love to paint

Back in September we went on vacation to Maine, which included a very long drive up and a long drive back.  Along the way, I read an ebook titled Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay.  One would assume that this book is going to be another modern retelling of Emma (in which Mr. Knightley is a character.  Not so.  This story is the retelling of Daddy Long Legs with a conspicuous name borrowed from Austen's novel from long ago. Last year, I bought a copy of the classic, Daddy Long Legs.  I remembered enjoying it, so I wanted to see if I would share it with my girls.  After reading it, I shelved the book and actually donated it back to the library book sale.  I didn't like the moral tone of the book.  Sad to say, it's been a while so I can't remember what my specific concerns were, but I had enough concerns to realize that my girls wouldn't enjoy reading it and I wasn't going to force it upon them. I do like the premise of Daddy Long Legs, though...

This week I read a fun novel called The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen.  I've read a few other novels by Ms. Klassen, so I was looking forward to this one. The story follows Abigail Foster, who unfortunately, is to blame for the loss of her family's fortune.  Her family must find a new, much more affordable home.  An offer comes in the form of Pembrooke Park, where they will be able to live for a very reasonable rent.  Abigail and her foster accept on behalf of their family and so begins the adventure.  Pembrooke Park has several secrets it's hiding. The characters of the story are fun to get to know.  There were a couple that annoyed me (as any good antagonist should).  But, I particularly enjoyed the main character of Abigail and her relationships to the other characters. The plot moves along at a steady pace and you do get to know the characters as Ms. Klassen tells the story.  I do enjoy Ms. Klassen's writing more than other...

My 6th grade daughter is tackling subtracting negative numbers, which can be a tricky thing to explain ;)  I found a great page with explanations though, so I thought I'd share it in case it might be helpful to anyone... Adding and Subtracting Positive and Negative Numbers               Adding and Subtracting Positive and Negative Numbers How to Add and Subtract Positive and Negative Numbers Numbers Can be Positive or Negative: Negative Numbers (−) Positive Numbers (+) (This is the Number Line... View on  www.mathsisfun.com Preview by Yahoo  

I look forward to November and December when it is fashionable to read Christmas stories and watch Christmas movies.  I have to be honest and admit, though, that I read and watch them throughout the year.  The characters in such stories are portrayed with more hope and there is a coming together, a reunion, of family and friends that isn't present at other times in the year as often (in books and movies). Melody Carlson publishes a Christmas novel every year and almost every year for the past five years I've had a chance to review them.  This year's novel is The Christmas Cat .  The story is about Garrison who inherits his grandmother's house--and her cats--after she passes away.  His grandmother was his only family and he feels lost without her.  He's struggling to recover from Malaria that he caught while working in Africa and is trying to get a job.  So, his trip home to take care of his grandmother's estate occupies his heart and mind.  T...

It's interesting to grow up with my kids.  When they were younger, we read many Bible storybooks to them.  But now, they are all old enough to read the Bible themselves!  I have realized the same thing is happening with the books they read.  We are moving into a new era or phase. Magic Treehouse and Imagination Station have had their time in my girls' minds and on their shelves. But, it's time for these to be passed on to their little brother.  I think he'll probably be ready for them by the end of the year. The Imagination Station is a fun and easy to read early chapter book series.  It's basically a Christian Magic Treehouse series.  I've written a few reviews about it before.  I remember loving the first few books of the series.  I was struck by how the young boy and girl treated each other and the people they came across on their adventures.  I was pleased by the series.  But, as the series has gone on, the writing hasn't se...

This week I had the chance to see a gift that someone has.  That is the gift of not being bothered by others' opinions of them.  I've seen people before not care about others opinions.  I can't say that I've understood.  I'm sure different people have different reasons. I think some people tell themselves they don't care, but really do.  Some people stop caring and become numb to others' feelings.  Some people retreat away from people so they can't hurt them anymore.  But, then other people naturally have a peace that helps them not to worry or care about others opinions of them. I saw one of these people in action this week.  After the summer I've had and what I've walked through, I recognize the gift this person has.  Of course it has its consequences, but one of the positive consequences is that this person is more easily able to show grace to people in her life that say things that are off the mark.  One of the other consequences...

