"Normal" Homeschooling Day?

Finally the kids are on the mend, and back to doing schoolwork and a "normal" routine. One is still on antibiotics, and the other is somewhat tired, but altogether we're better. With a trip away for 3 days, and one sickness after another (hubby and I had the respiratory ickies last week), some things have just been left out, including 10 loads of laundry, and errands that had to be done. Admittedly, some of the laundry was probably unnecessary, but hey...if a shirt had been worn by a sick child, it was in the washer. I didn't take any chances.

As for the errands, most homeschool moms will tell you (if they're being honest) they are masters at utilizing every second of their day. So, when I had to take the kids on a bunch of errands, their books went with them for the car ride. Little did I know when we were in the grocery store lessons would continue. It wasn't until I got home that I realized how many things they learned. One of the kids wanted to know what "imported ham" was at the deli counter..........so they received a mini lesson on imports and exports, trade agreements and natural resources. Hmmm...I didn't plan that one, but it was a perfect opportunity. As the kids pointed out all the imported deli meat, I started wondering how long that meat took to get to the deli counter, and whether there was a local butcher shop anywhere close by! (mental note: look in the phone book for butcher shops). Next, the kids practiced the virtue of patience. A friend from church was in the store, and I literally hadn't talked to her in months...one of those "catch up on everything" talks. I'm sure we stood there for a good 12-15 minutes, while the kids waited quietly next to the cart....not still, but at least quiet. Next, we went to pick out seeds for our garden, and the kids were surprised to see the large variety of peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes. We browsed that section for a while, picking out veggies and herbs. Gardening 101! Next, we ate lunch out, and when it was time for a tip, the kids wanted to know how much tip to give. I wrote out a percentage problem, and Scout figured it out. Ok, so it was only one problem, but at least he was really interested in learning how to do it! We headed home and finished vocab, spelling, and grammar. Math was next on the list, but an argument ensued between the two, and conflict resolution was the final lesson of the day. I sent them off alone to work it out on their own, and 10 minutes later I hear the legos, and quiet talking between them....conflict resolved....... errands done........ laundry still waiting....... and many lessons learned.