I found something wonderful on my book shelf!

When we moved from a 3,000 sq ft house to a 1,800 sq ft home two years ago, we had to give up our homeschool room. (I think I blogged about that a couple of years ago.) I love love love our cozy little "cottage". However, loosing the school room meant that I had to get creative. I had to separate book cases into 3 different rooms,  use lots of pretty wicker baskets and I like to display our current reads on the buffet with relating objects. What I have found however, is that I was having trouble finding a living history book. I thought that I had organized the shelves pretty good: Piano room: Living books, Educational reads,Science, Social Studies, Daily Books and Binders. Living Room: Chapter books, Christian devotionals, magazines. Dining Room: Reference Books, Maps, Globe and current living history books. When I went in search for a book that should of been easy to find, I found a hot mess instead. So, out came the label maker! I labeled every shelf in chronological order and order of subjects. This took me half the day and made a big mess along the way moving books from one room to the other, but now I feel so much better! I know if I am looking for a particular time in history to go with our studies, I will find it! 

 Oh, what was the wonderful find? I found three amazing books that I must have purchased some time ago at a convention or something. They are The Light and Glory for Children (1492-1789), From Sea to Shining Sea for Children (1787-1837) and Sounding Forth the Temple (1837-1860) .         Now, I think I everyone knows how much I love Story of the World and Heart of Dakota, however, I am in love with these books. I sat down to read just a chapter to see if it was a keeper or a giver awayer. lol. I ended up reading half the book. I should mention that Breanna is on a Civil Air Patrol Bivouac, so I did not feel guilty one bit. Anyway, what I feel that Story of the World series misses is right here in these books. The Gospel. I wouldn't say that SOTW is secular by any means, but certainly is not filled with God's relationships in History. We are going to continue or Ancient Histoy and Medieval History with SOTW because this series is only for American History. This series is written to capture your attention and brings history alive.!  Anyway, I wanted to share my find and encourage all of you to reorganize your shelves if you haven't done so in a while, you never know what gem you may find!!  

So many choices...

After years of homeschooling, one would think we would stick to just one curriculum. The truth is, that there are so many wonderful products out there, and every year new ones are added. I am going to list my favorites, ones I want to try and ones that just didn't work for us.

Favorites: 

• Heart of Dakota Heart of Dakota is so wonderfully put together that even the most scatterbrained, or should I say, too busy to plan, mom can do this. I used it flawlessly for two years. Last year a friend of mine let me borrow her Sonlight curriculum. (more on that later) What I like most about Heart of Dakota, is you literally can start teaching as soon as you get the box. Very little planning is needed and most of the project materials are found around the house. I also love that it is truly a Christ centered program. All the subjects flows nicely together. I do not feel that I need to pre screen the independent readers and read-alouds. If there is anything questionable, the publisher makes a note of it right in the guide. Let me talk about the guide. It is WONDERFUL. No loose leaf papers to copy and lose. You will have to go to the link to see what I mean. It is a book with a daily two page spread. You can teach multiple ages/grades with the guide also. There are add-on books for older children. I have not used it this way, but others have been blessed by the savings. I am trying to think of something that I do not like, but I truly cannot think of anything. The first year I bought the entire package with all the add-ons. The package price is comparable to Sonlight, maybe a little cheaper. I have since learned that you can find most of the books at the library, Christianbook, friends, and eBay. If you order your guide early you can have everything before the new school year begins. If you do not want to spend the time searching, and you can afford it, it is nice to just get everything shipped in one box. The time I spend looking for the books required, is still much less than all the lesson planning I would have to do  my own. There is a nice chart on the website to find out which course your child should be doing. I know I have probably left out some important info, but you can always go to the site. There is a ton of information and even a forum.

• Teaching Textbooks: One of my fears when we started homeschooling years ago was how was I going to teach math? Lets just say math has never been a strong subject of mine. I went straight to Saxon Math because that seemed to be the most popular. Our oldest did very well with Saxon, however, she also taught herself calculus using her fathers college text books. For Ty, who is a right brainer Saxon just caused alot of pain. for both of us. We  had heard about Teaching Textbooks from a friend that also had traumatic experiences with Saxon. I am not a Saxon hater, just to be clear, but I am sure those of you that have math phobia know exactly what I am talking about. =) I found a great deal on eBay and am very happy that I did. My favorite part of this program is that there is little input if any needed from me. Ty and Bre both have done very well with this program. I will continue to use this. I have heard that if your child desires to become an engineerr, stick with Saxon. I think it is safe to say that none of my children has those desires. ;) 

• Apologia Science: Absolutely wonderful. I should note that I do not use the science offered in Heart of Dakota because of my love of Apologia. Not only are the text books and labs wonderful, you can get the text on audio and listen if you have an auditory learner. I ordered the DVD for Ty because the Biology labs are a bit more extensive. Year after year I am pleased with Apologia. It is a very thorough curriculum and I can relax knowing they are getting what they need out of it. 

