Weavings

Teaser Tuesday

2012-02-13T23:25:00.000-08:00

The moon was not quite at the full, and its light was rendered the more uncertain by a cloudy sky, but Kate knew an impulse to slip out of the house into the scented gardens. She knew very well how improper this would be, and was just about to draw the blinds again when she caught a glimpse of a figure emerging from the deep shadow of a yew hedge. p. 96

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - February 6-10, 2012

2012-02-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

Math time!

In my life this week…
Monday was a pretty normal day: school, errands, dinner. Everyone (not me) watched Courageous and enjoyed it. I was in the kitchen making Red Velvet Cookies for my homeschool mom's meeting for Tuesday

On Tuesday, after getting the younger kids through their school work, I headed off to work. I had brought my cookies, but as I was turning a corner they met with disaster. They tipped over, though they didn't fall out of their container, but they did NOT look pretty anymore. I turned went around the block and dropped them back off at home. No one is the family were too sad that it happened since they got to eat them instead. I had to then run to Walmart to buy more cookies! At our meeting, we met in the church auditorium instead of their annex. Due to that not a lot of people ate snacks. By the time I got home, I had cookies coming out of my ears!

Wednesday and Thursday were thankfully very uneventful.

Friday was my husbands birthday. He took the day off work. Friday is a light work day, so the kids still did their work. Later in the evening we celebrated by going out to eat at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. We then came home and he opened his presents and had birthday cake.

In our homeschool this week…
Everything is going along as planned. For Christmas the boys got 10 Days in the USA and 10 Days in Europe. They finally opened them up this week and everyone enjoyed playing and learning geography. I can see that we will be adding more of these to our game stash.

Destini and Chantry are reading Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare by Diane Stanley. I am really enjoying this book. Very enlightening and helpful.

We started our new hymn, Send the Light, and our new folk song, Hickory, Dickory Dock.

For our read aloud, we finished Through the Looking Glass and started Men of Iron.

I am inspired by…
Hymn Study--it works!

Delani's favorite song is "Power in the Blood." When my mom was here she taught the Wordless Book in Sunday School and ever since then anything red she calls, "Power in the Blood."

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Piano lessons, writing lessons, & homeschool mom's meeting.

My favorite thing this week was…
I overheard Delani talking to her yogurt (or maybe is was an imaginary friend):
"You are beautiful and sweet and lovely--just like me!"

What’s working/not working for us…
I love Math U See. All three kids are getting close to an end of their books. They are all being challenged, but definitely getting it.
Questions/thoughts I have…
Is it already that time to start thinking about next year??? I am not going to stress about it yet. All three kids have to take evaluation tests this year, a state requirement. These always stress me out, though I try not to be.

Things I’m working on…
Yeah, I finished Caleb's science schedule for the remaining of the year. I also was able to work on Chantry's Term 3 plans. I have Caleb's left to do and then go through all three and finalize everything. I also need to work on writing up their Term 2 exams.

I’m reading…

I also finished a pile of books this week. You can read more here.

I’m cooking…
Chili, Stroganoff Chicken, and Red Velvet Cookies.

I’m grateful for…
My wonderful husband!

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

Mishap of the cookies!

Birthday dinner.

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Happy Birthday, Shade!

2012-02-10T21:16:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to my awesome husband!

Reading Journal - February 10: The Blythes are Quoted, The Organized Heart & More

2012-02-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

This week was quite the week for reading. I had quite a few books that I've been reading through during the last couple weeks and it was the week to complete them. What I read:

The Blythes are Quoted - L.M. Montgomery

Book Description:

The Blythes Are Quoted is the last work of fiction by the internationally celebrated author of Anne of Green Gables. Intended by L.M. Montgomery to be the ninth volume in her bestselling series featuring her beloved heroine Anne – and delivered to her publisher on the very day she died – it has never before been published in its entirety.

This is another collection of short stories and poetry of L.M. Montgomery, but different than her other collections of short stories. These stories are set at the Glen St. Mary and the stories are interspersed with references of Anne, Gilbert, and her children. The poetry are poems "written" by Anne or Walter. After each poem are comments made the Blythe family and Susan Baker, their housekeeper, who is an integral part of their family.

My favorite story was "A Dream Comes True". Read my teaser from this story here.

Educating the WholeHearted Child -- Third Edition - Clay & Sally Clarkson

I am embarrassed to admit that it took me months to read this book, but I finally finished it!! I will be posting a review in the coming week.

Gone West: A Daisy Dalrymple Mystery (Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries) - Carola Dunn

The 20th book in the Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries and yes, I have read all of them. Daisy curiosity always gets the best of her and true to form someone is murdered. Gone West was a little slow in getting going, but it had me going until the end. It took me that long to figure out who the murderer was.

The Organized Heart - Staci Easton

This was a book on my TBR list for 2012. The Organized Heart presents a different reason for un-organization in our lives. PRIDE. She focuses on four areas that women struggle with: Perfectionism, Busyness, Possessions, and Leisure. She also addresses the woman with who are dealing with difficult situations (e.g. sickness) in their lives. This book challenges the everyday idea of organization, by looking at the heart first. A worthwhile read!

Letter from New York: BBC Woman's Hour Broadcasts by Helene Hanff

This is a compilation of short and sweet vinettes of New York City written and broadcast on the BBC radio show "The Woman's Hour" by Helene Hanff, the author of 84, Charing Cross Road. I have never been to New York City and found these enjoyable.

I am linking up over at:

Book Review: Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

2012-02-09T00:15:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Step into an upside-down world with Alice. One moment Alice is wondering what life is like on the other side of the mirror, the next she finds herself through the looking-glass and in a topsy turvy land where everything is 'contrariwise'. Alice meets a host of bizarre characters: Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the dotty White Knight and the bad-tempered Red Queen - none of whom are quite what they seem. But is Alice's adventure real, or is it all a dream?

My thoughts:
After finishing reading Alice's Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, we continued right into Through the Looking-Glass. This story takes you on a journey through a chess board with the chess pieces. To be honest I didn't "get" the moves, but I don't think it was necessary to enjoy the story. Again, Through the Looking-Glass is a little weird, but I found it more enjoyable than Alice's Adventure in Wonderland. It was fun to watch Alice figure out how to do things backwards and the book is full of wordplay.

My also enjoyed the story, though I don't know if they got all the wordplay since I was reading it aloud and they couldn't see the words. Their favorite character was the White Knight, who couldn't sit upon his horse and had them hysterically laughing. I am glad that I read these to the kids and maybe they didn't get everything, but will fondly remember the funny moments and the time we spent reading them!

Sidenote: I mentioned in this post how I was going to look through the The Annotated Alice: The Definitive Edition. I skimmed through it, but didn't come away anymore enlighted than I was before. It was too much information that I didn't really care about. If your hesitant to read Alice Adventure's in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, just take the plunge and enjoy what you get out of them.

See what others are reading aloud over at Hope is the Word.

I am linking up over at:

Teaser Tuesday

2012-02-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

The hall seemed to have shrunk. Tom--Detective Sergeant Tring--always looked particularly large in his tan-and-yellow check suit, the wearing of which meant he considered the inhabitants of a farm not to qualify as "nobs." p.185

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 30 - February 3, 2012

2012-02-04T00:22:00.000-08:00

Girl's Night Out

In my life this week…
I started the week off realizing that I didn't have the flu, but a nasty sinus infection. Of course, that required a visit to urgent care and antibiotics. I feel so much better than I did at the beginning of the week, though I'm not quite back to 100%.

Monday I spent recouping, though we did do school work. Most of time I was on the couch.

On Tuesday, I went to the chiropractor and I did go to work (I am the bookstore manager for a Friends of the Library organization) Tuesday evening since I missed Saturday and all the donated books were piling up.

Wednesday I ran errands and then a girl's night out with Destini and our friends, Lisa, Sarah & Hannah.

Thursday was Delani's appointment at the dentist to get her baby root canal. This required us to leave the house at 6:20 am to make it there by 7:20. She received an oral anesthesia, laughing gas and was also numbed. The dentist was very pleased at how she did. He said she was absolutely still the whole time which really helped him. He did prescribe another round of antibiotics since there was still a little swelling. She was a little fussy and kind of loopy on our way home. When we got home she played for a bit, but I had to go lie down since I couldn't keep my eyes open. Thankfully, she decided to snuggle and we took a nap. When she woke up she was in fine spirits and we were able to go to church in the evening.

Friday we looked out our window to see headed to the kids writing class and then the kids spent some time afterwards playing outside. Typical of Oregon, the weather has turned beautiful in February, which probably means we will have rain for the next 3 months.

In our homeschool this week…
It was a pretty uneventful week.

Caleb figured out how divide polynomials in Math U See Algebra all by himself. His dad was pretty impressed. Me? I couldn't even tell you what a polynomial is so I am incredibly impressed!

Destini and Chantry are learning about Charles I in our reading of Our Island Story by H.E. Marshall. This is tying in beautifully with our reading of The Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat.

We were supposed to start a new hymn and folk song, but I totally dropped the ball this week and did not have them ready. I must do that this weekend.

I am inspired by…
My kids--they are such a blessing!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We went to the library, the dentist, and to Caleb and Destini's writing class.

Destini and I joined with our friends, Lisa, Sarah & Hannah for a ladies shopping evening. We ate at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, shopped and had a blast.
My favorite thing this week was…
Going out with my daughter!
What’s working/not working for us…
Bible and Poetry Memory is still a thorn in my side. I believe all my kids can work on their Bible memory by themselves I have decided I am not nagging them about it. It is written on their daily goal chart so they know it needs to be done. So I have put out an ultimatum to my children-- Their scripture is to be memorized in 5 weeks or there will be no use of DVDs or gaming systems for the next school term. I have one who has taken me seriously and two who, I guess, don't think I'll do it.

Questions/thoughts I have…
I realized that I was totally in the dark concerning the Susan G. Koman organization and Planned Parenthood. What business does a cancer research organization have in supporting abortions? Thankfully, I have never supported them and will not be starting now. Okay, that is probably the extent of my political opinions that will be shared on this blog for a long while.

Things I’m working on…
-Getting our hymn study and folk song ready.
-It is that time to start working on next terms schedule.

I’m reading…

I’m cooking…
This was a bad week for cooking. My husband did make a German Chocolate Cake which was delicious!

I’m grateful for…
Life!

I’m praying for…
A total healing on Delani's tooth.

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

The birds at our bird feeder.

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Reading Journal - February 3: A Little Romance Along with an Excellent Memoir

2012-02-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

A story about a telephone operator, Georgie Gail, and a Texas Ranger, the spiffy dressed Lucious Landrum, posing as a telephone salesman/repairman meet, hit heads, fall in love, try to fight it and then succumb. All this happens while he is trying to chase down the notorious Frank Comer Gang. He is surprised when he meets up with Frank Comer himself which gives an interesting twist to the story. Overall, a fun read.

Who Gets the Drumstick? : a Story of a Widow and Widower Who Met, Fell in Love, Married and Lived Happily Ever After by Helen Beardsley

This is the book that inspired the film, Yours, Mine and Ours. As much as I enjoy the film (featuring Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda--not the other one), the book was sooo much better. Maybe not as exciting (not so many pranks), but so much more depth to the story. Very pro-life and pro-family. If you can find a copy, get it and read it!

The Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge 2012 - Follow Up

2012-02-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

For this years Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge I read:

After Many Days: Tales of Times Passed
Rilla of Ingleside.
I also happened to find The Blythes Are Quoted and am currently reading it.

I also was able to watch Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Green Gables due to getting sick and spending several days laying around. I always enjoy watching these, but I really get a great desire to read the books all over again!!

Thanks to Carrie at Reading to Know for hosting this challenge!

I am now off to type up copywork for Rilla of Ingleside that I volunteered for.

