Summer = Burning Pencil Muscles/ Insuring Ideas Come to Fruition....with teenagers

    I've been filling calendars & placing  papers into my sanity keeper binder. This has been done with the notions/ideas and skill-sets in mind that I want to bring into my little school. I've been reflecting on the things that I want to see accomplished as well as guarding planning specific times for a decompressing margin. I have spent much of June & July buried in a sea of curriculum, travel guides, teaching resources, web-inars, paperwork and books.


No.  I am not done.

  Over the last few months I have heard many comments from my co-home educators about how I choose to home school...and how I spent my summer plan for it. Some are words of encouragement...others not so much.  I am okay with all of that though. You see in the last ten years I've witnessed many different ways to home educate. As the saying goes, "The only thing homeschoolers have in common is the fact that they home school". Yes we are a diverse group indeed. We are an untamed people. We are not afraid to color outside of the lines. Jeff & I  love this, we embrace it whole heartedly. Having said that, is it any wonder that we have raised two sons with enormous opinion? I know I shouldn't be surprised, but I am..every day right now. I am shocked by their intellect, vision and application. I have two teenagers who have been raised to have a voice...and boy do they use it!

  We interview our kiddos every summer in regards to the previous and up coming school years. We ask them questions such as  "what did you think of the year?". "What did you like about it"? "What changes would you like to see take place?" What would you like to add...release"? Now please don't assume they have total power over the situation. They have thoughts, desires, concerns and we want to know what they are. This is a trust building activity on both sides (parent & child). It has been a good way to get many important issues out on the table for discussion. That and a built in excuse for drinking some ice cold sweet tea with giant handfuls of frozen cheese-its (the boys), Ritz with avocado slices (me) Wheat Thins and cream cheese (J).  Um yeah anyway back to what I was saying...When they were little guys this was so cute and  they were so easy to please. As every year passes this gets harder and harder to deal with. Quite honestly as they have become teenagers I question the sanity in raising them to express their own thoughts. Haha...

  At the end of the day I am glad they are willing to talk to us, oh what color they bring to an otherwise dull world!!! You see our boys are very adventurous. I get announcements such as "Mom I want to have a sled dog team, swim with sharks or join an ethnic band and travel to exotic places". "Mom, I've decided I'm going to trek across Alaska and then sail around the United States, then settle down to train others to explore all of creation". Oh and they don't just say things like this, they embrace them whole heartedly...they live out load for sure!! In all honestly I'm glad that they can test/check and argue with authority if needed.. I'm glad they dream big. I'm glad they have creative minds. Given carte blanch I wouldn't change a thing.

  I took a break from working today to come up for air. On a whim, as I passed a cranky teenager in the hallway, I squirted him with shaving cream...I missed, go figure. Let's just say it ended with shaving cream all over the bathroom floor...we were "skating" and laughing...good times!! I will miss them terribly when they are gone. They make me smile. I am blessed to be "Mother". I know this deeply. Life may be much easier... with less bathroom mopping jobs. I will certainly have my summers back. Dare I say I may even experience stillness and quietude in serenity on a regular basis? Nah....

What curriculum do you use? Part A

 I have been asked this question many times over the last little bit, so I decided to write it all down here as a reference point to those who want to check it out. I think this will be easier for everyone. This will eliminate the need to email the same information every few months. I won't have to remember titles on the spot and those who want this will have instant gratification! How's that for a win-win situation!
  I have listed my top choices for as many subjects as I could deal with right now. I will have another whole post soon, Part B.  I hope you find this and the next installment helpful.


Science
*Apologia Sciences      www.highschool.com/
*Home Training Tools      www.hometrainingtools.com/
*Tobin's Labs      www.tobinslabs.com/
*Answers in Genesis     www.answersingenesis.org/
*Institute for Creation Research    www.irc.org/


History
*Learning Adventures     http://www.learning-adventures.org/
*Veritas Press     http://www.veritaspress.com/
*Lamp Post     http://www.lamppostpublishing.com/
*Beautiful Feet   http://bftbooks.com/
*Streams of Civilization #1 & #2     http://www.christianbook.com/


Civics/Government
*Blue Stocking Press      http://www.bluestockingpress.com/uncle-eric-books.htm
*Teen Pact Leadership School     http://www.teenpact.com/
*Vision Forum     http://www.visionforum.com/
*Generation Joshua     http://www.generationjoshua.org/
*Constitutional Law for Enlightened Citizens     http://store.nexternal.com/hslda/storefront.aspx


Economics/Finances
*Economic Thinking      http://www.economicthinking.org/curriculum/EconomicsinaBox/
*10 Talents     http://www.10talents.org/www.10talents.org/Intro.html
*Blue Stocking Press (yes you just saw this in the Government selection)
*Foundations in Personal Finance    http://www.daveramsey.com/school/home/
*A to Z Home's Cool     http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/money.htm




Mathematics
*Horizons Math Series    http://www.aophomeschooling.com/horizons/overview.php\
*Fun Books     http://www.fun-books.com/mathematics.htm
*~Harold Jacob's Math Curriculum (can be bought from the website listed above, not just fun supplements)~
*Ask Dr. Callahan     http://shop.askdrcallahan.com/categories/Math/
*GW School Supply (wonderful manipulative)     http://www.gwschool.com/




