Hanging Out the Laundry

This may sound crazy, but one of my favorite things about the arrival of spring is being able to hang my laundry out on the clothesline again.  I actually anticipate the washing machine beeping to let me know that my clothes are freshly washed and ready to hang out.  To me, it is a nice "break" to take my basket full of clean laundry out into the sunshine to hang it on the line. 

In fact, sometimes as I hang out my clothes, I pray and thank the Lord that I am able to be home with my children and that we homeschool and can spend our days together.  I cannot imagine taking my basket out and not hearing my 7-year-old, Mary Grace, call from wherever she is in the house, "Wait for me, Mommy!  I wanna go hang out the clothes with you!"  Sometimes my 13-year-old son and my 14-year-old daughter will just "happen" to be outside at the same time.

Sometimes the kids hang clothespins all over their shirts and shorts (and perhaps even on their ears or noses or hair--ouch!) and do silly songs or make up goofy plays just for my entertainment.  They like to run between the wet clothes as I hang them out.  They like to climb the trees that are nearby or play in the sandbox or even tell silly jokes and just visit.

This year we just began hanging our clothes out again a week or so ago.  Because we live in the South, there have been plenty of days here and there that have been warm enough to hang the clothes out, but I usually wait until I can make it a regular routine before I start hanging them out again.  (Honestly, this is mostly because I have been known to forget to take them in when I'm not in the regular habit of hanging them out.  Because we have to dry them in the dryer during the winter, I get out of the habit and have trouble thinking to bring them in!) 

I have noticed something new over the last couple of weeks since we started using the clothesline again.  In a way, I guess you could say it's a good thing.  In a way it's a bit sad too.  You moms will know what I mean.  My little one, Mary Grace, instead of playing and visiting while I'm hanging out the clothes, wants to do the job herself now.  Yes, I am very glad that she wants to help.  Yes, I'm glad she's willing to help.  At the same time, though, it reminds me that she is growing up and is no longer so little.  

Instead of lamenting her growing up, though, I've decided to form some new traditions.  Mary Grace still yells, "Wait for me, Mommy!"  but now she adds, "I wanna hang out the clothes myself.  You can visit with me, though."  So I've started taking a book outside with us (because it takes her a really long time to hang the clothes out herself, but she insists on doing it alone, so I don't want to squelch her independence) to read to her while she works.  In fact, it was her idea. 

She loves for the two of us to read books together.  Even though she is a very good reader, she still enjoys it when I read to her.  Most of the time, we have one book that she is currently reading to me, and we have another book that I am reading to her.  While she hangs out the laundry, I read to her.  She will sometimes get so caught up in what we're reading that she forgets to keep working!   I just pause for a minute and smile, and she realizes what has happened and gets started again.

Even though our laundry tradition is changing a bit this year, we still enjoy this time together.  It gives us an excuse to get outside and enjoy the fresh air--even if it's also really HOT air at times, and it "automatically" provides time for us to read together.  Oh, and it gets the laundry done too! 

Have You Heard About Molly?

A week or two ago, I learned about Molly, a barn owl that lives in San Marcos, California.  In case you haven't heard about Molly, I just had to mention her because I'd hate for you to miss her!  A man who lives in San Marcos put up a box (about 15 feet off the ground) with a camera so that anyone on the internet can see Molly in her "nesting box." 

Right now Molly has two eggs that have hatched, so you can sometimes see the two baby owls peeking out from under their mom.  The other eggs are due to hatch within the next few days or so.  That's why I wanted to go ahead and post this.  My kids saw the eggs before they hatched, and they saw each baby owl the day it hatched, but our timing hasn't been quite right.  We are all hoping to be able to actually see one of the owls hatch. 

We try to take a quick look at Molly several times a day because she sleeps a lot but often awakes for a few minutes to eat, feed the babies, or preen a bit.  Sometimes she will stand up and take a look at her babies and her eggs, roll the eggs around, get comfortable, and sit back down to sleep again. 

Today we saw her eating what looked like a rat or a rabbit.  It was so interesting to watch her!  The kids and I took a break from our school work and just watched her for a while.   We didn't know what the babies ate, but today we learned that they eat the raw meat just like their mom.  Molly ate big pieces of the animal (whatever it actually was), but she carefully pulled off little tiny pieces and fed them to each of her babies.  It was so sweet to watch even though I have to confess that the "raw meat" part was a little yucky. 