Teaser Tuesday

2012-01-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Blythes are Quoted by L.M. Montgomery

Before I give my Teaser I wanted to share a little synopsis of The Blythes are Quoted:

The Blythes Are Quoted is the last work of fiction by the internationally celebrated author of Anne of Green Gables. Intended by L.M. Montgomery to be the ninth volume in her bestselling series featuring her beloved heroine Anne – and delivered to her publisher on the very day she died – it has never before been published in its entirety.

In this story "A Dream Comes True" the main character, Anthony Fingold really feels he hasn't had any adventure happen in his life and he is determined he isn't trading in his nightshirt for pyjamas! Anthony comes to realize that sometimes having our dreams come true isn't all that we thought it would be.

I have included a few more teasers than normal, but these lines just tickled my funny bone! Here they are:

Did she thing ginger cookies a substitute for impassioned longing and mad, wild, glamorous adventures? Then she added insult to injury by remarking that Carter Flagg was offering bargains in pyjamas! p. 176

And had William Tell ever worn pyjamas? Not very likely. p. 178

He often told himself he would be willing to die any death you could think of if he could but once have touched her beautiful hand. He never dared ask himself the question...Would he have been willing to have worn pyjamas for her sake? p. 184

If you are interested in this story and can't find The Blythes are Quoted this story is also available in The Road to Yesterday by L.M. Montgomery. It is a shorter version of The Blythes Are Quoted.

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 23-27, 2012

2012-01-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

I found Delani eating her snack laid out on the table!

In my life this week…
Monday started off with a bang! Delani woke up early Monday morning and I knew something was wrong with her tooth. She has been complaining off and on for the last week. My husband and I took her to the dentist to find out that one of her front teeth which had been crowned in November had an abscess on it. He recommended we pull the tooth. My husband were both kinda of stunned and I ended making the appointment. After we left my husband was pretty upset and after talking it over we went back to the dentist and asked about other options. It looks like we are going to try a baby root canal which has a 70% of working. We both disliked that fact that if the tooth was pulled she would have to run around for the next 5 years with one tooth missing in the front. If she was older we wouldn't have any qualms about pulling it, since a five year missing a front tooth doesn't look strange, but a 3 year old?

On Tuesday we got up early and took my mom to the airport for her trip home. On the way home we had to stop to get the boys haircuts.

Wednesday it was back to real life and school work. The kids did pretty good though we are all tired.

On Friday, we got up and headed to writing class. I had had a terrible nights sleep and by the time I got home I had a horrible headache and felt terrible. I did get enough energy to get some groceries at Walmart, but when we sat down to eat dinner my headache intensified and I started to get cold. Eventually, I started running a fever. I guess I have come down with a flu bug and am spending the evening in bed drinking lots of fluids, blogging, and watching DVDs. I'm am also going to just lay around tomorrow and hope I get to feeling better. I am just praying this doesn't pass through the house!

In our homeschool this week…
We had to head back into a normal routine. We have finished up Week 18, which when I had scheduled it I had made it an easier week, so I think that turned out well.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Well, this really isn't a tip or advice, but it sure made me laugh!

I have been trying to work on upping Chantry's reading to get him more independent. Today I told him he had to listen to the next chapter in Then There Were Five (Melendys Family) and then to read the next chapter in Three Tales of My Father's Dragon. I turned around to find the audio CD playing and him curled in his dad' chair reading in Three Tales of My Father's Dragon. I had to inform him that wouldn't work. He was really bummed!

I am inspired by…
Caleb really got into listening to The Three Musketeers (Classic Collection (Brilliance Audio)) by Alexandre Dumas. He can sometimes drag his free reads on for a long time, but not this one!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Destini had a piano lesson this week and then we went to Caleb's writing class, which Destini will be joining and getting some tutoring, too.

My favorite thing this week was…
My mom helped me with purchasing a new serger! A Baby Lock Imagine--no killing myself threading the serger. Also, no more excuses for not wanting to sew!

Questions/thoughts I have…
I'm in a quandary...which Shakespeare play should we do next? We have done Twelfth Night (No Fear Shakespeare), The Taming of the Shrew (No Fear Shakespeare) and Much Ado About Nothing (No Fear Shakespeare). I think I would like to do one more comedy before heading into the dramatics and tragedies for Destini's benefit.

Things I’m working on…
Trying to get better!

I’m reading…

I’m cooking…
-Potato soup
-Tacos
-Pork roast with mashed potatoes

I’m grateful for…
My husband who was willing to go back and talk to the dentist. He HATES doing things like this, but he did!

I’m praying for…
Delani...next Thursday they are going to attempt the baby root canal with oral sedation. If that doesn't work then we have to wait until April to put her under an anesthesia, which would raise the chances of losing the tooth altogether.

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

A beautiful rainbow that my mom and I spied.

My new serger!

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Book Review: Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery

2012-01-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Anne's children were almost grown up, except for pretty, high-spirited Rilla. Rilla wasn't yet fifteen, and she was still looking forward to her first dance and her first kiss. But undreamed-of challenges awaited irrepressible Rilla when the happy world of Ingleside was endangered by a fearful far-off war. Rilla must join her courageous family in a dramatic struggle that would change her life and leave Rilla no longer a girl, but a proud woman.

My thoughts today are going to more from a historical point of view rather than an "Anne" point of view:

I enjoy every book in the Anne Series by L.M. Montgomery--from Anne of Green Gables to Rilla of Ingleside. I have read them over and over and enjoyed them, but the story of Rilla is told from a little bit different view than the other "Anne" books.

I have to admit that the first several time I read through Rilla of Ingleside I didn't quite get the "whole picture" in relation to history. Several years ago I was listening to the audio when I realized what a portrait of World War I it presented. It hit me full force what the Canadians and others endured. I don't think that this story can be better explained than by L.M. Montgomery herself:

In my latest story, “Rilla of Ingleside,” I have tried, as far as in me lies, to depict the fine and splendid way in which the girls of Canada reacted to the Great War – their bravery, patience and self-sacrifice. The book is theirs in a sense in which none of my other books have been: for my other books were written for anyone who might like to read them: but “Rilla” was written for the girls of the great young land I love, whose destiny it will be their duty and privilege to shape and share.

– L.M. Montgomery, from “How I Became a Writer,” 1921

Since that moment, Rilla of Ingleside has become one of my favorite books. Yes, the story is at times incredibly sad, but it is also an awesome story of courage and patriotism. Rilla of Ingleside is historical fiction at its finest and to make it even better it is filled with L.M. Montgomery's incredible writing ability. It has her poetic flair, her wonderful insight she displays with children, and her charming and often humorous character sketches of the people of Ingleside and the Glen. If you have lost interest in Anne in the earlier books, don't be afraid to pick up Rilla of Ingleside . It is a gem of a story!
____________________________________

On a side note:
When I went to write this post, I found out that a special gift edition of Rilla of Ingleside has recently been released in hardback and paperback. This copy was edited by Benjamin Lefebvre and Andrea McKenzie. Here is a synopsis of what it includes:

This special gift edition includes Montgomery’s complete, restored, and unabridged original text as well as a thoughtful introduction from the editors, a detailed glossary, maps of Europe during the war, and war poems by L.M. Montgomery and her contemporary Virna Sheard.

A copy of this book has gone to the top of my list. My main reason: the maps! Weird, I know, but I think this is a great idea. Many times in the book many of the battles were listed. Since I'm a little deficient in my knowledge about World War I, there were moments I was in the dark.

Teaser Tuesday

2012-01-23T23:51:00.000-08:00

All that magnificence, he thought, wasted on a woman who had no more sense than a grasshopper. A woman who cried over a few dead birds, but had no qualms about knocking around a tomcat. p. 61

What's On Your Nightstand - January

2012-01-23T23:25:00.000-08:00

I plan to read:

From my December post I read:
No Holly for Miss Quinn by Miss Read
Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck (review)
Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery
The Wind Blows Free: A Tale of the Texas Panhandle by Loula G. Erdman

I am currently reading:
Educating the WholeHearted Child - Clay & Sally Clarkson

I also read:
After Many Days by L.M. Montgomery (review)
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Lewis Carroll (review)
A Dublin Student Doctor: An Irish Country Novel by Patrick Taylor (review)
The Time In Between: A Novel by Marie Duenas (review)
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (review)
Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun by Amy Barickman (review)
Hurry Less Worry Less for Christmas by Judy Christie
That's Life: Finding Scrapbook Inspiration in the Everyday by Nic Howard

I listened to:
Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Buddha by Dorothy Gilman (review)

See what others have read over at 5 Minutes for Books.

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 16-20, 2012

2012-01-20T23:11:00.000-08:00

Delani conducting!

In my life this week…
Monday was the last day my dad was visiting and we did a little more shopping and then completed the evening by going to Olive Garden. We also had to deal with crazy Oregon weather. Was it going to snow or rain? Was it going to freeze or not? You can't depend on the weather man, because he is always wrong.

On Tuesday my dad had to depart at o'dark thirty in the morning, not because his plane left that early, but because no one knew what the weather was doing!! All I can say is it tried really hard to snow.

Wednesday we went to our downtown library and found some books at the Friends bookstore, headed to the post office, and then on to Walmart. On Thursday I found out that we had so much rain we were flooded--even down to where we had driven the day before! Of course, being the news savvy person that I am I had to find out from my husband who was at work 40 miles away. The flooding led to no evening church since the building we rent is used for a Red Cross shelter.

Friday required a trip to Costco for essentials and a relaxing evening at home. My mom showed Destini how to make a pillowcase and they worked on some other sewing skills.

In our homeschool this week…
It was another relaxing week, but it is time to get back to business. Poor Chantry really bombed a test and then we discovered he hadn't completed all of his daily lessons. I felt bad, because I should have caught that, but next week is a new week!

We were able to get back on track with our family devotions. Yeah!

We also spent some time listening to our Music Study, Mozart's Requiem in D minor. We have been listening to it over the last few weeks, but this week we spent some time watching a few clips on YouTube. Here is what we watched: Part I and Part 2. We have 6 more parts to watch. This probably won't be our favorite piece of Mozart's, but we are stretching ourselves.

We finished reading our free read, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland . You can read my review here.

I am inspired by…
This blog post about having a Book Time over at Tolivers to Texas. I would love to find a way to implement this even if it is for only a couple times a week. My kids do quite a bit of reading for school, but my boys really need this and it would be good training for Delani. Destini already does this, so she would think life was good!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Destini was scheduled for piano lessons, but her piano teacher had to cancel due to flooding in her basement. We did make it to Caleb's writing tutor and she is very pleased with his progress.

My favorite thing this week was…
Delani has entered this new phase in her language abilities. She has kept us laughing with the things she has come up with. Here are a few:

After being totally frustrated with the Nintendo DS, Delani announces: "Mom, I can't do all things through Christ!"

While shopping in Walmart I had to admonish my two middle children. I had just told them they had better behave when she said, "Preach it, Mom!"

Things I’m working on…
I've been incredibly lazy. I didn't even do any ironing since my mom was so sweet to work on it.

I’m reading…

I’m cooking…
Chili, Stroganoff Chicken and Rice, and Popcorn Chicken and Tator Tots (I really worked hard on THAT meal!) and Cowboy cookies.

I’m grateful for…
A dry house!

I’m praying for…
Those around me whose homes have flooded.

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

Destini showing off her pillowcase she made with Grandma's help.

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Book Review: A Dublin Student Doctor by Patrick Taylor

2012-01-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Patrick Taylor’s devoted readers know Doctor Fingal Flahertie O’Reilly as a pugnacious general practitioner in the quaint Irish village of Ballybucklebo. Now Taylor turns back the clock to give us a portrait of the young Fingal—and show us the pivotal events that shaped the man he would become.

