Autumnal Equinox: Celebrating Autumn

Well, it's finally here! Autumn! In all of it's splendor! 

I simply love this time of the year and all that it has to offer!

The colors of the leaves, the smell in the air, the foods and drinks associated with the season. Warm, spicy aromas filling the house from baking, soups, or fall-scented candles!

I love cuddling under a warm blanket and reading a good book/books! Wearing warm sweatshirts and hoodies. Taking nature walks with the kiddos. Journaling what we see. Leaf collections, or rubbings. Apple tasting is fun! An autumn unit study is fun and can be as extensive as you want it to be. You can focus on so many various things, be it weather, trees, apples, pumpkins, animals, birds, migration, hibernation, football, pilgrims and Indians, leaves, autumn around the world, nocturnal animals, etc. There are a plethora of books to choose from covering all of the above topics and just simply "fun" autumn books that aren't really focusing on anything in particular, that we've read again and again. 

 I love going to fall festivals. There's the annual Pumpkin Festival we go to each year in our state. We also enjoy going to the Bob Evans Fall Festival each year. 

Carving pumpkins is a family favorite too! Making apple butter and hot mulled cider! YUM! I'm not really a fan of football, so that's not something you'll see on the television in our house too often. I do love Halloween, and so do my kids. So many parents are against this holiday, as they associate it with evilness. I know that all holidays can go either way. You can make it whatever you want. It can be innocent. We have lots of fun trick or treating and going through our candy when we get home! The best part is designing our costumes! Decorating the house is a must. My house is totally "autumned out" right now! I have orange lights strung in every room. Leaf garland, hay bales, scarecrows, pumpkins, crows, candles, vases filled with colorful leaves, owls, etc. 

We have a lot of fun visiting our local state forest/park and walking on their various trails and taking pictures! 

We usually pack a picnic lunch and sit under a big tree on a bench and enjoy the sights and sounds all around us while we eat. Then the kids pile up the leaves and jump in them until it's finally time to pack up the van and go home. 

The girls always pick out a pumpkin of their own and carve it close to Halloween. I like sitting them around the house beside pots of mums on the porch until then. 

We have so much fun learning together during ALL seasons, but it seems we tend to enjoy autumn and winter (Christmas) best. 

If you wish to have a list of the fall books/poems/resources I've read/used in our home, comment below and I will send you a list, or a link of my listmania list on Amazon of "Favorite Fall Books". 

HAPPY FALL YA'LL!

Learning with Index Cards

Recently I decided to use index cards in our homeschool for short lessons, as recommended in Charlotte Mason's books about educating children~ homeschooling or otherwise. I bought several packages of index cards, in various colors, labels, filing compartments, and mini boxes for individual use.
 This is no new idea or anything. In fact, I've read other testimonials from parents, in homeschool articles, on how well this worked for them.
 Keeping with the idea of short lessons and doing mostly reading for each subject (using "living" whole books: not textbooks), I have devised a plan to use these index cards with my girls for penmanship, vocab words, written narrations, copywork, geography, nature/science, math lessons, artist study, foreign language, etc. 
 For example, let's say I'm doing a lesson on Van Gogh. I might have them copy his name in their neatest handwriting and write down the name of the painting we are studying, along with a bio of him (depending on age of child). I have also purchased unlined/blank index cards of a larger size for artwork. Perhaps I may have them sketch a drawing of the work we're studying, say Sunflowers, and place in our box. That, along with the book I'm reading on him, and the painting we're studying would conclude the lesson.
 I feel like the index cards aren't so intimidating as a huge piece of notebook paper lying before them on the table, and they can feel accomplished once they are done with their work.
 I like the idea of short lessons on each subject. They seem to stay more focused and retain more from the lesson we are studying this way.
 Another example of this technique is: Let's say I am reading a book aloud to the children and we come to a word in the text that they've not heard before. After I've finished the passage I'm reading, I would go back and after having made note of the words in question, have them copy the word on their index card, labeled vocab words, or color coded, and the definition, and perhaps use it in a sentence the next day on another card of the same color.
 With younger children, this really shouldn't be required. Simply discussing the words together, or by using the surrounding words in the sentence, ask them if they think they can figure out the meaning of the word.
 This can work well when learning about individual states, using a different colored card for each state, with the state's facts. In foreign language, writing down the new word we learn, or phrase of the day. They can also make their own "flash cards" for math lessons. The ideas are endless. 
 We shall see how this goes. I love the flexibility of homeschooling. If this doesn't work, then we can always try something new! 

