Annual Project

One of the ingredients in a Leadership Education is an "Annual Family Project." Our family project is that we put on a community blood drive.  Alex (dad) does most of it right now. Alex has done it for 7 or 8 years now.  Each year, as the kids get older, they are able to help out more and more.  This year Olivia was able to participate (help at the refreshment table) for several hours.  As the kids get older they will be able to help with scheduling, advertising, securing the building, refreshments, set up/take down and other items.  It will be a good project to be able to participate in.  I'm grateful to a great hubby that works hard to provide opportunities for our family and others in our community.

Basketball starts

Mom School
Pray/Pledge/Motto
Song: We sang 4 primary songs.
Weekly Scripture Memorization: Isaiah 9:6
Family Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 6 & 7
Chess: We read several pages from Usborne's Chess book. Then the kids all played each other several times.
Scripture Chase: We also had an individual scripture chase to help then get more familiar with the scriptures. They really liked it, had fun and learned a lot more too. Here's some sample questions:

• Olivia: How many Joseph Smith Translations are there for Genesis? What year did King Benjamin give his address? How do you pronounce Amilici?
• Jared: Find Bethlehem in the Gazetteer, How many John's were in the Bible?
• Luke: Look up Egypt. Where is Article of Faith #4?
• Caleb:Find 1 Nephi 3:7, Look up Animals in the Bible Dictionary.

Chores and Animal Care
Tonight they are spending the night at their cousins.

Olivia
Religion: Read in the Bible.
Music: Practiced the piano and practiced her vocals.
American History: Worked on memorizing the Declaration of Independence. She now solidly knows the first half.
Free Reading: Read in Work and the Glory #9.
Art/Life Skills: Still working on her loom.
PE: Went on a walk with Jared.

Jared
Religion: Looked up "Jesus Christ, Birth of" from the Topical Guide.
Reading: Played Raz-kids.com for fluency.
Logic/Creative Play: Lots of Lego's.
PE: He went on a walk with Olivia. Went to basketball practice.

Luke
Religion: Read in the Book of Mormon. He's doing very well. He's comprehending a lot of it. He is enjoying it also. He's in Omni right now.
World History: He is still reading about Egypt from Usborne's World History book.
Art: Lots of picture drawing.
Creative Writing: He started another story about a kid that goes to Egypt and has adventures. He really excited.
Logic Reading: He read some more in the chess book later on.
Life Skills: Made lunch.
Logic/Creative Play: Lots of Lego's.
PE: Went to basketball practice.

Caleb
Religion: Read several versus out of the Book of Mormon to me.
Reading: Read two chapters to me from the book "Dragon Tales." He also practiced on Raz-kids.com.
Logic/Creative Play: Lots of Lego's.
PE: Played in the snow for hours. He also ran around in the gym during basketball practice.

To Show Parent Core/Love of Learner/Scholar here are some things we modeled to the children today...
Deanna: Scriptures, journal, conference talk, word of the day, read several chapters in Leadership Education by the DeMille's, and started Winter Garden, which I had won on Goodreads.
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, went to work, finished the Last Dickens, and had Bishopric stuff.

Thomas Jefferson Education recap

I have to say this full blown Thomas Jefferson Education is hard work. Jumping off the coveyor belt is challenging. It has taken me over 5 years to even get this far! But we came through with our heads held high last week. We had numerous parent executive sessions discussing things. We've made some HUGE changes and have already seen some very positive results.

We have given out stewardship assignments in addition to daily chores. We have made goals and had some interviews with all of them on specific things with their education. (Alex usually meets with them monthly). We have more succinctly identified Core Phase, Love of Learning and Scholar phase for them.

I've been trying to apply some of the ingredients a little more effectively. It's been good for me to reread mornings, 6 month inventory, compass, binder, evenings and winters from Leadership Education by the DeMilles.

This post here is a true Thomas Jefferson day. This is what they choose....

For those who know nothing about the Thomas Jefferson Education try these websites: TJEd blog, TJEd Consortium , and DeMille's website.

I guess we did more than I thought

Mom School
Pray/Pledge/Motto
Song: We sang 4 primary songs.
Weekly Scripture Memorization: Isaiah 9:6
Family Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 5
Literature: Read two chapters from Usborne's Treasure Island.
Music: We had our piano recital! Olivia, Jared, Luke and I participated. (Jared is pictured).
Chores/Animal Care

Olivia
Religion:Read a chapter in the Bible.
Music: Practiced the piano. Practiced the violin and practiced vocally for 30 minutes. Watched 30 minutes of a tape about some sing off in America? She really likes it, her grandma taped if for her.
Creating/Life Skills: She is working on some headbands for winter on a loom. She has one finished.
PE:Went on a walk with Jared.
Computers/Art: We finished making our yearbook pages for my parents binder. (painful, but printed and done)
Reading: I'm certain she read. She always reads, but I don't know what today.
Writing: Did some book reviews on Goodreads.

