In post one of this series, I talked about having a vision for homeschooling- knowing why you're doing it and why you should know why. Once you have a vision, you can move on to deciding what kind of homeschooler you are going to be.
There are probably as many opinions about ways to homeschool as there are homeschoolers. But, if you keep your focus on your big picture, the decisions you make about the way you are going to homeschool will be easier. I am going to describe some of the most popular methods or styles of homeschooling and list some websites that will give you more information or resources for that method. This is in no way meant to be all inclusive list but will hopefully help a new homeschooler get started and maybe even inform a veteran homeschooler of some new methods.
Traditional school approach: Some homeschoolers like to set up school at home. They have a specific schoolroom with desks and chairs, wall charts, and workbooks. They typically buy curriculum in sets which include teacher's guides, workbooks, and tests and answer keys. They keep a school-like schedule and usually have students sitting at desks and working for much of the day- just like in "real school."
Some popular curriculum choices for more traditional schoolers: ABEKA, BJU Press, Alpha Omega Horizons, Rod and Staff
A variation of this approach is to use paces, which require students to work through material at their own pace with little direct teaching. School of Tomorrow and Alpha Omega LifePacs are two popular pace curriculums.
Unit Studies: This approach is used by homeschoolers who want more project type learning. Some homeschoolers use bought, packaged unit studies. Some like to develop their own based on their own interests or the interest of the child. Units can revolve around history, science, literature, the Bible, or any topic of interest. Lapbooking is a relatively new learning project that often goes along with a unit study. It involves the student making a notebook type project to demonstrate what has been learned in the unit study. Most unit studies cover all areas of the curriculum except math.
Konos and Alpha Omega's Weaver are two Bible-based packaged unit studies. Mystery of History is a popular history based unit study. Sonlight is a popular literature based unit study curriculum.
Hands of a Child offers lapbook packages for many different unit studies.
Homeschool Share has free unit study and lapbooking ideas.
Unschooling: Unschoolers have the philosophy that life is school. They probably do very little sitting at a desk and working in a book. They tend to be child-directed and very project oriented. They may grow a garden, make bread, go on a field trip, learn to change the oil in the car and call it a school day. Don't think they aren't learning just because it doesn't look like "school." Many children respond well to the option to learn what interests them and do lots of hands-on projects.
Obviously there is no "curriculum" for unschooling, but I found this site to be a good description of unschooling.
Eclectic homeschooling: Eclectic homeschoolers will use whatever works for their child and their family at any given time. One year they might do more workbooks; one year they may spend all year doing unit studies. One child out of the family may respond well to workbooks while another does well with hands-on learning.
I would consider myself an eclectic homeschooler. We have used workbooks, unit studies, lapbooks, projects, etc. I have a couple of children who respond very well to workbooks and would sit and work for hours. I have one who absolutely is miserable if he works in a workbook for too long. He needs to move and do. I have one child who loves literature units and lapbooks. Another loves science and experiments. Because of my big picture vision- to have children who are seeking what God wants them to be and to promote family unity and togetherness- being eclectic is just right for us. It allows me to custom fit the method of homeschooling to the individual child which allows them to develop in the areas God has gifted them. It also allows the flexibilty to work on behavior and heart issues when needed and to promote family unity as we all work and learn together. You can see the eclectic curriculum I'm using this year in this blog post.
A very interesting website I found recently is Design Your Homeschool. It discusses some of the methods I've reviewed here as well as some of the basic philosophies of homeschooling- which is what my next post will be about. It also guides you through determining what type of homeschooling fits best for your family.
Stay tuned for post 3- What Do You Really Believe About School and Learning?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Getting Started Homeschooling Post 1- The Big Picture (or why I homeschool)
Here in post one of my getting started homeschooling series, I'm going to share with you what I think is the absolute most important part of your decision to homeschool. I am assuming if you are reading these posts with some interest that you have already decided to homeschool or at least are strongly leaning in that direction. Making the decision to homeschool is a big step and should involve much prayer and discussion between parents.
Once you decide that God is indeed leading you to homeschool, and you and your spouse are in agreement, the next thing for you to decide is why. I call this "The Big Picture." Why are you homeschooling? What is your purpose? What is your end goal?
