We are a completely unconventional family, homeschooling an 'only', a son age 12 who has many difficulties. Some LD issues, dyslexia, Asperger tendencies and some processing difficulties. We also have 2 older, grown children with children of THIER own, yes, making us grandparents 5 times over, going on 6!!!We live up here in greater Chicagoland, while everyone else is in Texas. Hubby works out of the 'city', driving those double semis for UPS. I LOVE to read, knit, crochet, cross stitch, sew, and recently learned to scrapbook, which I can't do often enough! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:45:00 -0500 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:45:00 -0500 ......we are not dead, nor do we sleep".....or something like that. With summer vacation comes some actual 'time' for reflection. Will have to give updates soon. However, with college on my plate for me too, life gets a little crazy. Just thought I'd type in and 'reactivate' this thing. More later, Denise http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/699540/ Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:45:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/699540/ Just a quick praise report on Donna.....she came home from hosptial on Sunday. She has therapy several times a week, her children are in different schools for the time being until Donna can resume her home schooling teacher role and life goes on. A HUGE thank you to those of you who prayed that don't even know her. It is SO good to belong to the family of God, as well as a blogging community of people who really care. I will continue to share updates when appropriate. Thanks. Co-op is over for this year.....until sometime in January. WHEW. What a ride. That and Lit class and art class sure made our lives MUCH busier than we ever thought possible.....and I am rethinking some of the "busy-ness". Just not our style....made me fairly cranky.....not to mention hubby, who is used to things a certain way around here. WAYYYY different plans on our plates compliments of the stalled, uncertain economic times ahead. Numero Uno on our list is hauling in a few truckloads of GOOD soil (ours is not only pretty sandy, but really ucky) and planting a garden this spring. Haven't done that since small son was an infant and we were living in Northern Michigan......but.....with grocery prices as they are and me being the self proclaimed "Queen" of frugal meal prep.....I just can't see any other way around it....PLUS, it will be a great , uh........physical education dealo for small son....and will get ME out in ye olde sunshine to absorb some of that Vitamin D I'm sure I'm missing. Not only that, but coming in at Numbre Deux is......CHICKENS. I hope this spring to get my beloved chickens back!!!......those also from an almost 13 year hiatus. This city living is sure not what it's cut out to be....or I'm not cut out for it or something like that. And actually, we live in an "unincorporated township" and my understanding of that simply means "area where you get nothing for your taxes and can basically do anything you want".....unless someone reports you, which I also understand just doesn't happen that much here.....all things being equal, of course. In close relation to Uno and Deux, we have TROIS.....scaling back on our menu plans, ingredients,.....basically eating back on our 'shoestring budget'. Hubby says it's too many carbs for him and he blows up like a balloon......but he can just lay off the bread stuff so much. So, starting THIS weekend (yes, just b4 the annual Thanksgiving glut), I will be once again trying to stick to $50 a week in groceries, compared to the VERY GENEROUS and never did I think I would ever to be able to spend that much on groceries in this or any other lifetime of mine amount of $200 a week hubby currently gives me.....which leads me to Quattro.......(I am mixing French and Spanish in my numbers, happens all the time). I've also decided to take at least HALF of what my husband is giving me for groceries and putting it away. And I mean AWAY.....like in an account somewhere.....for the garden and chickens. That way, when the time comes (and IF hubby is laid off, as is threatened after the first of the year), I can just use those funds and not have to go to hubby for it!!! How's that for a Proverbs 31 woman type thing?? Oh, the woodburning stove is WONDERFUL....can't wait until we have the proper equipment and right size logs for it. We're just sort of playing around with it now.....but yesterday, the furnace only came on once during the day.....granted, it was a tad warmer (in the lower 40's), but it was exceedingly windy. Plus, my feet were not cold all day long.....and for me, that's the acid test. Need to run and get ready to haul small son to art class.....it's 2 hours earlier this term....ugh. Very busy weekend on the horizon. Sigh. Thought I was done with all that, but the co-op play is tomorrow night, final rehearsal tonight and something fun for MOI.....making Christmas cards with ladies from the church Sat. afternoon....sounds like fun. I remain, Denise, aka The Domestic Angel     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/621775/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:46:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/621775/ I thought this email that I'm copying here was pretty important to share with the group of home schoolers who have been praying for Donna, as it concerns some home school issues. Might give an idea of how to pray more specifically....... Now, talk about miracles.  