Humble Beginnings

New Bed – Recycle Style!

When my daughter turned three, we removed her crib and gave her a big girl’s bed – a daybed!  It was complete with white iron frame, ballerinas & purple flowers on a pink bedspread, fluffy pillows, etc. 

But, over the next four years that bed became weak, the posts fell off and it started turning into the nightmare bed.  It was wobbly and squeaky and just awful.

So, we eventually took it apart for safety reasons.  The white frame was in such bad shape that we gave it away to someone for their use, but we kept the bottom portion that the bed itself rested on.  I figured we could eventually use it for a bed down the road.  As you know, daybeds do not have bottom mattresses, only top mattresses and the bottom mattresses are pretty expensive.

Meanwhile my sweet daughter’s bed has been sitting on the floor while we figured out what to do (and save money).  The bad part is that we were coming into the summer months and down here in Texas that means scorpions.  We’ve had several scorpion incidents over the years so I wanted to prevent one from happening again, especially with my daughter’s bed on the floor – easy pickin’ for scorpions.

My husband and I salvaged wood from a new neighborhood several years ago and still have lumber pieces under the house.  With our creative juices flowing, my hubby and I created a new bed for my daughter, using the bottom portion of her daybed and 2 2x4s, a few lag bolts and some leftover purple paint from my daughter’s playhouse – she now has a unique new bed!  It’s sturdy and comfortable and she loves it!  Plus, it cost us only the price of the lag bolts and a few screws and the rest was recycled material.  Pretty cool…here’s how her new bed looks:

As you can see, it's a pretty simple bed, just a few 2x4s and some paint! 

Here's a good picture of her customized paint job that Lauren and I did together.  The bottom row is a field of flowers with a few hearts, a cat and a house.  Not bad for a couple of homesteaders!

Life in General

Life is taking a slightly slower pace now (thank the good Lord!).  I had too many irons in the fire this school year.  I won't go into them all, but let's just say that I'm in a much better place now!  My children are finishing up their school year.  My son has his math final today and then he's done.  My daughter has about 3 more math lessons and then she'll be done.  They are both very excited to get it done!  They are probably about as ready for summer as I am!

We've been working on a few projects around the house.  The garden is growing well (will post pictures later) and we're simplifying more and more of what we have.  I found an article that tells you how long you should keep your bills, records, etc.  So, I've spent a good deal of time going through old records, organizing current records, and shredding what we no longer need.  Talk about a big project.  I've also been going through the kids' school work and re-organizing it and re-boxing it.  That also was a big project.  I'm still searching for a few more boxes to store their work, but it's getting there.  I've found that a 12x12x6 box is perfect for storing a year's worth of school work (per child). 

Personally, life is good.  I know that the Lord has me in His hands through all that life throws at me.  My sister is going through some difficult times right now so I've been praying consistently for her.  Her daughter (my niece) is heading down a bad path.  Despite efforts from others in her life, she's continuing to make wrong decisions.  I keep praying for her as well.  I know that some mistakes are inevitable but she's destroying her life.  I know that the Lord has her in His hands as well (and there's no better place), but she keeps jumping out of His hands!  All I can do is pray, though...  There are so many other things going on but I don't really want to go into them right now.  I just know that God will see us through, as He always does.

It's been a looooonngg time!

It's been so very long since I've last written anything on this blog.  It's not that I haven't wanted to, but time slipped away from me this year.  One minute it's September and the next we're almost finished with our school year.  Yikes!  I mean, we even went swimming today!  Of course, the water just about froze my tooshy and I had a monstrous earache, but other than that, we had fun!

Before I go too much further, I wanted to give a "shout out" to Molly over at econobusters.com.  Have y'all heard of her or seen her monthly digests?  They are chock full of all kinds of information from how to save at the grocery store, take frugal vacations, decorate your home on a dime (or less) and many other valuable pieces of information that moms (and dads) need in these tough economic times.  Her website has a daily blog and all kinds of tips to help us all out!

