Boundries and Goals

Today we spent some time assessing how to move forward and accomplish our goals for our family and ourselves.  Jeff and I sat on the porch.  I did most of the talking and he listened as I sorted out the frustrations and desires that were in my head.  After listening and seeing that I wanted input, he did some talking and suggesting what to do next as well. Below is some of what we came up with.
 
Most important areas of our family life:

1. growing relationship with God
2. growing relationships with each other
3. growing relationships with others (cub scouts, GRACE, Sunset)
4. creating a healthy home (taking care of our physical home inside and out including gardening, yard, and   house care)
5. performing arts

We are planning to use this as a guide for what to include and not include in our days.  This will be our "school" in a sense.  Whatever we decide to teach our children will stem from these areas.  If it doesn't fit these, we will do our best to say no.  It is a place from which to spring forward in our scheduling and daily living.

I have been feeling unmotivated yet anxious to move on to a routine this week.  I know I need to set some boundaries for myself in order to move out of this murky place of feelings.  So, in that regard, I have decided to start slow and concentrate on getting the amount of water I know I need each day in the way I know I need it as well as exercising and spending at least 30 minutes relaxing.  I think 3 things instead of 10 - 20 or just 1 will work well for me.  And as far as a routine for the kids and I during the day..... I will write more about that next time.  I need to get myself to bed.

Life Planning

Planning life for the next few months has me thinking.  Here are some ideas or websites I may use:

The Three R’s by Dr. Ruth Beechick

Bible, Library, Internet!!!

Trust the Lord to give us what He wants us to have.

Remember many hands/minds make light work!

Olympic Games 2012 lapbook - http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/suoy20lawist.html

Character notebooking pages -  http://notebookingpages.com/archives/1188

Variety of notebooking pages - http://notebookingpages.com/shop

Chickens lapbook - http://www.homeschoolshare.com/chicken.php

Lessons from the hen house (using your backyard flock to teach all subjects) - http://lessonsfromthehomestead.com/e-books/lessons-from-the-hen-house/

Math worksheets (all ages) - http://www.math-drills.com/

Math teaching website with videos/ practice/ worksheets 9.95 per month if you want badges (can do some practice and watch videos free) - http://www.adaptedmind.com/gradelist.php

Math teaching website, no videos, just practice with explanations if you get something incorrect (can do 20 practice problems per day free) 9.95 per month, $2 per month each for extra children - http://www.ixl.com/

Homeschool Freebies - http://www.soyoucallyourselfahomeschooler.com/resources/homeschool-freebies/

Free ebooks - http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_355831402_49?ie=UTF8&node=2245146011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=0GTGY2X2HS77QTC9071P&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1360300982&pf_rd_i=1286228011

Words From My Week

VBS
Jesus
Lame Man
Be Still
Zaccheus
Lazarus
Drama
Tired
Exhilarated
love
excitement
fun
creative
special moments
friends
more friends
love and logic
appreciation
servants
neighbor
smiles
laughter
accent
fears
trust
Isaiah
Blind Side
parties

Should I make Chewy Oatmeal Raisin and Cranberry Granola Bars

http://www.spain-in-iowa.com/2012/03/naturally-sweetened-chewy-oatmeal-raisin-and-cranberry-granola-bars/

or

Soaked, Whole Wheat, Orange Cranberry Crème Fraîche Scones

http://www.spain-in-iowa.com/2009/08/soaked-whole-wheat-orange-cranberry/ 

or

Blueberry Pecan Muffins with Stevia?

http://www.divinecaroline.com/45003/79335-blueberry-pecan-muffins-stevia