A note about E-readers

E-readers are not new as we all know.  They are simple to use and relatively cheap.  But the rewards are incredible.  The opportunity to be able to store hundreds of books in a place that takes up the space of a book.  We currently own 3 nooks and trust me, they are used often.  I would like to share our favorite sites for ebooks.  I only have a few, but I'm sure there are many, many places in which one can find a great book in electronic form.

Yesterday's Classics is most likely my favorite.  THIS package of books is a great deal and the book titles are amazing.  And HERE is their main page with lots of free titles you can read online.

Good ole Project Gutenberg.  This site is massive.  And did I say free?

Of course Amazon.  My favorite.  

Others include Christian books Distributers and Barnes and Noble.  Okay, that's pretty much all I know.  If you have a favorite ebook site please contact me and share!!

Saturday mornings = great book

as opposed to say, cartoons or other such "twaddle" as Charlotte Mason would say.  Imagine my delight when going into the girls' room to find them like this.  It only furthers the truth that I have known for a long time that a good book is something difficult to put down.  I'm also thankful that at a young age they were given much opportunity to get "sucked in" if you will to the wonderful world of literature.  Per their own desires they decided to add a few things they learned about George Washington to their learning journals.  I decided to throw in some vocabulary by having them learn what the underlined and circled words mean.  (it's a mom/teacher thing)


More information 

Journal page by Mary 

Journal page by Mary 

One Mother's Homeschool Days and so much more

January-March 2014

Where has the time gone.  I cannot believe how little time I have to blog.  I enjoy blogging but only when it's convenient rather than MAKE time for it in the past.  Plus I love looking back and be able to see where we were and how my family has grown and changed over the months and years.  The year 2014 has been full of life and I, along with my family are trying to enjoy each and every moment!

Our academic journey

2014 brings a new year for our homeschool.  This year I am schooling 7 children.  Our son will graduate this year and we have been blessed to add our niece Mauriela to our home, family, and our homeschool.  She fits in perfectly with my 5 girls.  And she is moving along very well with her cousins. And I'm sure that when the school year is over we will be sad to see her go.  However, there is a very big possibility of her return for her next year.  Back to academics.  We are keeping quite busy with 3 of the girls doing Sonlight, and 3 of the girls doing a more eclectic version of learning which includes ambleside online and memoria press! and LOTS of books from the library.  But neither is without our favorite tool for learning - our learning journals or common place books.  Here I am sharing some photos from some of their work.

My younger girls mapped out a route for a 'mock' trip.  We printed a road map of the state of Wisconsin and they located our city, then they chose a city they'd like to 'visit' and mapped out the closest route. They said though that the coolest thing about learning map work is learning that from East to West all major highways are an even number and all major highways from North to South are even numbers.  Fun little tidbits to know!

Here are a few from my older girls.  I love seeing the creativity that comes from each of them through their journals.  They are all so different and yet the same.  Full of fun and interesting learning.

Janai preparing a keyed map of earthquake zones.

I really enjoyed our study of the Netherlands.  The internet and the library are full of wonderful information.  Youtube has an incredible amount of videos on HOW the dikes work and how they are made.  Not to mention how windmills used to be used to divert the water and how they pulled it off. Very cool stuff. 

Here are some examples of my youngest girls' entries into their journals.

Mary's earthquake zones map.  We found a really neat printable online and they choose the colors of their choice to key in geographical areas.

Goals and or Ideas...With the addition of our niece coming in our home we have enjoyed redoing the girls' room.  We found really cool bunk beds online and they work perfectly for all 6 of the girls.  We ended up purchasing a full on full and one twin over twin.  The girls love them and are always switching up their sleeping areas with each other.  One would think having 6 girls in one room would be crazy but with ALL clothing downstairs in the laundry room and a walk in closet for all their "junk" it only leaves the beds and a table in their room with plenty of space left over.

I really enjoyed…Our small taste of spring.  Next week we are expecting cold weather again.  It's been a reeeeeally long winter.

Activities...I wrote a while ago that we were hoping to join the YMCA.  Well we did and we are really enjoying our visits there.  It's about 20 miles away so our days there are limited to only two or three times a week!  With such a long winter this year the swimming pool has been a huge hit to give the kids something to do.

What mother is wondering/thinking about...

 My favorite "Kids Talk Moment" When my daughter asked me if her puppy Saphira will go to heaven and will she see her ever again!  I love the sweet faith of a child.

