I live in sunny So Cal with my husband. We homeschool our 5 kids. We are a Christian, all-american, multi-cultural family. Our children have a very rich heritage. I love to read, camp, try new recipes, and spend time with my family. This blog is a record of events and learning experiences in our family's life. The world is our classroom and our teacher is our Savior Jesus Christ. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Wed, 9 Dec 2009 20:00:00 -0600 Wed, 9 Dec 2009 20:00:00 -0600 It was a beautiful day in So Cal today.  It was sunny and breezy.  The sky was clear and it was a perfect day for a walk.  We finished homeschooling before lunch and headed out for unknown destinations.  We ended up at a Mexican Bakery/Restaurant about a half mile from our home where we had lunch and desert.  Eating out is a rarity for our family so lunch inside a restaurant was a real treat.  It was their reward for filling up the Caught "Bean" Good bean cup. Afterward we walked about a mile to the library -- this is one of our favorite things to do.  Its hard with a 3 year old with absolutely no volume control, but we all love books.  Then we got a real treat -- the library had a Christmas program.  The kids (most of them) had so much fun doing Christmas karaoke.  It was a blast.  Afterward, we went to the grocery store and picked fixings for a quick dinner and a video from the Red Box -- I got free Red Box coupons from my last grocery trip.  On the way home, the kids collected pinecones for an art project.  It was a perfect day -- just another day in paradise.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/750885/ Wed, 9 Dec 2009 20:00:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/750885/ I was reading random blogs today and came upon this math game. You can read about it here. How to play. Divide flash cards evenly between players Each place a flash card down on the table. Do the math problem. High number wins. Person with most cards at the end win. Variation :  The child can also "steal" the adult's card. If the child can correctly figure the answer to your card in less than 5 seconds, very slow seconds, he gets your card, even if it was the higher card. Sounds fun!  I think we'll try it tomorrow. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/722196/ Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:37:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/722196/ The Happy Housewife is doing a Menu Planning 101 series.  I could definitely use some help in this area so I thought I would participate in her step-by-step process.  She asked us to list 15 meals; I decided to list as many of our favorite meals that I could recall in categories.  Here they are: Beef: Beef Roast (Crockpot) Tacos Tostadas Shepherds Pie Tater Tot Casserole Carne Asada Beef Stroganoff Swedish Meatballs Burgers Meatloaf Salisbury Steak Taquitos Hash & potatoes O’brien Chicken: Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken Orange Chicken Chicken Enchilada Casserole Chicken Nuggets Baked Chicken Fried Chicken Roast or Rotisserie Chicken Chicken Enchilada Casserole Chicken Mole Misc: The Best Beans (Mayocoba/Peruvian Beans) & Mexican Rice Enchiladas Egg Rolls (Chicken, Shrimp, Pork, Beef, or Veggie) Chilaquiles or Entomatadas Quesadillas Chili & Cornbread Loaded baked potatoes (chili, cheese, bacon, sour cream) Kielbasa and potato skillet or casserole Hot Dogs/Chili Dogs/Corn Dogs Chorizo and Eggs Pizza  Frito Pie Potato Tacos Pasta: Pizza pasta casserole Lasagna Macaroni and Cheese with Spam or Ham Spaghetti Cheeseburger Skillet/Casserole Pork: Ham Carnitas (Roast) Chuletas Pozole Gyoza (Japanese potstickers) Pork Roast with chile verde (mild green chilies) Ribs Fish: Shrimp & Bacon Fried Rice Tuna or Salmon Patties Tuna Noodle Casserole Mexican Tuna Salad (diced onions, tomatoes, serrano chilies, lime juice) Shrimp Tacos Fish Tacos Fried Breaded Shrimp Fish Sticks/Filets Pan fried swaii catfish or salmon Turkey: Roast Turkey Soup: Albondigas (Mexican Meatballs) Soup Potato and cheddar soup Pozole with pork stew meat Sandwiches: BBQ Rib Philly Cheesesteak Deli meat (Bologna/Turkey) Soynut butter and jelly/honey Chicken Patty sandwich Spam and Egg Sandwiches http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/722048/ Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:18:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/722048/ Today I had to process payroll for one of my clients and go visit teaching.  I woke up at 6:00 and started working on the bookkeeping and payroll.  Lots to do today!!!   I've been doing homeschool opening exercises with all the kids for the last few days.  