Internet Blahs

I had decided to switch internet providers. The new provider sent a technician out today to install our new hardware. Guess what? They could not do it because we sit too far away from the hub. The house is approximately 303 feet from the road and power pole where the hub is. They will not install if it is more than 300 feet. I understand why, but that makes it no less frustrating. So we have been without internet for almost a week. The curriculum we were supposed to start using Monday is exclusively online. So.... today is NOT the day. Neither is tomorrow. Not even Monday. On a brighter note. Check out the awesome giveaways that some of the other wonderful bloggers are hosting. http://ourabundantblessings.com/2012/11/19/what-would-you-do-with-250-cash/ http://ourabundantblessings.com/2012/11/20/31-days-of-thanksgiving-and-a-giveaway/

Today is the day

Today is the day. Actually, tomorrow is. No, wait. Monday is the day. We have sort of been hanging in limbo as far as schooling is concerned. We have been taking things easy and working on detoxifying from the public school system. Now, finally, we are going to officially start school. Don't ask me why I decided Monday. I really have no clue. It just seemed like a good idea at the time. It is between the two major holidays that we are so fond of, so I think that they will be more willing to sit and do something since they know that they have to be good for Christmas. (There is no santa claus in the picture here, more on that later) I have not been able to settle on a curriculum that we could sink our teeth into. Everything is just so expensive. I was planning on waiting until February to buy the curriculum with my tax return. However, I have found an amazing online *free* curriculum. We have all looked through it and it really fits where we are right now. It is at allinonehomeschool.wordpress.com I still cannot get that stupid link button to work. UGH!!! Easy Peasy (all in one homeschool) is an awesome blog by a woman who homeschools her own children. She has developed a curriculum using all free online resources. She has it set day by day. It is student led and requires as little or as much attention as you want to put into it. You can let your student work completely on their own with almost no interaction (every once in a while the curriculum tells them to go to mom or dad for a pat on the back), or use all of the resources that she has linked to as a supplement to whatever it is you are already doing. I, myself, do not have time to develop lesson plans and schedules since I work, so this is a God send. I am so thankful that I have found Easy Peasy.

maybe this button will work. :)

AARRGGHHH!!!

I have no clue what I am doing wrong with the links. I guess you will still have to copy/paste since it will not let me link the site here. www.corestandards.org/the-standards This one has a list of state standards for all grades. www.onlinemathlearning.com This has some great interactive lessons. www.education.com/worksheets I love, love education.com.

School

School is in full swing. We are lagging behind already. I simply do not have the resources that I need. We are needing math curriculum. I suppose it will just have to wait until February. I had hoped that we could already have everyting by then, but it looks like that will not be the case. However, we fear not. We are using many online resources. I just don't have enough time to find them all and print the amount of stuff I need for all four of the littles. Here are some that I have found that have wonderful worksheets and/or core standards lists. Enjoy... This one has a list of state standards for all grades. This has some great interactive lessons. I love, love education.com.

Here is a great site I just came across. It says that bloggers and Web site owners can get a free customized item worth under $40. www.cengraving.com

Beginnings

I don't have a clue what I am doing.  I want to blog and I was told that this is one of the best blogging sites there are, so here I am. 
A short introduction:
My name is Amanda.  I am engaged and I have four wonderful children that I homeschool. Oh, did I mention that I also work full time?  I am a dispatcher for the local Sheriff's Office.  I work twelve hour rotations at night and do my level best to be up for at least the first four hours of school in the mornings when I get home.  My children are pretty self-sufficient.  There are three boys and a bouncing three year old baby girl who acts like she is thirteen years old.  They are 12, 11, 8 and of course 3.  The older two can cook and clean and do just about everything that needs to be done on the occasions that I do actually get to sleep.  That doesn't happen very often.  I am sooo tired.  All the time.  Hence the beginning of this blog.  I seriously need something to keep me awake at work and this seemed like it would be a great way to do that.  

I shall start this off with a wonderful link for free worksheets that I have found.  It is one of those "full access with membership" sites, which I am not fond of, but it has an extensive array of free worksheets and other such awesome things as well.
 http://www.schoolexpress.com/ 
Try it.  You might just find something you can use.  :)