Starting a new math curriculum on Monday

We have been using MEP (Mathematics Enhancement Programme) which covers grades 1-6. Don't get me wrong. It is an exceptional program and (best of all) free and we WILL continue to use it, but I just felt like we needed something more. After lots of research and opinion gathering, I purchased Math Mammoth today. $72 for the Lightblue Series which is a full mathematics curriculum for grades 1-4. It's designed to be self-teaching and seems to be pretty easy to follow. I'll keep you updated on how it works for us.

Rain Rain Go Away....YEESH!

But it is seriously needed. It's been raining so much, the only way the kids can play outside is to get wet. (They're sweet, but they ain't sugary enough to melt lol.)

My older two are out of public school for Spring break

I thought I'd be nice and let my two homeschoolers have a mini break this week. We're still doing math, reading & Sequential Spelling everyday, but not so much the other subjects. I think we all have a lil' bit of Spring fever.

Our usual schedule goes something like this

1st half on Monday-Thursday; math, reading, Sequential Spelling

2nd half
Monday - Math
Tuesday - Science
Wednesday - Language Arts
Thursday - Social Studies

Friday - we review by going over spelling and playing different subject related games especially math. We also squeeze in library time and field trips when we can. I TRY to be flexible :P

We're in the homestretch....YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

It's taking forever and 8 days, but Spring Cleaning is almost complete. I'm so ready to get back to bloggin' & sewin'

How to remove some tough stains

Blood - If it's a fresh stain, rinse with cold water first, then pour plain old Hydrogen Peroxide on the stain, rinse in cold water (repeat until stain is removed), Then wash immediately in cold water. If it's an old stain, pour Hydrogen Peroxide directly on the stain, rinse in cold water and repeat until stain is removed. Wash in cold water right away.

Chewing gum - PEANUT BUTTER. I don't know what it does, but it will remove chewing gum from just about any fibrous material. It will also get it out of hair too. You can apply it with your fingers or small brush (like an old toothbrush).

Ink - Pour either clear rubbing alcohol or Acetone-based fingernail polish remover (DO NOT MIX ANY CHEMICALS TOGETHER AS THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS) directly on the stain, rinse in cold water (repeat as needed until stain is removed) then wash in cold water right away. You can also use a hairspray with a high alcohol content instead, but Be sure not to let the hairspray dry on the garment because it can create a new stain.

Mildew - On clothing, you can soak the garment in a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide & water (1 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup water) rinse in cold water and repeat until the stain is removed. If the stain remains, sponge Hydrogen Peroxide directly onto the stains, then rinse in cold water and repeat. Wash the garment in warmest water that is suitable for it. Dry garment outside in the sun or in the dryer on the highest temperature suitable for the garment.

Permanent Marker - On clothing, use Acetone-based fingernail polish and rinse with cold water. (repeat until stain is removed) wash it in cold water immediately. On unpainted walls, appliances, etc. I use Acetone-based fingernail polish remover to get the most of it off and then a Magic Eraser to remove the rest. If it's on a painted wall, you can use acetone to remove the spot but it will remove the paint and the area will need to be repainted either way.

Above all, please use common sense. Do not mix any chemicals together because it can result in some pretty bad side effects, (chemicals burns, toxic gas, etc.). If you're sensitive to any type of product, be sure to wear protection. I have used all of these methods and they have worked well for me, but I cannot guarantee your results.

You never know how much stuff you actually have until

you decide to move or Spring clean. I haven't had time to post to my blog because I've been too busy cleaning out my personal space (my boudoir/office/sewing room) How is it possible that one person can accumulate SO MUCH STUFF???

Just reminiscing about our first day of homeschool...

December 10, 2007. The first Monday after I withdrew them from public school. I will never forget the first day! I am not prone to panicking, but I was so unnerved and kept thinking, "OMG what have I done?????" Looking back now, just 3 months later, what I 'done' was the best thing for my kids and a big part of me is so sad that I wasn't able to do it with my older children.