Shirt sleeves, sunshine, and soapsuds... again

Finally, this week has been so beautiful (warm) in Georgia. Not lots of sun,but warm enough to go out without a coat! The younger kids have been sneaking outside at every opportunity. We will be reading a school assignment, and I will go get something only to come back to an empty room. At first I thought, "Whoa ... where'd everybody go?" But then I heard hammering...they were all outside playing in Daddy's old wood pile and trying to build a fort. How fun is that? I always wanted a fort or a tree house when I was a kid...

Crazy... but fun - great memories to hold on to!  Well, sometimes... Last night the two little girls were taking a bath, and I stepped away for something (OK... I guess I need to stop stepping away). I came back to a tub full of suds, girls, and towels. When I asked rather impatiently what had happened, they said we were trying to wash our hair and the soap came out. Hmmmm.... Then I asked why the towels were in the tub with them. Their response,"We were cold." Huuuhhhh?  Oh, the complex mind of a child, some things I just don't even try to understand...

Holiday Hullabulu

I don't know about you... but it is crazy at our house.  Even more crazy than typical... and that is pretty crazy.  I love the holidays, but it sure does take its toll on our sanity and especially our schooling.  The kids really do not want anything to do with "work."  They have holiday fever! Really bad...

I'm not sure what you do during the holiday... but I have decided that our homeschool needs some help.  I plan on doing some "out of the box" things over the next few weeks.  An attempt at getting the kids to settle down, and actually learn something.

We've checked out books from the library, and will be watching a few "learning" videos this week.  The kids are doing their online lessons, and a light load of worksheets...

How about you?  Doing anything different to survive the holiday hullabulu?? Share... please!

O Come All Ye Faithful...

I just love this time of year... the only time of year that we can go to public department stores and hear hymns being sung... Christmas hymns that is!   I was thinking today of those good old Christmas hymns... many of them have such a great message. Enough that they are a witness to the unconverted... even convicting to those who are converted.   - "O Come all Ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant... O Come let us adore HIM" Wonderful words - I know I need to be reminded to focus on Him during this season!

Yet, it makes me very angry to see how so many people, organziations, and even stores are taking away even the name of the holiday.  Happy Holidays is becoming the "politically correct" version of Christmas.  Which is completely ridiculous, because the national holiday that we celebrate on December 25th is legally named "Christmas." I have personally chosen to only shop at stores this year that openly use Christmas in their advertisements.

Christmas is because of Christ.  We celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus, that was the purpose of the holiday... how can it be a holiday without a purpose?  Happy Holidays... what does that celebrate?

I hope that many of you are choosing to wish people a Merry Christmas - and continue to celebrate this wonderful holiday for HE is the reason for this season!

Luke 2:11 For unto us is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.

Thanksgiving in Many Ways

First of all... I can't believe it has been so long since I posted.  Yikes... it suprised me. 

Secondly, I want to give thanks for the many blessings in my life... even if it is a bit belated.  Sometimes, life just kinda gets you caught up in its whirlwind and you don't even notice that time has just flown by!

I am so thankful for all of God's blessings on my life. I am thankful for salvation for through that Jesus has given me access to my heavenly Father. I am thankful for prayer and the Word of God  - Scripture - the means of grace in my life. I am thankful for a husband that loves me - that WILLS or CHOOSES to love me even when I am so unlovely. I am thankful for the children God has given me - a quiver full - the arrows that I am to shape, form, and aim for God's glory. Psa 127:4 "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." I am thankful for a home, clothing, and food, for the ability to pay our bills and take care of the children that God has given us. I am thankful for a job, as well as a job for my husband. I am thankful for a church that preaches the truth, worships the Lord, and exhorts the saints of God.

...Thank you Lord for your blessings on me...

Finding Contentment in Difficulties

Contentment is a choice, not a spiritual mystery...
                                                     ... an act of faith.

Faith that God has given all that He wants for us to have at this present time. You ask why would god want me to be in the difficult situation that faces me now? or Why would God let our family suffer in these circumstances? or even Why would He neglect us?

