One of the best school years we ever had were the years that we followed the outline laid out by Ambleside Online. One of the recommended suggestions is to keep a “Current Events Notebook”. I’ve always thought it was a great idea, I’ve just never been consistent about actually implementing and sticking with one.
With the many changes taking place in our world today, I’ve thought again about scheduling a few minutes a week for my children to jot down what’s going on around the world. Originally, I thought I’d go with a simple notebook page. Somewhere the kids could record local, state, region, national and world news. They could make a note of unusual, uplifting, political, tragic and earth-shattering events as they transpire and record their feelings, thoughts, fears and hope for the future. I even began to work on a simple notebook page that would fill our need.
The perfect Current Events Notebook! I just love the result!
The best part? This is a fun, easy and inexpensive craft that your child can complete in a matter of minutes with items found around your home. I didn’t purchase one thing—and believe me when I say that my home is not well stocked in the craft supply department!
I enjoyed this project so much that I stopped by the author’s blog to see if she offered any other craft ideas and what I discovered made me wish my kids were younger!
Turns out the blog owner of Spell Out Loud, Maureen Spell, is a homeschooling mom of six, who has a real talent in the craft department! If you have little ones (baby to late elementary), you’ll love the ideas that she shares.
According to her Facebook page, she has a huge birthday bash planned for the beginning of April with lots of giveaways.
One last thing, if you have little ones, you should take a look at these step- by-step directions for creating I Spy Bottles! I can’t wait to make one for my niece and nephew next time they visit.
Now I can’t wait for my kids to put those Current Event Notebooks to use!
The Homeschool Mother’s Journal meme is hosted by Sue a.k.a. The Homeschool Chick. You can click the link or the button below to see how you can participate or to read other link ups.
In my life this week…
I’ve seen several examples of answered prayer. God is so good!
Places we’re going & people we’re seeing…
Unlike some parts of the country, we’re experiencing spring- like weather. It was nearly 70 today!
I was so excited to notice the buds on several trees appear within the past two days. With such beautiful weather we really couldn’t stay inside, now could we? We visited with some homeschooling friends early in the week and went on two field trips to learn about Alabama state history—our preferred method of learning. Who says you need a textbook to learn?
My favorite thing this week…
Our field trip to the Constitution Village which we agreed was one of our favorite field trips this year.
What’s working/not working for us…
We didn’t spend a lot of time at home this week which makes it a bit hard to accomplish much, however, I have a feeling that the rising gas prices are going to hinder some of our running around. Plus, the forecast is predicting rain…and lots of it.
Homeschool questions/thoughts that I have…
It’s been a good week. I love homeschooling, field trips and watching my kids grow and express their own individuality. Even if it does mean that they have blue hair or a mohawks. You probably think I’m kidding about their hair style choices. I’m not. I just hope we don’t frighten away the entire homeschool community!
A photo, video, link or quote to share…
Sporting the new “do’s”.
I actually told my 15 year old that if he was going to have a mohawk, he had to make an effort to smile more so people didn’t think he had a bad attitude.
I’m just curious. If you have teenagers, how do your teenagers express themselves?
I’ve been playing hostess and tour guide to my parents who finally arrived from Ohio! I can’t begin to tell you how excited the kids and I were to have them here with us for five days! We had such a wonderful time and I can’t imagine how it could have been any better.
In our homeschool this week...
To be honest, since this was a special week, we pretty much blew off school or textbooks anyway. Just try to make me feel guilty. Ain’t gonna happen. *grin*
I did get a couple new products to review that I am extremely excited about that we began working on late in the week. I can’t wait to share them with you but for now, mum’s the word.
Places we're going and people we're seeing...
We had a fun Valentine’s Party with some of our homeschool friends. The kids went bowling and had a few moments that they were pretty pleased with themselves, as you can see from the picture.
They were asked to exchange Valentine’s and candy. My kids were all for the candy and though they’d decided that Valentine’s were creepy, at the last minute we stopped to pick some up.
