A few years ago, some friends of ours moved from rural America to the Big Island of Hawaii. We parted ways with tears, and vowed to come see them. Many months later, we talked some gracious friends into watching the three tornadoes we had at the time, and embarked on an adventure, just The Farmer and me. Our friends graciously opened their home to us, and we spent many of those nights together on their back porch, which over-looked the ocean, and the Blue Whales that were surfacing off the … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2012
Why I love Homeschooling….(And the Classical Method!)
Monday was a normal homeschooling day, but illustrates why our family is loving homeschooling..... We started the day with our regular routine of Phonics, Piano, Math, Spanish, and Memory work. I had to help the baby with something, and found Becca trying to teach Ryan his letters and the sounds they make. Too cute! This "atmosphere" of learning is one part I love - the kids are eager to learn, and to help others learn something new! After those studies and lunch, we had some friends over … [Read more...]
Socialization – Are We “In the Game?”
When I tell people we homeschool, one of the main comments that come up is this concept of "socialization". I usually respond that we are involved in all sorts of activities, who my children have ample opportunity to "socialize", but really - where did we get this notion that sticking kids with a large group of kids their own age is the best way to "socialize"? And while we are on the subject, what is "socialization" anyway? If it means to conform your child to behave like the world, it only … [Read more...]
Favorite Fridays
Wow, this week has just FLOWN by! I have been working on a ton of projects and most importantly, we have really been doing well on working through all of our school work and adding in extras. This has been a great week. All weeks have challenges, but my Friday posts kickoff the weekend by remembering what went well. Here are my Favorites for this Friday: Favorite Project I found the oldest girl (7) a sewing machine at a local thrift shop for $20 bucks, and it works great! We have decided to … [Read more...]
When Addiction Pays Off…
Ok, so when my husband and I started dating, we would go to a coffee shop for hours and he would sip on hot chocolate while I drank more than my weight in coffee creamer, er, I mean coffee.... Since that time (many many moons ago) I have officially created a coffee drinker out of my husband, and now our household consumes entirely too much coffee creamer in any given week. A few months ago (I won't tell you exactly how many or you will do the math and figure out the depths of our … [Read more...]
When the Lens Needs Focus…
Our first day back to CC, and already failure. I knew it last night really, the way it hit me when I realized we totally forgot about a little thing called "presentations". We came up with ideas and practiced right before bed, even though I knew it wouldn't be enough. And this morning I didn't want to pack up all the pieces to the project the second child wanted to speak on, and irrationally suggested he just tell about one of his favorite books (which did NOT turn out well...) and the … [Read more...]
Back to the Brain & A New Freebie!
Well, tomorrow is our first class back to CC after winter break, and I am excited about getting back! We have a full agenda today, focusing a lot on review over the first 12 weeks of CC. This break we focused on resources and projects that built our excitement for the coming of Christ, and after Christmas....well...we basically recovered from the holidays, spent time enjoying friends and family, and fit in bits of general school work here or there. I also used this time to do some planning … [Read more...]
The Staff of a Shepherd…
A post from the archives for a friend..... A tree dies and the real dying begins. A knife cuts deep and when thick wood finally begins to take shape, the knife continues to peel back, sawdust pieces hitting the floor. The frustrating friction of sand on wood makes it smooth, rough edges removed. A staff taking shape out of broken tree-life.... Lord, this task can be so hard. I don't want to lead these little sheep in my fold, the babes looking to their mama and me having to show them you in … [Read more...]
Favorite Fridays
It's Friday and I was pondering over a few of my favorite things.... Favorite Inspirational Blog: A Holy Experience There are so many wonderful blogs out there, but nothing inspires me like this one! Her beautiful pictures and poetic words have a way of penetrating the soul and encouraging me in the midst of my household, that every moment is washed in His grace. The light of Christ shines through every line on the page. I first fell in love with her blog from this post - read it. You will … [Read more...]
Lapbook 4 is coming soon!
I am sooooo excited for lapbook 4! There are a number of new mini-books, creative fold-outs and improved resources in this book, the last of the four review lapbooks covering six weeks at a time! I know your kids will love the new templates as much as mine do! I am working hard to finish a group of videos that show many of the folds used in lapbook 4 and the other 3 lapbooks to assist those who may not have seen that particular type of mini-book! I think you're going to love them! Stay … [Read more...]
