Love Learning Laughter

Pre-K/Kinder Curriculum

2011-03-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

Peanut is has a fall birthday, so we are thinking we may stretch out kindergarten to 2 years so she graduates when she is 18 instead of 17. Dad worries about his little girl going away to college or wanting to go out on her own at 17! Of course, we are learning at her pace and not holding her back in her academics.

Here's what we're using...

Language Arts

Phonics Pathways

Starfall.com

Reading For All Learners readers (I See Sam books)

Various children's classic stories with narration and copywork

Poetry from various sources

Free D'Nealian handwriting worksheets at http://www.learningpage.com/

Math

Mathematical Reasoning Level A, The Critical Thinking Co.

Games--board games, cards, counting money

Social Studies

Various topics studied from library books and other sources we already own...community, family, friends

Tagalong with Almond...

Science

Tagalong with Almond...

Dance 4 hours a week--jazz, lyrical and ballet

Swimming lessons 30 min a week

Fine Arts

Come Look With Me

Classical music/compose studies using online sources such as http://www.classicsforkids.com/

Artist and picture studies using various sources

We do a lot of free art but no formal instruction...lap books when we can, creative cut and paste, making "books," and drawing...

Where has the school year gone???

2011-03-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's March now and time is flying by! Life has been waaay busy, so I haven't been online much...missing out on blogging, homeschool forums, and online friends. We sold our house, moved, and now preparing for another deployment. Hopefully (like I'm always saying!) I can update at least monthly. hahahaha! We'll see! I'm glad I'm back and look forward to sharing our homeschool adventure!

A New School Year with New Changes!

2010-09-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...so here we are! I know I haven't been the best about keeping this blog up to date. I kinda gave out by the holidays! Well, hopefully that will change! So much going on, with not enought time to get all of it done...the story of my life!

Well, we started "school" a couple weeks ago...no exact date, since we've kinda trickled into it and are still trickling in.

Cashew has since graduated from our private homeschool! He is now attending a junior college, which he started last year in his senior year of high school. He's doing well...I'll write about his classes later...He's now able to drive himself to school with his own car (thanks grandpa!). The newest discussion is whether he should get a job.

Macadamia is in public high school. She survived last year and is now getting the hang of it. She's on the dance team, which she is enjoying, but misses being at home and hates the homework! Her grade point average has been about a 3.5, so no complaints from mom! She is still doing ballet outside of school.

Pistachio has decided he wants to postpone going to high school. The plan was to go to 9th grade public school this year. He was excited to play football. He has a fall birthday, so technically, or even legally, he qualifies to actually be in 8th grade this year. After thorough discussion, he decided he wants to wait one more year. Many factors swayed his decision, including playing college sports...he'd rather be 18 when he graduates instead of 17. Makes sense, and honestly, there's no rush to make them grow up fast! He's playing in a football league and training at an athletic gym designed to groom college athletes.

Almond is now in 4th grade...finding a writing curriculum is my biggest challenge. She's taking ballet at one studio, and jazz, tap, and lyrical at another. This year she is trying a jazz performance team.

Peanut is officially in Kindergarten! Well, that could change too, since she has a fall birthday, but for now, we are doing K level work. She's following her big sis and dancing ballet once a week, then jazz and tap, also trying the performance team!

I'm still working part time night shift, 2 times a week. My biggest challenge is making our schedule work! The gas money is killing me! Not to mention I don't get enough sleep!

My hubby is currently on shore duty. We are waiting for new orders, and hoping we don't have to move! If we don't move, we're looking at another deployment next year! Such is the life of a military wife!

Whew...well, there's my update! Hopefully I will blog at least once a week...once a month minimum! I have so much to say, just not enough time to write it! lol... Hmmm...I have't tried mobile blogger. I may give that a try too!

Slacking and lacking in the humanities department!

2010-01-24T07:15:00.000-08:00

Confession...we've not had the chance to learn as much as I had planned for. Part of the problem was that teaching math has been an unpredictable event! Now that we are moving on with TT, I'm excited to get to more fun and exciting things! Shakespeare, art study, composer/music study, Plutarch, nature study... I'm going to go do some planning right now!

“The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.” ~Albert Einstein

Teaching Textbooks 4

2010-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Math has been a struggle for Almond. Not that she isn't good at it, she just doesn't like doing it...Somewhere in the process, she decided it was too hard, and didn't enjoy the daily drill. In first grade she began the complaining, whining and crying. I tried to switch curriculum to find the right fit... I know I've made mistakes, which probably didn't help the issue! I also went back and forth about really wanting a mastery program vs. spiral approach. I've tried Singapore, MUS, Developmental Math, Houghton Mifflin Math, unschooling with games and activities, a tutor, and Horizon... What I realized was that dd does need a spiral approach, or we'd be stuck in the same place for a LONG time! My other kids weren't that difficult...Pistachio used Saxon up until Algebra, and now uses TT as well (I never pushed the mastery thing with him because he is very gifted in math, and MUS annoyed him).

So I guess with all that rambling, I wanted to say that we have been doing TT for the last 2 weeks, and she loves it! She's been doing at least one lesson a day, without any coercion, tears, or complaining! Yay!

Monthly Learning Report-November

2009-12-10T12:36:00.001-08:00

The past month has been challenging... With hubby on a short deployment and illness, I'm pleasantly surprised that we have learned a thing or two! =)

Read Aloud

PISTACHIO

Language Arts

Literary Devices—compare and contrast, cause and effect, categorizing to organize and recall information
Vocabulary-Vocabtest.com Unit 1-2
Grammar—participle phrases (parsing and diagramming sentences)

Math
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1, Lessons 37-46

Science
Plate Tectonics
Atmosphere, Weather & Climate
Metamorphic Rocks, Landscapes & Biomes
Grassland Landscapes
Arctic Tundra
Tropical Rainforest
Deserts

History
Settling the Northern Colonies
Plymouth Bay, Massachusetts Bay, Philadelphia “The City of Brotherly Love”
Pilgrims, Puritans, Quakers, William Penn, young Benjamin Franklin

Physical Education
Pop Warner Football

Music
Electric Guitar, private lessons
Solo techniques, song-Canon Rock

ALMOND
Language Arts

Reading Comprehension—recalling details (narration), story sequence (using various readers and poetry)

