Blog Walk week 9

I am a bit behind....  but this goes till Sept 3....

Here are a few more blogs to check out... more homeschoolers just like you!

1. Creative Learners
2. The Homeschool Desk
3. Ramblin' Roads
4. The Stewards Steno ~these guys have chickens.  anyone with chickens is my friend.
5. Mama Manuscripts or try this one....Mama Manuscripts  it looks like she moved
6. Train Up a Child
7. We Love to Homeschool
8. Day by Day in Our World
9. Acorns - or Homeschooling Nuggets of Gold
10. The Berry Patch ~ I follow this one....  her humor makes me happy.

Hope you enjoy the read!

Homeschooling is MY labor of love......

Really it is.

Honest.

Even on the days when one or more children are in tears.......

Even on the days when mommy is in tears........

Whenever I hear the word Labor....  I think of Birth.  Sorry, I have had 4 kids... what can I say...the process is indelibly etched in my mind.  Labor, especially for homeschoolers, doesn't end with a doctor handing you a baby..... For homeschoolers, the job has just BEGUN!....  The end result, a well trained mind.

When a mom goes into Labor, she takes along a coach.  Usually it is dad, who has been drug to all these special classes, and for the life of him can't figure out why all these women want to sit in a room and pant....
If we are that prepared, and practiced up for what will amount to HOURS out of our lives..... shouldn't we be well coached and mentored in our Homeschool laboring?

It is this encouragement, and coaching that I love so much from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  When it arrives in my mailbox...... the mere sight of it is relaxing, and refreshing.  I know that encased inside that clear plastic sleeve, is words from people laboring just like me.  They have words of inspiration, comfort, and discipleship.  They have new ideas to share, or a fresh way to tackle a problem I have been having.

My dear magazine is having a great sale, from August 31 to midnight PST Sept 15th, to celebrate this labor of love that they share with me.  They are offering 5000, one year subscriptions for the low price of $7.95.  Your first issue will be the Winter one. This is a great price.  It is less than $2.00 an issue!  If you are in a hurry to see what the magazine is all about, then chose the option that will get the upcoming Fall issue in your hands, for $12.95.  At this price, you could give another homeschooler the gift of encouragement!  Don't wait, when the 5000 are gone....... the deal goes away.  Get your next issue here!

Don't wait to try this magazine out.  I stumbled onto it a few years ago, and I look forward to every issue. 

*** disclaimer*** as a part of the homeschool crew....  i will receive the ability to download  "expo to go" for free, for sharing this information with you.......  but really you do need to get this magazine.  (I already say that over there in "cool stuff", and that was WAY before I ever was on the homeschool crew.........)

Peterson Directed Handwriting - Cursive Handwriting Review

I was given the opportunity to review several new E-books by Peterson Directed Handwriting.  They developed these E-books to help teachers take advantage of technology in their classrooms. They are perfect for the homeschool community as well.   I enjoy the ease of storing E-books as well as the ability to print out exactly what I need, as many times as I need it.  I was chosen as a member of the Cursive Handwriting Review team, and received Levels 1-4 to review.  Other Crew members reviewed the use of this PDF software with a Wacom Pen tablet, and other members received Print Handwriting Material.  Please click here, if either of those materials are of interest to you.

The PDF by Hand E-Workbooks are available from the Peterson Directed Handwriting website.  You will need  purchase the license to print out their materials, and that only costs a meager $19.95 per level. This cost is a ONE time fee, not a yearly subscription.  You could use this product with successive students for that one time price per level.   Included with each level are Instructions, Blank Lined practice paper, Fluency Tests, Basic Movement strokes, Reading Puzzles, Letter Practice and much more.  I have been using this program at Level 1 and 2 with my Third grader, and having the ability to print exactly what I need, is so much easier than having to write in a bulky workbook.

