Goodbye Blog

In case anyone stumbles here, I am no longer posting due to lack of readers. 
I will be keeping my regular blog up and running...http://www.pressedpetals.blogspot.com/

Thanks for reading.

just checking

Is anyone still reading this blog?

Just checking, because it's awful quiet here.

blessed

Yesterday our package of used Math-U-See came.
When I opened it and laid it all out, I thought "She sent us extra."
I then went to the pc to right her and there was a PM for me from her.
She not only sent us extra (we now have pre-algebra through pre-cal) she gave the money I paid with to a relief fund for Japan!

I don't know this woman.  I may never meet her.
But golly, it made all of those times I gave stuff away worth it.

The blessing doesn't stop there.
My dear friend has blessed us as well!

That is one BIG thing I love about homeschooling and homeschoolers, their generosity.

May your day be blessed!

back on track

Something broke in my spirit.

I am back on track in the homeschooling department.

We took time off for Christmas and it felt good.
Now I am looking forward to starting back on Monday.

Son finished his Math-U-See with an A!  He is excited to start the next book.
We finished 7th grade science and will start 8th grade this coming week.

Question for you...What do you use for History?  I am possibly not going to use Sonlight next year.

end of the year confessions

I have a new follower?  How can that be when I never post?   Anyway, welcome, so glad to have you.

This school year I have struggle with more than just keeping up with this blog.
I have wondered and pondered more then once if I need to send the kids back to public school next school year.

Here's why (honest reasons):
*I want more "me" time.  Not that the kids at grades 9 and 7 need me all too much.  However, I am sure you all know exactly what I mean. 
*I am bored with most of the stuff we have.  I realize that it can't and won't all be fun.  We did something out of the ordinary the other day and that really reminded me what I loved about homeschool.  I need to step out of the books more often.  I don't want to short change them if I am not into it anymore.
*Since the kids are in 9th and 7th I feel if they were in PB school that they would have more opportunities (electives).  I have asked them if they want to do this or that and no, they are doing what they want for the most part.
*The kids get really tired of being around each other all of the time.  We have gotten them "into" separate activities outside the home, which helps some.
*Sometimes the task of searching for the right curriculum is daunting.  Where we live we are pretty much on our own.  Which is nice, but you really have to do a lot of leg work.
I have talked to two other homeschooling moms that I respect and one says keep them home and the other says to put them back in for one year and see.  I know a mom who homeschooled for two years then pbschooled for one and so on.

How do you stay motivated?

They Need to be Around Other People

We, as you, have gotten the, "They need to be around other people and get out of the house", more then once.
We have also gotten the, "They need to be around other people besides your church people."

While I understand, and somewhat agree, I know they people are not seeing the whole picture.

At public school they see and are exposed to:
good kids
bad kids
kids who get into trouble
kids who are into drugs (our kids are older)
and so on, you know
They are around all kinds of adults as well.
They are around different types of people from different walks of life.
People who aren't like you.

In church they see and are exposed to:
good kids
bad kids (yes, even in church)
kids who get into trouble (These ones they know personally and are more affected by it)
people who are on drugs, most who get delivered
couples who were shacking up getting it right and getting married
Last night in revival, we had a scitzophrenzic (sp?) get saved and prayed for.
They see all walks of life.
People who aren't like you working together.

They go on outreach and meet all types.
They go to the grocery store, etc. and see and interact with all types.
They volunteer, etc.

I really could go on.

Are our kids sheltered?  Yes, but they were before public school.
Are our kids at home a lot?  Sort of, but that is part of the point.
Do I feel our kids are missing out, not too often.

Sorry for the rant.

Greener Grass

I must be in a self-searching mood here.  Forgive me.

You would think four years into this homeschooling journey that I would have this licked.

It must be the case of the grass is always greener on the other side.

Someone always seems to be teaching better then you, have better books, etc.

When your kids are in public schools, you can blame anything and everything (just about) on the school or teacher.

When it's you, it's you.  I think the most daunting task of homeschooling is finding the right curriculum. 

Maybe by the time the kids are graduated, I will have found the perfect fit for each of them!

Another One Bites the Dust

As the commerical goes..."No more tears."

Analytical Grammar is done for.  As I told you, it is a three year course.  DD did it in one year.  DS started his second, and forgot just about everything he learned from last year!!  And there is no way he is going to reread all of that and neither am I.  This is a building thing, so you have to remember what you learned.  In all honesty, much of it is way over the top and just not that practical, unless you plan on being an editor, english teacher or the like.  So, it is going in the trash!

He is still learning grammar through Wordly Wise.  Which I use as their spelling too. 

They are not to hip on the Creative Expression part of Sonlight.  This is frustrating for me.  Writing was my outlet in school.  So when they look at me like deer in the headlights, I get stuck.  Imagine you were someone, somewhere far, far away.  Time travel even.  Tell us your story, what happened, where'd you go, what did you do? On and on...the kids, well, they say, I don't get it!  I think I am going to have to help them think.  Break things down even more for them.  They are beginning to not like writing.  Now, don't get me wrong DS has an imagination...a very vivid one.  It's just putting all of that onto paper.  DD is well, more of think in the box sort.

