Traveling Season - Dallas

I love going on road trips.  I can remember only a few trips as a kid.  A few camping, and one trip with my grandparents.  We drove from Houston to Washington state, with lots of stops in between, including the Grand Canyon.  I was 15 when we made this trip.

For many years, Hubby and I have said "one day."  "When the baby is older."  "When the kids can really appreciate it."  Why wait?!  They may not fully understand, or get everything out of it, but they will get something out of every experience.

Typically we take a trip in late June/ early July.  This trip is a mission trip to Oklahoma to help with tornado clean up.  I like to find a way to give back.  What better way to see the country than to help our neighbors!?

To start off our summer we went to Dallas this weekend.  This was just a fun trip.  No serving.  Just playing.  We had a free trip to Great Wolf Lodge and the last day of co-op was something to celebrate!  Great Wolf sounded like just the place to celebrate!

Wednesday: A bit of sleep first thing in the morning.  We don't get a lot of sleep in days, but I let the kids sleep until 8.  After morning chores were finished, we had a quick breakfast and got in the truck by 10 am.  Dallas is only 4- 4 1/2 hours away, so we shouldn't need to stop more than once.  My kids have always been good travelers.  The sit and read books (I LOVE the kindle.  300+ books in one small space) or play car games.  About the time we got to Ennis it was time for a potty break.  Then the last part of the trip was quick.  We got to our destination about 3 pm and were able to check in early.  After just 30 minutes, we had the truck unloaded and everyone dressed for swimming.

If you have never been here, you have GOT to go.  Even if it is just once.  We went December 2012 for our Christmas trip.  The water park is always 84 degrees and even in December, it was pleasant.  This time, it is much warmer out, but the outside portion of the water park was still closed :(  That's ok!  It is not at all crowded!  Since the water park is open until 9 pm, we stayed in the water until 9.  Just because we could.  The kids love the five tall slides more than anything else.  Crooked Creek (or the lazy river) runs a really close second, followed by the wave pool.  We have never had a reason to check out the baby area, but it is always full of little ones.


Thursday:  Sleep in day.  We don't sleep in often, so the older kids take full advantage of sleep in days.  Today we slept in until 8:30.  Baby Girl and I were already awake and reading (I can't sleep past 6:30/7).  After everyone woke up, filled their bellies and got dressed (bring an extra swim suit!  It is no fun putting on a cold, damp suit at 9:30 am!) we went back to the water park.  There are SOO many other thing to do here:

MagiQuest $
Compass Quest $
Shadow Quest $
Gift Store $-$$
Scoops - kids spa $$-$$$
Elements - Adult spa $$-$$$
Cub Club - design a bag, pillowcase or t-shirt $
Arcade $-$$
Creation Station - Like build a bear $$
XD Theater $
Lazer Frenzy - lazer maze $

If you plan to do the above activities, get a paw pass, it will save you a lot of money.
Also, they have (my kids have outgrown)

Story Time
Wold Walk - nature walk around the hotel
The Great Clock Tower Show

We had planned to not do the other things on this trip.  It was a short trip (1 half day, 1 full day and 1 day to pack and leave), so I wanted to make sure they got the most out of the water park.  We did the other things last time, when we were there for a week.

Around 1 everyone was hungry.  While there is a great restaurant on site, and several snack bars, we are on a tight budget right now.  There are 3 other trip coming up!  We just left for a bit and went to cici's pizza.  It's only a few minutes down the road and we were all able to fill up for under $20 (moms rule is no soda when we eat out.  It nearly doubles the bill!)

When we got back we took a rest time and then got back in the water until 8pm.  By then we were all exhausted.  I really enjoy bringing the kids here.  They have so much fun, and get totally worn out.

Friday:  No time to play, just pack.  We could do a late check out, but with a four hour drive home I would rather not.  Besides, I had some fun things to do on the way back.



After we pack up, it's time to hit downtown Dallas.  We have been through Dallas quite a few times, just never stopped to look around.  Our first stop was to ride the trolley.  It was not the highlight of Big Boys day, but it was a nice way to see the area without hitting anyone, without walking 15 miles, and without missing everything between red lights.