Before we were given this product to test in our own home schools, we were all able to meet with Rand Nelson, the Director of Training, for Peterson Directed Handwriting.  We met with him over the web, and received a tutorial on how the Peterson Directed Method is different than the tracing methods that are widely used today.  Mr. Nelson explained to us their movement instruction and how it develops a recording of muscle movement in your child's brain.  Most tracing programs, teach your child to draw a letter, not understand or develop a pattern to create it.  Muscle memory, not the eyes, should be responsible for guiding fluent movement of a pen or pencil across a paper.

Now, if you were to say....  "sure you like the program, you had a personal training session!  They aren't going to do that for little ole' me..."  I would answer, "quit being Eeyore, and go look at their site! They will too do it for you!"   Teaching and training people is at the heart of this company.  They not only want you to purchase a great handwriting system from them.  They desire to educate you, and be there to answer your questions.  They offer "meet live now" sessions right on their homepage, open to visitors to ask a question.  They periodically hold online training, you can sign up to be notified of the next class.  They have personalized training available for purchase  ($35.00 ) as well as a Online tutor service that could lead you to a Formal Endorsement Certificate ($75.00) if you wish more in-depth understanding.  There is also a free 20 minute presentation on the Peterson Method, click here to view it. 

I have had the opportunity to use this for a few weeks with my son.  He looks forward to his lessons in Cursive Handwriting...  (and this was NOT the case with the workbooks we used before... )  He says it is easier to talk the lines onto his paper, and he enjoys the rhythmic movement, and exaggerated muscle memory exercises.  I recommend this product to homeschoolers of all ages.  You can begin to teach cursive in Kindergarten with Level One, and with older students you can improve proficiency and proportion with Levels 2-4.  Go to their website, look around, and consider using the Peterson Directed Method as your handwriting curriculum this year.

Remember, don't just take my word for it.... read what other homeschoolers have to say about this product on The Homeschool Crew Blog.


**** Disclaimer****
As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I received this product in exchange for my unbiased, honest opinion, humble as it may be.  No other compensation was given, which is fine, because I enjoy living in a one income family.

Dorm Room Dinners

This summer I spent some time with some girls who had come home from their first year of college.  One needed to take Iron and other vitamins, because she was becoming anemic, and deficient in those areas.  I asked her what she was eating while she was in school....  Top Ramen?  To which, she sheepishly lowered her head and answered.... " yeah..." 

This got me thinking about ways to prepare foods in a dorm room, that are quick, easy, and tasty, and filling.  So from time to time, I will post some survival food....because I know you all are busy between classes, work,  church, and studying....

Ramen a la Veg

Now, before you look at this picture and say yuck... because you don't like these particular vegetables...  Think around the corner to the ones you DO like.  Corn, snow peas,  sugar snap peas, broccoli, carrots, green beans...  some on the not so common but great list are: Bok Choy, Spinach ( fresh not canned, ick!), bean sprouts, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms... Many veggies arrive at the market already cut and bagged.  This will eliminate the need for you to keep a large sharp knife in your room.  All you need is a little fridge ( if you have to use a common one put your name on your stuff! ), a microwave, and a microwavable bowl.

 Ingredients:
1 Package of Ramen ( your favorite flavor )
2 cups of water
veggies of your choice.

Directions:
Heat water, Ramen noodles and sauce packet in microwave until noodles are soft. (3-5 minutes)
Remove bowl from microwave very carefully
Add in handfuls or sprinkles of your favorite veggies, and let sit for a few minutes to cool.  The veggies will cook in the hot water it cools to an eatable temperature.

Tip***  the "harder" the vegetable ( ie. Broccoli or carrots )  if you place them in the microwave to cook WITH your noodles to cook, they will be softer and easier to eat.

Variations:
Asian Ramen:  use "Oriental " flavored Ramen.  add a touch of soy sauce after cooking, use bean sprouts, green onions, mushrooms, and bok choy or spinach as your veggies. ( tip** keep the soy sauce packages from your excursions to Panda Express.... it saves on needing a big bottle in the fridge.)

