Nov. 6, 2009 - Wrappy Week x2 (The sick and the soggy)
Wrapping up our week I’ll say, the past 2 weeks actually, we’ve been “sharing” this “crud.” Some days it feels like we’re being very productive and other days seem like a blur of tissues, naps and pushing fluids. I’ll have all the kids gathered around to read, then get myself into a coughing fit. This happened Tuesday. Instead of reading I put on the new version of “The Count of Monte Cristo” with Jim Kevezal and counted that as classic Literature for the day! Last night I was up and down with the baby, who had a fever, so today has been slow to say the least. To make myself feel better here’s what we have accomplished in the last two weeks:
1.) Read our bibles and prayed together everyday. Prayed for our unsaved family, our country and for God to bring an end to Abortion/Murder. Listened to the bible on DVD while we eat and several Kenneth Copeland teachings.
2.) Zion finished two chapter books. The Swiss Family Robinson last week and The Wind in the Willows this week. I've found him in the bathroom with a stack of books and he will not come out until he's read them all. He also watched the classic Swiss Family Robinson movie and compared all the differences from the book (he says the book is better :)
3.) Jadin was greatly inspired to read an adult version of Star Wars and even though he’s only managed to complete the first few pages, he’s pushing himself onward none the less (even carries the book with him when we go out) He’s also been found sitting working on his level readers on his own...Praise God! His goal in life right now is to read a Chapter Book like Zion. I know at 9 many kids are reading chapter books, however I also know, except in the case with Zion, most 6 year olds are not. Jadin is at least inspired by Zion and we've had many deep conversations about God's developing individual plan for each person. Zion's passion is reading and he can hardly draw a stick person (but his stick people are so sweet). Jadin drew a life like Jesus on the Cross, during breakfast this morning, and yet is still in reader booklets. I say, and I think Ruth Beechick would agree with me and I know GOD is leading their learning, that Jadin IS reading and he IS progressing at his own God given pace. This journey with his struggles with reading is drawing him closer to God and giving him a testimony already.
4.) We’ve watched a lot of good Christian television during this time. It’s nice to have our faith built up together and, even if we're taking turns blowing our noses, at least it's like church in the living room. Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort's “The Way of the Master” is on awesome show that teaches Christians how to witness. We’ve also enjoyed watching “It’s Supernatural” with Sid Roth….talk about a faith builder! We’ve enjoyed stories of God’s deliverance and supernatural intervention, like the story of a boy who was in a coma for 3 months and during that time Jesus took him to heaven with Him (his family's website is here http://www.rethamcpherson.com/ ) We also watched “The Passion of the Christ” as our Church one Sunday when we were too sick to go and we watched another wonderful DVD called “Prophecies from the Passion” that broke down all the old testament prophecies of Jesus being the Messiah. Not bad topics to fill their little hearts with!
5.) We went to our Church’s Harvest Party on the 30th and spent a fun afternoon at the Children’s Museum with two other homeschool families yesterday. Both days we felt "good" so we pushed and went out.
6.) Jadin finished his Multiplication Lapbook and Zion continues to work on his Math Fun Facts Lapbook. Zion also finished a Star Wars Lapbook he decided to do himself. Both the boys continue to add to their quote mini-book within their George Washington Lapbook.
7.) We all got up with Daddy at 5:30 am to get to the polls and voted (and our guy won!). The political process in action!
8.) Math, Reading, Writing…the basics…still have gotten done. I accomplished setting up all the boys Notebooks in a modified “Workbox” system. I filled each of their notebooks (besides room for their special notebooking pages) with worksheets of new skills and/or review skills I want them to cover. I’ve had a day or two where I’ve needed a lot of rest and I’ve said “o.k. boys, you go pick your pages in your notebooks and bring it to me when your done.” Zion has worked on counting money, basic subtraction and telling time. Jadin has worked on multiplication, reviewing subtraction to the ten thousands place w/ borrowing and rounding to the nearest 100,000. We still use the MATH U SEE manipulatives but I've found all their math for free, and printed it out with my ink cartridge that I refill 7 times with a $10 refill kit from Wal-mart, on sites like http://www.tlsbooks.com/thirdgradeworksheets.htm , http://www.printactivities.com/MathQuiz.html , http://www.math-drills.com/multiplication.shtml , http://www.multiplication.com/index.htm , http://www.hsadvisor.com/bookstore/3rd-grade/math/workbooks/ , (It's endless ANY resource you need to teach your children for free or almost free is out there and I'm finding them) In their Language Arts Notebook they’ve worked on everything from alphabetizing, grammar reviews and crossword puzzles. I have been working on all the cutting out involved in starting their new Grammar Lapbook that will most likely take them all year to complete, but we're still a few weeks away from starting. Jadin has been doing his dictation from Psalm 139 again, getting it in his heart, and boy is his spelling improving…Charlotte Mason and Ruth Beechick were right! As I read him the passage I only tell him how to spell a word when he needs it. Forget spelling curriculum for us. We‘ll use the Good Book! Zion did copywork of a verse everyday.
9.) All four kids and I, for the 2nd month in a row, did our Once-A-Month Shopping trip together. My big mishap was forgetting the Baby’s sling, so I pushed the double stroller, Zion was my “runner” and Jadin pushed a cart. EVERYBODY in the store stared…yes, a mother OUT with all her children (I guess instead of locking them in daycare or shipping them off to the Government?) and the children were engaged in the shopping process (o.k. Naomi did try to lick the floor a few times, but other then that is was very successful). We just filled one cart, parked it and filled another. We learned patience’s, perseverance, consumer math, and we got to love on some people who stared-by smiling great big! It’s my own personal Pro-Life Campaign, wink.
10.) We had a picnic. In the sunshine. In November! (Pictures below in the previous post)
11.) Jadin and I did make it to one play practice. I sounded ridiculous b/c my voice was almost gone. But Jadin got to be on stage and work on when he comes in with the others in the play. ((We're both doing our Church's Christmas play together))
12.) I’m sure there more, however, it has all kind of run together. We are getting better and we still believe Jesus IS our healer even when we’re under attack in our health. It’s still all getting done, even though my perfect plan has not unfolded everyday. To God be the Glory, He’s STILL on the throne!
If you look closely you can see he's got a clock, and ice cream cone with his 9 facts, houses with his 2's, 5's and 10's etc. He's had a lot of fun working on it. It's still a work in progress.
Jadin and his fellow homeschooling buddy acting out sword fights...it's serious stuff!
Sweetgirl is not left out of the fun. Here she is painting her "Hello Kitty" face & working in her garden.
Gaby being cute! One of my besties and our matching babies.
Zion and his buddy. Jadin work'n out!
Zion's "Dulles Space Center." All the homeschool'n boys say "Operation"
Here it is November 2 and we ate our lunch on a quilt by our pond! We even brought out Gabriel. Naomi was well overdue for her nap at this point, but by the Grace of God we ate our lunch and completed another Chapter in our Narnia book. Then we headed back inside where Naomi went down for her nap and the boys had free reading time. Zion is on chapter 7 in “The Wind in the Willows” and Jadin has started a Star Wars book that I feel like is way beyond his current reading level. I’ve read great stories from mom’s from when their kids grabbed hold of a subject they loved, yes even Star Wars, that their kids pushed themselves to that reading level and had great success. Jadin pushed himself for over an hour and conquered several words he hasn’t encountered in his other readers. He wasn’t frustrated or hard on himself. I call this a great day!
We've fallen hard with the lapbooking bug. I don't know if we'll ever recover...or...if we want too! We're just having too much fun to stop!!! Yeah for hands-on-learning and creativity in full measure!