After the trolley ride, we were running short on time, so we walked to Thanksgiving square (on the way to the truck anyhow).  The museum itself was nice.  Simple, but interesting.  We never made it inside the chapel because we didn't want to interrupt the muslum service that was going on.

That's ok.  The kids found more interest in the pigeons outside anyhow.  After the girls fed the birds the remains of their sandwich, they found out that if they sit still, and simply raise their arms out to the sides (like a T), then the birds will land on their arms, hands and head.  It was so funny to watch my bird ladies in training!

We took way too much time on the trolley and playing with birds that it was now time to go :(  I wanted to see the bridge  and do a few other things.  Oh well.  Next time.  I will plan ahead a little better next time.

Galveston turtle rescue

Another joy of home schooling.  My son took a marine biology class for science at co op this year.  It wan't his favorite class - just because he 'will never use it.'  The girls were totally jealous because they are both saying they want to be a vet (last year it was a cheerleader, you know how it goes).  

One of the projects they were supposed to do is take photos of gulf coast marine life, identify it, and put it together in a presentation, and tell the class about it.  They were to identify five of each; plants, water creatures (like fish and crabs) and birds. 

As a class, all the students went to Galveston and found a lot of things to photograph.  Of course, depending on the student and their interests, they all had different things in their presentations.  

Depending on the day, time, and weather will determine what you see in and around Galveston.  Last year for a different science project we went to four different waterways to find bird photos.  We live near a bird sanctuary.  We barely made the deadline because of the cool weather.  

On a cold February day, I took my three children and two of my sons classmates to Galveston.  They had another four or five weeks to work on this project, but this was a great excuse to go to the NOAA turtle rescue.  I have been wanting to go here for so long!

The tour started in a classroom setting.  We watched a slideshow that talked about the different types of turtles in the world, which ones are found in Galveston.  There was some really interesting info on where they live, how to protect them, coral reefs (in Galveston!), and the lives of turtles.  I was very proud of my little group - they were able to answer every single question asked by the presenters.

After this we went to see the turtles.  On the way we got to see a fish net that has been developed to keep turtles safe.  Here you see one of the girls acting like a turtle and crawling through the net, and out the turtle escape (Turtle excluder Device - aka the TED).  Once we got to the turtle building we were able to wander for nearly twenty minutes and just look at all the marine life.  There were over 100 Kemps Ridley turtles in this building.

After getting lots of photos, I took the kids across the ferry to Boliver Peninsula.  The boys found nearly all the photos they needed. Pelicans, cattails, jelly fish, barnacles...... Not a good day for birds, we only saw seagulls and pelicans, but we got a few photos of a pod of dolphins!  There were 3 adults and a few babies.  We often see dolphins in this area, sometimes sharks and once I saw hundreds of jellyfish.

If you are in the area, this is such a fantastic place to visit.  The tour is free, but they only do this on Thursdays.  You must schedule the tour ahead of time.  Check the website, there is some great info to prepare you for your visit, or if you are no where near Galveston, it is a great source of information on some of the Gulf wildlife.

.

flag wreath

While I was at Dollar Tree getting materials to make a Flip flop wreath, I figured I also needed one for the Flag holidays coming up..... Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4th......

This was another really easy project.

I started with a Styrofoam wreath thing, some garland, a red, white and blue decoration and about a dozen little flags.  I already had the foam (Walmart), but the rest was all from the dollar store.

I started with wrapping the garland around the foam.  I should have bought two garlands, but, having never done this before - it was trial and error.

Then I used a flag to mark holes - equal distances apart - along the area of foam that was not covered with garland.

Using my faithful glue gun, I filled the holes with hot glue - so the flags would not move - and quickly stuck the flags into the holes.

I finished off the wreath with the bells at the bottom and one more (larger) flag in the middle, just to cover any remaining foam.

Since I still have about half a dozen little flags left, I wonder what else I can make?!

