Schedules and Limited Screen Time!

Who knew that a schedule would not only work to organize our hectic days but be embraced by my children as well.

Because of sickness we had been off schedule more than on and now that things are back to normal I've been hearing things like, "I like being on a schedule.  It makes me more productive."  Every one of the five kiddoes feel that way!  That is a huge praise.

Along with our time being mapped out we've also severely curtailed screen time (computer, video games and t.v.).  This too has had marvelous results.  My screen loving son actually got some puzzles out and started them!  Unheard of before.

We also severely curtailed copious amounts of free time.  They still have some but we've filled their days with school, chores, service to others, and skill building according to their personalities.  This prevents boredom, too much laying around being lazy and promotes a good work ethic and training for adulthood.

Also rather then separating out to do our own thing we have implemented family time in the evening.  Sometimes it's a game, sometimes a movie, TV show or listening and discussing a Generations Radio broadcast.

It's so easy to get caught up in doing our "own" thing.  It is good to reassess and make positive changes to bring the family closer together.

What do your families do?

Too Many Happenings Around The Homestead!

Sometimes I don't post because nothing particularly exciting is going on.  Other times like, these past few days, I don't post because there is too much going on.  My husband rotated to a new position at work, we started a school, we started a new schedule, and I've been canning tomatoes.

My husband has moved to receiving manager instead of administration manager. That means instead of closing the warehouse and getting home around 11:00pm, he opens the warehouse and goes in at 4:00am.  This also means that he gets up at 3:00am.  Guess what time I get to get up at?  Yep... 3:00am. Yeah!

I get up at that time to make John's coffee, breakfast and pack him a lunch.  Also, if I can stay awake, that gives me time to have a personal quiet time (that really is quiet), computer time, writing time, time to get ready for the day, time to clean and time to make breakfast for the kids before they get up and start their days.  It all looks really good on paper but 3:00am is really early.

The kids get up at 8:00 and eat, get ready for the day, do their morning chores and are ready to start school by 9:30. The school day keeps me busy rotating between children and their subject needs. Sometimes I am free if they don't need a lot of help.  Other times I have very little free time.  School is done by 4:00 and I get a few minutes to breathe before dinner prep, dinner, family time and bed.  It is a very full day but the schedule allows us to keep on task. There are days (like tomorrow- my daughter's birthday) that we throw out the schedule all together and just enjoy the day.  Also we had to toss the schedule yesterday because we have tomatoes to can.  But that is okay.  My goal is to be productive so schedule or no as long as what needs to get done, gets done it is a good day.

How do you do all you need to?

Homeschool Season Is Fast Approaching!

 

 

It's almost that time of year again.  Back to home-school!  I've got schedules made. (Notice mine- up above- starts at 3:00am in the morning. Yuck! But that is what time Farmer John has to get up for his new shift so, why not.  I hope to accomplish much in the wee hours while children slumber.) I also have subjects and curriculums picked out.  Now I need to individualize assignments and purchase the remaining things we need.

This is my first year schooling all five.  Last year I did start pre-school with my littlest but it was quite lax.  This year I'm starting her in Kindergarten so we'll see how she does. If she was in public school she wouldn't start until next year since she turns 5 after labor day.  I figure if she needs a couple of years of Kindergarten we're okay.

So here is the break down:

Seven (Junior in Highschool)

Algebra - Alpha Omega Life Pac
History/Geography- Great Courses Daily life in the Ancient World
Spanish - Instant Immersion
Biology-  Apologia
Personal Bible Study- her choice
Personal Reading- her choice
PE/Nutrition- Work out videos/Nutrition 101 Choose Life
Theater- Homeschool Performing Arts group
ACT Preparation/Study Manual
plus she has her general chores and homemaking/entrepreneurial skills to work on
(I'll assign writing/language arts based on her history course study)

Andi (Sophmore in Highschool)

