Another change in our family this last few weeks is that we put everyone in public school, except Braxton. He is still home trying to get into Driver's Ed before we plunge into public school life.
I hope that it wasn't the carb-induced fog I talked about before that led to this decision. I don't think it was. After much prayer and discussion, we felt that this was the best thing for our family at this time, so that I could get some much needed rest, and the kids could have some new experiences. It is not the ideal, but much in life isn't!
My goal will be to continue using the ingredients for a Leadership education in our home. I find that many of them can be applied to any family situation, even with kids in the public schools.
We still have our bookshelves, we still have our family responsibilities, we still don't have TV and will only have a movie on the weekend. There are more, and I'm sure to write about them in the future, but for now I have to get kids up to get ready for the school bus!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Falling Off the Wagon!
Okay, I have really been paying for it lately. About two weeks ago I gave into temptation and fell off the SCD wagon, right into a pile of soft puffy pancakes. I noticed that they didn't affect my body that bad, so I figured I was okay! And like any addict I figured that one more wouldn't hurt. Well it took me a couple weeks to figure out through the carb induced fog, that I was hurting. So I took the pie, pancakes, waffles, cake, and such delicacies back out of my diet, and I feel much more human again.
I find it interesting, and a little annoying that I still can't digest almonds without a reaction. One of the staples on the SCD diet is almonds, so it really puts a crimp on things. I find that when I eat even one SCD almond cookie, I am huffing and puffing, my heart speeds right up with any motion, my energy levels plummet, and I have more anxiety. They are delicious, but just not worth it. I'm thinking that coconut might do the same, but I'm going to wait another few days to try it out. We'll see!
I find it interesting, and a little annoying that I still can't digest almonds without a reaction. One of the staples on the SCD diet is almonds, so it really puts a crimp on things. I find that when I eat even one SCD almond cookie, I am huffing and puffing, my heart speeds right up with any motion, my energy levels plummet, and I have more anxiety. They are delicious, but just not worth it. I'm thinking that coconut might do the same, but I'm going to wait another few days to try it out. We'll see!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Family Getaway!
One of our absolute favorite places to go is the ocean. We decided this last weekend that we needed some serious family-getaway-from-it-all time. So we packed up, drove out, and had a blast trying to fly a kite...
...digging in the dirt...
...fighting with mud...
...figuring out the wind velocity of an sparrow compared to that of the kite...
...wrapped up in blankets and hugs...
...creating amazing sand art...
...goofing off...
...hiking back up to the cottage, you can still see some of the amazing art!...
...board games back inside...
...soaking in the hot tub during the rain and wind storm...
I'm so glad we went! We all had a blast and came home very reluctantly.
...digging in the dirt...
...fighting with mud...
...figuring out the wind velocity of an sparrow compared to that of the kite...
...wrapped up in blankets and hugs...
...creating amazing sand art...
...goofing off...
...hiking back up to the cottage, you can still see some of the amazing art!...
...board games back inside...
...soaking in the hot tub during the rain and wind storm...
I'm so glad we went! We all had a blast and came home very reluctantly.
Court of Honor
Saturday the boys were involved in a really great Court of Honor for the local Boy Scouts. It was all the troops, teams, and crews from the area we live in. Keegan was the youth in charge of organization (you can see him, the young man farthest from the podium), and Braxton was Master of Ceremonies, sitting closest to the podium. Jarik was involved in the flag ceremony.
In this photo Jarik was receiving his Life rank, Braxton was the one to hand out the awards.
It wasn't only the boys getting recognition! All the men and women in the area that had gone to Wood Badge training were recognized. Here is Kevin among them. It is awesome to see so many leaders getting this training.
This is my favorite pic of the night. In it are all the boys that have the possibility of becoming Eagle Scouts this year! Wow! You can see Jarik, Braxton, and Keegan are all in there! Keegan just has his paperwork to hand in, and the other two are just planning their projects now.