We also started DS in the Boys and Girls Club.  Turns out he really needs more socialization ( I know I may have opened a can of worms here.) then I can give him.  I thought DD would be the one who needed it more.  Funny how things are.  Anyway, it was hubby's idea.  I had some reservations.  DS did not want to go.  However, he LOVES and I mean LOVES it!  He can't wait for 3 ish to come.  He is one of the oldest there, but it's fine with him.  He comes home much nicer and respectful. 

Thanks Tuttle for your well wishes and prayers.

If you read and have your own blog, I would love to read about you and your adventures.

First Day...Nice Day

We did it!  First day down and done!

With one in 9th grade and the other in 7th, I knew we would have a bit more work. 
We also tried Sonlight for the first time.
I think I am going to really like it.
The kids, well the jury is still out.

All in all, today went really smooth!

I tell you the week before we all stayed up too late and sleep in even later.

This morning God made sure I woke up on time.  We had a thunder storm nice and early!  I have been up since five!

Sleep? Sometimes it's better not to...

So my goal was to get the kids on a school schedule. 
Early to bed, early to rise.
However, life has a way of not following plans.
Sometimes that is a good thing.
Take last night, we stayed up LONG after we prayed and said goodnight.
Our daughter and I in the living room talking about boys, life, friends, God's will, etc.
I wouldn't trade it for the extra sleep.
Our son was hanging out in the garage with dad, talking.  He went to bed ("but not to sleep") first.
Then dad joined us girls on the couch and talked more about life.
This morning, they are still in bed.
I slept in and still spent time with God (good time!) and ate breakfast!
Even the dog is still asleep.
Only poor hubby had to get up EARLY for work.  Bless his soul.

Oh, Thursday night will be a late on too.
We plan to stay up to watch the meteor shower.

So, for now, our school sleep shedule will be on hold.
I guess that's one of the many blessings of homeschooling.

Back to School...Already!

In two weeks the alarm clocks will ring early once again. 
In two weeks the sounds of school will once again fill our house.
In two weeks our summer will end.

Where did the time go?

I had a list of things to get done before the new school year came!

Trying to Find a Routine

It happens every time.  The end of school means the end of one routine.  Time to make another one.  The first few weeks are usually that way.  We have been in revival in our church since May 30th, so we have been having late nights.  The kids have been sleeping in, even dear son (who very rarely sleeps in).

Also, I am not one of those moms who plan everything out.  However, I do need some sort of routine.

If you take summers off, do you have a routine?

End of School Post

Well, it's here...the end of the school year.

(Sorry I didn't post more.)

I did the grades today.  Some are assessed by me and the others were their test grades.

I am proud to say that they got A's and B's.  One great grade is DS's math grade.  He got an A!  He pretty much did it on his own and has come a LONG way!

This was the first time I actually sat down and went through their books and gave out written grades.  I think I am going to do it from now on.  (Especially since DD is going into high school next year.)  DD could care less about the "report card".  DS wants his and gets all excited over good grades.

Do you give grades? 

Why or why not?

We are Still Here

Did you think I moved?

Or stopped hsing?

Nothing new here, just busy and honestly, nothing really new in homeschool to write about.

I am finding it harder to stay focused these last two months of school.  We will finish our geography this week.  DD is already done with her grammar.  I think we need to go on a field trip!  Hmmm...no to plan it!

Introducing...

Today we had s new family in our little homeschool group!  That is always good. 

They made me think of how different each lady (and a few men) are in our group of moms.

Let me intorduce you to them:  (sorry I don't have any photos)

H: she is a long standing homeschooler and one of the regulars.  She has, I think 9 children.  The first half were girls and the second half boys.  She has been at this for like 20 years!  She is a true talker, wears no shoes (unless it's very cold out) and no bra.  She doesn't shave and, yes, eats natural food (you knew it was coming).  Her husband works for the public schools!

C: she is another regular.  She has two kids close to our kids ages.  Really sweet lady, talks to everyone and remembers your name (the kid's names too).  C & H meet even in the summer!  Her husband puts in septic tanks.  She keeps the books for him.  They own horses.  DD plays piano.  Her DD and my DD are pretty close and the most alike out of the girls.  C's hair always looks nice and she is put together type of a lady.  Christian woman.

Then there is mom a (I don't know her name.)  She had a bunch of kids too, most of them are grown.  Nice, eats good food, brings healthy snacks.  Comes every now and then.

L:  She was one of the first ladies I talked to when I first started homeschooling.  REALLY helped me.  Talking to her gives me peace...she settles my spirit.  I actually run into her more at the library then at the PE group.  She has three kids.  Her DD is super nice, dresses like a modern little house on the prairie, braided pig tails and all (she's 17).

Mom b:  has two kids, comes fairly often, she more drops her kids off or they drive themselves.  DH smokes and hangs out along the fence.