Algebra- Alpha Omega Life Pac
History/Geography- Far Above Rubies
Spanish- Instant Immersion
Science- Far Above Rubies
Bible- Far Above Rubies
Personal Reading- her choice
Reading- Far Above Rubies
PE/Nutrition- Work out videos/Nutrition 101 Choose Life
Practical Arts- Far Above Rubies
Decorative/Perfoming Arts- Far Above Rubies
Health- Far Above Rubies
Writing- Far Above Rubies
plus she has her general chores and homemaking/entrepreneurial skills to work on and she will be teaching cursive penmanship to her little sister to refresh hers

Remington (Jr. High)

Math- Spectrum
Guitar- Private Lessons
Typing- Typing Instructor Platinum
Bible- Blessed Is The Man
History/Geography- Blessed Is The Man
Reading- Blessed Is The Man
Writing- Blessed Is The Man
Science- Blessed Is The Man
Health- Blessed Is The Man
Personal Reading- his choice
PE/Nutrition- Work out videos/Nutrition 101 Choose Life
plus he has his general chores and entrepreneurial skills to work on

Reagan (4th Grade)

Math- Spectrum
Reading- Mom's choice, her choice, sister's choice
Cursive- Handwriting Without Tears
Grammar- Up With Language
Spelling- All about Spelling
Science- Apologia
History- Various sources following topics listed in what your 4th Grader Needs To Know
Bible- Character Building For Families
Art- What your 4th Grader Needs To Know
PE/Nutrition- Work out video/Nutrition 101 Choose Life
plus she has general chores and homemaking skills

Taylor (Kindergarten)

Math- Alpha Omega Horizons
Reading- Alpha Omega Horizons
Writing- Alpha Omega Horizons
Bible- Character Building For Families
Art- What Your Kindergartener Needs To Know
PE/Nutrition- Work out video/Nutrition 101
plus she has general chores and homemaking skills

Whew!  There done!  It's not as heavy as it looks really except for my oldest who has decided to go to college at this point.  I really only work with the younger two as the olders teach themselves! I very much love homeschooling and am glad God led us in that direction.

What do you all use/do?  How do you fit it all in? Do you schedule or fly free?

End of Summer Rush

Ack!  Summer is almost over!  All those things I wanted to do and put off (because there was plenty of time) need to happen. Potty training the almost 3 year-old, garage sale, homeschool planning and working on starting a new cottage biz.  Oh, well... it's what I get for playing all summer and procrastinating.

1. Potty training... didn't fly yesterday... The kitchen, where I was going to train her, is the largest of the non-carpeted rooms.  It also houses the washer and dryer.  She was freaked out by the noises the machines were making and didn't want to go potty there.  Sigh.  Trying again today- without the machines going.

2.  Garage Sale... Happens tomorrow, Thursday and Friday!  Come on "BUY" if you are in the area.  Spent yesterday (instead of potty training) sorting through our piles and pricing.  Still have some more rooms to go through and purge.  Most of our stuff is small and quarter/dollar stuff.  Still anything I sell is less to cart off to Goodwill.

3. Homeschool Planning... I need to plan and organize 5 different bins of activities for Taylor, our pre-schooler.  One for each day of the week to keep her busy during "school".  My second grader is pretty much set.  She is using workbooks, except for science and geography/history. So I only need to plan some reading assignments and activities for those two subjects. Most of our time will be spent perfecting her reading which isn't too hot yet. My fifth grader is moving away from workbooks this year, except for math, to get him ready for upcoming Jr. High.  He's going to take the most planning as his Language Arts studies will be incorporated into science and history/geography.  I use the "What Your ___ Grader Needs to Know" series for those two subjects and have him do the reading and make up assignments based on that. I really like tailoring assignments to each individual student.  The books aren't "Christian World View" but I either have him skip sections that we don't agree with or we discuss the differences in world view and what the Bible says.  I also supplement these subjects with a lot of  documentaries and other learning tools from various homeschool sources and of course the library.  My Jr. Higher and my Highschooler use the Far Above Rubies curriculum by Linda Coats.  LOVE IT!  It gives them a well-rounded education while emphasizing homemaking. It also helps you document everything for transcript purposes for any college bound student.  F.A.R. is for girls but they also have Blessed is the Man for boys.  That is what my son will use when he gets there.  These programs are self-directed but I like to sit down with each child and help them choose their assignments.  I'm also going to be teaching family art, music, and nutrition plus we have family Bible time in the morning and Biblical Character training and Spanish with Dad in the evenings.  Oh, and family exercise.  Our days are full. 

