Homeschool Mother’s Journal # 4

In my life this week…

It’s actually been a while since I joined in on The Homeschool Mother’s Journal. I am probably a bit too tired to really be typing this, considering I was woke up at 1:30 a.m. by Selena because there were creepy things in her bedroom. Upon further investigation we discovered the creepy things were my wind chimes that are hanging on the back porch. We’ve been trying to figure out why she wouldn’t stay in her bedroom at night, now we know why. After all this, I laid in bed and couldn’t fall back to sleep, figures.

I am quite excited as we broke down and ordered all new bedroom décor for both our bedroom and Selena’s room. I am so anxious to get it. I think this will be the first time ever that I will actually have a complete comforter set, including all the little décor pillows for my bed.

My sweet husband also bought me a new camera. Now I am just waiting for it to arrive. While I love my current camera, the small latch flap that holds the batteries in has been broken for sometime. Recently the entire cover fell off in two pieces, I was able to put it back together, but we questioned how long it would actually hold up.

In our homeschool this week…

Selena has been having fun discovering all the new things she can read. She also is doing a lot more writing, and has discovered that she can even solve some of the math problems on her Nintendo Ds all by herself. She is already planning on making lots of Valentines for Papa while he is gone on his business trip, he will probably come home to find lots of darling hearts and notes from her.

My favorite thing this week was…

Listening to Selena worry over signing up for T-Ball. Her words were, “I can’t do T-Ball, because I don’t know how to play it.” We assured her that they will teach her how to play.

I’m praying for…

Still praying for my friend. The family met with the doctors Wednesday morning. Let’s just say the doctors are not that encouraging about her condition and want to remove her from life support, the family hasn’t updated us with the final decision at this point, but I know they are praying for a miracle.

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The Homeschool Mother’s Journal # 3

In my life this week…

While many times I am found to stay at home a lot, there is something about NOT being able to go anywhere that just makes a person very stir crazy. I truly enjoyed the snow when it first arrived, though I knew in the back of mind that it was going to be nothing but trouble by the time it was over. Sure enough we have been snowed and now iced in since Tuesday.

We have had a friend staying with us since the hill she lives on is even worse then ours. The idea was that she would bring the vanpool van here and her and Papa would be able to get out and pick the others out and get to work. That hasn’t worked out just as we planned. The roads are not in bad condition, not great but pretty good, it is our driveway with over a foot of snow and now a good 1/2 inch layer of ice on top. We do see it beginning to thaw, so hopefully by tomorrow we can punch our way out.

With this week, it has been an emotional rollercoaster, as I sat waiting to hear news on my niece who just found out she has breast cancer. There are still a few more tests she has to endure before we will know the complete picture, but so far they feel confident that she found it early. She is also having gallbladder problems, so until they remove the gallbladder and see what the mass is there we will continue to be on pins and needles.

In our homeschool this week…

We haven’t done a thing as far as school goes this week. I truly wanted Selena to enjoy the snow. With being shut in, and extra company schooling just was not in the forefront.

My favorite thing this week was…

I have to say my favorite thing this week truly was watching Selena having fun in the snow.

I’m grateful for…

Right now with the weather we are having I am truly grateful for a warm dry  home.

I’m praying for…

My niece, healing, strength, and wisdom for the doctors as they piece all this together and set a treatment plan in place.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

I thought this so beautiful the way the ice formed such a unified string as if someone had hung clear Christmas decoration on this bush.

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #2

In my life this week…

This has been one of those weeks where I went from being disliked to being a meanie by one certain 5 year old who just knows that now that she is 5 all of our house rules have walked out the door. As I reflect back on some of her outbursts I have to laugh, it is so bittersweet when they grow up. As the week is winding down though and with many days of thinking we were down to the final privilege that could possibly be taken away, she is finally beginning to earn some of them back.

Along with that is a new discovery that suddenly my sweet husband has decided to form the habit of leaving the newspaper laying just where ever he gets finished reading it. I am a little bit in a state of shock over this, believe me you would be too if you knew my husband, he does have these tendencies of being a little OCD at times, so for this to become an issue has me a little baffled and confused.

This just has been a week in particular if I wasn’t arguing with Selena, picking up after my husband, I found myself on the phone for 2 hours with our cell phone company. On Christmas I grabbed my phone only to discover the front display was scrambled, no problem it was covered under warranty so I was told. They sent me a new phone, and I sent the old one back. I received an email stating there was damage to my old phone so the warranty would not cover it. They finally sent me a picture where it looked like they had randomly plastered a red arrow on a spot on the scrambled screen stating this is where it is damaged. The argument continued, finally it came down to they couldn’t prove I damaged the phone, and I couldn’t prove the phone wasn’t damaged so we reached an agreement to upgrade my phone for 30.00, thus erasing the 100.00 they wanted me to pay for the damaged phone. Looking back on this now as I type it, it seems very hilarious, that they loose the 100.00 that they wanted to charge me, and I get an upgrade for as little as 30.00, I think I kind of won on that one.