I thought that some of you might not have learned about Molly and might be interested in taking a look at her.  Perhaps you will even be able to watch her eating or watch one of the eggs hatch.  You should be able to see the "Molly cam" here.  I also found out that Molly has a Facebook page.  You can take a look at that here.  I hope you and your family enjoy watching Molly as much as my children and I have!

Children's Bible Hour Books

We love books at our house.  My husband and I love to read and do so every chance we get.  The children all enjoy reading too, but especially the two girls.  They love it more than just about any other activity they could be doing.  A few years ago we discovered how wonderful audio books are too. 

A few weeks ago we received 4 books from CBH Ministries to review for the Crew.  These books came with audio CDs that "read" the book.  I figured that my children would like the books since they love reading and love being read to.  I had no idea  just how much they would enjoy them, though!

Since my older daughter is autistic, she enjoys reading and listening to books that are on a younger level than "typical" 14-year-olds would.  She also absolutely loves listening to audio books.  She likes to listen to the words being read aloud as she follows along in the book.  (I have often wondered if she loves listening to books being read aloud so much because she is non-verbal and thinks of the person reading to her as "her" voice.)   My younger daughter is 7 years old, and these books were just about the perfect level for her.  She enjoys listening to the audio Cds that came with the books, but she actually prefers to read them for herself the best. 

The books are adapted from classic Children's Bible Hour radio scripts.  Uncle Charlie is the narrator on the CDs.  They are the Seasons of Faith series of books.  This book series encourages children to learn about their faith in God.  Each book focuses on a different "season."  For example, Spring represents the time when faith develops and Christians begin to share the message of salvation with others.  Summer is when faith grows and fruit is produced by applying God's Word and striving to be the best we can in Christ.  Autumn represents times of struggle and temptation.  This is the time God teaches us to forgive and grow in grace.   Winter  represents deep struggles, mourning, making it through difficult times, and learning to lean on God for comfort and peace.

Race with Midnight is the Spring book in the series.  In this story, a girl named Becky goes to spend a week with her cousin, Sarah.  Sarah and her family are not Christians, so Becky wants to share her faith with them.  You Can't Come In is the Summer book.  In this story, a boy named Adam tries to explain his faith in God to a new friend.  The Autumn book is Seventy Times Seven.  In this one, a boy named Brad makes a mistake and receives forgiveness for it.  When it is his turn to forgive someone else, though, it's not so easy to do.  The Winter book is Braving the Storm.  In this story, a boy has to move and is having a difficult time adjusting.  He will have to learn to rely on God to make it through this difficult time. 

The books can be ordered from CBH Ministries for $10 each.  If you buy them between now and April 15, 2010, you can use the code FREESHIPAPR15 to receive free standard shipping when you buy the 4 book set.  If you'd like to read what other Crew members and their families have to say about the Season of Faith series, you can do that here.


NOTE:  I received these books for the purpose of writing this review.  I received no other compensation.  The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Pandia Press History Review

I really love studying history with my kids!  I remember that, when I was in school all the way from elementary school through college, I really didn't like history much at all.  In fact, if you had asked me at the time, I would probably have said that history was my least favorite subject.  I remember year after year of the teacher saying, "Open your books to pages 32-45 and read chapter 2.  Then answer the 25 questions on page 46."  We might occasionally listen to a lecture or do some kind of worksheet.  I suppose we must have done an activity now and then--but they must not have been very memorable since I don't ever remember doing one.  In short, I remember the study of history being just plain boring.  I didn't learn much about history either.  I suppose that my lack of interest in the subject also promoted a lack of retention.  I feel like all those years of history class were such a waste of time!

Since my children began homeschooling, one of my main goals has been to try my best to make history fun and enjoyable.  I want my children to enjoy history and to therefore remember what they learn in history.  I don't want them to go through all these years of homeschooling and do like I did--come out with no knowledge of history at all.

When I received History Odyssey:  Ancients by Pandia Press to review for The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew, I was really glad to learn that it is a literature-based study.  Well, actually, it is a literature-based study guide.  It combines history, geography, and writing.  I received level two, which is meant for use by grades 5 and up.

The series is chronological, so it begins with ancient times and continues to the Middle Ages, Early Modern History, and then Modern Times.

The lesson plans are directed to the student and are meant to be used independently by the student.  They include things like library research assignments, literature books, basic outlining skills, map skills, and even identifying main topics and subtopics.  They also include information about which resources and other supplies are needed,  how to set up a notebook for the class, and information on making a timeline.  Also included are boxes that the student is to check off after completing each assignment listed for each day.