So many times, we (I) waste precious moments asking God to change these circumstances believeing that happiness or contentment will follow, but what we don't see is that God uses these situations to prepare us to be better used by Him.

Can we ever change anything in our lives by desiring or even coveting it? Can a man who wants to be taller add an inch to his stature? Never. Yet we can be content by stepping out in faith and accepting what God has for us as He gives it to us each day. If we adjust our expectations to match HIS SUPPLY - contentment is sure to follow.

I have asked myself these questions this week...

• Do I want more than I can have?
• Do I ask for more than I need?
• Do I strive for more than I can do?
• Do I expect mroe than God promises?

Sadly, I had to say yes to some of these... I am praying that God will help me to expect only what HE GIVES... and thus experience true contentment.

The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places: yea, I have a goodly heritage. Ps 16:6

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Proverbs 30:8

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us therewith be content. I Tim 6:6-8

Secrets... and Confessions...

Yes... it's true... I have made a confession.  My dirty little secret is out.  Curious?  Jump on over to this blog that I write for each week and find out!

Generation Misdiagnosed

I was recently reading an article that nearly made my blood boil.  Researchers are now saying that there are nearly 1 million children in the United States that are misdiagnosed with ADHD.  Boy, did I see that coming.  In the early nineties, when I was teaching in school this was so common.  Although our school was a proponent of natural rememdies, I had many children who were treated with ADHD drugs.  Many of them were truly discipline problems even WITH their medication.  Often I could not tell a difference between their behavior on the drugs or off the drugs. (which by the way, leads teachers to suggest higher doses and on and on)  But now, a decade later we are trying to rein in a horse that has run free for way too long. What damage has already been done to the previous generations that are now trying to function as adults?

The other article that I read stated that often the issues associated with ADHD can be resolved with play, "green" time, and excercise.  The studies cited in this article mentioned that children were tested with no play time - with play time indoors - and with  playtime outside.  Which do you think responded better?  I can only imagine that you would answer - play out of doors.  It is so true - children are created to discover, to learn through play, if we take that from them - WE are the ones causing these issues.  Here's the kicker - guess what teachers in schools do to children who are misbehaving?  They take away their playtime - the time they need outside to release their energy - to discover - and to play.  You see, a vicious circle ensues.  Misbehavior, no play time, more misbehavior, teacher diagnoses child as ADHD, child put on medication, misbehavior...  What did we do 100 years ago when there wasn't ADHD?

Just go play outside...

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow...isn't it amazing how exhausted you get when you are constantly going?  This past week has been very crazy... well, crazy good!  We had a youth meeting at church, and then our Bible conference  - along with a family in the church moving across the country, and another moving in. Every day was alot of going, and working... and we are truly exhausted. The children actually slept 11 hours last night. That spoke volumes to me.  They were (with all their amazing energy) as tired as I was!

Through our exhaustion, weakness, and business - God was still so good to meet with us. I can truly say as so many others have before, "a river was running through my soul." We serve an awesome God, that is so good, so loving, and so just.  I deserved nothing - yet he picked me up out of my sin - set my feet upon "the Rock" - and no, He didn't just leave me there - He continues to care for me, love me, and make me more like Him.

So tired... but so blessed!

Carnival of Homeschooling on Homeschoolbuzz

This week's carnival of homeschooling has a lot of great posts. I appreciate these "collections" of helpful and inspiring posts about homeschooling.  Take a minute and read a few... it just may give you a great idea, or inspire you in some way!

Homeschool Blog Carnival

Thoughts from Archibald Alexander 1772-1851

I have been reading an article written over a hundred years ago entitled "Thoughts for Young People." Yes, some of it is outdated, but some of it is ever so relevant... for today... and for me...


Here's a snipet...

Permit me to suggest the following brief rules for the government of the tongue. Avoid talking too much: "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin" (Pr. 10:19). If you have nothing to communicate that can be useful, be silent. Think before you speak ...Especially, be cautious about uttering anything in the form of a promise without consideration. Be conscientiously regardful of truth...Never speak what will be likely to excite bad feelings of any kind in the minds of others. Be ready on all suitable occasions to give utterance to good sentiments, expecially such as may be useful to the young. Listen respectfully to the opinions of others, but never fail to give your testimony - modestly but firmly - against error. "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt...Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Col 4:6; Eph 4:29).

