A Journey Through Learning Review

I am what I guess you would call a lapbook newbie.  I tried one other time to make on that had little instruction and failed.  A Journey Through Learning was my second shot.  I was given the following lapbooks to review:

Letters, Numbers, and Shapes (Ages 3-5)

The Earth (Grades 1-4)

Knights and Castles (Grades 2-7)

Astronomy and Space (Grades 2-7)

I received the PDF version of these lapbooks that normally run $13.  You can also get CD versions or printed versions of most all of them as well and they run between $14 and $21.  I think this is an amazing deal because it comes with ALL the information you need to make them.  The directions are clearly written for each and every part of the lapbook.  Since I am still a newbie it was very helpful knowing that I has all the directions right there teaching me every step of the way.  We reviewed a study guide page a day and did the activity that went with us.  This was set up to just the right amount I think.  It gave us something to learn for the day but didn't take so long that he got bored of it before we finished.  I think that is key when making any kind of work for a kid in this age group.

Letters, Numbers, and Shapes Lapbook

I used the Letters, Numbers and Shapes with my 4 year old.  We are still slowly introducing him into formal school work to prepare for the start of Kindergarten soon.  This was a very simple and fun book to do with him.  It was all coloring, tracing, cutting, and gluing.  Doing the "work" of writing the letters, numbers, and shapes was rewarded by the fun of coloring and cutting.  Not to mention getting the great practice at their cutting skills.  The pictures were very fun and simple so I really do think that it was right on key with the age group it is for.  This really got me into the gear of wanting to do more lapbooks with him.  Plus he gets to look at it everyday and learn even more from it than just a normal activity.

Earth Lapbook

I also worked on the Earth Lapbook with my two daughters         that are 8 and 6.  I must say this one was AMAZING!  Not only was it a cool easy to do lapbook but it also contained                     all the learning materials.  I did not have to go look up stuff          and find information out to complete it, it was all included.          The information included in this lapbook was; water cycles,                the 4 spheres, oceans, atmosphere, and .  The kids enjoyed    coloring, cutting, and pasting all the information they learned.  Since our last attempt was a bust I was glad they enjoyed            this.  

          Though my 6 year old can not read she enjoyed doing the        steps that sister was doing.  She still learned from it though.  Here are some sample pages from this lesson, Earth Lapbook Sample.  The instructions say that doing a lesson page a day and mini booklet it should take you about a month to complete.  We took just over 3 weeks to complete ours.  Some days we were very interested in what we were learning so we did a little more.

Overall

Overall I think these were some very well done lapbooks.  I like that they are an "all in one and done" type of thing.  The only thing you need are basic supplies like your scissors, glue, crayons and file folders.  I like that all of the research was printed out for you.  We didn't have to go searching books or looking things up online.  The lessons were just the right amount to do each day.  The kids get board with something if it take a whole lot to get to the work.  Plus these lapbooks would be a great break time during a lesson plan.

Slow Down Sam

Man I think my head may explode if I do not slow down.  I am in a time of my life right now where everything is in a whirl wind.  I need to stop and take a breath and count my blessings so that I am not to overwhelmed and stressed out with the bumps that I am facing.

I am very thankful that I was able to be a part of the TOS Review Crew this year.  Not old does it help me by giving me a community of women (and one man) that have been there and done that.  I am getting to know some of these woman and it is nice to know that there is someone out there with advice or even a prayer when I need it.  Not only has it given me this wonderful community but also given me the chance to try out many different type of homeschool curriculum that I wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.  It has brought some great opportunity into my kids lives for easier learning.  Sure there are things that didn't mix well with my kids but at least now we know that it doesn't and I did not have to waste my little income on it. I also get a chance to spread the word out about the things I did love.  I enjoy being able to help out new homeschoolers with some knowledge that I have gained already in my time on the Crew.  I was once a new homeschooler and was scared on what to try and how to use it.  I was so overwhelmed with all that was out there.  It is nice to give back for sure!

I am also very thankful that I have three beautiful and healthy kids.  Sure they each have their own little quirks that make me want to pull my hair out, but it could always be worse.  The days they are fighting till no end and I want to run away I stop and think about how horrible it would feel if I didn't have them.  There is a little 1 year old battling a brain tumor in my hometown right now.  I would be so lost if that was my child and I need to stop and see that more often.  We all have hard days, even as kids.  

