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Record Keeping Question

For those of you who home school... how long do you keep completed work? We use a completed drawer and completed file system where completed work is placed in their drawer and I gather it for grading. When  I have graded and recorded the work, it is placed in a completed file. Some things are placed in the kids portfolio, especially if it is a basic skill that I want to track progress on (i.e. writing samples, reading comprehension, certain math skills).  At the end of the year, we end up with really thick files that I tape close and label with the year and grade level and placed in a large storage bin downstairs. After 8 years, I have lots of completed files. I live in a state that requires no testing or paperwork, but want to be sure to have a good records of the kids schooling. Thoughts?

4 Cans of Black Olives

Someone donated a case of canned goods to us and there were several cans of black olives included. We tried a can and the children did not like them, so I separated the cans out with the intention of seeing if someone at church would be able to use them. Well, last week my 3 1/2 year old started playing with them and he has played with those cans more than I have ever seen him play with any toy. He stacks them and rolls them and spins them. He puts them in and out of a bag, a box and the back of his truck.

Ahhh.... cheap entertainment. ~Smile~

Our Tiny Garden

Free Overload

Every year on 7/11 the 7 Eleven stores allow you to have a free Slurpee. We really like Slurpees! And so we indulged. Now I am Slurpeed out. Jordan said, "364 more days till free Slurpee day!" ~Smile~

Life with a 14 yr old

On the house phone with friend while texting from cell phone with her uncle.  and she says she has no social life. ..

2 In A Pack

Jackson and Jeanna are 3 months apart so I call them, "My Twinkies" and tell them I get 2 sweet things in a pack. They giggle and will sometimes say, "Come on Twinkie!"

Well, today my girl twinkie turned 8 years old! She had requested a birthday party at McD's (sigh) and I gave her a surprise party there today. I don't usually do big birthday things as I really like small family gatherings, but she is one of those kids that rarely (almost never) ask for anything and I am trying to encourage her to let me know what she needs so... It was still low-key: just my kids and 1 lady from church and her 4 kids. Jack and Jeanna are glad to be the same age together again.

We are still waiting on adoption date information, but our worker did tell Jeanna that she would not have to go back to public school. Jeanna ask everyday when her "Lifep*cs" will be here. She is too excited to have her own materials and is excited to have her own desk and drawers at MHS.




To Jeanna,

Happy Birthday, Kid!