Binkie: Taking it to the next level

I have been thinking that L will just outgrow the binkie or get a little older so that I can explain that she is too big for it or something like that. And that is likely still what will happen, but today we reached a new level in the binkie issue.

She does not have the binkie at all around the house, unless she is in bed. But lately she is taking full advantage of the bink when we are out of the house. She knows I carry one in my purse and so when she sees my purse she asks for the bink. Today, I was getting a hair cut (normally I don't take the kids, but today they were with me) and L walked over to where I was at, said, "bink!" and got into my purse to get it! Now she is helping herself! I would like to establish a boundary here, but I was in the chair getting my hair cut, a vulnerable position, and she is battling a cold (thus she is extra cranky) and I didn't want a battle right there and then.

I am thinking that I may need to impose more binkie limits. I am not okay with her getting into my purse to get it. Maybe I will reduce/eliminate her using it in the van. That way even if she does pitch a fit, then it isn't disturbing to other people, other than me and and her siblings. But that way she gets used to not getting it on demand. Once we get through that, I may impose other limits. But, she does still nap twice a day on most days, so the binkie is a comfort thing when she is tired and not able to go to her own bed. I can sympathize with that and want to be understanding of that. So, I am still not completely sure how to best offer a comfort measure but also set some consistent boundaries. I don't think giving her the binkie sometimes in the van, but then not at other times is the best approach. I think for her it needs to be more clear and consistent than that. But, I do want to be the one who gives her the binkie and not have her rummaging through my purse for it or demanding it when we are in public.

As I think about this subject, I guess what bothers me isn't that she is still using the binkie, it is that lately she has become more demanding about it. It is that she is more demanding and throwing fits when she doesn't get it. The binkie isn't the real problem, her attitude is. But I think that the bink situation is a way to help her learn to obey and to help her learn that she isn't the one in charge and I am seeing that she needs to learn this in a new way as she is becoming increasingly demanding. Overall she is very pleasant and sweet, but I am seeing a new willfulness and I think this is a good area to engage that willfulness and help her to obey with a joyful heart even when she doesn't get what she wants. I guess I believe it will be worthwhile, but I dread the fussiness and potential fits in the meantime.

A Binkie By Any Other Name Is Still A Pacifier

When to discard the binkie? It seems to me that a child old enough to actually ask for her "bink" by name is too old to have one. Yet, she still is fairly young and quite binkie dependant at night. During the day, she typically does not have it and she does just fine. I do give it to her on occasion in the car when she is tired and fussy. She has recently started asking for it sometimes in the car. I do give it to her in the library to keep her quiet. Basically it is used for at home, only for sleeping, while in bed or given to her as needed when not at home. Need is assessed by mom’s nerves at a particular moment. My other two didn’t use a binkie for very long. One sucked his fingers at about 2 months and gave up the binkie, the other stopped taking the binkie at 6 months when we stopped giving it.

And L is my most contented little one-not a fussy baby. She also breastfed much longer than either of the other two, so the binkie didn't interfere with that. I once had a roommate who told me I brushed my teeth too much. I replied that as far as habits go, I think excessive toothbrushing is okay! It is better than excessive drinking, smoking, chewing my nails, cracking knuckles or a variety of other habits that I don't have! Plus, brushing after each meal, when I am at home, is not excessive. That is only brushing 4-5 times a day-probably more than the average person, but not excessive! Maybe that is how I should look at L and her binkie. It may not be the best habit, but it is controlled and other habits are far worse. Plus, unlike brushing, there will come a day when she will give up the "bink."

Who Do I Think I Am?

I have been walking around my house in my sunglasses. Typically, I take my sunglasses off when I go into buildings or talk with people-it just seems more polite to do that. Not today! It is a shades on day. My shades are on no matter where I go. My kids don’t seem a bit concerned by my sudden constant sunglasses wearing. I am even blogging this post with my shades on! Do I have a diva complex that just set in? Noooooo, I just had an eye exam and my eyes are dilated. Just in case you have not had your eyes dilated and you want to read a real life experience before you do this, here it is.

