Jun. 9, 2009 - Lego Smart Creativity Contest

Go here to sign up for your free Lego Smart Creativity kit.  Use the kit to enter their contest through August 2009! 

Yes, homeschoolers are eligible...

May. 17, 2009 - Rosetta Stone Giveaway!

Rosetta Stone is the fastest way to learn a language and has been the #1 foreign language curriculum among homeschoolers for a while — and you can WIN the *all new* version 3 Rosetta Stone Homeschool LATIN program… FOR FREE! This is the first year you can get Latin in the brand new Version III update.

This is a $259 program.  It is a computer based curriculum and Rosetta Stone will also include a headset with microphone, and a supplementary “Audio Companion” CD so you can practice lessons in the car, on the go, or where-ever! Students participate in life-like conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone incorporates listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing along with speaking and pronunciation lessons. For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program to allow parents to easily enroll up to ten students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, grade completed work (the program grades the work automatically as the students progress- I love that!), and you can view and print reports for transcripts. Homeschooling a lot of kids at your house? This program is designed to enroll and track up to ten students (five users on two computers) and will work for nearly all ages — from beginning readers up to college students.

To win this most excellent Latin program copy these paragraphs and post them in (or as) your next blog post, and/OR link to the contest from your facebook page and/OR email the information to your homeschool support group – Then go to the original page http://Jeneralities.com and leave a comment saying that you’ve posted about, or have linked to, the contest. Please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post.

Nov. 14, 2008 - U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child

Apparently the attorneys at HSLDA think that this horrible "treaty" will make another appearance with Obama in office.  They have recently sent out information about it again after a long hiatus. 

Have you seen it?  If you haven't you need to right now.  Although some of it may sound good on the surface, it destroys any rights a parent has over their children of any age. 

Well on our local support groups email loop today was a response to HSLDA's warning from an Obama supporter.  Yikes!  Unfortunately, she didn't appear to have a clue as to the damage this little document could do. Not only in education, but just about any realm of parental authority. 

 I believe the article in question as far as being a threat to our home educating our children is Article 28 a.

a) Make primary education compulsory and available free to all

So I wrote her privately and explained.  I thought it might be good to post here for any thinking that this document would be a good thing.

Oct. 10, 2008 - Betrayed! The New Homeschooler

By now ya'll know that I speak my mind.  I try to be nice about it, but sometimes, especially when I'm shocked, things fly out of my mouth in less than tactful ways.  That happened recently...

We were recently told by some very good friends that, we've known for a very, very, very long time,  that they have been having Parents as Teachers into their home to help with their not even 2 year old boy.  In case you don't know what that is, here's the link. Basically, it's a program designed to indoctrinate parents into "needing" the government to help you care for your child from birth whoops, just read on their website they actually start this before birth.  They come into your home to do this. 

So, when we heard this I spewed forth something about NEVER letting the gov't into my home for that.   I did not mean to offend her, but I was in total and absolute shock that they would do this.  We've known this family for a VERY long time... Shane grew up with this guy.  They have talked about homeschooling their children for a long time and I was so shocked that I spoke before my brain had time to think.

My stomach churns everytime I think about this whole situation!!! More than it churns when I think about Obama being our next president and that thought turns it upside down!

Not to mention the bigger picture.  See what this couple doesn't understand (nevermind how corrupt the whole gov't system is) is that they are endangering my RIGHT to homeschool!  Sorry, that's the way I see it.  Again, we have "homeschoolers" taking government support.  Basically they are telling the gov't that they don't think they are qualified to teach their children without the gov't's help.  People like this give the government a reason to think that no parent is qualified to teach their child at home.  And the even worse part is that my children or yours could end up fighting the same (only worse) battle that my in-laws and others fought 20+ years ago.

So here's my word for those of you that think you can do both-- DON'T!  Either poo or get off the pot.  But DON'T mess up my right to educate my children in the way I am convicted.  (Yes, this is an area where we obey God rather than men, and if I am schooling my children when this reversal of our rights takes place I WILL break man's law and continue in what is my God given authority. )  There is a plethora of support groups (that are NOT government ran).  These support groups have homeschool veterans willing and able to help you on this homeschooling journey.  And if you are inclined that the socialization argument actually has merit, (that's a soapbox for another day) then find one of the 100's if not 1000's of homeschool organizations doing theater, sports, debate or other things so your children can socialize with children their age.   You do not need the government helping you!!!  If you are unsure of yourself (as we all are in the beginning, middle and end of this homeschooling journey) find someone that can encourage you in this journey.  