Grammar—Plural Nouns—adding s; adding es to words ending in sh, ch, x, or s; nouns ending in y

Poetry—rhyming pattern, content and meaning, “Young Night Thought” and “The Sun's Travels”

Handwriting—cursive letters (upper and lower case) g,h, I, j, k and review b, e, f

Spelling/Phonics—long “a” sound-"ai" and "ay"

Composition—dictation, literature response, sentence structure, punctuation

Math
I've been using various workbooks as well as internet resources

Money—value of $10 bill, $5 bill, $1 bill, 50 cent piece, quarter, dime, nickel, penny, adding up change, buying with money and making change, word problems

Multiplication facts for 3, 4, 5

Division-concept of, using linking cubes—dividing into equal groups

Telling Time-reading time, understanding hours later, word problems

Science
Mercury
vocabulary—asteroids, crater, elliptical, gaseous, terrestrial

salt dough model of Mercury

Social Studies
medieval castles-moat, drawbridge, knights, keep, boarding house, castle walls, manor, portcullis gate, enemy attacks on the castle

feudal system, lords, nobles, serfs

Ballet/PE
Level 2 ballet class, 2x a week
rehearsals for The Nutcracker ballet, cast as a party boy and school rat

Equine Science/Horseback Riding
horse breeds, colors, tack—bridle, bit, reins, saddle pad, saddle, stir-ups

jogging, walking forward and backward with better control of the horse

PEANUT

Thanksgiving-we read several library books for both Almond and Peanut
Alphabet/Phonics-we've been making an "ABC" book, inspired by Homeschoolshare's Alphabet Lapbook (I will post pictures at a later time!).

We continue to read many books, some from the library, but most from our own collection. This past month, these were her favorites.

Math
This is a fun and colorful workbook...and it only cost about $6 from Barnes and Noble! She is working on counting, identifying and writing her numbers 1-10.
Peanut also follows along with Almond in social studies and science when she wants to.

Ballet
Pre-ballet 2, 1x a week
rehearsals for The Nutcracker as a Santa Helper

She hasn't been interested in much formal learning this past month, but is enjoying playing and dancing!

Selecting Literature

2009-11-17T08:57:00.000-08:00

So we go to the bookstore, and Almond asked if she could get a book... I say, "sure, but you know I need to approve...go and find a few and I'll help you choose." We own many classics in paperback, but she said she wanted to find a hard back so it would be her special collection. So, she comes back and I'm thinking to myself, "I hope she doesn't pick that fairy princess series all the girls at ballet are reading..." Her picks...Alice in Wonderland, The Secret Garden, Wind in the Willows, and A Little Princess! Need I say more? ;D

Free Audio Books

2009-11-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

Somehow, I totally forgot about Librivox.org... Duh! Free mp3 files of our favorite books...they have most books that are in the public domain. I was surprised to find just about all of my read aloud titles there! Last night we finished the last few chapters of The Wizard of Oz and and started The Secret Garden. So easy!!!

Oink!

2009-11-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, the H1N1, or "swine" flu hit our house! Kids have been sick at different intervals the last 2 weeks... Luckily, I didn't get it, and am hoping to stay healthy despite my lack of sleep! =) We're really feeling lazy, especially with holidays coming up...we normally start to slow down about now. Hopefully we'll be healthy again soon and get back on track!

Monthly Learning Report-October

2009-11-03T08:09:00.000-08:00

Family Read Aloud

PISTACHIO
Language Arts

Literary Devices—flashback, characterization, setting, plot, prediction
Vocab from literature
Writing-persuasive essay
Grammar-helping verbs (parsing and diagramming)

Math
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1, Lessons 23-36
Solving equations, undoing equations, undoing with division, more than 2 operations, solving with 2 unknowns, invisible coefficients

Science
What is Earth Science?
Scientific Process
Measurement and Laboratory Skills
Views of the Earth
Erosion
Erosion
Weathering
Human Impacts on Erosion
Water Erosion
Deposition
Coastal Erosion
Applying Knowledge: Real Life Examples
Ocean
Water Cycle
Reefs
Origin of the Oceans
Ocean Floor

History
War of Independence
Declaration of Independence

Physical Education
Pop Warner Football

Music
Electric Guitar, private lessons
Solo techniques, song-Canon Rock

ALMOND

Language Arts

Oral narration, written narration (4 sentences), dictation, vocabulary from literature
Grammar-object pronouns (me, you, him, her, it us, them), possessive pronouns (my, mine, your, yours, its, his, her, hers, our, ours, their, theirs), nouns—singular and plural; using “have” and “has”

Writing-friendly letter, persuasive letter, organizing thoughts and ideas

Handwriting-cursive letters (upper and lower case) G,H,I. Review of letters B, F

Spelling/Phonics-words ending in silent “e” such as cable, fable, gable, sable, stable, cradle, ladle, maple, staple, beetle, feeble

Math
Money—value of $10 bill, $5 bill, $1 bill, 50 cent piece, quarter, dime, nickel, penny; counting money; dollars and cents, adding/subtracting with word problems

Multiplication facts for 2, 5, 3

Telling Time—hour hand, minute hand, writing time, reading time, saying the time

Review of triple digit addition/subttaction with regrouping

Math Fun on Multiplication.com and Fun 4 the Brain

Science
Astronomy
The Sun
-center of the universe, millions of miles away, made of heat and gas
-why you shouldn't stare at the sun
-revolve and rotate, day and night
-solar flares and sun spots
-what color is the sun?
-Light waves, how we see color

Equine Science, level 1 (horseback riding)
saddling, mounting the horse, gate safety, riding techniques: walking, jogging, dismount, horse face markings, leg markings

Social Studies
The Pledge of Allegiance
King Alfred
The Vikings

Geography— location of continent Europe and countries of Spain, England, Germany, Italy, France, Denmark

PE/Fine Arts
Ballet, level 2
Rehearsal for upcoming Nutcracker production. Cast as a "party boy" and "school rat"

PEANUT

Reading lots of books!

