Schedule Change... Plan "C" & MFW & Library

I am guilty of not adding enough photos to my posts... trying to reform!!

Not the best, but you just can't always get that perfect pic when you are always running late. ;)

Savannah was too distracted by Sahara fussing that she could not smile because they all worry about her every whimper. Look close because Caden is ready to get someone with his "sword" (plastic toy knife).

Okay, so the point of this post is my most recent SCHEDULE. I really am not totally difficult, but I am really trying to get our schedule just the way I want it.... the way it works well for all of us. And I so desire for my kids to be working together and learning together and teaching one another through it all. We do this already, but I want to tweek the details so that it has a great flow.... and a joyous, harmonious flow. So, here it is:

By 7:00 a.m.
Kids Awaken!
Dress Routine
Come to Breakfast / Set Table
Prayer Requests & Commitments / Prayer Time
Breakfast with Parent Lead Devotional
My desire for this is that the kids will be eating breakfast WITH Daddy. They can start the morning praying with Daddy, etc. and not just me.

By 7:30 a.m.
Singing (during Breakfast Clean-up)
Story Time / Read Alound (Our Choice--not based on curriculum)
Motto Chant (“I homeschool because I want to be with you”)… then, move to school area.
Read Alouds can just take place gathered around the table making a smoother transition into schooling.

By 8:00 a.m.
Minutes
5 Calendar Time (Month, Day of Week, Date, Year, Special Days, Upcoming Events, Weather & Seasons, 100 Day Chart)
Pledges
ART TIME (I Can Do All Things or other) Not too sure about this Art Book just yet... thinking I would have preferred something a bit more "elementary" (translation=easy).
=1 hour

By 9:00 a.m. (Order should depend upon the season/weather)
60 Begin MFW Kindergarten with Sierra & Others join in w/ Savannah being a Teacher’s Helper
60 Group Study for MFW Science & History, Etc.
60 Outdoor Activities & Physical Exercise & Chore Time *

By 12:00 p.m.
Morning Activities End
LUNCH & Clean-up & Chore Time & Meal Planning for Dinner /Home Ec. ;)

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Naptime for Caden (2 hours) & Sahara (varies)
Independent Studies for Savannah -- Bible Verse / Memorization; Math, Grammar, Spelling, Reading, Etc.
Individual “Centers” Time ** (Savannah/Sierra)

Note: (Can vary daily… just ideas)
* Outdoor Activities & Physical Exercise:
· Gymnastics & Trampoline
· Ballet Class
· Bicycling or Walking
· Games: Kickball, etc.
· Yard Care & Plant Care
· Swimming
** “Centers” Time
· Computer Time
· Puzzles
· Typing
· Games (Cards, Board Games)
· Bingo
· Science
· Library
· Music
· Books of the Bible
· Handwriting
· Math
· Journaling

And on a final note for the night I am totally ready to get started using My Father's World (Kindergarten & Adventures), but since we have been hit so hard with this flu bug I am going to postpone for one more week. I was planning to take off most or all of December, but that might not happen now. It is great to have the freedom to change things up. I think this week is going to be a "make some messes/art/organization/get better week"! I am eager to start sharing some of our MFW schooling, but it is going to have to wait just a bit longer. One thing I will share is that I have been working on a Home Library Listing of all our books. I have also included the various puzzles we have and it might just eventually grow to include games or any other learning items we have on hand. The idea is that I can do a search on the database for our topic and it will show me what I have on hand. Sometimes we forget that "penguin" puzzle or book, etc.. I am also discovering that I own some books that I did realize we had. ;) I am getting very familar with the various authors of children's books, so it is a learning experience for me, as well. The main reason I am mentioning this is that in the MFW Kindergarten curriculum it says to make 27 file folders for the letters/topics of study and to start placing things in the folder to use. Well, I do not want to pull the "Penguin Reader" now for that folder. I want my kids to have access to their books on their bookshelf; however, I am planning to write a list directly on the file folder of things that I think of that I would like to use. Using the "Penguin" folder as an example again... I already know that I have a couple of fictional storybooks involving penguins and I have some easy reading Science readers about penguins. I also have some Pre-K level wooden puzzles that have penguins and other animals that would be great. I know that I have some various textbook type books that have penguins in them and I plan to write down the title of the book and the page numbers. I might make a note of an additional craft for penguins and note the website or write down my own craft idea should one come to mine. So, that is how I am planning to use the MFW Kindergarten file folder system. Hope that gives someone out there an idea! Goodnight all!!

