Ten Years of Homeschooling

Hard to believe we just started our 10th year of homeschooling. I have no clue where time has gone. Each year I've said we'd take it year by year and here we are our oldest is in 9th grade. I'm always so thankful we have the freedom to choose this path for our family.

We're about 2 weeks in for this year. We take it slow getting back into a routine of sorts. The oldest is doing almost all of his work this year on his own. Of course I keep a daily check on what he's doing and how it's going. We used America the Beautiful for all 4 boys last year for American History and just loved it so he moved on into their World History for high school. I am actually reading this along with him just because it's so good. Well, and I want to be prepared for when he's got questions!

The younger 3 are doing Uncle Sam and You. This one we do as a read aloud and then discuss it. I'm looking forward to this one also because it touches on more local things such as your own community and how things work.

The older 2 boys are using Apologia Physical Science and working on that together. The younger 2 are using the new Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics and really enjoying it so far. They are quite excited they get to do some experiments.

Today it was so nice out so we actually did our lava lamps outside. I wanted to be sure the Alka-Seltzer tablets didn't cause a mess in the house in case the lids didn't get on the bottles quick enough. This little experiment was about density. 

Of course we have math, English, and all that other stuff thrown in the mix of school time. Daily life happens too. Which is probably why I'm just now getting to this blog post after we've started 2 weeks ago.  :o) 

A Triple Knot - Book Review

One of my favorite genres of books is historical fiction. I can't just pick up a history book and get excited about it but when reading a book like A Triple Knot and others like it, it is a completely different feeling. I love being taken back in time and feeling like I'm right there with the characters in the book. I however am very thankful I was not born any sooner than I was because I wouldn't have made it.

I had a hard time at first because of all the confusion of so many names of characters in the book. It is common for that time though and I've had this happen with other books as well. Don't let this hold you back from reading this book though. I just plod through and eventually the main characters stick with you. It was also a bit slow going the first part of the book and yet the last part was almost too quick. It seemed like it didn't have all the details as the first part. I did feel though that I was right there with Joan. I know when I am engrossed in a book that makes me feel a part of it the author is doing their job well. It's like I have to readjust once I stop for a bit and remember I'm not in the book.

I so liked the character of Joan. The poor girl dealt with so many things from a young age. From losing her father so early in her life to being caught in a love triangle and pawned by her uncle to benefit the kingdom. I just don't know how one could handle it all but it sure makes for good reading.

Overall I enjoyed the book. I'd recommend it if you like this type of book and enjoy a bit of love and betrayal.

If you'd like to learn more or check out her other book you can look here.


*I received this book from Blogging For Books for this review. Opinions are my own.

My Irish Table - Book Review

I have always dreamed of going to Ireland some day. This lovely book was like a little pretend visit there. It is full of wonderful stories about Irish food and family in addition to the recipes included. I really loved all the tidbits about where some of the recipes came from. You can tell how much love is put into them. The photos included are just beautiful. 

I don't like to wish time away but I look forward to cooler weather when I can try out some of the bread recipes. I don't like to heat up the house any more than necessary in summer. There are several side dishes and desserts that sound excellent also. The Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Cauliflower Baked in Cheddar Cheese Sauce, and Apple Crumble are just calling my name. I'm also looking forward to a big pot of Chicken Noodle Soup. The recipe for Cheese on Toast looks super easy and the photo in the book looks good enough just to pull right out of the book and eat! I've never thought of something so simple as this recipe. 

There is a nice mix of recipes in this book. A lot of them will be good fall and winter comfort food. There are a few that look a little complicated and some a little more on the spendy side to make. Lamb is a bit pricey for our family but I like when cookbooks give you such a variety to choose from. 

Definitely a great cookbook if you'd like to try Irish cooking for yourself. The stories and photos are worth the purchase of the book even if you don't like to cook. 

If you'd like more info about this book you can look here. 

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.