Sep. 17, 2009
Fall Break--A little early!

We have been in school for officially 6 weeks.   There have been many joys and excitement over learning something new, and also some stress.  YOu know--just plain not wanting to do things, and getting tired of being around the brothers, but overall I can't complain.   I have great boys!!!    God has truely blessed us. 

To celebrate our first 6 weeks of school we will be taking a "Fall Break"---Florida here we come!!!  We love the beach!  This seems to be the one place my boys don't fight, but just skim board all day and help each other.  We will be looking for shells-seeing who can find the biggest, watching for dolphins--I never seem to be looking in the right direction, and watching for sting rays from the safety of our hotel balcony. 

We go to Panama City Beach.  The pan handle is beatiful!!! If you have never been I do suggest it.

So while we are at the beach playing and enjoying  time together, I pray you all continue to have success on your homeschool journeys.  Just remember that life is learning.  Get out from behind the kitchen table and take you children's learning to the next level.

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Aug. 26, 2009
Another day at the Farm

Not really a farm--I don't have one, or for that matter have not really been to one either--just some days it feels like I live in one.   This -needless to say was one of those days.---A less than wonderful  day at homeschool. 

Today was one of those days where you have to really stop to think why am I doing this?   The youngest whined and whined--he is 6, in 1st grade.  My 9 year old insisted on picking on him.  My oldest-12, 7th grade,  just had some work done on his braces yesterday and complained constantly about his mouth being sore.  This mixed with his youngest brother whining, his middle brother antagonizing the youngest and all the noise to follow made him just a "joy" to be around. 

"They are bothering me again!"

There is too much noise in here!"

"Can't they grow up?"   Just to name a few joyous lines out of his mouth today.

Luckily I have a friend I can turn to who also has these normal children who aren't always perfect.  They also don't always do work with a huge smile on their face  (maybe a mischievious grin if a spit ball goes across the table and lands in brothers hair)-- Her boys, like mine, do enjoy schooling in the comfort of their own home, but just simply don't want to some times.   It is nice to have a friend like this-with normal children- to sit back and use up those unlimited cell phone minutes, venting to when the day is over.

I really hope we aren't the only ones with these days where our patience are tested and we really think we need to rethink our decision.  

But then that is why God created day and night--and not just one long day-  We can start from scratch tomorrow--- and make it a good one!!!

Smiles to all who have chosen to take this mostly uncharted road.

To  paraphrase a line from a poem.-----  "I chose to take the path less traveled--and it has made all the difference."

I just have to remember that in the end --it will make all the difference!

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Aug. 12, 2009
New School Year.

The school year has already started for us here in Tennessee.  We have officially finished our 3rd day of school.  This year we are homeschooling all 3 of our children.  Last year our youngest went to kindergarten at our PS we are zoned for.

So far things have been going smoothly.  We are getting familiar with our new material, and slowly getting back into our daily routine.  I am so thankful I can still homeschool.  My oldest is now on his 5th year homeschooling--I really can not beleive it has been that long!!  He is in 7th grade, and even though things were slow going there for a while, he is really doing well.  Our big  goal for this year is to learn independence in getting work completed-and also completing work in a timely manner.  My 9 year old is in  4th grade.  He has issues with staying focused--but what 9 year old  doesn't!?!   Staying on task  and working hard to make the most of our time is a big goal for us.  One area that he really struggles is math.  Just the total understanding of math concepts is difficult.  I looked into the Touch Math concept, and am starting him with that.  Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.  Our youngest son--6 years old is an absolute joy. Since he went to school last year, I didn't have a chance to teach him.  A quote from him on his first day of 1st grade ,which was Monday,  "Mommy-I have waited so long for this."  Doesn't that just melt your heart?  It did mine-along witht the big puckered up kisses I get throughout the day!!   {***sigh***}  If they could all just stay that sweet.  Anyway-- He insists on doing his work at his desk, and has total focus.  It's so cute.  I just hope it continues.

One way I am staying organized this year-which was a big concern of mine-is by using a version of the "workbox system"   So far it has worked well with keeping me organized, and the kids on task.  By next week all of our curriculum will be here and be used, so my goal is to do certain things--like scinece, Geography, history-- on alternating days.  This and her  planning system will keep me on task there.

As soon as I figure out how to get pictures posted I will post some for you all to see.  My husband and I made our own shelves, and the boys each painted, or stained theirs.  They really came out nice.

I hope all of you have a great school year.   Remember-- homschooling is a journey not a race. 

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Jul. 5, 2009
Thank You

As life sends me from one appointment to another and I have deadlines to meet, I often forget or seem to neglect to say “thank you” to the one person who deserves my full appreciation. Donna Madden, my wife for 15 years, the mother of our three boys and my friend for even longer. Donna binds our family and is the cornerstone that holds our foundation in place. As our Savior Jesus as her guide, she brings balance in our house and hearts. The boys and I are very fortunate to have her in our life as a Wife, Mother and a dear Friend. I am very proud, honored and filled with pure joy to call her above all my WIFE, I love and cherish you with my all. It’s my time to say “Thank You”. Love always, Sean Madden

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Jul. 3, 2009
Quotes of the Day.