Jared
Music: Practiced the piano. Practiced the saxophone.
Art: He's been doing many things for several days with paints, clay and fabric. He's recreating the characters from Peter and the Starcatchers.
PE: Went on a walk with Olivia. Did the Fun Physical Fitness CD with the other two boys.
Lesson Preparation: He prepared a fantastic lesson on the Nativity story. Complete with scriptures, props, pictures, songs and visual aids. All with no help. He had some wild costumes.
Oral Presentation: Gave a great FHE lesson.
Book on Tape: He listened to a Peter and the Starcatchers for 30 minutes.
Logic: Hours of Lego's.
Creative Play: Lot's of sword fights with his brothers.

Luke
Religion: Read his scriptures.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Creative Writing: He still spending an hour or two at least a day on his current story.
History: He spent over and hour reading about the Egyptians from Usborne's book of World History. He had to tell me everything he read every 5 minutes. He was so excited!
Creative Play: Lot's of sword fights with his brothers.
Logic: Hours of Lego's
PE:Did the Fun Physical Fitness CD with the other two boys.
Art: Lots of drawing and coloring.
Life Skills: We made a new skills lists for cooking.
Goal Planning: We made a list of things he wants to learn and do for the next 6 months. This is called a "Compass." (a Thomas Jefferson Education ingredient)

Caleb
Music: Played around on his aunt's fancy piano after the piano recital.
Creative Play: Lot's of sword fights with his brothers.
Logic: Hours of Lego's
PE:Did the Fun Physical Fitness CD with the other two boys.
Art: Lots of drawing and coloring.Biography:
Science: Read and studied pictures of spiders for a long time.
Life Skills: We made a new skills lists for cooking. Helped with dinner.
Goal Planning: We made a list of things he wants to learn and do for the next 6 months. This is called a "Compass." (a Thomas Jefferson Education ingredient)

To Show Parent Core/Love of Learner/Scholar here are some things we modeled to the children today...
Deanna: Scriptures, journal, conference talk, word of the day, practiced the piano, read several chapters in Leadership Education by the DeMille's, researched the Great Book's book lists, wrapped and worked on Christmas presents, and did the 6 month inventory (an ingredient in the TJED regarding goals for each child for the next 6 months).
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, went to see a sick friend in the hospital, went to work, ran a lot of errands for me in town (he's such a good hubby, he even bought be mushrooms-he HATES mushrooms), and he is listening to The Last Dickens.

Family Home Evening:
Songs: Away in a Manger, Silent Night and Jingle Bells
Talent: Caleb doing hand stand walking and backward somersaults.
Testimonies: Alex, Deanna, Olivia, Jared, Luke and Caleb
Strength of Youth: Physical Bodies
Uncommon Courtesy: How to apply the rules. We finished it AGAIN. We have read this through 10 times?? Time to go back the Rules of This House.
Proclamation to the World on the Family: Finished the large paragraph.
Weekly Scripture Memorization: Isaiah 9:6
Article of Faith: 11th
Lesson: Given my Jared on the Nativity Story. (Caleb is pictured as a Shepard. The brooms were used as staffs. Jared just had towels draped all over everybody).
Activity: He grandpa/ma haul out their carpet. Played Celestial Pursuit. Treat: Pumpkin bars and cinnamon rolls from a friend. Yummy!

This post is backdated. I realize that I didn't post for today. I don't remember what we did. We did go ice skating with our home school friends again. We had new furniture delivered! I love it.

Olivia continues to work hard on her music and her loom right now. She seems to be enjoying the break from scholar school.

Jared had all his lazy crutches taken away and now he actually has to think of things to do. He has been spending a lot of time with art projects. I never would have thought.

Luke still writes furiously.

Caleb loves looking at "his" library books. I always put every body's books in a big laundry basket. He would never look at them. This time he asked them for a bag for his. He won't stop looking at them now. Because they are his. You just never know.

I've been reading Little Dorrit-almost done. Lots of piano time too. I have food assignments for the ward Christmas party I worked on. Also I have a talk in sacrament meeting that I've been working on for a month.

Alex is working hard. He is enjoying the Last Dickens.

Hither and thither I go, oh my!

Family Scripture Study: 1 Nephi 2
Weekly Family Scripture Memorization: Articles of Faith 13

I was actually gone a lot of the day. I hadn't let any of the kids watch a movie all week and they had their points saved up. I was in and out today with visiting teaching appointments. I ended up having to substitute last minute for Primary Activity Girls so I was gone then too! Tonight we had pack meeting.

When I'm in and out I'm not able to make suggestions and do things with them. I find that equals they don't do a lot! Here's what I know they did....

Olivia: Reading in the Real George Washington, making things on a loom, reading in the Work and the Glory #9, practiced the piano, went to activity days-they are making pillows, helped with dinner, animal chores, read her scriptures, helped set up/take down for pack meeting, and listening to Inkdeath.