Spelling/vocabulary
*Sequential Spelling     http://www.avko.org/aboutus.html
*Wordly Wise     http://www.wordlywise3000.com/
*Board/Card Games    http://www.educationallearninggames.com/
*Free Vocabulary: Simply write out the words your child doesn't quit understand...study those
*Free Spelling: Simply keep a running list of words your child miss spells...create tests from that


Composition
*Jump In: A Workbook for Reluctant and Eager Writers    https://apologia.securesites.net/http:
*Story Starters     www.homeschoolhighlights.com
*Veritas Press    http://www.veritaspress.com/
*Writing Strands     http://www.writing-strands.com/
*One Year Adventure Novel (Notes: I have not used this one however it comes highly recommended by many dear friends)      http://www.oneyearnovel.com/


Grammar
*Mc Guffey's Readers (Oral Reading, Dictation & Narration)   http://www.mcguffeyreaders.com/http:/
*Grammar Rock (School House Rock CD & VHS)     //www.amazon.com/
*Building Christian English Series      http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/
*Poetry, Shakespeare and Guides to Literature      http://www.veritaspress.com/http:
*Study Guides for Literature     //www.progenypress.com/


Phonics
*Explode the Code Series     http://www.rainbowresource.com
*123 Read      http://www.aophomeschooling.com
*Noah Websters Reading Handbook     http://www.christianlibertypress.com
*Five in a Row Series    /http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html
*Reader Rabbit CD Rom Series     http://www.reader-rabbit.com/


Penmanship/Typing
*Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing     http://www.broderbund.com/c-33-mavis-beacon.aspx
*Handwriting Without Tears     http://www.hwtears.com/
*Spencerian Penmanship Series     http://www.mottmedia.com/pages/publications.asp?Pub=spencer
*Classically Cursive     http://www.veritaspress.com/
*Draw Write Now Series     http://www.christianbook.com/


Latin
*Latina Christiana Series     http://www.memoriapress.com/
*English From the Roots up     http://www.timberdoodle.com/
*Rummy Roots     http://www.rainbowresource.com/
*Supplemental Readers     http://www.veritaspress.com/
*Prima Latina Series     http://www.memoriapress.com/


Logic/Rhetoric
*Introductory & Intermediate Logic     http://www.canonpress.org/
*Bluedorn Book Series     http://www.fallacydetective.com/
*Art of the Argument Series      http://classicalacademicpress.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2http:
*Classical Rhetoric with Aristotle    http://www.memoriapress.com/descriptions/rhetoric_aristotle.html
*Five Minute Mysteries Series      http://www.amazon.com/

Dictation not Dictatorship. Run, don't walk...get a dictionary quick!!

The lack of comprehension in basic vocabulary never ceases to amaze me. In example I was blown away when recently discussing with an acquaintance "how I do it"...meaning homeschool my guys.  Nameless, as the acquaintance will from now forth be referred to as, was appalled that I would teach my children via dictatorship.

For real? Muwahaha you are in my house now little boys!!! Charity, Mother of two thought-squashed boys... ...Yeah, no!

In the interest of protecting the freedom of homeschoolers everywhere I will attempt to explain dictation. I will do so now, so pay close attention. It is the art of hearing something and repeating that knowledge orally or in written word. Dictation is a skill-set achieved over time, through training and experience. It is useful throughout life. It is an awesome tool, so awesome that I will now show you how it played out in our little school.

   I began incorporating dictation into my homeschool when my sons were quite little. Most of the time I would sit one boy at my right and one at my left on the sofa. We would cuddle up real close and I would read. However when I wanted to teach dictation I would set them before me....no looking at pictures. I would read the little stories to them while they drew or built etc... They were instructed to create what they heard me reading. After I finished the story they would show me their masterpiece. They would tell back the story as they explained whatever art medium lay before us. This is a form of narration, which is the precursor to dictation in my opinion. This was great for memory retention and listening skills. I loved, loved, loved it!
   When they grew a bit older I still read those amazing picture books, however the boys were required to write, not draw, exactly what they heard. I read slowly. I stopped often. I started with just one sentence. We worked up to the point of dictating about a paragraph worth of information by late elementary. Both sons now dictate whole essays.
  After the boys write out their assignment they are given the original piece. With this they're expected to go back and correct any misspelled words or grammar misuses. Before handing it back to me they write a final copy in their best handwriting, or type it up depending on the instructions I give.
    Dictation has proved to be a wonderful training tool. My boys have been able to use this in note taking at church and in classes they take outside of our home. This endeavor has enhanced their proofreading skills in a way I could never teach with a grammar text. I don't necessarily agree with those who claim dictation takes the place of formal spelling and grammar. However I do find it a brilliant way to test comprehension and to reinforce those formal skills in a hands on/real world way.
   So...yeah, Nameless, what I'm really doing is EMPOWERING THEM, not squashing them. Grrrr......amazing. (Charity straightens back in confidence)

“If there is any boy or man who loves to be melancholy and morose, and who cannot enter into the regions of fun, let me seriously advise him to shut my book and put it away. It was not meant for him.” —R.M. Ballantyne, from the preface to The Coral Islands

So why do you Homeschool anyway?

