The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 29, 2012

In my life this week...
Though it was a rough week with school, in the grand scheme of things, my life is good.  And uncomplicated.  Wednesday, my good friend's life became complicated - she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  What have I to complain about?

In our homeschool this week...
This was a week I'd rather not repeat or remember.  Interestingly, it seems that many homeschoolers had a trying week.  Just when everything had been going so well.  While my children did FINALLY complete all of their assignments, I'm ready for a new and better week.


Helpful homeschooling advice to share...
When scheduling doctor appointments, schedule them for the afternoon when most (if not all) of the school-work is done.  If it's an emergency & there's no way around it....just call a sick day.  Maybe I'm uptight, but after driving an hour, getting checked by the doctor, and filling a prescription, I'm not in the mood to pick up school when I get home.  Therefore, I try to cram as much as I can in the short time I have before leaving for the morning appointment I so stupidly made.  This only raises my blood-pressure.  Not a good thing.

Learn from my mistakes.   Schedule appointments during non-school hours.

I am inspired by...
Michelle Duggar.  Proverbs 15:1 in action.

Places we are going...
We headed to the Federal Building in our city for a great field trip in which we met a Federal Prosecutor, a US Marshall, a bomb dog that works for the US Marshalls (one of only 19 in the country), and a DEA agent.  Very cool.

My favorite thing this week...
Getting ALL of my laundry done on Saturday.  With a household of 9, this is no small task.  Nor is it one that happens often.

What's not working for us...
Morning doctor appointments.  Do you sense the frustration? ;)

Thoughts I have...
If all my kids went to school, I'd get so much done & they'd like me better.

Oh, please, don't tell me you've never thought that!

Things I'm working on...
The final roster for our 2nd semester of co-op, lesson plans for co-op, speaker schedules for co-op...I guess I'm working on co-op.

I'm reading...
The Lamplighter.  This is an old Christian fiction book that I was able to get for free from the Kindle store.  According to the review, this book was second only to Uncle Tom's Cabin in sales during the 19th century!
I'm cooking...
Check out my blog post on my Triple Chocolate Cake!

I'm praying for...
My dear friend and her family.

A photo to share...

See?  Told you it was a rough week...

...but I may have recovered.

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 20, 2012

In my life this week...
I took care of a couple of sick children, took one to the doctor, consistently got up late, but am glad to say that I'm still staying on my goal to read my Bible every day this year.  Some days, it's more than others, but God has spoken each time I've gone to Him.

In our homeschool this week...
We had the day off on Monday due to MLK Day.  This was not a planned vacation, but as my niece & nephew had off of school, my brother asked if they could come to our house for the day.  Like my kids were going to get any school work done and I'm sure my niece & nephew would have loved for me to make them do extra school work!  So, they all had a blast playing outside and enjoyed tubing with my husband.

Due to illness and kids just feeling "blah", I didn't rush any one out of bed.  We had no plans to go anywhere at all, so we just got school done as we could.  Haven't double-checked, but it appears most of the children have finished all of their assignments.

Helpful homeschool advice to share...
The Homeschool Chick reminded me of this one.  HSLDA.  If you are not a member, become one.  In this world of ever-changing laws, it is essential to have legal advice and advocates if ever you need them.  The membership is about $120/year.  We never have had to use them, but we don't feel we've wasted our money.  It's worth knowing that they're there if we need them & our cash allows them to help those who are in need currently.

Places we are going...
Does the grocery store count?  How about the doctor's office?  Piano lessons tomorrow?  That's about it.


What's working for us...
Having few outside activities planned.  One more week of this bliss and then all activities pick back up.  This rest has been like a high-carb meal before a marathon.  So glad to be rested before the busyness gets going.

Thoughts I have...
*this space free*

Things I'm working on...
Getting info out about our second semester of co-op and organizing details.  Getting more serious about planning the annual Homeschool Fair.

I'm reading...
I'm finishing up "The Heart & the Fist."  Other than some profanity (which I don't recommend and is why my 14 year old won't be able to read this book), it is a fantastic book in which the author knows how to balance compassion and warfare.  Sadly, in this fallen world, one needs the other.
I also read a newly released e-book written by the author of a blog I regularly read.  Her blog is the Parents Magazine winner of Best Blog about children with special needs.  Her new e-book, Dreams Change, is a must read for anyone desiring to understand the heart of a mother with a child who had Down Syndrome.  It is a poignantly real look at the emotions that come with the diagnosis and the love that grows along the journey.


I'm cooking...
Black beans, at the moment, for chili.  Does anyone else think that cooking beans smell like dirty feet?

I'm praying for...
A friend who is having a biopsy Monday to find out if she has breast cancer.

A photo to share...
My kids, niece & nephew tubing with my hubby.  I think the caption is a perfect reminder for the rest of this homeschool year!

