Welcome, autumn! This is definitely my favorite time of year! With its graceful falling leaves, brilliant hues of orange, and cool nights --- Autumn makes a bold arrival! Time for apples, song birds, cinnamon, sweaters and new colors. Time for all five senses to be awakened.
I know what you're thinking. It's also time to cover some major ground in school. True. I'm with you on that -- but as you think about teaching strategies for October, how about taking time for a few interesting field trips? Field trips can be a wonderful way to enhance book learning. And the best part is that we don't have to spend a lot of money.
This past winter I introduced you to Ken Sande’s new ministry entitled 
One of the great things about homeschooling is the ability and opportunity to experience interesting field trips. An exciting excursion, an all-day outing, or family holiday -- no matter what you call it, you're sure to create some lasting memories when you venture out for a day of discovery and fun.
"Trust the GPS," Jay told me on the phone before I installed the new contraption on the dash board of my old white van a few years back. It was a breeze finding my way to the Science Center in Baltimore, Maryland that afternoon. I loved having help on every turn, and eventually became quite dependent on my new navigator. Then, one evening several months later while the twins and I were on our way home from a music recital, I realized that I often allowed my brain to switch to autopilot, and had neglected many great opportunities to teach the boys how to read a real road map...
Whatever happened to the good old days of summer vacation? When I remember the "hazy and lazy days" of summer, I think of hide-and-seek until dark, bike riding, climbing trees, reading books, swimming, roller skating, going fishing, camping trips, and making mud pies! My summers also often consisted of helping my mom and grandparents in the garden by picking vegetables and strawberries, as well as watching and lending a hand in the process of canning. I did not know it, but I was learning!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to teach at home? Are you new to the whole idea of homeschooling? Maybe you're in the information-gathering stage, or perhaps you're already planning to begin homeschooling after summer.
The finish line is in sight for the end of the school year! Are you busy planning summer vacations? Travel can broaden your teen’s horizons better than many other ways. Whether you are planning trips to local sites and events or going further afield, they will be times your teen will remember for years to come. Travel allows your teens to see up close places they’ve studied or will be studying. They will appreciate their families and homes when they see the demands facing others here and abroad.
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The approaching holidays may seem daunting with all the extra preparations and shopping hours to be added to your already full schedule of homeschooling and parenting. Do you feel behind the eight ball, trying to finish the school semester while planning for Christmas? Is your grace tank running on empty? Before falling into the holiday blues, I want to suggest some ways to reorient your vision and to take advantage of your resources.
What mom doesn't love the versatility and ease of serving apples? Apples with peanut butter, apples in pies, crisps, sauces, cider and jellies. You name it -- there are a myriad of ways to use apples. 
Today's our last day at the ocean ~
