Honestly, I forgot I had this here. I opened a new blog in a new hosting site, but as I stated once before, I do not really like the other hosting site. Complicated and not user friendly.
Here I am just rambling though.
I have had a ton of things one my mind that I desire to write to my audience (all 0 of you), but I have not had any time to put thoughts together that make any sense at all.
Upcoming posts will include:
Homeschooling on a budget
Homeschooling when you don't have a budget to even work with
Homeschool planning
HOMESCHOOLING, HOMESCHOOLING, HOMESCHOOLING
(tired of that yet)
Preconceived notions
Rich vs Wealthy vs Reality
Electronics
Sugar Cravings
Favorite Recipes
Stress relievers
Bi-polar
Marriage
Life with kids vs life with kids
Random thoughts that make no sense
Yeah, I have more thoughts but for now, nothing can get fully put together. I spend four hours daily picking up, handing out, delivering lunches to the needing and desiring in our little area. I spend those four hours plus a 6 more every Tuesday ensuring our needy get food and clothing. Not that I am really doing any more than any working person does, but it has really kicked my butt. I am tired. I have a lot on my plate constantly and while I like it that way, when you add my concern and my ever moving mind...I am just exhausted. I desire a nice long vacation, but when you have no money for vacation or even money to put gas in the car for a stay-cation....it just doesn't happen. I can't vacation at my home. There is so much I wish to get done (painting my living room, finish painting my youngest sons room)...and staying here just means...no rest, plus I get bored just being home all day long.
Enough of my rambling. Posts coming soon. You can check my out over at pocots.wordpres.com for a few posts, but likely this will be my home again. I love blogger...so much more user friendly.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Hummm
I have been toying around with utilizing a different blogging area and let me tell you.....I may be deleting the other blog to use blogger again. I really do like the ease of use and functionality of this hosting site, I can not say that at all with the other. There may be options the other site has, but honestly I have not found anything about it which is user friendly and easily maneuverable.
I honestly had forgotten that I had updated this site and dedicated it to a "thought" process, so if you have checked back here at all in the last (almost) year, I am sorry there have been no updates. Hang in there with me and I suspect I will be back!!
I honestly had forgotten that I had updated this site and dedicated it to a "thought" process, so if you have checked back here at all in the last (almost) year, I am sorry there have been no updates. Hang in there with me and I suspect I will be back!!
Monday, November 11, 2013
November Meal Plan
I know I am a little late getting my meal plan posted, but I don't plan my meals until about mid month. It is a time frame that works for us and take the stress out of beginning of month or end of month shopping.
So here it is, I hope it helps someone plan some meal ideas through the month. I don't cook anything exotic (hubby has a sensitive tummy) and this is just what works for us. Anyone on special diets, most of these meals can be modified to suit your need. If you don't eat ham, leave it off your bagel. Don't eat eggs, substitute the egg with some other breakfast meal. These are for my family. Any of these meals are easily made gluten free and that is the only measure we need take in this family. We have a few who show signs of lactose intolerance, so any milk items are limited.
ENJOY!
P.S. The first half of Decembers menu plan will be up shortly.
Click here to download the Menu Plan November 2013
This is my first time posting a link, so I hope it works. Report back any issues and I will correct.
Have a FANTASTIC day!!
So here it is, I hope it helps someone plan some meal ideas through the month. I don't cook anything exotic (hubby has a sensitive tummy) and this is just what works for us. Anyone on special diets, most of these meals can be modified to suit your need. If you don't eat ham, leave it off your bagel. Don't eat eggs, substitute the egg with some other breakfast meal. These are for my family. Any of these meals are easily made gluten free and that is the only measure we need take in this family. We have a few who show signs of lactose intolerance, so any milk items are limited.
ENJOY!
P.S. The first half of Decembers menu plan will be up shortly.
Click here to download the Menu Plan November 2013
This is my first time posting a link, so I hope it works. Report back any issues and I will correct.
Have a FANTASTIC day!!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
2013-2014 Curriculum
There is huge interest in the curriculum that a family uses while they home school, I am not sure if this interest is for the curious who are always looking for something "better" (me) or if it to scrutinize someone elses "plan". I believe it is the former. So without further ado, he is what we are utilizing this year:
Eldest son (13)
Math: Math U See, Saxon and Life of Fred
English/Grammar/Composition: Warriners 2nd Course
Science: Apologia Biology
History: Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool and whatever else I find interesting and throw at him
Middle son (9)
Math: Math U See, Life of Fred
Language Arts: SOS
Science: SOS
History: SOS and SOS The Constitution
Handwriting: Handwriting Without Tears, cursive
Youngest son (7)
Math: Math U See
Science: Time Life Books and whatever else we find interesting
History: Time Life Books
Handwriting: HWOT
Reading: FIAR, this often incorporates reading skills as well as Geography and many other lessons.