Checking in

We ended up taking yesterday off due to the fact that my niece & nephew (who go to public school) had off for MLK Day and they came here for the day.  It was nice to have a bit of an unplanned day off, but today I feel so...unmotivated.  Three of our children completed their work today.  Two are sick in bed.  And, the youngest...well, she did educational activities on my iPhone.  That counts, right?

Good news...Mike made #1 in the USA on Mathletics.com for the second time in a week!!!  He was listed as #52 in the WORLD last week.  Not sure where he places (if he does) this week.  So very proud.  His accomplishments spur the other children on and Katrina made it to #12 in the USA this past weekend - the first time she has made the list.  I'm so thrilled that they are motivated to do math and continue to improve their skills.

So, any good news in your homeschool? Anyone else having an "off" day?  I'm grateful for the fact that we have no plans and I haven't been stressed about "lost" time.  I'm really learning to let things go and just enjoy my time with my family.

Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 13, 2012

In my life this week...
I've been a bit under the weather.  Fighting the 3rd ear infection in 1 1/2 months (or is it the same one?).  I'm on my 3rd round of anti-biotics which, so far, seem to be doing the trick.  I am so pleased with how my children really focused on their school and picked up the slack around here as I went to my doctor then crashed in bed on Monday.

In our homeschool this week...
It was our second week back to school after the Christmas break and, though the schedule was a bit off due to illness and appointments, it went very well.  This is our first week of our 3rd quarter (yee-haw!) and it's good to be able to say that we are more than halfway through our school year & right on track!!

Helpful homeschooling advice to share...
I am really finding out how having less scheduled outside the home is making things a lot less stressful during our homeschool days.

I am inspired by...
This will sound cheesy, but I just finished reading Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar's book "A Love That Multiplies" and they truly inspire me to take things as they come, focus on the joy of family and the Lord, and care more about the things that really matter - such as children's character and happiness - rather than the superficial things many of us focus on - such as how perfect our house looks.

Places we are going & people we are seeing...
Doctors and their offices.  Not much else.

My favorite thing this week...
The fact that my family was able to really pitch in together and allow me to rest when I needed it.  Those days when I had 5 children 6 and under are still in my recent memory and it was nice not to have to call in back-up from outside the home.

Questions I have...
Why is it that, if Christian teens have Jesus Christ in their hearts and lives, they still want to look "cool" by frowning and looking miserable?  Our countenances should be different than those who have no hope in Christ.  If our children (and us) look as miserable as the world for the sake of fitting in, why would the world want Christ?

Things I'm working on...
Not much.  I've enjoyed taking some time off.  I think it's about time I get back to co-op lesson plans and Homeschool Fair plans.

I'm reading...
"The Heart and the Fist: The education of a humanitarian, the making of a Navy SEAL" by Eric Greitens.  I've been contemplating reading this book for some time, but have hesitated as I'm not much into reading military books.  However, this book is amazing and - dare I say it? - life changing.  Truly a book that takes a real look into what life is all about and how we need to care for our neighbor.  No, it's not written by a Christian, but, so far, I see little that would go against what is meant by "Love thy neighbor as thyself."


I'm grateful for...
My family.


I'm cooking...
Working on Chicken Pie right now.


I'm praying for...
My friends who are on the mission field and my friends who are going through difficult times.


A quote to share...
"Without courage, compassion falters...without compassion, courage has no direction." -Eric Greitens "The Heart and the Fist"

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - December 4, 2011

In my life this week...
Life began to get back to normal, which is always a good thing.  I felt like I was doing less running around and got a chance to catch my breath.  I think that's a good thing as the holidays are upon us and I'm about to take off again!  Good thing is, I've done more than half of my Christmas shopping and most of that has been done on-line!  I took 5 of my children to my mom's small town's Hometown Christmas celebration this past Saturday, then came home and made home-made hot chocolate, popcorn, and settled in for a movie.  Later that night, I wrapped all of the gifts I have on hand - a first!!

In our homeschool this week...
I had my oldest son do his school work at the table with us this week and he actually accomplished all of his assignments.  Having him in view allowed me to help him keep on track and I didn't forget to check his work.  Will be doing that again this week.  Katrina finished her health book and Seth will finish his this week!  All of the children are more than halfway done with their grammar books!  We are definitely on schedule!  Therefore, I decided to take a full two week Christmas break instead of the week & a half I had originally planned.  I know the teacher is very happy about that! :)

Helpful homeschool advice to share...
I am doing some re-evaluation.  I recently read that if you're just homeschooling to keep your children out of public school, you are doing it for the wrong reason.  I know that is not the reason we began homeschooling, but lately, that has seemed to be my main purpose.  I am asking the Lord to help me to get my initial vision back in focus and balance academics and ministry, Bible-learning, etc.  This is something most of us need to do, at least every year or two.  OK - it's something I need to do!

