Life Worth The Living

Wash days were before the days of electricity in our part of the country. Running water, washing machines, and dryers were not thought of at that time. Our wash days were not easy. We did not just put the clothes in the washing machine and push a button. We never had a washing machine until the early 50’s

Today was Granola-baking day. The girls and I try to make a large batch every two weeks. We share with Granddaddy who loves to eat granola as part of his breakfast. It makes a great natural cereal or a simple snack that you can feel great about feeding to your kids. And, it makes the house smell wonderful, too!

I had been shopping one day in the Dollar Tree, and I had purchased some placemats to make purses out of…The placemat cost a dollar, and I lined the interior of the purse with remnants of an old shirt that my sister-in-law was going to send to Goodwill. A little bit of orange ribbon, some orange silk flower petals, and a bit of blue yarn from grandmother’s yarn stash (for the crocheted flower center)…and the purse was a thrifty masterpiece at less than three dollars!

Field trips, music lessons, athletics, homeschool cooperatives, tutorials, social clubs, service organizations…the list of available extracurricular activities goes on and on, and never stops! What choices concerning field trips and extra curricular activities will you make for your children this year?

Daily scheduling (and sticking to it!) is the hardest part of being a homeschool parent, in my opinion. But, it is one of the most valuable parts, because it gives children a sense of knowing what to expect, a sense of security in the familiar, and it eliminates many of the behavioral issues that must be corrected in an undisciplined atmosphere.

Creating a plan of action will help you and your child accomplish your goals. Planning is a very important part of the homeschool experience. Aim high for success, and you are sure to achieve!

Where do I even begin to decide what curriculum to use to teach my children at home?! This is the question that new homeschool parents ask when they contemplate schooling their children at home. And, because the answers to this question are as varied as there are families who homeschool…the concept can be overwhelming, to say the least.

We began our school year this week. Not like most people, with the children leaving the house and going by bus or by car to a schoolhouse with many other children to learn under a new teacher in a new classroom with a new curriculum in a new grade. We began our new school year right here…in the kitchen, at the dinner table, with a Mother and her children.

My father takes great care in cultivating his grape vines. They are his pride and joy, and when harvest time comes…well, the reward is worth the effort! His grapes are of the highest quality. We make juice and jelly, sometimes preserves, and of course…we eat them fresh from the stem. They are a beauty to behold, and a joyful wonder to eat!

I love a great bargain! This past weekend I found a fantastic deal while out yard-sale hopping with my family. A bright yellow three-drawer chest became mine for only five dollars!