May 9, 2012 If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! 
Math
Keaton is using School of Tomorrow Math PACEs. While he has definitely made a lot of progress in math this year, he is noticing how much fun the other children are having with Mr. Demme and Math-U-See. So it looks like he’ll be making a change for the new school year.
Grammar/Writing/Literature
This year Keaton is using School of Tomorrow English PACEs. Unfortunately these have not been a good fit for him. He loves being able to work independently, but the parts of speech and grammar rules are introduced too quickly for him to really master the material.
On the other hand, Keaton has really enjoyed the School of Tomorrow Literature and Creative Writing PACEs. Based on some recommendations that I had read, we chose to place him in the fourth grade PACEs for this subject. This year he has read and enjoyed books such as The Red Rag Riddle and Charlotte’s Web . I’ve appreciated the thorough coverage of reading comprehension and the gentle, fun approach to writing paragraphs.
Spelling/Vocabulary
Keaton’s spelling and vocabulary are both covered in the School of Tomorrow Word Building PACEs. Each PACE covers fifty spelling words. Although he would prefer to do more of the work orally, he has done very well with the PACEs.
Social Studies
Keaton is using School of Tomorrow Social Studies PACEs to study American history from its beginning until the present time. The PACEs also cover U.S. geography, focusing on learning states and capitals, and the location of each state. The new fourth edition PACEs are a big improvement over the older version, with more color and the addition of some actual photographs.
Science
The School of Tomorrow Science PACEs have been a big hit this year. Keaton loves the format of the PACEs and finds the content very interesting. Topics this year have included work and force, potential and kinetic energy, living and nonliving matter, and volcanoes. As with the Social Studies PACEs, the fourth edition is much more colorful and appealing than previous editions.
Art/Music
Art and music have been very relaxed and self-directed this year. Keaton follows his own creative interests in art, mainly drawing and doing thumbprint art. For music, he participates in group singing and children’s programs at church, and he listens to a variety of musical styles and artists at home.
Physical Education
Keaton does not participate in any team sports. Instead, we encourage him to be physically active in individual and group activities, and try to promote individual exercise as a lifelong habit.
Are you wondering why Keaton has done exclusively PACEs this year? He requested to have all PACEs because he desired to work independently as much as possible. Although we will be making several changes next year (most notably math and grammar), he is still interested in learning on his own as much as he possibly can.
What materials have you used with your fifth-grader?
Linked to Big Family Friday.
May 8, 2012 
Rice is one of those foods that most people assume will not freeze well. However, both brown and white rice freeze and reheat beautifully!
How to cook rice for the freezer:
Measure out the amount of rice you plan to cook, and add the minimum recommended amount of water. For white rice, the typical ratio is 1-1/2 cups water to 1 cup rice.
When the rice is done cooking, allow it to cool to room temperature. Stirring occasionally will allow it to cool more quickly.
When completely cool, package the rice in quart-size freezer bags. After filling the freezer bags, remove as much air as possible and seal. Label each bag with a permanent marker. Lay flat in the freezer to freeze.
How to use pre-cooked frozen rice:
Pre-cooked rice can be used straight from the freezer. You may need to run hot water over the bag just until the solid chunk of rice thaws enough to break up a little. Transfer rice to a microwave-safe bowl with a lid; add a teaspoon or two of water. Microwave until heated through. Fluff before serving.
The frozen rice tastes just as if it had been freshly cooked. And it’s super easy, too!
Linked to Welcome Home Monday and Works for Me Wednesday
May 7, 2012  The Organized Kitchen is currently available as a FREE Kindle download!  This sounds like it could be a helpful ebook.
Note: Amazon’s prices fluctuate quickly, so please double-check that the price is still listed as FREE before downloading!
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…
May 3, 2012 Most women would agree that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find modest clothing. The solution? If you have some basic sewing skills, you can make attractive, modest clothing that you will love to wear!
Both of these skirts were made using the McCalls 2255 pattern. This pattern is quick and simple to make, and the skirts are comfortable and versatile.