Veggie Beef Soup:  Use "Roast Beef" flavored Ramen.  add to water before cooking, handfuls of frozen corn and frozen green beans, and some shredded carrots.  Add mushrooms and a little onion, after it comes out to cool.


Remember, that the combinations are endless....  possibilites are only limited by your imagination.  I don't recommend Ramen 7 days a week, but by adding some veggies into it, you are increasing its nutritional value, and you will keep your mom from wondering if you ever really do eat anything healthy while you are away.... ......

Living on a Dime

Thinking about the earlier post this week about how we afford to homeschool, I was reminded about this newsletter I subscribe to.

It is called Living on a Dime.  It is chock full of money management ideas, coupons, tips on organization and cleaning.  The newsletter is free, and it comes out once a week.  They have recipes to add to your menu.  I don't always read them on time... but they are nice to get and look back on when I need some new ideas.
Pop on over there and check Tawra out!

Bookmarks

Today I was reading to Hunter, and realized we didn't have any bookmarks to put IN the books we were reading....  So for the 12th box of our workboxes, I decided that we would make some. It was a fairly easy craft and could be used for birthday parties or as gifts.

We started with 3 sheets of 6x6 paper.

Cut it into 2 inch strips.

Then decorated.  He chose stamps,but you could use stickers, color pens or pencils, anything you have handy.

We loaded the finished bookmarks into an 8 1/2 x 11 heat laminate sheet.  ( the self laminating sheets will work if you don't have a heat laminator.  Although, I don't know why you wouldn't want a laminator, they are the BEST thing EVER!)

Cut them out, and a hole punch and piece of ribbon later...you have bookmarks. Enjoy!

Tuesday

So far it is a great Tuesday!...  The first Tuesday of the school year.  We survived day one, with all family members still breathing and smiling.  This is a plus.  Only one minor melt-down by Hunter with his math...  I did after all give him 8 whole problems to do and they were mixed addition and subtraction  AND some of them had three numbers!!  Poor boy to have such a mean teacher. 

I also started a new way of tracking the High Schooler's progress during the week.  As time goes on and I see how it works, I will share it with you.

Here is to praying the tradition of goodness extends through the week. 

Homeschool on a Budget

It is Cruise day again.  I really like having these topics to write about.  It gets my brain thinking about something besides lunch and dinner preparations.....

Today's Cruise topic is " How do you afford to homeschool? What are some of the ways to save money on homeschool supplies?"  Let's take them one at a time shall we?.......

How do I afford to homeschool?

Homeschooling isn't as expensive as one would think.  Yes, it can be pricey if you use a DVD curriculum, or other boxed options.... but if you compare it to the cost of tuition at a private educational institution, it is still a more economic option. 

****Find low cost curriculum options.****
We use a curriculum that is posted online.  It is based on a Charlotte Mason Education ( although I do not follow all her philosophy's to the letter).  This curriculum is free.  It is broken down into book lists, and a weekly 36 week schedule for me to follow...  I love that I don't have to create those things, just follow the pattern and add or subtract what we need to.  This curriculum also has hyperlinked text within the book list.  All the material that is linked, can be read online ( a wonderful no cost option! )

 **** Use your library!!!****
When I am organizing a term's worth of work, I always have my library screen up too.  My library allows me to reserve books online, and will hold wish lists for me, so I don't need spend extra time looking up books every term.  I can enter the ones I need, and when they come up on the schedule, reserve them.  We order books on CD, videos that correlate to a subject we are studying, foreign language videos and audio CD's.  It is the first place I start, before I buy anything!

****Look for the best deal before you buy****
There are books we buy.  We can't get around it.  There is no substitute for a well rounded library, and the ability to take your studies away from the computer and read.  I usually purchase these books as they are needed......... and I search every website I can to find a deal. ( By the way, if you know some I don't, pass them on! )  I will search Amazon, Half. com, Overstock.com, The Old Schoolhouse Store....  anywhere to save the dollar.  Shipping is what always kills ya on these places so find vendors that carry multiple books.  It is worth it to pay a dollar more for a book if you can save 4 dollars on shipping.  Also look for a text that might be one edition behind the newest one.  Most subjects don't change that drastically between editions, but saving $90.00 on a Physics text.... is a nice deal any way you slice it.