They are enjoying my more lighthearted approach.  We sing several songs including hymns and especially songs from the children's songbook.  I ask each child to pick a song and it seems to go over very well.     Today we reviewed 1 Nephi chapter 1 and read chapter 2.  I paraphrased for the little ones and then had them act out parts.  They really like to act out the stories!   I also tried to find a way to explain sin and repentance.  At first I asked them to remember how we planted watermelon last year and ask them what happened when mom and dad stop tending the garden.  They said lots of weeds came up and the watermelon died.  But when it looked like Captain and Princess my 7 and 5 year olds were not really getting it, I changed the visual picture to dirty shoes.  I told them that sin was like getting your shoes all muddy, stepping in dog poo, and stepping in gum.  We could wash the "sins" away, but it was hard work.  The dog poo smell would linger on the shoes for a long time and the chewing gum would be very hard to scrape off.  I paralleled that to different sins and how they "stain" our souls and asked them to remember to watch their paths closely so that they would not step into a pile of "sin".  They thought it was hilarious.  I hope the children understood.   Today is our 2nd day of Rick Fisher's math program today.  The workbook "Mastering Essential Math Skills: 20 minutes a day to success" seems to be a hit.   The review exercises are a good amount and mix of problems to help the girls continue to practice the key skills.  They are focused and attentive.  I have found it necessary to teach a lesson on the “new” skills introduced, but do so in conjunction with the dvd lesson that is included for each worksheet.  I think this is necessary because the dvd and worksheets don’t go to the depth adequately for the girls to understand the new concept.  So far this looks like a great program.     It was another scorcher today.  I left the house at 11:30 for my 12:00 appointment with a counselor I’ve recently began to see.  I got to the office and found out that my appointment was for 10:00 a.m., but I had put the wrong time in my phone’s calendar!  I apologized and she asked if I would stay until she found out whether her noon appointment was showing up.  Her noon appointment showed up afterall, so I rescheduled for the following Friday.  Afterward,  I refilled our water bottles at the water store, went to Petco to purchase bird food and spray millet, and to the library to pick up a book I had on order called “How to Tutor” from Sam Blumenfeld.  I had to bring the water bottles in from the car.  My DH usually does that, but today he didn't.  Each 5 gallon water bottle felt heavier than the last.  I was tuckered out after getting those in the house.   We have switched Family Home Evening to Friday since DH is gone Monday nights.  We had a great time.  We put on a CD I got from the library today.  It contains recent pop music hits from Pink, Gwen Stefani, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson - songs we only hear when we listen to the radio which isn't often since DH has an ipod.  We listened to the music while DH did a slideshow for the kids of dinosaurs and animals that we projected onto a sheet.  Then we had a "laser show" using laser pointers on the ceiling and danced in the dark living room with flashlights.  I'm so glad my kids think this time with Mom and Dad is fun -- even my oldest who is nearly 11 isn't too "cool" for family night.  I am so blessed!   Breakfast:  Hot dogs (Weird huh?) Lunch:  Bologna sandwiches Dinner: Loaded baked potatoes with chili & cheese, apples, & bananas with whipped topping & drizzle of chocolate sauce.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721919/ Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:14:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721919/ Have to pay the piper.  I'm still waking up at 6:45 a.m. even when I'm not going to sleep until 12:45.  Thankfully, I'm feeling rested and still getting up at a decent time.   I'm waking the kids up now and timing them to see if I make it a game whether they'll do their morning routine more quickly.   Today, I'm going to establish homeschool opening exercises.  Here is the plan:   Prayer Scripture Story Songs Pledge of Allegiance Hugs   We're also going to start Rick Fisher's math program today.  I purchased the workbook "Mastering Essential Math Skills: 20 minutes a day to success".  I am hopeful that this method will help my daughters to make great strides in their progress in math.    