May 18, 2012 If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! 
In my life this week…
Something about this lovely spring weather seems to be motivating me to catch up on some long-overdue organizing projects. I love the challenge of making spaces neat and efficient! I have one last kitchen cabinet to clean and organize, then I’ll be moving on to other areas. Many other areas, for sure!
In our homeschool this week…
We have been working at wrapping up our school year. I absolutely cannot believe that we only have about ten school days remaining!
What we’re working on:
- Writing projects–I don’t feel like we have accomplished nearly enough in writing this year. We’re definitely making a major change in our writing curriculum next year.
- Dissection–This week Brandon dissected a fish. We were amazed at how much more complex its body systems were, compared to the earthworm and crayfish he dissected previously.
- PA history–Devin and Kaylee have completed their literature-based PA history course, but I need a few more concrete ways to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Diagramming sentences–Keaton has just started diagramming, which isn’t covered in the Easy Grammer texts that the older kids use. I still think diagramming is . . . kind of neat, I guess. Yes, I’m unusual that way!
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We went to visit some wonderful (homeschooling) friends this week. The kids always enjoy their friends–and all the animals–when we go to visit.
Kendra got to meet an adorable puppy . . .
. . . and a fluffy little chick!
The older kids spent most of their time outside with the chickens, calf, pony, and miniature horses.
My favorite thing this week was…
I did something completely out of the ordinary–I went shopping for something besides groceries! Clothes. For me. 
I didn’t have any success at the shoe store, but I did find a white jacket and a white blouse, both dressy enough for church. I think the white blouse will be perfect with the fuschia floral print skirt I made a few weeks ago.
Questions/thoughts I have…
Has anyone used Institute for Excellence in Writing materials? I am very impressed with what I’ve learned about IEW, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I’m grateful for…
. . . the abundance with which my family has been blessed. We have always had enough, and often a little more. God is good!
May 11, 2012
In my life this week…
All this week I have felt like I was not accomplishing anything. And then today I suddenly realized:
- Although my house is not pristine, it is comfortably neat and clean.
- There is only one load of laundry waiting to be folded.
- School is completed for the day and prepared for tomorrow.
- So far this week, our family has eaten fifteen meals, all of them at home. And after all that, there is only one sink full of dishes to be washed at the moment.
Maybe I have accomplished enough. 
In our homeschool this week…
Everyone is working hard to get things finished up for the year. We have around fifteen days to go before we begin summer break.
With the end of the year in sight, I am ready to start working on the kids’ portfolios. They are not due until the end of June, but in the meantime they must be evaluated. Anyone else in Pennsylvania working on end-of-year portfolios?
My favorite thing this week was…
I have so enjoyed reading time with my children. We are reading The Hiding Place together in the evenings. What a thought-provoking book!
Questions/thoughts I have…
I love the idea of year-round schooling, but I really don’t know how I would manage without the summers “off.” I need to get caught up on so many things, and I also need a chance to clear my mind before jumping into new lessons.
Maybe some of you year-round homeschoolers can chime in here–how do you manage without a summer break?
May 4, 2012
In my life this week…
We spent part of the week passing unwelcome viruses from one person to another. All better now, thankfully!
In other news, I didn’t plan a menu this week. How frustrating that has been! And yes, I know better. Enough said.
In our homeschool this week…
I believe the kids are getting spring fever. We are so ready for school to be finished! In fact, some of the kids are voluntarily putting in Saturdays because they just want to be done already. I’ve decided it’s kind of like that whole “lame duck” thing, except that we are not involved in politics.
What’s working/not working for us…
Math-U-See is definitely working for us! In fact, it has been such a success that I have considered selling my Saxon math books. Anyone who knows me well, knows that this is a BIG DEAL! I did say considered, you understand. No promises just yet.
Things I’m working on…
Remember those skirts I was working on last week? Well, I got two of the skirts finished. I opted to hold off on making the third one, since I ran out of elastic. Here’s a peek:
Khaki Twill Skirt
Fuschia Floral Skirt
I’m reading…
I’m not getting nearly as much reading done as I would like. I am reading my Bible, though. And I have a book about the Duggar family that I’m anxious to start reading. Maybe next week?
I’m cooking…
We made yummy homemade pizza for supper tonight! Kaylee mixed up a big batch of our favorite pizza sauce, with plenty left over for the freezer.
