The Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week I’m grateful for… This week at home I'm again very thankful for my husband. He built our house, so I know he is able to complete the unplanned job of rebuilding our two year old camper. After school the kids have learned what is under the top layer of flooring, and under moldy particle board, and what insulation looks like when it is filled with water- all lessons I doubt I would have ever intentionally planned for them to learn. I am learning what it means when an extended warranty is basically worthless. I'm learning to depend on my husband even more than I already do.

In our homeschool this week… We are "back to school" and I'm enjoying it. 

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share… Listen to Daddy's advice and don't waste your money on an extended warranty. Oh- you want homeschool advice- Obey your parents. 

I am inspired by…  Moms of older children that are obviously making good choices and living their lives for Jesus. 

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… This week we stayed home almost all week. A friend started a Keepers At Home group within our homeschool group several years ago. The girls missed her teaching how to make pie crusts last fall while we were travelling, and we have been saying for a while we should get together so they can learn that skill. Thursday she came over and her daughter actually taught the girls. We shared a lunch of quiche and chicken pie and dessert of blueberry and chess pies. 

My favorite thing this week was… Receiving a sweet note from one child that is enjoying our return to school lessons. 

What’s working/not working for us… Working: So far our curriculum choices for this year are working. I am especially enjoying  U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons which I had planned to use with my 6th grader but am now also having my 8th grader use with her IEW.     

     Not working: Vacation planning is slow, and while watching Mitch rip the rotted flooring out of the camper I wonder if it is all going to come together in time. We have big plans to incorporate vacation with school, and even made some of our curriculum choices based on our travel plans through so many states.  

Things I’m working on… Planning ahead and packing for our trip this weekend (not in the camper.)

I’m reading… Just for fun- Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

For an upcoming review- How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids by Rachael Carman

I’m cooking… This week, in addition to those delicious pies, some things we enjoyed were "goodie beans," coconut tapioca pudding, and homemade chicken noodle soup. After I boiled dry then burned a dozen eggs, we just ate the seasoned chicken that I had planned to turn into chicken salad.

I’m praying for…  a cousin who is having surgery next week.

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

When Grandmommie visited and had tea with us after the second day of school, she shared shorthand and medical symbols for each of the Latin memory words.