On vacation, Autumn got a Life is Good tshirt that says, "Smile... It's free."  I love it.  I wish I could have one, too. I've let my kids sleep in this morning and I need to go wake them up.  It's been a busy past two weeks for them.  They're troopers and I love them.  I wanted to write down the things popping into my head at the moment. 1.  Smile.  A lot.  Every chance you get.  Smiling makes you feel good and makes others people feel good.  It breaks the silence.  It breaks up the pain.  It breaks up the hurt.  It reminds you of God's beauty, His comfort, and that He's in control.  We can trust Him. 2.  Smile.  Tell my kids I love them.  A lot.  Even though they've heard it before. 3.  Snuggle with my kids.  Read together.  Break out of the cycle of being driven by the idea that I have to get so much done.  Take a 30 minute reading break in the living room.  Don'...

For the past year, my kids have been learning to type using the BBC's free internet site: Dance Mat Typing.  I like it a lot.  It covers the basics at a speed that's very appropriate for grade K-5.  It includes practice and fun songs that engage the kids.  All three of my kids have enjoyed it. I felt like it wasn't quite enough, though.  I wanted them to get more practice and be able to increase their speed.  So, I started looking for a program to use.  I asked around and the recommendations all pointed to Mavis Beacon and Typing Instructor . In the end, I purchased Typing Instructor for Kids.  It takes a bit to navigate the program honestly.  I had to sit down with it first and understand what my kids needed to do.  My first daughter went through the first level and completed it, but the program wouldn't let her move on.  She didn't understand why.  So, I went through the level and it passed me.  I am assuming that t...

I just read this article on Christianity Today and thought it was a good reminder about our internet clicking... http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2014/september/careful-what-you-click-for.html

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine was sharing with me about how she keeps waiting for that time when she'll be able to breathe and catch up.  Refuel. I thought for a moment about what she said.  My kids are several years older than hers, but this past year I've really been waiting for that time that she was talking about.  It has never come.  It feels like there's been one thing after another.  I get very tired at times. I have come to the conclusion that there might not be that lull in life that I long for.  But, instead, there are moments.  And it is the moments that sustain us and refuel us. The moment in the car on the long vacation ride when Sami asks how much longer and Autumn tells her to call her.  Then Sami pretends to call Autumn on an imaginary phone and Autumn answers, "Hello.  This is the Estimation Station.  How can we help you?"  Sami then asks, "How much longer till we get there?"  Autumn responds, "Let me...

I'm working on my daughter's social studies for this year.  I've found several resources on the way.  I often ask myself, "Why am I doing this?  Why am I not buying a premade curriculum?"  I've read several books about homeschooling on a shoestring and lots of blog posts about it and realize that the money you save by not buying books, you spend in time.  So, there has to be some other reason... I've come to the conclusion that I enjoy the search.  I enjoy thinking through a topic and getting on top of it before my children study it.  I enjoy developing a big picture of the topic. Last year, Autumn studied the 1700s of American History.  This year, my goal is to cover the 1800s and 1900s.  So far, I have compiled up to 1850 and am working on the Civil War.  Here's a list of free resources I've found that I've liked.  I'm using a very brief book titled Kids' Guide to American History to give my daughter a brief (very brief) idea ...

New routines... New books... The End of Summer. I am actually thankful for this summer to end.  We frequent the community pool and I have so many different conversations over the course of the summer with many moms.  I've often heard as the summer comes to a close that the moms are ready for their kids to go back to school.  I never thought I'd say this, but I am saying it this summer... This summer, I've heard it from myself and a few other homeschool moms.  We've shared with each other about how too much free time leads to bickering and less enjoyed play time for their kids.  The structure of the homeschool day can be a good thing.  There is a satisfaction for adults and children alike of having gotten something done. But, is that all?  Not in my case. Why am I glad?  Honestly, I had a horrible summer.  It was a very difficult one emotionally.  Grappling with my mom's illness and its impact on her, my family, and me became th...

My big project that needs to be done this week is to compile the worksheets for Autumn's American History this year.  I've found several great sites along the way and today I found this one: http://www.stonesouphomeschool.com/unit-study-database.html#C It's a database of lots of unit studies on the web. Yay!  I love anything that makes my searching simpler.  Some of the links aren't active, but many are.  1 of the 3 I tried didn't work.  But, it is a place to start!

I was very excited to find these tonight! I am compiling my 6th grade daughter's chemistry curriculum.  I couldn't bring myself to spend $140 on Noeo's Chemistry 2 curriculum, so I'm compiling my own.  (The books I bought cost $39 altogether.)  It's a little bit of work to plan it out, but I'm enjoying the research as I discover what makes up the study of chemistry. Last year, I tried to use Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space with my children, but they disliked it.  I found myself filling in the blanks and the big jumps the authors made between topics.  I have struggled with science for several years. As a Christian, I feel that I need to help my kids develop a Christian worldview of creation and science.  But, the curriculum I've loved most is HSP Science from Harcourt.  My eldest daughter did Singapore's kindergarten science, then HSP science for 1st-3rd, Considering God's Creation for 4th and then HSP science for 5th.  My second daugh...

