Planning

Next week is our church's vacation Bible school, and I am in the process of preparing for teaching the Kindergarten / First grade class.

Also I am planning a unit study on NJ for Aug. (I know I said no school work, but this is a precursor to our Sept. family trip, so we can then go visit some of the things we learned about.)

I went to the library last night (we go about 2-3 times a week now, I am rediscovering my love for the library.) I got so many books on NJ, especially about stuff non touristy. I got a book about hikes in NJ to do with kids and hope to try some come Sept. (it is a bit too hot to even leave the house right now, lol.) I am especially interested in free activities that we can realistically do on our very frugal budget.

I love pouring through books to discover things within my own state that I didn't even know existed, I can't wait to experience some in person.

-Becky

9th Book Read

I just finished this book (today) and it is chock full of useful information for new homeschoolers and those currently homeschooling.

I recommend this book to all homeschooling parents.

Only 5 more books to go by Labor day to meet my summer reading goal.

-Becky

Minigolf

Yesterday I took the daycare kids, Joshua, and his cousin Mike to minigolf. Jason didn't want to go. Josh and Mike had fun. The younger daycare kids (ages 5 & 6) had fun for about 3 holes, then got bored. Thankfully the minigolf place had spray bottles we could borrow and they had fun spraying themselves.

I was happy because I had coupons so the kids were only $4.50 each, plus for another $6 we got a large pizza. So we spent $24 for lunch and an hour and a half of mini golf / spraying each other fun. Not too bad.

Jason's math is done

Jason finished his math book and final exam. He got a 91 on the final exam. He is so excited. He just has to finish his language arts and then he is on break.

I use Math U See for both boys. I really like it. It is hands on, visual, auditory, and the kids are supposed to teach what they have learned to me (to show mastery.)

-Becky

July bills

All my July bills are paid in full. I have already paid my Aug. mortgage and have the $1,200 I need to pay my taxes due Aug. 1st (I pay quarterly.)

We have even paid a little off on debt (see previous post.)

Also we have had money to do something fun each week.

I feel so blessed.

-Becky

Debt update

Last months debt:

$110 Kohl's charge
$750 MasterCard
$217 owe dentist
$117,000 mortgage

Current debt:

$0 Kohl's charge
$653 MasterCard
$217 owe dentist
$116,600 mortgage

$607 less in debt than I was last month

-Becky

Jason is home

Jason arrived home Saturday. I was so glad to see him (Kaiden was even more excited as he wouldn't leave Jason's side.) Jason did well on the mission trip to Philly, PA. He served in a park all week playing games with local kids.

I am so proud of him. He sacrificed a week of his summer in an insane heat wave to share Christ. Also he overcame some of his shyness to talk and play with these kids. This is huge!!!

He has been on couch or in his bed since he came home, but yesterday he did help me do some cleaning and laundry, without arguing (which is also impressive.) I told him he has all day today of no chores or schoolwork, but then tomorrow-Fri. has to finish his math exam and his language arts so we can be done with schoolwork.

So glad to have him home.

-Becky