Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Homeschool Bloggers
• May. 31, 2006 -
If you are new to blogging the above link (link lost in transfer)
will help you learn ways to improve your blogging.
It's always good to be working on developing good habits.
Thanks to the lists and ideas of the kind folks at ClassicalEducation4Me and TrinityPrepSchool I plan to work on the following habits:
1. Let people know the real you! Be honest with your postings and share the good and the bad. I am not perfect and I don't pretend to be. Sharing the bad moments helps others see that you are a real person.
2. Update often. I try to post something at least several times each week. I want my blog to be an encouragement to others, so I plan to share lots of good stuff! The number of readers doesn't matter to me as long as I am helping others. I also want my blog to fun for family and friends to visit so that they can keep up with daily happenings in our lives.
3. Post pictures when you can. I love seeing other families and what is going on in their lives and I know our distant family members enjoy seeing photos of the kiddoes. Hi family!
4. Be sure to give credit where credit is due. Link back to other blogs when you read something that you want to post about - don't just steal their idea and post it as your own.
5. Make your blog reflect who you are with pretty graphics, extra info in the sidebar, etc.
6. Be sure to comment on other blogs .. I am so encouraged by comments and so I need to comment on other blogs, too, so that they can feel the same way!
7. Finally, do not let your blog take over your life! It needs to enhance your life and not take over every bit of free time that you have. If your family starts to complain about "all the time you spend online," then it's time to reevaluate your priorities.
• May. 31, 2006 - Great List
Posted by TRINITYPREPSCHOOL
Thanks for your contribution. Great ideas abound here! Maureen
If you are new to blogging the above link (link lost in transfer)
will help you learn ways to improve your blogging.
It's always good to be working on developing good habits.
Thanks to the lists and ideas of the kind folks at ClassicalEducation4Me and TrinityPrepSchool I plan to work on the following habits:
1. Let people know the real you! Be honest with your postings and share the good and the bad. I am not perfect and I don't pretend to be. Sharing the bad moments helps others see that you are a real person.
2. Update often. I try to post something at least several times each week. I want my blog to be an encouragement to others, so I plan to share lots of good stuff! The number of readers doesn't matter to me as long as I am helping others. I also want my blog to fun for family and friends to visit so that they can keep up with daily happenings in our lives.
3. Post pictures when you can. I love seeing other families and what is going on in their lives and I know our distant family members enjoy seeing photos of the kiddoes. Hi family!
4. Be sure to give credit where credit is due. Link back to other blogs when you read something that you want to post about - don't just steal their idea and post it as your own.
5. Make your blog reflect who you are with pretty graphics, extra info in the sidebar, etc.
6. Be sure to comment on other blogs .. I am so encouraged by comments and so I need to comment on other blogs, too, so that they can feel the same way!
7. Finally, do not let your blog take over your life! It needs to enhance your life and not take over every bit of free time that you have. If your family starts to complain about "all the time you spend online," then it's time to reevaluate your priorities.
• May. 31, 2006 - Great List
Posted by TRINITYPREPSCHOOL
Thanks for your contribution. Great ideas abound here! Maureen
Labels: Misc
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Carnival of Homeschooling
• May. 24, 2006 -
OK. If you've never seen a blogging carnival you have to check some out. It's a way to group lots of articles and posts on similar subjects to get maximum exposure. The carnival is usually hosted by one blogger and then rotated to another volunteer 'next time'.
'Next time' could be held once a week or once a month etc... each carnival group decides for themselves the frequency. The host usually chooses a 'theme' and displays all the contributing links in a creative way (fun to read).
I'm fairly new to the blogosphere but already have enjoyed visiting several of these carnivals. The latest and greatest of these (in my humble opinion) is the Carnival of Homeschooling. The most recent one is hosted by Principled Discovery here. It's called The Map to a Progressive Dinner. Tons of links to excellent blogs, posts and articles are to be found here! A feast for anyone interested in the subject of homeschool.
Please take some time to check out all the wonderful 'dishes' offered by some great bloggers!
OK. If you've never seen a blogging carnival you have to check some out. It's a way to group lots of articles and posts on similar subjects to get maximum exposure. The carnival is usually hosted by one blogger and then rotated to another volunteer 'next time'.
'Next time' could be held once a week or once a month etc... each carnival group decides for themselves the frequency. The host usually chooses a 'theme' and displays all the contributing links in a creative way (fun to read).
I'm fairly new to the blogosphere but already have enjoyed visiting several of these carnivals. The latest and greatest of these (in my humble opinion) is the Carnival of Homeschooling. The most recent one is hosted by Principled Discovery here. It's called The Map to a Progressive Dinner. Tons of links to excellent blogs, posts and articles are to be found here! A feast for anyone interested in the subject of homeschool.
Please take some time to check out all the wonderful 'dishes' offered by some great bloggers!
Labels: Homeschool
Happy Mommy Moment!
• May. 24, 2006 -
Right at this moment I'm having one of those happy mommy moments. My oldest son (16yo next Monday) is a musician and right now I'm listening to him play his guitar. Absolutely lovely! He plays so well. Many of his pieces are self composed. His style is beginning to blossom. My 11yo dd is also a budding musician and loves to compose little pieces on the piano. While I was typing this she went to the piano and started playing. The two babies are quiet and content for the time being and the 3 yo is playing happy games. This is what it's all about for me! Ahhh! The house is alive with music and joy today.
