A Homeschool Confession and 2 New YouTube Videos

If you didn't know, I don't get paid one cent for this blog.  I have 0 ads (I hate them), and I don't do affiliate links or posts (I hate those too).  That's not to say I won't ever go that route, but for now, I don't do this for the money.  I blog because I have a burden, a passion for home education. Homeschooling is not easy, and I think there are many parents who want to homeschool but don't have the resources, or the confidence. Homeschooling is not for everyone, but I think that more people could do it if they had a little guidance and help.

Last spring I was in tears, begging God to help me homeschool.  I was teaching my son, but it was a nightmare. God kept telling me to homeschool, but I was failing at it.  I was ruining my child's spirit while educating him.  And yet, I was determined to keep going, and to make it work.  Nothing was going to make me back down.  

We took a break from homeschool over the summer.  I purchased curriculum.  I was pregnant.  I prayed and prayed. I followed dozens of homeschool blogs. All of those factors totally revamped our homeschool, and it became a joy last fall.  It wasn't, and isn't, perfect.  But it is enjoyable.

I know I'm not the only one with this kind of a story.  I know I'm not the only one who struggled with homeschool.  I know that there are women who did exactly what I almost did- gave up- because that was honestly the best thing for their child. Kids love school when they are little.  It is fun!  So why not send them if they're miserable at home?

I'm sad that I created some horrible homeschool memories with my son.  I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself!  But I do know that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).  I know that despite my mistakes, I can use them for God's glory, and help others in their homeschool journey.

If you didn't know, I have a YouTube channel.  It isn't much just yet, but I hope it will be in time.  I have a few videos with teaching phonics.  I uploaded two videos last week.  One is a very-pregnant me playing a game I learned during the library's story time called Hickity Pickity.  You can play this game ANYWHERE and with anything- letters, numbers, blends, words.  The kids love it!  Watch it here. The second video can be found here, and it demonstrates how we sing the blend ladders.  The kids LOVE this!  You use the same tune to sing all of the blends.  

Teaching a child how to read can be intimidating.  My oldest son was ready to read when he was 2, yet I waited a whole year before tackling the task.  I didn't know where to start! I'm currently writing a post about how I taught my children to read, and the goal is to create a video as well.  Stay tuned for those!

And for those of you wondering, we got almost 3 feet of snow- over 29 inches!  Yes, I shoveled all through the blizzard (I was the only one on my street doing that).  I had to shovel in between caring for the kids, but I did it!  I managed to shovel my husband's side of the driveway.  It only took 3 days to do it, and my neighbor helped me at the end.  But my husband bought me flowers to thank me :)  I finally saw him after 3 days!  :D  

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Free Subtraction Mats and Cards!

If your kids were like mine they loved the addition mats and cards.  Although I made multiplication mats and cards, my little guys aren't able to multiply just yet (but I made the games and filed them away for future use).  And now, just like I promised, I have made subtraction mats and cards too- but with different themes to keep things interesting! The subtraction facts covered are:

• subtracting one and two (mat 1)  
• subtracting three and four (mat 2)  
• subtracting from the numbers ten and nine (mat 3)
• subtracting from eleven and twelve (mat 4)  
• subtracting from thirteen and fourteen (mat 5)
• subtracting from fifteen and sixteen (mat 6)

Whether your child is in kindergarten, first, or second grade; there is something here for them.  Download the subtraction mats here for free.

The mats consist of one large grid, with each mat having a different theme.  The themes are spring time, barbecue/picnic, camping, flowers, kids, and beach.   Inside each square is a cute clipart with an answer to a subtraction problem (the difference).  On the page following each mat is another large grid with one image to match the theme and a subtraction problem.

Just print (I did mine double sided) on cardstock and slip into a page protector.  Then, print (not double sided!), laminate, and cut out the subtraction problems.  Your student or child will then match the subtraction problems to the differences.  Enjoy!

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On a personal note, I am quite serious when I say that I live very, very close to D.C.- which means I am expected to get over 2 feet of snow this weekend.  In all of my 30 years, I have never heard a forecast like this for my state!  On Wednesday, a dusting crippled the highways, leaving people stuck in traffic for several hours.  No, I'm not kidding.  I don't drive in the snow.  End of statement.  

