Simple Homeschool Organization

    I have had some homeschool newbies asking lots of questions lately about how this all works.  I recently covered my plans for curriculum and programs for this upcoming year here. (Click on highlighted word to follow link.)  Another big question is: how do I organize it all?  I do things as simply as possible.  With a couple quick, inexpensive purchases, and a bit of creative thinking on where to store your homeschool supplies, you can be well on your way to an organized, stress-free system.

    Here's what I'm doing this year, and have loved in years past:

I found these crates at Walmart for under $4.00 each

    The key for our family is to have individual crates to store each child's supplies.  The kids will pull out their own bins when it is time to start their school day.  Last year we had baskets of shared crayons, markers, and the like, and we stored everyone's notebooks in the same drawer.  While it worked well at first, things can get a bit messy... or lost that way.  So we're back to our old system, and the kids couldn't be happier. We have designated our coat closet as our "homeschool closet" and everything will be out of sight when school is not in session.

    Let me talk a bit about what these crates contain:

• Binders~ We will use these as portfolios for the school year.  I feel better saving a good sampling of the work my children complete as "proof" if we need it, and also as a little memory book.  
• Folders~ I have one pocket folder for each child.  One side will contain the worksheets the kids need to complete each day, and the other pocket is for their finished work that I will correct/check each night.  It's a great way to keep track. Folders always go back in the bins, so there's no losing them. We didn't follow this system last year, and our designated "turn in" spot wasn't always used by the younger munchkins.  This will make it a bit easier on them, I think.  For the kids who are able to work without assistance, I will also include an assignment sheet for each day, so they can tackle each subject and check off their completed work.
• Notebooks~ Each child has a notebook for written homework that doesn't come on a worksheet.  As they fill their notebooks, I will replace them with a new one.  This will cut down on all the loose papers I find around the house.  
• Pencil Boxes~ These are to store the obvious... pencils... along with other writing/coloring supplies.
• Workbooks/Textbooks~ I will put the necessary books in their bins the night before they use them, so there is no searching when it is time to tackle a subject.  We will do a couple subjects as a family and then do written work according to grade level, but for those subjects that are grade specific, this plan will help us get moving faster throughout the day.  
• Art Supplies/Extras~  These are items they won't use every day, so if there is something they'll need for a certain project/assignment on any given day, I'll add those items to avoid searching once again.  

    So you see, when each child has everything they need for the day in a box, there are no excuses for delayed starts with every subject-change.  Avoiding delays will cause us to zip through our school day faster so we can get on with personal interests, field trips, and family activities.

    As far as record keeping goes, I have a teacher binder I put together that contains our school calender, a copy of our schedule, important school-related websites/passwords, attendance sheets, course of study worksheets, daily progress charts, field trip logs, a copy of the current homeschool laws for our state, and will include "report cards" or grade sheets for the kids that need them.  

    For teacher/mommy supplies and those items not stored in individual crates, I have a couple extra kitchen cupboards I use as storage.  I'll probably purchase a couple clear plastic drawers for those items soon, so they can be stored in the homeschool closet with the rest of our supplies.  These items are off limits until they are placed in the kids' crates.  This prevents drama, excessive use, and giant messes.  

    As far as scheduling goes, we stick to a pretty basic schedule.  I have a post on scheduling you can check out here.  While we tweak our schedule here and there, the gist of it is the same.  This might give you an idea of how to tackle your homeschool day.

    I think that just about covers the gist of topics my friends and acquaintances have asked about.  If you have questions that haven't been answered in this post, or the others I've shared with you, feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at emilylorie82@gmail.com.  As always, I am more than happy to talk schooling with you, but please remember, I keep things very simple.

    If you are new to homeschooling this upcoming year, welcome to the family.  To the seasoned schoolers, I wish you all the best as you teach, love on, and watch your children grow this year.  Everyone have a blessed 2014/2015 school year!

~Em

Menu: Week 2

    Hi guys!  We're keeping it super simple this week.  So simple that I don't even have links for recipes to send you.  All the meals are self-explanatory.  Nice, huh?!  If you'd like to make any of these with a twist, or desire something a little more daring, check out my Pinterest page for some inspiration.  I have lots of "Good Eats" boards and pins on there.  :)

Terry Family Menu: Week 2

Breakfast Options:

*Fresh fruit is always available on the side.

