Okay. I know there are some women out there that are totally organized. They have lists posted on their kitchen wall (or iPad), their kids are always well-dressed and well-behaved, and their homes look like Better Homes and Gardens just did a photo shoot. That's not me!
I do TRY to be that totally organized woman, but (like most Mom's I know), life happens. However, I have discovered this wonderful website that has helped me stay "on-track" during the holidays for the last 2 years. It is "Organized Christmas", and I've added their button to my blog. The site provides a free 6-week Christmas Countdown that begins Oct. 23, and has FREE printable sheets to help you with everything from cleaning the house and planning your menu, to buying and organizing your gift buying. There are even sheets for homemade gift ideas (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas)! The goal of the plan is to help you complete your holiday preparations by the first week of December so you can relax and enjoy time with your family (and focus on what's really important!). I love the fact you can have the reminders e-mailed to you, and can follow them on Facebook. If you follow my blog, you know I love freebies and can't wait to share my best finds!
In addition to "Organized Christmas", this site is part of the overall "Organized Home" site that has sheets for menu planning, home organization, cutting clutter, and seasonal tune-up tips. You can find it at: www.organizedhome.com. I started my Household Planner last year, and am still "finding my way" with it (the move did not help with our "organization"). But I find that I love having my "go to" notebook even in this era of modern electronics. It's nice to have a planner at your fingertips.
As I posted last time, my Homeschool Planner has been a blessing to us in keeping our school year on track. I believe the "Organized Home" and "Christmas Planner" sites can also help those of you who, like me, are occasionally organizationally challenged.
Take care,
Susan
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Autumn Adjustments
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| Fun with Pluto on Main Street USA! |
Before the packers arrived, I dutifully worked out our first 8 weeks homeschool schedule. What's that saying about the "best laid schemes of mice and men?" You get the idea...we are a little behind, but not as badly as we might have been if I hadn't pre-planned. Have you haven't tried using a Homeschool Planner? I definitely recommend trying one. There are several available on-line (both free and for purchase), but this year I purchased "The Old Schoolhouse Planner". I was totally amazed by the amount of information included in the planner, and the way the pages can easily be adapted for families with one or several children. You can learn more about this planner at: www.theoldschoolhousestore.com.
Moving from one state to another, and one home school group to another, has been an adjustment for us. I was a little nervous at first, but the homeschool representative with our local school system was very helpful and the transition was easy. Our new homeschool group is going to be visiting a pumpkin patch next week, so we are excited to participate in that field trip!
Change can bring growth and new opportunities, and we are looking forward to both in our new home!
Susan
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Ch, Ch, Changes...
I can't believe it has been so long since my last post, and I apologize to those who visit me thru Hip Homeschool Moms! I promise to post more often!! :-)
We've been going through a lot of changes in our household in the past few months. First, my DH has retired from his active duty military career after 20+ years of service. This has been both wonderful and bittersweet for us. Where has the time has gone? As we viewed pictures for his retirement ceremony, we recalled friends and events from assignments past that don't seem so long ago. Of course, time does have a way of speeding by (*sigh*), and this makes me think of the little one sitting beside me as I type. Like most Mom's, it would be nice to "freeze" moments in time, but spending more time with our children is one of the blessings of home schooling!
This leads me to the next change in our lives -- moving! I've spent much of my spare time the past few weeks cleaning, organizing and packing in preparation for putting our current home on the market and moving back to our home state of Tennessee. This also means moving to a new set of home school requirements. I had a lot of questions answered by attending the local homeschool group's Family Resource Fair this past week, and speaking with some of the group leaders. I am so grateful that home school Mom's are so willing to help one another!
I am currently learning about "umbrella schools" -- a new concept for me. I am used to annual testing using a nationally standardized test, and turning in the result to our local school superintendent. Most requirements are similar between the two school systems, but I'm still "learning the ropes" and finalizing my curriculum for 2011-12.
I hope everyone is looking forward to a festive 4th of July with their families!