Alphabet Books

Lapbooks for A, B, C

Counting Books

Games to learn/review numbers 1-10, Go Fish, matching, Sorry (using plain cards)
Starfall.com

Fine Arts
Ballet, pre-ballet 1
Rehearsal for Nutcracker, cast as a "Santa Helper"

ALMOND and PEANUT
Poetry

"A Thought"
"At the Sea-Side"
"The Swing"

"Autumn" by John Claire
"Harvest Sunset" by Carl Sandburg
"Trees" by Joyce Kilmer

Nature Study

We've spent at least a few hours each week just being outside. Our focus was on different trees, bark, leaves, shapes, colors, and seed pods (acorns, pine cones, etc...)
Nature Journal drawings

Books

Art
watercolors
Peanut's Picasso reproduction (this is me!) lol

Almond's flower

Math is fun...well, it's getting there!

2009-10-05T15:31:00.001-07:00

We started with a math tutor with Almond last month. The reason wasn't really that she was behind, but that I was having a difficult time teaching her in a way that was beneficial...and I didn't want her to get behind... Many times I was losing my patience and honestly, she just prefers to do other subjects! My goal is to instill a love of learning, and we were definitely going in the opposite direction! I am trying hard NOT to compare her to my other children or to rely on state test scores or standards as a measure. But I didn't want to get to a place that would be more difficult to get out of later, it that makes any sense. I really wanted to her to feel successful! So far, our tutor has been wonderful! She assessed her on the first day, then started working on concepts that most 8 year olds know. She has given me weekly instructions on what to teach and how, and told me it wasn't a big deal that Almond didn't have her addition and subtraction facts down. (whew, was that a relief!) She has made such huge improvements! Before we were lucky if she completed 3 pages of written math a week...now, she completes at least 8, and practices either addition, subtraction, or multiplication facts each day! I'm so excited for her! She even said math was "kinda fun" and I wanted to share a couple websites I have found with games to help with memorizing facts.

Fun 4 the Brain

Multiplication.com

Have fun with these websites! =)

Sometimes we learn the hard way...

2009-09-14T19:03:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it takes a lot of tears and emotions to realize you are learning... That's exactly what happened today with Almond. Fact is, she doesn't like math! I don't know what else to do except be firm about math getting done first thing in the morning...otherwise there will inevitably be something else that will come up, or we will somehow not get to it. Trust me, I've tried everything possible to make math happen! A more gentler approach, different curriculum, unschooling... you name it! So starting today, I held firm boundaries, and whoa! How exhausting! But at the end of the day, she apologized for everything, and we decided will start new tomorrow! Tears aside, it was a very productive day...

I drove Macadamia to high school, and Peanut was the first one up. We got breakfast started, and she told me she wanted to do learning... WOW! So we started discussing "more" and "less" and did a fun worksheet with coloring. She spotted a handwriting practice sheet and asked to practice her "B's". She tried so hard to think of words that started with B... I asked her if she wanted to do some cutting and pasting, and she enthusiastically yelled "yes!" I found a cutting activity with a farm scene along with number cards 1-4 with farm animals. She cut until her hands ached, I helped her finish, then she started going crazy with the glue stick! When it was complete, she told me a story that went with the farm scene, and pointed out her numbers, 1-4...this was all completed by 10 am! To keep busy, she played on the computer, Noggin.com, played dolls and pretend (I had to pretend to be grandma and fairy godmother most of the day), and danced ballet to Bach.

Meanwhile, Pistachio (as usual) got started with learning after breakfast. He read Sounder, and did a few pages in his lit guide, Analytical Grammar, and Algebra. He did complain that he knew everything in the Algebra chapter, so I gave him the chapter test and let him move on...He usually will do math daily, and 1/2 weeks worth of other subjects. He then went on to play the online game, Maple Story, where he insists he learned his critical thinking skills, along with math and improved his reading speed... hmmmm...We unschooled at one time, and this is all they did! lol

Almond did learn a lot, despite the crying and complaining in between... Addition properties: associative, commutative, and zero properties. Astronomy vocabulary was done creating a flip book found at the notebooking2learn yahoo group. She then read The Biggest Bear and enjoyed it!

After lunch, we cleaned the playroom, while listening to a Classics For Kids radio broadcast about J.S. Bach and listened to his music.

We did an oral lesson on pronouns, then read poetry from a Child's Garden of Verses. We discussed rhyming patterns, and she asked to write her own poem (I didn't plan on this), using the pattern aab, aac... So I guided her and this is what she came up with...

The Ant, Cat, and Bear

Today I saw an ant,
That tried to carry a leaf, but can't.
The leaf was eaten by a bear.

Then along came a cat,
It was laying on a mat.
The bear ate honey - the cat didn't care.

I'm so proud of her! Before dinner, we played a game of Go Fish, including Peanut so she could learn her numbers...

Tonight we will do a devotional, discussing what happened today, along with a chapter from Strawberry Girl.

Surprisingly, I managed to cook dinner with baked salmon and stuffing...

Just another typical day in my world!

Ballet Fun!!!

2009-09-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

We're finally getting into a "school" routine...it's hard to let the leisure and fun go! Here's the girls in their summer ballet production, Cinderella.

8th Grade Curriculum 2009-2010

2009-09-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

History/Literature
Sonlight Core 100, selected literature, using A Brief American Pageant as the history core
Math
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1
Science
Apologia General Science
Language Arts
Writing/Spelling/Reading/Narration, Charlotte Mason style
Glencoe literature study guides (free resource, here), includes literary analysis, writing, and vocabulary on vocabtest.com
Analytical Grammar
PE
football
hip hop/B-boy dance
Fine Arts
guitar
Composer study
Picture Study with Artist study

3rd Grade Curriculum 2009-2010

2009-09-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

History/Literature
Ambleside Online Year 2/Sonlight Core 2 combo, using Child's History of the World as the history core
Math
Developmental Math Level 6,7,8
supplementing with Houghton Mifflin Math, drill worksheets, and flashcards
(free resources here)--finished
1/2010 now doing Teaching Textbooks 4
Science
Apologia Astronomy
Equine Science/Horseback Riding
nature study
Language Arts
Primary Language Lessons
First Language Lessons 2
Writing/Spelling/Reading/Narration, Charlotte Mason style
Cursive (free worksheets from Learning Page.com)
PE
Ballet 2,Lyrical and Jazz dance
outside play
Fine Arts
Composer study
Picture Study with Artist study
3/2010 voice lessons

2 weeks in...and I'm exhausted!