~Toast & Fruit

~Fruit Smoothies (we blend fresh or frozen fruit with milk or water, spinach, and honey)

~Oatmeal & Fruit

~Eggs & Toast

Lunch Options:

*Fresh veggies and/or fruit served on the side.

~Deli Sandwiches or Wraps

~Cucumber Wraps

~PB&J Sandwiches

~Cheese & Veggie Platter

~Leftovers

Dinner:

*Hot veggies or side salad served with each meal.

*We leave a couple days free for leftovers, meals out, or cookouts with friends.

~Pizza Subs - Check out Hayden's cooking show page The Simple Cooking Show to see his very own take on this recipe.  He'll post his video sometime this week, so keep your eyes peeled!

~Spaghetti & Garlic Bread

~Taco Night

~Chicken & Rice

~Loaded Baked Potatoes

~Leftovers

Snack Options this week:

~veggies and dip

~fresh fruit

~popcorn

~pretzels

~yogurt

Drinks: Water and the occasional glass of milk for the kids. :)

There's not much original thinking going on here, but it might spark an idea or two when you just don't know what to make for dinner.  Happy eating, friends! :)

~Em

Just Feed the Babies

    If you are a mom, you are most likely well aware of the huge breastfeeding debate.  When I say this, I include all the intricately detailed side-debates that fit into this category.  Just to get it out of the way, I will give you my opinion.  Are ya ready?

    I'm all about feeding your baby!  Yep.  As long as you're feeding your baby and caring for their needs, you are an awesome mama and you do not deserve to be guilted into doing things any other way.  You can bottle feed or breastfeed and you are good people regardless of your choice.

    I personally choose to nurse my babies, under a cover.  Does that mean I'm going to give a glare and a snarl at a mom who chooses to nurse without a cover?  No!  If she's comfortable nursing without a cover, more power to her.  As long as she isn't one of the few who let it all hang out like a porn star, she isn't bothering me one bit... and you know what?  Most breastfeeding moms are so discreet, you don't even know they're feeding their babies.

    My issue is the moms who try to make ME feel guilty for apparently "smothering" my baby with a blanket and taking away his/her much needed oxygen.  Funny how my oxygen-deprived babies are all alive and well.... breathing, thinking, unaffected by that dreaded blanket I draped over them for the sake of my own comfort and modesty.

    I am quite modest.  Not as modest as some, much more modest than others.  Yes, cleavage will pop out here and there, but usually by accident. I'm not one to run around in a bikini... and even when I had a more bikini-worthy body, I felt really uncomfortable and awkward in them.  I like to be covered.  I'm comfortable when I'm covered.  So my decision to wear a nursing cover in public, or even in front of my own children, is purely based on my own contentment.

    Nursing is natural and wonderful, and I am in no way ashamed of my choice because I use something to hide under while I'm doing it.  I don't care who knows I'm nursing, and I realize it is quite obvious what's going on when that cover comes out, but I will not feel bad because I choose to do it this way.

    I know people who nurse, uncovered, and are graceful, discreet, and absolute breastfeeding rockstars.  More power to them!  I wish I could float through life without fumbling around... but I'm just not that fluid in my movements.  ;)

    On to the bottle-feeding moms.  I was one with my first baby.  Nursing overwhelmed me and I lasted about four days.  So I understand completely where these moms are coming from.  They get more guilt from society than any of we breastfeeding mothers, and it is really sad to me.  There could be a number of reasons they chose bottle over breast, and we shouldn't look down our noses at them.  There are so many adoptive mothers out there.  There are mothers who tried nursing, but were brought to tears over it.  Some want to push past the hard parts, some would rather enjoy these new days of motherhood and not stress.  To think less of them because they chose differently than us is mean.

    Think of a time when you were talked down to, or were made to feel less than because you did something differently than someone else.  It doesn't feel good, does it?  I experience it all the time.... I homeschool, have tattoos, don't have a current church home, just to name a few.  I've heard it all because of these choices, and it stings, even if I'm 100% confident in my reasoning behind these choices.  So let's all remember that feeling next time we lovingly, or not-so-lovingly desire to tell someone they're doing it "wrong."

    Parenthood is hard enough without outside voices bullying us.  We have enough on our plates with raising our beautiful children.  We don't need any more Mommy-Wars.  Let's lift each other up, support each other, and love each other through this journey, rather than nit-picking all of these things that really just don't matter in the grand scheme of things.

