The Homeschool Mother's Journal: Back to School (I Survived!)

In my life this week…
We have had one extremely busy summer with the end of it having a special family visiting us. I wanted to start school two weeks ago, but that didn't happen. My BIL & SIL came to visit from Minnesota and our kids wanted to spend lots of time with their cousins. Destini and Millie are best friends and haven't seen each other since last year. We had one evening that they were at our house by themselves while the rest of the kids spent the night at their cousin's house and I know they made just as much noise as all four of my kids. Of course, it was very feminine noise, but noise none the less.

We started off our Monday by heading up to Portland for a trip to Ikea. While waiting for Shade to finish work we stopped and took some back to school photos. Then we headed to Ikea to buy another bookshelf (you can never have too many!). My mom suggested that I should maybe try to get rid of some books, which is sacrilegious if you ask me.

Tuesday we started our school work. I have to admit that I didn't feel very prepared (still don't), but we forged on ahead. All in all it went pretty well.

The rest of the week was pretty low key as far as activities which was a wonderful thing. I still have boxes and books laying around trying to get old curriculum put away and reorganizing my books.

In our homeschool this week…
I was surprised how well the kids did. We have had very shaky first days in the past and thankfully this year it wasn't as tough.

Destini and Chantry are doing the same history & science readings, though some Destini is reading to herself. They are doing Apologia's Exploring Creation With Zoology 3. Chantry will be using Exploring Creation with Zoology 3 - Notebooking Journal (Junior) for written narration and Destini will be writing hers in a notebook.

For history we are using Ambleside Online Year 4. George Washington's World and This Country of Ours are our main spines. They are also reading Poor Richard for a history biography.

Caleb started Math U See Geometry. He shocked me by finishing the first lesson and taking his first test within the first couple of days.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Source: thepelsers.com via Beth on Pinterest

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
On Tuesday we went to the library and on Thursday Destini started up her piano lessons after a two month break.

My favorite thing this week was…
While at the library Chantry was talking to Molly, our favorite librarian, and she was telling him that is she was on a desert island she would want a dictionary. She then asked Chantry what books he would want on a deserted island. He replied, "I wouldn't be on a desert island!"

What’s working...
I can't begin to say how much I love George Washington's World. Genevieve Foster books are an excellent source of living books.

Things I’m working on…
Getting my books shifted around. I also need to work on notebook for my homeschool mom's group. Tuesday is our first meeting and I want to go prepared.

I’m reading…


See my Reading Journal for this week.

I’m cooking…
Ummm, I haven't been doing too well in this department. Right now if it can be grilled then it will be cooked!

I’m grateful for…
The opportunity to have my children at home.

I’m praying for…
Our church.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
This was on the back of the menu at The Cheesecake Factory. I really wanted to bring it home and frame it!


I am linking up at iHomeschool Network & Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.