In our homeschool this week…

Selena learned how to play dominos then jumped right in and learned how to play Mexican Train dominos. I was so proud of how easily she learned the games, and how with such ease she was able to begin to relate to the number of dots on the dominos, and could quickly identify that she needed a 4 or 5 or 6. Math is moving right along!

She also decided to start writing this week. I could tell it was bugging her that many of the other children in AWANA and Sunday school could write their names on their work. Selena has been able to write her name for sometime but lacked the confidence to do it on a regular basis or in front of others. She worked real hard this week though and not only did she write her name but many of her sight words.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Don’t fret if your child is not doing the same things as their peers, all children learn or are ready to learn new skills at their own pace and in their own timing.

My favorite thing this week was…

Having Selena tell me she didn’t like me anymore and that she was going to run away from me. She ran and grabbed an old coat put it on, asked me to zip it up for her, which I obliged, then she retreated to her bedroom for about 5 minutes, to come out and announce, “I am done running away from you now.”

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Selena so proud of her progress.

One very cold frosty morning.

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal # 1

In my life this week…

There is always so much this time of year, I always am looking for more energy at every turn. The New Year has always started in more of a whirl wind for me. Between New Years itself, the wind down from Christmas and all the many birthdays that follow I always find my self very busy.

I enjoyed watching as Papa and Selena drove off the other day so that Selena could pick out my birthday card and flower. Sometimes it is those little moments when I truly realize how much she is growing up. She brought me home a beautiful red rose, and the most precious card that she picked out all by herself.

I’ve also been busy planning Papa and my get away at the end of the month. That is right we are going to have a weekend to ourselves. Upon reflection we both realized we have not had a get-a-way without Selena since she was a baby, I think we are due for another. It can’t come at a better time, right after my birthday, then considering Papa will be gone the week of Valentines Day for a business trip. That just doesn’t seem fair to me at all that he has to be gone on Valentines Day, not at all fair.

In our homeschool this week…

We really have not officially started back in any formal schooling yet. We have been doing a lot of playing, and informal learning and are having way too much fun. We have finalized our ideas for more of a formal curriculum for next Fall, since truly that will be the official beginning to Selena’s homeschool adventure. Not that what we have been doing all along hasn’t been homeschooling but this marks the year that she would be starting real Kindergarten if she were to go to public or private school.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

As I mentioned Papa and I are getting ready for our weekend away. That has pretty much consumed my thoughts for right now. However, we are trying to plan some lunches and play dates with a few friends from AWANA and the Homeschool group.

My favorite thing this week was…

Watching Selena leave with her Papa to return with a huge smile on her face, a red rose in one hand and a birthday card in the other.

I’m grateful for…

All the new friends that have been brought into my life at a time when I truly seemed to need them.

I’m praying for…

My Nephew, who was diagnosed in October with Crohn’s Disease after emergency surgery when they thought his appendix had ruptured. He had a set back on the 3rd of January, requiring a second surgery as they had missed some of the damaged intestine the first time around. I am praying for a speedy recovery.

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The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #27

In my life this week…

What else can I say, I have felt pretty tired after Christmas. Now that it is all packed up and put away I am so ready for the New Year. I’ve been enjoying my family, though Papa had to go back to work, his long weekends have been enjoyable. I also have enjoyed catching up with my siblings this past week. I even took time out to relax and watch a movie, a just for me movie, you know one of those romance/comedy movies.

In our homeschool this week…

We’ve been playing with math pretty much this week. Selena has her 0.1,and 2 addition facts down, so we’ve been jumping ahead and looking at 3 and 4’s. We’ve been examining easy ways to calculate these without using our math buddies, she is learning to count on either using the number line or sometimes her fingers. No, it doesn’t bother me for her to use her fingers nor toes if it calls for that, as it does show me that she is beginning to truly understand what it means to count forward and what addition really means.

My favorite thing this week was…

I have to say watching Selena play with all her new Christmas toys has been fun. I also enjoyed the way she went out and thanked our landlord for the gift she gave her. It has also been fun looking at all the different pictures she has taken and the way she has designed them with her new Nintedo DSi as well as watching her expression as she discovered how to record her own voice and play it back.

Things I’m working on…

Getting ready to turn the big 50. Yes, you read that right. It doesn’t bother me though, it is just funny to think it has come so quickly, I sure do not feel that old. I guess that is a good thing.