I’m grateful for…
If I could choose only one thing to be thankful for right now, it would be the privilege of being a mother. I’m so blessed!
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
April 27, 2012 
In my life this week…
It’s just been everyday life at our house this week, and that’s not a bad thing. Not at all!
In our homeschool this week…
This week we got the dreaded call from our local school district. If you are familiar with PA homeschool law (Pennsylvania is a highly-regulated state), you’ll understand the sinking feeling that came over me when I received the message.
I listened as a voice curtly informed me that they had not received my affidavit and other necessary paperwork, due before the start of the school year in order to homeschool legally. But I knew that we had turned in everything required by law–and on time, too!
I nervously searched through my files for the written receipt that I always request when dropping off anything at the local public school. Yep, it was there . . . proof that we had indeed filed the required paperwork before the deadline. I’m so very thankful that I insist on a written statement of receipt! So, so thankful!
When I returned the call, the curt response soon became apologetic when I was able to offer undeniable proof that I had indeed submitted the necessary paperwork required by state law. The woman asked if I could provide copies of everything for their records, and yes, I was happy to comply!
I hope this incident has helped to lay the groundwork for a more positive relationship with the district superintendent and his personnel. After all, I value the freedom to homeschool my children!
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Always, always, always get that written documentation when providing any paperwork or materials required by your state’s laws!
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We didn’t really go anywhere this week, but I was so encouraged by visits from two other homeschool moms!
Questions/thoughts I have…
I need advice on choosing a writing curriculum for my tenth grader. We haven’t done much writing at all, and I’m feeling the need to remedy that. I’ve considered Write Shop and Jensen’s Format Writing so far–what would you use with a tenth grade boy who doesn’t enjoy writing?
Things I’m working on…
I’m sewing some much-needed clothing for myself today! I’m hoping to have three skirts completed by the end of the day. Anyone want to hold me accountable?
I’m cooking…
Honey Whole-Wheat Bread–twelve to sixteen loaves each week!
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
April 20, 2012
In my life this week…
I took a break from organizing this week, in order to sew new living room curtains. I don’t enjoy making this style, but I am so happy with how they turned out. I would never have been able to get them done without Kaylee’s babysitting help. Thanks a bunch, Kaylee!
In our homeschool this week…
We are counting down the days until our school year is finished! I think we are pretty well on track to complete almost everything. In fact, some subjects are already finished for the year.
We still have standardized testing to be done before the end of the year. Pennsylvania requires testing in grades 3, 5, and 8, and it so happens that I have a fifth grader and an eighth grader this year. I must confess I am a bit nervous about testing this year, since both kids being tested are somewhat “behind” in math.
Have they made progress? Definitely. And I’m proud of how much they have accomplished.
However, since we are homeschooling in a highly regulated state, I become a bit anxious whenever we don’t attain the standards of the local school district. Advice and prayers are welcome!
I am inspired by…
I get so much encouragement from other homeschooling moms of larger families, like Amy and Jamerill!
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
If you heard about the children’s opportunity to be filmed for our chiropractor’s new website last week . . . well, the camera guy never showed up, so we had to go back again this week. Everything went well, and the kids are looking forward to seeing themselves on the new site when it goes live. (They were photographed for the chiropractor’s billboards last fall, and it is so novel to see our kids on real billboards!)
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Easter 2012
Would you like to simplify menu planning? Enter to win a copy of the Simplified Dinners ebook!
This post contributes to Big Family Friday.
April 13, 2012
In my life this week…
I have been busy cleaning and organizing, especially in the kitchen. I love efficient spaces and organized cabinets! It’s been taking quite a bit of time because I have moved things around so much. Probably the biggest change was moving my small appliances to the lazy susan–I can’t believe how much easier it is to get them in and out now!
In our homeschool this week…
I am happy with the progress we have been making recently. As we near the end of the school year, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with what still needs accomplished, but I am choosing to celebrate our progress instead. Each of the children is farther up the educational road than they were at the beginning of the year. And that’s a big deal!
Between all five school-age kids, we covered:
Math–simple subtraction, multiplication through threes, fractions (lots of fractions!), and finding the hypotenuse of 30-60-90 or 45-45-90 triangles. (I have been pleased with the amount of long-lost geometry knowledge that is being prodded back to my consciousness. I am thankful that Brandon is an excellent math student; he is getting me warmed up for teaching geometry to the younger ones!)
