SORRY

I'm sorry I have not been keeping our homeschool blog up to date. So much has been going on lately and also a change in focus, that I have barely been keeping up the Farm blog either.

I hope you are all doing well and are enjoying this holiday season.

God bless!

On-line Math Help

Renee told me about this really great site for on-line Math help. The Khan Academy is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of providing a high quality education to anyone, anywhere.

They have 800+ videos on YouTube covering everything from basic arithmetic and algebra to differential equations, physics, and finance which have been recorded by Salman Khan.

To keep informed of new videos as they are added, subscribe to the Khan Academy channel on YouTube.

Headin' Out

Today we are heading out for a field trip with some amazing homeschool families from our church. If you'd like to see where we're going, please click HERE!

See ya soon!

20 Great Reasons You Homeschool

It is a glorious fall day here in VA. I am drinking a cup of Almond Vanilla coffee while watching the chickens run around the yard........................................LIFE IS GOOD!

I was over at my friend Bobbi's the other day and found this great little comic and just had to share it with you.

(click picture to enlarge)

My favorite reasons are; "School prayer is encouraged" and "Your family is right where they ought to be..........HOME!" Although I have to admit, I have taken "You can wear your pajamas to class and not get kicked out" a little bit to the extreme! lol

So, what are the some of the reasons you homeschool?

Today. . .

. . . has been a GREAT day! Things are getting accomplished, school work is getting done and with hardly any complaining. WOO HOO! I felt Kiddo's head to see if he was running a fever and then asked him, "Who are you and what did you do with my son?" There was nothing that made me happier today than to see him smile and hear that little chuckle at my question! "I'm right here, Mom, sheesh!" lol Gotta love him!

Spelling and Vocabulary - Lesson 6

I'm sorry that there were no words posted last week but I decided to take a week off from spelling to work on some other things that I felt needed more attention.

Last week's spelling test grade: 100% AWESOME!

Here is our spelling and vocab list for week 6:

1.anathema (n) Someone or something that is intensely disliked, cursed, or shunned

2. assuage (v) 1. To satisfy 2. To lessen or reduce the intensity of

3. avuncular (adj) Like a benevolent uncle; familiar and indulgent

4. convivial (adj) Sociable; concerned with good company and festivities

5. eclectic (adj) Combining elements from a variety of sources

6. epigram (n) A short, witty poem or saying

7. expound (v) To explain in detail; to set forth

8. intrinsic (adj) Relating to the essential nature of something; real or actual

9. inveterate (adj) Habitual or deeply rooted; persistent

10.mogul (n) A very powerful or wealthy person; a magnate

11. munificent (adj) Extremely generous; liberal in giving

12. nascent (adj) Beginning to exist; emerging

13. perspicacious (adj) Clear-sighted; shrewd

14. philistine (n) One who is indifferent to or disdainful of intellectual values

15. propitious (adj) Tending to favor or assist; encouraging

WOW!

It's hard to believe that we have been schooling 5 weeks already. Where does the time go?

Kiddo has finished up Lemony Snicket's, "The Bad Beginning or, Orphans!" He really enjoyed this book and I found him sometimes ready past the assigned chapter(s), something he has NEVER wanted to do before. WOO HOO! He is now reading "The Mystery Of The Midnight Dog" Gertrude Chandler Warner. So far, so good!

Spelling is going great and I have to give credit where credit is due..........THANK YOU, Wordly Wise 3000!

History, one of his "BLECH" subjects as he calls them, is going very well also. We started using "Drive Through History" and I have to say, I am IMPRESSED! Not to mention that Kiddo will crack up watching it. The host of the show, Dave Stotts, is hysterically funny and takes you to some of the most beautiful places. Kiddo has even expressed an interest in going to Italy. That is AMAZING coming from a kid who doesn't want to go anywhere!