2009-08-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

I hate to complain...but I want to be real! Macadamia has started public school. Though she likes it, the homework is extensive. I like to describe it as not fitting into our lifestyle. The afternoons are usually reserved for activities and sports, or just relaxing! Now, I find myself helping with highschool homework...essays on the Renaissance...Algebra 2. And I thought kids went to school to learn.... huh? Go figure! I need more time to adjust! ;)

Cashew started college last week, and learned how to take the Sprinter train. He's acting very responsible, and I'm proud of him! He's taking an independent study math course, and it feels good to know that homeschooling has prepared him for a course like that. It reminds me of a "Teaching Textbook" approach, all done on the computer. Pretty cool...

I'm still working on solidifying curricula for preschool, 3rd Grade, and
8th Grade. In the meantime, we have signed up for the following activities...

Guitar lessons for the boys
Equine Science (horseback riding and horse care) for Almond
Ballet for the girls
Football (Pop Warner)
Math Tutor (Almond)
Library Pre-K Story time (starting soon)

We'll be doing a science co-op as well (very informal) using Apologia's Exploring Creation with Astronomy.

I've also changed my work shifts to the end of the week, to include everyother weekend to allow for more learning freedom during the weekdays when we are at home.

We started some formal learning at home, easing back into it.

Books we are reading...

Macadamia

Pistachio

Almond/Peanut

Mom

That's it for now...just got off a night shift and will need to rest some!

Pictures soon to come!!!

Charlotte Mason Help

2009-08-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Lindafay, from the blog, Higher Up Further In, has developed her own website! If you want to learn more about CM, you don't want to miss this... Her knowledge of CM has been so inspiring and helpful to me, I wanted to share her new website address....

Charlotte Mason Help.com

Her Very First Bus Ride to School

2009-08-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Macadamia started high school, 10th grade this week!!! I'm very sad not having her at home, but excited for her! So far she likes it and has been doing her homework...waking up at 6 am! This is a child that slept until 9 am everyday. So this is it, when they decide they are BIG and don't need mommy anymore? I believe she will be fine, but she's been catching the attention of BOYS. Yikes! But she has made many new friends, who also are new to the school. New issues, a different day, I guess. It's inevitable...she's gotta grow up someday. I'm actually proud of her, since she is making choices and doing her best. These are her classes....

AP European History
Spanish 1
Honors English
Chemistry
Algebra 2
Dance

We'll see how it goes!

12th Grade Enrollment

2009-08-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

Cashew is officially enrolled at the community college! He finished up assessment testing and enrolled in classes.

Fall Courses:
US through Reconstruction
Beginning Algebra
Computer Science Overview
Guitar (continue with private instruction)

In our state, a high school student can take up to 11 units FREE! I just have to buy textbooks (which I would be doing anyway) and pay a student fee, which turned out to be $28.

Next semester plan:
Intro to Composition
Health/PE
Psychology or Sociology
Guitar (continue with private instruction)

I'm excited that he'll be taking a step toward becoming a responsible adult...And what's also neat is that this counts as dual enrollment and meets high school and college credit requirements!

In addition, Cashew will take the SAT or ACT...as well as the CHSPE, similar to the GED...it's supposed to be a high school diploma equivalent, and many homeschooling PSP/ISP's have their students take this test to validate their homeschool diploma. Just in case some colleges, employer's, etc do not accept a high school diploma awarded by your parent.

Math Tutor?

2009-07-25T01:22:00.000-07:00

Math has always been one of my best subjects! It is Almond's least favorite subject. I'm not sure what went wrong here, but I know she can't sit still for more than a few minutes, and absolutely can't stand timed drills, or any drills for that matter! We've tried a few different curriculum, and still no love. I'm going to stick with Singapore, because I like their approach, but will be buying more manipulatives, and will be using the new Home Instructor Guides for the Standard's Edition. Oh, and I will be getting a math tutor as well, which I think will help a lot, since I don't have the patience I need to work with Almond at times, and it will give both of learning ideas that may work better with her.

This week we worked on measurement... She balked until I asked her to measure everyone's waist in the house, and make a chart. Then we discussed greatest, least, etc... It turned out to be a fun time, and I got to see how big my waist has really become...lol!

Curriculum decisions...

2009-07-25T01:10:00.000-07:00

So far, my plans for this fall have changed so many times!!!

I have gone back and forth with Ambleside Online, Sonlight, and Story of the World...

Here are some tentative plans...

3rd Grade
Ambleside Online, Year 2, substituting history with Story of the World
Math- Singapore
Science- Apologia Astronomy
Language Arts- Primary Language Lessons, All About Spelling, Sonlight Core 2 Readers (Intermediate/Advanced)
Prima Latina

8th Grade
Sonlight Core 100
Grammar- continue Analytical Grammar
Math- Algebra 1, Teaching Textbooks
Science- Apologia General Science
Spanish 1- ???

Hmmmm... I haven't ordered all of the curriculum yet, so there is still time to decide!

High School Plans

2009-07-25T00:55:00.000-07:00

This coming Fall I will have 2 in high school!

Macadamia has decided she wants to try public school!!! I had mixed feelings about this, but trust that she is at the age where she can make responsible decisions. She's going into 10th grade. She is very bright, and when challenged, she pushes even harder. So I'm not worried about her. She is very busy with music and dance, so we'll see how it works out. There may be some challenges, though... The public school might not take our homeschool credits... I have contacted HSLDA, and they have simply said that it is up to the school district, but to be persistent in negotiating. They don't open until August, so we'll just have to wait and see! Reasons for going to public school? She just wants to try it, and would like to have more socialization (dances, hanging out with friends). This should be interesting!

Cashew will continue to homeschool for 12th grade... He will be taking classes at the community college. We've enrolled in History 101 (US through reconstruction), Survey of Computer Science, and guitar. Next semester he will be taking math and English. He's excited because his cousin, who just graduated from public school, will be in his history class. I'm so proud of him! I think it's great that college will be free and count for dual credit this year!

Pistachio has one more year, then he will be off to public school as well! He has decided that he wants to play football and eventually play college ball... So this will be his best option, he has decided. We support his decision and feel proud that our children are able to weigh the options and come to an informed decision they feel confident about.

Summer Update

2009-07-25T00:44:00.000-07:00

Well, Dad is home! Hooray! We've been spending some family time. Vacation will start next week... We have plans for camping at the beach and just spending quality time. We haven't decided where else we will go. The kids have suggested Sea World, the Natural History Museum, Soak City and the Body Worlds Exhibit!