Donna was sent home from Porter Memorial yesterday!  Just think, one week ago, we didn’t know if she would wake up from her coma and she is already home.  Beginning Wednesday, she will begin outpatient therapy in Homewood IL.  A van will pick her up at home in Valparaiso and will return her at the end of the day.  She still has some therapy issues like short term memory loss and difficulty walking.  Stan is returning to work today.  The kids are doing well and are very happy to have their mother home. As many of you know, Donna homeschooled all the children.  That in itself is a huge issue right now.  As has been explained to me, only parents may home school their own children and it looks like it will be a while before Donna will be up to speed to do that.  A generous person has offered to pay the tuition to send the two youngest, Seth and Mia, to Victory Christian.  Since Stan works in the Chesterton School district and they have been looking for a house in that area, Silas, Ellie and Rachel, would like to go to Chesterton.  The family is currently trying to find a solution to this issue because until they move, they would have to pay tuition to go to Chesterton right now.  Stan and Donna cannot express how much they appreciate everything that their Indiana families have done to help them through this difficult time.  Keep them in your prayers as they still have many obstacles to overcome. It will take a long time for Donna and her family to get back to a normal life.  Besides not being able to home school her children, Donna will also not be able to work at her job as a columnist for the Post Tribune.  Though they have insurance, I know that their will still be large medical bills to pay.   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This was just an excerpt......but thought everyone who's been praying would appreciate knowing. Thanks for all who prayed. I will give an update every week or so now......more another day. Denise aka The Domestic Angel http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/620532/ Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:11:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/620532/ Don't let anyone tell you that boys don't have the same probs with hormones as girls......THEY DO. Remember when small son couldn't WAIT for his extra lit class to end? Just Tuesday, he announced that he'd like to find out what book they're working on next, "just in case he might want to take the class again". Sigh. I'd forgotten......or seriously just blanked out all the teen angst and drama. Only daughter was ENOUGH of an experience for ANYONE'S lifetime.....and large son just sort of......well.........he was just SO EASY, comparitively so. NOW......small son. I've emailed the teach and haven't received a reply.....not sure if even SHE wants to tackle 6 jr. high age girls with a shy boy thrown in.....and I'm wondering now about those girls.....hmmmmm. School is actually going better these days. He enjoys the math, grammar and other areas I've added a la Charlotte Mason.....actually, I think he enjoyed 'the hunt' as I so lovingly refer to it......and it's not over yet. STILL desperately seeking an American History book......need suggestions. Personally, I think he enjoys transition, even though all the books on Aspergers state change is a BIG bugaboo. It's probably the lack of a few subjects he REALLY likes. Sigh. I will devote an entire post to Donna sometime soon.....please keep praying as her husband has some important decisions to make. She is in 'step down' care at hospital and having serious short term memory probs.....see my homestead blog for details. I try not to overlap too much. On that note, I will add here that knitting is coming along......finished some wrist warmers and soon to be mittens. My 'guys' wanted wrist warmers too.....imagine. Ladies retreat tonight and I STILL don't know if I'm going. Don't know what's wrong with me. Hormones of my own? Winter blues setting in? Just plain lazy? Who knows? Gonna run. Denise aka The Domestic Angel http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/619192/ Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:33:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/619192/ Well, not 'new' in the true sense of the word.....but......NEW to us. I've discovered the "multi-discplinary approach" to teaching/learning.....at least in THIS school. After lo these many years of