So you want to be a Supermom?

Over the last few years I've heard many moms vent their woes as to why they feel like they are terrible wives and mothers. They usually digress that they are unable to juggle all that life requires of them on top of the fact that they haven't completed projects X, Y and Z before week's end.

The vast majority of these moms have been reading other moms blogs, comparing their own actions and inactions in light of this wonderful supermom who is portrayed on the screen in front of them as having it all together.

Is reading inspiring blogs wrong? No. So, what's the real issue here?

There are a few reasons that these moms usually feel overwhelmed at their imperfections.

1. They feel convicted because of a lack of motivation or lazy attitude


2. They are setting their expectations too high


3. They are over-committed to outside interests and activities


4. They are letting opportunities take over while their so-called priorities are put on the back burner


5. They are comparing their lives to another mom's life, instead of letting the blog properly motivate or encourage them in their calling


6. They are spending too much time on these blogs, instead of digging into God's Word for instructions on how to become a better wife and mom

Because of the many homeschooling blogs out there these days, many people, I'm sure, assume most large family, homeschooling moms must be supermoms. While I believe that raising a large family does indeed take dedication and organization, it does not mean that all dedicated and organized women are born superheroes! While each of those women might have natural abilities and giftings, each are probably working hard to tweak areas of shortcomings in their lives. As women we must remember that each woman who appears successful on her blog struggles herself with her own set of inadequacies. We ALL face the fact on a daily (if not hourly) basis that we are imperfect creatures!

Homeschooling

We ALL need to stop comparing ourselves to another family or friend. It is tempting...especially in homeschooling circles. However, the BEAUTY of homeschooling is that everyone is supposed to be different from the next. If we're all using the same cookie cutter approach, we'd all turn out the same type of child. Pretty boring!
We do need to make sure, as homeschooling mamas, that we stick to our set priorities when making a schedule for our homeschool year or our summers! If we commit to all these wonderful activities just to find that we've abandoned what is truly important to God and our family, then we have failed. Prioritize and stick to the plan!

Housekeeping

As far as keeping one's house up to par. Well...see some of us (ahem, ME!) are borderline OCD with the house. We [I] can let it take over with how we want it. While you might look at my house on a visit and comment on how orderly and perfectly kept it is, I know that my weakness in this area is to let the perfection of my house take over my priority list. That's about when my flesh starts to envy you for being more relaxed.

If you are struggling with laziness, take heed that ALL humans are lazy at times. Commit to God to work harder and earn your keep, so to speak, as wife, mother and homeschool teacher! Don't let the ways of a sluggard sneak up on you. Instead, surround yourself in God's Word and memorize Scriptures that will rid you of a lazy attitude and lifestyle.

Join the Club!

I know that sometimes people have commented on how our family has it all together. Bwahaha! Nope. I don't think so! Nobody has it all together...we are ALL only human! No matter what you might see, hear or read about such "together" families, I can guarantee you that if you look a little deeper or ask what struggles they face as a family, we would get an earfull as to what brings them down a notch or two!

When we get down to it, we're really all a mess in some way, shape or form! We're ALL imperfect! It's LIFE!

So, join the club...we're all imperfect moms and most of us are just trying to do our best! Don't be fooled...we're all human; none of us are true supermoms! We all just rely on the fact that we can "do all things through CHRIST who strengthens" us to be all to all that He gave us to manage and care for!

Homeschool Record Keeping System

Q. How do you keep your children's homeschool records? What is your homeschool Record keeping system for a large family? Also, what tests do you use for your children? ~ M. B.

A. I got a big binder, enough to hold YEARS worth of records for each child...all in one place!

Inside the binder I keep immunization religious exemption forms (attached, too)...


...NC attendance records....


...the test scores...


...and in the front, I keep a current copy of our HSLDA card, in case I need to quickly reference it!

Each child has a section and I just add to it each year. I also keep 3 years worth of each child’s school work in copy paper boxes (just in case I need to prove anything), and scan and save test scores and attendance sheets...all are saved on my hard drive. I also take photos of the kids doing various projects and save them in Word. Everything on my hard drive would be retrievable if something happened to the computer, as it backs up to Carbonite. Now, I probably won’t need to have any of this on hand, BUT it is nice to know where I can find things in case it is needed to prove something someday.

