Home School Book Fair, Here I Come

Today I’m attending the Home School Book Fair in Arlington, Texas, because there is something I like more than drooling over books and curriculum.

I don’t need a single thing. In fact, as hard as it is to believe, I’m satiated with book consumption right now. I considered staying home, but the homeschool community tugs.

When I started blogging, it was an act of obedience. I needed to think through ideas. I wanted to practice writing. I never imagined gaining friends on the other side of the computer. Friends who bless with encouragement. Friends who share joys and trials. Friends who remind me to grow. Friends who challenge my thinking.

Friends I’ll be talking to face to face!

_______
If you haven’t attended a homeschool convention, Beth wrote a helpful article: Ten Timeless Tips for Tackling a Homeschool Convention. And if you happen to be at the convention in Arlington, please greet me. I would be honored to meet you.

Noteworthy Links: Announcement Edition or What Was I Thinking?

What was I thinking?! Oh, I wasn’t. I blame it on not looking at the calendar.

I’m thrilled to host the next issue of the Carnival of Homeschooling. I’m excited to participate in another Twitter Homeschool Chat. But they are back to back. That’s a lot of hours in front of the computer!

Instead of drooling incoherently at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, I decided to work ahead. Yes, even I’m shocked! The theme for the carnival has been chosen. Now I just need your articles.

Carnival of Homeschooling

If you’ve never participated in a blog carnival, please let me explain. A carnival is simply a post full of links, an online magazine of sorts, but you submit the links. It’s an opportunity to introduce your blog and hopefully meet some new friends.

All you need to do is fill out this form at Blog Carnival or use this format at Why Homeschool. Then I compile the links into an interesting and easy-to-read format. (At least, that’s my plan.) I look forward to showcasing your articles!

Twitter Chat

But before the carnival publishes, I join Dana for our third Twitter Homeschool Chat. The second Monday of the month we gather on Twitter to encourage one another. Last month, Ms. B shared tips for teaching writing and inspired us all. This Monday, March 9th from 8-10 CST, our focus is teaching children in different stages.

I hope you can come share your ideas. I need some tips. My little girls “explode” the bedroom while I work on lessons with their older brother. (Picture to follow.)

Twitter is simple to join and for chats I use TweetChat. After you log in, enter the Homeschool Chat hashtag, #hsc. You will be able to see and respond to everyone who is there. If you have any questions, please ask. I am happy to help.

More Noteworthy

Next weekend I’ll share more links from my Noteworthy page. I do want to mention a unit study for St. Patrick’s Day though. It helps to have things like that on your calendar.

FREE Gift: Lent Activities for the Family

Normally, links will only be posted on the weekend, but this item is applicable now. Miiko Gibson compiled a list of family activities for Lent as a gift to you.

The tradition of Lent is not practiced in my church, but I need to examine my heart and meditate on the sacrifice of Christ, too. Miiko makes the point,

Even if our church observes Palm Sunday, the next time the church meets is Easter Sunday. Good Friday is almost glossed over if the family doesn’t make an effort to think about it.

The activities in this small book are short and meaningful. One activity per day is easily implemented, and a sample calendar is available.

Please visit Our Grace Journey to receive this gift. (Be sure to scroll down just a bit.)

And now I’m curious, does your family participate in Lent? How do you remember the days leading up to Easter/Resurrection Day?

Tags: Ebook, Lent

Backlog

I have been trying to mentally enter February for a week. I’m not entirely sure what happened, but January was so packed with goodness maybe subconsciously I refuse to let it end. However, reality cannot be argued with. Try as I might to slow it, today turns into yesterday backlogging my process-oriented brain with things to ponder.

Sometimes I wish I could dispose of my methodical ways. Then words could splatter like Pollock paintings. Ideas would collide like the tasks of my day. The colors could flow and seep and become something else. A palette of cast offs. Splotchy and rough.

It does not become me. I long for the quiet place to consider. I need time to sort through the ideas to put them in their proper place. And what a special place January 2009 holds in my memory!

I look forward to sharing it with you this week.

___________

Also, it’s time for the Homeschool Twitter Chat (use that link for more information). Tonight, February 9th, from 8-10 CST we will talk about writing with special guest, Mrs. B of Writing Foundations. Please bring your questions and your experience. We look forward to connecting with you!

The Great Backyard Bird Count

I assume front yard bird watchers also qualify for the The Great Backyard Bird Count scheduled for February 13-16.

The site has all the information you need to start bird watching and a regional tally sheet of common birds.

If you don’t have a bird feeder, my son wrote instructions for a simple one created out of a plastic bottle: Building a Bottle Bird Feeder.

And Daisy of Laurel Wreath shares another good idea for Feeding the Birds (and her son).

Does your family feed the birds? What ways do you bring nature close?