Jared: Listening to Peter and the Starcatchers on tape, practiced the piano, spent a lot of time on the world geography puzzle, chores, earned 3 Webelos pins at pack meeting, helped set up/take down for pack meeting, led the flag ceremony, participated in two skits, passed out Christmas treats to his scout leaders, and....

Luke: Listening to Peter and the Starcatchers on tape, chores, practiced the piano, drawing pictures, working on his story (on page 19, all typed!), helped set up/take down for pack meeting, participated in the flag ceremony, participated in to skits, led the pack meeting crowd in a cheer, earned a sliver arrowhead, passed out Christmas treats to his scout leaders, and....

Caleb: Caleb has spent a lot of time on Raz-kids.com. This is a good thing. He is gaining a lot of fluency and I'm excited he has found something with reading that is motivating to him. He has jumped several levels in the last three days. He helped set up/take down for pack meeting. He also helped with the geography puzzle and did his chores.

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, conference talk, went visiting teaching, had my visiting teachers over, oversaw pack meeting (I'm the primary counselor over cub scouts), helped set up and take down pack meeting, helped at primary activity days, worked on the geography puzzle with the boys, and I read for a while in Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens.

Alex: Scriptures, went to work, listening to The Last Dickens, had a district Republican party executive meeting (he's the VP for the district), and helped oversee pack meeting with me (he's the unit commissioner).

Elk Farm

Today we left early and we came home late. We took a field trip with other home schooling families to an elk farm in our area. The kids enjoyed this. We also had a little Christmas party afterwords. We went to the library and the kids went Christmas shopping for their cousins and siblings. Fun day but very long!

Sewing...yeah! (Haha)

Family Scripture Reading: 1 Nephi 1
Weekly Family Scripture Memorization: Articles of Faith 13

Sewing: They all decided they had to sew today. Can a day get any worse? Olivia finished her horse quilt top. I'm so proud of her. I didn't help her either. She started a second one and is making a baby blanket. Jared made a sheath. Luke made a quiver, a sheath and a picture frame. He sewed for a long time. Caleb made a cape and together we made a big bean bag.

Cooking: We made 5 or 6 batches of caramel popcorn. And passed them out later in the day to some friends and family. We made sugar cookies and rolled and cut them out.

Science Experiments: We did a myriad of science experiments including ones involving air pressure, water pressure, fog and crystals. They played for a while after wards with all the stuff and created their "own" science experiments. (Pictured)

Geography: We started putting together our big world puzzle again. We have the edges and all the corners done.

Literature: I read 4 chapters of Treasure Island to Luke and Jared.

Book on Tape: We listened to a Hank the Cowdog book together for about and hour and a half while we drove around on the county roads.

Social/PE: We played at some fellow home schooler's house and went ice skating on their pond. (Pictured)

PE: We went on a walk.

Chores/Animal Care (Pictured)

Olivia: Read her scriptures, sewed for hours, practiced the piano, practiced memorizing the Declaration of Independence (she has over half of it memorized now), listened to Inkdeath for an hour, drew numerous sketches of people, and I don't remember what else.

Jared: Read his scriptures, practiced the piano, listened to Story of the World vol. 1 for an hour, played Wii Sports for 30 min, listened to Daniel and Nephi for 30 min, played a horse game for 30 minutes, read to me for 30 min from Tom Trueheart and the Land of Dark Stories, he finished several requirements for some Webelos badges for scouts, and that's all I remember.

Luke: Read his scriptures, practiced the piano, listened to Story of the World vol. 1, worked on his story for a long time, worked on his sewing for a long time, drew numerous sketches of people, and played with Lego's.

Caleb: Read his scriptures to me, listened to Story of the World vol. 1, read to his public school teacher on the phone (his fluency is getting faster and faster), played raz-kids.com for a long time (that works on fluency), he was very involved in the puzzle and the science experiments.

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, word of the day, read a chapter in Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens, various reading, lots of cooking, and spend quite a while on 4-H business with a friend.

Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, listening to the Last Dickens, participated in a meeting about the health care system with Senator Crapo, and went to work.

Timeline

Today was a good day. Doing TJEd is hard work! The mom can't sit back and do nothing or option #2 just boss and assign workbook pages.

I'm sure I'll forget something but here is what I remember from the day.

