Wrapping up September

It is hard to believe that yet another month has come and gone. And with it, green grass and leaves, warm weather, and special thoughts and moments I've been blessed to capture with not only my ears and eyes, but my camera as well.

An empty wood trailer is a nice surprise for daddy when he gets home from work.

Serving up the last bowl of Swedish Rice Porridge; until another is made; tomorrow! (a favorite in this house)

Jumping from the tree into a pile of leaves!

Patiently waiting for curls to appear.

Twins smiling on a summer night of "lightening bug" catching.

Celebrating another anniversary and another birthday!

Creative rosettes in the making on a rainy evening!

Little sister getting hugs from big sister.

Catching a nearly napping child!

Saying good bye to the last of the "lightening bugs" being caught in little hands!

Big sister says, "Gregg needs a hair cut!"

Catching two smiles on a warm Sunday afternoon!

An invention from a boy determined to savor each and every drop of chocolate flowing from the can. (We buy it in the big can because in the long run we save $$. Dispensing it into saved glass jars is how we store it once we open it!)

Who needs a diaper?

Baby Vance has other ideas!

The Rag Coat

We chose to use the book The Rag Coat for last weeks Five in a Row studies. The girls really enjoyed it. It was great in that it taught them the importance of compassion, kindness, and showed the wrong that comes with being judgmental towards others. They especially loved learning about the coal mines and what life was like for the miners. Their daddy used to work in the coal mines in Colorado and shared many stories and experiences he had while there. We watched videos about mining and it was nice having daddy there to explain and answer the questions that they didn't quite understand.

The girls printed off geometric patterns and colored them for a mock quilt. Three of the girls began their very own real life quilt this week. They were inspired mostly by the add on books we read ~ The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy and Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson.

We ground corn for the corn bread and learned about the use of the early grist mills. We all decided that a modern day grinder is the way to go!

The Rag Coat story was set in the Appalachian Mountains. We read about the early 1900's culture and decided we needed to top off the week with a real southern meal. Buttermilk cornbread recipe.

How we use Cornerstones of Freedom books along with commonplace books

We notebook nearly everything we learn about in our homeschool. Or, one could the notebooks commonplace books, learning journal, or, simply notebooking! Here is the idea of a commonplace book. "Historically commonplacing has played an important role in education, and it has served a vital tool in erudition." An early practitioner learning of reflective learning was Thomas Jefferson. He would synopsize and capture the key points of his reading and add his own reflections, recording them in a journal which he called his 'commonplace book.' One of his biographers quoted Jefferson as saying, "I was in the habit of abridging and commonplacing what I read meriting it, and of sometimes mixing my own reflections on the subject."

How these books are being used by our daughter. She reads them through; keeping sticky notes handy and jots down ideas, thoughts, questions, and such that she wants to research through other means. Such as the internet, library books, movies, etc. Then when the books are finished the sticky notes are compiled and the search begins. Or in her words, the fun begins!

One of my favorite resources to use for 'commonplacing' is this little copybook from Memoria Press. When our homeschooling allowance enables me I like to buy them in bulk. These books when completed are all saved and cherished. I also use, depending on what is being studied simple 3 ring notebooks using plastic sheet protectors.

What to add to your book....

Basically, besides adding their own thoughts about what they've learned about they draw pictures, print coloring pages to glue in, type up information about their book through researching the subject online. If they've watched a video on their topic they will journal about that as well. In this particular case, one daughter is journaling her way through the books shown above.

Mary tells about her lap book

To introduce Mary into her first year of school we decided to read the book Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco and create a lap book. It's about a little girl frightened by a Michigan summer thunderstorm and how her grandmother "Babushka" calms her by preparing to made a cake she calls "thundercake." The day we made the cake we watched some youtube videos on how flour is made from wheat and how sugar is produced. She enjoyed learning about thunderstorms too, especially since she has the opportunity to live in a state where they are frequent! (Big sister Emma created the video, thanks Emma)

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to the one I love

In keeping with my list I began last year I now add another reason I love this man to bring it to the number 30. Thirty, for 30 years of marriage. Of course the other 29 still apply! Today is also his birthday, (he turned 19 on our wedding day) so, Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to you my love.

