In Our Homeschool . . .

I’ve been wanting to start talking more about our homeschool journey here on my blog (after all, it is what first inspired me to blog – way back when – over at Homeschool Blogger (dot) com).  This past year has been a real learning and growing experience in our homeschool – so many things seemed to not go as planned.  I’m learning that sometimes those moments are the times when we learn the most.  And maybe the plan isn’t as important as I once thought.  So, anyway . . .

In my life this week…
Our week started out with a lot of rain (which always leaves me feeling somewhat depressed).  I know, I know – we need the rain, right?  But, I’m solar-powered; and I’m so much happier when the sun is shining!  The combination of the rain and the more recent sunshine have resulted in some pleasant sites around our house, though, so I can’t complain too much.  For example:

A few weeks ago, right before I left for the 2:1 Conference, I got a belated birthday package in the mail from my very dear friend Brenda and her family.  Any idea what it is? 

At the time, it was basically just a little twig that Brian and I carefully planted in the flower bed beside our house.

Now, just a few weeks later, it’s grown in size (quite a bit) and is covered with leaves and two buds! 

I couldn’t be more excited!  I’ve never had a rose bush before – and this one is extra special.  It’s a Disneyland Rose! (FYI: that link will take you to a post on the Disney Parks Blog – made on my birthday this year – which I think is totally appropriate!)  Look at that beauty! I can’t wait to see it blossom in my yard and to have a little bit of Disney with me year round! 

In our homeschool this week…
Last Thursday, the girls had their homeschool evaluations; so our school year is officially finished.  We don’t technically “have” to be done before evaluations; but we were ready for a break and it seemed a good time. 

Ashley has actually been done with school for several months now.  In fact, this past Sunday we had a graduation celebration for her.  (Would you believe I didn’t take a single picture?!  Shame on me!) 

I’ve been spending time this week working on our school schedule for 2012-13.  In the past, we have always gone digital with our schedules; but, this year, I purchased a print planner for Gracie – who will be starting 8th grade (where does the time go?!) – and I am really excited to see how it will work for her.  (I’ll post more about that later.)

One thing that took a good chunk of my time was creating a schedule for us to use with Who Is God?  The one provided in the book was only for 54 days.  I wanted something we could use all year, doing Bible 3 days a week.  So, I created a schedule using that timeframe.  (If you’re interested in it, please e-mail me and I’ll be happy to share.)

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
This weekend, we’ll be picnicking with family.  Saturday will be spent with Brian’s family and Monday with mine. 

Things I’m working on…
I mentioned this a bit above, but I’m diligently working on putting together our school schedule.  The goal is to start this next school year on July 1st.  We aren’t officially year-round homeschoolers, but we do like to start our year early so we have time to take off throughout the year as needed (and this year, we’ve got Disney planned for September!)

We’ve also been working on organizing and simplifying things here in our house.  One of my goals for the coming weeks is to go through all the boxes (storage stuff) in our basement and do a major clean-out. Then, I’d like to get some shelving for down there and really organize with containers, labels, etc.  Currently, it’s so hard to find what we’re looking for in a timely manner! 

I’m reading…
Nothing at the moment.  I just finished Donna VanLiere’s new  book – The Good Dream. It’s officially releasing in July, but I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at it.  It’s heartbreaking, uplifting, and convicting.  And, it’s typical Donna VanLiere – just an all-around great book!  I’ll be sharing a review here on my blog soon.

I’m cooking…
Not enough! Do you ever have those times when the pantry shelves are emptying, but you just can’t bring yourself to go to the store?  We’re in the midst of one of them right now.  Sometimes, we consider it a challenge – a “game” of sorts – it’s fun to see exactly what we can create from what we do have.

But, in all honestly, it’s been a lazy cooking week around here and twice we’ve had “fend for yourself night” this week.  LOL

Ashley and I are pretty proud of the cake balls that we made for her graduation party, though.  They turned out great and were a big hit with all the guests.  In the picture, you can see that we made 3 kinds – spice cake with cream cheese frosting and white chocolate coating, confetti cake with white frosting and pink coating, and strawberry cake with strawberry frosting and milk chocolate coating.  Which would be your favorite? (The holes in the few you see are from the sticks we removed to store them after the party.)

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
I hope that, by now, all homeschoolers have discovered Homeschool Mosaics.  It’s a collaborative effort by me and many of my friends to bring you homeschool encouragement and resources to help you along your homeschool journey.  Every homeschooler is welcome at our site – without regard to religious affiliation, homeschool style or method, etc.  Our posts are as varied as the authors who write them.  We hope you’ll visit often.  And be sure to let us know if there’s something you’d like to see at Homeschool Mosaics.  We’re expanding and growing every day –and would love to have you along for the ride!

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