Here are the merit badges each of my boys received at the Court of Honor:
Keegan: Aviation
Braxton: Citizenship in the Community, Camping, Communication, Citizenship in the World, Auto Maintenance, American Labor, and Dentistry
Jarik: Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Communication, Camping, Citizenship in the World, Auto Maintenance, Dentistry, American Labor, Horsemanship, and Public Speaking
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Kidschool
Sarah studied Japanese, learning more words and reading Japanese hiragana, she trained for track season, did some copywork, and read individually, and worked on her blog.
Update (Jan. 21): Really the rest of us did things too. It was the beginning of a really busy spell though, so I never finished this post.
Update (Jan. 21): Really the rest of us did things too. It was the beginning of a really busy spell though, so I never finished this post.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Undoing Perpetual Stress: The Missing Connection Between Depression, Anxiety and 21st Century Illness by Richard O'ConnorMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love this, in the chapter about repairing the Emotional Brain, page 144: "But in today's world, most of us have a vulnerable heart. The Perpetual Stress Response has us full of anxiety, which dissolves our self-esteem. The things we are told to value - material success, acquisitions - are easy to lose....And they don't repair the orbitofrontal cortex, the damage in the brain that represents our fragile psyches, in the way that meaningful relationships, living up to a set of standards, or having a rich spiritual life can do for us."
What? You mean science is telling us the way to repair our minds/psyches/brains is by 1. having meaningful relationships (family is central to the Creator's plan...) 2. living up to a set of standards (oh, like the 10 commandments,or For the Strength of Youth??), and 3. having a rich spiritual life (you mean worshiping my God and Savior may be...dare I say...healing??)
Sarcasm aside, I really am enjoying this book. It is alive with honest research and analysis. I'm getting into the part where he is discussing mindfulness, and it's spot on.
I definitely recommend this book.
View all my reviews >>
Kidschool
Prayer
Gospel 2 Nephi 2-3
Sharing what is mine Today it was really short, because I had 15 minutes between work and leaving the house to finish my visiting teaching and take Keegan and Braxton to the dentist. So we just read a little from Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens. Each also wrote a journal entry to summarize their favorite thing they learned today, so that I could discuss it with them later tonight. We are also each going to do some research this weekend on someone that changed the world through their love of a cause or people. Brax is doing Buddha, Jarik is doing Gandhi, Sarah is researching Christ, Quen is doing Joan of Arc, and I am working on Aung San Suu Kyi.
Jenni kept up on Haiti's relief effort, visiting teaching, scripture study, and read Undoing Perpetual Stress, blogged (figured out how to follow a blog!)
Kevin helped the boy's volleyball team, online law class, scripture study, and read Left Behind.
Keegan classes all day, is sending me the link on deviantART for the robot scorpion that he designed. I'll add it tomorrow if I can. Seminary of course, and volleyball tonight.
Braxton spent all morning setting up the new stereo system he has inherited. He learned quite a bit actually. He is playing in the volleyball semi-finals tonight, and practiced the ukulele alot.
Jarik played the piano, studied Italian with Rosetta Stone, read Pirateology, and three You Wouldn't Want to Be... books - one on criminals, one on samurai, and one on the Hindenburg. He too is off playing volleyball now.
Sarah is, that's right, playing volleyball. Today she read You Wouldn't Want to Be on the Hindenberg, studied Japanese with Rosetta Stone, and made a tutu. She also went to a Presidency Meeting for her Beehive class.
Quen played the piano, read You Wouldn't Want to Be on the Hindenberg, worked on his Star Wars battle drawing (fifth day now...), and wrote about Captain Cook.
Gospel 2 Nephi 2-3
Sharing what is mine Today it was really short, because I had 15 minutes between work and leaving the house to finish my visiting teaching and take Keegan and Braxton to the dentist. So we just read a little from Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens. Each also wrote a journal entry to summarize their favorite thing they learned today, so that I could discuss it with them later tonight. We are also each going to do some research this weekend on someone that changed the world through their love of a cause or people. Brax is doing Buddha, Jarik is doing Gandhi, Sarah is researching Christ, Quen is doing Joan of Arc, and I am working on Aung San Suu Kyi.