And if you are allowing the government to "help" you with your children, meaning if you are involved in a government run satelite program or Parents as Teachers, please, please PLEEEEEEEEEEASE do not tell people that YOU are a homeschooler-- because quite frankly--- you are decieved and you are NOT a"home" schooler!

We had some friends over for a weenie roast last night (our very good friends from CA are getting ready to go back and this was kind of their farewell party until next year).  Anyway, one of the ladies was telling us about her 13 y/o daughter bringing up how different they are... yup! "K" I feel your pain.  Different and alone among family and long known friends. 

Sep. 23, 2008 - Carnival of Homeschooling #143

The week we were on vacation, I got an invite to submit something for the Carnival of Homeschooling.   Of course we were extremely busy that week, but when I got back, I came up with something. 

The Carnival looks to have some interesting posts.... you can check it out here.  

Sep. 19, 2008 - Lighten Up-- it's Not All About Academics

As the new school year is beginning, I know there will be many of you out there that will be struggling with teaching your 4 year old everything there is to know in one year or less...

That's just the way it is with those of us with a school mindset.  We want our children to succeed, and to do it quickly. 

I want to encourage you to lighten up a little...

Our oldest child is 12.  We have been homeschooling her since she came home to us when she was 18 months old.  Boy have things changed since then.  I remember calling my mother in law when Princess was about 4 years old.  I had the magnetic board and letters out and was spelling 3 letter words and was expecting Princess to read them. She was not! I was getting frustrated.  I could not understand why she wouldn't read these words. 

Why was I calling my mother in law?  She homeschooled my husband and his 2 siblings.  I needed HELP!   My dear mother in law reminded me that it was OK that Princess didn't read those words.  She gently reminded me to lighten up.  Reading would come.  Math would come.   Science would come.  By now you get the picture. 

Over the years, I have seen parents that stress out over what their child isn't learning.  What they need to learn, these ladies study the scope and sequence upside down and backwards.  One lady was so stressed out that she wasn't going to teach her 4th grader everything she needed to know that year that she put her children back into the government school-- and she was doing a GREAT job homeschooling!   I know people that follow the textbooks by the book.  That will not skip one thing for fear that their child isn't going to have everything they need to succeed in life.  Others put their high school student in government school to prepare them for college (don't even get me started on how wrong that one is!!!!). 

I have stressed out over Math with Princess.  We had some major battles when we first started, since her strong suit is NOT math.  Bubba (our nearly 9 year old boy)  is beginning to have some struggles with math.  And he IS good at it.  But we've decided that rather than push it, we'll wait on formal math.   Oh, he's still learning math, it's just not as evident to him.  Right now Little Bit LOVES math, so he is still working in a book, but if he decided he's frustrated with math, we'll stop and approach it later. 

Here's the funny  strange thing about this.  Princess is succeeding in math.  Last year, it clicked!  Where she used to miss nearly half the problems and have to redo them, she now misses maybe 2 or 3 each lesson.  And, she realized recently that she's actually liking math. 

Then enters 3rd child.  Little Bit has been a great challenge.  He had a rough first 3 years of  his life and had some  birthmother issues that we had to work through.  His problem-- he is TOO smart.  He could read, but he refused... I knew this because on his good days, he would do his reading lesson perfectly.  An hour, I mean a minute later, (and no I'm not exaggerating, we could go back to the same word and he would give me a blank stare.  Once I rediscovered "Hooked on Phonics" he read.  Mainly because I wasn't teaching him.  Now he reads near or a little above grade level and he is letting me teach him. 

