Enough Said Saturday: Career Day

Our co-op had a day for the kids to dress up like what they wanted to be when they grow up.

So, of course, I couldn't pick just one picture.  Enough Said.  :)

 

 My little ballerina.

My little soldier.

 

Ages 8yo and 6yo.  

I don't know what God's plans for their lives are yet, but I'm thankful for the journey.

God bless!

Our Homeschool Checklists

One thing I want to help instill in my children with their school work (and every area of their life,) is accountability and responsibility.  I can't always be there to make sure they get all their work done.  I do plan on them moving out of the house...one day.  But, waiting until then to teach them how to be responsible is too late.  So, I start now, when they are young and can form good habits.

Which brings us to the checklists.  I like seeing a list, holding it in my hands, and being able to check it off.  It just gives me a feel of accomplishment and helps me stay on task.  So, last year, I made a check list of subjects for Buddy and Sweet Pea.  I told them they could do the subjects in any order they choose, they just had to check them off as the subject assignments were completed.

 The subjects go down and the days go across, so by Friday, they should have quite a few checks on their lists.  Some subjects, such as History and Science, are not done everyday, so there will be some blanks, but there should be more checks than blanks on a consistent basis.

At the time, Sweet Pea was still fond of getting marker all over her body and her clothes, so we used the new Crayola Dry Erase Crayons.  They are much friendlier with laundry than the regular dry erase markers and the kiddos loved it.  They would use a different color for each day, and sometimes for each subject.  It helped them to keep themselves on track instead of me having to do it for them.  Of course, there were plenty of days when I had to stay on top of them to get everything done.  Even on those days, though, it helped them to see the subjects getting checked off and the work getting finished so they knew 'quitting time' was getting closer.  Even as adults, we ALL have those days that we just can't wait for everything on our list to be finished so we can stop for the day.

I haven't made this year's list for the kiddos yet because I just want us all to get 'in the groove' first, but I will be making them in the next couple of weeks.  (Which will also allow me to continue feeding my laminating addiction.) 

This year, I added a list for myself.  Like I said, every year it seems the subject list gets a little longer and I found myself trying to remember what we had already done and what we still needed to do and who was doing what.  Whew!  So, even though the kiddos will have their own lists, I decided I need to make myself one to keep up with everything I need to do.

I, with the help of my husband~mostly my husband, created a checklist of each subject for each child and included small boxes to put my little checks in.  (And, of course, I just had to laminate it!)

The names have been changed covered to protect the innocent.  :)

This has helped me so much, already.  And I love that I can just wipe it clean and be ready for the next day.  I leave you with this small confession, though.  Only AFTER I made the list AND laminated it, did I realize that I, yes~the preacher's wife, forgot to include Bible study on the list!!!  My husband said he is "so proud" of me.  Hehehe.  Never fear, I will make sure it is included on the kiddos' lists.

I would love to hear what you have done to help your kiddos with self-accountability and responsibility.  Just leave a comment below.

God bless!

Back in the Books!!

We officially started our new school year this week, on Monday, August the 13th.  Since the 1st day of Buddy's Kindergarten year, a '1st day' tradition began.  I wrap up some of their school workbooks, new supplies, and a few fun surprises and let my little students open them up to begin our 1st day.  The kiddos love this and it makes what might seem boring, a little more exciting. So, here are a few pictures to capture our 'gifts of education'. 

Sweet Pea & Buddy waiting to open up

Buddy finding a fingerprint art kit

He is super excited to get more of these books.  He hasn't put them down!

Sweet Pea excited about her new Math U See workbook.  (We are all excited about this curriculum!)

She also got a couple of books and very quickly found her way in my lap for me to read them to her. 

Not to be left out, Sunshine also received some 'school supplies.'  

She got new books, too.  She loves to read.  We just can't understand her, yet.

 

I also make signs that say "1st Day of __ Grade" and have the kiddos pose with their signs.  For some reason, I had the signs ready but the pictures did not happen.  So, I will have them pose this coming week and we will just 'pretend' it's the first day.  But, it's a great way to capture how they change from year to year.  