Breakfast:  Cereal Late Lunch:  Kielbasa on hamburger buns Dinner: Turkey and Cheddar SW and red grapes Snack: tangerines   Today I do bookkeeping at a client’s office.  I need to leave by 10:30 to get home by 2:30 for a 3 hour shift and 3:30 for a 4 hour shift.  I'll try to work as efficiently as I can so that I can be back between 2:30 and 3:00.  Otherwise, I’ll cut time too short and DH will likely stress about getting to college.  (He drives 100 miles round trip Monday through Thursday in commuter traffic)   I left for work at 10:45 and started work at 11:45 after making a stop to mail an ebay package and picking up lunch at Stater Bros grocery store.  I left work at 2:15 and returned home around 3 p.m. after returning a bunch of books to the library.  The kids had eaten tangerines for a snack while I was away, but were quite hungry when I got home.  DH had to study for a quiz and didn't get around to preparing lunch.  So as soon as I got home, I tried to get the kielbasa on the table and DH college snack brown bagged before he had to leave at 4 p.m.  Note to self:  ALWAYS HAVE LUNCH PREPARED FOR THE KIDS BEFORE LEAVING FOR WORK.   Baby Zilla  is sick, but he is still a bundle of energy.  I came home to find that he had drawn in red ink all over the refrigerator door! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721915/ Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:01:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721915/ Today was hard.  I worked at one of my side jobs for 2 hours and still managed to have completed much of the homeschool lesson plan.  I need to add more fun to homeschool:  more projects, art, science experiments.  In the first week back to school, we’re focusing on the main subjects right now.  Time flies in this house especially when the kids take an hour just to eat lunch!   I lost my temper with Captain and Princess during the math meeting this morning.  Of course, I admitted my wrong doing and asked for their forgiveness.  I’m not like my parents in that way – when I break the family rules , I own up to my actions and try to make amends.  The rule I broke was from "The Original 21 Rules of this House" by Gregg Harris:  “We always speak quietly and respectfully to each other”.  I don’t want my kids to ever think that they “deserved” it.  They know that mom is human and that I  make mistakes and bad choices and must repent just like everyone else.   I am recommitted to being easier going from this point forward.  I get upset too quickly which is probably why Richard Carlson’s books like “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” and Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Families” are read and re-read.  I need constant reminders to focus on the eternal perspective and not let the little things get to me.  I am really hard on myself to the point of self-deprecation at times.  As I look at this closely, what I have come to realize is that my high expectations for myself are not limited to just me.  This was an awful realization.  Nothing I did as a child was “good enough” for my parents, and I was sure that I wasn’t going to go down that road with my kids.  Unfortunately, I am not always the perfect example of unconditional love and acceptance.  Like I said, I can transfer much of my issues to them:  I can be too easily annoyed, too critical, and lecture them into a coma.  Its an area I will continue to improve.   Breakfast: Soynut butter SW Lunch: Pasta 3 ways (Plain, with meat sauce, cheeseburger - something for everyone), fruit Dinner: Leftover pasta & fruit Snack:  Dinner for DH to take to school: Turkey and Pepper Jack SW, tangerine, cookies, cheetos, flavored cold water http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721913/ Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:55:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721913/ I was the first out of bed this morning.  Yesterday, the kids beat me by 5 minutes! The kids must not have gone to sleep after I put them in bed at 9 p.m. last night because they were difficult to rouse. Of course, Zilla my 3 year old  noticed when I left the bed to shower.  Since my husband is going to school in the evening now, I am concerned that working on waking earlier will make it difficult for him to get the rest he needs.  However, class ends no later than 10 p.m., so after the hour drive, he could be in bed by 11:00 to 11:30 each night or take a nap before he goes off to school. I've found its very important to start our day early.  There is so much more to do with 4 kids in homeschool and a very disruptive, but very loved toddler in the mix.   