In addition to this type of record keeping, I use Homeschool Tracker (please use referral code B95HF if you decide to purchase it). It’s a computer program that records grades and work that your children have done or have yet to do. It is super cool...many, many features! I like entering every project (seatwork, lapbook, unit study, community outreach day, etc.) into the program. It gives me my beloved “to-do list" and lets me see what needs to be done next in school. When it comes time for a transcript or an average grade in a course, it’s super easy to just print it out! Love it!

As for testing...we use Seton Testing Services ($25 a pop) for two years and then switch to Iowa Tests of Basic Skills every three years just to see where they are exactly (we’ve also done the Kauffman Test for Annalise once). Because I don’t put much value in testing my children (I know them best and no test can tell me anything I really don’t already know), I like to cut costs as much as possible. So that is what we do to meet North Carolina homeschooling requirements!

This is how we do it! House Size, Sleeping Arrangements and Clothing Storage!

Updated 4-2011

I was wondering how big your house is and how you have the children arranged? How many bedrooms and how many in each room, etc.? How you organize their bedrooms and clothes and such? ~ Alicia

I’m sure that two extremes come to mind when picturing a house filled with 9 children, 2 adults, 1 dog and a frog (yes, a frog). The first extreme would be to picture 11 of us crammed into a shack in someone else’s backyard. The second extreme would be that we are so filthy-rich that we live in a 10,000 sq. ft. mansion. After all, how can anyone have 9 kids and live in anything much smaller? LOL! Now, I do consider my home to be quite comfy and nice, but it is no gargantuan mansion. Neither is it a cardboard shack. It’s perfect for our 9 children and for any other children that God sends! It’s HOME!

Our home is 4000 square feet on 4 acres in a suburb of Charlotte, NC. Since our home is three levels, it is divided rather differently. When we moved in, the house was very much dated (1980’s) and needed a good dose of T.L.C. It had a mostly unfinished, walk-out basement with two bedrooms and a bath. Total renovation had to be done to the basement upon move-in just to make it livable down there. The main level has the master bedroom and another bedroom, as well as all the usual living spaces. We made plans to make the walk-up attic two additional bedrooms, but that didn’t happen for another 3 years. Since we only had 3 children when we moved here, we didn’t need any more than the 4 bedrooms at that time anyway.

Well, 6 children and almost 7 years after moving in, this is how we have our house situated for all the kiddos. The finished attic is beautiful! It’s “Perfectly-Prissy-Pepto-Pink” with white built-ins and window seats. You can guess whose domain that is! That’s right…Annalise (18), Kaitlyn (11), Julia (5) and Ellie (3). The room is one large room, divided into two. The three older girls live on one side of the stairwell with two canopy beds and a trundle (another trundle will be addedwhen Ellie outgrows her bed) and Ellie sleeps on the other side in a toddler bed. Right now we have room for another girl’s bed/crib on that side, for when Eva moves up there and there will be room for two on that side when Ellie moves to the second trundle bed! There is also one rocker, one dresser and a mirrored chest in their rooms. Their closet, which spans the length of the garage (couldn’t be used in any other way) is their humongous closet! We store Mommy & Daddy’s out of season clothing in there, as well as, coats during the summer, sheets, towels, sleeping bags, sewing supplies, doll necessities, etc. It’s the perfect closet for girls!

The boys’ territory is in the walk-out basement (can’t you hear the creepy music now?)! No, seriously, the basement is really cool! There’s a playroom/game room/former school room (now we do school around the kitchen table), a full bath and two bedrooms. Each of the 2 bedrooms has two closets. The boys’ room is home to Ethan (10), Trey (9), and Jake (6) has two sets of bunk beds and all three boys sleep in there. For now, Judah (2) sleeps with Ethan, who has moved to provide him with company, in the extra/guest bedroom. Ethan sleeps on a twin bed and Judah is still in a crib. Judah will someday SOON move to the empty bunk, but for now he’s in the crib in the guest room. The two closets in the boys’ room are rather tiny. They store the older boys’ clothing, as well as out-of season clothes that are stored in Rubbermaid containers for easy access. Across the hall is the “guest room”, which is where Ethan and Judah are for now. The closets in that room have shelves for towels, sheets, presents (our gift closet), swimming gear, games, etc. Like I said, this bedroom can be used for guests, as it boasts the most privacy, BUT it only has a single twin bed and a shelf.

Eva (2 months) sleeps in a pack 'n play basinet in our room for now, but will move to the nursery, which is located across from the master bedroom in a few months or so.