I plan to spend some time today entering data into my Edu-Track software and also to organize my desk and pay some bills and do some filing. We'll see if I can accomplish that much or not!
If I get any opportunity I would love to post a little about our schedule here at La Kooka Rancha. I always enjoy reading other people's schedules. It gives me good ideas. I thought some of you might be like me. Also, it's just fun to be nosy about what others do with their days! I'll try to make it easy for you.:-)
• May. 30, 2006 - WOW!
Posted by Anonymous
You must be such a proud mommy! Jessica http://jessicaslilcorner.tz4.com
Right at this moment I'm having one of those happy mommy moments. My oldest son (16yo next Monday) is a musician and right now I'm listening to him play his guitar. Absolutely lovely! He plays so well. Many of his pieces are self composed. His style is beginning to blossom. My 11yo dd is also a budding musician and loves to compose little pieces on the piano. While I was typing this she went to the piano and started playing. The two babies are quiet and content for the time being and the 3 yo is playing happy games. This is what it's all about for me! Ahhh! The house is alive with music and joy today.
I plan to spend some time today entering data into my Edu-Track software and also to organize my desk and pay some bills and do some filing. We'll see if I can accomplish that much or not!
If I get any opportunity I would love to post a little about our schedule here at La Kooka Rancha. I always enjoy reading other people's schedules. It gives me good ideas. I thought some of you might be like me. Also, it's just fun to be nosy about what others do with their days! I'll try to make it easy for you.:-)
• May. 30, 2006 - WOW!
Posted by Anonymous
You must be such a proud mommy! Jessica http://jessicaslilcorner.tz4.com
Labels: Another Day
Monday, May 22, 2006
Homeschooling Shoes
• May. 22, 2006 -
I've been homeschooling for a quite a few years now. My oldest son is soon to be 16 and we've always homeschooled. I often get asked by people newer to homeschooling than me "What curriculum should I use? What do you use? What if my kids are bored by me? What if I'm a really bad teacher? and on the questions go. Here are a few of my thoughts on this subject. I hope they help someone.
Homeschooling is like cooking. Everybody has the potential to develop their own style and flavors and yet still maintain good nutrition.
Homeschooling is also like wearing shoes. Are you the running type or the walker? Maybe a rock climber or a bowler? What about a dancer or maybe you just wear slippers all the time?
There are so many choices out there...any one of them might be the perfect fit for your family. It does help to ask questions and try on other people's shoes, so to speak, but you'll have to step out in your own shoes when the time comes. Don't be afraid to take those first few steps. Just realize that you will probably make mistakes, you will probably change curriculums and styles numerous times before you find a good fit. That's ok. I've used textbooks, gimmicky programs, workbooks, unit studies and living books. I've found that what works best for me is a little touch of all of those put together into "Sunydazy style". I've looked at the what-your-child-should-know books but I don't live by them...I just allow myself to be gently guided...perhaps inspired by them. That's all.
There are some things that I don't want to spend any time on. I just say no. There are other things that I think are vitally important for me to instill in my children and I haven't seen them listed in the important-things-to-know books. I'm going to teach them anyway. Some things that someone else might feel are important may be left out of our homeschool altogether because our time here on earth is limited and we only have so many hours in a day .
Guess what! God made me a unique individual and I believe that He wants me to share who I am with my children. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?
Let me say this another way. Do you love to write? Do you love horses? What about health and nutrition? Weight lifting? Mountain biking? Cooking? Sewing? Swimming? Baseball? Carpentry? Whatever you love, you can use as a tool , as a path of learning, straight into your child's heart. When a child sees a parent's passion for a subject they sometimes become passionate about the same subject. At minimum, they respect your passion and develop some of their own.
I love birds. And guess what! So do my children. I'll bet they know more about the local birds than the average child. Not because I make them sit down and learn about them, but because I run to the window when I see one. Because I love to take walks and listen to their calls. Because I enjoy reading about them. It's infectious! Just think how much more colorful the world would be if every family took the time to develop who they are and stopped trying so hard to be like everyone else. I also suspect there would be fewer burnouts, fewer casualties.
My advice to new homeschoolers is this: Ask some questions, think about what your deepest reasons for homeshooling are and set some priorities, learn about the different styles of homeschooling (keeping in mind that your favorite style of learning may not be your childs favorite), go to a book fair or convention and look around, go to this website and read, read, read, especially this article called Homeschool ABC.. And then, just pick something and try it. If you don't like it or it flops, well, just learn from your mistakes and try something else. Eventually you'll be good at knowing which things just won't work for your family. As your children grow your families needs will change and you will probably have to keep on adapting. It's a good thing! It means there is life in your family! Like buying new shoes for growing feet and different kinds of shoes for different events: rock climbing takes a different shoe than basketball. As you begin to get comfortable in your new homeschool shoes let your passion be your guide. Maybe it's ok to put away the books and look at birds today. Maybe it's ok to stay up late and watch the stars together. Live and learn together! It's a wonderful adventure.
• May. 23, 2006 - WOW!