More and more I'm realizing that it's not about the academics.  However, I have to constantly remind myself of this fact.  Little Bit did not need to learn to read, Princess didn't need to learn a number line in 2nd grade.  Bubba doesn't have to do math right now.   What good would reading have done Little Bit if he grew up to be an angry, angry man???  What good would math do Princess if she grew up not knowing how to cook, and clean or how to change a diaper? (Or for that fact, if my boys didn't know how to do these things either?) What good would academics do Bubba if didn't know how to take care of and relate to his future wife?  What good would it do any of my 4 children if they had a 4.0 grade point, scored a 36 on their ACT, graduated from Yale, or Harvard, or whatever Ivy league school if they had no God-honoring character???  I would much rather my children walk in the ways of the Lord and live a modest, honest life than have a PhD. and live in a mansion. 

I often have to remind myself that it's not about academics--it's about training them in Righteousness.  Training them to be productive members of society, so that they'll be ready for whatever task God has for them in their future, whether it be a homemaker, a garbage collector, or president of the United States of America.

  I'll be the first to admit that I have not always been the best at working on this.  I push for perfection academics. I've gotten frustrated when my children have dawdled... it happened yesterday, as a matter of fact.  "What have you done today?! It's 11am and you haven't done anything but play all morning!!!! Your room is a wreck!!!!  Why haven't you done your schoolwork????"

What I really need to be working on is what kind of character my 4 children are developing.  Are they kind, considerate, polite, loving, peaceful?  Do they complain, grumble, make jokes that aren't nice?  Do they watch out for each other?  Are they serving others? Or are they serving self?

I don't really think God is going to be asking our children to given an account of what their GPA was, what ivy league school they attended, what job they had when they grew up, etc.  on the day of judgement.  No, I think He'll be asking them to give an account of their character.  That's the meat of the issue.

Since this is a submission for the Carnival of Homeschooling, I will add this disclaimer.   I realize some of you reading this may not be Christians, but I doubt you want your child breezing his way through college by cheating his way through.  Character is important; whether you are a follower of Christ or not.  All it takes is a trip to the local high school to see teenagers running the school, or a trip downtown or the local mall to see the teenagers, or older, of today talking disrespectful to each other, wearing pants where they've got to hold up with their hands, or girls with everything they've got so far hanging out (and no, I'm not talkin about the prostitutes either).  So I hope we can agree whether we are Believers or not, that character is extremely important in the lives of our children. 

Sep. 19, 2008 - Even if She Was A Man...

I haven't said much about the election.  Are you surprised? 

Wait no longer...

Even if Sarah Palin was a man, we wouldn't be voting for the McCain ticket.  Plain and simple.  McCain is wishy washy and has been.  He appears conservative today, but wasn't in years past.  He may have a 100% percent pro-life voting record, but he's not sure about embryotic stem cell research.  In my opinion, it doesn't make him 100% pro-life.  Furthermore, he seems to WANT to win this election without my vote. You know, the conservative, Christian vote.  Picking Palin as his running mate was the ONLY thing he's done even remotely resembling wanting me to vote for him since he was chosen as the Republican canidate.  And even then I'm not sure that was planned to appease me...

Adding Palin to the ticket doesn't change McCain... although I wish Palin was a man, because I like what she stands for and could vote for her for Pres in 2012 if she was a man. 

I think it's interesting that Voddie Baucham is being accused of being sexist Did you see the CNN interview?  (Of course after my statement above, I'll probably be accused of being sexist.)  But alas, feminists have always often thought of God being sexist and against women.  Twisted??? Yes!  Think about it... God designed Eve from Adam, he took special care in making her helpmeet to Adam.  Why is it feminists have a problem with this.  Would we force our husband who might be gifted as a doctor to become an accountant????  NO!  Why should we want to change who God made us, as women, to be??? 

Okay, I thought about asking if we would want our men more like us?  You know sitting around drinking coffee, visiting and flowing about the lastest styles, etc.  But I realized how stupid that was because that's exactly what the feminists want.  They want Men to be like Women and they want to be the men.  Have you read the book of Genesis 3:16 lately?  "Your desire shall be for [or against] your husband,and he shall rule over you.” ESV

BTW, have you seen the SNL skit with "Hillary" and "Palin" yes, it's crude, but extremely funny.  Do you remember when Clinton (Bill that is) was called "the first black President"  While watching ithis skit on our flash drive, since I can't watch anything on dial up, I had the thought that if Hillary had become President she would have been the first "Male" President, but I wouldn't want to insult George Washington, and the other 43 Presidents that really were men. 