Clothing storage and organization is so much fun around here! Okay, I lied. It’s a big hassle when it’s time to switch our seasonal clothes. We have tons of great attic space in the girls’ room, so we store all of the clothing up there that waits making its rounds again on the children who will wear them someday. Each clothing size is stored in Rubbermaids for future use. Storing hand-me-down clothing has saved us SO MUCH money. If you have the room available and have (or might have) children to pass those clothes down to, store them! Just do it in Rubbermaids, unless you enjoy little critters in those bins! You can stock up on Rubbermaid containers at discount stores or when they have specials on the end caps at Wal-Mart. It’s about $4 for an 18 gallon if you can get a deal.

I also leave one empty container per child in the attic so that we can quickly declutter their closets throughout the season, should they grow out of clothing mid-season. This helps to keep the clutter down in their closets, as we seem to have most our children grow out of items before the next season rolls around.

Now, living in Charlotte really makes it hard to assess when to bring out the clothing for the next season. Our weather goes back and forth quite irregularly for quite some time. So, to solve that problem, I keep one Rubbermaid per child in his/her closet full of what might fit them the next season. Everything that they’ve grown out of goes up to the attic Rubbermaids for passing on to another sibling at the end of the season. Having this convenient access to these out-of-season items makes it a bit easier with our crazy weather here!

Every spring/fall, right before the area consignment sales, we set aside a day for girls’ clothing and a day for the boys’ clothing to be sorted (see above: this is just 1/9th of the mess from sorting clothes for the following season). We bring down the bins to our den and fish through all the clothes that have been passed down. A list is made of items that are needed (let’s just face it…jeans, socks and such do not pass down to the next child without a good many holes!). All other clothing that works for that upcoming season is brought out to be washed and put away in their closets. This takes a good long while to complete, but it saves so much money that I can’t resist!

So, there ya have it! Please post a comment with other questions regarding this topic or other topics relating to large families. Hey, if you have tips that have worked for you, pass those along, as well…I’m all about tips on making life with a large family easier!

Blanket Training

School time in a homeschool can be tough when you have little ones at everyone’s feet wanting to be in everyone’s school work. When you finally feel you have an older child ready to begin seatwork or a project, little Johnny or Suzie comes over to scribble on his or her older sibling. Though this is cute, and can be good training in developing a favorable attitude toward learning in the younger child, it can frustrate mom and the older child. It can cause the rest of the day to be stress-filled and unsuccessful in terms of the older child retaining information and learning concepts. What’s the solution? There are a few different suggestions, but the one I’m focusing on today is blanket training....READ THE REST HERE!

Wouldn't Trade This Life for Anything....

How quickly tiny bundles of joy grow! How fleeting are the lives we live! How ungrateful we are in times of stress for the blessings of little ones!

As a mother, many of us tire of the thankless hours and sheer amount of work that comes with motherhood. I, however, treasure all my sleepless nights, my cleaning of vomit and my endless loads of laundry all for....the smiles and memories that I make with my precious children!

I can't help but think what fools are they who intentionally refuse these sweet and precious blessings called children! There is no trial, hardship or everyday drugery that I would trade for an empty (or less empty) house and deafening quiet!

What's Your Homeschool Schedule with 9 Children? How do you do it?

The most-asked question our larger-than-average family gets is this: "How do you handle all those kids AND homeschool?" Well, to be completely honest, we probably get the "How many kids do you plan on having anyway?" one even more often, but you'll have to ask God for the answer to that one. :) I, however, will attempt to explain how we do all that we do with 9 kids, all while keeping the peace and order in our humble abode! So, here we go! Mark and I have 8 blessings on earth so far (and 7 in Heaven), ages: 18, 11, 10, 9, 6, 5, 3, 2 and a newborn.

Below is our usual schedule, but with a newborn and a preschooler and life in general, this can all change at a moments notice. Overall, I like having a schedule so that the kids know what to expect and when, but I do NOT let it rule me. It's just a guide. It helps tremendously that we school year-round! It allows for extended holiday breaks and breaks throughout the year when I feel "burnout" coming. :) I am also a firm believer that just because a schedule works well for one family it might not work well for another, so keep that in mind when trying to create one of your own!

Our Schedule

7:00 - wake-up, get dressed, make bed, tidy up rooms, put away night clothes and eat

7:45 or 8:00 - kitchen chores (95% done by children) and teeth brushed

8:15 - Preschool! The older kids teach younger ones preschool (it is really neat to have the older ones learn to teach their siblings...it develops their abilities in so many ways!)

8:15 - Schoolwork (math/English/spelling history/science/geography/typing - different requirements on different days). Annalise (graduated) blogs, Facebooks, keeps an eye on kids or bakes. To see our curricula that we use, click on Our Homeschool Tools (above).