I’m reading…

Selena and I continue to read through Luke. I have been trying to figure out how we will choose the next book in the Bible to read though when we finish Luke. Maybe I will write the Books out on little pieces of paper and we can just draw them out of a hat, so to say, I don’t know, any ideas?

I’m cooking…

Believe it or not, I am tired of cooking from all the  holiday cooking. We are just making simple things for right now. I need a break!

I’m grateful for…

All my family and friends.

I’m praying for…

The next year to bring all of you much happiness.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

I can’t get enough of those rosy cheeks and all the excitement as Selena unwrapped all her presents.

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #26

In my life this week…

I started out this week with a sinus infection. Then to top that off I had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic that the Dr. gave me. With a new antibiotic now I believe I am on the mend.

Reflecting back, was something that heavy on my heart this week, as we prepared to celebrate Selena’s birthday. Where oh where did the last 5 years go? It was a lot of fun decorating and getting ready for her small birthday party with her help this year.

Now I feel I can totally fix my focus on Christmas.

In our homeschool this week…

Between not feeling well, and birthday planning we didn’t do any schooling.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Sometimes we just need to keep it simple. It is so easy to get caught up in so much planning, and logging progress, we loose the true reason we homeschool. Stop take a breath, and simplify.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We are going to have a good friend over to spend Christmas with us. I am looking forward to having her join our family.

My favorite thing this week was…

When I asked Selena if she felt any different now that she is 5. The way she felt her head, body, arms and legs then announced, “No I do not feel any different then I did when I was 4,” was probably the best moment. Otherwise I would have to say just celebrating her 5th birthday was the BEST.

I’m grateful for…

I truly am grateful for the opportunity to work on Molly’s Home Team. I look forward to bringing you reviews of small appliances and household products.

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The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #25

In my life this week…

This week seemed like it just went by way too fast. I have been catching up with friends and family. I always enjoy this time of year, being busy getting Christmas cards and packages in the mail, and receiving Christmas cards. This is what I consider to be my quiet week, the week before everything begins to get super busy. Selena’s birthday kicks it all off next week, then it is time to really focus on making sure everything is ready for Christmas.

I’ve had fun with Selena this week, rather it be through play or learning it’s been nice to have an excuse to just stay home as much as possible. We have yet to really have the rains we normally see, instead it has been very cold, freezing at night. In fact Tuesday evening it was even cold enough to try to snow, I think if we would have had just a little bit more moisture we probably would have received snow.

This is also a week that I tend to reflect on my family. This year I realized that this week marks the fact that my Dad passed away 29 years ago. It doesn’t seem like it has been that long ago, but it has. All the fond memories of my Dad have been embraced with joy in my heart.

In our homeschool this week…

Selena has decided that now she wants to get back to a routine of homeschooling again. She begged to get back to geography and her State work. We did a lot of math and are continuing to read our way through the book of Luke in the Bible. She has been working hard in her AWANA handbooks and actually said 6 new verses this week. I am proud of that accomplishment since this has been all independent work on her part, and she is now memorizing them without the assistance of her Cubbie CD’s.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

With Selena’s birthday coming up we will be entertaining friends. I always look forward to having our friends get together especially this time year.

I also kick off the season with a Women’s Christmas Party at the church. I am looking forward to going, now I just need to get out and find my ornament for the gift exchange and a gift to be given to the Women’s Shelter in our area.

My favorite thing this week was…

Listening as Selena retells the parts of the Bible that we are reading.

I’m cooking…

We will be kicking off our season baking this year with Chocolate Chip cookies and Pineapple cookies. We may make fudge, homemade bread, oh I just don’t know at this point what all we will make.

I’m grateful for…

Friends and family.

I’m praying for…

Those less fortunate then ourselves.

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The Homeschool Mother’s Journal # 24

In my life this week…

With Thanksgiving behind us I have been able to truly place my focus on Selena’s birthday as well as Christmas. Selena helped me to decorate one of our large picture windows with lights and Christmas decorations. We also pulled out the Nativity set and put it up with lights on top of the piano.

I even got out and finished the last of the Christmas shopping, and am just waiting on one more package to come in. Our Christmas cards are done and will go out in the mail tomorrow.

I have so been enjoying reading the book of Luke to Selena, We read just a little bit nightly, after we recap what we read the night before. Selena has been great at recalling so many details. At the rate we are going we might be at the Christmas story by Christmas Eve…just kidding there, we are going a bit faster then that.

In our homeschool this week…

I feel we are slowly getting back into the swing of a little more schooling. We did so much there for a while with schooling in the kitchen, and so much fun learning, that I didn’t sweat anything else. I probably won’t push too much with Christmas coming up, and right now I feel that Selena might just take this year, play, learn, and savor the age of 5 until next Fall. That is never to say that Learning still will not be a major joy for Selena.