Posted by Anonymous
WOW! I am so proud of you for homeschooling your children...you must feel that is quite an accomplishment! :) I just found your blog and it's VERY interesting...if you stop by mine here anytime soon...you'll see my kids in the adventure of planting their very first vegetable garden and hopefully in a few days I'll be able to post them planting their own flowers too!!! LOL Hope that you can find the time to come by my blog site and please post a comment when you do...I like for those who visit my site to let me know they've been there :) (you will need to 1. register (FREE), on the right side of my site before you post...this is just to make your visits more personalized, etc. and then 2. click "Leave Your Comments" back at the regular part of my site on any comments that interests you, and then 3. "Post Reply" once the comments page comes up and type your comment). I'll try to visit your site regularly and hope that you visit mine as well! :) God Bless! :)
• May. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I forgot to give you my website addy LOL: http://jessicaslilcorner.tz4.com God Bless! :)
• May. 23, 2006 - HELLO
Posted by
Sunydazy, Hello, thanks for leaving me my first official comment on my blog the other day. I found it when I was on my way to bed the other night (Thursday, I think), I was so excited that someone had written that I sat down and wrote you back. I forgot to put the code in at the bottom of the page and it said that I had entered an invalad code. I clicked to go back and the letter was gone- I was not happy. That was actually the second time that I did that, I lost an entry early last week and I couldn't even tell you waht happened to that one. Did I mention that my computer skills are limited? Anyway, I'm back to try again and I hope that this one makes it to you...Anyway, it is nice to meet you. Sounds like we have some things in common- homeschooling, teaching styles, 5 kids, twins, I have been into birdwatching since I was a little girl and we have been married about the same amount of years. My husband and I will celebrate our 17th anniversary on June 3rd. That is the same day that baseball playoffs begin for my three youngest boys and it is the day of my daughters dance recital. So much for a quiet dinner for two- I'll be happy if I get to see all of the ball games and the dance recital (we don't have the baseball schedule yet). Congratulations on the newest additions to your family. Having twins is alot of fun. I'll give you my list of the top three hardest things about having twins. First was definately nursing them. Sounds like you are doing ok with this one- I couldn't imagine homeschooling at the same time. I felt like I did nothing but nurse them for the first six months of their lives (all day and all night). Alex would not eat at the same time as Isaac no matter what I did, if I tried to feed them at the same time he would just scream his little head off. This was especially fun during those middle of the night feedings when there was no one to hold the baby that wasn't eating. It was a little easier during the day but it just seemed like all that I did was feed babies. Another thing that was hard was taking them out. First trying to carry two infant carriers that weighed more and more each week and then they learned to walk. Let me just tell you, they never seem to go in the same direction. Number three is remembering that they are actually two different little people. This is much easier now that they are older even though we still sometimes refer to them as "the babies", which they are quick to let us know that they are NOT babies. When they were little, they were a pair- they did the same things,went the same places, they even got most of the same gifts. They both had things that interested them more then the other but if you give a two year old a car, the other two year old will want the car even if he likes books better. I always bought two cars and two books, it was just easier that way. I don't think we really even realized that we grouped them together as much as we did until this past year when they started to want to do different things. Last fall Alex wanted to play football and Isaac wanted to learn karate. When I started taking them to their seperate practices, It seemed so strange to not have the other one there doing the same thing. I am very glad that they got to be the ones to decide when they wanted to do things apart from each other. We had considered sending them to kindergarten, our three older kids all had the same kindergarten teacher and we really loved her and how she taught the kids. The school system would not allow me to put both of them in the same classroom and at that point, they did not want to be split up. I'm sure that they would have adjusted but I saw no reason to force them to do what they weren't ready for. In the end, I kept them home, I didn't even start teaching them until the next year. They have a September birthday so they were just turning 5. They spent the year hanging out together and looking back, I am glad things turned out the way that they did. Wow, I didn't mean to ramble on so much, I don't get alot of adult conversation time. Hope that you will come back and visit our blog again. I am hoping to figure out how to do more with it this week- yours looks great by the way. Have a great day!!! Kim (I hope that this works...) Edited by sanders7 on May. 23, 2006 at 9:25 AM
• May. 24, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by gottsegnet
ok...I confess I did not even read this but hope to get back later (trying to catch up from all the email). Thank you so much for your comment. I just wanted to let you know that a way cool invitation has been made for the carnival if you would like to use it. Here is the link: http://chromatism.net/current/images/dinnerparty.jpg And you can delete this comment if you want : ) I just thought the invitation was really nice!
• May. 30, 2006 - Thanks Kim!
Posted by sunydazy
Wow! Thanks for the encouraging comments! Sounds like you know right where I am in life! Nursing is my full time job...anything else is just a bonus. I am blessed that 2 of my kiddoes are old enough to really be a big help...that is when they aren't going places with friends or ds going to work with dh etc... I'll be visiting your blog more. Hope you'll stop by here again!
Sunydazy
I've been homeschooling for a quite a few years now. My oldest son is soon to be 16 and we've always homeschooled. I often get asked by people newer to homeschooling than me "What curriculum should I use? What do you use? What if my kids are bored by me? What if I'm a really bad teacher? and on the questions go. Here are a few of my thoughts on this subject. I hope they help someone.
Homeschooling is like cooking. Everybody has the potential to develop their own style and flavors and yet still maintain good nutrition.
Homeschooling is also like wearing shoes. Are you the running type or the walker? Maybe a rock climber or a bowler? What about a dancer or maybe you just wear slippers all the time?
