Homeschool Mother's Journal - July 30, 2011

In my life this week...
I succeeded in doing something I've never done before - driving from one state to another without anyone to follow or take over the driving for me.  My son & I went down to Mannassas, VA for the events surrounding the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Mannassas.  I didn't get lost (too badly), no tickets, and no accidents.  Trusting in the Lord to get us through a blinding downpour on PA Rt 15 was a faith-building experience and one that has given me more confidence in trying new things.

In our homeschool this week...
My son and I learned even more about the Battle of Bull Run & Gettysburg.  Other than that, nothing else seems to have been accomplished.

Helpful homeschooling advice to share...
Try to enjoy your summer vacation.  I am finding it nice to just be able to rest and get daily chores done without having to juggle so many things and dropping most of them.

I am inspired by...
Our Marine Corps.  My son and I toured the USMC Museum last Sunday.  Reading the accounts of the various battles and the soldiers, gave me an even deeper respect for those I've always admired.

Places we are going & people we are seeing...
The biggest reason we went to Virginia was to see the re-enactment of the first major battle of the Civil War.  It is impossible to describe the impact of over 8,000 re enactors on the field - rifles firing, cannons shaking the ground, smoke filling the air.  This 2-hour long re-enactment was worth the over-16 hours in the car.   We spent some time at the Mannassas Battlefield Park, USMC Museum, and had a QUICK tour of Gettysburg on the way home.  Seeing Big Round Top was a thrill for Mike.

As far as people - we stayed with my "sis", her hubby, and their sweet one-year old daughter.  My "sis" and I grew up with our families being very close.  As she and I had no sisters, we adopted each other long ago.  It's sad not having her nearby, any longer, but VA is where she found her wonderful husband and I am thrilled at the happy life they've made together.

Once we returned home, life didn't slow down.  We went to our CHOICE Kids Club on Tuesday, went blueberry-picking and swam at a beach on Thursday, went to our home-town parade on Thursday night which was followed by trip down to the carnival for some steamed clams and a stroll.  Friday night, I took my middle child to the County Fair for some mommy/daughter time.  We saw her older sisters who are working there most of the week.  Katrina rode the rides, ate cotton candy, saw the fireworks, and watched the Greased Pole event.  She went to bed just before mid-night.  Oh yes, summertime is a wonderful time!!!

My favorite thing this week...
There are so many things, it's hard to choose a favorite.
1) Spending the weekend alone with my oldest.  No clue how many more times that will ever happen.
2) Seeing my children enjoy the Parade on Thursday
3) Seeing my daughter smile and laugh on the rides at the Fair

Thoughts I have...
Somewhere along the line this week, I had a sort of "revelation" or "break-through."  For sometime, I've been a bit frustrated with the slow progress of my photo "business."  Everywhere  you look, there's another photographer.  People I know are constantly getting more clients, better equipment, etc.  However, when I heard about 2 photographers that I know and what they were accomplishing and purchasing it dawned on me:  these people do not have families.  If they do, they are smaller and younger.  I realized that, while I am envying their apparent success, they may trade it all in for what I have that is "hindering" my photography success - my sweet family.  THEY are the treasure.  THEY are what I'm investing in.  Maybe the time I've spent with my children this week made me more aware of it.  I do know this, I am enjoying my photography and my family more now that I've had this realization.  God is good & gracious!

Things I'm working on...
Check my last journal entry.  Basically the same! :)

I'm reading...
"Julia's Hope" by Leisha Kelley, a depression-era Christian novel that, so far, is proving quite interesting.  Before beginning this book, I finished, "Young Pioneers" by Rose Wilder Lane.  A great short novel written by the daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder, it was very reminiscent of her mother's tales.  For an instant, I wondered if she was "copying" her mother's books.  However, when I saw the copyright, I saw that she wrote it before her mom wrote her first Little House story.  It was so neat to see how this woman used the stories she had obviously heard while growing up to inspire her writing.  Obviously, Laura Ingalls Wilder didn't always intend to write books.  However, she always had a desire to keep her stories alive - evidenced by the fact that she told her stories to her daughter over and over.

I'm cooking...
I will be making blueberry jam later today and made a blueberry-crumb pie yesterday.  YUM!

I'm praying for...
My 10-year old daughter's out-patient surgery on Tuesday.

A couple of photos to share...
Of my sis & her sweet Esther Mae:

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Homeschool Mother's Journal - July 17, 2011

In my life this week...

It has been hot for Upstate NY -  temps reaching near 90!  My hubby got the a/c in, though, without me asking once!!! Love when I don't nag & I know he does, too!

My oldest went to a Boy's Camp and helped remodel a house.  It was a great experience for him - working with other guys as a team and hearing some good preaching.  For more on my thoughts on this, go to my other blog and read this post.

We celebrated our oldest daughter's 12th birthday this week, as well.  Time is a-flyin'!

In our Homeschool this week...