As is our normal routine, we have a couple field trips scheduled this coming week and a really fun one the first week of March that will be taking us to Atlanta. Woo Hoo! I can’t wait to tell you about that experience!
My favorite thing this week was...
Without a doubt, having my parents visit for the week.
What's working/not working for us...
Last fall I had the opportunity to review Aleks, an online math program. My 15 year old enjoyed it so much that we’ve continued with the program. This is the first math program that he is excited to use which means that I absolutely love it.
Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...
This was one of those weeks that I’ve really appreciated the flexibility that we have as a homeschool family. My children didn’t miss a minute of their grandparent’s visit—something my parents really enjoyed.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share...
When I found out that my mom and dad were going to visit, I wanted to show them all the reasons that we have grown to love Alabama. This short video I took shows one of those places, High Falls Park in DeKalb Co. located in Northeastern Alabama.
I think you can see why this gem made it on my list.
You can see how the past week turned out for other homeschool moms or join Sue in participating in the Homeschool Mother’s Journal at The Homeschool Chick.
I wrote this post last month, had it ready to go and somehow lost it. It’s nowhere to be found! Ughh…So bear with me. There is much more that I wanted to share with you, but until I find my notes, it’s just not going to happen.
My husband and I have longed to visit The Creation Museum with our family for years. Our regular trips to and from Ohio nearly take us right past it, and yet we’ve never found the time to stop. With our frequent trips up North coming less and less often, my husband decided that just after Christmas, on our way home to Alabama, we would finally make that visit.
I wish I could tell you that it was a great day from the start- but this was one of those stops that almost didn’t happen. We’d planned to arrive early. We overslept and after a nearly 3 hour drive, we arrived later than anticipated.
It was the middle of Christmas break and it was very crowded. Have I ever mentioned that we don’t like crowds? I know, that sounds entirely selfish to show up and expect to have the place to ourselves, but we are so used to off season travel, that we’ve just kind of gotten accustomed to the lack of people. So we stood in line and waited to purchase our tickets.
I’d really wanted to visit the planetarium but since we were already behind schedule, my husband said no. That made me unhappy because I’ve heard that the planetarium shows at The Creation Museum are incredible. I’m ashamed to admit that it wasn’t the kids or my husband that were being difficult- it was me.
Finally we paid for our tickets and proceeded along our self guided tour through the Walk Through Biblical History. The bulk of our time was spent exploring this exhibit which featured the 7 C’s of History. For those unfamiliar with The Creation Museum or Answers in Genesis, the 7 C’s stand for Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, Consummation- all showing Christ’s plan for redemption.
The video below shows a very brief view of what we saw inside the museum.
I was astounded by how beautiful everything was. Somehow I’d expected things to be a bit “cheesy” –not at all like the stunning exhibits I saw, heard, smelled and experienced. The museum was clearly well planned to the tiniest detail.
There were a couple areas that concerned me. The Corruption exhibit is pretty straightforward and clear cut, showing much of the trials, diseases and addictions that are present after the fall in black and white. As a parent, I was glad that my children are older because young children could be scared by the images of death and decay that are flashed before their eyes.
Also, there was a child in front of us in line that was frightened by some of the dinosaurs, so if you have small children you may want to keep that in mind.
I appreciated that many of the exhibits were interactive. After we’d been there for a couple hours, my brain started to get a little fuzzy. You really need to allow an adequate amount of time to go through the museum and we just weren’t afforded that luxury on this trip.
The museum is clearly geared towards Christians, but I do think that non- believers could visit the museum and enjoy it - especially if they have read the bible- which many people have, even if they only consider it to be great literature. I believe they would still find some merit in going.
If I could plan this visit over again, I’d allow more time. I’d buy that annual membership so we could pop in at The Creation Museum on all our trips to and from Ohio. I’d visit the planetarium. I’d explore the exhibits outside of the museum- though they were offering the free nativity that evening on the day we visited, we just didn’t have time to stick around. I guess it just boils down to this: There is a lot to see at The Creation Museum, make sure you allow yourself enough time to see it all.