12:00 - Everyone has finished school USUALLY.

12:00 or 12:30 - Lunch

After lunch - outside play time/educational games/reading/educational DVD's or YouTube unit studies (this varies according to my whim...ha)

2:30 - Judah naps until 3:30 or 4:00

4:00 - Kids are inside or start afternoon chores (feeding chickens, sweeping, weeding, sweeping/tidying garage, vacuuming stairs, cleaning bathrooms, etc.). Reading time begins when chores are completed.

5:00 - Get ready for Daddy's homecoming (vacuum, set table, ready dinner, etc.)

6:00 - Dinner kitchen cleanup by kids while Mark and I discuss our days (this is GREAT therapy for Mommy)

7:30 - Family Worship (Click Here to Read More)

8:00 - Bedtime for everyone, except Annalise. She will go downstairs to the boys' area/playroom and take a shower and read, blog, etc. until she goes upstairs to go to sleep.

When do you feel as though you've actually ACCOMPLISHED all that you need to accomplish?

I would say that I feel as though I have accomplished everything I needed to accomplish if I have homeschooled the kids, done at least 1 load of laundry, done some everyday chores (dusting, vacuuming, counter tops, general upkeep, etc.), prepared a good meal, had the kids learn life skills of some kind, and I have basically "worked at home" all day. It varies so greatly what I do each day that I would say that if I felt as though I have been a worker at home, according to Titus 2. I am to be loving my husband, loving my children and being busy at home. If I've done that to the best of my ability, then I've accomplished a lot. However, it can get monotonous and it can feel as though I haven't accomplished much, BUT drudgery is part of motherhood and that's all part of God's perfect plan. See this post! The Proverbs 31 is an ideal woman, accomplishing A LOT. I don't believe that any woman could accomplish all that she did every day, and we need to keep that in mind or we'll drive ourselves crazy! BUT Proverbs 31 is a GREAT outline to use overall!

Any organizing tips or secrets?

1. Never leave a room empty-handed. Always return something to its proper place.

2. 30 second rule....If it takes less than 30 seconds to put away, do it immediately!

3. Have pick up time before Daddy gets home and before lunch time!

4. Teach kids to do chores and to pick up as they go (30 second rule with them, as well)

Any tips on how to get the kids to clean up after themselves?

As I've mentioned time and time again, we are big on "chore training". My kids all have chores. We use this age appropriate chore list as a guide. Our kids have chores as soon as they can crawl and they will pass them on to a younger sibling when the younger sibling is ready. The younger sibling will become the "apprentice" and the older becomes the "master or teacher". The younger will watch the older do the chore between 2 and 5 times before they attempt it themselves. Then they move onto doing the chore themselves, with the older one watching and instructing PROPERLY (no bossing allowed...Mommy's listening in). After about 2-5 times of the younger doing the chore under the older's supervision and instruction, the younger will do that chore on their own. From that point on, Mommy checks up on them randomly to see if it was completed properly. If it was not, then Mommy instructs the younger on how to correct it. Of course, age is always factored in.....I don't expect my two year old to wipe the table the way I would. BUT, they should be doing it to the best of their ability.

How old should a child be when they begin having chores?

Our kids start chores as soon as they can crawl, and although it's tedious to Mommy in the beginning, I've found that it pays off BIG TIME in the long run!!! What does God think about chores?

Shouldn't kids just be kids?

Unfortunately, today's society has taught us that life should be easy, kids should be kids, take the easy way out in life, but in all reality I can't find where it says any of that in Scripture. In fact, Scripture says that LEADERS and SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE will work hard! Shouldn't we be training up the future leaders of tomorrow's familys and world? Using the below Scriptures when teaching children about chores and hard work will mold their spirits now and train them for their futures! This is why we believe that children should regularly contribute to household maintenance.

*Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed. Proverbs 12:24

*He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. Proverbs 12:11

*All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

*Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:22-24

What are the consequences for not completing chores?

We have just recently (within the last year) paying for extra chores (not cleaning rooms or such as that....those are "normal chores" and do not receive payment. Nor do they receive payment for extra chores if their "normal chores" are left undone.). Right now "Extra Chores" are required to be done as follows:

Annalise (18) - Meal prep/cooking, Kitchen upkeep, cleaning and keeping organized the guest and children bathrooms (toilet, floors, door handles), mopping with Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn (11) - Some meal prep/cooking, vacuuming the stairs twice a week, cleaning and keeping organized the guest and children's bathrooms (sinks, counters, mirrors), mopping with Annalise.

