My Homeschool Mothers Journal 5.10.11

Tweet

weeelllllll  once again I missed the link up for this one.... but I did have a productive weekend...  that has to count for something....

In my life this week…

I have been all about the garden.  I have been eating, sleeping, drinking....  slaving in the garden!  I count it all joy for the nummy-ness it will produce.  Now, if it will stop being so stinkin' cold and let my vegetation grow....  I would be a happy girl.

In our homeschool this week…

I made some great flashcards for Hunter to help with spelling.  The big kids took a test to see if they would qualify to enter a program called Running Start, where high school kids can attend college for two years and receive their AA concurrently with their Diploma.  One passed.... one did not.  The did not child seriously missed by what must have been just a few questions.  The fall semester doesn't start till the end of September.  We are evaluating if we want to just CLEP some classes next year, or study and try again for entrance to the community college.  I have no doubt they are intelligent enough to do the work required in college....  I just think someone froze on the test :)

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Saturday was the start of the Farmers Market.  While we were there we ran into my husband's cousin (whom I had never met) she and her husband were with our nieces and nephew.  That was a fun a pleasant surprise.  Then my hubby, ran into an old co-worker and chatted with him for a bit.  He was Mr Popular for the morning. 

Then there was the car wash to help support the Young Marines....  they washed the truck very nicely. 

Today is the Car Race and Awards to finish out Master Clubs....  everyone was up until 1 am working on their derby cars last night.....  well, everyone but me and Jeremiah.  We were the smart ones.  We were in bed.

My favorite thing this week was…

Meeting another member of my husband's family.  They are not a close and chatty family.  Everyone tends to leave the other members alone.  It was nice to meet a new member and hear that she was looking to move closer.

What’s working/not working for us…

the nicer weather is not working at all.  I swear to you, I can not keep that Hunter-boy indoors for longer than two seconds.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…

Can I duct tape him to the chair and get away with it?   LOL!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Kinda hungry for this right now...............

Join Sue on Friday's and link up to HSMJ @ The Homeschool Chick

My Homeschool Mother Journal 5.2.11

Tweet

{In my life this week…}

Pretty busy.  Ridiculously so in fact.  The calendar hasn't shown busy at the beginning of the week, but then things are added, and added, and added, by Saturday....  I usually ready to sleep for a week. 

Last week there were Dr appts... and then one the very next day so we could be "squeezed" in for a procedure. 

...Then a wedding shower for a couple at church and there was much running around and preparing for that. 

This week the calendar is showing pretty empty....  Hoping it stays that way... and I can get some serious gardening done and some plants in the ground!


{In our homeschool this week…}

This coming week the big kids have a placement test for the community college.  They want to attend there through a program called Running Start.  If they pass the test (I am sure they will)  they will take classes next fall.

I think I am ready for this.
Maybe.

For Hunter... we have really been working on teaching to the little camcorder that is in his head.  Doing lots of Spelling work with the Right Brain techniques....  I think I am going to buy Dianne Craft's video course to help me better grasp all of what she talks about on her website.  It is really making a huge difference in our school days.   
We are also reading through some of the classics in literature....  we have finished Dr. Doolittle and we are on now to Anne of Green Gables...  which I am liking much better than the mini series.

{Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…}

Tayler has her last game this week.  Softball this year has been swift and furious, but very fun.  The game is in West Valley and that is past Yakima....  I will be staying home for that one. 

I plan on having quality time in my garden.  The farthest I want to travel this week is to the side pasture.

Oh... and the big kids are off to a Youth Retreat with church for Friday and Saturday.... good times for them.

{My favorite thing this week was…}

My husband.  He came with me to the wedding shower.  (which if you knew my manly-man, is a heroically selfless gesture) 

{What’s working/not working for us…}

Right now the biggest thing that IS working is Right Brained Teaching Techniques from Dianne Craft.  If you have a child that struggles in reading and memorization of math facts... please check out her site and see if it will help you!

http://www.diannecraft.org/


{Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…}

How do you go about starting a Co-op?  Anyone got some advice?

{A photo, video, link, or quote to share…}

Don't be a captive to your past.  Jesus has forgiven it.  You should to.

Philippians 3:13  " Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do,  forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,"



Link up @ The Homeschool Chick and share your Journal

My Homeschool Mother's Journal 4.23.11

Tweet

In my life this week…


I managed a majorly Epic mom fail.   You can read all about it here.   I  managed to write up two recipes, make 6 printable sheets, write three reviews, catch a game of high school softball, take one kid to three different Dr appointments.... and not lose any kids in the process. 