While my wonderful children were playing upstairs, I took some time (aka downtime - don't ask me how I managed that because it's pretty rare in our home) and read through the issue.  Awesome information - especially for summer, including how to budget for your vacation (or staycation), travel tips and suggestions & lots of great information on how to reduce the cost of your vacation.  I found this so incredibly helpful.  We are planning on taking a few weekend trips this summer and then a longer vacation this fall.  Some of the tips we already do (like taking our own food) but there are other items that I didn't even think of (like different lodging or transportation options).

I also really enjoyed the different recipes - all very easy and "do-able" especially when it's hot outside and you don't want to do a lot of cooking.  There are some really wonderful recipes for wraps, dressings and dips.  I can't wait to try them! 

And don't get me started on the section called "Parenting That Pays".  I cried like a baby reading through these wonderful memories of these previous women and their fathers.  I had to stop half-way through because I couldn't see through the tears.  It was like reading the intimate thoughts of other daughters like me - who love their Dads and wanted husbands just like their Dads.  I could see myself and my Daddy in so many of the responses.  Some were heartbreaking, others truly blessed and heartwarming.    I'm so very glad that I did finish reading that section, but be prepared to have your heart touched.

For $4.95, the June digest is definitely worth its price - especially if you're planning a summer vacation or "stay"cation. 

Until the next time, God bless each & every one of y'all.

HR 45: Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of 2009

If you're not aware of it yet, you need to pay special attention now.  This is not a joke.  I've done the research myself and we need all hunters, gun enthusiasts, skeet shooters, etc. to call their Rep and voice their "no's!" to this outrageous bill.  It's our 2nd Amendment right under the Constitution to keep and bear arms.  Don't let our rights be taken away, right from under our noses.  Please read the information below and contact your Rep today!

STOP NAIS! We have one more way to stop it...

Merry Christmas!

I hope you each are having a wonderful and joyous Christmas season.  We spent yesterday at my Dad's home celebrating Christmas with my side of the family.  We had a truly wonderful time.  My two precious children spent some real quality time with my sister and brother-in-law as well as my Dad and his wife.  There was lots of tickling and laughing!  The children wrestled with my brother-in-law and learned some judo moves.  They have my BIL really sweating!  Never underestimate the endurance and stamina of a 7 year old little girl or a 10 year old little boy!!!  They'll certainly keep you on your toes!

We had a simple and easy meal of brisket and all the trimmings (very Texas style!). 

And you know what?  We all made homemade gifts.  My sister gave us branches of their rosemary bush to dry for use this winter.  We also received some of their homegrown garlic and canned apple butter (which I can't wait to try!).  The children received homemade bulletin boards which they absolutely loved!  Each one matched my children's interests.  There were no battery-operated toys or gadgets, nor were there tons of unnecessary items.  Each item received was something to be used and treasured.  My sister also made my daughter cookie dough along with a set of paintbrushes. We have a very old Betty Crocker cookbook that has a recipe for Paintbrush Cookies.  So, my daughter plans on making the cookies today and "painting" them with an egg yolk mixture before baking.  She's going to LOVE this!  What an enjoyable Christmas!

Everything we gave this year was canned from our endeavors this summer:  Mustang Grape Liqueur, Mustang Grape Wine, Mustang Grape jelly, Hot Pepper Butter and Peach Preserves.

I just hope you each have a wonderful Christmas season, spent with family and friends.  We have more activities planned for the week, but yesterday was a truly special way to start the week.

Here's a little something for you and the kids!  Merry Christmas

God Certainly Knows ALL!!!

As you all know, the economy is drastically taking a turn for the worse.  My husband has been a real estate agent for the past 2 years and is now getting out of it.  He made minimal money last year and is tired of all the work without pay.  So, he's been looking for steady employment (which a LOT of people are doing right now).  He applied for 2 jobs with AT&T and was concerned that he didn't get either one (both of which he was qualified for).  Yesterday he found out that one of the positions he applied for was closed and they weren't going to fill the position.  So, what do I find when I log onto our local TV stations website?  AT&T is laying off 12,000 people!!!