   Have a happy, successful, love-filled day with your kids today, Moms.  I'll be rooting for you!

~Em

Menu: Week 1

  I'm starting something new here on the blog.  I hope that you find it helpful, as I always appreciate good dinner ideas.  I have used various free menu sites, such as grocerybudget101.com as a base point in my menu planning in the past, and continue to check it out now and then while searching for ideas.  Now that I've been menu planning for a while, I pick and choose various meals for my family and take advantage of cookbooks, websites, and of course Pinterest to provide delicious recipes for us to try.

  I am a big fan of casseroles and one-dish dinners as you will see this week.  I must have had a craving or two.  ;)  Here is what we'll be eating this week.  Warning: This week's menu is neither vegetarian nor paleo-friendly, so if you're looking for inspiration, you'll have a LOT of tweaking to do! ;) Here's what we're eating... I'll include links and recipes at the end of our list. Enjoy!

Terry Family Menu: Week 1

Breakfast Options: 
*Fresh fruit is always available as a side
~eggs & hashbrowns
~bacon, egg, cheese, & veggie tortillas
~oatmeal & fresh fruit
~pb toast and bananas
~cereal and fruit (added later due to incredible sales)

Lunch Options:
*We always serve fresh veggies and/or fruit on the side
~egg salad sandwiches or wraps
~cucumber wraps
~deli or pb&j sandwiches
~leftovers

Dinner:
*Hot veggies or side salad served with each meal
*I should note that I often leave 2 days menu-free for company, leftovers, those nights we don't feel like cooking, and for those times Jeff gets the urge to grill some grub. :)
~Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
~Santa Fe Chili Casserole
~Rice, Bean, Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole
~Tater Tot Casserole
~Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
~Leftovers

Snack Options:
~popcorn
~fresh fruit
~veggies and dip
~crackers
~string cheese
~yogurt

As far as drinks go, we push water like none other.  The kids drink milk or orange juice occasionally.


This Week's Recipes:

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Found on Pinterest  (click the Pinterest link to reach the recipe)

Santa Fe Chili Casserole
Found on GroceryBudget101.com  Hayden will be making this for his cooking show.  Can't wait to try it! :)

Rice, Bean, Broccoli, & Cheese Casserole
I'm just throwing this casserole together.  Eyeball your ingredients and add your favorite seasonings. :)

Tater Tot Casserole
Yes, I'm a Duggar Fan! Find the recipe on their website here.

Grilled Cheese & Soup
We opted for tomato soup this week.  Find a recipe for that and other delicious soups on my Good Eats ~ Soups, Stews, & Chili board on Pinterest.


As you can see, we keep it simple, and really try to load the kids up on fruits and veggies as much as possible. Not every recipe we make is the healthiest thing out there, but we're big on enjoying food and making sure to eat the best we can while maintaining a palatable menu for the kids.  I will do my best to keep up with my menu posts every week.  If I fall behind, please forgive me. :)

Where God Leads

  My son Hayden (12) recently went on his very first mission trip with my dad and a great group of people to West Virginia.  There were many jobs to fill, and many blessings for the local people that week~ a sports camp for kids, all sorts of classes (i.e. sewing), deck building, you name it.

  Hayden was placed exactly where his gifts lie.  He helped in a computer class with a top-notch computer programmer, and he was even able to assist an executive chef (from a very successful, very expensive restaurant in Miami) with dinner one night.  Two of his greatest loves were combined to not only bless his own socks off that week, but to in turn, bless others.

  When we think of ministry, we often believe we must be outgoing public speakers, or that we must have talents of all sorts to do any good for anyone.  I've missed the call several times because of my reservations, or my belief that I am lacking in some way.  Hayden taught me an invaluable lesson through his experience:  when God calls you to go, you go!

  He had a bit of hesitation at first, not knowing what he was getting into, but that didn't stop him from obeying that call.  He went, and in turn was blessed to serve in ways that fit his talents perfectly.  Those of you who know Hayden know just how smart he is when it comes to computers and how creative he can be in the kitchen.  God wanted his willing heart to be blessed and to be encouraged to continue doing His work.  He showed Hayden what an incredible honor it can be to use our God-given gifts and talents for His kingdom.

  He has memories and stories that will last him a lifetime.  If he dismissed that call, he would have missed out on an incredibly pivotal moment in his life.  He wouldn't have impacted the people he met and he wouldn't have learned the lessons he learned had he stayed home, in his comfort zone.