As I sit here today munchin' on some roasted edamame and sippin' some strawberry tea (it helps me think...the munchin' and the sippin') I've got this sugar cookie flavored scenty plugged in right next to my bed. An inspiring smelly-good for that wet dog cooped up wintry house smell (thanks Mom). I'm listening to my new Tal & Acacia CD (Thanks Mom-n-law) Aren't Moms great? I've got my toes tucked into my nice warm blanket and a pile of books at my side...the phone rings. It's another inquirer asking me to tell them about "this homeschool thing".
I have found myself on more than one occasion here lately stating "boy I'm glad we homeschool" Today was another one of those days that reminds me why we do what we do. So I was already all jazzed up before picking up the phone, not to mention completely comfortable with all my goodies and such......So why do we homeschool anyway? This is a question asked so often you would think by now I would have condensed my answer. In all honesty quite the opposite is true. The longer I home educate, the more dragged out my speech becomes.
I really never have minded the questioning. I have always looked at it as an opportunity to shed some light for others and a constant refresher/reminder for myself. It doesn't take very long to find out if the person asking is truly inquiring or just out to fulfill an agenda. Often times those who are indeed acquisitive never really get my full answer as parenting often interrupts conversations. So....this is for you. All those curious somebodies who want to know why we do what we do.

• The liberty to teach history from a providential perspective. That is to acknowledge God's divine hand in all times, with all people for his purpose.
• Also to teach history chronologically in a cyclical manner ever increasing the knowledge level as the years go by. To teach history with a text book as a mere spine of reference. To teach history with autobiographies, biographies, historical fiction and non fiction alike replacing the fragmented boring textbook. Purposely including actual geography...an all to often forgotten subject. To teach history by visiting museums as well as historical sites. To teach history by watching movies and incorporating hands on activities. The joy in showing the why, the who and not just the date.
• The opportunity to teach science through both the evolutionists and creationists point of view. To teach about God the creator of heaven and earth. To take God at his word, that is "all was created in literally six days". However to also teach what evolutionist believe to be true..as in.. yes we read books like Origin of species by Charles Darwin. To teach that the evolutionist and the creationist believe in the same science. It is the faith of the evolutionist and the creationist that differs, which ultimately draws very different conclusions. Neither the evolutionist or the creationist was present to provide scientific fact for the question of origins, this is why we go to the words of someone who was there. We relish the freedom to do just that through the book God has preserved for us.We take joy in teaching an appreciation for Gods wonderful array of colorful people (physical as well as spiritual). Each as completely different and carefully crafted as the tiny snowflakes we all take for granted. So special is each human life that we take time to teach about the rights of even the tiniest, sickliest and oldest. To teach free from abortion & euthanasia propaganda. To teach our children to love their neighbor whether red, yellow, black, white, handicapped, gifted, rich, poor. To be the one who teaches them about sex education free of homosexual propaganda.
• Also to teach science through  hands on, real life experimentation and  in a lab with other students or at home. To teach science through back yard astronomy and kitchen chemistry. To teach science through nature studies as in observation and drawing, journaling  or diagramming findings. To teach science through fun kits growing lady bugs, earth worms, silk worms, butterflies, moths and frogs. Watching with intent as kittens, puppies and chicks are born. Nurturing goats, rabbits, birds and rats. To teach science by growing gardens, crystals and mold. To teach about biomes by visiting caves, great valley grass lands, deserts, high mountain peaks, canyons, oceans, lakes, rivers, creeks and streams. To teach science through visiting Dad's clients, occupational field trips, museums, theme parks (physics) zoos, farms and rescue shelters. To teach science by building things and home improvement projects.To read wonderful books and watch fascinating movies.
• Power to pursue and cultivate God given talents, skills and aesthetic endeavors. No homeschool parent I know is arrogant enough to believe they can do everything on their own. However they do know what they can do well. An intricate system of bartering goes on trading subjects as needed and fits within each families dynamics. This is also how many co-ops are started providing holiday parties, graduation ceremonies etc. Not to mention the plethora of tutoring, private lessons and community classes that are available. This is Free Enterprise at its best.
• Togetherness. Our family is a team. Yes sometimes our days are completely frustrating. As someone once said "giving air to why tigers eat their young" Yet other times our life is radiating with joy and hysterical laughter. We have so many memories we hold in common. Yes we are a typical busy family. However homeschooling allows us to grab time when others are locked away in school. Dinner is hard for us...yes I know typical. Yet we have breakfast and lunch together. We have time for devotional every morning with Dad. We have days on our calendar set aside for just the four of us. We hold our secret days in close regard.
• One of the blessings I love most is the independence to go on little mini learning adventures. Freedom to break the chains claiming learning happens in a certain time frame, on a certain day, at a desk...in a classroom. Learning is happening all around us. Weather we are sitting around the dining table, watching a movie, walking to the park or driving around town, learning continues, it is a natural flow. A love of learning is born when you break away from methods that cause kids to burn out well before middle school. For the record, yes we have a school room. It houses a TV with cable, DVD & VHS for school media. Science equipment, an atlas and globe can be found in the room. We also house workout videos for raining day PE, dictionary, thesaurus, art supplies and office supplies in there. Of course that's where the school day could take place...and it does at times. At home schoolwork is also done floating in the pool, laying in the hammock, sitting on the roof or up in a tree. Yet school work is also done away from home sitting at a beach, resting on a boulder, with toes wiggling in a pond or driving in a car. I love finding new places to explore with my children.
• People. Yes I list people as one of the blessing of home education. People who pour themselves into the homeschool movement. People who dedicate countless hours organizing, planning and carrying through all sorts of wonderful opportunities for others to enjoy. People who pioneered the modern homeschool movement, which allowed me to come into the picture with ease. Thank you for your sacrifice, time in court and diligence to get companies to sell us curriculum...and actually write some of your own. People I've never met, thank you for my freedom to homeschool independent of governmental dictation at the expense of your families. People who make the decision to homeschool so much easier because you choose to mentor. People who listen to  crying spent mamas' and then reel them back in. People who write books, speak at seminars and create co-ops. I couldn't...probably wouldn't do it without you clearing the path.
• Desire to alleviate stress by allowing each of my sons to grow at his own speed. We have one who flies through most everything and one who needs lots of extra time...homeschooling allows for both. To learn without the restraints of bells and schedules set in place to herd a room full of kids. To remove busy work meant to silence a flock of burned out, bored students. Joy to learn in a way that reaches each child best. Battling the daily grind without breaking the child's spirit.To learn at whatever speed needed in each individual subject without unnecessary pressure and in effect enjoying the learning process. Yes time to complete each task well. There is no need to move onto the next spelling test just because its Monday. To learn without the lack of restrictions in moving forward in a section of a math text even if someone else couldn't keep up, in example.
• Freedom to be a boy. Boys aren't meant to sit still  day after day, week after week, year after year. Could this be contributing to the national problem with (mostly boys) and ADD/ADHD?? Homeschooling allows freedom to run laps or jump on a trampoline between each subject taught. Brilliance is setting up a schedule with plenty of physical endurance (sports and home improvement) and lots of time to explore the outdoors for boys. 
• To nourish and cherish brotherhood. Our boys fight...HELLO! However they are also truly friends. They have such a great time together exploring and learning or simply hanging out.Homeschooling provides time to tend to this.
• The right to teach phonics instead of the sight word mumbo-jumbo. To use phonics as the building blocks they are meant to be. Time to read, read, read! Oh and reading is so much more enjoyable when you are ACTUALLY taught to read! To start teaching Grammar AFTER phonics is learned. Lots of time to write, just to learn to express ones self. Appreciating the difference in this and  the refining skill of the eloquent written word. Teaching true logic and then the classic method of rhetoric. Giving real skill sets no longer taught in most schools.
• Teaching self motivating skills. Striving for self starting skills gradually growing into the natural process of independence.
• To foster great character. To teach wisdom and discernment. Christian homeschool kids are not immune to the sin curse, of course. Likewise they are not hidden from all sorts of evils prevalent in this world, we all fall short.  We aim to show mercy, grace and compassion. We strive to promote fellowship with their peers...yes. Yet also to seek ways to show kindness to those much younger and quite older then themselves. To take notice, to be aware and to act accordingly. Homeschooling allows for time to grow into the "salt" and "light". Giving them strong legs to stand on so they won't be swayed to and fro with every passing wind by saturating them in the ways of God.
• To teach governmental law, civics and economics by studying speeches, sitting in on council meetings both local and at the state and going to tea parties and the like. Again by reading great books, watching outstanding movies, keeping up on current events and going on plenty of field trips. Teaching public speaking through debate and speech club to give voice in defining ones morals and standards. To insure they know their constitutional rights. 
• Time for unrushed prayer. Using a prayer board that we pin names or pictures on to remind us of all the people we want to lift up. By keeping a prayer and praise journal as an easy way to release our troubles and also to recognize Gods blessings. 

"Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself" George Bernard Shaw

So what are they doing in 8th and 10th grade anyway?

mmmm, I love the smell of newly cracked open school books. My basket of pink erasers and a truck load of mechanical pencils is divine. It's just what I needed to get all tingly and excited about teaching my children.

Some of the subjects listed are merely for our personal use...not a complete credit. Our family studies, contenders projects such as cooking and oral reading are examples of that concept.

Other subjects will be listed on the boys transcripts as these show a completed course. Example are Physics, Algebra and Latin.

10th Grade (Billy)

• Geometry
• British Literature/Composition
• Physics
• Spanish 2
• Newspaper/Yearbook
• World Percussion
  
• Photography
• Contenders/Congressional Award
• Penmanship/Typing
• Oral Reading
• British History
• British Theology
• Logic 3
• Physical Fitness
• Character/Philosophy(intro)/Doctrine/Faith
• Art
• Drivers Ed./Training/ Health
• Youth Group(s)
  

8th Grade (Ricky)

• Algebra 1/2
• English (Grammar & Composition)
  
• Spelling
• Physical Science
• Latin
• Newspaper/Yearbook
• Guitar Lessons/Piano Lessons
  
• Choir
• Boy Scouts/Contenders
• Penmanship & Typing
• Oral Reading
• Ren. & Ref. History/Literature
• Logic
• Art 
• Physical Fitness
  
• Character/Philosophy (Intro) /Doctrine/Faith
• Youth Group (s)

Its gonna be a gnarly ride, but as a team we can do even this!

   After a long discussion, making sure every voice was heard, united in purpose in the promise of new beginnings Billy Ricky & I sat around a table in Barnes and Nobles. We were sipping ice cold tea as we filled our day planners with all sorts of fun happenings for the months to come.
   We have made a balanced choice of priorities, with a little of this and a little of that and oh..a little more of that over there. So much is available to our children these days, it can be overwhelming to choose, yet choose we must. Of course there are so very many factors that go into making the final cut.
   In example, I know both of my boys are very disappointed in not taking Bonnie Nyberg's Literature class. (the lady who taught the Drama class) You know, truth be told, I was bummed as well, after all...as they say "they've been Bonnie-fied"! (you got it Chica...here's to a great teacher!) We just don't have a need for literature supplementation..we are avid readers in this house. So it wasn't worth adding her into the schedule.
  Many "things" gobble up our time, especially in this season (residing in Coarsegold while living in Fresno). We made a commitment to these endeavors. Yet we've had to be extra careful to include space for free time as well as time to fulfill educational pursuits.

