• Apr. 30, 2008
Update...

Can you believe the school year is almost over?  We have about 2 weeks of full-time lessons left fot the years.  Of course, we will still do "educational activities" through the summer, but they'll be more hands-on and artistic type lessons. 

I've been taking care of a toddler for more than a year and a half.  She lives with her grandparents, but she spends more time with us than anyone else and has become a part of the family.  On Saturday, her mother will come to take her back to New York with her.  We are very sad to see this little sweetheart leave us.  Our prayers go with her for a wonderful life.  I don't think we'll ever see her again. We worry about what the future holds for her.     There have been a lot of tears shed around here already by my children as well as me. 

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• Aug. 25, 2007
Homeschool Buyers Co-op

Well, the schoolroom isn't quite as organized as I'd like, but it's good enough that we can use it now.  Although we do learning activities all year round, we always have an official start and end of school year. 

Wednesday was our official first day and my daughter was so excited that she woke early and was ready before the rest of us.  It was so sweet!  She even had time to watch out the window as the school bus came to take her neighborhood friends to their school.  The kids have been enjoying their first week, although they were a little disappointed that I had full lessons planned for them...no fluff that elementary public school kids get to adjust to their new teacher and class in the first week. 

Art and Spanish will be added more regularly this year.  I'm not strong in either so those subjects have always been more hit and miss in the past.  But, this year I'm going to make myself teach these subjects or find a class for them to attend. 

I recently received information about a Homeschool Buyer's Co-op.  Maybe you've already heard of this, but I hadn't.  It looks incredible.  The whole idea behind it is that schools buy in volume and can benefit from discounts that companies offer...so why shouldn't homeschoolers do the same?  Here's the info if you want to check it out for yourself:

Homeschool Buyers Co-op

Let me know what you think or if you've had experience with this.
Have a great day!
Rhonda

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• Jul. 9, 2007
Do you use a lesson planner?

We've decided to start some 1/2 days now because we're going to take a longer vacation than normal.  The kids agreed that it's better to get ahead now instead of playing catch-up later.  And,  who wants to do school work on vacation?!? 

What do you use for a lesson planner? 

I print and bind my own weekly planner each year.  I just never found one on the market that has everything I want in it.  So, a few years ago I printed my own 52 week (full year) planner.  I document our lessons and study time all year long so a 40 week planner just doesn't meet my needs. 

In it I include: a daily schedule, our public school district calendar (so we know when the other kids are out of school), a complete listing of holidays, a 2 year calendar, a notes section, and all the curriculum I'm using for this school year.  

It is somewhat time consuming...but only because I take so long in deciding what will work best each year.  Now that it's complete, I just fill in the blanks with the lessons each day, how much time we spent on the lesson, grades (optional), and I'm done!   In my state, we are required to have a journal or lesson plan and a log of our hours so I have a running total of hours at the bottom of the page. 

On a personal note:  I'm concerned about my mom now.  She has a chronic condition that can become life-threatening.  She is having more trouble right now and refused to be admitted to the hospital last week for a severe infection. The doctor had no choice but to give her outpatient care.  She's an incredibly strong person and I trust her judgement with her health but I still worry.  I'm praying for her...

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• Jul. 2, 2007
Language Arts/Reading recommendations...

Hey, how about that?  I remembered to blog!  YAY!  I feel like a kindergartener who was just praised by her parent-teacher!  ha ha ha

I'm thinking about the 2007-2008 school year and will tweak our schedule a little.  Last year was the best ever school year in every way.  We took more field trips, participated in numerous co-ops, finished our work on time daily, and stayed focused. 

I'm still working on the school room. We really have to have it done before the next year begins.   In the past, we've tried it both ways...having our home and school strictly defined and having them all-in-one.  Last year it was all-in-one and it became frustrating for the kids when their public school friends would come in to play and disturb their work to "look" at it.  For some reason, after all these years, our public school friends still feel the need to compare what we're learning to what they're learning.  I am sad for them because they seem to be envious of our situation. 

Ok....now to the Language Arts/Reading recommendations....

