Back To School!

This is a bit of a misnomer for the McLeod Homeschool for Young Ladies, since we homeschool year-round. However, we usually add a few new subjects each year, and I tend to be looking when the curriculum companies run their sales, specials, etc.

We have just started using Bob Jones English 3 curriculum. Previously, we have used workbooks that cover the basics of grammar, parts of speech, punctuation, etc. I wanted a slightly more comprehensive program this year, and so far (2 weeks in) we have really enjoyed it. It continues to reinforce biblical values, but doesn't get too deep. We have also started using Wordly Wise 3000. I am also using the 3rd grade level in this schoolwork for both Katy (8) and Lena (7).

We are also hoping to start using Adventures in US History from My Father's World. I haven't found a good enough deal on that one yet, but figured I would give it a couple more months, and order at full price if I have too. I'll keep watching eBay.

I have also found a couple of new Spanish books to work from.  My girls have been learning since birth (our babysitter speaks Spanish) and we have continued by doing book learning also.  We have been through vocabulary and picture books, some workbooks, and even tried the app Duolingo. They do well, but I did want a new set of books. I think we'll use Fun Spanish first.

  Anything new in your classroom?

Batching Food

As a busy mother of three, with a small control problem, I have learned some tricks to make life slightly simpler.  I have been baking my own bread for a few years now.  I started out buying whole wheat flour, but kept eyeing a grain mill so I could buy wheat and grind my own flour. Good things come to those who wait, and a friend had just got a new one, and offered to sell me hers at a great discount.  Now I didn't feel quite so bad about the splurge.

After grinding big batches of flour every couple of weeks, I decided there had to be a better way, so just like so many people who prepare crockpot meals and freeze them, I decided to make batches of the dry bread ingredients, so I could throw everything into the bread machine without having to get out the scales, each ingredient, etc. every few days.

I have since expanded to making batches for pizza crust (makes 2 crusts - you can freeze one ball of dough if desired after dough is made as well.

I also like to keep some plain flour ready to use in other recipes as well. Now I just pop all of these handy containers in my freezer and set them out an hour or several before I need to start dough.

The containers have been wonderful.  I  looked at several options, until one day I ran into this set at Wally World.  The individual containers in the 3.5 c size (what I use for loaves of bread) would have cost more for two than the whole set, which was on clearance that day.  I really went back and forth on if I should have bought two sets, but in an effort to be more intentional, I didn't that day.  I have regretted it sometimes, though in the end I really have plenty.