There are many answers to this question. Some people decide to homeschool because of the sad condition of the public schools their children are attending. Some decide to homeschool because private school is too expensive. Some want their children to be academically superior. Some have a special needs child that needs the one on one attention.
The way you answer this question will help to determine many things- your curriculum choices, your style of homeschooling, your extra-curriculur choices, how long you homeschool. There are many homeschoolers I know- and I have been one- who are not yet "comfortable" with their decision to homeschool. Even though they feel this is what God wants them to do, they seem to be searching for something. I think this is because they have not answered for themselves this fundamental question.
Let me share with you the way we have answered this question in our family and what that has meant about our homeschooling decisions. I'm not sharing because this is the "right"answer to the question. Your family's answer may be different from ours because of what God is leading you to do. We are homeschooling (1) because we believe this is the will of God for our family (2) because we believe we have a God-given responsibility to teach our children the ways of Lord as often as we can, not just in a few hours after school and on the weekend (3) because we desire to have a strong family bond where our children come to us and not their peers for validation and advice (4) because we desire for our children to grow up to be whatever God has intended for them- not just follow the mold of a certain school or curriculum. Our "theme" verses are Deuteronomy 6:4-7 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Having this big picture has guided our focus. We are determined to homeschool for the long run- unless God leads us otherwise. We choose not to do many extra-curriculur things because we want to keep our family at home and unified. I use a very relaxed homeschooling approach that allows for much child-directed learning and allows me to be led by the Holy Spirit to teach what I believe He wants me to teach. Advanced academics is not really a concern, so I don't hurry my children. If they read at age 4, that's great; if it is age 9, that is okay too. My goal is for them to develop into the people God wants them to be. If I need to forgo school for a few days to work on a behavior/heart issue, so be it. The heart issue takes priority over academics every time!
I hope this gives you some insight into "The Big Picture." If you are already decided to homeschool, and you don't have a big picture, take some time to prayerfully develop one.
My next post will focus on different homeschooling styles, and I will include some of my favorite websites.
Once you decide that God is indeed leading you to homeschool, and you and your spouse are in agreement, the next thing for you to decide is why. I call this "The Big Picture." Why are you homeschooling? What is your purpose? What is your end goal?
There are many answers to this question. Some people decide to homeschool because of the sad condition of the public schools their children are attending. Some decide to homeschool because private school is too expensive. Some want their children to be academically superior. Some have a special needs child that needs the one on one attention.
The way you answer this question will help to determine many things- your curriculum choices, your style of homeschooling, your extra-curriculur choices, how long you homeschool. There are many homeschoolers I know- and I have been one- who are not yet "comfortable" with their decision to homeschool. Even though they feel this is what God wants them to do, they seem to be searching for something. I think this is because they have not answered for themselves this fundamental question.
Let me share with you the way we have answered this question in our family and what that has meant about our homeschooling decisions. I'm not sharing because this is the "right"answer to the question. Your family's answer may be different from ours because of what God is leading you to do. We are homeschooling (1) because we believe this is the will of God for our family (2) because we believe we have a God-given responsibility to teach our children the ways of Lord as often as we can, not just in a few hours after school and on the weekend (3) because we desire to have a strong family bond where our children come to us and not their peers for validation and advice (4) because we desire for our children to grow up to be whatever God has intended for them- not just follow the mold of a certain school or curriculum. Our "theme" verses are Deuteronomy 6:4-7 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Having this big picture has guided our focus. We are determined to homeschool for the long run- unless God leads us otherwise. We choose not to do many extra-curriculur things because we want to keep our family at home and unified. I use a very relaxed homeschooling approach that allows for much child-directed learning and allows me to be led by the Holy Spirit to teach what I believe He wants me to teach. Advanced academics is not really a concern, so I don't hurry my children. If they read at age 4, that's great; if it is age 9, that is okay too. My goal is for them to develop into the people God wants them to be. If I need to forgo school for a few days to work on a behavior/heart issue, so be it. The heart issue takes priority over academics every time!
I hope this gives you some insight into "The Big Picture." If you are already decided to homeschool, and you don't have a big picture, take some time to prayerfully develop one.