• Story of the World: Remember when I said a friend let me borrow her 6th grade Sonlight curriculum? This was included. I love it. I also used the audio cd's to listen to the chapters on the road. After each chapter we would do a unit study. I also used the activity and test books. I like how it is written and you can take each subject matter and stretch it out however long you want. Bre really loved learning about ancient times, and we spent weeks studying Egypt. I love the flexibility of this. We really did not follow the Sonlight schedule because we would not have been able to do that. I also used Mystery of History along side of it. Anyhow, a very good program to use as a spine. I am struggling with wanting to continue with SOTW or go back to my beloved Heart of Dakota. If you and your child love history SOTW and Heart of Dakota fit the need.

•    Excellence in Writing Love this program. I have only used it with Breanna, and I am very impressed. She loves watching the lessons on DVD and her writing has improved greatly. I know families that do the program together and love doing it that way for the accountability factor.  

Our baby turns 12!!

How is it that we are parents of a tween, teen and a pregnat married adult? For all of you that hear "It goes by so fast, enjoy them." THIS IS TRUE!! It seems that the years have flown by in a blink of an eye. Oh, I so love this new journey, but I do miss the sticky fingers stages as well. =) I plan on savoring these new memories as well and enjoying each new day and milestone.

 Breanna, we are so very proud of you! You bring so much joy and happiness into our lives. You are our sunshine on a cloudy day! We love how you embrace every opportunity and challenge that comes your way. Happy 12th birthday sweet girl!! <3

Happy Easter

A Shout-Out to our Co-op

I love our Co-op. We meet once a month for Art, Science, Creation, Apologia, Gym, Literature and now Dance/Drama for the end of year program. It is so wonderful to talk to other moms while the kids go about there day socializing and learning. I am so impressed with all of the kids that attend. They are so well mannered, friendly and just plain enjoyable. I think the most encouraging aspect of it is knowing that we are not perfect (Yes, we compare notes on all of our short comings ;) yet, we have these amazing children that love the Lord and their family with all their hearts. They have the freedom to be themselves, not one of  a clique,each of them completely unique. They accept each other for who they are as individuals. We do not see girls on one side googly eyed for the boys, or the boys showing off. They all are friends. Simple. They enjoy being a child and relish everything childhood has to offer. Not one of these kids are in a rush to grow up. I just love it!! We have been part of this co-op for years, and I am so blessed to watch these kids grow and learn together.  Here are a few pics of Bre in art class.

We have a ton of field trips coming up this Spring and can not wait! We are planning a trip to the Creation Museum in KY with other Homeschool families. We have been wanting to go since it opened. =) Although I appreciate winter because it is a season for diving into school work and unit studies, I love the Fall and Spring season so much more! Hands on learning is  oh so much more fun. lol. Yes, I am the mom that will ditch the school day for a  sunny day at the park . Know what? We still manage to get everything done before the end of the year. Relax and live a little. They grow up so very fast, make memories and enjoy life.

Daddy Daughter Dance Take 3

For the past three years Bre and Matt have had a special date. A Daddy Daughter Dance. A time to spend together all dressed up, a time to dance, to eat, to talk with other fathers and daughters, and to just have fun. I get to experience the fun too! I get to help Bre find a dress help her with her beautiful hair. Besides, I get to do fun and special things with her every day of every week. I love the fact that Bre and Matt have such a good relationship, he is the kind of dad that I wish I had growing up. =) He is also the husband I always dreamed of having... I am one BLESSED mama and wife. <3