What's cooking...Bread!!!  Every single night I begin soaking my whole grain flour in apple cider vinegar, butter, and milk and the next morning I add the remaining ingredients.  It's not unusual for me to make our own bread but these days I have an "extra fun" toy to make it even more enjoyable.  Last month I was very blessed to be able to purchase a Nutrimill grinder.  It is fabulous.  So much quieter and more efficient than my older one.  It's definitely one of the best ones on the market.

The simple life…Fresh whole grain flour, reading, writing, & arithmetic! I love the basics! Quite often, less simply is more.

Living with gratitude...As the photos clearly show we will be adding two babies into our family this year.  We are so very excited for Robyn and Luke, and Christie and Jeff as they each bring their first babies into the world.  Such huge blessings to say the least.

Robyn and Luke are expecting a girl in April

Jeff and Christie are expecting a boy in July

Favorite "Life with Kids Moment"

Walking through the room to go to the kitchen I said to Kaydee, "Good job Kaydee, you are really flexible."  Upon entering the kitchen I saw Kaydee stirring the oatmeal on the stove!  I stopped in my tracks, turned around and said, "Oh, Emma that was you.  Great job on your flexibility."  I love having TWINS!!!

What Mother is reading

Here is a short description from amazon.  Click on the link below to read more.  It really is an enjoyable read and very informative.

Free Range Learning presents eye-opening data about the meaning and importance of natural learning. This data-from neurologists, child development specialists, anthropologists, educators, historians and business innovators-turns many current assumptions about school-based education upside down. The book's factual approach is balanced by quotes and stories from over 100...to read more about Free Range Learning go HERE

Some photos to share.  I've said it a million times.  I love looking at their faces and seeing the interest they show while reading a good book or having an interesting conservation.  They engage themselves fully and it makes me feel like I'm doing my job.  The job I've assigned to myself years ago -  to give them the gift of loving to learn.  Not just 'doing something' because they have to but because they want to.  And of course it helps a ton when the work they are required to do is interesting and not boring and dry.

Some random pics from our "school days"

Tips or advice.  My kids love the library.  We always have.  But what I love is watching my kids choose what interests them.  Of course they have their "required" assignments of reading and study but seeing them in their element is what brings my joy.  Joy in knowing they are pursuing their loves and interests.  Not just with books.  But life in general.  Then I try to feed that passion if I can.  

While I'm speaking of books!  I love using whole, living books to learn from.  The stories are enjoyed while at the same time facts are learned.  And having them journal their reading and learning is the icing on the cake.  Truly brings home a lesson.

Pictured below are a pile of books belonging to my 13 year old daughter.  She is really, really interested in midwifery!  That's what makes being a parent fun.  Is watching their children grow into themselves through their loves and passions.  And a plus is that through homeschooling they also have the benefit of time on their side.  It's so great that they finish their assignments in good time because then they have the time to pursue their own interests and passions and don't have to worry about keeping up with dead lines and assignments from outside sources. 

Praying for...My kids as they work through our loss.  How do I even express the sorrow and sadness of our last weekend.  Our sweet puppy was caught in a trap near our home.  We were hoping that it was one of those things where the vet would clean her up and send her home but we were sadly mistaken.  The end result was we had to put her down.  My heart was broken for our puppy and especially so for my kids.  They were so attached to Saphira and our weekend was full of more tears, hugs, and cuddles than we've ever had before.

A couple kids got up early the next morning and this photo pretty much shows how our weekend was spent.  The girls especially just wanted/needed to be held.  It's Tuesday and and we are just now starting to see things turn around with them.  It was a very difficult time!  Saphira will be extremely missed.  She was basically our first dog so she was much loved.

We snapped a photo of Saphira on the way to the vet.  She was so calm.  Poor little thing.

Passages from reading for copy work

My favorite resources to use for copywork are mostly taken directly from our everyday literature.  Through copying passages from great books we allow our children to better internalize the abundant lessons and given the opportunity to pick the minds of great authors.  I like to go over the usage of grammar as well in the same passage being copied which drives home even more the lessons to be learned.  This works very well for living science and history books too.  By copying passages from whole, living science books children can learn "hidden science facts" without ever being privy to it.  I know it works great for us because even the thought of having to use a "textbook" of any kind gives my children a headache.  They have their place when certain information is required but I am amazed at how much one can learn from living books!

"None of us can stop ourselves thinking wrong thoughts, and it isn't much good trying.  But, Annette-when you come down in the morning and find this room dark with the shutters close, do you say to yourself, 'I must chase away the darkness and the shadows first, and then I will open the shutters and let in the sun'?  Do you waste time trying to get rid of the dark?"

"Of course not!" said Annette.  

"Then how do you get rid of the dark?"

"Well, I pull back the shutters, of course, and then the light comes in!"

