We've all had those moments in homeschooling where we've wondered if it's working.
If homeschooling is the best choice.
Or maybe days of frustration where we contemplate the ease of life if we put the kids in traditional schools.
Or simply moments of reflection where we wonder if someone else could better get through to our child.

Or is it just me??!!

Anyway, my youngest (12) has never embraced reading or any type of language arts. Yet, I could tell she's an intelligent child. Not through any parental prejudice but simply because it's obvious if you're around her for any length of time. She's very articulate and quick witted, along with being a tremendous worker with an amazing memory.

So I assumed the problem was with me. And I would back up and formulate a new "plan". Her mind doesn't work the way mine does. She doesn't learn the way I do. And she doesn't "see" things the way I do. My goal simply became to back things up to where she did "get it" and go from there. Which is a good theory but  it didn't take the uniqueness of my child into account.

So did anything finally "work"?
Well, yes.
And thank you for asking!

What finally worked was to simply buy her a book she wanted, that her older siblings had read, and leave her alone.

Huh?

Yup.

She finished:
*drumroll, please*
And has now started on:

And since then?
All those other books she has been reading in between don't seem too overwhelming.

Barnes and Noble is having a reading program for 1st through 6th graders where they fill out a "journal" listing 8 books they read and they turn it in to get a free book. Her journal is filling up quickly!

But the best part? She wanted to do it!

...you should never let your water go dry in the incubator.
But if it happens one time, just one time, you'll have problems with an egg.
Not that we would do something like forget to check it once,
but from what the "big boys" have told me it could be a problem..... *ahem*

So assuming that someone else forgot to check the water one time and let it go dry, it could possibly make the eggshell too dry for the chick to get out.

And if, hypothetically speaking, that happened, the chick wouldn't stand a chance without a Hero to rescue it:

And it might be a messy job. And it might look like one bedraggled chick:

But the chick might just make it:

Yeah, I'm counting this as "Art"...

This is THE coolest science experiment in the world.
It's cheap and simple and has amazing results. 
That means it's my kind of science!

First, you put some cleaned up chicken bones in a container:

With me so far?

Then you pour vinegar over the bones:

We still good?

Then you put the lid on the jar:

See? Even I can do that!

Now you just put it aside for two weeks.

Ok, we had unexpected company so ours sat for two weeks and two days.
No problem! Just make sure it's at least two weeks...

I won't show you the results since it would ruin all the fun.
But it is amazing!

Knowing that the acid in vinegar dissolves calcium-
Ask the questions:
1. How have the chicken bones changed?
2. What would happen to our bodies without calcium?

And if you want to go further with it:
Bones and Calcium

One of the best things about homeschooling to me is the ability to take the time to notice things. We're able to slow down and really take a look. It may get us off track from our original plan of learning but it keeps us on track of the learning process itself. It keeps us able to enjoy learning....

Case in point is this gal:

When I went outside yesterday morning I saw her.

I have no idea where she came from or even where she was going.

But she was a welcome visitor!

Naturally, I had to run and get the camera. And naturally, I had to keep her around until the girls got up.

And even more naturally, since we homeschool, we had to learn more about this "box turtle"!

Since they're so common, you may see one. And if you do, here's a great site for imformation:
The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina)

Man, these guys are growing!
In just 4 weeks they've gone from this:

To this:

They stay outside during the day now.
Soon they'll be staying out all night.
Sheltered, of course.

It's been over a year now since we last had turkey poults.
And I had forgotten just how rapidly they grow.

Sorry Guy, they've been named!

The smallest one is "Colonel Mustard" (as in do you have a Clue what kind of messes a poult makes?) 
and the other is "Hardy" (as in Thomas, Tom for short)....

Courtesy of Arby and clan...

These swaps with Arby are fun! You never know what's going to be in there....

This time, Arby and Family have put us in prison!
Ft. Leavenworth, to be exact.

There's a book about the prison (we LOVE books!), some *coughcoughArmy* souvenirs, fabulous photos of local historical interest, maps showing some interesting topographical changes, postcards (to remind me of my child's neglected education, she hadn't heard of "Buffalo Soldiers") complete with personal notes throughout.

A fun, interesting and educational package from the Arby's! Thank you all so much!
And a special thanks to The Boss! Guy was only damaged a little....
You all are great sports!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And I've been meaning to share a neat link for those who like Mad Libs.
You can play online at:
It's a Mad Libs World

And if you look on the left, you'll even see:
Mad Libs Junior

We've had an onslaught of "must do's" that have kept us on the road during much of the day.