My next post will focus on different homeschooling styles, and I will include some of my favorite websites.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
2009-2010 School Year Plans
We have already officially started our new school year because we school through the summer. Our school year runs in quarters: June- August; September- November; December- February; March-May.
Our summer schedule is usually pretty relaxed. We usually do a unit study and I usually get the older children summer bridge books to help them practice basic skills.
So for 2009-2010, we have done a South Carolina state study for our unit. We are doing a music theory unit using All-In-One piano lessons. Kathryne is completing a 4th/5th grade summer bridge book, and Charles is completing a 3rd/4th grade summer bridge book. The little girls have been completing some worksheets I've gotten off the internet, and Ashlyne is completing a basic handwriting book from the dollar store. I also, after reading A Thomas Jefferson Education, bought the Core Knowledge Series, and I am using the preschool book to do readings with Ashlyne and Rachel.
Here is what I have planned for the fall quarter:
Kathryne:
Prince Caspian literature unit
Latin for Children Primer A
Math U See Delta
Readings from the Core Knowledge Series
Simply Grammar
Picture study- Monet
Science- Answers in Genesis; God's Design Series Chemistry and Ecology
Story of the World Volume 2
AWANA
Keepers at Home
Coop classes- Apologia's astronomy, Ancient Egypt, Team builders
Shakespeare- Lamb's Tales
Bible- Old Testament study
Spelling Grade 4- Harcourt Brace
Charles:
Prince Caspian literature unit
Latin for Children Primer A
Spectrum Math Grade 4
Readings from the Core Knowledge Series
Simply Grammar
Picture study- Monet
Science- Answers in Genesis; God's Design Series Chemistry and Ecology
Story of the World Volume 2
AWANA
Contenders for the Faith
Coop classes- Apologia's astronomy, Ancient Egypt, Team builders
Shakespeare- Lamb's Tales
Bible- Old Testament study
Spelling Grade 3 Harcourt Brace
Soccer
Ashlyne:
ABEKA Letters and Sounds K5
Readings from Core Knowledge Series
Math U See Primer
Story of the World Volume 2
AWANA
Little Keepers at Home
Coop classes- Apologia Swimming Creatures of the 5th Day; Galloping the Globe; Manners
Soccer
Rachel:
ABEKA ABC 123 K4
Readings from Core Knowledge Series
Story of the World Volume 2
AWANA
Little Keepers at Home
Coop classes- Before Five in a Row
This is what our fall quarter is shaping up to be.
Over the next few posts, I am going to publish a series about getting started homeschooling. I am doing this on behalf of some friends I have in real life who are beginning homeschooling this year. I hope this will be a helpful resource for them and for anyone who is reading. If you are reading these posts and have questions about homeschooling, please don't hesitate to leave those in my comments section.
Our summer schedule is usually pretty relaxed. We usually do a unit study and I usually get the older children summer bridge books to help them practice basic skills.
So for 2009-2010, we have done a South Carolina state study for our unit. We are doing a music theory unit using All-In-One piano lessons. Kathryne is completing a 4th/5th grade summer bridge book, and Charles is completing a 3rd/4th grade summer bridge book. The little girls have been completing some worksheets I've gotten off the internet, and Ashlyne is completing a basic handwriting book from the dollar store. I also, after reading A Thomas Jefferson Education, bought the Core Knowledge Series, and I am using the preschool book to do readings with Ashlyne and Rachel.
