About Me

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I am a crunchy Christian mom to four boys and one girl ♥ We are a homeschooling Family. Our family can't stay still for long. We are always on the move. Our homeschool is inspired by The Well Trained Mind, Waldorf, and a bit of Charlotte Mason. Our lives are inspired by The Word of God, Jesus, Miracles, and sunshine when we can find it.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Finger smoothies


0726071139.jpg
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsLewis
eww...

(warning this is from a phone so it isn't that great)

But, here is my little guy making his own smoothies. I love it when I think up activities.

We counted each piece and he had to pick them up with the tongs himself. Which is time consuming do to the wholes. But, that was the point really.

A report on another child: my 7 year old woke up and decided to get a straw and paper. He is seeing how accurately he can spit wads of paper. It's fine with me if a) he picks them up and b) they aren't wet.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

A Black Bookstore

It isn't right when your 10 year old thinks this is funny. I know I shouldn't let him watch it. I shouldn't let him stay up so late.

But, darn it what kind of life can you live without being introduced to British Comedy.

I'm a firm believer that the US would be a whole lot easier to live in if more people were introduced to good British Comedy at an early age.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Just a reminder...

(I like those dots even if though they don't belong there...it's like a pause)

I have to moderate posts. I know it's a pain for some people. But, if I don't I get the strangest stuff posted here. I'm not perfect. I can be a bit racy at times. But, still people are so bizarre. So, for those who aren't just give me time during the busy weeks.

I actually put my big foot down and ordered something...

Thanks Tulip for the suggestions. I really appreciate all your advice. I feel like of all the homeschoolers I know online and in real life you are one I can really understand. I feel like we are dealing with pretty similar schedules and expectations.

Big Hugs...Don't forget to visit for Ezzo Week. I read this book with our first. I was vulnerable and without Parenting guidance. I was, also, very young and very naive. I was only 19 when I married and got pregnant on the night of my honeymoon. I turned to the church and Babywise is what the vomited all over me. I trusted them and they ripped my heart out. The teachings of Ezzo and those like him are not from God. You cannot hit babies and get away with it. You do not need to trick your children into obeying, sleeping, or recieving salvation. These are all gifts from God and we the parents need to look towards the Almighty Grace he has shown upon us. The world is watching us. They are watching you and they are watching me.

So, Now for my list...

I ordered Story of the World 1 (the revised edition) of the Audiobook and Activity Guide. I ordered these from Amazon as well. They were $53.84 and the shipping was free.
Plus previously mentioned Curriculum Purchased
Aspergers What does it mean to me? purchased from Amazon for $28.72 includes tax and the shipping was free.
Math U See Alpha Student book for the Peacemaker who is 7 and going into Grade 2. We already have the Teacher pack from our oldest.
Math U See Beta Student & Teacher Pack for the Prophet who is 10 and going into Grade 5. Not sure if I have talked about this before. But, we finally found Math U See the year before he went back to public school. So, we started with Alpha. Then he went to school and they did the new crazy math. The one where you estimate everything and come up with your own way to answer problems. Yuck. This did not go over well for our black & white Aspie. So, even though he could probably do a higher level, he is going to start with Beta and he can whiz through it as fast he wants. Math U See is great for any child who gets "behind" since there is no grade level to make them feel bad about.
Total Math U See $92.17 (We live in the same state and had to pay tax.)

Total Spent thus far $174.73

I've really struggled with using Classical Materials. I'm reading this article by Susan Wise Bauer right now. And per Tulip, I'm heading over to find out more about Carol and what she has to say about Home Education.

I have to say I feel relieved this morning. I have been so anxious about the boys education. But, I've got that peace.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Final Curriculum Decisions

Well, I really, really wanted to use Sonlight Core 5 this year. But, something just didn't sit right with me. And, it was after a fellow homeschooler mentioned that she cannot use something that imposes a schedule.

That is so me and well us all together.

My two sons are totally different. My oldest is a rigid Aspie who devours books by the truckload. My second child is not reading well yet. He is still struggling. They both loved to be read to aloud. But, alas...

the reason I wanted Core 5 was because I really wanted to spend the next year or so studying cultures and missions. So, Instead I'm back to where I started from. I'm working through different lists I have found around the internet. I'm still not sure if I'm going to do an area a month or what. I want to outline my plans for the upcoming year with enough wiggle room to allow for the fact that was are really, super busy. I need time for my own schooling and homework. I don't want to pack so much in their days that they don't have any fun. But, they need to keep busy this year, too.

So far I've started lists on All Consuming

Year 2 List
Year 5 List

They are both doing Math U See, as well. Not sure what types of hands on stuff we will come up with. But, my second guy is a true artist and he always figures out something we can do.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Curriculum Purchased
Aspergers What does it mean to me? purchased from Amazon for $28.72 includes tax and the shipping was free.
Total Spent thus far

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

It's a city mailbox


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Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsLewis
Yes readers, may I share my excitement.

I have my very own blue man
in little shorts
(well, I share him with the neighbors)
who walks
from door to door to deposit mail
in boxes which are hung
right next to front doors.

Front doors
which are perfectly placed
at the front of houses
(remember my old door which was
at the side of the house and opened into the kitchen)
which line up
in little rows
which line up
along
perfect
little
sidewalks.