I love the concept of the Fly Lady's Control Journal but it never worked for me. It didn't seem to be set up for people with small children at home and it was too complex. I did a little searching on the web and found a Home Management Journal at Wanting What You Have.com. I did some tweaking to make it more homeschool friendly and after using the journal for 4 months my days run more smoothly and continue to be more productive as I mature in my parenting skills. This is what I put in sections 1-4 of the journal:
1) A zippered pouch with scissors, permanent markers, pencils, pens, dry erase marker, and adhesive tabs.
2) Calendar- monthly calendars printed from WinCalendar.com, I record appointments here for quick reference.
3) Prayer and Bible- I printed a 365 day reading plan and put it in a page protector. Then I can check off the readings as I go, using the dry erase marker. At the end of the year I'll clean off the marks and start over.
4) Daily Routines- I only plan the weekdays since weekends are unpredictable in our home. This section has five page protectors with a day of the week printed at the top. I printed five different schedules, one for each day. There isn't a time assigned to each activity, unless it is an appointment. Instead, I list things that must be done in the morning, afternoon and evening and do that as I am able. Home/ Laundry Day, Outing Day, Homeschool Co-op Day, Home/ Laundry Day again, Errands Day. Then depending on the appointments we have schedule that week I slip one of the schedules into each of the five page protectors. Generally, every Friday is Errands Day and Tuesdays are Outing Days, but if something comes up, I can change that around easily by pulling the schedule paper out of one day's protector and slipping it into another one.
12.10.2011
My Father's World Kindergarten
My 4 yr. old son "Diego" is working through MFW Kindergarten this year. He really enjoys it and would probably do it every day if I had time. His big brother's schooling takes a lot of my energy and his two year old little brother takes a the rest. School time with Diego is his chance to have one-on-one time with mama.
Diego listened in on MFW K when Turtle was in Kindergarten last year, so it isn't surprising that he already knows a lot of the information we are covering; but kids this age love repetition! For example, he already knows his letter names, sounds and how to write them. He can also blend letters into short words. MFW K gives him a chance to work on the fine motor skills required for writing well and for using scissors to cut shapes. The Cuisinaire Rods give him some work in following patterns and then being creative. Here is the barn he made to go with the letter "B".
He also enjoys the thematic units and making connections to the rest of the world. Last week we talked about Cows (lesson 13 of 26). We read The Story of Ferdinand which lined up well with our Spanish lesson which included information about "toros," bulls. I have to admit that when I read that book to my 5 yr. old last year, I wasn't a excited about introducing the concept of bull fighting; but it fits well with our Spanish curriculum which explains the culture in which the story takes place.
Another project that MFW K provides is a daily number activity. Diego likes connecting a quantity with a number and learning to write the number, the bigger the number the better as far as he is concerned! We use that time in the lesson to practice skip counting and grouping items. His favorite was the day we used jelly beans to see what the quantity 28 looked like!
He also enjoys the thematic units and making connections to the rest of the world. Last week we talked about Cows (lesson 13 of 26). We read The Story of Ferdinand which lined up well with our Spanish lesson which included information about "toros," bulls. I have to admit that when I read that book to my 5 yr. old last year, I wasn't a excited about introducing the concept of bull fighting; but it fits well with our Spanish curriculum which explains the culture in which the story takes place.
Another project that MFW K provides is a daily number activity. Diego likes connecting a quantity with a number and learning to write the number, the bigger the number the better as far as he is concerned! We use that time in the lesson to practice skip counting and grouping items. His favorite was the day we used jelly beans to see what the quantity 28 looked like!
12.06.2011
Day 2: Jillian Michaels Fitness Plan
I had the most delicious veggie side dish for dinner. It was a recipe from the Jillian Michaels Online fitness plan and was so simple to make. Caramelize 1/4 cup of onion, toast some pine nuts, steam a cup of broccoli, toss those ingredients with a splash of balsamic vinegar and salt to taste. Yum!
Unfortunately, the salmon paired with the veggies didn't work out as well. I just wasn't able to overcome the gag reflex to eat my 3 oz. portion of fish. It looked good, though. Instead, I had a slice of italian bread with butter.
This evening I used an elliptical trainer for the first time, 18 min. on the Intermediate level. Then I moved over to the weights and did some upper body work. Thanks, Dear for watching the kiddos while I exercised :-)
Unfortunately, the salmon paired with the veggies didn't work out as well. I just wasn't able to overcome the gag reflex to eat my 3 oz. portion of fish. It looked good, though. Instead, I had a slice of italian bread with butter.
This evening I used an elliptical trainer for the first time, 18 min. on the Intermediate level. Then I moved over to the weights and did some upper body work. Thanks, Dear for watching the kiddos while I exercised :-)
Rollercoaster Kids
I have never been able to say, "Oh, he's my compliant one," or "He's a strong willed child." All of my kids go through phases where they are very sweet and obedient, then they turn rude and obstinate. Just when I am adjusting to one behavior pattern, the child changes drastically.
Sometimes I take their bad moods personally, feeling that if I did a better job of entertaining them they would always act happy. When they are happy, I often pat myself on the back for providing a loving environment where my children can act their best. Both responses are wrong, expressing a belief in the myth that perfect parenting creates perfect children.
Turtle and I have been studying the Old Testament in depth this semester with My Father's World 1st grade. Over and over, we see righteous leaders raised from families steeped in deception and malice. Rebekah encouraged Jacob to steal his brother's livelyhood; Jacob favored Joseph to the exclusion of his other children; some of Jacob's sons disposed of their brother because of envy; and as a child of God, I often disappoint my heavenly parent.
