Settling on a curriculum... "Mom, can I start this today?!"

I have been trying to figure out what different curriculums to use for a while now.  I am lucky...  we live in Wisconsin! There are no state mandated things we have to cover or what you have to teach when.  Which is great! But also makes things a bit more confusing for a new homeschooler! I have anything and everything to choose from...  and that's a lot!!!
I think after months of disecting what seems to be every possibility out there, I am set.  (Mind you, I said I THINK I am set...  that could change!)  But the greatest thing happened today.  I sat down with my 8 year old and told him and the program I found that corresponds with the Magic Tree House series.  (visit www.magictreehouse.com and click on teacher on top) There are activities and laid out "curriculums" that go with almost every single book in the series!!! Everything from language arts, to math, to music and even phy ed!!!  All laid out so a newbie like myself can figure it out!  Then there are also worksheets you can print out that go with them....  Tonight before bed my son asked me, "Mom, I'd like to read the first Magic Tree House book. Can I start homeschooling today?" Yes, he's been out of public school for just 4 days and he asked me that.  If you know my son...  you know that this is something he would NEVER say...  he hates school and was infuriated with me that I wanted to start our science class later in the summer.  That question he asked me still has me smiling!!!  :-)

Welcome To THE BLOG

I have finally broken down and decided to BLOG...  WHY??  Well, I think I have some interesting stories ahead!  Why is it called HOME With The Howards... 


1. Our last name is Howard (LOL)
2. I am a stay at HOME mom
3. I co-own a craft business that is run from HOME
4. I just launched a Mary Kay business from HOME
5. We are starting to HOMEschool this summer
6. I have to make this all comical, before I run away from HOME!


I am astounded at how many people are actually very supportive of me and the decision we have made to HOMEschool.  On the other hand, those that are against it, they are not shy in letting me know either!  No matter, the stories are going to be good and I am glad I have an outlet like this to let you all "follow" me and share in the journey with us.  For those that don't know me that well...  here is a run down of our family!


Dad: He is a full time college student (online) and a chef by trade.  Works almost all nights right now.
Mom: (that's me!) I think I summed it up above!
Keon: 8 years old, going into 3rd grade level for beginning of homeschooling.  He is a spirited child... to say the least.  Also will be a struggle dealing with a vision problem he was born with and also ADHD.
Ayanna: The 3 year old DIVA... another spirited child.


If you don't know what I mean by spirited...  look it up!  I was "blessed" with two of them!


Welcome to our world!  I hope you enjoy the ride!!