Apr. 17, 2009 - It All Hinges on the Printer
Alas, we are out of printer ink. I thought we still had a couple of replacement cartridges, but no.
Since I print so much stuff out for school, we have been demoted to other workbooks and such until the new cartridges arrive - which is today sometime.
Of course, it is just awful that we had to go to the Natural History Museum on Wednesday instead of working subtraction problems. Or that we played outside in the beautiful Spring sunshine yesterday after Morning Grace class.
And today, well, let's see, we are getting ready for the yard sale (that counts as math right?). Then off to the store and to the park for park day with the local homeschool group.
I love printing off stuff. It makes me feel so "teacherish". But I am glad we we out of ink this week!
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Apr. 10, 2009 - Easter Essay
This is from Glenn Beck. Powerful-please take the time to listen.
http://mfile.akamai.com/6713/wma/glennbeck.download.akamai.com/6713/preview/09/04/040409easteressay-better.asx
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Apr. 8, 2009 - The Kids in Jesus' Lap
This past Sunday our pastor spoke on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. One point he made, that stuck with me, was about the colt. The Bible mentions sending someone to get it, and that it would be returned. His point was, "Who returned the donkey?".
And while he agreed it was not theologically important, it gave us pause to think about the mundane jobs that must get done, and those who do them. This ties into my thoughts about Jesus feeding the 5,000. The little boy had a lunch, prepared by his mom, which was made into a miracle. That Mom made his lunch that day, just like every other day - mundane. But, that day it was used in a mighty way.
I have also been pondering the children who sat on Jesus' lap. Remember the children coming to Him, and the disciples trying to send them away? Jesus said, "Let the little children come, and do not forbid them, for such is the kingdom of heaven.". He took them in, held them and cherished them.
I often wonder what became of those boys and girls. Did they become disciples? How were their lives changed by that encounter with the Savior? Could one of them have been Timothy?
As a homeschooling mom, the mundane is my life. It helps to see that even the small, seemingly insignificant things are important pieces in a bigger picture. And, by choosing to have my children come home to school, I am bringing them into His lap.
Will you return the donkey?
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Apr. 6, 2009 - Spring Break
Well it is Spring Break in our homeschool this week. The local public schools are out, which means all the girls friends are home.
I intend to do some serious Spring cleaning this week. And, I am hoping a week off will renew my spirit for homeschooling.
We do have one field trip for tomorrow, but it is to an Equestrian center, so I am thinking they won't realize that it is actually school!
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Apr. 3, 2009 - It's Good to Talk
It is so good to talk to other homeschool moms. I have been a bit discouraged over the fact that we haven't clicked with a math program this year.
Yesterday, at a morning Bible Study, I ran into a mom who has been homeschooling for many years. She told me it has taken her that entire time to find the right fit for the kids. That makes me feel so much better!
It is interesting how, as homeschool moms, we feel like the success or failure of a particular curriculum choice is all on us. But, in actuality, we are only a part of it. And the beauty of homeschooling is we can switch mid stream if we want.
So, I am now perusing curriculum ideas for next year. I think part of my problem this year was that I was SO excited to actually, finally be homeschooling, that I was trying everything. I made some really random choices, and at times felt like we had to do it all this year!
So, as we come closer to the end of year one, I can see some progress, and some failures, but all in all I think we did fine.
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Mar. 30, 2009 - Monday Musing
Another Monday, another week of homeschooling. I have more motivation this week, we'll see how that pans out.
We are going to finish our sewing lapbooks. Then we'll do this experiment:
Lava Lamp
Since it has finally stopped raining, and is going to be near 70 today - we'll be outside making planting pots from newspaper, and planting seeds.
Happy Spring!
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Mar. 28, 2009 - Great Giveaway at Freely Educate
Check out this great giveaway at Freely Educate - these items are great!
http://www.freelyeducate.com/2009/03/giveaway-150-of-fashionable-school-supplies.html#comment-6a00e55098fdaf883301156e7de38a970c
I love these pretty products!
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Mar. 26, 2009 - Capital Fest
Tuesday was Capital Fest, held by our state homeschooling organization, We went as a family, and had an awesome time.