Banana oatmeal muffins

My kids love to eat bananas.  The day I buy them.  Then the rest of the bunch sits on the counter until Mom puts the remainder of the now too brown to eat yellow floating fruit into the freezer.  There it sits until I have time for banana bread.  Which also ends up sliced and in the freezer.

That was so last week.  While cleaning out the freezer I found 7 bananas that had to go.  I hate throwing them in the trash, so I looked on Pinterest and found a yummy, low sugar recipe.  


Hubby and Big Girl are both pre-diabetic, so we are carefully watching sugars (natural sugar, processed sugar, carbs.....  woah!  so much to think about!)

I made the recipe as is the first time.  There was one muffin left over.  They were so good!  This morning I made two more batches, with the intent to freeze some for later. I got 12 to freeze (out of nearly 36!).  Now I am thinking that I need to go get more bananas.

I changed the recipe a bit from the original.  You may be able to see that it is a fairly forgiving recipe that can be 'enhanced' to your personal preference if you don’t like or don’t have something on hand.  Just the way that I did!  Also, there are some things that I just don't like to measure; honey and peanut butter are two of those things (no pb in this one).  I just feel like so much gets wasted on the measuring device that I just 'eye-ball it.'

When you see that the recipe calls for dried fruit, you can use most any dried fruit that you like.  I used mixed fruit with apricots, plums (aka prunes - just don't tell the kids) and apples, along with raisins, craisins and pomegranate crasins.  I used kitchen scissors to cut up the apricots, plums and apples to roughly the size of raisins. The flavors mixed very nicely.  We want to try blueberries with the apples and craisins next time.

Learn from my example:  Do not top your muffin with anything except raisins or craisins.  The other fruits will burn.  I don't know why the raisins/craisins didn't, but trust me, charred apples and apricots did not go over well.

Makes 12 -14 muffins

Ingredients:

3/4 cup dried fruit
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ (if you don't want to use this, just use more flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup water
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
2 mashed, overly rip bananas

Toppings:

sunflower seeds
slivered almonds
raisins or craisins to top the muffins
Dry or toasted oats

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 380 - if your oven is like mine and you can't find exactly 380 (weird number, I know), then just get it close.  Line your muffin tin.

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Add in brown sugar and whisk to mix the dry ingredients together.  Set aside

In a cup or small bowl, combine the oats and milk.  Set aside

In a medium/small bowl beat the egg.  Add in the oil.  Beat well.  Add in the applesauce, honey and banana.  Mix well.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the well.  Using a rubber spatula, gold the flour into the center until all the combined with no trace of flour.

Next, fold in the oat and water mixture.  Add the dried fruit.  Fold until just mixed.  do not over mix.

Spoon the batter in to the muffin tin. Fill the liners 75-80% full.  Sprinkle some slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, raisins, craisins, or dry oats on top (or use them all!)

Bake at 380 for 10 minutes.  Then reduce the temperature to 350 for another 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy!

Packing and traveling

Summer is here and we will be traveling a lot.  Traveling with my kids is a pleasure.  They are good travelers.  However, my Baby Girl is messy.  Everything about her is messy.  I love that about her, but when we have very limited space, we have to work extra hard to keep her (and her things) contained.

I have found several suggestions on how to keep organized while traveling.  The way we pack, is the way we have been packing for years.  I did find it on Pinterest :)

I like this method for multiple reasons.

1)  It is so simple that anyone, even Dad can help get the kids ready in the morning.

2)  I know what is still clean and what is dirty at the end of the trip (clean ones are still in the bag, dirty ones are out of the bag)

3) all parts of the outfit are together so there is not a shortage of panties or socks.

4) For the girls, if we bring any accessories (belt, jewelry) they are included in the bag

5) The bags are labeled with the days of the week.  This is so that if we have a specific outfit for a specific day it will not be worn on the wrong day.