In the 1930s, fresh from a stint in the Royal Navy Reserve, and against the wishes of his disapproving father, Fingal O’Reilly goes to Dublin to study medicine. Fingal and his fellow aspiring doctors face the arduous demands of Trinity College and Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital. The hours are long and the cases challenging, but Fingal manages to find time to box and play rugby—and to romance a fetching, gray-eyed nurse named Kitty O’Hallorhan.

Dublin is a city of slums and tenements, where brutal poverty breeds diseases that the limited medical knowledge of the time is often ill-equipped to handle. His teachers warn Fingal not to become too attached to his patients, but can he truly harden himself to the suffering he sees all around him—or can he find a way to care for his patients without breaking his heart?

A Dublin Student Doctor is a moving, deeply human story that will touch longtime fans as well as readers who are meeting Doctor Fingal O’Reilly for the very first time.

My thoughts:
A Dublin Student Doctor: An Irish Country Novel (Irish Country Books) by Patrick Taylor is the sixth book in the Irish Country Novels. The book starts out in Dr. Fingal O'Reilly's present life as he admits Donal Donnelly into the hospital with a head wound. This brings back many memories about his student days in Dublin and also his journey into becoming a doctor. His reminiscing and the present day go back and forth for a few chapters before the story focuses on his student days.

I enjoyed reading about his student days and meeting his friends and family. There was more language in this book due to his realistic description of Dublin during the 30's. It was also interesting to see how different the medical profession was then versus now. As the book ends and comes back to the present time, I realized how much I missed the little town of Buckballybo, where Dr. O'Reilly practices, and all the interesting characters that have made An Irish Country Doctor, An Irish Country Village, An Irish Country Christmas , An Irish Country Courtship such wonderful reads.

I am linking up over at:

Book Review: Alice's Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

2012-01-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Alice falls down, down, down into a land of wonder, a place filled with White Rabbits, Mock Turtles, screaming Queens, and Mad Hatters. Join Alice as she experiences the silliness and excitement of a place gone crazy. Join thousands, even millions, of children who over the years have read about and entered into . . . Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

My thoughts:
I am slowly reading through our list of Ambleside Online Year 3 free reading and it was time to tackle Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Yes, I said tackle. When Caleb was doing this I had him listen to the audio and it wasn't a big hit, so I decided this time around I would read it aloud and see if it produced different results.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland does has its funny moments, but honestly it is just plain weird! I was struggling with the fact that Carroll was making references to something I didn't have a clue about and I found that frustrating. Fortunately, that wasn't a problem with my kids. They seemed to enjoy the nonsense of the story. Reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland aloud was a success and we are continuing the story with Through the Looking-Glass . I have placed a hold for The Annotated Alice: The Definitive Edition from the library hoping it will help this poor mother, who needs some enlightening!

I am linking up over at:

Teaser Tuesday

2012-01-16T21:30:00.000-08:00

Rilla carried the soup tureen to the kitchen, and set it on the table under Susan's eyes. Susan looked into the tureen and for once in her life was so completely floored that she had not a word to say. p. 64

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 9-13, 2012

2012-01-14T23:00:00.000-08:00

On the coast

In my life this week…
Monday and Tuesday started off with a big cleaning party! My parents flew in Tuesday afternoon from Wisconsin for a visit. The kids are enjoying having them here.

In our homeschool this week…
I kept school work on the docket. My goal is to get one week's worth of work done in two weeks.

Chantry is now reading his Read And Learn Bible to himself and coming and giving me narrations. I am trying to push him toward more independent reading. We will see how it goes.

Since Shade took two days off from work, he and Caleb sat down and got a couple of labs done for biology. Yeah!

Even though we didn't as much schooling, Caleb brought out the World War II: D-Day and the Providence of God DVDs out and soon everyone was engrossed in watching them.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We have stayed pretty close to home for the first couple of days. Friday we headed to Lincoln City to go look at the beach, emphasis on look. This has to be the second time since I've lived out here that I've been there and haven't been blown away or frozen stiff. My real reason for going was to shop at the outlet mall. I had been saving up some money to get Caleb some clothes he needed. Thankfully, there were some great sales going on.

My favorite thing this week was…
My parents visit!

What’s working/not working for us…
Everything, besides Poetry and Bible Memory seem to be working well. I'm not stressing about the Poetry and Bible Memory since this isn't the week to try to fix it.

Things I’m working on…
Right now I'm not working on too much. I'm just enjoying time with my parents.

I’m reading…

I’m grateful for…
My parent's visit.

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

I was able to reorganize two of my bookshelves and they look so much better.

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Reading Journal - January 13

2012-01-13T23:19:00.000-08:00

This week I seemed to make slow progress in my reading, though I did get two books read. I read:

The Time In Between: A Novel by Maria Duenas

When I started reading this book I wavered back and forth for the first 200 pages or so if I really wanted to continue reading it. I found the first half very depressing but the second half was much better and the end was quite intense. Part of the story happens during the Spanish Civil War, something I haven't read much about, and leads up to the beginning of World War II.

The main character, after getting herself in a mess, makes a living as a seamstress and opens a successful clothing shop in Spanish Morocco. Later she goes back to Madrid and becomes part of the British resistance passing on vital information in an extremely creative way. I really felt this story could have been told in half the pages and it would have been a satisfactory read.

After Many Days: Tales of Time Passed by L.M. Montgomery

Read my review here.

I am linking up over at:

Book Review: After Many Days: Tales of Time Passed by L.M. Montomery

2012-01-13T22:56:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

L.M. Montgomery is beloved by millions of readers around the world as the creator of the irresistible Anne Of Green Gables books. Now, in this collection of eighteen rediscovered short stories, L.M. Montgomery explores the theme of postponement and the poignancy of "time passed." Many characters in these fine stories at last have a chance "after many days," to reconcile with an estranged relative, repay a kindness, or even wreak long-plotted revenge. Others discover how true love can survive great distances and long separation.

Devoted fans as well as new readers are sure to find that these sympathetic and humorous tales come vividly to life.

My thoughts:

After Many Days by L.M. Montgomery was one of my choices for the Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge hosted by Carrie at Reading to Know. Many of these stories, though with a happy conclusion, were quite sad considering all the wasted years that were spent in misunderstanding or unforgiveness. These short stories are very typical of Montgomery, but after reading many of her short story collections the stories sound very familiar. I can't find in my records that I had previously read this book, so it may be her other books have similar stories.

My favorite stories I read from After Many Days were Elizabeth's Child, The Price, and The Man Who Forgot.

I am linking up over at:

Composer Study: Mozart

2012-01-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

We are in a new term and now on to a new composer. We are following Ambleside Online's suggestions for the 2011-2012, Term 1. We are also reading Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers) by Mike Venezia.

Listening selections include:

-Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major (K525) ("Eine Kleine Nacht Musik")
-Requiem Mass in D minor (K626) (A vocal work)
-Symphony no. 41 in C major (K551) ("Jupiter)"
-Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra in E-flat major (K364)
-Piano Concerto no. 21 in C major (K467)

So far we have covered Serenade No. 13, which was fun and enjoyable and Requiem Mass in D minor. The Requiem Mass in D minor has been very different. It is what I call "hairy" music (don't ask me why, I have used that term since I was a teenager). We are taking 4 weeks listening to the Requiem and I have to say that I haven't heard as much complaining so it must be growing on us. Here is a small piece of the Requiem, which we will be adding to our study. Watching the YouTube clips clips will be helpful.

I am linking up over at ~a teaching heart~.

Teaser Tuesday

2012-01-10T00:47:00.000-08:00

"Just because girls don't play doesn't mean we can't understand the game. That's about as sensible as saying because men have never been pregnant they can't deliver babies." p. 122

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 2-6, 2011

2012-01-07T23:13:00.000-08:00

Delani reading to her baby doll.

In my life this week…

Life goes on. This week was spent on getting back into our routine. I was wanting to try to get up earlier, but it didn't happen. I also have been trying to be a little more organized. I have been using this free daily planner available at A Holy Experience . So far this seems to be working and I have gotten quite a few thing done.

On Tuesday evening I went to my homeschool mom's meeting and had a great time.

I was wanting to take the Christmas decorations down, but the week after New Years is a tough week at work for my husband so it finally came down today.

In our homeschool this week…
We started school back up Monday morning!

Caleb is learning about aquatic creatures in his Biology 101. I had him read a few chapter out of Exploring Creation with Zoology 2. He also watched the IMAX: Under the Sea and Whales - An Unforgettable Journey .

Chantry has started double digit multiplication in his math book. This is where I part way with helping my kids in math. Now understand, I can do the math, but for some reason I don't do a good job of explaining it. So I let their dad take over.

Destini was delighted to find her new math lesson dealt with figuring volume, but after 3 lessons the long division showed back up. She gets her dad pretty frustrated because she erases her work before he can see what she did wrong. Ahhh, the joys of math!

Destini has also misplaced her art and grammar book. I have no idea where it could be and will spend the rest of the weekend looking for it.

For Delani I finally got on the ball and updated her learning chart. We read about cookies and she was greatly offended when I returned The Gingerbread Boy to the library.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We didn't have any events to attend, but I took the kids to Walmart on Wednesday so the boys could spend their gift cards that they got for Christmas from their uncle. They came out with several things and still had money left over!

Destini started up her piano lessons this week and Caleb had tutoring in writing. Destini is going to start being tutored in writing next week. She isn't too happy, but she is definitely ready for this.

My favorite thing this week was…
Peeking over my son's shoulder and being delighted at his writing. Yes, he has a long ways to go, but I was definitely impressed with what I read.

What’s working/not working for us…
For some reason I keep forgetting to review our Bible Memory and Poetry Memory. I need to fix that!!

Things I’m working on…
Well, I was able to work on some of my sewing projects, but for a couple of gifts I wanted to make I kept running into obstacles, so I just put it away. I also will be getting my house in tip top shape since my parent's will be flying in on Tuesday.

I was also to make a list of books I would like to get read for 2012. These are books that have been sitting around the house for awhile and I want to decide if I should keep them or pass them on. This list is just the tip of the iceberg of what I will end up reading, since I love to use my library.

I’m reading…

I’m grateful for…
The opportunity to homeschool my children. This really has been life changing for me.

I’m praying for…
Our church.

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

Here are the boys with their "gifts!"

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Reading Goals for 2012

2012-01-07T01:16:00.000-08:00

I've never made any reading goals that I've actually put down on paper or posted online, but I have piles of unread books in my house that need to be read. I want to focus on my personal stack of books and when I'm finished decide if I want to keep or delete. Here are the books that are at the top of my list to be read:

1. A Philosophy of Education (Homeschooler Series) by Charlotte Mason

I love Charlotte Mason, but her books are touch reads. I want to get at least one conquered this year.

2. Letter from New York by Helene Hanff

I have really enjoyed Hanff's other books.

3. A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family by Mary Ostyn

To some I don't have a large family, but I figure I can always learn from someone who has more kids than I do!

4. Personality Plus for Parents: Understanding What Makes Your Child Tick by Florence Littauer

I am a huge fan of Florence Littauer's books. I have had this on my shelf for forever. Now that my kids are getting older I may be able to check out their personalities.

5. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller

Carrie at Reading to Know highly recommended this book a couple of years ago. It took me awhile before I was able to get a copy and then it has just sat on my shelf. Time to blow the dust off!

6. Your Child's Growing Mind: A Guide to Learning and Brain Development from Birth to Adolescence by Jane Healy

I have heard great thing about Healy's books though I am a little intimidated to read them. I am determined to read this one before my kids are too old.

7. A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul by Holly Pierlot

I keep coming across this book, so I decided I would give it a whirl. It is written from a Catholic perspective so it should be interesting.

8. Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

Honestly, I don't know that I really need to read this book, but it came highly recommended. I also have the one for kids which is probably the one I need to read. I thought this one might set the stage for the kid's book.

9. Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey & Stacy McDonald

This one piqued my interest and again it is one that I have had sitting around for awhile.

