Introducing Sacred Grove Press!

The story:

When we started thinking about homeschooling I consulted my best friend Google for all manner of information.  I was able to find the method that fit with our educational goals (Classical Education), I was able to find the curriculum that we would use, and I found a great forum of other parents that were educating within the Classical Model (WTM forum, link on the right).  I cam across many, many, MANY sites for Christians of all kinds to find support, curriculum suggestions, etc.  The one thing I did not find however was a interesting, often updated LDS homeschooling site.  They are few and far between.  There are a small handful of email lists and websites, most not being updated since 2005 or so.  This presents a problem when a parent wants to connect with others of like mind to find out whats working and whats not.

So nearly a year ago I had this idea to create our own website for LDS homeschooling parents.  I wanted the site to be pretty, encouraging, inspiring and helpful.  I wanted to offer advice, suggestions, and a forum to LDS families no matter where they are on the homeschooling journey.  We purchased the website domain a couple of months ago and we have been working on ideas here and there.  A couple of weeks ago we launched into full development mode.

I will admit my brain is totally fried, I dream of HTML and widgets, but it has been fun to see what we could come up with.  The website isn't totally finished yet.  Dean has been writing a curriculum for families, I have been designing a fancy planner and we have a couple other ideas in their infancy stage.  The forum isn't up yet but in time that will come.  Things aren't quiet finished but we are on schedule and that is a good thing.

I know most of you who read this do not homeschool and even fewer are LDS but you should still head on over and just see what we have done.  The site isn't professional but I think its a great start to something that is going to be a really great resource.  If you notice anything not working right please leave me a comment so I can fix it. :)

And now the link.........check it out!

Sacred Grove Press

Introducing Sacred Grove Press!

The story:

When we started thinking about homeschooling I consulted my best friend Google for all manner of information.  I was able to find the method that fit with our educational goals (Classical Education), I was able to find the curriculum that we would use, and I found a great forum of other parents that were educating within the Classical Model (WTM forum, link on the right).  I cam across many, many, MANY sites for Christians of all kinds to find support, curriculum suggestions, etc.  The one thing I did not find however was a interesting, often updated LDS homeschooling site.  They are few and far between.  There are a small handful of email lists and websites, most not being updated since 2005 or so.  This presents a problem when a parent wants to connect with others of like mind to find out whats working and whats not.

So nearly a year ago I had this idea to create our own website for LDS homeschooling parents.  I wanted the site to be pretty, encouraging, inspiring and helpful.  I wanted to offer advice, suggestions, and a forum to LDS families no matter where they are on the homeschooling journey.  We purchased the website domain a couple of months ago and we have been working on ideas here and there.  A couple of weeks ago we launched into full development mode.

I will admit my brain is totally fried, I dream of HTML and widgets, but it has been fun to see what we could come up with.  The website isn't totally finished yet.  Dean has been writing a curriculum for families, I have been designing a fancy planner and we have a couple other ideas in their infancy stage.  The forum isn't up yet but in time that will come.  Things aren't quiet finished but we are on schedule and that is a good thing.

I know most of you who read this do not homeschool and even fewer are LDS but you should still head on over and just see what we have done.  The site isn't professional but I think its a great start to something that is going to be a really great resource.  If you notice anything not working right please leave me a comment so I can fix it. :)

And now the link.........check it out!

Sacred Grove Press

Slow summer days

Life has been so busy the last few months that I haven't been able to breath.  Then all of a sudden everything has come to a screeching hault.  Well for at least a week anyway.  School starts up again in a week.  I start the 23rd (I think) and the kiddos will start after labor day.  I have yet to even get some of their curriculum but it is on my to-do list this next week.

With the summer winding down I have to admit I am sad.  I have done little to no canning, jam making, gardening, etc.  It makes me sad.  Since the garden was such a horrible flop this year I am going to try a winter garden.  I picked up a few windows a couple years ago that I am going to use as a cold frame.  I want to try for some kale and other hardy greens.  If things continue to go as they have, that ambition might be put off though. ;)  We'll see.

I am looking forward to autumn.  It is my favorite season and on that is so short lived. I cant wait to see fog again, smell all the wonderful sweet earthy smells, and see the leaves change.  Something about the season just makes me want to cook, laugh and knit (lol I don't even knit!).  It makes me want to be home with my family and eating popcorn.  It reminds me of rollerblading with my best friend as kids, sleepovers, and pencils. 

Anyone else love that line in You've Got Mail.... "I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils...."  or even better when Meg Ryan sniffs the scotch tape?  I love that scene and starting in August it plays over and over in my mind.  I smile when I walk by pencil displays......I would send myself a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils and you can guarantee I would be sniffing them.  And construction paper....oh don't get me started on construction paper.....

Okay this post has turned up very random but since it is me that isn't to abnormal! :)  I will leave you with this....

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." ~George Eliot

Have a fantastic week everyone!