In the shower, I started feeling very overwhelmed with how the children are progressing.   If I could do it over again, I would make sure that math was worked on diligently every day.   Also, Tootsie and Sugar Plum both read very well, but would be benefited in developing stronger composition skills.  I hadn’t been concerned about their writing skills in the past as they LOVE to write.  However, I received a list of the key skills from their charter school and for their age group it says that they should be able to write a 5 paragraph essay.  I'd like to help them to learn this skill by the end of the school year.   I’m going to try the following: 1.  Have all the children together for Saxon math meeting time.  In that process, everything that I teach my little schoolers will also be reinforced for the older children.  My 4th and 5th graders  do not know their math facts by heart and I think that when that time comes for the little schoolers, it will help to have the older students master them as well.  The older kids can also "tutor" the younger kids and learn at the same time!  We'll continue with Quartermie math, but use it for both multipication and addition/subtraction facts & whatever drills are needed. 2.  Practice writing by using topics from the scripture lesson.  I'll need divine inspiration for this , but I think that this method will help the kids to practice writing skills in a useful way.  More on this to follow as I work out the details.  For right now, they are LOVING the workbook “Draw then Write”.   We're off to a slower start than I had hoped this morning.  The kids still haven't gotten dressed and there is a lot of bickering going on with the youngest three. I'm going to put on some upbeat music.   Today, we'll start the day with math and then phonics.   Breakfast: Cereal (COCO Puffs &Lucky Charms) Lunch: Stuffed Sole, Chicken Cordon Bleu (Omaha Farms food passed on from my mom), Rice, & Fruit Dinner: Sandwiches Snack:  Dinner for my husband to take to school: Turkey and Pepper Jack SW, tangerine, cookies, funyuns, cold water http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721906/ Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:30:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721906/ Today was the first official day of school.   Breakfast: Spam and Egg sandwiches (Grown ups with pepper jack cheese - yummy) Lunch: Sandwiches (1/2 Turkey, 1/2 Soynut butter & honey)/ Fresh peaches Dinner: Quesadillas & fruit (canned) Snack:  Oreos Dinner for dh to take to school: Soynut Butter SW, tangerine, cookies, funyuns, cold water   What we did in homeschool:   Met together for prayer and scripture study.  We read from the Book of Mormon.   DH gave blessings to me and the 5 children to start the school year.   Tootsie: Quartermile Math - practiced multiplication tables (0 to 5) Excel Math lesson 1 (tan book) - emphasis on multi-step word problems Spectrum Spelling Grade 5 - Lesson 1 (2 pages) Worldly Wise 4 - Lesson 1 (1 page) Literature - By the Shores of Silver Lake (Chapter 10) Copywork - 1 Nephi 3:7 Scripture Memory Verse - 1 Nephi 3:7 Science:  Singing Planets Songs   Sugar Plum: Quartermile Math - practiced multiplication tables (0 to 5) Excel Math lesson 1 (green book) Spectrum Spelling Grade 4 - Lesson 1 (2 pages) Wordly Wise 4 - Lesson 1 (1 page) Literature - Little House in the Big Woods (Chapter 1) Copywork - 1 Nephi 3:7 Scripture Memory Verse - 1 Nephi 3:7 Science:  Singing Planets Songs   Captain: Language Arts:  Click n Read Phonics - lesson 15 Math Mat game (number recognition) Science:  Singing Planets Songs Language Arts:  Explode the Code 2 (Lesson 1 - 3 pages) Language Arts:  SSRW Songs   Princess: Language Arts:  Click n Read Phonics - lesson 4 Math Mat game (number recognition) Unifix cube manipulative play Language Arts:  SSRW Songs Science:  Singing Planets Songs   I took the girls to their charter school  to pick up books and sign their master agreements.  I got home and realized that I don't have the right Sing, Spell, Read and Write program for Princess.  She needs K and it is level 1.  It is also missing numerous parts and is quite dusty and dirty.  Yuck.  This particular charter school is not generous with new curriculum orders.  They are better about reimbursement of YMCA classes, but right now none of the kids are enrolled in extracurricular classes, so I'm starting to rethink where I have the kids enrolled.   DH started night school today.  He is in a one year allied health program.  He left at 4 pm today and classes start at 7 p.m., but he has a 50 mile drive in commuter traffic. (Yuck)  He called at almost 6 p.m. to say that he was in the classroom and had already picked up his textbooks from the bookstore. (I had pre-ordered them online for an exorbitant $298!)  