10. Professionalizing Motherhood: Encouraging, Educating, and Equipping Mothers At Home by Jill Savage

I brought this home a few weeks ago since I had previously read a book by Jill Savage which I really enjoyed. After I brought it home, Carrie at Reading to Know announced her Bookclub and this book is listed for September. I am hoping to join more of her Bookclub reads, but I definitely will be joining for September.

11. Parenting by The Book: Biblical Wisdom for Raising Your Child by John Rosemond

Again, another book that has been sitting on the shelf for a while. I have never read a John Rosemond book, but have heard him on Focus on the Family and read different articles online.

12. That's Life: Finding Scrapbook Inspiration in the Everyday by Nic Howard

13. Life Artist by Ali Edwards

I love the thought of scrapbooking, but honestly I can't get motivated to do it. I read a recommendation for these books several years ago and added them to my collection, but have yet to read them. I am hoping for some encouragement and some help to find a relatively simply way to keep memories and enjoy doing it rather than it feeling like a chore.

14. The Writer's Jungle by Julie Bogart

Writing is my thorn in the flesh. I really feel inadequate to teach this to my kids. This course has come highly recommended by many mom's who are using the Ambleside Online curriculum. We'll see how it goes.

Not pictured:
15. The Organized Heart by Staci Eastin

Again, this is another book that I kept coming across review after review all last year. I was able to get it for a good price on my Kindle and even though it doesn't take up a lot of room in my house I really feel like I could use more organization in my life.
16. The Bible

I have read through my Bible many times using many different Bible Reading programs and sometimes it feels like such a chore. Two years ago I decided to commit to two chapters a day. I figured that it would take me two years to read through it. Surprisingly it only took 1 year and 9 months and I filled out that last three months of last year reading the book of Proverbs through every month.

I found reading my Bible this way was enjoyable and it didn't feel like a chore, but very doable. I have decided that this year I will start over again reading 2 chapters a day and work through my Bible in a slower, but enjoyable pace.

___________________________________

I am hoping that I make it through this pile and can start on my many other numerous piles. I know I will be reading a variety of other books. You will notice that my pile is non-fiction. That is due to the fact that I very rarely by a fiction book unless it is one I have read and have determined that I absolutely need it on my shelf. I tend to buy the non-fiction books since they are usually harder to find at the library.

So here is to being a little more purposeful in my reading.

Reading Journal - January 6

2012-01-06T23:42:00.000-08:00

I am going to try something a little different this year. I am having a hard time finding the time to do a book review on everything I read, so I am going to attempt to make a Reading Journal entry with a list of books I've read recently and a few brief comments on each.

Lately I've read:

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

This was a book that I enjoyed and really gave me food for thought despite the heavy 60's political views. I was so tickled on how the main character just knew his teacher hated him, especially when she assigned him Shakespeare. He learns about human nature through Shakespeare and real life. I want to note that it was disturbing how his parent's, especially his dad, were very callous toward their children.

Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Budda - Dorothy Gillman

Mrs. Pollifax as always figures out the mystery, of course it is always after she gets herself into a heap of trouble. This one seemed more serious though it brought back Robin Burke Jones, the reformed jewel thief, from a previous story.

Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck

This was a cute story, but it is not Richard Peck at his finest. Or just maybe it is that I'm not crazy about mice, I don't know. I've handed it over to my daughter to see what her thoughts are.

Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun by Amy Barickman

This a fun read, though I wasn't too tempted to do the projects in it. What I did love was the artwork! My, my, my, just wonderful!

Here is a small sample:

Escaping into the World of Fantasy

2012-01-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

We have been enjoying some fantasy book lately. We recently finished The Princess and the Goblin and The Little White Horse.

Book Description:

Princess Irene's discovery of a secret stair to the top turret of the castle leads to a wonderful revelation. At the same time, the miner's son Curdie overhears a fiendish plot by the goblins who live beneath the mountain. But it will take all their wit and courage, and the help of Irene's magic ring, to make sense of their separate knowledge and foil the goblins' schemes.

My thoughts:
The Princess and the Goblin was a scheduled literature book that I read aloud to Destini & Chantry over a course of 10 weeks. This book was a big hit and my kids were chomping at the bit to get to the end. There were many times there were begging and pleading to read "just one more chapter!" After reading the story we had to go by the sequel The Princess and Curdie , which we will hopefully get to in the next few months.

Book Description:

When orphaned young Maria Merryweather arrives at Moonacre Manor, she feels as if she's entered Paradise. Her new guardian, her uncle Sir Benjamin, is kind and funny; the Manor itself feels like home right away; and every person and animal she meets is like an old friend. But there is something incredibly sad beneath all of this beauty and comfort - a tragedy that happened years ago, shadowing Moonacre Manor and the town around it - and Maria is determined to learn about it, change it, and give her own life story a happy ending. But what can one solitary girl do?

My thoughts:
The Little White Horse is an exciting story focusing on wrong being righted. It is a fun, exciting and suspenseful read and when the last page is finished leaves you with a wonderful sigh of satisfaction. This was on our free read list for AO Year 3 and was a big hit with the kids.

See what other are reading over at Hope Is the Word.

Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge 2012

2012-01-04T17:24:00.000-08:00

It is that time again for the Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge hosted by Carrie at Reading to Know. This will be my fourth year in participating and I always enjoy it.

This year I plan on reading Rilla of Ingleside, the last in the Anne series and a personal favorite. I picked Rilla since I had volunteered to compile a list of copywork and wanted a fresh reading before typing. I also am going to read After Many Days , which is a collection of short stories that explores the theme of postponement and the poignancy of "time passed.". I was delighted to discover After Many Days at Goodwill last week and knew it was sitting there for me. If I have time and a couple of quiet hours (note: without kids) I hope to sit down a watch Anne of Green Gables.

Well, that will probably do it for me this year. Of course, if the spirit moves I may read more.

Teaser Tuesday

2012-01-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

After Many Days - L.M. Montgomery
This is a collection of short stories exploring the theme of postponement and the poignancy of "time passed." My teaser comes from the story titled "The Romance of Jedediah."

Romance cares not for appearances and apparently delights in contradictions. The homely, shambling man you pass unnoticed on the street may have, tucked away in his past, a story more exciting and thrilling than anything you have ever read in fiction. p. 29

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

2011-12-31T22:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day 2011

(Don't ask me what Delani is doing, but I have given up getting a decent picture of her!)

In my life this week…
It has been a pretty relaxing week. I took a couple of morning and lingered in bed reading. I had intended to work on some sewing, but ended up working on cleaning up my sewing table instead. I don't feel too bad since it had to be done. I also cleaned out my daughter's closet of too small clothes. I took somethings to Goodwill and have a box to go to the resale shop this coming week. Delani came down with a cold Christmas Day and I succumbed Friday evening so I went to bed.

In our homeschool this week…
The kids did absolutely nothing! I did read a few extra chapter of The Children of the New Forest so we could cut down our weekly reading amount from three chapters to two.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Children are the living messages we send to a time...we will not see. -John W. Whitehead

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We had friends over Monday for a movie afternoon and evening. Other than that we stayed around the house.

Things I’m working on…
I have some sewing projects that I need to get finished this week so I'll be busy and I also need to sit down and write out some goals I want to accomplish for this coming year.

I’m reading & read…

I’m cooking…
Another pot of gumbo since I had so much rice left over from our Christmas Eve dinner.

I’m grateful for…
God's blessings!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
A song that has really meant a lot to me this year.

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Book Read in 2011

2011-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

My final tally for overall books read in 2011 was 170 with 22 of them being audio books. I read 120 fiction books and 50 non-fiction books. Last year I read 60 non-fiction books so I was down this year. I've really been trying to focus on more non-fiction, but as you can see I prefer fiction. In my Bible, I read the books of Isaiah through Revelation.

Here is the list of titles read in 2011:

Fiction: (120)
Act Two - Kimberly Stuart
Adam of the Road - Elizabeth Janet Gray
Against the Wind - Brock & Bodie Thoene
Along Came a Dog - Meindert Dejong
The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman (audio)
The Anonymous Bride - Vickie McDonough
Anthem for Doomed Youth - Carola Dunn
Balancing Act - Kimberly Stuart
Beyond All Measure - Dorothy Love
Black Radishes - Susan Lynn Meyer
Black Ship - Carola Dunn
Bless this Mouse - Lois Lenski (audio)
The Bloody Tower - Carola Dunn
Blue Skies Tomorrow - Sarah Sundin
Bottom Line - Kimberly Stuart
Brighty of the Grand Canyon - Marguerite Henry
Chains - Laurie Halse Anderson (audio)
A Corpse at St. Andrews Chapel - Mel Starr
Cotillion - Georgette Heyer
The Crocodile's Last Embrace - Suzanne Arruda
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All - Beth Pattillo
Daughter of Time - Josephine Tey (audio)
Devil's Cub - Georgette Heyer
The Door in the Wall - Marguerite De Angeli
The Doctor's Sweetheart - L.M. Montgomery
The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman (audio)
Everything's Coming Up Josey - Susan May Warren
Fair Weather - Richard Peck (audio)
The Family Collection - Enid Blyton
The Final Storm - Jeff Shaara (audio)
Finding Stephanie - Susan May Warren
Finally a Bride - Vickie McDonough
Five Children and It - E. Nesbit
Forge - Laurie Halse Anderson (audio)
Fourth Dawn - Brock & Bodie Thoene (audio)
The Girl in the Gatehouse - Julie Klassen
Heart of Lies - Jill Marie Landis
The Help - Kathryn Stockett (audio)
Heiress - Susan May Warren
Home for the Holidays - Heather Vogel Frederick
A Hope Undaunted - Julie Lessman
An Infamous Army - Georgette Heyer
An Irish Country Courtship - Patrick Taylor
Jo's Boys - Louisa May Alcott (audio)
Kingdom's Dawn - Chuck Black
The Leopard's Prey - Suzanne Arruda
A Lesson in Secrets - Jacqueline Winspear (audio)
Letters from Home - Kristina McMorris
Licensed for Trouble - Susan May Warren
Little Men - Louisa May Alcott (audio)
The Little White Horse - Elizabeth Goudge
The Little Women Letters - Gabrielle Donnealy
Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington - Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss
Lumby On the Air - Gail Fraser
Magic or Not? - Edward Eager
Mark of the Lion - Suzanne Arruda
Mary Poppins - P.L. Travers
A Memory Between Us - Sarah Sundin
Miss Julia Rocks the Cradle - Ann B. Ross
Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart - Beth Patillo
Mrs. Pollifax on Safari - Dorothy Gilman (audio)
Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Buddha - Dorothy Gilman (audio)
Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station - Dorothy Gilman (audio)
My Foolish Heart - Susan May Warren
Nightingale - Susan May Warren
No Fear Shakespeare-Much Ado About Nothing - William Shakespeare
No Fear Shakespeare - Twelfth Night - William Shakespeare
No Holly for Miss Quinn - Miss Read
The Nonesuch - Georgette Heyer
Operation Bonnet - Kimberly Stuart
Otto of the Silver Hand - Howard Pyle
Out of Control - Mary Connealy
A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax - Dorothy Gillman (audio)
Paper Roses - Amanda Cabot
Pearl in the Sand - Tessa Afshar
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette - Jeanne Birdsall
The Phoenix and the Carpet - E. Nesbit
The Preacher's Bride - Jody Hedlund
Reclaiming Nick - Susan May Warren
A Reluctant Queen - Joan Wolf
Restless in Carolina - Tamara Leigh
Rugged and Relentless - Kelly Eileen Hake
The Sandy Bottom Orchestra - Garisson Keillor
Second Chance Brides - Vickie McDonough
Second Touch - Brock & Bodie Thoene (audio)
Secrets at Sea - Richard Peck
Secrets of the Heart - Jillian Kent
The Serpent's Daughter - Suzanne Arruda
Seven-Day Magic - Edward Eager
Sharpshooter in Petticoats - Mary Connealy
Sheer Folly - Carola Dunn
She Walks in Beauty - Siri Mitchell
Stars Collide - Janice Thompson
Surrender the Heart - MaryLu Tyndall
Surrender the Night - MaryLu Tyndall
The Tale of Castle Cottage - Susan Wittig Albert
Taming Rafe - Susan May Warren
A Tangled Web - L.M. Montgomery
These Old Shades - Georgette Heyer
War Horse - Michael Morpurgo
The Wheel on the School - Meindert DeJong
Third Watch - Brock & Bodie Thoene (audio)
Twenty Wishes - Debbie Macomber (audio)
Treasure of the Golden Cheetah - Suzanne Arruda
Treasures of the Snow - Patricia St. John (audio)
Uncertain Heart - Andrea Boeshaar
Unexpected Love - Andrea Boesharr
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman (audio)
The Unquiet Bones - Mel Starr
Unwilling Warrior - Andrea Boeshaar
The Vigilante's Bride - Yvonne Harris
War Horse - Michael Morpurgo
The Wedding Caper - Janice Thompson
The Wednesday Wars - Gary D. Schmidt
The Well-Wishers - Edward Eager
Wildflowers of Terezin - Robert Elmer
William's Midsummer Dreams - Zilpha Keatley Snyder
The Wind Blows Free - Loula Grace Erdman
The Year Money Grew On Trees - Aaron Hawkins
Young Men in Spats - P.G. Wodehouse

