Friday, February 14, 2014

A Day in the Life

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Welcome to a day in our life. Our weekly routine pretty much stays the same, but each day looks a little different. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, we go to various co-ops around town. Field trips are mainly scheduled on Fridays, and we try to keep Wednesdays commitment free. 
 
Our homeschooling method would be described as eclectic. There are many wonderful approaches to homeschooling, and pulling from different methods works better for us than trying to fit into one style.  

Today is Thursday, a Valentine themed day. 

7:30 AM:  Despite not falling asleep until 2:30 AM, I am wide awake. My alarm is not due to go off for another 30 minutes. I decide to throw in a load of laundry, and text CJ (husband) until he gets home from work.  By the time he’s here, our children are awake. He oversees breakfast and morning chores while I take a shower and get ready. 

9:00: Isabelle, the kids' friend, arrives for the day. The 3 girls (1st and 2nd graders) start on the workboxes they can do independently (Calendar notebook, practicing spelling words, handwriting, journals, and math since we aren’t learning a new concept today).  Samuel, my 4th grader, reads his Bible and completes a Logic puzzle.


10:00: Valentine craft time- Sarah picked out a butterfly craft for everyone to do last night. We also used scented watercolors to make heart maps.  


11:00: Everyone grabs a book to read, or finishes up their Language workbox.


11:45: Lunch- Since we have 3 children, each one is responsible for helping with clean up after one meal and one snack. Samuel does breakfast, Sarah does lunch, and Madelyn does dinner. We used to rotate who did what meal, but there was too much arguing.

During lunch, I read the Bible, and a story about the history of Valentine’s Day. Then I take care of more laundry before we head out the door for co-op.


12:30PM: Leave for co-op- Thursday’s gym co-op is about 25 minutes from our house, so I bring along a science dvd on the heart. The girls are currently learning about the human body, and you know, it kinda fits in with the Valentine’s Day theme. The kids also grab a few books to read for the ride home.



1-3:00PM: While the kids are having their Valentine party, I find a spot at the church to finish up lesson plans for the upcoming weeks. 

3:30PM: Back at home, details of the party are still being shared as everyone looks through their Valentine boxes. Eventually, the girls run off to play while Samuel finishes up his last few workboxes and a science experiment using magnets. We discuss what he’s learning about World War I in history.


4:15: Isabelle gets picked up, and I declare a quiet time until 6 PM. Their instructions are to read, play quietly, or write/color quietly. I also try to read during this time, but they are anything but quiet. We’ll try again tomorrow.

6:30PM: Dinner- CJ makes tacos while the kids help me straighten up the house. Our craft bin is a disaster, so I pull everything out and organize it. 

7:00: This is the time CJ and I would leave for small group on Thursdays, but it’s canceled tonight, so we watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy as a family. 

8:00: Showers, books, prayers, then bedtime for kids

9:00: Once everyone is tucked in, CJ and I have about 30 minutes to talk before he leaves for work.

10:00: While I’m gathering supplies to wrap Valentine’s Day gifts (snacks and a coupon book), I notice our loving Labradoodle has thrown up all over the downstairs bathroom. Lovely.  I grab some cleaning supplies and get to work.

11:15: Gifts are wrapped and set out for the morning. 

12:15AM: After making sure everything is ready to go for school tomorrow, I go up to bed. Tonight I’m asleep by 1:00AM. I love being a homeschool mom!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Homemade Scented Watercolors

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This simple watercolor paint recipe will leave your child's artwork smelling lovely. 

All you need is:
1 tbsp kool-aid drink mix
1 tbsp warm water
1 container per color (we used a muffin pan)


Mix the water and drink mix together. 


We used our watercolors to make heart maps for Valentine's Day. 


Monday, January 6, 2014

How to Make Snow Ice Cream

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Samuel, my 4th grader, wrote a how-to essay on making snow ice cream. This is a quick, simple recipe that my kids can't get enough of!!

Making Snow Ice Cream
by Samuel

     Have you ever been snowed in without a sweet treat? You can make snow ice cream in a few simple steps. Here's how!

     You will need the following ingredients:


  • 4-6 cups of fresh snow
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • toppings (if you prefer)

     You can find the snow outside. You can find the rest of the ingredients at a grocery store if they aren't already in your cupboard.

     Follow these steps to make snow ice cream:

  1. First, collect snow in a large bowl.
  2. Next, add in the milk, sugar, and vanilla. Mix everything together with a spoon.
  3. Now, scoop ice cream into a smaller bowl, add your toppings, and enjoy!