****Budget and Spend where it's important****
We do not skimp on our Science and Math curriculum.  It is pricey, but with 4 kids, I know I will eventually get my money's worth out of that $184 Algebra book and the CD's.  One way we try to take the sting out of having to squeeze these big ticket books out of our budget is an envelope system.  If I know I need to buy a book in August.... and it is going to cost $184.00.  I budget it over the proceeding 10 months.  If I put a $20 in that envelope every month... In August, I have my book and my shipping covered.  I go deposit the $ and order the book. 

What are some ways that I save money on homeschool supplies?

I make lots of things.  I bought a laminator....  it changed my life.  I cost maybe $25.00 at Wally World... and the sheets aren't that expensive either.  I have reusable resources that work with any dry erase pen.
Here are some examples:

These are name cards, the ones they put on desks to tell kids where to sit.  It is lined, allows for large writing practice, and makes writing out one's spelling words a bit more enjoyable.  I picked them up on sale at Office Depot for $3.00 for a pack of 30.

This is a clock I copied from his math book, and glued to a large index card.  He either writes the time, or puts the hands on the clock.

Typed up a bunch of words, cut them, and laminated them.  He sorts the words into the envelope.  We use it to practice nouns, verbs, proper nouns, titles.....  lots of grammar done this way.

My State flash cards that are in progress.  I copied a U.S. Map.  Cut out each state.  Wrote the particulars on the back.

There is a wonderful resource at TOS Magazine's Schoolhouse Store.  They wrote a book called Dreams and Designs, that sells for $12.45, and it is FULL of money saving ideas.  I highly recommend that you budget for it.

These are just some of the ways we homeschool on a budget.

If you have other ideas, I would love to have you share them in the comments.  I am always looking for new ideas!

Ready, Set, GO!

We are ready to start SCHOOL! 
For some it might seem early, and for others it might seem late, but for me this is the earliest I have started a year EVER!

We have again decided to go along with Ambleside Online's Curriculum.  My two high schoolers will be working off Year 10, and it sure looks to be a busy year!   The reading lists provided with this curriculum are quite comprehensive and I dare say the average public high school student is not as well read as the kids will be at the end of this year. My third grader will be working on year 2, but with 3rd grade math and science.  I really like how I can incorporate the Science (Apologia ) and Math ( Teaching Textbooks ) that we have found to work well with our family.

Our Book List for the First Term is:
  for Evan and Tayler:

• A History of  the American People ~ Paul Johnson 
• Knowing God ~ J.I. Packer
• Arguing about Slavery: The great debate in the United States Congress ~ William Lee Miller
• The Fallacy Detective ~ Nathaniel & Hans Bluedorn
• Evaluating Books: What Would Thomas Jefferson Think About This? ~ Richard Maybury
• Character is Destiny ~ Russell Gough
• Uncle Tom's Cabin ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe
• The Poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well ~ Paula LaRocque
• Six Easy Pieces ~ Richard P. Fenyman
• An Assortment of Speeches and other Source Documents, downloadable from Ambleside Online

For Hunter:

• An Island Story ~  H.E. Marshall
• This Country of Ours ~ H.E. Marshall
• Trial and Triumph~ Richard Hannula
• The Little Duke ~ Charlotte Yonge
• Tree in the Trail~ Holling C. Holling
• The Burgess Bird Book ~ Thorton Burgess
• Tales from Shakespeare ~ Charles and Mary Lamb
• Parables from Nature~ Margaret Gatty
• Pilgrims Progress ~ John Bunyan
• Understood Betsy ~ Dorothy Canfield Fisher

For links to the books on Hunter's list please click here.  Many are available for download online or at the library.