 

Children (at least in America), HAVE to go to school, it's not an option.  But, whether they stay at home or go to a traditional style of school, education is truly a gift.  So, make it fun!  If you have any fun ways of celebrating the start of the school year, leave a comment and share them with us.  

God bless!

 

My 2012-2013 Curriculum list and a few wishes

If you homeschool, or ever have, you know that there comes a time, every year, when you have to plan for the next year.  For me, I start evaluating, researching, and planning after Christmas because I want to know exactly what I'm doing and exactly what I'm going to need before all those wonderful used curriculum sales start, come spring time. 
For this next year, our math curriculum is being totally switched up.  While I'm excited about what it will offer my children, I confess that I'm totally nervous.  It's a whole new concept and style of learning than neither my children or myself are used to.  Language Arts and spelling will also be different this year, and...I'm also adding a foreign language to the mix.  Yay, me, lol!
So, here's what we will be doing when school starts...


 Math U See for both children at their appropriate levels



Language Lessons for the Elementary Child by Sandi Queen (for the 8yo)

Explode the Code, Bob Books, and other readers (for the 6yo)

All About Spelling for both children


Various real books and other reading material for the 8yo

The Holy Bible for both children (although I'm still looking for a specific curriculum)

A Reason For Handwriting for both children (continuing with print for the 6yo and continuing cursive for the 8yo)

Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day and Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day for both children.  The 8yo will do the Junior Notebooking Journals that go along with them.

Story of the World Vol. 4: The Modern Age for both children

Prima Latina for the 8yo

The Usborne Piano Course Book One for both children



Since I homeschool on a budget, I'll leave a few things I wish I could be using and may incorporate if/when I get the money...

All About Reading ($99)

We Choose Virtues character training ($70~$100)
An extra Math U See Manipulative set ($35) so they can have their own sets or extras


Rosetta Stone Spanish ($100+)

Prima Latina instructional dvd (around $40ish)

A 5 bedroom/3 bathroom house with a wrap~around porch leading to a sun room, a big, flat, backyard, oh... and a bonus room...for our homeschool, of course, and a piano.  (I did say it was my wish list, so, I'm wishing!)

Traditional Exterior design by Minneapolis Architect TEA2 Architects

God bless!!

Homeschooling: What About Socialization?

"What about socialization?"  I believe this question is probably made the biggest deal out of.  And it is a big deal, but not the way people think.  Let me explain...

The definition of socialization from Dictionary.com is as follows: "noun 1. a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position."

Based on this definition of socialization, do I want the current public educational system to be the standard for which my children acquire their personal identities, norms, values, behavior, and social skills? Not really. Except for a few individuals within the government and political arena, our government of today is void of standards and values that reflect my worldview. (I'm not saying they have no standards or values~they just certainly don't reflect my own.) Even with all of the Christian teachers and leaders that are in the public school system, their hands are mostly tied behind their back when it comes to bringing any of their worldview into what they are teaching. I personally don't want my children learning to base their identity, norms, and values on a system void of any reflection of Christ.  I have the wonderful opportunity to show Christ in all parts of my children's education. That Christ is part of it, not something separated from it. The study of Christ isn't something we should just be learning at church or aside from school work. It should be integrated into all parts of it. I can't force my children to choose Christ. Ultimately, that is their decision alone. But, I can show them how Christ is in everything we say and do, every part of our world.

In the public school system, evolution is taught as the norm, as if it is fact, not theory. As Christians, we believe in Creation, which isn't even allowed to be discussed in most public school systems.  Sex Education, and the various lifestyles surrounding it, different religions, and  other sensitive subjects are being taught and exposed to the children at younger and younger levels.  It should be my decision on when my children learn about different lifestyles, beliefs, and certain facts of life, as I believe they can handle it, not the government's.  It should be my decision, not the government's, on how and when I teach them about the world around us.  What message then, are we sending to our children when we send them to an 'expert' to educate them, but then tell our children when they get home, that what they are being taught is wrong, according to what we believe ? Or try to explain something heavy to them that they were exposed to at school, that, as a parent, I know they are not ready to shoulder yet?  No wonder children don't have a firm foundation on who they are or what they believe. Perhaps I home school because I don't want my child 'socialized,' not in this way.

