Oct. 4, 2008 - Goodbye Homeschool Blogger

I am saying goodbye to homeschool blogger and going back to my old blog at http://love-2-learn.blogspot.com/.  Homeschool blogger is a great place and I've made some new friends, but blogger is much more user friendly for those of us without super computer skills. I hope my readers will check me out at blogspot.

• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 30, 2008 - Learning on Sick Days

Levi and I have been sick with a head cold type of sickness, and have been feeling achy and lethargic. We've been napping, resting, reading and watching TV. I am so ready to feel better and get back into a routine, but don't want to rush it. Whenever I try to do too much I feel like I've been run over by a train.

I have to say that for sick days I love Netflix and documentaries! We can take it easy and still get a little education. We've watched three Animal Planet documentaries - one on hyenas, one on rhinos and one on giraffes.  We also watched a National Geographic documentary on Lewis and Clark.  And of course, a few episodes of Little House on the Praire.

We have many more animal documentaries in our instant queue, and another one on Lewis and Clark. Tomorrow I hope to do a little bit more than just watch TV, but I'll have to see how we feel.

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 28, 2008 - Simple Woman's Daybook 9-29-08

Truman and me after a long summer's day. I'm a bit sunburned, and Truman is a bit tired...

• 9 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 28, 2008 - Homeschool Weekly Review # 2

I discovered a new meme through my blogging friend, Plain Jane, who got it from her friend, Mrs. Cuddles. If you'd like to join, click on Mrs. Cuddles name. "Homeschool Weekly gives me/us a fun opportunity to actually blog about how our school week went every Saturday and link our post to others too." I didn't have time to write this yesterday, so I'm posting mine on Sunday.

This past school week was out of the ordinary. Levi was gone for two days with my sister visiting my dad, and then on Friday Audie had the day off. We didn't follow our routine or do much schooling for most of the week.

But we did finish our notebook activities for lesson one in our land animals book. There are 12 pages. Below are some samples.






Levi did all the typing. Then we printed them off, cut them out and glued them into the notebook. We also cut pictures out of old National Geographic and Ranger Rick magazines. We both enjoyed it.

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 24, 2008 - I'm Considering This A Warning...

Levi has always been a very mild-mannered, easy-going, follow-the-rules, obey-without-too-much-questioning kind of kid - which he definitely gets from his father. ;-) This past week it's been a different story.  He's been questioning everything I tell him, arguing with many things I ask him to do, and even blatently disobeying me. And it's not just me. He did it to my sister and my father yesterday.

He's also been a bit moodly lately - going from quiet and grumpy, to wild and silly, to sweet and cuddly. In all of his 9 years he's always been very emotionally stable. The only thing I can think of that may be causing such swings is the dreaded prepubescent hormones.

He's also been pretty oblivious to anything sexual, with only a few mild questions that were satisfied with simple answers.  Until yesterday... He was waiting in the car with my sister and he said to her, "You know what I've been wondering lately...where babies come from." She was totally shocked and taken aback, but remained calm.  He continued, "At first I thought you needed to get a shot, and then I thought maybe you pray to God...but then I thought, not everyone believes in God. So Tubbie (that's what he calls her) where do babies come from?"

My poor sister.  I can just see her trying to keep a straight face. Her daughter is not yet four, so she has years before this question comes up.  She told Levi he had to ask me about it. He wouldn't let it go.  "But why Tubbie, why can't you tell me?" She told him because it would be embarassing to him and he needed to hear it from his parents.  He couldn't understand why, but dropped it.  So I guess it's time Audie and I had THE talk with Levi.  Hopefully he'll be satisfied with just some basic information!

So, I've been fairly warned - pretty soon my little boy will be a teenage boy. It feels very strange and a little sad.

• 6 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 21, 2008 - Homeschool Weekly Review # 1

I discovered a new meme through my blogging friend, Plain Jane, who got it from her friend, Mrs. Cuddles. If you'd like to join, click on Mrs. Cuddles name. "Homeschool Weekly gives me/us a fun opportunity to actually blog about how our school week went every Saturday and link our post to others too." I just discovered it, so this week I'm posting mine on Sunday.

We had a very good week, and we're finally getting into a good routine. I think there are two reasons for our success. The first is that we are being faithful in opening every morning in prayer, and the second is that I am getting up earlier. I usually wake up at 6am, but this week I've been getting up at 5am. It's not easy for me, as I'm really more of a night owl by nature, but both Levi and Audie are early risers, and it just works better for me to be more in tune with their schedule.

