Homeschooling
Utilizing Old Magazines
I promised to share some of my foreign language teaching techniques from time to time. "Incorporating the Gouin Series in Spanish" was my first article on the subject after I wrote, "Review of Rosetta Stone Software." If you are interested in the Gouin Series or Rosetta Stone, please check... »
Becoming a Plant Expert
I have been reading J.D. Wyss' novel, Swiss Family Robinson, to my children for the last 3 weeks. We are almost halfway through the novel, but are enjoying it immensely. Well, we enjoy the story, but both Jake... »
Real Food for Rookies
If you have read my blog for long, you know that I have a great appreciation for Sally Fallon and her ground-breaking cookbook, Nourishing Traditions. I refer to it often as I cook in my own kitchen. It truly is a cookbook that one must read from cover to cover. If you are not sure or don't remember what the... »
One-on-One Time
Sometimes you can get so caught up in life that you start losing your own life. Relationships suffer because you are so busy doing. Having small children can put a strain on you, too. They completely rely on you for everything. If you aren't careful, your relationship with your spouse suffers. Over a year ago, Lane and I committed to having... »
Does Literature Really Affect Your Life?
Since I was a little girl, I have loved to read. Reading brings me enjoyment as I grow and learn while simultaneously escaping to another world. I have a degree in English from Texas A&M University; therefore, I have dedicated years to the study of literature. I have grown to love fiction as well as non-fiction works. So many home school... »
A Day of Cooking
In the book, Little House in the Big Woods, Caroline Ingalls used to say, "Wash on Monday, Iron on Tuesday, Mend on Wednesday, Churn on Thursday, Clean on Friday, Bake on Saturday, Rest on Sunday." They had a day in which to tackle a big chore. Some days it feels as if all I do is stay in the kitchen. I... »
Summer Art Show
My children usually have little to do about what I decide to write. This article is an exception. Both Jake and Kyla wanted me to talk about the Summer Art for Homeschool Art Show. They are proud of their art work, and honestly so am I. I discussed in the article, "Inspire Your Children," my experience with trying to inspire my... »
Continuing Education
Most fields in today's workforce require an employee to go to seminars, take classes, etc. to stay current. I would assume that for anyone in a technological field this would be essential as times and technology are always changing. When my husband was an automotive technician, the dealerships would send him to school for one week of the year. Now... »
Mother and Son Day
I thoroughly enjoyed the 2010 THSC State Convention and Family Conference this past weekend. Thursday night my husband and I went to see the opening programs. John Erickson entertained us by reading excerpts from his writing. He writes the Hank the Cowdog series. Next we listened to Carol Barnier. She shared her insight about parenting in her speech, "Don't Miss... »
My Reading List
I have always been an avid reader. My mom tells me that when she would send me to my room as a punishment I would gladly go. She would find my nose buried in a Little House on the Prairie book or the Bible or some other book. I also loved going to the library during the summer. There were... »
Inspire Your Children
Early last year as I read A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille, I was intrigued by the Seven Keys of Great Teaching. One of the keys is "Inspire, Not Require," a phrase coined by Tiffany Earl. The premise of this idea is that forcing someone to learn is a bad way to teach. There are many negative outcomes and attitudes... »
Mid-July School Planning
When I go to plan for the up-coming school year, I begin by reading books on education. It helps me remember what things are important. And, I begin by setting goals. My goals will not be strictly related to "schooling" in every sense of the word, but will also include family goals, life skills I want my children to learn,... »
County Fair Results
Our family had a great time at the 2010 Grimes County Fair. It was the first time that our children completed and showed animal projects for the fair. In addition to caring for the animals we raise here at home, the travel and stay at the fairgrounds consumed our week. We were... »
2010 Grimes County Fair
Is it just me or is time flying by at a mind-boggling speed? I cannot believe that it is time for the 2010 Grimes County Fair. It seems like it was not that long ago and we were looking for potential show animals. Both Jake and Kyla are showing animals for their first time this year. It has been a learning... »
Trip to the Coast
This weekend is Memorial Day. The weather is beautiful. Public schools are finishing up the year. The oil spill is spreading out in the Gulf of Mexico despite attempts to contain it. My mom is here on vacation. Why am I listing these seemingly random facts? Because they were all reasons why my family needed... »