Zion working diligently on his Math Facts Lapbook. In this picture he's writing his 8 addition facts on the back of "letters" he made that then in turn fit into a "mail box."
Jadin, letting the creative juices flow, in his Times Tables lapbook.
It may get messy, but isn't that part of the fun, even for preschool? Here's Naomi enjoying her creative freedom with her lapbook. She had to dress up for the occasion.
More to come! The boys are also creating their individual Star Wars (and Lego Star Wars) lap books in their “free time” and their George Washington lapbooks continue.
Sunday after church we attended our local children’s museums 6th birthday party. The kids made “Chicken Squawkers,” homemade harmonicas, played various special games and ate chocolate cake. Even daddy showed up for the fun.
Naomi and Zion making their chickens Naomi being a cashier
Daddy giving Naomi a hand on the rock climbing wall
Monday we spent the day at the National Mall. My mom weaved us into DC with our oh-so-lovely GPS and we parked 1 block from the mall. After baby number 3 I gave up taking the Metro in (Scary to say as a teen my buddy and I would hop on the Metro and tour the museums on weekends). There’s never enough room for all our gear and we’re crammed in w/ commuters who stare at us like we’re animals (you know CHILDREN OUT during the day?!). We could spend a month “doing DC” everyday and still not scratch the surface of all it offers. I still try to spend a day at the Museums and/or National Zoo a few times a year. It is such a wonderful resource. This time most of our day was spent at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Right when we came in the door the boys saw the original C3PO suit and they were thrilled! I did not realize they now have a large collection of Thomas Edison’s original journals, light bulbs, drawings etc. A lot of the items from his laboratory are there. We also saw Abraham Lincolns famous top hat and Jacket he was wearing the night he was shot. They had a great hands on kids science lab called “Spark Lab.” SO MUCH, we could have just spent a week in that one building. As it was we only did two of the three levels.
Feel'n the love of "the hat!" C3PO! C3PO! C3PO! C3PO! C3PO! C3PO!
Edison's Journals Catching a train!
Next we went to go to my favorite Smithsonian Museum, the Museum of Natural History. At first I was excited because I was reading their signs for their new Monarch butterfly exhibit, since we studied Monarchs this fall. Then I started reading the fine print “Monarchs-Partners in Evolution.“ What!? By the time we got to the front door we were bombarded with Darwin and Evolution propaganda everywhere!
Really? They had to go and mess with our butterflies?! Leave the Monarchs out of this!
Nope, Sorry, Na-da! We're NOT "celebrating" ANYONE other than Jesus Christ!
To HIM be the GLORY...not this dead man.
***GAG-SNORT-BURP!*** In short we skipped the Museum of Natural History. I haven’t been under my rose colored glasses and not known they taught Darwinism. However, before I could pick our exhibits, enjoy what we wanted etc AND AT LEAST GET IN THE DOOR!
The National Gallery of Art was breathtaking. I had not allotted a large chunk of time for there b/c I didn’t know how long the three year old would last in the quite art gallery (since she was licking the carpet at the Homeschoolers Day at the National Portrait Gallery we attended last fall ;) She did wonderful and really enjoyed it. Of course I have no photos to show from there b/c cameras are not allowed. We saw a wonderful exhibit of Spanish Knight and horse Armor from the 15th and 16th century. We also enjoyed the Renoir and Monet galleries. That night we visited with my dad’s sister, which was special b/c it was his birthday and he died 16 years ago (unbelievable). She’s an artist so Jadin had a whole box of her supplies out breathless (I got a lot of Christmas ideas from that, wink). We spread out in her living room and settled in for the night.
"The BIG PENCIL!" (Are we the only one's that call the Washington Monument that?)
A little wild fun!
LETS DANCE!
Naomi putting on a show
Good Night!
The next morning we headed out to Mt. Vernon early. I had not been there since I was 9 (and my mom said it’s been since she was 9 too). WOW! I wish I was more articulate at this point or could just insert a movie of our day *here*. They have made so many improvements. When we first got there we watched a 20 minute movie that was a wonderful overview of his life. Next we walked the property, what we could of the 50 acres anyway. We took pictures on the bowling green and toured the house. We got to see the bed he died in and his study complete with his family bible. We enjoyed the stable, his carriage, gardens, etc. We went to a talk with “Martha Washington.” They have a new education center and museum. The education center was so complete that we thought we also toured the museum and found out later we had not....there was more! The education center had the forensic remaking of what George would have looked like in his younger days. It had his sword from the French and Indian war. We got to touch an actual cannon ball from the revolutionary war, how cool is that! They had his original dentures on display, now that is learning! We learned about his war horse Nelson and about so many other aspects of his life. Talk about bringing our study of George Washington alive! I also went to their teacher resource center, as an educator, I received a fat folder with worksheets, DVD and computer software etc. We had to skip several exhibits and additional films just based on time alone. We spent over 6 hours there. I can’t wait to go back and hit what we missed!
Mt. Vernon "back" Mt. Vernon "front"
The boys on the Potomac George Washington's Carriage
Of course during these two days immersed in American history the boys appetites were wetted for MORE George Washington and the Revolutionary War. Wednesday we spent the morning unpacking and cleaning, you know the regrouping once your back home. However, in the afternoon we spent a good four or five hours on their “Life of George Washington” lapbooks. I will post pictures of those on next wrap up, they look really great! I’ve never seen kids so excited about “writing George Washington Quotes!” The kids also jumped back in with their math, grammar etc. We're doing another lapbook on Grammar that I plan will take us most of our year. It will give them a great resource in their hands to refer too. Lately I've been spending alot of time on http://cindyrushton.com/ and have printed off a wonderful volume of free notebooking pages that we're woking in. Lapbooks and Notebooks will have to be another post!
Football is almost over. Zion played wonderful in his game Thursday (and did not cry ! ) Jadin has two make up games this week and he's done. Friday morning we all woke up with runny noses, coughs etc. I was fevered and just didn't feel like moving. The kids piled in my bed and I read to them for two hours. Then we landed in the living room and watched Fiddler on the Roof for the afternoon. Boy, that is such an educational movie. It led to great discussions on Russia and the kids looked up Siberia in the atlas. We discussed Jewish customs, the law, arrangement marriages and how to write a screen play. Whew! That's what I call "Couch Schooling" for a sick day. Last evening was still Travis and I's much needed date night so we loaded up on our dayquil and ventured out dispite how we felt. We hit all the exciting places, IHOP (even though I couldn't taste my food), the dollar tree and wal-mart. We are so cool, tee-hee. I spent my shopping time buying more hand’s on supplies for the kids and he bought stuff to change the oil in the mini van. It was fun and nice to have no background noise and just be together. We also made the horrible mistake of trying to see a movie, we just got up and left 30 minutes into it. YUCK! And that's all I'll say about that. So where does all this leave us? Still sick this weekend. We've just canceled all our plans, football games, church etc and are staying home watching movies, drinking ginger ale and taking on/off naps. A whole 'lotta nothing outta fix us! ((AND Thank You Jesus we ARE healed!!!)
That's my LATE wrap up of our week. If you'd like to read more timely wrap up's CLICK HERE!
We’ve been off this week! My mom, who is faithful at joining us for all our field trips, was sick earlier this week. Thanks to homeschooling freedom I just erased the 2-day DC field trip from last Monday/Tuesday and wrote it on our calendar for next Monday/Tuesday. Wha-la! Education marches on and onward Christian soldiers! Monday we were very blessed with getting two guinea pigs complete with food and large separate cages from freecycle! I told our children that even though our plans had changed for that day God still was directing our steps and had a hidden blessing. We don't know much about our "piggies" (as Naomi calls them ) but we are getting them use to us by feeding them their veggies while we hold them. Our boys have been praying for an indoor pet, namely a Hamster or mouse. I told them that they'd really have to talk to God about that because Daddy does not like indoor pets unless it's a cat. Somehow my husband was moved by God Himself when I told him about the guinea pig's give away and he let me get them...what-a-guy! Now the rule is though, he doesn't want to see them. So their upstairs in the school room and we're not "rubbing it in his face." I told the boys this was 100% a God Thing!