Yes, my mind things in whacked circles sometimes...

Aug. 29, 2008 - The Trend in Homeschooling

The last couple of days, I have found a couple of great blogs.  Voddie Baucham linked to his daughter Jasmine's blog.  She is a very beautiful young lady and a gifted writer.  Yesterday my google reader recommended Kevin Swanson's blog (we were so blessed 3 years ago when we visited his church outside of CO Springs).  I have quickly added these 2 blogs to my google reader.  

 So I was reading Pastor Swanson's blog today and found this entry. 

July 7, 2008

I am the Executive Director of a large homeschooling organization in Colorado, and our database of home schooling families would be among the largest in the country.

Several months ago, we contracted a single mom who home schools her son, to call a list of a sampling of 1000 families on the database (most of them, on the list for a few years).

Incredibly, she found that 86% of those families who started home schooling their children, have quit!

This means that for 100 families participating in a home school support group somewhere in America, only 14 will capture the vision and continue the mission 3, 5, or 8 years from now. Of the 2.4 million home educated students in America, barely 330,000 will survive. And of the 5,000 that attend a major conference, only 750 will finish the course. This means that the movement has a huge front door and a huge back door, not unlike most churches in a post-modern society. Few people stick around long enough to get a vision. A T-shirt maybe. But a deep-seated, long-standing vision that will actually make an impact on their families for future generations? I don't think so.

As leaders who are fighting valiantly against the massive failure of the national character, academic rigor, family solidarity, and the Christian faith itself, we press for radical change in the thinking and life of families. We want a radical world and life view change. We feel it's the only hope to stem the hemorrhaging flow of blood.

The reality of it, is that most families don't want to make much of a lifestyle change - and so they will just live with the rapidly-declining social, academic, and spiritual trends.

If any meaningful change will ever come about, it will come by the commitment of a principled few. The majority sits on the fulcrum of social change, while those who are most committed on the wrong side or the right side produce the real influence that changes society. It is always the 14% that bears the majority of the influence, and shifts the direction of social systems as human history unfolds. Therefore, the focus in our conferences, our support groups, our news magazines, and our radio broadcasts is not to water down the message for the 86% who are going to quit. We want to encourage the committed, and solidify the base of faithful men and women who embrace the vision, and will ensure a generational continuity that will yield even more fruit in future years.

Folks, this is a terrible trend.   Many of the blogs here at HSB are people that started homeschooling and didn't get the vision, because one of if not all of their children are back in government school. 

I see or hear of homeschooling families quite often who have children that are not trained up in the way they should go.  And they are scratching their head as to why said children are not in submission to them, why they are running off with boys, or why they are dealing with issues of rebellion. 

Here's my theory:  These parents have the government school mentality.  They have not taken Deuteronomy 6 to heart.  They are not training their children in the way they should go.  They are giving them guidelines and letting these children "follow their heart" just as the government schools do.  No training going on there. Oh, maybe I should say it's the wrong kind of training going on there only selfish, humanistic, evolutionary stupidity.  I should say no heart training going on there...

Oh us homeschoolers are all worried about academics.  And we forget the real reason why we should be homeschooling.  Yes, some of our children may be Called to go to college, but what if they aren't?  I was just reading someone else's blog (sorry I can't remember who's,please comment and tell me if it was you) that had the statement that only 4 of the 18 world billionaires have college degrees. 

What is the true measure of success??

Yes, the children need to know the 3 R's, but really what is more important?  That they've taken Algebra 3, Biochemistry and started taking classes at the local community college by the time they're 12 (okay, I'm exaggerating here) or that they are God-fearing, Bible-believing, Truth-loving Christians???????? 

  Getting down off my soapbox now 

Apr. 16, 2008 - Basic Life Institute

Princess and I are attending the full seminar of Basic Life Institute this week.  It is over an hours drive north of the city... we live south.  Two nights already and it has been well worth it.  Princess is excited!!! Last night we woke Daddy up to tell him about it when we got home at nearly 11:30pm.  She is learning so much and she is hearing much of  what we believe from someone other than us.  God is gracing me, mostly, for my lack of sleep... usually I'm a grumpy, grumpy bear. 