My favorite thing this week was…

When Selena asked me to read to her more about the guy. I had to think of who she was talking about, then it dawned on me she was talking about John the Baptist. I also enjoyed answering so many of her questions about baptism.

I’m reading…

The Bible and Stepping Heavenward.

I’m praying for…

My dear friend who ended up back in the hospital with fluid on her lungs after having triple bypass surgery.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

You will have to click on the  picture to see it better. I have loved watching this puddle disappear for all the birds bathing in it every morning.

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal # 23

In my life this week…

The focus this week was on Thanksgiving. Between storms we finished shopping for our dinner, baked cookies and pies, and counted our blessings. I have to admit I was quite tired this week, considering we had two nights in a row of horrible wind storms. The second night we were having wind gusts of 70 mph, lost our power a couple of times through the night, and listened to the wind and rain pound the windows on the house.

By Thursday though I had mustered my energy to prepare a great meal for the family, Turkey and all the trimmings. As soon as our tummies were full and the mess cleaned up I was online hitting all the early Black Friday online goodies. Purchased a few things including a beautiful set of serving dishes that I found for $4.00. Yes, I couldn’t resist in buying something for me. I thought we were done shopping for Selena, but heck I am not going to pass up a good sale.

Now I am ready to start decorating the home for Christmas.

In our homeschool this week…

We took the week off, not that there wasn’t still learning going on. Selena continued to work on her AWANA verses and actually had 4 new verses that she had memorized. We spent most of the week reflecting on everything we have to be thankful for and thinking of those less fortunate then ourselves and what we might do to give them some joy. Selena chose to donate to the food bank. I let her go through our pantry and pick out some food that she wanted to donate. She chose two boxes of cereal, and some canned goods.

I am inspired by…

Selena and all the things she is truly Thankful for. Sometimes the way her mind works just takes me by surprise. I truly loved it when she announced that she is Thankful for everyone, as everyone is so special in their own way.

My favorite thing this week was…

Enjoying a great Thanksgiving dinner with Papa and Selena.

I’m reading…

I’ve actually been going through some of my old journals and reading things that I have wrote through the years.

I’m cooking…

Of course I cooked the entire Thanksgiving dinner. At this point I am not sure that I will need to cook much, we have enough left overs to last us a week. Of course we won’t eat all of them so I will be doing some freezing.

I’m grateful for…

My Family! Do I need to say more? This time of year always brings around fond memories and is a time when more memories are made.

I’m praying for…

A dear friend who continues to heal from her surgery.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

One frozen morning.

The sky between storms.

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #22

In my life this week…

This week began with some of the coldest weather we have had in a long time. I didn’t even want to leave the warmth of my home since it was so cold outside. With that being said, I decided it was time to start the Autumn deep cleaning in our home. This is a task that I know needs to be done, could put it off as long as I possibly can, but I know just how good I feel when it is all finished, that in itself gives me the incentive to get in and get it done. It is going slower then I would like, but hey this is a large house, there is a lot more to clean. To think I use to be able to get all the deep cleaning done in a couple of days in our little house, well, it took me two days just to get through my entire kitchen. I still have 6 more rooms to do. The laundry room can wait until Spring, since it is a room off my back porch with no heat source.

This week also brought on a new stress, of discovering that some not so good people are casing the property up here for things they can steal. Believe me there is plenty of pricey items that the landlord has up here that one with the wrong intentions would love to get. We finally put the puzzle together as to who it is, when one came to our door asking permission to help himself to the scrap metal in the field. The owner and I have been working closely to prevent if not catch these people. They do not know who they are dealing with when it comes to our owner, let’s just say there is a huge connection with the local police department and leave it at that.

In our homeschool this week…

While I have been so busy cleaning, Selena has been free to play and learn at her leisure. The only constructive learning that we have expected was continuing to work on her AWANA verses and reading. To think my little one is now reading her verses from her own Bible is wonderful.

I am inspired by…

A dear friend of mine, who after having so many health related issues including a triple bypass surgery, she just never gives up.

My favorite thing this week was…

Watching how well Selena could keep herself so entertained while I was so busy. Also knowing that she is so happy with our decision to visit this new church and how happy she is to have 4 other children from AWANA in her Sunday school class.

Things I’m working on…

Truly getting my place ready for the Winter ahead of us and the holidays.

I’m cooking…

We’ve, Selena and I have been taking time to do a lot of baking, even in the chaos of cleaning. We are gearing up for that wonderful Thanksgiving dinner that will be cooked in our kitchen again this year.

I’m grateful for…

Good health, to think a few years ago there would have been no way I could have kept up with the duties that I have in this home. Sometimes this is something we take for granted until we face something like cancer, that zaps everything out of us. Believe me from here on out I will never take my health for granted again, just knowing that I now have the energy to do so much and truly care for my home and my family is such a blessing.