In Science we are doing the ocean. WOW.....talk about some eerie looking creatures! lol

On the home front, we have been cleaning up the yard and trying to get the girls (chickens) ready for winter. It has been in the high 40's and low 50's here at night but this week it will be in the low 40's. We already have the heat lamp in but are going to have to install another one and clean out the coop again this week as well.

We have been very blessed that our hens have been good layers. We had one day where all 7 were laying but that was short lived! lol

So, how are things going with you?

Spelling and Vocabulary - Book 11 Lesson 5

Last week's spelling test grade: 93% (Great job, Kiddo!)

Here is our spelling and vocab list for week 5:

1. abstruse (adj) Difficult to understand

2. accrue (v) 1. To arise or increase as a natural result or growth, usually used with to or from 2. To come as a regular addition

3. acquiesce (v) To accept as inevitable; to comply passively

4. besmirch (v) To stain or tarnish; to make dirty

5. explicit (adj) Fully and clearly expressed, leaving nothing merely implied

6. histrionic (adj) Purposely affected; theatrical

7. impropriety (n) 1. The quality or state of being improper or unsuitable 2. Something that is improper

8. inveigle (v) To lure or trick into doing something 2. To obtain by flattery or trickery

9. penitent (adj) Sorry for having done wrong

10. probity (v) Honesty; trustworthiness; adherence to virtue

11. purport (v) To give or present the often false impression of being someone or intending something

12. repercussion (n) An unforeseen or indirect result or effect of an event

13. revelation (v) Something that is made known or revealed, often coming as a surprise

14. surfeit (n) An overabundant supply; an excess

15. unsavory (adj) 1. Having an unpleasant look, taste, or smell 2. Morally offensive

Drive Through History

I am sooooo EXCITED! Our "DRIVE THROUGH HISTORY" dvd's arrived over the weekend and we just can't wait to get started. Kiddo really enjoyed the introduction segment we watched on Saturday. PLUS, you can download printable discussion guides and answer keys. Now that makes me one HAPPY MAMMA! :> )

Here's a little clip from their web-page:

Drive Thru History: 2009 American History Promo from ColdWater Media on Vimeo.

Spelling and Vocabulary - Book 11 Lesson 4

Last week's spelling test grade: 86%

Here is our spelling and vocab list for week 4:

1. autonomy (n) The quality or state of being self-governing; independence

2. circumspect (adj) Cautious and prudent; heedful of consequences

3. composure (n) Calmness of mind or bearing; self-control

4. edifice (n) 1. A large, imposing structure or building 2. A complex structure or system built up over time, as if it were a real building

5. ensconce (v) To settle or place securely or snugly

6. environs (n) The area adjoining or surrounding a place

7. hapless (adj) Marked by the absence of good luck; unfortunate

8. heinous (adj) Shockingly evil or wicked

9. incognito (adj) With one’s identity concealed; unrecognized

10. indoctrinate (v) 1. To teach or train in the fundamentals 2. To instill or teach from a partisan point of view

11. interim (n) An interval of time between events

12. mausoleum (n) A large and impressive tomb

13. pillage (v) To rob and plunder

14. vibrant (adj) 1. Full of life or vigor 2. Bright or vivid 3. Quivering or vibrating

15. reverie (n) The condition of being lost in thought 2. A daydream

Spelling and Vocabulary - Book 11 Lesson 3

Friday's spelling test: 93%

Here is our spelling and vocab list for week 3:

1. atrophy (n) The power to bring about the desired result; effectiveness

2. efficacy (n) The power to bring about the desired result; effectiveness

3. emolument (n) Salary or fees for work done; compensation

4. icon (n) 1. A religious painting, especially one revered by the Eastern Christian churches 2. A symbol or image whose form suggests its meaning 3. One who is idolized

