I thought I’d try something new for 2012, so I’m linking up with the Homeschool Mother’s Journal
In my life this week…we are back at our normal routine, this week was much more productive and a lot less chaotic than last week. It feels good to be back to our lessons and back to the homekeeping routines.
In our homeschool this week…I’ve been struggling with what to do for next year, particularly with Jacob {the oldest}. I feel like I’ve had some clarity on the situation and a good reminder of what our goals are for him and for all of our children.
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…The Claw! In searching around for some ways to help Leah develop a proper grip for handwriting, I found the claw and realized we had one floating around. She picked it up right away and I could immediately tell this is going to work for her. So thankful for all the little “gadgets” out there that can make things easier for kids who need some extra assistance.
I am inspired by…some of my children who have to work so much harder than others to accomplish the same goal.
My favorite thing this week was…getting back to our routine and one boy with great penmanship and another working hard to improve.
What’s working/not working for us…Paths of Exploration is definitely working for us. I’m writing more about the curriculum next week. It really does fit.
Questions/thoughts I have…Wondering about the math site IXL.com, I’m thinking it might be a good supplement to what we are doing with Math U See. This week both Sarah and Jacob were a little bit stuck with their respective concepts and it would be nice to have a back up/refresher place to get extra practice. Have you ever used it?
Things I’m working on…creating a daily check list of things I want to accomplish each day, with each child for school. If we get to other things then it’s icing on the cake.
I’m reading…I’m reading Jane Eyre. I’m almost half way through. So far I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it either. I’m trying to get through at least a chapter per evening, sometimes more if I can keep my eyes open! I just finished up Genesis and starting Exodus in my 90 Day Historical Bible Reading.
I’m cooking…Lots of healthy meals and no desserts! Bob and I have been tracking our calories at My Fitness Pal, this app is awesome and really makes it easy to track what we are eating. It’s also possible to connect with friends and encourage one another. I’m Jen4ever4always if you’d like to connect. We also signed up at JillianMichaels for recipe ideas and exercises. She doesn’t mess around, her exercises are tough.
I’m grateful for…a husband that takes his health and fitness seriously and appreciates the effort and thought that goes into preparing healthy foods to eat.
I’m praying for…whew! lots of things 
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Welcome to the MHJ! I JUST signed up last night at My fitness pal.
Wow it’s a small world 
I tried out the iXL math with my Kindergartner. I think it is a great program for getting that review in but he didn’t like it after a little while. I will probably go back once he is older and doing harder concepts. The basic counting for him was a bore. 
Good luck and looking forward to getting to know you!
This is the second time this week I’ve heard of My Fitness Pal. I am going to have to look into that! I like the Homeschool Mother’s Format. It gives a quick synopsis of your week and at the same time helps your readers discover new things that you are doing. I have to get my post done and linked up!
You’ll love it, Jessica!
I need to look into Paths of Exploration for next year. Am I understanding correctly that it is all inclusive with the exception of needing a math curriculum?
I love MFP and so glad you are there to keep me motivated!
Your comment regarding those of your littles who have to work so much harder to achieve the same goal as their siblings…and how inspiring it is to you…that really hit home. They are all so different. Just like ourselves. Adults need to recognize this in each other as well. Great perspective!
What a wonderful quote from MLK. I also love what you said about being inspired by children who have to work so much harder than others. That’s close to my heart, too — thanks for expressing it so well.
I haven’t used that math site but I have used KhanAcademy.org. Close to 3,000 short video clips on topics from basic math to Trig, even art history and singapore math (grade 3 so far). It is all free too.
I also have a link on this week’s post for a site with math games with cards and dice.
I hope you have a great weekend! Stopping by from THMJ.
Neat new post, Jen. I love your inspiration. That’s one of the things I love about being a Mom…When my kids inspire ME. Look forward to hearing your thoughts about Paths of Exploration. You and your husband are a health and fitness inspiration to me!
So glad to see your post at THMJ!
Love your quote!
I just love your inspiration! How wonderful that are children can inspire us. We have sometimes have as much to learn as they do.
God bless,
Lisa
Thanks Tiffany!
Yes, I’m blogging about POE on Monday!
What I’ve realized that while we always eat pretty healthy, although we do eat our fair share of junk, my portions were way too big. We were eating good stuff, just far too much. Counting calories has been eye-opening!
I’m on My Fitness Pal too, but I think I would be embarrassed to show someone I “met” through blogs how much I need to lose! LOL
Oh Jessy, it doesn’t show any numbers!! It will say “so and so tracked her meals today and was under her goal”. If you add in a new weight it will say “so and so lost 1 pound since last weigh in, so and so has lost xx amount since joining” But no one can see where you started, what your goal weight is etc. It’s very encouraging and not embarrassing at all! Look me up
I like the format. New inspiration for wrap-ups is a good thing. Don’t give up on Jane! I love her. It could be that I read it for the first time with (separately at the same time) my daughter. We had so much fun talking about and then watching the movie(s).
Thanks for the encouragement!
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