I’m praying for…

Everyone to have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #21

In my life this week…

This has been a difficult week. We’ve had some tough decisions to make and they have been bittersweet. On the other hand once the tough decision was made and God gave us a direction we truly felt much relief. We are looking forward to some new beginnings, and are praying for a smooth transition and a lot less stress going into the holiday season.

In our homeschool this week…

With everything we were dealing with, Selena’s main concern in school was her Awana work. I was very proud of her for working so independent on the work at hand. We had a lot of fun, playing, and teasing each other in the evenings. It is always so nice when things are not quite in sync to just know we can put down the books, and can resume as things come back together.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Remember our children sense and feel our stress as well as we do. Take time to allow them to breath too. If that means a day or two of no school and a little more play or rest, take advantage of it. They deserve to tackle their learning in a light environment too.

I am inspired by…

My husband, who during this difficult time was able to step up, show much grace in dealing with the situation, and who could step out there on my behalf to identify the problem, and establish the change. I know if left on my own, I would not have been able to have shown as much grace as he was.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We will be visiting a new church this weekend. Well, it isn’t so much a new church, one that we have many friends in. It is also the same church Selena goes to Awana at. We feel it will be a good chance for her to continue to form these friendships that she has been discovering.

My favorite thing this week was…

Seeing the Joy in Selena’s face and eyes as she received her awards in Awana.

I’m reading…

I have really been staying in the Bible this week.

I’m cooking…

Today I hope to try a new pumpkin cookie recipe. I will share it with all of you, especially if it turns out as good as it sounds.

I’m grateful for…

All of you! I was so surprised to discover that I had been nominated at the Homeschool Blog Awards. It is truly just an honor to be nominated. While I know there are so many great blogs out there, and my chances of winning are slim, just being nominated has truly meant the world to me.

I’m praying for…

Continuing to pray for a dear friend. She is really going through a rough time, facing Hodgkin’s.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Pajama night at Awana, and showing off her newly earned patches! Selena, Grandma is proud of you, very proud!

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #20

In my life this week…

I’ve remained very busy around the house this week. Outside of a couple of days with a sick child, I’ve been busy preparing and freezing ripe bananas, making a few more pots of homemade soup to freeze. I have even been planning a pantry next year, though Papa isn’t aware of my idea, though I do have the plans sketched out on paper and will propose it to him this weekend. This will mean he has to part with an old desk that he has had since I met him, but truly the desk is never used. I am hoping that he will see how much more functional we can make this tiny room, and agree to begin this project with me so it is ready by next Autumn.

In our homeschool this week…

Selena continues to work pretty independent these days in areas such as reading, bible skills, verse memorization and increasing her spelling abilities. It’s always fun to have her join me in the kitchen and to just watch her play with her Legos or her baby doll. I printed off the books of the Bible for her onto strips of paper, she easily lays them out on the floor in order, well the Old Testament that is. She is beginning to understand that the Old Testament was written before Jesus was born, and the New Testament was written after His birth. Next week we should start the New Testament books, then she will be ready to learn how to look up her Bible verses.

I am inspired by…

God’s greatness in my life this week. Bringing unexpected women in my life who have encouraged me through some tough spots. As well as opening my heart to minister to another woman as she goes through a rough spot in her life.

Things I’m working on…

Right now stocking our freezers with as much food for the Winter months has taken up so much of my time. Now I would just love to be canning as well. Next year this will happen for sure. We’ve also been doing a lot of Christmas shopping, most of our shopping is already done.

I’m reading…

I’ve been spending a lot of extra time in the Bible this week.

I’m cooking…

Soups to freeze for Winter meals. Nothing like a wonderful pot of homemade soup on those cold Wintery days.

I’m praying for…

Two dear friends right now. One is a man from church who appeared to have a stroke the first of the week, now they have determined that it is an aneurysm. Also a friend who has had a tumor removed from a gland in her neck, we are now awaiting the lab reports.

 A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

The pure joy on Selena’s face as she explores the properties of her Green Slime.

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #19

In my life this week…

This truly has been one of the busiest, most blessed week that I have had in a long time. I have done so much baking and cooking. I have a lot of yummy homemade soups in my freezer for those days that life is busy and I just need to fix something fast. I also ended up with enough pumpkin from our one pumpkin for 6 pies and 3 batches of cookies, which are in my freezer too. I never realized how much I missed having all my kitchen gadgets and large kitchen pots, and bowls, well you know all those essentials in one place. No wonder I could never get in the mood before to do much everything that was kitchen was in storage. I truly have been feeling very content and happy to be settling into all this homemaking.