The program I'm going to try this year is one recommended by a good friend.  It's called The Elson Readers published by Lost Classics Book Company.  What I like about it is that the reading is filled with wonderful stories from the world's greatest writers.  It is "wholesome literature that views the world of nature with awe and which upholds the ideals of service to others and country and encourages sound moral development in the reader."  All the stories are in one book along with discussion questions and phrases for study after each story.  The teacher's manual includes the activities and vocabulary from the stories.  There are a few stories in each unit and each unit begins with student objectives and ends with a review.  It is intended for children working from the primer level through 8th grade.  Their website is at www.lostclassicsbooks.com  or you can call 1-888-611-book. 

Last year I found Total Language Plus and the kids really enjoy it.  I'll still use it also.  (I'm very eclectic).  Unlike Elson, it is a curriculum that requires you to purchase or borrow (library) the literature book.  Each book is completed slowly and will take 6-8 weeks on average.  It is a total language curriculum including: reading, language arts, grammar, writing, vocabulary, spelling, and extended activities from a Christian perspective.  There is a recommended schedule to use at the beginning of each manual that is easily adjusted to the needs of your family. Each unit (usually a week) the child is introduced to 2-3 scripture verses relevant to the story they are reading.  It can be used from grades 3-12 but be sure to look at the "novel groups" link for more information on difficulty level and grade level recommendation.  Their website is totallanguageplus.com and then find a representative in your state. 

To be honest we'll probably use Elson somewhat like TLP because the kids love that format so much.

Have a great day!

Rhonda

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• Jun. 19, 2007
I need to get motivated...

I couldn't wake up today.  I looked at the clock and had an overwhelming feeling of being "bad" because I wasn't out of bed, but I still couldn't drag myself up.  The kids were also still sleeping and I knew I should be getting them up.  My DH left for work an hour earlier and I was still snoozing.  How wrong is that?  Oh well, I guess I needed it since I haven't slept well the past week. 

Father's Day was good.  We spent it with my dad and family.  I think my dh was disappointed that his father wouldn't come to visit but he didn't let it show to anyone else.  That's dh's style - don't let them know they hurt you. 

It's just a lazy summer day around here.  Hot outside and not doing much more than housework.  The kids are getting ready for their friends which is always a good motivator to get them to clean their rooms. 

I know I have organizing to do.  The basement won't organize itself!   It's been four days since I last worked on it so I need to take advantage of my time.  I'm trying to get all their school stuff seperated from our family stuff to make it easier for them.  They seem to do better if they have it in it's own place. 

So, I guess I didn't really have anything exciting to blog.  I'm just trying to be better about doing it. 

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• Jun. 14, 2007
No Good at Blogging

Nope, I'm no good at this.  I get distracted by my busy life and forget to write. 

I'm back on track and feeling good.  The last year was a whirlwind with plenty to do and plenty of chaos and disappointment.  Of course, grandma is still missed and I still tear-up just about everyday but I have to admit that I was glad to see 2007 come into view as it signified the beginning of better times. 

We finished our lessons on time and are enjoying the summer.  It feels SO good!  We're doing lots of summer activities and I feel that my children are benefiting from my organization. 

My "project" for the summer is to conform a storage room in our basement to a kid-friendly hangout.  It'll be a lot of work but we're all energized to get it done and work just a couple hours each day so we still have time for fun. 

Wish us luck on getting it done by August!
Have a terrific day.

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• Sep. 4, 2006
New school year...

I can't believe how time has gotten away from me.  I've been terrible about writing.  A new school year is upon us and we've gotten off to a good start.

We've changed a few things this year.  First, we're doing more lessons in the comfort of our living room and kitchen rather than the "school room."  We are also going to use SOS for both children this year.  We'll see how this goes.  I've also decided to make one day a week our  "Educational Activities Day" which means that we do other educational activies besides our pre-packaged curriculum.  I'm excited about this and hope the kids love it, too!

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• Mar. 26, 2006
The best grandma...

Yesterday, I lost my grandma.  She was the best grandma a child of any age could imagine having. I miss her so much already.

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• Jan. 18, 2006
Me? A public speaker?

Last night I did something I didn't ever think I'd do....I was a public speaker. WHOA!

You see, I belong to an local area homeschool support group.  As a means of helping to increase our understanding and commitment to one-another, our leaders have asked members who have non-typical situations to speak and educate the group. 