Tons of work. Insane schedule. Bring it. Its gonna be a gnarly ride, but as a team we can do even this.

  A typical H.O.T. summer day in Fresno, the thought of  a cup filled with Stone Cold Ice Cream was mesmerizing to my boys. They brought their own money along. So I told them when our pencil pushing got us to January on the calendar section in the day planner they could march on over to their chosen bliss. They brought me one as well, such sweet guys.
  Then it was back to our favorite little cubby with renewed energy to finish our task. I sat down with each boy , purposefully poised and together we prepared their classically eclectic academic section of their day planners in preparation for the first week of school. Well of T.H.E.E. School (the name of our little school) anyway.
  As you already know Billy had been in Physics and Ricky in Choir prior to this date. Actually things like the newspaper and blog never did stop...they went right through the summer.
  For that matter the knowledge of our decision to release Dish Network from our monthly costs and freedom of schedule coming to a close (because Mom dramatically tones down the brain numbinizer during the school year) Billy soaked in as many "That's Impossible", "Lost Treasures" and "Myth Busters" episodes as he could. During breaks from his story/book writing frenzy.
  Meanwhile Ricky consumed a steady diet of "Man vs Wild", "Fight Quest" and "Human Weapon". All the while getting inspired in his knife throwing-spear tossing-pick axe swinging-while barefoot and wearing an ipod skills. Good Heavens! What will I do with him in city? hmmmm...Oops, I got side tracked, from my side track! Hee-hee! My point was...does learning aka "schooling" ever really stop?
  Well...back to my tale....this meeting, at Barnes and Nobles, happened a month ago today! We have pretty much settled into rhythm of the scheduling frenzy-even after a major set back causing me the need to pour myself into the routine and prop myself up at the table. (I hate head colds!) Monday Mayhem is the tricky one, yet we WILL tame that beast as well. (Becky has been a real trooper in regards to this)
  The First-Day-of-School Mega Breakfast was well received.  The Homeschool Spirit week Month was wonderful yet again. It's great to gather together in a general celebration of the freedom, joy and strength of our shared homeschool-hood!

Here's to many more fun times!   Let's all WORK hard, so we can PLAY hard!...and RELAX in peace.

Photo's another Back-to-School Tradition

  A few weeks ago we headed on over to Fashion Fair in hopes of hunting down two shirts for school pictures. It wasn't the best of days to embark on such a journey being that cat fights tend to break out in the heat of "Autumn". However this would be our only chance to deal with it prior to the picture date.
  Ricky's wardrobe was fine as it sat due to previous shopping trips (although in the end he wore the same shirt from last years photos...nut!) It was the dreaded Billster we had to shop with. FYI teen guys do have strong opinions about what they are wearing...its not just a female issues. Nuf said.
  At any rate we shopped and shopped until teenage finickiness finally met with parental money choice. Ahhh, sweet relief, and so it was shirts for both CHEFA, which happened last week and BEST which happens next month were acquired. Ta-da! Budget and fashion meet.
  I go through this activity , in which my head explodes, for the Grandma's most especially. Yet the kids do need their pictures in the yearbook as well as an updated version for our wall. The ID cards are kind of a joke. We've never really needed them, at this point its more of a collectors item then anything else. Although we did use them when we first started homeschooling around ten years ago. This was during the curfew law drama. Who knows , maybe a need will arise this school year....playin' it safe. Affidavit filed, check. HSLDA membership updated, check. BEST, CHEFA & CHEA memberships updated, check, check, check! and last but not least ID cards ordered, check.
  *Oh, this year we had to fake our annual "1st-day-of-school-photo" because I was not much more than a lump of snot due to a bad head cold. I didn't even think about it until well after the day had come and gone, darn! Oh, and yes they cooperated with me on this and also with the photographer last week.

*Happy thought* At least we have moved beyond the little guy stage of this endeavor. I heart cooperative children!

When parents get sick...and kids don't

 Oh boy....Jeff & I were sick, I mean really sick for over a week. The worst part was that I woke up to all this yuck the first day of our school year. So besides stealing a glance every now and then, I was of no use to my students. "Son I'm sorry I cannot access my brain today, I have the duhs"

 I do have to make you aware that each boy knows what is expected of him, even on the first day of the new school year. This is because individual calendars and day planners are reviewed each weekend...before the school week. So this was done before I knew I was sick. I also need to give props to my guys. They cleaned, they cooked and they did as much of  their school work as they could. They really did try their best. Wow, that's awesome! Just when I think I'm going to put them in a box in front of the grocery store (free to a good home) they come shining through. You gotta jump, even if just internally, at times like that!

 Now some silly people have said, "oh but you homeschool so what's the big deal...just bump it forward". As nice as that sounds, its not that easy! We have a schedule and try very hard to stick to it, there's always going to be lots of life going on and we do have sick days set aside, but come on!  All mom's everywhere want to yell out "sorry, I'm too busy to get sick, call back later".... it's no different for the homeschool mom. We are needed, that is that. When we are down life doesn't run as it should...the end. It's just not the best way to start off the year.

 What really stinks is this makes the second year in a row this has happened. I've had it suggested "its because the public and private school have been in session for about a month before we start. They have that time to spread germs all around and let them trickle down to us as we begin to start our own schooling".  Whatever the reason it must stop!