Playing... Is it Learning?

I wonder sometimes if we really understand how to educate.  Isn't it funny how a comment here, or an action there can get you thinking about something so off the wall?  I am beginning to believe that playing for children or enjoyment for adults is connected to learning.  What motivates?  I am sure our desires account for much of it. Do we desire to do something that will make us miserable? Of course not.  Just thinking out loud...

On the "educated" side of things, I have read many studies that connect play and learning.  It is a documented fact that children learn through play. God created them that way.  So, when I sit down to educate my children, do I make allowances for that? Sad to say, sometimes I don't.   I am not saying that all day everyday should just be fun and games, but why can't something fun be the method used to bring the instruction.  Jesus used parables.  An enjoyable means to get across a message.

Each day in our homeschool provides new questions and situations... I think that learning would be a whole lot easier if it were a bit more fun.  How can I help make it that way? Still working on that question, but I have some ideas in the making.  I'll get back to you on this one...

By the way... the photos were taken by my daughter "playing" with the camera... hmmm....

Getting back on the horse...

Wow... life can tend to get pretty difficult at times. Well, at least where I live. Yet, I love where God has put me, I love my children, I love working with the young people at church, I love tutoring, I love being a Pastor's wife... but at times it isn't easy to walk in all those shoes. 

Recently - things have been getting to me... so since this year's GACS convention was at Myrtle Beach, my husband (yes, the one who never organizes family outings) decided he was going to take me there. After I got over the initial shock of his spontaneous decision, I was amazed...

Grateful...

... and excited!

We went this past weekend, and it was truly wonderful. I couldn't help but feeling like we were on a second honeymoon - he was so sweet. (wait...not that he isn't sweet normally - but just more so...) I definitely came back with an armload of precious memories, a hermit crab ( I can't believe I actually bought one of those things - from one of those horrible beach stores...), and a desire to get back to my crazy life.

So... why did I cry all day yesterday? I really couldn't figure it out, even while I was crying - I knew that I needed to get a grip. God has been way to good to me - for me to get in the ditch like that.  After begging God to give me the strength that I needed to get up and go about what He has given me to do - I finally got through it. 

"Why have I found grace in thy eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me?" Ruth 2:10

Ok... it's days like that that make me feel sorry for the men who have to try to figure us out... especially when we can't even figure our own selves out.  - Looking forward to a brighter day, and greater things through my precious Lord...

Homeschool blog Carnival at Sprittibee

Check out this week's homeschool blog carnival at Sprittibee...ok - I must admit... I want you to visit - first because she has a great blog, and second - I have an article posted on this week's carnival. So do us both a favor and go check it out - there are always great posts about homeschooling!

Click here to visit the Homeschool Blog Carnival

If you are interested in submitting an article to the next homeschool blog carnival click here:

To them that believe, He is precious!

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ~ III Jn 1:4

Today was an extra special day.  My dear crazy twins - born April 5, 2001 - were baptized.   Slater had made a profession of faith over a year ago at our church's annual Camp Meeting in 2009.  He had been under conviction for quite a while, but just couldn't quite get peace. Finally, after months of prayer, God saved him!  Charis was just recently saved, but in our conversation that day she revealed something that really startled me.  She told me that she was waiting to be saved, because she thought she would have a second chance after Jesus came for the rapture of the saints.  She and I have had other similar conversations, where she let me know she doubted if the Bible was true, and Jesus really was REAL.  This idea of a second chance stemmed from that.  She thought if she saw Jesus take us all to heaven, then she would know he was real.  This really scared me. WOW... I didn't realize that a nine year old was capable of that type of thought process.  Since the spring, Charis has really been on my heart. I have been praying that God would make salvation clear to her - to give her understanding.  On September 9th He did just that.  She became a beggar... asking God to save her. What a HUGE blessing it was to see the twins baptized TOGETHER!  God has been so GOOD to me! How could I ever thank Him for HIS abundant blessings on us... for He not only cares for our needs - but gives us our hearts desires as well! I am now praying that He would use them, not just to live an ordinary life in HIM... but to live extraordinary lives FOR HIM!!