Jenni kept up on Haiti's relief effort, visiting teaching, scripture study, and read Undoing Perpetual Stress, blogged (figured out how to follow a blog!)
Kevin helped the boy's volleyball team, online law class, scripture study, and read Left Behind.
Keegan classes all day, is sending me the link on deviantART for the robot scorpion that he designed. I'll add it tomorrow if I can. Seminary of course, and volleyball tonight.
Braxton spent all morning setting up the new stereo system he has inherited. He learned quite a bit actually. He is playing in the volleyball semi-finals tonight, and practiced the ukulele alot.
Jarik played the piano, studied Italian with Rosetta Stone, read Pirateology, and three You Wouldn't Want to Be... books - one on criminals, one on samurai, and one on the Hindenburg. He too is off playing volleyball now.
Sarah is, that's right, playing volleyball. Today she read You Wouldn't Want to Be on the Hindenberg, studied Japanese with Rosetta Stone, and made a tutu. She also went to a Presidency Meeting for her Beehive class.
Quen played the piano, read You Wouldn't Want to Be on the Hindenberg, worked on his Star Wars battle drawing (fifth day now...), and wrote about Captain Cook.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Kidschool
Prayer
Gospel Pres. Uchtdorf's talk: Two Principles for Any Economy
Sharing what is mine Today we discussed what makes someone a great mentor. We have been watching movies based on relationships of mentors with their students, such as Karate Kid (now the kids can't wait to see the new one with Jayden Smith and Jackie Chan!), Forever Strong, Stand and Deliver, and Dead Poet's Society. We have also been watching episodes of the BBC production of The World's Strictest Parents (so much I can say there, but I'll leave it for another day). It was interesting to see how much the kids really thought about it, and what they learned from it. We discussed who their mentors were. Quen was really into it, listing the prophet, his gramma, Webelos leader, etc. I then read aloud from Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens the section on mentors, and started into the section on falling in love with learning.
We also watched videos and news reports from Haiti. We discussed the earthquake, what life is like in Haiti, and what has happened so far. We discussed the humanitarian efforts. Braxton had a hard time with the poverty and lack of food. When he saw that people resort to eating dirt, it was too much for him. I'd really like to follow up on this with some service to benefit those in need.
Kevin discussed with the kids at brekkie the Somalia fishing industry and pirates. It was really interesting, and Sarah had great comments that showed she was really analyzing the information given her, like telling Kevin the pirates sounded more like privateers. It lead to more discussion, obviously. Two thumbs up for independent thinkers!
Jenni I went visiting teaching and read copious amounts on the Haitian earthquake and people. With work lasting 5 1/2 hours today, and kidschool, it was a full day.
Kevin Work and then scouts tonight. The boys are working on getting things ready for the Court of Honor this weekend.
Keegan worked at the campus library, went toEngineering class, Electricity class, and his Engineering and Design class. He was also facebooking, asking for ways to know what his grade status is in a class. He is currently 6th out of 53 in Engineering. Not at all competitive...Keegan is the youth leader in charge of the stake court of honor, so he worked on that, plus set up his scoutmaster conference to finish his Eagle.
Braxtonfound more music for the ukulele - he is really getting good! Read The DiVinci Code, and read about the Hindenberg, which has been a topic of interest for the boys lately. Brax also had his Board of Review to receive his Life rank, and he helped cook tacos for lunch that were utterly delish.
Jarik spent hours practicing the keyboard. He found the theme music to The Pink Panther, and started learning it today. He also studied Chemistry, read Call of the Wild, and then decided he didn't need to do more when I left for visiting teaching...
Sarah created a skirt with a 'tattered' edge. It has layers of fabric, and looks like something a fairy would wear. It is very cute! She started and finished Maximum Ride, absolutely loving it, and narrated the whole thing to me. I think I'll have to read it too! She also worked on her blog.