That has to count for something.


In our homeschool this week…

School has been very scatted.  With all the Dr appointments, and regular errands, it has been a week of Car Schooling for us.... grabbing work books or flash cards or just reading Dr. Doolittle, have been what Hunter has been doing. 

We also had puppies this week... so Tuesday.... was a whole lot of Animal Biology.


Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Easter Sunday we will be hosting some friends over for Lunner.  I very much enjoy having people over to visit with and cook for.

I do not enjoy very much the prepping and cleaning before hand.....  and that is why I am blogging instead of cleaning.

Don't judge me.



My favorite thing this week was…



Trying on glasses with Evan at the eye doctors.  It is fun to make faces when you try them on.



What’s working/not working for us…



The truck isn't running as it should.  I am praying that it is obedient and can wait until next week to be disassembled and put back together.


Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…

My daughter has approached me about wanting to participate in a program offered here called Running Start.  She would finish out her HS years with a AA degree. 

I am sure she will do fine.  I am just having trouble adjusting to the fact that my little birdies aren't so little anymore and that growing up is bittersweet.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Link up with other moms and share your Homeschool Journal

@The Homeschool Chick

My Homeschool Mothers Journal 4.19.11

Tweet

 

Forgive me friends.......... for I have sinned.  I have broken the cardinal rule of blogging.....

I have failed to make even ONE entry in nearly 2 weeks.

Ugh....

Failure.....

bad blogger I am...

I suppose I should catch up.... and fill you in on my own personal insanity that has kept me away from the screen........the link for HSMJ is closed for the week, I will just have to try again next week to link up.

{In my life this week…}

I have been a busy busy bee.  Last weekend was the Annual Ladies Retreat for our church, and I was on the decoration committee.  Our venue was changed, more decorations had to be thought of and made....  there were work days... and work days....   .... you get the picture.... I was busy !

{In our homeschool this week…}

We tried to get as much done as possible.  I was listening to the April Pre-show for the Schoolhouse Expo last Tuesday, and well.....  it was wonderful.  I have a whole post brewing in my brain about one of the speakers.  It was like a light bulb went off for us, and we are going to really work on implementing a few new things to help Hunter with his spelling and reading.

{Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…}

Well, we have spent a lot of time in the car.... driving, and dropping.  I really need to get a CD player for my rig so that we can listen to some things while we are in the car for 3 hours everyday. 

We have seen lots of Doctors this month.  Check-ups and referrals and follow ups with broken fingers, eye appointments and GI doctors.... 

{My favorite thing this week was…}

Seeing the vision I had in my head for the Retreat coming to life.  It is one thing to have this idea that you think is great.... but when it all comes together and looks halfway decent....  It was a nice sense of accomplishment.

{What’s working/not working for us…}

the weather!... 

it is getting nice outside and everyone wants to play and not work on their school!

{Homeschool questions/thoughts I have…}

I just feel real blessed to be able to homeschool.

{A photo, video, link, or quote to share…}

from a vacation a few years back.....

My Homeschool Mother's Journal 4.1.11

Tweet

In my life this week...

I actually got an hour or so to work on some decorations for Ladies Retreat.  It is quickly sneaking up on me and there is much more decorating wizardry that needs to happen. 

I started to read Emma by Jane Austen.  I am only 3 chapters in....  Someday I will get a chance to read more than a half a page at a time.  Thank goodness it is on the Kindle and it keeps track of where I am.

I ordered the seeds for our garden.  We are going to be rolling in vegetables soon.  Well, Hunter will correct me... most vegetables are really fruits.... Thank you Apologia Science, Botany.

In our homeschool this week...

Hunter walked through the supermarket telling me how everything was really a fruit. 

Evan has been working ahead and completing books....  I think he wants next week off (it is spring break for the public schoolers here next week)...  I will think about it.

Tayler is plugging along, and is close to finishing History for the year. 

I need to find something for Jeremiah... he is getting bored with the worksheets I am printing....


Places we're going and people we're seeing...

We go nowhere, we see no one.....  I just drive in circles around town shuttling teenage children to all their activities.  I need to get a life :)

My favorite thing this week was...

Taking Jeremiah to the Doctor and hearing him tell the Doctor that his sister Tayler giveded him his long eyelashes.