We also use Letter of the Week and sight word flash cards
Various other worksheets for coloring and fun
Middle Daugther (6)
Math: Math U See
Scince: Time Life Books and whatever else we find intersting
History: Time Life Books
Handwriting: HWOT
Reading: FIAR
Letter of the Week and sight word flash cards
Various other worksheets for coloring and fun
Youngest Daughter (4)
Math: Math U See
Science: Time Life Books, we read these as a group and I print off various coloring pages or we put together art projects, etc..
History: Time Life Books, as with History, we read these as a group and do the same types of worksheet and project activities.
Handwriting: HWOT
Reading: FIAR
Letter of the Week and sight word flash cards
Various other worksheets for coloring and fun
The older two sons do most of their work independently, but the younger 3 are all hands on. I am still looking for easy art projects, as I am not creative in that sense and need direction. We also do not have any formalize physical education program, but the kids do get a ton of outside play time.
I am always looking for something that is a better fit and so far this is working for us. I started my 8yo son on Lifepac, but he really did dread all the worksheets, so we rolled him into SOS. SOS has the same amount of reading, but he likes the format a bit better, so for now, it works. However, since I received the SOS in trade for something, it will likely not be used next year for him because our budget does not allow us to spend $500 on one child's curriculum for the year and I think I know exactly what we will roll into.
I am however seeking great History/Geography lessons..always. I feel so inept when I am putting my own together, however if this year provides fruitful with the Time Life series books, we will likely use them for the olders next year and find something else or use these in more depth for the youngers next year.
I love to hear what others are utilizing, so if you would like to share what you love, please share!!!
Eldest son (13)
Math: Math U See, Saxon and Life of Fred
English/Grammar/Composition: Warriners 2nd Course
Science: Apologia Biology
History: Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool and whatever else I find interesting and throw at him
Middle son (9)
Math: Math U See, Life of Fred
Language Arts: SOS
Science: SOS
History: SOS and SOS The Constitution
Handwriting: Handwriting Without Tears, cursive
Youngest son (7)
Math: Math U See
Science: Time Life Books and whatever else we find interesting
History: Time Life Books
Handwriting: HWOT
Reading: FIAR, this often incorporates reading skills as well as Geography and many other lessons.
We also use Letter of the Week and sight word flash cards
Various other worksheets for coloring and fun
Middle Daugther (6)
Math: Math U See
Scince: Time Life Books and whatever else we find intersting
History: Time Life Books
Handwriting: HWOT
Reading: FIAR
Letter of the Week and sight word flash cards
Various other worksheets for coloring and fun
Youngest Daughter (4)
Math: Math U See
Science: Time Life Books, we read these as a group and I print off various coloring pages or we put together art projects, etc..
History: Time Life Books, as with History, we read these as a group and do the same types of worksheet and project activities.
Handwriting: HWOT
Reading: FIAR
Letter of the Week and sight word flash cards
Various other worksheets for coloring and fun
The older two sons do most of their work independently, but the younger 3 are all hands on. I am still looking for easy art projects, as I am not creative in that sense and need direction. We also do not have any formalize physical education program, but the kids do get a ton of outside play time.
I am always looking for something that is a better fit and so far this is working for us. I started my 8yo son on Lifepac, but he really did dread all the worksheets, so we rolled him into SOS. SOS has the same amount of reading, but he likes the format a bit better, so for now, it works. However, since I received the SOS in trade for something, it will likely not be used next year for him because our budget does not allow us to spend $500 on one child's curriculum for the year and I think I know exactly what we will roll into.
I am however seeking great History/Geography lessons..always. I feel so inept when I am putting my own together, however if this year provides fruitful with the Time Life series books, we will likely use them for the olders next year and find something else or use these in more depth for the youngers next year.
I love to hear what others are utilizing, so if you would like to share what you love, please share!!!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Return to Blogging
Encouraged by a friend, I am back to share thoughts, feelings, information in a desire to inspire, mortify or cause pause to whomever partakes upon my wisdom.
Please understand first and foremost, I am very sarcastic and while not always a trait I am proud of, it is what it is and it has gotten me through many bad days. You may find sarcasm here, lots of it.
I am not an English major. I will however check my spelling and try and proofread for any errors and if you feel the need to correct me, please do so or stop reading, whichever suits your personality best. However, if you decide the need to correct me is best, do so with a bit of tact or my sarcastic nature may take over.
