School at home....

This year after the move and a having a baby, and pretty much having our lives turned upside down…. I knew we had to homeschool again. But we were going through a lean time as far as money goes and we just didn’t have any money to put out for curriculum.

I found an online charter school that looked really great. The curriculum looked decent and the people that I talked to at the school seemed really nice.

We filled out the application, and did the pretests {that in itself was an ordeal} and got everything sent in.

3 weeks… a move… and in a house with no furniture we got our curriculum and started on this new way of learning.

It is so different from how we homeschooled before and a lot more time consuming. There are online classes, check points, and a lot of busy work. It’s hard to go to the library… our favorite place to be… even trying to get out of the house for park days or our own field trips is hard because we have to work around s much. Pretty much it’s school at home, and I don’t like that.

After the first week I was hating it. The boys really didn't seem to care, were really good to check the boxes but they have no interest in actually learning anything. They just want to get through the days’ work to get onto reading or playing with Legos or going to the park. And really I don’t blame them. I was looking over the stuff and it is pretty dry.

They are not excited to learn, they are just checking off the boxes.

So I took a deep breath and called the school to let them know that I would be dropping the school. I am waiting for some new curriculum, but while we wait we are trying out “unschooling” and while we are doing that the boys have found some new interests.

I think that it’s scary jumping off and trying new things.

Have you ever changed things so drastically that it scared you??

Taking Kids to the Library

When I was younger I honestly don’t remember going to the city Library. I remember going to the school library and learning about the Dewy Decimal System, and I remember one project in junior high that took me to the library so I could work on a group project {that was a horrible experience and gave me anxiety about working in groups from that point on}

My parents probably took me to the library, I just don’t remember….

Having my own kids though, I want the library to be an active part of their childhood. So we are there a lot.

Before I give some tips for going to the library here are a couple funny stories…

Tommy wanted to know how to make fire… after he was told no to both a lighter and matches he thought of the next best thing… books… The next time we went to the library he got on the computer and looked up a book on how to make fire.  Checked it out and brought it home. I saw him reading it and really didn’t think anything of it, until I saw him outside rubbing a couple sticks together! He was outside working hard to make fire. {he never did… and he still never got the matches}

When Tim was about 2 {I only had the 3 boys at the time} we went to the library, kids were getting tired and hungry, so we were getting thing ready to go. I gathered up our books and boys and was ready to go. Tim wanted to walk so I put him down. He went running through the library screaming and giggling the whole way. He grabbed a random book that was on a table and then proceeded to throw it at the nice lady at the check out counter. She held up the book and asked if I wanted to check it out I sad no…. The book was “How to Raise a Toddler”….

So here are some tips when taking kids to the library…

*Get to know the staff! – The librarians that work in the children’s section are there {generally} because they love kids. They are so helpful and as long as it is kept in check don’t mind the noise {with in reason}.

*Teach kids to use the computers to look up books!  - As soon as we made the library a weekly thing I taught the boys to use the computer to look up books. We all gathered around the computer I showed them what to type in, and to make sure it’s at the library that we are at, and to check to see if is available. Then to write down the name of the book, and the call number or last name. Then we went to look for the book. I showed them the sections of the library and how to find the book with the call numbers, or author’s last name. It took awhile for the boys to get it, but now they can all look up their own books and know how to get them. If you are unsure how to do this ask a librarian, they will be more than happy to help you.

*Teach the kids to where to put unwanted books. – Nothing is more annoying than looking for a book that is available and not being able to find it. If you don’t know how to reshelf a book, don’t. Most of the time libraries {especially the children’s area} will have a place to put the unwanted books. Sometimes it’s a bin at the end of a shelf, sometimes it’s on a table, or even baskets placed around the library to put a book that was pulled off a shelf but not checked out. Teach your children to put the books there so they can be reshelved properly.