I have a home, though it may not be fancy it is keeping me warm and dry.  I have a car that runs and gets us where we need to go.  I need to stop wanting what I can't have.  Wanting it only makes me feel sad for myself and I should be happy with what I do have.  If God wanted me to have more then he would give it to me.  I am following what he has put on my plate to be a full time mom whom homeschools her children and goes to college.  He would put a job in my way if it was meant for me to do more.  I have applied for many jobs and tried to get one so it isn't like I am just sitting on my bum and saying it's God's way. 

I think we all have times where we are overwhelmed with life its self and we need to stop and take that deep breath and look at what is really going on behind all that hardship.

Easter is Early!

Is it just me or does anyone else feel rushed into Easter this year?  Easter is always in April and now it is March 31st!  AHHHH is what I am saying.  I LOVE Easter not only for the reason but it is also a fun family time for my family.  We are not very wealthy so even Christmas is not a huge ordeal other than celebrating Jesus' birth.  So for Easter it is a family event all day.  We work together to color the eggs and I hide them then it is so fun to watch them look for them.  We also make a big dinner for us to all enjoy and get fat and happy.  

I think anytime you can make memories together with your family is the best ever.  These are the times that the kids will never forget and I will not either.  We get to learn multiple things for school in a fun way as well as have a bible lesson.  It is so much easier to teach your children when they can get excited about things.

I found this great little snip it from Ministry to Children that makes for a great read for the kiddos.

Easter Bible Verses From Luke 24:1-12 ESV

(1) But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. (2) And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, (3) but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4) While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. (5) And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? (6) He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, (7) that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” (8) And they remembered his words, (9) and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. (10) Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, (11) but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. (12) But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

The hard part of Easter is what to put in the baskets and not spend a ton.  I usually do the summer buckets with shovels that are about a buck a piece from Wal-Mart.  We go swimming a lot in the summer so the buckets get lots of use and only last one season but it is a gift with two uses.  Now I am not really into the grass stuff as it is a MESS and gets all over.  I will  usually ball up left over tissue paper from Christmas at the bottom of the buckets.  There is one bad habit I have and I do get the kids candy.  My parents always put it in my buckets so I do the same.  I usually get cotton candy (still my favorite candy to this day) a chocolate bunny or cross, and some kind of egg.  I put some of the little egg candies in the plastic eggs and a couple I put money in for hiding.  I also try to get them some kind of fun summer toy that they will be able to use this summer.  Then I do add things like natural gummies and come goldfish type crackers.

Do you make your kids a basket?  What do you fill yours with?

Schooling in the Kitchen

Schooling in the kitchen means so many things to me.  It can be cooking class, science experiments, and every day tasks.  Last year we learned how to color Easter Eggs.  This is not only a holiday tradition but also some learning.  We learn what dyes are and how they make the white egg turn to another color.  We also learned about mixing colors and what mixes make what color.

 Or we learn about static electricity and how you can make it bend water.

1. Turn your sink on a small stream.
2. Rub a balloon on your hair.
3. Slowly move balloon towards running water.
4. Watch the balloon "push" the water away making it bend.

How do YOU teach in the kitchen?

Upcoming Time4learning Review!

I've been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.

Delight-Directed Teaching

What is Delight-Directed Teaching? 

 To me it is a gentle form of homeschooling that is child led. Instead of going to the book store and buying a curriculum you instead let your child tell you what they want to learn. It is almost like unschooling but instead of just letting your child do as they wish you have more parental support and direction.

For me this is the only way to get my kids to learn. We do not let our text books tell us what to work on or study (though I have one child that loves workbooks). My kids get interested in a subject and we try to find everything out about it. I do sneak in math in there too, like today we are learning about wales and how long they are. We compared them to our heights and how many of us it would take to make one of the whale. So they are learning what they want but still learning vital skills.

We try to add in unit studies for this as well.  When we are on a certain topic of interest we get all the books and work that we can that talks about it.  Since my kids do like worksheets we may do more book work than some other delight-directed teaching families.  Really it is all in what your kid likes and wants to do that makes it delightful!