Take care,
Susan
We've been going through a lot of changes in our household in the past few months. First, my DH has retired from his active duty military career after 20+ years of service. This has been both wonderful and bittersweet for us. Where has the time has gone? As we viewed pictures for his retirement ceremony, we recalled friends and events from assignments past that don't seem so long ago. Of course, time does have a way of speeding by (*sigh*), and this makes me think of the little one sitting beside me as I type. Like most Mom's, it would be nice to "freeze" moments in time, but spending more time with our children is one of the blessings of home schooling!
This leads me to the next change in our lives -- moving! I've spent much of my spare time the past few weeks cleaning, organizing and packing in preparation for putting our current home on the market and moving back to our home state of Tennessee. This also means moving to a new set of home school requirements. I had a lot of questions answered by attending the local homeschool group's Family Resource Fair this past week, and speaking with some of the group leaders. I am so grateful that home school Mom's are so willing to help one another!
I am currently learning about "umbrella schools" -- a new concept for me. I am used to annual testing using a nationally standardized test, and turning in the result to our local school superintendent. Most requirements are similar between the two school systems, but I'm still "learning the ropes" and finalizing my curriculum for 2011-12.
I hope everyone is looking forward to a festive 4th of July with their families!
Take care,
Susan
Thursday, March 17, 2011
St. Patrick's Day, FB Party and Art -- Woo Hoo!
Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone! I just printed out a thematic unit study from www.schoolexpress.com for today (which is free this week when you subscribe to their site!). I really like this site because they offer a free downloadable study each week to their subscribers, and the topics are always interesting. This is a good size study for my 1st grader son. It includes a short history of St. Patrick with questions, spelling words, a maze, crossword puzzle, a word search (which he loves!), and a matching game & coloring page. At only 18 pages, it packs a lot in a little package!
I am looking forward to attending the Apologia Facebook Party this evening! I haven't tried their science books yet in our homeschool, but am looking forward to adding them in next year (I've seen the books and am impressed with them). I can't wait to see what information is shared this evening by other homeschool parents and the Apologia team.
My friend, Lexi, of the Pink and Orange Coffee blog (http://paojava.blogspot.com/ ) has been inviting me to join her in "Walls of Art Wednesday." This week our homeschool group held a Crafts Fair at the library. For a small fee, each child received 10 tickets which they could redeem for the craft of their choice. My son chose 3 foam/paper plate dinosaurs, a sailing ship, an owl, 2 different dragons, a turtle fan, and 2 more items we'll finish this week at home. I wish I'd remembered to bring a bottle of regular white glue, but I did grab my glue gun and extra glue sticks (which I used while my son "supervised"). I also brought along some extra foam stickers (my son used the letters to put his name on the back of his turtle), and a glue stick which proved totally useless on the foam (once again, really glad I brought the glue gun!). We'll probably create something "green" today for St Patrick's Day. I know there is a Leprechaun's hat coloring page in the thematic unit study. Maybe we'll make some Leprechaun dust with pistachio pudding while we're at it! (You can find the idea at www.KinderArt.com)
Have fun!
Susan
I am looking forward to attending the Apologia Facebook Party this evening! I haven't tried their science books yet in our homeschool, but am looking forward to adding them in next year (I've seen the books and am impressed with them). I can't wait to see what information is shared this evening by other homeschool parents and the Apologia team.
My friend, Lexi, of the Pink and Orange Coffee blog (http://paojava.blogspot.com/ ) has been inviting me to join her in "Walls of Art Wednesday." This week our homeschool group held a Crafts Fair at the library. For a small fee, each child received 10 tickets which they could redeem for the craft of their choice. My son chose 3 foam/paper plate dinosaurs, a sailing ship, an owl, 2 different dragons, a turtle fan, and 2 more items we'll finish this week at home. I wish I'd remembered to bring a bottle of regular white glue, but I did grab my glue gun and extra glue sticks (which I used while my son "supervised"). I also brought along some extra foam stickers (my son used the letters to put his name on the back of his turtle), and a glue stick which proved totally useless on the foam (once again, really glad I brought the glue gun!). We'll probably create something "green" today for St Patrick's Day. I know there is a Leprechaun's hat coloring page in the thematic unit study. Maybe we'll make some Leprechaun dust with pistachio pudding while we're at it! (You can find the idea at www.KinderArt.com)
Have fun!