Here is what I have planned for the fall quarter:
Kathryne:
Prince Caspian literature unit
Latin for Children Primer A
Math U See Delta
Readings from the Core Knowledge Series
Simply Grammar
Picture study- Monet
Science- Answers in Genesis; God's Design Series Chemistry and Ecology
Story of the World Volume 2
AWANA
Keepers at Home
Coop classes- Apologia's astronomy, Ancient Egypt, Team builders
Shakespeare- Lamb's Tales
Bible- Old Testament study
Spelling Grade 4- Harcourt Brace
Charles:
Prince Caspian literature unit
Latin for Children Primer A
Spectrum Math Grade 4
Readings from the Core Knowledge Series
Simply Grammar
Picture study- Monet
Science- Answers in Genesis; God's Design Series Chemistry and Ecology
Story of the World Volume 2
AWANA
Contenders for the Faith
Coop classes- Apologia's astronomy, Ancient Egypt, Team builders
Shakespeare- Lamb's Tales
Bible- Old Testament study
Spelling Grade 3 Harcourt Brace
Soccer
Ashlyne:
ABEKA Letters and Sounds K5
Readings from Core Knowledge Series
Math U See Primer
Story of the World Volume 2
AWANA
Little Keepers at Home
Coop classes- Apologia Swimming Creatures of the 5th Day; Galloping the Globe; Manners
Soccer
Rachel:
ABEKA ABC 123 K4
Readings from Core Knowledge Series
Story of the World Volume 2
AWANA
Little Keepers at Home
Coop classes- Before Five in a Row
This is what our fall quarter is shaping up to be.
Over the next few posts, I am going to publish a series about getting started homeschooling. I am doing this on behalf of some friends I have in real life who are beginning homeschooling this year. I hope this will be a helpful resource for them and for anyone who is reading. If you are reading these posts and have questions about homeschooling, please don't hesitate to leave those in my comments section.
Menu Plan Monday
I sat down last week and made a two week menu plan. Then I tried to shop for two weeks, but I still had to go back this weekend and get a few things. I did manage to do my meat shopping for two weeks. I've found a good local meat store that has started selling to the public. They used to only sell to businesses. Their prices are very good!
We are going camping Saturday night, so I may have to run to the meat store again at the end of week to get some burgers for cooking out.
Here is this week's plan:
Monday: Hamburgers cooked on the George Foreman grill; chips; fruit
Tuesday: Baked spaghetti; garlic bread
Wednesday: Breaded chicken tenders; mac and cheese; corn
Thursday: Italian chicken and pasta; peas
Friday: Pizza night- homemade or order out?
Saturday: Burgers and hotdogs at the campground
We are going camping Saturday night, so I may have to run to the meat store again at the end of week to get some burgers for cooking out.
Here is this week's plan:
Monday: Hamburgers cooked on the George Foreman grill; chips; fruit
Tuesday: Baked spaghetti; garlic bread
Wednesday: Breaded chicken tenders; mac and cheese; corn
Thursday: Italian chicken and pasta; peas
Friday: Pizza night- homemade or order out?
Saturday: Burgers and hotdogs at the campground
Friday, July 24, 2009
Want to Subscribe to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine?
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine is currently running our Summer Bouquet subscription promotion, in which we give away more than $400 in gifts to each of the first 5,000 people who purchase a two-year TOS magazine subscription or renewal. U.S. subscriptions only.
Each of those first 5,000 subscribers will receive 19 great gifts, including:
* $20 gift card for DVDs offered by Franklin Springs Family Media
* A Cooking with Children CD from SueGreggCookbooks
* An online filmmaking course given by Advent Film Group (approximately $49 value)
* Gourmet Crepe Mix and Raspberry Cheesecake Blend from Wildtree-YUMMY!!
* A 10 x 13 portrait photo free from Sears to YOU (with no sitting fee!)
* And much, much more! For a look at all 19 gifts, take a look here.
Each of these 19 gifts has a value of up to $10 to $49! And none of them requires additional shipping charges; for the most part, your only expense will be the cost of the stamp on the envelope or postcard that you mail in to redeem a gift. This awesome promotion gives homeschoolers a taste of some exceptional FREE products from a variety of sources.
If you are thinking about subscribing, you can use the following code to get $5 off a two year subscription! I have subscribed to the digital version and really enjoy the magazine! Use this code to get $5 off:LC2SGL5OFF
Each of those first 5,000 subscribers will receive 19 great gifts, including:
* $20 gift card for DVDs offered by Franklin Springs Family Media
* A Cooking with Children CD from SueGreggCookbooks
* An online filmmaking course given by Advent Film Group (approximately $49 value)
* Gourmet Crepe Mix and Raspberry Cheesecake Blend from Wildtree-YUMMY!!
* A 10 x 13 portrait photo free from Sears to YOU (with no sitting fee!)
* And much, much more! For a look at all 19 gifts, take a look here.