 Now, two weeks later I am still dealing with the aftershock of it all.  I'm adrift in a sea of to-do's. It's amazing how far behind we get when missing just one week of the chaotic game called life. I've been realigning the school work that was clear as mud to the poor guys trying to work it out on their own (with no direction while I was out of commission) and so it didn't get done. As well as correcting and filing school work that was completed during that same time period. I'm finally finding some post-sickie relief and a little zest is back in my step.

 As a family we rock! We cleaned this whole house! Wall, cabinets, sofa's, bathrooms...everything got sanitized! I've been pumping the vitamin cocktails into everyone and heavily pushing the hand sanitizer! B&R seem to have been able to skip over this virus. Thank you Jesus!

 On to better...healthier days we march!

"Back up the pineapple this luau's over!"

Though we have enjoyed our wonderfully, lazy, much needed 3 months off, we have succumbed to emerge from the fog of the summer lifestyle where calendars mean nothing and clocks are ignored. We move into the responsibility of it all, joining the ranks of all those already "in" school. Which means I will be on somewhat of a computer sabbatical. I know that is going to be hard, because I have been playing on F.B. so much that people look for me there to inform me of this and that. Note to self, realign communication avenue.

The school year has been trickling upon us. Billy began physics at the beginning off August, he really likes his class by the way. Ricky began choir two weeks ago. Which was like going to a giant family reunion-what fun for everyone! Next Billy will add Bembe and Ricky will add Boy Scouts to the schedule (in about a week). Both boys will start Art Appreciation/History with our homeschool co-op. Each guy also begins a youth group at the church we were going to in Fresno & have now returned to. As you can see the momentum is picking up fast.

We've cut hair, bought clothes, school supplies and curriculum. We have a nice & orderly school space. We spent a few weeks getting our bodies and minds acclimated to our new schedule and completing our final preparations. It is now time for mind-work and routine physical endurance. So look out year..here we come!

Oh and to all those apposed or puzzled by my delaying our start date, I have this for you......

Back off Jack, your not the criterion in this town! I enjoy milkin' summer, squeezing every last drop. My boys have in the past and will continue to have a solid education-complete with 180 hours of each subject taught. I take their education quite seriously. More importantly I take their whole person into account. So....Labor Day to Memorial Day it shall remain. Please, please think before you assume neglect! I really am paying attention. I really am being responsible.

"I believe that school makes complete fools of our young men, 

because they see & hear nothing of ordinary life 
there"-Petronius

To be finished in the year 2025

I am writing a book about Homeschooling. It will be ready for you to read years after B&R have graduated from our little school, when time & I get along a little better. I have lots of ideas, but no time to really dedicate to the project. I do write but not with any regularity. I have a folder I dump thoughts/writings into, which I will compile at a later time. Many of you (My friends & Family) have made every effort to push me in this direction, insuring me I have lots to share with others....& that I shouldn't harbor that knowledge. So Look forward to reading my book sometime before you die!

"Education is what remains after I have forgotten what I had learned in school"- Einstein

"The secret of success is to know how to deny yourself. Prove that you can control yourself, and you are an educated man and without this all other education is good for nothing."-R.D. Hitchcook

"A room without books is like a body without a soul"-Cicero

And to that end B, R & I have put together a list of our favorite books. Today we will start with our top 100kidlet book choices.
Littles

1. The Pokey Little Puppy-Lowery*
2. Henry & Mudge-Rylant*
3. Angus & the Ducks-Flack*
4. Carl-Day
5. Chicken Soup w/ Rice-Sendak*
6. Clem the Clumsy Camel-Mueller*
7. Bisquit-Capucilli*
8. Poppleton-Rylant*
9. If you give a Mouse a Cookie-Numeroff*
10. Very Grouchy Ladybug-Carle*
11. James Harriet's Treasury for Children-Harriet*
12. Corduroy-Freeman*
13. Curious George-H.A.Rey*
14. Good Night Moon-Brown*
15. House that Jack Built-Frasconi*
16. Petunia-Duvolsin*
17. Richard Scarry's Treasury-Scarry*
18. Story of Babar-Brunhoff*
19. Very Hungry Caterpillar-Carle*
20. Little Engine that Could-Piper*
21. Make Way for Ducklings-McCloskey*
22. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom-Martin*
23. Harry the Dirty Dog-Zien*
24. Where the Wild Things Are-Sendak*
25. Mr. Putter & Tabby-
    
26. Owl at Home-Lobel*
27. George and Martha-Marshall (the Hippo's)*
    
28. Guess How Much I Love You-McBratney*
29. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel-Burton*
30. Thomas the Tank Engine-Brosnan*
31. Velveteen Rabbit-Williams*
32. Frog & Toad-Lobel*
33. Capyboppy-Pleet*
34. Berenstain Bears-Berenstain*
35. Floss
36. Amelia Bedelia-Parish*
37. Blueberries for Sal-McCloskey*
38. Emil the Eagle-LaFleur*
39. Little Bear-Minorik*
40. Newt-Novak*
41. Mouse Soup-Lobel*
42. Clifford the Big Red Dog-Bridwell*
43. Flip-Dennis*
44. Arthur-Heban (the monkey)*
    
