I often hear of home educators with a large, fully equipped schoolroom. I always wanted to have one too, until I realized that school takes place wherever I happen to be. We started with an online school that sent us a loaner computer. We were tied to the computer in a bedroom for half of the day and hefty workbooks the rest of the day. I would find books strewn throughout the house.

My husband is one of 7 boys who all know how to cook and clean. I asked my mother-in-law how she was able to teach these young men to do these things. Her reply was chores and family work. I have learned many great lessons from her and also from the Leadership Education book by Oliver and Rachel DeMille. These inspirational parents teach the children starting at a young age to work with the family. The work is not meaningless "wax on" then "wax off" type of chores. The chores are neccessary to learn, live, work, and play in a tidy home. (not spotless, just tidy)

Resources for Planning

I have searched through several resources for planning a year of curriculum. Some of my favorite planners and ideas are found on:

Thank you Toni for the massage today! I loved it! I need a massage every day. My back is causing me so much trouble that I decided to have msssage therapy done to help loosen up the tight muscles that keep pulling my back out after having the chiropractor put them back in place. *sigh* I wish there was an easier way.

Sam has another boo-boo. She wrenched her foot while skipping down the hallway. My first reaction is...huh?!? Unfortunately, she is a bit accident prone, and that left her unable to go on the Trek. She has gone before, but I know she would have been a great leader and a voice of experience on this Trek. She is fine with being home while everyone else is hiking past dark on the first day. The Trek location is the same used by all the stake's here, so she is familiar with the routine.

Me and Math (or Math and I if you want to do it that way)

I have often struggled with math...I mean, just when I start to think I understand it I find that I'm still not doing it right. I had to take college algebra twice to get a decent grade and even then I struggled through it with a tutor. I guess that's why I gravitated towards literature. I get words, sentences, and paragraphs.