Non-Fiction: (50)
401 Ways to Get Your Kids to Work at Home - Bonnie McCullough & Susan Monson
Belles on Their Toes - Frank Gilbreth & Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Boys Passage, Man's Journey - Brian D. Molitor
Building a Winning Curriculum - Dorys Lee Horn
The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters - Andy Andrews
A Circle of Quiet - Madeleine L'engle
Clutter Rehab - Laura Wittmann
Creative Correction - Lisa Whelchel
A Cure for the Troubled Heart - Ron Mehl
Diary of Provincial Lady - E.M. Delafield
Don't Make Me Come Up There! - Kristen Welch
The Egg and I - Betty Macdonald
The Forgotten God - Francis Chan
Goodbye is not Forever - Amy George
Gospel-Powered Parenting - William P. Farley
Heavenly Hospitality - JoAnn Janssen
Howard's End is on the Landing - Susan Hill
How to Write a Sentence: And How to Read One - Stanley Fish
Hurry Less, Worry Less at Christmastime - Judy Christie
Joyful Momma's Guide to Quiet Times in Loud Households - Kimberly Eddy
The Kitchen Counter Cooking School - Kathleen Flinn
Large Family Logistics - Kim Brenneman
Lessons at Blackberry Inn - Karen Andreola
Made to Crave - Lysa TerKeurst
Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends - Sarah Mally
Me, Myself, & Bob - Phil Vischer
Mom's Ultimate Guide to the Tween Girl World - Nancy Rue
My Reading Life - Pat Conroy
Notes to Aspiring Writier - Brooke McGlothlin
The One-Minute Organizer - Donna Smallin
One Thousand Gifts - Ann Voskamp
Peacemaking for Families - Ken Sande
The Pen Commandments - Steven Frank
Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey - Joanie Demer & Heather Wheeler
A Positive Plan for Creating More Calm, Less Stress - Karol Ladd
Profiles of Pentecostal Missionaries - Mary Wallace
The QBQ!: The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller
Raising a Modern-Day Knight - Robert Lewis
Raising a Modern-Day Princess - Pam Farrel & Doreen Hanna
Raising Real Men - Hal & Melanie Young
Read for the Heart - Sarah Clarkson
She's Gonna Blow! - Julie Ann Barnhill
Sixpence House - Paul Collins
Six Ways to Keep the "Little" in Your Girl - Dannah Gresh
Same Kind of Different As Me - Ron Hall & Denver Moore
Spiritual Parenting - Michelle Anthony
Today Matters - John Maxwell (book & audio)
Vintage Notions - Amy Barickman
Warrior Prayers - Brooke McGlothlin
What Mary & Joseph Knew About Parenting - Rick Osborne

What's On Your Nightstand - December

2011-12-27T00:31:00.000-08:00

For January:

Since my parents will be visiting I know I won't be doing as much reading. And yes, I am still reading Educating the WholeHearted Child , which I listed last month, but I am having to read this in little snatches so it will take me awhile to get through it.

From my November post I read:
Boy's Passage, Man's Journey by Brian D. Molitor
A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel: The Second Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon (Hugh De Singleton 2) by Mel Starr
Home for the Holidays (Mother Daughter Book Club) by Heather Vogel Frederick
The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge
Sixpence House by Paul Collins

I also read:
The Tale of Castle Cottage (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter) by Susan Wittig Albert
The Kitchen Counter Cooking School: How a Few Simple Lessons Transformed Nine Culinary Novices into Fearless Home Cooks by Kathleen Flinn
Profiles of Pentecostal Missionaries by Mary Wallace
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Restless in Carolina: A Novel (Southern Discomfort) by Tamara Leigh
A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther by Joan Wolf

I listened to:
Bless this Mouse by Lois Lowry
Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station by Dorothy Gilman

I am currently reading:
Educating the WholeHearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson

See other's Nightstands over at 5minutesforbooks.com

Teaser Tuesday

2011-12-26T23:36:00.000-08:00

Miriam was secretly amused. If her friends could have seen the meal she had assembled, fish fingers, instant potatoes, tinned beans, and bottled tomato sauce, followed by the bought fruit pie, her standing as a first-class cook would have taken a jolt. p. 92

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - December 19-23, 2011

2011-12-26T00:14:00.000-08:00

Enjoying a Wendy's Frosty!

In my life this week…
Being that Christmas was this week I was extremely busy getting those last minute gifts taken care of, getting all of my baking done and finding some extra time to read and do crafts!

In our homeschool this week…
We took the week off, though I am reading ahead in The Children of the New Forest to Destini and Chantry to help get the book finished by the end of Term 2.

Destini and Caleb had a few thing unfinished from last week so it took quite a bit of ~~nagging~~ encouragement to get them to finish!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
On Monday I took the kids out to do their Christmas shopping. We made a day of it and had lunch at Wendy's, which was a big hit. I had to take the boys back out Wednesday morning to look for that elusive gift that Destini wanted. We never did find it so the boys settled on different gift instead of running all over looking for it.

On Friday, we went to a "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" Birthday Party hosted by our homeschool group. The kids had fun playing with their friends.

My favorite thing this week was…
Spending a relatively relaxing week with my family.

Things I’m working on…
I made a pillowcase and also started working on a jumper for a present for Delani.

I’m reading…

I’m cooking…
Apple bars, pumpkin rolls, Turtle Rollo Candy, & Gumbo.

I’m grateful for…
The birth of Jesus Christ!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Here is Delani singing her first solo in church last Sunday.

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:17:00.000-08:00

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - December 12-16, 2011

2011-12-17T23:23:00.000-08:00

In my life this week…This was a busy week.
-On Monday evening I found out we were going to have a White Elephant gift exchange at the couple's night for my homeschool group. So I scrounged around and decided to make An Apron in an Hour and include a Taste of Home Magazine.
-Tuesday we attended the couple's night and had a great time. Caleb's 16th birthday was Wednesday so we went to Famous Dave's for dinner and then quickly went home to have a small party for him for friends and family.
-Thursday evening I decorated some towels and made another hour apron for a Christmas gift for Caleb's tutor to give on Friday.
-Friday evening was spent running errands to prepare for our church's annual Christmas get together on Saturday.

In our homeschool this week…We work diligently on school work so we can have the next two weeks off. One year I am going to be so organized and start school early enough that we can fit in three weeks off.

Caleb finished his Geography book, How the Heather Looks by Joan Bodger
and started Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl.

Destini and Chantry are enjoying Exploring Creation with Zoology 2. I bought the Jr. Journal for Chantry to use, then I began to question the wisdom of this and wondered if I should hold off for another year. I am happy to say that so far it has been a success. He seems to enjoy it and has done it without complaining. We have only used the notebook part so far.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…The three oldest kids had dentist appointments on Tuesday and Caleb had his writing tutoring on Friday.

My favorite thing this week was…Caleb's birthday. We presented him with a toolbox and likened the different tools to his walk with God. Both of his papas gave him one of their own personal tools with a scripture to add to his tool box.

Things I’m working on…I have been getting presents wrapped and I was actually able to sew. The house has been extremely cleaned with two events in one week.

I’m reading…

I’m cooking…Chocolate Cake and Rolo Pretzel Turtles.

I’m grateful for…My oldest son, Caleb! He is such a blessing and turning into a fine young man.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…Here are the aprons and the towels that I made and decorated.

From Blogger Pictures

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

2011-12-14T23:54:00.000-08:00

I am kind of in shock, but today, Caleb turned 16! This just can't be happening to me!!!!!!!! But enough of my moaning and groaning, Caleb is turning into such a fine young man and we are thankful for how he has blessed our lives.

We had dinner at Famous Dave's...

and finished at home with a small party at home with grandparents and a few friends.

Happy Birthday, Caleb! We love you!!

Teaser Tuesday

2011-12-13T02:12:00.000-08:00

"But aren't you having Thanksgiving at the funeral parlor like you do every year?"

That turned a few heads and raised a few eyebrows. p.122

Teaser Tuesday

2011-12-05T23:56:00.000-08:00

"What are the Betsy-Tacy books?" asked Emma.

Stunned silence fell over the picnic table. p. 13

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: November 28 - December 2, 2011

2011-12-05T01:43:00.000-08:00

Caleb opinion on our new artist we are studying.

In my life this week…
Wow! I didn't know if I would actually survive this very interesting week. It all started when we went to put up the Christmas tree, which usually requires hauling several pieces of furniture out into the garage and moving things around. Well, we ended up doing a major overhaul. We ended up getting a great deal on a china cabinet, which made it possible to condense two pieces of furniture into one.

When it was all said and done we ended up getting rid of two pieces of furniture out of the house, moving dishes, food, and office supplies out of cabinets and drawers, and rearranging furniture. It sounds easier than what is was. From Monday until Saturday I had to move around big piles of papers, dishes, books and all the junk that is easy accumulated and try to have a normal life--easier said than done! I am happy to say that I only have a few boxes filled with DVDs, Wii games and CDs that need to find a home and I think we can call it good. Whew! I'm worn out just writing about it!

In our homeschool this week…
We started a new term this week. I was still frantically trying to put the final touches on the kid's school schedules Sunday evening, so I really wasn't excited about starting up. I still wanted vacation!!

Caleb head into this new term still working on the same books.

Destini and Chantry finished reading The Princess and the Goblin, which was a big hit and now have a new literature book, The Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat. This is my first time to read this book so it will be a fun reading adventure together.

We also have a new Composer and Artist we will be studying this term. For our Artist we will be following Ambleside Online's pick, Albert Bierstadt. This week we studied, The Wetterhorn and read through his biography. You can see Caleb's thoughts from the picture above.

For our Composer we will be listening to Mozart. This week we listened to Serenade No. 13 in G major or Eine Kleine Nacht Musik.

We started a new hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and folksong, Over the River and Through the Woods, which we will focus on for the next five weeks.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Here is great list of The 5 Best Gifts of All Time.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We got up early on Tuesday and headed to Portland to get the boys' haircuts. Then we stopped at my all time favorite store, Exodus Books, and I purchased some Christmas presents and also added The Princess and Curdie, Story of the Amulet, and Ginger Pye to our collection.

On Friday we had to cancel Caleb's writing class due to Delani running a fever.

My favorite thing this week was…
Finally getting the Christmas tree up AND decorated!!