I let the kids joyously “do whatever they wanted” on Tuesday and Wednesday. These two days were filled with an abundance of Star Wars movies, Wii, tire swing and bike riding. I stayed tied to the computer printing off our resources for our next go round of “official” school. “The Plan” includes several lap books this go round with a healthy dose of kitchen science and crafts. Yes, we’re in for some learning messes! Yesterday we had our monthly homeschool co-op style group. Our theme this year is the Continents and this meeting covered South America. I made a rain forest matching game for the preschool class I taught. I don’t think my little students got home with the exact pieces they colored but it was a good lesson on sharing (this means I forgot my trusty sharpie marker to write their names on their bags….opps!) Zion’s class time dealt with map reading and topography and Jadin’s class read several missionary stories from that area. After “grade appropriate” classes in the morning we had our community pot luck lunch also with a South American theme, which gave all us casserole making mommas free liberty with the main ingredient of rice (insert Forest Gump movie sence here "we had rice salad, rice and beans, chicken n' rice, rice pudding, chili w/ rice, you get the idea), then we broke off into afternoon club time. Jadin is in art club and Zion is in Lego club. Jadin is working on his rough draft for a sketch that he has to show completed at the next meeting. He’s also excited that at the end of our meeting year his club will be holding an Art Show. Jadin also loved the missionary stories his class read so much that we went home and watched “End of the Spear” for our much needed relaxing time. Today we had to run errands and went out to eat with Grandmother. Naomi went with her for her own “girl time” sleep over (she will NOT want to come back home). The boys are having another good, Star Wars loving, buddy over for a sleep over tonight. They are instructed to stay up as late as they want, eat all the pizza and popcorn they want and watch all the Star Wars/play all the Wii they want. It’s funny, after only a few hours of being able to do whatever they want they’re currently spread out on our school room floor drawing together. The TV is off and it's good 'ol pencil and paper as entertainment. Whenever they get up tomorrow I plan on taking them all to the Children’s Museum for the rest of the day before we drop their buddy back off at home. Now I need a week off from the “week off.”
And it’s going to snow! We did receive a call from our foster/adoptive agency about a “very small chance” placement in the future of a severely handicapped child. Actually when I heard the medical needs of this child I laughed to myself because being a nurse the “severe” needs would be very manageable for me (“manageable“ in that I‘ve dealt with/seen it before….I can‘t manage getting myself out of bed in the morning, let alone anything else, w/o the “BIG“ JC!!!). Please pray for us We’re very ready and willing for any placements. We just want HIS best and HIS will!
That's my wrap up of our very unwrapped week! Check out how other homeschoolers got wrappy with their weeks HERE at the Weekly Wrap up!
“Constitution Day” at James Madison’s home, Montpellier in Orange, VA. Met Lynne Channey, former Vice President Dick Channey’s wife. Also the author “We the People: The Story of our Constitution”
Visited George Washington’s childhood home “Ferry Farm” in Fredericksburg, VA.
Visited National Mall: Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museum of American History, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, NASA Air and Space Museum,
Visited Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s adult home.
~SCIENCE~
Topics: Ants, Butterflies, Natural Disasters.
Reading: “Inside an Ant Colony”
“All about Ants”
“Army Ant Parade”
“Ants”
“Where Butterflies Grow”
“Becoming Butterflies”
“An Extraordinary Life: The story of a Monarch Butterfly.”
“Monarch Butterflies: Mysterious Travelers.”
“The Butterfly”
“Swallowtail Butterflies”
“Life of the Butterfly”
“Hurricanes, Tsunamis and other natural disasters.”
“Earthquakes”
“Floods”
Science DVD’s:
“African Driver Ants”
“Raging Planet Floods”
“Raging Planet Hurricanes”
“Raging Planet Lighting”
“Raging Planet Tornados”
*Both boys keep Scientific Notebook where they draw observations and draw pictures about scientific topics we read about.*
*Caterpillar/Butterfly life cycle, observed swallowtail butterfly in chrysalis and hatching*
Additional: NASA’s search for water on the Moon and the Lcross mission where they are hitting the moon in an attempt to find water in the shadow craters. Read about the crater names and landscape of the moon’s surface. www.nasa.gov
~BIBLE/FAITH~
Bible Reading completed: The book of Jonah, Daniel, and Acts.
“Jesus Freaks” Martyr Stories continue
Old Testament/Bible on DVD during meals
Joyce Meyer Teaching CD’s and DVD’s
“The Way of the Master” TV series with Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron
“It’s Supernatural” TV series with Sid Roth
Both boys in classes “Potters Kids” and “Bible Buddies” weekly at PHWC
Contenders of the Faith Boys Club at PHWC/bimonthly
Fall Harvest party at PHWC.
Attended “Valley Crusade for Christ” Aug 26-30th at the Fair Grounds. Churchs from around the Valley gather with services, children's church etc.
~LIFE SKILLS~
Our family “Chore Buck” system.
Jadin/Zion each have a list of chores/responsibilities to attend to 1st thing in the morning and throughout the day. In turn they earn “Chore Bucks” to “buy” any Wii/TV time, sleepovers with friends, toys etc.
~ART~
Group Water Color
Personal Drawings
Clay
~PHYSICAL EDUCATION~
Jadin played County League team sports=Tackle Football
Zion played County League team sports=Flag Football
Jadin, Zion and Naomi continue Private Ice-skating lessons and free skate time
~ADDITIONAL ACTIVIES~
Public Library
Children’s Museums (Cville and Hburg)
Friends over for play days/fellowship
Monthly Homeschool Support Group “H.I.S” with class time theme of Continents for 2009-2010 school year. After classtime Jadin is in "Drama Club" and Zion is in "Lego Club."
Our main theme for this week has been literally “wrapping up.” This marks the end of our first 8 weeks of school! We’re doing a year round 8 weeks on/1 week off, with 4 weeks off for Christmas-4weeks off in July-and 5 weeks off “as needed,” schedule. So next week we’re off! Of course we’ve got trips planned, our homeschool group meets and we’re having friends over, so it can still be counted as “lots o’ learning!” I made sure the kids finished up any loose ends, math books, bible copy work, printing book etc. Zion finished another chapter book and started reading “The Swiss Family Robinson.“ Just had to give that little shout out since he is six! We finished reading “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on Wednesday during an 8 hour read-a-thon (which also included other books ;D ) On that day daddy has class after work, and the boys don’t have football practice, so we usually exchange our evening family activities for finishing up any good books we’re pulled into. We still have another book on George Washington that we’ll finish up this weekend. We also researched our local state representatives, read their websites, discussed our upcoming Governors race and read at www.Whitehouse.gov about the 3 branches of government (since no one there does, tee-hee). We also researched online about the Lcross probe that will be hitting the moon on Friday in search for water. This led to reading about the moons craters, crater names and moon orbit. To celebrate the boys successes they went ice skating with their Grandmother this afternoon. Tonight Jadin is getting his special sleepover at her house and tomorrow Zion get’s his. Jadin and I also started practice this week for our churches Christmas play that we’ll both we in together.
