I'm Still Hereeee....

Yes, it's me. I'm still here (for those 2 people who read my blog). I refuse to use the word "busy", so I'll say I've been preoccupied with other priorities. In addition, we had to get a new computer because our other one fried. Oh, and guess what it fried? The last three months of pictures, including Christmas and two kids birthdays. Guess what else? I never got those pics. printed, and the SD card is nowhere to be found. This is one of those "Let it go" moments, when I have to realize there are more important things in life than three months of pictures. I am also consoled by the fact that my mother in law takes lots of pictures, and can most likely fill in most of the gaps for me!

So I've been "finishing well" with homeschooling this year, which is the reason for my preoccupation. I'm happy with how far we've come this year, and the progress my kids have made. We could really be done now, but we have that last history unit to cover, and some math to finish. I can see a huge difference in both kids writing skills, vocabulary, reading, science and math. Scout is finally writing paragraphs that make sense, and are pretty good, and his science knowledge has seriously improved.....not sure if it's our curriculum, or all the "Mythbusters" DVD's his Grandma and Grandpa in the mountains got him for his Birthday! He's my math whiz, and I barely have to do any teaching with him. Although I'd love for him to "show his work" for math, his amazing ability to do it "all in his head" really impresses me. Princess is reading on a 4th-5th grade level, and her spelling list is high 4th grade. She finished all her math curriculum, so we're starting the next level, as well. I'm proud of both of them, and also myself, for pushing them farther this year, helping them to see how much they can accomplish, but also having fun along the way.

Detergent Update: I finally made that homemade laundry detergent, and it's working out great.! It has a jelly-like consistency, which isn't too appealing, but it cleans my clothes and it's cheap. Type "home-made laundry detergent" to search the web, and you'll find all kinds of recipes. The one I have is made from Borax, Washing Soda, and Fels-Naptha soap (difficult to find). I have to confess, I ordered mine with the ingredients pre-done and measured out. But it was still only $4.00, and I've been using it a month, and it's only half gone! I ordered it from an organic food co-op that I'm a part of called Quail-Cove Farms. Their chicken and turkey products are great, too!