My kids started soccer practice this week.  It has been interesting in so many ways.  I have been reminded to be thankful that I have the opportunity to homeschool.  One mom explained to me that two parents have to work today unless one parent makes an insane amount of money.  I could tell how much she loves her kids and cherishes her time with them.   I watched another set of parents juggle their kids and split duties as they adjust to changes in their family.  I saw this last year, too, when two parents had separated and had to juggle work and their kids' practices.   I walk around and meet all the parents.  I ask lots of questions and get to know them.  Last year, I was the new parent to soccer.  My older daughter's team had all played together for several years and then my middle daughter's team was over half returning kids who knew each other.  This year my daughters' team is half returning, half new.  My son's team...

A few years ago, my girls came upon Adventures in Odyssey's Imagination Station series of books.  This series is similar to the Magic Treehouse Books.   I haven't read one in quite some time.  A month or two ago, the most recent addition to the series arrived, Captured on the High Seas .  My girls quickly read it and seemed to enjoy it. Amidst the busyness, I did not get a review posted of this book.  Now that the kids' bedrooms are painted I realize that the time has come to catch up!  So, I'm starting with this book. The Imagination Station series focuses on cousins Patrick and Beth.   Captured on the High Seas is the second of a 3 adventure series set in the American Revolutionary War.  The first book, The Red Coats are Coming , found them at the battle of Concord.  This book finds Patrick and Beth on an American Ship that is captured by the British.  They become friends with a boy named James.  He helps them and they help...

I am in the process of putting together my children's curriculum lists for the fall.  I went to the post I wrote about reading comprehension units.  When I clicked on a few links for the leaping into 5th grade website, I discovered that the author has taken them down.  If I were a betting person (which I'm not), the author has probably taken down her units and placed them on a site like Teachers Pay Teachers and is likely selling them for a fee now.  I realize that many teachers have done this. But, this is the reason that when I put together my reading comprehension plan, I printed off the units I wanted for the future.  When you find something on the web, there's no guarantee it is still going to be there tomorrow!

A while ago, I read the first book in Jen Turano's Christian fiction series that began with A Change of Fortune.  I enjoyed it.  It just fun to be lost in a book for a little while.  I don't usually follow a series, but I did end up reading each of the books in this series.  It was just light Christian romance fiction.  Last week, I finished reading the last one, A Match of Wits .   This story centers on Agatha Watson and Zayne Beckett.  Many books within a series are written as stand alone novels.  Others need to be read within the series in order for the reader to understand and know the characters.  That is the case with this book.  Read the books before it first.  Each one adds details that you'll need to know in order to understand the interactions and dynamics of the relationships between the characters.  Agatha is a spitfire and Zayne is the recovering scorned former beau of another.  Agatha gets herself in mes...

You might have heard this... I know it's going around.  My husband said this to me as we walked outside to throw a ball around with our kids... Sitting is the new smoking. Yes, I think it is.

This morning I finished another romantic Christian fiction novel.  One might wonder why I read so many of these given that my reviews are often what might be considered 3 star reviews.  Well, my mom loves them and so I search for good ones to pass on to her.   Ann Gabhart is one of the authors I have enjoyed more than others.  Her latest, Love Comes Home is very clearly a romance.  It's funny to me that it's labeled "Historical Fiction".  It should really just be labeled "Christian Romance" in my opinion. This latest novel by Ms. Gabhart is about a family of sisters after World War II finding their way to love.  There's pain and suffering in the novel.  The recovery of the men from the war is only touched upon and not delved into.  The story focuses more on the role of love in each of the sisters' lives and their trials, travails, healing, and blessings.   Picture four sisters ranging in age from 14 to 25 years old (I think). ...

I hate writing reviews before I've finished the book.  But, this time, well...I'm running out of time.  So, I'm writing this book review with the caveat that I haven't finished it yet. I've shared before that sometimes I pick up books and think they'll be interesting, but then just can't seem to get motivated to read them.  That's the case with this book.  It sat on my desk for several weeks without me opening it.  My daughter happened to pick it up, though, which started an interesting conversation... Mommy, what's Anorexia? Hmm... Hmmm!  Well, sweetie, that's when people choose not to eat. Why?  Do they not have food to eat? No.  They have food. You mean--they diet? Yes, they diet.  But, they choose not to eat. They starve themselves? Yes, they do, sweetie. The conversation went a little longer as I tried to explain in 10 year old terms why. My daughter, my sweet daughter who talks to me about everything, was connecting the do...

