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.

What you get for the money.

This week I attended 2 used home school curriculum sales. Between the 2 I spent around $40.(actually a little less, but why do I need to explain myself???)

I feel a little guilty for spending that much, but that's only because I haven't had to buy anything for this year (or the years before for that matter). There were some specific items I was looking for and didn't find, and 2 unexpected items that I have thought I may buy and ended up finding.

The Prairie Primer(spiral bound)-$10-like new condition! I think I got a good deal on this...I didn't realize how good of a deal!

Pathway Readers-the first 8 books(hardbound, like new condition)-$20 I bought this from the same lady that was selling The Prairie Primer. I didn't get the extra worksbooks, but these books along retail for around $9.00 a piece!

Easy Grammar 5 and 6 -$4 This is something I have thought about for next year, but don't know if I'll use. At four bucks, I didn't want to be sorry I didn't buy it later.


What your 6th Grader needs to Know-$2 This one looks new too. For this price, I thought it would be good just for a reference book. $2????

Jr. Great Books Series Pegasus and Sun Series-$0 Like New, Never used My OlderDD used these in 1st
grade. There are some fun stories and activities in these.

Drive Through History America-$0 every thing I got looks new or VERY gently used. This makes me feel like I'm not using preowned curriculum. This is a companion to a series available on DVD, but TBN used to air the shows late night. I'm going to see if I can set my dvr to record them!

Drill It Grammar work Book-never used- FREE!

Squanto Friend of Pilgrims, Sacajawea Guide to Louis and Clark, Mattie May, The Fledging, The Sign of the Beaver, Jumbo Bible Fun (crosswords and more) -FREE!
My kids loved going through the free stuff. YoungerDD walked away with 6 learning cdroms.

A few books I spent 10-50 cents on, but we sure got a lot of stuff!

Overall, I'm quite pleased. I'm just not sure how I will use it all, or WHERE I will store it.

I was hoping to find Singapore Math for Kindergarten, but I think I'll just have to order it!