In our homeschool this week…

Selena continues to learn more all the time. She has finally learned how to read fractions from helping me in the kitchen. It is so fun to be able to ask her for a certain cup and she is able to locate it with such ease. She has even learned the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon. Her ability to read recipes and follow the directions continues to expand. She is becoming quite fluent in instructing me on how to make certain recipes with such ease, right down to the temperature of the oven, and how long to set the timer.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Today is Selena’s first Harvest Party with the homeschool group. She is pretty excited and so proud of the cookies she helped me to bake.

My favorite thing this week was…

Watching Selena clean our pumpkin one seed at a time.

Things I’m working on…

Right now I am just working on some final organization and fine tuning the look and feel of my kitchen. 

I’m reading…

I am still slowly reading and working my way through The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. Truly there is so much to think about, reflect upon, and dig into God’s word in this book.

I’m cooking…

I think I covered this in my first paragraph. I have enjoyed making so many homemade foods.

I’m grateful for…

My dearest friends who see me through so much, thick and thin and that I truly am able to be there for them.

I’m praying for…

To feel totally at peace with a situation in our Church.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

I just love the look on Selena’s face when she got caught playing little mouse trying to eat my pumpkin pies. She did get a few nibbles, along with a long hunt when I hid them from her.

Homeschool Mother’s Journal # 18

In my life this week…

As I think about my life this week, there were some pretty dramatic events, as well as some very down times. I believe though that I am rediscovering me again. I have been overly domestic, doing a lot of cooking and baking. I use to love to do all these things, it just seemed that it got lost in that little house we use to live in, the one where there just didn’t seem to be any rhyme nor reason to the layout of the kitchen, the one I could never find a counter space that was suitable for work of any kind. I am now in heaven in my kitchen, and am making so many plans for next year, when once again I start canning, making jams, and freezing. In the meantime I am feeling very content to make my lists of what I will do while baking bread, cookies, pies, and sharing it all with Selena who now has a place to easily watch, and get her hands dirty helping.

In our homeschool this week…

Between my starting my week sick with a cold, and now it appears as though Selena has it we have spent a lot of time with our noses in books, reading to each other. We did have two beautiful Autumn days to get out and explore how Autumn is changing our world. We found Nibbles, a furry caterpillar which we examined and explored, named then released only to discover it again over the course of two mornings. It appears that it is gone now, we are hoping that it went into hibernation and that a bird did not get it, as Selena really wants to see the tiger moth it turns into next summer. We’ve examined changing leaves, picked the last of the dying flowers, and examined the difference in temperatures and the feel of the Autumn breeze.  

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

We do not always have to have our noses in books or workbooks for learning to be going on. Some of the best lessons you can teach your children come through allowing them to just observe you.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This time of the year I tend to be so much of a homebody and really desire to stay home. We however still have Awana, and an upcoming harvest party with our homeschool group that we look forward to attending.

My favorite thing this week was…

Just sharing my time with Selena.

I’m reading…

Too many good magazines and books to list.

I’m cooking…

Baking bread and making all my winter foods. This reminds me I forgot to soak my navy beans last night for navy bean soup. I guess I will have to soak them for the weekend.

I’m praying for…

A dear friend of mine who is going through some difficult times right now with her teenage son. He is a good kid, just going through the rebelling against the house rules.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

I thought this picture was hilarious. I wanted to take a picture of the flower we picked, Selena was getting goofy and kept closing her eyes. I finally asked her if she could please open her eyes. This is the result. Can you say, “MY EYES ARE OPEN!”

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #17

In my life this week…

With the weather turning so cold so quickly I hardly left the house. That is OK since I really had no place I needed to go. I enjoyed spending the time indoors with Selena and cooking our so called Winter meals. I think that is the one thing I love about Autumn and Winter is all the homemade pots of soup, chili, those warm to the bone type meals.

In our homeschool this week…

We’ve been working on a lot of our reading and math skills through cooking and cleaning. We have also been addressing making right from wrong choices.

I am inspired by…

Just when I begin to feel empty, lonely, maybe a little homesick for my hometown, It seems as though God puts people or a person in my life who is in need of prayer or a home cooked meal. It’s times like this when I am inspired to remember my problems are little compared to what others may be enduring.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Right now things have slowed down. We are meeting new friends and seeing old ones at Awana. We are also looking forward to our first Homeschool Group Harvest Party.

My favorite thing this week was…

When Selena jumped up and on her own incentive rinsed the morning dishes and put them in the dishwasher.

Questions/thoughts I have…

We have began to have problems with Selena’s sleep. She gets up almost every night to grab her blanket and pillow and finish the night out on the couch. We just can not figure this out, she has always slept very well in her bedroom.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

I just love this picture of Selena teaching all about a Yellow Jacket Wasp.

