In my life this week…
We started off this week going to our local university for their community day. We got to tour the buildings and some of the labs. There were some hands on activities for the kids. I found the labs fascinating. So much has changed since my university days. Of course I left my camera at home.
Fall has official arrived here with plunging temperatures. For me one of the sure signs is when I finally decide to switch back to long pant after the summer. With the temperature for our morning walk hitting -1 C that is 30 F it was time to drag out the long pants.
I talked to Philip again this week and he has decided that he has moved onto acceptance but also a stated that it is natural to go back into depression at times. He has been sleeping better than I can remember for a long time which leads to the question of how long he was stuck in the depression stage. I think it has been for quite a while. Homeschooling allowed me to read him better and push past the everything is fine statement.
In our homeschool this week…
We have been finishing of our government studies section. I chose to look at a controversial project that involves all levels of government. The project is oil pipeline crossing British Colombia. I had him research it from the point of view of the company, federal, provincial, and local governments along the route. To finish up I am having him write a letter to our elected officials stating his position and defending it. He is also asking them each a question.
This week I have been trying to convince him to write out his math problem rather than try to do them in his head. 7x8x7x9= requires a piece of paper. With the website we use for math getting one wrong takes getting 3 or 4 right to conteract. He gets enough right to make progress but it’s 3 steps forward and 2 back.
I got the key projects that we need to complete for our first portfolio up on the white board so Philip knows our goals and can work towards them. There are a number of things not on the list but on mine. I need to pick a page out of his Bible workbook to submit, spelling tests, grammar worksheet and so forth.
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Don’t be afraid to go overtime to make sure they understand something.
I am inspired by…
On of the things we saw at the UBC Community day was a microscope made out of a CD-ROM drive and a webcam. He had added a control board to move the device over the sample. Wish I had time to play around and try to build my own. Time, time ,time…
My favorite thing this week was…
The UBC Community day. It was a great time and gave the kids a glimpse at some possible futures.
Things I’m working on…
Ever since Philip got sick I have a had a book in my head. So that is going to be my goal for the National Novel Writing Month this November. At least the first draft. I have a lot of work to do to prepare.
We’re reading…
I am still read the Learn to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci. I’m almost done it. Of course next comes implementing and we all know how that can go. Philip has finished reading the first book in the Circle of Magic books and has moved onto the second one. If you have a Harry Potter fan these are excellent books. I have read them myself and quite enjoyed them.
I’m cooking…
I’m still in survival mode and making the faithful stand by recipes that I can do in my sleep. Considering I tried to serve cereal on a plate the other morning I may need more sleep. I caught myself in time. The bowl was the next dish over. The plate was for my son’s toast.
You know you are a #SAHD when morning reminds you of your time as a short order cook. TOAST UP, CEREAL, JUICE…
Does anyone know of a homeschool recipe linkup? I am thinking of starting one but don’t want to step on any toes. From what I have seen a lot of homeschoolers cook simple, good, healthy meals and I would love to have a place to exchange recipes.
I’m praying for…
One little boy who’s CaringBridge blog I am following has had his odds go from tough to zero at least from a medical point of view. His cancer has come back and is resistant to chemo. I have seen miracles. When Philip relapsed we were told we had to be concerned with his quality of life which is doctor speak for life remaining. He beat those odds. It is possible but I have seen too many that didn’t. So I am praying for him, his family and all those responsible for his care.
Linking up at
Good job, Dad. Sounds like a great week in the school department.
Regarding the cooking, I personally am a big fan of the stock-the-freezer method. I am always trying to convert people to this way of life. I even wrote an indoctrination pamphlet about it – check the Freezer Cooking Manifesto button on my left sidebar for some ideas you might be able to use. Last Sunday afternoon, I made about 16 meals for the freezer. And Fall is the perfect time of year for it, since soups and stews do well.
Email me if you have any questions about it.
The first step of that would be sorting my freezer. Unidentified grey lumps is a pretty good description. It’s way over due. I have a couple of meals in there but I mostly do everything that day. For days that I know I’m not going to have time its a crockpot recipe. I also have 1/2 a cow and a pig on the way that I need to fit in there. Tonight’s dinner is an experiment. Cabbage roll filling stuffed into a giant zucchini.
I love this – “Don’t be afraid to go overtime to make sure they understand something.” I do not know of a home school recipe blog hop. You should make one. I have just recently started a new blog hop – “Its A Wrap; My Take Away For the Week.” This post would fit beautifully there, if you’d like to add it. I’m enjoying your site and will add my name to your email list.