Ethan (10) - Tidying/organizing/sweeping garage (a little each day), collecting and taking out trash weekly or as needed, feeding and cleaning up after chickens.

Trey (9) - Sweeps all areas outside (a section each day...covered patio, front porch, walk to door, walk to storage shed, driveway), blow basketball "patio/court"off on weekends, feeds the dog and washes dog bowls once a week.

Jake (6) - Brushes dog weekly, puts towels on our dining room chairs prior to meals (to prevent stains on the fabric from the smaller children), helps Ethan with garage cleaning and upkeep, Swiffers under sofas when I vacuum.

Julia (5) - Folds two towels that go on our dining room chairs prior to meals after meals, cleans the fronts of appliances (dishwasher, fridge, microwave, oven).

Ellie (3) - Folds two towels that go on our dining room chairs prior to meals after meals.

Judah (2) - Collects cloth napkins after meals and puts them in or in front of the washer and puts away the dining room chair towels after meals.

More chores will be added soon or reorganized, as the children become proficient in the chores they've been given. These might not seem like a lot of chores, but this would not include regular chores (setting tables, clearing tables, cleaning rooms, making beds, vacuuming and dusting their bedrooms, doing their laundry, helping with "buddies" and doing seasonal/odd chores as requested by me).

This system has worked really well and, honestly, we rarely have an issue with attitudes or chore completion. They know that Daddy and I mean business. They also are used to having chores, because they start doing chores as soon as they can walk. In fact, the older ones are so used to doing their chores and do them with a proper attitude that the younger ones CAN'T WAIT to go into an "apprenticeship" under the older ones to learn the chores! Now, yes, chores get repetitious, but they do get done with correct attitudes and without being told (the majority of the time, anyway - no one's perfect).

I hope this was of some help and an encouragement to you! May you all be WORKERS AT HOME and follow God and His Word in all you do!

Animal Tracking Fun!

In honor of National Wildlife Week, I thought it would be fun to study animal tracking and to have your children of multiple ages to participate, as well. Animal tracking is not only fun, but it is a great form of exercise (walking or hiking), an interesting way to study science (animal biology, habitats, earth science, etc.), and a great way to show just how marvelous God’s creation is!

Here are some tips to keep your children exploring and learning:


• Have your children keep a nature journal where they can draw pictures of the animal tracks they discover. Include track measurements and describe the location, features, and clues related to each track. This is good for ALL ages. Require more journaling by the older children and just pictures from the younger ones!
• Have each child take a Ziploc bag along to collect other nature items, such as leaves and rocks. Toddlers can also find treasures and feel included in this project!
• Take along a camera so that you can add photos to the journals. This is a great way to preserve your homeschooling memories, as well as preserving the animal tracks that you come across on this adventure.
• Keep a quarter or other coin handy to place beside any tracks that you find. This will help to show size perspective when looking back at the photos at another time.
• Purchase a field guide for birds and other animals that frequent your area of the country. Teach your children how to use this guide.
• Consider buying a plaster kit or making your own to preserve the footprints of the animal tracks you find.
• Take only a few older children out to actually track and find the animals, as large groups of children can frighten the animal.
• Have your older children write a report on what they found. Teach them to properly use MS Word, or another word processing program, when preparing their report. They can add charts, graphs and photos from the experience. Have them give an oral report after their project is complete.
• Explore the below sites to see how to explore animal tracks and how to track those animals to their habitats!

READ THE REST of my Company Front Porch Post HERE...

Large Family Reading

My post on The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's, Company Porch....HERE!

How do you do it with "all those kids"?

"People ask me all the time how I do it with all "those"
kids. I do it by the grace of God. My mind isn't focused on this earth, it's focused in Heaven. That's where my "me" time is, that's where my peace is! That's where my vacations, riches and treasures lie. So when I get frustrated, I remember that my goals are Heavenly. This world is dying but I will live forever
doing God's will." - Anna Cross

Sometimes life as a wife, mother, homemaker and homeschooling mother can get overwhelming. When you add in a newborn, 8 sick children, 3 solid weeks of illness and then the hospitalization of your 2 week old for RSV and viral pneumonia, which then adds up to close to 4 weeks with 2 hours of sleep per night....you could really pull your hair out and want to throw in the proverbial towel. However, the focus must remain on the prize!

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Keep on going, mamas! Your job is IMPORTANT and your focus should be HEAVENLY!