1. I love him because-He married me...
2. because he is still married to me...
3. because he gave me 12 babies who are the light of my life...
4. because I can kiss him anytime I want to...
5. because he tolerates my weaknesses with love and firmness...(he has a "no whining around here" policy which everyone is expected to uphold!!)
6. because he strengthens me through his faith and love...
7. because he adores our children...
8. because he adores our son in law, daughter in law and our little grandkids...
9. because he protects me, both spiritually and physically...and finds joy in being my protector...
10. because we are best friends...
11. because he honors, respects, and upholds my position in the home as wife and mother...
12. because he prays for me...
13. because he prays with me...
14. because he blesses our family through his strong spiritual leadership...
15. because he calls me all the time when he is away...
16. because he LOVES my homemade bread...
17. because he loves the Lord...
18. because I get to sit next to him in his pick-up...
19. because he loves my parents, and he loves his parents...
20. because he gives me his coat and seat, does all the barbecuing, mashing of potatoes, and turkey cooking!
21. because I can nestle in his strong arms anytime I want...
22. because he loves homeschooling...
23. because I can date him anytime I want...(how's that? we still haven't gone out for our anniversary!)
24. because he takes me for motorcycle rides...
25. because he works fills our woodshed and keeps us warm all winter...
26. because he is handsome...
27. because he isn't a picky eater...
28. because he likes to hold my hand
29. And last but not least ~ because I'm about to enter another year of marriage with the man I love!!

30. One year later. Because he is growing more and more handsome with each day and has

really strong arms that holds me tight! And I'm still mad about you!! (not just on Father's Day)

Semper Fi (always faithful)

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

Journal for the week of Sept. 12-18, 2011

In my life this week....I worked on beginning preparations for full time schooling by cleaning and organizing the house.

In or homeschool this week.... we continued reading Our Island Story, Trial and Triumph, and other various reading along with math and latin.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice....It's only the first week. Hang in there!

I am inspired by....My son Aaron and for his thoughtfulness.

My favorite thing this week....Finishing up our schooling area.

Things I'm working on....My own planner and teaching ideas.

I'm reading....Nourishing Traditions - again

I'm cooking....Bread and cinnamon rolls

I'm grateful for....freedom

I'm praying for....My children's happiness

Quote for the week....."History, in general, only informs us what bad government is." Thomas Jefferson

Some photos to add to my homeschool journal.....

The foundations for my kindergarteners (and beyond)

It's not spring time but in our home there is a new beginning. It's called a kindergartner! And, in keeping with my most of my previous 5-7 year olds my teaching begins with the basics. Reading and writing???? Well, not so fast. I first like to lay some important foundations that they will carry with them throughout their school years and throughout their lives. The following is a basic outline of how I like to introduce a young child to world of academic learning. Which pretty much sets the stage not just for their academic instruction but for living life as well.

These principles are weaved throughout their curriculum and also pointed out to them through their everyday living, and by the end of the year he or she can be trained to respect:

1. The authority of God and His Word, for all subjects and for all government-from self to civil.

2. The authority of parents and teacher as representatives of God and His Word.

3. The Christian individuality of each student as unique and valuable in God's plan of history. He can appreciate others' individuality and show concern for their needs.

4. The principle of Christian self-government. He can develop the capacity for self -government by:

A. using the scriptures as a standard for knowing right and wrong:

B. realizing that God is interested first and foremost in the internal attitudes of the heart. Outward expression is important, but secondary:

C. recognizing that each student is in control of his own eyes, mouth, hands, and body:

D. learning that home, school, church, and civil government can be governed by Biblical principles.

5. The principle of Christian character as illustrated by biographies from scripture, America's Christian history and literature and practiced through the student's daily work and play.

6. Individual property, including the property of conscience, by:

A. recognizing each individual as God's property, made "in His image." and accountable to his Creator-Maker:

B. Caring for his own property and allowing others to care for theirs:

C. Training his conscience in the Law of God and also respecting others' expression of their conscience in understanding Biblical standards and principles.

7. The rudiments of each subject by learning the first principles, or elements, and the rules which govern them.

8. The liberty to become self-teaching through mastering them first principles of the English language.

These guidelines are taken from my copy of A Guide to American Christian History for the Home and School by James B. Rose. I have them printed off and keep them handy for the times when the children need reminders and for the foundation of learning for my "new beginnings" child.

So what exactly is an American Christian Education? In short:

The book A Guide American Christian Education for the Home and School is based upon Biblical reasoning and governmental principles emphasized in first century Christianity, and expressed in America's first two hundred years. For example, some of the truths which govern the student, as well as the emphasis of the subjects, are the Biblical principles of individual worth, local self-government, character, personal property (especially the property of the conscience), and voluntary consent.

An American Christian education focuses on cultivating the individual, heart, mind, and character needed to maintain a Christian Republic. This provides opportunity for the teacher/parent to help the student to apply his knowledge to the government of himself, and then to extend it into his home, church, community and nation. This approach purposes to develop in students a mind and temper, redeemed by the Spirit of Christ. and the manners and habits required for the useful life of service to God, man and country. (American Christian Education for the Home and School).