Read todays quote over in my sidebar by William Butler Yeats, then come back and continue reading today's blog.....

Are you back, and you read it? GOOD!  My thought is  WOW--that right there explains why we continue our homeschool journey.  It is not, though, why we started.   4 1/2 years ago our oldest son was struggling in school.  Reading and spelling were a nightmare.  By 2nd grade he was so stressed out, and our once highly inquisitive little boy hated anything to do with school and  learning.  Homeschooling suddenly became something that I heard of on a daily basis, and I still think it was an answer to a prayer of "What can I do for him?  What else is available?"

We are now  preparing to start our 5th year of homeschooling, and will be schooling all 3 of our boys--our youngest went in Public school last year for kindergarten-nothing much there has changed when it comes to getting the children to love learning. 
When you read this quote,  if you homeschool you are problably like me, and think,  "This is exactly why we homeschool". Learning is not just filling our children with information so they can regurgitate it correctly to ace a test.  There is more to "lifelong learning".  If we can get our children to learn to LOVE to learn we have won the battle.  I tell my boys often that the key to a good education is to get to a point where they are reading fluently and writing well ( my 2 oldest boys are dyslexic so these 2 areas are full of challenge for them both) .   Once this is  achieved, they will have more freedom in their learning.  I also want all 3 of them to learn that learning and education is not something that takes place only  between the hours of 8 and 2, or sitting behind a desk or even only from the pages of a text book.  Life is learning and our job as both parents and educators is to make sure that our children, young or older,  know that  life is learning and never stops.  Once they have a passion, or enjoy what you are teaching enough, they will get that fire lit under them.  Once that happens there is no holding them back--and we shouldn't. 

We as home educators have the freedom to light this fire under our children and keep it lit.  Then and only then will todays children and youth really understand that learning is all around them and grow to be not only book smart , but head strong, intelligent and a positive addition to  our future.

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Jun. 30, 2009
Great Day!

It is really a Good Morning here today.  We have been having high 90 degree days with lots of humidity here in Tennessee-which is really not a surprise for this time of year.  This mornng though is in the low 60's and almost no humidity which really makes it feel good.

I say this because I just finished my morning walk around my neighborhood.  I had time to enjoy the morning, the songs on my I-pod, and nature-instead of hating the heat and wanting to get done and back to my air conditioned home as quickly as possible.  As I walked, my thoughts wandered to many different things, but the one thing I thought most about is how blessed I truly am.  My husband and I have been through some major hard times in our marriage-money problems, job problems--just like all of you.  He has come home and said he quit his job-I wasn't working -and was pregnant--that was a hard time-and year,  He has stressed many times over his job, and wanting to leave and get a new one only to end up staying on a little longer.  I would just support him-like all wives- I had faith that he would do the right thing for himself and our family, and most of all I had faith in God.  I totally believe that God answers all prayers-maybe not the way we always want, or in the time table we want him to, but he does.  The only thing we have to do is wait patiently and faithfully for Him to answer--in His time.  This is  the hard part--waiting for God's time to move quick enough for our liking.  Waiting for His answers is a wonderful lesson not only in patience, but also in faith.  That little word that has such a BIG meaning.  Faith in a God we can't see is often hard, and is what makes those who don't believe wander how we can.   Faith in God can trully test us as chrisitans, mothers and wives.  But faith is what has gotten me through many hard times in our 15 years of married life. 

I always knew my husband was a hard worker and deserved more than his boss of 10 years gave him.  Then 2 years ago when his company got sold--our faith that things would work out for the best was really challenged.  Through patience that things would work and my prayers of "Lord, Please be with him and help him to handle things and get through the day."  Things finally started to turn around.

My husband now owns the company he worked hard for, for 11 years.  We are doing well, and for the first time are not going to bed at night worried about where the money was going to come  from to pay the bills, and put food on the table.

This is what I was thinking about on my walk this morning--How blessed we are and have always been-even though at times(and there were many) we truly didn't feel that way.  We have a long way to go together in life,  we aren't perfect, and will make plenty of mistakes, but with a faith and trust in God  our life will be filled with many more blessings.  I am so thankful for my 3 wonderful boys and my great husband who is willing to work hard so I can stay home with our  boys, raise them  and best of all be thier teacher.  We have a cute little house,  a succesful small business, and best of all we are all healthy.  It truley is a Good Morning!!

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Jun. 27, 2009
Great Saturday--But Must Rant!!!

Tennessee is a VERY hot state in the summer time,  and this year is no exception!  The temperature today was well over 100 with heat index.  To hot to go outside much.   Outside of the boys all being in most of the day, it was a very relaxing Saturday!  I was at a church lock-in last night with 6 kids from our youth, so today was spent catching up on sleep as much as possible.  Even though it was just a hour here and  a hour there.