This week, while the kids have been finishing up their goals, I’ve been “writing down the vision” for our next 8 weeks. We’re doing a Unit Study on Leonardo Da Vinci and will top it all off with a trip to PA to visit the Da Vinci science center. Check out http://www.leonardoshorse.org/You can just imagine how “deep” we can go with a Da Vinci unit study…the Renaissance, Art, Art History, Science/Inventions. I feel like this 8 week Unit could take over our year, I’m excited! I’ve found a wealth of Da Vinci resources, lap books etc online for free (http://www.homeschoolshare.com ). I love our homeschooling virtual community! I’m ordering several books, I saw on the Sonlight reading list and the Rainbow Resource Catalog, off www.half.com for 80-90% less (some 0.75 cents). I also have decided not to shill out the money for the next Math-U-See levels. Nothing against their product, and I may order from them again. My goal is to homeschool for as little as possible. Jadin is doing really well in his math and I’ve found even more, free, resources online that I can print out for him to meet his objectives. Zion is memorizing his addition facts now and I will bet that after our break when Jadin's working on memorizing his multiplication facts, little brother will be right there with him.
Also, I started another blog. “Keep Your Children” http://keepyourchildren.blogspot.com/ I plan to dive into many issues on there that I don’t always get into thoroughly on here. “By His Grace” is more our family updates with a little homeschooling politics thrown in here and there. “Keep Your Children,” I pray will become more of a resource for families questioning homeschooling vs. public education, womanhood and family topics etc. I'll gladly take any input and ideas. It just makes me so sad that 85% of Christian families send their kids off to the world everyday. Of course even though there's not much on there yet, it took me hours of setting up the site and working out the basics.
That is our weekly wrap up. To check out more go to Weekly Wrap Ups!
Today we did a several hour “Life Skills/Cleaning” morning. 3 loads of laundry folded and put away, toilets scrubbed, all 11 rooms swept or vacuumed, sinks bleached, fireplace and brass dusted, shelves dusted, DVD’s organized, toys picked up and tidy, school room freshened up, shoes organized, mirrors washed etc….etc….etc. Zion also helped me re-bag 25 .lbs of oatmeal into smaller bags for daily use ($12 for a 25 .lbs bag at our local grocery outlet). He discovered 12 cups, or 3 quarts, filled each separate bag. I was very pleased with his impromptu math lesson that I counted it as his math for today. All of this the boys did, or did with minimal assistance, while I made gallons of Baked Ziti for now and later. I like to take a couple hours-however long it takes-once a week and do an overall “super clean” on the house. Normal mornings the boys have approximately an hour of morning chores with small pick-up-after-yourself times during the day. It’s on this keep-mother-happy morning that all those little things that can add up get tackled. About noon we spread a quilt out in the living room and had a picnic lunch, taco chips, while we watched one episode of Star Wars the Clone wars. Any mothers have any thoughts on this latest version? I don’t mind the 6 movies and think the classic “good vs. evil” story is fine because good wins. However, I’m feeling like the images in this new “cartoon” version are very “dark.” I’ll be praying over this and I‘m going to ask the boys to pray about it too. I’m thinking we’ll just stick to the movies, toys, coloring books and whatever other “merchandise” we buy into. Not so sure we’re going to be watching this cartoon much or at all. Thoughts? Back to our day, after our picnic we put Naomi down for her nap (she had learned how to dust today and helped put laundry in the dryer). Then we studied the rise and fall of the Roman Empire in our Usborne Book of World History, to coincide with our book of Acts study. We also read the last part of Acts again. Lots of good historical/biblical times conversation within this reading time. All together we spent a good hour lost in Ancient Rome, which was fine with me! Also this cross referenced with our Volcano study and the story of Pompeii. We then continued with our book on George Washington. Since we were just at Ferry Farm the boys feel like experts on life on the Rappahannock (which their not, yet, but it‘s good they‘re confident.) The boys continued working in their packets given to them at our Ferry Farm visit. By this point it was 3 o’clock and Gabriel and I were feeling a mite bit nappy. He and I just snuggled in for a nursing nap while Jadin and Zion worked on some Star Wars ships out of legos (engineering). I woke up at when Daddy was home. The boys went out for some outside time and rode the tire swing, captured grasshoppers and visited the kittens. Naomi went with her daddy to dump our trash, exciting to a 3-year-old. Somewhere in between playing outside and dinner Jadin did his math (borrowing/subtraction to the 10,000th place value) and read a book to me while I worked. After dinner (that baked ziti reappeared) Jadin helped me for an hour get my new Sunday School curriculum organized. We had 13 weeks worth to divide and sort and his help was much needed. To end the day we watched Glenn Beck with Dad and I (boy, it’s going to !!SNOW!!) started mending clothes (I.e; sowing holes up etc…this shows how amazing God is) I figured being 100% home it’s my job to help and serve my family every way possible. If I need to mend clothes, I’ll mend some clothes. However, when I was being a helpful wife 2 weeks ago and mowing (while my husband was working a 60 hr work week and going to more college classes) I "helpfully" mowed right over a roll of wire…now he’s got to mend the mower!
I’m in a state of total homeschool excitement over this new website I just found
www.homeschoolshare.com WOW! So many great, free, awesome lap books to print off. I even saw one for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe! I would love to start throwing in a lap book into the mix, especially, my favorite word, FREE! I’m making myself be calm and not go into a printing frenzy…yet…because next week is our week off. I plan to customize our next 8 weeks of lessons and lay out our goals/objectives for this time. I’ll post an overview of what we’ve accomplished this past 8 weeks and what our next sessions goals are later in the week. Also, I joined a group (shown on Glenn Beck), called “The sisterhood of the mommy patriots” www.asamom.org So much I could wrote on that, except, go to it for yourself and you’ll see how great it is.
It's a wrap, another great week! One more week left in our 1st 8 week session and we have a week off. Reading is the first thing in our children’s minds when they wake up! (Previous posts you can see how Naomi @ 3 has the “reading bug.”) We had some mornings this week, I never could have “planned” this mind you, where we were up, snuggled on the couches, and over-our-heads in a good book at 7 a.m. We finished a book entitled “Knowing Aslan” (which shows how Christ was the character behind the loving lion). We also started George Washington‘s childhood biography “Our First Leader.” During our Washington reading the boys worked on their study packets they had received from our Ferry Farm trip. These included word searches, coloring sheets, true/false questions etc. We finished our revolutionary story “Johnny Tremain - Boston in revolt” and the boys drew pictures of the Boston Tea Party. They so love the Chronicles of Narina we’re going through the series...again (Previous posts you‘ll see we just finished all 7 books a few weeks ago. However they loved the story so much we just have to read through them again). We finished “The Magicians Nephew” last week and this week we started reading through “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” We also finished the book of Acts and started with the Life of David. We continue to cover several Martyr stories a week in “Jesus Freaks.” Jadin finished his copy work for Psalm 139. One benefit I noticed of his biblical copywork, besides the obvious of continuing to get God’s Word into his heart, is his spelling is greatly improving and this in turn has helped his reading. It’s been slow and steady then God rolls out a week of noticeable advancement, thank you Lord for this encouragement. In science we covered more on Volcanoes, Floods and Earthquakes. We also watched Discovery Channels Raging Plants series on Volcanoes and another on Avalanches. The boys did several art entries in their scientific notebooks from this reading and watching. Zion did his copy and memory work on Philippians 2:19. He also finished another 1st/2nd grade math book. Over our 1 week break I’ll be ordering Zion his first Math-U-See text and Jadin will get his 3rd grade text too.