Stay In, Stay Well

I am now advising you all to STAY HOME! Choose home... not because of the usual reasons that I would normally say this, but because this flu virus we have is horrid. And really we are doing fine, but come one.... Five out six is just c~r~a~z~y!! My husband is the only one that is well. And I might add that there is a reason why women are made to nurture.... Uh, guys are just not all that joyful about it... Anyway, it all started with Caden's sudden temp on Wednesday that hit 103.5 in the night. By the next day I really wasn't too worried, but took him in to get checked, just in case. He tested positive for the flu... and I have to tell you that the doctors offices are desperately packed out. We went home and much to my surprise Caden's temp suddenly jumped to 104.1! You also have to know that high fevers are common at our house, but when it gets this high we get a bit nervous. So, I got it down and shortly after that we his prescription for Tamiflu started in hopes that it will lessen the symptons. As a precaution all in home siblings four and under are also being started on Tamiflu, so Sahara got a prescription for it, as well. We had all been eagerly awaiting our Co-op meeting on Friday, but the flu would change that for us. The girls awaken to find out we could not go to Co-op, but were unusually not to concerned about missing... all I go was a simply version of their whining. Not normal.... soon it was obvious that they did not have it in them to whine... and thank God because I was not feeling to swift myself, which I thought was just a bit of exhaustion at first. Okay, you know where this is going, right?... by 9:am I realized Savannah and Sierra had fever.... by 11:am I realized I had fever and it was starting to hit me hard... I called text my husband while making calls... Our pediatrician could not see us at all because they were so overbooked. The local pediatrician in our town could not see us because of insurance issues and such which left us with the option to go to Minor Care. Oh my gosh!! It was crazy... not too many people at first, but after we got there it started to get busy.... during our four hour tour!! Eeeekk!!! They were handing out masks to the patients with flu-like symptoms and they had two emergencies happen while we were there. My husband said that one frantic mother brought her four year old daughter in that was lethargic and passing out and they loaded her up on a stretcher and rushed her to the hospital. I don't know what the other emergency was, but I am betting it was flu. Can I say this?... not to alarm anyone, but it is only September!!!! And whatever strand of flu this is ... well, who knows if it is the Swine flu or some other one, but it is bad. At the Minor Care visit the doc checked us all out and I looked at her and asked if she was going to check Savannah... She looked at me in a puzzled manner along with Savannah and they both assured me that she had checked Savannah out... I was too delirious! 8( For whatever reason it seems that I am getting delirious when I am running a temp... very odd. So, we all are on Tamiflu, etc. and taking lots of Motrin and Tylenol for fever and body aches. Today, Sahara started running a temp, but it seems to be milder for her so far. Tamiflu is supposed the lessen or prevent symptoms and I must say that I do believe it is. And you might wonder just why I am typing this post at 2:am. Well, that would be because I am listening to my baby scream from a nearby room because I can't nurse her!!! if you take the Tamiflu you have to stop breastfeeding! Add that to the craziness here!! Okay, so I am not planning to "stop" nursing her at this point. We are just taking a "pause".... I am pumping and discarding it for the next few days. Yes, I said discarding it... liquid gold in my eyes!!!... going down the drain!!! I have had to pour out 30 ounces so far!!! ARGGHHHHH!!! Hey, but on the upside I am keeping my mild supply going and we will be able to resume breastfeeding by Thursday morning.... or maybe Wednesday night... so, we will see what happens.... She may completely wean by then and may not want to, but I must say that my others have not screamed about it all when it has been time to wean. They have all fussed a bit, but we have when they seem to be ready to some degree. She is making it quite clear that she is not ready! And I knew that about her already! I have nursed my others for 13 months, 12 months, and 12 months, but with Sahara she is just so babyish and clingy and eager to be the baby that we had decided to just nurse her until she seemed to be giving it up on her own. This throws a major glitch in that plan, but ultimately I had to decide that I need to be as healthy as possible so that I can take care of them and so I do not get my kids sicker by keeping the flu bug alive in our home longer. Anyway, I am going to sleep now...the screaming is over for the time being, but I have this to say.... I did not realize how bad this flu issue is until now and having seen the problems it is causing in the doctor's offices. Do yourself a favor and be a house hermit. Stay home and stay well. I am not the type to advise that, but it really is necessary right now. Choose home!!! Stay away from everyone for a while... sounds weird, but trust me it is better than the flu! ;)

Ever Think You Can't Get Busier?

Do you ever make the mistake of thinking you are about as busy as you could be? And you can't imagine being more maxed out? And you think, "My two little ones are finally getting over this virus they have had and have been fever free for one complete week."? Things are looking downright sunshiney out and then, the rain comes, again. Midday you realize that one of your kiddos has a mild 102 temp and is looking quite puney. By nighttime you fall into bed knowing that the night fevers are always the worst and at 2:am you go in to check on your little kiddo. Little kiddos temp is 103 and you are once again on duty for the next hour and a half (not that you are ever off duty). You awaken to the sunlight way to early for your eyes, but you trudge on deciding to take the little kiddo into the doctor because your husband is worried about the Swine Flu that is has been popping up cases left and right in your area. Confident that your child has just got another virus you figure you are a just making your husband feel better by taking the little kiddo to the doctor. And you are happy to do it even though there are more people than you have ever seen at the doctors office. The doctor (whom you know is not a panicker) walks in with a mask on to check out your little kiddo. The doctor decides that it is necessary to test for the flu. You are still thinking that it is a wonderful precautionary measure, but that your little kiddo that rarely exits your home is surely not going to have the flu. As you sit there watching your little kiddo cry because a cotton swab has just violated his nasal passages shortly after a wooden stick (tongue depressor) has been used to gag him and you watch his little shivering fever riddened body all you want to do is take him home and let him rest. You are sitting there thinking how you can't believe you are putting your child through this just to make your husband feel better. I mean, you could be at home giving him meds to keep this fever down and nice overly iced juice or popsicles while you rub his head with a damp cloth and cuddle him as he gets the rest he needs. And then, the doctor walks in and says with a frown, "It is the flu." Not the news you want to get!

Yeah, that's the kind of day I am having.... but, I know that I am blessed! And I know that as always God puts me where I need to be even when I am a bit resistant. Not just in this instance, but in all instances.

I must say that I am not too worried. I am treating this like any other flu case in our home. We are going to do our best to keep it to ourself, so as not to spread it. Other than keeping him home for the next week I will treat it just like the normal old flu virus. Caden and Sahara will be given Tamiflu since it is in the early stage for Caden and Sahara is considered high-risk for contracting it. Please add Caden to your prayers. Apparently, there is quite a bit of concern here regarding the Swine Flu as some of the communities in this area have had some positive testing for it.

How fitting that today I would blog about a Togetherness Secret and I would be reading my blog reading list and see that there was a post for a free eBook called Fun, Fabulous and (Mostly) Free Preschool Projects. Go get yours free for the taking. There are some great ideas in there. I have not read it all since I just downloaded it, but one of the first tips was to put all the ingredients for making cookies into a large zipper lock bag and let your preschooler squish away until it was all mixed up! Now who wouldn't love those kind of ideas!! I really want my kids to love schooling and all be in the same area together..... and not even just in the next room within earshot. I really have a great set up where the next room is the main kid bedroom and there are plenty of age appropriate preschool toys and I can hear them well. I can't see through walls, though. ;) ... even though the kids think I can! Sssshhhhh! I would love for the younger ones to grow up in a natural learning environment. I don't want to have to "rope them in" and have to try to "get their attention" like I seem to have to do with my oldest. I am having a bit of a breakthrough with her, though.... I think. I just think if this whole schooling just becomes a way of life for us and we eliminate some of the distractions, then they will want to be in here....