Spring Reading and Nature Journaling

 With the season of Spring upon us, I'm reminded of all sorts of animals coming out of their winter hiding to once again explore the world around them. Recently I've spotted quite a few of them in our yard, along with lots of birds. I so enjoy waking to the sound of birds chirping outside and doves cooing their love songs. I've put out a variety of seeds in our numerous bird feeders to lure them in! A playful squirrel was spotted grooming his tail just yesterday, and a large family of deer, or possibly two families, made their way down the hillside to cross the creek a few days ago.
  Bunnies are some of my favorite little critters to watch at play in our yard. One book collection I couldn't live without is: http://www.amazon.com/Beatrix-Potter-Complete-Tales/dp/072325804X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301293164&sr=1-1. We have read these stories over and over again and never tire of them! Beautiful illustrations and rich text about all of these beloved critters! Any book by Jim Arnosky is good. James Herriot's Treasury for Children is another must have http://www.amazon.com/James-Herriots-Treasury-Children-Creatures/dp/0312085125/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301293341&sr=1-1.
    Raccoons are plentiful around here. I have pictures of a mama raccoon with her two young, climbing and eating from our bird feeders last late Spring.
Chipmunks visit our porch quite often. It's so sweet watching them stuff their cheeks full with as much seed as they can!
 I have journaled about all of these and more. Keeping a nature journal is something I enjoy tremendously. It's fun for the whole family. "Keeping a Nature Journal" by Clare Walker Leslie http://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Nature-Journal-Discover-Seeing/dp/1580174930/ref=pd_sim_b_2, is a book I highly recommend. In it's description it says~ "You can experience a spirited yet tranquil exploration of the living world by creating your own nature journal. In any season, in any weather, and any place, nature journaling compels us to slow down, observe, reflect, and once again, embrace our connection to the living mosaic that is our environment."
 Another good book, http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Days-Creating-Discovery-Journals/dp/1576360733, is called "Wild Days: Creating Discovery Journals".
 Really, all you need is some paper, pencil or pen, crayons, or just whatever you choose, and the great outdoors!
 Have fun! Start a new adventure!
Happy journaling, discovering, and reading!!!!

Spring and renewal..

  I've not blogged in quite some time. I've been doing everything and nothing...if that makes any sense. It does to me.
 Life can get hectic at times. Some days are better than others. Or so it seems. It actually all comes down to one thing. Your attitude. 
 Spring has sprung. We've set the clocks forward. The days are getting longer. The temperatures are getting warmer, um, well not really, but they will soon enough. Disaster has and is taking place in many parts of our world.
  Life is ever-changing.
 It all happens for a reason. There really is no sense in questioning the unquestionable. I have decided there are many things in this life that I can't do anything about. Then again,  there are many things I can. 
 I do know this. Each day is a new day. A fresh start. For us all. Make the most of every minute you have. For it might be your last. Choose your words wisely.  Love your loved ones. Smile and mean it! Don't worry or over analyze things. Worry gets you nothing. Except for maybe a headache, and a sleepless night.
 Do something new today. Simplify. Accept. Cry if you need to. Tell him/her what you've been holding back. Write a letter, and then tear it up. 


Buy some fresh flowers. Journal. Sip some tea and read a good book. Write a poem. Take a walk. Take a drive out in the country. Light a scented candle. Meditate. Watch an old movie. Take deep breaths of fresh air. Enjoy the daffodils in bloom. The cherry blossoms will soon be bursting. The buds on the trees. The birdsong. Change your outlook on life. Don't give up. Someone, that someone, is out there. Trust me, if you're single and searching, be patient..they will come. 
If it's meant to be it will be.
 Acceptance is a big thing. Along with attitude. Those two combined can make you or break you.
 Life is only what we make of it. We may suffer from illness, lose a loved one, break-up with someone, or get dumped, lose a job, gain or lose weight, suffer financially, or whatever, but if we keep a positive attitude, and accept things, things we CAN'T change that is, then it's not so bad. AND it will get better.
 Spring is about newness. It's about change. It's about renewing ourselves. Our attitudes. Our insights. Renewal. Growth. 
 Even if your life is perfect...haha...those around you may be suffering in some way or another. Reach out to them. LOVE! 
 Oh...and one more thing, while I'm at it..."stuff" doesn't make you happy forever. People can't make you happy forever. YOU are the only one who can make YOU happy! You can share your happiness with others. Be content. Be happy, be yourself; love, smile, don't give up, make peace, simplify, and QUIT COMPLAINING AND WORRYING! 
  Peace and love to all! {{hugs}} ^_^ <3 

Valentine's Day at our house

          So, what do we do to celebrate Valentine's Day?  Well, Valentine's Day is my mother's birthday as well, so that's one of the ways we celebrate! Wishing her a Happy Birthday with a heart-shaped cake, or fresh flowers, and of course, homemade cards from the kids! 