This blog has the intentions of being mostly about education and homeschooling, but you will find tidbits of other things that excite me along the way.
I hope you stick with me, I hope you enjoy what you read and if ever you disagree or have a piece of your mind you wish to share, leave me a comment. Play nice, I will not insult you if you do not insult me. My opinion is my own and I typically come about it through extensive research and I would appreciate if you do a little research to back your own.
I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to spend it with me and I hope the remainder of your day is fabulous!
God Bless
Please understand first and foremost, I am very sarcastic and while not always a trait I am proud of, it is what it is and it has gotten me through many bad days. You may find sarcasm here, lots of it.
I am not an English major. I will however check my spelling and try and proofread for any errors and if you feel the need to correct me, please do so or stop reading, whichever suits your personality best. However, if you decide the need to correct me is best, do so with a bit of tact or my sarcastic nature may take over.
This blog has the intentions of being mostly about education and homeschooling, but you will find tidbits of other things that excite me along the way.
I hope you stick with me, I hope you enjoy what you read and if ever you disagree or have a piece of your mind you wish to share, leave me a comment. Play nice, I will not insult you if you do not insult me. My opinion is my own and I typically come about it through extensive research and I would appreciate if you do a little research to back your own.
I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to spend it with me and I hope the remainder of your day is fabulous!
God Bless
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Homeschool Sunday
Sundays are typically my day when I plan and replan for the upcoming homeschool week. It allows me to really take a look at our schedule for the upcoming weekdays and plan our schooling accordingly. This upcoming week we have a few appointments and a few other priorities that need to happen, but we should be able to easily fit our school educating in before "needed" appointments.
I have decided to try a few new things with the kids and these new things are obsessing in my mind. I am a classic overthinker and things are always tremendously difficult when I first get started. So I sit here, obsessing until I can get it down to basics to keep my children from becoming overwhelmed and begging to be released from the terrors of "school".
I also realized in my new adventures that I will very well go broke buying printer paper and ink before the end of the first week. Hmmmm, not really ready to give up due to a few empty spaces in the inkwell, but pondering what deal I can make with a copy company. Maybe they could use someone to mop their floors in exchange for a few hundred copies a week? It is a thought!
Of course there is always the fear that I won't be great at these new adventures and my kids will see my struggle. Then I remember, kids who see their parents struggle and watch as their parents continue to push through even if the end result isn't what is necessarily desired, understand the importance of pushing through difficult times and know that you can struggle and win or maybe not win but still stand tall with self confidence in tact.
So I sit with books open in front me..struggling to keep it simple and interesting and doable.
Homeschooling isn't always easy, isn't always fun, but it is worth every second, worth every frustration!!
Have a fantastic week and if you homeschool..have a productive week as well.
Zookpr
I have decided to try a few new things with the kids and these new things are obsessing in my mind. I am a classic overthinker and things are always tremendously difficult when I first get started. So I sit here, obsessing until I can get it down to basics to keep my children from becoming overwhelmed and begging to be released from the terrors of "school".
I also realized in my new adventures that I will very well go broke buying printer paper and ink before the end of the first week. Hmmmm, not really ready to give up due to a few empty spaces in the inkwell, but pondering what deal I can make with a copy company. Maybe they could use someone to mop their floors in exchange for a few hundred copies a week? It is a thought!
Of course there is always the fear that I won't be great at these new adventures and my kids will see my struggle. Then I remember, kids who see their parents struggle and watch as their parents continue to push through even if the end result isn't what is necessarily desired, understand the importance of pushing through difficult times and know that you can struggle and win or maybe not win but still stand tall with self confidence in tact.
So I sit with books open in front me..struggling to keep it simple and interesting and doable.
Homeschooling isn't always easy, isn't always fun, but it is worth every second, worth every frustration!!
Have a fantastic week and if you homeschool..have a productive week as well.
Zookpr
Friday, September 21, 2012
Homeschool Helper Freebies
There has been much discussion about where to find free things to help us along our homeschool journey, so I thought I would put as many free places I know of to find help or curriculum or just interesting things.
