The 90 Day Challenge

A few weeks ago one of the bloggers on my Reader Feed posted a bit about reading the Bible in 90 days. It was to start June 1 and run all summer long. By the time I knew about it, I was several weeks behind. Something inside of me however said, take the challenge.

I started June 23 with Genesis 1:1. This part of the Old Testament is very familiar to me, but was such a blessing. As I carried on reading I got to the story of Moses and the children of Israel. I got bogged down a little through this passage, but kept plugging away. I'm behind of everybody else, I'm behind in my own schedule, but I can't tell you enough what a blessing this challenge has been.

I find myself thinking about the Word more often. I find myself blessed by what I've read. I find myself comforted to know that I have a Saviour. What I find most wonderful, is that by being in God's Word has rekindled the hunger and thirst within.

If you click over to the website you'll find many useful little tools and schedules. I particularly like the bookmark that has the schedule on it.

Now truthfully, this is probably a clever marketing tool for Zondervan to sell you one of their Bibles (because they have a Bible in 90 Days Bible, but I have just read along in my regular Bible and am just fine.

Don't be discouraged that you are "behind" the schedule. It really is such a blessing to embark on this challenge.

Be sure to scroll down the page to see the Family resource links. There's something there for every age group!

Hi

Just wanted to say hi.

I was clicking through and reading some of my older blog posts and I have to say....it's really a shame more people don't read The Blog. I find it so entertaining the way I make fun of myself. I don't know why other people wouldn't.

That is all.

You may go back to ignoring me.

oh, and
Goodbye.

Happy 4th!

I was thrilled to find this cute video posted on the Youtube. Enjoy!


I have the first 4 of this 5 set volume of scripture memory cd's. The kids and I both love listening to them, and often sing them as we go about our days. I see they have released a 5th cd called "Seeds: The power of encouragement." It's currently on my cbd.com wishlist.



Happy 4th y'all.

Guess I'm in a bloggy kind of groove

2 consecutive posts! I haven't done that for a while.

I finally submitted our portfolio today. I called ahead to the school admin. offices to make sure when the office hours are AND to find out the magic abbra-cadabbra voo-doo stuff that one apparently needs to know in order to even ENTER the building. Oh, I kid...sort of. That place has 3 entrances (and it's not that big of a building) none of which are marked or appear to be the main entrance. After the call though, it really was pretty simple to find the correct office and enter the building.

Let this be a lesson. In the future when I am unsure of something, it's really okay to ask.

I'm really quite pleased at the warm and friendly interactions I've had with the school admin. thus far. I posted this blurb on my Facebook account today and one of my friends said the nicest thing in the comments. I'll just copy what she said cuz really it was so very nice.

"That is because you are an amazing person doing a superb job of educating your kids! How could you be anything but nice when faced with your organized approach to record keeping, the depth of your educational scope and sequence, and your amazing child's ability to produce lovely samples of her intellectual growth!"

And she was totally sincere, and not even after any kind of favor. She's just that wonderful! <3 I love my Mommy-friends!

Checking In

Summer vacation is in full swing here at the F>actory. While the temperatures still haven't been all that summery (except for a day or two here and there) at least it's not quite as cool.

We had our first official homeschool evaluation done. I tried to submit everything to the district today, but couldn't figure out how to get in the building! I should have called ahead first. That's on the agenda for tomorrow.

I can't say enough how nice it is to have a break from hard work. Our brains all needed the respite-even mine. Whoever said "those who can't, teach" sure was a little off target. In order to be able to teach, one has to be able to "do" first. This holds true with homeschooling. I always learn the topic (or review) before I even begin to attempt to teach it. I'm getting a better elementary education as an adult than I did as a child.

Did I mention I broke down and bought a pool? Not a a super deluxe "real pool" but a new one for us at least. I don't know who was more disappointed about not swimming this summer, My Girls, or my mother. I'm pretty sure it was my mother. Just don't tell her I told you ;)

Here's the one we have. We really enjoy it, and even though it won't last forever, it really gives us a lot of fun (when it's hot enough at least...)


I know I've been pretty scarce lately, but I'm seriously just enjoying our break!

It's Summertime

...even though the weather doesn't quite feel like it. It seems to me that this gloomy cool weather has been the norm for the past 3 years for the first part of June. Our summers seem to be cooling to me rather than warming. I haven't written anything down, so I don't have proof, but rather than having a short cool snap around the end of July (usually accompanied by rain) it seems we have multiple cool snaps for most of the summer.