Delight means

a high degree of gratification

joy

extreme satisfaction

something that gives great pleasure

Do these phrases describe your children's opinion of homeschool?

Giveaway!

Hello my blog readers! I have some fun news to share with you. I am participating in a Blog Hop called Teaching Creatively. The posts will run from Monday - Friday, starting March 11th -15th. Monday's post will be Delight-Directed Teaching which I will be posting my version for this! Tuesday will be Schooling in the Kitchen which I think is just the funnest thing ever! I will also be posting how we teach in the kitchen. Wednesday is Toys, Games, and Puzzles, Thursday is Homeschooling in a Crisis, and finally Friday will be Hands on Projects. I do not have any posts ready for the last 3 days but I hope to work on that this week and have one for each day! Hope you enjoy the hop as well as having a chance to win some great things!

I'm joining in with Marcy @Ben and Me and Sam @Sam's Noggin to bring you this awesome giveaway during the 5 Days of Teaching Creatively Blog Hop, hosted by the Schoolhouse Review Crew! The Blog Hop won't begin until Monday, but we are starting the fun early by giving you the opportunity to win incredible bundles of books and homeschool resources!

There will be a total of 3 winners chosen -- one GRAND prize, a 1st RUNNER-UP and a 2nd RUNNER-UP! The contest will begin at 12am on March 9 and end at 12am on March 17. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter, but read the contest rules, found at the at the bottom of the widget, first.

The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive ALL of the following -- a $525 value!

Geography Matters -- Profiles from History Package ($50 value) Looking for a way to help your students connect with history? The Profiles from Historyseries is dedicated to telling the stories of people, whose lives are worth remembering. Whether they made a discovery, led heroically in a war, created a masterpiece through music, or art, used a pen to change the world, or impacted humanity with their bravery—they made a difference. We can learn so much by looking at those who came before us. Be ready to change your mind about history, with Profiles from History, Volumes 1, 2, and 3.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine --  1-year membership to SchoolhouseTeachers.com, a new Print Issue of The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine, and a Homeschooling with Heart Tote Bag ($90 value)

SchoolhouseTeachers.com is an online classroom and has more than 2 dozen expert teachers who cover 25 different subjects presented via teaching videos, ongoing lesson plans, worksheets, lapbooks & unit studies, writing prompts and other assignments to choose from, students can additionally interact personally with the teachers by asking them questions and gaining feedback.

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett -- Passport Geography set, consisting of the Combos (K - 12) for United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany ($50 value) 
Taking an in-depth look at world geography with the new Passport Geography™(PPG) series by Amanda Bennett. These one-week studies use a cross-curricular approach (covering geography, history, science, etc.) to take students on virtual journeys around the globe. Each study is interactive, including daily lessons for both elementary grades and Jr/Sr High grades, with no prep required.

Shining Dawn Books -- Early Spring Bundle ($21 value)

Early spring is known for its wonderfully rainy weather, leading to lots of beautiful fungi. It’s also the season when animals busily go about their regular activities after the relative quietness of winter. This bundle will help you to explore each of these exciting aspects of the spring season in-depth.

A+ Tutorsoft -- 1-yr subscription to the online A+ TutorSoft math program -- winner's choice from    grade levels 1st-4th ($150 value)
A+ TutorSoft, Inc. provides Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH Full Curriculum products to help students improve their grades at all levels. Our Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH helps homeschooling families as well as public and private school teachers and students. A+ TutorSoft offers everyone a FREE 30 day trial on all products. Visit the top right corner of our website: http://www.aplustutorsoft.com/. And through 3/31/13 they are offering 50% off all products with code spoffer50!

Five in a Row -- Complete Digital Holiday book ($34 value)

A complement to any lifestyle of learning, this book is different from the Five in a Row manuals. It doesn’t give a specific book to study for each holiday, rather it is a treasury of traditions, memories and ideas for making your own! Each unit also includes calendar pages, blank pages for recording your own memories, and combinations of traditions and recipes, book and movie suggestions, quotes, decorating ideas, and more! 