Some books are worked on through out the year, others completed in the first term ( Sept- Nov )

Here is a week long work list for the High Schoolers ( we take some of the things away from AO's list, and at times we will add other things )
Week 01


Bible: 2 Cor 1-2& Ephesians 1
Devotional: Knowing God JI Packer ch. 1, 2
Arguing Slavery ch 1 and 2
*Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin ch 1, 2
*Up From Slavery Introduction, ch 1
*Eothen ch 1, 2
Plutarch: Julius Ceasar (read until Paragraph 280)
Character is Destiny ch 1
Evaluating Books pg 8-15
The Law, Bastiat, The law perverted!, Life is a Gift From God, What is Law?, A Just and Enduring Government, The Complete Perversion of the Law,
Current Events: write a summary of current events for every day in this week
Uncle Tom's Cabin ch 1-4
Shakespeare: Julius Caesar Act 1 Scene 1
Poetry: Samuel Taylor Coleridge “Forbarance”
The Book on Writing ch 1
Writing Assignments: TBD
Copywork : Write out “Forbarance” in your Journal
Continue working through your Math program Evan-Geometry, Tayler- Algebra: 1 lesson a day
Science Evan- Physical Science Chapter 1 ; Tayler Biology Chapter 1
Six Easy Pieces - pg ix-vviii Introduction
Walden 1. Economy - A and B
Nature Study: Record Weather patterns in your Journal ( include drawings if able)
Fallacy Detective by N and H Bluedorn Lesson 1
Foreign Language: Spanish ( use dad’s Rosetta Stone CD)
Work and Life Skills - Chores, look for ways to help Lisa ( home) and your Dad ( work) Record activities done in journal

And for Hunter....  to this will be added his math, science, writing, and reading programs:

Week 1


The Bible
An Island Story ch 22 Harold
Trial and Triumph 10. Charlemagne Protector of the Church (742-814 AD)
The Little Duke - first half of chapter 1
Tree in the Trail chapter 1
Burgess Animal Book I Jenny Wren Gives Peter Rabbit an Idea, II Peter and Jumper Go To School
Poetry of Walter de la Mare
Shakespeare: The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Pilgrim's Progress: about 800 words every week

If you have any questions about the curriculum we use, feel free to ask, and I will do my best to answer.
Happy Schooling to you!

Field Trip of a Lifetime

 Some random shots from Mexico....  where I was blessed to go with my church and the older two kids.

Celebrate Fall! Celebrate School! Celebrate Free Stuff! Go to the Schoolhouse Expo!

