Homeschool Mother's Journal


In my life this week…
We are trying to find our routine. No matter how many years I do this (homeschool), getting back in the groove after a holiday is always a challenge.

 In our homeschool this week…
We are back at Barton Reading and Spelling System. We finished our first level (level 3) a while ago, but it took a while to order the next level. While I find this method amazingly effective, it is not cheap!

 Helpful homeschool tips or advice to share…
This post, 10 Ways to Simplify Homeschooling, at Happy Healthy Homeschool is just what I needed to read as I started the new year.

While all 10 "ways" are helpful, this one stands out to me-

6. Minimize distractions in the home. Watch for excessiveness in entertainments, snacking, outings, phone conversations and the like. These sorts of things can easily get out of hand and compete with the effectiveness of a homeschool and sap the family of time and energy.

 Worth reading!

 Places we’re going…

 Walking. Do you remember in October or so when I mentioned that my children thought I was trying to kill them by walking them to death? Well, they are pretty much over it. They don't even flinch (mostly) when we head out.



And sometimes running. Yup. Hubby decided that the boys needed to do a little running as well, so he picks them up after work each day and heads to the track. His goal for the boys is very minimal, but they are playing sports this year and it has quickly become apparent that they lack real get up and go in the sprint department (needed for soccer and flag football). I believe that all of our "training" has made this much less of an adjustment that our initial foray in to the world of consistent physical exercise.


My favorite thing this week was...

Surprising this young lady for her 12th birthday. 


We were waiting outside in the morning to "surprise!!" her with her gift.  The kids were pretty excited. 

 We're reading...
Eat This Not That! for Kids!: Be the Leanest, Fittest Family on the Block!

We are all enjoying the "Eat This" series. This one is Mark's. Dad got a "Grill This" for Christmas (he is very impressed with it). These books offer practical tips for making simple changes for the better in your family's diet. If you are looking for a strict diet, this may not be for you.  There is, however, lots of information throughout the series about "watch out" additives in food, how/when to purchase organic, and what a whole bunch of terms (natural, multi-grain, whole grain) actually mean. The only problem I have right now is that my 12yo and 9yo are a bit to eager to share their new found information. Sometimes it is just not polite!!

 I’m cooking…

We finally tried it! Oven-cooked bacon. I don't think I actually "pinned" this on Pinterest, but that is where I first saw this idea. We cooked ours at 375 degrees for just shy of 20 minutes. DON'T forget the aluminum foil on the pan or your bacon will stick! 

What we thought:

 My kiddos were super happy to have bacon with breakfast. It is not something I have the patience for as a rule- hence the oven cooked! They did feel (and I agree) that it lacked the thick juiciness that it has when dad pan cooks it. Overall, they did like it and are happy at the thought of  perhaps having it a bit more often. I would say that this is an ideal way to cook bacon if you need to crumble it in something- maybe add a minute or two to the cook time. 

 I’m grateful for…
So many things!
Time with family over the holidays- 

Time with grandchildren this week-

 To avoid the dogs, her preferred place to eat is ON the table. ;) 

Uncle doubles as a hot wheel ramp. 

Time away with hubby to celebrate our anniversary (early) and his birthday. Magical! 


 I’m praying for…

 All those young people who are discerning their vocation in life and those who are embarking on their new career paths. I know the world and all that it holds can seem very uncertain to them!!

 A photo, video, link or quote to share…
A few more "day in the life" pics... just 'cuz



Hoping to come back and link up... running out the door for my daughter, Erin, to color my hair at the new salon she is working at!! She is super excited to finally be doing it!! :) 



Homegrown Learners

Comments

  1. UnknownJanuary 19, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    I have been baking bacon for years! It's so much better than pan frying!

    Sounds like the kids are getting outside a lot! We're missing our walks in the woods, but it's hard to be motivated when our highs are 10 degrees some days! Brrr!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The AdventurerJanuary 21, 2013 at 1:57 AM

    Busy week. I love this "The only problem I have right now is that my 12yo and 9yo are a bit to eager to share their new found information. Sometimes it is just not polite!!" This is so my son!!! We we learned about the digestive system, a few years ago, and he insisted on telling everyone about it and usually at dinner time:) LOL

    Happy anniversary!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. TiffanyJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:51 PM

    Great photos, reflection and thankful things! My husband would like your husband:P Happy early Anniversary...Those little get-aways are priceless, aren't they? Your big family looks like so much fun!

    ReplyDelete

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