Questions/thoughts I have…
BEWARE when putting up the Christmas tree.

I’m reading…

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Ta-da, behold The Christmas Tree!!!!!!!

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-11-28T23:34:00.000-08:00

A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel: The Second Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon

"I trailed the man to Alvescot, where he - or some other, I cannot know - lay in wait for me behind the churchyard wall. When I investigated a sound I heard from the lynch gate I was thumped across the head for my curiosity." p. 215

From Our Home to Yours...

2011-11-23T22:23:00.000-08:00

Heiress by Susan May Warren

2011-11-23T00:12:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

The beautiful heiress daughters of newspaper magnate August Price have been given everything their hearts desire. But what if they want only to be loved--without an enormous price tag attached? When one daughter pursues a desirable marriage, she secures for herself a comfortable and glamorous life. But among the duties of privilege, will she also find the happily-ever-after she seeks? Her sister rejects the trappings of wealth, choosing instead to build a new life on the still-untamed frontier. Will she find happiness in independence or discover that she's left her heart behind in New York's glittering society? Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, each woman discovers that being an heiress just might cost her everything--including the chance for true love.

My thoughts:
I have really enjoyed Susan May Warren's books in the last few years and I was excited to read Heiress (Daughters of Fortune). The beginning of the story reminded me of another book I had read recently set during the Gilded Age, which I found depressing. I was disappointed and almost gave up reading the book. I decided to keep going a little bit more and thankfully the book took a different turn, well actually, several different turns and by then I was hooked.

Heiress (Daughters of Fortune) is an epic story that spans quite a bit of time. Esme and Jinx are sisters whose lives take very different turns, but even though one shuns society and one thrives in it, it does not bring them happiness. Ultimately, deceit and selfishness lead to a lives of unhappiness and hopelessness. Slowly they come realize that the love of God can heal and help.

While I was reading I kept thinking that the story reminded me of a Bible story, but I couldn't put my finger on it. At the end of the book the author noted that this story an adaptation of Jacob and Esau. This is a heart-stopping story that you won't want to put down. I definitely look forward to reading more books in this series.

What's On Your Nightstand - November

2011-11-21T21:38:00.000-08:00

I have to start off saying that my intended reading for October was derailed. I couldn't read two books I had listed due to them still being on hold at the library. I also intended to read Educating the WholeHearted Child, but I replaced it with another that I want to have read by the end of this week.

Here is my list for December:

From my October Nightstand I read:
Heiress (Daughters of Fortune) - Susan May Warren
The Unquiet Bones: The First Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon (Hugh De Singleton 1) - Mel Starr
Treasure of the Golden Cheetah: A Jade del Cameron Mystery - Suzanne Arruda
The Wheel on the School - Meindert DeJong (review)*

I also read:
The Crocodile's Last Embrace: A Jade del Cameron Mystery - Suzanne Arruda
Heavenly Hospitality: 250+ Everyday Ideas for Welcoming Guests into Your Home (Focus on the Family Presents) - JoAnn Janssen
Letters From Home - Kristina McMorris

I listened to:
Jo's Boys - Louisa May Alcott
A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax - Dorothy Gillman
Mrs. Pollifax on Safari - Dorothy Gillman
Don Quixote (Adapted for Modern Listeners) - Miguel de Cervantes
*read aloud

See what others are reading over at 5 Minutes for Books.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-11-21T21:04:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Tale of Castle Cottage (The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter) by Susan Wittig Albert

(Badger Rules of Thumb are not strict rules but rather guidelines for personal and community behavior that badgers have adopted in order to get along in this topsy-turvy world. They are rather like the Ten Commandments, although perhaps more frequently observed.) p.27

The Mother's Homeschool Journal - November 14-18, 2011

2011-11-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

Delani was helping Mom out while we had our family devotions.

In my life this week…
This week was a little more normal. We have had an invasion of pesky ants all week long which has been very annoying!

In our homeschool this week…
We are closing in on the end of Term 1.

Caleb decided he was behind in his free reading and whipped through The Dragon and the Raven by G.A. Henty and Pushcart War by Jean Merrill. He left me pleasantly surprised!

Chantry and Destini finished The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, which they absolutely loved. They also started Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day. Chantry will be doing the Junior Journal and Destini will be using the regular Journal.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
This great article by Sally Clarkson. Convicting and inspiring!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We topped the week off with an afternoon at the bowling alley with our homeschool group. Delani was thrilled that she could bowl!

My favorite thing this week was…
Watching Delani bowl--too cute!

Things I’m working on…
Getting my plans read for our next term. I have one kids down and three to go. I also will be spending time in the kitchen getting ready for Thanksgiving, though Costco's Pumpkin Pies are really calling my name.

I'm also hoping to do some sewing and then planning out my Black Friday shopping trip.

I’m reading…

I’m grateful for…
My family!

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

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Book Review: The Alastair Trilogy by Georgette Heyer

2011-11-18T00:43:00.000-08:00

These Old Shades-Book Description:

Set in the Georgian period, about 20 years before the Regency, These Old Shades is considered to be the book that launched Heyer's career. It features two of Heyer's most memorable characters: Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, and Leonie, whom he rescues from a life of ignomy and comes to love and marry.

The Duke is known for his coldness of manner, his remarkable omniscience, and his debauched lifestyle. Late one evening, he is accosted by a young person dressed in ragged boy's clothing running away from a brutal rustic guardian. The Duke buys "Leon" and makes the child his page. "Leon" is in fact Leonie, and she serves the Duke with deep devotion. When he uncovers the true story of her birth, he wreaks an unforgettable revenge on her sinister father in a chilling scene of public humiliation.

Devil's Cub-Book Description:
Devil's Cub is one of Georgette Heyer's most famous and memorable novels, featuring a dashing and wild young nobleman and the gently bred young lady in whom he finally meets his match?

Like father, like son?
Dominic Alistair, Marquis of Vidal and fiery son of the notorious Duke of Avon, has established a rakish reputation that rivals his father's, living a life of excess and indulgence. Banished to the Continent after wounding his opponent in a duel, Vidal schemes to abduct the silly aristocrat bent on seducing him into marriage and make her his mistress instead. In his rush, however, he seems to have taken the wrong woman?

A young lady of remarkable fortitude?
Determined to save her sister from ruin, virtuous Mary Challoner intercepts the Marquis's advances and throws herself into his path, hoping Vidal will release her upon realizing his error. But as the two become irrevocably entangled, Mary's reputation and future lie in the hands of a devilish rake, who finds her more fascinating every day.
Infamous Army: A Novel of Wellington, Waterloo, Love and War -Book Description:

IN THE SUMMER OF 1815, with Napolean Bonaparte marching down from the north, Brussels is a whirlwind of parties, balls and soirees. In the swirling social scene surrounding the Duke of Wellington and his noble aides de camp, no one attracts more attention than the beautiful, outrageous young widow Lady Barbara Childe. On their first meeting, dashing Colonel Charles Audley proposes to her, but even their betrothal doesn't calm her wild behavior. Finally, with the Battle of Waterloo raging just miles away, civilians fleeing and the wounded pouring back into the town, Lady Barbara discovers where her heart really lies, and like a true noblewoman, she rises to the occasion, and to the demands of love, life and war...

My thoughts:
I recently read the Alastair Trilogy by Georgette Heyer. I bought These Old Shades and Devil's Cub for my Kindle and discovered later that there was a third book, Infamous Army: A Novel of Wellington, Waterloo, Love and War . Since I have a thing for series, I had to read them all!

I found These Old Shades to be a slower Heyer read. It took awhile to for the action to happen. I think this had a lot to do with being set in the Georgian period. Once the plot was all laid out then the action surfaced it was an enjoyable read.

Devil's Cub is Heyer at her finest! Filled with her classic witty dialogue, this story starts off with a bang and just keeps going. This was a hard book to put down.

Infamous Army: A Novel of Wellington, Waterloo, Love and War was a very different Heyer novel. I would definitely classify this as a historical novel. At first it took me a while to figure out how Lady Barbara Childe, the heroine, fit into the Alastair family. Then when I got to the description of the actual battle of Waterloo my brain was spinning. So it sounds like I hated it, right? Actually, no. When I reached the final page I felt perfectly satisfied with the story.
Infamous Army: A Novel of Wellington, Waterloo, Love and War is a more meatier novel that shows the folly of deceit, the beauty of forgiveness, and survival of the human spirit in a time of war.

Book Review: The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong

2011-11-17T10:56:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Why do the storks no longer come to the little Dutch fishing village of Shora to nest? It was Lina, one of the six schoolchildren who first asked the question, and she set the others to wondering. And sometimes when you begin to wonder, you begin to make things happen. So the children set out to bring the storks back to Shora. The force of their vision put the whole village to work until at last the dream began to come true.

My thoughts:
We are slowly working our way through our additional reading list for the year. Since we had read a lot of fantasy lately and I needed a change of genres, I picked The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong. The Wheel on the School does start our a little slow laying the groundwork for finding a wheel for the school, but as new characters are added the story quickly becomes interesting and by the end you are totally engrossed in the story. This is not only is the story about finding a wheel so that Shora might attract storks, but it is a story of friendship, family, and whaat can happen when everyone works together.

At the beginning of the story the village and people of Shora seem old and mean and honestly kind of boring. Definitely not a place where a child would want to grow up at. But as the children begin to notice that they don't have any storks in their village they begin to ask questions and to befriend many people in the village and everyone works together to bring storks to Shora. The story builds into a very exciting and suspenseful climax and leaves the reader just a little disappointed when the book ends.

My kids really enjoyed this read, more so than Along Came a Dog, which we read last year. The Wheel on the School is an exciting, funny, and 'feel good' story. Highly recommended!

Teaser Tuesday

2011-11-14T21:15:00.000-08:00

Letters From Home by Kristina McMorris

All things considered, and painful though it would be, Liz accepted what she needed to do. Eyes squeezed shut, heart crumbling, she said good-by to Morgan for good. p. 193

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - November 7-11, 2011

2011-11-13T23:59:00.000-08:00

All finished!

In my life this week…
I had another busy week.

Destini had celebrated her birthday on Tuesday. We took her our to eat at Famous Dave's, then Shade and I had to attend a minister's meeting, so we pushed the actual celebration to Wednesday evening.

Wednesday evening we had Destini's Birthday celebrations. Her grandparents and two friends were able to come and celebrate with us. We had cake and ice cream and a lot of fun!
Friday evening we went over to a friend's house for dinner and a fun evening of playing Rook.

These activities of course were added on top of all the usual things I do...shopping, piano lessons, errands, working at my library bookstore, etc.

In our homeschool this week...
We are closing in on the end of our first term so some of the books being read are coming to an end.

Caleb finished up his devotional reading book and he finally finished his free reading book, The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Book 3) by J.R.R. Tolkien. He started The Dragon and the Raven by G.A. Henty.

Destini and Chantry finished Exploring Creation with Zoology I: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day. Apologia's Elementary Science are big hit in our household!

Chantry (and I) finished reading Leonardo da Vinci by Diane Stanley for his biography selection.

My favorite thing this week was…
Celebrating Destini's birthday and spending time with friends.

Things I’m working on…
I'll admit I'm a terrible procrastinator! It is imperative that I work on Caleb's science plans and planning out Term 2 for the kids.

I’m reading…

I’m cooking…
Please note: I made two D*rn Good Chocolate Cakes with Martha's Chocolate Icing both recipes from Chocolate from the Cake Mix Doctor. One was Destini's birthday cake which I topped with cut up pieces of Twix candy.

I’m grateful for…
My daughter who is turning into a beautiful young lady and for time spent with friends.

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

This is how we found the little girl who insists she doesn't need a nap!

Birthday cake!!

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Happy Birthday, Destini!

2011-11-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

Destini,

You have blessed our lives for 12 wonderful years!