Places we are going & people we are seeing...
While we said good-bye to two very dear friends last Sunday, the Lord has been so gracious to me as He has dropped dear friends who have moved away on my doorstep 3 different times in the past week!!!!!  How wonderful the gift of friendship is and how wonderful God is!!!

My favorite thing this week....
Just happened this evening.  I was feeling overwhelmed by all the housework and cooking I'm struggling to keep up as many hours of my day are filled with homeschool.  Clutter drives me to near-insanity.  I'm not kidding.  I poured my heart out to my husband tonight.  He looked at me and told me how proud he was of me for all the planning I do with our homeschool and how he thinks I'm doing a great job.  We planned some ways to get the kids on board to help.  He then began to straighten out my front room and even moved the broken elliptical that's been upstairs for over a year outside!!  I am totally blessed and humbled by how cheerfully & lovingly my husband serves me!

What's not working for us...

I am thinking about halting the LLATL for my Gloria.  I like the curriculum for the older kids, but as her level just focuses on learning to read, which she is doing through 100 Easy Lessons, she and I are bored with it.  So, I think we'll finish 100 Easy Lessons (21 more to go!!) and just continue on in the Pathway Readers my children love so much.  We will also go ahead as planned and introduce Science & History after the first of the year.

Thoughts I have...

Filled with love for my husband.

Things I'm working on...

Being a joyful mother of children.  Christmas shopping.  

I'm reading...

"Growing Up Amish" by Ira Wagler on my Kindle.  This is an amazingly eye-opening book into the lives and minds of Amish youth.  It makes me realize that I need to be sure we live our Christian lives with joy in front of our children and explain to them with the Bible why we live our lives the way we do.

I'm cooking...

Um.....

I'm praying for...

My friends who moved to Barrow, AK last week and whom we haven't yet heard from!

A photo to share...

Took this as I was leaving my mom's hometown yesterday.  

May you all have fun and not get overwhelmed with all the activities of the holidays during this part of our homeschool year!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - November 20, 2011

In my life this week... 
I haven't posted in the last couple of weeks as I've been busy helping a good friend who was thrown from a horse and broke her ankle.  Not only has it been a huge blessing to be able to help someone else, but I've become much more thankful for my lot in life right now.  I have several friends going through stressful moves (is there any such thing as a stress-free move?), challenging situations, physical problems, etc.  I am busy, I am challenged in my parenting, I have an ear infection...but, I have so much and am so grateful.

In our homeschool this week...
Though life has become a bit busier, we have been able to keep up with our school, for the most part.  While I've let up a little a couple of days, we have, indeed, done school every day.  This week coming up is the first week this year that I'm not making lesson plans as I will be at the hospital with my friend as she has surgery on Monday and I'll be babysitting and preparing for Thanksgiving on Wednesday.  The children will do as much school as they can Monday & Tuesday....

Helpful homeschool advice to share...
I've mentioned several times in this journal to keep on going, even when you don't feel like it.  I'm so glad I've kept my advice as I can now ease up a bit when I have a friend in need.  Helping others is a good reason to take a bit of a break from the school schedule.

I am inspired by....
My friend who was hurt is a single mom.  She keeps going through it all and leans on God and His strength.

Places we are going...
Not very many places other than my friend's house, the store, the doctor's, and church.

My favorite thing this week was...
Seeing my girls do their very best at their violin recital on Friday evening and seeing 2 of them given flowers by their teacher in recognition of the fact that they have used their gifts more for the edification of others throughout this past year.  Though ministry is not about public recognition, I think this act of kindness was a great encouragement to my girls.  We are blessed to have some of the best music teachers for our children and all of them love & serve the Lord - great examples for our kids!

What's working for us...
Focusing on someone else other than ourselves.  I have had to be away from my children more often these past 2 weeks, but they have ministered to our friend by behaving themselves in such a way that I can minister more efficiently without worry.

I'm reading...
Emma's Gift by Leisha Kelley.  This is the sequel to Julia's Hope.  I haven't had a lot of time to read, but will be catching up tomorrow as I wait for my friend to get through her surgery.

I'm cooking...
Potato soup for tomorrow night.  Meatball subs for Friday.  Breakfast for dinner on Wednesday.  I'm responsible for the breads and desserts on Thanksgiving, so Wednesday will be spent baking!

I'm praying for...
My friend, Lisa.  Missionary friends who have been dealing with illness and spider bites.

A video to share....
Two of my girls played a special in church a couple of weeks ago.  By God's grace, I pray they will continue to desire to serve God always.

For more journal entries or to join us, go on over to The Homeschool Chick!

We Interrupt Your Day for a Special Report....

This just in:

Two of my kids have been listed as the Top 50 USA students on Mathletics.com this week.  Currently, Anna is in 3rd place.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled day.