Susan
Friday, March 11, 2011
Counting My Blessings
This morning I thought of sharing how blessed we were to miss the most severe thunderstorms yesterday evening, or of how my son wanted to turn off all the lights to "keep the lightening from coming inside the house" -- he doesn't quiet grasp yet that the house is "grounded". While I was pondering my blog topic, I turned on the morning news...
Like most of you, I was shocked to see the devastation in Japan. My heart aches for all those affected, and the hundreds that surely have been lost in the terrible tsunami that followed the earthquake. I ask that you all join me in praying for the Japanese people, and that we all hug our own children just a little closer today.
Susan
Like most of you, I was shocked to see the devastation in Japan. My heart aches for all those affected, and the hundreds that surely have been lost in the terrible tsunami that followed the earthquake. I ask that you all join me in praying for the Japanese people, and that we all hug our own children just a little closer today.
Susan
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Yea for Fruits and Veggies
I apologize for not posting lately. After dental surgery (me) and an episode of the stomach flu (my son), I hope to be back on track -- at least as much as possible! LOL
This week started with the inaugural meeting of "Health Nuts", a group organized by a local homeschool Mom to raise awareness of healthy eating, nutrition and food options. Not only are we sharing information and tips with other Moms, but the kids have their own nutrition class. After the first kid's class, my son came home with a calendar and "homework" to track the amount of fruits and veggies he eats daily for the next 2 weeks. He will report back with his calendar at our next meeting. He was so excited and immediately started using his markers to record the fruits and veggies he had eaten for the past 2 days when we got home. He then asked what additional fruits and veggies he could have to add more servings to his calendar! Yippee!! We decided to add a serving of applesauce as a side to his sandwich at lunch, and he helped me blend fruit smoothies with mixed fruit, vanilla Greek yogurt, almond milk and ice cubes to accompany supper last night.
Today I'll focus on adding veggies. I realize I am lucky because my son actually LIKES salad, but it wasn't always this way. When he was 3 he did not want to eat any veggies except a plain green salad with ranch dressing. Since iceberg lettuce doesn't have very many nutrients, I started substituting green leaf lettuce and slowly mixed in baby spinach leaves. Now that he is older, he is interested in trying new foods. I credit part of this to watching the Food Network, particularly "Worst Cooks In America". He enjoys watching Chef Anne and Chef Robert's creations, and is fascinated by some of the "new" foods and cooking techniques.
Being an avid reader and cookbook lover, I also use books for inspiration. When W was in his "I don't like veggies" phase, I learned about "The Sneaky Chef". She offers lots of terrific and delicious ideas that incorporate fruits and veggies. Some creative ideas include cauliflower in macaroni & cheese, breakfast ice cream (really!), and other "kid friendly" foods fixed with a healthy twist.
Since our nutrition group met at the local library, I also picked up a few kid friendly cookbooks we can use in the kitchen to create meals together. The first 2 books are Mexican cuisine (because most kids love these foods), and the third one is part of the series "Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks". I selected "Cooking The English Way" by Barbara W. Hill as my first book in the ethnic series because the foods are recognizable and W wanted to try English tea time since seeing it mentioned on a program. I'll post later on making scones, tea and shortbread!
Since today is Fat Tuesday, I think we'll incorporate some okra and tomatoes into gumbo!
Have a terrific day!
Susan
This week started with the inaugural meeting of "Health Nuts", a group organized by a local homeschool Mom to raise awareness of healthy eating, nutrition and food options. Not only are we sharing information and tips with other Moms, but the kids have their own nutrition class. After the first kid's class, my son came home with a calendar and "homework" to track the amount of fruits and veggies he eats daily for the next 2 weeks. He will report back with his calendar at our next meeting. He was so excited and immediately started using his markers to record the fruits and veggies he had eaten for the past 2 days when we got home. He then asked what additional fruits and veggies he could have to add more servings to his calendar! Yippee!! We decided to add a serving of applesauce as a side to his sandwich at lunch, and he helped me blend fruit smoothies with mixed fruit, vanilla Greek yogurt, almond milk and ice cubes to accompany supper last night.