The difference between new and used texts was only about $60, but DH has issues about using used books – the germs & he thinks its annoying to see highlighting from other people.    I went to the bank with the girls today and deposited $240 that I had saved from one of my side jobs and for the cell phone reimbursement from my parents portion of our family share plan.  We had just enough to pay for his books.   I dropped on 2 dvds at the library today.  I couldn't renew them past the 3 weeks that the teacher’s card allows.   Tomorrow is trash day so I need to round up the trash around the house - bathrooms and kids rooms as well as clean out the fridge.  I cleaned the kids hallway bathroom today & worked on the kitchen.  With the kids help, we accomplished the following household chores before homechool: cleaned the kitchen table and set out a new tablecloth vacuumed the  kitchen and living room floors tucked in the sofa & loveseat  covers loaded and unloaded the dishwasher   My toddler got a shower today.  As usual, he screamed a lot, but he let me wash his hair without too much fuss.  By the end of the shower, he didn't want to come out.  (Of course!) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721899/ Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:13:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721899/ Today I was up at 6:45 a.m.  I've been catching up on my homeschool journals and filling in a few missing things.  I've got my 3 year old on my lap and its now after 7:30.  It’s not easy to get stuff done especially on the computer when you've got a squirmy toddler on your lap.  It is still hot - I hope this heat wave dissipates soon!   This list came from Spirittibee's blog.  She couldn't credit the original author, so I can't either.  Spirittibee says,  "As a perfectionist and an analytical thinker, I admit that I have been less than a perfect roll model of love and acceptance 100% of the time with my children. I tend to expect too much, lecture too much, get upset too quickly, and be too critical."  Oh my gosh - I think she was describing me.  See my recent blog entry.  So here is the list:   You Exasperate Your Children When You... 1. Never admit you are wrong. Instead, tell your children you have made a mistake and ask their forgiveness and God's if you sin in your actions or attitudes. 2. Model hypocrisy (say one thing, do another) 3. Fail to keep promises. Be cautious with your words. You may not think you are making a promise, but your children may interpret your words or actions as promises. 4. Demand too much of them. Don't expect them to act like adults. Be reasonable in your expectations of their actions, attitudes and how much responsibility you expect of them. Try timing your workflow to see if what you are asking is even possible (if you tend towards overloading the schedule). 5. Over protect them. Don't bail them out of problems - let them learn the hard way now. The cost will be less now than later in life when you aren't there to pick them up. 6. Batter them with words. Use your words sparingly! Be consistent and let your yes be yes, your no be no, and your words be solid in action. 7. Abuse them verbally. Never call names, add explanation marks to their names or predict failure. Find ways to compliment and praise them instead. Tell them all the things they do well - not a list of their shortcomings. 8. Make discipline too severe. 9. Show favoritism. Don't compare children in their achievements, abilities or grades. They are each unique gifts from God. 10. Embarrass them. Be careful and cautious with how you speak about them to others - especially when they are present. 11. Give no time warnings. Don't come in a room and tell them to stop immediately unless they are doing something that will harm them or others. Give them a few minutes to adjust to your expectations. Tell them 'bed in five minutes' or 'we are leaving in ten minutes, so please finish and clean up' - then follow through! 12. Try to be their buddy. You are the parent. Time for friendships is later in life when they are parents themselves. 13. Withhold firm discipline and proper training. If you tell them dinner is ready and they don't come, no dinner. Don't debate. You are the parent. Train them in the way they should go and always remain calm and prayerful in your decisions. Then stick to it! 14. Discipline inconsistently/use different punishments for the same offense. Each child should receive the same punishment for the same crime. Being tired is no excuse for inconsistent punishments. Keep a journal to ensure consistency. 