5. incipient (adj) Beginning to exist or appear; in the first stage

6. inculcate (v) To impress upon or teach by frequent repetition

7. inestimable (adj) Too valuable or great to be measured

8. lackluster (adj) Lacking brightness or vitality; without spirit or enthusiasm

9. martinet (n) A strict disciplinarian

10. prodigious (adj) 1. Extremely large in bulk, quantity, or degree 2. Causing amazement or wonder

11. regimen (n) A regulated program, especially one designed to improve or maintain health

12. stellar (adj) 1. Of or related to a star 2. Outstanding or brilliant

13. stoic (n) One seemingly indifferent to pleasure or pain

14. vibrant (adj) 1. Full of life or vigor 2. Bright or vivid 3. Quivering or vibrating

15. zealous (adj) Very enthusiastic; fervent; passionate on behalf of someone or something

Science

Skippy bought these Master of Creation science books at our church awhile back and I was able to find the on-line study guides for them HERE, as well as order the paper guides as well.

They are just AMAZING so I decided to use them completely for science this year, adding in some experiments and videos from time to time. We are currently working in the Oceans book learning about Marine Life.

What are you using for your science curriculum?

Homeschool Complaints

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings!"
Philippians 2:14

I found this devotional from Daily Focus in my e-mail and thought, WOW.....are they talking about us? Have they hidden a video camera in our house somewhere?

Is your homeschool infected with the whining disease? Like the early stages of most health problems, you may not recognize its symptoms at first. When assigning schoolwork, especially in your child's least favorite subject, this dreaded disease usually starts with an exasperated sigh. Next, it spreads into a short question such as, "Do I have to do this assignment?" If not diagnosed and treated early, the whining disease finally takes over your homeschool completely until you hear things like, "Why do I always have so much schoolwork to do? I don't want to do this!" Oh, I have heard these words more times than I would like to count!

Whining, grumbling, murmuring, and complaining all stem from the same, sinful problem — rebellion. In Numbers 12, God reveals His attitude toward this deadly disease when dealing with the murmuring of Miriam and Aaron. Thinking they knew better than their brother, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses and said, "Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us" (Numbers 12:2b)? God heard their whining and quickly applied His cure. Calling all three to the tent of meeting, He defended Moses' leadership and struck Miriam with leprosy for seven days. Are you allowing a whining, rebellious spirit in your homeschool? Unfortunately, children are not the only ones who can become infected with this disease. Parents, too, can find themselves easily complaining to God about the sacrifice and work responsibilities involved with homeschooling. Don't allow a negative spirit to destroy your homeschool family. Like Aaron, confess your foolish complaints. Pray for the joy of homeschooling to be restored in your home.

Father, forgive me for murmuring against Your plan for our family. Teach me to treasure each day with my children and give me a thankful heart for both the blessings and responsibilities of homeschooling. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Another Ten Minutes, Please!

One of the many blessings of homeschooling is that on those mornings where you just want to sleep in another ten minutes (or another 2 hours).....it can actually happen!

Spelling and Vocabulary - Book 11 Lesson 2

Friday's spelling test: 100% AWESOME! :> )

Here is our spelling and vocab list for week 2:

1. accoutrements (n) Equipment or accessories

2. aggrieved (adj) Feeling or expressing a sense of injustice, injury, or offense

3. choleric (adj) Easily angered; quick-tempered

4. comport (v) 1. To behave or conduct oneself 2. To be in accord or agreement. Used with with

5. disconcert (v) To disrupt the self-possession or confidence of; to perturb or fluster

6. fauna (n) Animals of a region or period, considered as a whole

7. interpose (v) To place or come between; to intervene or interrupt

8. maraud (v) To roam in search of plunder

9. modicum (n) A small amount

10. opulent (adj) Having or exhibiting great wealth or abundance

11. patrician (n) A member of the nobility

12. phlegmatic (adj) Not given to action or reaction; sluggish or calm in temperament

13. propensity (n) A natural inclination or tendency

14. therapeutic (adj) Relating to the treatment of a disease; contributing to general well-being

15. utilitarian (adj) Relating to usefulness rather than beauty; practical

Spelling and Vocabulary - Book 11 Lesson 1

For spelling we are using WORDLY WISE 300, Book 11. WW is great because it shows you the correct pronunciation of each word, shows you the part of speech, defines it, and then uses it in a sentence. They also have games to go with each lesson; Battleship and crossword puzzles.
I LOVE IT!