What most people mean by the word 'socialization' is the interaction with others and opportunity to make friends with others. Most people want to label home school kids as 'weird', or 'loners', 'socially inept.' I dare you to take a walk in any public high school hallway, or even a junior high school for that matter, and see how long it takes you to spot the 'loners' and 'weirdos'. You can even spot a few already developing in elementary schools. I would be willing to wager money that it won't take you very long, and I don't bet. I believe home life and/or school peers have more to do with being a 'loner' or a 'weirdo' than where or how a child is educated. School shootings and killing sprees are evidence of that. That being said, my children, as well as most homeschool children I know, are far from being lonely or being socially inept. 

That thought brings me to the next point. I'm far from convinced that it is necessary for children to be forced to deal with bullying, teasing, and being stereotyped into a specific group, which often stays with you through the rest of your graded school years, as a 'normal' part of school and of growing up. In my own experience, it has no positive benefits. I was a skinny, buck-toothed girl growing up. Though my parents loved me very much, I was often made fun of by my school peers for being so skinny, among other things, to the point that I remember crying both during school and after school and it only got worse in the junior high grades. Once I hit high school, it wasn't so bad. But, because of the ridicule and rejection I had experienced for so many years, I constantly doubted myself and what others saw in me. I carried these feelings all the way through college. In fact, it made for a rocky start when I first started dating my husband and through his efforts and the wonderful grace of God, I have been finally able to shrug that lack of confidence and self doubt.  (Although it tries to creep back in every so often.)  I don't believe for a minute that any of this was necessary, except that I might have more understanding for others in that situation.

One of the frequently asked questions on the Focus on the Family website is, "Do you think home schooling might negatively impact the socialization process?" James Dobson had a lot to say on this issue, but this quote sums up my feelings on the current matter, "If acquainting them with ridicule, rejection, physical threats, and the rigors of the pecking order is necessary to socialize our children, I'd recommend that we keep them unsocialized for a little longer."

For the most part, (just as there are 'weirdos' in the school system, there are a few being home schooled too,) home schooled children are very well rounded and adjusted among their peers. Home school students are privy to all kinds of activities where they can learn to interact and become friends with others. They are usually busy with some kind of sport activity, music, dancing, 4H clubs, Boy/Girl Scouts, church...you name it, they do it. Home school kids are exposed to a wide variety cultures, backgrounds, family dynamics, and other situations that will help expose them to the wide world we live in. There are home school cooperatives, known as 'co-ops', that many home school students attend with others in a class-like setting. In fact, studies conducted over several years are now showing that home school students are actually more confident with themselves, more socially adjusted, and less peer dependent than their traditionally schooled counterparts. Contrary to popular opinion, home school is more than just sitting at the kitchen table. It is a very busy and active lifestyle that takes education out of the doors and into the real world. While traditionally schooled students are put in a class, behind a desk, for several hours a day with same age peers and not given much opportunity to interact with different ages, home school students often take classes and participate in activities with many different ages, giving them the social advantage of learning how to interact with peers of different ages and interests from early on, which I'd say is better preparation for the 'real world.' (I've yet to work in a job where they separated us by age, have you?)

To wrap up all the questions, I am in no way saying any of this is true of EVERY public school student or EVERY home school student. There are always exceptions to the rule, both for the good and the worse of the situations. I just want you, whoever you are reading this, to know that there is more to home schooling than what is on the surface. It is hard work, but, so is everything worthwhile in life. Even if you don't feel a calling to home school, educate yourself on it. There are a ton of good books out there on the subject of homeschooling. I will try to post a list of some of my favorites that you may find helpful to understanding this way of life. I'm sure you can find them in your local library, or from a friendly home schooling parent, so you don't have to purchase them.

