Slices of Life

In looking back through my posts I always enjoy going all the way back to the beginning and seeing if there are any trends in some of the most popular posts I've ever posted. Here are the top 10 posts of my blog: 10.   Model Making, Flubber, and Slime:   With one last day of party planning and cleaning we, once again, hit the road for some errands on Friday.   The boys were thrilled that I allowed them to bring their Nintendo DS's in the car while we finished up some last minute shopping...  Ian talked me into buying him a model making kit.  My husband and I have been talking about what a great hobby this would be for Ian but most of the kits we've found are for cars or airplanes and Ian has no interest.  Today he found a Monster Jam Gravedigger truck and begged me for the kit...  Continue reading for our flubber and slime recipes.   9. Who's Plan? Embracing the Wandering Path of Our Homeschool:    I woke up this morning with no idea of what we'd do

And now for the MOST popular blog post of 2015:   (originally posted: June 7th)          10 Things This Homeschool Mom is Sick of Hearing I've been so very lucky in homeschooling because I have a wonderful support system.  Both my family and my husband's families were completely on board with my decision to start homeschooling; which was pretty ironic because I wasn't sure I was completely on board. I knew I wanted to give it a try but I was so scared and sure I was going to screw it all up.  Luckily my husband, our families, and fellow homeschool moms I met didn't mind encouraging me when I needed it. As a parent I only want what is best for my kids and while I knew public school wasn't perfect it wasn't horrible either.  We had no real issues other than one kid who wasn't really being challenged and another who was becoming a mess of nerves (and if I'm honest; still often can be!).  Now with three years behind us I can

10 Thanksgiving Craft Ideas for Middle School Students There's just something about Thanksgiving that brings out my creative side.   I love Thanksgiving and over the years we've tried out several different crafts.  Most of them focus on what we're thankful for as I like my kids to stop and think about just how lucky they are, the wonderful opportunities they have, the warm house, toys, and belongings we tend to take for granted.   Many of the crafts I find are not necessarily something my kids would enjoy doing though.  My boys think that many of the crafts I find and offer to do with them are for babies and young kids; they'd prefer something more "grown" up looking than hand print turkeys or paper headbands.   So I went on a search through my blog and through the internet looking for crafts that meet the approval of my middle schooler.  Here are some Thanksgiving craft ideas for older kids:  Indian Corn Wreath - I found this cut

Post number 4:  (originally posted on June 15th) 10 Truths I've Learned While Homeschooling    My blog often focuses on what the kids are doing or what the kids are learning while we're homeschooling, but I've learned a lot too over these past few years.   As our lives go through various changes or seasons, if you will, we adults are always growing, changing, and learning too.   Some of the things I've learned have been due solely to the kids and their interests.   They get so excited about all that they are learning and can't wait to share such wonderful facts with me.  I have learned so much about trucks, hydraulics, animals and Greek/Roman/ Egyptian Gods that it's just unbelievable. Much of what I've learned is not solely directed by the kids though. Here are 10 lessons I've learned while homeschooling my boys: I don't have all the answers but Google usually does! --  I thought I was intelligent.  I went to school an

Post number 5:  (originally posted on September 3rd) Homeschooling Middle School  I'll admit it; I was scared to homeschool a middle schooler.  I think partly I fed off of everyone else's worries and fears and *GASPS* of "I have a middle schooler now!"  Most homeschoolers see this as a time to buckle down and fill in all the gaps.  It seemed like it was so important to teach them all the right things.  After all high school soon follows middle school and then it's college after that!  I was so keyed up over it when I knew he was in fourth grade.  I promised I'd give myself a year to figure it out and get him on track.      But now I have a 6th grader and let me tell you a little secret---- it's not much different than teaching a 4th grader or a 5th grader.      Maybe I never got myself on track, maybe we didn't buckle down, maybe he won't be fully prepared for high school or college; I'll admit I just have no clue what he wi