Year-Round Homeschool Schedule with a Large Family

I post something similar to this every school year, since each year is different in one way or another. Hope it helps someone! :)

Here is a sample of our schedule for school and otherwise. For more information about the curricula we use, check out the links under "Our Homeschool Tools".

Below is our USUAL homeschool weekly schedule. I thought that it might give some moms a better picture on how our homeschooling works. Now, we are VERY flexible, but this is our guideline for our school day/week/month. Each school day is usually completed by noon, which leaves plenty of time for fun, games and chores!

One of the main reasons that we school year-round so that the kids don't go through the "summer absent mindedness" that other kids go through. There's also no need for review (you can usually skip through the review sections at the beginning of each year of seatwork if you school year round since review is not needed). Kids who school year-round also usually get ahead in their school work and can usually graduate early because of this. Moms also have less chance of the infamous "homeschool mom burn out" because of the MANY breaks during the year. We take off when babies are born, kids adopted, etc. We take our yearly break from Thanksgiving through New Years, so as to enjoy that time of year with baking, family activities and such!

While the kids do their seatwork, I am readily available to help or instruct, while I am overseeing them at the table in a "round robin" fashion. However, they don't need help as often, once they can read the directions and know how to do the problems. When everyone is occupied with their assignments I use that time to catch up on e-mail/internet after Julia (5) has completed her Kindergarten seatwork and while Ellie is doing preschool seatwork. Ellie is able to do her preschool seatwork mostly on her own, with me giving general instructions. I like to teach them when they are very young that they are ABLE to learn on their own, with some instruction. This does not mean I am unavailable or unwilling to help at all, but this is done in preparation of having her learn on her own, which she will do her entire life!

We are fortunate to have my computer right next to the table where we do seatwork. This allows me to do my writing, e-mail, and record grades while I am sitting right next to everyone who is doing their seatwork. In fact, I sit on the same kitchen table bench as two other younger ones who are more apt to need my help. As you can tell, I am very encouraging of independent learning, and this is a good way to begin!

I also love to have the older children learn to TEACH! This is a valuable skill that most children and adults have never learned. For instance, in our home, the oldest two teach preschool (under my watchful eye) to the younger ones. This consists of counting to 100, saying the months of the year and days of the week, learning their address and phone number, learning their birthdays, reviewing phonics sounds, learning the books of the Bible, singing songs, saying Bible memory verses, etc. This has proven to be extremely beneficial to both the older and younger children. The younger children learn to have and show a unique form of respect to their older siblings, and the older ones learn that valuable skill of passing on knowledge to a younger child in an exciting, age-appropriate manner! As always, I am within earshot while this is all being done.

As for housework, I usually have laundry started right after I am ready for the day. The girls and I prepare a crock pot dinner first thing in the morning or lay out what needs to be out for dinner if no crock pot is used. If we do not have a crock pot dinner, we still make sure that the meal is planned so that we can go through the rest of the day more smoothly, without having to worry about "what's for dinner"!

Now, sometimes we'll have field trips or outside lessons. Because we homeschool and school year-round, we can work our schedule in and around these activities. This year, all the children (ages 5 and up) have 4H one Thursday a month for 2 hours. The boys have robotics on one Thursday a month for 2 hours. And Kaitlyn has choir and music theory every Tuesday for 2 hours. This is so nice because we are home most the week, yet the kids have so much "homework" and study projects for 4H that it fills the rest of our days, as we wish (we can do as little or much research on veterinary science, for instance, as we want).

We also school 4 days a week, doubling up one day per week so that we can take off Friday for our family ministry/community outreach day. More about that HERE. Look through the "older" posts, as well, to see all we have done.

History, geography and science are always combined and we use the school bus stop approach, where the younger children aren't required to learn or retain as much as the older ones (they step off the bus when they are ready to get off). This year we are still studying Mystery of History. We take one afternoon for a few hours to listen to three of the audio CD lessons, and then we make a timeline of those lessons. Depending upon what was covered, we will watch a DVD or You Tube video (screened first by Mommy) that relates to what we are studying. All this covers history for one full week in just one afternoon! Science (Christian Libery Nature Readers, Science Jim [LOVE HIM!], Real Science 4 Kids) and geography (Top Secret Adventures, computer or board games) is done the same way, but on another afternoon.

Reading is done by each child 3 times per week from their school readers. Each afternoon (or during free time), they will also pick up a book of choice, as they all LOVE reading. However, three days per week reading a few chapters each day from their school readers, read to Annalise (18) is what is required academically.