This week Jadin has completed several pieces of artwork with his usual theme of StarWars. He also has discussed in great detail his desire to major in Fine Arts in College. In his own words he wants to “go to college and draw all day.” It’s very endearing to hear him talk about his plans. I always encourage him that as long as he’s following after God’s plan he’ll do great! How wonderful he’s homeschooled and has these years to seek God’s heart and develop his talents, thank you Jesus. Jadin also wanted to know “how old do I have to be to get married.” Yes, manhood is approaching. There’s this serious business of “wife getting.” I believe because we model a Christian lifestyle and family values this is something we’ve instilled in him. I’ve encouraged him during our “college talks” that many and more homeschoolers are starting college courses in their early teens as part of their high school courses and in turn graduate earlier. There's also all these homeschooled entrepreneurs. No rush though. Stay a “little boy” just a little longer please. All too soon we’ll be mapping our his high school transcripts, taking SAT and CLEP tests, driving the family mini van and yes, courtship. My “man boy” has a great memory for facts and can practically repeat back word for word whatever our read alouds are. Growing up in our household he’s also very political. Jadin can tell you exactly what the latest news is and how it affects the world around us. He’s also an excellent leader with his siblings and loves holding baby Gaby.
Zion, what can I say, he’s a linguistics student in the making. The boy devours the written word in any form. Cereal boxes, street signs, dictionaries, my college text books, the bible. Words and language are as much his passion as art is Jadin’s. He begs for more grammar workbooks, crossword puzzles and word searches. At age 6 Zion read his 1st chapter book this week! He joyously sped through 14 chapters in 2 days, laughing outloud and hardly coming up for air inbetween pages. Animals are another important interest to him. He’ll steal away for an hour visiting our kittens, holding them, talking to them. He’s very interested in this world God created. His “career goals” change from year to year. At four he was going to be a Veterinarian. He learned how to spell this enormous word then and wrote it on all of his notebooks. He’s next occupation was going to be a zookeeper. After the zoo dream he was going to have his own amusement park “Thrillville” (after his favorite Wii game ;) Now he says “I’m going to own my own business so I can be home with my family.” He also wants “at least eleven children.” He’s not too old yet to still hold my hand and I cherish the small time I have left of this "little boy" season with him.
This week Jadin also had football practice two nights. Per yesterdays post we had homeschool friends over for nerf/light saber battles. Today I actually accomplished my once-a-month shopping with all four children to two different stores and we ate out at a restaurant. The kids had such a good workout doing "consumer math" at the discount grocery outlet they sat like angels and ate. We collected a lot of the classic homeschooling compliments “Wow, your children are so well behaved.“ Of course it was a great opportunity for God to grow patience in me all day long ( round trip was 7 hrs with no naps for the little ones)! I meditated on “Love is peaceful, I am peaceful….Love is kind, I am kind…etc." I still would rather go once-a-month with an overflowing minivan and dripping with children, then every week. It also helps me cut costs and meal plan. With our homeschool flexibilty the boys still did their tablework this evening, via math books spread out on the kitchen floor and starwars characters at their sides. Not their norm but it’ll work for today! This weekend we’ve got 2 football games, Christmas play practice and church. Our plans are developing for our week off. Looks like we’ll be doing the National Mall/Museums etc oneday, visit with family, then the following day Mt. Vernon. I'm also voting for at least two "veggie days" when we're off where we stay in our PJ's, eat ice cream and watch movies. Go Team!
This has been our wordy...I mean, um...our weekly wrap up! If you'd like to read more weekly wrap up's click here: WEEKLY WRAP UPS
Forever friends…yeah…that’s the good stuff. I’m very thankful for the friendships God has put in my life. I have a handful of divine connections. Not superficial acquaintances, but a heavenly bond. Thanks God. You know I need it. It’s like God has knit a warm and fuzzy blanket and wrapped our families up in it. Together we’re journeying to seek God’s best for our households. Making sacrifices, laying down desires, picking up crosses, enjoying the journey. It’s so nice to have that understanding and support. When I mention cloth diapers, having more babies (!LOTS!), home schooling, and thrift stores I’m not met with blank stares and the lonely sound of crickets chirping. I love me some good ‘ol “Iron Sharpening Iron.”
We have days at our house that I like to call “Homeschool PE.” It’s really just a family or two coming over, the mom’s catching up while keeping kids alive. The kids having massive light saber and nerf gun battles in-between wolfing down PB&J’s and cookies. It’s high intensity, passionate fellowshipping, home education style! We’re all whooped after our excellent day with God given friends. Can't wait for next time!
One of my favorites, the best daddy ever, burping his sweet "baby Gaby." 8/2009
Gabriel Judah - 3 months old
We LOVE to play dress up!
She's singing her song and dancing along!
Observing "Crunchy" our Monarch Butterfly. His wings were deformed so we put him on a marigold that he could live out his days (hours) in peace. This poor guy will not be wintering in Mexico.
Naomi, sporting her ducky float, VaBeach 2009
Daddy surprised them with Light swords! Busch Gardens 2009
All three kids continue with year round ice skating lessons (Grandmothers fun ;)
Jadin warming up before a lesson. 7/2009
Naomi with her instructor 8/2009
Zion, after a lesson, having free skate time.
Our boys at a local "Tea Party" 7/2009
Naomi LOVES the tire swing her DADDY built for her.
Gabriel and mommy, a lazy day @ the lake. 7/2009
Visiting family @ Lake of the Woods. 7/2009
Dulles Air and Space Museum Summer 2009
Daddy, after blowing up TONS of ballons for the Birthday Bash! Thanks dad!
"Party People" 2009 Birthday Bash!
Boys, enjoying their Birthday Bash cakes! 7/2009
Naomi holding one month old Gabriel. 6/2009 (Note PB after her mouth :)
Miss Naomi has the reading bug! Every morning she is up before me and literally my first sight upon waking has been Naomi sitting on my pillow, shoving a load of books on me and saying “Here, Mommy, read to me.” She also takes books from her brothers and I when we’re reading and announces “No, I’m reading it to you!” While I read Biographies, science books and classic literature to her brothers she hangs on every word. She even woke up in the middle of her nap yesterday and heard me reading downstairs and started yelling "Wait, Mommy! I want to hear Narnia too!" On her own accord she’s reviewing her phonics with me and seems very determined to conquer this thing called reading.
I have been so blessed by Quiverfull.com I've always been prolife, profamily, prochild. It's nice to read more from those who are. The readings on this site are so refreashing. So many women, and I myself have been completey guilty, have fallen for the worlds lies. Why is there dysfunction everywhere we turn in the world? It's because the enemy is waging his war against Gods creation, the family. I'm 100% at peace with where God has led me. Stay-at-home, homeschooling, Jesus love'n, bulk shoppen, cassorole maken Momma. Quiverfull.comencourages God's design for the family and has many inspiring stories and articles. One I completely devoured was 'Arrows for the War'. It talks all about the growing rise of "big families" and most importantly how these "Quiverfull" families see themsevlevs as literally building an army of mighty warriors for the Lord to fight contrawise against the attack on and death of the Christian family. That article itself may or may not have been written by a Christian, it's a link that takes you off the Quiverfull site. However, for me, it speaks clearly of the coming revival of God across the land. Go check out their site and be blessed!
Sep. 19, 2009 - Travels through history - weekly wrap up
We did three days of "school at home" and two days of "school at historical sites." We had a lovely time journeying through history. Our first stop was James Madison's family home Montpelier for “Constitution Day.” This day was especially lovely because it was FREE. The Marine Corp band played and there were several well known speakers. Z and J's fav was Mrs. Lynne Cheney, our former Vice 1st Lady. The boys even had their picture taken with her! We actually had just read her new book called "We the People." I never knew much about her. She is quite the historian. It was a treat for me to tell her "we just read your book!" We enjoyed the period dressed actors, estate tour and gardens. The most memorable sight of our visit was seeing the ink stain in James Madison’s library, from his spill while writing the Declaration of Independence.
!!!Goofing off is Presidental!!!