Learning is still going on...

2009-04-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

...though at a slower pace. Neighborhood kids have been on spring break, so naturally, my children want to be outside where all the action is. With this lovely spring weather, it just feels right to be outside more. Especially since it gets blazing hot around here by May and continues through October!

Here are some highlights from the last few weeks...we'd all be here forever if I journaled everything we've been doing!

Missing Daddy
The consensus around here is that we all miss my husband. He's been deployed since January, and life has definitely been a challenge. A HUGE challenge! He called today, which is always a wonderful surprise, but it also gets the kids emotional. We are all trying to keep trekking along, and whatever we don't get to now, we eventually will at a later time! We will be working through the summer just because we have slowed our pace a bit to adjust to life. When daddy gets back, we'll take a well deserved vacation camping at the beach!

Testing
Almond and Pistachio had state testing this past week... It was a huge dilemma for me, which I won't go into the details here... Let's just say I don't agree that it's necessary for 2nd graders, and the test content was more than we have covered this year. Really, do most 2nd graders know multiplication and division??? We don't "test" at home, but do more oral work and discussion. I just told Almond that if she comes to a question she doesn't know, it just means we haven't learned it yet, and that's ok! She decided to fill in the bubble next to "A" for all the questions she didn't know, for her first initial. LOL!

Language Arts
Almond has had a hard time retaining what we've learned, and it really wasn't a concern for me. But she became frustrated when she had to ask, "what does a verb mean again?" So we made some homemade flash cards with definitions of terms she has been learning. Every week, she reads them a few times, and it has helped her to memorize a noun, proper noun, verb, and synomym. She woke up one day reading at a level I didn't know she could! lol... funny how one day reading just clicks for some kids...

Macadamia has been lagging a bit on all subjects, or should I say going at her own pace due to many reasons... She asked me this past week to make out a schedule for her as she thinks this will help her stay on task. In the past she was fine with wanting just a general idea of what she needed to do each week. She is starting poetry study, with The Harp and Laurel Wreath. Though it's not an in-depth analysis, I think it does a good job of exposing your child to poetry and training them to first read it as a whole, then go back and think about rhyme, literary elements, etc... She is working at the rhetoric level, and the poems are very enjoyable!

For the boys, it has been challenging finding a book that they want to really dig into to... I'm encouraging some C.S. Lewis and Jules Verne, as I really enjoyed these books as a child, and these are the type of books that science fiction movies are based on... We'll see how that goes!

Science/Nature Study
The highschoolers are in biology and working on dissections.

This is a fresh duck, not preserved...juicy!

We've been trying to get outdoors more. Almond is studying birds with our co-op and interested in flowers. We've been going on walks around the neighborhood, and snapping pictures of anything we see that is interesting, lovely, or odd! We ordered a sketch book, and she will be pasting the pictures we took into her book, write a sentence about it, then she'll try to draw some of the pictures. This is our lovebird Harold. Isn't he just cute?

Here are some of the flowers we spotted around our neighborhood...

I just ordered more dissection specimens, including a cow's eye. They should arrive next week.

We're also going to start some gardening next week and have been studying about plants. Perhaps an herb garden...

The Arts
If we ever stopped doing "school" around here, I know the kids would never stop studying the arts.

All of the girls, including Peanut are studying ballet, and are rehearsing for their upcoming ballet, Cinderella. I've even started dancing one night a week for exercise...But you won't catch me dead in a leotard! LOL... Well, maybe if I lost 30 lbs...

Macadamia continues to study piano on her own time, and violin with private lessons. She's been drawing faces and working on friendship bracelets that are more complicated than usual. I'll try to scan some of her drawings next time.

Almond is practicing her piano and learned how to spool knit. At this point, she doesn't have the patience to be a crafter, and is yet to complete a project! But she is enjoying art class at co-op and recently has been painting with water colors.

Cashew has been playing the bass like crazy! He's continuing with private lessons and becoming faster and working on techniques like slapping...

Pistachio is still playing guitar. He takes private electric guitar lessons and an acoustic worship class at co-op. He's been working on composing his own rock music.

We're continuing to listen to classical music, mostly Bach, Beethoven, Vivaldi, and Tchaikovsky, since those are the composers we studied this year.

The kids enjoy Come Look with Me for art study. Study questions are provided with each classic reprint, as well as a short biography on each artist. A total no-brainer! I'll definitely be ordering the other books for next year...

Homeschool Group
It's been difficult finding a homeschool group that we fit into. I've been blessed to have 3 other women in our small church that homeschool...So we decided to start our own little group and we're in the process of planning some fieldtrips and fun get togethers!

Reorganizing
I'm in the process of planning for next year, and have decided to go full fledged Charlotte Mason! I'm still going to maintain a relaxed learning environment, and will be using Ambleside for the youngers and putting together the olders curriculum (they will be taking some Community College and co-op classes too). Oh, but I'm still going to incorporate notebooking and some lapbooking. All of this curriculum focus made me re-think what we're doing right now. For Almond, we'll be dropping our history curriculum (which I think was over her head and not too exciting) and we'll be focusing on biographies of well admired people, artists, and composers, as well as some world geography out of a fun workbook we found for 99 cents! We'll also be spending more time outside, trying to tie in language arts into our nature studies.

Preschool
Peanut is showing a desire to learn more. She's been asking to read more books and asking more questions than usual. She has also asked for her own "work" so we bought some fun activity books and more ABC and counting books... I can't believe she only has one more year until kinder!

We're back....

2009-03-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a long while since I've blogged! I guess I'll just pick up where we left off... =)

The Holidays are so BUSY!

2008-12-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

It's been several weeks since I've posted. We have been making good progress with homeschooling, but I've been so busy, I haven't had a free moment to blog. The girls all performed in The Nutcracker and that took up alot of time. They did 9 performances! And I volunteered each time backstage. It was so much fun! I will post pics as soon as they make it off the camera and into the computer! We spent time with family and everything went surprisingly smoothly. Jay is now on leave and we are working up to his deployment in January. We will be taking a break from "school" until January 12, but always learning...