  God might call some of us to minister in our home town.  He may call some of us to go to the ends of the earth.  He might ask you to go far beyond your comfort zone, or to minister right where you are, in your field of expertise.  He will use your gifts, and He may ask you to go beyond your gifts at times.  Will you listen?  Will you go where He leads?

  Don't miss out on great opportunities and experiences in life because you're not sure God has your best interest at heart.  That is exactly what we're saying when we say "no" to Him.... that we think we know better.  God always knows best and will never lead us astray.  Follow His lead and you will impact the world, one person or thousands at a time, steering them toward His love and mercy.

Grandfather and Grandson, safe at home after a life-changing week.

By the Grace of God

  Are you one of those people who is constantly learning the same lessons over and over and over again?  No?  Well, I am, and let me tell you... it is *grits teeth* so fun!  I find myself taking one step forward and two steps back much of the time.  Will I ever learn?

  You would think that as much as I journal and blog and what have you, that I'd  work through my hang-ups and be so on top of my life, but SURPRISE!  I'm not.  lol  I have people message me, under the assumption that I've got my stuff together, and it's quite the shocker to know that I struggle just as much as the next guy.  The bits of wisdom I have gained are from years of falling and getting back up, only to fall again.  Much of the time, I don't listen to my own advice.

  How do you get through life when you keep screwing it up for yourself?  Five words: By the Grace of God!  That's it.  One lesson I've learned and know well is that it is nothing I do that brings success... it is everything God does.  This realization has helped me by leaps and bounds.

  I've been struggling in a couple areas a LOT lately, and thank the Lord I haven't been pounded to the ground by these issues.  One struggle is my need to keep everyone happy.  I've touched on this on my personal page quite a bit, and have received many notes of encouragement and tidbits of wisdom on how to bust through this hurdle.  I want to be that listening ear, that friendly hug, and that bit of encouragement to everyone I come across, and sometimes I struggle to see when it's time to hand over the torch and let someone else (ahem, God) take the lead.  Other people's problems often weigh heavy on me and I become no good to anyone.  This isn't healthy at all.  I need to be in a good place for my husband and children, and for myself.  I'm still searching for that balance, and thankfully, by the Grace of God, I'm making progress, one step at a time.

  Another example of one of my struggles is that I tend to shut down when I notice my failures.  I am a pro at beating myself up when I am a less than perfect mother, wife, daughter, sister, or friend.  I start to notice every little mistake I make and I all but give up.  These incidents are few and far between, but when it happens, I am once again no good to anybody.  I've had that moment recently, and while most would chalk it up to all the extra hormones flowing through me, I know better than to use my pregnancy as a scapegoat.

  When I come up against these challenges, roadblocks, or mistakes, it is a big clue that I haven't been in the Word enough.  It's a good sign that God has more work to do in me and I need to open up my heart to Him and hear what He has to share.  I'm not saying life is perfect when I'm reading the Bible and spending time with Him every day, but it is most definitely clear when I'm not giving enough of my time to the One who loves me most.

  So I'm challenging myself this month to strive at a deeper relationship with my Savior.  I am going to set aside time every day to be still and just listen.  I'm going to dig into the Word, worship more, praise Him more and allow Him to do a good work in me.  If you'd like to do the same, I'd love to chat with you and find a way to keep each other accountable to our commitments.

  I'm not usually so preachy sounding here on my blog... I try to make my posts relatable to everyone, even those who haven't had much exposure to Christ, but this is necessary for me, and I feel it is necessary for some of my friends. Don't worry, I don't have anyone specific in mind, so if this is speaking to you, you are safe... I haven't a clue! ;)

  I want everyone I know to be blessed by Christ as I have been.  The imperfections in my relationship with Him are all on me.  He is never-changing.  He is always there.  He is absolutely perfect in every way, so any flaws that squeeze their way into our fellowship are my own doing.  When I return to Him, He is always there with open arms.  Have you felt a warmth in your core that has brought you to tears?  I want that for you.  Those good, cleansing tears... the ones you cry when you feel at home, when you finally feel at peace.  That is what He gives me and so much more.

  It is by God's grace that I am not only surviving this live here on earth, but thriving in this life.  It is the Grace of God that holds my family together like glue.  It is by the Grace of God that I can get up every morning, face the day, no matter what comes, and go to bed at night knowing I am loved and loved well.

