Homeschool 2015 at Thistle Hill Ranch

We are entering our 4th year of homeschooling. I have a 7th grader and Freshman this year.

I just finished our class chalkboard, for October, since we were finished with the September board early. I put on the monthly board, the month meaning, special events, historical birthdays, and holidays. I also put up the weekly SAT Vocabulary. They are tested on the vocabulary weekly and have activities that go with them. The bottom of the board has our Group Literature Assignment. This is the book we read together.

They each have their individual literature books, that they pick from a collection of classics.

Then, we have one we read together. The book we are reading right now is a short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow...getting in the mood for Fall and Halloween. I love letting our literature correspond with our history or season. It makes it more interesting...and FUN!

 

My 7th grader is doing high school level science, reading, and vocabulary with his older brother, my Freshman. My son, the Freshman, is doing Sophomore or Junior level math, (depending on your school. I did algebra 2 as a Junior, but things have changed), and Senior level English.

Homeschooling means the grade level lines are blurred. Your children can work at "their pace"!

This is probably my favorite thing about homeschooling, and the hardest thing to get used too. But, when they struggle, you go over it until they get it. No one trying to get you to move quickly. And, if you move quickly...well, you can! No rules...you finish when you finish.

 

I love our curriculum this year. It really is tailored to their interests.

 

Preston, my Freshman, is REALLY interested in anything having to do with history, financial planning, and politics. He picked a lot of his classes this year...just like "regular" high school. For the last 3 years, I've let them have a lot of input in their studies, but there is still the cores studies, that aren't optional. This year, he has the choice of foreign language, and electives. I have found that this made him more enthusiastic and dedicated to his studies.

Landen, my 7th grader, is so easy going, but he had specific requests this year. He wanted to follow in his brothers studies with foreign language and science. This made my life easier and me one happy mom. Luckily he does really well in science, so this isn't a stretch.

Our daily routine is pretty simple. They have warm-up journaling for 10 minutes, handwriting practice in cursive for 10 minutes, (yes cursive...I believe handwriting is still important), and then they move on to their core subjects. ELA, Math, and Science. They do their electives next, and then we break for lunch. I read history and our group book at this time. They finish the day with guitar practice.

When I get asked about how to homeschool, the answer is "with flexibility". Like I mentioned before, we all learn differently, no one way is better. I do however, keep in line with the public and private schools. My boys want to go to college, and have certain colleges/universities in mind. This means I have to plan accordingly, for what those colleges/universities expect for their applicants, and incoming Freshman.

 

Research, Research, Research!

 

I love researching...pretty much anything, (I know, it's weird, but I do), and for me, it's fun to get ideas from other homeschooling parents, and teachers from all over. It really is fun to get new ideas on how to teach literature, history, art, etc. i have found so many inspirations on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Homeschooling ideas are everywhere!

I am very hands on, and I love real life stories that relate to our studies. I think it makes our studies more tactile and relatable. Therefore, the more ideas I can gather the better the learning experience.

For example, with our family living on a ranch/farm, it gives us so many opportunities to expand our learning. They have learned so much about financial planning, from how we run the ranch. They have learned how politics effects our ranch too, like the EPA, all the way to the IRS. They have learned animal husbandry, and buying and selling of our animals too.

I guess, what I'm trying to say, is everyday life teaches us so much. The key, is to pull from current events, environmental (ie. where you live, for history of agriculture and industry, and even holidays, (for their traditions and cultural, religious, and political history), etc., and relate them to your studies. It's really fun to watch the "light bulbs" go on. Then, your curriculum always stays interesting, challenging, and fun. Not to mention, if your kids have time to ask questions, they are always stretching their level of understanding. I find that I learn something new too. I LOVE THAT!

This is our writing assignment board. The topics include essays, research assignments, poems, etc.

Thank you for letting me share our homeschooling adventure...which is always evolving.

One thing I've learned, is how amazing the homeschooling community is. Always sharing, caring, and supportive. So, if you are new to homeschooling, or just thinking about it, don't be afraid to go on-line, find a homeschooling community, and ask questions. They are always willing to help!

 

Happy Homeschooling!

 

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FALL is in the Air at Thistle Hill Ranch

FALL is in the air here at a Thistle Hill Ranch! So many changes to share.

I have been longing for the cool breezes of Fall to hit the South. You know you live in Texas when a cold front is temperatures in the 80's. But...I'll take it!

I woke up this morning to 60* temperatures!

Funny how the whole mood of the ranch changed this morning.

The horses in the front meadow enjoying cool breezes, and not escaping to the trees for shade, the flowers weren't wilting, and even my coffee tasted better.