Our pool definitely has a leak. We've tried to patch it, but with no luck. The girls are a little upset (as well as my mother) about not having a pool, but I just don't think I can justify the repairs when I'd rather save and upgrade to a better one.
:(

On a better note, we're heading off for a weekend in Virginia. It's quite a drive, but a beautiful one!

Here's the thing...

a thought of the day.

I was feeling a little glum today. It probably is partly to blame on the rain and my hormones along with the state of my house. Whatever the cause it was a quiet kind of day. I was really starting to feel pretty blue. I was playing on Facebook, trying to click away my troubles on a good game of Bejeweled Blitz, when 6yo (can you believe she's 6 yall?!) came over and gave me a big hug and kiss for playing the game so well.

She was cheering, "Yeah Mommy, Yeah Mommy, Yeah Mommy!"

I had to smile.

And it hit me.

It's not getting what you want. It's wanting what you have.

How many times do I have to learn this lesson?

Too many and
apparently not enough.

Cleaning Day Blues

Today just seems to be one of those days that I want to smash dishes and throw things.

Ever have one of those?

I am not the kind of person that smashes dishes or throws things, nor would I let it show on the outside that I feel that way. But OH, MAN! does the idea of having the luxury of a good temper tantrum sound good right now.

I'm not exactly sure what put in me in such a state. I think however, it's the same old problem of too many people, not enough space.

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE TEMPORARY HOUSING! I don't know how it became our residence of 9 years. (okay, well, I do, but I don't know why those circumstances came about...okay yes I do...never mind....the point is that this was supposed to be TEMPORARY).

Will I ever get it all the way I want it?! And if I do, how long will it stay that way?!

2 days and counting

I happen to live in a state where there are quite a few homeschool regulations. My friend moved from this state to Michigan two years ago and says she actually prefers the rules to having none (although I wonder if she's still feeling the same now that it's two years later.)

We have only 2 days left of school before we can be considered "done" for the year. I like to be done earlier than this, but it just didn't happen that way this year.

On a sadder note, our swimming pool m ay have bit the dust. It has sprung a few leaks, and while we are trying to patch them, the outlook isn't so hopeful. I just can't afford to replace what's broken so we may not be swimming this summer.

This is truly quite sad for us. We three girls love the water. I don't remember how to have summer without a back yard pool. I know we used to do it-but then again, I also used to work too. That didn't let much time to just lay poolside.

Oh well. Let's celebrate the final 2 days of school. Pool stuff will just have to work itself out.

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I know I've been quite scarce of late. All apologies. I've been feeling rather uninspired.

Homeschool on the Cheap

Basically, I am...Frugal??(read cheap)

At the start of our home education we were part of a public charter. We used the k12 curriculum for grades k-4. My husband would not consent to me traditionally homeschooling so this was the next best thing. Finally he gave me the green light to branch out on our own for 5th grade (this year) but did so with some reservations. His biggest reason for not wanting me to homeschool traditionally was he didn't want me to spend a lot of money on curriculum when our tax dollars pay for a public education. I see his point, especially when one considers he is an immigrant that comes from a country without public education (at least when he was still there).

In order to keep Hubby happy, I got creative: use what I have, utilize the library, borrow things from friends, and in general am very blessed.

Ambleside Online is a great place to start looking for free curriculum. What isn't available in the public domain is usually available at our local library. We have loved %99 of the book selections. A Charlotte Mason education just seems to fit our family personality.

I don't think I would have spend anything on books for next year, except for the fact that I wanted to. Our tax refund just came so I am in book buying mode. Hubs is happy with the education that I am able to provide our girls and I think he feels proud at how much they are learning, although since he's not a wordy man, he's never really said...But the smiles say it all.

My final purchases for next year I completed today. I bought full price from cbd the following books: Trial and Triumph, Singapore Earlybird Kindergarten 2A, 2B (because I think these will transition nicely into the MEP math FREE curriculum which starts at grade 1) and a State History Book that was on special for less than $3.00. Did I mention I had a coupon for free shipping. I think I've done pretty well for next year.

I'm considering placing an order at Rod and Staff for their Bible reading and Music programs. Both are very economical and look like they are good solid programs( i can't be sure though as I've never used them). I am also eying 2 math textbooks on ebay that are less than $4.00 a piece. I don't technically need them, but they may make nice extra practice books.

Total purchases today-$37 and some change.
Total to date- less than $80 (this is for 2 children!)
I guess if I throw in a few of those extras I will still be right around $100. Not too shabby, (although I gotta admit it stings, just a little.)


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Have fun looking at all those links. I know I gave a ton, but sometimes it's easier than trying to describe everything.