Quen was absorbed by his You Wouldn't Want to Be... books that he checked out of the library. He also worked hard to earn some extra cash to buy computer time and legos.
Gospel Pres. Uchtdorf's talk: Two Principles for Any Economy
Sharing what is mine Today we discussed what makes someone a great mentor. We have been watching movies based on relationships of mentors with their students, such as Karate Kid (now the kids can't wait to see the new one with Jayden Smith and Jackie Chan!), Forever Strong, Stand and Deliver, and Dead Poet's Society. We have also been watching episodes of the BBC production of The World's Strictest Parents (so much I can say there, but I'll leave it for another day). It was interesting to see how much the kids really thought about it, and what they learned from it. We discussed who their mentors were. Quen was really into it, listing the prophet, his gramma, Webelos leader, etc. I then read aloud from Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens the section on mentors, and started into the section on falling in love with learning.
We also watched videos and news reports from Haiti. We discussed the earthquake, what life is like in Haiti, and what has happened so far. We discussed the humanitarian efforts. Braxton had a hard time with the poverty and lack of food. When he saw that people resort to eating dirt, it was too much for him. I'd really like to follow up on this with some service to benefit those in need.
Kevin discussed with the kids at brekkie the Somalia fishing industry and pirates. It was really interesting, and Sarah had great comments that showed she was really analyzing the information given her, like telling Kevin the pirates sounded more like privateers. It lead to more discussion, obviously. Two thumbs up for independent thinkers!
Jenni I went visiting teaching and read copious amounts on the Haitian earthquake and people. With work lasting 5 1/2 hours today, and kidschool, it was a full day.
Kevin Work and then scouts tonight. The boys are working on getting things ready for the Court of Honor this weekend.
Keegan worked at the campus library, went toEngineering class, Electricity class, and his Engineering and Design class. He was also facebooking, asking for ways to know what his grade status is in a class. He is currently 6th out of 53 in Engineering. Not at all competitive...Keegan is the youth leader in charge of the stake court of honor, so he worked on that, plus set up his scoutmaster conference to finish his Eagle.
Braxtonfound more music for the ukulele - he is really getting good! Read The DiVinci Code, and read about the Hindenberg, which has been a topic of interest for the boys lately. Brax also had his Board of Review to receive his Life rank, and he helped cook tacos for lunch that were utterly delish.
Jarik spent hours practicing the keyboard. He found the theme music to The Pink Panther, and started learning it today. He also studied Chemistry, read Call of the Wild, and then decided he didn't need to do more when I left for visiting teaching...
Sarah created a skirt with a 'tattered' edge. It has layers of fabric, and looks like something a fairy would wear. It is very cute! She started and finished Maximum Ride, absolutely loving it, and narrated the whole thing to me. I think I'll have to read it too! She also worked on her blog.
Quen was absorbed by his You Wouldn't Want to Be... books that he checked out of the library. He also worked hard to earn some extra cash to buy computer time and legos.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Mom's Red Juice
Here is another smoothie recipe. This one is great for cleansing.
1 beet, peeled
1 orange, peeled
1 apple, cored
1 lemon, peeled
1 handful spinach or kale
1 tsp fresh ginger
Take the beet and run it through the juicer. Then add the spinach with the ginger in the juicer. After that put the apple, orange and lemon through.
Drink within 15 minutes for maximum enjoyment!
1 beet, peeled
1 orange, peeled
1 apple, cored
1 lemon, peeled
1 handful spinach or kale
1 tsp fresh ginger
Take the beet and run it through the juicer. Then add the spinach with the ginger in the juicer. After that put the apple, orange and lemon through.
Drink within 15 minutes for maximum enjoyment!
Workboxes After Six Months
Well, workboxes were great for about 2 months. But then it really started to stick in my craw. I felt I was setting up the contents for all of my children's studies, and it was taking me hours to do so. I've gravitated back to the TJed principle of 'structuring time not content'.