Mom & Dad

Teaser Tuesday

2011-11-07T23:35:00.000-08:00

Clipped to the paper was a newspaper obituary for David Worthy. And on the paper were written the words:

Why did you let me die? p. 18

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: October 31 - November 4, 2011

2011-11-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

Taking a break to rake the leaves.

In my life this week…
Wow! Life happened!!!! The beginning of the week went pretty well. I attended my homeschool mom's meeting and had a great time.

I knew that Thursday was going to be tough, since Delani was going in to get cavities in her mouth filled. To do this they were going to put her to sleep with anaesthesia. So Thursday came and we made it to the dentist office without a big hassle with her not eating breakfast. After her procedure is when it became difficult. It took quite a while for the anaesthesia to wear off and for her to finally feel like eating. Of course, everything was a BIG deal all evening long.

Then life got more exciting...She woke up Friday morning with all the complaints of a bladder infection. So off we went to the doctor's office to get that checked out. Ughhh! I definitely was emotionally drained by Friday evening.

In our homeschool this week…
We kept on track for the first part of the week, but our Thursday and Friday routine took a nose dive.

We did get to Caleb's class for writing. He interviewed his Papa and wrote out his interview for his assignment. Next week he is going to write it into a story.

One of Destini and Chantry's literature selections is The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald. My kids are dying to find out how the the story ends, but we still have 2 weeks left to read in it!
They are begging and pleading for me to read more. I've got them right where I want them (insert evil chuckle here)!

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
When life happens, go with the flow!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Besides the dentist office and doctor's office...
On Monday we were able to take our nature walk. We were going to work on drawings, but it started raining and we ended up being completely soaked!!! It required going home right away and changing our clothes. I went to put my coat on the next day and it was still wet! We never did get any drawing done.

After Delani's doctor's appointment on Friday, we headed to Caleb's writing class.

Things I’m working on…
Here is what I need to work on:
-Next term's schedules
-making a dress for Delani and a skirt for Destini for our upcoming Christmas picture
-cleaning my craft table off in my room

I’m reading…

I am really enjoying One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp, even though it is taken me awhile to get through This is a book to savor and let sink in deep.

I’m grateful for…
the strength of the Lord to lean upon.

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

Pictures of fall leaves and the river that I captured on our nature walk right before the rain.

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Book Review: Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

From the moment Mary Poppins arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane, everyday life at the Banks house is forever changed. This classic series tells the story of the world's most beloved nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement with her everywhere she goes. Featuring the charming original cover art by Mary Shepard, these new editions are sure to delight readers of all ages.

It all starts when Mary Poppins is blown by the east wind onto the doorstep of the Banks house. She becomes a most unusual nanny to Jane, Michael, and the twins. Who else but Mary Poppins can slide up banisters, pull an entire armchair out of an empty carpetbag, and make a dose of medicine taste like delicious lime-juice cordial? A day with Mary Poppins is a day of magic and make-believe come to life!

My thoughts:

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers was on our free read list from last year, but Destini pleaded with me to skip it. She had remembered the listening to the audio when her older brother had listened to it several years ago and thought that Mary Poppins was mean. So I obliged--until we attended Mary Poppins on Broadway earlier this summer. I brought home our own personal copy of Mary Poppins as a souvenir and told Destini we were going to read it and see how it compared with the show. With summer vacation and a trip to my parents it was a couple of months before we were able to get to it.

The book Mary Poppins does not resemble the Disney film nor the Broadway Musical very closely at all. Mary Poppins is strict and brisk in her manners. She is also very concerned about her appearance. She does take the children on some funny, some weird, and some hilarious escapades, but when they are finished she acts like they never happened. This leaves the children confused, but through all of this they seem to love her and are very disappointed when the west wind blows her away.

So what is the charm in Mary Poppins? The magical adventures are fun and you can't help but like Jane, Michael and the twins. Mary Poppins herself is not that loveable and takes some getting used to. After we finished the book, Destini's first question was if we were going to read the next book, Mary Poppins Comes Back. She still feels the Mary Poppins isn't very nice, but she is curious to know what will happen next. I am curious to know just to see if story elements from Mary Poppins Comes Back are in the film or the Broadway show. Kind of weird, I know, but that just really interests me!

Overall, I don't think that Mary Poppins is a must read, but I don't think it is a waste of time either. There are pros (all the fun magical incidents) and cons (Mary Poppin's briskness). Hopefully, we will be able to continue the series just to see how things turn out and have a more definite opinion on Mary Poppins!

See what other's are reading aloud over at Hope Is the Word.

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - October 24-28, 2011

2011-10-31T23:52:00.000-07:00

I have had a very busy weekend, so this is the better late than never edition...

In my life this week…
I had a very busy week. Delani had to visit the dentist on Tuesday, where I also signed my life away for her upcoming dental work. I attended a Woman's Conference, so that made my week seem very crunched for time. I also had to put away all my summer clothes and pull out all my winter clothes which is very time consuming.

In our homeschool this week…
Since I wasn't going to be home on Friday that gave us one less day to do work. I had a few things assigned for Caleb to do on Friday, but when it came time to leave that was the last thing on my mind and I forgot to remind him.

Caleb started Biology 101. He is reading Exploring the World of Biology along with the DVDs. I am still working on finalizing the weekly plans, but we dived right in.

In history, Destini and Chantry learned about some very unsavory characters. In their world history,Our Island Story we delved into Bloody Mary's reign--not a pretty picture! In our American History book, This Country of Ours, we read about how the Spaniards drove the French out of Florida. Both are reading about Leonardo da Vinci for our biography selection. Chantry and I are reading Diane Stanley's book and Destini is reading one by Emily Hahn, which she has really enjoy.

I’m reading…

I’m cooking…
Potato soup! We had a real cold spell this week and it was perfect weather for soup.

I’m grateful for…
A furnace!

I’m praying for…
Delani and her upcoming dental date.

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

Potato Soup

Teaser Tuesday

2011-10-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

The Unquiet Bones: The First Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon by Mel Starr

I was called to the castle because of my profession: surgeon. Had I known when I chose such work that cleaning filth from bones might be part of duties, I might have continued the original calling chosen for me: clerk. p. 17

Book Review: A Wonderbook for Girls and Boys by Nathaniel Hawthorne

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Thousands of years ago, when monsters roamed the earth and magic rules the world, the Greeks set sail among the islands of the Aegean Sea in search of incredible riches and fantastic adventures...adventures that would become legendary.

-The Gorgons: cruel witches with snakes for hair.
-Midas: everything he touched turned to gold...even people.
-Hercules: the greatest hero of all time.
-Chimaera: part lion, part goat, part snake—but all monster!
-Pegasus: the magical flying horse.

These are only a few of the fabulous heroes and monsters in the collection of classic Greek adventures retold especially for young people by one of the world's greatest authors.

My thoughts:
I'll be the first to admit that Greek mythology just isn't my thing! Last year while working through Ambleside Online's Year 2, A Wonder Book: For Boys and Girls by Nathaniel Hawthorne was on the list and I ignored it all year. So when we started this year I finally decided to plunge in our introduction to Greek Mythology with A Wonder Book: For Boys and Girls .

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Many of these tales I was already familiar with and all were told in a very entertaining and charming way. My kids really enjoyed each tale and it inspired some conversation about how similar some of the tales were to Bible stories. Their favorite parts though were the "Introductions" and the "After the Story" that were included with each tale. You could not help but enjoy and laugh at Eustace Bright, the storyteller, and his listener's, Periwinkle, Dandelion, Huckleberry, Squash-Blossom, Milkweed and the others.

Overall, I have to say A Wonder Book: For Boys and Girls was a good read and a great introduction to Greek mythology. We look forward to reading more of Nathaniel Hawthorne's tales in Tanglewood Tales: For Girls and Boys.

See what other's are reading aloud over at Hope Is the Word.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-10-24T23:48:00.000-07:00

"You don't know the half of it." said Harry. "I may not know any Machame, Jade, but I'd bet my rifle that she just cursed you, too." p. 119

What's On Your Nightstand - October

2011-10-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

For October, I plan to read:

From my September Nightstand, I read:
Beyond All Measure - Dorothy Love
Blue Skies Tomorrow - Sarah Sundin
An Infamous Army - Georgette Heyer
The Phoenix and the Carpet - E. Nesbit*
What Mary & Joseph Knew About Parenting - Rick Osborne

I also read:
Against the Wind - Brock and Bodie Thoene
The Cure for the Troubled Heart - Ron Mehl
The Little Women Letters - Gabrielle Donnelly
Mary Poppins - D.L. Travers*
Much Ado About Nothing - William Shakespeare
Out of Control - Mary Connealy
Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most - Brooke McGlothlin

I listened to:
The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax - Dorothy Gilman
Fair Weather - Richard Peck
Fourth Dawn by Brock & Bodie Thoene
A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear

I am currently reading:
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are - Ann Voskamp

*Read aloud

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - October 17-21, 2011

2011-10-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

In my life this week…
I finally got around to getting some housework done. I put a nice dent in my ironing pile and the bathrooms are all sparkly! Other than that life was very normal, which is a good thing.

In our homeschool this week…
We are have finished Week 7 of our first term and we are real close to being on track.

Caleb finished up his poetry recitation "If" by Rudyard Kipling and performed it in church. He is going to work on "Attitude" by Charles Swindoll for his next recitation.

Chantry is doing working on Level 2 of First Language Lessons and he performed "The Goops" by Gelett Burgess.

Destini is working on "The Lamb" by William Blake. Since she got a late start she is still learning it.

You can also read about our Composer Study here.

I am inspired by…
One Thousand Gift by Ann Voskamp.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We were able to go on our nature walk--yeah! We went to a nature park I have never been to, but we actually were able to see some nature--including a snake!

My favorite thing this week was…
We finally were able to finish our Shakespeare play, Much Ado About Nothing, that we started ages ago. Next on the list is Twelfth Night and Destini gets to join along this time.

Things I’m working on…
I'm still working on planning out Caleb's Biology class together. I need to get it finished this weekend because we need to get going in it.
I’m reading…

I’m grateful for…
The fun times I have had reading aloud to my kids.

I’m praying for…
Delani--she will be going in next week to get the cavities in her teeth filled. Since she is being put asleep for the procedure, I am praying all goes well.

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

This snake was crossing the path we were walking on

while taking our nature walk.

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Our Study of Scott Joplin: "King of Ragtime"

2011-10-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things of a Charlotte Mason education is the focus on the study of Hymns, Folksong, Composers, and Artist. Ambleside Online always has a nice rotation going that I usually follow, but for our first term I decided to pick my own composer.

A couple of months ago, Destini's piano teacher was talking to her about different kinds of music and mentioned ragtime. That got my brain a whirling and I decided that we would study Scott Joplin: "The King of Ragtime."

We have slowly read the biography, Raggin':A Story About Scott Joplin by Barbara Mitchell that I was able to find at the library. We take time on Friday to do Composer Study and so far we have studied three of his different "rags", The Maple Leaf Rag, Swipsey Cakewalk, and The Entertainer. It definitely gets the blood pumping!

I am linking up over at ~a teaching heart~.

Book Review: The Phoenix and the Carpet by E. Nesbit

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

The Phoenix and the Carpet is E. Nesbit's second fantasy novel and is the sequel to Five Children and It. From Robert, Anthea, Jane and Cyril's new nursery carpet there falls a mysterious egg which is hatched in the fire to reveal a benevolent, resourceful and ingenious Phoenix who explains that the carpet is possessed of magic qualities. And so begins a series of fantastic and bizarre adventures as the carpet transports the children and the Phoenix to places as diverse as a chilling French castle, a desert island and even the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company's offices, which the Phoenix believes to be a shrine for his followers.

My thoughts:
Earlier this year I read aloud 5 Children and It by E. Nesbit, which was a big hit with my kids. While visiting my parents in September I came across the sequel, The Phoenix and the Carpet, so we brought it home and added it to our read aloud list.