A few of my favorite iPad apps

My mom blessed me with a iPad for Christmas, so I thought I would share my favorite apps with you all. I am normally a paper and pen girl and anti-electronic. BUT, I LOVE my iPad. It has taken my organize -ation addictions to a whole new and wonderful level. I have, dare I say it? eliminated my homemaking binder as well as my homeschool binder. You all know what a binder junkie I am! No, I did not throw them out. I just shelved them. ;) I have pages of very useful (and some not) foldersI will start with my top five favorites:

• 2Do (6.99)- http://2doapp.com/en/2Do/features.html  This is my most used app. it contains color coded folders for each of my daily tasks. In my homeschool folder I add things such as lesson plan ideas, books to read, to-do's such as grade papers and fill out field trip registrations. I can put a dead line date and be alerted when it is due. This is amazing for this paper and pen girl, I have to tell ya. It is out of my head and I don't have to worry about it. I have always been a super fan of lists and this takes it to a whole new level. In my household folder I have my daily list of chores, menu planning, emails and  phone calls to make. The best part for me is to see items checked and crossed off. Oh, the feeling of accomplishment. =) In my finance folder I have bills with due dates inputted for reminders. I have a Civil Air Patrol folder to remind myself of what needs to be done weekly. I have an Awana folder that is currently empty, but it's there if I need it. ;) I have a fieldtrip folder for ideas and upcoming fieldtrips. I also have a baby shower folder for ideas and things to buy for Cassie's upcoming baby shower and last but not least, I have a shopping list folder. I do have other shopping list apps, but I just love having everything I need in one place. Next to my folders is a handy calendar. Yes, this is definitely one of if not my favorite app. Worth the price!

• MyNetDiary: (9.99) http://www.mynetdiary.com/index.html This app has helped me shed 8 pounds so far. I log everything I eat and it tells me how many calories I have left to consume. I also log my daily exercises, and it motivates me to keep on logging. The handy weight loss tracker/ progress chart with a visual graph is nice too.. I use this daily. Love it.

• HomeRoutine: (2.99) http://www.homeroutines.com/ If you love FlyLady.com, this app is for you. I  have not used it as much because I am still in love with my 2Do app. I can see that it is a very useful app and I will definitely use. Like I said if you love Flylady, you will love this app. It even has zones!!

• iHomework: (1.99) http://ihomework.pilone.org/iOS.html This app is intended for college students but has adapted  very well for homeschooling. I love it. I inputted all of our courses complete with our schedule and assignments. It is also a great reading and grades tracker. I  add our weekly lessons on Saturdays and I am not fumbling with my huge binder. LOVE IT!      

•  GroovyGrader:(free)  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/groovy-grader/id376433959?mt=8 This takes the guess work out of calculating grade percentages. Very useful.

• iBooks(free) http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks/id364709193?mt=8  Download books like an e-reader. There is also a Kindle app  http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_ipad_mkt_lnd?docId=1000493771 I like the visual bookshelf in ibooks and I like the search options better with the kindle app. Both free, both great!

• FighterVerse (1.99): http://www.fighterverses.com/product/iphone-ipad-app/ This app is has helped Bre memorize her Awana verses immensely! You add the verse and then click study and it takes out words and you have to fill them in. It starts out easy and gets harder until you master the verse. Very useful for Bible memorization.  

•  AllrecipesPro (2.99):  http://allrecipes.com/features/more/iphone.aspx Of all my recipe apps,  I like this one best. Very visual and search friendly. I talk more about my other favorite  recipe apps later.

• Netflix: Netflix is great! If you already have an account just log in and watch movies anywhere right on your iPad. Love it!

I have so many more that I want to talk about. I have a folder for each school subject with handy educational apps in each one. Of course I also have a games folder and a medical folder. I have a folder for everything! lol. I will talk more about them later. I do not want to overwhelm you.

Did I mention that I am about to be a GRANDMA??

It has been so long since I posted last that I don't think that I told ya'all some very important news!! My Cassie is having a baby!! She is alomost 20 weeks along. Matt and I are very excited. Cassie and Josh are going to be wonderful parents. I can't wait to experience grandmotherhood. =)  

Winter 2010

                                                            Ty and my Mom =)

I am so sorry for not updating lately. Our home is filled with fun filled busy days. December is our "down" month. We school 2-3 days a week, and focus on family, friends and the true meaning of the season. We started this last year and found that the kids did not "fall behind" at all. If anything we ALL feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle lessons and projects throughout the winter. Here are a few pictures of our month. I have been using my cell phone because my digital bit the dust, so sorry for the poor quality.