The Homeschool Mother's Journal

For the week of February 19th - 24th

In my life this week....I had a green shake everyday as part of my mini efforts to eat healthier. This shake consists of 1 large handful of organic power greens and spinach, 1 T. organic crushed garlic, 1/2 red pepper (because I had it), and 1 C. organic, unsweetened Acai Berry juice. I threw it all in the blender and whirled away. And YES, I really did NOT like it but I drank it down while my husband savored each and every drink! AARGH!

In our homeschool this week....We had our review oral quiz for Classical Studies and Christian Studies and all the kids did great! I normally don't do tests or quiz the kids but since they came with the guide I decided to use the questions orally with all kids and discuss the answers! We are enjoying our read aloud Adam and His Kin. It goes very well with where we are at in our Christian Studies.

We played a few grammar games to get the points across!

Janai took these pics of Mary to continue her efforts to earn her Keepers of the Faith reward in photography.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice....Sometimes our crazy 'life' gets in the way of schooling on a normal Monday thru Friday schedule, or even during the 8 to 5 hours of the day. I find myself many times doing our lessons in the evening and on Saturday depending on my week. However, my advice or tip for this week would be to remember that when things get out of whack and your schedule gets thrown off just a bit, remember that Life in itself is an education!

I am inspired by....Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts! I have truly been blessed by trying to keep my mind and heart focused on seeing God's hand in ALL things. The good is always easy, but the things we tend to see as 'bad' is a bit more challenging. Okay, a lot more challenging!

My favorite thing this week was....Catching my number one day dreamer doing what she loves best. "Day dreaming" in my opinion is NOT a bad thing but a positive opportunity for children to contemplate life, dream about their future, reason things out in their mind and so much more! More daydreaming pics of this child of mine. HERE and HERE.

What's working/not working for us....My husband's rotating schedule at work. He switches back and forth from 12 hour days then to 12 hour nights. Being an electrician his work needs 24 hour coverage and he and another electrician are the ones who cover the hours. It's been several years since he's been on this rotation and it is really beginning to grind on our family life! So we are praying for straight days again.

Questions/thoughts I have....Why does all the food that is so good for you not taste as good as the food that is bad for you? (smiles)

Things I'm working on....Encouraging Mary in her piano playing so when she goes to lessons she won't be afraid. I'm not sure exactly what it is that makes her nervous but I'm certainly not going to push it but pray her desires will come on their own like it did with her siblings.

I'm reading....Grace for the Good Girl

I'm cooking....One of my favorite sweets - Sour Cream Pound Cake. It is nearly finished baking and my whole house smells so sweet!

I'm grateful for....Good books from great minds to read to my family. And these books in turn bring great opportunities for discussion and learning together.

I'm praying for....Grace

A photo, or quote to share - "If your baby is "beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time," you're the grandma!" Teresa Bloomingdale

My mom with our youngest