This is my 3rd basic seminar, but my first full seminar, the other 2 were condensed versions.  I highly recommend this seminar for anyone that has past issues of rebellion against authority (or present issues of rebellion).  I recommend it for anyone that is harboring bitterness toward others.  I recommend it for anyone.  I always get something new out of each seminar we go to. 

Now, I'm also writing this entry because we have consider ATI cirriculum many, many times.  But we have never stepped out and took the plunge.  We know people who use it.  But we have some concerns.  So, if there is anyone reading this that uses ATI (or used ATI) would you click on the email me link and let me know... I'd like to pick your brain, so to speak. 

Thanks!

Mar. 11, 2008 - Another Reason to Like Chuck Norris

Mar. 7, 2008 - WAKE UP CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes! I know I'm screaming.  This is important enough that there better be a lot of people in CA screaming!

I was wrong.  I thought my children would have to battle again what my in-laws fought to have freedom to homeschool.  In fact, it seems that this generation will have to fight the same battle of last generation.

According to Mike Farris of HSLDA on Dobson this morning, 3 judges in a California appeals court have made homeschooling illegal there.  They have stated that homeschooling parents must be certified teachers. If this ruling stands, every homeschooler  in CA will be homeschooling illegally.  Furthermore, as a state that has homeschoolers register, all "big brother" has to do is go to a file and start passing out names.  And out go the social workers and law enforcement officers. 

I believe this is related to the case that I mentioned a few days ago... and now it jeaporizes not only CA, but our entire country... as CA goes so goes everyone else eventually. 

WAKE UP California, or that big yellow school bus is going to come and take your precious babies away!!!!!!!!!

Now, I'm going to say some things that I'm sure to get flamed for saying, but this is MY right you're messin with, so I'm saying it!

IF you are a homeschooler that has taken your children in and out of government schools--for heaven's sake decide what you want to do and stick with it!!! You are jeapordizing it for those of us that have STRONG convictions. 

IF you are a homeschooler that uses a charter school, or virtual school-- DON'T FOOL YOURSELF! You are not a homeschooler!!!!  You are doing the government's bidding.  Call yourself what you are!

If you are a homeschooler that utilizes government school sports programs, or labs or other things.  TAKE THEM OUT! If sports are that important to your child, find another way!!!! But don't jeapordize my right to homeschool my child by telling the government school that homeschooling isn't enough!

If you are a homeschooler that thinks us homeschoolers need proms, teen gatherings, and other kinds if "socialization" put your children back on that big yellow bus-- you're telling them that all homeschoolers aren't "properly" socialized.  You've defined socialization on their terms, not what true socialization is and have jeapordized homeschooling for the rest of us. 

Now, those in CA PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, and then CALL everyone you can think of from your senators and reps to Arnold himself!!!!!  This ruling MUST, I repeat MUST be reversed! 

The rest of us... PRAY, PRAY, PRAY.  And for those of you that don't like what I said, it's because you know I'm right and you're feeling guilty! Flame away!

Mar. 2, 2008 - In Germany And America!

I have been saying for sometime that I pray my children do not have to fight the same battle that my husband's parents fought 20+ years ago.  But articles like this make me fear even moreso.  (Yes, I understand God's sovereignty, but it can still scare me that my right as a parent can be taken away, just like that, even if it is within the will of the Almighty!)

Panshrmu linked to the article here.  You better go read it, cause it's coming to your state soon if nothing is done about it!

We have homeschooling friends in CA that have been turned into CPS by "loving" relatives.  The judge ordered "educational evaluations" on the children.  Their social worker, that shows up at any time, and find the house brimming with homemade goodies in the oven, and all the children happy,  was under the impression that they were homeschooling illegally, until they showed her on HSLDA's website that they fall within the law.  But the evalutions have been ordered.  They are appealing the decision next Monday.  Please pray that they will not have to go down this path too. 

Nov. 6, 2007 - He's Reading!!!!

Over a year ago, we started trying to teach Little Bit how to read.   No success.  It wasn't because he couldn't, it was because he wouldn't.  He was ready, but he had to be in control of something... you see we had stripped away several things that he used to be in control over, and reading was the one thing that we couldn't "force" him to do.  Some days he would read, other days, many others he would pitch at 2 year old tantrum while Shane and I struggled to get him to say a word we knew he knew.  Sometimes in the very beginning, we would be frustrated because we knew what he was doing, but there was nothing we could do about it. 