It was my birthday on Friday - this was the BEST birthday present EVER!! :)

Cyber Book Club

I know so many of my dear cyber friends homeschool.  So, I wanted to share with you a really great new homeschooling resource, a cyber - book club!  This week is the pilot week, so I thought I'd ask you all to stop by and join up.  A dear friend of mine, Mary is moderating this book club. She's a wonderful and encouraging person - just meeting her will be a blessing I am sure!

CYBER BOOK CLUB

This book club is for everyone - and its free!  I am excited just thinking about the encouragement that it will be! Hope you will join us!

Soap and Jacuzzis

My children are so smart... they do science experiments without being made to!  Just this week, they wanted to find out the answer to what would happen if you put a whole bottle of Johnsons baby wash into a jacuzzi tub and turned it on.  Wow - were they suprised...

They look a little like deer in headlights...maybe it was because Daddy found them...

Feeling a little less than?

Homeschooling is one of the hardest things that I have ever done.  As most of you know, I taught in the regular classroom for over 12 years, was a principal, and taught college courses for over 10 years. STILL... I must repeat... homeschooling is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is so personal... if my children don't learn - it is MY fault and mine alone. Can you commiserate?? Sometimes the pressure that I feel is so great, I am almost overwhelmed.  I especially let it knock me down when I talk with homeschooling mothers who seem to have little "geniuses" that are getting college credit at 15.  How do they do it?  Is their whole life devoted to study? Do they ever have fun?  I would love to just ask - In fact, I think the next time I run across a genius homeschooler who has studied Biology and Algebra II before they reach high school... I WILL ASK... do you ever have fun?  Do you ever just watch movies?

Anyway, it took my wonderful husband to wake me up this time.  He pointed out that I have great children who are self motivated... who take time to learn and study and READ.  Yet, these children are individuals... they are NOT going to be just like another... they ARE going to be just what God made them to be!  We strive for excellence - we "Study to show ourselves approved unto God - a workman that needeth NOT to be ASHAMED..."

So if you are feeling like you don't measure up - just check yourself... Are you doing your best? Are you striving for excellence? Are you careful to encourage your children to learn within their means?  Are you fostering and letting them blossom within their strengths?  Then keep your head up... you are NOT less than! You are doing a great job!

PS - thanks so much Alan for resetting my viewpoint!

Birthday, ballgames and bugs...ladybugs that is!

Crazy began early this weekend... on Saturday I had to run up to the store - so Chloe came with me. She was so sweet and quiet all the way to the store.  I just wanted to hug her, when I got out to get her - I noticed that she was blue... from PERMANENT marker!  My lovey huggy feelings went right out the window...grrr...  So we went into the store looking like a mess... even got a comment from some nice gentleman about how she had made a mess of herself. Really?  that was obvious!  When we got home, I gave her two baths, and when she was finished with the second bath, she decided that she needed a haircut... a very short haircut. Then it finally came... the challenge of making Jordan's ladybug cake, along with doing a party for her and entertaining guests for Labor Day. We had loads of fun - played lots of ball... anyway...

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...

Chloe's new haircut...

We worked Saturday evening making homemade ice cream...

Melting the marshmallows to make the fondant for the cake...

Kneading and rolling the fondant out .... and many hours later....

Here it is.... not exactly what I had in mind... but not too bad for my first "fondant" experience. Except when you ate the black - your teeth and tongue turned black for quite a while... ??too much food coloring???

...and here is my little ladybug herself... I can't believe she is six already!

We polished ladybugs on the little party goer's toes... and painted ladybug shirts... very girly fun...

A few crazy girls that were there... no these weren't the ones with ladybugs on their toes...

Party entertainment... playing basketball...

...opening presents...

...and that is a crrazzzyyyy lady... and her daughter...

