I usually describe our homeschool as “Classical/Charlotte-Mason-y” but frankly we’re a bit simpler than either of these. After 13 years, our school is a mix of philosophies, honed and simplified down to what works for me and for my children. Someday I will write about those influences, but the overarching goal is what some call … more
Hasn’t cooking gotten complicated in recent years? I blame the internet. Endless inspiration can be found there, but also endless competition. The simple meal has lost its dignity, and it is a shame. Fewer ingredients (which means less planning, shopping, money, storage, and management), less time, and less effort– how can that not benefit a … more
A full year ahead! Our first–and only–year with all four children in school. Dusty – 12th Grade (!) Statistics, English, and Physics at the local Community College – From my Charlotte-Mason-y viewpoint at the beginning of high school, I never thought we’d go the route of community college. It is not free for homeschooled high-schoolers … more
My thoughts on last year’s curriculum choices: 11th Grade It’s getting a little hard to give detailed reviews at these upper levels because it has become so hands off for me. That’s a good thing! The biggest role for a parent at this stage of the game to to provide accountability. The Student Planner remains … more
Since I’ve been on the subject of housekeeping . . . I grew up with a mom who loved to clean and had the whole lineup of traditional products. When I got married, I became enthusiastic about natural living and made my cleaners from things like baking soda, vinegar, and borax. The novelty wore off at … more
“And provides . . . a portion to her maidservants.” Proverbs 31 Our appliances are our modern-day maidservants. It’s worth it to have good ones that will serve you long and well. Here are three gals that keep our household running and whom I can recommend highly: A Bosch dishwasher, entry level After many years … more
Have any of you read the book Anna Hibiscus? There is a quote by one of the aunts that makes me laugh. She tells Anna’s mother that taking care of three children and a man is too much work for one woman to do alone! Ha. Wiser words were never spoken. And many of us … more
Crockpot oatmeal is one of the most important dishes in my recipe arsenal. It is super-easy and allows you to offer a hot breakfast to a group without any morning prep. I often serve it to overnight guests who need to leave early in the morning. Or at least, before I feel like getting moving. … more
In the homemaking life, meals are not my strong point. Despite coming from a family of chefs and loving good food, I dislike cooking and all the surrounding duties of meal planning, grocery shopping, and kitchen cleanup. If you have noticed a dearth of meal-related posts, it’s because I’m still figuring it out! But … more
Mathematics is a frequent subject of curriculum searches, and most homeschoolers go through a few different programs during their tenure. We’re all looking for a curriculum that teaches the maximum amount of math understanding with the minimum amount of pain. With the multitude of products available these days, and the belief that “different things work … more