Khaki Twill Skirt
Fuschia Floral Skirt
About the McCalls 2255 pattern:
- This pattern runs quite small, and I have to use a much larger size than I normally wear. It’s always a good idea to compare your body measurements with those listed on the pattern before cutting.
- This skirt is designed to be cut on the bias. However, I have found that it drapes just as well and is much easier to sew when cut with the grain of the fabric.
- The skirt also requires less fabric when cut with the grain–about two yards for my preferred skirt length (31″).
- Supplies needed: pattern, fabric, matching thread, and elastic. That’s it!
What questions do you have about making skirts? Would you be interested in a tutorial using the McCalls 2255 skirt pattern?
Linked to Modest Mondays, Better Mom Mondays,Welcome Home, Works for Me Wednesday, and Feminine Friday.
May 2, 2012 
Math
Collin is using Math-U-See Alpha, and he loves it! After watching Mr. Demme teach each lesson on the DVD, Collin completes the worksheets independently. I rarely need to add any further instruction, other than occasional help with thinking through a word problem. We are definitely continuing with MUS next year!
Grammar/Writing
For grammar Collin is using School of Tomorrow English PACEs. These second grade PACEs include manuscript handwriting practice, phonics review, and a very gentle introduction to grammar. They also provide practice in writing sentences and friendly letters.
Spelling/Vocabulary
Collin is using School of Tomorrow Word Building PACEs for spelling and vocabulary. Each PACE contains twenty spelling words with definitions. The Word Building PACEs also teach phonics rules to aid in spelling and reading.
Reading
Each day I assign a portion from Abeka’s third-grade readers. In addition, Collin reads independently according to his interests.
Social Studies
Collin is using School of Tomorrow Social Studies PACEs to learn about history, geography, and our country. Topics include our President, citizenship, famous buildings, George Washington, and more. The fourth edition PACEs are definitely more appealing and visually attractive than earlier editions. In fact, Collin has asked to continue using them next year!
Science
For science Collin is using School of Tomorrow Science PACEs. This year he has studied the days of Creation, animals, seasons, and the five senses, among other things. Again, the fourth edition is a big improvement over the previous edition, and Collin wants to use PACEs for science next year as well.
Art/Music
We have approached art and music in a very relaxed manner this year. For art, Collin draws pictures, makes thumbprint art, and generally does whatever interests him creatively. For music, he listens to a variety of music styles and artists; he also participates in group singing and special programs at church.
Physical Education
Collin does not participate in any team sports. Instead, we encourage him to be physically active in individual and group activities, and try to promote individual exercise as a lifelong habit.
Now it’s your turn! What are you using for second grade?
This post is linked at Big Family Friday.
May 1, 2012 
I’m excited to announce several new features for the month of May!
- On Tuesdays we’ll be talking about batch cooking and bulk food prep.
- On Wednesdays I’ll be sharing our family’s curriculum choices for 2011-2012.
- On Thursdays we’ll discuss making modest clothing (and I’ll share some pictures of my recent sewing projects, too!).
- On Fridays I’ll share our weekly wrap-up in The Homeschool Mother’s Journal posts.
- On Saturdays we will view Saturday Snapshots–our week in pictures.
I’ll also be sharing a variety of other posts, including:
Take a minute right now to sign up for FREE email updates so you won’t miss a thing! Thanks so much for joining me throughout the month of May.
April 30, 2012 As the month of April comes to a close, I want to thank each of you who have taken time to read and share your comments here at Contented at Home. I appreciate each and every one of you!
Have you missed a post or two this month? Here’s a quick review of some of the articles from the month of April.
Two free ebooks:
From my kitchen:
About homeschooling:
Join me again tomorrow as we start into the month of May!
April 30, 2012 
The winner of the Homeschool How-To Conference Premium Pass is . . . Laurie!
Thanks so much for participating in this giveaway! If you didn’t win, you can still purchase a Premium Pass or register to attend the conference for free!
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…
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