmas, but I often find a lot of Christmas books are just the same ole thing and some are just downright cheezy. I've been really working on trying to enjoy each season more since we move up here. We got snow twice this year...amazing. But, I don't want to develop SAD and I found this year by enjoying the season it really did help me a lot. I wasn't afraid to get wet or in the snow this Fall and Winter. I pretended I was a little kid who isn't bothered by anything when they want to play. I splashed in puddles in the parking lot with my toddler and I wasn't one bit embarassed with wet pants when I walked through the grocery store. I do think next year I'm going to get some golasshes though. I have some cool slip on shoes, but they aren't the same.

I love the illustrations in this book. Perfect for all you nature lovers.

Well, there is no picture for this one. But, it is beautiful black, white and red illustrations! Just lovely. There is another book with the same title, but I'm not sure if it's good. I know the other one has lots of colored illustrations. I love books with black and white illustrations.

Gardens can change the World (clickable link)

2006-11-11T11:28:00.000-08:00

Once you get to the permaculture site you can scroll down on the right hand side. Click on the picture that says Greening the Desert.

I've been working on a research paper that was fueled by the book...The Last Child in the Woods. It's amazing how once you start something you love then all the things you have never noticed before start moving into place.

Since, it's winter I'm working on getting my garden going for next year. I really want a living garden that goes all year long. A yard the just keeps on giving. I know I live in Washington State, but it would be nice if eventually I could be growing more cold weather crops. I do have my grandmother's greenhouse and we have yet to set it up because we could never decide on a good place for it in the yard. I think I'm going to let my dh win. I think he picked out a nice spot. I plan to put it up in January or maybe February this year. I'll have to talk to my Dad about what I need to do for electricity and such. I would love to start my plants out there. I remember going in that greenhouse when I was young with my grandma. It's such a special memory I would love to be able to walk out there and play in it and think of her. We even saved the block that my mom and her brother's and sister's made when they bought it for my grandma. They have their handprints and names on them. So, I'm going to make some of my kids to put in there, too. (I'm all teary eyed now....)

Here's some links I added to my sidebar...

GardenWeb...great regional boards

Vegan Organic Network

Scut's Gardening Page

Plant a row for the Hungry

What I did this summer

2006-09-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Do you remember having those reports for school? I just thought about that on my way to school this morning.

This summer I turned 30.
This summer I got an iPod.
This summer I got my first real on a contract cell phone.

Bike lovers

2006-09-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

I love bikes and bike friendly cities. For some reason I forgot that when we bought a house here. It is completely scary to ride a bike here at all. No one is used to it and you won't live long. So, I lust after bike riders who are so brave. Maybe I'll get a fullbright and I can go to Denmark and bike my children around in one of these...

Christiania Bikes