A True Patriot

"Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics. There must be a positive passion for the public good, the public interest, honour, power and glory, established in the minds of the people, or there can be no republican government, nor any real liberty: and this public passion must be superior to all private passions. " ~ John Adams

What do you know about John Adams? In studying his life, he was an amazingly sacrificial man.  He lived the majority of his life "serving" America. Here are a few facts...

1. As a lawyer, he represented the British soldiers that had shot men in the Boston Massacre. They were wrongly accused of murder, and he stood up for them simply because the truth needed heard - British or not!
2. He represented Massachusetts in the first and second continental congress, and nominated George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Contintental Army.
3. He was appointed to a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Though Thomas Jefferson was responsible for the bulk of it, John Adams defended and protected it.
4. He represented America in Europe and Britain in many forms from 1777-1788. During which time his children were educated by tutors.
5. He never bought a slave nor did his family use slaves. Abigail employed (paid) free blacks to assist her at times
6. He was vice president for two terms.
7. He was president for one term. During this tumultous time, our nation teetered on the brink of war with France. The greatest achievement of his presidency was to keep America out of war, which he did at great cost. He left the white house to return home in a public carriage.
8. He was one of two presidents to see his son become president. (John Quincy Adams)
9. He died along with Thomas Jefferson on July 4, 1826. The fiftieth anniversary of our nation.
10. He served one less day than any other one term president. The year 1800 did not happen to have a leap year day.

"The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families.... How is it possible that Children can have any just Sense of the sacred Obligations of Morality or Religion if, from their earliest Infancy, they learn their Mothers live in habitual Infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant Infidelity to their Mothers? "

"The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it now. They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty. "

"Posterity, you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it." ~ John Adams

Coupon Crazy...

Alright... I can't help it, I saved a boatload of money this week at the grocery store, and I am proud of it! Here's my proof:

I know alot of people have been using coupons and shopping store sales since the economic crunch began a few years ago.  I used to do this every week, and then... I had TWINS.  Shew... my life changed dramatically and I was just glad to get a few groceries from wherever during those early days.  Now that the twins are finally 9 (it took me almost a decade to get on top of things again :0} ), I have had a bit more time to organize coupons and sales.  To really take advantage of the store savings, I have had to adopt a "pantry" method.  I use the sales/coupon events to stock up on certain items that week.  This means that I don't go to the grocery store and get the same thing every week.  I get what is on sale, and necessities for that week.  Each week it may be different, but because I have a "pantry" stock I can draw from it to create my meals.  It works great, and I have been spending less than $600 a month (this includes detergents, paper products, medicines, and cleaning supplies) to feed and care for 8 people.

Sound exciting?  Anyone can do it, so why don't you give it a try.  If you live in the South, start with SouthernSavers.com and Couponmom.com.  Both of these give you the sales for your favorite stores.  In my area it is Publix, Kroger, and Walmart. Between these three, it has worked great!

A Homeschool Intervention

Yes... homeschooling is tough.  It isn't the easiest thing that I have ever done.  In fact, I think there have been a few college level courses I have taught that were a bit easier.  Still, it doesn't change the fact that homeschooling is probably one of the singlemost meaningful things that I have done with my life.  I am directly involved in my children's education, I have the ability to encourage them spiritually at every turn, and I have the opportunity to raise responsible, intelligent, caring, citizens for the future.

And the future... is what I am concerned about these days.  I love America - yes - I AM PROUD to be an AMERICAN.  I am also very heart broken over the condition that our great nation is in these days.  I truly believe that we need men like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin in these days.  Yes, I know - these men were not perfect - they had issues - but they were men of great character. Character that led them to make noble and selfless decisions for the future of a fledgling republic.

What is so very encouraging is the fact that homeschooling is the fastest growing form of education in America.  I wrote an article this past that brought out current research on this trend, however, the Old Schoolhouse sent out an email article today that reflected even more recent numbers.  It is amazing - and very encouraging.  I believe that homeschooling produces a different breed of individual - more akin to those great men I was just talking about.  Just think of the change that this "explosion" of homeschooling could have on our nation if left unchecked.  Could we begin to see the tide turn in favor of honest, upright, patriots?  I am anxious to find out how this intervention turns out!