15. Are weak with your authority. Don't let the children ask you repeatedly to have or do something. Don't allow them to even TRY to wear you down. If you make a decision, stick to it. 16. Consistently believe evil of them. When you are suspicious of them, making accusations of wrongdoing, you are deflating their trust in your unconditional love and acceptance of them. Be happy with them and know that you are blessed to be their parent. Your trust and acceptance can encourage them to make right choices. 17. Do not listen to them. Let them explain their frustrations with you and be honest with you about how they feel - even if it upsets you. They should be polite and respectful, but they should always be allowed to come to you with their feelings. 18. Continually criticize them. "A child can only take so much gloom." - Little House on the Prairie 19. Communicate to them that they are unwanted. If you tell them it would be easier to go to work than take care of kids at home and they will think you would rather be there. Don't tell them what you are giving up to raise them or they will think you would rather not be their parent. When you are frustrated, pray - do not speak hurtful things you will regret. 20. Threaten them with rejection. If they are not doing what they should, discipline them. If they refuse to obey, let them sit outside on a bench in your back yard because you will not allow willful disobedience in your home. Don't threaten them with empty threats. Only say what you really mean after you have time alone to pray about the issue. Ask for help if the disobedience spirals out of control. Maybe an objective mentor can give you ideas you haven't thought of to curb the problem. 21. Never communicate your approval of them. If you only take time out of your day to correct them and not ever to encourage them, you are teaching them to seek your attention through negative actions. You are also making them not like themselves - which will make them seek approval in others by doing things to get attention from their peers. 22. Neglect them. Don't allow the phone or your own private duties to interrupt your time together. Make time to build a relationship with them. Take time to listen and communicate with them. Get to know them as a person. Keep a prayer journal for them and make notes about time you have spent talking with them. Remember what it was like to court your spouse? Love them with your whole heart. The house cleaning can wait. 23. Overindulge them. Don't allow them to be part of your decision making when you are making parental decisions and don't spoil them with material things. Don't allow too much screen time or 'twaddle' or they will develop a taste for 'the easy life' and balk at hard work and deep thinking. They will expect things to be given to them and not want to put out effort to achieve them. 24. Reward insolence, sass, pouting, anger, or disrespect. A child should never raise his voice at his parents unless he is calling you from afar. Do not allow a disrespectful tone to be rewarded by acknowledgment. Cease the conversation and discipline. Bad attitudes are a symptom of a clouded heart. The bible talks about the heart's wickedness. A great book on discipline and heart issues is "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Ted Tripp. 25. Cease a time of chastisement before it has produced humility. Don't stop in your punishment of bad behavior until you see the fruit of a changed heart. If the actions AND attitudes change, you have succeeded in your objective as their disciple. If there is only an action change, and yet their countenance is still angry, you have only taught them that lip service is all you are asking of them. Their heart is the root of the disobedience. Your job is not to weed out bad behavior, but to till the soil of the heart until GOOD can grow there. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721893/ Sat, 29 Aug 2009 09:30:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/721893/ I purchased this program last year, but we haven't used it much.  Just recently, my 9 and 10 year olds have been using it every day to practice their multiplication.  I must say that this method of drilling is a very positive.  They feel so pleased when they've won the race - especially since they are competing against their own best time. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/719483/ Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:23:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/thejoyfulhomeschool/719483/