I create curriculum materials for homeschool families. It's a very fulfilling job, but I long for more personal contact. In this blog, I hope to communicate with women who are working diligently to provide their children with the best education possible. I want to learn, and I want to be of any assistance that I can. I crave fellowship. :-) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MyTeacherBookBag/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:22:00 -0500 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:22:00 -0500 It's been a bit crazy here. My motherboard croaked!!! I'm using the laptop belonging to my wonderful hubby, Bob. I didn't realize that my fingers were so big and that my eyesight was so bad!!! My tech tells me all will be well tomorrow. Actually, things are pretty grand today! I've gone back to my old way of writing with paper and pencil and it's been comforting. Less distractions too! I knew God would bless this mess.  :-) All is well with the world of book bagging. However, I need a burning question answered. How can I provide more middle school and upper level activities? My artist series that shows up in the monthy Book Bags can be used for older children. Liz and I entertwine higher level activities throughout the Book Bags and ideas for extension, but I know there's still a need out there. Along with elementary school, I taught middle school, high school and some college. (I actually taught teachers using picture books. Never underestimate those highly illustrated quick reads.) I know what's required for those levels and how to design fun activities for them. Still, I don't know what the homeschool families need. Do they want the research already laid out and extension activities added? Book studies? What's missing when you go looking for a good priced, quality resource to add to your curriculum? Please get back to me. I'm ready to create!! To all of you, enjoy this wonderful day! This is the day that the Lord has made!!! Rejoicing! Donna (motherboardless but contented) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MyTeacherBookBag/612666/ Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:22:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MyTeacherBookBag/612666/ In case you're reading what came before, I was responding to my dear friend, Heidemarie, from Hattingspruitt, South Africa. She's a newfound author and feels like she's getting ready to give birth!!! Her incredible book is about a family that travels safari-style from continent to continent. The first of the series is called Continental Hop: Africa. The Stephenson family heads to Australia next.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MyTeacherBookBag/611851/ Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:31:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MyTeacherBookBag/611851/ I'm perfectly fine, blissfully going about my life as if I were a kid, until someone comes along and reminds me that I'm a "Mother Hen" and not a chick. In my heart, I'm a chick!! In fact, I'm just now learning to use my wings!!! Thanks, Heidemarie!  ;-) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MyTeacherBookBag/611828/ Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:29:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MyTeacherBookBag/611828/ I love the rooster at the top of the page. He's symbolic for me. He heralds each day reminding me that God has given me another one and to be excited about the "something good" that's going to happen. I also think about Peter, the apostle, who had to endure the rooster's crow every morning and be reminded of how he momentarily failed his Lord. I imagine there were times he wanted to wring that bird's neck. I'm a lot like Peter in his early years. I make lots of mistakes, but I believe I have good intentions. I'm thankful that God still loves me despite my mishaps. He has always been steadfast about providing an open door when my windows all get stuck. I no longer have children to teach. My 21 year old son is on his own making his way in the world. However, God has given me the opportunity to work within the homeschooling community. He reminds me that I still have something to offer...and, a great deal to learn. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MyTeacherBookBag/611591/ Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:12:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MyTeacherBookBag/611591/