Kahn Academy www.khanacademy.org They show videos to help learn concepts
Rays Arithmetic, you can sometimes find these books for free in the library, but if you cannot, they are free online
Rays New Primary
http://books.google.com/books?id=ntTy0NUjKHQC&dq=free+ray's+arithmetic&pg=PP1&ots=1tWQT_uPi2&source=citation&sig=9FLY29dJ8-Mj5BFjbEFufrJ7EBw&oi=book_result&ct=result&hl=en
Rays Intellectual
http://books.google.com/books?id=cddHAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=ray%27s++intellectual+arithmetic&ei=JTuKSM6LGYqeswPWjNiPDw
Rays New Practical
http://books.google.com/books?id=tb-blvznpS8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=ray%27s++practical+arithmetic&ei=ZTuKSK22Kof6sQOT1ImVBg
Rays New Intellectual
http://books.google.com/books?id=ZtEpb5LFNVcC&pg=PA5&dq=ket+to+ray%27s+new+intellectual+arithmetic&ei=ID2KSMDICIWQtAOf0Y04
Rays New Higher Arithmetic
http://books.google.com/books?id=cNdHAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=ray%27s++new+higher+arithmetic&ei=7z2KSKSPA460sgP48MSXBg
Rays New Higher Key
http://books.google.com/books?id=lyRQTuXaiNUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=ket+to+ray%27s+higher+arithmetic&ei=rD2KSNb9E42AsgO20ankAQ
Rays New Test Example in Arithmetic
http://books.google.com/books?id=53O66PcmMEEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Ray%27s+New+Test+Examples+In+Arithmetic&ei=OT6KSL2kFYqeswPWjNiPDw
McGuffey Readers for free online and downloadable
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=mcguffey+readers
Sonlight for Reading Level Tests
http://www.sonlight.com/blog/2011/07/what-is-my-childs-reading-level.html
Alpha Omega Free Whitepapers
http://www.aophomeschooling.com/whitepapers.php
Alpha Omega Free Placement Tests
http://www.aophomeschooling.com/diagnostic-tests.php
Lesson Pathways free homeschool curriculum online
http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/homeschool
Free Printable Worksheets, Unit Lessons and More, not everything here is free, but they have tons of resources that are free. Sign up for their email and you will be notified every time some new and free is posted.
www.currclick.com
Math Worksheets and more
http://www.homeschoolmath.net/
That is all I have time for today. I will post more as I gather it all together. I have used or perused through all of these sites and I recommend them.
If you have more to add to the list, please add it in the comment section. Lets help each other be as successful as possible, for a free as possible.
Kahn Academy www.khanacademy.org They show videos to help learn concepts
Rays Arithmetic, you can sometimes find these books for free in the library, but if you cannot, they are free online
Rays New Primary
http://books.google.com/books?id=ntTy0NUjKHQC&dq=free+ray's+arithmetic&pg=PP1&ots=1tWQT_uPi2&source=citation&sig=9FLY29dJ8-Mj5BFjbEFufrJ7EBw&oi=book_result&ct=result&hl=en
Rays Intellectual
http://books.google.com/books?id=cddHAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=ray%27s++intellectual+arithmetic&ei=JTuKSM6LGYqeswPWjNiPDw
Rays New Practical
http://books.google.com/books?id=tb-blvznpS8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=ray%27s++practical+arithmetic&ei=ZTuKSK22Kof6sQOT1ImVBg
Rays New Intellectual
http://books.google.com/books?id=ZtEpb5LFNVcC&pg=PA5&dq=ket+to+ray%27s+new+intellectual+arithmetic&ei=ID2KSMDICIWQtAOf0Y04
Rays New Higher Arithmetic
http://books.google.com/books?id=cNdHAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=ray%27s++new+higher+arithmetic&ei=7z2KSKSPA460sgP48MSXBg
Rays New Higher Key
http://books.google.com/books?id=lyRQTuXaiNUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=ket+to+ray%27s+higher+arithmetic&ei=rD2KSNb9E42AsgO20ankAQ
Rays New Test Example in Arithmetic
http://books.google.com/books?id=53O66PcmMEEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Ray%27s+New+Test+Examples+In+Arithmetic&ei=OT6KSL2kFYqeswPWjNiPDw
McGuffey Readers for free online and downloadable
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=mcguffey+readers
Sonlight for Reading Level Tests
http://www.sonlight.com/blog/2011/07/what-is-my-childs-reading-level.html
Alpha Omega Free Whitepapers
http://www.aophomeschooling.com/whitepapers.php
Alpha Omega Free Placement Tests
http://www.aophomeschooling.com/diagnostic-tests.php
Lesson Pathways free homeschool curriculum online
http://www.lessonpathways.com/info/homeschool
Free Printable Worksheets, Unit Lessons and More, not everything here is free, but they have tons of resources that are free. Sign up for their email and you will be notified every time some new and free is posted.
www.currclick.com
Math Worksheets and more
http://www.homeschoolmath.net/
That is all I have time for today. I will post more as I gather it all together. I have used or perused through all of these sites and I recommend them.
If you have more to add to the list, please add it in the comment section. Lets help each other be as successful as possible, for a free as possible.
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