too good not to share: RoadTrip USA give-away

Have you heard? 

Confessions of a Homeschooler 

is giving one lucky winner the RoadTrip USA History & Geography curriculum she developed!  

But you better hurry over there to enter.  The contest closes on April 1st!

Knock Knock. Who's There?

Trevy in his Underwear!

chicken legs! 

Letting Trevy pick a new pair of undies every time he goes tinkle is a GREAT motivator for him

And to think yesterday I was totally ready to throw in the towel...

then today he has ZERO accidents...

including a trip to Target where he used the big boy potty!

He eats up all the praise!

concentration

too good not to share: spicing up your blog

I enjoy fiddling around with my blog. I don't have as much time as I'd like to "play".  Which is why my pictures don't match on the side bar. **editor's note: the non matching pictures were driving me bonkers to the point of needing to make them match at all costs!** Also...I'm not in love with the navy blue.  I'll be changing that for sure.   But anyway...when I do have a couple minutes to rub together these are my favorite places to go for inspiration:

• The Cutest Blog on the Block - gobs of free and super cute backgrounds to choose from. 
• Hot Bliggity Blog - more free backgrounds.  Still super cute. 
• Makin.Cute.Blogs - free tutorials on lots of stuff.  Like how to center your header.  Or how to create a cute header.  Veeeeery handy.   
• Picnik - it's like Photoshop.  Only free!  I use it all the time.    

mommy hates to meal plan

I hate meal planning.  Hate it, I say.  

Oh and I try.  Do I ever try.  I've purchased magazines just because it has a weekly meal plan ad on the cover.  I've downloaded meal plans other moms have created.  I've joined meal planning websites galore.  I've confessed to friends my meal planning inadequacies just to hint for their help.  I've sat frozen for hours glaring at an empty spread sheet while trying to gather my wits and get started on my own.  I've gathered the family up and asked for their suggestions in hopes of making it easier.  You name it.  I've tried it.  But the bottom line is:  I'm a meal plan flop.   

This morning I was sweating over yet another meal planning attempt and just so frustrated.

Why is this so dang hard?! 

I was on the verge of hollering out loud! 

The easy answer:  Duh, because we can't afford a live-in chef!  But the other answer is: I make it that way.  In my constant pursuit of perfect I do have a tendency to over complicate things.   And totally wig myself out.  I'm here trying to be fancy shamancy meal planner mom.  When the reality is -frozen waffles and ready made pizza are more my imperfect style. 

So right then and there I made the choice to stop chasing perfect.  No more meal planning wig outs for me! I flipped that stupid super organized grid over and free-styled on the back!  I am just not a grid kinda girl.  I needed to simplify things even more.  And I need my list to do double duty as a grocery guide too!  I can just copy on my Cookie Monster shopping list the foods in bold and wah-lah I know what to buy!  My job is to keep the choices stocked.  Theirs is to help themselves for all non-dinner meals. This is what I came up with: 

 Breakfast Choices 

they can choose any of the choices listed provided we haven't run out AND they must be able to help themselves 

chocolate milk - cereal - fruit - toast 

Lunch Choices 

I am making a promise to myself to teach the kiddos how to prep and make these meals themselves this year, which will be especially handy on sandwich day seeing that he hates peanut butter and she bologna; we'll choose whichever option fits the mood of the day; and fruit or veggies with ranch are always on hand for a side

mini pizzas - oodles of noodles - chicken nuggets - mac n' cheese - grilled cheese - frozen waffles - sandwiches - nachos with salsa

Munchies 

I don't mind the kids grazing during breaks as long as they help themselves and clean up after themselves.  Also, I wish I were more of a grazer than a wai-ter only to pig out-er.  

fruit - applesauce - granola bars - poptarts - goldfish - pretzels - nuts - yogurt

Dinner Choices 

I'm including the days of the week but still keeping it simple enough to not overwhelm me.  Also...we always have applesauce, salad and bread & butter with our meals for the picky eaters.  I'm planning on getting this into a more detailed monthly schedule but right now it includes meals I can make with little to no brain power.  Days with more than one option means I give myself the liberty to pick one based on mood.  I actually do that often by even swapping out days of the week. 