Knowledge Quest -- Wonders of Old Timeline Book ($25 value)

Wonders of Old is divided into four historical time periods: ancient, medieval, new world and modern. Significant dates are listed at the conclusion of each section as a helpful reference. This hardcover book measures 9x12 and is printed on extra thick 70# paper for durability.

In the Hands of a Child -- 1-Year Super Membership ($75 value)

Super Memberships Save You Time and Money! Each month Super Members receive two free downloadable Lapbooks. These Lapbooks are always brand new and have not been released for sale to the general public. Super Members also receive:

• 15% discount off all purchases of existing eBook Lapbooks.
• A free Birthday
•  Lapbook10.00 off the price of any custom ordered unit

Southern Hodgepodge -- A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook ($20 value)
Looking for an easy way to add art to your days? With A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook – just add chalk pastels and paper! Short lessons for a whole year, 100 pages of tutorials, art for all ages.

Tricia Goyer -- Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska ($13 value)
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But When singer Ginny Marshall travels to the isolated town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, she is charmed by the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery. She discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between an early missionary to Alaska Territory and his accidental mail-order bride. Written by homeschool moms, Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss.

Frontier 2000 -- No Regrets: How Homeschooling Earned Me a Master's Degree by Age Sixteen by Alexandra Swann and Looking Backward: My Twenty-Five Years As a Homeschooling Mother by Joyce Swann ($20 value)
No Regrets: The engaging story of Swann's experiences growing up as a Southern Baptist homeschooled child from New Mexico earning her education at a highly accelerated pace. At the age of fifteen she became the youngest student ever to graduate from Brigham Young University in its 111 year history.

Looking Backward: From 1975-2000, Joyce Swann homeschooled each of her ten children from the first grade through master's degrees by the age of sixteen. In this book, she discusses the methods she used to teach as well as the obstacles that threatened her success.

____________________________________________

The 1st RUNNER UP will receive ALL of the following -- a $225 value!

Geography Matters -- Cultural Geography Package ($50 value) Have you ever thought that geography was a boring subject? Then you've never used these books! Eat Your Way Through the U.S.A. and Eat Your Way Around the World are a taste buds-on approach to geography. Each state or country has its unique geographical features and agricultural products. These influence both the ingredients that go into a recipe and the way food is prepared. Why stop with only your taste-buds? Let's involve all the senses by adding Geography Through Art! This hand-son approach will supplement any study of geography, history, or social studies. Geography Through Art is sure to make a lasting addition to your home or school library. You'll find yourself reaching for this indispensable guide again and again to delight and engage students in learning about geography through the culture and art of peoples around the world.

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett -- Discover the Senses Download N Go ($9 value) In this study, your child will investigate a new sense each day, learning what it is and how it works, as well as what it does for him. He will learn what impacts that particular sense. And he will meet some of history’s heroes, such as Louis Braille, who helped along the way. Each day, your student will explore and investigate, creating and adding more learning components to his Discover the Senses lapbook—building a wonderful reminder of all that he is learning to be enjoyed for years to come.

Shining Dawn Books -- Remarkable Rain ($9 value)

Quiet and peaceful, or wild and raging – rain comes in many forms. This NaturExplorers unit sets out to examine rain in all its beauty, observe its effects and make you look forward to the next rainy day!

A+ Tutorsoft -- 3-month subscription to the online A+ TutorSoft math program -- winner's choice from    grade levels 1st-4th ($50 value)
A+ TutorSoft, Inc. provides Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH Full Curriculum products to help students improve their grades at all levels. Our Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH helps homeschooling families as well as public and private school teachers and students. A+ TutorSoft offers everyone a FREE 30 day trial on all products. Visit the top right corner of our website: http://www.aplustutorsoft.com/. And through 3/31/13 they are offering 50% off all products with code spoffer50!

Five in a Row -- Set of Five Audio Files from Steve Lambert ($20 value)

We all need some inspiration from time to time! Steve and Jane Lambert have been encouraging homeschoolers on their journey since 1994. These Five in a Row audio files have been recorded at major state homeschooling conventions around the United States and Canada and have been chosen because we believe you’ll enjoy it for its wisdom, humor and encouragement shared by Steve. Including: Where do I Begin?, I Can't Teach All the Grades at Once, Making Your Children into World Changers, On Becoming Great Teachers, and High School and Beyond.

