Let the Countdown Begin!

I'm excited! In one week NaNoWriMo begins. I've decided that I won't be a participant, so why am I so thrilled? As the head teacher I made the executive decision that 13yog will drop all school subjects except Latin and Algebra while she participates in NaNoWriMo. She does much of her school work independently, and I know she is looking forward to a break from those subjects (spelling, poetry memorization and American History). I will miss doing Literary Lessons from The Lord of the Rings together, but I will make a confession. I am GIDDY over the fact that we get to ditch English for a WHOLE MONTH!!! I am talking The Price Is Right, jumping up and down, kiss Bob Barker kind of giddy. Since Bob Barker isn't around I guess I'll go lay one on Ken.

Replica of the Ark

Find more pictures here.

Seven Interesting Things About Me

Okay, Stephanie tagged me a week-and-a-half ago and I guess I've procrastinated long enough.

1. I was born in the South, but I don't particularly like southern cooking. Spaghetti and tacos - yum, yum!
2. DH and I have married each other twice.
   
3. My 3rd dd was born in the bathtub at home. Procrastination happens.
4. Almost all of my nightmares include alligators.
   
5. When I was a child I thought I was adopted, because I was the only one in the family with blond eyebrows.
6. I like to bowl and shoot pool though I haven't done either one in years.
7. I have read Les Miserables...every page! Some of it went in one eyeball and out the other, but I can say that I read the whole thing.
   

Latin making a come back?

A Dead Language That's Very Much Alive

Okay, I admit it. For me, Latin is like shooting pool and bowling. Even though I stink at it I love doing it. And apparently I'm not alone in my enthusiasm for this ancient language. The New York Times article linked above reports that Latin is making a come back in schools. Yeah!

Book It!

Pizza Hut's Book It! program started October 1st, and we feel fortunate that homeschools are invited to participate.

10 yodd is reading Fablehaven to her older sister and me. She's grumbling a bit about 20 minutes a day, but that's okay. I'm enjoying the opportunity to have someone else read to me for a change. Six yodd gets a picture book or two at night plus she is listening to our current bedtime read aloud, Pollyanna.

Even if you aren't participating in the Book It! program you can print some cute reading incentive calendars from their website. They have the standard "color the slice of pizza" or monthly themed calendars. For example October's calendar has pumpkins, ghosts, or cats while March's calendars feature either stars or shamrocks and kites. Book It! Calendars, Reading Logs, and Reading Contracts, etc.

Studio 4 Learning

I have come across a great resource..... Studio 4 Learning .

According the website FAQ:
"What is Studio 4 Learning?
Studio 4 Learning, owned by Studio 4 Networks (www.studio4networks.com), is an ad-supported streaming video network on cable, broadband, and satellite. It is geared toward students from middle school through early college as a way to supplement classroom learning and get ahead on school topics."

F.Y.I. - I want to point out that this is "ad-supported" and the ads are definitely targeted towards teens and young adults. (I'm feeling old!)

There are also two other websites available:
Studio 4 Kids
Studio 4 Fitness