Homeschool Expo

Almost forgot... Went to the Southeast Homeschool Expo this past weekend.  LOVED it!  Had such a great time with my friend, Melissa and no kids! My favorite presentation was by a gentleman by the name of Israel Wayne, called "What about Socialization?"  Well, it wasn't about playgroups and field trips like you would expect.  It was about the history and socialization of our public school system, dating back to Plato.  Soooo fascinating!  I bought his book 'Homeschooling from a Biblical World View', and had it autographed.  Looking forward to reading it!

Here's a pic of Melissa at the Expo, holding a real human brain!  (Sorry, Meliss.  It's a terrible photo and doesn't look anything like you!)

Hi, My name is Kristine and I'm addicted to cheap Children's Books!

So I've decided to homeschool.  To help keep myself accountable, I've also decided to blog about it.  This way, family and friends can peek in and see what we're doing.  Others can see what homeschooling can be like.  I'm not buying any fancy curricula or doing any particular method.  I haven't done a ton of research, but  I've always been a reader and learner myself, plus I have a degree in education.  I've read "The Relaxed Homeschooler" by Mary Hood and "The Unschooling Handbook:  How to Use the Whole World as Your Child's Classroom" by Mary Griffith .  That was enough for me.  My personal philosophy about learning pretty much lined up with what I had read.  I hadn't really learned anything new... just found some validation, which is always a relief!  Don't ask me where I'm going to find the time to take care of an 11-month-old, homeschool my 5-year-old, keep a blog, keep my house and the laundry clean, clip coupons, shop, balance the checkbook, pay bills, make dinner, exercise, play with my kids, read and keep my sanity... oh and take a shower, almost forgot about that one!  I'm a glutton for punishment and an incurable optimist so maybe it'll work out just fine ;-)

I started homeschooling my 5-year-old, Jacob, last week.  He really enjoys it and I love seeing him learn (and love learning).  Hope it lasts!  We don't have strict subject matter or a time table that we follow, but we do take the time to do two things before anything else.  First, we honor God by reading His word and saying a prayer.  Then, we honor our country and pledge allegiance to our flag.

The decision to homeschool has allowed me to indulge in one of my addictions - Children's books!  Another addiction?  Saving money!   I've been able to combine the two by hitting yard sales and Goodwill!  Hallelujah!  Our shelves are stocked and we've got plenty to read for pennies on the dollar.  Goodwill's children's books are $0.75 for softcover and $1.25 for hardcover and... if you are lucky enough to find the color of the day, then it's half off!  And yard sales... seriously!!!  It must be divine intervention because practically every sale I've hit has been loaded with educational (and non, but remember, I'm an addict) kids' books!  In fact, the two books mentioned above were purchased at a garage sale put on by a homeschooling family, *woot! woot!* 

 See?  These are just a few workbooks that I purchased at a yard sale. See the price tags?

So class, what have we learned?  Homeschooling does not have to be strict or expensive.  Isn't that wonderful?  So excited that I've embarked on this adventure.  Thanks for checking us out.  Drop by in the future to see what we're up to!

Oh yeah... welcome to Loving and Learning... my blog about loving, parenting and homeschooling my children!