Blessings to all during this holiday season!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T23:40:00.000-08:00

We are taking this week off from any "formal" academics, though learning continues in some way or another. We did a mini unit study with lapbooking on "Thanksgiving" and I don't mean just the story of the Pilgrims and Indians. We did learn about that, but in addition, we discussed giving thanks to God. Almond and Peanut each made their own lapbook. I would have to say that Peanut had the most fun! She colored just about everything and even cut out most of the clipart! Her motor skills are amazing at just 3 years old. I used a book we already had around the house then proceeded with reading scripture on giving thanks. Most of the resources I used were found on Homeschool Share and Thanksgiving Lapbook on Squidoo.

Have a great holiday! Enjoy!

Week 12 and 13

2008-11-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

We've had a busy 2 weeks, with illness and Jay coming home from the ship, so I thought I'd just combine them. We're definitely ready for a break here!

Language Arts
Everyone had a formal writing assignments this week. I will be grading them using a rubric and evaluating where they are and what we can do to improve. Each child will revise as corrections are made, until a satisfactory paper is completed. I have to admit that we've been really inconsistent with writing curriculum. I have one child that is an excellent writer. Another child that has the structure down, but lacking in creative or descriptive writing. Still another child that can write a creative story that will create pictures in your mind, but struggles with following any structure... I'm thinking about a few things, but will post my thoughts another time. One thing I have found to be helpful, is finding a pre-writing organizer that works for each individual child. Each one prefers a different approach. Here's this five paragraph essay graphic organizer.

Oh, and here's the pics of the "crunch book" from last week. It starts out as a square, then opens up to reveal all the details.

Besides the essays, we have been working on the usual... Almond has decided to read a chapter book on her own for the first time.

Math
I just received the Singapore curriculum for Almond. So far, it looks great! In the meantime, we were working on telling time and addition drills. Almond also made an addition lapbook, found on Homeschool Share.

History
Cashew is grudgingly making his way through A Beka Economics. I'm thinking of adding some Uncle Eric Books and making a trip to the library next week to find something that will make it more interesting and applicable to what's going on right now. Hmmm.... maybe a report on fluctuating gas prices? Gas is down to $2.03!

Almond and Pistachio worked on getting caught up on timelines. I like to call it the Book of Centuries, a la Charlotte Mason... (same thing!) I looked everywhere for a timeline page to use. There are a lot of free resources online. I wanted something that will last through highschool for Pistachio, so I finally designed my own. Very simple, notebook style with lines at the top. I wanted to be able to change the year span, as there are more events in a shorter time period as we near modern times. I will be placing the pages in sheet protectors. Almond will continue with notebook style pages, and once we get to junior high/logic stage, we will incorporate the Book of Centuries. Here's what it looks like with our homemade timeline figures. I will be uploading this page to share soon...

Here's Almond's notebook page...

Music/Arts
If anything gets done at our homeschool, it would definitely be this category! All of the kids practiced instruments. Almond has worked her way through "Jingle Bells" and it sounds great! (video to some soon!) The girls worked on origami this week...

We are continuing in our study of Tchaikovsky and will probably continue through the holiday. I'm considering a study of the Nutcracker to go along with it, as the girls are performing the ballet.

I got to spend some girl time with Macadamia. We watched the premier of the movie Twilight...at midnight! Obviously, the book is always better than the movie! But it was fun anyhow!

Timeline Figures (SOTW 2)

2008-11-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

I had previously mentioned our timeline method was too difficult without pre-made figures... so instead of buying some, I decided to make my own! I use the appendix in the back of SOTW, and also other important dates I found in Kingfisher and Usborne, copied pics of the internet...And there you have it! I've made them available to download as well. I will make them available as I make them. Enjoy!

SOTW 2 Timeline Figures Ch 1-4

SOTW2 Timeline Figures Ch 5-6

Week 11 Highlights

2008-11-10T13:16:00.000-08:00

Many homeschool bloggers do a weekly report. Since I have older kids that work out of textbooks mostly, there's not much to report. Plus the fact that everyone keeps a weekly log of their work for record keeping purposes. So I've decided to do a weekly highlight instead, which will feature a summary of what we're doing, and pictures of any projects or assignments that are something outside of the ordinary daily work...

Language Arts
All are continuing to read their literature books. The highschoolers are using literature guides that they complete along with their reading.

Pistachio is taking literature at a co-op academy. Instead of essays, they complete something called a "crunch book." He turned in his project before I could take a pic, so I will include one when I get a chance.

Almond finished reading A Medieval Feast and made her own version of the book. We are continuing with PLL. She doesn't like writing more than once sentence, unless she's making her own book!

Math
Math continues as usual... I've ordered Singapore Math for Almond. It's the California Standards edition. I plan on working on 1B and 2A through the summer.

History
Cashew just started A Beka American Government in addition to Economics. He enjoys government, but doesn't care for Economics. I don't blame him. I don't even understand our economy these days!

Pistachio and Almond are working through SOTW 2, though we have been neglecting it. Pistachio finished Chap 5 and is constructing a timeline on his own. Honestly, I think it is too time consuming to do this, so I will be purchasing timeline figures to save time...Here's a sample of his timeline.

I'm thinking of getting these.

Almond is only on Chap 3, but that's because we get side tracked with other fun stuff and books! We did our first lapbook on knights! I found this FREE template on Homeschoolshare.com

It was a lot of fun, but time consuming! We'll try to do one a week if we can. I plan on buying some colored paper to make it more interesting. Peanut started working on her own lapbook too, based on her favorite book, Courdoroy. I thought I'd show what we've done so far, just for fun. She helped cut and paste the buttons on.

Science
This past week we went on a field trip to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Museum, for FREE Tuesday. They had an exhibit, ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY. Here's a description from the website...

Oozing with disgusting science and hilarious hands-on learning games, “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY” features sophisticated animatronics and imaginative animated characters adapted from the best-selling GROSSOLOGY children’s book series by author and science teacher Sylvia Branzei. The 5,000 square-foot exhibition engages visitors in a larger-than-life look at nature’s blood-sucking, vomit-munching, slime-making and dookie-loving creatures. Fundamental educational content is provided in the form of giant 3-D book walls throughout the exhibition.

Visitors to “ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY” will gain a unique perspective on the animal kingdom, with 16 colorful exhibits that bring to life all the gritty and gross facts about some of nature’s most disgusting critters. For example, visitors will discover that cows are one of the gassiest animals on earth, how leeches are used after some surgeries to assist in the healing process and why scientists are studying the slime produced by slugs and snails for clues in treating cystic fibrosis.