The Kindles are charged so the kids aren't burning down the house while I'm out shoveling the snow. Daddy will be sleeping at work, as he does snow removal.  I'm very nervous about this blizzard.  I'd rather not lose power, and I don't know how shoveling is going to go, since I am now just 6 weeks out from my c-section. My neighbors ALWAYS shovel for EVERYONE they can, including me.  But, since they are calling for 2 feet of snow, I think everyone is going to be struggling just to get their own driveways and sidewalks done. My husband told me to leave the snow for him, but I'm a hard worker.  I want to please my husband and serve him as best as I can! He has chronic back pain, plus a huge property to shovel during the blizzard.  I will do everything I can to hold down the fort while he's gone.  Luckily there is a neighbor down the street who has a snow blower and makes his rounds through the neighborhood. The path he takes does half of my sidewalks.  And guess what?  I have a new single neighbor next door.  I think I'll be chatting with him for the first time this weekend.  ;)  I have lots of desserts to bake for anyone who helps!  Wish me luck!  And if you're near this blizzard, enjoy the family time!  I'm looking forward to building some snowmen with my boys!

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10 Tips for Homeschooling with a Newborn

Homeschooling with a baby is not for the faint of heart.  I have homeschooled with a baby before, twice actually.  Once when my middle child was a baby, and when I babysat a baby.  I have to say, homeschooling with a newborn baby is much easier than homeschooling an older baby (who is awake more, very active, mobile, and vocal).  I am no expert at homeschooling with or without babies, but I do have a few years under my belt.  Here is what I've gleaned:

• Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.  I know you've heard that saying before, and it is as true today as it was in years past. I go to bed when the kids go to bed- as early as 8, but as late as 9:30.  I need my rest, especially with a baby waking up to nurse, pass gas, and fill his diaper every few hours.  Other things that wake me are my own bladder or thirst, my husband's work phone (he's on call every few weeks), and early gym alarms. Before the baby arrived, I was up and at 'em by 5am.  After baby, I let him wake me up, which today was at 4:45. Why do I get up so early? Because I have to wake up before my two older children.  If they wake up first, my attitude is shot.  I lose my patience too often, which leads to yelling and saying things I shouldn't.  
• Start your day with Bible, prayer, and coffee. In fact, I'll add a shower in there too. Yes, shower, Bible, prayer, and coffee.  If I miss any of those, my day is a stinky mess. When a mommy's hormones are wack-o (or a woman's in general), she needs help getting in the right frame of mind.  God's Word changes hearts and minds (as does a good shower, and a nice cup of coffee!)  My prayer for this school year has been for God to give me compassion for these little ones, to be sweet, and gentle.  I am not any of those things. But with God's grace, I can be!  I have seen that prayer work wonders in my life, but only when I make time to talk to Him.
• Keep it all in perspective.  Homeschool is not about having the best education (although it can be!).  The baby will grow up in the blink of an eye.  Relax. If you don't cover math class today, so what?  You'll have tomorrow, or the summer to memorize those addition facts with fun games.
• Breathe.  When the baby gets to screaming, and the toddler's diaper leaked all over the sheets twice in one day (true story), just breathe. The laundry can wait. So can the dishes.  But your children won't.  After you breathe, attack the most important thing first.  Then work your way down the list.  And make sure you put your own needs above the chores.  I have a dishwasher to unload and dishes in the sink.  But here I am blogging . . . for me, because my needs matter too.
• Don't expect too much from yourself.  We like to compare ourselves with others.  Don't.  You do what you can do, and that is all you can do. There is a lot I personally don't do in my homeschool. For instance, I do not do science experiments very often.  I see other moms blogging about amazing science experiments their preschoolers are doing.  That's not me.  And that's okay. 
• Exercise.  I don't nap during the day.  I don't need to nap.  Why?  Because during nap time I am breaking a sweat!  Exercise is so good for the mind, body, and soul.  Stressed about school? Sweat it out.  Tired? Sweat it out.  You'll feel better, and when Mommy feels good, everyone feels good!   
• Take a break.  When my preschooler and my newborn nap, guess what?  I'm taking a break. For me, I usually exercise and do a hobby of some sort. The housework will never stop. Your house is a home, not a museum.  And, a spotless home is not necessarily a happy home.  I like my home neat enough to eat off the floor, but messy enough to show that I've put time into my children.  So instead of cleaning during your break (unless that's your hobby), relax!  You deserve it!
• Wear your baby.  I love my Moby Wrap.  When I need cuddle time during school, I slip baby inside and he snoozes peacefully.  I can do chores with him in there too, although at a snail's pace.  :)
• Work around baby's schedule.  If you know baby wants a snack at 10am, that's a perfect time to have your child do some table work (worksheets, flashcards).  If you know Junior struggles with their writing and needs your undivided attention, plan for them to write during baby's nap.   
• Eat healthy.  When Mommy takes care of her body, her mind and body work more efficiently. Eat fruit and vegetables with every meal and for snacks.  Your body needs vitamins (fuel), not junk.  I like to eat tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos with my eggs (breakfast, lunch, or dinner).  I steam enough vegetables to fill half of a plate for lunch (brussel sprouts and carrots are my favorite right now!)  I eat hummus with raw veggies (carrots, celery, or bell peppers are usually in my fridge).  I top bananas with all natural chocolate peanut butter.  And for dinner, Daddy is the chef, and he knows I get mad if he skimps on the broccoli (half a plate, please). We don't eat Doritos, Cheetos, Lays, etc. because we don't buy them.  If you don't buy the junk, you won't eat the junk.  And the junk will have you running on E long before bedtime.  How can you homeschool when you're exhausted?  I know I can't!  Not only will you have long-lasting energy when you eat healthy, but your immune system will be in top shape.  Colds, anyone?  I read an article that says adults contract 4 colds a year, and children contract 8.  I had one over the summer (while pregnant), and a few sneezes throughout the year (and for the past several years) otherwise.  I have no doubt the exercise and good diet kicked those viruses to the curb. My son and husband both had the flu 3 years ago. Me and the baby remained 100% healthy, without the help of Bleach or Lysol.  Staying healthy is so important for homeschooling.  And, if you eat healthy, your waist line will thank you! You'll have that hour-glass figure you've always wanted- although that doesn't have much to do with homeschooling, just an added bonus :) Unless, of course, you homeschool better when you feel gorgeous!  I know I do!