trying this program and that program ....... this style and that style......this approach and that approach...... ......I think I've finally hit on it.....and you all out there probably already know this, but I am thinking I'm a genius. Well, sort of. Small son needs many different kinds of learning techniques in order to not only stay interested.....but to retain the knowledge he gleans. Phew. ALL computer or ALL books or ALL auditory or ALL video or ALL anything.....just doesn't cut it for him. SOOOOO......we are creating a learning approach of our own. Currently and working well for right now, but may need to bump it around soon, we are using this protocol......FOR NOW. Bible - is on SOS computer. Small son is fizz banging thru this and actually LIKES the content. And it even appears to be.....advanced for him, but .....oh well. Whatever works, eh? COMPUTER Math - is MathUSee. Re-doing the book he used last year, still trying to get a grasp on place value, time and money. Sigh. VIDEO and HANDS ON and WORKBOOK History - Currently doing the SOS disc on computer......but am looking for a great AMERICAN history book. Really like the Bob Jones one we used about......5 years ago. Still searching.....any suggestions would be great. Have thrown in some reading from Ambleside; Marco Polo, Child's History of the World. COMPUTER and READING Science - here's where it gets difficult. I think I'm just leaving it up to the co-op we're involved in to teach physical science and do the experiments, since our living space is just so small currently. READING and HANDS ON somewhere else. Language Arts/Grammar - heavy sigh. SOS just isn't getting the job done. I'm considering going back to Rod and Staff, as he not necessarily enjoyed it, but "got it" more often than not. I could slow the pace and re-do certain areas that were problematic. Small son, however....does not WANT to do Rod and Staff again.....says it's 'boring'. Might do "Further Up and Further In" or have even considered "Writing the Novel Way"......again, any suggestions here would be helpful. This is also a touchy subject here, as I am a writer, editor and English major.......sigh. NOTHING CONCRETE YET There is much more I am adding. He absolutely LOVES BOOKS and loves holding them in his hands, referring to them, stacking them.....it is a true love of all things books. Small son has requested "nature study" again and he LOVED "The Sciences" which is only available online. Has asked me to find the 'book'.....blech. Might not happen. Also, he LOVES all things Egypt (has even asked his dad to take him there next year for their one week 'father/son' vacation). AND wants to learn arabic. Borrowed the Pilsen method from the library for awhile and he's actually showing signs of being linguistical.....chip off the old block, I think. Like his big brother and sister.....if ONLY Rosetta stone didn't cost so much.....it goes on the Christmas wish list....along with a rich uncle!!! Then, there is always his art. LOVES it. And we're adding art appreciation again, a la Charlotte Mason style. Should be fun. There are other things I am toying with, but do not want to overwhelm. Him or ME. He is also going thru a phase that I suspect is part of growing pains.....'revisiting' the old films/soundtracks of his younger years. Hard to grow up these days, eh? But, it's comforting to him in our upheaveal. Glad he found it. Will keep an update here. As always, Denise aka The Domestic Angel   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/616347/ Sat, 8 Nov 2008 08:09:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/616347/ I've come to realize some things in these past......9 years of homeschooling that are important. One fact that has become evident to me lately, is that when I made a decision to homeschool, I joined a larger community of people who were pretty special. Add to that the fact that I am a Christian and participate in Christian homeschool circles, and the involvement goes even deeper. I have met WONDERFUL people who homeschool, Christian and non-Christian alike. They are all caring, compassionate people....sort of the 'norm' for our genre of people. Last night I received word that another wife, homeschooling mom and wonderful woman was involved in a terrible car accident. Today, she is in a coma in hosptial. Initial news like this can be grim, but I believe God can do anything. Donna has a husband and 6 wonderful children. Last year, she organized a talent show/fundraiser that far surpassed my expectations. Not that any of us would not be as 'special'......but will you pray with me for Donna? I will keep you updated here. Thanks Denise http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/615884/ Fri, 7 Nov 2008 07:52:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/615884/ .....about some books you all might use for school. FIRST, I'd like to get opinions on which AMERICAN history books you all think are best. Sort of Charlotte Masonish.....living, not dull. For a 13 y/o with