It is better known as the Principal Approach method and works very well along side the ideas taught by Charlotte Mason. By googling it you will come up with many wonderful writings on and the importance it plays in education.

Homemade Tooth Paste Powder

I found this while rummaging through an old magazine I had. Thought I'd share it.

3 T. oak bark

6 T. comfrey root

3 T. horsetail grass

1 T. lobelia

1 T. cloves

3 T. peppermint

Combine together and brush. I love the idea of having this concoction to use because I don't have the healthiest teeth. I'm hoping this will help.

Your questions answered....

A question received through email....

"I love to make homemade, whole grain bread for my family and I see that you make it too. But I can't seem to get my family to enjoy it because by the time it's finished it is like a brick. Any suggestions on how to take out the heaviness?"

It's quite simple actually to tame those heavy grains! Pre-soaking in vinegar, yogurt, buttermilk, lemon juice, etc. is the way to lesson the heaviness. Not to mention the agent chosen to soak the grains in pre-digests those harder proteins making it easy on our tummies and digestion system. I have a few recipes that would work nicely for this. This should cure the 'brick bread' woes all the way. The bread is so very much lighter and fluffier than any I've ever made. The links below are for a quick whole grain bread, and one for yeasted whole grain bread.

Quick whole grain bread

Kefir whole grain bread

Wonderful Wednesday~Seeing Double

Once upon a time Mommy and I,

Wished upon a distant star,

We didn't know if we'd get our wish,

The chances seemed rather far.

We asked God for a little girl-(after 2 little boys)

To cuddle and hold tight,

To love and squeeze and give

A gentle kiss good night.

Well, God was listening and the answer

Came straight from the blue.

Not only did we get our little angel,

He saw fit to give us two!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

Journaling my previous week....

In our homeschool we are finishing our reading of Five Little Peppers and Our Island Story. We are throwing in some a little bit of latin and math to get us primed for the next year set to begin Monday, Sept. 12.

Helpful homeschooling tips-Enjoy the unhurried, last few days of summer before settling into full blown lessons.

I am inspired by Tamara and her awesome Five in a Row Ideas and thank her for sharing them.

My favorite thing this week was having lunch out and a day of shopping with my daughter Robyn.

What is NOT working for us right now is our sleeping too late in the mornings.

Things I'm working on right now are-rising earlier to finish exercise before kids wake, finishing up on kids' lessons schedule for the new year, completion of the new face on our school room.

I am reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, A Biblical Home Education by Ruth Beechick (reading more but wanting to finish these NOW)

I am 'cooking' up new grain cereals for breakfast. Seven grain cereal soaked in water and greek yogurt for 24 hours. Excellent

I'm grateful for a new year of home schooling with my children.

I'm praying for patience, energy, and determination.

A favorite quote-"What luck for rulers that men do not think." Adolf Hitler"

click the pic to link up to The Homeschool Mother's Journal

Juicing and The Dirty Dozen

We do a lot of juicing around here. That's what makes summer and spring my favorite seasons....the abundance of fresh foods priced at their best! However, choosing the best of the produce can be a bit tricky at times depending on where you shop. Local farmer's markets, road side stands, and of course your own garden are the best places to find organic or mostly organic produce for the best price. But when that isn't possible and the grocery store is our only option then we need to look closer into 'where' the produce is coming from. Try to buy from products from the USA as much as possible, and if you are able to, and can afford it try to find organic. We have an awesome grocery store in our area that sells 'in season' organic produce for an affordable price. Many times, I can find organic for only pennies more than non-organic. Another thing that is helpful is knowing which fruits and vegetables are the considered the 'worst' and 'best' when it comes to choosing what our family likes. Here is the 'Dirty Dozen List' that I found and memorized. It is good to know that not ALL produce could or should be considered best to buy organic.

The 12 most contaminated

peaches

sweet bell peppers

celery

nectarines

strawberries

cherries

pears

imported grapes

spinach

lettuce

potatoes

apples

The 12 least contaminated

onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, mangos, asparagus,

sweet peas, kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli and papaya.

Winner of All of a Kind Family study guide is........

There is only one bad thing about having a give away on one's blog. And that is normally you can only have one winner. I so wish I could bless all of you that were interested in the guide. I had to laugh out loud though when the winner of the All of a Kind Family study guide was chosen because the winner is All of a Kind Family~Tamara. If you would contact me with your addy I'll mail out right away. Congratulations.