We paid $124.75 in admission- without the planetarium. Would I pay that much again? In a heartbeat! It was so worth it- even if we weren’t able to spend as much time at the museum as possible.
So, what did I think of The Creation Museum?
All I could think of was “I couldn’t believe we had waited so long to visit!” The Creation Museum is truly phenomenal. We loved it! All five of us! LOVED it! To be honest, it didn’t even bother me that we’d missed the planetarium. My husband on the other hand, was just a wee bit disappointed that we didn’t meet Ken Ham- hmmm… maybe next time?
So, where have you been for Field Trip Friday? You can add your link below and tell us all about it- if you’re unfamiliar with Field Trip Friday go here to read the guidelines.
I was surprised to find out that I won a trip to Tunica, Mississippi! The timing is perfect since my parents are planning a visit from Ohio, which means they can stay with our kids and my husband and I will slip away almost unnoticed! A mommy and daddy need that every now and then, ya know?
Anyway, maybe you can help me out. Tunica is famous for the casino’s but I’d like to break away from the norm here. I plan to visit the Mississippi River Museum, we’ll be staying at Harrah’s and have a gift certificate to eat at 37’s. I’m not saying that my husband won’t enjoy sticking a few pennies in the slot machines, but if you have any suggestions on things to do in the area that don’t include gambling, I’d love to hear them.
Places we’re going & people we’re seeing…
I think I already let the cat out of the bag on that one. As far as the kids and I, we’ll be heading out to check out a new Sculpture Trail that is around town. My kids are also super excited to attend a concert where they will see some of their favorite Christian bands like Thousand Foot Crutch and one of my favorites, Casting Crowns. I’ve not decided if I’ll go yet- normally I do go to the concerts with them but this time they think they may want to go with their friends. *sigh* My babies are growing up…*sniff* *sniff* Actually, its all good with me because now that I’m getting older, I much prefer outdoor concerts.
My favorite thing this week…
Has nothing to do with school. We watched the movie Secretariat. Have you seen it? Oh my. I don’t even like horse shows and am not a fan of horse racing, but I thought that movie was excellent! When it was over we even looked up Secretariat online to learn more- though my kids probably won’t admit that to anyone.
My favorite thing ,school wise, is that we actually had a couple really great school days. We’ve been reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris and discussing it. If you have teenagers and you don’t want to go the dating route, this is a great book. My kids are really enjoying it, though they probably won’t tell you that either. *smile*
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard my husband tell our children, “…that other than choosing to accept Jesus as your personal Savior, choosing a spouse is the most important decision you will ever make.” We don’t want to encourage them to date, giving bits of their hearts away little by little or throwing them into temptation’s way when they aren’t ready. Unless they are ready, emotionally, spiritually and financially to get married, they aren’t ready to date. Of course, that can’t just be our decision. Our children have to come to that realization themselves. Oh well, it seems that I’ve gotten off track…
What’s working/not working for us…
Our YMCA membership is working beautifully for Phys. Ed. I think my kids will get all of their hours in for their high school credits this month if we keep up the pace! We are really serious about getting or staying in shape.
This week I signed up for a Free class from Homeschoolblogger, The Greatest Hoax on Earth by Dr. Johnathan Safarti from Creation Ministries International. It was the first class that we’ve joined, but my oldest son really enjoyed it so we’ll be joining others in the future.
My kids have excelled in their weekly ballroom dance classes and have now moved up from beginner status to intermediate. I guess you could say that’s working.
Homeschool questions/thoughts that I have…
This week has been a good week. I may not a perfect homeschool mom, but it’s not one of those weeks that I feel like a failure. It’s good to have a week like that.