Also, thanks to those who have left comments on the earlier post! You are so great! ... please take time to read their comments if you have not done so already. Goodnight all... my mind need some sleep... probably obvious, right?! :)

Togetherness Secret ???

Sorry, if you thought this might be some insightful post about the Secret to Togetherness. Instead, it is really a question for all you homeschoolers out there. If you are the type of homeschooler that tries to teach your kiddos altogether for the most part, how do you keep the little ones together? What are your strategies or tips to keeping a watch on them? I really do not like my littles wandering all over the house where I can't see them. For Sahara I block her off and she is not old enough to open the doors or move my barriers. For Caden this is a bit more of a challenge and he would be content to watch videos all day in the next room, but I don't want that at all. I have this picture in my head that all you happy homeschoolers out there are busy little bees with your perfect little darlings gathered around craving more and more of the next schooling moment! :) So, where is YOUR two year old?! Are they happily playing about your heels or are they wandering from room to room playing? Do you have a Togetherness Secret to share? (Feel free to answer in the comments or write a post and put the link in the comments.)

We've Made a Decision... Finally!

I am attaching this button to this post and my blog to announce my curriculum decision.......

----drumroll, please....-----

I have decided to make the switch!

I know I am as slow as molasses on a cold winter's day!!!!

I have always been a deep thinker...

exhausting my every thought on anything of importance to make a decision about.

I am cautious.

I am not one to make any decision lightly.

Anything that I decide on in a rush flops.

Life experience has taught me to carefully consider all things.

Because of my absolute slowness and turtle-like speed in this decision process I really feel that I have made the best choice for our little homeschool.

So, now we wait.... .

how quick will the mail arrive with our new stuff?...

... and I need to do a small supply run for some binders and few others item I do not have on hand. I am in no rush really, though.

We are not on a school year calendar.

We will truck on in our current curriculum.

When the other arrives some of it will be a bit of a re-run, but that will be good review.

I am excited!... and hoping my kids will get excited, too!

I think the My Father's World curriculum will make me more accountable.

Even though it is known for being laid back I am sure it is not as laid back as I get. ;(

The clearly laid out plans will keep me from feeling overwhelmed and leaving out things I would normally skip in the struggle to juggle. (accidental rhyme, but I like it)

Okay, so I said that I would keep you all posted on the all the curriculum changes and decisions that I have been thinking on. Many things we have been studying are very similar with our A Beka stuff, but the organization is just not there... or rather is just not simplistic enough for me to follow easily. Being a "newbie" homeschooler with my highly distractable oldest daughter really would be easier with a better plan. And factor two little ones in the mix I believe it will work better to work with a curriculum that was made for families like ours. Anyway, so originally I have used A Beka with LOTS of modifications for our family and LOTS of stuff we just don't do at all. We are going to keep using A Beka's Math (3), but we slow it down. We are just going to go at our pace and we may skip days at a time a practice memorization of addition, subtraction, or multiplication facts, etc. or play card games. We are also going to continue using A Beka's Language (3). We are going to also, include the dictation and copywork in MFW and add some of our own, if we feel like it. I am completely ditching A Beka's Spelling (3) and have ordered Spelling By Sound And Structure (3) from Rod N Staff. I like the simplicity of it and the focus on phonetics. They have thirteen words a week and some of those are a review portion from prior weeks. Because the lists are only thirteen words, then I feel like I can easily include another seven or less that are of particular need to my daughter without overwhelming us both. I will keep Spelling Power in mind for future years, but for now I am choosing the simplicity of this one. So, we are going to use MFW Adventures and we are going to do as much as possible with al the kids. I also decided to order the MFW Kindergarten for Sierra and we will also combine some of that for all the kids. I want them to do as much together as possible. I think this is important with so many in the house and me being only one person. I need to teach them as much as possible as a group. They need to learn to teach each other. And I think they need to learn to work together as it is going to be this way for the next ten plus years. We ALL need to learn to work together. ;)

Whew!! Finally.... a decision!!

I'm Still Around

Really, I am still around. I have been reading A LOT this week... reading the Manager's of Their Schools book by the Maxwell's... tending to two sick babies... fevers go crazy high here... (103.3 while maxed out on Motrin and Tylenol 8( ... sleepless nights.... laying low on school.... making pizza.... and muffins... bagging up clutter... bye-bye toys :) ... organizing leftover clutter ;) ...setting up a school area for my littles... yes, a one year old and two year old... watching them and marveling at them... You know you are doing something right when your 13 month old is rocking and singing to her baby doll and tops that all off with a kiss! Preciousness! (sssshhhhh!... but you should see the tantrums she throws.... nasty little temper this little angel has!)... this week I witnessed Caden (2)"rejecting" and invitation to participate in craft making... it was eye-opening because I knew why... it is the way we have "rejected" letting him participate in the past... shame... hence, the need to set up his own desk with Sahara in an attempt to undo the damage we so carelessly did... I actually haved started a library listing of puzzles, books, and manipulatives... I have so much that I forget and am not utilizing it... boring worksheets can easily come alive in another way... Yesterday, I realized I have two 0-9 puzzles and pulled them out for Sierra (5) who quickly stated it was "too easy"... until I dumped both in the floor at the same time and tossed the puzzle base to the side... tested numbers 1-20... and could go up to 99 for the future... great find amongst my clutter!... Anyway, about that pizza.....

I have made a lot of pizza at home... some good... some bad.... I'm not saying this is the best ever, but it is quick and everyone here likes it... through a lot of trial and error....