The kids had started doing the minimum work possible, and I had started getting frustrated at them, because I couldn't be on them all day to finish their work, set up their work, grade their work, and still do my own work! The love for learning was really starting to fade.
So over the holiday season, I let it all go. I just started back on structuring their time. I've already seen a difference. It is harder to stay organized and clean, but I think that we will get that down with a little more time.
For now, no more workboxes. If the kids want to set up their own, all the power to them! I'll even help them do so in a weekly mentor meeting. But for now, workboxes are going the way of the do-do.
The kids had started doing the minimum work possible, and I had started getting frustrated at them, because I couldn't be on them all day to finish their work, set up their work, grade their work, and still do my own work! The love for learning was really starting to fade.
So over the holiday season, I let it all go. I just started back on structuring their time. I've already seen a difference. It is harder to stay organized and clean, but I think that we will get that down with a little more time.
For now, no more workboxes. If the kids want to set up their own, all the power to them! I'll even help them do so in a weekly mentor meeting. But for now, workboxes are going the way of the do-do.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Kevin's Red Smoothie
Okay, Kevin made another spectacular smoothie for me tonight. It's a beautiful red color and just sweet enough. Here is the recipe:
1 beet, peeled and juiced (with the tops though)
7 carrots, juiced
4 granny smith apples, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
10 strawberries
4 eggs
1 TBS maple syrup (we're out of agave)
1 tsp vanilla
Throw the whole lot in the blender and mix, then serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings.
We thought we'd throw in the beet, since we read yesterday that they are great for your liver.
WARNING: My kids hated this one, but one of their friends couldn't get enough.
1 beet, peeled and juiced (with the tops though)
7 carrots, juiced
4 granny smith apples, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
10 strawberries
4 eggs
1 TBS maple syrup (we're out of agave)
1 tsp vanilla
Throw the whole lot in the blender and mix, then serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings.
We thought we'd throw in the beet, since we read yesterday that they are great for your liver.
WARNING: My kids hated this one, but one of their friends couldn't get enough.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sabbath Ramblings - 'It Was Good'
I thought that each Sabbath I would add a thought from what I had been studying during the week. This last week was hard to narrow down to one quote, but in the end Genesis 1:31 won out.
"And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold it was good."
I realized, God took joy in his work. He stopped, looked, and said, it's good. I need to do the same. I need to stop, look around, and enjoy what God made as well as enjoy the work I have done. I need to see the good. Because it is good! And I'm good. My children are good. See and enjoy!
"And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold it was good."
I realized, God took joy in his work. He stopped, looked, and said, it's good. I need to do the same. I need to stop, look around, and enjoy what God made as well as enjoy the work I have done. I need to see the good. Because it is good! And I'm good. My children are good. See and enjoy!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Workboxes
I've been researching ways to get my home school organized again, and stumbled upon a great idea. In fact, I was almost there on my own, but seeing what these other wonderful families have done, I'm excited to start my own version. Just google Sue Patrick and workboxes, and you will see what I'm talking about!
I had decided to use file folders in a box for each child to separate their assignments for the day. I just purchased a large file box from Walmart for each. Then filled each with 12 files (to start with) and a plastic tote for glue, scissors, and such.
Then I found the workboxes. I have already spent my budget for now, so I will have to make do with what I have, but I think it will meet our needs.
I'm changing my white board to look like the schedule strips. I've picked up contact paper and velcro tabs at Walmart this morning. I'm going to make the laminated assignment tabs to turn over when done. I'm going to also take their assignments every evening and prep the boxes with everything they will need for the next day's work. Then there will be smileys that I can stick on the white board for assignments I've checked.
I love how visual the whole set up is.
I'll keep you posted on how it works!
I had decided to use file folders in a box for each child to separate their assignments for the day. I just purchased a large file box from Walmart for each. Then filled each with 12 files (to start with) and a plastic tote for glue, scissors, and such.
Then I found the workboxes. I have already spent my budget for now, so I will have to make do with what I have, but I think it will meet our needs.