God certainly knows what He's doing.  He knew that this was coming and knew it wasn't right for Johnny.  Praise the Lord for all His wisdom!

I know that He'll lead my husband to the perfect sales job - even if it's in another state (we're already getting rid of items in hopes of moving).  As the line says in Facing the Giants, we're preparing our fields for rain (and the Lord will provide the rain).  We just need to be ready when He does.

Praise the Lord!!!!

Homemade Advent Calendar + Turkey Pot Pie

I finally did it!  I made our very own Advent calendar out of a decoupaged cookie sheet (using old Christmas wrapping paper) and used canning lids (the small ones).  A few coats of spray paint, some stickers and magnets and voila - our Advent calendar!  Isn't it cool?!!

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

I also made a Turkey Pot Pie today from leftover Thanksgiving turkey.  It was delicious and beautiful!  If y'all want the recipe, let me know and I'd be happy to send it to you!

TOS Black Friday Sale!!!!

Are you ready?  Get set!  Go!!!!!!

The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine is having an amazing sale on subscriptions during their annual Black Friday Sale November 26 – 30. For those 5 days only, they are drastically reducing their one-year subscription price to $7.95! That's the price you would usually pay for just one issue at a bookstore!

This is their lowest price ever on the magazine and they want all of you to take advantage of this offer and share the info with your friends.

Please don't miss out. Your one-year subscription will pay for itself time and time again as you receive practical tips and Biblical encouragement to keep going strong in your commitment to homeschooling and to the Lord. Since it's a quarterly magazine, they even have a monthly subscriber's only E-Newsletter called Teacher's Toolbox that will give you seasonal teaching ideas and a free E-Book download! It's like joining a unit study of the month club! The free E-Books alone are valued at almost $250/year. It's really perfect for people who are homeschooling on a shoestring or just wanting to add in some little extras to your teaching.

Plus during the Black Friday Sale, they have all kind of bonus gifts when you spend $50, $75, $100, or $150. Some are electronic downloads that you can download immediately, while other are physical products mailed from various vendors directly to your home.

AND, their Win Big contest is going on so if you just happen to be customer 67,000, you will receive a prize package valued at almost $500 which includes a $150 gift certificate to the Schoolhouse Store! Who couldn't use that? And you can qualify to win it no matter how much or how little you spend!

Mark your calendars for November 26 - 30^th and do a little shopping from your seat, not your feet at the Schoolhouse Store's Black Friday Sale!

www.TheOldSchoolhouseStore.com

Truth Seekers Mystery Series

As we all know homeschoolers tend to be more entrepreneurial than others.  They are creative and inspired and driven to fulfill their dreams.  Christina Gerwitz, one of the authors, was a homeschooler.  Her mother, Felice, also co-authored this book (and the rest of the Truth Seekers Mystery series) and she and her husband, Jeff, created Media Angels - the publishing company that publishes this series as well as a host of other Christian materials. 

And, as a homeschooling parent I love Christian books.  I have two children and we read the Bible, review Scripture, its meaning, etc.  But, I really love the idea of Christian books that they can read for fun - that exemplify Christianity and God's Word but also relate God's Word in the "here and now" so my children have examples of real life issues.  Not all Christian material needs to be dry.  It can be entertaining and still serve the purpose of spreading God's Word.  The authors, Christina and Felice Gerwitz have done just this in their book:  The Missing Link:  Found. 

