On this very rainy day in Ohio....College Orientation..

Three years ago when I began this blog, I had no idea how it would be home schooling any one of my children all the way into college. Today, I can say with experience it has been done! Yes, today, my oldest is at his orientation weekend and begins his first semester on Monday, following an Art major, business minor track. See: Mount Union College. It's a pretty exciting time, and many of we parents will be at the college later today for some special welcoming ceremonies. I'm proud that Doug has worked so hard the last couple years, including school work and holding down a job all the while, pursuing his career in art. He recently won another art competition, the biggest one for him yet. I'm grateful we home schooled for the last 13 years, and can't imagine another 13 years ahead..but indeed, we have another 13 years to go as our youngest begins his education with Kindergarten in our home school this following Monday as well. Three students left to work with at home. I think it's safe to say, it's a blank canvas right now...and only God knows what will be painted on it by the end of each child's journey at home with schooling. I trust in Our Lord, and leave it in His wise and all-knowing hands.

Debt Free Living Guru Blog

 

Worth checking out:

Nice Clothes for Cheap:

http://sharmanlawson.savingadvice.com/2008/07/08/nice-clothes-for-cheap_40957/

 

 

Congressman Mike Rogers on Healthcare Reform

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G44NCvNDLfc

 

 

How I spent my summer vacation...

...mostly outdoors. It's been the first time in years I've been outdoors as much as I have been this summer. My younger one wanted to do so much outside, and that was great, but he needed a little looking over. This caused me to meet my neighbors daily outdoors, talk with them for many hours, and share my POPZ popcorn with them:) It has been a good summer. Not as stressful as a few past summers. I am very grateful for that.

When I have been indoors, I have been working on our schooling area; primarily the area for the two younger ones. I re-did our enclosed front porch and turned half of it into a comfy library type area, with big throw pillows and lined baskets filled with good literature, religious books, science items and math manipulatives. Our new world globe, soon to arrive, will also be in this area (and two smaller globes, one a world one, and one a constellation sphere will be on our dining room table for geography help).

I think I have all the curriculum orders completed, and am just awaiting every last items' arrival. I am excited to be teaching 5th grade, kindergarten and eleventh grade. They seem like a stretch, don't they?...but this is what God has given me in the dynamics of our family. My oldest will begin college the last Monday of this month! I can't believe it. Then again, I have one of the younger families out of those in my age group. I need to eat my Wheaties, take my Stresstabs and "take good care of myself"....I have a long ways to go.

Happy end of summer thoughts and activities...savor every last drop of Sunlight and warm breezes...

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Help me to learn about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. What do I need to do to get started for at least one level at our parish? I understand the Atrium idea, but what do we need to stock it with? I'm going to order some items from CGSUSA.org and am looking forward to learning about this way of catechizing our young students. Any helps would be greatly appreciated!

Beach day fun

ONE WORD: BAYWATCH :) David Hasselhoff, look-out!!

LOL! Did we have fun at the beach or what?! Fun, fun, fun...now it's time to clean up and get ready for a nice Friday and weekend ahead.

A lazy August day in the sun

I can't believe we are in the last stretch of summer now. I do wish summer would last longer...and as I age, I wish that more! Maybe that's why folks move to Florida, or further south...? Although, I also look forward to a new and fresh school season for our family, but I wish for all of us many more months of happy-go-lucky play in the sun.

Today, we'll visit friends at their lake home and frolic in the sand and sun for a while. Soon, there will be a few more outdoor festivals to visit and a trip to a science and historical museum.

Here's my five year old with his buddy from next door.

Rain Drops on Roses Twenty Favorite Things

1. Coffee - really any kind as long as it isn't weak. My favorite is usually Seattle's Best. But Folger's Classic Roast will do too.

2. Sunbelt brand Granola cereal (raisins & almonds).

3. Lipton's Decaffienated tea (bags) (I love this tea in the evening after dinner)

4. My Mikasa "Silk Flowers" tea cup and saucer

5. My favorite Celestial Seasonings tea is Dessert Tea: Almond Sunset

6. Cinnabon Cinnamon Bread (to toast).

7. Speaking of sunsets; I love a beautiful pink-coral sunset - from my back porch I've enjoyed many of these

8. Vita-moist moisturizer from Avon

9. Bamboo Pink Clinique lipstick

10. Sophistique colgone from Mark (Avon).

11. Skin-So-Soft Shower Gel (I wish they'd bring the talcum powder back...)

12. Sealing wax and nice stationary. I do love to write letters, but lack the time anymore. Still, I try!

11. Birkenstock sandals; I always have a pair.

12. Classical music; especially Kent University's station (my favorite)

13. Celtic music; especially the group: Dordan

14. The smell of wood burning - like a wood pit - any food cooked outdoors on a grill. Which reminds me, this family needs a new delux barbecue, OR better yet an outside wood/grill (Chiminea).

15. The potpourri fragrance of cinnamon and vanilla and other spices.

16. Eating out in Amish country somewhere, anywhere...in the Autumn (Oatmeal Pie)

17. Speaking of Autumn, it is my favorite time of year.

18. My Magnifcat prayer monthly devotional book (especially at Adoration).

19. My black hills gold wedding band, and matching cross necklace.

20. A good sweater; both comforting and useful; preferably chocolate brown.