A photo to share…
I was disappointed when the hike we were going to take with friends at Bankhead National Forest was cancelled due to lack of interest- actually, I don’t think it was lack of interest, but threat of inclement weather that scared everyone off. When I woke up to a beautiful sunny day in the high 40’s I knew we had to get out of the house. We headed to nearby Wade Mountain Preserve to hike the Devil’s Racetrack trail. I didn’t read the directions quite right and actually told the kids that it was a mile and a half hike. Turned out it was 1 1/2 miles TO the Devil’s Racetrack trail. Our mile and a half hike turned in to nearly four miles! Oh well, we survived, lived to tell about it and spent an hour at the museum afterwards! I’d say we got a workout, what do you think?
Want to share the thoughts floating around in your head? Why not head over to The Homeschool Chick website and join in the fun?
Sue, a.k.a The Homeschool Chick, inadvertently started a fun new meme. I don’t think she intended it to be that way, but her readers sure thought it’d be fun to participate. As a result, she’s added a linky to her post and each week you’ll have the opportunity to answer the writing prompts and link up your own blog post. Sound like fun? I thought it did!
In my life this week…
I have to admit that I’m a bit heavy hearted. This morning my husband called and shared a difficulty that one of our family members is experiencing. I don’t want to share any details, but they’ve been on my mind and in my prayers throughout much of the day.
In our homeschool this week…
We are re-evaluating. We’re a bit slow getting back to the daily grind and I think part of that is because we’ve struggled so much this year to find a daily routine that works for us. Our focus is on spelling, math and writing, with some foreign language thrown in. Pretty much the basics.
My husband also finished previewing The Young Man in the Mirror and has insisted that our boys begin reading it right away. If you have a teenage son, my husband can’t recommend this book enough.
We’re also attempting to spend an hour at the YMCA, three times a week. If my children weren’t so insistant, I know it would be easy for me to slack off on this but we all have a desire to work on getting fit. Okay, that’s a lie. I want to get fit. My boys just want to get six-packs.
Places we’re going & people we’re seeing…
If you regularly read my blog than you know we’re ALWAYS heading out the door for a field trip. This week we’ll be exploring one of the National Forests here in Alabama with a naturalist. We should be able to see some waterfalls, scenic bluffs and hear about some of Alabama’s Natural History along the way. We’re hoping that the forecast is wrong and it will be a bit warmer than the 36 degrees that is predicted!
We’re also excited to expect friends over to share a meal tomorrow night. We love to open our home to others so that is an especially special treat.
My favorite thing this week was…
Okay, since I’m getting in here a wee bit late, I’m going to share my favorite thing that happened last week. Ready? Here it is: I reached my goal of working out three times and discovered that I’m really loving our Y membership, more than I ever imagined! Another benefit? While I’m there, I clear my mind and pray and give praise to the Lord the entire time I’m walking. I leave relaxed and refreshed. Amazing.
What’s working/not working for us…
Right now? Nothing seems to be working- which is the reason for the re-evaluation. Hopefully I can respond a bit more enthusiastically and positively on Friday.
Homeschool questions/thoughts that I have…
I wonder if every other homeschool mom has the same fears that I have.
A photo to share….
Last week was my husband’s birthday. We bought him a super girlie purple, pink and yellow cake because it was the only one that was half white and half chocolate! We also bought those trick candles that you blow and blow and they still don’t go out. Hmmm…it’s a good thing that not all of the 39 candles were trick candles! I couldn’t believe how difficult it was to extinguish those flames. Oh well….it seemed like a fun idea at the time!
There’s a peek at our week. This has been really fun! I hope that you’ll consider joining The Homeschool Chick and linking up your own journal pages. Until Friday~ Happy Homeschooling!
Christian. Wife. Homeschool Mom of teens. Past & Future Full-time RVer. Travel Blogger focusing on fun, family-friendly, (sometimes) educational travel and field trips primarily throughout Ohio and the US.
chooling mom of six, who has a real talent in the craft department! If you have little ones (baby to late elementary), you’ll love the ideas that she shares. 