Family Scripture Study: Finished the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith in the intro to the Book of Mormon.
Weekly Scripture Memorization: Article of Faith #13
History: We made a big time line that fills 3/4 of our library room wall. It starts at 4,000 B.C. and comes through to present day. Each 100 years is 5 inches. The kids had a lot of fun making it. We put on the major events and then some things we have just recently studied. We added several things as the day progressed. The kids already seem to be able to place things in history better. It was a fun project. (Caleb in a red Power Ranger costume).
Piano: The kids all had piano lessons. They are practicing for their Christmas recital next week. They all practiced the piano. Olivia is really enjoying the piano and spends an hour to two hours everyday studying the piano.
Chores and Animal Care

Olivia
Religion: Olivia read a chapter in the Bible.
Art: She sewed for a while, cross stitched flowers with out a pattern-pretty cool, made snowflakes, and drew multiple pages of characters from Inkheart.
Writing/American History: She wrote a rough draft for a paper for her scholar class.
Life Skills: Made pumpkin spice cake-a family favorite.
Math: She did a Saxon 7/6 math lesson about solving circumference from pie. Played Money, Money with Caleb.
Lesson Preparation: Prepared and gave a lesson for Family Home Evening based on an article about the three wise men from the New Era.
Music: She listened to music on playlist.com selecting music for her blog. She listened to lots of classical music.
Reading: She read the Work and the Glory #9 for an hour.

Jared
World History: Listened to Story of the World vol. 1 for over 2 hours.
Language Arts: Did a Mad Libs page and we talked about plural nouns and adjectives.
Reading: Read Tom Trueheart out loud to me for an hour.
PE: Went on a walk with me.
American History: Re-memorized the presidents of the United States. He memorized them last year and wanted to review them. He has them 80% recalled now.
Reading: He read various free reading to himself for 30 minutes.
Logic: He rearranged his room again for the umpteenth time figuring out where everything could go.
Art: Colored and drew multiple pictures.
Stewardship: Cleaned his room.
Life Skills: Helped me with the laundry.

Luke
Scriptures: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Reading: Read Tom Trueheart for an hour.
PE: Went on a walk with Jared and I.
Math Game: Played Money, Money! with Olivia.
Creative Writing: Worked on his story for almost two hours.
Stewardship/Core: Worked on cleaning his room.

Caleb
Scriptures: Read several versus to me in the Book of Mormon. His reading is getting better and better.
Music: Learned a new primary song with me and sang it several times.
Art: Made homemade play dough with me and played with it.
Stewardship/Core: Worked on cleaning his room.
Math: Played Money, Money! with Olivia. (Caleb in a blue Power Ranger suit now).

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, conference talk, started Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens, went on a walk with the boys and practiced the piano.
Alex: Scriptures, went to work, played Wii sports, and listening to the Last Dickens.

Family Home Evening:
Songs: Do As I'm Doing and We'll Bring the World His Truth
Talent: Luke played a Christmas song on the piano.
Testimonies: Alex, Deanna, Caleb and Luke
Strength of Youth: "Tithes and Offerings"
Proclamation to the World: Read 1/2 paragraph (it was the long one).
Scripture Memorization: Article of Faith 13
Article of Faith: 11th
Character: Read the section when rudeness is okay from Uncommon Courtesy.
Lesson: Olivia gave a great lesson on the three wise man referenced from the New Era.
Activity: Who Wants to Be a Celestial Heir?
Treats: Pumpkin Spice Cake

Dear Homeschool Journal,

This is the week I'm going to be brave. This is the week I'm going to apply the principles of a Thomas Jefferson Education all week. This is the week I put it to the test. This week is the perfect time. We were going to take next week off. Last week we finished two science textbooks and our Idaho History book so I don't want to start new books this week.

Referencing A Thomas Jefferson Education I'm really good about inspiring my kids, I'm really good about reading classics to them, but I have a control issue. I like things my way. That's not always a good thing. But the writing is on the wall, here's some recent comments in our house:

Olivia: "Mom, if you believe all this TJED stuff why don't don't you let me do it?" She said this very nicely by the way. She explained that she was tired of all the dumb stuff I was expecting her to do and it was getting in the way of her studying the important things like literature, music and history.

Olivia: "Mom, I just need time to work on 'my music."

Luke: "I wish I had more time so that I could work on my stories."

Jared: "I want to spend more time memorizing things. Why can't I?"

Jared: (to Alex) "I'm so sick of all the workbooks!"

Caleb: "I just want to play games with you."

Okay, can they be anymore plainer? Sometimes I feel like an idiot. But, life is good to us and allows us all a chance to repent. So here's to a week of submission. Here's to a week of doing things a way other than mine. Look for the verdict at the end of the week. Wish me luck. I really need. Deep breaths.

Mom School
Pray/Pledge/Motto
Music: We sang 5 primary songs.
Family Scripture Study: Started the testimony of Joseph Smith.
Weekly Scripture Memorization: 2 John 1:5
Friend Article
World History: We read about the the Han empire in China from Usborne's World History book.
Biology: We learned about the habitats in the world from Usborne's Illustrated Science Encyclopedia and we finished the book.
Chemistry: We read three chapters about sound and light from MacMillian Science 3 and we finished it.
Chores/Animal care

Olivia
Religion:Read a chapter in the Bible.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Vocabulary: Peterson's Word of the Day
Free Reading: Read for an hour in the Work and the Glory #9.
Scholar/American History/Social: She attended her scholar class and was gone most of the day.