*Keep small ones in a stroller – {hear me out…} If you have one or even 2 kids a stroller may not be necessary. If you are just going for story time and leaving you may not need it. However if you are going to be awhile it’s easier to keep a small one with grabby hands in a stroller, that way you can hand them books to look at and not worry about a little one empting an entire shelf onto the floor. {ask me how I know…} We will go to the library, everyone will get what they need and then I’ll let the toddler out of the stroller for the last 10 minutes before we check out where I can just watch him. The others don’t need me so I’m not trying to do two things at once. And the more that you go the better it gets. About 2.5 they are well behaved enough so they no longer need the stroller… we are there enough so they learn the rules fast.  I no longer have to worry about my 4 year old pulling all the books off the shelf, it just comes with time and exposure.

*Be open minded! – You may not think that your 7 year old is going to want to read a certain book because it’s way above their reading level… but you won’t ever know unless you let them. We have had books checked out from the adult section about building construction,  George Washington, Snakes, and Anatomy. For me there really is little that is off limits, and that is due to content {because of their ages}, not because I don’t think that they can read the book. … remember the book on how to build a fire…. That was not found in the children’s section…. The library is a great place to find new interests, maybe your child just looks at the pictures, or maybe they read it and find a new passion and need something deeper than what the children’s section can offer. {with that though, remind them of the library rules as they are in the teen or adult section… a lot less noise is appreciated}

*Take advantage of what the library has to offer. – There are some awesome programs that the library offers! Things for children and adults. It goes WAY beyond just story time!

*Just GO!!! – I really can’t say that enough. If you want your children to love the library, you have to make it a habit. You have to take them. Maybe it starts out with story time only and then you go home, then maybe you work up to actually checking out books but are there only long enough to get the books and check out…. But if you don’t take your kids they won’t know how to behave in a library, even the little ones will learn with time but they have to be there.

I love the library! My children have learned so many great things from being within the walls of so many books.  And I have too. I enjoy the times that I can go by myself and really look at all the books. But I also love bring the kids and seeing the books that spark their interests, some days it pretty predictable in what they will pick, other days… not so much and they are able to find a gem and start a new series, or great new pictures of something.

I love the wonder within the walls that libraries open up.

What tips do you have when you take your kids to the library?? Please share in the comments.

photo credit: Enokson via photopin cc

Cleaning Up Accidents

Oh the joys of potty training. Just when you think “Yeah!! They’ve got it!!” they surprise you and have an accident. {or 2.... or 5} {have you read my post on Potty Training?}

Here is something that I have found that works really well for cleaning up pee.

So far this has worked everywhere we have had an accident. As soon as you notice it try to blot up as much as you can. {I have found that hemp cloth diaper inserts work GREAT for this!! They absorb so much of the initial pee if you can get to it soon enough}

Any of the excess that you can get out is a good thing.

Then get Baking Soda. Just regular Baking Soda {we usually get it in bulk} and put it on the wet spot.

You don’t want a pile of it sitting on top of the wet spot, but more than a gentle sprinkle.

Then wait.

The wetter it is the longer the wait.

The baking soda will absorb the pee….. AND THE SMELL!!

When the baking soda is dry {you’ll notice that it’s kind of crusty} vacuum it up. If there is still areas that are still wet, just apply more baking soda to the area and do it again.

I have done this to beds, couches, floors, chairs, and rugs. And honestly once it’s all vacuumed there is no smell of pee.

It does take time for the baking soda to dry… and you do have to keep little hands out of it. The oh so tempting area of white looking sand….


What do you do to clean up accidents that happen at your house?

Kids and Bad Days

I wasn't looking forward to this.... the bad day.....

It really can come at almost any time.

I think I have narrowed down the three types of bad days.... the ones that you bring on yourself, the ones that happen to you, and the ones that involve someone else.

1- The ones that are brought on yourself are ones that include misbehavior, and well.... stupidity.

We have had a couple of these. There was talking in class. It kills my kids.... they are talkers! {they are their mother's child...} They are learning. But we have had bad days because of things that they have done. So far nothing to bad other than normal little kid stuff but I still like to try to end it quickly. We have talked about being respectful to teachers, and listening to others that are in charge. We have talked about attitude and how to not rub people the wrong way, and about proper tone in a voice when talking to people who are in charge. A reminder that chairs are for sitting and not for jumping off of, and running down the hall yelling "The muggles are coming" is not appropriate. So far things have been small and only a little reprimanding has been needed. I hope that is as far as it goes.