There are so many choices out there...any one of them might be the perfect fit for your family. It does help to ask questions and try on other people's shoes, so to speak, but you'll have to step out in your own shoes when the time comes. Don't be afraid to take those first few steps. Just realize that you will probably make mistakes, you will probably change curriculums and styles numerous times before you find a good fit. That's ok. I've used textbooks, gimmicky programs, workbooks, unit studies and living books. I've found that what works best for me is a little touch of all of those put together into "Sunydazy style". I've looked at the what-your-child-should-know books but I don't live by them...I just allow myself to be gently guided...perhaps inspired by them. That's all.
There are some things that I don't want to spend any time on. I just say no. There are other things that I think are vitally important for me to instill in my children and I haven't seen them listed in the important-things-to-know books. I'm going to teach them anyway. Some things that someone else might feel are important may be left out of our homeschool altogether because our time here on earth is limited and we only have so many hours in a day .
Guess what! God made me a unique individual and I believe that He wants me to share who I am with my children. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?
Let me say this another way. Do you love to write? Do you love horses? What about health and nutrition? Weight lifting? Mountain biking? Cooking? Sewing? Swimming? Baseball? Carpentry? Whatever you love, you can use as a tool , as a path of learning, straight into your child's heart. When a child sees a parent's passion for a subject they sometimes become passionate about the same subject. At minimum, they respect your passion and develop some of their own.
I love birds. And guess what! So do my children. I'll bet they know more about the local birds than the average child. Not because I make them sit down and learn about them, but because I run to the window when I see one. Because I love to take walks and listen to their calls. Because I enjoy reading about them. It's infectious! Just think how much more colorful the world would be if every family took the time to develop who they are and stopped trying so hard to be like everyone else. I also suspect there would be fewer burnouts, fewer casualties.
My advice to new homeschoolers is this: Ask some questions, think about what your deepest reasons for homeshooling are and set some priorities, learn about the different styles of homeschooling (keeping in mind that your favorite style of learning may not be your childs favorite), go to a book fair or convention and look around, go to this website and read, read, read, especially this article called Homeschool ABC.. And then, just pick something and try it. If you don't like it or it flops, well, just learn from your mistakes and try something else. Eventually you'll be good at knowing which things just won't work for your family. As your children grow your families needs will change and you will probably have to keep on adapting. It's a good thing! It means there is life in your family! Like buying new shoes for growing feet and different kinds of shoes for different events: rock climbing takes a different shoe than basketball. As you begin to get comfortable in your new homeschool shoes let your passion be your guide. Maybe it's ok to put away the books and look at birds today. Maybe it's ok to stay up late and watch the stars together. Live and learn together! It's a wonderful adventure.
• May. 23, 2006 - WOW!
Posted by Anonymous
WOW! I am so proud of you for homeschooling your children...you must feel that is quite an accomplishment! :) I just found your blog and it's VERY interesting...if you stop by mine here anytime soon...you'll see my kids in the adventure of planting their very first vegetable garden and hopefully in a few days I'll be able to post them planting their own flowers too!!! LOL Hope that you can find the time to come by my blog site and please post a comment when you do...I like for those who visit my site to let me know they've been there :) (you will need to 1. register (FREE), on the right side of my site before you post...this is just to make your visits more personalized, etc. and then 2. click "Leave Your Comments" back at the regular part of my site on any comments that interests you, and then 3. "Post Reply" once the comments page comes up and type your comment). I'll try to visit your site regularly and hope that you visit mine as well! :) God Bless! :)
• May. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I forgot to give you my website addy LOL: http://jessicaslilcorner.tz4.com God Bless! :)
• May. 23, 2006 - HELLO
Posted by
Sunydazy, Hello, thanks for leaving me my first official comment on my blog the other day. I found it when I was on my way to bed the other night (Thursday, I think), I was so excited that someone had written that I sat down and wrote you back. I forgot to put the code in at the bottom of the page and it said that I had entered an invalad code. I clicked to go back and the letter was gone- I was not happy. That was actually the second time that I did that, I lost an entry early last week and I couldn't even tell you waht happened to that one. Did I mention that my computer skills are limited? Anyway, I'm back to try again and I hope that this one makes it to you...Anyway, it is nice to meet you. Sounds like we have some things in common- homeschooling, teaching styles, 5 kids, twins, I have been into birdwatching since I was a little girl and we have been married about the same amount of years. My husband and I will celebrate our 17th anniversary on June 3rd. That is the same day that baseball playoffs begin for my three youngest boys and it is the day of my daughters dance recital. So much for a quiet dinner for two- I'll be happy if I get to see all of the ball games and the dance recital (we don't have the baseball schedule yet). Congratulations on the newest additions to your family. Having twins is alot of fun. I'll give you my list of the top three hardest things about having twins. First was definately nursing them. Sounds like you are doing ok with this one- I couldn't imagine homeschooling at the same time. I felt like I did nothing but nurse them for the first six months of their lives (all day and all night). Alex would not eat at the same time as Isaac no matter what I did, if I tried to feed them at the same time he would just scream his little head off. This was especially fun during those middle of the night feedings when there was no one to hold the baby that wasn't eating. It was a little easier during the day but it just seemed like all that I did was feed babies. Another thing that was hard was taking them out. First trying to carry two infant carriers that weighed more and more each week and then they learned to walk. Let me just tell you, they never seem to go in the same direction. Number three is remembering that they are actually two different little people. This is much easier now that they are older even though we still sometimes refer to them as "the babies", which they are quick to let us know that they are NOT babies. When they were little, they were a pair- they did the same things,went the same places, they even got most of the same gifts. They both had things that interested them more then the other but if you give a two year old a car, the other two year old will want the car even if he likes books better. I always bought two cars and two books, it was just easier that way. I don't think we really even realized that we grouped them together as much as we did until this past year when they started to want to do different things. Last fall Alex wanted to play football and Isaac wanted to learn karate. When I started taking them to their seperate practices, It seemed so strange to not have the other one there doing the same thing. I am very glad that they got to be the ones to decide when they wanted to do things apart from each other. We had considered sending them to kindergarten, our three older kids all had the same kindergarten teacher and we really loved her and how she taught the kids. The school system would not allow me to put both of them in the same classroom and at that point, they did not want to be split up. I'm sure that they would have adjusted but I saw no reason to force them to do what they weren't ready for. In the end, I kept them home, I didn't even start teaching them until the next year. They have a September birthday so they were just turning 5. They spent the year hanging out together and looking back, I am glad things turned out the way that they did. Wow, I didn't mean to ramble on so much, I don't get alot of adult conversation time. Hope that you will come back and visit our blog again. I am hoping to figure out how to do more with it this week- yours looks great by the way. Have a great day!!! Kim (I hope that this works...) Edited by sanders7 on May. 23, 2006 at 9:25 AM
• May. 24, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by gottsegnet
ok...I confess I did not even read this but hope to get back later (trying to catch up from all the email). Thank you so much for your comment. I just wanted to let you know that a way cool invitation has been made for the carnival if you would like to use it. Here is the link: http://chromatism.net/current/images/dinnerparty.jpg And you can delete this comment if you want : ) I just thought the invitation was really nice!