It has been years since I have had an eye exam. I have been to several with C, the family glasses wearer. So, I knew what to expect, except for this dilating thing. You know the whole idea of “you have to experience it to really understand.” Yeah, well, in this case it is true. I had asked ahead of time if I would be okay to drive after my eyes had been dilated. The receptionist replied, “Well, I do.” Which leads me to conclude that “okay to drive” is a somewhat relative concept.

I walked out of my appointment and should have had a clue about my temporarily visual impairment when I was writing my check and had to squint to see what I was writing and even then still was not sure that I had written all the right things on the right lines, but the receptionist told me it all looked fine to her. So, I guess I passed the first test!

The receptionist offered me some of those funky looking role up sunglasses that you car wear over other glasses. No thank you, I had my own much cooler looking sunglasses. I walked out the door and was blinded by the sun, but I made my way into the van and said a prayer of thanks for the tinted windows. My sunglasses plus the tinted windows were a good combination. C and I backed out of the parking place, so far so good, then we eased onto the road. We were doing alright, I was doing some excessive squinting, but we were doing fine, until the glare off other vehicles would flash right my eyes, temporarily blinding me! C offered to drive. Was she scared? She probably should have been. But, I was not sure what would be worse my driving in my dilated condition or my almost 13 year old driving.

We did make it home safely. I did wear my sunglasses around the house for awhile, until my eyes went back to normal. The entire thing was pretty funny in hindsight. But, I tell you driving in bright sunlight with dilated eyes is no easy thing! I was better once we got out of town. There were fewer cars for the sunlight to reflect off of and into my eyes and the roads were less crowded. And I hereby swear to not laugh at people who wear those funky roll up sunglasses and next time they are offered to me, I just may take them and wear them over my cool looking sunglasses, at least while I am driving.

"Hearts on earth may say in the course of joyful experience, "I don't want this ever to end." But invariably it does. The hearts of those in heaven say, "I want this to go on forever." And it will. There is no better news than this."
~J.I. Packer

"Then shall I see, and hear, and know
All I desired or wished below;
And every power find sweet employ
In that eternal world of joy."
~Isaac Watts

"When Christ calls me Home I shall go with the gladness of a boy bounding away from school."
~Adoniram Judson

"In heaven 'tis the directly reverse of what 'tis on earth; for there, by length of time things become more and more youthful, that is, more vigorous, active, tender, and beautiful."
~Jonathan Edwards

She Will Be Missed...

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Death is never easy. It is especially hard to accept when the one we loose is young, a mother, a wife, a friend and so much more. I had no idea that Saturday when we saw Suzie and her husband riding their bikes with one son in a kid's seat and the other in the bike trailer riding through town, all looking so vibrant and happy, that that would be the last time, this side of heaven, that we would see her. Yes, there is a time for everything under the sun, but it still hurts when it is time for death.

When my kids were told about this loss, A replied, "Well, she's in heaven isn't she?" as he looked at me wondering why I would be crying over someone going to such a great place. It was explained that friends have lost their mama and that yes she is in heaven, but there is still pain in the loss a mama. A replied, "No Mama!? Just a Daddy? And Daddy's just don't always know. They don't know all your favorite foods and things..." Isn't that conversation a picture of how we rejoice in a soul that is in heaven while our hearts ache at the loss of relationship here on earth?.

17 minutes later, it was over...or Thoughts On Why I Run

I completed my first run-as in my first organized run. It was a 3K walk, but running was encouraged for those wanting to run. Now, a 3K (1.86 miles) is not a big deal, not at all by running standards, but for me it felt like an accomplishment. M and I have often talked of running a 5K, but that has not come together yet. When this 3K (race for the cure for cancer) opportunity came up we decided it would be a perfect first run to do together. He slowed himself down, I pushed myself to run the entire time-no walking! We completed in about 17 minutes-there was not an official time-keeper, but that was our guess based on M's watch. When I was running it felt like it took awhile, but once it was over, it felt like, "Wow, already?! That went fast."

When we first started running, I kept thinking, "I paid money to do this to myself?" But the money was for cancer research, the running was for???? to make me feel like I accomplished something? I don't know. But, I did feel I accomplished something. And it felt good. And it confirmed my suspicion about myself that I have absolutely no desire or motivation to run a marathon or even a half-marathon. I like the idea of doing a 5K and I would do another 3K, but anything beyond that does not appeal to me at this point. I applaud those who run farther and harder, but for me, it is about personal satisfaction. I am not competitive in that, I don't care about beating someone else. Improving my own time is a good goal, but I am not running to win a race, I am running to pursue a healthy lifestyle. I run to maintain balance and fitness and for me it isn't about the miles logged, but rather about the inner satisfaction gained.