Language–alphabetical order (almost had tears here!), adjectives, adverb review, time-order words
History/Social Studies–Methods of communication, early American history, and PA history
Science–Plants, geology and volcanoes, invertebrates, dissected an earthworm
Health–Effects of smoking
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Our chiropractor invited the kids to be filmed for his new website, since they are already on his billboards. After a fun pizza party and a lot of waiting at the chiropractor’s office, we learned that the camera man had gone to the wrong location. So we’ll be heading back this week for the real deal.
We also attended our church’s District Youth Rally, which is over an hour away from our home. Can I just say how much I love having a child who is a responsible driver? Awesome!
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
March 23, 2012
In my life this week…
This has been a week full of surprises–mostly NOT the good kind. Weston experienced a bad landing on the trampoline, necessitating a trip to the ER to ensure that his leg was not broken. Brandon stepped on a nail, and he may need to see the doctor tomorrow morning. We have also dealt with at least three ticks this week; since Devin was just diagnosed with Lyme disease a few months ago, this is a major concern for us.
Other than these unpleasant surprises, life continues as usual.
In our homeschool this week…
With five students, ranging from second through tenth grades, we have covered quite a wide variety of topics this week!
- Skin and pores (not “sores”, as a certain child originally thought!)
- Simple subject/simple predicate
- Fractions, fractions, fractions
- Brother Andrew
- First aid
- Rewriting a paragraph from a different point of view
- Ecology, ecosystems, water cycle, oxygen cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle
- Reformation, Luther, Wycliffe, Gutenburg, Erasmus
- Importance of tetanus shots (due to the unfortunate nail-in-the-foot incident)
- Reading Eggs
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We took advantage of the beautiful weather and went to feed the “ducks” (actually geese, I know!). I don’t know why it always seems so hard to find the time to do these little things–I’m SO glad I made time! The kids had a blast!
There was some discussion as to whether or not our whole-wheat bread, made from freshly-ground flour, would benefit the ducks’ health. Only homeschooled children would think about that, right?
Things I’m working on…
I’m working hard at getting the kitchen better organized. I’m in the middle of a rather overwhelming project: moving a mixed-up jumble of food items from my large built-in turn-table, in order to make space there for small appliances. Anyone else store appliances on a turn-table/”lazy Susan”? I’d love to know how it works for you!
Questions I have…
Does anyone know how I could purchase a recording from the Teach Them Diligently conference? I’m disappointed that they disappeared from justin.tv.  I’m especially interested in Dr. Voddie Baucham’s presentation, Harvard or Heaven?
I’m reading…
We just began reading The Hiding Place as a family read-aloud. I’ve enjoyed the book many times, and I am excited about sharing it with the kids.
I’m grateful for…
I’m especially thankful that Weston’s leg seems to have only a minor injury. The outcome could have been so much worse!
What about you? How was your homeschooling week?
March 16, 2012
In my life this week…
The weather has been so beautiful in Pennsylvania this week! Everyone has been enjoying being outside, even little Kendra. We’ve opened the windows several times this week to enjoy the fresh air. Lovely!
In our homeschool this week…
My non-mathy child has been so frustrated with every math program that we have tried. Most recently, we were using the Key to Math series, without much success. I finally decided to replace Key to Math with Math-U-See, since three of the other children are using and loving it. The books arrived this week, and while it’s too early to declare success, I’m hopeful that this new approach will “click” for him.
My second-grader, Collin, has been flying through his PACEs–I’m going to need to order more next week! I’m actually surprised that he and Keaton both want to stick with PACEs for next year, with the exception of math. (Collin is already using Math-U-See, and Keaton is definitely switching to MUS next school year.)
Brandon and I are making good progress in Apologia biology. We are studying the module on ecology, which has been informative and interesting. After we complete this module, Brandon will be beginning dissection. He has been looking forward to dissection since the beginning of the school year. Not me!
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
This week I was honored to guest post at Cherish the Call on the topic of Homeschooling with Little Ones. I’d love it if you’d stop by and share your best tips with Jennifer and her readers!
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We enjoyed a trip to an Amish community this week! We visited three different Amish stores: a “rummage” store, a bulk foods store, and a “bent-and-dent” grocery store. The Amish ladies we met were so friendly. One of them is the lady who shared her recipe for No-Knead White Bread.
The kids were fascinated with the gas lights in the first store. I think this was Weston’s first up-close look at an Amish buggy, too.