4.  Cottage biz... focusing on home arts... still forming in the head.  Like my days aren't full enough...lol!

All this to say... sorry that the "homesteading" focus isn't very back to the land orientated right now.  I'm focusing on my "home" and those in it.

Making Your Home A Haven

Doesn't everyone wear winter gloves and shorts when vaccuming?

Crystal Paine has passed Making Your Home A Haven to her friend Tammy. In honor of the switch today's challange is a simple one. Come up with a morning routine of no more than five things. I already have a morning routine so this one was easy.

1. Feed/change my five month old daughter

2. Coffee/computer time

3. Feed my four other children

4. Morning chores (Sweeping, dishes etc.)

5. School

Yes, Bible and prayer time should be in there but I tend to fall back asleep if I try that in the morning. Either that or I get constant inturruptions from rising children. Hmmm... I remember when a quiet time used to be a quiet time.

Check out other routines at Tammy's blog.

Help For Growing Families- Vacationing Part 2

Whew! Today was crazy! Sorry for the late post but I just couldn't get time to post until now.

Last week we talked about camping: http://modernchristianhomestead.blogspot.com/2009/02/help-for-growing-families-vacations.html

This week we're talking about planning.
In order to make a vacation affordable and enjoyable for the larger family, a little planning goes a long way!

Read about your destination at the library.
Search the internet.

Send away for any and all tourist guides.

You want to find out what there is to do in the general area. What do various family members like to do? What fees are there for attractions? What is there to do that is free? Do you really need to go to place A for $$$ when place B is almost the same and is $?

Look for discounts. Is there a certain day that an attraction offers a cheaper fee? Are coupons available? Package deals?

Check times of tours and hours of operation. Do you need reservations?

What sights are close to each other? How much time can you expect to spend at any given sight? How much can you do in a day? How much do you want to do in a day?

Every family will have different needs and desires. If you take your time and do the research then you get a truly fun and memorable trip for everyone.

Help For Growing Families is sponsered by Mother Hen over at http://shipfullofpirates.com

Crystal's cleaning dare!

This week's cleaning project

Still this week's cleaning project

Remainder of this week's cleaning project

Last week's finished project

Last week's finished project different angle

Clean and reorganized bookcase

Purged books for garage sale

Purged books for storage

Crystal over at http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/ hosted a cleaning dare last Monday and I finished it! Here are my results! Clean and uncluttered as can be. (I'm stuck with the t.v. and entertainment center until the DH decides what to do with them- though I'm hosting a breadmaking class in two weeks so he doesn't have too long to sit on it.)

To see the before pictures go here: http://modernchristianhomestead.blogspot.com/2009/02/todays-to-dos.html

and here: http://modernchristianhomestead.blogspot.com/2009/02/does-your-bookcase-look-like-this.html

This week's organizational chore is the computer hutch and file cabinet. For deep cleaning (it's not Spring yet) we are scrubbing the walls in the dining and living area and washing the inside of the windows. (The outside will get done when it really is Spring and the weather is warmer.)

Does Your Bookcase Look Like This?

Overflowing with school books...

Overflowing with regular books...

Overflowing with more school books and supplies...

The catch-all for shells, Star Wars cards, Bakagan, Legos, beads, various jewelry, pennies and dimes, game pieces, Barbie shoes and one baking soda and vinegar volcano (not to mention too many books)...

And overflowing with even more books, plus a couple of wallets containing library cards?

It is this evening's project. I hope I can whittle down the books that I want and need out and can either put some in storage or better yet delegate some to the yard sale bin for this spring's annual event. Wish me luck! I love books and getting rid of them is hard. I would just purchase a second bookcase but funds are tight and so is space. Purging is a must.