Each of these 19 gifts has a value of up to $10 to $49! And none of them requires additional shipping charges; for the most part, your only expense will be the cost of the stamp on the envelope or postcard that you mail in to redeem a gift. This awesome promotion gives homeschoolers a taste of some exceptional FREE products from a variety of sources.
If you are thinking about subscribing, you can use the following code to get $5 off a two year subscription! I have subscribed to the digital version and really enjoy the magazine! Use this code to get $5 off:LC2SGL5OFF
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Getting Back to Normal
I feel as if we've had no "normal" weeks around here lately. We had two back to back weeks of camp, the trip to the SC convention for Jason and I, the beach trip and VBS. Whew! This week has been a "get back to normal week" for us.
We've been working on school work. Because it is nicer outside in the mornings, I usually let the kids go outside as soon as they have breakfasted and dressed. After lunch we start school work and work for a few hours in the afternoon. We are still working on a SC state study, learning music theory, and always reading. The older kids are completing summer bridge books because they enjoy them and they are good practice for basic skills.
We had a family meeting today to discuss chores and bedtime routines- two things that have gotten off track during our summer wanderings. I will say that the kids were enthusiastic about my new approach to chores, and bedtime went much smoother tonight. We'll see how it continues.
Here is the chore plan:
I made a list of expected daily tasks. These are differentiated from chores in that they are expected every day- even weekends- and are just part of family responsibility. They include picking up after yourself, straightening bedrooms, making beds, cleaning up after meals, personal hygiene, and for Kathryne, making her own breakfast (a family milestone here when one turns 10). Chores are only assigned on week days and are assigned on a daily basis with me rotating the chores to make sure each child has age appropriate tasks and to make sure each child has an opportunity to learn how to do each thing. I used a pocket chart with one strip for me and one for each child. I made chore cards out of index cards and each day I will place several chores in each child's pocket. The number of chores expected will vary with age. I gave Kathryne 5, Charles 4, Ashlyne 3, and Rachel 2. Consequnces for not completing daily tasks will be for disobedience. (We have a chart in our schoolroom that lists consequences for disobedience in our family.) Consequences for having attitude about or not completing a chore will be additional chores assigned.
As I said, so far so good. I'll report in a week or so and let you know if things are still going well.
We've been working on school work. Because it is nicer outside in the mornings, I usually let the kids go outside as soon as they have breakfasted and dressed. After lunch we start school work and work for a few hours in the afternoon. We are still working on a SC state study, learning music theory, and always reading. The older kids are completing summer bridge books because they enjoy them and they are good practice for basic skills.
We had a family meeting today to discuss chores and bedtime routines- two things that have gotten off track during our summer wanderings. I will say that the kids were enthusiastic about my new approach to chores, and bedtime went much smoother tonight. We'll see how it continues.
Here is the chore plan:
I made a list of expected daily tasks. These are differentiated from chores in that they are expected every day- even weekends- and are just part of family responsibility. They include picking up after yourself, straightening bedrooms, making beds, cleaning up after meals, personal hygiene, and for Kathryne, making her own breakfast (a family milestone here when one turns 10). Chores are only assigned on week days and are assigned on a daily basis with me rotating the chores to make sure each child has age appropriate tasks and to make sure each child has an opportunity to learn how to do each thing. I used a pocket chart with one strip for me and one for each child. I made chore cards out of index cards and each day I will place several chores in each child's pocket. The number of chores expected will vary with age. I gave Kathryne 5, Charles 4, Ashlyne 3, and Rachel 2. Consequnces for not completing daily tasks will be for disobedience. (We have a chart in our schoolroom that lists consequences for disobedience in our family.) Consequences for having attitude about or not completing a chore will be additional chores assigned.
As I said, so far so good. I'll report in a week or so and let you know if things are still going well.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Weekly Wrap Up
I've been enjoying reading Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers and thought I'd participate in Weekly Wrap Up today- especially since I haven't blogged all week!
We had VBS at our church this week. The theme was Group's Crocodile Dock, and the stories were from the life of Moses. The children learned that God is powerful; God is with us; God gives us life; God keeps His promises; and God cares for us. We had over 475 children at VBS. I was the preschool director, and we had almost 150 in nursery and preschool!