• May. 30, 2006 - Thanks Kim!
Posted by sunydazy
Wow! Thanks for the encouraging comments! Sounds like you know right where I am in life! Nursing is my full time job...anything else is just a bonus. I am blessed that 2 of my kiddoes are old enough to really be a big help...that is when they aren't going places with friends or ds going to work with dh etc... I'll be visiting your blog more. Hope you'll stop by here again!
Sunydazy
Labels: Homeschool
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Early Morning Profundity
• May. 20, 2006 -
Well, it's 6:30 am on a Saturday morning. I would love to still be in bed asleep but I was awakened by what sounded like a knock on the back door at about 6 this morning. Being the mommy that I am I had a quick adrenaline rush and jumped out of bed thinking that RiverGirl had somehow gotten locked outside. I was halfway there before I even knew what day it was. RiverGirl often gets up very early and greets her neighborhood friends as they make their way to the schoolbus. She usually walks them to the bus stop and will usually be there waiting for them when they get home. In my sleepy state I forgot that there is no school today. The noise I heard turned out to be the neighbor loading something on his flatbed trailer that he keeps parked on the edge of his yard...close to our yard. Don't ask me why I thought it sounded like knocking I guess I'm just easily confused. I have something in my head that thinks that every little noise is somehow a call for me. I went towards the bedroom and realized that during the wee hours of the morning I had brought both babies into bed with me. Getting into bed now would only risk waking them. So here I am. My thoughts aren't really very gelled this morning...I would love to wow you with my deep and profound knowledge of something...anything really. But that is not to be.
Words keep running through my head for brief little visits. Words like spiritual insight, commitment to tasks, mothers hearts, fathers hearts, and even childlike hearts. The reality of the matter is that the only thoughts I have that I can string together into something sensible include a long line of thoughts on how I despise hayfever (which I have right now) and realizing that this desk is in terrible order. There is a pile of papers that I have no clue what it contains and on top of that a coin sorter kit that we use for counting the savings fron our vacation jar. There are open books and catalogs, and piles of all the new school curriculum I have yet to enter into my new Edu Track computer program, etc, etc. Sigh, the restful Saturday feeling is leaving quickly. I guess I'd better close for now. Babies are calling! Later I'll tell you all about the airshow to be held near us this weekend
Well, it's 6:30 am on a Saturday morning. I would love to still be in bed asleep but I was awakened by what sounded like a knock on the back door at about 6 this morning. Being the mommy that I am I had a quick adrenaline rush and jumped out of bed thinking that RiverGirl had somehow gotten locked outside. I was halfway there before I even knew what day it was. RiverGirl often gets up very early and greets her neighborhood friends as they make their way to the schoolbus. She usually walks them to the bus stop and will usually be there waiting for them when they get home. In my sleepy state I forgot that there is no school today. The noise I heard turned out to be the neighbor loading something on his flatbed trailer that he keeps parked on the edge of his yard...close to our yard. Don't ask me why I thought it sounded like knocking I guess I'm just easily confused. I have something in my head that thinks that every little noise is somehow a call for me. I went towards the bedroom and realized that during the wee hours of the morning I had brought both babies into bed with me. Getting into bed now would only risk waking them. So here I am. My thoughts aren't really very gelled this morning...I would love to wow you with my deep and profound knowledge of something...anything really. But that is not to be.
Words keep running through my head for brief little visits. Words like spiritual insight, commitment to tasks, mothers hearts, fathers hearts, and even childlike hearts. The reality of the matter is that the only thoughts I have that I can string together into something sensible include a long line of thoughts on how I despise hayfever (which I have right now) and realizing that this desk is in terrible order. There is a pile of papers that I have no clue what it contains and on top of that a coin sorter kit that we use for counting the savings fron our vacation jar. There are open books and catalogs, and piles of all the new school curriculum I have yet to enter into my new Edu Track computer program, etc, etc. Sigh, the restful Saturday feeling is leaving quickly. I guess I'd better close for now. Babies are calling! Later I'll tell you all about the airshow to be held near us this weekend
Labels: Another Day
Friday, May 19, 2006
Confessions of a jabbermouth
• May. 19, 2006 -
OK. I have a confession to make. I don't understand people who don't have anything to say on their Blogs. Is that even possible? I was reading some of the forums and apparently this is an actual issue for some people...My biggest concern is that I will run out of years before I have time to say everything I want!