In addition, we do "carschooling" (review of school-related things while traveling in the car) on the way to extracurricular activities.

• Here's some info on carschooling, if you're interested.
• Yahoo Group on Carschooling

Well, that's about it! Each family is different, but it is nice to see what others do to make their homeschooling easier and more efficient!

Pregnancy Announcement Etiquette 101

Pregnancy Announcement Etiquette 101: When someone announces a pregnancy, 1st or 19th, it is RUDE to ask "another one?" or "don't you know what causes that?" or "Boy, you already have your hands full, don'tcha?" The ONLY PROPER response is CONGRATULATIONS! If you aren't happy for them, don't say anything. It steals their JOY for that moment! Plus, it's down right RUDE!!! - Marla Kracke

Comment: "Thank you Lisa, but can you add that also goes for adopting? I mean to say "more kids" , or "starting over again you could be having tea and retiring". I just want to say to them. I am not old."

My Thoughts: Yes, it can. But, honestly, I think more of society looks upon adoption as being more socially acceptable than actually conceiving another child. I get the, "You're pregnant with number NINE?!?" thing with a look of horror, but when they hear that we adopted three of those 9, they say things like, "That is so awesome", "I'm glad you open your home to children in need of homes, TOO" or such as that. It's almost as though if it were 9 biological that we had, they'd be all negative, but because we have adopted three, they'll give us credit for being benevolent souls and give us a free pass to "over populate" once more.

When you hand your womb over to God, all kinds of people and rude comments come out to jab you. I just wish children – conceived within the womb or within the heart – could ALL be considered blessings from Jesus in any way God chooses to send them! God NEVER creates mistakes. We're never too old to parent children OR birth the ones HE creates. Menopause is GOD turning off our biological clocks!

Get Organized and Save!

Order by January 18 and save 35% off the retail price when you use the coupon below*. The "Get Organized…and Save!" Resource Pack will save you hundreds of dollars on regular family expenses. At the incredible price of just $56 (after coupon) for these five hands-on resource books, the knowledge gained from The "Get Organized…and Save!" Resource Pack is an investment that will pay for itself again and again! Use coupon code GETORGANIZED and receive 35% off your purchase.

Learn how to reduce your grocery bill, save time in the kitchen, plan ahead, improve your laundry and cleaning routines, prepare for emergencies, and maximize your budget. Presenting a myriad of inspiring ideas and practical "how to" tips, this collection is sure to be an important part of your day-to-day life and help equip you to excel in running your household.

The Get Organized, and Save Resource Pack includes the following five books:

Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half

Find out how much your family can save in Steve and Annette Economides’ new book, Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half.

Imagine grocery shopping once a week or less, eating healthier, and having more free time — all while saving money. Sound too good to be true? “America’s cheapest family” takes one grocery trip per month — and spends only $350 for their family of seven! For the Economides family it’s a reality, and it can be yours too.

What could the average family do with an extra $3,000 a year? “America’s Cheapest Family” shows you how to use strategies, tips, tools, and tricks in Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half so that you, too, can achieve huge savings year after year. It’s a fact, the Economides say: saving money on groceries is one of the quickest ways to start making a positive difference in your family’s financial future.

And these tips and strategies can work whether you’re shopping for seven or for one!

Spend less time shopping and cooking
Get more bang for your organic buck
Discover kitchen tools that simplify and streamline meal preparations
Learn many ways to eat out or eat in and save big
Turn your freezer into a money-making machine

By Steve & Annette Economides. Paperback. 272 pages.

America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money

As you read America’s Cheapest Family, you’ll feel like you’re getting your own private coaching session from two frugal experts who preach what they practice. Steve and Annette Economides, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, include lots of stories — their own, and the stories of others they've helped. You'll be taken through every area of a household budget, from clothes to cars and lots more in between, as you discover how to trim debt and develop the right budget for your home.

Learn to save money and time on feeding your family, plan fun and inexpensive recreation, and even take great vacations — all without debt. It's not about formulas and calculations, it’s more about figuring out what’s really important to your family, and then making it happen.

Get a first-hand “behind the scenes” look at how this frugal family has lived, raised five happy kids, paid off their first house in nine years, never had a car payment, and had lots of family fun along the way.

By Steve & Annette Economides. Paperback. 288 pages.

Large Family Logistics: The Art and Science of Managing the Large Family

Moms have many tasks to tackle and obstacles to overcome: the laundry monster, household clutter and cleaning needs, caring for babies and little ones, menu planning and mealtime routines, town outings, homeschooling, bill paying—and even more!

