time flies.. is that a good thing?

So we're getting done with our homeschool work remarkably easily and quickly.  It is making me wonder if  we're doing enough.  After reading some homeschooling forums and comparing our curriculum with that of others, I do think we are on track.  We're covering all the major subjects, so maybe just that it's only 3 of us it's getting done quickly.  Today I found a nice little Writing workbook (by grade level) that I picked up for Musa.  It will help him sort ideas and practice writing.  I think he could use that enrichment.   What I've gathered from all my reading is that it is an ongoing process.  You're constantly tweaking and looking for the next thing.  That sounds right to me... you do have to keep doing that.  Eventually you learn how each child learns and what specific things they learn best from. 
So, for any homeschoolers out there or for whoever is interested, here is what we are up to:

Musa (4th Grade): Saxon Math 5/4, Learning Language Arts Through Literature Orange Book, GUM Drops Grammar, LLATL Spelling, REAL Science (Life), The History of the World, Vol I, Quran Classes, Islamic Studies, Spectrum Writing Grade 4, Arabic language

Heba (3rd Grade): Saxon Math Grade 3, Learning Language Arts Through Literature Yellow Book, GUM Drops Grammar, LLATL Spelling, REAL Science (Life), The History of the World, Vol I, Quran Classes, Islamic Studies, Arabic language.

Maryam (KG): Saxon Math KG, Horizons (Alpha Omega) Phonics KG, Quran Classes, Arabic language, and lots of library books and nature study.

Finally, we do spend time outside plus in some sporting activities.  The kids are already showing more eagerness in learning things on their own and in playing better together.  Looking forward to a nice fall, insha'Allah.

I am sooo over gardening!

Ha!
Yes, I said it.
Most of what I brought home last year is no longer alive. Some plants are, and some aren't.  Was it too little water, was it the critters, was it just a bad plant from the nursery?  I don't know, and frankly, I am not interested in finding out.  Because of that, I am out!  No more new plants, bushes, flowers, or bulbs.  Whatever is here can grow, and I will water it, but I don't want to keep spending money and time on things that will just die.  And to be honest, I have a million other things going on right now which deserve my time more than those plants.  I might get a few mums for fall, but that is not really gardening, that's just bringing home a potted plant! 

My composter is not going to die out, though.  I have too few 'green' additions (meaning not much grass or leaves), so as I do collect some of that material, I will add food waste. Otherwise, the food waste is too much and makes an awful smell, creates millions of fuitflies, and attracts rats.  I'll still compost, insha'Allah, because that doesn't require work (or an investment!).

So, for now, it'll be about homeschooling and other green things of interest!
Thanks for reading and feel free to comment :)

I love these!

Assalamu alaikom

I can't stop browing Etsy for resusable snack bags.  The fabrics are so darn cute for kids and grown ups alike.  I want to buy like a hundred of them! They're ideal for packing school lunches in, but I don't have to do that anymore.  However, we do go to parks and outings.  Aisha likes crackers, and we like to pack fruits, too.  What do you think??? :)
Here is what some of them look like.

first week of homeschooling

Assalamu alaikom

Alhamdulilaah (all praises due to God) I am so happy that we started homeschooling and that we made it through our first week so well. Musa and Heba were very ready to start school. Their time off was getting boring, finally, 3 months into it! I, too, am feeling very happy with the way things are turning out and that I am part of something called 'homeschooling'. I'm now meeting other homeschoolers, reading their blogs and discussion boards, and am feeling stronger and happier about the prospective advantages my children will have due to it.

I'm basically covering 4 core subjects: Math, Language, Science, and History. The books I have chosen for this year cover all the details included under each major subject (grammar, writing, spelling, labs, geography, timelines, etc..) We're also doing some Quran and Islamic Studies (well, I need to figure in the Islamic Studies part but they're going to a private tutor for Quran reading and memorization). They're all in some type of sport, plus we have that Gymnastics every Thursday if we want to go. All in all, I think it's a great start. I am not overwhelmed. I know I can add to our core if I want to, and I probably will sometime, just not now.

I've also decided to work in trimesters, so we'll go from mid-September through mid-December, then take one month off. I like that b/c we can enjoy the cooler months here in TX and go to the zoo and other field trips.

As I expected, I have to run now and get lunch ready... at least I got some blogging in! Thanks for reading.