You know--I really have to get things off my chest.  MY husband and I took the boys to the movies Wednesday night to see the new "Transformers" movie.   There was plenty of action, excitement and cute robots--but unlike the first movie there was a new element thrown in.  Plain bad and tacky language.  Now we have seen the first one more than once.  I know there was some bad language in it, but ths movie really went over board.  It seemed as if most of the robots said some choice words at some point in the movie--some said more choice words than most people.

I understand that this was PG-13, and my 3 boys are all under 13-(12,9,6)  BUT  this is marketing toward their age range-and it was almost uncomfortable having them sitting in there listening to it during the movie.--Now it takes a lot to get me upset- but this really does.  Society as a whole wonders what is going on with the kids  today.  They are becoming rude, self absorbed, not to mention use tacky language and have actions that we (for the most part) didn't even consider, but then the movie industry makes movies like this knowing that it will attract young children accompanied by their parents (hopefully).  No wonder we are loosing the children and youth of today--As parents it is our job to make sure our children learn good manners, morals and respect for others and most importantly themselves.  Society makes it very hard at times.

I know this ended up being a never-ending-rant,  but I just had to get it out. 

SO I guess in closing I just want to make it clear and warn you about the language content of this movie--and to make sure others use caution when taking their kids to go see it.

Thanks for reading.

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Jun. 24, 2009
Old Schoolhouse Magazine

I have to admit,  my subscription ran out last year , so this was a complete school year I had without the Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  I am so looking forward to recieving my new subscription. I just subscribed to it yesterday.  It really is a great magazine, with lots of interesting articles--one of my favorites is the curriculum reviews.  I enjoy hearing about the different kind of curriculum available for homeschoolers.  I am a very Eclectic homeschooler,  and always have my eyes open for a new curriculum for my boys.

If you click on the banner at left, you not only get a chance to be directed directly to  the subscription sight, but you will also get the extra gifts availabe--I don't know about you, but I love the chance to get freebees from different companies.  It is like Christmas in July, June or even August ( depending on when you put in your subscription)  Of course you have to make sure you are one of the first 5000 customers.

So try out the magazine and see if you like it.  I am sure you will.

Enjoy and have  a great summer. 

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Jun. 22, 2009
Hot Summer Days!

What a day! We started today  at the pool for swim lessons.  My 6 year old(Josh) And 9 year old (Kyle) are the ones taking lessons. We were there from 9:30-Noon.    It was an awesome morning with a slight breeze blowing accross the golf course and pool.  You really didn't know how hot it was--bad thing for us.  My thought though is what was I thinking?  It is June, and in Tennessee that means one thing---HOT HOT HOT!!!!!  I now have 3 lobsters instead of sons.   Tomorrow we will be a lot more cautious--can you say "Sunscreen?"-- and thankfully  we also won't be there as long.

I really hope everyone is having a  great summer.  Enjoy these Hot Summer Days!

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Jun. 22, 2009
Fun Math Program

Does your child give you a hard time when it comes time to do flash cards for their multiplication tables?  How about just have a hard time memorizing their multiplication facts?  Does this same child LOVE video games?  Well Timez Attack will give them the video game they absolutely love along with learning their times tables. 

The point of this game is simple--make your way through a castle,, solve math facts and kill Ogres.  My 9 year old is enjoying this--he has a hard time with memorizing his facts--he is doing it without even realizing it every time he plays this game.  My oldest -12 years- uses it for fun, and to also gain speed with his memorization.  This goes up to the 12 tables.

For my boys, who are both dyslexic, this is a fun-no stress way for them to get their fact practice in daily.

Take a look at it.  Your kids will be glad.

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Jun. 21, 2009
A Reading Program My Boys Enjoy

I just want to share a web site my 9 year old goes to daily (during the week at least) that he is really enjoying.  It is a simple, yet fun web game to help build phonics and reading skills.  The great thing about it -- outside of the kids enjoying playing it while learning-is that it is transferable.  Meaning you pay $59.99 and sign up 1 child.  When that child has completed it you can transfer it to another child-yours or someone elses for FREE!  Check it out below.

The Worlds Most Advanced Learn To Read Phonics Software Program.
Guaranteed to teach children to learn to read or your money back!
Visit

ClickN READ Phonics learning to read web site for more information.

Visit ClickN READ Phonics learning to read web site for more information

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Jun. 19, 2009
Let's Get Started!

This is my first attempt at blogging, and I am looking forward to getting started.  Summer has been in full swing here in Tennessee since school gets out the end of May.  Right now we are preparing to finish up VBS and then start swim lessons, hang out at the pool, and take my oldest to workouts since he is preparing for Karate National competion in Ft Lauderdale in July.  Summer is a great time-though a bit HOT- sit back and enjoy yourselves.  Thanks for visiting.

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