Things like a consulation with the oral surgeon to find out what it will cost to have the 18-yr old's wisdom teeth removed ($1373.00) and what our part of that will be (*gulp* $580.00) and other kinds of high-stress, non-fun, anti-schooling activities.

So here's what school has looked like lately...

For Home Skills, we covered decorating and recycling:

For Art, there's the "if life gives you an ant pile make a dragon" lesson:

For Science, since it's spring we're finding caterpillars:

For P.E. there's always hiking:

And Music is important:

Sometimes life gets in the way of school.
Sometimes life IS school.

You know you're old AND homeschoolers when-
You have to head to the city to get one of these:
And:
1. You count it as a date since it's just the two of you.
2. It becomes a science lesson and a unit study for the whole family.

Wanna go?
Come on!

Let's follow Guy as he heads to the woods:Ok, so you don't know him and he has an axe and a rifle...
Don't worry!
The rifle is for protection. There are snakes in the woods.
And the axe is needed for this trip!

Ah! There it is:

It's an old stump.
Woo Hoo!

So what's so special about this old stump?
Well, it's full of pine resin.
And that makes it fatwood.
Only Guy calls it "fat lighter", but it's the same thing.

So he gets out his handy-dandy axe...

And he gets some of this:
No, he hasn't lost his mind!
Not even after being married to me....

It's a "non-toxic, environmentally friendly, easy to use, hot burning" quick and easy way to start this:

Hanging out with Guy is always educational!

Woo Hoo!
We got our swap package from Hilltop Academy!
What fun this is!
We're learning a lot about other states and really enjoying seeing the personalities shine through!

Disclaimer: 
My 18-yr old has a *ahem* slight addiction to all things chocolate.
So when you see the photo you may notice a partially eaten Moon Pie.
That is NOT the condition it arrived in.

Ok, moving on....

The 11-yr old made a cookbook with the state flag. Great job!
We''ll be trying some of the recipes (starting with the Candied Apples?)! LOL!
The 7-yr old gave us an overview of their football team. Another great job! I've only heard of the Vols....
(Those two are our favorites!)

There is a historical timeline which is a great idea!
A cute coloring book that covers the state symbols and facts.
Magazine articles from around the state.
Flashcards of their interesting famous folk with photos. (Toby Mac is our favorite!)
A Johnny Cash CD. And we love Johnny Cash!
Pamphlets on historical attractions. I'm currently reading "The Battle of Franklin".
And did I mention Moon Pies? Those are from Cracker Barrel which first opened in TN and the Moon Pies are still manufactured in TN.

Thank you so much Hilltop Academy for "swapping" with us!
We have thoroughly enjoyed your package!

We've begun reading biographies. I'm planning on one a month, at least. We've discussed the difference between a biography and an autobigraphy. I've made up a print-out to go along with it. The 11-yr old fills in the title, the subject, what the subject is famous for, and the author, along with any interesting facts as she reads.

So I pick up a book on Louis Braille. Our library had two; one was too easy and one was a little difficult. 
I got the latter.

After reading through it, I decided we'd count it as history and geography, too. The book is phenomenal!

The squawking began.

"Why do I need to read about a dead guy?"
"Because he made a huge impact."
"But he's dead."
"Yes, but what he did has far outlasted his life."
"But he'd dead."
"But there are millions of people who have been helped by him."
"But he's dead."
"It'll be good for you. And you'll get to read Davy Crockett next." *add "the look" here*

So she's had to read 20 (sometimes 30) minutes a day in this book.
It has a lot of French names and places so it can be tough to read.

And then a funny thing happened.
She started telling me some interesting things about Mr. Braille.
And conversations ensued.
How the blind were treated in the 1800's.
Why they were treated the way they were.
How one priest made an eternal difference in a life.
And on and on....

And just to be sure that she has the compassion needed, she had to be blind for an hour. Now don't get me wrong, she has a huge heart for the living. Even for the cranky people that we run in to... You know, the ones you just want to smack for being so rude? She's quick to defend them. "Maybe they just got some bad news. Or maybe they're not feeling well. Or maybe...." 

But after our starting discussion I wanted to be sure.
To begin with, pick up all your stuff and put it away.

No, I won't tell you what it is.

She got it done. And we went for a walk. And she "met" the 18-yr old to learn how and why to be introduced and shake hands. And she learned why the blind use a walking stick ("ouch"). And how a trained dog gives them freedom. And how boring it would be to sit in a dark space with nothing to read...

Living in the country means that we spend a lot of time outdoors.

And being outdoors in the country means that we see a lot of cool stuff that we never did get to see in the city.

Let me show you...