some learning challenges, but who LOVES history. ALSO.....about Latin. Which is the easiest program? AND......Grammar. Some of the grammar programs we've used are just too fast paced for small son. Any suggestions? And did I mention........not too pricey either. Thanks, gotta fly. Denise aka The Domestic Angel http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/615421/ Thu, 6 Nov 2008 08:56:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/615421/ Side bar: AND WHERE did the frog come from on my blog??? Cute little green guy, but I sure didn't put him there....I don't know how!!! Man, our plates are so full, I just can't seem to use this blog like I did last year; as a daily journal of small son's education. Blech. MAYBE if I got up earlier.....but this whole menopause/hot flash/disturb your sleep every couple of hours things is for THE BIRDS. I got more sleep when my children were babies....thought the 'sleepless' part of my life was OVER!!!! SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On that note.....some more changes. Gotta love homeschooling, don't ya? We try something, it doesn't work for our children, or fit our lifestyle....and we can CHANGE IT!!! Try doing that in your local school system. I'd tell you stories about my neighbor and her 9 and 4 y/o and the trials they've endured just this year.....but.....it's same song second verse, so I'll spare you the details. I'd be 'preachin' to the choir' anyway, eh? About the changes. Small son has decided that this slick 'computer' school HE choose.....just isn't his cup of tea! Not sure exactly what it is about it that he doesn't like, but....I HAVE noticed that he likes holding a book in his hand. AND he loves reading, which is why the literature based, Charlotte Mason approach is what we're going back to ............AGAIN. Upon small son's request. I know this happened last year, only later in the year. This time it only took about 3-4 weeks for him to 'zone out'. You'd think the flashing graphics and funny people on this thing would hold his interest.....but.....he IS gravitating more to history and is intrigued with all things Egypt and Arabic. How to explain to your Aspie 13 y/o that there is war and unrest in the part of the world he wants to go 'dig' in. Sigh. Ah, for innocence. SOOOOO.....that being said, I am scrambling to find some of his old texts from that discipline.....some here, some there (there being the storage unit that was blown away this summer by the tornado)....and some I will have to buy or borrow from yon library. No more Lit class......his last class was Wed. I will miss my one hour with some great moms. But, it is best for small son. He will NOT miss being the only boy in a class of 6 giggly, adolescent, soon to be full blown teen girls. Can you believe they studied Call of the Wild?? Such a boy book.....anyway, that experience is over.....and he even admitted he was glad he did it....just does NOT want to do it again. Hmmm. Maybe more unit studies or guide sheets for lit, eh? Math. What can I say about THE most frustrating experience of my life?? It's like God is just NOT going to give up......I mean, I hated math when I was in 4th grade and the teach accused me of being a 'busy body' b/c I gave a girl a pencil who had arrived late to class b/c of 'catechism' classes. (always been a 'need filler', but in p/s, I guess that's a bad thing). Then there was the whole "Quizmo" experience. My dad would sit me down on weekends at our dining room table and literally try to POUND math facts into my head. He thought he was "helping", I'm sure, since he was the proverbial 2nd shift dad and not around during the week in the evenings to 'help'. All I remember was tears and heartache. I think those experiences traumatized me and I never got past......division. Anyway, large son and only daughter seemed to muck thru it ok in p/s .......and now in my twilight years......God has gifted me with this child as a reminder, I guess, of what I still need to work on (or as a reminder of my failure or maybe a chance for me to finally 'get it'??). Sigh. SOOOO......I ordered another MathUSee student text and we're doing it AGAIN. WHY is it so hard for him to grasp the concept of place value?? Isn't that a foundational concept??? Well, we watched "Rainman" with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise (I do NOT recommend that movie to anyone unless they have TVGuardian, HORRIBLE language, which reminds me, they seem to have replaced the atrocious language of the 80's and 90's with violence and sex?? Or is that just me that thinks that?)