Getting back on track

"Stop cleaning for a second Mom. Look what I learned to do!"

Ahhh... clean and organized!

Over at http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/ Crystal has posted about getting back on track. It is a very timely issue for me. My pregnancy and birth of my now three month-old daughter knocked me out of the loop for a while. Just within the past couple of weeks I have been working to get back on track. I'm back to serving and being involved in church again, rather than just being a body. I'm back to blogging and keeping up with family and friends a little bit better and I'm working on getting my house in order. I don't have anything special I'm doing but just making sure that I'm usuing my time wisely. I'm trying to get up a little earlier and work just a bit faster during the day. I'm not overdoing it but just getting 15 or so more minutes a day gets things a bit more under control. If I can suceed in getting my home reigned in then I can concentrate on money saving and earning issues. While I'm not sure I have the discipline to save 100% for a home like Crystal, I sure would like to have 20% to put down. In the past we've gone 3%, 5% and 0 down. Both my husband and I have been making strides to live within our means, pay down debt and start saving. It is good to read about others doing the same type of things. (Things my parents have always done and tried to teach me. Ahhh... the folly of youth.)

Today's To-do's

Nope, Taylor doesn't really have anything to do with this post (besides adding a few items to the clutter pool) but the Grandma's get cranky if I don't keep them furnished with pictures.

Dining area/bookcase clutter

From any angle its still clutter!

Today I must:

1. Grocery Shop

2. Bring lunch to injured church family member

3. Bake bread

4. Declutter and clean dining area

This is all on top of the regular daily stuff. Over reaching? Yes, probably but eating is kind of important and I can't stand the clutter that has accumulated. We can not even begin to get to our table. We just replaced our dying tv and since my DH "had" to go bigger we also needed a new stand. So our old tv, the old stand and everything that was on it is shoved into our eating area. Add a plethora of baby items (car seat, diapers, toys etc.) plus an overflowing bookcase and just a couple of days worth of various items (laundry, snow gear, toys) and we have a BIG mess.

Off I go!

Check out what others are tackling today/this week at www.biblicalwomanhood.com

I don't have a hobby room...

The new storage system w/ poser popping into the picture.

The old storage system... half emptied

The "Stash" all over the floor.

The "Craft Corner"

...I have a craft corner! After digging all the craft and sewing supplies out of the garage last weekend, I have finally gotten them organized. After storing my fabric stash in a moving box, in the garage for three years, I've finally gotten it organized into a storage bin. I also have everything I need in one place now. The craft corner! My DH has two bins for fly tying and I have two bins for sewing/quilting!

The beauty is, for convienence we can leave them in the corner most of the time, yet if we need to move them (if we have people over) we can easily transport them out of the room. I would love to have a really cute craft room but then the husband would need a Man Den for his fly tying. At least we have a corner!

Show and Tell Friday

Yesterday we cleaned out our garage! I found treasures I hadn't seen for three years. (Since we moved from Texas to Michigan). Two of my favorite quilt books. One big (see above).

One small!

Both are filled with beautiful pictures of quilts, as well as quotes about quilts and quilting history. I'm glad to have re-discovered these treasures.

For more Show and Tell Fridays go to http://kellishouse.blogspot.com

Needleworkin' weekend

This weekend the girls and I spent our time outside on our deck in the warm spring sun, working on our stitching skills. We were inspired by Crystal's post on redworking a few days ago at http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/ (Crystal's blog). We aren't officially doing redwork yet. I started the girls (and myself) with the more simple, basic embroidery stitch. It was quite fun to sit and chat while working. The girl's will save their work for their future hope chests.

While we girls were stitching, the DH was working on his fly fishing. (In the front yard.) The neighbors found this intriguing.

And the boy... he spent his time in the back field in the dirt and sand. Need I say more?

Today, while the DH is off fishing (it is steelhead time) I'm going to work to accomplish the following...