This morning I read this article HERE  about a battle in education in Maryland.  In response, I wrote the following letter to the writer of the article that I thought I'd share here... Hello, I just read your article from Sunday's Sun about “A New Battle in Maryland Education”. I wanted to share a few things that might be interesting to include in future articles on the subject of testing and teacher evaluation. But, before I begin, I should explain who I am so you can understand the background I am speaking from. I earned my MA Ed in curriculum and instruction thirteen years ago. I taught middle school in Colorado and Texas. Then, I taught remedial math in a community college GED prep program in Georgia. I also taught math part-time in a private school in Georgia for one term. Since moving to Maryland eight years ago, I have been homeschooling my three children. I have seen all three modes of schooling (public, private, and homeschooling) and do not feel ...

Yesterday, I was at a friend's house and saw this great little book of McDonald Story Starters.  Unfortunately, when I looked online at Amazon, I couldn't find an inexpensive used copy, so I started searching the web for story starter websites. I came across this awesome one from Scholastic HERE !  The teacher's guide on Scholastic (a short set of lesson plan ideas on how to use the story starter tool).

Parenting. It's stretching.  My heart feels often like it's being pulled.  Honestly, my sanity is being pulled!  And then there's the hurting...  Hurting when another child says something mean to your child...or when an adult says something hurting to your child... or they are slighted or mistreated... or when one of your children says something about another that hurts.  I think they all hurt horribly.  And when our children get off track, we hurt. So, what do you do with that hurt?  I look to my friends.  I ask questions like I did last Sunday of my friend Jenny.  I asked if she had ever encountered what I was trying to tackle with my kiddos last Saturday.  We talked and it helped.  It gave me food for thought.  I do this a lot.  I talk to my friends who have children just a few steps ahead of mine or at the same place/age as mine.  It helps give me perspective that I'm not alone, reminds me to hope, and helps m...

At swim class a few weeks ago, my girls' friends with brought Uno with them.  Every week since, my girls have tried to take a game with them.  My kids love games and they've had a few favorites along the way.  I thought I'd share a short list of them.   Ages 5 and under * Zingo (4 and 5) Tumbling Towers * Hullabaloo by Cranium Cranium Cariboo (only found at garage sales now) Any Bingo game Hi-ho Cherry-O Candyland Ages 5-7 * Life (the old version, not the new one is my preference) * Zooreka by Cranium Sherluck What Time is It? by Eeboo (called Eeboo time telling game on Amazon) * Wig Out * Battle Ship * Blokus (square edition) * Uno * Connect 4 Sum Swamp (good for practicing kindergarten level addition and subtraction) by Learning Resources * Sequence for Kids (may be better under 8 and up though) Ages 8 and up * Catan (basic edition) * Risk (classic edition) * Make it and Break It (this was such a hit because both...

I think that I, like many homeschool moms have the best of intentions sometimes.  We plan on bringing together curriculum from multiple sources and then getting it all together.  One of the tricky parts of this method is finding the time! A few years ago, I wrote a third grade inventions unit while I was getting my master's degree.  It has been sitting on my desk for a month... waiting for me to pull lesson plans from it for my children's invention unit.  When I pulled it out this morning and sat down with it, I realized I didn't have the time to make additional worksheets and bring it all together.  So, I started a quick search on the web and came across this first grade blog... http://firstgradewow.blogspot.com/2014/01/historical-figures-mlk-and-inventors.html The blogger has posted a free inventors unit.  Yes, it is for first grade and yes, I will be using it with my older children.  But, honestly, the difference between first and third gra...

In the morning, I wake up and switch the laundry.  Then, I make my way to my kitchen and begin the coffee, empty the dishwasher, and clean up the counters.  Once that's done, I start on my husband's breakfast and lunch.  When he leaves for work, I sit down, read a few minutes, and try to get my mind around the day ahead. I have to start my day by getting my counters clean.  If I don't, I feel frazzled inside.  I feel like I'm behind the 8 ball before I even start my day.  I have to admit, though, that I hate wasting time drying dishes.  So, I have a drying mat that all my hand washed dishes dry on in the morning.  The dirty pile of dishes becomes a clean pile that will dry over the next few hours.   Sometimes it feels like these piles won't ever get taken care of.  Yet, somehow, they always do.  I just keep pressing on.  Some days I have one load of laundry and some I have three!   The past few weeks have pressed in ...