Of course my extra time is limited so I have to squeeze in a few minutes here snd there to make entries, but having nothing to say will not be the reason I don't post here. I might not post because the children are sick or because we go on a trip (I hope, I hope, I hope) or because our homeschool days get so full of learning and living or even because I get extremely involved with reading good health and nutrition information...but not because I close my eyes and come up with a blank...nothing...It seems I am always excited about something and homeschooling only fuels that fire.
My dear husband is like me in a lot of ways and having strong opinions is one of them. I'm surprised he hasn't jumped at the opportunity to post here...but he did tell me that he didn't want to because " I only make people mad, ...they don't want to hear what I have to say". Well, I like to read challenging things... but maybe not everyone is like me.
Ok, that is my morning thoughts. Now I'm off to wake the oldest children and get breakfast started. We have a busy day ahead of us and we need to be ready for Miss Beulah to come over....she is the precious lady who helps me clean on Friday mornings. See! Something else to talk about! Now you are thinking "Someone to clean for her? She must be wealthier than I thought!"
Nope!
More on Miss Beulah later!
Have a glorious Friday!
OK. I have a confession to make. I don't understand people who don't have anything to say on their Blogs. Is that even possible? I was reading some of the forums and apparently this is an actual issue for some people...My biggest concern is that I will run out of years before I have time to say everything I want!
Of course my extra time is limited so I have to squeeze in a few minutes here snd there to make entries, but having nothing to say will not be the reason I don't post here. I might not post because the children are sick or because we go on a trip (I hope, I hope, I hope) or because our homeschool days get so full of learning and living or even because I get extremely involved with reading good health and nutrition information...but not because I close my eyes and come up with a blank...nothing...It seems I am always excited about something and homeschooling only fuels that fire.
My dear husband is like me in a lot of ways and having strong opinions is one of them. I'm surprised he hasn't jumped at the opportunity to post here...but he did tell me that he didn't want to because " I only make people mad, ...they don't want to hear what I have to say". Well, I like to read challenging things... but maybe not everyone is like me.
Ok, that is my morning thoughts. Now I'm off to wake the oldest children and get breakfast started. We have a busy day ahead of us and we need to be ready for Miss Beulah to come over....she is the precious lady who helps me clean on Friday mornings. See! Something else to talk about! Now you are thinking "Someone to clean for her? She must be wealthier than I thought!"
Nope!
More on Miss Beulah later!
Have a glorious Friday!
Labels: Misc, More About Me
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Teaching Language Arts
• May. 18, 2006 -
This is a good post on Teaching Language Arts. A good refresher for those of you who've been doing this a while.Check it out at the blog called "Here in the Bonny Glen".
This is a good post on Teaching Language Arts. A good refresher for those of you who've been doing this a while.Check it out at the blog called "Here in the Bonny Glen".
Labels: Homeschool
Laundry Soap
• May. 18, 2006 -
I'm trying a new laundry soap. It has gotten rave reviews from other users. I learned about it on another blog: Life in a Shoe (which is linked to the right). The soap is called Charlie's Soap (and is technically a detergent). It has been featured by such places as Treehuggers (self explanatory). It's supposed to rinse completely clean and you use only a Tablespoon per load for standard machines (less for front loaders). Check out their link here http://www.charliesoap.com/ and read about it. I'll let you know how it works for us after I've used it for a while. Believe me, we've got some serious laundry challenges around here!
I'm trying a new laundry soap. It has gotten rave reviews from other users. I learned about it on another blog: Life in a Shoe (which is linked to the right). The soap is called Charlie's Soap (and is technically a detergent). It has been featured by such places as Treehuggers (self explanatory). It's supposed to rinse completely clean and you use only a Tablespoon per load for standard machines (less for front loaders). Check out their link here http://www.charliesoap.com/ and read about it. I'll let you know how it works for us after I've used it for a while. Believe me, we've got some serious laundry challenges around here!
Labels: Household Helps
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
I Am, I Can
• May. 17, 2006 -
I Am, I Can
I have been tagged! A little about me!
I am - saved by grace, through faith.
I want - to be holy, even as God is holy.
I pray - that my children would do great and mighty things for the Lord.
I hate - sin in my own life.
I miss - sleeping at night :-).
I hear - crickets outside my window at night! What a peaceful sound!
I wonder - how hard will it be to keep up with 2 year old twins?.
I regret - not knowing 20 years ago what I know now.
I am not - doing what I planned right now--checkbook and bills.
I dance - with my children, as we celebrate the gifts God has given us!.
I sing - to my babies and while doing dishes...as many different styles of music as possible that still truly glorify the Lord.
I cry - when watching nearly every Michael Landon production.
I am not always - full of enough energy to get up and do anything except sit.
I make - almost everything from scratch, including grinding my own grains, preparing LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies daily, and even making totally healthy, delicious desserts.(this is a recent renewal for me...I took some time off when the babies were born)
I write - what I wish I had known when I was younger.