So, here's how our week went:
Monday: Our first day of VBS was exciting when we realized how many children we were going to have. Most had preregistered, but we had a few added at the last minute. Thanks to all the help I had and by the grace of God, things went smoothly. After VBS and a rest at home, I took the kiddos, and we visited my Mom and Dad Monday evening.
Tuesday: Another VBS day went well. After VBS, my children went home with my mother-in-law, and I had the chance to go eat lunch with my honey and run a few errands before picking them up.
Wednesday: Wednesday was water day at VBS. The children played water games and had lots of fun! After VBS, we had some friends come over for lunch and play and their daughter spent the night.
Thursday: Everyone was a little more tired for VBS on Thursday. We still had a good day and were able to come home and hang out with nothing else to do in the evening.
Friday: Friday finished off our VBS week. We had a program with ice cream for the final day. Kathryne had two friends come and spend the night for her birthday. We also chose Friday to pick up two kitties that a friend from church gave us and to rearrange bedrooms. Perhaps I was crazy. The kitties needed to leave; however. Our friends cat had another litter, and they were rather over run by cats! We also had gotten loft beds to move the girls to the same room, and it just worked out for Jason to pick them up on Thursday. As we were putting beds back together at 10 pm last night, I informed Jason that we must be crazy!
The bedrooms are all finished and organized now, and they look great! We were able to go to a birthday party today after Kathryne's friends went home. Unfortunately, Charles has swimmer's ear again- a recurring problem this summer. Jason has taken him to the doctor to get some antibiotic drops, so I hope we can get it taken care of soon.
I'm looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow. I think we are going to stay home from church and jsut chill together.
Here are some pictures from VBS this week and from Kathryne's slumber party:
Some of our preschoolers at opening assembly
The little girl in the yellow shirt is my Ashlyne
Tuesday was sunglasses day.
Ice cream sundaes for Kathryne's birthday
More friends. Kathryne is in the middle.
All the girls ready for bed
We had VBS at our church this week. The theme was Group's Crocodile Dock, and the stories were from the life of Moses. The children learned that God is powerful; God is with us; God gives us life; God keeps His promises; and God cares for us. We had over 475 children at VBS. I was the preschool director, and we had almost 150 in nursery and preschool!
So, here's how our week went:
Monday: Our first day of VBS was exciting when we realized how many children we were going to have. Most had preregistered, but we had a few added at the last minute. Thanks to all the help I had and by the grace of God, things went smoothly. After VBS and a rest at home, I took the kiddos, and we visited my Mom and Dad Monday evening.
Tuesday: Another VBS day went well. After VBS, my children went home with my mother-in-law, and I had the chance to go eat lunch with my honey and run a few errands before picking them up.
Wednesday: Wednesday was water day at VBS. The children played water games and had lots of fun! After VBS, we had some friends come over for lunch and play and their daughter spent the night.
Thursday: Everyone was a little more tired for VBS on Thursday. We still had a good day and were able to come home and hang out with nothing else to do in the evening.
Friday: Friday finished off our VBS week. We had a program with ice cream for the final day. Kathryne had two friends come and spend the night for her birthday. We also chose Friday to pick up two kitties that a friend from church gave us and to rearrange bedrooms. Perhaps I was crazy. The kitties needed to leave; however. Our friends cat had another litter, and they were rather over run by cats! We also had gotten loft beds to move the girls to the same room, and it just worked out for Jason to pick them up on Thursday. As we were putting beds back together at 10 pm last night, I informed Jason that we must be crazy!
The bedrooms are all finished and organized now, and they look great! We were able to go to a birthday party today after Kathryne's friends went home. Unfortunately, Charles has swimmer's ear again- a recurring problem this summer. Jason has taken him to the doctor to get some antibiotic drops, so I hope we can get it taken care of soon.
I'm looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow. I think we are going to stay home from church and jsut chill together.
Here are some pictures from VBS this week and from Kathryne's slumber party:
Some of our preschoolers at opening assembly
The little girl in the yellow shirt is my Ashlyne
Tuesday was sunglasses day.
Ice cream sundaes for Kathryne's birthday
More friends. Kathryne is in the middle.