The secret is the simple crust.... in a quest to copy Pizza Hut I found something that said to add onion powder into your crust.... and I tried their recipe, but I came back to something simpler... my roll recipe (or rather, Cody's aunts' roll recipe).... so, I want to share this simple meal with you, so when you are out of bread like I was today and need to pull something together quick you will have this as a back-up option.

My Pizza Quickly
2 cups flour
2 T Shortening
3/4 cup warm water
1 T Yeast

2 T Sugar

1 T Onion Powder

Sprinklings of Garlic Powder

Ready Made Sauce (I used Hunt's Traditional today)

1 lb. block of Monterey Jack Cheese (weird, huh... you can use another if you have a fav... this is creamier than Mozz. and the flavor is better)

Toppings of Choice

So, I am going to tell this how I make it and skip all that "let rise, punch down, knead this... blah, blah, blah...:

Turn the oven on 400'. I put the dough hook on my mixer. Into the mixing bowl I put in the flour and shortening AND ONION POWDER. I put 3/4 cup of water in the microwave for 10-15 SECONDS (water should be warm, NOT hot). I add the yeast to the water and then, I add the sugar (to feed the yeast). I stir this to dissolve the yeast. You can let this sit for a few minutes for the yeast to proof, but I did not today. I turn on the mixer on LOW and pour this yeast water mixture into the bowl. Let the mixer run for a few minutes and do all the work for you. :) Meanwhile, spray some non-stick cooking spray on a large cookie sheet (or divide amongst smaller pans... or if you a really good Momma let your kids make their own little mini-pizzas... I was not that good of a Momma today... LOL!). During the mixing I grabbed a block of cheese and a grater and grated my cheese. Stop the mixer and remove the dough. Hand knead it a couple times and start ot shape it into a round flat circle (or whatever). Lay it on the baking sheet and carefully spread it out (1/4" thick). Now it is time to make it "your creation". Before I added anything I sprinkled garlic powder all over our crust very lightly. I also, took this moment to sneak in finely chopped pepperoni and roast chicken, then spread sauce over that and the cheese. On 1/4 of the top I added chunks of chicken. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees.

Sahara is rocking and singing to her baby... I think she is breastfeeding, too! LOL!
Okay, maybe not, but she could be. She is still looking a bit puney from being sick, but she is on the mend!!


I am one brave Momma to give these two little ones an area of their own. They can sit here and color and look out the window to their hearts content! Caden is so cheesy!! They are going to be so cute learning together at their little desk. I was just thinking today that it is very likely that I will teach them together at a similar level for much of their learning, because it will make it so much easier when the time comes..... what's a "grade" anyway!! They will be Pre-K and K at the same time!!! Whooo hooo!! That will be much easier to combine than K and 3rd like I attempt to do with Sierra and Savannah.

Dictation & Copywork

I have been considering some major changes in our homeschool. One of the reasons I have not made a decision about fully using My Father's World is that some of it is so similar to the A Beka stuff that I am already using. My Father's World is better organized, though and "funner looking". But trust me when I say this.. I do not use A Beka like it is intended to be used, so there is not really a whole lot of difference in the what I am doing and MFW. For instance if Savannah's math worksheet has a pictures of the solar system on it, then we make our science about the solar system. The problem is that I am not sure that I make it all come full circle and that is why I am considering the switch. I love the way MFW has everything relating to the Bible. So, stufy the letter "S" you would learn about the sun, but also that Jesus in the light of the world. The sun then becomes your science and all that is great. Guess what? A Beka does the same thing ...it is just in way too many books. :) ...But books that I have and that are paid for and that matters to me. I do not want to be wasteful. I believe I must be a good steward of what God has given me. In saying that I must also say that I have had MFW Kindergarten and MFW Adventures In My Father's World here for me to use, if I choose. I asked to buy it from a friend and she just wants to loan it to me. I had already bought a copy of the Adventures IMFW Lesson plan the day before I borrowed this to look it over. So, why am I being so slow to make a decision about using it? First, I am really tired in this "season" of my life adn I am moving a bit slooooowwww and second, I have come to realize that we are not in a "school year box".... If I need to slow way down and reevaluate then, that is what I must do. More than looking at curriculum I have been considering some old fashioned ways of learning and whether they will make our lives easier. I have been trying to "get" the whole theory of Copywork and Dictation. So, I am starting to really "get it". Today I came across a blog post that was very enlightening to me. I thought some others of you might be interested, also.

Part One http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/melissal89/456145/

Part Two http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/melissal89/456412

Joyfully Doing

At the beginning of the summer I read the Duggar Book. In the book they talk about a little game they play at their house called "The Yes Ma'am Game". There is more detail in the book and you would want to read that, but the basis is that when one of the chidren is asked to do something they are rewarded for responding with a "Yes ma'am". I believe they use a sticker chart. The catch is that it has to be joyful. That means no grumbling under your breath or frowning or even dully saying "Yes ma'am". In fact, the children are to respond with a hearty, "Yes ma'am, I'd be happy to!" I know it sounds a little hokey... and my kids (well, Savannah) thought is was a bit hokey, but we gave it a try. It sure couldn't hurt to try it out.

During our school time in the mornings I would start the older three out with a little sticker page and would remind them that we were trying to earn our stickers. When they filled their sticker sheet they would get some sort of reward. As anyone knows that has tried reward charts the hardest part is following through with the plan... I mean, sometimes you are busy with something and it is not too convenient to stop and put a sticker on a chart. We were not too consistent. Not at all... We forgot our little sticker sheets and proceeded on with life. Over the course of the summer and up to the present I have reminded the kids to say, "Yes ma'am.... I'd be happy to!" You would just be so surprised how you instantly see their spirit change when they add the "I'd be happy to!" portion.... partly because they almost giggle, but it really does change their attitude and spirit.

In the last few days I have noticed that Savannah will be asked to do something and without being silly or hokey or even squeaking out a giggle she will say, "Yes ma'am, I'd be happy to!" It seems that, at least, sometimes this is becominn a natural habit for her. I am so eager to see this enthusiasm about joyfully doing grow over the coming months and years!!!