It's back to homeschool time and registration is open for the online Schoolhouse Expo, October 4-8. It's five days of top homeschool speakers, fellowship, and fun door prizes. The theme this fall is "Celebrate Homeschooling!" We're going to celebrate the unique blessings of homeschooling, the beginning of another school year, our families, and the freedom to tailor our children's education to best meet their needs.
 ~~~~( I know what your thinking.... your thinking, Julie, you just went to the Expo.....  You wouldn't shut up about the Expo! )  I KNOW!  You know why I can't shut up about it?  Because it is FABULOUS!  Because you NEED to go!  Read on for the reasons why!

I have news....  order NOW.... it's CHEAP!
**Save $5 per ticket! Register between August 16 and midnight August 22, and you'll pay only $19.99. Plus you'll receive over $200 in free E-Books. ~~~~( did you read that?  FREE BOOKS??!!??)  I told you.... you need to go!

**You'll be inspired by speakers including: Zan Tyler, Dr. Jay Wile, Jeannie Fulbright,Carol Barnier, Diana Waring, Todd Wilson, Davis Carman, Kim Kautzer, Lee Binz, and many more!  ~~~~~  Inspired?  You will be SO much more than inspired!  You will be encouraged, refreshed, relaxed ( because you will have laughed real hard with some of these folks) and you will leave the Expo with resources to help you stay on track, and in focus for the rest of the year.

**A special teen track is planned--the entire family will definitely want to listen to these special sessions. We've also planned a special focus on a topic that touches every homeschool--writing. Plus, an array of other topics that will inform and inspire you throughout your homeschooling years.  ~~~~ My kids listened with me last time....  They enjoyed Dr Wile speak on creation, we all enjoyed Lee Binz, and Todd Wilson.  I can't wait to see what things they have added especially for teens.  Don't have a teen yet?  I have news.... you will eventually.  I am telling you, you need to attend this thing!

***Don't forget, MP3 copies of each session comes with your LIVE event ticket. ~~~~ This is the best part!  You can download something to your MP3 player and listen while you work out, while you walk, while you are watching the kids kill each other play at Mc Donalds.... always available encouragement?  Sign me UP!

***Two special preconference shows on August 24 and September 21 with Dr. Jay Wile, Jeannie Fulbright, and Kim Kautzer!  ~~~~ they do this to whet your appetite



***Register starting 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 16.  ~~~~ That was yesterday!  WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????? (you only have till the 22nd for the discount price!)

You say, " I'm Busy....  I can't attend October 4-8"  .... PSSSSTTTT!!!  .... they've got you covered!

If you cannot make the Live event, then the October Expo To Go is just your ticket! You'll reserve MP3s from all of the workshops. This week only, pay just $14.95!


Just in case you still need some persuasion... check out these sites!

http://www.schoolhouseexpo.com/

or

http://bit.ly/aWHFiL



**** disclosure****  they offered me free tickets to tell you all this....  They just put the ticket offer up before I was gonna buy my ticket.  NOW, go get YOUR ticket so you get free stuff too!!!!!!!!!!!

First Year Jitters?

I remember when we decided to homeschool.  I remember the nervous anticipation of choosing curriculum, and wondering if we were going to survive, not to mention actually LEARN anything.

If this is you, and you are trying to decide if you want to homeschool, or if you have made the decision, and are getting ready to start your first year; this blog cruise is for you!  Through out the year The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew, takes the time to write about many of the topic's that are relevant in the homeschool community.  Today's topic is all about advice for those considering the option of homeschooling, and for those who are committed to give it a go, and are just starting this year.

The first thing I did when I had decided that I was going to homeschool, was seek out the advice of someone that was actually DOING it.  I called up a woman I used to babysit for, and asked her what curriculum she suggested.  The first thing she said was, " Not every curriculum works for every family.  You have to find what works for you."  I remember at the time thinking..... gee,  thanks for nothing..... you have been doing this for years, and you just tell me I have to figure it out by myself???!!???? 

She eventually told me what she found worked for her and her boys, and that was the curriculum that we started with..........  I just really wanted a place to land, something I knew worked for someone, and a break from searching the Internet for hours, googling " homeschool" and coming up with more choices and getting more confused.

In the 8 years since that phone conversation, I have found out how sage her advice was.....

My advice to you, is pretty much the same: "Figure out what works for your family."