I confuse - my husband! ;-).
I need - to lose weight and get back into shape.
I should - excercise more.
I start - sewing projects, organization projects, crafts, gardening, and probably other projects that are on my "to do" list for years and years and years.
I finish - almost everything by a deadline (so-and-so is coming over).
I forget - people's names and what I've told whom.
I dream - of having a place in the mountains someday...and of being a grandmother.
I hope - that my everyday life is pleasing to the Lord.
I read - very few books, at the moment, not enough time.
I practice - improving my outlook on life and smiling at my children.
I study - nutrition and health.
I love - to work side by side with my children.
I expect - little from others (outside of my children); that way I'm never disappointed.
I fear - God's wrath, yet I know He has saved me from it. I fear it for those who don't trust in Him.
I yearn for - more time, more energy, more fresh air, more sunshine, more exercise!
I tag - Anyone who reads this is tagged! Feel free to post here if you don't have your own blog, or better yet, start your own blog!
• May. 17, 2006 -Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Hi this is Dalyn, (The Queen of Quite Alot). I'm not logged in, and don't have time, but wanted to drop a line to say hello, and thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment
• May. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I am not registered for this one, but I am Jen of Jen's Gems. It sounds like we have quite a lot in common! How far are from San Antonio?
I Am, I Can
I have been tagged! A little about me!
I am - saved by grace, through faith.
I want - to be holy, even as God is holy.
I pray - that my children would do great and mighty things for the Lord.
I hate - sin in my own life.
I miss - sleeping at night :-).
I hear - crickets outside my window at night! What a peaceful sound!
I wonder - how hard will it be to keep up with 2 year old twins?.
I regret - not knowing 20 years ago what I know now.
I am not - doing what I planned right now--checkbook and bills.
I dance - with my children, as we celebrate the gifts God has given us!.
I sing - to my babies and while doing dishes...as many different styles of music as possible that still truly glorify the Lord.
I cry - when watching nearly every Michael Landon production.
I am not always - full of enough energy to get up and do anything except sit.
I make - almost everything from scratch, including grinding my own grains, preparing LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies daily, and even making totally healthy, delicious desserts.(this is a recent renewal for me...I took some time off when the babies were born)
I write - what I wish I had known when I was younger.
I confuse - my husband! ;-).
I need - to lose weight and get back into shape.
I should - excercise more.
I start - sewing projects, organization projects, crafts, gardening, and probably other projects that are on my "to do" list for years and years and years.
I finish - almost everything by a deadline (so-and-so is coming over).
I forget - people's names and what I've told whom.
I dream - of having a place in the mountains someday...and of being a grandmother.
I hope - that my everyday life is pleasing to the Lord.
I read - very few books, at the moment, not enough time.
I practice - improving my outlook on life and smiling at my children.
I study - nutrition and health.
I love - to work side by side with my children.
I expect - little from others (outside of my children); that way I'm never disappointed.
I fear - God's wrath, yet I know He has saved me from it. I fear it for those who don't trust in Him.
I yearn for - more time, more energy, more fresh air, more sunshine, more exercise!
I tag - Anyone who reads this is tagged! Feel free to post here if you don't have your own blog, or better yet, start your own blog!
• May. 17, 2006 -Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Hi this is Dalyn, (The Queen of Quite Alot). I'm not logged in, and don't have time, but wanted to drop a line to say hello, and thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment
• May. 17, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I am not registered for this one, but I am Jen of Jen's Gems. It sounds like we have quite a lot in common! How far are from San Antonio?
Labels: More About Me
Ten Peas in a Pod
• May. 17, 2006 -
Ten Peas in a Pod, A Million Mile Journal of the Arnold Pent Family by Arnold Pent III
This book reminds me a bit of Cheaper by the Dozen...which is good reading, by the way. The story is true and retells this family's adventures. Two parents and eight children traveling around in old cars sharing the Gospel of Jesus, getting into scrapes and having fun. Great family read aloud!
Ten Peas in a Pod, A Million Mile Journal of the Arnold Pent Family by Arnold Pent III
This book reminds me a bit of Cheaper by the Dozen...which is good reading, by the way. The story is true and retells this family's adventures. Two parents and eight children traveling around in old cars sharing the Gospel of Jesus, getting into scrapes and having fun. Great family read aloud!
Labels: Books Movies Music
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Happy Mother's Day!
• May. 14, 2006 - I'd like to wish all of my family and dear friends and new friends a very Happy Mother's Day! Last night we joined my parents and my two brother's families at a mexican restaurant to celebrate.
My oldest son wasn't feeling well so we decided he'd better not come and pass his cold on to all the little nieces and nephews. He ended up having pancakes for supper.
It was so wonderful to sit and look down that long table and see all those precious children.:-) I know it's special to my mother too. I look forward to the day I have that many grandchildren--she has 13 so far! What a comfort it is to know that all these children are being trained to love God and serve Him and homeschooling is playing a role in their training.
Sunydazy
My oldest son wasn't feeling well so we decided he'd better not come and pass his cold on to all the little nieces and nephews. He ended up having pancakes for supper.
It was so wonderful to sit and look down that long table and see all those precious children.:-) I know it's special to my mother too. I look forward to the day I have that many grandchildren--she has 13 so far! What a comfort it is to know that all these children are being trained to love God and serve Him and homeschooling is playing a role in their training.