This is especially significant to me right now because I am stuggling to be optimistic and joyful with our homeschooling. I feel defeated by the little failures and I lose sight of my joy for being here and doing it all. It is really hard for me because I have never wanted a "break" from my kids until I started homeschooling.... it was just never a desire I had. I wanted them to be with me for EVERY MOMENT... even the inconvenient ones. So, here I am in a strange new land for me and I know that I too have got to follow the "Yes Ma'am" Approach. I need to say, "Yes, Sir God. I'd be happy to!" with a fully joyful spirit.

FREE Conference Audios

I also stumbled across this link for some free conference audios. I checked it out to make sure it is okay for anyone to access it and this is the statement on the page:
These audios are provided with permission from CHEC, our state homeschool group. Their website is www.chec.org.
Listen online to the following workshops: (If you would like to download or purchase a title, you will be directed to the website for Best Christian Conferences after you select a workshop title)

As long as you are just listening it is FREE! There are many speakers on the page, but I want to mention that Voddie Baucham and Steve & Teri Maxwell (MOTH/MOTC) are amongst the listings!!! Enjoy!!!

Extra Information for My Father's World

I ran across this link today and it is one lady's extra ideas of things she planned for including with her homeschooling with My Father's World (Adventures In My Father's World). I really liked some what I read (I only read up to about Lesson #3). An example that caught my eye was that when doing the lesson on choosing your child's name you would include things like focusing on Jesus' name, like sing "Jesus, Jesus. There's just something about that name....". She does mention that she does not think MFW needs anything added to it and it is great as it is. I think she is adding more because she has the time (homeschooling one... her grandson). Hope you all can use this link!

Working On "Plan B"

I'm working on a "Plan B", but I spent a lot of time digging deep to really figure out what direction I want to go for our homeschool. It feels like I failed by not deciding by today, but I am waiting on God and right now He has deeper issues to work out for us it seems. I did stay up until 3:00 a.m. Saturday night (because that is the only time it gets quiet), but I only had time to deal with scheduling our homeschool time. I have a great "Plan A", but it is just not working for us. I love David Hazell's theories on schedules with free afternoons and light day Fridays, but the free afternoons part is just not happening. We are not getting all the schooling done in the morning... and it's no wonder with all my little ones. And now that I have a My Father's World curriculum book here to look at I see that they have a statement about this type of scheduling may not work when you have an infant in the house. Anyway, somewhere around 1:00 a.m. that night I prayed that God would reveal to me the schedule that we should have as I was working on it. I was thinking so deep while focusing on our little schedule. It took quite a while, but I feel God was revealing it to me through those deep thoughts. The rundown for our day is something like this after the changes:

1. We are going to start our day with our Circle Time and that includes Prayer, Pledges, Calendar & Seasons, Song of the Week, Story Time/Read Alouds, & Our Motto Chant (also, Devotionals/Bible Verse & Memorization are in our day and planned for this time, but they may be moving to another time slot) [TIME = 1 hr. = approx. 8:00-9:00]

2. The next three hours (a., b., c. shown below) of our morning will be versatile dependent upon weather/season) and the reason for this change is that we live in Texas and we were spending the coolest part of our indoors and then, it would be time for lunch and ... then, time for Caden's nap ... and that is also the hottest time of the day anyway. So, we were feeling like house hermits. I want to be able to have my kids outdoors for some part of their schooling day and doing some physical activities.

a. Outdoor Activities/Exercise/Outdoor Chore Time (i.e. Water Plants, Clean Yard Toys, etc.) [TIME = 1 hr. = approx. 9:00-10:00]

b. I was trying to combine teaching time with Sierra & Savannah (K & 3rd) and it was too distracting for Savannah. Savannah is probably ADD, although I will not consider medicating my child. I think we just have to learn to deal with it and teach her to deal with it. So, I have decided to make her my Assistant Kindergarten Teacher. ;) She will help me teach Sierra and partake in the activities that Sierra does while actually learning to be a teacher, too. During some of the activities that are easy to tie in some 3rd grader work she will do hers along side her sister (not anything that is going to take over the K time, though). Much of this decision is based on the fact that I know Sierra was robbed of much of my focus for her Pre-K time and now that has been happening with her K time. I do not want her to miss all those wonderful fun things that the K grade does. So, the following is what we did for today to provide an example of how Savannah will work with me to teach her sister: [TIME = 1 hr. = approx. 10:00-11:00]

-- I started them with a maze each which would be my "icebreaker" and that lasted less than a minute, but they liked doing that.

-- Review short vowel sounds (opening the barnyard doors from a craft done last week that was so cute). I had Savannah ask Sierra the name of the animal and it's vowel sound.

-- Review Creation Booklet (another cute craft book done last week). I let Savannah read it to her sister, since Sierra can not read it, yet. Savannah made a commnet about how cool the booklet was that her sister made. :) Love it! I did have to tell Savannah at one point that we do not criticize others "art techniques".

-- Practice Writing worksheet (half homemade) for some of the numbers 1-20 (randomly). I had Savannah say something like, "Sierra, draw a green triangle around the number 13, then trace the number. Circle the 7 with an orange marker and trace that number." We did this randomly with about 10 of the numbers. Sierra does not struggle with these concepts, so it is a great way to teach her to follow directions. She is one of those kids that you hand a worksheet and she just dives in and does it.... before instructions. Most the time she does it correctly, but other times not. This is also reinforcing the colors and shapes she already knows and teaching the numbers 11-20 that she still gets a little mixed up with. This is just an activity I developed on a whim. The reason I say it is "half homemade" is that her workbooks are workign on the number 2 still!! I don't want her to be held back from learning. I use the practice sheet for Lesson 70 for writing numbers 1-10 and I add a column that I write in light marker for the numbers 11-20.