So, I was asked to speak.  I was fortunate to have another mom who shares similar experiences to speak with me so that made it much easier.  However, I was nervous and wondered if I was making any sense to my audience. 

The reward, for me, came at the end of the meeting when a mom from the audience approached me with more questions.  At first, I thought she was only being polite by showing an interest.  Then she shared with me that my story sounded just like hers and she needed to know my opinion on what to do next.

WOW!  I hadn't expected to help another family...just to educate the group.  I am so blessed that God put me where I needed to be to help this fabulous mom.  A year ago I was the one needing help and now I can "pay it forward." 

Get a free computer

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• Jan. 13, 2006
FRIDAY THE 13th

I didn't even realize the date until my pastor referred to it in his daily email today.  Now, I'm not supersitious but since it's believed by some that this date has gotten it's bad wrap from Christian history it sure makes ya wonder.

Well, let's see what bad things are happening in my life today.

1.  My babies are home with me...laughing and learning. 

2.  My hubby is getting a job promotion and today is his last day in his old job.

3.  We're all healthy today.

4.  Our families are emotionally close to us (if not physically) and care.

5.  We have good friends who call just to say hello.

6.  We have a home.

7.  We have food.

8.  Today is PAYDAY!!!  YAY!  Gotta love this day!

9.  My kids are in a great mood!

10. The SUN is SHINING!

Hmmm...

Yup, looks like a lot of BAD things are happening today.

HA HA HA

Have a Happy Friday the 13th!

TGIF

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• Jan. 12, 2006
Should we get up early and rush?

Getting up in the morning and actually getting started for the day is my worst enemy.  It always has been...I remember my mom pouring water on me to get me out of bed and to school on time.  Oh how that made me MAD!!! 

I know my children are led by example.  Sometimes I worry that I'm not helping them to become mature, responsible adults by allowing them to sleep in and take their time getting ready for the day.  Then I think, "Why should they constantly have to rush and be pressured?"  I mean, don't they have to deal with that the REST of their lives?  We homeschool and it's not like we have anywhere to be first thing in the morning.  Why NOT let them be relaxed for now?

I'm blessed that my husband, who is an early riser, is not too disturbed by our attitude about this.  He works two jobs to support us (and allow me to stay home), so sometimes it's late before he gets home for the day.  Knowing that we don't have a scheduled time to rise allows us to let the kids have more time with their daddy each day.  Sometimes they don't get to bed until after 10:30!  But, if they didn't stay up, then there would be days that they didn't see their daddy at all.

I guess this will always be an internal battle that I deal with...the torn feeling between rules and structure vs. relaxing and enjoying the ride.

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• Jan. 11, 2006
What am I doing?

Tonight I sit here surrounded by the gentle sounds of deep sleep as I look into my children's angelic faces.  It is a rare night, they have fallen into a deep slumber much earlier than what is typical in our household. 

As I write, I reflect on my life.  I've been the wife to a wonderful husband for the past thirteen years and the mother to the two most precious people I've ever known. My life has turned out just the way I imagined...but totally different than I imagined. 

Yes, I have the husband and the children.  We have the home with the huge fenced yard on the corner.  We have the two dogs, four fish, and until recently the microsquirrel which got out of his cage and caught in a mousetrap.  But, I'm not doing anything I ever imagined.  My life has not turned out the way I planned.

I didn't always want to homeschool.  In fact, the thought never crossed my mind.  As a elementary school teacher it seemed, well, wrong.  Of course, that was before I had children.

So, what am I doing?  Why do I subject myself to the endless responsibility of child-rearing and educating?  Why do I forfeit my life for theirs?  Why do I allow myself to always be last when filling up the "needs glass?"

Love. 

It's that simple.  I love my children and my husband.  I would do just about anything for them.  I've been called "weird" for my convictions and that's okay.  I love being weird.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, my life isn't what I planned.  Who's is?  Wouldn't that be boring if we all could plan the next 70 years of our life when we were just emerging from childhood.  I didn't plan my life...but I embrace it.

I hope you can embrace yours too.  It's not always easy...or happy.  But it's yours.

Sweet Dreams...

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