I especially enjoyed the bulk foods store, where I was able to pick up about fifteen pounds of hard white wheat. I also stocked up on honey raised by local Amish families. My best deal of the day? A whole pound of cinnamon for just over two dollars!
My favorite thing this week was…
. . . watching Kendra try to crawl. She has been contented to scoot around in an upright position (so cute!); it’s fun to see her making progress.
Questions/thoughts I have…
If you have used Mystery of History OR Story of the World, would you please take a minute to let me know how it worked for you? I’d love to get a comparison of the two, as well. Thanks, y’all!
I’m cooking…
I’ve been making whole-wheat bread almost daily to keep our family supplied with bread. We LOVE it! I tried pizza crust with half white flour and half fresh whole-wheat flour; it was just so-so. Hmmm.
I’m praying for…
Sleep. I desperately need sleep. I know, you don’t need a long vent, so I won’t go there.
March 9, 2012
In my life this week…
I’ve been having so much fun experimenting with making my own whole-wheat bread! I decided to go ahead and purchase a grain mill, and I’ve been grinding my own wheat each time I make bread. Oh, my–the bread is SO delicious! Over the last two weeks, I’ve gotten a LOT of practice in bread-making, and the loaves are turning out just as fluffy and soft as white bread. The flavor of the hard white wheat I am using is mild, with none of that bitter taste found in whole-wheat flour from the store.
The WonderMill
If you are thinking about purchasing a mill, I definitely recommend the WonderMill . The Bread Beckers offers an excellent video demonstration of the WonderMill.
In our homeschool this week…
We had an interesting “field trip” to our chiropractor’s office this week. He showed the kids their recent spinal x-rays and explained the significance of his findings. He showed us how the x-ray machine worked, and demonstrated the steps of the development process in the darkroom. Definitely a novel experience for kids who can’t remember having a camera with film!
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Never underestimate the value of real-life experiences. Being able to do laundry, cook a simple meal, pump gas, or get groceries is every bit as important as diagramming sentences, mastering algebra, or studying the classics.
What’s working for us…
Math-U-See!
My daughter said, “I used to hate math, but now I kinda like it!” And scrawled on the bottom of her worksheet: “I love math!”
How awesome is that? :-)
I’m reading…
Decision Points by George W. Bush–another great read!
 
I’m grateful for…
the opportunity of being a SAHM and homeschooling my children. What a blessing!
This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure for more information.
February 24, 2012
In my life this week…
Every week is busy at our house, but this week I have also had a sick baby. Kendra started out with a fever on Sunday night after church. By Wednesday the fever was gone, but she is still fussy and irritable. We are all taking turns holding her and playing with her, trying to keep her happy. Bless her heart–she is such a little doll baby! I hate to see her feeling sick.
In our homeschool this week…
We have managed to keep on track with homeschooling this week, even with the added care of a sick little one. Honestly, I really can’t believe that the school year is over half completed!
Keaton and Collin are using mostly PACEs this year by request, and they are doing very well with their self-directed study. I do wish that I had more time to reinforce what they are learning. For example, we used to do a lot of read-alouds to go along with history. I really miss getting to read through biographies and historical fiction with them. I’m hoping to be able to get back to a (mostly) literature-based study of history next year.
Kaylee and Devin are both working on PA history this semester. They are getting to read a lot of interesting books, which makes me happy. They are both voracious readers, so hopefully they are happy, too!
Brandon is moving through Apologia biology at a slightly faster pace. We are hoping to be able to complete the entire course. We are currently studying the module on the theory of evolution. Brandon is also working on the lab project from the end of the last module (genetics), regarding how environmental factors can influence the appearance of radish plants. I’m always pleased with his interest in experiments–he does not take after me in that area! Good thing, I’m sure.
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We actually made it to the library this afternoon! It’s been an unbelievably long time since we have been there. I must confess that my main motivation for going was to pay my most recent fine, so that I can borrow books on my Kindle. True story, folks.
Questions/thoughts I have…
Do you grind your own grain? I’m hoping to start grinding wheat and baking all our bread. I’m pleased with my success so far with bread-making, but of course I’ve only used processed white flour so far. Any tips and hints would be much appreciated!
I’m reading…
Last week I finished What the Bible Says About Healthy Living: 3 Principles that Will Change Your Diet and Improve Your Health . If you’ve already read this book, I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you haven’t read it, I definitely think it’s worth reading.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
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