Jared
Religion: Read his scriptures.
Music: Practiced his piano lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 6/5 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Book on Tape: Listening to another book on tape.
Reading: He read The Secret History of Tom Trueheart #2 out loud to me for an hour.

Luke
Religion: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Math: Did two Saxon Math 3 lessons.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Creative Writing: Worked on his other story for over two hours.
Grammar: Did a Daily Grams lesson
Reading: Started The Secret History of Tom Trueheart #2.
Book on Tape: Listened to Eldest for two hours and finished it.

Caleb
Religion: Read a couple of verses in The Book of Mormon to me.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 2 lesson on skip counting and telling time.
Phonics/Handwriting: Did two pages in Explode the Code.
Reading: Read a McGuffy Reader lesson to me. Read a story to me.
Computer/Reading Fluency: Played Raz-kids on line for 30 min.
Book on Tape: Listened to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for an hour.

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, word of the day, practiced the piano, studied for my BYU English class for and hour, read Dracula for an hour and finished it, read Rapunzel's Revenge, read How Children learn, went on a date, and went to the temple.
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, finished The Book Thief, went to work, went on a date and went to the temple.

Mom School
Pray/Pledge/Motto
Song: We sang 5 primary songs.
Chores/Animal Care

Olivia
Religion: She read a chapter in the New Testament.
New Era Article: She read several articles in the New Era.
Music: She practiced her piano lesson.
Game: She played Uno-Spin with Caleb.
Creative Writing: She finished her creative writing story. She attended her last Scholar Vocabulary: Peterson's Word of the Day
Free Reading: She read Work and the Glory #9 for 30 min.
American History: Read in The Real George Washington for over two hours. She is memorizing the Declaration of Independence.
PE: Went on a walk.
Life Skills: Make sugar cookies and decorated them.

Jared
Religion: He read in the Book of Mormon.
Music: He practiced his piano lesson.
Math: He did two Saxon 6/5 lessons.
Phonics/Handwriting: Finished book 7 in the Explode the Code series.
Reading: He read The Secret History of Tom Trueheart #2 out loud to me and he read 4 1/2 chapters.
PE: Went on a walk.
Club: Went to scouts and made toolboxes.

Luke
Religion: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Math: Did two Saxon Math 3 lessons.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Creative Writing: He finished working on his assignment for his scholar writing class. Attended scholar writing class. Worked on his other story for over two hours.
Grammar: Did a Daily Grams lesson
Club: Went to scouts and made toolboxes.

Caleb
Religion: Read a verse in The Book of Mormon to me.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 2 lesson on skip counting and telling time.
Phonics/Handwriting: Did two pages in Explode the Code.
Reading: Read a McGuffy Reader lesson to me. Read a story to me.
Computer/Reading Fluency: Played Raz-kids on line for 30 min.
Game: Played Uno-Spin with Olivia.

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, conference talk, word of the day, practiced the piano, worked on a sharing time, worked on my BYU class for over two hours, and read in Dracula for an hour.
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, went to Boise for work and he is still listening to The Book Thief.

Mom School
Pray/Pledge/Motto
Music: We sang 5 primary songs.
Family Scripture Study: Testimony of the three and eight witness
Weekly Scripture Memorization: 2 John 1:5
Theology: We read and studied a section on Personal Study from Preach My Gospel.
Friend Article
World History: We read about the the early Chinese from Usborne's World History book.
Idaho History: We finished the book A Rendezvous with Idaho History and we played concentration that was based on the book.
Geography: Central America
Biology: We learned about Ecolocy Usborne's Illustrated Science Encyclopedia.
Chemistry: We read about gases from MacMillian Science 3.
Chores/Animal care
We are dog sitting two dogs for the rest of the week and doing horse chores again.

Olivia
Religion: Read a chapter in the New Testament.
Writing: Wrote in her journal.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Geography: Did an Evan-Moor Geography lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon 7/6 math lesson.
Vocabulary: Peterson's Word of the Day
American History: Read The Real George Washington for three hours.
Creative Writing: Working on a creative writing assignment for her Scholar Writing class.
PE: Went on a long walk.

Jared
Religion: Read his scriptures.
Music: Practiced his piano lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 6/5 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Book on Tape: Listening to another book on tape.
PE: Went on a long walk.

Luke
Religion: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Math: Did over 10 Saxon Math 3 lessons.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Creative Writing: Worked on his story and also stared his assignment for his scholar writing class.
Free Reading: Lots of reading in various things for over an hour.
Grammar: Did a Daily Grams lesson.

Caleb
Religion: Read a couple of versus in The Book of Mormon to me.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 2 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: Did two pages in Explode the Code.
Reading: Read a McGuffy Reader lesson to me. Read a story to me.