Granola Recipe

I found this recipe on a box of oats we were given. It makes a delicious snack, cereal, yogurt topping...

3 cups uncooked Oatmeal
1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans or any combination of nuts. I used filberts and pecans-yum)
1 cup any combination of dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots, dates, cherries, blueberries, apples...)
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup pure maple syrup

Combine and mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

Pour on to a large baking sheet that has been coated with butter or coconut oil to keep the granola from sticking.

Bake at 325 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Stir at once or twice during the cooking time. If the granola still seems soft and not "crunchy" know that it will get a bit crunchier as it cools.

Let the granola cool completely then store in an airtight container.

Fun Mom

I really want to be a fun mom, but so often I feel like I am policing the kids, cleaning up messes, mediating arguments…and it seems to use up my energy! Then I find that we aren’t having much fun. Today I actually played, not one, but two games with my kids! That was great! And even in playing the games I was still mediating, cleaning up messes, doing A LOT of explaining of the rules of the games…all the stuff that can be so tiring. This whole training kids is a whole lot of work. It is about training them how to act like decent, civilized people who will hopefully reflect the character of Christ. I have to strive to not miss the bits of fun sprinkled in the midst of all the work and I need to remember that right now with little ones and a pre-teen, it simply is a lot of work, but we are all growing, striving, making progress…and we are doing it together and that is what family is all about.

Post Interrupted...

I was about to post something for today but M is luring me outside for a walk, he came in and dangled a bowl of ice cream, cookies and cream ice cream, in front of me as he made his way outside, so posting will wait for another day! I better hurry so I can pick all the cookie chunks out and eat them and leave him with just the ice cream to eat.=)

Kids

I met these guys while walking up the stairs the other day. I guess I had better be on my best behavior, they look like they mean business.

B got sick yesterday. I think he had a much milder version of what L had last week. He spent most of the day watching movies and late in the afternoon he told me, "I think I have an ear confection." He meant that he thought he had an ear infection. He has neither an ear confection or an ear infection, his ear was sore from his laying on his left side for so long watching movies.

The Cowboy With the Missing Tooth

A received this cowboy attire (B has the same outfit in his size) for Christmas from Grandpa and Grandma. The boys have had more fun with them them! In this picture, A was attaching the spurs to his boots. Who says a man doesn't need accessories?

See that gap on the bottom?! He finally lost his first tooth! A was concerned for a time when it seemed his friends were loosing teeth but he had not lost one yet. So awhile back when we discovered a loose tooth, there was great rejoicing.

This last week A decided he wanted to give his tooth to M for Father's Day (ahhhh....), so he wiggled and wiggled that tooth all week! He even let me wiggle it sometimes. Then on Saturday he came up to me to show me how loose it was. I asked if I could wiggle it and I yanked that tooth right out! Oh, the looks that flashed across his face(surprise, anger, joy...)! I wondered if he would be really mad at me...but he settled on excitement and asked me to help him wrap it up and told me "don't tell Daddy, it is going to be a surprise!" Hmmm, he will never notice that gaping hole where the loose tooth was...but I said I wouldn't say a word. So we wrapped it up and he proudly presented it to M.

Of course A requested to have his tooth back so he could leave it under his pillow for the tooth fairy. Then, I got to don my alter ego, AKA "The Tooth Fairy" and leave money for that tooth.

The boys had informed me when we first discovered the loose tooth that I was the tooth fairy. I had no idea that was in my job description! Wow! I get to make meals, wash laundry, homeschool, change diapers AND I get to be the Tooth Fairy! Love being a mom! M sorta wanted to leave the money, but the wings we have wouldn't fit him and honestly, a man does not need to go around in pink fairy wings. I, on the other hand, looked quite...well, silly in them too, but they do fit me...sort of. So, I in my fairy wings and M in his sweatshirt snuck up the stairs and slipped the money into his tooth pillow.

We awoke the next morning to great rejoicing as A discovered the money in the tooth pillow!