Music
The boys are still doing electric bass and guitar... Cashew is learning some Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pistachio is working on solos such as Jimmy Hendrix.

Macadamia has been practicing piano on her own, and will return to violin lessons soon. She has been sick and unable to attend for a while, but has been practicing.

Almond is continuing with piano lessons and is working on Christmas songs.

All girls are attending ballet, and rehearsing for the Nutcracker. All have a part. Macadamia is a Chinese doll, soldier and in the number "Snow." Almond is a Snow Angel and mouse. Little Peanut is a Santa Helper.

Almond was just asked by her instructor to move up to Ballet 2. She is so excited!

We have been listening to Tchaikovsky and Mozart this past week, as well as studying their bios.

Art/Crafts
Macadamia and Almond worked on friendship bracelets. Almond made her first one ever!

Macadamia has been making these for years...

There's just not enough time in a day for me to mention everything we are doing... I will try to mention as much as I can each week.

Math Dilemma

2008-11-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

Almond took an assessment test about a month ago in math, and scored below average. I know that tests aren't a true indication of intelligence or learning, but I think it confirmed my fears. She is trailing behind most 2nd graders in math (thinking about this, I don't know if this is really true, or just my neurotic thoughts getting the best of me). But I have been questioning whether or not I'm using the right curriculum. We used Singapore for Kinder, but then I switched her to Math U See (MUS) along with all the other kids in the house, since my Macadamia had been using it and absolutely loved it! And I was sold on using a mastery program vs. spiral (see below). Well Almond and Pistachio didn't like it much and begged for something else... Almond was annoyed with using manipulatives and would say, "I know the answer, do I have to use the blocks?" Everyday she would say, "this is boring, do I have to do this?" Pistachio went back to Saxon and I started Almond on a no manipulatives workbook program, Developmental Math. It is a great program, focused on mastery. But she seems bored and complained and cried on a daily basis about doing math... It was torture just to get through 15 minutes! So I decided to switch her... Well, since she did well with Singapore in the first place, I went back to try it again (duh!). She is more eager to get her math done, complaints are less and life is a bit happier around here! BTW, Singapore has been labeled as a mastery program, but it covers other topics that correlate with my state standards, so it seems to be a complete program with great reviews. Here's an article with a brief description on mastery vs. spiral math.

Spiral vs. Mastery

When evaluating a homeschool math curriculum, pay attention to whether or not it is a spiral or mastery type program.

Spiral programs introduce a variety of topics without expecting children to fully understand them. With repeated exposure and continuous review, children have numerous opportunities to learn and master all necessary concepts.

Mastery programs require children to fully understand a concept before moving to another one. For instance, a child learning addition would learn to add 6 digit numbers before moving on to subtraction. Because mastery programs require full understanding of the subject matter, children do not move through lessons quickly and encounter very little review of previously covered material in subsequent lessons.

There are homeschoolers who have success with spiral programs and those who have success with mastery programs. When choosing between these options, focus on selecting a homeschool math curriculum that will be a good fit for your child.

~Successful Homeschooling

For the complete article, click here.

In my perfect homeschooling world, all of the kids would be using the same math curriculum... Not so! We are using 4 different curricula in our house. This only gives us another reason to homeschool... Each child has a different learning style. We cannot put our kids in a box and expect everyone to learn the same thing the same way. My goal is to educate my children using curriculum that is tailored to their learning style and that will be most beneficial. For each child, that may mean something different, whether it is Saxon, Singapore, MUS or Teaching Textbooks!

Preschool Curriculum

2008-11-03T00:38:00.000-08:00

Peanut is showing an interest in learning more each day! She asks for "school work" when the others are working at the table. Of course, she is playing most of the time, but enjoys learning right along side the older kids. So this is what we're doing...

Arts and crafts (drawing, painting, coloring books, play-doh, ect...)
Reading lots of books...about everything!
Pre-writing activities (drawing lines, shapes, dot to dot, tracing)
Recognizing and tracing her name
Shapes and colors (she knows most already)
Cutting and gluing
Counting to 20
Sounds of letters (She is doing Zoo Phonics at co-op and enjoys Starfall)
Picture study
Classical music appreciation
Ballet
Bible stories

Curriculum, 7th Grade

2008-11-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

I will be revising this list as we go along...

Bible
Padfield.com

Language Arts
Literature/Writing taken at co-op
(Reading list to be updated as books are completed, also see history)
The Republic, Plato
"The Ribbon Theft Story" Rousseau
The Hobbit, Tolkien
Analytical Grammar

Math
Saxon Algebra 1 w/Saxon Teacher

History
Story of the World Vol 2
Various historical readers and biographies
(List will be added to as we complete books)
Door in the Wall, Marguerite De Angeli
Beowulf

Science
Apologia Physical Science taken at co-op

Music/Arts
Guitar, Private Lessons
Artistic Pursuits

P.E.
Football and other sports

Curriculum, 2nd Grade

2008-11-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

I will be revising this list as we go along...

Bible
Calvary Chapel Curriculum

Language Arts
Primary Language Lessons
McGuffey's First Eclectic Reader
Word Mastery
A Child's Garden of Verses
HWOT Cursive
Literature (also see history)
Narration, copywork, dictation, and poetry memorization will be used as well
I'm also using the Scott Foresman Grammar and Writing Handbook very loosely, mostly as a reference (my kids take state testing each year, so this will help Almond feel more confident and prepared)

Math
Singapore Math

History
Story of the World Vol. 2
Various historical readers and biographies
(List will be added to as we complete books)
DK Readers: Days of the Knights -- A Tale of Castles and Battles
DK Ultimate Sticker Book Castle & Knight
Door in the Wall, Marguerite De Angeli
A Medieval Feast, Aliki

Science/Nature
"Captivating Chemistry" taken at a co-op, along with a book I found at a thrift shop for $1.00! It's a great introduction to the scientific method and loads of fun!
How to Do Science Experiments with Children
Burgess Animal Book

Music/Arts
"Sing and Sign Language" taken at a co-op
Artistic Pursuits
Private Piano lessons
Music appreciation/composer study (Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Chopin)

P.E.
Ballet 2

Who are these nuts???

2008-11-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed the children are named after their favorite nuts. Each child is unique and special in their own way.

