Curriculum Review

I know I don't post on here very much, I'm just dabbling in the whole Blogger thing, I've been for a while now. Maybe someday I will have more time and be able to promote my blog a little more and then have more followers. But right now I need to keep my priorities with my family in line. Which is why I'm writing this particular post.

I'm reviewing our new curriculum called Time4Learning.

We are in our 15th year of Home Schooling. I've tried every program under the sun! We have always had a relaxed style of homeschooling. No matter what the venue of curriculum we used, we always used it very freely. My children study what they are interested in and they study in a way that there is no pressure on them. I honestly have no idea how they got so smart! Although, there was always pressure on me because I always felt that I wasn't organized enough and they never knew what they were to learn next. Their next topic was always up in the air. This program has helped me immensely to feel like they are getting all they need in school. They are continually interested in their school and enjoy knowing what their next topic will be.

All I can say is Time4Learning is wonderful! I was searching for an online homeschool program where I didn't have to be so much involved every single day. Something that would take care of my children's everyday schedule so I didn't have to be breathing down their neck telling them what they need to do for the day. All I do now is say "Go do your school." and they know what is expected of them. I've looked into CyberSchool and knew right away it wasn't for us. I wanted to still be involved in their progress.

My students sign themselves in with the very easy sign on page . They learned how to access each subject with ease and I can't believe the topics that are covered. Some of the topics I never even spoke of in my already graduated, older children's school work. They enjoy clicking through the subjects and even do some over again when they didn't quite understand or when they really enjoyed the topic. In fact, my kindergartner is learning right along with my 3rd grader. Every day he can't wait to 'do school' with her!

My 13 yo boy told me the other day that he "actually likes doing school this year." He is no longer wondering what is expected of him every day. I know I mentioned that before but that fact is huge here in my home. This program keeps his attention and in fact, I have to check on him sometimes cause he's very focussed and quiet while he completes his lessons. Something of which didn't happen last year. Also during any given day he often mentions little facts he learned while doing his school. Makes him feel very smart. I've even noticed his confidence level go up a few notches! He even has his father stumped often which is a feat in itself.

I had let my free trial month run out and so our account was locked, I panicked thinking that everything was lost but it was just waiting for me to subscribe in full. So that was the first thing I did!! I wasn't gonna let this program get away from me! NO WAY! Love it!

Thank you Time4Learning.com for supplying such an easy program to use with all the state standards which I expect in my children's learning. I'm a much more relaxed homeschool mom now, for which I am very, very grateful!

Homeschool Program - Goin' Good So Far.

Just got back from vacation but while on vaca we couldn't connect to the internet therefore couldn't do their computer school. (although that didn't stop us from getting in a few days of field trips!) Our first day back the kids could not wait to get goin on their school work again. So happy about that and I know they are learning so much!!! I have yet to check out the forum benefits but plan on doing that this week. To be continued.......

Homeschool Program

As most of you know, we homeschool our children. Three have graduated and we have three more and 13 years to go.
I’ve been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.
Can't wait to see how the kids like this one. We've tried every program under the sun, some good some not so good. I need something a little easier on me as the Mom.
We will try it out and let you know how it goes.

___New Adventures

All I want for Christmas is this...


I know...it looks horrible but it won't when I get through with it!! Hopefully!


Some more ugly shots for you to almost gag over...




I have plans to make this 1971 Metzendorf Canned Ham look just like new. Well, not like it was when it was new but all new inside. I believe it will be too tough to get to vintage state but lets just say it will look good!

Our friend is giving it to us. I think he got overwhelmed after taking some of it apart.
I will take my time as we are almost finished with the Tear and we can now camp in that.
No hurry on this one.
Our Tear is our pride and joy so the plans for this one is to be able to bring more friends along camping who wouldn't normally camp or who wouldn't like to stay in a tent. uck! This will have all the modern conveniences of home.

Follow our remodel here... www.morphingdorf.blogspot.com

I think Husband is not too sure about this one. I'm guessing his philosophy is "If mama ain't happy, then nobody's happy" He's so wonderful!! :o)

___Clean Snowmen!!

Yeah!! This is the first year we will have clean snowmen!!

Hopefully as nice as this one.


Yesterday I cleaned up all the leaves around the yard. First time it's ever been done. C helped me and we got it done in no time. The whole time all I could think about was clean snowmen. hummmm??!!

___Winter Cleaning

I cleaned up around the shop today. The things that just get left and forgotten until I look out my door and notice them. Uggg! I'm sure other people notice all that junk when they drive by or visit. Can't control it all. It's a mess!

I sometimes feel like our place looks like this....


I would like it to look like this...