Today I'll focus on adding veggies. I realize I am lucky because my son actually LIKES salad, but it wasn't always this way. When he was 3 he did not want to eat any veggies except a plain green salad with ranch dressing. Since iceberg lettuce doesn't have very many nutrients, I started substituting green leaf lettuce and slowly mixed in baby spinach leaves. Now that he is older, he is interested in trying new foods. I credit part of this to watching the Food Network, particularly "Worst Cooks In America". He enjoys watching Chef Anne and Chef Robert's creations, and is fascinated by some of the "new" foods and cooking techniques.
Being an avid reader and cookbook lover, I also use books for inspiration. When W was in his "I don't like veggies" phase, I learned about "The Sneaky Chef". She offers lots of terrific and delicious ideas that incorporate fruits and veggies. Some creative ideas include cauliflower in macaroni & cheese, breakfast ice cream (really!), and other "kid friendly" foods fixed with a healthy twist.
Since our nutrition group met at the local library, I also picked up a few kid friendly cookbooks we can use in the kitchen to create meals together. The first 2 books are Mexican cuisine (because most kids love these foods), and the third one is part of the series "Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks". I selected "Cooking The English Way" by Barbara W. Hill as my first book in the ethnic series because the foods are recognizable and W wanted to try English tea time since seeing it mentioned on a program. I'll post later on making scones, tea and shortbread!
Since today is Fat Tuesday, I think we'll incorporate some okra and tomatoes into gumbo!
Have a terrific day!
Susan
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Homeschool Freebie Sites
A feature I love finding on homeschool blogs are listings of free home school sites. I'm encouraged to find new and different ideas to incorporate into our lessons. This year I decided not to purchase a math book because I found a wonderful free site on-line with math and language arts (spelling, reading comprehension and grammar). The site, www.superteacherworksheets.com, has a wide variety of printable lessons that cover grades 1 to 5. While not all are listed in lesson plan format, the language arts lessons could be used as weekly activities. Math worksheets include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, word problems, graphing, telling time, counting money, fractions and lots more!
Superteacherworksheets.com also has printables for geography, science, social studies and Teacher's helpers (including awards certificates). If you don't mind creating your own lesson plan, this is an excellent resource site for elementary grade worksheets.
Another site that is indispensable is www.donnayoung.org for any planning sheets. She has created so many terrific printables for homeschoolers -- planners, calendars, lists, etc. -- that this site is definitely one to bookmark. You will save so much time in the future by utilizing these forms.
My last "favorite" site for this post is the "Homeschool Freebie of the Day" site (www.homeschoolfreebieoftheday.com). As the name implies, this changes daily and ranges from downloadable MP3 recordings of stories or old radio shows, out-of-print primers and other educational books, old comics and even current homeschool articles (offered with permission from the author). They are all treasures! If you are unfamiliar with this site, I recommend visiting them every day for a week. You will be amazed!
There are lots of "freebie" sites to be found just by searching the internet! I also recommend the book "Homeschool Your Child For Free" by LauraMaery Gold and Joan M. Zielinski. I first checked this book out of the library to review, but quickly realized I wanted my own copy as a permanent reference guide. The authors cover topics and sites from preschool through high school graduation. The book list sites that cover educational and life skills as well as school courses and topics.
Whatever your homeschool style, enjoy a wonderful and productive week!
Susan
Superteacherworksheets.com also has printables for geography, science, social studies and Teacher's helpers (including awards certificates). If you don't mind creating your own lesson plan, this is an excellent resource site for elementary grade worksheets.
