We are just starting our 3rd year of homeschooling. My son is 9 and loves homeschooling. It was completely his idea. He attended public school for kindergarten and first grade. I spend my time playing and learning with Levi, working around our little homestead, taking care of our home, seeking God, studying the Bible, reading, writing and blogging. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Sat, 4 Oct 2008 18:29:00 -0500 Sat, 4 Oct 2008 18:29:00 -0500 I am saying goodbye to homeschool blogger and going back to my old blog at http://love-2-learn.blogspot.com/.  Homeschool blogger is a great place and I've made some new friends, but blogger is much more user friendly for those of us without super computer skills. I hope my readers will check me out at blogspot. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/600112/ Sat, 4 Oct 2008 18:29:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/600112/ Levi and I have been sick with a head cold type of sickness, and have been feeling achy and lethargic. We've been napping, resting, reading and watching TV. I am so ready to feel better and get back into a routine, but don't want to rush it. Whenever I try to do too much I feel like I've been run over by a train. I have to say that for sick days I love Netflix and documentaries! We can take it easy and still get a little education. We've watched three Animal Planet documentaries - one on hyenas, one on rhinos and one on giraffes.  We also watched a National Geographic documentary on Lewis and Clark.  And of course, a few episodes of Little House on the Praire. We have many more animal documentaries in our instant queue, and another one on Lewis and Clark. Tomorrow I hope to do a little bit more than just watch TV, but I'll have to see how we feel. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/597873/ Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:17:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/597873/ To join this meme, or to read other's daybooks, click here. FOR TODAY Monday September 29, 2008 Outside My Window... It's been raining for 3 days, so many of the leaves have fallen off the trees. It's supposed to be sunny today. I hope it is. I am thinking... about the week ahead. I am praying...for lots of things. For Paul in boot camp, for Pastor Dave and his health, for my brother-in-law Bill who works for AIG and has some decisions to make about his future, for my friend Nick who is getting married next month, for Levi to feel better...and so much more. I am thankful...that my work is at home. From the kitchen...this week's options include - scalloped potatoes and ham, chicken and biscuits, Fish and rice, shepherd's pie, spaghetti and meatballs, and homemade pizza. From the schoolrooom...I'd like to keep reading about Lewis and Clark, and then start our notebook pages, but last night Levi was feeling pretty sick, so we'll just have to take it day by day. I am wearing...blue yoga pants and a brown, long sleeve t-shirt. I am fighting a cold too, so I slept in and I'm still in my PJ's. I am creating... a relaxed, peaceful and happy home. I am hoping... this cold Levi has and I'm fighting is short-lived. I am hearing...the crows cawking outside, the hum of my monitor and the clacking of my keyboard. Around the house... not too much is going on. Levi is still sleeping. One of my favorite things...hot soup when I'm sick. Last night it was Campbell's Vegetable Beef with Saltine crackers. It reminds me of when I was a kid. Such a comfort food! One of my favorite people... Well, here are two of my favorite people, but today I'm talking about Caroline. I love how hard-working she was, and how faithful she was to her husband and her children. She had a gentle and quiet spirit, and still remained a strong woman who could stand up for herself and her family when needed. Here is picture thought I am sharing... Truman and me after a long summer's day. I'm a bit sunburned, and Truman is a bit tired... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/596811/ Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:20:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/596811/ I discovered a new meme through my blogging friend, Plain Jane, who got it from her friend, Mrs. Cuddles. If you'd like to join, click on Mrs. Cuddles name. "Homeschool Weekly gives me/us a fun opportunity to actually blog about how our school week went every Saturday and link our post to others too." I didn't have time to write this yesterday, so I'm posting mine on Sunday. This past school week was out of the ordinary. Levi was gone for two days with my sister visiting my dad, and then on Friday Audie had the day off. We didn't follow our routine or do much schooling for most of the week. But we did finish our notebook activities for lesson one in our land animals book. There are 12 pages. Below are some samples. Levi did all the typing. Then we printed them off, cut them out and glued them into the notebook. We also cut pictures out of old National Geographic and Ranger Rick magazines. We both enjoyed it. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/596759/ Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:13:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/596759/ Levi has always been a very mild-mannered, easy-going, follow-the-rules, obey-without-too-much-questioning kind of kid - which he definitely gets from his father. ;-) This past week it's been a different story.  He's been questioning everything I tell him, arguing with many things I ask him to do, and even blatently disobeying me. And it's not just me. He did it to my sister and my father yesterday. He's also been a bit moodly lately - going from quiet and grumpy, to wild and silly, to sweet and cuddly. In all of his 9 years he's always been very emotionally stable. The only thing I can think of that may be causing such swings is the dreaded prepubescent hormones. He's also been pretty oblivious to anything sexual, with only a few mild questions that were satisfied with simple answers.  Until yesterday... He was waiting in the car with my sister and he said to her, "You know what I've been wondering lately...where babies come from." She was totally shocked and taken aback, but remained calm.  