Fast forward this summer.  Little Bit wanted free books from the library program.  He had to do reading before we would read a book to him.  Princess and Bubba both finished 5 lists and got the "big" prize.  And he was left out, and was feeling it something awful too.  I think he ended up getting 2 books.  Sweet Cheeks even got one book so he didn't do so hot. 

Shane and I sat down trying to come up with something... we decided to change our tactic.  Princess learned reading from the old Hooked on Phonics... the boring, expensive one (we found used).  Shane told me to get that one from the library and on days when he wouldn't do his assignment, he was to sit in front of that for the alotted reading time.  (He turns 7 this year, and I legally have to start keeping records and logging the hours this year).  While I was at it, I got the new and improved version of HOP.  Would you believe LB loves it!!!!  In the beginning, I think it was because I wasn't "teaching" him, the lady on the CD was, but who cares... now he asks to do reading almost every day.  Oh there are still setbacks and days where he decides he wants to control again.  But reading is not a battle like it was before. 

Here he is doing his lesson yesterday...

Jul. 16, 2007 - We've Officially Started School for the Year/ Great Handwriting

Today was the day!  I pulled out the log book and started logging "official" school hours.  I guess during the early summer, vacation times, etc.  we are more "unschoolers"  I log hours, but we don't "do school"

Today, we pulled the books out.  It will still be a light load until we return from vacation.   

Princess is doing Math on M/W/F and English on T/Th

Bubba is doing Math on M/W/F and Spelling on T/Th

Little Bit is doing Reading and handwriting M/W/F and speech on T/Th and maybe some math thrown in (he loves Math, so I'm using Math and Writing as a reward for reading-- at least until the fall.  I have to start keeping official hours on him this year, so I'm hoping he'll get past this using reading as a control issue. 

We are also finishing up "From Sea to Shining Sea for Children" (3 chapters), Trial and Triump (1 chapter), An Island Story (I think 3 chapters), some Burgess bird book, (from year 1's schedule) and we'll be increasing our studies on Boston, Plymouth, the Puritans, etc., in preparation for our trip in Sept.  We'll also watch some Moody Science and Answers in Genesis videos, and I may find some other things to do along the way. 

We used Ambleside Online last year and LOVED it! So we will continue with that this year.  Many people say to start different ages on different years, but we decided to begin all 3 of the children on Year 1.   This makes it so much easier.  The children do their "book learning" (math, english, etc) seperately, then we can read together the chapters from AO.  Last year I had all the children verbally narrate, but this year, Princess will be doing more writing.   We are also going to try to add more music and art to our program this year. 

I have to tell you about "Handwriting Without Tears"  Bubba used it last year with cursive, both him and Princess had previously used "A Reason for Handwriting" and enjoyed it, but lets face it... just how many Scripture verse pictures can a child give away?  Bubba's handwriting is wonderful.  A significant improvement over grade 1.  Yes, his printing improved by using "HWT" cursive.  Little Bit started his "HWT today. I'm sure I'll be just as pleased with his work as I have been with Bubba's. 

Jul. 16, 2007 - I'm SO Proud

This was a great weekend.  Princess, Bubba and Little Bit have both been involved in 4-H this year.  Bubba and Little Bit in Clover Kids even Bubba was much more advanced.  He was kind of bored, but is looking forward to doing poultry in regular 4-h next year.  Anyway...

Princess submitted a geology poster, outlining the 3 kinds of rocks to enter in the county fair.  She received a blue, a purple and a yellow ribbon for her efforts.  Blue is 1st place.  Purple is "outstanding in category" and Yellow means that her poster is going to the state fair.  So, if you happen to be at the MO state fair in a few weeks, and happen to be in the 4-H building.  Look for her wonderful "3 Kinds of Rocks"  poster. 

I have written before about Little Bit's using reading to control us.  And I think I wrote a while back that he had actually read a few "Bob Books"  He is finally 1 book away from completing the first set.  Today, he sat down and read no problem.  Friday though was a totally different story.  I made requirements that he would have to read a certain number of his own books for his library reading lists this summer.  He has finished his first list.  Yea!!! 