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, conference talks, word of the day, worked for a couple hours on my BYU class and read for two hours in Dracula.
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, exercising, went to work and listening to The Book Thief.

Family (in the evening): Alex played numerous games with them and I went and spent several hours into the night visiting with two home school friends I never get to see. (one lives in Hawaii now)

Mom School
Pray/Pledge/Motto
Music: We sang 5 primary songs.
Family Scripture Study: Revelations 11
Weekly Scripture Memorization: 2 John 1:5
Theology: We restarted Preach My Gospel and read a section in Learning How to Study section.
Friend Article
Fairy Tales/Fables: We read 9 chapters and finished The Secret History of Tom Trueheart by Ian Beck.
Language Arts: We discussed some more terms from E.D. Hirsch's Cultural Literacy.
World History: We read about the the Assyrians, the classical Greeks and Alexander the Great from Usborne's World History book.
Idaho History: We read the chapter about Idaho's industries in Rendezvous with Idaho History.
Geography: Central America
Biology: We learned about Marsupial Animals Usborne's Illustrated Science Encyclopedia.
Physics: We discussed the basics of physics and reviewed some principles together for Jared's Webelos scout badges.
Chemistry: We read about machines from MacMillian Science 3.
Chores/Animal care
We are dog sitting two dogs for the rest of the week and doing horse chores again.

Olivia
Religion: Read a chapter in the New Testament.
Writing: Wrote in her journal.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Geography: Did an Evan-Moor Geography lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon 7/6 math lesson.
Vocabulary: Peterson's Word of the Day
Free Reading: Read Work and the Glory for an hour.
Art: Did needle point for two hours.
American History: Read The Real George Washington for an hour.
Creative Writing: Working on a creative writing assignment for her Scholar Writing class.

Jared
Religion: Read his scriptures.
Music: Practiced his piano lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 6/5 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Book on Tape: Finished Inkdeath.
Scouts: Worked on some scout requirements.
PE: Played Wii Sports for 30 min.

Luke
Religion: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Math: Did two Saxon Math 3 lessons.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Creative Writing: Worked on his story and also stared his assignment for his scholar writing class.
Free Reading: Lots of reading in various things for over an hour.
Grammar: Did a Daily Grams lesson.
Spelling: Did a spell drill.
Geography: Did an Evan-Moor Geography lesson.

Caleb
Religion: Read a couple of versus in The Book of Mormon to me.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 2 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: Did two pages in Explode the Code.
Reading: Read a McGuffy Reader lesson to me. He also read a story to his public school teacher.

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, word of the day, practiced the piano, finished The Scarlet Letter and started Dracula.
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, went to work, went to a scout Round table meeting, turned the Friends of Scouting Assessment (who-Rah!!!) and he is listening to The Book Thief.

Mom School
Pray/Pledge/Motto
Music: We sang 5 primary songs.
Family Scripture Study: Revelations 11
Weekly Scripture Memorization: 2 John 1:5
Conference Talk: President Monson's talk on service.
Friend Article
Fairy Tales/Fables: We read 5 chapters in The Secret History of Tom Trueheart by Ian Beck.
Language Arts: We talked about pronouns, alliterations and allegories.
World History: We read about the Babylonians from Usborne's World History book.
Idaho History: We read the chapter about Idaho's road to statehood in Rendezvous with Idaho History.
Geography: Central America
Biology: We learned about Horses and Farm Animals Usborne's Illustrated Science Encyclopedia.
Chemistry: We read more about motion from MacMillian Science 3.
Chores/Animal care

Olivia
Religion: Read a chapter in the New Testament and read The Family: A Proclamation to the World.
Family History: Read Address to my Children by Heber C Kimball.
Music: Practiced the piano and went to piano lessons. Practiced the violin.
Geography: Did an Evan-Moor Geography lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon 7/6 math lesson.
Vocabulary: Peterson's Word of the Day
Free Reading: Read Work and the Glory for an hour. Art: Did needle point for two hours.
Achievements: Worked on several Faith in God achievements including memorizing the last couple Articles of Faith.
Like Skills: Carmel Popcorn

Jared
Religion: Read his scriptures.
Music: Went to piano lessons.
Math: Did two Saxon Math 6/5 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Reading: Read Eldest for 30 min.
Book on Tape: Listened to Inkdeath for an hour.
Scouts: Worked on some scout requirements for an hour. He learned about and did requirements for citizenship and fitness.

Luke
Religion: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Music: Practiced the piano and went to piano lessons.
Math: Did two Saxon Math 3 lessons.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Creative Writing: Worked on his story.
Free Reading: Lots of reading in various things for over an hour.
Grammar: Did a Daily Grams lesson.
Geography: Did an Evan-Moor Geography lesson.
Science: Read in a Magic School Bus chapter book.

