HMJ: Roller Coaster Ride

The Homeschool Mother's Journal
In my life this week…
It's been a very busy last couple weeks.  My husband and I noticed some behavior from our children that we just couldn't allow to continue.  We let the behavior go for a while, so we knew that adjusting it and redirecting it would be a challenge.  But holy cow, what a challenge!!
So these couple weeks have been busy with the "zero tolerance" policy we put in place.  On the plus side, all the standing up, sitting down, and running of stairs is showing on my legs in a very nice way ;-)
In our homeschool this week…
In history we are studying the divided kingdoms.  The kids have asked some great questions about faithfulness, providence, and mercy.
Our writing assignment these next few weeks is to write a newspaper.  So the kids and I found a newspaper template that we are placing our articles in.  The kids are doing a full range of subjects, and they even got creative with some advertisements... all on their own!  When we finish next week, I will happily share this with you guys!

My middle boy is finally getting his math and that is helping his attitude so much!!  He tackles his schooling with vigor!!  Yahoo!  My oldest is still handing in work that is not complete and that is so frustrating.  He is not a detail guy and I would love some advice on how to encourage him to be a detail guy, or at least consider looking at details.
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
I have begun to organize and hunt down our school books for next year.  I created a spreadsheet with the subjects per child that helps me to keep organized while I prowl around ;-)  

The Cost column will automatically add all things pertained to that subject and the column itself will total at the bottom.  I simply type in the totals from Cost into the Retail column.  Then, as I add books I input the actual cost.  I love watching the totals separate ;-)  If you would like to download this form and use it for yourself, click here.  Under file, you should be able to download it to your computer.
I am inspired by…

The article I read in Homeschool Enrichment with Jamerrill Stewart, "Choosing Home".  She rings so close and true to my life!!  I am going to interview her on here at some point.
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

Coop this week was a lot of fun!  My friend allowed us to bring our dog to her fenced back yard.  The kids are learning how to take notes with Institute for Excellence for Writing.  They will use this technique for years to come and so far they are enjoying it.  The kids did their writing, art, and gym class.  We did some laps out in the field behind their house, which wore everyone out, including the dog ;-)



My favorite thing this week was…


My oldest son bridged over to Boy Scouts this weekend.  He really enjoys Scouting.  Before my son walked across the bridge, I removed his Boy Scout kerchief and slide, symbolizing letting him go on to the Boy Scouts where my job will be to stay out of the way and let him succeed... or fail on his own.  He has been scouting since Tigers and I am so very proud of him sticking with it.
What’s working/not working for us…

I need to find some extracurricular activity for the girl child.  The older boys have their scouts, but the one thing Bekah really does enjoy and is good at is just so expensive here in MD.  So we are investigating options for her right now.
Things I’m working on…

Well, technically, I have been working on refinishing this table for months now.  I was even given an electric sander as a wonderful gift from Gran and Papa.  I just can't seem to put a couple hours together and make this thing happen.
I’m cooking…

Chili that the kids loved.  I soaked the kidney and black beans all day (one bag each).  I added 2 large cans of crushed tomato, chili powder, Greek seasoning, garlic, and about a cup and a half of water.  I let that go in the crock pot, then browned the lean pound of ground beef to dump in. 


My children devoured the chili.  Hubby added jalapenos to his (ew!!).  I did think it could use some more pizazz, but will play with that next time ;-)
I’m grateful for…

God stretching us this week, but not over much.  it was a bit stressful at times, but nothing excessive.  I am so thankful for that.
I’m praying for…

The folks who lost their preemie twins this week.  For my sister and her new  baby.  Our future.  A church plant.  Always, ALWAYS, for wisdom.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Comments

  1. Wow, that quote is awesome and one we all need to remember. Congratulations to your son on his moving up to Boy Scouts. :-) What kinds of interests does your daughter have? Ours participates in a group at church. She also takes piano and sewing lessons. It is difficult to balance the "extras" with getting schoolwork done, that's for sure, because there is always somewhere I'd love to take them or do with them. :-))) And, way to go on your middle guy going after his math work with enthusiasm! That's awesome! Hope your weekend is blessed! Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. I'd love to meet in person someday! :-)

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    1. Oh I would love to do piano!! I am currently looking at getting one free cycled to us. She loves ice skating and is quite good at it. It just costs quite a bit. She does love crafting. She recently had a quilting lesson with a friend of ours. I need to get her material to get moving on her quilt. Mommy is being a roadblock ;-)

      Y'all have a great weekend too, so far I am having a princess infestation with 2 girl guests and my daughter.

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  2. I'm going to need some more info on your newspaper creating and the template you used. We were going to make a newspaper after reading Odysseus. Still, the newspaper seemed daunting to me. Where to start with a reluctant writer? Then I found the idea of creating a board game of the book. So I pushed the newspaper back to the next book we'll be reading (Perseus). We are still going to be doing it so any info and tips that you have - I sure could use. Thanks.

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  3. thanks for visitng my blog :)

    like your quote and its so true

    my youngest goes to cubs scouting is so cool

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    1. Thank you for visiting back :-) The boys really do love scouting.

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  4. Thank you so much for the spreadsheet--it is similar to what I do each year on paper, but it will be SO much easier! I usually start planning for the next school year during February, but I'm a bit behind this year.
    It's so nice that your son is sticking with Boy Scouts. My 14yo is in the Civil Air Patrol, and it has been an excellent experience for him. One of the many benefits of homeschooling is having enough time to pursue individual interests. :-)

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    1. I hope it downloaded properly!! You're welcome. It's one of the way I truly benefit from the internet. Moms sharing things that make life easier, so necessary. Please let me know if it misbehaves for you, I will happily fix it.

      We knew a young man who did Civil Air Patrol!! He almost chose to go to the Air Force Academy. That is another of the many blessings of homeschooling, allowing the kids to pursue those things. Thanks for stopping by!!

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    2. It downloaded perfectly, and I really like it! I shared a link to this post on my blog today--if you'd rather I didn't, just let me know!

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    3. I was honored and I thank you for getting the word out. Supporting each other is what it's all about!

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  5. Congratulations on your son's bridge to Boy Scouts. My dad was a Boy Scout leader for years and was always so proud of the boys/young men when they became Eagle Scouts.

    The newspaper idea sounds like a fun idea! It would be interesting to do on a regular basis throughout their homeschooling years to see how their writing changes and improves, and about what sort of topics they are interested in writing.

    You asked on my blog what ASL CD/DVD set we're using (my daughter is learning ASL). It's actually a class she's taking at the homeschool co-op. There's a teacher who teaches it and there's an excellent book that she has the kids use at home (for their homework each week). In the spring, they'll have people who are deaf come in so the kids can practice their sign language. They also do two songs at a homeschool concert (a Christmas song and a song at the spring concert in May) all in ASL.

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