Ode' to being silly (on the steps of the 4th presidents house)
Mrs. Lynne Cheney on the steps of Montipeler 9/09
Following this event we landed for a visit with family and had a marvelous time refreshing ourselves with them. Meatballs, chocolate cake and good company, what more could you want?! After a comfy overnight we visited George Washington’s childhood home of Ferry Farm. I only tend to think if Mt. Vernon as his home, however Ferry Farm is where his family moved when he was 6 and he lived on until his adulthood. It’s where he received his education (another “yee-haw” for homeschoolers ;) and taught himself land surveying. Both days were a walking, hands on, history lesson for us all. We can’t wait for our next historical adventure!
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Playing checkers at George Washington's Ferry Farm
This is our weekly wrap-up. Please follow me to Weekly Wrap Up
According to a UNESCO statement from some years ago, "It is often the family that infects the children with extreme nationalism."
A love for one's country is to be treated like some kind of disease, lest it hinder the goal of "peace at all costs."
Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the government is obligated to ensure that children are "brought up in the spirit of the ideals proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations."
This is one more reason it is vital to get out the calls this week, urging Congressmen and Senators to cosponsor the Parental Rights Amendment, which will protect our rights from this dangerous treaty. Here again is what we ask you to do:
1.Check our lists of House cosponsors and Senate cosponsors. If your representative is already a sponsor, don’t call them! Consider mailing them a message of thanks instead.
2.If your congressman or senator is not on our list, go to our States Watch page and click on your state to find their contact information.
3.Call your congressman and ask him to sign on to cosponsor H.J. Res. 42, the Parental Rights Amendment, to protect parental rights and American and state sovereignty.
4.Call your senators and urge them to cosponsor S.J. Res. 16, the Parental Rights Amendment, to protect parental rights and American and state sovereignty.
5.Call or email friends and family and urge them to get in on this campaign as well. Let’s make this a very busy week for the Capitol switchboard!
6.Consider volunteering time to our Get-Out-the-Call campaign to encourage even more people to call Congress this week. Email Eric Lansing for more information.
7.You can also download a Get-Out-the-Calls brochure here to share with friends.
8.Please forward this email to anyone else who might join in to call Congress this week, or simply to anyone who might enjoy the cartoon at the top!
Donate now: There are only three days left in our membership drive ($25 or more), and only a few days left to receive two T-shirts free with your donation of $100 or more. We have signed up only 1167 of the 10,000 members we had hoped to gain this month. To join or donate now, click here.
Travis and I have always felt it important that our children learn the value of hardwork and be rewarded accordingly. Now with two strong young men ready to tackle the world, or roll in the field, we’ve worked on a plan to hopefully continue with all our children. It combines daily life skills (in Nursing we’d call this the "ADL’s" / Activities of Daily Living) with personal and family responsibilities. It was also very important to us that the boys started having their own personal-set-apart time with the Lord everyday. Now, before they came downstairs in the morning, they have to have spent their time with Him. It sets them up with a clear understanding of what is expected every morning when they wake up, whether it’s a school day, church day or field trip day. No more "what do I do now." All I say is, "what's on your list?" I’ve combined their job list with “Chore Bucks” that I found for free print off at www.chartjungle.com. They can earn 2 Chore Bucks per day, one for their jobs and one for excellence and efficiency in their school work. I’ve even been known to through in a “bonus buck” on a "super cleaning day." The system has been working wonderful for us! Actually neither boy has lost a buck yet. Since they "buy" their tv/wii time along with other rewards (see below) it really makes them think out what is worth their time. Very sweetly Jadin paid $8 Chore Bucks Saturday for him and his brother and sister to watch a movie. Zion has been spending Chore Bucks for Wii time (Star Wars Lego game no doubt) every couple days. But what he's really saving for is to be IN CHARGE for a day. Our main point is we want to train them to live out Colossians 3:17, as we continue to grow in daily.
$$Chore Bucks$$
What is a Chore Buck? A Chore Buck is a family monetary amount that enables you to purchase special privileges, toys, games, sleep overs etc.
How do I earn Chore Bucks? You earn Chore Bucks by accomplishing your daily family choirs, school work, and being kind and caring towards others.
How do I use Chore Bucks? Simple, you save them for special things you’d like to do or something you’d like to buy. Turn them into mom and dad and you’ve bought your special treat!
Can I loose my Chore Bucks? Yep, it’ll cost you! If you do not complete your given tasks, disply a bad attitude, or any disobedience and you will not earn your choir bucks for that day. Be careful, disobedience has negative consequences! If you disobey you can lose choir bucks you’ve already earned, ouch!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$$ Chore Buck Chart $$
$2 Chore Bucks
1/2 hour Wii time
1/2 hour TV time
1/2 hour computer games
$4 Chore Bucks
1 hour TV time
1 hour Wii time
1 hour computer games
$8 Chore Bucks
2 hour Movie
2 hour Wii time
2 hour computer games
$15 Chore Bucks
Sleep over with Grandmother
Have a friend sleep over
$20 Chore Bucks
Your IN CHARGE! You pick everything we do for the day,
until Daddy get’s home!
$50 Chore Bucks
New Wii game (up to $20)
New Toy’s (up to $20)
More ideas??? YOU can talk to Mom and Dad about whatever goal YOU want to save Chore Bucks for!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Zion’s List
Upstairs:
Make my bed
Brush my teeth/deodorant
Put on clean clothes
Pick up any toys in my room
Vacuum my room
Jesus Time
Downstairs:
Sweep Kitchen, mudroom, bathroom
Put dishes away
Wipe off table and chairs
Additional "Super Clean Day":
Dust Fireplace top/brass
Organize DVD’s and books
Bleach sinks
Sweep schoolroom and your bathroom
…whatever additional mom/dad gives me
Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Sep. 10, 2009 - Outstanding Results on National Tests
Washington Times Op-ed—Outstanding Results on National Tests
by J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) estimates there are more than 1.5 million children being taught at home. Furthermore, the DOE estimates that homeschooling has been growing at 7 percent a year for the last 10 years.
Two related questions many people ask are, “Why has homeschooling become so popular?” and “What is motivating parents to take on this daunting responsibility?” In the most recent report by the DOE, parents gave three basic reasons for choosing home education: to provide religious or moral instruction, concerns about the school environment, and dissatisfaction with academic instruction at other schools.
Regarding the third reason, there is new research showing that the average homeschooler who takes standardized achievement tests is doing very well. The study, commissioned by the Home School Legal Defense Association and conducted by Brian Ray, an internationally recognized scholar and president of the nonprofit National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), is called “Progress Report 2009: Homeschool Academic Achievement and Demographics.”
The study included almost 12,000 homeschool students from all 50 states who took three well-known standardized achievements tests—the California Achievement Test, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the Stanford Achievement Test—for the 2007–08 academic year. The students were drawn from 15 independent testing services, making it the most comprehensive homeschool academic study to date.
The results reinforced previous homeschool studies conducted over a period of 25 years.
Five areas of academic pursuit were measured. In reading, the average homeschooler scored at the 89th percentile; language, 84th percentile; math, 84th percentile; science, 86th percentile; and social studies, 84th percentile. In the core studies (reading, language and math), the average homeschooler scored at the 88th percentile.
The average public school student taking these standardized tests scored at the 50th percentile in each subject area.
Beyond academics, there were significant results regarding achievement gaps. It is common knowledge that gender, as well as parents’ income and education levels will greatly affect a public school student’s academic results. Public schools have invested greatly to try to close these achievement gaps. The study, however, shows the achievement gaps found in public school were greatly diminished for the home educated.
For example, homeschooled boys scored at the 87th percentile and girls at the 88th. Household income had little impact on the results of homeschool students: Children of parents with an income between $35,000 and $49,000 scored at the 86th percentile, whereas children of parents with an income over $70,000 scored at the 89th percentile.