"But what happens to the dark?"

"I don't know; it just goes when the light comes!"

"That is just what happens when you ask the Lord Jesus to come in," said Grandmother.  "He is Love, and when love comes in, hatred and selfishness and unkindness will give way to it, just as the darkness gives way when you let in the sunshine.  But to try to chase it out alone would be like trying to chase the shadows out of a dark room.  It would be a waste of time."

Revelations 3:20-Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.

Current family read aloud: Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John

Music & Art Studies

I think besides history my favorite course of studies I do with my children would be art/artists/music/composer studies.  When I was a child I balked at the very idea of having to even listen to beautiful music let alone study a composer.  Not only did I hesitate in music but in art as well.  My father tried sharing art museums and classical music with my siblings and I more than once and each time he was met with hesitation.  Now look at me.  I have to laugh at myself!  In the words of Charlotte Mason, (whom I love) she has this to say:

"It is a pity that we like our music as our pictures and our poetry mixed, so that there are few opportunities as a listener a course of the works of a single composer...Let young people study as far as possible under one master until they have received some of this teaching and know its style."

and 

"We aim at putting the children in touch with the great artist minds of all ages.  We try to unlock for their delectation the wonderful garden of Art, in which grow most lovely flowers, most wholesome fruits.  We want to open their eyes and minds to appreciate the masterpieces of pictorial art, to lead them from mere fondness for a pretty picture which pleases the senses up to honest love and discriminating admiration for what is truly beautiful - a love and admiration which are the response of heart and intellect to the appeal addressed to them through the senses by all great works of art."

We have been enjoying art and music study for many years in our home and I love seeing "the fruits" of the knowledge my children have gained in this area.  I am surprised many times when they hear a classical song or see a painting to hear them spout out the name of the composer/artist!  And all this time I just knew they weren't paying attention!  The kids are continuing their Charlotte Mason ART and COMPOSER studies as we've always done but each year I like to add new and different resources to go along with CM resources as shown in the links above.  This year we are adding Usborne Introduction to Art, Stories of the Great Composers, Meet the Great Composers, and The Story of the Orchestra along with Dover's amazing and informative coloring books!  As I've written in the past we use learning journals in nearly everything we do.  I have the younger kids color a picture of the artist or composer and they copy or print and read basic information on them and enter it all into their journals. Our favorite online site for art that all the kids can enjoy regardless of age is A Garden of Praise.  Wonderful links to more learning that is fun and interesting.  And for classical music we frequent THIS site often.

While we are very eclectic in our homeschool as far as resources go our methodology has not strayed off course from Charlotte Mason's ideology on childhood education.  Enriching our children's minds (and mine!) with whole, living books has been a joyful experience.  Not to mention a gentle and relaxed one!

Charlotte Mason believed that children are able to deal with ideas and knowledge, that they are not blank slates or empty sacks to be filled with information.  She thought children should do the work of dealing with ideas and knowledge, rather than the teacher acting as a middle man, dispensing filtered knowledge.  A Charlotte Mason education includes first-hand exposure to great and noble ideas through books in each school subject, and through art, music, and poetry.

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

For the week of October 8th through October 12, 2012

In my life this week-We are settling into cooler weather. Saying good-bye to most of my outdoor walks and hello to that dreaded treadmill.  We are busy filling up the woodshed and actually finished hauling wood on Wednesday. Which is probably at least 2 weeks prior to finishing last year.  Daddy is happy about that!  Many hands make light work! Spending more time reading, baking, and cooking.  Which I think is a resourceful use of my time!

In our homeschool this week-The last couple of weeks has been our busiest, or most normal of homeschooling weeks for a while since we've had so much traveling around in September. I'm happy to say that things are getting back to normal and here is a sampling of what our last couple of weeks looked like.

Books being read by my children include-

The Discovery of New Worlds

The Clown of God-continuing in Five in a Row

Prima Latina and Latina Christiana-depending on the age of the child.

I am busy teaching Winston grammar to 5 children at once.

All of the children do latin and french and for some it is their second year of french and lately there has been quite a lot of it being spoken in our home.  Of course, in front of those who don't what is being said! (like me)

Saxon, Rays, and some Singapor math depending on which kid you are

McGuffey readers always has a place in our homeschool.  And off the top of my head I have seen eyes peering into these books this week....