We see deer tracks:

And raccoon tracks:

And deer and rabbit "droppings":

And, of course:

We find:

That ever elusive:

Pond scum:

We got our first swap package yesterday from Arby and crew.

All of us here have taken the time to go through everything and have already been enjoying Arby's sense of humor with his notes. Lots of laughing out loud!! And lots of "Did you know...??".

There are facts and figures and cool extra's like postcards and a magnet (stuff we don't have in our area) and his personalized touch and even seeds!
What a great package!

Monday, we're definitely going to work on Geography!
We'll be finding out where their state is in relation to ours and start notebooking the information!

Thank you so much, Arby!

We also studied the Chinese New Year on Feb. 7th.
We made lots of goodies like this:

And since we didn't have a parade, we threatened asked for help:

We learned that, "Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away."
But we also learned that we're NOT Chinese (or superstitious) so it doesn't pertain to us- even though it was *ahem* suggested.

And we found lots of fun printables:
A Flag (but since I'm mean, I had my student look up the flag in an old-fashioned book to find out the colors)
Calligraphy
A Rat (for The Year of the Rat *shudders*)
Paper Dolls (and a variety of outfits)
And lots more!

But no study would be complete without a field trip.
And I so want my child to really learn!
I mean, that IS why we homeschool.
So being a dutiful mom and teacher means that we simply had to go to a Chinese restaurant!
Woo Hoo! I love learning!
And I'm the only in our household that can't use chopsticks...

And the very sweet Mrs. Mae took the time to talk to us about the Chinese New Year. She seemed so happy to share with us. She had tears in her eyes as she spoke of her family and how they would be celebrating. And we realized that, for her, it was probably much like us being far away from family at Christmas. The impromptu lesson will stay with us...

We've actually been doing some pretty fun stuff for school.
I'm showing and sharing in case you want to have some fun, too!

We've sidetracked off into Colonial times.
And one fun link is at Colonial Williamsburg.
My favorite game there is Name that Founding Father.
Ok, it's only my favorite because I actually remembered more than I thought I would....

And we even made this:

Which goes to make this:

Yup! A Quill Pen complete with Ink!

Can you stand just a little more on Mr. Snake? I'm still not over my fascination! And I'll throw in some education for you....

Mr. Snake is a reptile:

Mr. Snake is still young. He's about 4 years old and will get MUCH bigger. "The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) is the largest nonvenomous snake in North America. Individuals up to 104in (263cm) have been measured." That's 8.67 FEET.

"The young are lighter in color and have a faint banded pattern."
But Mr. Snake looks darker than he should:
And that's because he's about to shed, said the Nice Lady (who's name I cannot remember).

Speaking of reptiles, 
as an added bonus you can see one way to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile:Can you tell which would be the alligator and which would be the crocodile?
Here's a hint; "Never smile at a crocodile..."

That would be the 'gator on the left.
And the toothy grin on the right?
That would be the crocodile.

Class dismissed.

We actually went on a real life homeschool field trip yesterday.
It's been a year since we met up with the nearest group of homeschoolers.
"Nearest" is such a misleading word.
They meet a little over an hour away and that just doesn't qualify as "near" to me.
But they were closer to us this time!
We got to visit a planetarium and a reptile exhibit.
One of the coolest parts was getting up close and personal with this guy:He's an Eastern Indigo Snake and he is gorgeous! The nice lady holding him let us pet him.
We actually have a few of these in our "yard" but only because we're surrounded by woods.
The best news about this fella is:
"They can eat rattlesnakes and other pit vipers because they are immune to their venom."

We also have rattlesnakes and pit vipers in our area.
I love you, Mr. Snake.

Would any of you be interested in exchanging information through the mail with us about the area you live in? I know there are lots of "groups" online already set up to do it and it's worked for us numerous times that way.

But then I realized that with those of you on my "Friends" list, it would be even better!

There's a variety of states AND countries and I already have a vague idea of your kids' ages and hobbies. In other words, we kind of already know you....

I could "swap" with someone every 2 to 4 weeks (once or twice a month).

How it works is:
We'd get information together on the state we live in. That gives my kid/s a chance to learn more about the place WE live; the history, industry, etc. Whatever makes our area "special". We'd gather small, inexpensive momentos of our area (think pinecones and postcards) along with a handwritten note (writing skills), and/or a drawing (art), the information (geography/history), the momentos (more geography/history), and mail it off to you at the same time you mail yours to us. A small box or big envelope- nothing pricey to mail.

Then when we get "your" package, we'll have a lesson in History and Geography on your area.