By that I mean:  Don't be afraid to change what you are doing if you don't feel your child is excelling in a certain curriculum.  Be flexible.  Changing something up mid year does not mean YOU have failed, it means 'that wasn't working'.  Remember learning happens at home ALL THE TIME!  Don't be afraid to play around with a schedule that fits your family, even if it means it isn't "normal" like public school.  Children learn at different rates an on their own schedule....  Homeschooling is much, much more than just a "thing" you do to educate your child.  Involve Dad whenever and however possible.  He has much knowledge and wisdom to impart to your children.  Homeschooling is a way of life.... a lifestyle choice that will enrich your life and the lives of your children.

Take a look at some of the other blogs on this cruise topic....  there are lots of book suggestions, and other advice for consideration.     Click the blog cruise button to see other posts.

If you are interested in some of the curriculum choices we use.... suggestions are posted to the right ---> Under the heading "Cool Stuff"

Blog Walk ~ week 8

Wow...  I am all caught up now on my blog walk posts...  Here is the current week's walk....  I am excited my first mate is on this week's list. ( personally... I am looking forward to reading #1, by the title... this lady has been in my kitchen...lol)

1. Ramblings from the Crazy House

2. Chicagoland Homeschool Network
3. Marine Corps Nomads
4. Faith, Family and Fun
5. Books and Bairns
6. Chatter, Clatter and Things That Matter
7. Canadianladybug Reviews!
8. Life at oak Grove
9. Home Sweet Home(school)
10. a glimpse of our life

Totally TOS ~ 2010 Planner!

On any given day, you will hear me ask for my brain............  Typical of a busy mom, I am always looking for it.  My brain is what keeps me organized, on task and on time..... or so I thought.....

This is my brain.............................

and this...............

This is my brain on drugs.

 You too can satisfy your organizational addictions with this one easy planner.

It has:

• Calendars
• Menu forms
• Shopping lists
• Field trip forms
• Attendance forms
• Journal pages
• Writing prompts
• Science lab sheets
• Report Cards
• Book Reports
• Forms you never knew you were going to need
• Forms to make all your other forms jealous

No more searching for hours on the Internet to find that perfect form....  IT IS HERE!  No more late nights in front of the computer screen trying to create the perfect form.........  THEY'VE DONE IT!...........

Now in one easy to access, easy to print, easy to save location, you can keep track of both parts of your day.    Save time, get more rest....... Convince people you are SUPER MOM.......   all for the low price of  $39.00

Don't wait!!!!!!!

ORDER NOW!

 

*** Disclaimer***  As a member of the Homeschool crew, I received this planner as compensation for writing this advertisement.  But really, I would have paid for it.  It's that good!

Blog Walk ~ week 7

Blog Walk week 7.... original air date somewhere in July... I just love the creative names people have for their blogs...  leave a comment on the ones that are your favorite!

1. Deanna’s Corner

2. Light, Liberty, and Learning
3. Bunny Trails
4. Flowers N Plaid Homeschool
5. Gadow Ohana
6. His Wonderful Works
7. Expand
8. Confessions of a Homeschooler
9. The Sojourner
10. A Full Heart

what I've been up to....

Summer, like always.... is flying by.  Someday, I will achieve my life long desire to rent a houseboat for the summer, and just float around a lake for 3 months..... stopping at the various marinas long enough to re-fuel and buy groceries.....  Until then..... summer is filled with softball, VBS, wilderness trips, Farmers Markets, yard work, and other mundane chores....

This year we had a chance to go on a Missions Trip to Mexico City with our church.....  to read about what happened check out my other blog A Day in the Life. 

Now it is time to start thinking about school.  I have lots of reviews to write on some exiting homeschool products.... so make sure you check back to see what things you might want for your homeschool.

I am off to fold some laundry.... and take some lunch to my wonderful, hard working husband....

Blog Walk ~ week 6

Blog Walk week 6......... enjoy

1. Closing Time
2. One Blessed Mamma
3. El Cloud Homeschool: Busy Minds, Busy Hands, Busy Feet
4. Alive in Spirit
5. Ozark Rumblings
6. Army of 5
7. Fenced In Family
8. Debbie's Digest
9. Footprints in the Butter
10. Got Chai?

Blog Walk ~ week 5

Since returning from Mexico, I have severely slacked on my Blog walk posts, and well, posts in general.

Here is the list from the 5th week of the Blog walk.... it oringinally aired on July 12-16 ( but I wasn't here..lol)

Take the time to read these great blogs from other moms like you!

1. Buckaroo Days
2. Our Homeschool Reviews
3. Reed, Party of 6
4. Training Hearts at Home
5. Along The Way
6. I Love Science!
7. Through the Calm and Through the Storm
8. Created for Home
9. Tractors and Tire Swings
10. Guiding Light Homeschool