The Homeschool Mother's Journal 1

This is my first go at an entry for The Homeschool Mother's Journal, a linkup through www.TheHomeschoolChick.com, but I'd thought I'd give it a try. It seems like a great way to stay connected with other mothers on the homeschooling journey.


In my life this week…


It's been busy, getting started with our new curriculum (Oak Meadow with some modifications) and running around a lot, to appointments and even a Mom's Night Out, followed by lots of work. Sometimes, it feels like I never stop going. My Aspie continues to present challenges, of the good and not-so-good kind, but I try to take it one day at a time.

In our homeschool this week…


We jumped in on Tuesday and did some work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Friday was full of driving and appointments and work, so that was kind of an off day, although I did do circle time with my younger ones before I left and gave dad a project to do with them while my son and I were gone (making "bodies" out of modeling clay). I am not holding much hope for next week as it's a short week followed by a trip out of town for the weekend.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…


I've started using the basic/free version of Homeschool Tracker software. I was using some online software, but it was getting rather cumbersome. Although it would be ideal to have almost everything put in ahead of time, I can put in assignments after they're done, which is helpful, and it also has a handy "daily journal" section that I can use for short notes. I can also post a copy of my blog (sans pictures) there. I'm not sure yet what the full version entails, but the basic version is pretty handy on its own.

I am inspired by…


Why can't I think of anything/anyone? Guess I'm not feeling that inspired lately. I am just really focused on getting by and finding something that works on a more long-term basis for our family. I guess I admire those that have found the balance, or at least some semblance of it.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…


My oldest goes to karate twice a week. Other than that and doctors/therapist appointments, we haven't been "going" that much this summer, partially because of work and also for me to heal my plantar fasciitis up somewhat. However, next week, a two-hour drive to Boxerwood Gardens in Lexington, Virginia, is on the calendar, as well as a drive to New Jersey to visit my in-laws, where I will be taking my oldest to Six Flags Great Adventure. He has recently developed a real interest in roller coasters. Now, if only my nerves can take them!

My favorite thing this week was…


Gathering leaves and flowers with the kids to press and Mom's Night Out. Nothing like an evening out with the girls to perk you up. :)

What’s working/not working for us…


Cooking breakfasts ahead of time lately (pancakes and/or egg casseroles) has really helped get my mornings off a little faster so that I can get my "me" time (to work out and shower) and still get homeschooling done before work in the afternoon.


The scheduling is still a challenge, though, and I continue to wish that I could afford and have a trusted child care provider for just a little time each week so that my life had a few breaks and wasn't just a schedule of work-sleep-kids-work-sleep kids. The pockets of "family time" or just "relax time" have to be stolen from one of those items, and it never works out well.

I’m reading…


Just finished some of my happy fluff reading (Nora Roberts, Happy Ever After) and am reading the current edition of Voice (the magazine of VaHomeschoolers), in which I have an article, and Freezer Pleasers, which I picked up at the Green Valley Book Fair.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…


My son and I really enjoyed this video of the rarely seen African Golden Cat, not much bigger than a house cat:


National Geographic: African Golden Cat

Scheduling and Getting Organized

I just popped over to Donna Young's page (Donna Young's Homeschool Resources and Printables) to download some organizers. As I was reading and getting into the nuts and bolts about the Oak Meadow Kindergarten curriculum, I realized that I was going to need at least some kind of planner if I have any hope of keeping up or at least know what I'm supposed to be covering in what order, especially when you add in DS's 5th grade stuff, which I'm still waiting on. I want flexibility, but I also don't want to be floundering.

Hopefully, the subject planners on her page will work for that. You can use them to plan out what you want to cover in a semester without being tied down to a certain thing each day. She also has a good idea, the curriculum key, which allows you to create a shorthand for your curriculum to use in your planner(s). For example, I might code Growing, Growing Strong, page 1, as GGS1.

I'll probably put the pages all together in a notebook, along with some journal pages for notes. I really like her decorated journal pages. Very cute! This a site you could spend a long time exploring, with lots of resources.

Too bad it can't add more time to my day. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm supposed to fit all the homeschooling in before work time (usually about 2 p.m.) and still take care of household chores, exercise, and all of the other things (therapy appointments, etc.) that manage to squeeze their way into my life. I've considered getting up earlier and/or exercising later, but I'm still working on that part. It'll be easier to figure out once I get DS's curriculum and get an idea of what is involved there.

Well, that will be another day. It's amazing how little one can accomplish in a day. Let's just hope it adds up :)