45. Arthur-Brown (the aardvark)*
46. Chilly Billy-Mayle*
47. Nate the Great-*
    
48. Key to the Treasure-Parish*
49. The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy-Thayer*
50. Tough Enough's Indians-Carroll*
51. The King with Six Freinds-Williams*
52. Little Polar Bear, Take Me Home!-deBeer*
53. The Sailor Dog-Brown*
54. Tikki Tikki Tembo-Mosel*
55. Tacky the Penguin-Lester*
56. Owly-Thaler*
57. Lester & Clyde-Reece
58. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble-Steig*
59. Flip the Dolphin-Kassian*
60. Daniels Duck-Bulla*
61. Tim the Mouse-Lloyd*
62. The Biggest Bear-Ward*
63. Bo the Famous Retriever-Simmons
    
64. Granny and the Desperados-Parish
65. Runaway Bunny-Brown*
66. Roxaboxen-McLerran*
67. Baker Baker Cookie Maker-Hayward*
68. What a Teddy Bear Needs-Kaye*
69. Meet Trouble-Hood*
70. Dandelion-Freeman*
71. Magic Fish-Littledale*
72. Time of Wonder-McCloskey*
73. Grasshopper on the Road-Lobel*
74. Encyclopedia Brown-*
    
75. Benjy and the Barking Dog-Graham*
76. The Golden Key-MacDonald*
    
77. A Dog Named Grizzly Bear-Boring*
78. Inch by Inch-Lionni*
79. What was That!-Matthews*
80. Frances-Hoban*
81. Lentil-McCloskey*
82. Rikki Tikki Tavy-Kipling*
    
83. Winnie the Pooh-Milne*
    
84. The Secret Moose-Rogers*
85. Selfish Giant-Wilde*
86. Complete Tales of Peter Rabbit-Potter*
    
87. Wizzers Bad Day-Kassirer*
88. There's an Owl in the Shower-George*
    
89. Farfalina & Marcel-Keller*
90. Richard Brown & the Dragon-Bright*
    
91. Sleepy Little Lion-Brown*
92. A bear Called Paddington-Bond*
    
93. Billy & Blaze-Anderson
    
94. Wild Fox-Mason*
95. Stickeen-Muir*
96. How it was with Dooms-Hopcraft*
97. Bunnicula-Howe*
98. The Snuggle Bunny-Jewell*
99. Sammy Dog Detective-Bare*
100. Benvenuto-Reit*

And the Beat Goes On.....

Here are our top 100 Book Choices for the next stage in reading, the thicker chapter book.

Middles

1. Homer price-McCloskey*
   
2. Silversheene King of Sled Dogs-Hawkes*
3. Mary Poppins-Travers*
   
4. Incredible Journey-Burnford*
5. Old Yeller-Gibson
   
6. Place of the Lions-Campbell*
7. Great Quarterback Switch-Christopher*
   
8. Detectives in Togas-Winterfeld*
   
9. Little Pear-Lattimore*
10. My Side of the Mountains-George*
11. Lassie-Knight*
    
12. Gone Away Lake-Enright*
13. Mouse & the Motorcycle-Cleary*
14. The Moffats-Estes*
15. Half Magic-Eager*
    
16. The Dog Who Wouldn't Be-Mowat*
17. My Fathers Dragon-Gannett*
18. Trolley Car Family-Clymer*
19. Penderwicks-Birdsall*
20. Old Mother West Wind-Burgess*
21. Stone Fox-Gardiner*
    
22. Wonder Book- Hawthorne*
23. The Defender-Kalashnikoff*
    
24. Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of NIMH-O'Brien*
    
25. The Hardy Boys-Dixon*
26. Tale of Despereaux-Dicamillo*
    
27. Superfudge-Blume*
28. Adam of the Road-Gray*
29. Ragweed-Avi*
30. At the Back of the North Wind-MacDonald*
31. Hans Brinker & the Silver Skates-Dodge*
32. Black Ships Before Troy-Sutcliff*
33. The Enormous Egg-Butterworth
    
34. Wishbones Classic-Mattern*
    
35. Absolutely Lucy-Cooper*
    
36. Black Stallion-Farley*
37. The Wolfling-North*
    
38. Black Beauty-Sewell*
39. Ribsy-Cleary*
40. Book of Three-Alexander*
41. Rabbit Hill-Lawson*
    
42. Borrowers-Norton*
43. I Freddy-Reiche*
    
44. Brighty of the Grand Canyon-Henry
45. Where the Red Fern Grows-Rawls*
46. Bronze Bow-Speare*
47. Wharton & the Castaways-Erickson
48. Trailblazers-Jackson
49. Henry Reed Inc.-Robertson*
    
50. Charlotte's Web-White*
51. Twenty One Balloons-DuBois*
52. Cheaper by the Dozen-Gillberth*
53. Mr Poppers Penguins-Atwater*
    
54. Trumpet of the Swan-White*
55. The Good Dog-Avi*
    
56. Swallows and the Amazons-Ransome
57. Cricket in Time Square-Seldon*
58. Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow-French
59. Rangers Apprentice-Flanagan*
60. Staurt Little-White*
61. Door in the Wall-de Angeli*
62. Story of Dr. Dolittle-Lofting
63. Star in the Storm-Harlow*
    
64. Smokey the Cowhorse-James*
65. Toby Tyler-Otis*
    
66. King of Squaw Mountain-Borland*
67. Kavik the Wolf Dog-Morey*
    
68. Fantastic Mr. Fox-Dahl*
69. A Family of Foxes-dillon*
70. Silver Chief-OBrien*
71. The Midnight Fox-Byars*
72. Five Children & It-Nesbit*
73. Never Cry wolf-Mowat*
74. Sign of the Beaver-Speare*
75. Tiger on the Mountain-Arora*
76. Five Little Peppers & how They Grew-Sidney*
77. Whittington-Armstrong*
78. Shadrack-deJong
79. Coyote Summer-Wallace*
    