We toured the capitol building, the Nature Museum, and the History Museum. We sat in on a meet and greet session with selected state legislators. They took questions, and Amanda got to ask one.
It was definately worth the two and a half hour drive. We had some good family time as well as learning.
On another note, the public school thing is rearing it's head regularly with Katie. Several of her friends attend a charter school, and she keeps badgering about wanting to go. We keep telling her she spends more time with these friends at church and at their homes than she would at school.
I am encouraged that John is staunch in his support of our homeschooling efforts. I think maybe getting her into some homeschooling classes next year will help.
It is funny how I thought she would be the easy one to turn on to homeschooling and Amanda would be hard to teach. It has turned out to be the exact opposite.
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Mar. 23, 2009 - God's Encouragement
Well isn't God just amazing? When I seem to get really discouraged with our first year homeschooling efforts and my abilities, God sends encouragement.
Yesterday, during the sermon, our pastor discussed a Barna poll regarding what percentage of Americans have a Biblical worldview. Sadly, the results were 5-11%! One of our reasons for homeschooling was to raise our children, and educate them with a Biblical worldview.
Then, in the afternoon, I was reading the newsletter for our state homeschooling organization. One of the articles discussed keeping God at the head of the homeschooling efforts, and letting Him run it. How when we try to take over, we get stressed and push our kids, and take all the fun out of it.
God is awesome!
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Mar. 17, 2009 - Britney Again
Well, it seems that Britney is back. And she is in great form. It seems her newest hit is a song which is just the "BIG" word in disguise. Why?
I miss June!
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Feb. 18, 2009 - U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child
According to Amazines.com:
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, often referred to as CRC or UNCRC, is an international convention setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. Nations that ratify this international convention are bound to it by international law. Compliance is monitored by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child which is composed of members from countries around the world. Once a year, the Committee submits a report to the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which also hears a statement from the CRC Chair, and the Assembly adopts a Resolution on the Rights of the Child.[4]
Governments of countries that have ratified the Convention are required to report to, and appear before, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child periodically to be examined on their progress with regards to the advancement of the implementation of the Convention and the status of child rights in their country. Their reports and the committee's written views and concerns are available on the committee's website.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention and opened it for signature on 20 November 1989 (the 30th anniversary of its Declaration of the Rights of the Child).[5] It came into force on 2 September 1990, after it was ratified by the required number of nations. As of December 2008, 193 countries have ratified it,[1] including every member of the United Nations except the United States and Somalia.[4][6]
Two optional protocols were adopted on 25 May 2000. The first one restricts the involvement of children in military conflicts, and the second one prohibits the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. Both protocols have been ratified by more than 120 states.[7][8]
This poses a serious threat both to parental rights and to U.S. sovereignty, as the UNCRC dictates not only that the federal government must intrude into the family sphere to an unprecedented degree, but also how the federal government is to monitor and govern the actions of our families. Parental rights would be replaced by "the best interests of the child" as defined, ultimately, by an international committee of 18 people in Switzerland.
Please go to www.parentalrights.org.
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Feb. 18, 2009 - U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child
According to Amazines.com:
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, often referred to as CRC or UNCRC, is an international convention setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. Nations that ratify this international convention are bound to it by international law. Compliance is monitored by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child which is composed of members from countries around the world. Once a year, the Committee submits a report to the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which also hears a statement from the CRC Chair, and the Assembly adopts a Resolution on the Rights of the Child.[4]
Governments of countries that have ratified the Convention are required to report to, and appear before, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child periodically to be examined on their progress with regards to the advancement of the implementation of the Convention and the status of child rights in their country. Their reports and the committee's written views and concerns are available on the committee's website.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention and opened it for signature on 20 November 1989 (the 30th anniversary of its Declaration of the Rights of the Child).[5] It came into force on 2 September 1990, after it was ratified by the required number of nations. As of December 2008, 193 countries have ratified it,[1] including every member of the United Nations except the United States and Somalia.[4][6]
Two optional protocols were adopted on 25 May 2000. The first one restricts the involvement of children in military conflicts, and the second one prohibits the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. Both protocols have been ratified by more than 120 states.[7][8]
This poses a serious threat both to parental rights and to U.S. sovereignty, as the UNCRC dictates not only that the federal government must intrude into the family sphere to an unprecedented degree, but also how the federal government is to monitor and govern the actions of our families. Parental rights would be replaced by "the best interests of the child" as defined, ultimately, by an international committee of 18 people in Switzerland.