I'm changing my white board to look like the schedule strips. I've picked up contact paper and velcro tabs at Walmart this morning. I'm going to make the laminated assignment tabs to turn over when done. I'm going to also take their assignments every evening and prep the boxes with everything they will need for the next day's work. Then there will be smileys that I can stick on the white board for assignments I've checked.
I love how visual the whole set up is.
I'll keep you posted on how it works!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Visiting Dad
Today I'm visiting with my dad in the ICU. They are taking great care of him. He is still on a ventilator, and is not able to wake completely, even though he is not being sedated. I'm glad for the opportunity I have though to just sit and be with him.
Update - January 12, 2010: Looking back on this, I'm glad I posted it. It brings back the memories of what was happening then, and the last days I had with my dad. I am so grateful for the moments he became coherent, where he thanked me for being with him, and told me he loved me.
I didn't realize the depth to which his death shook me. I believe it was one of the 'last straws' that created such havoc in my body and mind. Even now, I am just getting back some semblance of balance.
It really shook my son, Keegan as well, and he went through an incredibly difficult time. It's interesting, because it seems his grief is lessening too, and he has peace in his heart again.
I am forever grateful for the testimony I have that I will see my dad again. I will be able to laugh with him, and show him my love. I know he sees us, and I have felt him near on a handful of occasions. This life is not the end. I know that. He still loves us, and wants our happiness. I don't know how I would manage without this knowledge.
Update - January 12, 2010: Looking back on this, I'm glad I posted it. It brings back the memories of what was happening then, and the last days I had with my dad. I am so grateful for the moments he became coherent, where he thanked me for being with him, and told me he loved me.
I didn't realize the depth to which his death shook me. I believe it was one of the 'last straws' that created such havoc in my body and mind. Even now, I am just getting back some semblance of balance.
It really shook my son, Keegan as well, and he went through an incredibly difficult time. It's interesting, because it seems his grief is lessening too, and he has peace in his heart again.
I am forever grateful for the testimony I have that I will see my dad again. I will be able to laugh with him, and show him my love. I know he sees us, and I have felt him near on a handful of occasions. This life is not the end. I know that. He still loves us, and wants our happiness. I don't know how I would manage without this knowledge.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
It's a Wonderful Life!
Boy did life get in the way of my intentions to start this blog. Within this last year we have been involved in a major car accident where I injured my back, moved, are starting our own business here in town that we hope will be a real asset to the community as well as to our family, our oldest turned 16 (!) and is starting college, both of our older boys have been working at a Boy Scout Camp, and it has just been BUSY!
I am excited about the possibilities in the future here for our family. I am in the process of creating this years plans, and am getting more and more excited as I go! We will be studying the Reformation to the Restoration, and basing most of our studies off of that. My next blog will be more of an in-depth look at what we will be doing.
I am excited about the possibilities in the future here for our family. I am in the process of creating this years plans, and am getting more and more excited as I go! We will be studying the Reformation to the Restoration, and basing most of our studies off of that. My next blog will be more of an in-depth look at what we will be doing.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Having an Action Plan
I was thinking how very grateful I am for my Action Plan. It's where I keep all my goals for my family, homeschool, individual children, and even myself. Having tried various methods for time management and goal keeping, my Action Plan is what works best for my family.
I got this from "A Recipe for Success" by Rachel and Oliver DeMille, then fitted it to my family. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, there is a routine I follow to create my Action Plan.
1. Declutter! I go through my house top to bottom getting rid of junk. Flylady.com is the place to go for help on this one if you have never done a good declutter, or you get stuck in the middle of the mess and give up. (ME!) For those that know me, I am always joking about doing my 6th month purge for 6 months! This does lay the foundation for a better education, because environment is a very important element of education.
2. I create a list of all I do, then cut out the things I don't need to be doing. Some things just stop, some are delegated, some are put on the back burner. The goal here is to cut it by 50%, freeing up more time for relationships, education, and the things that really matter.