He continued, "At first I thought you needed to get a shot, and then I thought maybe you pray to God...but then I thought, not everyone believes in God. So Tubbie (that's what he calls her) where do babies come from?" My poor sister.  I can just see her trying to keep a straight face. Her daughter is not yet four, so she has years before this question comes up.  She told Levi he had to ask me about it. He wouldn't let it go.  "But why Tubbie, why can't you tell me?" She told him because it would be embarassing to him and he needed to hear it from his parents.  He couldn't understand why, but dropped it.  So I guess it's time Audie and I had THE talk with Levi.  Hopefully he'll be satisfied with just some basic information! So, I've been fairly warned - pretty soon my little boy will be a teenage boy. It feels very strange and a little sad. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/594901/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:41:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/594901/ I discovered a new meme through my blogging friend, Plain Jane, who got it from her friend, Mrs. Cuddles. If you'd like to join, click on Mrs. Cuddles name. "Homeschool Weekly gives me/us a fun opportunity to actually blog about how our school week went every Saturday and link our post to others too." I just discovered it, so this week I'm posting mine on Sunday. We had a very good week, and we're finally getting into a good routine. I think there are two reasons for our success. The first is that we are being faithful in opening every morning in prayer, and the second is that I am getting up earlier. I usually wake up at 6am, but this week I've been getting up at 5am. It's not easy for me, as I'm really more of a night owl by nature, but both Levi and Audie are early risers, and it just works better for me to be more in tune with their schedule. So by 7:30 am I am done with Truman's walk, morning chores, and my shower. Then Levi and I eat breakfast, clean up and then sit down on the couch for Bible reading and prayer. This past week Levi wanted to read from our Children's Bible Stories book. After that we practice training Truman for the dog class we're taking and then to the dining room table for handwriting practice. Levi has always struggled with handwriting. He doesn't enjoy it, rushes through it, and it's always sloppy. So this year I've been praying for him in our morning prayer time. I also decided to sit beside him and watch while he writes, correcting him as we go. He really liked this at first, but by the end of the week he said to me, "Mom, you don't have to sit here if you have something else to do." I took the hint. He also asked to start learning cursive, so I broke out the cursive book. He is loving it, and does more work in it than I ask him to. I sometimes find him doing it in his free time! Who'da thunk? Next on the agenda is spelling, then it's usually between 9:30 and 10am, so we have a snack. Then we go to the basement and exercise. Strecthes, push-ups, sit-ups, free weights, leg exercises and Levi uses the treadmill while I do some laundry. Then if it's not pouring, we spend some time outside. Then back in to work on some science or history. For science this week we worked on our Land Animals notebook, Levi practiced using the dictionary to look up science vocabulary words, and another day he typed them. He's quite good at typing and is even fairly good at putting his fingers at asdf-jkl;.  We also watched a video from Netflix called Growing up Safari, about Zebras. For history we read more about Lewis and Clark, and watched another Netflix video called Sacagawea: Heroine of the Lewis and Clark Journey.  We both loved it! Next is lunch and while eating we listen to the New Testament on CD. After lunch I tidy the kitchen, do any necessary dinner prep, and then think ahead to the next day's school plan, while Levi does his math. 1 pm is our favorite time of the day. We sit down to enjoy an episode of Little House on the Praire. Then we go outside for some fresh air - swing on the swings, take a walk, wander in the woods. Then it's my turn for the treadmill and Levi's silent reading time. This week he read a Star Wars junior jedi novel and several Magic Tree House books. 3 pm is the end of the school day, and Levi's free time. He plays on the computer until Audie gets home at 4:15 and then they take Truman for a walk while I get dinner started. So that is kind of our basic routine and this last week's weekly review,  all rolled into one. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/593129/ Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:41:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/593129/ My favorite things about homeschooling are... Spending quality time with and growing closer to Levi everyday. Re-learning science and history in a fun and interesting way. Watching Little House on the Praire with Levi. Being able to use life as a classroom. Being able to use nature and homesteading as a classroom. Being able to use the Bible and it's teachings as the foundation for Levi's life and education. (And mine too). Going for walks in the middle of the day with Levi and Truman. Having Levi read to me. Not having to call the school to tell them that Levi isn't feeling well and won't be coming in today. Not having to wait for the school bus. Levi only rode it for a couple months, but he hated it and so did I. Meeting other homeschooling moms online. I met someone on Cafemom last year, and continue to talk to her nearly everyday. I think she'll end up being a lifelong friend, even though she lives on the other side of the country. Her name is Kimberly, but I call her Keeter. Check out her blog and say hello. Playdates with my friend Annmarie and her kids. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/592028/ Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:46:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/592028/ To read other daybooks or join this meme, click here. FOR TODAY Monday September 15, 2008 Outside My Window...Audie's jeans and my cargo pants are swaying in the breeze. There are also lots of leaves on the ground. I am thinking...that we had a good day today. We watched Little House, exercised, did science and history, practiced training Truman for our class, and went for a walk (me) and bike ride (Levi). I am praying... that Pastor Dave makes a speedy recovery, that while at bootcamp Paul's heart will turn toward Jesus, and that Annmarie's van won't be too expensive to fix. I am thankful ... that Audie has a good job, that we have a nice, little house in the country, and that I can homeschool Levi. From the kitchen...Beef Stew is in the oven. Possibilities for the rest of the week include...Spaghetti with Meatsauce, Chicken and Rice Casserole, Fish and Potatoes, Chili with Cornbread, Subway Subs, Enchiladas, and Potato soup. From the schoolrooom... We're reading and watching documentaries about Lewis and Clark and Sacagewea, working on our land animals lapbook and practicing dog training. I am wearing...brown cargo pants, a tan t-shirt, a green, cotton, button-up shirt (unbuttoned) and my green, brown and tan sneakers. Can anyone guess my favorite colors? I am creating...a very workable and enjoyable routine. I am going...to gym class, to get groceries and to visit my grandma tomorrow. Thursday is our dog training class. Other than that, we're staying home. I am reading...actually this week I didn't read much but Levi's textbooks. To be honest, I didn't even read my Bible. I am hoping...my Prairie Primer book I bought on ebay gets here soon. I have to email the seller and ask about it. It's been a long time... I am hearing...Levi watching one of his Netflix that came today (Power Rangers), and the wind blowing. Around the house...I need to put laundry away and clean the bathroom. One of my favorite things...is when I follow a routine and everything gets done in a timely and orderly fashion. One of my favorite people is...Levi. Again, I'm not just saying this because it's the right thing to say. And to be very honest, there were many days in the past when I could not have said this. But we have been growing closer and closer lately. I am relaxing, and he is maturing so much. He is sweet and funny and generous and helpful. And very interested in learning not only his school subjects, but real-life lessons and work. What I've Accomplished Since Last Week: I've continued to exercise regularly, we've created a good routine, and I've been baking a lot. What I Hope to Accomplish This Week: Read my Bible more regularly! Continue with our routine, tweak what may not be working, and work with it until it becomes a habit. Also, finish our lapbook projects for Lesson 1 of Land Animals. Here is picture thought I am sharing... Me and my friend Henry David Thoreau, taken last November when my sister and I went to Concord, Massachusetts. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/590322/ Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:32:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/590322/ Audie had Friday off, and he and Levi spent the morning working outside. Levi's favorite thing was climbing up on the roof and cleaning the gutters. Now, I do want my boy to grow into a man. I do want him to be a capable adult and know how to do all those manly repair and maintence jobs, but part of me still sees him as my little boy. I'm very nervous when he's climbing the ladder and working on the roof. He has really been into helping lately, especially when those jobs are physical and have to be done outside. Recently, Audie let him use the push mower (with much supervision), and drive the car in the driveway. Levi is already talking about how he can't wait to learn to use the chainsaw, split wood and drive a car on the road. Luckily I have at least seven years before those things happen! I'm sure every mother of little boys feels this way. I wonder how Audie's mom must have felt raising kids on the farm - watching Audie drive big tractors, use dangerous farm machinery, work next to cows who kick, and climb to the top of the haymow and the silo.... And then there are those moms who watch their sons go into the service, or off to war. Or mothers whose little boys become missionaries in hostile land. I guess all we can do is teach them to use their brains and be careful, and then pray our hearts out. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/589836/ Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:03:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/589836/ Today was the first day of the dog training class Levi and I are taking. I thought it was going to be more of an agility training class, but it appears it's more of a basic training class. We're learning how to "clicker" train - using a little clicker device to let your dog know he has done something you like. Since it was the first day, no dogs were allowed. I know Levi loves dogs, and loves working with Truman, but I was unsure of how he'd handle a classroom setting - since he hasn't been in one for over 2 years now. (Of course it wasn't a traditional classroom setting, since we were outside in a field, but there was a teacher and handouts and other students). I was pleasantly surprised and very proud of him. Levi saw the teacher and gave her a hearty welcome from across the field. We were there early and she was still setting up. Levi jumped in and started helping her put her equipment together. The class consisted of Levi, me, the teacher, and six other adults. Levi was very attentive while the teacher talked and we went over the handouts. Several times when she asked a question, he quickly and confidently spoke up and answered her question. He was not at all intimidated by the fact that everyone there was AT LEAST three times his age. It also interests me to see the total and sincere attraction Levi has to dogs. It makes me happy to see him so in tune with, so intutive with and so kind and compassionate to another living creature. He is kind to humans, but he's especially sensitive to dogs. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/588744/ Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:25:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/dayswork/588744/