Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-up February 8

This is a bit late (actually, really late) getting written/posted.

In my life/homeschool this week:

On Monday, Kiddo #4 finished yet another sewing project.  She made herself a polar bear.  The skills and eye for detail and creativity she has at her age really astonish me.

Kiddo #1 also did a pretty neat science experiment.  You can see photos of it here.  I also posted about our weekend in my Memoir Monday post, which you can see here.

The highlight of the day on Tuesday was bowling with some friends.  Our league hasn't started back up yet, but the kids enjoy trying to keep up their skills in between.  :-)

Since it was Tuesday, I also posted my "Try a New Recipe Tuesday" linkup, which is growing in popularity.  :-)  You can see my recipe for homemade bouillon and onion soup mix in addition to all of the other recipes shared here.

Wednesday was a get down to the books day, with much getting done.  Kiddos #3 and 4 have completely mastered 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication.  On to 3 x 3 next week!  Wow!  It is amazing how Kiddo #4, when exposed to her brother's work (which is 2 years above her), is learning it, too.  That has to be one of the biggest benefits of homeschooling-- you are not limited to an age label or forced to sit through the presentation of material that you already know because of the limitations of "teaching to the middle of the class."  There is no limit and no labels in homeschool.  They go at their own pace, however "advanced" or "not" it may be.  :-)

Another wonderful benefit is teaching what is applicable on that day.  For example, on Thursday, Kiddo #4 was writing in her journal (which she does faithfully multiple times a day) and asked about the spelling of a word.  Thus, a lesson ensued with the differences between "there, their and they're."  When it is relevant and applicable to them and their needs, they will *want* to learn and remember it.  :-)

Kiddos 1 and 2 had their online class, which they are enjoying. (and there's nothing like lounging and learning simultaneously! lol)

We also had our afternoon classes at church.  With my 5th graders, I spoke about the true meaning of St. Valentine's Day, we made a John 3:16 Valentine craft

and we discussed Lent, as it starts next week.  Yegads!  :-)  Kiddos 1 and 2 volunteered as helpers, as they do every week, assisting with attendance and other tasks.

And there's nothing like playing a game with dad when he comes home from work.

A uneventful day of schoolwork was on Friday.  We wrapped up St. Valentine's Day chocolates for the kids' great-grandmothers. (my husband is blessed to have both of his grandmothers still living) and I went to the post office and got them sent off.  I hope they'll enjoy them.

I hope everyone has a good weekend.  I am so glad that I was able to get this post done, finally!  :-)

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, NOBH, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap, Friendship Friday and Friday Connection

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up February 17

Another week gone.  They are just flying by.  Please forgive the cliche, but it is true.  They just seem to accelerate at a pace that make me dizzy!  :-)

In my life/homeschool this week: Monday was music lessons for the kiddos in addition to Kiddos 1 and 2 completing their dissection of the starfish in their Biology lab. 

Bless the heart of my friend who hosts it in her home. I couldn't imagine having the lingering smell of formaldehyde in my dining room. :-) I also participated in a weekly meme called "Make Life Meaningful Monday." You can see the post (and fun photos) here.

Tuesday was Valentine's Day.  We started with heart-shaped pancakes and made heart wreaths.  We even attended a homeschool Valentine's Day skating party.  I posted lots of pics from our day here, on my Thankful Thursday post.  It was a fun St. Valentine's Day.  :-) 

I also hosted my very first linky party called "Try a New Recipe Tuesday."  You can see all of the recipes that were posted here.  Come join us next week!  I'd love to have more new recipes to try!  :-)

Wednesday's highlight was making our "Scripture banks."  I printed on sticker paper several Scripture verses that stress the importance of saving.  You can see photos of them and the kiddos here.  Kiddos #1 and 2 also finished up quarterly tests for their Pre-Algebra, while Kiddos #3 and 4 worked on their Apologia Zoology work.  They were mapping each animal they have studied in this chapter.

Thursday was uneventful, which I guess is a good thing after our busy week.  :-)  Just tying up some loose ends from the week.  Not sure what is on the agenda for Friday.  Maybe I'll be spontaneous and surprise them with something!  Stay tuned.    ;-)

What's working: Definitely hands-on, fun learning experiences and being able to do schoolwork in their pajamas.  :-)  Love, laughter and encouragement help in getting work done (and done well) far more than raised voices and tension.  We talk a lot about being joyful and always having a heart full of gratitude.

What I'm reading:  A Mother's Rule of Life, The Imitation of Christ

What I'm praying for: many people have asked for prayers for loved ones, for husbands being deployed, for those who are sick, who have lost their jobs......

A quote or photo to share:  "We say many things, perform many deeds, and suffer very many things through which, if charity were abundant in our hearts, directing and ordering all things to God, our true end, we would indeed become much more fruitful in merits and far richer in virtue." - Blessed Jordan of Saxony (1190-1237)

(this was taken from on our visit to the Nature Center last week.  I just loved how Kiddo #3, while in the Bird Observatory picked up a book and was trying to find out more about the birds)

I am linking up with Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.  Come over and share about your week.  :-)

Thankful Thursday- February 16

I am grateful for a wonderful Valentine's Day.  We had a great morning with heart-shaped pancakes

and made heart shaped wreaths. 

I was blessed to get some candy from my children and dad and a surprise delivery of delicious chocolate covered strawberries from my husband.  :-) 

After some schoolwork, we headed to a homeschool Valentine's skating party.  We had SO much fun.  I am really proud of the kiddos, who had never been on skates before.  By the end of the session, they were making it around the rink without holding on.  Proudly, I can say I was, too, even though as I'm typing this, I hurt ALL OVER, lol!  :-)  I know it's probably been 30+ years since I had on a pair of rollerskates, but, wow, you know you're not young anymore when you ache something terrible from a few hours of skating.  I only fell once, so I guess I did pretty well.   I am so thankful for the friend who organized the event.  She and her daughters put together a CD of music that was wonderful for the kids-- very family friendly, very inspirational.  How great to see all of these kids singing and skating together.  Most of them knew the music from VBS or even some classic songs from the 50s and 60s.

After dinner, Kiddo #4 had a "family game" ready for us.  She had us each pick a heart in which was written a prize that we won.  She made different perler bead creations that she gave to each of us.  I "won" a crown.  Her dad won a turtle.     :-)  Kiddo #2 did another of his famous "Wheel of Fortune" like power points with words that we had to guess and Kiddo #3 had a Valentine's themed power point presentation with pictures and animations of each of us included.  It was a fun way to end the day.

Of course, we also celebrated Kiddo #4's "Pigie"'s first birthday.  Her sweet little pig was given to her last Valentine's day and they have been virtually inseparable this past year.  She also has acquired many other pig stuffed animals and toys in that time, as well.  :-)

St. Valentine's Day is all about love.  So, what better way to celebrate that than with your family?  These are the memories we will cherish always....

I'm glad to be linking up with Theresa at Red Oak Lane, for her Thankful Thursday meme.  Come over and share what you are grateful for today.