Homeschooling: Missed Opportunities?

Homeschooling: Aren't my children missing out on opportunities?

"Aren't my children missing out on opportunities?"  This question was certainly a forerunner in our own list of concerns we had when deciding to homeschool. It is definitely something not to be taken lightly when deciding on how to educate your children. Ultimately, there are advantages and disadvantages to both sides of this issue. In the end, you have to decide what opportunities are worth giving up for the other opportunities, and which ones are not optional. Obviously, this is a very personal decision because each child and each family are going to be different, have different goals, values, etc.

One of the biggest opportunities that parents are often concerned about is sports. If I home school my child, then he won't have the opportunity to play on team sports and he also might miss out on a scholarship. I will admit, this was a concern within my own household. However, if you know myself or my husband, then you know that neither one of us went to college on a sports scholarship. I would actually much rather my children go to college on an academic scholarship because, in my opinion, intelligence is more profitable than physical ability in the long run. Just to be noted, many Ivy League colleges and universities and other very elite schools are specifically seeking home schooled students out and recruiting them to attend their schools. This is because on average, home school students are mature, independent thinking, creative, and oh yes, perform above the national averages on the ACT and SAT.

There are also other venues to play on a sports team than just through a traditional school setting. Upward Sports is a great way to get your young child involved and their are leagues and other teams for the older child. Home school children are often eligible to play on private or public school teams, as well. (We do still pay taxes for public education, so I don't feel a bit guilty about this.) Tim Tebow was home schooled all the way through high school. A local private school allowed him to play on their football team, he was recruited by University of Florida, and achieved the Heisman Trophy as a college sophomore.

What about band, homecoming, and proms? Home school students have all of these. Well, maybe not homecomings. But, they have winter formals and other alternatives.  Home school students also have opportunities that their traditional schooled counterparts may not have. Did you know that many local community colleges welcome home school students to take part in their classes, as well? A high school level home school student can graduate from high school with an associates degree, at the same time!! (We happen to be friends with one such young lady!) They can also take their dance lessons, music lessons, swimming lessons, and other lessons during the day, instead of trying to work them around after school, home work, and other after school activities. It is part of their education, not something thrown in extra, if you can manage the time. The world is their classroom! Every outing can be a field trip, an educational experience. Oh, yeah...and way too much fun!

Because we are home schooling, we didn't have to fit our vacation somewhere between June and July, when everyone else has to fit there's in. We are actually on vacation right now, the week after Labor Day. Since President Obama recently went on what he called a 'working vacation,' I'm going to call ours a 'schooling vacation.' We took Buddy's basic school lessons with us, then used the great out doors, and our other visits we decided to take, as hands-on learning time. (Our "sit down" lessons only took about an hour, so don't feel too sorry for him. Sweet Pea had not yet started schooling and Sunshine was not even thought about when this was originally written.) We all observed a turtle in it's natural habitat, went to a museum about the local history of Waynesville, NC, then we spent a whole day on a 'field trip' to Cherokee, NC to learn about the history and culture of the Native American Indians. Who knows where our 'schooling vacation' will take us before it's all over!  What student is going to complain about a week of school like that?  *(This actually happened a couple of years ago, now.)*

I could go on, but I hope you get the idea that home schooled students may miss out on a few opportunities, but there are so many more opportunities out there for them, they really aren't missing anything at all.

To Answer the Question: Qualifications

HomeSchooling: Am I qualified?

Inevitably, when I first tell someone that I home school, they usually start asking all sorts of questions. I really don't mind them, though, because how do any of us learn about something if we don't ask?  I asked myself some of these same questions before making the final decision.

There are almost as many questions about home schooling, as there are homeschoolers. But, I'm going to focus this series on what I feel are the three most frequently asked questions. You also have to remember that these are my answers and my opinions. Although many of my answers are based on a lot of studying I have done to prepare my heart and mind for this mission, (my basis for answers are not just random and made up), and there are many who share my thoughts and views, ultimately, I'm only speaking for myself.

I also want to share something with you up front. Although I choose not to use the public school system, I do not believe that everyone should pull their children out the public school system and start home schooling. I sincerely believe that as a Christian, home schooling is a calling from God. I applause the Christian teachers that are out there in the class rooms every day, teaching and guiding the leaders of tomorrow. I also support the children that are in these classes as well. I shudder to think about a public school system void of all Christians. Schools are a wide open mission field, ripe for the picking. If all the Christian teachers and students would consistently stand firm in their faith and live out their faith for others to see, we would see a change unlike no other. So, the answers I give are not necessarily against those going and working in public schools. It's just perhaps, a view to the other side of the spectrum. An understanding of the other side of the story.  So...

 "If I don't have an education degree, am I qualified to home school?" We could even take this further and ask, "If I don't have a formal college education, or a college degree, am I qualified to home school?" I'm sure these questions alone have brought doubt and confusion to many home schooling parents, and perhaps, have caused a few to not do it at all. Therefore, I think this question is worth addressing.

Education degrees are vital and important and not to be taken lightly.  I believe the overall purpose of an education degree (but not the only one) is to prepare the teacher to instruct several students at a time on a specific subject, in a designated amount of time. A degree does not mean they have to be an expert in all areas of education. Let's say the average teacher has 20 students per class. At the beginning of the year, she (and I'm going to use She to make it easy, but the He's are not forgotten),  probably doesn't know much more about the students than the names on her list. And each of these students are beautifully different than the rest. They have different interests and learning styles, not to mention how different each family and home situation is. The government and school system tell the teacher what must be taught throughout the year, (not to mention the government decides when/what grade levels certain things are to be taught and what curriculum to use), and each lesson is given a specific amount of time to go over. This teacher also has to keep in her head that the test results of her students at the end of the year are seen, not only as a reflection of the student, but of the teacher, as well. This my friends, is not an easy undertaking, and that's just the "tip of the iceberg" of teacher responsibilities. This is why I support teachers and feel they are among the most underpaid professions in our world today. This is why they need an education degree.

ADHD. Their minds are ready to go go go, and they have to wait wait wait. At home, when I know my child fully understands and grasps a concept, we can just keep on moving at his speed, not someone else's, or someone else's system. It doesn't take a college educated person to do this. Just a parent, that knows their own child.

I know many college educated people that don't have any sense to them. I also happen to know several people, who never earned a 4 year college degree, who could better teach than some others. My parents and in-laws, for example. None of them have 4 year degrees. But, I believe they can teach my children how to learn many necessary concepts, such as math, spelling, reading, writing, history, etc. They are among some of the smartest people I know. My parents helped me with my homework and come to understandings that I didn't grasp in the hour of class at school designated for that subject. I can say for certainty that my in-laws are no exception to that. I have even witnessed them helping grandchildren learn. Teaching your own children doesn't take a degree. It takes understanding your child, a willingness to help them be the best they can be, and a love for your child that no teacher will ever have. The perks...you learn along with them! There is always something new to learn. Education and learning should be a lifestyle, not just a means to an end.

Prologue to: To Answer The Questions of Homeschooling mini-series

A few years ago, in another blog, not so far away, I answered three popular questions that homeschoolers are frequently asked.  I've decided to re-post these on my new blog.  Some have been edited, updated, or revised, and others have not.  But, the answers are the same.  I'm going to spread the questions out over the next three days to make it easy to digest.  I'm certainly not trying to talk anyone into homeschooling, or out of it.  Just trying to help others make sense of it all from a homeschooler's point of view.  Although a lot of the information is based on lots of studying, the rest is my opinion.  That, and 50 cents, will buy you a can of Coke...in certain locations.  Comments, respectful disagreements, and of course, agreements are welcome. 

God bless!!

How We Became Homeschoolers

As previously posted from my older blog...