As one would expect, the education level of parents did affect the results. For example, homeschool students of parents without college degrees scored, on average, at the 83rd percentile for the core subjects. When one parent had a college degree, those students scored at the 86th percentile, and when both parents had a college degree, those students scored at the 90th percentile. There was virtually no difference, however, between the scores of students whose parents were certified teachers and those who were not.
In summary, the results were slightly better than the most recent large academic study regarding homeschoolers (the 1998 Rudner study), and the average homeschool test results continue to be 30-plus percentile points higher than their public school counterparts.
In my opinion, there are two main factors for these outstanding results: the educational environment where learning takes place, and the individualized, one-on-one instruction. Most homeschool students are directly taught by their parents, who love their children enough to make the sacrifice to stay at home to make sure their child is taught in a safe and loving learning environment. Second, one-on-one instruction emphasizes the best interests of the child rather than the best interests of the group.
In a sentence, homeschooling is a recipe for academic success.
Michael Smith is the president of the Home School Legal Defense Association. He may be contacted at (540)338-5600; or send email to media@hslda.org
God bless all this wonderful technology! Now friends and family prepare to be bombarded with updates, baby pictures etc! Travis bought us a new laptop last weekend. Today he came home and surprised me with new mobile broadband. All I do is hook my cell phone up to the laptop w/ the usb cable and I’m online anywhere. Currently, I’m sitting on the porch. Go Travie, big points for that one!
We’ve embarked on year 5 of “By His Grace Homeschool.” I haven’t revamped much and I’m so thankful to be @ peace with “what/how/why” we do things. Putting Jesus first in every aspect of our lives, which includes our homeschools, is powerful. As for the fundamentals everyone is using their next levels of “Math-U-See” (love it, 3rd year). Also their using “Easy Grammar” and “Sequential Spelling.” Each boy has a reading list. Once they complete 100 books we’ll have a reading party @ Chuck E Cheese. They’re doing bible verse memory work and copy work. Jadin is also doing daily creative writing. He’s always developing another Star Wars episode to help George Lucas out. I have also found him very helpful to dictate grocery list too while I’m driving! Oh, the joys of having older children. We’re also continuing with the year round (8 weeks on/1 week off with 4 weeks off in December, 4 weeks off in July and 5 weeks of additional breaks peppered throughout) schedule.
Our main curriculum, the Bible, is having a good workout. We’ve already studied Jonah and Daniel. Now we’re in Acts and being very inspired by the early church and those who lived boldly for Christ. Naomi is fitting right the in middle of our learning. In fact she even repeated while we were reading Jonah “You can never run from God.” A few days later in Harrisonburg we passed a college student jogging down the street and Naomi replied “Oh no mommy! She’s running from God like Jonah!” Now when the boys and I are doing lessons she asks for “her math book” (which at this point is either a preschool workbook type or spiral notebook). She’s been willingly working on her phonics with me (which I let occur naturally, I’d never intentionally push it @ two years old, despite the TV commercials). Naomi has pointed out several letter “s” on various items, “look Mommy it says S!” She also asks to do her “Barbie ABC’s” (Barbie ABC’s I found @ a thrift store – bonus points there!)
Currently for Science we’ve been taking advantage of the abundant Monarch butterfly population. We hatched one already and good friends just gave us more Milkweed with several monarch caterpillars on it. Hopefully some of ours will get to winter in central Mexico. Besides reading several books on Monarchs I gave each of the boys a spiral notebook and wrote “Scientific Notebook” on the front. Inside they draw pictures or record any seemingly scientific information that seems note worthy. I was all too thrilled when Zion came running inside (after “school hours” of all things ;) shouting “Quick, I need my scientific notebook! I just observed a grasshopper; I’ve got to put that down!” Yes, the joys a blank 15-cent notebook can bring and all the homeschooling mothers say “Amen, sis’ta!” We also are doing a 4 week potato growing obstacle course. Zion showed me this experiment in one of his science books. Each boy got a rooted potato and put it in a corner of a shoebox on a handful of soil. Then they added “obstacles” within the shoebox for the potato to grow around (like a spool a thread, a small ball, a small toy etc). At the opposite end of the shoe box we cut a small hole for light to get in. They closed the lid on their respective shoe boxes and in a few weeks they should be able to see how the potato grew around every obstacle toward the light. We’ve also been studying storms and various weather patterns. They’ve been watching a neat series called “Raging Planet.” As well as reading through books on Tsunamis’, Floods, Hurricanes, and Earth Quakes. It’s a collaboration of their current science interests. Once they’ve devoured all they can on these subjects I’m sure we’ll have a new list to cover.
In History/Geography we’re continuing our study of Colonial life and the Revolution. We just finished reading a true story called “The Matchlock Gun” which was set during the French and Indian war. The rest of this 8 week session our reading stack includes the Boston Tea-party, Paul Revere and a healthy dose of George Washington. Currently we’re reading Johnny Tremain, another good read on the Boston Tea-party. I have a field trip for us planned this fall to George Washington’s childhood home Ferry Farm, Mt. Vernon and James Madison’s Montpellier.
Jadin is doing his first year of tackle football. Zion is doing his first year of flag football. Jadin’s practices are very involved. He has practice usually 3 evenings a week for 2 hours plus games will start soon. He loves the “workouts” he calls them and redoes them again at home. It’s serious stuff! Zion is trying to master simply throwing and catching a football at this point and really just wants to do cartwheels on the field. I don’t blame him! :D It’s something Travis greatly enjoys doing with them and is a sideline dad watching every practice. It does add a lot to our evening plate, however games only last 6 weeks and then it’s back to Ice Skating.
With so many things changing in our country I’m truly learning to appreciate “this day!” This is the day the Lord has made I WILL rejoice and BE GLAD in it. I’m praying over our homeschooling freedoms. Homeschoolers in Europe are feeling more pressure from their socialist government. I’m so thankful for the revelation of what a blessing children are and how homeschooling truly is God’s best. In a world where motherhood, family life and children are scrutinized daily, being a stay-at-home/homeschooling mother is just as radical as when women first start leaving their families to work outside the home. I talk to so many who are shocked at our having 4 children (and us wanting MORE) and secondly they are shocked I stay home with them…and ENJOY IT! Being a wife and mother is not bondage. There’s such sweet freedom in releasing myself to God’s plan. CHILDREN ARE A BLESSING FROM THE LORD!
Jul. 1, 2009 - Homeschooling: Under Pressure all over Europe
The Washington Times
June 29, 2009
Washington Times Op-ed—Homeschooling: Under Pressure all over Europe
by J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President
While the freedom to homeschool in America continues to expand, the opposite is true in Europe. Since 1982, 38 U.S. states have adopted homeschool statutes or regulations that have removed restrictions on homeschoolers. This year, two more states, North Dakota and Idaho, made significant progress in recognizing the value of homeschooling.
North Dakota, which was one of the most regulated states, just amended its homeschool law to make it possible for more parents to homeschool freely. No longer will a homeschooling parent have to hold a baccalaureate degree, be a certified teacher or be monitored by a certified teacher if they have only a high school diploma in order to homeschool. All homeschooling parents in North Dakota can provide the individualized education that best fits their children.
Idaho, which has been a homeschool-friendly state, got even better. A recently passed law allows parents to use people outside the immediate family to support their homeschool program, and gives more flexibility to homeschoolers regarding their teaching schedule.
While homeschooling freedom and flexibility continues to improve in the U.S., it appears to be going in the opposite direction in Europe. Germany leads the way as the most oppressive European state, because it routinely fines and threatens to imprison homeschoolers.