                                       

There are several things that my 7th grader and I really like about this program.  My son really likes maps, and I like that the maps that are needed for this study are included at the end of the guide.  I don't have to go searching for the maps he needs, and that is wonderful!  Also, since the maps are included right there, my son is more motivated to actually USE them because they are so convenient to get to. 

We both like that the guide is written to the student and is intended to be used with very little help from the parent/teacher.  At age 13 and in 7th grade, he doesn't really want me having to oversee every little thing he does.  Of course I check his work to be sure it gets done and that it gets done correctly, but he can be independent while he is doing his work.

I like that each assignment has a box to check off once the assignment is completed. With the boxes to check off, he has a visual reminder of what has been done and what still needs to be done.  He may not like it so much because it makes it harder for him to "accidentally" forget to do something, though! 

There are just a couple of things that I wasn't particularly crazy about.  One is that some dates for the timeline go against my personal "young earth" beliefs.  For example, in Part X:  Ancient Americas, the guide suggests that in 16,000 BC the first Americans arrived across Beringia.  To be honest, this happened rarely, though.  There weren't a lot of instances of "old earth" dates.   The guide also seems to be written from a secular viewpoint.  I didn't see any information that actually goes against Christianity--it just didn't support it either.  Overall, I have to say that I really like this history program and the way it is done.

If you want to take a look at Pandia Press's website for yourself, you can see History Odyssey along with the other products they sell.  To find the history program that I reviewed here and the other levels that I mentioned above, click here.  You can also find a list of books and materials that you will need along with the guide, a lesson sample for each book and each level, and the table of contents for each.

If you decide to buy this product, you can get the ebook version from Pandia Press for $33.99.  You can order the print version from Rainbow Resource for $30.50.  There are several other places that offer these books as well.  They can be found on the Pandia Press website. 
                                                              

TOS Homeschool Expo

                                 




The Homeschool Expo is coming in May!  If you are thinking about "attending," you can save $5 if you register by March 31.  Right now the cost is $19.99, but after March 31, it will go up to $24.99.  You can register at http://www.schoolhouseexpo.com.  Right now, they are also offering a free ebook called Creative Nature Study when you register.  This ebook is almost 100 pages long, and it includes lots of information that is great for this time of the year--when spring is on the way!  It includes information and ideas about scavenger hunts, projects, creative writing, book lists, internet links, and information about flowers and bird watching.  And if your family is like mine, you will also need the information that is included about doing a nature study with kids or adults who have allergies!  I never would have thought to include that kind of information, but I'm really glad they did! 

Now, back to the Expo!  This is an online conference that you can listen to while it's going on, listen to later, or both.  In fact, that's one of my favorite things about an online conference--the ability to listen to the speakers over and over again.  It's often hard (for me at least) to soak in all of the information that I hear on the first hearing.  I love to listen to them, make some notes, and go back and listen again later.  I also love listening while I'm working around the house or riding in the car.

The expo will give you suggestions and encouragement and provide practical information as well.  Hopefully it will also give you a dose of encouragement right here toward the end of the school year (for many of us) when we probably need it the most!  Oh, and I forgot to mention that you will get two "bonus" days in April too. 

I am looking forward to the Expo!  I have only attended one other online expo like this one, and I loved it!  I probably won't be able to make it to my own state homeschool convention this year because of a date conflict, so I am glad to be able to attend this one right from my own home.  For more information or to register, just click here. 

I Never Really Thought About

I never really thought (until just a few days ago) about the fact that people who aren't from the South don't say "fixin' to."  Now I suppose some of you may think that's kind of silly, but I'm afraid it's also true!  Here's what happened:

I was talking on the phone a few days ago to a friend who is not from the South.  We were discussing our schedules and what was going on in each of our families when I told her that I was "fixin to start cooking supper."  She said, "That's what I'm about to do too, only I don't say fixin to."  Now I won't disclose the identity of this particular friend, but she knows who she is!  (Don't you, Heidi?)  Then we both laughed, hung up the phone, and started cooking.

Now I know that there are lots of other little words or phrases that are fairly exclusive to the South, and that's ok.  I suppose, though, that "fixin to" is something that we say here so often that it's hard to understand how the rest of the country functions without the use of that particular phrase.  Do you just say, "I'm about to go to the store"?  What about when your kids are REALLY getting on your nerves?  Do you say, "I'm about to lose my temper!"?  I don't know, but it just doesn't sound quite right that way.  There's just something special about "fixin to" in so many situations. 