All the girls ready for bed
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Menu Plan Monday
This week is definitely a week to get back into the swing of things, but we are throwing VBS into the mix. So, I am trying to have a regular meal plan but stay easy and flexible enough to work through VBS.
Monday- Stouffers frozen ravioli- Many of these Stouffers entrees now have few preservatives!
Tuesday- Cheeseburger Pie; peas
Wednesday- BBQ chicken in the crockpot; mac and cheese
Thursday- Tacos; salad
Friday- Pizza for Kathryne's birthday party
Saturday- Sandwiches (We're going to a party for lunch.)
Sunday- leftovers and sandwiches
Nothing fancy this week, but this is what I'm planning.
You can see more menu plans at I'm an Organizing Junkie.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
2009 Courtney Family Beach Trip
We are back from our beach vacation! It is always fun to go but always fun to get home. Today has been spent with all the "after vacation" fun: unpacking, washing, vacuuming the van, washing, grocery shopping, washing, sorting the mail, washing.
Highlights of this year's trip:
*We stayed in a hotel for two nights. We've never taken our crew to a hotel. At the beach, we stay in a house owned by a friend, but we couldn't check in until Saturday, so we stayed Thursday and Friday in a hotel. The hotel was great with lots of pools and on the beach front, but we were all in one room which was an adventure!
*Charles coughed and coughed so much that I had to walk the beach with him from midnight to four am the first night. We were all in a hotel room together, and he couldn't breathe and was keeping everyone awake. He struggled with that cough all week, but that first night was the worst.
*We took Kathryne to get her ears pierced at a real piercing place at the beach- her ten year old birthday present.
*Rachel busted my lip while we were out shopping for sunglasses in a beach store. She jumped up while I was leaning over and hit my lip hard with her head. I had quite a bit of bleeding and swelling. The lady at the cash register was rather concerned.
All in all, we had a great time. We were able to stay longer this year than I think we ever have. We played on the water, flew kites, watched fireworks, at ice cream, and did all the fun beach stuff we usually do.
Highlights of this year's trip:
*We stayed in a hotel for two nights. We've never taken our crew to a hotel. At the beach, we stay in a house owned by a friend, but we couldn't check in until Saturday, so we stayed Thursday and Friday in a hotel. The hotel was great with lots of pools and on the beach front, but we were all in one room which was an adventure!
*Charles coughed and coughed so much that I had to walk the beach with him from midnight to four am the first night. We were all in a hotel room together, and he couldn't breathe and was keeping everyone awake. He struggled with that cough all week, but that first night was the worst.
*We took Kathryne to get her ears pierced at a real piercing place at the beach- her ten year old birthday present.
*Rachel busted my lip while we were out shopping for sunglasses in a beach store. She jumped up while I was leaning over and hit my lip hard with her head. I had quite a bit of bleeding and swelling. The lady at the cash register was rather concerned.
All in all, we had a great time. We were able to stay longer this year than I think we ever have. We played on the water, flew kites, watched fireworks, at ice cream, and did all the fun beach stuff we usually do.
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| Make a Smilebox slideshow |
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Ready, Set, Gone
We are off for our yearly beach vacation! This year, we are having two nights in a hotel! We are looking forward to the unique hotel experience. We usually stay in a friend's house, which is really nice and close to the ocean, but our kids have never had the hotel with a waterpark experience, so this will be a first.
My internet access will be sporadic, so I will probably have a vacation from blogging as well. I hope to lots of good pictures and stories of the fun we had when we get back.
My internet access will be sporadic, so I will probably have a vacation from blogging as well. I hope to lots of good pictures and stories of the fun we had when we get back.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Joining Me Around the Blogoshpere
My devotional is featured today at 5 Minutes for Faith, a daily devotional blog for women.
And, I participated in the Homeschool Showcase this week at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers. Hop over there to read some great blog posts about homeschooling- some educational, some funny, and some inspiring.
I hope to see you all around the blogoshpere!
And, I participated in the Homeschool Showcase this week at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers. Hop over there to read some great blog posts about homeschooling- some educational, some funny, and some inspiring.
I hope to see you all around the blogoshpere!
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