Here is our spelling and vocab list from last week....sorry I am late in getting these posted!

1. apocryphal (adj) Of dubious authenticity or origin; spurious

2. arcane (adj) Understood by only a few; mysterious

3. convene (v) 1. To summon or cause to assemble 2. To gather or assemble; to meet formally

4. expedient (adj) 1. Useful for some purpose; convenient 2. Concerned primarily or exclusively with serving one’s own interests. (n) A means employed to bring about a certain result

5. exude (v) 1. To flow out slowly; to ooze or emit 2. To give forth; to exhibit in abundance

6. gesticulate (v) To motion energetically with the body or limbs

7. imperturbable (adj) Calm and assured

8. increment (n) An increase, addition or gain, often by regular, consecutive amounts

9. levity (n) Excessive frivolity; a lack of seriousness; joking

10. mortify (v) To embarrass or humiliate

11. periphery (n) The area around the edges; the outermost part (adj) Relating to, involving, or forming an outer edge or boundary

12. raconteur (A French word now part of our vocabulary) (n) One who tells stories with skill and wit

13. reiterate (v) To say or do over again; to repeat

14. subterfuge (n) A deceptive scheme or strategy

15. vacillate (v) 1. To move back and forth from lack of balance; waver 2. To alternate indecisively between opinions or courses of action

One Week Down

Well, we have made it so far. One week down and PRAISE THE LORD, everything is going well. Today Kiddo had his first spelling test (I chose to continue with this), and he got all of them right. WOO HOO, Kiddo.....GREAT JOB! Next week we will be adding in Biblical History and Math, and then Creation Science a week or two after that.

I am really looking forward to this year. I am refreshed and renewed and feel I can take on anything that is thrown in our direction. THANK YOU, JESUS!

I am looking at our first field trip already to the Museum of American Frontier Culture. I just LOVE IT there. Skippy has a hard time getting me to leave! lol

I know Tiany over at "Social Savvy Mom" has taken some really great ones. Have you been on any yet? Where have you gone? Please leave a comment with a link. I'd love to come and visit!

BACK TO SCHOOL

Today was our first day back to school. We have really enjoyed our summer break, although the temps were scorching, but we are thoroughly now basking in the cooler days and looking forward to the fall!

We decided to start out slowly this year and ease our way back in a little at a time. Today we worked on spelling, using WORDLY WISE 3000, and reading his book of choice, Lemony Snicket's, "The Bad Beginning or, Orphans!" As you can see, Kiddo and Pheobe were enjoying their first day back!

Homeschool Links

My friend Renee over at "Glow Academy" has posted some FREE on-line textbook links for grades K-5. To check them out, please click on her button below!

COOL!

We found this zipper spider(aka black and yellow garden spider) in our front yard yesterday, near the porch. I really HATE spiders, but this one is just amazing!

This spider it has its own unique web, that may be more than two feet in diameter. At the center of the web, this spider makes a dense area of silk that often gives the appearance of a zipper or a zigzag bulk of silk.


Shortly after I took this picture, a fly got caught in its web. Here's a short video of it wrapping it up.

Deployment Day

"I will say of the Lord, He is refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him I will trust thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;Because He hath set His love upon me; therefore will I be with Him in trouble will deliver Him and honor Him."

Psalm 91:2

Dear Precious Heavenly Father, today I pray your continued guidance and blessing on our son-in-law Tex, and all those who have been deployed this morning, as well as those who are already on active duty, serving our country in the military. We thank you for their leadership, their skills and their determination. Keep them ever under your protection as they move through places of danger.