Whistle Stop West

Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb along with study guide from Logos

The Geology Book

Mary Poppins

Story of the Greeks

Story of the Romans

Greek Myths

Magic Tree House

Little Women (again)

Bobbsey Twins

Burgess Animal Book

Parables From Nature

Along Came a Dog

Pagoo

From the daily readings that my children complete they journal in their commonplace books the facts, passages, sayings, quotes, or simply whatever sticks out in their minds.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share-If you are feeling tired and overburdened with household duties, husbands, homeschooling, babies/toddlers, and all those things that go with being a mom-try writing down each day for a week or so everything, I mean everything you are spending your time on and then look back to see what, if anything can be erased from your life.  Our most important priority and one we all need to be focused on is our husband and children.  Look closely, chances are you'll find something.  Pray!!

I am inspired by-My friend Becca who is putting continuous energy into bringing her adopted daughter Sasha home from the Ukraine.  

Places we're going and people we're seeing-On Thursday we had the opportunity to attend a seminar given by Steve and Terri Maxwell.  The topics spoken on were anger and vision.  It was quite enjoyable and uplifting.

My favorite thing this week was-When my little Mary came to me so very, very excited to inform me that she has, in her own words...."Mom, mom, come look, I finally have 2 loose tooths." She has been waiting and waiting for this day to come! Of course mama hasn't been because it means it will be my very last, first tooth!

What's working/not working for us-For the first time in years I have changed my checklists/daily schedules and am trying something new. I have always had a particular place for each child's work so this is nothing new. What's new is I didn't type down a daily schedule or list for the kids.  Instead, whatever they find in their baskets each day is what they are to do. Other things such as scripture study, and a couple core subjects I do with them. A couple of the children have said that it is almost 'freeing' to them.  In this way I am finding that since each day brings with it it's own "stuff" if you will; I am better able to taylor the school lessons while not feeling like a slave to a checklist.  Now we accomplish exactly what needs to be accomplished without the screaming voice of the 'unchecked' checklist!  However, I do 'journal' each day what each child has done and upon looking back at the last few weeks I am actually amazed at what is actually happening.  Those things we deem most important and or those things that pop up during the daily life of a large family that still incorporates into learning when looked at from another angle.  For example, here is what Emma's day looked like on Monday...

1 lesson in math, a lesson in both French and Latin, 2 hours and 45 minutes reading The Discovery of New Worlds and Shakepeare, a journal entry about Constantinople, Rome and also copied some quotes from my reading in Shakespeare.  

I listened to Bach music for a while, I made a Christmas present for my sister using wood, paint, and stencils, I talked to my dad about what the word 'vision' means and how I can apply it in my life. I watched a netfix documentary on dolphins, drew a picture in my commonplace book of one and I baked 3 loaves of bread! I wrote down plans on making Christmas presents for all my siblings-items I needed, how much time it will take me for each, and what I was making for who! I read about the warring going on in the middle east and shared what I learned with my family at dinner which sparked a conversation involving everyone. I played word scramble and a latin game on the Nook and a world geography game on the phone. I also fit in 30 minutes of yoga.

Questions/thoughts I have-With so many orphanages across this vast world and so many children needing families why politics continue to make it nearly impossible to adopt them in a timely manner.  I mean really, you would think that placing orphans into loving homes should be at the top of everyone's priority list. I sure wish it were.

Things I'm working on-Doing something with Christie's room.  I can't decide how to use the extra room we got when she married last month.  But I'm sure it won't be too long to figure something out.  Who could say they had an extra room lying around and can't find something useful for it? And believe me, I am getting lots of suggestions from lots of people of how it can be used.  

I'm reading-The Ultimate Homeschooling Book of Ideas by Linda Dobson. I have read many, many books on homeschooling and after 20 plus years of doing this one would think there isn't much more to learn but I love this book and if you get the chance to find it at your library (like I did) I suggest you check it out!  

I'm cooking-Soup, and lots of it!  It is that time of year so if you have a favorite recipe you would like to share feel free to send it my way.

I'm grateful for-My growing family.  But especially for the wonderful young men the Lord gave our 2 daughters to in marriage this year.

I'm praying for-Everything! From newly married daughters, to married children, to younger children and their daily needs....prayers for a new school year, winter, and for our nation, especially with elections right around the corner.

A photo to share-This is how Mary likes to travel!! She is actually sleeping here sitting straight up. Just a few minutes after I took the photos she fell over sideways and hit her head on a small cooler which woke her up in a hurry!

Quote-Learning that begins in freedom, that is guided by curiosity, and that is conducted without a need for external rewards and punishments gives children an understanding that life is learning.  As I (the author) wrote in The Art of Education: Reclaiming Your Family, Community, and Self, In the singular act of living life to its fullest, in appreciating every moment as it unfolds, true education occurs.  A child who grows knowing he already has inside happiness, love, success, and fulfillment is building a life and an education on a strong foundation.  The inner gifts shine forth in play, work, busy time, quiet time, triumphs and failures." Linda Dobson from The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas

While I'm on the subject of cookbooks!