In the Hands of a Child -- 6-Month Super Membership ($55 value)

Super Memberships Save You Time and Money! Each month Super Members receive two free downloadable Lapbooks. These Lapbooks are always brand new and have not been released for sale to the general public. Super Members also receive:

• 15% discount off all purchases of existing eBook Lapbooks.
• A free Birthday
•  Lapbook10.00 off the price of any custom ordered unit

Southern Hodgepodge -- A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook ($20 value)
Looking for an easy way to add art to your days? With A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook – just add chalk pastels and paper! Short lessons for a whole year, 100 pages of tutorials, art for all ages.

Tricia Goyer -- Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska ($13 value)
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But When singer Ginny Marshall travels to the isolated town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, she is charmed by the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery. She discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between an early missionary to Alaska Territory and his accidental mail-order bride. Written by homeschool moms, Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss.

____________________________________________

The 2nd RUNNER UP will receive ALL of the following -- a $190 value!

Geography Matters -- Adventures of Munford Package ($35 value) Although he's just two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, Munford is all adventure. He can be rain, snow, sleet, or steam. He has traveled the world in search of excitement. Throughout history, he has been present at some of the most important and world-changing events. Fun and educational, Munford will inspire your children to learn more about many of history's greatest moments. These readers make a great addition to your learning experience in areas such as history, geography, and science. This book series is written on an elementary reading level, but provides plenty of read-aloud entertainment for the entire family!

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett -- Discover the Senses Download N Go ($9 value) In this study, your child will investigate a new sense each day, learning what it is and how it works, as well as what it does for him. He will learn what impacts that particular sense. And he will meet some of history’s heroes, such as Louis Braille, who helped along the way. Each day, your student will explore and investigate, creating and adding more learning components to his Discover the Senses lapbook—building a wonderful reminder of all that he is learning to be enjoyed for years to come.

Shining Dawn Books -- Remarkable Rain ($9 value) Quiet and peaceful, or wild and raging – rain comes in many forms. This NaturExplorers unit sets out to examine rain in all its beauty, observe its effects and make you look forward to the next rainy day!

A+ Tutorsoft -- 3-month subscription to the online A+ TutorSoft math program -- winner's choice from    grade levels 1st-4th ($50 value)
A+ TutorSoft, Inc. provides Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH Full Curriculum products to help students improve their grades at all levels. Our Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH helps homeschooling families as well as public and private school teachers and students. A+ TutorSoft offers everyone a FREE 30 day trial on all products. Visit the top right corner of our website: http://www.aplustutorsoft.com/. And through 3/31/13 they are offering 50% off all products with code spoffer50!

Five in a Row -- Volume 4 Digital Unit of Winner's Choice ($9 value)

Five in a Row was created by Jane Claire Lambert, a successful homeschool teacher with more than 17 years of experience. To use Five in a Row, just pick one of the 70 books used in Five in a Row, locate the corresponding lesson plan in your teacher’s guide, read the story aloud each day during the week and use Jane’s suggestions and lesson plans to lead your children on a wonderful learning adventure. It’s that simple! Each unit covers Social Studies, Geography, Language Arts, Applied Math, Science and Art in a way that causes children to fall in love with learning.

In the Hands of a Child -- 2-Month Super Membership ($45 value)
Super Memberships Save You Time and Money! Each month Super Members receive two free downloadable Lapbooks. These Lapbooks are always brand new and have not been released for sale to the general public. Super Members also receive:

• 15% discount off all purchases of existing eBook Lapbooks.
• A free Birthday
• Lapbook10.00 off the price of any custom ordered unit

Southern Hodgepodge -- A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook ($20 value)
Looking for an easy way to add art to your days? With A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook – just add chalk pastels and paper! Short lessons for a whole year, 100 pages of tutorials, art for all ages.

Tricia Goyer -- Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska ($13 value)
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But When singer Ginny Marshall travels to the isolated town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, she is charmed by the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery. She discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between an early missionary to Alaska Territory and his accidental mail-order bride. Written by homeschool moms, Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss. 

