Flexible Learning Schedules

One of the greatest things about schooling at home is that our schedule is adaptable. We school when it is convenient for us! Which sometimes means my kids do schoolwork on snow days or holidays. Or, we take off a random day to work on house projects.

The weather has turned pretty cold in Colorado. It seems like it is pitch black before 6PM. Today the sun is out, and my kids are currently running and riding bikes. Have we done much school? Nope. We read books earlier this morning, but that's it. They are aware that later this afternoon we'll hit the books, but right now--enjoy the sun while you can! We do something similar in the summer--play while it is cool in the mornings, learn in the afternoons when it is too hot outside.

I am the type of person who easily gets into a "get the work done first--play later" mode. I like to make my list, cross off the items, and then enjoy the rest of my day. I'm learning that sometimes life doesn't work that way, and if we are not flexible we'll miss great opportunities that God is giving us right now.

You know another great thing about homeschool? Learning happens ALL the time--even when we're not at the table. My kids just told me they spotted a hawk & they want to look it up in the bird book. We're studying birds in science right now, and they are fascinated with all the various kinds of birds that are in our neighborhood. They grab their field guide and sketchbook and off they go! My little Audubons. When we left public school for the final time, my son HATED school. My husband and I knew that one of our goals had to be re-instilling a love for learning with him. I love seeing his eyes get wide with excitement over something we're studying. It may not officially be a science day on our schedule, but that hawk is here right now. Good thing I'm learning to be flexible.

Parasite Cleanse Day 2

Breakfast

Pumpkin-cranberry baked oatmeal

Scrambled eggs

Herbal tea

Lunch

Beef franks

Snap peas

Carrots

Blackberries

I had an apple

Dinner

Black bean and corn stew

GF, SF, DF cornbread

Green salad

The kids are managing the no sugar thing well. I made some hot cocoa last night. Being that stevia was the only sweetener it was a bit intense. Everyone liked it except for our little girl. She's very much looking forward to the treats she knows are coming with her birthday this weekend. I'm trying to keep her sugar desires in check. Not an easy task.

Since starting the detox two weeks ago, I've lost over 5 pounds. I wasn't aiming to lose weight, but it is a nice side effect. :)

De-tox & Cleanse Pt2

Today is day one of the parasite cleanse and the last day of the herbal detox. The herbal detox went well with only a couple cheats (mainly due to poor planning). I am pleased that I started the herbal detox prior to my family starting the parasite cleanse. This allowed me nearly 2 weeks to refine recipes, as well as to prepare my kiddos for the strict diet changes. I am surprised how well they adjusted to the meals I planned, and the idea that they wouldn't be having dessert for quite a while.
I didn't have to make crazy changes to most of our dinners. Breakfasts and lunches are a bit more of a challenge, but I think I've got some good ideas to get us through it.

Day One Parasite Cleanse Menu
Breakfast: Almond-Apple pancakes with almond butter and raspberry puree
Lunch: salad with carrots & bell peppers, boiled eggs, quinoa noodles, and anything else I can find in the bare cupboard (shopping day is coming)
Dinner: butternut squash soup and chicken apple sausages, green salad

Other meals coming up:
Black bean and corn stew
Roasted chicken
Tortilla chicken stew
Roasted sausages and vegetables
Cheeseless chicken enchiladas
Pumpkin polenta, chorizo & black beans
Almond & Raspberry sandwiches
Chicken lettuce wraps
Beef & butternut squash stew
Sweet potato & sausage hash
Pumpkin cranberry baked oatmeal
Zucchini chocolate bread
Cinnamon spice oatmeal pancakes