I have six children, and I am praying that God would allow me to influence their lives, to train them to be of noble and outstanding character like American's founding fathers, and to make a difference for God and for AMERICA!

God bless the U.S.A.!

Ladybug Conundrum??

It's my little Jo's year to have a big birthday bash... sooooo.... I (though not very original) suggested a few birthday themes. One of which was a ladybug party.  Oh my, that caught on like wildfire, and now I am having to brainstorm ideas to incorporate into a party for 6 year olds!

So, since I have such great cyber friends, I thought I would ask you all for your expert opinion - on what to do.

1. The absolute party necessity - birthday games - can you think of some really good ones that use the ladybug theme?

2. I am determined that I am going to learn how to make my own fondant and decorate a cake - here are three of my favs... which do you like?

Each of these are so pretty... whoever made them did such a good job... I can

only hope to make Jordan's as nice.

3) I am wanting to let the girls make some "favors." I thought maybe a t shirt

with some Iron on ladybugs... or black puff paint with each of their names and

ladybugs... SHARE any ideas you have!!

 I have until Sept. 10th... so if you have any other ideas... I am all ears!! Please comment...

True Love

Just been rather under the "blog writing" weather... so sorry for my neglect.  I have been trying to focus on my precious Lord and His tender mercy, provision, and love for me.  His love is deeper than any person on earth could ever love me...

O THE DEEP DEEP LOVE OF JESUS by S Francis

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!



Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!


Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love


Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!






O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!


How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!


How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;


How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!






O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!


’Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!


O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;


And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

Homeschool Hope...

Oh... my... goodness... school hasn't even started yet and I already have a headache...
Just trying to get my thoughts together for the fall and what we plan to teach and learn this year.   I have been gathering items over the past several months and setting them aside for this fall. Now I have to put all those bits and pieces into a cohesive learning plan.  Just to be honest, it is giving me a bit of a headache.

Yet, the teacher in me just loves to get out the new pencils and pens, notebooks and paper, and textbooks and learning programs.  Setting everything up with the anticipation of a great year of learning.  There is truly something exciting in that for me.  Maybe it is the new beginning, or the possibilities that a fresh start brings, or maybe even the hope that this year the problem areas will just "click" and we will have success in areas that we struggled with.  Hope...  that is what it is... hope for better things... new paths... greater success... achievement.

What are your homeschool plans looking like?  Have you been able to sit down and put together your learning plan?  Make some goals - if you give yourself something to shoot for... you will be more likely to hit it!!  Well, I am back to the drawing board... and my learning plan for the fall... Good luck with yours!

Related posts: homeschool science, homeschool resources

Home sweet home...

Yes, I know... I have been a stranger lately... but we are finally back to our "home sweet home." With piles of laundry, neglected projects, and a desk that had become a mountain of "to do's", I haven't had much of a chance to breathe let alone write. The desk mountain is now at about half capacity, the laundry is almost caught up, and well... the neglected projects are getting a lick and a promise because next week is church youth camp. AND you guessed it... we start all over again.

I have tons of pictures I want to share, and even some of our updates about homeschooling this fall.  I promise it is coming soon -

When I was little, I had a small picture in my room that my grandmother embroidered for me... it said, "Please be patient, God isn't finished with me yet." I guess that is my motto this summer!

A Busy Summer

I have been so busy lately that I have obviously neglected my writing...  but we have had some wonderful adventures!

We had a great week at our church's yearly Camp Meeting.  Wonderful preaching, great fellowship, lives were changed, and souls were saved!

After camp meeting we left for a bit of family free time, we went to visit my parents and stopped off at Galveston for a couple days.  We enjoyed the beauty of creation and loved watching the ocean, the flying fish, and the pelicans sweeping down for their bit of lunch.

We left Galveston after frying our children.... accidentally... in the sun, and went to visit Nana and Papa.  We took a little day trip to the Wichita Mountains, and had a great time hiking up the mountains (or us Easterners used to the Appalachians would call them more "large rock piles" :)

Beautiful scenery! The kids enjoyed the hike, but Jordan got a bit hot and got sick...