80. Follow My Leader-Garfield*
81. Freddy the Pig-Brooks*
    
82. Boxcar Children-Warner*
    
83. The Haymeadow-Paulson*
84. Gentle Ben-Morey
85. Farmer Boy-Wilder
    
86. Rescuers-Sharp
87. Peter Pan-Barrie
    
88. Ginger Pie-Estes
89. Pinocchio-Collodi
    
90. Rascal-North
91. Sugar Creek Gang-Hutches
    
92. Downriver-Hobbs
93. Seven Sleepers-Morris
    
94. Brady-Fritz
95. The Samuari's tale-Haugaard
    
96. White Serpent Castle-Namioka
    
97. Lad, A Dog-Terhune
    
98. Eragon-Paolini
99. Shiloh-Naylor
    
100. Phantom Tollbooth-Juster

Last, but certainly not least

Our top 100 picks for the big guys..............
Colossal

1. Gulliver's Travels-Swift*
2. Summer of the Monkeys-Rawls*
3. Don Quixote-Cervantes*
4. The Mark of the Original Zorro-McCulley*
5. Arabian Nights-*
6. Tom Sawyer-Twain*
7. Sir Gawain & the Green Night-Tolkien*
8. Hittite Warrior-Williamson*
9. Saga of the Volsungs-Byock*
10. The light & the Glory-Marshall*
11. Beowulf-Heaney*
12. A Night to Remember-Lord*
13. Song of Roland-Sayers*
14. Seabisuit-Hillenbrand*
15. Canterbury Tales-Chaucer*
16. Till We Have Faces-Lewis*
17. Odyssey of Homer-Lattimore*
18. Pride & Prejudice-Austen*
19. Chronicles of Narnia-Lewis*
20. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea-Verne*
21. A Walk to Remember-Sparks*
22. Iliad of Homer-Lattimore*
23. Eagle of the Ninth-Sutcliff*
    
24. The Yearling-Rawlings*
25. A Christmas Carol-Dickens*
26. Watership Down-Adams*
27. A Ring of Endless Light-L'Engle*
28. Shaking the Nickel Bush-Moody
    
29. Uncle Toms Cabin-Stowe*
30. The Hiding Place-ten Boom*
31. Last of the Mohicans-Cooper
32. Freckles-Potter*
33. Kidnapped-Stevenson*
34. Wizard of Oz-Baum*
35. The Ides of April-Ray*
36. Heidi-Spyri
37. Within the Palace Gates-Siviter*
38. Proud Taste of Scarlet & Miniver-Konigsburg*
39. All Creatures Great & Small-Herriot*
40. Animal farm-Orwell*
41. David Copperfield-Dickens*
42. Emma-Austen
43. Gone with the Wind-Mitchell*
44. Good Earth-Buck
45. Grapes of Wrath-Steinbeck*
46. House of Seven Gables-Hawthorne
47. On Walden Pond-Thoreau*
48. Scarlet letter-Hawthrone
49. Three Musketeers-Dumas*
50. Rob Roy-Scott
51. Pilgrims Progress-Bunyan*
52. Oliver Twist-Dickens*
53. Kenilworth-Scott
54. Count of Monte Cristo-Dumas
55. Wolves of Willoughby Chase-Aiken
56. White Fang-London
57. Two Years Before the Mast-Dana*
58. Silver Chalice-Costain
59. Scarlet Pimpernel-Orczy
60. Red Badge of Courage-Crane*
61. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm-Wiggen
62. Trumpeter of Krakow-Kelly*
63. Big Red-Kjelgaard*
64. Captians Courageous-Kipling*
65. Redwall-Jacques*
66. Wind in the Willow-Grahame*
67. Call of the Wild-London*
68. Twice Freed-St John*
69. Dragon Slayer-Sutcliff
70. Banner in the Sky-Ullman*
71. In Freedoms Cause-Henty*
72. A Wrinkle in Time-L'Engle*
73. Secret Garden-Burnett
74. Jungle Book-Kipling
75. Kim- Kipling*
76. Jo's Boys-Alcott*
77. A Conneticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court-Twain*
78. Little Men-Alcott*
79. Cat of Bubastes-Henty
80. Merry Adventures of Robinhood-Pyle*
81. The Kings Fifth-Odell*
82. Mara, Daughter of the Nile-McGraw
83. National Velvet-Begnold
84. Alice in Wonderland-Carroll*
85. Little Britches-Moody
86. Otto of the Silver Hand-Pyle
87. Penrod-Tarkington
88. Prince & Pauper-Twain
89. Swiss Family Robinson-Wyss
90. Treasure Island-Stevenson*
91. Against the World, the Odyssey of Athanasius-Corey*
92. Dragon & the Raven-Henty*
93. Fountain of Life-Martin*
94. Hawk That Dare Not Hunt By Day-Odell*
95. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn-Twain*
96. A King Without a Shadow-Sproul
97. Winning His Spurs-Henty*
98. Deer Slayer-Cooper*
99. Ivanhoe-Scott*
100. The Writings on the Hearth-Harnett*

"If you think EDUCATION is expensive, try IGNORANCE"-unknown

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire"-William Yates