Did you notice most of my advice revolves around caring for YOU?  If you take care of your mind, body, and spirit, homeschooling with a newborn will fall into place!

What about you?  Do you have any tips for homeschooling with a newborn?      

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Money Skip Counting Puzzles

I am really excited about this activity because it is something I haven't seen before and have wanted my son to do.  My 5-yr old loves money.  He is excited about anything and everything involving money- books, games, candy, worksheets, etc.  These puzzles teach several concepts- skip counting, recognizing and counting coins; and develops fine motor, cutting, and gluing skills.  What I also like about this activity is that children can see how many coins of each make a dollar in comparison to one another.  Simply print the puzzles and give to your child.  They color the coins, cut along the dotted lines, and glue onto construction paper.  Download these free puzzles here in my Teacher's Pay Teacher's Store.  Enjoy!  

If you're looking for some more easy money activities, we also loved making these money (coin) books.  I also am looking forward to playing this money concentration game, but just haven't gotten around to it- you know, what with having a new baby and all :)  If you're studying coins, these are some great free activities to incorporate into your school day.  They won't even feel like they're doing school.

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On a totally different note, I want to wish you all a very happy 2016!  Have you made any changes in your homeschooling?  How about in your parenting?  I certainly have.  I read a study that said most children will watch an entire year of television by the time they are 7!  Wow!  That blew me away!  Don't get me wrong- I enjoy getting a break during the day.  Mickey Mouse is a great babysitter when Mommy needs some downtime.  And I absolutely love Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown, and How It's Made.  There are many educational shows on television.  But, are we losing our children because of electronics?  I've always been very conservative about limiting television to a few hours a day (nap time).  But, after reading that study, I have decided that's too much too.  When I was a kid we didn't have electronics, minus cable TV.  I absolutely loved reading, and I want my son to love reading too.  Now, instead of allowing him to watch TV during nap, it is quiet time.  He can read quietly to himself or to me.  My 5-yr old is reading for an hour or more straight every day now- for pure enjoyment!  I even checked out a book for myself, so that he can see me reading an actual book- not something on my telephone.  Never mind that this busy Mama only read one page of it!  What does he read?  Why, Superhero books of course!  And he also loves science, so he has been reading some science books too!

What changes have you made at home?  

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Winter Scene Craft/Cutting Practice

Happy New Year!  I rang in the New Year as every mom should- giving Motrin to one of my older children after nursing my newborn :)  And if that wasn't special enough, my newborn baby and I took a special trip to the ER at 4am. Gotta love RSV . . . not!  

We have had a house full of sick children.  One virus has cleared the air, but RSV can last for over a month.  I think we are through the thick of it though.  Although I am planning on easing (ever-so-gently) back into homeschool Monday, I'm not sure if we will be well enough to do so.  But no worries! That is the luxury of homeschool- I am my own boss!

Daddy returned to work yesterday, after pampering me for 3 wonderful weeks.  That meant that this mama had to have a few activities up her sleeve, especially because Old Man Winter is finally rearing its ugly head- and I hate the cold. Just like my Thanksgiving cutting practice activity, I created a winter one.  The page full of clipart is enough to split between two activities or two children.  Just print, children cut along the dotted lines, and glue onto the background scene.  I really like these activities!  No prep, creative, and strengthens all those skills little ones need- fine motor, cutting, gluing, etc. You can download your free copy here in my TpT store. Enjoy! I'd like to make some more, so leave some feedback with scenes you'd like to see!

If you have been blessed in any way shape or form by the services I've offered on this blog, you may want to send a monetary gift my way.  If so, that would be most appreciated!  I love what I do and am looking forward to helping others educate their little ones.

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