-- Then, they got "starving" and I told them they could have pretzels while Sierra was doing a few simple worksheets (one for tracing, one for drawing, and two that are way too easy math for her, but she gets to color)... anywhoooo... their snack turn in to numbers (11, 1), then letters (A, E, F, H, I, K, L, M, N, T, V, W, X, Y,Z) and that was fun for them to be creative and reinforce letters.... of course, this was on a whim, too. We went over our time and we did not get to her letter writing practice, BUT look at what we DID accomplish.... two added "on the whim" activities and teaching Savannah to teach her sister. Also, Savannah did her own handwriting practice page while Sierra was doing two of the worksheets.

c. The other hour will be combined teaching for both of them for Science and History and we will do simple experiments/crafts during this time. Some of the more complex things might take place in the kitchen/outside or in the evening hours. [TIME = 1 hr. = approx. 11:00-12:00]

3. This will bring us up to lunch time. During this time they will be expected to help with setting the table, eating, clearing the table and help planning the Dinner Meal (by this I mean pre-prep like taking meat out to thaw, etc. and talking about what will be served). I seem to get so caught up in our day that I forget to plan ahead for dinner and we are eating out more or cooking really quick meals in a rush. [TIME = 1 hr. = approx. 12:00-1:00]

4. During the last hour I try to nurse Sahara, so that I can put Caden to bed for a nap. I still like to rock him or hold him because that is the only time I get to these days. So I put him down for his nap and at the same time will get Savannah started on Independent work. I have a folder for each day that I hand her that has her worksheets and a checklist of her assignments. Ideally, she would eagerly grab her folder and get busy checking off the work as she does it. That is what we are striving for, anyway. ;) I am here to help her where she needs it and teach new concepts. Savannah's checklist includes Bible reading, devotional reading for church, math worksheet, phonics reading time, story reader time, language worksheet, handwriting, science, and history. Keep in mind that she could already check off the last three because we did those with Sierra. Also, her devotional reading might be done earlier, too. Today Sierra came back in here and did Dot Marker art pages... Caden did one, too. Savannah did two pages during a short brain break. [TIME = 2 hr. = approx. 1:00-3:00]

5. Anytime after that Savannah & Sierra could do what we are calling "Centers" activities. That includes games, cards, computer, reading, puzzles, etc... and playing... less TV time, etc. We are not eliminating TV just yet, but I want it to be limited and I want to wean them off some of the shows that I feel are damaging to their spirits (I'll do a post on that soon).

6. I want my "littles" to be involved in as much as they can, but I am still working on how to accomplish that. Caden is content to run around the corner and pop in a JoJo's Circus DVD and play, but I do not want him spending his days in front of a TV. Hopefully, this schedule will allow more little projects he can participate in. I also am considering locking him in here with us via baby gates. I have an adjoining room that would be perfect once I remove the boxes of stuff that used to decorate this living room turned school room. The "littles" could play and have a grand time while under closer supervision.

I really did not plan to type all this detail, but it helps me reflect on my day. And who knows... maybe there is someone out there that can use this insight or adapt this schedule to their needs. I also hope that one day my children can read my writings and find it useful to apply to their own lives.

The decision is still pending regarding a curriculum switch, but this week would not be a good week for starting anyway. My husband was off for Labor Day, so we took it off, also. Our Co-Op starts Friday, so we will only have three full school days here.... so, I will chill some for now and keep digging in deeper. I will say this. I think what I have now (A Beka) is good when modified greatly. What I like about MFW is that is compiled in one lesson plan book and simpler to follow. A Beka has a lesson plan book for each subject and I basically teach from the student books. I rarely use the lesson plans. I pull all the crafts, learning games, etc. together own my own. Uh.... reading that I am thinking... duh! There's no wonder I struggle... that and my highly distractable beautiful daughter. :) For me A Beka's multitude of books is beyond overwhelming and like trying to put together a 5000 piece puzzle. There's the lesson plan, teacher key book, and student book and that is for EACH subject. I wish they had a lesson plan for all subjects... well, I probably wouldn't use it either. LOL! I'll likely switch to MFW... we'll see.

Lint Remover Tip

I have this new pair of pants that I haven't been able to wear because they are covered in lint after the second washing. I can not figure out what happened, but it is as if they were washed with a bag of cotton. They were COVERED with lint! I recently got rid of my lint remover because it never gets used, so I could not fathom how I was going to save these pants except to purchase another lint remover tapey thing..... whatever they are called. So, we made a trip to Wal-Mart and my frugal side took over when I saw how much they cost now. They are almost $5 !! Yes, I am cheap!! I refused to buy the thing. I mean, it is just a roll of tape on a stick! So, here is what I did with an old roll of duct tape I already had, which makes this solution FREE and is a 100% savings for me..... and I am one step closer to being debt free!! Did I mention we are working on being debt free? I'll blog about that in another post... back to where I was at.... so, it is simple really.

You just unroll about 10 inches of the tape...

Then, turn it back on itself....

And tape it down.....

(I folded it under, but this is not necessary. After about three times I woke up and just let it stick by overlappping it about 1/4".)

So, you slip your hand in the hole of roll of duct tape and roll it back and forth until you are lint free!!
I had to do this about six times, but the normal fuzzies only require probably once.

My husband was shocked at how well it worked and at my great idea! Sssshhh.... it wasn't really my idea. This is how many people removed their fuzzies back in the day before they made those little "lint remover tapey things". I have to say I remember when those things came out on the market and that makes me feel old! ;)

Calling All My Experts

I have been searching the internet for a great spelling solution. I have looked at Spelling Power, All About Spelling, and Sequential Spelling.... amongst a hundred others. I have considered the pssibility of letting Savannah just play free online spelling games or buying a computer program for spelling. I even considered letting her fill her time with her Leapster or Nintendo DS for her spelling work. I have wondered what is used in the MFW curriculum for spelling (and I will be looking at that shortly). And then I thought, "Hmmmm... I bet my wonderful panel of experts could give me some counsel on this!!!!! Yooooo hoooooo !!!" So, what is your best advice and what can you tell for a 3rd grader, etc.. Savannah is a good speller, but she lacks confidence in herself, so A Beka's Spelling 3 is going to kill her self esteem. I refuse to ruin her that way. Last year she did great with A Beka's Spelling 2 and I just omitted the last couple of spelling lists. Tell me! Tell me! Tell me!!