2-Then you have the one that happen to you.... You dropped your sandwich on the floor, you were running and tripped and everyone saw, you studied so hard and still didn't do well on a test.

These ones are a little harder. There really isn't anything you can change. More than just 'pay more attention.' For the boys I try to be a sounding board. There really isn't anything that needs to be fixed, they just need someone to listen to them, and be on their side. So I sit and I listen. I offer an opinion or suggestion when asked, and I usually try to follow these with a treat. On days like this I'm pretty sure a chocolate cookie will fix everything. If not I turn up the music and we have a dance party. That really is one way to get the boys to smile and laugh!

3-Then the hard one. The ones that involve someone else. With someone else being mean to your child.

So far we haven't had anything like this happen. So far the boys are making friends and loving school. But I worry for this day. I'm sure the Mama Bear in me will want to hunt the kid down that hurt my child and fix the problem. But well... So again.... I think the best thing is being there to listen. Listen and to be on your child's side. Ask them what should be done and take their lead. Give them ways to feel empowered. Let them know they are loved. {and point out people who are not directly in the family who love them.... because we all know that "my brothers are suppose to love me"} Check in often. I feel sometimes as a parent I want to fix what ever problem is going on and get past that. But I am learning that I need to step back and let the boys talk through the problem they are having and let them come up with solutions.  Sometimes when they say something I will repeat back to them what they have said and I get the look as "well that's clearly not going to work" {usually it involves a sword and some ninja skills they don't have} and then they are able to think it through again rationally. Kids need to know that no matter what they have a someone to be on their side.

Bad days are going to happen. It happens to everyone, and sadly some kids think it is the end of the world. It is our job to help them know that it's normal and that tomorrow will be a new day. We need to help them learn from the bad days and to take control to make better ones.

What are some ways you handle bad days?

Disclaimer:
Now please remember that my boys are young and do not have access to social media and right now their problems are small ones that are easy to work out. If your child is having a problem with bullies either in real life or online, go with your gut. You know what is best for your child, and while we may want to see them handle their own problems sometimes they get out of hand to quickly. Involve the police if necessary and even if it makes you and your child "uncool" never apologies for keeping your child safe!!

Pressure Cooking: 101

Pressure cooking can be a scary thing for some, but it is a great way to preserve your own food. You know exactly what is in it and how it was processed.

You have a couple things to think about when buying a pressure cooker. Are you going to actually cook in it, or are you going to use it for bottling. I have the   All American 921 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner

While I can cook in this, I don't, it's huge and a beast to clean out.

There are smaller pressure cookers that are great for roasts, for potatoes and other things, cooking under pressure means that things will cook at a faster rate. I haven't actually ever cooked a meal in a pressure cooker. But I have seen the smaller one that are for that exact purpose.

I have a bigger one that will hold 7 quart jars or 14 pint jars. That means I can do big batches at a time. So I can do large quantities for our big family.

First thing first.... make sure you have read the instructions and manual on your pressure cooker. It really is easier than it looks or even seems, but be sure you are familiar with your presser cooker.

You will want to wash your jars, lids, and rims.  Even if they are brand new, pop the jars and rims in the dishwasher and put them through a cycle. The lids will also get boiled so I just hand wash those, and I don't have anywhere in my dishwasher to put them that they won't fall through the cracks.

When you are ready to bottle and you have your clean jars and rims ready you'll want to boil the lids this cleans them as well as softening the rubber part under the lid so it will seal properly.

You'll notice that I have two different lids in my pot. The metal lids that come with the jars are standard, but I also use the Tattler Lids. Tattler Reusable Regular Canning Lids and Rubber Rings, BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe (Pack of 12)

Both are great to use. OUt f the many batches of things that I have pressure cooked, I have had one or two metal lids leak and about the same with the Tattler Lids. I haven't had a problem with the Tattlers at all in the pressure cooker and love them.

