Wordless Wednesday - Reflection

More Wordless Wednesday can be found here, here, and here.

"Show Me" Redirect

If you're looking for any of my "Show Me..." entries, they're over at my photoblog. Enjoy!

Here's the Latest

The Next Step
Our realtor called yesterday to say that the bank (seller) has approved the repairs that we asked for on the house we're trying to buy. They initially wanted the money for the repairs to be escrowed and we'd take care of it after closing. However, the roof must be replaced or we won't make it to closing. So the listing broker is supposed to get that squared away. The appraisal has been ordered. Fortunately (for us, anyway), roofers aren't terribly busy right now, so hopefully that can get taken care of this week. IF everything comes together well (of course, that's God's call), we could be looking at closing within a couple of weeks. I suppose that means I should pack or something. Ha! Ha!

I actually have begun packing some of the non-essentials already. I became a little more serious today. I'm also still trying to purge out things I don't really need or use. I'd love to move into the new house with about 50% less STUFF than we currently have. I've also been reading a book called Too Much Stuff by Kathryn Porter. I've spent numerous years trying to organize my abundance o'stuff. Since then, my focus has shifted to decluttering and eliminating the abundance o'stuff. Throughout all this time, I've read quite a variety of books, magazine articles, and websites. This little book has been one of the most motivating for me. If you need a boost to get rid of your own excess, you may want to check this one out.

Homeschool
We just wrapped up our second week, and I am pleased to say that it's going fairly well. There are a couple of things we need to add into our days, but we're getting there. Of course, I realize that we may have to take a slightly modified path as I need to pack and we may be moving soon. One big hindrance right now is that the desktop isn't working very well. That's where the school programs are supposed to be. Also where the boys can do their work. Sigh. Maybe those things will have to wait until we've moved. Regardless, we're off to a good start. Praise God!

The Comedian has decided to participate in the homeschool bowling league again this year. He bowled his first turkey ever in the second game, which was pretty awesome!

"Show Me" Photo Meme
Robert at Thoughts of a Father is hosting a very fun meme this week, called "Show Me..." Each day this week (beginning today), he has a different thing to take photos of and "show" on your blog. Today's entry is "Show Me...Your Mailbox." Come join in the fun. Or at least go take a look at everyone else's mailboxes. The variety of boxes is quite interesting. Oh, you can see my entry here.

That's about it. Attempting to buy a house, homeschool, and taking photos encompass the majority of my life at the moment. Hopefully I'll have some further (good) news about the house this week.

Homeschool Memoirs: Agendas

Here we are, in the third week of the Homeschool Memoirs theme at HSBA, and I'm behind. Sigh. I know, I know, there's no pressure or anything. Not that I haven't blogged. I just haven't taken the time to complete this. So, I'll post last week's today and this week's . . . well, not today. Maybe tomorrow. Or something.

This week’s theme is about sharing your 2008-09 homeschool agendas and plans.

Please share a Bible verse that has encouraged you or inspired you during this planning-process, and how.

2008-2009 Game Plan at High Altitude Academy

Planning this year was quite a challenge a little more work than in years past.

ClayGuy is in 9th grade now (read: HIGH SCHOOL). At least according to the public school powers that be, that's how he is classified. That brought a whole new can of worms set of parameters. While the homeschool laws in Colorado aren't terribly stringent, I still feel that it's important for the boys to meet graduation requirements. I don't know if they'll pursue college at some point, but they need to at least be able to do so, should they wish.

It took me a few days to round up the specific requirements for our state. Then I dug into the book, High School @ Home, You Can Do It! by Diana Johnson. What a blessing that book was! I was feeling a bit lost, but after reading her book, and combining it with the graduation requirements, I was equipped to put together a four-year high school plan. Oh, the other integral part of homeschooling is Robin Sampson's Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach.

Since the Comedian is only 17 months younger, he'll pretty much follow the same plan, with minor curriculum variations.

I'm a form junkie and Diana offered some great ones on the CD in her book, plus I love making my own. After printing the desired forms and putting the plan together, here's where we are:

My Brain in a Binder

• Monthly calendar pages - gives the broad overview for future planning


• Weekly school plans - where I map out the plans for the boys' week


• Daily flight plan - each page covers everything I need to do or remember in a day

Individual Planning Binders for the Boys
These are 1/2" binders that contain the boys' plans. I created a weekly form for them. Last year, we used daily forms, but I really like planning their entire week.

ClayGuy

• Bible - Reading through the Bible (currently in Genesis) and discussion. Praying together. Restarting prayer journals.


• English - Abeka's Grammar & Composition, Wordly Wise vocabulary, daily reading


• Math - Saxon


• Science - God's World Physical Science


• Social Studies - KONOS Elections unit study


• Art - Myriad activities; still active in miniature clay sculpting. Will be getting his etsy store going again.


• PE - Walking daily for now. Plan to enroll in martial arts.


• Computer - Typing, basic computer skills

The Comedian

• Bible - Reading through the Bible (currently in Genesis) and discussion. Praying together. Will restart prayer journals.


• English - Bob Jones Writing & Grammar, Wordly Wise vocabulary, daily reading


• Math - Keys to Algebra


• Science - God's World Physical Science


• Social Studies - KONOS Elections unit study


• Art - Myriad activities; sketching and cartooning


• PE - Walking daily, homeschool bowling. Plan to enroll in martial arts.


• Computer - Typing, basic computer skills, game programming


• Looking at a Boy Scout troop this week as he considers rejoining.

One of my favorite verses the Lord often brings to mind is Isaiah 30:21. It reminds me to quiet myself and listen for His leading.

Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.

TOS Fall Special

My favorite homeschool magazine is The Old Schoolhouse, hands down. It is simply one of the best resources a homeschooling parent can have. You'll find ways to help your home and homeschool run smoothly. They offer suggestions, encouragement, and practical how-to information. They also provide a storehouse of helpful articles for those days when you yearn for a fresh idea, a little boost, or facts to share with potential critics – all from a solid Christian perspective.

The Old Schoolhouse has just launched their awesome Fall Special for new U.S. subscribers. It's a 50% savings off the cover price and they're giving away the cutest tote bag for the first 1000 to respond!

During the Fall Special you can subscribe for only $39! In addition to two full years of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (8 large quarterly issues), they'll send you the current issue (my dear friend, Jacque, is in there!), and 6 fabulous Bonus Gifts (for the first 3000). PLUS, the first 1,000 new subscribers will also receive their Homeschooling with Heart tote bag!

You can get all the details and subscribe online here. Act fast, though, before these adorable bags are gone!