~ Begin with boys (the more the better).

~ Stir in plenty of water and snakes - at least one for every three boys added. 

~ Mix in free time ... ahem ... "masterly inactivity" a la Charlotte Mason.

Pound in a pail of nails.

Fold in some great books (and enter the contest below while you're at it!)

http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/2007/07/giveaway-ballantyne-christian-adventure.html

It's really pretty simple.