The motivation level would be so much higher to create in there if I had a shop like Norm's. Inside and out!!! ha

Oh well, it does look better today than it did yesterday.
I'm thinking of staining it an olive green color. Maybe that would be better than the ugly old grey that is painted on everything around this depressing place. Yuck!!

___Way Too Dissapointed!

Again I haven't posted in a little while. I've gotten discouraged with the whole Teardrop thing. I'm bummed! We didn't get to camp at all this year and the season has passed here in Pennsylvania. We've been building for an entire year and I'm just, well, sad!


I have to remind myself that next season is coming and we will get out there. I guess good things come to those who wait. Uggg!
Our friends, T and J came over yesterday to help hubby with some things of which T has some expertise. They too are building a Tear. We talked of our first trip and when it shall be so that is pacifying me....this week.

___Privacy

Wow, it's been a little since I've posted.
We've put the door handles and windows on the Tear. Windows went in so easy but the handles took some tweeking. They now close and lock.







I've signed up for Road Trip Journal. You can click on the right. Not too sure what it's all about yet but I will do some lurking and find out more. Found it on FaceBook.

___Knock Knock!

We have some doors that actually swing open and closed. The diamond plate is also installed down the sides of the walls.



Next step is the windows and we still need to find where to get the side trim. We have one company searching for us and I need to call them to see if they can get it. If not we will need to pay a pretty penny for what we really want I'm afraid. argghhh!! It will come together, I keep telling myself.

___Welcome to Our Galley

I'd like to say the galley is all complete. Now we just need to stuff it with all the junk we need for on our trips. I'm resolved to not over pack and only put in there what we're sure we need then start a list while we're out there. I'm sure we can go a couple days without that one thing we've forgotten.




Hubby put the diamond plate/rock deflecter on the front and I must say that it looks marvolous!!!



Two steps closer!!! YAY!



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Cricut Gypsy

Cricut Cartridges Helper

I'm new to Cricut and just getting started but now I want the newest item. A Gypsy. This thing is amazing!!

The Cricut Gypsy

I could do so much with this thing!! I'm always thinking of crafts to do but just cutting with scissors never gives me the look I want to acheive. ugg! I like original ideas so this Gypsy would help a lot!!

I could win one and so could you if you enter here...

Win a Provocraft Gypsy

___The Hatch Is On!!

It quite often seems as if I'm in such a hurry when I write these journal entries. Uggg! Well, I'll write what I can.

The hatch is coming together. Getting it to fit just right is quite the chore. Sanding, shaving, nailing, on with the hatch, off with the hatch and then again. It's on there and it'll seal that's all that matters I guess.











The Hurricane hinge from Grant will keep it from leaking.





All in all it's a very exciting step for us!


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___Diamonds vs. Diamond Plate

Some girls get excited about getting diamonds. Me, I get excited over this kind of diamond. Diamond Plate for the Tear. It's all shiney and new. Can't wait to get it attached!!




There I go again propping it up just to see what it looks like... :o)




So beautiful!!

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___TearJerker Gathering at Knoebels

Had some fun at a gathering this past weekend. We went to Knoebels Amusment Park and Campground. We were supposed to be camping but we obviously aren't finished with the Tear yet so we had to cancel and just go for the day.
The TearJerkers are an organization of a bunch of Teardrop and Tiny Travel Trailer owners who gather in Chapters all around the world. This is the Liberty Bell Chapter that we belong to.

Here's some photos from our day.








And some of the kiddos having fun on the rides...

___Ugly Grey to Bright White

The roof material is getting on the Tear. I'm not liking that it's not smooth but hope that it will eventually take on a smooth texture the more coats I get on there.

It's gonna start to rain later I know it. It's real cloudy today. We'll get some coats on then put her away for the evening.







I'm also not liking the way she's looking, kinda like bed head, the paper needs to come off real soon. I like seeing a finished product and she's not real purdy at the moment. Uggg!




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___Up On The Roof

The roof is goin' on. Grey part first then white. Thanks to S we have the material and know how to get this thing under cover.

We've had two beautiful days to get it done on this Labor Day weekend.










Thanks for your help S!


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Just trying out posting from my new phone...if you can see this, it worked. ;0)

___Camping Buddies

Our friends, Tim and Jayne, are also building a Tear. It's turning out real nice too! Their's is a Benroy style tear.
Here's some photos of theirs for you to enjoy...









We can't wait to get out there! Did I already mention that?


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___It's In The Bag!

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I bought a bag for day trips when we go camping in the Tear. Got it at IKEA. I think it will work perfect!


It's got a zipper pocket and also mesh side pockets.


I even has inside mesh pockets. And nicely insulated.


Only paid 5 buckeroos for it. NICE!!!

___I've Got Mail!

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YAY Partial order from Grant has arrived. 50' of door seal.

This means one more step closer to being finished!!!