Another site that is indispensable is www.donnayoung.org for any planning sheets. She has created so many terrific printables for homeschoolers -- planners, calendars, lists, etc. -- that this site is definitely one to bookmark. You will save so much time in the future by utilizing these forms.
My last "favorite" site for this post is the "Homeschool Freebie of the Day" site (www.homeschoolfreebieoftheday.com). As the name implies, this changes daily and ranges from downloadable MP3 recordings of stories or old radio shows, out-of-print primers and other educational books, old comics and even current homeschool articles (offered with permission from the author). They are all treasures! If you are unfamiliar with this site, I recommend visiting them every day for a week. You will be amazed!
There are lots of "freebie" sites to be found just by searching the internet! I also recommend the book "Homeschool Your Child For Free" by LauraMaery Gold and Joan M. Zielinski. I first checked this book out of the library to review, but quickly realized I wanted my own copy as a permanent reference guide. The authors cover topics and sites from preschool through high school graduation. The book list sites that cover educational and life skills as well as school courses and topics.
Whatever your homeschool style, enjoy a wonderful and productive week!
Susan
Monday, February 21, 2011
President's Day
Happy President's Day to all! I remember celebrating Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's Birthday as separate days when I was in elementary school. We decorated our fireplace mantle in part with a Lincoln silhouette that my husband believes he made in school. To honor both men, we read a dozen of George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior" and Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" from "The Book Of Virtues" by William J. Bennett. My son read various facts from his presidential trivia book to us, and was especially fascinated to learn that the teddy bear was named after Theodore Roosevelt.
As a homeschool Mom, I enjoy creating unusual ways to bring facts to "life" for my son. One of these unexpected ways is by incorporating our Wii. Last year I decided to create presidential Wii characters to help him recognize historical figures in a fun way (and learn more about them on his own). So far, we have played baseball with Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, bowled with Andrew Jackson and Richard Nixon (who did have a bowling alley in the White House), and shot baskets with Abraham Lincoln and Grover Cleveland. Now he not only recognizes the president's photos, but can tell me a little historical information about each president. He is also interested in learning more about additional presidents that don't grace our Wii (yet).
I have some wonderful lap books I am using this week to enhance our study. The first one is "Abraham Lincoln" from SchoolExpress.com. This site has studies on various subjects for $2.00, and free weekly lap books you can download when you subscribe to their site. This week's offer is a lap book on "Transportation."
For a unit study on George Washington, I recommend Download 'N' Go.com. These unit studies are for K-4th grade and cover a wide variety of subjects. They are packed with information and fun topics, and I'm just starting to enjoy these units with my son.
Have a wonderful week!
Susan
As a homeschool Mom, I enjoy creating unusual ways to bring facts to "life" for my son. One of these unexpected ways is by incorporating our Wii. Last year I decided to create presidential Wii characters to help him recognize historical figures in a fun way (and learn more about them on his own). So far, we have played baseball with Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, bowled with Andrew Jackson and Richard Nixon (who did have a bowling alley in the White House), and shot baskets with Abraham Lincoln and Grover Cleveland. Now he not only recognizes the president's photos, but can tell me a little historical information about each president. He is also interested in learning more about additional presidents that don't grace our Wii (yet).
I have some wonderful lap books I am using this week to enhance our study. The first one is "Abraham Lincoln" from SchoolExpress.com. This site has studies on various subjects for $2.00, and free weekly lap books you can download when you subscribe to their site. This week's offer is a lap book on "Transportation."
For a unit study on George Washington, I recommend Download 'N' Go.com. These unit studies are for K-4th grade and cover a wide variety of subjects. They are packed with information and fun topics, and I'm just starting to enjoy these units with my son.
Have a wonderful week!
Susan
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Suess and Spring fever
This week started with a fun field trip with the Cat In The Hat! Well, not really, but we did see "Seussical"! The musical is a fun romp through several Dr. Seuss classics, hosted by the Cat In The Hat. My detail-oriented son (who I'll call "W") immediately noticed that the "Cat" on stage did not have a tail. I briefly thought of suggesting this was a Manx "Cat", but decided he wouldn't go for it. Instead, I explained that the actor didn't have one so he could move quickly across the stage -- which he was doing -- and W settled in to enjoy the show.
