A Day in the Life of our Homeschooling

Long time readers of my blog will know that I have struggled with finding a routine for the past four years. I am beginning to realize that routine is probably lost forever. I do not imagine that I can sit down and write out one schedule and tell you that that is the way each day goes. Routine is difficult first of all because my husband works shift work. Monday he was at work during our school day. Tuesday he got off shortly before we finished and today he didn't have to work until 5 p.m. But here is a glimpse of our first few days:

On Monday we began with PE - a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Then we had our back to homeschool breakfast. After that, Holly did some typing practice while I took a shower. Next we dove into the academics; History, Science and Language Arts. We are still waiting on our math program to arrive - one more obstacle in my quest for routine.

Tuesday was basically the same minus the back to school breakfast. (I cook breakfast approximately two or three times a year, give or take.) Holly was working on her independent work when we had to dive under the table and pray for our own safety during the earthquake. More on that here.

Today John was off and he was a sweetheart and made us some French toast. He accompanied us on our walk and then we came home and enjoyed that treat. While we were eating he asked if we wanted to go out to lunch. Who turns down going out to lunch? Besides, he missed our back to homeschool breakfast so I thought a back to homeschool lunch with Dad was a good idea. Maybe it should be a new tradition too! So we did History and Science and then got ready to go out. (Still no math program) We also went shopping for some emergency supplies should Irene decide to pay us a visit. Not to mention I'm still a bit rattled over the quake from yesterday. (Why don't we name earthquakes?) We returned home and skipped Language Arts. Holly did her independent work and that was the end of day three.

John begins midnights this week so he will be in bed during our school hours. I'm assuming that Thursday and Friday will go much like the other three days. Next Monday we will add homeschool band to our schedule and in mid September Holly will take art and a literature and composition class at a local co-op. I suppose if I could sum up a day in our life in one sentence (and probably a run-on) it would be, "Trying to homeschool on most weekdays yet adding some flexibility to our schedule to mesh with John's along with some surprises that life throws in."

Check out more entries in the Not Back to School blog hop here.

Lazy Summer Mornings

Holly and I have been enjoying some lazy summer days these past two weeks. June was chaotic with moving and a trip to Alabama. July we were swamped with different activities like unpacking and settling in, Vacation Bible School, the Tomato Festival and camp. We are still settling in, bit by bit. And I'm working on school plans. "Working" probably isn't the right word because it's an activity I really enjoy. But our mornings have been rather relaxed; sleeping in late, internet surfing. It's been nice but I wouldn't want that to be our schedule forever. And it won't be because on Monday we begin our homeschool year!

As usual, I think I am more excited about the new school year than Holly. She is looking forward to some of her classes: band, art and even math. We are trying Teaching Textbooks this year. She saw it and fell in love with it. We shall see how long her enthusiasm lasts! The thing Holly dislikes the most is getting up "early". I'm thinking that will be (for her) around 7 a.m. this year.

It's our last year of middle school. Sigh. Speaking of planning, I'd better get busy! What time do your kids get up for school?

The Long Awaited Week

The long awaited week has arrived. Holly is now in a van full of kids on a 7 hour trek to camp. She loves any and all youth activities whether it's simply Sunday School, a Friday night time of fun at the youth leader's house or the mega event of the year known as camp. Taking a long ride in a noisy vehicle just to march around a campground in hot sweaty weather and then sleep on uncomfortable beds is not my idea of vacation. Not to mention camp food! But the teens love it. And I love hearing all the stories on Friday night when they return.

Meanwhile, I have plans of my own for the week. Here is a list of a few of my goals:

1. Unpack the boxes that are patiently waiting their turn in the den- such a never-ending job!
2. Pray for Holly
3. Homeschool planning
4. Purchase science and history books at ABeka materials display on Thrusday
5. Wonder what Holly is doing
4. Blog (like I'm doing right now!)
5. Read - I'm not sure what yet. Trying to read non-fiction this year.
6. Remind myself that the LORD is Holly's Shepherd too and the He loves her more than I do.