Instead of a thank you note, we can post an entry (maybe with photos?) on our "package" after we receive it, or even have our child write/type it... What they learned, what they found interesting, what's the same or different, etc.

If you're interested, or would like more information, please let me know.

I think it would be great fun since you guys are on my Good List for a reason!

And if you aren't interested, that's ok. We'll still love you anyway!

This kid:
just defies logic.

Well, my logic, anyway.
Which may not be all that logical.
At least according to those practical type people.
coughcoughLike my husbandcoughcough
But I digress...

She always hated reading and writing. Hated it! With a venegance...
And forget about fairy tales!
Pshaw!
"Mom, what's the point? They're not real."
She'd cause my eyes to roll so much that I was afraid they'd get stuck.

I always loved to read.
I still do.
And I could never understand those people who only read for information.
coughcoughLike my husbandcoughcough

And writing?
Goodness!
There's nothing more enjoyable than a notebook and pencil!
You can doodle and copy stuff and put thoughts down and...
Who wouldn't love that?
coughcoughLike my husbandcoughcough

Well, she's finally embraced reading.
Somewhat.
Thanks to Roald Dahl and the Bunnicula author.
And a science book on gross and disgusting things.

But writing is still not a great love.
coughcoughLike my husbandcoughcough
She's making progress though, with her daily journal entries, and now has been forced commanded allowed to start her own blog.
It hasn't been terrible for her so far.
We've both survived.

And she still has time for stuff like this:She's another kid I guess I'll keep.

If you get a chance, stop by and say "hi"....

I was recently contemplating God, and the universe, and homeschooling.
And I ended that particular train of thought with a derailing a stop at homeschooling.
And another reason why I'm thrilled with it.
Here's the reason this time:

I picked this book up used but in new condition. 
I shelled out a whole buck fifty.
I've since been looking at it for months.
Reading it.
Re-reading it.
Devouring it, actually. 
And thoroughly enjoying it.
As much as you can "enjoy" a book on forensic science.
Oh, forget that. It's been pure enjoyment for me.

It's for "Young Adults" (Grades 6-8).
I have a 6th grader.
I won't give this to her.
It's a little too, ummm, well... real.
But for me it's fascinating.

And if we weren't homeschooling I would never have been looking through used educational books.
And I would never have purchased it.
And I would have missed out on reading more on a latent interest of mine.

Really cool.
And weird.

We all want our children to be well educated.
I've come up with a few ideas to help.
Some of the basics we work on here.
Really important stuff.

Grammar:
Contractions.
You + All = Y'All
The apostrophe is inserted where the letters are missing.

Spelling:
Y'all

History:
The Civil War.
"The war betwixt the Yankees and the Americans." - Granny Clampett

Manners:
Remember to avoid any History discussions when Northern relations are visiting.
I added the above too late for the 11-yr old... Hopefully, the next visit will be better.

The First Thanksgiving Observance

A Proclamation Signed in Script Type by George Washington
Appearing in The Massachusetts Centinel of October 14, 1789

General Thanksgiving
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houfes of Congress have, by their joint committee, requefted me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to eftablifh a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and affign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of thefe States to the fervice of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our fincere and humble thanksfor His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the fignal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpofitions of His providence in the courfe and conclufion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have fince enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to eftablish Conftitutions of government for our fafety and happinefs, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are bleffed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffufing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleafed to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in moft humbly offering our prayers and fupplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and befeech Him to pardon our national and other tranfgreffions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private ftations, to perform our feveral and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a bleffing to all the people by conftantly being a Government of wife, juft, and conftitutional laws, difcreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all fovereigns and nations (especially fuch as have shewn kindnefs unto us); and to blefs them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increafe of fcience among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind fuch a degree of temporal profperity as he alone knows to be beft.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand feven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

We have no cable or satellite.
And we're too far out in the boonies to have any reception.
So we have movie night every night.

That means that we buy a lot of DVD's.
A lot.
I'm always on the lookout for the five dollar ones...
If we watch it twice, it was cheaper than renting.

So I picked up this one the other day at Wal-Mart (in the $5.50 bin):

Now in all fairness, I wasn't expecting much. 
It's a "hunters after lions who killed people" flick set in East Africa in the late 1800's. 
Naturally, there's violence. No surprise there.
And some language.
So I'm not recommending the movie.

Though Val Kilmer was really cool.

But what was surprising was that it's based on a true story.
So I had to find out more.
We are, after all, homeschoolers.
It's what we do.

I found an interesting bit (with photographs) at Chicago's Field Museum.
And more at Wikipedia (which appears to be correct).
And even the Archaeological Institute of America.

So I broke down and bought:Which I haven't started yet.