So by 7:30 am I am done with Truman's walk, morning chores, and my shower. Then Levi and I eat breakfast, clean up and then sit down on the couch for Bible reading and prayer. This past week Levi wanted to read from our Children's Bible Stories book. After that we practice training Truman for the dog class we're taking and then to the dining room table for handwriting practice.

Levi has always struggled with handwriting. He doesn't enjoy it, rushes through it, and it's always sloppy. So this year I've been praying for him in our morning prayer time. I also decided to sit beside him and watch while he writes, correcting him as we go. He really liked this at first, but by the end of the week he said to me, "Mom, you don't have to sit here if you have something else to do." I took the hint. He also asked to start learning cursive, so I broke out the cursive book. He is loving it, and does more work in it than I ask him to. I sometimes find him doing it in his free time! Who'da thunk?

Next on the agenda is spelling, then it's usually between 9:30 and 10am, so we have a snack. Then we go to the basement and exercise. Strecthes, push-ups, sit-ups, free weights, leg exercises and Levi uses the treadmill while I do some laundry. Then if it's not pouring, we spend some time outside.

Then back in to work on some science or history. For science this week we worked on our Land Animals notebook, Levi practiced using the dictionary to look up science vocabulary words, and another day he typed them. He's quite good at typing and is even fairly good at putting his fingers at asdf-jkl;.  We also watched a video from Netflix called Growing up Safari, about Zebras.

For history we read more about Lewis and Clark, and watched another Netflix video called Sacagawea: Heroine of the Lewis and Clark Journey.  We both loved it!

Next is lunch and while eating we listen to the New Testament on CD. After lunch I tidy the kitchen, do any necessary dinner prep, and then think ahead to the next day's school plan, while Levi does his math.

1 pm is our favorite time of the day. We sit down to enjoy an episode of Little House on the Praire. Then we go outside for some fresh air - swing on the swings, take a walk, wander in the woods. Then it's my turn for the treadmill and Levi's silent reading time. This week he read a Star Wars junior jedi novel and several Magic Tree House books.

3 pm is the end of the school day, and Levi's free time. He plays on the computer until Audie gets home at 4:15 and then they take Truman for a walk while I get dinner started.

So that is kind of our basic routine and this last week's weekly review,  all rolled into one.

• 9 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 18, 2008 - Homeschool Memoirs #5 - My Favorite Things

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 15, 2008 - Today's Simple Woman's Daybook (9-15-08)

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 14, 2008 - Boys to Men

Now, I do want my boy to grow into a man. I do want him to be a capable adult and know how to do all those manly repair and maintence jobs, but part of me still sees him as my little boy. I'm very nervous when he's climbing the ladder and working on the roof.


He has really been into helping lately, especially when those jobs are physical and have to be done outside. Recently, Audie let him use the push mower (with much supervision), and drive the car in the driveway. Levi is already talking about how he can't wait to learn to use the chainsaw, split wood and drive a car on the road. Luckily I have at least seven years before those things happen! I'm sure every mother of little boys feels this way.

I wonder how Audie's mom must have felt raising kids on the farm - watching Audie drive big tractors, use dangerous farm machinery, work next to cows who kick, and climb to the top of the haymow and the silo....

And then there are those moms who watch their sons go into the service, or off to war. Or mothers whose little boys become missionaries in hostile land.

I guess all we can do is teach them to use their brains and be careful, and then pray our hearts out.

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 11, 2008 - A Homeschool Kid In Class

Today was the first day of the dog training class Levi and I are taking. I thought it was going to be more of an agility training class, but it appears it's more of a basic training class. We're learning how to "clicker" train - using a little clicker device to let your dog know he has done something you like.

Since it was the first day, no dogs were allowed. I know Levi loves dogs, and loves working with Truman, but I was unsure of how he'd handle a classroom setting - since he hasn't been in one for over 2 years now. (Of course it wasn't a traditional classroom setting, since we were outside in a field, but there was a teacher and handouts and other students).

I was pleasantly surprised and very proud of him. Levi saw the teacher and gave her a hearty welcome from across the field. We were there early and she was still setting up. Levi jumped in and started helping her put her equipment together.

The class consisted of Levi, me, the teacher, and six other adults. Levi was very attentive while the teacher talked and we went over the handouts. Several times when she asked a question, he quickly and confidently spoke up and answered her question. He was not at all intimidated by the fact that everyone there was AT LEAST three times his age.

It also interests me to see the total and sincere attraction Levi has to dogs. It makes me happy to see him so in tune with, so intutive with and so kind and compassionate to another living creature. He is kind to humans, but he's especially sensitive to dogs.