Cashew is my 16 year old son. He is responsible and respectful, the most quiet and reserved one of the group. Hobbies include online gaming and bass guitar. He is currently working on getting his driver's license and will start community college in the spring, with a emphasis in computer science.

Macadamia is my 14 year old daughter. She is a multi-talented multi-tasker! She can be aggressive and tough, yet sensitive on the inside. Hobbies include reading, drawing, violin, piano, ballet, knitting, baking and much more! Her goal is to graduate early so she can focus on the arts.

Pistachio is my 12 year old son. He is the most sensitive and passionate one. He strives to be the very best at everything he does. Hobbies include football, skateboarding, guitar/electric guitar, and online gaming. He excels at math and science.

Almond is my 7 year old daughter. She is funny, assertive, and also very sensitive. She is growing so fast, both physically and intellectually. Hobbies include ballet, dancing, singing, piano, and art. She loves science and the arts.

Peanut is my 3 year old daughter. She loves to entertain and be the center of attention. Hobbies include reading books, singing, ballet, dancing, music, drawing, and playing. She loves imaginary play. She specializes in imitating everyone in the house.

Co-op makes life easier

2008-11-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

This year we decided to try something new. All of the kids except Macadamia (she has had some health issues and needed a lighter load) are attending an academy program/co-op. It is a Christian based program, run by a group of homeschooling moms. The teachers are moms/dads with expertise in whatever subject they are teaching. You are required to volunteer if you have a child K-6. I volunteer in high school Biology and Spanish 1. Cashew is taking Biology, Pistachio is taking Literature and Physical Science. I am very proud to say that they received "A's" on their first progress report! And these are tough classes! Almond is taking Sing and Sign, and Science. She looks forward to it every week! Peanut attends "preschool" and is learning Zoo Phonics. I am so pleased with how it has worked out for us. The kids are learning, socializing, and getting a break from their siblings (and mom!). This also eliminates the planning of some major subjects and allows me more time to do other things. How cool is that!?!

New Identity

2008-10-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

So here I am again...trying so desperately to blog. I've had several attempts at this, but just can't seem to stay consistent. A dear friend of mine encouraged me to get going again, so I took her up on the challenge. I've decided to blog at least once a week and maybe try to comment on my favorite blogs too. We discussed privacy issues, and I've decided to keep my blog public, but to retain some anonymity, I've decided to use a pseudonym for my children. I thought of something crazy but meaningful... Since we're all "nuts" in this house (you gotta be to keep up!), I've decided to replace real names with the names of their favorite nuts...LOL! So from here on out, my precious children will be referred to with the following endearing terms:

Cashew = 16 y.o. son
Macadamia = 14 y.o. daughter
Pistachio = 12 y.o. son
Almond = 7 y.o. daughter
Peanut = 3 y.o. daughter

Wow, I think I'm starting to enjoy this!

Handicrafts

2008-06-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the look out for great ideas, especially for my boys. My girls naturally enjoy trying hand-on activities. My 14 year old daughter is a self-taught knitter, can crochet and sew some, and has even made her own socks! We will start crocheting with my 7 year old, and she has done some looming and simple stitching. I just found this blog and am looking forward to finding new ideas...

Handicraft Place

Update on 2nd Grade Curriculum

2008-06-27T08:39:00.001-07:00

Okay, we're almost there! Curriculum plans are just about set, though I'm still struggling with Language Arts for the 2nd grader... I did FLL last year, very loosely, and couldn't stand the repetitiveness and drill... I'm very drawn to Ruth Beechick's philosophy, and am trying to find something that falls in line with a gentle, integrated approach to language arts... I'm seriously considering Primary Language Lessons, but I keep doubting myself and keep worrying! My plan is also to take excerpts from her literature and use that as well. Seriously, does a 2nd grader really need to know what an adverb is??? NO! I know I need to just stop and go with my gut feeling... I've prayed about this and felt great about it, but now that we're getting closer, I seem to be 2nd guessing myself... I need to stop reading the WTM boards, that's what I need to do! LOL!

Curriculum, 9th Grade

2008-06-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

I will be revising this list as we go along...

Bible
Padfield.com

English
Literature with guides
(List will be added to as books completed)
A Separate Peace, Knowles
Applications of Grammar
Word Roots

Geography
Trail Guide to World Geography

Math
Key To Geometry
Math U See Geometry

Science
BJU Biology (taken at a co-op)

Art
Artistic Pursuits

Music/Arts
Violin, Private Lessons
Piano
Music appreciation/composer study (Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Tchaivchosky, Chopin)

Foreign Language
Spanish 1 (taken at a co-op)

P.E.
Ballet III (en pointe, pas de deaux)

Curriculum, 11th Grade

2008-06-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

I will be revising this list as we go along...

Bible
Padfield.com

English
Literature with guides
(List will be added to as books completed)
The Hobbit, Tolkein
Writing Skills (review of grammar and writing skills)
Word Roots

History
American Government, A Beka
Economics, A Beka
US History, Community College

Science
BJU Biology (taken at a co-op)

Math
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2

Music
Bass Guitar, Private Lessons

Elective
Computer Science, Community College
Driver's Education

Slowly Adding

2008-06-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

This site in under construction! With curriculum planning for next year, and everything else that goes on in a house with 7 people, I don't get a lot of time to sit at the computer. I'm still deciding on curriculum for next year, so I will post and update when I get a chance. I'm still getting the hang of this. Hopefully I will figure out how to link to some of my favorite homeschool blogs.

Wanna be blogger!

2008-04-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

So here I am! I actually started blogging a few months ago somewhere else, but everytime I found a blog that had helpful homeschooling info, it was here! So I decided to jump ship, and not to mention one of my best friends started blogging here too. I rather enjoy reading what others are feeling, doing and thinking. And even more, I love to share what I'm thinking. This will give me something to do when my hubby is deployed too... So...

HELLO!

About my blog name, Love Learning Laughter...

If we had to choose a few words to sum up what goes on in my house on a regular basis, those would be the best words to choose... Well, on an ideal day, hopefully that's what you would find! LOL... Some days, there's all laughter and no learning (too much fun, and not enough schooling) or not enough love, but a lot of learning (those are the tough but necessary times)...

Anyhow, I'm hoping to find some old friends, and to make some new ones too! Happy blogging!