The play follows that lovable elephant, Horton, through adventures based on both "Horton Hears A Who" and "Horton Hatches An Egg", as well as characters and/or passages from "Oh, The Places You'll Go", "Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories", "And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street", "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" and several other stories. The cast closed with a musical number of "Green Eggs and Ham." Great fun for me and my a 6 year old son! I caught more book references than him (mainly because I've been reading the stories for most of the last 6 years!), but he enjoyed all the characters and songs.
Our musical morning was followed by our homeschool Valentine's Day party at the library. My son is still going through his bag of Valentine's this morning! So far, he's shown me Sponge Bob, Hamm (from Toy Story), dogs, and even skeleton Valentine's.
The best part of this week will be the early Springtime temperatures. We enjoyed our first "family walk" of the year last weekend, and I'm looking forward to getting back outside. I think we'll have a nature study in the yard this week to see how many little green shoots are poking up through the ground. I saw some jonquils on Sunday, and am betting the warm weather will make crocus and other early Springtime flowers start sprouting! Since the butterfly bush needs pruning and some of the flowerbeds could use a little clearing, we'll move the "classroom" outside during part of the day and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air! Maybe I'll even let W take my digital camera and capture his perspective on Springtime!
Hope you get a chance to play in the sun this week, too!
Susan
The play follows that lovable elephant, Horton, through adventures based on both "Horton Hears A Who" and "Horton Hatches An Egg", as well as characters and/or passages from "Oh, The Places You'll Go", "Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories", "And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street", "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" and several other stories. The cast closed with a musical number of "Green Eggs and Ham." Great fun for me and my a 6 year old son! I caught more book references than him (mainly because I've been reading the stories for most of the last 6 years!), but he enjoyed all the characters and songs.
Our musical morning was followed by our homeschool Valentine's Day party at the library. My son is still going through his bag of Valentine's this morning! So far, he's shown me Sponge Bob, Hamm (from Toy Story), dogs, and even skeleton Valentine's.
Hope you get a chance to play in the sun this week, too!
Susan
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Boldly stepping into the world of Blogging...
I love blogs!
I love reading blogs -- homeschooling, crafts, cooking, gardening, hobbies -- hmmm, I see a trend developing here. Seeing how other families are learning, sharing, exploring and just having a great time inspires me. I have several friends that blog (sites will be listed!), and decided it's time to join in the fun.
So, who am I? My name is Susan and I'm a work-at-home Mom, military wife, and blessed wife of a terrific husband. I home school our son, who is currently in the 1st grade. In my previous career (before marriage), I was a public relations consultant with performing arts organizations, so I love live theater and music. I'm also a history buff, am currently tracing our genealogy, and generally loving life!
The name of my blog comes from a comment I made to my son when he was a toddler. Yes, it was an Erma Bombeck/Carol Burnett moment!
My posts will cover homeschooling, crafts, cooking, gardening, field trips and other areas of interest -- probably with a touch of silliness, so check back often!
Let's get started!!
Susan
I love reading blogs -- homeschooling, crafts, cooking, gardening, hobbies -- hmmm, I see a trend developing here. Seeing how other families are learning, sharing, exploring and just having a great time inspires me. I have several friends that blog (sites will be listed!), and decided it's time to join in the fun.
So, who am I? My name is Susan and I'm a work-at-home Mom, military wife, and blessed wife of a terrific husband. I home school our son, who is currently in the 1st grade. In my previous career (before marriage), I was a public relations consultant with performing arts organizations, so I love live theater and music. I'm also a history buff, am currently tracing our genealogy, and generally loving life!
The name of my blog comes from a comment I made to my son when he was a toddler. Yes, it was an Erma Bombeck/Carol Burnett moment!
My posts will cover homeschooling, crafts, cooking, gardening, field trips and other areas of interest -- probably with a touch of silliness, so check back often!
Let's get started!!
Susan
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