  If you want to know more about what God can do for you, and how a relationship with Him can change your life, crack open a Bible and start reading.  You can always message me.  I am an imperfect friend, but I will do my best to share what God has done for me, so that you in turn can have hope and encouragement to pursue a real, everlasting relationship with Him.

  Be blessed and let God's love and grace wash over you as you walk through this imperfect life.  Love you all!

~Em

Quality Friendships

  I don't know about you, but as time marches on, I feel more and more pressured by many of the "friendships" I have.  It seems these days that it is no longer about quality friendships and those bonds you form with people, but about what you can do for them.  It's more about the stuff, the money, the status of it all.  It's more about how you can make them look like the raddest, prettiest, most fantastic person on the planet.

  Don't get me wrong, I still have a handful of friendships that are the real deal.  I appreciate those women more than they will ever know.  I find though, that as soon as you decide to stop showering people with gifts, or stop buying every little trinket from home parties or Facebook parties, those friends start slipping away.  Which, in all reality, is the best thing for us.  Do we really want to hold on to synthetic friendships when we can have organic, real, genuine relationships with people?

  As a side note, I realize that being involved with an at home "business" of sorts might make some of my friends feel pressured.  I don't want that at all!  Not at all!  I am promoting something I believe in and something that I feel can help my friends and their families, but I don't hold it against someone when they choose to take another route, and I certainly don't want anyone to feel like they need to buy my products in order to keep me happy.  I love my friends regardless of those petty pressures we so often put ourselves under.  Buy what you like, don't buy what you don't, and just hang out with me when you can.  Isn't that how it should be?

  I've noticed that I've become a bit more introverted over the years... much to my family's benefit.  I don't put so much effort and so many of my feelings into friendships that have no value.  I have more energy and happy feelings to put into my family.  Not to say that I don't have my bad days or weeks, but overall, since I decided that it's far more about the quality of my friendships, rather than the quantity of friends I have, I have become much, much more content.

  I've slowly been putting forth more effort into friendships again, and with that comes both the good and the bad.  Unfortunately, many people still see their friends as numbers, and not so much as individuals that can bring something of substance into their lives.

  While I'm not the best friend on the planet, I do care about my friends... even when I can't always physically be there or financially support their ventures.  I'm more of the kind of friend who focuses on "heart" matters, rather than surface stuff.  Need to talk something out? I'm your gal!  Want to enjoy a laid back night with my family and some good grilled food? You've come to the right place!  Want me to shower you with gifts and extravagant trips?  Sorry... you'll have to keep looking.

  Energy drainers, selfishness, and people who care only about their image suck the life right out of me and I just don't have it in me to pretend anymore.  I will be kind to all, I will love most everyone I come into contact with, but most people will be loved from a distance at this point.  I'm finally at a point where I can feel comfortable with that.  I'm finally at a point where I don't need to attempt to keep everyone I know happy.

  I've had many supporters and teachers along the way who have helped me come to this new-ish way of thinking.  My parents, in-laws, husband (he is the king of setting the right priorities in life), my sister-in law, and the list goes on. I appreciate that these people have been so patient with me over the years, and that they never gave up on me or saw me as a lost cause.  They saw that I am a sensitive person who picks up on other people's feelings quite easily, and they saw that I needed to fine tune my "gift", so to speak, so that it would no longer be a curse as well.  I have a long way to go, but when I look back and see how far I've come, I am happy that I have made great progress.

  Life can be so difficult.  We think it's hard when we're teens, but it only gets tougher as we age... especially as our children start nearing those teenage years.  I want to be that good example of balance for my kids.  I want to show them how to be kind to others without allowing them to walk all over them.  I want them to know that they and their dad are my top priorities, and that while friendships are important, family always comes first.

  I am still so new to getting this right that I don't have words of wisdom to share, other than the experiences I've had.  It's a never-ending battle, but I am winning, bit by bit, as I reach for my goal of being pleasing to God, my husband, and my children, first and foremost.

  If you're fighting a similar battle today, or a battle of any sort at all, know that you are in my prayers and that I am cheering you on!  Focus on your family and those friends who bring quality benefits and goodness into your life, who you can bless in the same way... not in the materialistic sense, but in the spiritual, emotional way. Be blessed, friends.  Know that the Lord is fighting the good fight with you and he's holding your hand as you navigate your way through this confusing and adventurous life.

~Em