I was lucky enough this past weekend to vacation in Missouri.  It was a great (and long) road trip, but it also gave me the time to read the first book of the Truth Seekers Mystery Series:  The Missing Link:  Found.  I originally attempted to read the book to my children (ages 10 and 6) but they quickly lost interest.  I must say, though, that when we first opened the package, my son was very excited because the cover had a Blackhawk helicopter and a boat exploding on the water.  What 10 year old boy doesn't like that!??!!  He thought it looked really cool and the cover immediately caught his attention.  But, the book only held his interest for the first few chapters.  It's not that the book wasn't interesting or entertaining, but that the material was over his head (as well as my 6 year old daughter).  In all the material that I read in the book and about the series, the book is geared towards teenagers.  There were a lot of carbon dating facts and science issues that would probably be over the heads of most 10 year olds, maybe even 12 year olds.  While it was easy for me to follow, it's just not for under 13. 

The story itself was written well.  It's based on a homeschooling family who happen on mysteries.  I don't want to give the story away but it involves the debate between Creation v. Evolution (and we all know the answer to that!) but also deals with buried treasure, explosions, the FBI - and a slew of other exciting elements.  The back of the book listed their sources and a glossary (which I thought was a really great idea for those who might not understand some of the terms).

The books cost less than $9 each, which is equivalent to most paperbacks these days.  For additional information, you can access their website:  www.MediaAngels.com. 

Final Thoughts: 

• Christian book
• Entertaining
• Not "heavy" but a good, light read.
• Content is geared towards teenagers.
• Overall:  thumbs up!

James did it again!

This weekend is early hunting weekend for youth in Texas.  So, Johnny and James have been out hunting this weekend hoping James will get a buck.  And boy, did he!  A beautiful 8-point buck. 

Needless to say, we are very proud of our little hunter!!  Okay, he's not so little anymore.  He's been hunting since he was 7.  This is his third year and every year he's shot each buck with only one shot.  The last two years he shot and killed his bucks at 150 years.  This year it was a 125-yard shot.  That's exceptional for a 10 year old!  And the best part?  He's supplied his family with meat.  That's a wonderful feeling (for both James and his parents!).

Handmade Mirror for Purse

My sister-in-law's birthday is next week and I wanted to make her something unique ... just for her.  I've been playing around with different ideas to re-use "used" canning lids.  So, here's what I came up with:

I used one of the wide-mouth mason jar lids and decoupaged it with tissue paper.  Then, I hot-glued a 3" mirror on one side.  At first I tried to use watered-down glue and material, but it dried so hard and crisp that the dried material would have messed up the felt on the cover.

I measured out how large the mirror would be and cut out a piece of felt and embroidered a design on the front and then used a blanket stitch to bind it together.

I'm pretty excited by my first attempt at this.  I'd love to make more and sell them.  So, if anyone's interested, let me know and I can make one for you (or your family members and friends).  Now that I've figured out what works it shouldn't take me too long to put others together.  I think $7.99 per mirror & case would be a very reasonable price for Christmas gifts.  I've got many other ideas on embroidery designs, etc.  I take Paypal.

I just wanted to share how cute it turned out.

Helpme2Teach.com

As I’ve mentioned in one of my previous blogs, I’m reviewing curriculums and products for TOS vendors.  One of the services that I’ve been reviewing is the website helpme2teach.com.  As Elaine, the owner, states on her website, she has spent many years gathering the information and pre-screening the 2300 websites for content.  Then, she took the time to categorize these websites into some semblance of order so that it’s easy for us homeschoolers to find what we’re looking for.

I can name several benefits of this website:

o        For new homeschooling families, this is a great place to start with research on various topics:  anything from animals to world history. For our own homeschooling, I was able to find several websites and links from horses to Romans – and even lizards.

o        For those who are teaching their children how to “surf the web”, this would be a smart place to start.  The websites/links that Elaine has gathered are safe (as far as I can tell) and would be a gentle guide into how to “surf” appropriately.

o        The cost is very inexpensive compared to buying a brand new hardback book.

§         1 year = $29.95 (that’s only $2.50 a month!!)

§         3 months = $15.95

§         1 month = $9.95

§         3 days = $4.95

o       Elaine has also taken the time to create a code so that’s super-easy to figure out if the website you’re reviewing is appropriate for the age-level you may be teaching.  So, at a quick glance, I know that the P is for Primary grades and S is for secondary students from 6^th-12^th grade.