......Dustin Hoffmans portrayal of an autsitic adult was hard for me to watch. So many of his 'responses' to his brother were so similar to small sons. "I don't know".....the fact he had no concept of time unless it was tied to a tv program.....the sound sensitivity.....phew. HOWEVER.....there was that phenomenal math ability.....wouldn't it be grand if our lives were like the movies?? So.....back to MathUSee, and he's really not dragging his heels too badly with this. I think b/c it's 'easier' b/c he's already done it? I refuse to skip him past the place value part until I know he REALLY understands.....and if he never does???? Well, that is something I'm leaving to God. And it seems my decision about Youth Group has been vetoed by hubby......hmmm. He insists small son go every other Sun. afternoon and participate.....even if all he does is sit there and soak it in.....perhaps he is right. Small son loves to do everything else with these kids.....maybe he just isn't comfortable with all the personal/God talk stuff?? Seems to fit. This Sunday is our Hymn sing/potluck. NEXT Sunday is the YCL youth thing.....we'll see how it goes. SO. No more Lit class. Co-op on Tuesdays. Signed up for the second session of Art.....starts in 2 weeks. MathUSee is it for us.....AND......apparently Ambleside Online. YCL every other Sunday afternoon. And a partridge in a pear tree. Life goes on. Pray as we locate books. Denise aka The Domestic Angel http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/613013/ Sat, 1 Nov 2008 08:06:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/613013/ A quick update on all things educational around here, since I've been spotty about my posts lately. Some decisions and changes. ONE. We will NOT be continuing the Lit class on Wednesdays after this 6 week session is done. Just WAYYYYY too much info for small son to absorb in far too short a time for him....but....we had to try. Now I have a little better handle on just how far I "can" push him and exactly what he is capable of absorbing. More than I previously thought.....but not in the 'speed' with which this group is going. I am grateful it is a short session, as I think small son can handle this challenge with as little self recrimination as possible...not so mom, here. Feeling really......bad. TWO. I have dropped the Math course from his SOS schedule....there is absolutely NO WAY he can even begin to accomplish the subjects covered, especially since he has not mastered the 'basics' yet. Again....a good try and a good measure of where he needs. Now, we will drag out our old MathUSee, which is the BEST way he 'learns' math.....and review and go from there.....almost done with the level he was working on last year and need to get a new one ordered. THREE. Small son has decided the challenge of being with a new youth group is a little too....advanced for him. Which is why they limit it to 14 y/o and above and some mature 13 y/o's. Small son is quiet and 'manageable', but far from the 'mature' level they have. Not a bad situation, just a few times a month he will not be with some of the young folks. Good decisions all....and much prayed over. Feeling confident about the Holy Spirit's leading with this..... More tomorrow. Denise aka The Domestic Angel http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/607315/ Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:37:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/607315/ There is hope. Yesterday, without even being told, small son not only completed ALL of his subjects before our departure time of 12:30 (for co-op). He has even taken it upon himself to learn Egyptian (Arabic). AND is studying, in his spare time, about Egypt. WOW. Big time, adult stuff for around here! He even put in one of the language CD's for Arabic in the cd player in our truck on the way home (sheesh, with that sentence construction, maybe I should tutor out grammar, eh??).....and in listening to him repeat the phrases.....I am amazed that he shows the same linguistical (is that a word?) ability as his older sister......who is about as white bread, redhead, curly, sassy ANGLO as you can get....but when she lets out a speal of Spanish like someone born and raised in Mexico......it's just short of amazing! Perhaps this will also be one of my children who grasps the 'arts'.....and most of his qualities, especially his personality....is more like his sister than anyone......sigh. Hmmmm.....maybe all those early years of Charlotte Mason type teaching, gently exposing him to different areas of learning......music, the Great Masters, languages......maybe it's all geling together..... WOW.....ain't God good?? SOOOO.....take heart, all you out there with multiple little ones under say......10 or so.....or even those that have children with learning disabilities....... THERE IS HOPE. They really are soaking it in. They really are listening. God really does answer prayer. And Satan wants to discourage. NEVER forget that. Yesterday was a good day at co-op also. Next week we have a 'break week', no co-op. He will be able to catch up on a few thngs and prepare his very first EVER speech for 'elections' class. And life goes on.... Denise aka The Domestic Angel http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/605025/ Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:34:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/domesticangel/605025/