If you are one of the two or three people who read my blog, please pray for Holly and the other teens at camp. Pray for their physical health and protection, safety as they travel and that God will work in their hearts and lives. Thanks!

The Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY - Monday, January 3, 2011


Outside my window... I see a beautiful blue sky! It is cold now - about 26 degrees. Should be around 46 today which is nice for January.

I am thinking... about all the cleaning that needs to get done. How quickly this small apartment seems to fall apart!

I am thankful for... the warmth in our apartment and the heater isn't even on. A positive aspect of living on the second floor.

From the learning rooms...Today we begin our second semester of homeschooling only one. I'm hoping to add art and science. But right now my little darling is sound asleep. It's hard to get back on track after Christmas break.

From the kitchen... The plan for this evening is making cheeseburger soup. It's a family favorite!

I am wearing... Blue jeans and a blue striped shirt. Bare feet - it's that warm in here!

I am creating... A to do list for the year. I've gotten a good start on it. You can see it here.

I am going... to the grocery store later. Must make a list first!

I am reading... nothing besides the bible. My goal for the year is to read at least five non-fiction books. Haven't gotten started yet.

I am hoping... to take the rest of the ornaments off the tree. It's been a slow process this year.

I am hearing... the sound of my washing machine.

Around the house... John and Gabriel are at work. Hannah and Holly are sound asleep. My living room is a complete wreck with Christmas boxes everywhere. I'm going to finish that right after this blog entry!

One of my favorite things... is my new Jeopardy game that I got for the Wii. I do not play many video games but this one I enjoy!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Initiating our exercise routine - walking and Wii fit, general cleaning up of clutter and perhaps beginning a new book.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... This is Holly's self-portrait that she took with her new camera - a present from her grandparents.










You too can join the Simple Woman's Day Book here

My 2011 List

Inspired by Sprittibee's Big Fat Annual List, I decided to make my own goals for 2011. Hopefully I've made it realistic. Notice I didn't include scrapbooking. As much as I love it. It doesn't seem to happen. Maybe I can add it later. What's on your list?

1. Develop a stronger prayer/devotional time
   
2. Take down the tree/Christmas decorations
3. Put John's schedule on my calendar
4. Go out to lunch with Gabriel
5. Go out to lunch with Hannah
6. Attend Holly's Christmas concert 1/13 (postponed because of snow)
7. Go shopping for things Gabriel and Hannah need for their second semester
   
8. Find a reading aloud routine
9. Send Gabriel and Hannah cards or letters weekly
10. Find a new career - subbing isn't working for us
11. Get family pictures taken in the summer
12. Lose 10 pounds
13. Plan Holly's 8th grade school year
14. Make - and follow - weekly and daily to-do lists
15. Read 5 non-fiction books
16. Reestablish the habit of blogging
17. Begin an exercise routine
    
18. Lose 10 more pounds
19. Organize/declutter our bedroom
20. Begin Art and Science with Holly
21. Practice clarinet
22. Join orchestra at church
23. DON'T have any major dental work done (I can hope!)
24. Make weekly menu plans
25. Have my hair professionally cut and highlighted
26. Write a letter to my grandmother each month
27. Get rid of clothes that don't fit or I don't like
28. Lose 10 more pounds
29. Organize dining room buffet cabinet
30. Sell or donate books that won't be read again
31. Buy new clothes for the summer
32. DON'T find lost pounds
33. Visit my friend/former roommate Mary Ellen
34. Visit my friend/former roommate Cindy
35. Work on writing a book about our life in Romania
36. Encourage Holly in things that interest her - writing, crafts, cooking, photography
37. Visit the Creation Museum in Kentucky
38. Visit my grandmother in Kentucky
39. Learn Spanish with Holly
40. Reconsider 2011 list - add and revise as necessary
    

Blessings and Thankfulness

In our family, we typically begin each meal by giving thanks and asking God's blessing on the food. Next week I will begin to make serious homeschool plans. Before I find myself buried in the multitude of decisions about curriculum and schedules, I want to give thanks to God for the many blessing in my life and ask Him to bless our homeschool year. I have previously written this list and today I decided to read it once again, rewrite it and tweak it just a bit. Here is my list of things that I am thankful for in no particular order.