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Your calling?

Things are always changing around me.  It seems as soon as I get into a routine something knocks me over *not pointing fingers God :)*.  I think sometimes the good man upstairs doesn't want me getting comfortable.  I still have no clue what my calling in life is meant to be but I am guessing one of these days when I find out it is going to be something that keeps me on my toes.

My life is not what I ever expected it to be!  I remember being in high school dating a guy I had been with 3 years and just knew I would marry him.  Of course he isn't who I ended up with.  I got married to a person that was completely different than me.  I thought we maybe that is what I needed, plus being a bit of a rebel of teen wanting out of my home I got married and moved out at 18.  I can not say that I ever regret getting married because I know God put him in my life for my babies and to teach me something.  I know that is a big religious debate on its own seeing as most believe divorce is wrong.  In my eye God does not put ANYONE in your life that he does not mean for you to cross paths with.  I also know my God is a FORGIVING God and wants me to live a happy fulfilling life.  After all he does say all sins are forgivable.

I am not only 27 and it seems as if 10 years ago was 100 years ago.  I had three babies and went to cosmetology school.  Might I add that I was still breastfeeding on demand at that time!!!  The owners and teachers at my school were amazing and I happened to live right behind the school.  My husband at the time would bring my son over anytime he was hungry and I would feed him and get back to class or the floor.  That is one thing I am very proud of, making it through school with a child and he never once had a bottle in his mouth!  This is such a big thing for me as breastfeeding was a lot harder with my other two and they did end up with bottles.

Fast forward to now I still have 3 wonderful and healthy children.  I am a licensed cosmetologist and I am currently in year 2 of my BS in Business and Accounting degree.  I am lucky enough that I am still a stay at home mom though.  We live a minimalist lifestyle with the exclusion of having internet!  Thankfully my school loans pay my internet or I wouldn't have it either.  Sometimes my days are filled with stress and anger not knowing if I am doing the right things.  Sometimes I know what I am doing is best and though it maybe rough I will pull through it.

One day I know God will decide to finally give me my calling and I know I will be ready.  You never know he maybe keeping me on my toes now only to make my calling something that is so simple that I will get to rest in my later years!  Until then my calling is to be there for my kids the best I can.

Busy season

This has been the busiest season of the past year.  Dealing with three kids, homeschooling, college, trips, and so much more is stressful.  Being a single mom means I must be superwoman!!   Not really but sometimes it feels like you have to be in order to do it all. 

Cold weather means a lot of staying in doors.  I don't have the biggest house on the block either, it can get cramped fast.  When the kids have no way to run some energy off they get very cranky.  From past post you may know that I did not have TV at all.  Well we finally bit the bullet and bought a $10 set of rabbit ears.  May I say I love you PBS, the Krat Brothers rock!  Not to mention they are very educational.  Also Word Girl and Word World is pretty cool too.  Yes I let my kids indulge in some TV time for my own sanity.  I guess I should step down from supermom and be plain mom again :) .  

Homeschooling at this time of the year also  means more fighting.  They are bored with it and we can't use the sunshine to cheer us up to do our work outside plus we are still missing our time off that we had during Christmas break.  Not to mention MY school work.  I am coming near the end of the current class and that means REPORTS!  One downside to online college is all of the writing.  I type so many words everyday between forums, blogs, texts, and social networks that I should be much fast than I am.  I am still waiting for the super power of instant typing to happen so I don't have to pay attention it will just do it from brain waves.

\

Then the fun part was the kids dad decided last minute he wanted a visitation.  He lives about 17 hours away in the south.  So as much as I hate driving there is no way I will turn down a paid trip to the beach AND get a break from the kids I did it.  We left and I actually made it driving straight through!!!  That was a first for me, I usually have to stay over night somewhere.  I gave the kids over to their dad with school work in tow!  He was never a part of homeschool so it was very comical.  I went and walked the beach and sat in my hot tub awaiting the calls of "How do I?" :).  Maybe I should move back up to superwoman since I still didn't get a complete break because nothing works right with out mom.

Anyways we are back home and trying to get back into our own routine.  Just remember that even when things get stressful we always make it through it, even without super powers.