My son actually finished his Science; it was a stipulation for him to finish so that he could work at a local Air Show before he went to camp.  I also read a bit of my daughter's science book with her, as well and we're closer to finishing that, as well.  I still have to finish ordering books and plan next year.  I seem to have run out of steam...

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share...

Umm.......yeah, I'm not much of a help this week.

I am inspired by...

Missionaries who work in places where the temperatures exceed 90 degrees on a regular basis.

Places we are going & people we are seeing...

We headed to a park at the beginning of the week for a friend's birthday party.  Went to a friend's pool a couple of times - LOVELY!  Took some of my children & nieces & nephew to the local Horse Trials on my daughter's birthday.  What a wonderful way to spend a day - watching horses gallop over hills & jumping gracefully over obstacles.  Celebrated the 80th birthday of my husband's uncle and saw/met many family members.  My husband's aunt is in from out of town and it will, most likely, be her last time here.  Hoping to get together one more time before she leaves. :(

My favorite thing this week was...

Cleaning my son's room!!!!  It had been over a year since I had been up there to clean and, boy, what an interesting project THAT was!

What's working for us...

Summer vacation.  I don't know how people homeschool year-round do it!

Questions I have...

Homeschoolers who school year-round:  How DO you do it???!!!  :)

Things I'm working on...

Blog posts, bills, listing books to sell on Homeschool Classifieds, ordering books, making a plan for next year.

I'm reading...

"Signers of the Declaration" by Katherine & John Bakeless  This is an amazing book which is made up of short biographies of each of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  It's amazing to see how our Founding Fathers were still sinners and human just as our modern politicians are, but they feared God.  They had committees solely for the purpose of prayer & fasting.  Thomas Jefferson, whom so many "blame" for the concept of the separation of church & state, was actually one of three Virginian politicians who called for a day of "Fasting, Humiliation, & Prayer" when the port of Boston was to be closes by the British in 1774.

I'm praying for...

Rain.  Friends in PNG need rain to fill their barrel so they can wash their clothes, bathe, etc.  We need rain, but not so much that will ruin the wheat that is ready to be harvested.

A quote to share...

John Adams referring to Dr. Benjamin Rush:  "Too much of a talker to be a deep thinker."  Ouch!

For more Homeschool Mothers' Journals head on over to the Homeschool Chick!

Summer Learning - Pea Harvest 2011

Yesterday, the pea combines were in our fields harvesting the peas.  This is always a highlight here on the farm.  The kids & I, along with my niece & nephew, walked over and enjoyed our donut-breakfast while watching the large machines do their thing.

While my husband plants and cares for the peas, he grows them for a particular company and they are the people who decide when to harvest and who does the harvesting.  I'm not even sure if my husband was in the field at all yesterday.

Here is a short video of the happenings with a bit of commentary by yours truly.  It's definitely something you don't see everyday and your children may learn a little more about where their produce comes from.  Put it towards Ag. Ed.  Enjoy!!  

H.O.P.E.

This past week, we finished getting our class list and schedule together for our homeschool co-op at  our church.  In many ways, it is hard to believe that we are going into our 4th year of H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Parents Educate) and each year I am so excited about the classes that we are able to offer.  

There are two main things that make our co-op a bit different than most.  As co-ops usually do, we have classes that are taught by the parents of the students;  however, we are blessed that several of our teachers are actually fairly recent homeschool graduates who are enthusiastically willing to share their time and knowledge with those younger than they.  We are also blessed in the fact that our co-op has several men involved, which I have noticed helps keep the kids under control without using any sort of disciplinary measures.  What a blessing it is to have young people and men involved in something that most in this world aren't even remotely interested in.

Though our co-op is "closed" - meaning, it only is available to members of our church - I'll list the classes we are offering this year.  Maybe there's someone out there who is thinking about beginning a co-op or needs some ideas for a group this upcoming year.  If so, maybe this list will help you.  Other than that, I'm just so excited about them, I want to share!  :)

2&3 year old classes include:  

Bible/Music - Bible stories and time of singing Sunday school and other popular children songs.  

Art

Physical Education

Lunch/Listening Skills - children will practice listening skills through various activities during their lunch time.

K4-1st grade classes:

Art

Phys. Ed.

Lunch/Listening Skills (combined with the 2&3 year olds)

Introduction to Music - children will be introduced to various music styles and musical instruments

2&4th grade classes:

World Geography - learning about the continents and major landmarks and countries on those continents.  Several guest speakers will come throughout the year who have lived in or visited various countries and share their experiences and observations.  Map work.

OR

Sign Language - a dvd class mediated by a teacher who knows ASL

Phys. Ed.

Art

Lunch/Missionary Letter Writing - children will learn to perfect their letter writing skills in a class where they will learn about various missionary families our church supports and write letters to them.

5th-8th grade classes

World Geography (see previous description) OR Sign Language (see previous description)

Home Ec. - children will learn to prepare and cook various meals (1st semester

OR

Woodworking - children will learn various types of wood-types and complete a variety of small projects (1st semester)

Photography - students will learn the functions of the settings on their cameras, the importance of lighting, and composition of a photograph

Phys. Ed.