Absolutely fascinating!

Now if I could just the Hall and Oates song out of my head....

You knocked?

Come on in....

Pictures? Why? Oh, ok.... How's this?

More? *sigh*

Enough. I tire of this...

We're official now.
Back on track.
Rolling right along.

Ok, so it's more like full scream ahead.

But still...

I had a parent-teacher conference with my youngest student's mother.
Then a conference with the student.
We now have a game plan.

And a bribe reward system is in place.

Said student will earn this...:

...after one full week's worth of work.  

That means doing ALL assigned work,
AND with no attitude,
concentrating on the subjects that said child does not like and has gotten behind on.

"Well, what about Monday? I couldn't do my work Monday since you made us go with you to run errands."

"No problem. Next Monday will be Day 5. You can have it after your work is done....

Unless you want to do school Saturday. Heh, heh."

So today she'll do her school work.
Today is Saturday.
That kid never wants to do school stuff on Saturday.

Ok.
So she outsmarted me on that one.

But I win since she was gonna get the Treasure Chest, anyway....

Right??

I'm a perfectionist.
(That's "anal-retentive" for all you psych people.)
I'm quite capable of letting details drive me batty.

But I AM getting better.
More relaxed.
More rested.

Maybe even a bit more sane.

I said "maybe".

It's been a loooong process.
I distinctly remember one turning point about 11 years ago.
I was in the kitchen in Beaufort, SC.
I was frying pork chops with a baby nearby.
The older four were outside playing.
My husband was building something.

And did I mention the baby was crying?

I can't ignore my babies when they cry.
I can't burn the pork chops.
I can't stay in the house when it's beautiful and everyone else is outside.
So I yelled out the door for my husband.

He came in. And I went through the list.
He said; "Why didn't you tell me?"
Why indeed?

So he took the baby and I finished the pork chops and we called it "cajun style" (aka "blackened pork").
And we survived the less-than-perfect meal and I survived the I-can-do-it-all-stubborness by learning that I needed help.

I'm a little slow sometimes.

So with all the busyness of late, and guests arriving later this morning, and phone calls that have been ummmm... lengthy, I haven't hit overload.

Yet.

But God did graciously show me reminders that school IS happening. We've been getting quite a few science lessons from Him.

One was finding this gorgeous spider (on the left) that had caught a bee in it's web.It took two and a half days for the spider to finish the meal.

Another lesson was finding a squirrel that had something wrong with it. Googling "squirrel diseases" brought up two distinct possibilities: Squirrel Pox or Tree Squirrel Bot Fly.
Just nasty!
You can click on either link if you want to see. I didn't take a picture.... *shudders*
The squirrel died.

And somewhere in the midst of all this, we've started a unit study on Leonardo Da Vinci:
The Great Idea Finder
Museum of Science
Timeline

The lawn is mowed, the house is clean and straight, some quick-fix meal ingredients are on hand, the guest bedding is clean and ready, the laundry is caught up, ...
All because I asked for help.

Bring. It. On.

I noticed a lot of folks showing how their school daze are going. It's most impressive! You can see what I mean at Air Force Homeschoolers, Sentiments A La Stack, and over at Hilltop Academy and Our Homeschooling Expedition. Forest and Stream Club Academy is set with The Rules.

It is September. Fall is coming. Summer feels over. Traditional school time....

I'm giving in to peer pressure. I'm going to share how our school time is going.

Now I don't mean to make you all look and feel bad. Really! It's just that I AM an Elementary Education major. It's what I know. And maybe you can get some ideas to incorporate into your school!

I like to share...

Now remember, the camera we have here (which really belongs to my oldest daughter) isn't fancy. The quality of photos may be lacking. But I'm sure you'll get the idea just the same.

*zilch. nada. nothing.*

We've been busy! Honest! 

Insane busy.

With everything except school.

Go ahead. Keep posting your days. Make me feel bad. Make me look bad. I can take it....

Seriously, though. You all have me inspired! It all looks awesome!

In September of 2005, a social studies schoolteacher from Arkansas did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with permission of the school superintendent, the principal, and the building supervisor, she took all of the desks out of the classroom. The kids came into first period, they walked in; there were no desks. They obviously looked around and said, "Where's our desks?"

The teacher said, "You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn them."

They thought, "Well, maybe it's our grades."

"No," she said.

"Maybe it's our behavior."

And she told them, "No, it's not even your behavior."

And so they came and went in the first period, still no desks in the classroom. Second period, same thing. Third period. By early afternoon television news crews had gathered in the class to find out about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of the classroom. The last period of the day, the instructor gathered her class.

