Seems like an appropriate title since I'm thinking that Saturdays are going to be laundry/housecleaning day around here. I just can't do it on Monday and do the homeschool thing too.
Speaking of, my inbox is full of so many great ideas, advice, and comments from you homeschool moms out there. And a bunch of other comments too. I want to write back to each one of you personally, but I can't! And that makes me sad.
Let me see if I can do it here instead.
Bikes.
Emma's bicycle is an Electra. Check out their website here. I have a pink/green Hawaii cruiser; Toben rides a Townie.
Audrey just got a new bicycle for her birthday. We looked at Electras, but she fell in love with a Nirve. Pictures coming soon.
Dinner.
When we had company for dinner the other night, I made this and this. Added cilantro-lime rice and a loaf of homemade sourdough bread.
For the chicken. I marinated chicken breasts instead of thighs and Toben cooked them on the grill. I kept the marinade and cooked it on the stove to reduce it for a sauce for the rice. I've made it as the recipe instructs and it was good, but I prefer boneless breasts to to thighs.
I started taking pictures of dessert as I was making it, but forgot to take pictures of the finished product in my rush to eat it! So I'll do a post on napoleons next time I make them. Which should be soon!
Books.
I loved hearing from so many of you--here and on Twitter and on Facebook--about the books you're reading. My library list is good and long. Thanks for all the recommendations.
Homeschool.
I'm amazed that so many of you have such a short homeschool day. The quickest we've made it through everything is about five hours. We start at nine, take half an hour for lunch, and end between two and three o'clock.
Are your kids doing more work independently after your three or four hours? How does that work?
Everyday we're doing Bible, history and geography, science, math, writing/language arts, reading, a read-aloud book, spelling, and writing in a journal.
It's funny--I always thought that homeschooling would take less time than a normal school day, but for us it feels like we're learning so much more. I'm surprised at the length of our day. But we're having so much fun that it's flying by so I don't really mind.
Okay, specific questions.
Bethany: I asked what curriculum others use and what they liked about it. We chose Sonlight because of all the great books you read around the core curriculum. And, yes, I bet they are the same flip flops!
Lea: I loved your email and hearing about your life. And if you're ever in the States and in Phoenix, yes, coffee, definitely!
Sandi and Lisa notes: So glad you're joining Memory Monday!
Sarah: Are you LOVING Guernsey? Can I come to your book club that meeting? Miss you!
Treencee: Love the travel pack idea!
Annie: Way to go with school. Finish strong!
Angela: Yep, I'm realizing that with teaching I'm "working" a 30-hour a week job!
Tiffany: Love you back. And looking forward to the day we end up in Denver at the same time!
Heidi: I saw all the Deeper Still photos and videos. Looked amazing! It's in Denver next June...
Brenda: Thanks for the planner link!
And all of you who de-lurked about homeschooling or Settlers or the bike or anything else recently: I'm so glad you did. I love hearing from you and getting to check out your blog (if you have one). It's great to "meet" you!
If I forgot to answer your question, I'm sorry! Leave it again and I'll get to it!
Have a great weekend!
Joanne
As to the length of the homeschool day...this jumped out at me:
Everyday we're doing Bible, history and geography, science, math, writing/language arts, reading, a read-aloud book, spelling, and writing in a journal."
I think you'll find that most don't cover every subject every day. I know most PS do not either - especially in to the higher grades.
The only thing we do every day here is Bible, math & drill, spelling & phonics, writing, reading & PE. Everything else is done on either a twice a week or a three times a week schedule.
Having said that - if you are enjoying it & having fun & your children are still going strong - keep it up! ;-)
Posted by: Lisa in ME | August 08, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Oh yes, loving Guernsey. And I may have to read it twice. I feel like I should be highlighting more and I just keep getting caught up and forgetting to do it.
Also, I can't believe I totally missed your post about Settlers. As you may remember, we also love Seafarers of Catan which takes the original game and expands it across the water.
Love you and so glad it looks like you are having fun.
Posted by: Sarah Canfield | August 08, 2009 at 11:07 PM
What a cute post. And thanks for the welcome to Memory Monday. I'm glad I found you.
Homeschool: The older my kids get, the longer THEIR homeschool day is, but the shorter it is for me. I try to do all our "together time" stuff first thing, then set them on their own for the rest of the day. They might come back to me for more explanations or help in the afternoon, but *I* am basically finished before lunch.
Of course that's not counting: grading papers, lesson plans, gathering books, cleaning up, etc. ;-) As you know, a homeschool "day" never really ends; it's a lifestyle. But a good one! Blessings on your week.
Posted by: Lisa notes... | August 10, 2009 at 06:23 AM
I have the Hawaii Cruiser from Electra too! Love Love Love it! Mine is teal and hot pink! Maybe when you return to CO we should take a cruise! I love the townie too and I had a hard time picking between the two.
Posted by: Elizabeth Mardesen | August 10, 2009 at 08:37 AM
Lol - I am normally a lurker but noticed you mentioned Sarah and Guernsey. I wondered if I had perhaps posted to tell you that i'm a reader of your blog who lives on the Island of Guernsey. But I now see you were talking to a friend. How funny...
Anyway you've prompted me to actually read the book. I bought it for my Mum for Christmas so can now 'borrow' it back. Thanks for the great blog!!
Posted by: Sezz | August 12, 2009 at 01:09 PM