Sunydazy
Labels: Holidays and Celebrations
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Just Getting Started
• May. 11, 2006 -
Well, I thought we should give this blogging a try.
This is the first entry. Hopefully, we'll be able to make entries about once a week. Some will be by me...the wife and the mommy. Some entries will be by Travis the husband and daddy. We hope to add pics and use this as a way to share with family and make new friends and air our opinions on various subjects.
Today we are having a slow start to our day. Connor, the three year old was sick last night...running a fever of 102. I was up with him a lot. Today the two oldest:Doran (15 yo ds and Alex 11 yo dd) are complaining of tummy problems. So....homeschool work is put on hold while I sit and nurse the 4 month old twins and attempt to start this blog.
I hope to get to a grocery store today in order to pick up the essentials for the week. I do most of my shopping at two main stores: a small old fashioned grocery store and The Cupboard, which is a local health food store. It's a wonderful place full of spicy smells and wholesome foods. It also has one of the best little cafes in town! Yummy! Everything is organic and delicious. If I can get there today (depending on the families health conditions) I plan to buy some treats from the cafe.
As I am able to find time this week I will add some of our favorite links to this page. Maybe you'll be able to check them out.
Hope you'll keep coming by !
Sunydazy
• May. 11, 2006 - Hi!
Posted by Homeschoolwannabe
Welcome to homeschoolblogger! Actually, I'm new here too. I just started my blog on Monday, so I hope you will check it out! I'll check back on yours too. Those little grocers you mentioned sound so neat! I end up doing all of our shopping at SuperWalMart or Food City (don't know if you have FC out there). God Bless! Amelia
• May. 11, 2006 - So GREAT to hear from you!
Posted by Your Cousin, Sharon!
Hey, Deb! I just got your blogging email! I love this! I am so excited to be able to read about you guys and your life. This is wonderful! Great job! Love, Sharon
Well, I thought we should give this blogging a try.
This is the first entry. Hopefully, we'll be able to make entries about once a week. Some will be by me...the wife and the mommy. Some entries will be by Travis the husband and daddy. We hope to add pics and use this as a way to share with family and make new friends and air our opinions on various subjects.
Today we are having a slow start to our day. Connor, the three year old was sick last night...running a fever of 102. I was up with him a lot. Today the two oldest:Doran (15 yo ds and Alex 11 yo dd) are complaining of tummy problems. So....homeschool work is put on hold while I sit and nurse the 4 month old twins and attempt to start this blog.
I hope to get to a grocery store today in order to pick up the essentials for the week. I do most of my shopping at two main stores: a small old fashioned grocery store and The Cupboard, which is a local health food store. It's a wonderful place full of spicy smells and wholesome foods. It also has one of the best little cafes in town! Yummy! Everything is organic and delicious. If I can get there today (depending on the families health conditions) I plan to buy some treats from the cafe.
As I am able to find time this week I will add some of our favorite links to this page. Maybe you'll be able to check them out.
Hope you'll keep coming by !
Sunydazy
• May. 11, 2006 - Hi!
Posted by Homeschoolwannabe
Welcome to homeschoolblogger! Actually, I'm new here too. I just started my blog on Monday, so I hope you will check it out! I'll check back on yours too. Those little grocers you mentioned sound so neat! I end up doing all of our shopping at SuperWalMart or Food City (don't know if you have FC out there). God Bless! Amelia
• May. 11, 2006 - So GREAT to hear from you!
Posted by Your Cousin, Sharon!
Hey, Deb! I just got your blogging email! I love this! I am so excited to be able to read about you guys and your life. This is wonderful! Great job! Love, Sharon
Labels: More About Me
Monday, May 1, 2006
Our Little Love Story
Once upon a time, when things were not so complex... there was a handsome farm boy college boy (who later became Builder Man) from the great woods of the Northwest who came to the south on his white stallion White Honda Civic and won Buttercup's Sunydazy's heart.
~*~*~*~*~*~
He laid his heart at the foot of her dress and said "Our love can be like a storybook story. Will you be my bride?"
~*~*~*~*~
She accepted and they began talking and dreaming of their perfect future together.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Since that time they have together endured fire swamps, ROUS's, the pit of despair and yes, they have even teetered on the edge of the cliff's of insanity (tee hee!)
~*~*~*~*~*
Though their future was not quite what they expected they still believe in True Love.
~*~*~*~*~
This blog is all about the rest of their lives where they are living'Happily Ever After' in the land of La Kooka Rancha.
~*~*~*~*~
They love to say 'you keep using that word...I do not think it means what you think it means.' and 'Hallo, my name is Inigo Montoya'...but their favorite phrase is 'As you wish'....
~*~*~*~*~*~
He laid his heart at the foot of her dress and said "Our love can be like a storybook story. Will you be my bride?"
~*~*~*~*~
She accepted and they began talking and dreaming of their perfect future together.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Since that time they have together endured fire swamps, ROUS's, the pit of despair and yes, they have even teetered on the edge of the cliff's of insanity (tee hee!)
~*~*~*~*~*
Though their future was not quite what they expected they still believe in True Love.
~*~*~*~*~
This blog is all about the rest of their lives where they are living'Happily Ever After' in the land of La Kooka Rancha.
~*~*~*~*~
They love to say 'you keep using that word...I do not think it means what you think it means.' and 'Hallo, my name is Inigo Montoya'...but their favorite phrase is 'As you wish'....
Labels: More About Me
Name:
