Quick update, I am so busy every day I hardly have time to wash a load of clothes or cook a meal. I am taking intro to algebra during summer I session, this breaks down to a semester of algebra in 18 days! Class is every day Mon- Thurs and we a moving at the speed of light.. In the first five days we have covered solving equations for x, percent (rb=a) problems, mixture (dry & wet) problems, distance and value word problems, literal equations, & solving inequalities. Plus a quiz each day. This is an area that I struggle in, pray for God to continue to help me see the info in a way that I understand & can use it. It is very hard for me.

My baby girl turned sweet 16 Monday. I had hoped she would be home by her birthday, it looks like we are still a ways from that. So a few of her best friends and I drove to little rock for a surprise b-day lunch at shorty smalls then some shopping at the mall. She was very surprised to see her friends when we got to the restaurant. She was so happy, it was a great time. I miss her so much.
The boys are spending lots of afternoons at the pool & loving it. It works out while I am in class for them to be swimming, Ashley is watching them two days a week for me, Gran takes them on Thursdays. This week is VBS at our church, It has been hard to keep up with the crafts while in class ( I didn't think math would be so hard or I would not have taken crafts this year) Last night I had to miss so that I could meet with our study group to prep for todays test. Poor mom, I left her all alone to wrangle 20 pre-k kids! Good thing she loves me so much or she might hold that against me :) What a great helper she has been ( I think truth be told I have been the helper and she has been the leader) THANKS MOM
The garden is doing well, we haven't harvested anything yet but lots of blooms and tiny squash & tomatoes. I will try to post pics soon.
I haven't had time to do any coupon shopping in a few weeks, I need to soon as I am running low on some staples. Blessings Lisa

FOR TODAY ... May 26th, 2009

Outside my window... it is overcast & mild temps 60's - 70's for today. We are having a wet spring ()not to hot, I am thankful we haven't needed to turn on the AC yet this year. Most days we have the windows open and use fans to enhance the breeze. nice

I am thinking... how peaceful and quite the house is this morning, C is still asleep.

I am thankful for... How the Lord has taken care of us this month, money has been tighter than normal ( and normal is tight) I really was worried how I'd get all the bills paid this month, God has been good and once again things are working out even though on paper it looks impossible. Praise Him. He has always taken such good care of us and I love him so.

From the learning rooms... Caden is home with me today, we are learning about day 6 in creation science, the beast of the earth. In history our lesson comes from the growing up where Jesus lived storybook. Phonics reading is from one fish two fish by Dr Seuss, copywork lesson for handwriting, and in math we are working on counting by 2's & 5's using pennies and nickles.

From the kitchen... this weeks menu..

hamburger & mushroom pizza, salad

stew with crusty bread

magnificent pasta w/ veggie

cowboy beans, roll, veggies

chicken & rice

chicken mac/ salad

(out of town sunday- tuesday)

I am wearing... one of hubby's shirts, pj bottoms

I am creating... a rag rug for my master bath (can't wait to see it completed)

I am going... to town this afternoon (to the bank and to get a few grocery items)

I am reading... the evolution of a creationist ( very good book )

I am hoping... to get my housework done today

I am hearing... C getting up and giving Z the third degree about why he is still here and not at school today

Around the house... the garden is really loving all the mild wet weather, several tomato plants have blooms on them.

One of my favorite things... The wonderful creatures designed by God, such as this tiny hummingbird which, by the way, is one of many animals that defy evolution.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Getting VBS craft supplies ready, a trip to Branson for hubby and me :), starting college summer courses on June 2nd.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9: 13

to join the simple womans daybook click here http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Our home schooling plans...

I have finally worked out our home school schedule for this coming year. I am blessed to have most of the books for the older children, Cadens total curriculum will cost around $140.00, very well priced for the quality of the program. I have chosen beyond little hearts for his glory for him. I recommend anyone looking for a Christ centered, complete, engaging & hands on program that's easy for mom to use to check it out.
so here's what it is looking like...

dd- 10th grade
language arts:
World literature - abeka
Editor in chief - critical thinking co. (grammar skills)
Spelling & vocab. - abeka (this is under grade level for her but is plenty challenging for her skill level.)
Writing lessons in structure & style - institute for excellence in writing.
math: Geometry - BJU
history: Geography - BJU
science:
Exploring the world of chemistry, will still need addition chemistry with labs. I will most likely go with apologia science. I may look into what is offered at the local community college.
Knowing creation a nature study
she will also be working on life skills: household management, banking, cooking & shopping.

ds - 7th grade
language arts:
God's gift of language - abeka ( used for grammar instruction)
Spectrum reading workbook - chosen for the strong use of vocab. instruction
Spelling & usage - hearthstone curriculum
Writing lessons in structure & style ( I will be combining writing )
He will also have daily reading time covering selections from the following genres: biography, adventure, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, nonfiction, humor, realistic fiction & folk tale
math: Life pac 7th- alpha omega
history: Geography - BJU ( I will combine this subject )
science:
Considering God's creation
106 days creation study
We are looking into at least one of the following: karate or music lessons, boy scouting.

ds - 1st grade
using Heart of Dakota, beyond little hearts with daily lessons in: history, poetry, geography/ science, bible, copy work/spelling, reading & math.
history resources are - American pioneers & patriots, Stories of the pilgrims, Boys & girls of colonial days. ( all christian liberty press)
science resource - God's wonderful works ( christian liberty press)
reading made easy for phonics instruction.
math: Horizons - alpha omega

Also we will be attending our local home school co-op each week for Tuesday school activities.
It looks like a busy year, I am so happy that I will have them all home next year :)