Some Quotes

We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. - John W. Gardner

The best way out is always through. - Robert Frost

Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends.
Czech Proverb

The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.
William Wordsworth

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.
Albert Einstein

Talk low, talk slow, and don't talk too much.
John Wayne, Advice on acting

Nothing is so dangerous as an ignorant friend;A wise enemy is worth more.
Jean De la Fontaine

There are days when solitude, for someone my age, is a heady wine that intoxicates you with freedom, others when it is a bitter tonic, and still others when it is a poison that makes you beat your head against the wall.
Colette, 'Freedom,' 1908

Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
Sir Winston Churchill

Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee and just as hard to sleep after.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 'Gift From the Sea'

B asked me, after we had run out of salsa, "Do we have another loaf of salsa?"

Hmmmm...loaf? =) He knows the terms for groups of various animals (herd, flock...) and the names of various animal babies (kitten, kid, joey...), maybe we should move on to food terms. =)

L was pretty mellow yesterday morning and after breakfast she came and rested her head on my leg while I was at the computer. Then she threw up all over my lap. All in a days work as a mom...and as gross as puke is, when it is your kid you still feel really bad for them and reassure them that "it's okay, honey" while trying to clean them up and yourself up and the floor up and...

Save energy and money...

So, each month we have been working to implement a new habit that will help us to conserve resources, save money...or something along those lines. This month I decided to look into "On-Peak" and "Off-Peak" hours from our power company-scroll down to see the charts and to evaluate some ways we can shave a bit of cost off of our electricity bill.

Here is what I learned:

The on-peak hours for summer are from 4pm-8pm on weekdays.

We can certainly avoid running the dishwasher and washing machine during these hours. We can also look to do more outdoor grilling for dinners as the weather warms up, reducing the heat produced by the stove and the use of the air conditioner to compensate for the extra heat from cooking.

There is also a chart that shows how much power different appliances use and another chart that gives tips for shifting electricity usage from on-peak hours off-peak hours. There is a Time of Use program that can help some families save money by using the majority of power during off-peak hours.

I am not sure that the Time of Use program would be the best fit for our family, but we can look to use electricity in a more responsible way. We can reduce usage in some ways and use it during off-peak hours when possible.

Some doable ways, for us, to reduce usage include: getting the clothes line up when the weather finally gets sunny, turning up the thermostat once it gets warmer outside, doing more grilling and avoiding the oven during hot weather, remembering to open the windows in the early morning when there is a cool breeze and then shutting the windows before it starts to warm up.

I don't want to get overly concerned about every bit of electricity (I know some people unplug all appliances and such when not in use, that just isn't realistic for me at this point.) we use but I do like the idea of saving money on this bill and of using electricity when the demand isn't so high. That seems like something we can do.

Remembering Preschool

B has completed this year going to preschool. He could do another year, age wise, but he wants to be done-he is a homebody. He has learned quite a bit and enjoyed himself. A loved preschool and was not ready to be done when his time was up. Different kids, different needs. It is a little hard for me to not have B going back in the Fall, but I am thankful for what he has learned and for what I have learned from his teacher. She is a master teacher! And a dear friend. I have learned so much about educating my young children from her. She has poured herself not only into the children in her class, but also into the families of the children. I can't imagine a better early childhood educator. When I think of women I look up to and admire, she is way up there.

It was from her that I realized that, given proper boundaries, a preschool age child actually can handle a hammer and nails. They all know to wear their safety goggles and remind others to wear them. She also has a take apart section where people can bring in old appliances for the children to take apart. Very creative. Very hands on style to learning. Love that!

Here are some of the seeds that were planted. An it amazes me that even the "flooded" ones seem to sprout eventually. It is wonderful for the children to see the process of growth. Their teacher uses the proper terminology to explain these concepts. It is wonderful to hear children speak of "germination" and "photosynthesis." And for them to understand these concepts at an age appropriate level. Her style of teaching reminds me to aim high when teaching my kids.

When she teaches on a subject, the classroom is full of related objects and activities. When the topic is "birds," you will find them reading about birds, doing bird related art projects, playing with toy birds... When the topic was sea creatures, there were fish and other sea creatures everywhere. The children are immersed in a topic for a time and then they move on to a new topic.