They were at this time sitting on the floor around the sides of the room. She said, "Throughout the day no one has really understood how you earn the desks that sit in this classroom ordinarily. Now I'm going to tell you."

She went over to the door of her classroom and opened it, and as she did 27 U.S. veterans, wearing their uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. And they placed those desks in rows, and then they stood along the wall. By the time they had finished placing the desks, those kids for the first time I think perhaps in their lives understood how they earned those desks.

Their teacher said, "You don't have to earn those desks. These guys did it for you. They put them out there for you, but it's up to you to sit here responsibly, to learn, to be good students and good citizens, because they paid a price for you to have that desk, and don't ever forget it."

http://www.snopes.com/glurge/nodesks.asp

The other day we were at a Christian bookstore that also sells homeschooling stuff.

I saw a teenage girl and her mother shopping for the upcoming year.  

And it hit me.....

My teenager and I won't be shopping for homeschool materials for the upcoming year.

I'll be homeschooling only one.....

WOW!

Normally I look at the bright side of it.

I'm so proud of my teen for doing so well academically and having lofty goals to serve the Lord and for looking forward to the future.

And I'm even looking forward to spending lots of time with my youngest who is a completely different learner. We will have more time to focus on her hands-on activities that she loves. And we will have time for her to discover many new things. And we will have one-on-one time regularly that's actually been a rarity till now.

But just once in awhile I feel the sting....

What is ornithology?
Ornithology is the scientific study of birds. The information ornithologists gather is used to better understand how birds function, inside and out, and to learn how birds relate to their natural environment.

Studying Birds
Educator's Guide to Bird Study

Back on Jan. 4th, I posted about our oldest daughter being a college student (She's In!).

And now I'm posting to say "Shes' Out!".

She finished her first official college course and her first official semester! I am so disgustingly proud of her! She has real math phobia and she was so diligent and she worked so hard to stay on top of the course.
I was never that diligent in college. Ever.

But she found that she went from phobic to phantastic.

She actually found herself enjoying Algebra....
(ok, so that part is kinda sick.....)!

And for all that hard work, she EARNED an A!

She's taking English this summer.....
And most of her fear is gone. After surviving (and conquering) Algebra, nothing seems too scary!

Thank you, Lord, that you left no other options but Algebra. You definitely knew what You were doing!

Ever have those moments when you just know you have no sanity left? Assuming, of course, that you ever thought you had any to begin with?

I'm so excited because I ordered our owl pellets today. You know, those "hairballs" from owls?

Owl Pellet Dissection Kit
Price: $4.20

"Learn about owls and the animals they eat by doing an owl pellet dissection. This complete kit comes with a large owl pellet (1-1/2" or larger), wooden probe, instructions for doing the dissection, identification key, and bone sorting chart. This is a great kit for learning about food chains, too! Pellet is heat-sterilized to kill germs. Grades K-12."

And, of course, I need one for each child so I also ordered an extra:

Owl pellet, large
Price: $2.70

"1-1/2" or larger owl pellet. Comes with instructions and bone identification sheet. Heat sterilized."

And since those were affordable, I added:

Sea Monkey Ocean Zoo
Price: $8.95

"Your entire family will enjoy observing the life cycle of Sea-Monkeys, a unique species of brine shrimp. They make great aquatic pets: after hatching, these amazing Sea-Monkeys grow up to 3/4" long and live up to a year or more! They even produce babies, and you can "teach" them to do tricks.

This complete kit includes a mini-tank with built-in magnifiers, Sea-Monkey eggs, water purifier, growth food and complete instructions. Sea-Monkeys are guaranteed by the manufacturer to grow. Grades K-12."

Homeschooling is so amazing! I used to HATE science and history. But I've really learned so much.... Ok, wait.... My kids have learned so much. Yeah, that's it!

I picked up a 2-disc DVD set (the pic shows 3) at Wal-Mart the other day.
It's called Iwo Jima: 36 Days of Hell. I paid $5.50 for it.

It's an amazing tool for history.

I learned things I had never known about the island and it made it such a reality.

However, be warned! It's not a Christian documentary, though you will hear how some found God there. There are interviews with survivors who were there. There's actual footage from the photographers there. And it is gritty! There's some language and there's real footage which means it's not pretty!

But I want my older kids to understand the realities of war. Our oldest is on his second tour in Iraq now and my husband is a retired Marine. So we may come from a viewpoint that others disagree with. But for those who want 4 hours and 6 minutes of an unforgettable history lesson about one of the most famous battles of WWII; then hit that sale bin!