  Leading up to Valentine's Day, we like to make lots of crafts and read lots of good books about the holiday. Most of the books we check out are ones that the girls pick out, with lots of colorful pages and cute pics on the front covers! I throw in a few to the stack that may discuss the history of the holiday, and how it's celebrated around the world. 


  Right now, the walls of our art room are covered with hearts, in many different sizes, with their own unique little designs. Yesterday, my 7YO dd fascinated me with her creativity. She got buttons out of our craft basket and glued them on her cut out heart, drew whiskers, and there before me, a mouse appeared! So neat to see what each of them come up with! 

 Each year, I buy something special for everyone in my family. Sometimes it may just be a card and their favorite candy. Sometimes I may order something from a special site for them. Stuffed animals are always welcomed (even though we have a TON already!). 

  One year we went to one of our favorite Japanese Hibachi restaurants. My girls got a kick out of our chef, whom with his utensils, formed our rice into a big heart shape on the grill! Lots of laughter and fun. ^_^ 


 I  personally enjoy reading poetry (anytime), receiving and giving flowers, burning Spring-scented candles around the house, or getting some new scented lotion or bubble bath to pamper myself with! 


 My 16YO ds has a sweet girlfriend whom he plans on getting a kitten for! Sadly, her cat was ran over recently. I thought this was a sweet idea. They are planning on spending some time together this weekend before she goes out of town for a week. Ahh, young love! ^_^


 So, that pretty much sums it up. Pretty simple. No fancy, romantic getaways here! LOL

   What do YOU do to celebrate V-day? If anything at all?


  

Picture Books

Hello to you on this fine Saturday morning! I am going to talk more about books! LOL Imagine that!
  In our home, we LOVE reading, as you already know. We have a plethora of books in our home library. I also have several baskets around the house with various picture books in them.
   I simply love picture books. When I first began homeschooling, I started using our library quite a bit. Using the libraries website, I can easily search for books about different topics I want to teach my children, and it will bring up tons of titles, with pictures and a description of that title to help me decide whether or not I want to place it on hold.
 Whilst doing this over the years, I have discovered that picture books have a wonderful way of teaching, that's different from other books. While I LOVE a good, thick, meaty book to read aloud, a big stack of picture books can be just as satisfying.
 When looking for good picture books, there ARE a few things to keep in mind.
   1. Make sure the book isn't watered down (twaddle as Charlotte Mason would put it).
       That the story is descriptive, exciting, and filled with rich vocabulary.
   2. Check out the illustrations in the book. Are they suitable? Are they thought provoking?
   3. Read up on the authors. You can learn a lot by reading an author's profile.
   4. Make sure the topics written in the book will interest your child. It's fine to introduce new ideas and topics, but do it with good, well written books so that your child/children don't get bored.
There are lots of things we've learned by reading pictures books, that we otherwise wouldn't have. For example, when studying the liberal arts, we have read many interesting picture books about famous artists with some of their paintings illustrated throughout the book. Just as we have read about many composers with illustrations of their homes, the dress of the period they lived in, and so on. This really gives you a lot of insight into their lives and you can actually see what it all looked like. (this is why it's important to research a bit on an author, making sure they have their facts right!)
 We have checked out, and bought, picture books about gardening, cooking, animals, trees, flowers, science, math, other countries and cultures, states, birds, habitats, seasons, houses, farms, holidays, etc...all with WONDERFUL illustrations!
 Some of our favorite authors are: Allen Say, Cynthia Rylant, Eric Carle, Ed Young, Patricia Polacco, Dr. Seuss, James Herriot, William Steig, Arnold Lobel, Barbara Cooney, Tasha Tudor, Beatrix Potter, Shirley Hughes, Anita Lobel, Audrey Wood, Chris Van Allsburg, Lauren Child, Helen Cooper, Lois Lowsky, Eileen Spinelli, Will Moses, Virginia Lee Burton, Roald Dahl, Lois Ehlert, Eve Bunting, Robert McCloskey, Don Freeman, Ezra Jack Keets, Allan Ahlberg, Marjorie Flack, Margaret Wise Brown, A.A. Milne, Tomie de Paola, Enid Blyton, Jim Arnosky, Lynne Cherry, and Mem Fox, just to name a FEW! LOL
  We LOVE picture books! Even though we have a whole houseful, we can't get enough. The librarians know us by name, and we have maxed out at least two to three libraries cards per visit! HA!
 So, what about you and yours? Do you love picture books? If so, what are some of your favorites?