Thank you for their teamwork Father, as they work together as a unit. Grant them rest and refreshment daily and the strength of knowing that we are eternally grateful for their service to us all. Please bring them all safely home again. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Thank you for your courage and for all the sacrifices you are making to protect and defend our country, Tex. May God bless you every day, and ALWAYS bring you safely home!

My son-in-law....My soldier....My Hero!

NOI and Scope & Sequence

Well, it was that time of year again for us on Friday, when our NOI was due. I always get a kick out of this, especially when I get a letter back from the school board office giving me "permission" to homeschool Kiddo. Just makes me laugh.

I included a partial list of our Scope & Sequence for the year in L/A and Mathematics, as that is all that they require. I know there will need to be changes and things deleted during the school year as we work our way through. What I sent them is as follows:

Language Arts
Standard English
Effective Sentencing
Poetry
Sentence Workshop
English Literature
Vocabulary
Writing/Short Story
Power of Words
Listening Skills

Mathematics
Sets, Structure, & Function
Numbers, Sentences, & Problems
Linear Equations and Inequalities
Polynomials
Radical Expressions
Real Numbers
Quadratic Relations & Systems
Exponential Functions
Counting Principles

I'm still working on some of our curriculum on the rest. Talk about PROCRASTINATING! lol

We are probably going to start school either just before or just after Labor Day. Have you started already?

One Day at a Time

If the responsibility of facing another year of homeschooling is causing you to run and hide, be encouraged. Although you can't see the way through the work right now, the Lord promises to uphold you with His wisdom and strength when you need them (Isaiah 41:10). As you obediently follow His will in homeschooling, He continues to guide you with the next step tomorrow. Step by step, day by day, you will get through the work and accomplish all He has planned for your homeschooling family.

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8).

Heavenly Father, the responsibility of homeschooling is weighing me down. Please give me the courage I need to face the new year, and show me how to lead the precious children You've given me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Little Humor

Test Results

Well, we took Kiddo's end of the year test in yesterday to be graded and I am PROUD to say, his overall composite score was. . . . . .(drum roll please). . . . . . 89.

WOO HOO! WAY TO GO, KIDDO!
You did a GREAT JOB!

He scored average in one section of L/A and one in Math, but the rest of his L/A and Math he scored above average in. Oh, and I also found out that they do use the same test for grades 9 & 10, (that's why it was familiar to us) and then the same test for grades 11 & 12. I'm not sure I agree with that, but what can ya do?

Now it's time to get things in order for this coming school year. I have been looking and I'm not sure what we'll use. We've been using an eclectic mix and have tried different methods. Just not sure which we like better yet. Oh, well....we'll keep looking.

Testing

"Lord, help me to remember You are everything I need. Show me again how to claim Your strength to homeschool and sense Your encouragement every day. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

Today we are finishing up our end of year testing. (I know, I have procrastinated - see post HERE) Our "Proof of Progress" testing has to be submitted by August 1st and our NOI (Notice of Intent) by August 15th, to that will be done next week.

While we have been testing, both Kiddo and I noticed something. At first I thought maybe a question or two was the same, which is common, but when we got to the comprehension part of the L/A section, we both went....THIS IS THE SAME TEST! So I went back to my order sheet to check, and I indeed do have the 10th grade test which is level 19. What I am wondering now is if last year we received the wrong test. I will definitely find out tomorrow when I take his test to be graded. If by some chance we do have the wrong one, we will have tomorrow afternoon and Friday morning to complete a new one. Pray that we do have the RIGHT ONE!

I have also been looking for a curriculum for 11th grade. I'm not sure what I am going to use yet. There are so many different styles and curriculum to choose from that it boggles my mind. I am praying that God will give me wisdom and guide me in the right direction we should go.

Well, off to transpose his answers and fill in aaaaaalllllll those little bubbles! lol

Blessings~
Laura