HomeSchooling From My Heart-The Journey  Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Home schooling is not really a new thing. It has been around for a very very long time, in fact. But, there has been such a recent surge to home school in the past couple of decades that it causes quite the stir, from the government to down to family, friends, and even strangers you meet in the school supply isle at your local super store. So, I'm going to share my journey in this decision and my heart on the matter. I hope you will read it with understanding, whether you decide to agree or not.

Before my husband and I ever had children, we had the blessing to know others that did home school their children. On of my dearest friends in fact, has home schooled her children from the very beginning and I have observed how well they do. We also had the honor of having a young harpist play at our wedding, who was just early in high school at the time. Her much younger sister assisted her and even played a couple of songs herself. They and their brother were also home schooled. My best friend home schooled her daughter the last 2 years of her high school years. She was able to graduate a little early and has just started college. All of them can think for themselves, are very confident and stable, and have a level head on their shoulders. They are blessings to know.

Honestly, I didn't really think when I first got married that I would actually home school myself one day. At the time, I didn't have the confidence in myself to think I could possibly teach my own children, much less anyone else. But, there was a seed planted in my heart. When we were finally able to have our first child, we lived in a small town in which I had worked with many of the children in the school system. I saw first hand how the system worked, or rather, didn't. However, I was honored to go to church with some of the best teachers in the county. I knew their hearts and thought I would be okay with my child under their watchful eye.

But, something deep down inside wouldn't let me go of the thought of home schooling. So, I began praying. Yes, even as my first child was just an infant, I started praying about this decision that would have to be made one day. And as we all know, those precious years fly by before our very eyes. On and off this went for several years. My husband was not a big proponent at first, and I would never make a major decision like this if we weren't in the same boat together. He knew I didn't have confidence in myself and worried about that. And of course, there is the whole issue of sports. So, back and forth I went, battling with myself, mostly. I would ask myself the same questions that others ask. "What about socialization?" "Aren't you afraid they are going to miss out on something?" "You don't have a teacher's degree, so are you sure you can really do this?"

I brought these questions to the Lord. He knew my concerns, already. But, I believe that the Lord gives you the desires of your heart. I tried to deny this growing desire I had to teach my children at home, but the more I prayed, the stronger the desire actually grew. I started praying that if this is truly what the Lord wanted me to do, then to make it very clear to me and to work on my husband's heart on this matter.

God works in mysterious and even humorous ways, sometimes. A couple of years ago, a young gentleman named Tim Tebow won the Heitzman's Trophey award, probably the most prestigious college football award around. He was home schooled all the way through high school. Not only did this open up a lot of eyes and opportunities, it helped bring my husband around. I also grew in confidence that I could do this home school thing, one year at a time, one step, one day. I also talked to friends at church who's children were in the public school system. All of them encouraged me to home school as long as I can.

The more I prayed, and studied God's word, the clearer His answer to me became. So, this is how my husband and I, together, came to the decision to home school our children. I don't regret for one minute making this decision, even though I know it will prove to be challenging at times. We are grateful for the family and friends we have that have given their full support and are understanding of those that give loving skepticism. It will remind me that others are watching and that I need to be 'diligent to show myself approved.'

This is my journey on how we came to be a home school family. I don't ask for you to agree or disagree, I just ask for your continuing prayers as we start on this new and strange adventure in our lives.

Feed the Birds

*This post was originally posted by me on my older blog, but I liked the activity, so I'm re-posting it to my new blog...enjoy!*

One of my children's most requested bed time songs is "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins.  I love to sing it to them because I want to instill in my children a sense of caring for the world around us and the creatures that share the world with us.  Our little feathered friends are easy to help care for and a great way to teach a lesson of taking care of what God has given us.  There are several easy-to-make bird feeder ideas in the internet world, and I'm going to share just a few. 

A very simple and "green" bird feeder idea is to simply find a pine cone, tie some yarn at the top, making sure you have enough to hang from a branch, and cover it with peanut butter.  You can add lard or cornmeal to the peanut butter to help it go down easier, but there is no evidence to suggest that peanut butter can choke a bird.  For an added treat, you can sprinkle birdseed on the peanut butter and pat it down lightly to make sure it sticks. 