What's working/not working for us...

My own personal schedule needs some adjusting....  I need to go to bed earlier, and UP earlier!!

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...

Anyone have any good Pre-K resources?  I found Starfall.com... and he loves that....  I am up for any and all suggestions

A photo, video, link, or quote to share...

It's spring.... softball is in the air.....

Don't forget to link up your journal to The Homeschool Chick

My Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week...
We have been sick.  We meaning me and poor dear Big Daddy.  The two of us were quite a sight to see on Tuesday afternoon, huddled in bed....looking pitiful, praying for it all to go away....

The germs did go back from whence they came, and we have muddled through the rest of the week.  My head cold has migrated a bit south, and is settling in my chest...  But with rest and lots of tea, the germs shall soon receive an eviction notice.

In our homeschool this week...
Very little was accomplished.  That tends to happen when the teacher is out sick.


Places we're going and people we're seeing...
More of the same.....  Softball, driving class, lather, rinse, repeat.........

Tayler does have an away game in Sunnyside this week, so at least someone will be leaving Kennewick.

I think the  big kids are supposed to help make a video for some one's school project on Saturday. That ought to be fun.


My favorite thing this week was...
The way our oldest son stepped up on Tuesday.  His sister had an away game and was gone....  that left him with two little boys, and two parents who were doing their level best to avoid death.  He cleaned up the kitchen, folded laundry, made lunch, AND barbecued dinner for the three of them that were still standing.
He's a good  great kid.

What's working/not working for us...
Being sick was not working for us.  Everything else seems to be holding it's own.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...
I would like to know the things that you struggle with?  I am sure we struggle with some similar issues.  Is it burnout?  Is it selecting curriculum?  Is it scheduling? 


A photo, video, link, or quote to share...

"Who are we to love?  Our neighbor?  That translates to the person that is right next to us.  Our husbands, our children.  As saved people, Christ lives IN them.....  Do my actions and attitudes reflect my love for my Savior?  ............ The way you treat those who are next to you.........  is the way you treat the Lord." 
~ Karla D.

 

Don't forget to share your journey at  The Homeschool Chick.

My Homeschool Mothers Journal

I actually found a bit of time on Friday to work on my Homeschool Mother Journal! 
Here is a little peek into what this last week as been all about over here...


In my life this week...
Tuesday was the first pre-show for the Schoolhouse Expo.  I was able to attend live and listen to most everything everyone had to say... there were only a few minutes where I totally missed anything.  I was challenged by the speakers to really take a hold of my priorities and to get things on to some sort of set schedule.  Something I always seem to try to do, and then life gets in the way and I get all messed up again... So spiritually, I am just trying to be still and listen to what it is God tells me are the most important things and build from there......

Hunter was sick for Monday and Tuesday, and that meant I was on bathroom patrol... poor guy. 

Thursday was our anniversary... 9 whole years.  We had decided not to go out for a nice dinner (we got to do that for Valentines Day..) and instead we had Corned Beef, Cabbage and Mashed Potatoes with the kids and spent some time snuggling on the couch watching Mastermind.  It was a real relaxing evening.  My dear hunky husband surprised me with a new Kindle.  I was completely floored.  We had been talking about getting one for nearly a year, so that we could read some of the Unit Study downloads, and other E-books we use for school away from the computer.  I have already loaded a few PDF books on it and it is great!

In our homeschool this week...
Hunter was sick for two full days and the third day was still in recovery mode, so much of his week was spent watching science tv.... (read that as, Mythbusters). 

The bigger kids have seemed to struggle this week with staying on task.  This tends to happen every time we institute a new idea ( like the accountability calendar) around 6 weeks in we start to see slacking because they think we won't notice....  Well, I notice.   I am resolving to not become frustrated and just try to do it on my own, but to gently correct the course and get them back on track.
Tayler has completed try-outs for the local High School Softball team.... now it is on to regular league play.

Jeremiah is learning to write his name.  He almost has the first three letters down, if you don't mind the upside down e.


Places we're going and people we're seeing...
The main places we have been are Softball practice.... and Driving School.  blah.  Not so much fun for mom or the little guys....  great fun for the big ones.  Next week there are Softball games, driving school and more Dr. appointments.  Sounds fun doesn't it?  I am sure you would like to trade, since my life is so glamorous and all....