Homeschool Mother’s Journal #16

In my life this week…
This is the time of year when I truly miss my dad. I can easily go from happy and feeling warm all over with memories of him to weepy almost in tears just wishing I could pick up the phone and hear his voice. October was always one of my dad’s favorite months, maybe because his birthday was on Halloween, not only that but he was a hard working farmer who loved to reap his harvest.
Besides that this has been the week where we have been coming to terms with the fact that our rainy season is truly upon us. We will be spending the next numerous months in the  house, staying in out of the rain as much as possible. I have been going through all our craft supplies, gearing up for battling cabin fever. Selena is making her own list of ideas that she wants to do, such as baking more, especially cookies.
In our homeschool this week…
Again Selena caught me off guard a couple times with her reading ability. I entered the room on several occasions to hear her reading books that she has never even hear before, or that we have only read together once or twice. We’ve started using Dreambox, Selena has so much fun until she gets into areas of math she is not understanding, but this gives me a good opportunity to observe what areas we can work on as we move forward in her math lessons.  
I am inspired by…
How good God has been. A dear friend had to go in for a double bypass knowing all well after having two heart attacks that she might not have woke up just from the anesthesia. She came through the surgery fine on Wednesday. Also my great nephew went in for emergency surgery earlier in the week. I received a text that he was not doing well at all, the following day also on Wednesday he went home. It appears as though he has crohns disease, but we will not know for sure until all the tests are back in. 
My favorite thing this week was…
The way that Selena worked on her Bible verses so independently. She needed no prompting from me to get in and work on them, she just picked out times during the day and pulled them out.

I’m reading…

The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
I’m grateful for…
Good friends, who just seem to know when to call at the moment when I truly need the adult conversations.
I’m praying for…
Continued healing for my dear friend and my nephew.
 A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Science at it’s best!

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal #15

In my life this week…

It has been a very busy week with doctor appointments, a sick child, and a lot of driving. We did fit in some quality Grandma/Granddaughter shopping time on Monday. It is so strange as I look back and always waiting for the day when Selena would be my shopping buddy. Not that she has seldom not been with me when we go shopping, but you know the type of shopping buddy that fills the trip with laughter, good talk, and all around pure joy. Now she is at an age where she is beginning to fit those shoes, and yes, I love it. My husband would rather not go shopping, so for many years I dreaded going to the mall just to window shop, let alone shop. Now I look forward to going as often as we can. It’s so fun to watch as Selena observes everything around her and has the cutest comments over just about everything she sees. Thank goodness our mall is some 45 miles one direction away or it might become a little bit of a distraction in school. (I was hoping to have the results of my CT Scan to share, but the Dr. did not call….this truly makes me feel that it was fine, last time he didn’t call me until Saturday morning while on his hospital rounds.)

In our homeschool this week…

We didn’t accomplish really anything as far as formal learning goes. There was a lot of learning through life lessons, but with the business of the week we didn’t even bother pulling out any books or lesson plans. I never worry about these times as learning comes in so many forms and it is nice just to see the relaxed learning take it’s form or to see the use of the skills in everyday life.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

It is my hope after this month that we are able to just settle back into a routine around home. I know that Selena is yearning for Autumn exploration, crafts, and making new discoveries in the new world around us. The air is crisp, the breeze has a hint of fall, and the leaves are beginning to change color. It just seems like the right time of year to just stay home as much as we can, dig in and have some fun.

My favorite thing this week was…

Truly our shopping trip. Watching Selena get her hair cut with such enthusiasm, and then making our way through the mall to find her a new pair of shoes. Watching her excitement over many of the fun things she found especially the remote controlled helicopter. I truly at that point didn’t think I would get her out of the mall, she thought that was pretty cool that the man was flying that helicopter through the air and it landed in his hand.

I’m reading…

I just finished reading Heaven Is For Real. If you haven’t read it you should. I couldn’t put it down. I will never think of Heaven in the same way again.

I’m grateful for…

Good friends, especially our Pastor’s wife who has been such a great listener when I just needed to bounce something off her, to stepping up and keeping Selena for me while I had my CT Scan. Oh and the wonderful fresh sweet corn she brought over. They truly are a wonderful family.

I’m praying for…

A dear friend who is having some major health concerns right now.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

The lighting was not the best, for taking a picture with my phone, but this is Selena enjoying game time at AWANA. She is the one running toward the center or facing more towards me.

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal # 14

In my life this week…

We are definitely getting ready for Autumn. Our nights are getting chilly and the rains are beginning. It has been so muggy the last couple of days yet so cold and damp at night, that we have actually had to turn the heat on. After a rough start to my week things quickly smoothed out and we’ve had some very good days. Even though I was pretty worn out after Tuesday night helping with 14 little Cubbies.

