Weekend Ramblings {July 8, 2016}

Just a quick check in. It's been a peaceful week around here. Nothing big on the calendar! Pictures are from a recent wedding and the one above I took at family night at scout camp.

Recent Events ~ Our troubles started just over a month ago when our 16 year old Kenmore died. It wasn't worth putting another $300 in it to fix it. We bought a used washing machine from the local appliance parts store that had been very helpful in keeping our old machine running. The used one had all kinds of trouble. We finally had to take it back two days after the warranty expired. They were kind and gave us half of our money back. We then purchased a new GE from Sears. It arrived on Wednesday and did NOT WORK! There is another one on order (with an extra 10% discount) and should arrive next week. Yep! Sometimes that is how it goes. I've been thankful my parents have let me use their washing machine this week . . . . and hey, it has given me some time to blog.

Around the house ~ I've been enjoying my new Erin Condren Life Planner. That is a referral link that will get you $10 off your first purchase and give me a $10 credit. I would greatly appreciate if you used it because I have some accessories I would like to order that the budget won't allow. : ) This is my second year using the planner and I've been pleased with it overall. It's durable and still looks new after a year of use. This is the biggest selling point for me. I also really enjoy the pretty. I'm not a planner decorator, but I have list all over that planner.

Notice the really pretty backdrop at the wedding reception!

In the school room ~ I've been second guessing pondering over all the school plans I made last week.  In the end I go back to them and I'm happy with them. I'm still not convinced of grammar. I think I'm going to go back to a text I have on hand, Our Mother Tongue (Amazon has it too, but cheaper at Rainbow). AO recommends this one. I did get some inspiration from some other sources on how to teach grammar with literature and our own writing and I *think* I can add that into the mix. I do see taking some time to work ahead and be more prepared in this area.

I'm still tinkering with the daily schedule and Morning Basket plans. I haven't gained much ground on those in the past week. I'm struggling to see how our day should be planned out for the upcoming year. I will have more time to spend on this.

Book Basket ~ I really have nothing more to add from last week. I did order a new book for myself and I'm ready to dig in! A Touch of the Infinite: Studies of Music Appreciation with Charlotte Mason I have no idea where I saw this mentioned last week, but I'm very excited to read it.

Upcoming plans~ As I sit at my parent's house (doing laundry) and watching a deer in the backyard I'm reminded that we have not done any nature study this summer. It's greatly missed! Ticks were the first issue! So many!! Then we had nineteen days of 90+ temperatures. It's been raining for about a week now. This weekend is looking mild and dry and perhaps a drive out to the family farm is in order or a nature hike (the hay should be cut and make for easy hiking).

Next week is almost completely clear! I can't believe it! I have one day out of the house and nothing else on the calendar. I plan to enjoy it and get lots crossed off my to-do list. I wish I could tackle some items off the list of those who aren't so lucky with a free week, but I'm sure my list will keep me busy.  ; ) This type of schedule won't last much longer.

What have you been reading? How is school planning going?