Slow summer days

Life has been so busy the last few months that I haven't been able to breath.  Then all of a sudden everything has come to a screeching hault.  Well for at least a week anyway.  School starts up again in a week.  I start the 23rd (I think) and the kiddos will start after labor day.  I have yet to even get some of their curriculum but it is on my to-do list this next week.

With the summer winding down I have to admit I am sad.  I have done little to no canning, jam making, gardening, etc.  It makes me sad.  Since the garden was such a horrible flop this year I am going to try a winter garden.  I picked up a few windows a couple years ago that I am going to use as a cold frame.  I want to try for some kale and other hardy greens.  If things continue to go as they have, that ambition might be put off though. ;)  We'll see.

I am looking forward to autumn.  It is my favorite season and on that is so short lived. I cant wait to see fog again, smell all the wonderful sweet earthy smells, and see the leaves change.  Something about the season just makes me want to cook, laugh and knit (lol I don't even knit!).  It makes me want to be home with my family and eating popcorn.  It reminds me of rollerblading with my best friend as kids, sleepovers, and pencils. 

Anyone else love that line in You've Got Mail.... "I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils...."  or even better when Meg Ryan sniffs the scotch tape?  I love that scene and starting in August it plays over and over in my mind.  I smile when I walk by pencil displays......I would send myself a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils and you can guarantee I would be sniffing them.  And construction paper....oh don't get me started on construction paper.....

Okay this post has turned up very random but since it is me that isn't to abnormal! :)  I will leave you with this....

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." ~George Eliot

Have a fantastic week everyone!

The Well Adjusted Child

I picked up this book at the library the other day and started reading it today.  Its all about socialization (the big "S" word in homeschooling circles) as that is a major concern people have with homeschooling.  I have seen it posted all over the web "Oh I would homeschool except I would hate being stuck in the house" or "I would homeschool but then my kid wouldn't have any friends." or "Well they have to learn those skills somehow and they can't do it with just family." and lastly "My kid has learning/behavior/insert issue here and they really need to learn how to work with other kids." 

Time and time again it has been discussed that kids have to be in school to learn how to deal with others.  In "The Well Adjusted Child" the author discusses why homeschooled kids are actually at a better advantage because they have to learn to deal with ALL ages rather than just those in their peer group.  Homeschooled children learn to deal with all different types of social situtations beacuse they are not stuck in a classroom everyday.  In fact colleges will seek out homeschooled students because they are able to handle the stress of college life better than their public schooled peers.

Anyway the book is a good read if you are thinking of homeschooling, think homeschooling is nuts, or if you are a homeschooler yourself.  Give it a try.

***I am not against public education in the least.  I think for a lot of people it is the best option.  I do however think that more children could succeed if they were to learn in a home enviroment.***

The Well Adjusted Child

I picked up this book at the library the other day and started reading it today.  Its all about socialization (the big "S" word in homeschooling circles) as that is a major concern people have with homeschooling.  I have seen it posted all over the web "Oh I would homeschool except I would hate being stuck in the house" or "I would homeschool but then my kid wouldn't have any friends." or "Well they have to learn those skills somehow and they can't do it with just family." and lastly "My kid has learning/behavior/insert issue here and they really need to learn how to work with other kids." 

Time and time again it has been discussed that kids have to be in school to learn how to deal with others.  In "The Well Adjusted Child" the author discusses why homeschooled kids are actually at a better advantage because they have to learn to deal with ALL ages rather than just those in their peer group.  Homeschooled children learn to deal with all different types of social situtations beacuse they are not stuck in a classroom everyday.  In fact colleges will seek out homeschooled students because they are able to handle the stress of college life better than their public schooled peers.

Anyway the book is a good read if you are thinking of homeschooling, think homeschooling is nuts, or if you are a homeschooler yourself.  Give it a try.

***I am not against public education in the least.  I think for a lot of people it is the best option.  I do however think that more children could succeed if they were to learn in a home enviroment.***

Happy Anniversary!

Today we celebrated our 11 year anniversary.  Who knew that the longer two people are together the more in love they could be.  It hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows but that just makes it all the sweeter. So here I sit, in love with the man I will have forever and I have to think, I am freakin' blessed! :)

  So here is to the next decade of our lives. May they be filled with many more surprises, late night revealing talks (hint hint), hand holding, fantastic smooches, passion (you know, the good kind!), and most importantly, love that eases all sadness, brightens all joy, calms all fears, and just keeps on growing.


I love you, babe, you rock!!

Happy Anniversary!

Today we celebrated our 11 year anniversary.  Who knew that the longer two people are together the more in love they could be.  It hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows but that just makes it all the sweeter. So here I sit, in love with the man I will have forever and I have to think, I am freakin' blessed! :)

  So here is to the next decade of our lives. May they be filled with many more surprises, late night revealing talks (hint hint), hand holding, fantastic smooches, passion (you know, the good kind!), and most importantly, love that eases all sadness, brightens all joy, calms all fears, and just keeps on growing.


I love you, babe, you rock!!