In our homeschool this week…

At one point this week I thought we really hadn’t done much, but as I type this and reflect back on our week I realize that we truly did get a lot of school in. From memorizing bible verses, reading, math skills in the kitchen, to now our new class music. Our days are always so filled with all types of learning, rather I plan a lesson or not.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Don’t be too hard on yourself if it seems that there are just days that school doesn’t seem to be working….your children are learning a lot more then you think.

I am inspired by…

By a very dear friend of mine, her name is Lark. She just seems to know exactly what to say in those times that one needs a little spiritual wisdom. I love the way she can do it within just one sentence, it is so wonderful to have a friend in my life like that.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Tomorrow is the first Ladies Luncheon at church for the year. I am looking forward to being apart of this event. Years past I have missed out on these special times due to Selena, now she is old enough I can take her with me and know she will enjoy it as well. A great time for training up my little girl.

My favorite thing this week was…

Listening as Selena’s independent reading just keeps exploding. She is reading more and more each week.

Things I’m working on…

Been thinking about Christmas and adding some homemade ornaments to the tree. I’ve been looking through all my patterns to find just the right snowflakes to crochet. Not only that but I would love to have some doilies and will probably make some while I am at it.

I’m reading…

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. It is a story about a little boy who died, went to heaven, then with a miracle he was brought back to life and shares his experience. I will have to write a full review when I am finished.  

I’m cooking…

It’s been nice with the cooler weather to be cooking all our favorite casseroles, meat loafs, all our favorites that just never get cooked during the heat of the summer.

I’m grateful for…

Good friends, and all the caring women in my life.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

My Little Rock Star: “Angus” or so she told me to call her. She doesn’t even know who he or ACDC is!

Quote from Selena: “Grandma will you read the Bible to me?” Me: “Sure, where do you want me to read?” Selena: “From the second page.” As we turn there, the page is blank. Me: “There is nothing on the second page of your Bible.” Selena: “No from Exodus.” Me: “Oh the second book of the Bible.”

Homeschool Mother’s Journal #13

In my life this week…

I’ve been very tired this week. I don’t truly know the reason for my feeling so drained. I do know I am working with someone in my life right now who just in 15 minutes can drain me of everything, energy, spiritually, and leave me just drowning. I also think that the new beginnings this week with a homeschool meeting, and AWANA has in general thrown our schedule off.

In our homeschool this week…

It just seems like we didn’t accomplish as much as we normally do. Between a tired child, her refusing to nap, and my feeling tired I feel we really lacked in the school process this week. It wasn’t a real exciting week in academics but there is always next week.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

It’s been nice to see friends that we haven’t seen in sometime. I look forward to seeing more of them as we proceed through the year of AWANA and with the homeschool group. I also look forward to all the new friends we will be meeting.

My favorite thing this week was…

Watching Selena perform so well in the church service as all the children sang America the Beautiful.

Questions/thoughts I have…

Do you have any suggestions of things you would do to keep your self from being so bored while you sit at a church for 2 hours waiting for your child to finish up AWANA?

Things I’m working on…

Finishing up the final details on the Church calendar. It is coming together very nicely, then I will take it before the Pastor for final approval.

I’m cooking…

With the cooler weather it has been nice to fix our favorite oven dishes. Pot Roast! Yummy!

I’m grateful for…

My Church family.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Selena’s excitement over receiving her first shipment of books from Tiger Tales that we will be reading and reviewing. 14 Books in all. Can you say she was a bit over the top?

Homeschool Mother’s Journal # 12

In my life this week…

I’ve been busy finishing up the last details for our special 9/11 service at church this Sunday. I facilitated my first planning meeting and was pleased not only with the turn out but the input. We are quickly getting a calendar for the next year filled with many things to enhance our church life. I just have a couple things to clarify then pass it on for the youth and children’s events to be put in.  

In our homeschool this week…

It was nice to get back at our routine again this week. We had a very productive week, and Selena never ends to amaze me as to how she will sit down and create or do her own work with no prompting from me. I always pray she never loses this desire to learn.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Selena starts AWANA this week. She is so excited to be a Cubbie. I know she will do very well, considering she has over half of the verses already memorized. It will be fun and good for her to be around other children her own age.

My favorite thing this week was…

Watching Selena prepare and carry out her own phonics lesson. Well, I must admit watching her decided it was time to wash her favorite stuffed animal, and dragging the laundry basket out to the laundry room, placing all the dirty laundry in the washer, and then insisting it was time for the detergent. Sorry that was where this little game ended.

I’m reading…

I am reading and working my way back through a bible study on Becoming A Woman of Excellence.

I’m grateful for…

My Church family and friends.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Our visitors, passing through.