I have my unnecessary favorites! Heritage of America is awesome. I think your best bet us to search your library. I found this one at a thrift store a few years ago. It not only has awesome recipes from all over the country old and new it also serves as a sort of history book. I love it!

Another not so necessary cookbook is this one that only portrays cupcakes!  Oh so irresistible! 

And this one is just plain cool.  I found it hanging around my big sister's basement that is full of antiques. Unfortunately I don't have the time to commit myself to most of these recipes but one thing is for sure!  Those 1950's husbands were sure lucky!

Do you have a favorite cookbook?

Or rather, a favorite cookbook of necessity? One that stands the test of time, gets used over and over, and needs to get replaced several times! Four times to be exact. I bought my first copy probably 20 years ago. This one shown is the fourth, and it is showing the wear! I love it! Anyone else have a favorite, or a necessary favorite? I'd love to hear about it!

Shhh! Don't tell them they're learning!

Our summer has been overflowing with crazy busy days! I try to keep some scheduled work going through summer but it has not been happening! Or has it and they're just not onto it!

I think we are running the library on empty each week! Encyclopedia Brown is a top hit among some particular (mom approved)) Magic Tree House and Magic School Bus choices.

Online learning games and not so learning games have kept busy minds working.

The library bag doubles as a Santa bag in our house!

Our long time friends - Lauri puzzle toys and games.

Other things keeping us busy besides reading is swimming. Doing lots of that. The kids are also enjoying their Bobbsey Twins marathon! They have had a goal of finishing all of them by September! The ones we don't own we usually can find online and download to our phone or ereader. (I'm not sure but I have a feeling the marathon won't be over until October but not because they aren't trying! Just so much life happening!) HERE is where we keep links to fun online activities and adding more links daily. In my opinion, a good library system combined with the internet and you have a full blown curriculum of your choice! There is so much learning happening just between these 2 places! I hope you all are having a fabulous summer with lots of fun, work, and learning!

May was here, but now it's gone!

April came and went, and now MAY? Really? I can't believe how time flies! I tried to capture May as well as I could. The month of May made for, so far, 4 really sick kids. One boy and 3 girls were down. But of course, as usually happens, not at the same time. It has been a weird thing for sure. Extremely sore throats and bad headaches. As of right now I have 2 more that are in the beginning stages of what will most likely last 5-7 days if previous history repeats itself. Sleepless nights, cups of warm lemon and honey, cold wash cloths on foreheads, and of course the usual crying and discomfort that come to children when they are under the weather. Praying for better health for June!

Big sister Makenzie giving loves to sister Mary.

Tea parties are a constant around our home. With 5 young girls you can't have too many! Mostly our tea consist of juice, chocolate milk, or as in this case, a warm, (not hot) cup of organic chamomile herb tea with a spoon of honey and pumpkin muffins.

Our Miss Kaydee made these amazing little cakes for one of our teas this month. The light glaze on the top was the perfect touch!

My boys made the best calzones ever! Emma whipped up some pizza dough for them but the rest was done by the 'expert' hand of these guys! They learned how to make them while in CO from their cousin Derek. They loved them so much that now they make them about once a week! Pizza dough, pepperoni and cheese. Roll up and spread melted butter and garlic on top and bake them. They informed me that now they like pizza without sauce!

My little silly face maker can drop anywhere, anytime! I know it wouldn't work for me!

Mary has been and still is our official silly face creator!

I don't even think Aaron noticed his little sister Mary playing games with him until he was ready to get up and move to another room! I'm amazed to see how some things don't even faze a person. Aaron being the strong boy that he is can easily handle the game his sister is playing.

And here are my sweet twins all dressed up and ready for their very first church dance. We teased one of the older boys that they should 'escort' his little sisters but he got embarrassed and teased back. However, he did go and enjoy himself but I'm sure there was no escorting going on!!

Ah, our first homemade summer butter batch. Not as yellow as June or July butter but it turned out wonderful. Next time I think I will sour the cream and try a cultured batch. But no matter the color it tasted delicious on this bread!

EEEEKS! Makenzie just HAD to take a picture of me the other day when I finished on the treadmill. She told me I looked like a combat soldier wearing that 20lb weight vest. I only wore the vest for 1 mile out 5 and I was sooooo ready to get it off. I kept saying, hurry, hurry, snap it and be done! It made her smile that I put it on my blog. As for me, it made me blush!

These books have been so fun. It's been interesting reading about homes and kitchens from the past. Times have come a long way since then.