The following is my daughter's response to a homeschooling mom wondering about homeschooling her kids through high school. It touched me so that I wanted to share it.
Maybe it will help someone else wondering.....
The note at the top is to me but I'm leaving it just in case someone else reads her thoughts and misunderstands the meaning. And yes! I do have her permission to share it here.

..... my husband said.

"Hmmmmm", I replied. "You're probably right".

I could have gone into an in-depth defense since I'm the "teacher". The thought did cross my mind.

But I quickly realized that if he decided they needed more science, then he had something in mind.

And apparently what he had in mind is for him to spend time as the science teacher again. He had gotten busy and let his "classes" with them fall away. So after we watched a movie where a teenager gets lost in the woods and his little brother freezes to death; he had his mission! The girls have a week to think up ways to start a fire without any modern conveniences! They'll discuss the options with him and give them a try and find out why they did, or didn't, work and what will work. I can't wait to learn along with them!

And I'm so thankful that he wants to be involved!

It's official!

My seventeen year old daughter is now a college student!

Woo Hoo!

She was anxious about the testing but she did excellent!

I was very mature about it.

Calm, cool, and collected.

Ok, maybe not.

I did give her an "I told you so".....

We're so proud of her!

My youngest is a "home body".
She rarely wants to go anywhere and she doesn't like it when we go anywhere and let her stay here with the older siblings.

She wants us all right here with her. Preferably outside. All the time.

And she dreams of having all our relatives move here with us. We could build our own little city (that one scares me just a bit).

When having a discussion about this one day, she said;

"Mom! You KNOW I'm a herd animal!"

At least we know she's learning science!

We finally ordered Teaching Textbooks, Algebra 2. It came in last Tuesday, which just happened to be the 17th birthday of our oldest daughter. I had put off ordering because of the price.

$185.00 is just a lot of money to me.

Especially for one subject.

But it is cheaper than a tutor, especially since there are none in our rural area.

And it's cheaper than therapy, since she just became weighted down by the idea of it.

And I can use it for the next child, in just a few *short* years.

And my child just wasn't enjoying Algebra.

Ok, maybe it shouldn't be "fun" but should it be so nerve-wracking?

It's the one subject that we just can't communicate on. She's such a bright young lady and seems to just pick up information out of the air. Except for Algebra. A huge mental block against it. Going into it with dread. Not the best way....

So I heard about Teaching Textbooks and researched it and asked for opinions and.....

so far so good!

YAY!

She's amazed to find out that she knows more than she knew she knew??!! (Say that 5 times quickly!)

And she's told me more than once that she loves "Al" and wants to marry him.
Yes, she's joking. But it is her way of saying that she's getting it.

For anyone who wants to know more, there's a website that explains it:
Teaching Textbooks

I ordered the complete package from the Timberdoodle Company.

A detailed description of what comes with it is from their site:
"Complete package contains:

So it wasn't a "cost", it was an "investment". And so far, a good one!

Wow! We made it through Day 1! All in all, not too bad of a start...

But the best part of homeschooling today was writing. Our oldest is in Iraq for his second time so we're on a mission to keep the mail heading his way.

Where else but homeschool can you have kids of all ages keep up their communication skills by writing to OUR serviceman? LOL!

And I'm excited that my husband has graciously agreed to teach science at least one evening a week. The kids love it! And the little one likes to have me walk her to her class and drop off her off, then pick her up when school is over. He's a whiz at science and history. So he fills in a lot of gaps for us in those areas...  And he even seems to enjoy it!

Last year was the first I'd ever heard of them. And yet they've been around for such a long while.

And what they do is amazing!

It all starts on a Monday. The kids in the community show up to "audition". But it's not like the scary kind of auditions. The kids stay together as a group and answer questions and sing together as the directors quietly shift them around. It's a very gentle process. No harsh comments and no one getting rejected. Seems to be a place for everyone! And that includes the kids who like to help behind the scenes...

Then they assign everyone their roles- some need scripts, some don't. And they hand out the schedules for rehearsals. So these kids then show up every day of the week at their appointed times and it culminates in a show or two on Saturday...

Yup! Just one week- And the show is complete with sets and costumes.

It still amazes me! My oldest daughter enjoyed it so much last year that she decided to do it again this year. This time, though, my step-daughter was here and she wanted to participate. I've been teasing saying that we've unleashed a beast! She had such a wonderful time and just one week made such a difference in her confidence level. It brings tears just to think about it!

But all that got me to thinking how wonderful it would be if some of the large homeschool groups got together and hired them! They have teams in all 50 states and even internationally! I have no idea of the cost and I live in a VERY rural area with few, if any, other homeschoolers.