I suppose my challenge for all of you non-Southerners on Tuesday is to use "fixin to" as many times as you can just for ONE day.  It's such a habit here that we don't even notice it.  If you live in another part of the country, though, you might create quite a stir!  I'd love to hear what kinds of reactions you get from your friends and family members! 

Anyway, I'm tired, so I'm fixin to get ready for bed.   Good night!

Homeschool in the Woods Olde World Style Maps

Homeschool in the Woods is a company that I already knew and loved before receiving their Olde World Style Maps to use for this review.  In fact, I was considering buying these maps to use for the next school year, so I was especially excited to receive them!  I have used their timeline figures for several years with my children, and we all love them.  I also have one of their timeline notebooks for each of my children.  I had tried having the children make their own timeline notebooks thinking that I wouldn't "waste" money buying something we could make instead.  After several attempts at making our own, I happily bought the ones from Homeschool in the Woods! 

I received two sets of maps.  One set contains world maps of both modern and ancient times.  The other set contains modern and historical United States maps.  The sets can be downloaded for $18.95 each, or a combo set can be downloaded for $28.95.  If you prefer to have your maps on CD, the sets are $19.95 each or $29.95 for the combo. 

Right now two of my children are studying ancient history, so they have been using the ancient world maps.  I really like the fact that I can show them the maps with or without the labels.  I like having them look at the maps, color them, and study them using the labeled versions.  Then I can check to see if they remember the places using the unlabeled versions. 

My older daughter is studying American history right now.  She uses the modern and historical maps to see how the United States has changed over time.  Since she has autism, it is particularly important for her to see things in a concrete way because she isn't very good at abstract thinking.  It has been good for her, too, to be able to use the labeled or unlabeled maps.  Since she is non-verbal, I can't check to see what she has learned orally.  Having the option of using the unlabeled maps has been great!  I usually write down the names of the states on small pieces of paper for her to look at.  Then she can place the pieces of paper on the correct places on the map.  Another option that I sometimes use is reading the names of the places (or rivers or whatever else I'm checking to see if she remembers) and having her point to them on the unlabeled map. 

Both the world maps and United States maps include bonus pages.  The United States maps include bonus pages for each state on which the students can fill in information about the state flower, state bird, and lots more information.  A full color picture of each state flag is also included.  The world maps include bonus pages with information about things like population, languages spoken, and flags as well.  There is much more "extra" information included that I haven't even mentioned too! 

You can click here to see some samples of what's included with the world maps or here to see samples from the United States maps.  You might even want to visit the Homeschool in the Woods website to take a look around at the maps and the other resources they have to offer. 

NOTE:  I received these maps free of charge for the purpose of writing this review.  I received no other compensation.  The opinions expressed in this review are mine. 

How do You Like It?

I am so excited to be posting on my new blog!  Several months ago I began considering moving my blog.  I wanted to have a blog that is a little easier to use.  I also wanted to make it more personal and more "me."  I started trying to create my new blog myself, and I quickly realized that I wasn't going to be able to handle it on my own!  I had a vague idea of how I wanted it to turn out, but I had no idea at all of how to get it to look that way! 

As I started looking around for someone to help me, I came across eLisa at eSpecially Simple.  I looked at her website and really liked it, so I sent her an email asking about the possibility of having her design my new blog.  Then I filled out a new client questionnaire, answered a few more questions, picked out some graphics that I liked, and turned it all over to eLisa.

Just a week or so later, she sent me a proof to look at, and I loved it!  There were a few small changes to be made, but she got those done in a day or two.  Now my new blog is ready to use, and I am so excited about it.

She did not ask me to do this post, but I wanted to because she did such a great job for me.  If you happen to be thinking about moving your blog or sprucing up the one you already have, I would like to recommend that you send eLisa an email or check out her website.   

I would love it if you would leave me a comment if you like my new blog.  I now have a button for my blog too!  If you want to copy the code and put my button on your blog, that would be great! 

I would also be happy for you to sign up to follow my blog with Google Friend Connect in my sidebar.  I will follow you back, too. 

Thank you so much for visiting my blog.  I hope you enjoyed it and that you will come back to visit again soon.

Blessings,

Welcome!

Thank you for stopping by Homeschooling Blessings!  You might have bumped into me over at Our Crew's Ship, my first blog developed to record our homeschooling life.  I'm so excited to have this new place, designed uniquely for me, and to see how this site will grow in the future.