• Monday - Little Ceasar's (cause it would be a sin to skip $3.99 night! :) 

• Tuesday - Mexican Casserole - Fried Rice - Fish Stix Tacos

• Wednesday -Something crockpot (cause it's a full day with homeschooling in the am and outpatient therapies in the pm)

• Thursday - Spaghetti & Meatballs - Porkchops & Greenbean Casserole 

• Friday - Chicken & Broccoli Casserole -  Soup & Sandwiches  - Quesidillas

• Saturday - Breakfast for dinner (or convince the hubs that we all deserve an out-for-dinner treat!)

• Sunday - Clean out out the Leftovers Day - Subway  

My style may totally not work for you.  And that...to me...is the point.  It's okay to cheat.


Cheat = doing what works for you whether it involves spreadsheets or not (just so long as it cuts down on the wigouts!)

too good not to share: adding amazon wish list to your toolbar!

I troll other homeschool blogs a lot.  A.LOT.


when I have two spare minutes to rub together, of course 


I'm always idea hunting.  And curriculum sampling.  By sampling I really mean living vicariously through what you share on your blog (pictures...pictures...gimme more pictures!) and mentally fiddling around to see if it might be a good fit for us.


So this morning I was out trolling.  Because (confession alert) I skipped the workout which allowed me two spare minutes to rub together.  Another blogger mommy had a review of an art curriculum.  Her review included lots of pictures (hooray for pictures - cries Kinesthetic me!) and personal feedback.  And I found myself thinking...


Hmmmmm...this is a possiblity for Little Rhody Academy.


When I find things I love while out trolling (or cyber homeschool window shopping) I always go check out prices on Amazon.


One thing led to another on Amazon.  Because those marketers.  Darn they're good!  Also, as our educational luck would have it...the 4th grader is struggling with grammar.  I found several books that I just neeeeeeeed.  Only I can't convince the budget at this precise moment so I added them to my Wish List instead. 


Now you might be more savvy than I.  And maybe have already found this.  But today was the first time I noticed a little install-y thing asking if I wanted to install my Amazon Wish List directly to my toolbar.


Did I ever!!!!! 


I clicked that little install thingy and away we went.


So now...cuddled right up next to my address bar (the long rectangle place where you type in web addresses) is a little "a" for Amazon.  It follows me every where I go.  And if there's something I'd like to add to my Amazon Wish List I just click that little "a" and wah lah.  It's added!  No more opening new pages.  Or leaving the site I'm at.


It's just SO great!  Too good not to share!

he's SO cute

My Hubs actually spent some time on my lil' ole blog last night.


Without being nagged, asked or forced in any way whatsoever. 


I didn't even hint!


Which is why steak is in the crock pot for din-din tonight.  


::smile::


So, this morning while we were squeezing by each other in the kitchen doing the morning shuffle.  We have a teensy kitchen.  He mentioned that he really like it.  He may have even used the word "cute"?  I'm thinking he saw the steak in the fridge when he was reaching for creamer.  But I take compliments any way I can get em'.  So he complimented my blog and then added...


But aren't you afraid you'll run out of material? 


Insert: gobs of laughter


11 years later he asks that?!


He's just SO cute!

too good not to share!

A link was posted in the yahoo workbox group I belong to that was just too good not to share... 

Dance Mat Typing 

Is an online multi-level typing program with cute (or annoying...depending on how your view it) characters to teach your homeschoolers how to use that keyboard.  My kids are fairly proficient with the one finger Type & Peck method.  But I'd really like to bring up their WPM.  (haha) 

::smile::

it might be snowing out there (because this is RI!)...

...but it's Spring up in here!


::smile::


Seriously, though.  Any time you're ready to warm things up around here Mr. Sun.  The flip flops are all pulled out. 

Remember the other day.  My easy-peasy Science post.  

Well...we finally got to it...

I use my finger paint trays for EVERYTHING!  I bought mine at Michaels...but you can also find them at Oriental Trading Co.  I think I might buy another set because they are just that handy.

"What? My DS goes with me everywhere, MOM!"

I love when we get things done together. PEACEFULLY! :)

The Sister definitely enjoyed this project the most

It was so fun opening the little packages to find the different types of seeds. 

All planted and ready to grow.  On my sadly needing to be painted sills.  

Happy Homeschooling!

it's really hard to appreciate science when your toes are freezing!

That's what we discovered last night.