Like many wives and mothers, author Kim Brenneman didn’t start out with all of the answers. She struggled to figure out: What do I do next? What’s the best way to actually do the many things that need to be done? And how do I get everything accomplished in a 24-hour day and keep my sanity?

In Large Family Logistics, Kim outlines practical solutions she has learned to effectively manage a busy household. This how-to manual is filled with step-by-step procedures, easy-to- understand organizational advice, and a myriad of tips and hints for managing a bustling home with greater efficiency in a way that honors God and builds up family relationships.

Sensible and straightforward, Kim tackles the nitty- gritty, day-to-day challenges moms face and also offers sound counsel on how to plan and accomplish long-term domestic goals. An invaluable home management resource that will equip busy moms to get beyond survival mode and thrive!

Large Family Logistics has lots of helpful ideas to encourage moms to prioritize their lives and get their surroundings organized using creative methods. These tips will free up time and allow moms to stay focused on their children's hearts. —Michelle Duggar of '19 Kids and Counting' How I would have loved to have had a manual like this when I first started having children! Kim's eminently practical book offers real solutions to a multitude of the logistical issues of running a household, and these solutions apply whether you have a household of two or twenty! —Beall Phillips, mother of 8 and author of Verses of Virtue

Problem Solving How-Tos Include:

Fit it All in a Day
Take Control of Clutter
Conquer the Laundry Monster
Homeschool a Large Family
Manage Your Family's Expenses
Train Older Children to Help Younger Children
Achieve Good Physical Health
And Much More!

By Kim Brenneman. Hardback. 312 pages.

Fix, Freeze, Feast 125 Recipes

Learn how to buy groceries in bulk, prepare family-friendly meals, freeze appropriate portions in labeled bags, and defrost and serve whenever a quick, homemade meal is needed. Fix, Freeze, Feast presents a complete system for getting organized and putting healthy, satisfying meals on the dinner table. Most recipes begin with a warehouse club tray pack of chicken, beef, or pork, and include instructions for dividing, preparing, and storing the raw ingredients. A second set of simple directions describes how to thaw and cook the food. With Fix, Freeze, Feast, dinner is always in the freezer!

By Kati Neville & Lindsay Tkacsik. Hardback. 250 pages.

Just In Case: How to Be Self-Sufficient When the Unexpected Happens

Disaster can strike at any time. Be one of the prepared few by following Kathy Harrison's practical plan for emergency self-sufficiency. Learn how to evaluate, organize, and rotate your food supply; pack an evacuation kit; protect important documents from fire; develop a communications system; make nutritious soup with canned and dried pantry items; and entertain the kids in difficult circumstances. Everything you need to know to survive when public services fail is covered in this essential guide to family preparedness.

"An ideal preparedness guide for families." - James Wesley Rawles, editor of SurvivalBlog.com

"This book has information that will save lives." - Russel L Honore

By Kathy Harrison. Paperback. 240 pages.

Nagging Your Children About Chores?

Solution: "Inspect what you expect"! - Large Family Logistics

After your children know what's expected and can properly accomplish their chores, INSPECT WHAT YOU EXPECT....and do so DAILY! Wow, what a novel idea!

Love that book! Click on the image below to order your copy....great instructional book for moms of large [or small] families!

New Family Car Stickers! Great for large families!

We have enjoyed having these cute sticker son our 12 and 15 passenger vans over the last 3 years! They last forever (we just now replaced them), are super cute, we get lots of compliments on them, and well...they represent our large family well, including our adopted children who are of different races! I thought some large families might really enjoy these, and so I thought I'd post a photo of our 15 passenger (above) with them and the link (below) to the website that sells them.

A Large Family Christmas - Gift Giving

This year we finally decided to try something new....having the children draw names, instead of everyone buying for Kaitlyn and everyone buying for Trey and so on. Doing it the old way made for many "discussions" on what's to be gotten for that person. But this new method....so far, so good! I have no idea why I didn't think of this before!

In late November, each child reached into a had and picked out a name (Annalise chose her own name 4 times, which was cause for much laughter) and all have shopped for their special brother or sister. Since our children earn money for extra chores they do around the house and had money saved up, a $20 cap was set, because most wanted to just spend everything on their selected sibling (sniff, sniff...how sweet). Most of the deals were found either on "Cyber Monday" or on special "shopping dates" with Mommy.

Does this sound like something you might want to do in your large (or even small) family? What's your large family gift-giving plan?

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