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 10, 2008 - Homeschool Memoirs Assignment #4: Something New

This week's Homeschool Memoirs Assignment is to share something new I'm using this year.

We try something new every year. My favorite new thing we are using this year is Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals of the Sixth Day. It is from Apologia and the author is Jeannie K. Fulbright. I got it from Christianbook.com.

I'm not a big fan of textbooks, mostly because they are dry and only touch on several subjects. This is not dry at all. It is written in a very conversational tone, and digs deeply into one part of zoology. There are several others in the series. My good friend Keeter's son is doing Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day and from what I hear he is enjoying it as well.

Levi and I love reading our zoology book together, and we've both learned a lot. I also purchased this ebook with lapbook instructions specifically for our Land Animals of the Sixth Day book. We are working on the activities for lesson one, and I'm tweaking them to make them work for us.

• 6 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 8, 2008 - Today's Simple Woman's Daybook (9-8-08)

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Our humble abode. This January it will be 3 years since we moved here. This picture was taken 2 years ago. It still looks the same, except that the hickory tree is still green, for now. I'm sure it will be changing soon enough!

To read what other simple women have to say, or to join this meme, click here...

• 8 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 3, 2008 - Homeschool Memoirs Assignment #3: Routines

For today's assignment we have to share our homeschool routine, as well as our prayer for this year.  To read other's routines or join this meme, click here.

I have a love/hate relationship with routines. I know I need one, I am happier when I am following one, but I have trouble sticking to one. I've tried many all the way from very structured to none at all. 

I think the best thing for me is a basic framework.  Wake by 6, morning routine and breakfast done by 9, and then Bible and pray with Levi. Next we like to watch an episode of Little House and then do some sort of exercise (treadmill/weights) or physical work - outside whenever possible.  Then we come back in and do some schoolwork until lunch, which is between 12 and 1.  After lunch we do some more school work, work or play outside and then come in to finish up any undone book work.  At 3pm Levi has free time and likes to play on the computer. I usually check my email and blogs, do research, etc. At 4 pm I start preparing dinner. Audie comes home at about 4:30, and we try to eat around 5.

In the past we've tried to do every subject everyday, but we hated it. This year we're doing unit studies and notebooking. This week we're only working on Science.  We read from the science book, practice handwriting and grammar and have discussions based on what we're reading.  Next week we might work on our history unit study and base all learning on that, unless we feel like doing science another week.

Next week Levi will start doing math everyday, and practice typing through emailing a few times a week (or more).  We have homeschool gym class on Tuesdays. I like him to help with cooking and cleaning, house and homesteading chores daily. But other than that we're pretty flexible.

My prayer for this year is that I will give my best to homeschooling, my relationship with Levi will continue to grow, and we will both grow closer to God.

• 6 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 2, 2008 - Our First Day of School

This is the first year we stopped "doing school" over the summer. Just saying today was the first day of school had me feeling anxious and nervy. So I decided to relax and give it to God, and it went very well.

Levi was up at 5:30 and had his breakfast and morning chores done by 6:30. He then played a computer game while I did my morning routine. While I ate breakfast we listened to the New Testament on CD. Then we watched an episode of Little House on the Praire. After that we went outside and hung laundry.  We also "float tested" our hickory nuts. We put them in water and the ones that sink are good and the ones that float are rotten. Most of them were rotten. I'm not sure what we did wrong. Maybe we didn't dry them properly...we have some research to do.

By then it was about 11am and we came in and read from our science book, Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals of the Sixth Day.  Levi read to me, and we both found it interesting. At noon Audie stopped in for lunch and when he left we went back to reading.  That's where it got really interesting. The book was talking about 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 and how one day Jesus will return and remove death, and rescue creation from its groans and suffering.

"Really?" Levi asked.  "When will Jesus return to the earth?" This prompted a question and answer session about the rapture, the tribulation, the 2nd coming, heaven, etc. that lasted about a half hour. He was so interested. Needless to say I was happy to put the science book down and talk to him about this. When he was out of questions he said, "Wow. I really love learning about God and Jesus and the Bible."

Then I wanted to go outside and enjoy some of the last summer sun, and Levi suggested we take the CD player out and listen to more of the New Testament. I sat in the sun and he played on his swing while we listened. Every now and then he'd get off his swing, pause the CD and ask me a question. Some about the rapture, and some about what we were listening to.

So I'd have to say it was a great "first" day of school.