As with most homeschooling moms, I don’t stop at one resource.  I use a multitude when I’m researching topics, websites and information on whatever we may be studying.  So, while this may not be the only resource I would use, I would still definitely consider it one of the top choices for me.

The one concern that I had was that she originally did not post any Christian websites.  However, after much thought and input from the reviewers, she has since added many Christian websites.  This is just another example of how willing she is to listen to her customers.  In addition, she is also updating her websites and resources quite frequently.

With all that being said, I must give credit where credit is due.  Elaine has been very cooperative and helpful with any concerns or questions that I’ve had.  Her customer service is wonderful.  She has answered many questions and received much feedback.  At one point I was locked out of the website for some technical reason and I received a prompt reply to email fixing the problem.  She has been very receptive to input – which says a lot for her and her business.

For more information, you can access the website at www.helpme2teach.com.

But wait… there’s more!  Elaine is also offering a “2 for 1” special.  If you purchase a one-year subscription, she’ll throw in another year for free.  So, that’s 2 years for $29.95.  That’s a sweet deal!  That means the subscription would only cost $1.25 a month!!!!

New Focus

Good morning!  I hope y'all are all having a blessed day!  I haven't posted here in awhile as I've been extremely busy.  Along with normal homeschooling and work, I'm now reviewing homeschool products through the TOS Homeschool Crew and I'm also participating in the TOS Marketing Class.  So, over the next few months, in addition to my normal homesteading posts, you may be seeing more homeschooling product reviews as I go through them.  I must say there are some pretty exciting curriculums out there and I can't wait to share them with you!  I know that many of us homesteaders on this site also homeschool, so hopefully these posts will give you some insight into additional curriculums.

On a different note, we're getting ready for winter around here.  While I didn't do much canning this summer (at least not as much as last summer), we've already started hunting season (bow season).  Hubby shot a buck about a week or so ago and we've already got it canned or breakfast sausage in the freezer.  I'd love to get a sausage stuffer for my KitchenAid as I'd love to make sausage links, smoked sausage, etc.  Right now we tend to make ground venison for chili, spaghetti, etc. or breakfast sausage.  But, I'm not complaining!!  I love venison.  Oh..we've also got the backstrap and tenderloin all ready to go in the freezer as well.

My fall garden is doing quite nicely as well.  The tomatoes are doing better this fall than they did all summer.  I think it was just too hot this summer.  We had 50+ days of 100° ... talk about hot!

Anyway, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up as to what's going to be coming in the next few months.

Used Canning Lids (Christmas Craft Ideas)

I've been looking for some ideas on using the used canning lids from all of the canning I do.  I hate to see them go to waste.  So, here are a few links to websites for crafts that others have done:

Creative Crafts

Uses for Used Canning Lids

I have a gallon size bag full of used canning lids.  I'm going to start using them for Christmas gifts.  I've got most of the Christmas gifts for my side of the family, but not sure what to do about my husband's family.  They don't like home-canned goods and I'm not really sure that they like our homemade gifts ... hmmm.  I'm trying to be frugal, though, so we'll see what we come up with.  I'll post pictures later of the crafts we come up with!

Let the Hunting Begin!

Bow season has already started down here in Texas.  And, with God's grace and Johnny's good bow-hunting skills, we have a buck!  We're going to spend part of tomorrow processing the deer - probably making breakfast sausage.  If anyone has any good breakfast sausage recipes, please send them my way!  I think on the next one we're going to make jerky (yummy!).

I've also got a huge bag of peppers that I'm going to use this week to make Hot Pepper Butter. 

And, I took the last 3 jars of frozen grape juice concentrate out of the freezer in hopes of making grape juice this week.  I'm trying to get our freezer cleaned out for the sausage and venison we'll be putting in there this fall. 