So if anyone is interested in finding out more, they do have a website:

I had forgotten all about this Kipling poem. For whatever reason, it came up in a discussion at home last night. So I just had to Google it. What a joy to read it again!

IF

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

RUDYARD KIPLING (1865-1936)

When my oldest daughter first started her homeschool years as a "high schooler". she began to earnestly try to decide what she wanted to "do" with her life on a daily basis (i.e. a job). Since we've moved to a rural area, we don't come into contact with a multitude of businesses on a daily basis. BUT.... we have gotten to know - and be known by- local business owners and managers. That led to "shadowing", which my daughter loved.

I'm sharing in case anyone else thinks it may work for their homeschooler.

I first contacted local businesses to see if my daughter could "shadow" them for a day. She provided free labor for them and they went over the in's and out's of what they do, what service(s) they provided, etc. For safety, I stayed away from people we didn't know. And since my daughter is a "she", I tried to focus on business women. That wasn't always possible but a large majority were women.

She spent a day with a country store owner, a produce store owner, a security systems provider, a troubled youth camp manager, a restaurant owner, etc. When each day was complete, the owner was given a review form to fill out and later my daughter was given an overview form to fill out (see below).

From those, we discussed employee evaluations, work ethics, supervisors and employees, why she did or didn't like the jobs, and veered off into some interesting observations on her part.

An extra that has come out of shadowing is that she now has "references" for work and college and she got a part-time job out of it, along with making new friends and invaluable work experience. She'd love to continue with it but her schedule is just too full now. But the little one is eagerly awaiting her chance to shadow...

Review (spaces removed):

What did you learn that you didn't previously know?

Our very first chicken nuggets!

We've ordered chicks
and bought them locally;
but this is our very first,
hatched at home,
from our own eggs chicks.

Eight of nine eggs hatched.

Woo Hoo!

And they've made it to nine days old in the great outdoors!

This city girl is really enjoying biology in the country!

I was wandering this morning and came across an interesting blog about a Bug Banquet. That reminded me of a Unit Study we did some time ago that I'm thinking might be time to do again. I thought I'd share some links just in case anyone else is interested!

How cool is this?

"Forensic Entomology is the use of the insects, and their arthropod relatives that inhabit decomposing remains to aid legal investigations."

In plain language, it's about studying insects on dead bodies to help determine time of death, etc. Repulsive AND fascinating!

The best site for lots of information:
Forensic Entomology

I had to post this.... I just had to!
It's the second time it has come in my inbox.
The first time was May 15, 2005.
I know, because I saved it.
I saved it because the author is my daughter and she's almost 17 now.
Wow time flies!
And yes, I have her permission to post it here.

Home Schooling
Truly Free
~By Kristan~

Note From The Editor: This was a writing assignment prompted by these HomeschoolSoup newsletters. It was written by a 15 year old homeschool student. Aside from it being one of the more touching messages I've ever read, consider it a powerful open letter to all children and parents thinking about homeschooling.

As a student in almost every sense of the word, I have experienced many different types of teaching. The worst of all were the styles in which you were so boxed in you felt you couldn't breathe, couldn't move, couldn't do anything. The best was that rare wildflower of learning, homeschooling. In homeschooling, you are free; free to learn, free to be yourself. You needn't worry about what your peers think of you, you needn't worry about whether this or that teacher does or doesn't like you, you only worry about whether there's something you forgot to remember to learn. In the fields of your mind, you choose what you plant. You don't need someone to do it for you because you want to learn. No one can force you to do what you are already doing. There may be rows you'd rather not hoe, but for the sake of your future you do it anyway. You look forward to tomorrow, and you know that even if you aren't completely prepared, you can and will make it, because you can and will learn how to. Saying 'the sky's the limit' is untrue, because you can reach beyond. There are many things only you can understand because others aren't willing to learn. They won't open their minds unless someone does it for them, and some things can only be learned voluntarily. Some things can only be learned if one knows how to learn and loves learning itself. Some things can only be experienced with open eyes. Hiding from the world, and even from themselves, many cannot understand that.

How can you revel in the glory of the sunrise if you won't wake up?

How can you marvel at the beauty of a flower if you won't stop and look?

How can you breathe the fresh sea air if you won't leave your house?

How can you find if you won't seek?

You can't.

Neither can you reach your full potential if you limit yourself by closing your mind to knowledge. So open your mind. Shake yourself free of the tangling cords around you, hindering you from truly living. Shake yourself free and fly into the blue sky that expands with every new thing you learn. Soar into your ever-growing horizon, and learn what it is to be truly free.

~Kristan Age:15~