Another simple idea is to take yarn and thread it with Cheerios or other cereal that is round with a hole in the center, make a loop, then hang it from a branch.  This is great for small children because you can do counting lessons, or take the colorful cereal and practice with patterns.   If the little birds prefer, you can cover the cereal with peanut butter, and for an extra treat, sprinkle with bird seed.  With this idea, or any of the other ones, you can also keep watch of what kind of birds come to visit your little cafe.  Take pictures or keep a sketch book and then look them up on the internet to find out more about your wild neighbors.  You can also keep track of what time of day the birds visit, how long your particular feeder lasts before you have to create another one, and so on.  The educational lessons are almost endless.

As a fun Christmas idea, take your (real) Christmas tree outside when you are finished, and adorn it with the above ideas until you just absolutely have to get rid of it.  Popcorn is also a safe treat for birds and would look so cute.  What a great idea to get a little extra use out of those trees!

For other ideas, just search the net.  There are several ideas as well as food options for our little friends.  Have fun and feed the birds!! 

A Few of My Favorite Things

In my journey of being a mom and being a homeschooler, there are a few things that I don't want to do without.  Oh, I can do without a lot of things, but I am certainly thankful for the small blessings that make my life easier.  My Top 5 Favorite Things are in no particular order...I love them all.  I highly recommend these items if you are a mom, a homeschooler, or work with kids on a regular basis.  Drum roll please.....

#1 ~ My Thermal Laminator

I love laminating!!  I'm a laminating junky, I confess, but only since I bought my Scotch Thermal Laminator.  You know, the one they sell at Walmart for about $25?  Yep...that's the one.
If you don't want to spend the money on the laminator and the added cost of the laminating pages, you can use clear contact paper.  I've been there, done that.  It works.  But...in my humble opinion, it was such a pain.  I actually laminate quite a lot of things so that posters will be sturdier, and downloaded homeschool units will be reusable...saving me paper and ink.  Since the laminating pages are a bit expensive...around $15 for 50 sheets, I do try not to go overboard and spread the laminating parties out over time.  But, overall, it saves me time and a headache, and that's worth every penny to me.



#2 ~ Dry Erase Crayons

In my homeschool area, you will find a traditional chalkboard hanging on the wall, not a whiteboard.  The main reason for this is because, as easy as the dry erase markers wipe off of a whiteboard, they do NOT easily come out of clothing or off of walls and furniture!  When you have small kiddos, they WILL get it on their clothes and/or drop it, causing marks to get on the table or walls, or whatever.
But, last year, Crayola came out with dry erase crayons...yes, crayons!  Not only do they easily wipe off of whiteboards and laminated sheets, but they don't get all over my kiddos clothing or my furniture.  WIN~WIN!  I might even replace that chalkboard someday. 
I will say this...just last week, I found actual WASHABLE dry erase markers at Target.  Maybe enough moms and teachers had the same complaints.  I haven't used them yet, though, so I make no promises on them.  But, by all means, get some dry erase crayons for your kiddos or classroom!

#3 ~ Ziploc Bags

Ziploc Bags~not just for food!  I cannot tell you how many times I go to the Ziplocs when I need to store small toys or school supplies.  They are perfect organization tools for small spaces.  You can store a lot of them together in a larger container.  You can see see through them at a quick glance.  You can write right on the bag, or use tape to label.  And if/when it actually wears out, just go to the box and pull out another.  Cheapest storage containers ever!  We have stored everything in them...action figures of all kinds, small girly toys, crayons, flashcards, batteries...you name it.  If it can fit in a Ziploc bag, we've put it in there.  And the wonderful storage bags do come in different sizes to meet any number of your needs.  My son even caught a live bee in one the other day...but that's another story.  Yes, always keep these wonderful bags on hand!  (And, no, I don't always buy the name brand, it was just easier to use that name for the sake of the blog.)