The children are introduced to the Phoenix, a bird, but not just an ordinary bird. This bird is very old and extremely vain! From him they learn that their new carpet is a magic carpet. Many amazing and exciting adventures take place as they travel on the magic carpet. Of course, just because it is magic doesn't mean everything turns out okay! Filled with many disastrous and sometimes hilarious results, The Phoenix and the Carpet is full of hilarious and sometimes disastrous results.

The Phoenix and the Carpet was a big hit in our house and we look forward to reading more about them in The Story of the Amulet.

See what others are reading at Hope is the Word.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-10-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

The shoe was on Emma's foot. It was, quite simply, spectacular. p. 112

The Homeschooler's Mother's Journal - October 10-14, 2011

2011-10-16T00:11:00.000-07:00

Look at that tongue!

In my life this week…
I felt like I personally had a very non-productive week. I had several kids with the sniffles, a couple of sleepless nights, too many late nights, and I didn't get a thing done around the house (except killing ants which decided to come visit). I had a whole day that I kept having a very sensitive tooth which had me worried for awhile. I decided to poke around in there and found a popcorn kernel had got jammed in there. Thankfully, my tooth is feeling fine!
In our homeschool this week…
I personally might have been unproductive, but we had a great week in school.

I finished reading aloud The Wonder Book for Boys and Girls by Nathaniel Hawthorne to Destini and Chantry. This was left over from our free reading from last year. We also have Tanglewood Tales to read, but I am going to take a break from mythology and read from English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs.

Caleb is diligently working hard. I am trying to get better on checking his list daily to see what he has finished. It seems like when I ignore his list that certain things always are left undone.

Delani is enjoying doing her "chart" and really enjoys saying the nursery rhyme of the week.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Destini had piano lessons this week and Caleb had his writing class. After his class all the men in the family went to a high school football game and that left us girls to go do a little Goodwill and Walmart shopping.

My favorite thing this week was…
Spending time with my family!

What’s working/not working for us…
Dare I say it again...SCIENCE. In fact, I am now putting my own Biology class together using the Biology 101 DVDs as the core. I am waiting for some books to arrive in the mail and hopefully I will be able to get it all planned out so we can start back up next week.

I haven't done another nature walk yet. It has turned cold and rainy--something I just don't enjoy.

Things I’m working on…
Cleaning my house!!!

I’m reading…

I am enjoying One Thousand Gifts, but I'm not sure about the other two. I have started both of them, but they haven't really grabbed me yet.
I’m cooking…
Pumpkin pancakes!

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

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Book Review: Against the Wind by Brock & Bodie Thoene

2011-10-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

As Nazi forces tighten their net of evil over Europe in 1940, famed Jewish concert violist Elisa Lindheim Murphy escapes from Vienna to England. But both Elisa and her American newsman husband, John Murphy, are convinced that nowhere in Europe is safe from Hitler’s seemingly unstoppable forces.
As Nazi U-boats patrol and sink Allied vessels in the North Atlantic, Elisa makes a desperate but brave decision—to accompany Jewish refugee children on a civilian transport through treacherous seas to seek asylum in America. At least there, in the land of freedom, the ragged remnant of the Jewish people can live on in peace and safety—or so she hopes. But as German torpedoes streak toward the refugee ship, Elisa will face the greatest trial of her life….

My thoughts:
I read The Gathering Storm last year, and while I liked it there were parts that confused me, so I was a little hesitant to pick up the sequel, Against the Wind by Brock & Bodie. If you have read the Zion Covenant Series you will be familiar Elisa Lindheim Murphy and her husband, John. Against the Wind gives us a glimpse of their life in 1940. As we follow Elisa journey in London and then on the refugee boat, the reader is shown pieces and parts of Elisa's story from the Zion Covenant Series through diary entries. Elisa's story is a tale of terror, suspense, and hope. It was very hard to put down! If you enjoy historical fiction, especially World War II history, Against the Wind is a great and satisfying read.

I am linking up over at:

Teaser Tuesday

2011-10-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

He wanted to see the tracks, but mostly he'd wanted to get Julia off by herself. Women could surely mess with a man's ability to control a situation. p. 149

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - October 3-7, 2011

2011-10-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

In my life this week…
Well, I would have to say it was pretty typical. School, work, church, clean (not really, it was on my list, but...), shop, and laundry. I had a few nights of insomnia, so I did get some enjoyable reading finished.

I also attended my homeschool Mom's group--a definite highlight of my week!

In our homeschool this week…
-We just finished up Week 5. So far, we have been able to stay on schedule.

-With Chantry and Destini we are trying out a new spelling program. We are using Rod and Staff's Sound and Structure. So far, Destini is really enjoying it. I'm sure Chantry could ditch all things that have to do spelling!

-Caleb told his friend that Math is his favorite subject. I was surprised, but what do I know!

-Caleb started his tutoring for writing. Writing is an area that I don't feel very qualified in and happen to have a friend that really enjoys it. Hopefully, I can learn something, too.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We took a field trip to Bauman Farms, a local pumpkin patch. We tasted fresh apple cider and went out to the pumpkin patch. The kids each got a pumpkin, squash and Indian corn. They loved playing in the dark maze and the obstacle course. We brought home fresh apple cider donuts and a jug of apple cider.

My favorite thing this week was…
Our field trip and homeschool Mom's meeting.

What’s working/not working for us…
I realized that the scripture verse, Romans 6, that I picked for Caleb is a difficult piece. This weekend I'm off to look for another. That being said, he has memorized through verse 10.

We missed our nature walk. I have to rethink what day I am going to work this in
I’m reading…

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

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Book Review: Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

2011-10-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?
Filled with daring and romance, Blue Skies Tomorrow will capture readers' hearts.

My thoughts:
Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin is the last book in the Wings of Glory series. Blue Skies Tomorrow kept up the exciting and suspenseful pace that this series has had since the first book, A Distant Melody. The characters have to fight past personal demons that are haunting them, which literally makes it a fight for their lives--separate from each other. Blue Skies Tomorrow left me holding my breath hoping it all would come out right! Highly recommended!

Teaser Tuesday

2011-10-03T23:53:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

An Infamous Army - Georgette Heyer

I am still reading the same book as last week (sigh), but I am coming in close to finishing it off. Here is my teaser:

"I cannot conceive what possessed George to look twice at her. She is quite insipid." p. 453

The Homeschooler Mother's Journal - September 26-30, 2011

2011-10-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

Out for a nature walk!

I really took the picture because my youngest daughter's outfit made me giggle.

In my life this week…
It was a pretty uneventful week. I did have to go to the dentist, which I NEVER look forward to.

In our homeschool this week…
It was a smooth week. Our schedule seems to be working good. We were also able to take a nature walk, an item I always have on my list, but never get to. I don't know how much nature we saw, but the kids seemed to really enjoy it.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
The Handbook of Nature Study - Getting Started with Nature Study is what gave me that little push to go on our nature walk.

I am inspired by…
Delani who is learning Psalm 23:1.
I ask, "Who takes care of you?"
The answer should be, "The Lord is my Shepherd. Psalms 23:1.
Her normal response is, "God takes care... (I interrupt with "The Lord")...is my shepherd and he takes care of me. Number 3:1" Too cute and so precious!!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Destini and I are working our way through Beautiful Girlhood and the Companion Guide, so we went to MacDonalds for some together time. Then it was time to head off to her piano lesson.

We went to a local park for our nature walk.

My favorite thing this week was…
Having beautiful weather!!

What’s working/not working for us…
I am really enjoying A Reason for Handwriting books that Destini and Chantry are using. Both kids really needed to make their writing neater. Chantry is doing the Transitions book and Destini is doing book E.

Things I’m working on…
I am trying to update the notebook for the homeschool mom's group that I am a part of. Since all I received was sheet to copy I have to re-type every page to make changes.

I’m reading…

I’m grateful for…
My husband--who works a physical job, pastors, keeps me in line and then helps the kids with their problems in their school work. His job got him all primed for doing a 4 day week, but then they changed their mind. I know it was disappointing to him, but I appreciate his willingness to provide for our family.

I’m praying for…
My husband--I know how very tired he is.

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

Check out that pine cone!!

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Book Review: Little Men by Louisa May Alcott (Audio)

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Book Description:

The lovable Jo March, introduced to us in Little Women, is now married with two sons of her own and an adopted family of 12 boys. And she couldn't be happier. Since starting an informal school at Plumfield, Jo and Professor Bhaer provide a haven for poor orphaned boys who thrive on warmth, goodness, and the affectionate interest of the March and Bhaer families. Sometimes it's difficult to tame the wild manners and spirits of wild boys who have had no nurturing. But the Bhaers have time for all and are rewarded with the trust of the boys who confide all their hopes, plans, ambitions, and misfortunes.

My thoughts:
I can't begin to express how much I enjoyed re-reading Little Men by Louisa May Alcott. The wild Jo March has been tamed into a wonderful mother, wife and caregiver to her little school of men. In case you think it might be full with the wild romping of boys that are a few little girls involved also. This story is full of delightful adventures, disasters, and learning the boys (and girls) experience at Plumfield.
If you are a mother this book will really tug at the heartstrings. I found as I listened that I could learn a lot from the Bhaers and their parenting techniques, the main one being the unconditional love they showed to their boys. Not only that but I really enjoyed the view from the past of how the children in those days entertained and themselves. It was very enlightening and educational! Overall, Little Men is an enjoyable yet very touching story.

On a side note: If it bothers you that Jo married Mr. Bhaer then I highly recommend reading Little Men. It really helps to see how their relationship works out.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

An Infamous Army: A Novel of Love, War, Wellington and Waterloo by Georgette Heyer

"Well!" Barbara said. "You will allow that at least I never contracted a secret marriage!" p. 355

Weavings

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - February 6-10, 2012

Happy Birthday, Shade!

Reading Journal - February 10: The Blythes are Quoted, The Organized Heart & More

Book Review: Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 30 - February 3, 2012

Reading Journal - February 3: A Little Romance Along with an Excellent Memoir

The Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge 2012 - Follow Up

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 23-27, 2012

Book Review: Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery

Teaser Tuesday

What's On Your Nightstand - January

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 16-20, 2012

Book Review: A Dublin Student Doctor by Patrick Taylor

Book Review: Alice's Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 9-13, 2012

Reading Journal - January 13

Book Review: After Many Days: Tales of Time Passed by L.M. Montomery

Composer Study: Mozart

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - January 2-6, 2011

Reading Goals for 2012

Reading Journal - January 6

Escaping into the World of Fantasy

Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge 2012

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

Book Read in 2011

Top Reads for 2011

What's On Your Nightstand - December

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - December 19-23, 2011

Merry Christmas!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - December 12-16, 2011

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: November 28 - December 2, 2011

Teaser Tuesday

From Our Home to Yours...

Heiress by Susan May Warren

What's On Your Nightstand - November

Teaser Tuesday

The Mother's Homeschool Journal - November 14-18, 2011

Book Review: The Alastair Trilogy by Georgette Heyer

Book Review: The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - November 7-11, 2011

Happy Birthday, Destini!

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: October 31 - November 4, 2011

Book Review: Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - October 24-28, 2011

Teaser Tuesday

Book Review: A Wonderbook for Girls and Boys by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Teaser Tuesday

What's On Your Nightstand - October

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - October 17-21, 2011

Our Study of Scott Joplin: "King of Ragtime"

Book Review: The Phoenix and the Carpet by E. Nesbit

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschooler's Mother's Journal - October 10-14, 2011

Book Review: Against the Wind by Brock & Bodie Thoene

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - October 3-7, 2011

Book Review: Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

Teaser Tuesday

The Homeschooler Mother's Journal - September 26-30, 2011

Book Review: Little Men by Louisa May Alcott (Audio)

Teaser Tuesday