While other European countries have not embraced the German methods, there is a move in some countries to crack down on homeschoolers. For example, in Sweden, the government released a suggestion on June 15 that all schools, including homeschools, must provide an education that is acceptable to all pupils regardless of religious or philosophical beliefs, or the beliefs of the parents. The study concludes that there is no need for the new law to recognize the possibility of homeschooling because of religious or philosophical reasons in the family. We are confident the authors are aware that this effectively would end homeschooling in Sweden as most families are homeschooling for religious or philosophical reasons.
Equally shocking are the events in Britain. A June 11 report on home education in England by Graham Badman, former managing director of Children, Families and Education in the County of Kent, makes the case that homeschooling should be extensively regulated. More troubling, the report has been accepted in full by British Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls.
The underlying philosophy behind Mr. Badman’s conclusion is based upon children’s rights contained in the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, which came into force in Britain on Jan. 15, 1992. Mr. Badman contends that current homeschool law, which is very similar to many homeschool laws in America, does not address children’s education needs or protect the child from harm by the parents.
The U.N. Convention would give children more than 40 “fundamental” rights, including the right to express their views freely, the right to be heard in any legal or administrative matter that affects them, and the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas. Mr. Badman is urging that England make it possible for children to form their own views and express themselves freely in all matters affecting them, including how they are being raised and what form of education they are receiving. Who will decide the conflict between the rights of the child and the responsibility of the parents? The government.
Among his suggestions for homeschool law is the right of designated local authorities to enter homes and speak to each child alone. This idea of unbridled power to enter a home is abhorrent to Americans because of the Fourth Amendment, which protects our homes from unreasonable searches and seizures and recognizes the fundamental right of privacy and family integrity.
Mr. Badman also cites the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child as the justification for the state choosing the curriculum homeschoolers may use.
HSLDA has opposed the UNCRC since its formation in 1989 because we are deeply concerned about the implications this treaty would have for homeschoolers and parents in general. The interpretation of the treaty by Britain further supports our position that the UNCRC should not be ratified by our Senate.
For more information about the issues involving the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and international homeschooling, visit our issues page.
Michael Smith is the president of the Home School Legal Defense Association. He may be contacted at (540)338-5600; or send email to media@hslda.org.
Gabriel has been a total joy and wonderful addition to our family. He's very laid back and always smells like a warm sugar cookie! His days are filled with eating, sleeping, diaper changes and seeing the world from the view of his baby sling. The kids all love him and adore taking turns holding him and helping with him. It's so nice to have all these helpers! When I'm busy driving I always have a big boy in the back seat to hold the pacifier for the baby. Naomi is a busy mommy and always let's me know when our baby cries as well as "nursing" her baby dolls.
Zion turned six this week!!!!!! Another amazing happening. We buzzed down to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA and had a sleepover with his cousins for his birthday trip. All of our kids are awaiting our family's “Birthday Bash” where we'll be celebrating all 4 birthdays on a Saturday this Summer. Gabriel May 27, Zion June 20, Jadin Aug 4 and Naomi Sept 19. Number five will need to be a July baby! With all these summer babies it makes since for us to have one huge party (“Bash” ;) and have all our friends and family.
The kids are enjoying summer to no end. The fire flies are out and that adds to their evening excitement. Naomi says they have “light bulb fannies.” Lots of playground days and visiting w/ friends going on. Yesterday the boys went to a Jousting Tournament and Renaissance Festival at Natural Chimneys. This week we're having another Busch Gardens Day along w/ going to the movies etc. I'm almost done w/ my two summer classes toward my 4-year degree in Education, Bible 105 and Education 200. I'm also studying to CLEP out of College Algebra by end of Summer (which is for my next Nursing degree that I'm also working on “slow and steady” :) More real excitement in our life. I finally got the paint and wallpaper for my down stairs bathroom...yes this is exciting! We've looked at the wallpaper I started tearing off when we bought the house for the last 2 ½ years. Now I'm going to turn a shabby bathroom into something! Crazy weather on our side of the mountain. We had a hail storm the 1st week of June that wiped out all my gardens. I get great joy working in them and watching my babies bloom. Some hoastas now are pushing up fresh leafs and the holly hocks look like they might bloom still. I could salvage them yet! I'm planning and getting excited about our next year of homeschooling. There's so much we'll be doing but I know a nice summer break is good for everyone.
Travis has lost 50 .lbs and I'm very inspired to join him. Of course nursing a baby and craving peanut butter in all its wonderful forms doesn't help.
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"Each time he said, My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 -------------------------------------------------------
I am a mother of four beautiful blessings from the Lord and will gladly take all that He will give me! I have strong support from my husband and his love and encouragement give me joy in our journey. This is our family's 5th year of home education. We're walking in the grace to raise our children in a loving Christ-centered atmosphere so they can develop and mature into men and women used for Gods Glory. We base all our learning foremost on the Word of God and intertwine rich literary classics for a living book structure. Charlotte Mason, Ruth Beechick, Unit Study - Notebooking -Lapbooking, we do it all! Natural learning experiences are plenteous living in a rural area...watch out frogs and crayfish! Were members of several state and local Homeschool groups and enjoy meetings, field trips and additional learning opportunities with them. We also love "milking" our annual passes to the Childrens and Science museums, Zoos, Busch Gardens/SeaWorld, Historic Battlefields and whatever else we can get into!
Were licensed therapeutic foster/adoptive parents and are seeking God's will and his best in that and every area. I'm also a life long "professional" college student, always picking away at college classes in various disciplines (currently finishing up degree in Education). I'm also a Licensed Nurse (when the mood hits me :o) I enjoy Joyce Meyer, Ruth Beechick, Clay and Sally Clarkson, Raymond Moore, and This Old School House Magazine.
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We're just having too much fun to stop!!! Yeah for hands-on-learning and 
! ) Jadin has two make up games this week and he's done. Friday morning we all woke up with runny noses, coughs etc. I was fevered and just didn't feel like moving. The kids piled in my bed and I read to them for two hours. Then we landed in the living room and watched Fiddler on the Roof for the afternoon. Boy, that is such an educational movie. It led to great discussions on Russia and the kids looked up Siberia in the atlas. We discussed Jewish customs, the law, arrangement marriages and how to write a screen play. Whew! That's what I call "Couch Schooling" for a sick day. Last evening was still Travis and I's much needed date night so we loaded up on our dayquil and ventured out dispite how we felt. We hit all the exciting places, IHOP (even though I couldn't taste my food), the dollar tree and wal-mart. We are so cool, tee-hee. I spent my shopping time buying more hand’s on supplies for the kids and he bought stuff to change the oil in the mini van. It was fun and nice to have no background noise and just be together. We also made the horrible mistake of trying to see a movie, we just got up and left 30 minutes into it. YUCK! And that's all I'll say about that. So where does all this leave us? Still sick 
this weekend. We've just canceled all our plans, football games, church etc and are staying home watching movies, drinking ginger ale and taking on/off naps. A whole 'lotta nothing outta fix us! ((AND Thank You Jesus we ARE healed!!!)![[weekly+wrap-up.gif]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__gK3y062ur0/StfuY_hiXhI/AAAAAAAAENM/TSTur-v-z_s/s1600/weekly%2Bwrap-up.gif)
) but we are getting them use to us by feeding them their veggies while we hold them. Our boys have been praying for an indoor pet, namely a Hamster or mouse. I told them that they'd really have to talk to God about that because Daddy does not like indoor pets unless it's a cat. Somehow my husband was moved by God Himself when I told him about the guinea pig's give away and he let me get them...what-a-guy! Now the rule is though, he doesn't want to see them. So their upstairs in the school room and we're not "rubbing it in his face." I told the boys this was 100% a God Thing! 