 Let me know! Two great resources I have found for picking out exciting picture books too are called "Honey for a Child's Heart" and "The Read Aloud Handbook".
                      
 

What is your "House of Belonging"?

  Dear Reader,
    Today I am inspired to share with you my thoughts on what a "House of Belonging" is and what mine consists of. Then, I would love to hear all about yours. A "House of Belonging", simply put, is your dream home and everything that surrounds it, fills it up and where it's located. I recently discovered this title from a book I'm reading called "Moving On" by Sarah Ban Breathnach, though I have ALWAYS had a dream home in mind. I believe, as women especially, we all do. Thinking back even to when we were little girls, playing doll house, rearranging the furniture in each room just the way we liked it, or daydreaming about our "Fairy Tale" home and Prince Charming that would be ours once upon a time!
 Perhaps you already have found your "House of Belonging" and if so, GOOD FOR YOU! But, for the rest of us out there that haven't, well, let us drink our coffee and dream a little together! ^_^
 To begin, I will share with you some of my dreams....if you will..and I hope it inspires you to do the same. I love hearing from other people, and learning about other's desires and interests.
 My "House of Belonging" is actually two different homes. I have a Japanese style home that I will share with you first. This home is your traditional "Japanese" style home. Very simplistic, all organically made, with very little furniture. If you don't know what a traditional Japanese home looks like, here's a short video that will show you what I'm referring to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVbbCGne7Nc&NR=1 In my garden, I would have lots of Japanese Cherry Blossoms, Japanese Red Maple, Plum, and other vegetation. Perhaps a Koi pond and a fountain or two. Benches to sit on in my garden to read and enjoy being out in nature.
 My second "Home of Belonging" is an English Cottage located in the rural countryside of England. Surrounding my home would be lots of beautiful roses and trees. A garden bench beside a bird table. Ivy and other climbing plants growing up the house. A fireplace nestled inside, with lots of cozy seating. Victorian style lamps and furniture in some rooms. Here's a picture to show you what I'm referring to. So what's your "House of Belonging" look like? Share your pictures and ideas. I started a little project with my girls called a "House of Belonging" folder. You simply get a folder, gather up lots of your favorite "Home" magazines, and start cutting away, pictures of homes, plants for your garden, furnishings for each room in your house, paintings you would like hanging in the halls or rooms, kitchen design, etc. It's a fun way to discover what everyone's folders include, and it is a fun way to spend time together. If you have no girls to share this time with, well, do one yourself. It's like journaling in a way, except you're exploring your inner self through the design of your home.
 Enjoy! Looking forward to reading your responses.

Avril Lavigne's 'Alice In Wonderland' Video Is 'Haunting,'

Family Read Aloud

Over the years, I have realized that reading is not only educational, but it is quite pleasurable. It's a way to travel to new places (for free!), meet new people, learn about new cultures, find new interests, find out new recipes, tips, etc. So, why not share this with your family. A lot of people say that kids/teens should just read independently, and while this is important, it is equally important to read aloud as a family! What better way to spend time together?! Learning, exploring, laughing, and taking turns reading a good book or two. Fiction or non-fiction, my family has enjoyed numerous titles in the comfort of our living room, my bedroom, curled up on the couch with blankets and favorite stuffed animals, or around the kitchen table. We've even packed up the van with a picnic basket and a bag of books and headed to our local park to enjoy the scenery on a nice Spring or Autumn day and read out in nature! 
 During these years of reading, we have obtained quite a collection of books in our home library, which, by the way, is essential in every family's home I believe. It's become a hobby for us to peruse the isles of book stores looking for books we love and have read already to buy, or find new ones that we think look neat! I also enjoy visiting our local libraries for many of the titles that are expensive, out of print, or just to check them out before buying.
 I have taught my children to read this way too. By listening to me read and watching my fingers scan the words on the page of a book, and seeing how my lips form and sound out these words, naturally, they pick up on this. It's an amazing way to teach. You see, each child is ready to read at different times. HE will let you know when, and you will know when he's ready too! All of my children have learned at different ages. I don't push it, because there's no better way to discourage the love of reading, but when they show an interest, it's then time to pull out a poem, or Mother Goose book, picture books of your choice, or even a novel, and let them begin to slowly form the words, keeping the lessons short and remaining patient and encouraging. Praising the child for what they are accomplishing! 

 My children love read aloud time. You create life long readers by starting this tradition in your home! So why not start today. It doesn't take that long, and before long, your kiddos will be begging "just one more book, pleeaassee!".