1. Basic clean up of house

2. Change bedding

3. Start the week's laundry

4. Take kids to park

5. Reorganize pantry (again)

6. Bake/decorate cupcakes

7. Go to bookstore and investigate books on candy making

8. Stitch work

9. Prepare DH's lunch/coffee for Tues. work

I'll be doing good to get through the top 5, the rest would be icing on the day. Well, number 9 is a must do. The DH needs his coffee at 3 am and I like to feed him healthy instead of having him eat Costco food. (Which is good for a treat, but not every day.)

Writing News

Well, entries to Literary Agent Rachelle Gardner's writing contest are closed. She mentioned on her blog http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/ that she received 47 entries. Not a bad number to be entered in with. I have a 1 in 47 chance of winning. Those are good odds.

Her contest was two parts. The first part allowed us to send in up to 5 opening lines for a novel. The second part allowed us to pick one of the winner/runner's up first lines and write a first page for it. It was quite hard to take someone else's words and come up with a story/character from them. I think I did decent but could have done better if the entire concept from opening line on, was mine. It was also hard because I was writing about characters that I hadn't developed. Usually I do a very intricate character sketch for every main character before I ever write a word on the story. It was still a good challenge.

Brenda (my fellow pregnant blogger) over at http://timeandseasons.blogspot.com/ does a weekly writing exercise. Last week's is actually still up because us pregnant ladies are in our first trimester and haven't been blogging faithfully. She asks what setting you would like to set a story in.

For me, I don't have a particular setting that I dream about writing on. But I do notice that I prefer country settings over city/metro settings. I like woods, country farms and little towns. I tend to pick Pacific Northwest locals as I grew up there. I also have fallen in love with Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and like to develop stories about these locations too. I have a work in progress in current day Australia. It takes place both in the "bush" and in Sydney. I also would love to set stories in the English and Irish country side. I'm a travel buff so anywhere I fall in love with is likely to be a story setting. I find Europe fascinating.

Lastly, Dana over at http://mysimplegifts.blogspot.com/ asked me, quite a long time ago (I confess) if I have ever used writing software to organize my thoughts and my writings.

I don't use software, currently. I tend to brainstorm and jot my ideas down in notebooks. After years of doing this, it still works for me. I have a knack for knowing what ideas/writings are in what notebook. I don't know how I remember this... I just do. My articles I have written (for newsletters/organizations and potential freelance) are all saved in the word section of my computer. Same with my works-in-progress.

When I start having many queries and submissions out in the market, I plan to have a computer spread sheet (excel) that will keep track of them. But so far I haven't submit to enough places to need such a thing.

I haven't needed a program for brainstorming. The Lord keeps me fresh with ideas. Developing characters come naturally to me too. I do use many sources to come up with names: The phone book, reading movie and television credits, looking up old documents on the web, visiting graveyards (yes, it's creepy) and just paying attention to people's names that I come in contact with. If I spy a good name, I'll jot it down in my current notebook.

Dana, does that answer your question? Or spur on more? Let me know and I'll do my best to answer.

Too many tiny gadgets!

This is the organized drawer... yeah, I know it's still quite, uhm... "full", but trust me, it's much better. You can see the bottom and like items are grouped together.

This is the before I cleaned it shot: I spy with my little eye... a mess!

I cleaned my small kitchen utensil/gadget drawer this weekend. The DH made a comment that he couldn't find anything in it. Well, when you have a nine year old putting the dishes away, sometimes things get a bit dicey- especially when said nine year old isn't cursed... err... BLESSED... with her mother's obsessive/compulsive disorder for organization. So I emptied the drawer, got rid of a few things, moved a few things to other homes, stacked measuring cups and spoons together (What a concept!) and reaquainted myself (and my daughter) with everything. The DH hasn't said anything more so I figure it passes muster. I really didn't take long... ten minutes at the most. Now the drawer that really needs it is the kitchen junk drawer. That one is just plain scary! For more organization projects and ideas go to http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/ (Crystal's blog: Making your home a haven Mondays/challenge).