Tower of Babble

It seems that in our ever-increasing search for knowledge, we have amassed a tower of educational supplies that threatens to topple and destroy us.

My job? To sort the materials into categories: recyclables, portfolio papers, texts, workbooks, project kits, puzzles, math, art supplies, social studies, science, French, and items that can be sold at Kids' Market (MY FAVORITE CONSIGNMENT SALE EVER!), with sub-categories of what to use now and what to use later. And, somehow get it back onto the homeschool cart. Can I do it?!!!!

Oh My! Does anyone need a workbook?!!

Well, I got everything into piles. That's my bed, so I've got to finish before our early 9-10 pm bedtime! Don't know how much detail you can see, but there are:

7 giant floor puzzles

21 coloring books

33 workbooks

9 science kits

16 textbooks

9 math kits

30 reader books

6 art kits

14 table games

10 notebooks

41 Highlights books/kits

A cup of coffee, NPR, kids at Mom's house for some sunshine, and................

Yeah! A minor miracle.

Now each of those categories has it's own little shelf. Floor puzzles at the bottom so Jacques can reach them, texts and teacher guides at the top.....so he can't.

This food service rolling tower is deep enough to work as a double-sided tower.

Discovered a use for all of the little pull-out drawers on our new bookcase. Now we'll need to draw a legend to find what we need. That will be a lesson in itself.

Nice to feel like I've accomplished something.

Now let's see how long it lasts.

Aaaaaaaand, Begin!

Hmmm, where to start? I envision this blog as a place for us to record our homeschooling adventures (and trials) and remind myself every day that this is an awesome choice for our family.

You'll meet each of us, learn about our likes, dislikes, hopes, successes and struggles, hopefully presented in a humorous way! Maybe you'll be inspired to break out of your shell and taste the world as we do!


Why do we homeschool?


Lots of reasons, some more serious than others,
but here are the top 11:



(Why eleven? Just to be different.)






Drum roll, please.......



1. We're not good with schedules.


2. I want well-rounded children.


3. Aine and Jacques can continue to strenghten their sibling bond instead of disappearing from each other's lives as most school-aged siblings do.


4. We love to travel and explore. No "school" to report to means travel whenever you like!


5. It's an efficient use of my kids' time. I know right away if they understand or don't. And they have plenty of time for the important business of BEING KIDS.


6. We can't afford private school.


7. We are choosing a different "socialization." This will be subject of an upcoming post.


8. My children and I enjoy each others' company and choose to learn and explore together.


9. They'll be gone really soon.


10. I can allow my children to follow their natural interests and foster their talents.


11. I value curiousity, independence, creativity, industriousness, imagination. I hope after a homeschool education, my children will too.










So come along with our family
as we explore the world together,

every day a magnificent adventure!






All photography on these posts exclusive property of
Kristina O'Quinn Photography