Art (1st semester) - most likely, chalk drawings!

Skit Performance (2nd semester) - children will learn the art of preparing, practicing, and preforming a skit.  Great for building public speaking skills!

9th-12th grade classes:

Mathematics Overview - students will review various math concepts in order to gain the mastery of skills they will need throughout their lives

OR

Missionary Biographies - we will be using an ACE program in a classroom setting for students to read about, discuss, and answer questions about some great heroes of the faith.  Current missionaries will also be guest speakers

US History from a Christian  Perspective - students will learn the incredible history of our country and how it affects and pertains to current events

OR

Chamber Orchestra - a great class taught by a godly & accomplished musician that will challenge our instrumentalists to further their skills

Phys. Ed. - Volleyball!

Home Ec. - the young ladies will learn to can & freeze various jams, fruits, and vegies.  They will get to take home what they canned that day (1st semester)

OR

Small Engine Repair - young men will learn to identify the parts of a small engine and their functions.  Safety in working with small engines will also be taught. (1st semester)

Photography - (see previous description - 2nd semester)

I am excited about another year and look forward to meeting every other week with families I have come to know better and love more!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - June 17, 2011

In my life this week...

I have been blessed to be able to continue to be faithful in my Bible reading and exercise in the mornings.  It is amazing to me how much better life is when I am spiritually & physically refreshed.

In our homeschool this week...

We are supposed to be taking the summer off, but my 5-year old continues to beg to do one subject or other.  This week, it was Math.  I was able to print off some of the kids' worksheets from Mathletics this week, and Gloria was more than thrilled to get started.  As homeschooling 5 older students has left her somewhat neglected, we are catching up with her schooling this summer and she is a willing student!

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share...

Plan, plan, plan.  If you go into your school  year without a plan or goals, very little will be accomplished.  

Places we are going and people we are seeing...

This week, we stayed pretty close to home, which is a rarity!  What a blessing it was to only have to do a couple of things outside of the home.  We had our second round of annual physicals this week and will finish those up this coming week.  We had the farrier here on Wednesday to trim our horse's hooves.  Our niece, a horse-lover, came for that and stayed the night along with her brother.  The girls rode the horse and explored the woods while the guys went fossil & frog-hunting.  Our church's music school began last night and we've been occupied with that today and will attend again tomorrow.  After tomorrow's class, most of us will head to some horse Fun Days and see what kind of action we can find there!  

My favorite thing this week was...

...getting things a bit more organized for the upcoming school year!

Question I have...

What planner do you use for your homeschool?  Do you use an on-line planner, a pre-printed planner, or do you make your own?

Things I'm working on...

Besides laundry?  I'm printing out the children's Math worksheets for the year and purchasing the remaining books needed.  Then I can get going on our IHIPs and weekly plans.  I'm also finishing up the parade pictures I took last week.

I'm reading...

Jan Karon's newest book, "In the Company of Others."  I finally was able to get it out of the library and am so excited to read it.  If you've never had a chance to read the Mitford series, I highly recommend it!

I'm cooking...

...way too last minute for my taste.  I've been extremely lax in my meal-planning these past few weeks.  Sadly, this results in meals that our often nutritious & yummy but thrown together at the last minute!

I'm praying for...

My Gloria.  She had some lab work done this week as we try to get to the bottom of these stomach pains she's been having.  We'll go over those this Tuesday and discuss what, if any, further tests should be done.  Also praying for my Anna who has an invasive test this Wednesday that she will need to be somewhat sedated for.  

A link to share...

As today is the 3rd anniversary of my son's scoliosis surgery, I will remember it by revisiting this post I wrote that day.  There are other posts that were written at that time that you may find interesting, if you have the time this weekend.  God was so good to us at that time.  It's unbelievable how well he is doing now. This past Tuesday, the doctor measured him 1/2 inch taller that I!

That's about it for this week.  For some fun weekend reading, head over to The Homeschool Chick for more Journal entries!

A Very Interesting Article

I read a very interesting article yesterday concerning the spoon-fed mentality of college students today.  As homeschoolers, we need to ask ourselves if we are holding our children's hand every step of the education way or if we are allowing them to fall once in a while.  Do we show them exactly where to find the answers? Do we fall into the trap of preparing them to pass exams instead of truly learning the material?  Or, do we allow them to find information for themselves and learn through hard work?

Take a few minutes to read the article by Jerry Weinberger.  It may surprise you.  It may depress you.  It should challenge you.  I know it did me.

Question

Well, seeing as there are, indeed, some of you out there reading this, I have a question for you.

What do you use in planning your homeschool year?  A printed planner such as the Well-Planned Day, a CD or e-book of many forms that you can print out and fill a notebook with (such as over at TOS), printables from Donna Young, a homemade spreadsheet or other such thing, software, or something else.  Maybe you don't plan at all - that would be a whole new concept for me.

I'm pretty sure I know what I'll be doing this year, but before I say anything, I'd love to hear from you!