While the metal lids are one piece with the rubber in the lid, the Tattler Lids are two parts, a plastic top and rubber ring. Boil both and then assemble when you are ready to use them.

It is easiest to have the jars out and ready to fill rather than to have to grab them one at a time, so I put all of the jars that I will be using on the counter so they are accessible.

And don't forget to label and date your jars. You don't want to have them on the shelf and not know what is in the jar. Trust me.... chicken and pork look about the same when canned....

Other Tips....
*Unless the metal lids are bent or the rubber is cracked you can reuse them
*Use a  Sharpie to mark the lids.... and to get it off color over the Sharpie with a Dry Erase Marker and then wipe clean. ******* use the Dry Erase Marker to get the Sharpie off BEFORE you wash and process the lids******
*Get a copy of the  Jarden Home Brands 21400 Ball Blue Book and make it your new best friend. It's a great reference and such a help when canning.

Just watching

This is when we were living in Florida, #2 was about 4 years old. He has always been one for intense facial expressions when he is studying something.

There is something to be said about just letting kids observe what they see. {in case you can't see it #2 is looking at caterpillar on the table} I'll let the pictures do the talking.

I love how intense he is watching the caterpillar, and his expression says so much.

This is what free time was meant for. I still remember that day and I loved watching him watch the caterpillar.

Teaching kids to read.

I use to homeschool.... I did it for 4 years. 

I loved it. 

I always said that I would follow the Lord each school year to whether they should be put into a school or if I should still homeschool them.

This was the year that they were to go to school.

I miss them... I miss homeschooling... maybe someday again.

Anyway.... I have things that have helped me and I want to share them with you.... homeschoolers or not. And reading is at the top of many parents list of things they want their child to learn.

So here is what has helped me teach 3 boys {so far} how to read.

There are different views on when to teach reading is best but it is definitely put as something that is important.

There are so many different programs to choose from and different ways to approach reading. So many different methods and ways to entice different learners.

For us I wait until each boys tells me that they want to learn how to read and we start there. I have one child who really took his time and was a slow reader, I have one who taught himself to read, and one that used a reading program.

But they all took off and have become really good readers once they started reading the scriptures. We have always done family scripture reading, so this wasn't a new thing but as the boys got more interested in reading we would hand them the scriptures and have them read out loud.

For hundreds of years children have been learning to read out of the scriptures. There were no fancy programs to access a reading level, no stars to mark off, and no nonsense words to try to navigate. Now a days there is so much to choose from it can be a hard choice to know what is right.

Back Story....

When Steve was at DLI in California {Language school for the military} our Stake President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints told all the soldiers that if they read the Scriptures in their designated language that they were to learn for the military, that they would learn it faster. I watched many men go from struggling in a language to passing and even excelling by following that counsel.

Fast forward to today.... I still feel that the counsel that was give still applies... only we are not learning a foreign language in our house {yet} we are just trying to read English.

Even before they know how to read they are with us for scripture reading. And when they are young and parrot like I'll read a verse 3 or 4 words at a time and have them parrot back what I have read. Again they are learning the words and phases of the scriptures even before they are capable of reading.

Once each of the boys had a basic grasp of reading, they would each pick up the scriptures and there reading skills would take off. I know the comprehension is not all the way there, I mean it's the word of God and not Dr. Seuss. But they are able to understand the basic stories and are learning who the prophets are. They are reading something that is worth wild and will help them grow and learn. Sometime I sit with them and have them read to me, other times it is on their own.

If you have a struggling reader it might seem like to big of a challenge to bring out the Scriptures when they are having a hard time on "easy" words but I know that they will do well with it. So many of the words in the scriptures repeat themselves that soon your child will start to recognize what it is. {think... "And it came to pass" "Savior" "Lord" "pray" ect.} And honestly... these are words that I want my children to be familiar with.

What have you done to help your child or children to read.