When The Hubs marshaled us all up. All except the baby who snoozes early.But The Hubs...he was SO excited to show us the Perigee Moon. In case you hadn't heard...it was 14% bigger and 30% brighter than normal.

Last time it happened was '93. So it really was a big deal. And I really wanted to fully appreciate the splendor of it. And I'm sure if we lived in a more moderate climate I would have. Fully.


But as it were...we practically live in the Arctic.  Least that's how the air in The Ocean State feels this side of Africa (not so long aga we  were playing missionary in Tanzania. Which I like to randomly bring up because it makes me feel exotic and well traveled).  My freezing toes were only game for a handful of seconds worth of scientific appreciation.


The Big Brother and The Sister's toes agreed.


Next time we'll have to remember to wear our slippers.

Netflix-ing for Education. Really?

Like most families, our budget can only expand so far.  Ya know.  With a budding athlete, a promising artist, and a multiple therapy needed kiddo in the house.  Who we also believe in feeding.  And clothing.  Modesty, people! 

::wink::

Finding funding for cable tv just isn't gonna happen.  Also, we loathe having gobs of channels with zilcho value to sift through.  

Which is why I adore Netflix!  It's cheaper and instant play!  Also, because I believe in helping other homeschooling mommies (and daddies, if they're out there) out...I'm going to keep a running list of Netflix-ing we've done or are doing.  I'll even try to link in when possible.  Just for you.

::smile:: 

********************

Character Training

• 19 and Counting  - this is a whole(some) family fave

Science

• Mythbusters - the hubs and the 4th grader dig this one most
• Meerkat Manor - the mommy and the 4th grader like cuddling up and watching the antics of The Whiskers family 

History

• Liberty Kids - I love that both the 4th grader and the K-5er enjoyed this one

Reading (I'm a meanie and make him read the book first :) 

• Holes 
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 
• The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (in our que waiting release) 

Kindergarten-ish

• WordWorld - this engages all three kids (even though the 4th grader will never admit it and the littlest only for one episode at most :) 
• SuperWhy - another wonderful PBS show 
• LeapFrog - new to the instant view options!  Hooray!  

Preschool Basics (Too many to list them all!  I'm only listing the most popular for our family.  The easiest thing to do is open the Children & Family genre tab and choose the age group of your interest)

• WonderPets
• Backyardigans 
• Dora 
• Diego 
• Anything Sesame Street 
• Barney (the big kids not so much...but the littlest loves it.  And mommy is into anything that keeps the littles occupied for more than 2 minutes in a row) 
• Blue's Clues
• I could go on and on and on...but I think this is a good place to pause and let you go flip through the options that'll fit your family! 

********************

Yikes!  This post is making us sound like tv junkies.  We're really not.  Although nor are we a tv on weekends only family.  I try to make sure what they're watching is - A) wholesome and B) has educational value of some kind.  We allow them tv in the mornings while I'm prepping lunches and other miscellaneous morning madness.  Because I have learned my coffee works best when peacefully consumed.  Then when the two littlest get home from school I have initiated Rest Time.  Usually about an hour to an hour and a half in length.  This is when they get to Netflix.  I let them rotate choices.  Him - Her - Him  - Her.  She has been choosing Free Willy for a week straight now, but I just noticed Aneglina Ballerina is on instant demand so maybe today'll be something fresh and new!

I'll keep adding to my list as we find new choices...

Happy Homeschooling!

workboxing our style (Part I)

Homeschool long enough and you'll hear about it.

The Workbox System

I linked in the resource that helped me most

It's positively everywhere!

In fact, I'm not sure how I managed to be so late on the draw?  I've been homeschooling for three years and only recently stumbled onto this little gem of an idea.  I suppose I've been living in Survival Mode for the past coupla years.  Which is understandable.  And is the segue into my daily Seizure Mommy plug.

::smile::  

Because seriously...loving a baby with catastrophic epilepsy and the radical treatments it brings leaves barely enough left over to survive never mind Workbox

Anyway...

Back to Workboxes.

I fell in loooooooooove with the idea immediately.  And since it was right around my (it's way too early in our relationship for me to spill which) birthday I decided to use my mulah and race to Ikea.  Where I just knew I would find the workbox set up of my homeschooling mommy dreams! 