My favorite thing this week was...
In retrospect, because it certainly wasn't funny at the time, I will choose.........
When my 4 year old tried to tell me he needed to call the police because I wouldn't give him the Cocoa Puffs cereal he wanted for breakfast....
( it was not my favorite thing for his sassy little attitude.... but I have to admit it was more humorous than throwing a raging fit.)
don't worry, he didn't get them...... for the rest of the week.

Oh... and my other favorite thing....
When Tayler found out that she made the JV team.  Score one for the homeschool girl!

The week topper though, has to be the Kindle....
What's working/not working for us...
The working....
The calendar is still working... even if they are trying to buck the program.  The transcript program that I have been beta testing is working beautifully. (http://www.myhomeschooltranscript.com/)  I can make report cards and transcripts whenever my little heart desires. That will come in handy when we need one for car insurance... I will have it!

The not working.....
All this driving isn't working for me....  but that is another story.  The disorganized way the workbox system has become for Hunter isn't working and I need to spend some time getting it back in order.


Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...
I wonder if I can can download some of the out of print books that you can find on the Internet onto the Kindle.  Anyone who knows that answer, please chime in. 

Sometimes I feel alone in the struggle to keep the kids on task.  Even when everything is very clearly and with detail lined out.  Anyone else feel that way?  Suggestions?  Tips?


A photo, video, link, or quote to share...
March is MS Awareness Month. (and orange is their signature color)  My dear sweet friend Lisa has MS.  This photo is for her.

 

Don't forget to share your Journal at The Homeschool Chick.

My Homeschool Mother's Journal

I want to add a more personal touch to my "SKOOL" blog.... :)

It is starting to be more work and less ME....  and still want people to see our family when they stop here.

I thought I would take the time to participate in a new-to-me link up post called The Homeschool Mother's Journal.  You can read more about how to join here.

In my life this week...

I have been a bit overwhelmed by the go-go-go of life.  As spring begins to unfold, the cocoon of slower paced days that Fall and Winter bring begin to vanish. It seems as though, all of the sudden, we have millions of things to do..... and that translates to my butt being glued to the drivers seat of my truck.  (not my favorite place!) 

Jeremiah officially turned 4.  He has been telling us since Christmas that he is 4, but now it is official.  We ate chocolate brownies, and ice cream.  He picked out every piece of cookie dough in his ice cream....  he didn't wike dohz. 

I tan't beweeve you duys are singing to me.  I wike dat sone.

In our homeschool this week...

We have begun Drivers Ed for the 17 year old.  His first real paid class will be Monday the 14th... Day one was practice in the big scary suburban in a parking lot, to get a feel for it.  The next outing, he took me to the store.  On the road.  With cars.  Going the speed limit. (mostly).   His little sister was in the backseat cheering on every great turn that he made.  Me...??  I survived, and only had to help him steer once.

Evan and Tayler are doing well in their High School studies.  This week in particular we watched To Kill a Mockingbird.  It is a week long study that we received from Zeezok Publishing  as part of the TOS Review Crew.  It has been a nice change of pace for them in English... and that is all I am going to say for now... you will have to wait for the review next month!

Hunter is improving in his reading everyday.  He is really enjoying his Botany study for science, and spent a good deal of time drawing and writing about all the pollinators that he has been studying.

Jeremiah, is coming along in his letter recognition.  He loves to do "Stool" as he calls it.  He has lots of fun working on Kinderbach, and Kabongo (two items that we are also reviewing.)


Places we're going and people we're seeing...
I am feeling the need for a get away weekend up to Spokane soon.  I have no idea how we will pay for it, but we will just save and get there when we get there.  My sister just bought a newer more reliable car and she is "threatening" to drive up here  for a visit.  That would be lovely...  Auntie Maymee is always a big hit with all the kids (and us adults too!)

My favorite thing this week was...
What  Evan said to me last night.....
Me: " Hey Ev?  Wanna drive me to the store?"
Evan: " Yeah Mom, hang on, I need to go fix my hair."

YOUR WHAT?  you need good hair to drive??  oy vey. 


What's working/not working for us...
Most everything is gellin'.  We have instituted a calendar where the High School kids write all their completed work each day.  It has really, really , really, really.... helped with accountability, reduced nagging, and involved DAD in what is or isn't being done each day...

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...
Do people really actually ever finish a whole year of reading on Ambleside Online?  Just wondering, we never seem to get everything read

A photo, video, link, or quote to share...

the Principal.....