FYI: Spelling Power is a 3rd grade through 12th grade program that is a one time purchase for $65 or under. All About Spelling is done in paces, I think.... not to sure, but I read something about starting with their Level 1 and letting your child move through all the books if you do that program. Sequential Spelling sounds interesting in that you would have a list of words that you learn the root first (all). So the words on that list might be all, tall, taller, tallest, wall, hall, install, installment, installer, etc...

Digging In Deep This Weekend

My last couple of posts have been about possibly switching curriculum for our homeschool. The first week I jumped in to our current stuff and had a good couple of days. Then, I suddenly got the feeling that I am still just not doing it right. So, as bad as I hate to admit it I started stressing about it and not enjoying it. That makes it miserable for everyone involved and that is so not what it should be like. Last weekend I was having a meltdown and feeling way beyond overwhelmed with it all.... and defeated. God showed me so clearly last Sunday that I really have it all. I have to realize that. I had already decided to calm down and go with the flow Sunday morning even though we were running later than late for church. God put me late for His purposes. You see I live just two blocks from the main funeral home in our town. Last Sunday morning the cars were lined down the roads as far as you could see and I knew in an instant that something terrible had happened and that something terrible probably involved the death of someone young. I walked into my Sunday School class late, but just is time for God to show me that almost everyone in that room was having "one of those weeks", too. The ladies in that class also confirmed my suspicions that the funeral gathering was that of a teen.... two teens, in fact with another lying in the ICU. Teen death hits me very hard.... as a teen I had the experience of seeing several young classmates die in senseless accidents. Two of my teenage cousins died in one year and even a few years back one of my younger teen cousins died. There's nothing quite like remembering helping prepare your deceased sixteen year old cousin's body for viewing to help you put your current life issues into perspective. Everything in the Sunday School lesson hit right on what I needed to hear and it was clear to me that God had put me there to hear it. As I walked the halls to go to the worship service I observed two young friends that were engaged in conversation in a very special way. I had seen these girls many times before, but the facts just did not click for me.... you see, the older one was attempting communicated via sign language with her deaf friend. It was a beautiful display of friendship and it was quite moving to see them totally immersed in conversation and giggles. After the worship service began my eyes kept being drawn to these girls for some reason. I was in awe of them when suddenly the facts all started clicking for me. The younger girl was in my husband's class last year and required special classroom modifications that we discussed at home many times. The older girl had also been one of his students and we had even seen her in a play before. These two girls were more than friends. They were sisters. And I suddenly realized that their mother is the precious woman that teaches Caden's little class of two year olds. I knew their story and their trials! I just did not know it was them. All of them... and I was moved to tears by these two girls and their relationship. God's ways are not our ways and I know they would not chosen for one of them to be deaf, but it was clear to me the precious gift they had been given through their trial. Such a closeness is what we should all strive for for our children. The worship also was filled with a message that seem to be just for me.

With that I started my week with a different attitude.... one of searching for answers... one with walks, instead of school... actually, one with very little school. As we walked I would say under my breath, "It is better for them to feel loved than to be smart." Seriously, I said it a few times softly to remind myself and keep my focus. Overall, it was a much better week, but I know I have got to make some serious decisions this weekend. Sierra is eager to do her school, but she does need to actually learn something instead of boring her with busy work. I am in a much better state of mind to make the decisions I need to make. These difficult times are never easy, but I know that it is in the times when we get desperate and defeated feeling that we truly are able to grow and rise to the challenge. So, here I go... digging deep.... I'll let you all know how my holiday weekend goes and the decisions we make!!!

School Spirit

Who says homeschoolers can't have school spirit?!!!!

We roar

for the our local Tiger team!

Look at these unsocialized homeschoolers! This was great for me (even though I would not have guessed it would be). It was great for me to see my kids and how social they really are. It just reaffirms to me that my kids can be homeschoolers and be social. Ironically, we are probably more social. We are not that family that just sits there in the bleachers staring at the field. We are constantly talking to others that we all know. Part of that is because I grew up in this town and went to school here. Part of that is that my kids are naturally social and talk easily to others. And the other part of it is that my husband is the very famous Mr. S (Middle School Teacher) in our town. His students scream with glee when they see him! Weird... I told him yesterday, "You do realize how odd that is don't you. Usually, students will run in the other direction when they see their teacher in public!" His students love him and it shows when we are in public.

Sahara is watching all the action. Caden is being a tiger.... Rrrrroooooarrr! As we were running out the door I thougth to paint their faces with little paw prints and such. They got all the special painting like they would at school (without having to sit in a desk all day).

Savannah wanted a tiger face with black nose and whiskers.... Meow! Sierra got little paw prints on her hand and face. She was so proud of her cool paws. Doesn't Cody look proud to be there with all his little munchkins gathered around?! We had a great time and the Tiger team beat the socks off their opponent!!! 53 to 13, I think... I don't really watch too much of the game. I was quite suprised to realize I had a little cousin on the field... Whooo-hoooo!!! I have a big extended family. Seriously, you just don't know much about their lives unless you are "in the know" (translation = gossip circle). I am so not "in the know". Anyway, at half-time I realized it was 9:30 !@!@!@! .... half-time!@!@! Oh my gosh, we got the kids in bed late that night. Speaking of half-time the Tiger group was awesome. My comment was that they must be working those kiddos way to hard this early in the season. I was impressed.

A great night for us unsocialized homeschoolers... (insert giggle)... I want to make shirts that say, "Homeschoolers have team spirit, too!"... but my husband gave me "the look".... maybe we will just get some that do not have the campus names... something with just a tiger and maroon and white. Or whatever.... So, do any of you out there go to any school events and show your spirit?