God willing we'll hopefully get a few more deer this year so we can fill our freezer.

Life has been so busy around here - but I love a busy home!

Faithful Friend / Colleague: TOS Magazine

As a homeschooling parent, I take every opportunity I can to "teach" - regardless of what we're doing:  painting, gardening, building, baking, cooking, walking, etc.  Life is full of teachable moments.  But, there are days when I am discouraged or frustrated ... when I don't always have the answer I'm looking for or feel I don't have the time to devote to homeschooling that I want or need, or when I feel that I'm not giving my children all that they need to succeed.  I'm sure that we all have those moments.  But, it's when I have these moments that I turn to a faithful friend of mine:  The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  I get such encouragement from other homeschooling families - what they do, what works for them, how they address the problems or fears I face.  Aside from that, I also get a renewed energy to continue, to strive to do better, to know that I'm not alone in this journey.  God is with my family, my husband and I are "sympatico" on what we're doing and where we're headed.  AND, I get the chance to read about new homeschooling products (which is always awesome).

With that in mind, I wanted to tell you all about The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's Fall Special. You can get two years of the magazine, 6 fabulous physical gifts (no downloads!) worth over $120, plus the current issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine that is full of ideas for the new school year, so you start receiving your magazine in a flash!

It really is one of their best deals ever and you don't want to miss out. In fact, they've got a really cute Homeschooling with Heart tote bag (valued at $13.95) for the first 1000 to subscribe. About half of them are gone, but you should still be able to get one if you hurry! (They will remove the info from the subscription page when the bags are all gone.) The total value is over $212, but you receive it all for only $39 - 50% off of cover price! Plus subscribers get their online monthly Teacher's Toolbox which focuses on a different topic each month, giving you words of encouragement, hands-on teaching
ideas, book recommendations, field trip ideas, and a bonus download item.

If you have not taken the opportunity to subscribe to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, I strongly urge you to do so.  It's well worth the money ... and the peace of mind to know you're not alone in your homeschooling journey.

Whew!

Life has been an absolute whirlwind lately.  It seems that when you think life will settle down, you get thrown for a loop!  But, it's not bad ... it's great!

As many of you may (or maybe not) know, we live up the hill from my in-laws.  I love my family, all sides of it, including my in-laws.  They are wonderful people who would do all they can for our children.  I won't say anymore about it, but it's time to move.  We've been searching and praying for the right place for us to go.  We literally have no ties to this area.  Okay ... not exactly true.  We have our families our (both sides) and Johnny's real estate business is picking up.  So, with that being said, we simply cannot afford this area of Texas anymore.  It's expensive.  The housing we can afford is in the undesirable and rough parts of town.  The land is about $20K an acre (no joke) and that's without a septic or well (which is about another $20K for those).  So, before you even begin to build, you're already spending a pretty penny. 

We have thought and prayed about this for quite some time and have decided to move to Missouri.  We've discussed it before and after looking at other areas of the country, this is the best place we've found for the money.  We really love Missouri and their homeschooling laws don't seem so bad - pretty good actually compared to some other states.  We've found a house on a quarter acre in a lake community that's VERY reasonably priced.  We finished the pre-qualification process today and so we're good to go on that end.  Hubby has a closing in the next few weeks so once that's done, we're headed up there to check it out.  God-willing this will work out for us and we'll be able to purchase the home and move.  It'll be a slow transition while we move but we'll get there (probably within the next six months).  That'll allow us to do some fixing up and moving larger pieces, etc.  Plus, that'll give Hubby a chance to find work (plus transfer his real estate license) and that gives me time to talk to the office about either continuing to work from home (in Missouri) or leave it behind here in Texas (which I'm really praying for). 

I'll miss my family, especially my Dad.  Right now he's only 20 minutes away.  But, I know that he's in good hands with my step-mother.  Plus, this gives them a chance to come visit us in Missouri!!  We'll be right at the lake and they can come and go fishing, etc.  We haven't told anyone yet as we're waiting to go visit the property, etc.  But, even if it's not this property, it'll be another up there. 