T: the PE teacher, scout mom, tall athletic type.  She has been at this for awhile too.  I haven't talked to her much.  Though when I have she has been nice.  She is pretty serious and has things together.  Without her we'd have no PE.

Then there's the new family.  C & A have two kids, one much older then the other.  They just started HSing and just moved here.  They are REALLY into it.  They are for real rcokers, have records, fans, toured the whole bit!  He has tatoos.  She had really cool Doc Martins!  Anyway, I am getting sidetracked.  Really nice folks.  Their DD and my DD hit it off today.  She may end up giving our DD singing lessons!  (Answer to prayer!)  I told my DH that they would have hit it off.
  My DH loves to paint ball--C loves to paintball
  My DH is a "rocker"--C plays the bass in their band (I play bass in our band)
  MY DH sings/plays guitar--A. sings/plays guitar
  I have to stop myself from rescuing dogs--A has the same problem
  I have always wanted to adopt--A takes in kids
There are a few more things that they are alike.  I hope to see more of them.

Then there's DH and I.  Dh comes sometimes on his Fridays off.  He usally comes as he is, in his work clothes, or something similar.  He'll play with the kids who are "straglers" (sp?).  Me, well you know me.

Unexcepted Lessons

2 1/2 years: what I have learned/gained from homeschooling.

Distraction come, you will work them and everything works out just fine.

They will get it. After struggling through math, needing me to sit there (even if it was just doing nothing) dear son is getting it on his own!!! He has even done math for fun!!

I am not super woman, nor do I want to be!

I really do love my kids.

I can get mad like never before...where did it come from.

After working on school in the morning, my brain is on auto pilot. (What did you just say?)

Mixing it up and not going by the book is fun! We did math and grammar yesterday. Then went for an hour walk looking for objects that make letters (Christmas presents), talking, getting our vitamin D. When Dad got home we drove out of town to hear a presentation on ghost towns in our area. DH was really excited about this! It was put on by the Historical Society in a Good Samaritan place. Let's just say that it was full of senior citizens. At the end the DS got interested enough to stop saying his stomach hurt and get into it. (Luckily hubby sat between son and I!!!)

There are things homeschool kids learn that aren't in the books.

People expect homeschool kids to be smarter...even if it's there first year of homeschooling.

People think you can rearrange your schedule any ole time.

People are always telling me "that would be a great lesson for the kids." Do they tell that to public school kids...no! And just for the record, while you mean well, I really do have enough to teach, thank you!

SO many moms tell me they couldn't do it. Chance are, you can. I am proof!

I have really learned a LOT about myself too! (Sorry, I will spare you the boring details!)

I know there is more that I have learned, but I know the kids are about ready for me, so I am off!

Have a great day!

Teaching While Sick

We all have been sick for about two weeks here. The flu.

We have had no school all last week. But will start back today, albeit late.

With this in mind, as I am still a bit stuffed and blowing my nose, I wanted to write about teaching while sick.

I remember the first year of homechooling, I got sick one day and had to teach from the couch. Poor son, was so good about bringing his books to me, etc. I remember thinking, yikes, I wish I could call in a sub! But quickly knew I was the mom, the teacher, the janitor, the coach and the sub. I was it! I also felt more pressure to do school every day. (Whereas, I know now that I can skip a day here and there and will make it up later.) Last year wasn't too bad.

This year, so far has had enough sick days. So since the kids are feeling better. I will pull up my rolling chair, have cough drops in my pocket and tissue within reach and teach!

What do you do when you are sick?

Just What I Needed

So, we are into our third year of HSing and I feel much more confident, but this morning I kept pushing away the thought of maybe I am not doing enough for the kids. (Pause for a sentence check...we have been going over compound and complex sentences. I think I need the kids to check the first sentence. ;) )

Anyway, I am fighting the thought that "maybe I am short changing the kids' education. Maybe I will send DD to public high school next year."

We are in the post office when the the teller asks why the kids aren't in school. "They are homeschooled." I reply. She was taken back, just a bit. She starts to go on about how smart they must be and encourages me to keep it up. She says that she couldn't HS them at their ages. She really made my day!

You never know when you will say just the right thing at the right time to someone, so be nice!

Our Wall

I was thinking of repainting our walls, but I think this one will have to wait. It seems to be getting covered up. This is our dining room wall. As you can see it is also our main homeschool wall too. On it we have multiplication facts in colored story form, chemical formulas in colors (which I think only DD can read, she wrote them on teenage graphics), a calendar, the alphabet in cursive (as the kids need to write almost all in cursive now and we need the occasional reminder of how a letter should look), the ever essential dry erase board, and two maps for geography.

Last year we also had the US presidents running along the top of the wall. What does you wall look like?

Lunch Break Thoughts 2

Today, the kids worked by themselves for the most part and they did good! (usually I have to sit by DS to help him with his work or just to keep him focused.) I SOOO needed that too! The timing was perfect! I have a LOT to do and am going on a lack of sleep.

Thursday we are going to go on a field trip to the mtns nearby for some historical reenactments! Fri starts our PE group!