Please go to www.parentalrights.org.
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Feb. 3, 2009 - Making New Friends
The girls and I recently started going to a local church's Bible Study for Moms. They also offer grade level Bible Study classes for the girls at the same time. All the kids involved are homeschoolers.
I thought going would be good so that the girls could get to know some other homeschool kids. The unexpected added benefit is that I have made some friends as well!
We are also doing JA BizTown, and lots of the HS Moms who attend Morning Grace also have kids attending BizTown. One Mom is also in the specific Bible Study class I selected. She has kids the same age as mine, and we are scheduled to work together in each grade level class as volunteers on the same weeks.
Think maybe God's hand is in this somewhere?
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Jan. 22, 2009 - Out of Sync
It occured to me the other day that I have spent my life out of sync.
My sister is 11 years older than I am, and my Mom was 36 when I was born. My sister left for college when I was in first grade. Therefore, I was pretty much an only child, and went with my parents everywhere. As a result, I spent a lot more time with adults than with kids my age.
Then, I went to college. Since I got married the first time at 18, I had to work while going to college. It took me 9 years to get my 4 year degree, going part time, a semester on/a semester off. I was always the oldest student in the classes and married to boot.
Fast forward to my 30th year. I am now divorced and dating again. But, everyone out there is younger than I am. What is this all about? When I was dating in high school, everyone was single. Now all the guys are either my age and married, my age and divorced with kids, or a whole lot younger than me. Once again, out of sync.
My DH and I meet and get married. He is 6 years younger than I am - oh well. We get married when I am 35. The old clock is ticking so we don't want to waste any time starting a family. God, however, has other plans.
5 years later, and after infertility tests and treatments, we are expecting our first child. I will be 40 when she is born! Our second comes along when I am 44.
I don't even need to tell you how out of sync I am with the other moms of kids the same age as mine! I am old enough to be THEIR moms! And my cousins, who are my age, are bringing their grandkids to the family reunion. Yep, you guessed it, their grandkids are the same age as my kids.
I've always felt like I had to apologize for being older. But, as I was looking back over all of this, it seems to me that maybe God has a plan in my being the older one all the time. I think there might be a book in there somewhere!
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Jan. 19, 2009 - The New CPSIA Law
Once again, in an attempt to keep us safe, the government has over regulated us, and is causing some wonderful homeschool resource providers to have to liquidate inventory. While this means great deals for us right now, it means limited affordable resources in the future.
Here is a message from Hands of a Child:
Super Member discount DOES NOT apply to this sale.
Tax and Shipping not included in calculating discount price.
Not valid toward prior purchases.
No rainchecks.
http://www.handsofachild.com/shop/
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Jan. 9, 2009 - Sleeping In
Well, it seems that we slept in this morning, until 9:00 A.M.! I am usually up at 6:00, so this was new to me.
Funny though, our homeschooling day seemed to go much smoother. Maybe we were just more relaxed today. Whatever, the extra sleep was a bonus!
We have started a(nother) new chore system. I made a page with pockets for each of the girls. One pocket for chores to do and another to use when the chores are done. I used bright colored index cards and wrote chores on them.
Each morning I place chores in the "To do" pocket. The girls do them, and when they are completed, they move the card to the done pocket.
I used cardstock and scrapbooking supplies to make them decorative, and made inserts for each day as well.
This as worked pretty well this week. We'll see if it carries over.
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Jan. 2, 2009 - The Last Hurrah
Since today was the last day before we start back to school on Monday, the girls and I went to the local paint your own pottery place. We had a lot of fun. The girls each painted a mug - Katie's was a monkey mug, and Amanda's a frog. I painted a post it note holder - yawn.
I have given the girls the task of choosing one thing they want to study when we start back next week. Amanda has chosen bluebirds. While there are not a lot of books at the library on bluebirds, there is a lot of information online. I also have some plans for a bluebird nesting box, she and her Daddy can make.