3. For me both of these should be done by either Oct 1 or Apr 1, depending on the season. This way I can spend the next weekend at the LDS General Conference, to get a great spiritual refill and contemplate what to focus on next. It really doesn't matter your religion, find a way to refill, including study, prayer, and/or meditation to focus on what is important to you.
4. Then I find a quiet time and place, with my husband (hopefully!), to discuss and write out what we feel important about each of our children and ourselves. We like to escape somewhere, and let the kids have a weekend with the grandparents. This spring we went to a beautiful spot on a little island north of Seattle. We had so much fun, and got alot of thinking down on paper.
5. From what we write, we create (okay, let's get real, I create) a working plan that incorporates the goals we have, and the goals we have for each of our children. I do this very prayerfully, and it takes a few days.
6. Then, I use it. Weekly I review my Action Plan, and plan my week accordingly.
It really is very simple. There are simple questions suggested in the book above by DeMille that I follow, adding my own here and there. If you are interested in more information, email me at reallifeeducation@hotmail.com.
I got this from "A Recipe for Success" by Rachel and Oliver DeMille, then fitted it to my family. Twice a year, in the spring and fall, there is a routine I follow to create my Action Plan.
1. Declutter! I go through my house top to bottom getting rid of junk. Flylady.com is the place to go for help on this one if you have never done a good declutter, or you get stuck in the middle of the mess and give up. (ME!) For those that know me, I am always joking about doing my 6th month purge for 6 months! This does lay the foundation for a better education, because environment is a very important element of education.
2. I create a list of all I do, then cut out the things I don't need to be doing. Some things just stop, some are delegated, some are put on the back burner. The goal here is to cut it by 50%, freeing up more time for relationships, education, and the things that really matter.
3. For me both of these should be done by either Oct 1 or Apr 1, depending on the season. This way I can spend the next weekend at the LDS General Conference, to get a great spiritual refill and contemplate what to focus on next. It really doesn't matter your religion, find a way to refill, including study, prayer, and/or meditation to focus on what is important to you.
4. Then I find a quiet time and place, with my husband (hopefully!), to discuss and write out what we feel important about each of our children and ourselves. We like to escape somewhere, and let the kids have a weekend with the grandparents. This spring we went to a beautiful spot on a little island north of Seattle. We had so much fun, and got alot of thinking down on paper.
5. From what we write, we create (okay, let's get real, I create) a working plan that incorporates the goals we have, and the goals we have for each of our children. I do this very prayerfully, and it takes a few days.
6. Then, I use it. Weekly I review my Action Plan, and plan my week accordingly.
It really is very simple. There are simple questions suggested in the book above by DeMille that I follow, adding my own here and there. If you are interested in more information, email me at reallifeeducation@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Learning Something New...
So today I enter the blogging world.
As a homeschooler, I believe in modeling a life of learning. I know computers are great, but honestly, I know very little about how to use one. So I am diving right on in, and learning how. I have a vision of being able to connect with other homeschooling families with the same ideals, and goals as I do. I also believe that I have alot to offer in many ways. I have been homeschooling for 15 years now. That includes my oldest sons early years. We were firm on our decision to homeschool before he was even born. In fact, none of my children have been to public schools. So I have alot to share with how I make homeschooling work for my family. It might help someone else! I know I sure depended on experienced homeschoolers my first few years, and beyond! I still do.
As a homeschooler, I believe in modeling a life of learning. I know computers are great, but honestly, I know very little about how to use one. So I am diving right on in, and learning how. I have a vision of being able to connect with other homeschooling families with the same ideals, and goals as I do. I also believe that I have alot to offer in many ways. I have been homeschooling for 15 years now. That includes my oldest sons early years. We were firm on our decision to homeschool before he was even born. In fact, none of my children have been to public schools. So I have alot to share with how I make homeschooling work for my family. It might help someone else! I know I sure depended on experienced homeschoolers my first few years, and beyond! I still do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