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 1, 2008 - Today's Simple Woman's Daybook

• 11 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 31, 2008 - Is Our Quiver Really Full?

In the past I would have said absolutely, postitively, without a doubt, yes! God just gave me a small quiver. Lately I've not been so sure about that.

Now that Levi is nine-years old, I've been longing for another child. Not a baby though. A 6- to 8-year old boy. Adoption has really been on my heart for the last couple of months.

I know how Audie feels about it, so I didn't bother to bring it up. But the urge kept getting stronger and stronger, so I finally told him and Levi.

They were both very against it at first, but as we talked about it Levi started warming up to the idea. Now he's all for it.

Audie is still very much against it. He has his reasons and I can see his point on all of them.

I told myself that since he's so against it, it can't be God's will for us. But my heart is still heavy with the longing. So I will pray. Pray that if it is God's will, Audie's heart will soften. Pray that He will make His will very clear to both of us.

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 27, 2008 - Homeschool Memoirs Assignment: My Homeschool Agenda

The biggest thing on my agenda this year is to fully embrace homeschooling. I have had times over the last couple of years where I did, and it was the happiest time for both Levi and me. But then I start to put too many irons in the fire and take on too many personal projects. Then lesson planning, answering questions, working and playing with Levi starts to feel like a chore. I get frustrated, stressed out and resentful.

• 9 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 26, 2008 - What We've Been Doing Instead of School - Part 2

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 25, 2008 - What We've Been Doing Instead of School - Part 1

I had planned to start school by now, but we've been so busy doing other things - like filling the woodshed with wood. Storing wood away seems to be a very worthwhile activity these days, considering the price of fuel oil!



We've been working on hauling the wood back from Audie's dad's (where Audie and his dad had cut and split the logs). We drove to Audie's parents (25 minutes away), loaded the truck (we borrowed from a friend), drove back home, unloaded and stacked the wood.

We actually have 12 acres of woods and we've been cleaning them up since January. We have several stacks of wood at various locations in the woods, but since the land is on the wet side, we can't get a truck in there. Next summer we plan to get a four-wheeler with a pull-behind cart, so we won't have to buy logs, and drive so many miles in a big, gas-guzzling truck to bring it home. There is so much wood, even on the ground, so with just time and  labor, we should heat our house for the whole winter.

Even though we never cracked a book, Levi has been learning so much. The biggest being a good work ethic! He has worked harder than he's ever worked before. At one point he had two drips of sweat trickling down the side of his face and he said, "Look mom! I've never worked so hard that I sweat!" He also kept saying that he loves to work and he's glad he's a hard worker. He's to the point now where he is a very big help. We're not just finding little jobs to keep him occupied.





The woodshed almost full...

And the full woodshed!

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 25, 2008 - Simple Woman's Daybook

I joined another meme which takes place every Monday. The purpose of this one is to "share with others a little look into your day plans and thoughts while you are focusing on the simplicity of the everyday moments around you." So here's my daybook FOR TODAY Monday, August 25th, 2008 ...

Outside My Window... the crows are cawking (so loudly it's what woke me up) and it's raining softly (which is perfect for all the grass seed we spread on Saturday).

I am thinking...about the day ahead.

I am thankful for...my little house in the country, fresh country air, the woodshed we just finished filling with wood, and for Audie, Levi and Truman.

From the kitchen...
Monday - Chicken and Biscuits
Tuesday - Scalloped potatoes and ham
Wednesday - Tacos
Thursday - Fish and Rice
Friday - Leftovers/Fend for Yourself NIght
Saturday - Homemade pizza

I am wearing...green cargo pants and a brown t-shirt.


I am creating...lesson plans and binders for school.


I am going...to take Truman to the groomer and pick up my new glasses today.


I am reading...The Little House Cookbook, Levi's textbooks, and Romans.


I am hoping...to have all my plans and notebooks ready to start school early next week.


I am hearing...Levi playing with a puzzle in the other room, the crows still cawking outside, and the keys on my keyboard clacking.


Around the house...there's a bit of an emptiness as Audie is gone until Thursday evening on a business trip.


One of my favorite things...The crisp, fresh air and the colorful leaves of autumn, which are just around the corner!


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Have dinner with my in-laws, go to a planning meeting for our homeschool group, visit my grandma, and have Levi's cousin over to play one more time before she goes back to school.


Here is picture (or two) I am sharing...

From left to right - our nephew Shane, Audie and Audie's dad building the woodshed early last summer.

Audie putting the roof on the woodshed at the end of last summer.

To join the Simple Woman's Daybook meme, go to .http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

• 9 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link