Caleb
Religion: Read a couple of versus in The Book of Mormon to me.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 2 lesson.
Spelling: Practiced his spelling words.
Phonics/Handwriting: Did two pages in Explode the Code.
Reading: Read a McGuffy Reader lesson to me. He also read a story to me.


Deanna: Scriptures, journal, conference talk, word of the day, read The Scarlet Letter for two hours and studied about diagramming sentences.
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, went to work, and listening to The Book Thief.

Family Home Evening:
Activity: Putting up Christmas decorations.
Treat: Homemade Carmel popcorn.

Mom School
Pray/Pledge/Motto
Music: We sang 5 primary songs.
Family Scripture Study: Revelations 7
Weekly Scripture Memorization: D & C 25:12
Bible Stories: We read the last two chapters in the Old Testament Reader.
Friend Article
Fairy Tales/Fables: We read 8 chapters in The Secret History of Tom Trueheart by Ian Beck.
Language Arts: Went through diagramming sentences for quite a while.
World History: We read about the Phoenicians, the Canaanites and the Assyrians from Usborne's World History book.
Idaho History: We read the chapter about War in Rendezvous with Idaho History.
Geography: Land of the Assyrians and Carthage
Biology: We learned about Shrews, Moles and a couple of other animals I can't remember from Usborne's Illustrated Science Encyclopedia.
Chemistry: We read more about solids, properties, reactions, etc from MacMillian Science 3.
Art: They spend hours cutting out snowflakes, painting pictures, clay sculpting, and making "things" with feathers and beads. it was all rather painful.
Social: Their four cousins came over and spend the night. Great fun!
Chores/Animal care

Olivia
Religion: Read a chapter in the New Testament.
Music: Practiced her piano lesson.
Scholar/American History: Went to her scholar American History/writing class.

Jared
Religion: He read his scriptures.
Music: Practiced his piano lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon 6/5 lesson.
Free Reading: Read Eldest for a while.
Book on Tape: He's listening to Inkdeath.

Luke
Religion: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Music: Practiced his piano lessons.
Math: Did a Saxon 3 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: Did 5 pages of Explode the Code.
Science: Read a chapter in a Magic School Bus chapter book on Bats.
Grammar: Did a Daily Grams lesson.

Caleb
Religion: Read a couple of versus in The Book of Mormon to me.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 2 lesson.
Spelling: Practiced his spelling words.
Phonics/Handwriting: Did two pages in Explode the Code.
Reading: Read a McGuffy Reader lesson to me. He also read a story to me.
Computer: Played Starfall (reading/phonics) for a while and he decided he needs to do a harder program now.

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, conference talk, word of the day, practiced the piano, finished the last half of the Weigh Down Diet, started The Scarlet Letter again.
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, went to work and he's listening to The Book Thief.

Mom School
Pray
Family Scripture Reading: Revelations 6
Weekly Scripture Memorization: D & C 25:12
Friend Article
Bible Stories: "Job" from The Old Testament Reader.
Fairy Tale/Literature: Read 12 chapters from The Secret History of Tom Trueheart by Ian Beck.
Service: They said up for a primary activity.
Social: They went to a primary activity.
Chores/Animal Care

Olivia
Religion: Read a chapter from the Bible.
Music: Practiced the piano.
American History: Read for four hours in The Real George Washington.
Writing: Answered questions in regards to The Real George Washington.
Language Arts: Attended her Scholar writing class.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 7/6 Lesson.

Jared
Religion: Read his scriptures.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Geography: Did an Evan-Moor Geography lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 6/5 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Reading: Read Eldest for 30 min.
Grammar: Did a Daily Grams Lesson.
Book on Tape: Listened to Inkdeath for an hour.

Luke
Religion: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Music: Practiced the piano.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 3 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages in Explode the Code
Creative Writing: Attended his scholar writing class. Wrote a story/paper for his writing assignment.
Free Reading: Lots of reading in various things for over an hour.
Grammar: Did a Daily Grams lesson.
Science: Finished the Magic School Bus chapter book about Outer Space.

Caleb
Geography: Did an Evan-Moor Geography lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 2 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: 2 pages of Explode the Code

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, read a conference talk, word of the day, practiced the piano, did a lot with the primary activity, and read for an hour in various things.
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, practiced the piano, went to Boise for work, and he's listening to The Book Thief.

Mom School
Pray
Weekly Scripture Memorization: D & C 25:12
Family Scripture Study: Revelations 3
American History: We used cards from an American History game I had just bought at a thrift story and quizzed ourselves on the history on our 1 hour ride home from our state mandated math tests.
Fairy Tales/Fables: We started and read the first 9 chapters of The Secret History of Tom Trueheart by Ian Beck.
World History: We discussed the following history places/people from A Dictionary of Cultural Literacy by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.: Broze Age, Brutus, Byzantine Empire, Caesar, Caligula, Carthage, Cato, Charlemagne, chivalry, classical antiquity, Cleopatra, Columbus, conquistadors, Constantine the Great and Constantinople.
Science: We discussed the following science and math concepts from A Dictionary of Cultural Literacy by E.D. Hirsch, Jr: absolute zero, acceleration, acid, acute angle, adhesion, adsorption, alchemy and algebra.
Art: The kids sculpted shapes out of magic clay and painted them.
We Went to the Library.
Chores/Animal Care

Olivia
Religion: Read a chapter in the Bible.
Music: Practiced the piano for over an hour.
Math: Took a two-hour, state math test.
Game: Played Battleship with Caleb.
American History: Reading in The Real George Washington.