Katie has settled on a flower, but I need her to choose one. We have some friends who own a greenhouse, so I was thinking about seeing if we could do a tour.
I told both girls they had to do a project to present to all of us. It can be whatever they want - a paper, a play, a picture a project. Katie is actually volunteering to do a science project. She wants to see if a summer flower can live in the winter outdoors.
Tonight, we all cooked dinner together - tacos. Then we played Mancala, and Do You Know ( a cool biblical card game we got from Christian Book Distirbutors). It was a nice family evening.
I am finding that homeschooling is indeed increasing our family unity. I also am amazed to see that I am more patient with my kids now that I am homeschooling. Kind of blows a hole in the argument my friends make who have kids in PS. You know the one, I am not patient enough to have my kids around me all day.
This revelation got me to thinking that I was not so patient when my kids were gone all day to PS. Maybe being around them, and actually getting to know them breeds patience!
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Dec. 30, 2008 - New Year's Ruminations
It's been awhile since I have posted. Oh well, the best laid plans of mice and bloggers.
The New Year is upon us. I despise resolutions, mostly because I never keep them. I fail at enough stuff and don't need a list to remind me.
So, I am just ruminating about the past year and the one to come. Financially, last year stunk. Next year doesn't look so good either. All we can do is try to cut expenses, and pray.
Our first 4 months of homeschooling had it's ups and downs, just like everyone I suppose. After struggling with Amanda and phonics, and trying to get her to read the words in books and not guess from the pictures, something finally clicked right before Christmas.
She is still working on the mechanics of reading, but now she read signs out loud, and tries to sound more things out. Hurrah!
Katie is still sporadic in her reading. Sometimes she latches onto a book and reads, and then at other times she would rather be on the computer or listening to her iPod. So, I will probably download some books to her iPod.
I am still struggling with the school mentality. Some days are easier than others. Some days I can see the girls making progress even when we don't get x number of worksheets done. I decided to keep the basic worksheets, phonics, math, spelling, and let the girls choose a topic to research. We will head to the library on Monday and start on those topics.
I am hoping for a good snow. A nice day to sit in our jammies all day, and drink hot chocolate, and watch movies. I would love to see the girls get to play in a nice snow, it's been a few years since we had anything substantial here in NC.
I continue to read homeschooling books. Right now I am finding encouragement from Dr. Ruth Beechick. One of my issues is comparing where Katie is to her 5th grade PS counterparts. Dr. Beechick reminds me that scope and sequence are just an administrative tool for the schools, not a benchmark for the students.
So, next year we will tackle decluttering the house - that counts as a life skill right?
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Nov. 5, 2008 - Saxon to Singapore
When Katie was in PS she loved math, and did really well. When we started hsing this year, we started with Saxon 65. Once we did the assessments to see where she actually was, we switched to 76. But, she hated it.
I got tired of struggling with her and doing math each day. So, I finally decided to bite the bullet and try Singapore. Since it is not pricey, it was worth a try. I got the 5A textbook, workbook and home instructor's book.
We started it today, and she loved it. She liked the workbook format, and we are still working on the same concepts as we were doing in Saxon. Honestly, I think Katie was a bit jealous of Amanda's first grade math worksheets with the pictures.
Whatever, this seems to be working! Yay!
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Oct. 29, 2008 - Just Like Any Other Job
Something dawned on me yesterday. Being a homeschool Mom is pretty much like any other job out there.
This revelation came to me after we had a frustrating day on Monday, followed by a good day on Tuesday. When I was out in the paid workforce, there were tough, frustrating days, weeks even. Why did I think homeschooling would be a breeze every day?
Maybe because I have such high hopes for homeschooling and our family. Maybe because some days I can see the closeness my girls are developing. Maybe because I have read so much about how great homeschooling is, and I never seem to read about the days you want to put your kids in the car and take them to the nearest public school as fast as you can drive!
I think that since this job I have takes place in my home, it seems immune to the normal things that effect a job "out there". But every job has it's trials. Budgets not met, employees that don't do what they are supposed to do. So why should being a homeschooling mom be any different?
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