The Weekly Wrap-Up {2nd Semester Begins}

So today wraps up our first week of school since the holidays. Boy, was I ever ready to get back to some kind of schedule. And I must say it went so much more smoothly than I thought it would. I didn't schedule too heavy of a load, but I didn't go light either and the kids did well.

I wondered how their attitudes would be with us not doing the 3rd quarter co-op with our homeschool group (it started today), but even though there is a bit of disappointment they have been positive about it and I am grateful.

This week we got right back in the groove with math, language arts, history, science, Bible, and music/piano. The Princess' new math book is not yet in so we supplemented with free printable worksheets online and exercises on her new Christmas gift--a nabi. She is also really enjoying her new TLP literature book, Pippi Longstocking.

Mr. B wasn't quite as enthusiastic this week, partly because he is still recovering from being sick last weekend. He lay down on his bed more often than usual throughout the week. He did pretty well getting back into the swing of things though--especially jumping right back in there with his math and multiplication tables. His reading has so improved this year as well, I love to hear him read. Now if I could just get him to appreciate writing a little more:) Getting him to do copywork or any writing activity is usually a chore.

We did take a great field trip this week and also enjoyed the January free Lego build at the store in Nashville. You can read more about that here. I actually have quite a few activities planned for us this month since we're not doing co-op. I'm looking forward to having more time in our schedule for that.

Now I'm ready to enjoy the rest of the weekend! I hope you have a great one, too!

This post is linked to the Weekly Wrap-Up at

Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

The Making of an Egyptian Death Mask

We are learning all about the ancient world this year with Story of the World I and loving it! We've been learning a lot about Egypt, of course, which is completely fascinating. Most recently we have studied the New Kingdom of Egypt, which includes the story of King Tut. So we decided making an Egyptian death mask in the style of King Tut's would be a fun project. First since it was too cold at the time to paper mache in the garage (it probably would have frozen instead of dried-ha) and it was too messy to do it in the house, we decided to pick up a couple of cheap craft masks at Hobby Lobby. Next we cut out cardboard shapes to complete the shape of the death mask, attaching them with hot glue. Vince even put a little detail on the *beard* with the hot glue per The Princess' request. Then the kiddos started to paint them with this metallic gold tempera paint. It worked okay for the cardboard, but would not coat the plastic of the mask. We thought maybe a second coat ...

One Way I Refresh During the Summer as a Homeschool Mom

As our homeschool takes some time off this summer, my mind almost never stops thinking of and planning ahead for the upcoming school year. This is probably because I'm Type A and an obsessive planner...lol Whatever the reason, I do enjoy this season of planning. But I also need to be refreshed as a homeschool mom. Homeschooling can be incredibly exhausting and all-consuming. It's not easy and it's a lot of responsibility. And I take that very seriously when I am researching curriculum and planning toward the next school year. So also taking some time to rejuvenate and refocus myself is very important. How do I do this? Each summer I take some time to read something inspiring and motivating that speaks to me as a homeschool mom. Some of my fave reads from past years--that I have nearby on my shelf and refer to often--are Educating the Wholehearted Child, The Well-Trained Mind, The Charlotte Mason Companion, A T...

Arkansas' Crimson Clover

One of my favorite things about Spring is the crimson clover that grows along the highways and interstates here in Arkansas. I say Arkansas because this is where I first grew to love it. We actually saw some in Mississippi on our way here and I saw it in our town in Alabama for the first time this year. But it spreads like that, each year it grows and looks even more beautiful. I'm not sure who decided to plant it in the medians of the interstates , but it was genius! It seeds itself and just comes back more lush the next year. I always want to take pictures, but of course it's almost always in the median of a very busy interstate~which is a little dangerous for photography. However, the other day I found the perfect patch of it on the side of a not-too-busy highway, so Vince obliged me and pulled over:) Isn't it beautiful? I just had to share it with you...

my blessed life

Search This Blog