We stopped at a little "hole in the wall" that is ranked 8th in the nation for its burgers!  Meers Restaurant a very dignified place to eat...hmmmm...

Would you go in?

Right before we ordered... Jordan said she was hot and had a headache so we headed for the bathroom, but on our way.... she threw up next to the table beside us...  and they had just ordered their "hand cut steaks"... so sorry...

Here it is folks... the whole reason we risked our lives going in to that building...the supposedly famous... Meers burger...

tasted good, but I would have rather had one of Dad's grilled hamburgers at home... where the kitchen is actually clean.

Stay tuned.... the Texas adventures are still in progress...

My best friend's back...

Oh yeah... it's summer... it's crazy...
it's camp meeting time at church... and my best friend is home.... who hooo...

I am trying to be mature and spiritual and act my age and all that... but I can't help feeling like...

a little girl.

I just want to giggle and be silly and have fun!

I just love my best friend...

Let's go have fun... want to???

I'll take that as a YES! :)

Homeschool Science

Science is one of those subjects that has so much to offer.  Each child can find a place of interest in this much encompassing subject.  It is so amazing, but also makes home school science all the more important. Regardless of how important the subject is, a good science curriculum is very hard to come by. In the last few years, I have found a few favorites that really meet my expectations. Below you'll find my list designed to make your search for science home school materials easier!

I know I've mentioned before in my other posts about Abeka and Bob Jones being the oldest curriculum out there. They do have a good track record and definitely get the job done. Abeka is available as a basic parent/teacher led curriculum or as a DVD/internet based lesson. Either way the curriculum is top notch. Bob Jones is of similar quality, and they have a satellite program available to homeschool students that puts the student in touch with the teacher and classroom. However, when you have many children to teach science to each day - Abeka and Bob Jones can be very time consuming.

This difficulty in teaching many grade levels at once is what caused me to "shop around" the last few years. I was literally pulling my hair out trying to teach 4 grades of science and history at once. I went on a hunt for a science curriculum that I could teach to all four of my grade levels at one time, that made allowances for their achievement levels, and that presented the information in an easy to understand yet challenging way. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon Apologia Science. I was thrilled when I found this homeschool resource. We have used it for 2 years now, and haven't looked back.  I still have several of the science books from ABEKA that we used prior to Apologia, but I let them read those books as readers now... it works pretty great!  They enjoy it!
We also use a supplemental science home school curriculum that is internet based called Time4Learning. It has interactive games and activities that teach the lesson and let the children practice what they have learned.

Another computer based curriculum is Alpha Omega's new program, Monarch. They say it is well designed and computer integrated in a way that engages the learner. I have not used it, but I do know that behind Bob Jones and Abeka, Alpha Omega has been around almost as long. Alpha Omega also presents several other types of homeschool curriculum from Lifepacs to Switched on Schoolhouse.

A program that I recently discovered is Exploration Education's Homeschool Science Curriculum. As I previewed it, I was impressed by the hands - on aspect of learning that it incorporated as well as the many testimonials on their website.

A few free science resources include: Lesson Pathways - this program started out as a paid subscription, but is now free, Core Knowledge, PBS teacher source, Hotchalk Lesson plans page, and a great educational search engine to find more free lessons online.

A few free science review games resources include: Free interactive educational games, Nobel Prize based games, Edheads activate your mind, and Gamequarium.



Other related posts may include:
Home school resources
Language Arts Home school

Where are the Lazy Days of Summer????

My thoughts today...

I love summer, always have... I enjoy the summer break from

home education

and

tutoring

as much as my children... well, at least I usually do!

This year it seems like no "break" has come??

What is up with that?

 I think I need a vacation from my summer vacation....

Am I big - or still your baby?

"Am I a big girl?"... Chloe asked me this morning with her sweet blue eyes shining.

" Sure sweetie", I replied. "You are growing every day, you are three now!"

It wasn't but a moment, and she was climbing on my lap. "But mommy I'm still your baby!"


Oh... my... goodness....moments that take your breath away!

..... if only I could just keep these precious moments fresh forever!