To My Father's World "groupies" :)

I never expected to get such a response to my post about holding MFW curriculum in my hands.... I also did not realize that you all were using it or such big fans of it. The funny thing is that I think I have been recruiting new "groupies" to MFW, but I am afraid to make a change. If you know what I am like in the "real world" you know that I am one of those rare beings that loves change; however, homeschooling scares the pants right off of me. I am just starting to get my A Beka stuff and understand how all the books go together, but I don't really do it all or like the "classic classroom" style of it. I love it's Math (although at a slower pace) and some of the Language portion (mostly the Phonics portion), so I guess I could continue to use that part.

I just don't "get" the Primary Language Lessons book. I like it, but maybe it is just that I have not looked at the book closely enough. Maybe the things I have questions about are covered in the Intermediat Language Lessons.... like do they learn about declarative/interoggative/exclamatory sentences, etc.? Maybe all that is just covered in older years of schooling.

Singapore Math.... Well, what is your opinion of it. I love the way A Beka builds and reinforces what they have learned by repetition. I love the examples in A Beka, also. It just makes sense to us.

Okay, I do realize that I could just stick with my A Beka Language and Math, but what I want to know is what will make my life easier and the kiddos stilll learn. Especially, the Language.... even if I stick with our A Beka Math I think I might like to try out the Primary Language Lessons. I am just wondering if it will be more enjoyable... I just don't know. Do you know what I mean? I am only 3 weeks into my current stuff.... I could still start my year fresh.... I know, I know YOU ALL SAID TO JUST DO IT.... If you have a minute, could you give me a little feedback on the above concerns I have.

One more thing.... What about the MFW Kindergarten... looks fun, BUT I want to teach Savannah and Sierra together as much as possible. Any tips on doing that. Sierra already knows all her alphabet and sounds (a few mistakes sometimes), numbers to 20, all shapes, starting to blend some vowel sounds, and can read some individual simple words (cat, hip, dig, etc.). Looking at the curriculum last night I am thinking she might be ready for the 1st grade version, but I do not want to "skip" her up a grade and her miss some fun aspects of a K program. Would she be reading some by mid-year with MFW Kindergarten? I do not have all the K stuff to look at, just some of it.

Thank you all soooooooo much for your input and help... I am up every night until around 1:00 am pondering what direction I should take with our homeschooling. My husband looked with me some last night, but we are really confused still on some of these decisions. We both agree that we want to raise Christians, happy ones, and we are trying hard to let go of the "school" ways. YOU ARE ALL SUCH A BLESSING TO MY LIFE!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!

What I Have In My Hands

Hmmmm.... Guess what I have in my hands (besides a baby).... Okay, I won't make you guess. I am looking at My Father's World curriculum and trying to decide if I want to make that change right now or maybe next year.

Surveying My Mess

Do you ever get organized once you start homeschooling? Seriously! Whew! I always seem to have stacks of books/papers/notes/catalogs that I want to look at, but can't seem to find the time. I have started grabbing some of it when I have five minutes to spare and quickly looking through it. I file some things away on bookshelves or other appropriate spot, but it is neverending. And just when does the cleaning happen at your house, if you are schooling and living life all day. I mean, I am cleaning all day long, but it is the things that I have to do as they happen and some of the things I should do are just not happening... well, I guess I could grab this moment... uh... but I want to blog a little. Cleaning (really cleaning and not just damage control) of my floors seems like it never happens because it is so rare. Okay, so after 3 meal in the dining room and the kitchen those floors seem to get the most cleaning, but it is only because we have to clean up some spill and I wouldn't really say they get a good cleaning. The carpet... well, I would love to rip that stuff up. Since I have had kids I despise carpet. We only have carpet in the bedrooms and the school room (used to be a living room). Anyway, it always needs vacuuming even when it has just been vacuumed.... it doesn't always get it and I looked down and realize there are little particles everywhere (fuzz, paper bits, etc.) Clutter abounds.... I try to just close my eyes to it all because I can't do it all. It doesn't go away, though. Lately, I dread visitors!!! Ughhhhh!! I love to always have a welcoming home, but it is getting harder to let people see my mess. BUT I KNOW THAT I WILL MISS THIS MESS WHEN IT IS ALL CLEAN AND MY LITTLE ONES ARE ALL BIG ONES.....

Anyway, so I am not really freaking out here... just looking around at the stacks around me and bits of food on my dining room floor.... Life is FULL!!! And no, you are not getting a pic of my mess today. Actually, it is improving....

Just a Revision and Voddie Baucham

I just noticed I had a little mess up with a recent post. I just fixed it, but I thinking that some of you may not have noticed the post. Follow this link and let's get to know each other better. I know some of you are working on it and I look forward to hearing your answers. If you are a "lurker" there is no time like the present to show your "face" blog style! :) You may not realize it, but I would love to "meet" you.

Another VERY IMPORTANT THING is that I just found THIS WEBSITE for Voddie Baucham Ministries and it is f~a~b~u~l~o~u~s !!! You can listen to some of Voddie Baucham's sermons and let me tell you that you can't miss out on this. If you want to change your life for the better you want to take time for this. I had the pleasure of hearing him at the THSC Convention in August and it is a life changing thing. If you are already on the track that his sermons are on it will absolutely seal the deal for you. There is an MP3 I have at home called "Getting Your House In Order" that would change this world if the world would just listen to it and follow the instructions. I had the pleasure of hearing it live at the convention and it is absolutely a God thing that a man could speak so clearly from a man's perspective and a woman's perspective. You all know that men and women are two totally different creatures and my first thought was that I was about to hear a man's perspective only.... regarding such things as submission, etc.. I was open to that and had come there expecting it, but I was amazed that he "brought it"... and he brought it from a woman's perspective, as well. Not only that he handled a children's perspective quite well, also. That is not a "talent" or a "great speaker" thing... that is a total God thing!
I wish I could share the MP3s I have... and I am willing, if I knew how.... ;) At least, go listen to the others on the site! Have a blessed day!!