Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sailing Ships

We had a fun morning in our little homeschool. I have finally hit a groove and figured out a loose schedule that really seems to be working. I have started using my much loved work boxes again and I am enjoying teaching MFW so far. The key was for me to figure out I didn't need to follow the schedule the way they had it. I am doing my portion of the teaching first thing and then letting them move on to their independent work after and helping with anything I need to explain as they go...pretty simple solution but my thick head took awhile to let it seep in ;)

So most of the fun came in part to us making the three ships that Columbus sailed across the ocean on. Avery made the Santa Maria, Keegan made the Pinta, and I made the Nina. Tripp and my hubby also participated, Tripp made a taco boat(he usually sees tin foil around his tacos at the mexican restaurants) and my hubbs made a viking ship(his did the best....figures) We walked across the street and set our little ships to sail in a large pond and I am happy to report that all made it to the New World, some in better shape than others, but then I guess that happened to Columbus too!!








Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Muffin Tin Monday (or Tuesday..)


*click here to go to MTM

The theme for monday was people and faces. My brother gifted me with this hotdog cutter over the summer and I knew it would be perfect for this theme. The kids love when I make the hotdog man.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Current Reading


*click on the photo for a link to this book


On the suggestion of Fairmaiden from SeaCottage I purchased the above book. I am so excited to read it and start using some of the ideas in our "classroom". Although it is fiction it still leads you to the quiet study of nature! Thank you Fairmaiden for taking the time to read my little space on this big internet and thinking enough to suggest such a lovely book.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Peppers in My Pocket

The only vegetables I am getting out of my garden this year are peppers. Not green peppers or red peppers that I would actually use once in awhile, but jalapeno peppers and banana peppers. I planted these for my hubby who has been gone on business so much that he hasn't got to use any of them and now I am stuck with a pocket full of peppers. My garden has failed me this year, or more likely, I have failed my garden. I actually had to stop along the road and buy tomatoes from someone who was selling them on good faith. Just not exceptable!!! Next year will be better, I swear it!!!!!

The kids and I saw these mushrooms growing in the neighborhood right down from the house so we got out of the van and examined them, and then I took a picture.....

Monday, August 17, 2009

A Day in Pictures


Today is my first posting for Muffin Tin Monday, so I hope I am doing this link up right. There was no theme for today so we had PBJ, Kool-Aid, Cheese sticks, cantaloupe, and pretzels. The kids love when I get the tins out, they are so excited to see what I will put in the cups!










Wednesday, August 12, 2009

A Fresh Start


*even our attempt at the picture went wrong, my camera lens kept fogging up!!


After attempting to start school two weeks ago we stopped after only 2 days. Nothing like perseverance huh?! It was obvious I was just not there yet with my organization and we were still thick in dust from the dry walling of the wall. So I put my school plans on hold and focused on getting things back to "normal" around the house first. My dear husband got the family room side of the wall complete and I came in with the painting and rearranging and now that side of the house looks pretty normal(actually BETTER than normal, but that is going to be another post). I was then able to move onto the school room which use to be a sun room right off of the family room. The problem was that when the construction was happening in the family room all the furniture got pushed into the SR. Not very helpful at all when trying to teach two kids and keep a toddler busy. I have done the cleaning out and clearing out of said SR now and am ready to move ahead with our school year. We are going to restart down to taking first day pictures again. I am excited to start MFW and also implement a new resource I found through Skylark. I love reading her posts on homeschooling. She introduced me to Tanglewood Education. I instantly bought their pdf for the core book the timeline book and the nature notebook, all for $12. I recommend following my link and checking them out. It works with any curriculum and it was truly just what I was looking for.

**how do you like my new header, I feel so clever with it :)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Our Weekend Away

My husband took us away for a weekend in the woods. We stayed in a log cabin built in the 1700's. It was cozy and fun. These are just a few of the moments that were captured. We also did our Christmas pictures while we were there but those are for another post in a few months as to not ruin the surprise. We came home with some good memories a few bug bites and unfortunately for Keegan poison ivy.








Tuesday, August 4, 2009

More Exciting Update Photos


New white rims



Here are a few photos of some progress my dad has made since I left. I purchased a reproduction Ice Box and it finally came in. We also added the scroll detail so people would stop hitting their heads on the corner of the cabinet.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Encouraged



Today I made great strides with my elephant. I am so thankful to the Lord for my energy today to get a project done. He never fails you! I am leaning on Him right now for my strength and encouragement! Tomorrow I am praying for more of the same. I have put school on hold until next week so I can be focused on one thing at a time, that's the beauty of homeschooling though. So that picture of me up there?! That is how big the smile is on my face cause I am getting up that hill....