Bubba and Little Bit both finished 5 book lists and received a "prize" Bubba chose a water bottle, and Princess a lunch sack.  Very cool. 

May. 9, 2007 - Testing and School

This is the 3rd year we've tested in a row.  Not because of the laws of our state, but Shane says he likes doing it to see how we're doing (not the children mind you, the mommy).  I love being able to do the testing at home.  The first year was terrible.  Crying Princess, frustrated Mommy.  The second year was better.  And this year is going great.  However, maybe I should have waited.  Today starts with Math.  Yikes.  But I'm honestly thinking it will be better.  Math clicked for Princess this year.  Last year we were in Saxon 5/4 and she most often missed several problems  (like 7-10 on each lesson).   This year, she might miss 2 or 3 if the lesson is really challenging her.  

Bubba is doing well.  Last year I remember looking over his "listening skills" answers and thinking, "I'm not surprised, he doesn't listen very well!" If I remember right, this was his poorest area.  This year, he didn't miss nearly as many.  It'll be exciting to see how he did. 

Little bit actually did reading yesterday!!!! Yippee!!!!  It was the first day I've tried in a while, because it's always such a chore to force it out of him.  We had been using "100 Easy Lessons".  But I found something on www.donpotter.com (or net, can't remember right now) that I tried yesterday evening.  I have a copy of Phonics Pathways from the library that I may try today.  I may go back and forth for a few days and see what he does better with.  This fellow is going to be my math wiz!!!  He is very good at addition and subtraction, and he can count by 5's and 10's to 100.  I haven't worked much on math because he wouldn't read for me-- but it doesn't seem to have mattered.  We will test him next year. 

May. 7, 2007 - Testing Week-- It Snuck UP

Shane ordered our Iowa Basic tests a few weeks ago, but I forgot to put the dates on the calendar.  Last Wednesday I got the email saying they were on their way.  So we are testing this week.  I order from Peidmont Educational Services.  Since I have a Bachelor's degreee, I can test at home and don't have to worry about getting 4 children out of the house in the early morning hours.  Gotta love that! 

We had a busy, busy weekend.  Richmond, MO has the annual Morrel Mushroom festival and this was it.  There is a Bott radio station there and it's Shane's territory so he takes one of the older 2 children with him on Friday and we all go on Saturday.  The lady that works in the office there has a girl with the same name as Princess and the same age and they always enjoy spending the day together. 

Sunday we went to church.  They are sending their "position statement" because they've heard us talk about Vision Forum and apparently they have a position on them  (wondering if this is the shoe that's going to drop).  The lesson was very good, but it was overshadowed by this concern and a couple of other minor ones. 

Last night we had some friends over for dinner.  We had BBQ pulled pork sandwiches topped with cole slaw.  Shane made his wonderful baked beans and I also added some corn.  My friend brought melt in your mouth carrot cake for dessert.  It was very yummy. 

Hopefully, the children aren't too tired for the testing. 

Apr. 25, 2007 - Conference Overview

The other day, I mentioned that I gained a lot out of the homeschool conference last weekend and I did.  

Encouragment

A lady and her husband came by the Bott booth while I was storing some of my purchases.  She said that she had known me several years ago (like when Bubba was a newborn) from a Bible study group we were both involved in at a local church.  She told me that I was the biggest influence in their decision to homeschool.  Now if that won't turn a person to mush and make a person humble, I don't know what will.  This was a lady I vaguely remember, but she remembered me.  Just goes to show how much influence a person can have when they don't even know they are influencing. 

Being Real

Todd Wilson spoke on "being real."  He said it is wrong to think that everyone else has the only "perfect" homeschool family.  Even the families that make the front cover of the homeschool magazines where everyone is dressed alike and smiling.  He talked about a picture that someone took of their family several years ago.  They had been having a not so good time and for some reason this person offered to take their picture.  The picture was beautiful, but each of them knew what had been in their hearts that day.  For Todd, it is a reminder. 

Every homeschool family struggles, there are days that nothing gets accomplished, and days that are filled with frustration and even yelling-- yikes really.  Not at my house-- my voice never raises say over 140 million billion decibels.    It is always company ready and the children are always neat and clean--- hahahaha!!! 