When a Fall is upon us, the color of the sun has a golden hue that gleams, even on the dry grass, making everything beautiful.

So much to report, so be advised...this will be long!

I know it's been a month or so since I wrote last. Funny how the Summer seemed to linger and then, before I knew it, it was over. I've been busy with farm life, new additions to the farm, getting the boys new curriculum ready, signed up for homeschool activities, and working on a design project.

On homeschooling, the good news is after researching and planning their curriculum, they are both excited. This is ALWAYS a plus! I will share homeschool tidbits soon, in another post.

So, here goes the update...

Welcome Duncan, the farm cat, to Thistle Hill Ranch!

He showed up 3 weeks ago and decided we were his family. He has already brought me a rat in appreciation for our hospitality, and yes, I cleaned it up.

That was a blast!

It really is adorable how all of the animals act as if he's always been a part of the family. He follows the boys while they do their ranch chores, hunts daily in the meadow, and plays with the dogs in the morning and evening. So our vet checked him out, gave him a rabies shot, & a clean bill of health. We couldn't be happier to have him around.

I'm Back to Work Designing

I'm not sure if I mentioned in my previous post, but I have been asked by my sister and brother-in-law, to do the interior and exterior design of my brother-in-laws new Classic Texoma Dealership. He just acquired the Toyota, Nissan, Honda & Used car dealership in Denison, Texas.

I couldn't be more honored!

I have only done two other commercial establishments, since I mostly stick to residential, but was elated at the opportunity to take on such a fun design project. I couldn't wait for the challenge, and can't wait to see all my designs come to fruition. Of course, being able to work with my sister & brother-in-law is a fantastic job perk. Once all the work is complete, I will share before and after photos.

Our New Farm Dog, Baron

We also have a new addition at Thistle Hill Ranch, Baron Horowitz...we hope to someday find him a Baroness! He is a Bouvier des Flandres. We researched what would be a good fit for a farm dog. We needed a BIG dog, that would be a herding dog, guard dog, good with animals, good with kids, and most importantly, good with my allergies/asthma. This task seemed near impossible.

Glen said we needed a Bouvier des Flandres! And I said "we need a what?"

I had never heard of, nor had I ever seen a Bouvier. So I did my own research, only to find out, this really does sound like the perfect fit. After numerous searches, I came across Chantal's Bouviers in Pennsylvania. She is from Belgium, where the breed is from, and is incredibly knowledgable of all aspects of the breed. It just so happened, she had 2 puppies left from her latest litter, ready to home. She sent their pictures, and I knew the minute I saw him, I had to have him!

Before he had his ears cropped

After: They are prone to moisture in their ears, therefore the ears are cropped to keep them dry, to avoid ear infections. This is seems to be deemed a necessity by most Bouvier breeders, not for vanity. But we didn't have the choice, they were done before we bought him. Chantal has been breeding this breed for many years and highly advices cropping.

Doesn't he look like a baby bat in this picture on the slide...or baby gorilla? Adorable!

Here is a stock picture of a grown Bouvier des Flandres.

They come in colors of Fawn, Black, and Brindle. Baron's sire was a Fawn and Dam a Brindle. Baron, is a Brindle...we just love his snippets of white!

This is him when we brought him home, 4 weeks ago, at 9 weeks.

This was taken 2 weeks ago...I need a new one of the 3 darlings. Getting a picture of these 3, is harder than it looks.

This was a couple days ago with Preston holding him. Preston is 15, and a tad over 5'6. Baron is already almost too big to carry around.

He's only 13 weeks old! He's Humongous...and we just adore his Royal Fluffiness!

Farm Animal Happenings

All the mares are doing well, and baby Koa is looking more like a big boy!

Our 1st Calves will be here in about a month. We are so excited! They are Charolais Angus cross. They will be little grey babies. I hope we catch a glimpse of them being born.

 

This is a picture of the girls, early in the AM getting ready to be artificially inseminated, last January. Some were bred in March, and some in May. They have a 9 month gestation, like humans, so it's easy to remember. I can't wait to see these calves!

And last but not least...

FALL

FALL is just around the corner and decorating has started! Here is a sneak peek.

I can't wait until the pumpkins come in at Central Market. Then, I'll make the hour and a half drive for the special colors.

And in case you're wondering...Yes, it's worth it!

So for now faux pumpkins it is.

Check back soon for my Fall Decorations post. I start with Halloween, then move to my pilgrims & turkeys for Thanksgiving. Although, a little bird told me the rest of my Fall bins are buried at the back of the barn...this year may have pumpkins only...sigh.

This is the beginning of my favorite time of year!

Have a Great Weekend, & Happy Decorating!

 

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