Jared
Religion: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Music: Practiced his piano lessons.
Math: Took a two-hour, state math test.
Free Reading: Started Eldest and read for over 30 min.
Science: Finished all the but the last chapter in A Magic School Bus Outer Space chapter book.

Luke
Religion: Read a chapter in the Book of Mormon.
Math Drill: Did an addition math wrap up.
Creative Writing: Started working on a story for his writing class. He also spend time on his main story-he's on page 16.
Free Reading: Read several books for over two and half hours.
Science: Finished all the but the last chapter in A Magic School Bus Outer Space chapter

Caleb
Religion: Read a couple of versus in the Book of Mormon.
Reading: Read a Thomas the Train book to me, read a story that he rereads everyday for a week, and read a couple of McGuffy lessons.
Science: Watched an Eyewitness Science video.
Game: Played Battleship with Olivia.
Math Drill: Did some addition math wrap-ups.
Creative Play: Did some coloring.

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, read some conference talks, word of the day, practiced the piano, read for an hour in The Weigh Down Diet, and read 100 pages in Charlie Bone.
Alex: Scriptures, read some conference talks, word of the day, went to work and he is listening to Becoming Spiritually Minded.

Mom School
Pray/Pledge
Family Scripture Reading: Revelations 3
Weekly Scripture Memorization: D & C 25:12
Song: 6 primary songs
Bible Stories: "Ester" from the Old Testament Reader
Friend Article
Fairy Tales/Fables: Read a fable from What Your First Grader Needs to Know.
World History:We read about the Babylonians and the Egyptians in The Usborne World History Encyclopedia.
Science: We read about Rodents and Antelope from The Illustrated Science Encyclopedia by Usborne. We also read another chapter about solids, liquids, and gases from MacMillian 3 Science Textbooks.
Idaho History: We finished the chapter about Gold in Idaho from a Rendezvous with Idaho History.
Literature: We read and discussed the poem, "A Road Less Taken" by Robert Frost.
Language Arts: We reviewed and discussed the terms: abbreviations, acronyms, active voice, passive voice, A.D., adjective, and adverb from The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.
History: We discussed the following names and places: Alexander the Great, Athens, Attila the Hun, Augustus Caesar, Aztecs, Babylon, Francis Bacon, Vasco Balboa, the Black Death and Anne Boleyn from The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy by E.D. Hirsch Jr.
History Literature: We started, read and finished the book Casting the Gods Adrift: A Tale of Ancient Egypt by Geralding McCaughrean.
PE: Went on a family walk.
Chores/Animal Care

Olivia
Religion: Read a chapter in the New Testament.
Writing: Wrote in her journal.
Music: Practiced the piano for an hour. Practiced the violin.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 7/6 lesson.
Language Arts: Did a Daily Grams lesson.
Free Reading: Read for one hour in the Work and the Glory #9.
American History: Read for an hour in The Real George Washington.
Memorization: Memorizing the Declaration of Independence.

Jared
Religion: Read in the Book of Mormon.
Math: Did a Saxon 6/5 lesson.
Phonics/Handwriting: 5 pages of Explode the Code
Grammar: Did a Daily Grams lesson.
Book on Tape: Listening to Peter and the Starcatchers.
Spelling: Practiced his new spelling words.
Music: Practiced his piano lesson.
Logic: Hours and hours of Lego's.

Luke
Religion: Read in the Book of Mormon.
Book on Tape: Listening to Eldest.
Creative Writing: He wrote on his story for several hours.
Reading: Free reading of various things for over an hour.
Logic: Played with Lego's for about an hour.
Music: Practiced his piano lessons.
Luke took it easy for part of the day.

Caleb
Religion: Read a couple of verses to me out of the Book of Mormon.
Geography: Did an Evan-Moor geography lesson.
Math: Did a Saxon Math 2 lesson.
Spelling: Practiced his spelling word list.
Phonics/Handwriting: Did eight pages of Explode the Code.
Reading: Read several stories to me from The McGuffy Reader to me. He also read another story to me. He read to his public school teacher.
Book on Tape: Listened to Wrinkle in Time.

Deanna: Scriptures, journal, word of the day, practiced the piano, went to a Relief Society Christmas Party and various readings for over an hour.
Alex: Scriptures, word of the day, went to his professional associations meeting, and he is listening to The Book Thief.