More than Math U See

Since we don't used Math U See, I had ruled out hearing Steve Demme.  However, a friend of mine said he was a really good speaker, so I went to one of his lectures.  He spoke on family worship.  Shane wasn't able to be at his and Todd Wilson's talk at the same time, so I went to Mr. Demme's.  It was a good reminder for me to not get frustrated when Shane says we're going to do family worship on a regular basis and he doesn't get around to it.  Mr. Demme said if you've never done family worship and you do it one time this year, it's a 50% improvement.  He also spoke on some other topics we got the CD's and will listen later.  I was pleasantly surprised. 

Brothers and Sisters

Another unexpected treat was getting to hear the Mally children (author's of Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends).   I didn't put two and two together to realized that "the Mally family" on the schedule was "THE Mally family"  until same friend mentioned it too.  Did you know that Sarah was the author of Bright Lights?  The Bible study for young ladies.  I didn't until this weekend.  What a neat family.  We purchased several items from their booth--great stuff. 

A Great Dad and Making Friends

The most amazing thing was that having Precious sweet cheeks was a magnet.  By Saturday early afternoon, I was thinking "people aren't as friendly today as they were yesterday"  but Shane had Precious, Sweet Cheeks more on Saturday and I had her more on Friday.  She opened up conversations with just about any one around us.  We all made many new friends.  She was so worn out on Saturday that she went 10 hours without eating and didn't wake up through the night.  Also, Shane felt honored.  Todd Wilson saw Shane down an aisle and went to him to tell him what a good dad he was.  Mr. Wilson said that everytime he had seen Shane he had Precious. 

We ran into a lot of other people we knew too.  In all the searching for a church home, we found the blessing.  Many of the people we ran into were from churches that we had visited over the last several months.  And several of the people from the church that we are expecting to place membership were there too.  How wonderful, huh? 

I pray that each of you get as much encouragement as I did from your conferences this year. 

Apr. 19, 2007 - Convention Time

TheMidwest Parent Educators Conference begins tomorrow.  This is an event I look forward to all year.  One downside.  R.C. Jr. was to be the keynote until recently.  Drats!  I was really looking forward to hearing him in person.  But there are a lot of great speakers coming and I'm sure it will be an uplifting time. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Apr. 13, 2007 - As For School...

Princess and Bubba have been reading the Royal Diary series.  They love it.  A few weeks ago, they were discussing the different wives of Henry VIII.  I am totally amazed everytime they come up with so much information from something they've read. 

Bubba asked me to put some things on hold at the library about the wives.  I found a video series done by the BBC. So far, we have watched Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn.  And Bubba is begging to watch more.  I actually let them finish Catherine of Aragon this morning while eating breakfast-- this has NEVER, ever, ever happened before (watching videos at breakfast).  We're thinking we might have to check out the Renaissance festival this year and maybe "Shakespeare in the Park" because, thanks to Charles and Mary Lamb, we all are enjoying Shakespeare too.   Bubba is 7 years old, and he loves learning.  And he's understanding things the "professionals" say he shouldn't be able to understand yet.  (as evidenced by the nonsense work they have most 7 year olds doing in government schools). 

We are doing well with schoolwork.  Hours are almost complete.  Yippee!! About this time every year I get tired of making them do reading, writing and arithmetic.   We will finish up our reading for Ambleside in the middle of June, and we'll probably continue on  with the next year's reading schedule, pretty quickly after we've completed this years readings.  We will continue reading "Ishmael" and then "Self-Raised."   Hopefully, next year, we can incorporate some of the things we didn't get to this year into our AO, like folk songs, art and more formal nature study. 

Princess will do math this summer 3 days a week (we jumped her to Saxon 6/5) and English (Rod and Staff) 2 days a week, and I will give Little Bit the opportunity to read daily (although he hasn't chosen to do his lesson any day this week).   We've decided to take the Bluedorn's advice and not do anymore formal math with Bubba until he's about 10.  Although we will do some flash cards and oral math as the days pass this summer.  I ought to pull out my "Slow and Steady" for Sweet Cheeks (Precious).   But I also want to enjoy summer with the children and have some lazy days, playing outside, jumping on the trampoline and enjoying them.