She often has a vase of flowers on the table. Beauty. Nature. Simplicity. There are real bird's nests for the children to look at, touch, examine with a magnifying glass. The creative environment in that classroom has inspired me in my homeschool. It has encouraged me to allow my kids to try things that I otherwise would not have considered age-appropriate (such as different art projects, building, taking things apart). She has shown me how to establish positive boundaries so we can tackle these projects in a way that is productive and not chaotic.

Thinking about...

From War of Words by Paul David Tripp:

"The Bible is the story of God's work to redeem a people for himself, who will live forever to his glory. We are called to be part of this great work, which means that we must think about the events and people we encounter in a way that enfolds them (and us) in God's story of redemption. The only hope for our story is that we would be part of his story of redemption. The only right way to approach the events of our lives is to approach them redemptively."

"We must never think of ourselves as objects of his covenantal love without also thinking of ourselves as conduits of that love to others."

"A rebuke is not a condemnation but a call. Words of exhortation are not a judgement, but an encouragement to follow the Lord. The confrontation is not a sentence, but a warning. We speak God's words to each other not because we are higher or better and not because we are capable of fixing people. No, we teach, encourage, admonish, correct, and exhort because God has commissioned us to do so. This call is not one sector or our already-too-busy lives; it is itself a lifestyle. It is what we are to be doing wherever we are, whoever we are with."

Pack A Smarter Lunch or Snack

This website, Waste-Free Lunches, is super cool! It seems like many of the ideas could be used when packing a picnic lunch or dinner this summer or when packing snacks for going to the park. For a quick overview, scroll down after clicking on the first link, and there is a chart comparing "A Typical American Lunch" with "A Waste-Free Lunch." Scroll down to the next chart to get an idea of the $$ savings a waste-free lunch can bring.

Prefer pictures rather than words to get the idea? Click here. You can also check out the success stories of people who have worked to motivate those around them to bring waste-free lunches. Pretty cool how a few moms with a vision can make an impact, save some money through packing lunches with less waste and develop a business to make money through developing and selling reusable lunch kits. Although, one can certainly create their own kit by using containers already owned, or checking garage sales and thrift stores for suitable containers.

This page is the best! Who doesn't need a little help making appealing, healthy lunches-for home or away? With a little planning ahead one can pack all or part of a meal or snack, create less waste and save money the next time you go out on an outing. Give it a try! And by packing creative items it may even feel like a treat to eat the lunch you packed instead of eating out. These pictures make me want to go pack a lunch right now!

My Suggestions For Homeschooling Part 5-Mathematics

For math, I have used Saxon. Some people love it, some hate it, I like it and overall it seems to be highly thought of. But, I haven’t used anything else to really compare it with. Both A and C have done very well with Saxon. I find it very easy to teach since the lesson plans are so clearly laid out.

As far as Saxon Kindergarten, it is not necessary. It seems better suited to most preschool students. I have it, used it some with A when he was 3-4 and it was great for him, but honestly, it isn’t necessary and now, I don’t have the time to do it with B. I am sure he would like it, but it just takes too much time one-on-one, for me, and he can get the same info in other ways. I liked having it for the fact that it helped me to know some things to work on with the kids.

We also use CD's of math songs, both addition and subtraction. They aren't my favorite to listen to, but they are a handy thing to listen to on occasion. I am still not sure how effective they are. The idea of learning math facts to music appeals to me, but this type of music isn't that appealing to me. Veritas Press now has math facts to classical music. It might be better, but I doubt I will spend more on math to music since we already have the ones we have.

Leap pad has another winner, in my opinion, with their Math Circus DVD. It helps children to become more familiar with the numbers 1-10 and with basic addition and subtraction. It is a nice supplement or a good thing for a younger child to watch while an older sibling is working on his or her math. Then both are "doing math" and the younger kid is occupied for 30 minutes and learning something about numbers.

Math is not my strong subject and I have not tried out or looked at too many other options for math curriculum. I used Saxon at my school in high school and talked to many people who liked it and that is what I have gone with. I have enjoyed reading your comments and suggestions and would appreciate them on this subject.