1. God's mercy
2. God's grace
3. Salvation freely given
4. Eternal life through Jesus Christ
5. A relationship with Almighty God, Abba Father
6. His love so richly bestowed upon me
7. The privilege to go boldly before His throne of grace
8. His Word
9. Casting my cares upon Him because He cares for me
10. His thoughts toward me that cannot be numbered
11. A husband who loves me
12. Health
13. Air conditioning
14. A kiss from my sweetheart
    
15. An ice cold drink of water
16. My mom
17. My dad
18. Two brothers
19. Being raised in a Christian home
20. Gabriel
21. Hannah
22. Holly
23. Being able to homeschool my children
24. A multitude of resources to accomplish the task
25. My 93 year old grandmother who is still able to welcome us into her home and cook delicious meals for us
26. New mercies each morning
27. A sun-shiny day
28. Seasons
29. A cool day in the summer
30. Wisdom
31. Music
32. The library with books written in English
33. The laughter of my children
34. Ears to hear that joyful sound
35. Eyes to see my family's smiles
36. My youngest child reading aloud to me
37. Singing together
38. Making plans
39. A free country
40. A comfortable bed
41. A soft pillow
42. Wall to wall carpet
43. Swimming
    
44. Dinner with my family
45. Time to myself
46. A chance to blog
47. My computer
48. The internet that helps me feel so much closer to my family and friends who are so very far away
49. My computer desk
50. A day to relax
51. Our church
52. Youth group for the kids
53. A chance to praise
54. A dishwasher to clean the dishes and spare our skin
55. God's provision
56. The many "I love you's" from my husband and kids
57. My children's artwork
58. Memories
59. Encouraging comments
60. Clean clothes
61. A washer to wash them in
    
62. A dryer too
63. A husband who loves the Lord
64. And is zealous about His Word
65. A husband who spends time with his children
66. And talks to them about big and small things
67. Trees to shade us from the harsh summer sun
68. Gentle rain
69. Every breath that I take
70. Every beat of my heart
71. Every moment that God is watching over me and I don't even think about it
72. Brushing my daughter's hair who is only little for a little while longer
73. A God who knows my name
74. My Lord Who knows the path that I take
75. My Redeemer Who lives
76. A car that has A/C
77. Another day with my family
78. Coupons
79. A little girl who loves to cook
80. And play with dolls
81. And give me hugs
82. Two girls who love to sing
83. A teenage girl who loves photography
84. And being with mom
85. And gives me hugs
86. A son who loves drama and politics
87. And is much too quickly growing up
88. And loves the Lord
89. And still gives me hugs
90. A nice big stove to prepare home cooked meals
91. Sweet tea
92. Two girls who know how to make it perfectly
93. Ice
94. Comfortable tennis shoes
95. A good night's sleep
96. Sandals
97. Cookouts
98. All the colors of the rainbow
99. Blue
100. Reading out loud to my children
101. Their attentiveness
102. Their energy
103. Orange juice
104. Milk
105. Cereal, especially the many varieties available here in the USA
106. My family watching a funny movie together
107. A God who calls me by my name
108. A Lord who calls me His
109. The gospel preached to others
110. A chance to serve
111. The promises of God
112. A new career for John
113. Fellowship with friends
114. More than enough food
115. Books
116. Rest
117. Hope
118. A peaceful heart
119. A song in my heart
120. God's Word to light my path, especially when I do not know the way

What's on your list?

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18