In the Bible, God lays out his expectations for parents, to bring up children "in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4) and to impress on them the commands of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:7). As my children grow and struggle with sin that causes them to behave in a disrespectful way, it is my job to teach them how to accept God's amazing grace constantly, not relying on our own ability to do what is right but to accept God's gift of grace and to boast only in that.
Sometimes I take their bad moods personally, feeling that if I did a better job of entertaining them they would always act happy. When they are happy, I often pat myself on the back for providing a loving environment where my children can act their best. Both responses are wrong, expressing a belief in the myth that perfect parenting creates perfect children.
Turtle and I have been studying the Old Testament in depth this semester with My Father's World 1st grade. Over and over, we see righteous leaders raised from families steeped in deception and malice. Rebekah encouraged Jacob to steal his brother's livelyhood; Jacob favored Joseph to the exclusion of his other children; some of Jacob's sons disposed of their brother because of envy; and as a child of God, I often disappoint my heavenly parent.
In the Bible, God lays out his expectations for parents, to bring up children "in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4) and to impress on them the commands of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:7). As my children grow and struggle with sin that causes them to behave in a disrespectful way, it is my job to teach them how to accept God's amazing grace constantly, not relying on our own ability to do what is right but to accept God's gift of grace and to boast only in that.
12.05.2011
30 Day Shred
I can't believe how easy it is to gain weight. You would think that keeping up with three small children 24/7 would burn enough calories, but alas, I need to tweak my lifestyle to stay healthy.
For the past year I have been at a consistent weight-- not losing the extra pounds but not gaining either. Then I decided to cut my calories and increase my activity, just a little... and I gained 5 lb. Now I am a full 25lb. over weight. That looks and feels horrible on my small frame. I've considered Weight Watchers but don't want to count points. I joined the Y but don't have time to visit in the midst of a busy homeschool schedule.
So today started a program that fits my needs for better diet and exercise. It is the Jillian Michaels Online Program. I got the idea when I pulled out her "30 Day Shred" DVD for some quick exercise this evening. It was challenging (my arms and legs were numb with exertion half way in to it) but it was do-able.
Then I wondered what kind of diet plan might go well with a 30 day challenge. I don't want to reduce calories to the point that I am moody and weak but I don't want the extra effort of exercise to cause me to crave junk food either. It looks like the Online Program will provide that balance.
It provides a complete meal plan with simple ingredients that can be purchased at any grocery store and recipes that can be modified to fit taste preferences. I just printed off the grocery list for the first week of meals and look forward to trying some new foods! I'll let you know how the Mustard Crusted Salmon is. I have never liked fish but really, really want to because it is so good for you.
For the past year I have been at a consistent weight-- not losing the extra pounds but not gaining either. Then I decided to cut my calories and increase my activity, just a little... and I gained 5 lb. Now I am a full 25lb. over weight. That looks and feels horrible on my small frame. I've considered Weight Watchers but don't want to count points. I joined the Y but don't have time to visit in the midst of a busy homeschool schedule.
So today started a program that fits my needs for better diet and exercise. It is the Jillian Michaels Online Program. I got the idea when I pulled out her "30 Day Shred" DVD for some quick exercise this evening. It was challenging (my arms and legs were numb with exertion half way in to it) but it was do-able.
Then I wondered what kind of diet plan might go well with a 30 day challenge. I don't want to reduce calories to the point that I am moody and weak but I don't want the extra effort of exercise to cause me to crave junk food either. It looks like the Online Program will provide that balance.
It provides a complete meal plan with simple ingredients that can be purchased at any grocery store and recipes that can be modified to fit taste preferences. I just printed off the grocery list for the first week of meals and look forward to trying some new foods! I'll let you know how the Mustard Crusted Salmon is. I have never liked fish but really, really want to because it is so good for you.
12.02.2011
Mexican Flower Craft
We finished Lesson 11 in our Spanish curriculum, La Clase Divertida. We spend about two weeks per lesson and at the end of each is either a cooking activity, a puppet show with history lesson, or a craft. This lesson contained a Mexican Flower craft which was both beautiful and simple. Señor Gamache shows the kids how to make the craft on the DVD so when they get the materials out they can follow the instructions more easily. I have never made a paper flower before, so I was pleased that Turtle could teach me based on his careful viewing of the DVD. Here is the finished product.The theme of Level 1 is “Mexico,” with Mexican history, food, and crafts. La Clase Divertida is currently having a sale so I purchased both Levels 2 and received Level 3 for 50%. We should wrap up Lesson 15 of Level 1 in January and start Level 2 which studies Spanish culture in Europe. I visited Spain for a month while in college and look forward to pulling out my photo album to show the boys.
12.01.2011
Off to an excellent start in math!
We chose Right Start Math, Level B for our 1st grade math curriculum. It was first recommended to me when we were considering a Montessori approach to early elementary learning. Our oldest son, "Turtle's" personality fit with Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education and we found that Right Start was recommended on the Simply Charlotte Mason website.
Both of my children love Right Start Math even though they have different learning styles-- the oldest is very hands on while the younger is more traditional.
Right now we are playing a game similar to Go Fish. The math curriculum came with a set of plain number cards for games. Each player starts with five cards and lays down pairs of cards that equal 10 (or higher numbers when they get more advanced). It is fun and great challenge!
Both of my children love Right Start Math even though they have different learning styles-- the oldest is very hands on while the younger is more traditional.
Right now we are playing a game similar to Go Fish. The math curriculum came with a set of plain number cards for games. Each player starts with five cards and lays down pairs of cards that equal 10 (or higher numbers when they get more advanced). It is fun and great challenge!
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