My Suggestions For Homeschooling Part 4

Reading and Writing:

I have used and enjoyed Handwriting Without Tears-it is fairly inexpensive and very helpful. It has helped me as a parent to know how to teach handwriting, as well as having activities for a variety of skill levels-so handy when teaching children of differing ages. Everyone can work on handwriting at their own level. I have Letters and Numbers For Me (kindergarten edition) and the Teachers edition for that book, they were under $7 each book.

I like the BOB books for early readers.

I have enjoyed Phonics Pathways for reading and I have found the Explode the Code series to be a good partner to go along with Phonics Pathways. Check the library since that is where I first found Phonics Pathways. I ended up buying it and used it with C and am now using it with A and B.

Another favorite is the Leappad Letter Factory. It is the easiest way I know of for kids to learn all the letters and sounds. This video accomplished more in 2 weeks than I had accomplished in months of going over letters and sounds on my own with kids.

C has done very well with Rod and Staff's English curriculum. It is not easy, the diagramming and such are quite challenging, but I have been very impressed with the results it produces. The curriculum is also very through covering topics such as "How to properly answer the telephone" to using a Bible dictionary, as well as letter writing and the typical English grammar stuff. I am not sure that I will use this curium for the boys, but I have been quite impressed with it for C.

Feel free to comment and share your favorites for reading writing. I enjoy learning what other people use and have enjoyed.

Celery Sprig AKA Greenish-Yellow

I am taking a break from my series on homeschooling recommendations. This last weekend we painted our front bathroom. I want a "vintage tropical" feel in there. This picture is not so great, but I really enjoy the shell garland in the window, which can barely be seen. The light was throwing off my camera and I had a hard time getting a decent shot, well, and to be honest, I didn't work too hard at it either. I found these shells awhile back at a favorite shop of mine and have not known what to do with them...until now.

My beloved flamingo picture. I really do have a fondness for this picture. My mom, knowing my quirky tastes, gave this to me for my birthday a few years back. Check out the mirror frame-cool! This picture was the inspiration for decorating this bathroom.

I still have a few other things to put up in there, but for the most part the room is done. Ahhh...it is so nice to have a room done-decorated and feeling complete! I am still blown away at how God has blessed by allowing this to become this. More than I ever hoped or expected.

So, Friday night M and I masked off the bathroom for painting, tucked the kids into bed and decided to paint the first coat. B came downstairs to go potty and stared into the bathroom we were painting. He asked what color it was. I replied that the can said, "Celery Sprig!" He said, "Oh, greenish-yellow, it looks good mom." Then the next moring I heard him come down the stairs and stop outside the bathroom and proclaim, "Greenish-yellow! Nice!"

My Suggestions For Homeschooling Part 3

This post is a continuation of parts 1 & 2. And it is the last part of the series in which I will be numbering my recommendations. After this post I will just be sharing suggestions for curriculum and things that I like, without recommending them in a particular order.

My #3 recommendation is the book The Well-Trained Mind. That book is my handbook for lesson planning! I use it so much! It is full of bookmarks and sticky notes. All my lesson plans are based off of it (and the Veritas Press catalog-I use those two to make sure my kids are on the track I want them to be on). I don’t do all that is suggested or the way it is all suggested, but it is what I reference as I map out goals for each of my children.

I appreciate that it covers preschool through high school as well as helpful chapters for parents. It includes information on deciding if homeschooling is something worth doing, how to do lesson plans, scheduling, socialization for students, testing and contact information for many suppliers of homeschool curriculum.

The Well-Trained Mind suggests reading lots of good literature. And I agree! C reads like crazy, and we listen to lots of books together as a family. Many books on tape or CD can be picked up from the library. Right now, we are listening to the Little House series in the van. We have also listened to Charlotte's Web, Winnie the Pooh stories and A.A. Milne's Poems (the original version), part of the Chronicles of Narnia. The kids love it and it is a good way for me to review books or listen to ones I haven’t read.

We were given a copy of Pilgrim’s Progress on CD (from Vision Forum-they have a great website and catalog) and A loves it! It is in the original old English-I am amazed at what he is able to understand. Sometimes we listen to stories during quiet time or during lunch but the van seems to make it easiest for everyone to focus on the story. Quality literature is a wonderful way to stimulate the imagination and whet the appetite for good books. Good literature is a huge part of of our homeschool.