Sure enough! 

Of course it always looks much cuter before you start filling the bins.  But still.  I'm liking it.  

As you can see...I'm still working on labeling

Although I'm only homeschooling one right now our school room also functions as a therapy room for Trevy

I always like seeing the way other families set up...it gives me fresh ideas

We've been posting our Parade of Nations on the wall but I'm already thinking next year to either lapbook or binder our Geography

This is an idea I "borrowed" from someone else.  It's a cuter way to create a daily pocket chart-ish station.  Works great with older kids who think pocket charts are for babies!  I like this concept and will use it again next year - only better!

planning = paralyzed

I don't know what it is about planning but it paralyzes me every time. 

I want to be organized. 

I love being organized. 

I thrive when I'm organized. 

(Which is why I'm in love with the WorkBox concept)

But somehow getting from Point A (caving under the weight of all the things I need to get my act together and accomplish) to Point B (having boxes of my fully mapped out and Spirit filled life to check off on adorable little database printouts I created all on my own.  Complete with cute clip art) feel nearly impossible! 

My brain becomes little more than a bucket of fuzz.  And the rest of me is cranky.  

I've really gotta figure out a way to bite-size my to-do list so I can keep my sanity in tact for at least awhile longer...

Now if you'll excuse me.  I've got daily schedules, workbox lessons and chore plans to sit here (wiping my fuzzy brain drool from the corner of my mouth) trying to create.

::smile::

easy peasy science

I made myself comfy in the doctor's waiting room.  Which in and of itself isn't unusual (what with a Seizure Boy in the house).  The unusual part being that it was for me.

::gasp::

Evidently my immune system missed the memo.  Mommy Can't Do Sick.  I was fighting off another round of bronchitis.  The best part about bronchitis is all the alone time I get!  Cause I get to sit all by myself in the doctor's office.  Sweet Glory, I can actually read a whole article of a magazine!  I usually just get to ooh and ahh with a quickie flip-through.

In true mommy form I grabbed a family oriented mag off the rack.

In which I found an adorable science-y project, which I promptly promised myself I would do with the kids.  When I stopped hacking up a lung.  It involved using old baseball card plastic protective sleeves.  Lord knows, we have enough of those around.  Empty.  Because he prefers to throw his gobs of cards into plastic bins.  Which means we have empty plastic sleeves a-plenty.  All I needed was to buy a little dirt and a few varieties of seeds and little plastic suction cuppy things to stick it all the window then add a little water and a dash of sunshine.  And wah-lah!  A cute science project.  Easy Peasy! 

Only I didn't count on how much energy Easy-Peasy requires to hunt down the dirt and seeds and suction cuppy thingamabobs.  Energy that my lung hacking self couldn't muster.  I'd come to terms with that fact it weren't never gonna happen.   

Enter...

::que choirs of angels:: 

sweet Target. 

With their cute little prepackaged pots (I grabbed basil, chives, strawberries and green peppers ) of science!  In the dollar section no less! 

Turns out a cute little science project can be easy peasy after all! 

::smile::

I *heart* homeschooling because...

I can rub his "Mooom, I'm getting too old for this head" as the idea hits me

 

without worrying he might be teased  

the backstory

I am not a newbie blogger.

My very first blog (no longer in existence) was birthed in Africa.  Tanzania, to be precise.  Where my husband, myself and our two young children were playing missionary.  We intended to spend our lives bronzing in the African sun.  I can carry on a rusty Swahili conversation to prove it.  

::smile:: 

The shifting of that dream are the deepest roots of my second blog.  Happy Being Trevy.  

Trevy's blog is really geared towards sharing our family's journey with catastrophic epilepsy.  But I'm a mommy of more than one.  And my journey in mommy-hood includes more than marathon hospital stays and gobs of therapy.  Like...homeschooling for instance.  Yes, I'm one of those crazy moms.  For several months now I've felt a pull towards launching yet another blog.  A more whole family centric kinda thing.  Of course I'll still share about Trevy's extraordinary life over there.  But this will be my everything un-special needs place.  And will probably have a lot of homeschooling in the mix.  Because that's the other huge part of me.  Actually, it will be a bit of an exploration of myself as it unfolds.  Hmmmmm.  Could be interesting.  Or not.  Guess we'll find out together...  

::smile::