Of course, our families will think we're nuts, but then again, they've always thought that as we've never gone with the crowd - always done something different (like homeschooling!).

On a different front, our oldest turned 10 this past Saturday, so we spent the weekend at Enchanted Rock (climbed it twice in one day!!).  It's a HUGE granite boulder that is full of caves, rocks, crevices, boulders, etc.  It's great fun to climb.  Here are some pictures below of our trip.  Also, our youngest lost her first tooth this weekend!  Talk about a very busy weekend!

This is one part of Enchanted Rock we climbed.  This picture doesn't do our climb any justice!! 

The sun was blinding us so we look a little goofy!

Taking a break under a boulder.

Lauren was watching for her brother & Dad!

At the top.

Lauren's missing tooth.

Canning & Baking Bonanza

This week on the New Harvest Homestead forum, there have been questions on canning beans and how to do it.  I have been canning our own beans for about a year now and truly love having the convenience of home-canned beans instead of spending my money at the grocery store.  I don't know ... call me crazy, but if I can can beans and save us money, then I'll can beans!

So, after some discussions and answering questions, I thought I'd go ahead and can up some more beans today.  I made a small batch of baked beans (5 pints) and about 9 or 10 pints of red beans (I can't remember right now as they're in the canner).

That wasn't enough, so I went ahead and made a Pineapple Upside Down Cake, a double batch of buttermilk biscuits and I plan on making two batches of cookies:  Snickerdoodles (hubby's favorite) and Chocolate Chip Cookies (munchkins' favorites).  I should be done with all the baking by early afternoon. 

I just turned off the canner so once the canner de-pressurizes, I'll get those out. 

I haven't done much canning this summer (not compared to last summer).  Since the cucumbers didn't make it, I didn't can any pickles.  But, we had TONS left over from last summer to carry us through next summer.  Yep, that's how many we had!

Also, as the tomatoes aren't all ripening at the same time, I've been roasting and "food milling" tomatoes in small batches and putting those in the freezer.  I made a batch of homemade spaghetti last week using some of the roasted tomatoes and man, oh man, was it good!!!   I used our fresh basil and our dried oregano, fresh garlic ... mmm-mmmmm.  Talk about yummy.

We started homeschooling last week and it seems to be going pretty good so far.  We've changed the way we do our homeschool this year (as far as the way we homeschool) and we're accomplishing a lot but it doesn't feel like it...maybe because we're not doing the "busy work" we were doing last year.  We'll see how this year goes!!!

I hope y'all are all doing good.  God's blessings!!!

Homeschool Memoirs: Week # (Routines)

As you know, I participate in Homeschool Memoirs.  This week's assignment is to post our "Homeschool Routines".  So, here goes:

6:00 - 8:00 a.m.:  Wake up and work 2 hours

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.:  Wake up children, have breakfast, let them finish waking up (takes them awhile)

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.:  School work (no real schedule on what's done when - we have set items to accomplish during the day but the children decide what they want to work on first, second, etc.).

For James he decides the order to do the following:  math, literature reading (includes history, geography), journal writing, formal writing instruction, Latin, Bible study (Jonah), programming, science (Antarctica - goes along with the book he's reading)

For Lauren, she decides the order to do the following:  math, copywork, phonics, reading, Greek, formal writing instruction, Bible (Jonah), science (tigers this month)

Now, we don't do everything every day.  Some items we only do once or twice a week and others we do every day.  We work like this Monday through Thursday and then Friday we have a more relaxed school schedule that includes art or something like that.  We're still fine-tuning our routine this year so we'll see what happens.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.:  Lunch & clean up from lunch

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.:  I finish my work for the day.  James & Lauren play quietly, do puzzles, run around outside, etc.

From then we just do what we want to when it cools off outside (it's been too hot to really do much during the heat of the day). 

Well, that's our typical day & routine!