#4 ~  Disinfecting Wipes & Baby Wipes

The wipes have to be mentioned at the same time.  Disinfecting wipes (such as Clorox) are great for quick clean ups in the kitchens and bathrooms, and wherever else you may need them.  They are essential during flu season to keep those door knobs and light switches cleaned, not to mention telephones and keyboards.  And, they are safe enough for my 6yo daughter to use when she wants to help clean (yes~she actually loves to clean & dust), but I don't want her to use the more powerful and therefore, more dangerous cleaners. 


Baby wipes are great for quick touch ups after your children have eaten a peanut butter sandwich or other wonderful, but messy, foods.  You surely wouldn't want to use the Clorox wipes on their delicate skin!  We keep them in the baby's room, in the kitchen, and in the car...and wherever else we need them.  We panic if we leave home without them.

#5 ~ My Keurig

Last, but not least, I give a shout out to my Keurig coffee maker. I am inept when it comes to making coffee.  I've tried, but it usually turns out so strong, it can get up and walk away by itself.  Therefore, I never had coffee in the mornings. So, a couple of years ago, my husband bought me a Keurig for Christmas.  It has been wonderful!  Ours came with a "MY K~Cup" unit that you can use with your regular coffee grounds instead of having to use individual k~cups all the time.  I like the different k~cups, but I also like the option of regular grounds.  If you do have a Keurig, this little gadget is worth looking into.  Now, this is a little more expensive than the other items I've listed, and if you know how to make a good pot or cup of coffee with a regular coffee maker, have at it.  But, this is my list of things I don't want to live without, and I definitely don't want to live without the Keurig again! 

So there you have it.  My top 5 things this mommy doesn't want to be without and highly recommends to all the other moms out there to make your days just a little bit easier.

God bless!!

Hand (and Feet) crafted Turkeys

This simple and cute craft was all my mother-in-law's doing.  Trace your child's feet to use as the body of the turkey and trace their hands with fingers for the feathers.  Then draw or add the rest of the turkey to your child's delight.  These are the turkeys my 2 oldest did-proudly displayed on the fridge.

 Have fun and God bless!!
                                                          

Picture Perfect Placemats

This is my first ever blog on Three Kids & We!!  So, if you are reading this...thank you and welcome!  Since this blog is about sharing cool crafts and 'schooling' ideas, my first blog is this super easy, but well enjoyed, handmade place mats.

I came up with this idea when preparing for a fall brunch the ladies at my church host every year.  I was hosting a table, using a "Homeschool Family" theme this year, and needed place mats that reflected that.  You can choose any number of themes to go with...Birthday, Christmas or other holidays, any special event...the ideas are endless.

1st- Decide which pictures you want to use and have them printed out.  (I had them printed at a store since I was making 8 mats with 3 pictures on each and wanted to save my own ink.)

2nd- Choose the paper you want to use.  I used card stock for the extra strength and just regular sized paper-because it's what fits in my laminator.  I think a 12x12 piece of scrapbook paper would also be nice if you have a way to laminate that size.  I do know that clear contact paper works well for laminating, too.  I also grouped the pictures together, according to what I wanted on each mat.  Example, I did one mat for each child, a couple with all 3 kiddos together, and the rest were of different activities that reflected my homeschool theme.

3rd- (and the most fun step)- Let your kiddos have fun placing the pictures on the paper and decorating it with stickers or other decorations.  I would recommend something flat, however.
I used glue dots to secure the pictures on the paper because it's what I had nearby.  I would recommend using something a little less bulky, though, since the glue dots make bumps.

4th- Laminate!                                                       

The place mats were a hug success.  Everyone enjoyed stopping by my table and checking out all the pictures.  My kiddos are very proud of their handy work and we often use them at home to make dinner time a little more fun.

These place mats would make great gifts for mothers, grandparents, or whoever!  Let me know what you think and what you are going to do with this!! 

Enjoy!!