6)  There is a bag for everything - 1 bag for each day we are gone, one for night clothes, one for swimsuits and even a bag with just extra socks and panties (just in case)

7)  Nothing is forgotten.  Little things go back into the bag.  Sometimes we put the dirty clothes in the bag, just to keep them contained.  Then I just wash everything when we get back.

For Big Boy and myself, we use the 2 1/2 gallon sized bags.  Jeans are so thick when folded that they won't fit into anything smaller.  For the girls, we use gallon sized bags.  You can see on the left  - in the suitcase - there is a bag with pjs, extra socks and panties (quart sized bag) and a swimsuit .   On the right there are 4 complete outfits.  The bottom right is church clothes.  We know they wont be worn on the wrong day :)  

The sharpie has been rubbed off after all the uses these bags have been through, but Baby Girl is now 10 and that's a minor detail at this point.  When she was younger we made sure the days of the week were clearly visible.

Flip flop wreath

So I saw this Pin.......  It seems like all my conversations are starting that way these days...... and thought "I can do that!"

After Christmas, I need something cute to dress up my front door.  What better than a wreath made out of flip flops?  We don't wear them, but there are some cute crafts using them.  Also, just seeing a flip flop makes you think of the pool, beach, summer, and warmer days.

I started with a scrap piece of cardboard.  Nothing fancy.  But I cut it big enough to support the flip flops.  It's not even round!

After a quick trip to Dollar Tree, I had 3 pair of adult flip flops and 2 pair of child size flips.  Armed with my glue gun and an idea, I just got started. I had only seen a photo, and figured I would use my imagination for the rest.

I started with putting the adult size flips in a circle around the card board.

Then a second layer to help cover the card board.

Then I noticed that it was uneven and I could still see the cardboard.  So I made another trip to the Dollar Tree.  This time I found cute patterns.  I also got two pair of goggles to decorate the wreath with.  Now I have 4 more pair of child size shoes.

Turns out I only needed 3 pair of adult flip flops and 4-5 pair of child size flip flops.  Definitely make sure that you play with the pattern and design before gluing anything down.  I am not patient, but this only took about an hour.  That was with an extra trip to the store!

Honoring our Heros

On the 4th of July we spend a lot of time honoring our fallen heroes.  Don't get me wrong, I think this is great.  What better way to celebrate our freedom than honoring those that help defend it?!  But, why do we wait until they are gone to honor them?  I know, I know there are parades and small ceremonies at events, but are they really honored at these?  It seems to me like they are recognized, but we don't spend much time thinking about what they have given.   What do YOU do to honor them?

There are several groups that do this every day.  If you Google "support our troops"  you will get over 27,000,000 hits.  Not all of them are credible organizations - so beware.  Wounded Warrior project is one of many that helps those who have been injured. I love what they do and how involved they are in every part of the soldiers lives when they come home.

Any soldier has volunteer Soldier "contacts" on the "Where To Send" page. They list what the folks they represent want and need. Click through the names and YOU select who YOU wish to support, then YOU send direct to them.  They have a unique search capability so you can easily identify what the troops need, who you wish to support, etc.

 Millions of times each year at hundreds of locations around the world, the USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families.  A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. The USO is not part of the U.S. government, but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO.

So, I ask again - what do you do?

When you see a soldier, how do you react?  Do you say anything? Do you do anything?  Do you pray for them immediately (not necessarily out loud with them, but at least quietly right then and there before you forget)?  Do you, in any way support them at least once a month?

I am not a soldier - I have a strong military heritage, as does my husband.  Hubby was a Marine and my son wants to be in the Air Force.  Any time we see a soldier out to eat, we immediately pay for his meal.  One time that meant that we didn't eat out (we waited until we got home - it was just jack in the box, it was ok :). 

We live right by an Air Force base, so it is not uncommon to see soldiers in the stores, banks, and restaurants.  I don't salute, I'm not a soldier, but I always like to be extra nice to them.  I have no idea what they are going through today.  I don't know if they just got back from another country.  I always try to thank them.  Nothing embarrassing, just respectful.  It's the least I can do.  I want to pay my respects now while these heroes walk among us, not at a memorial service. 

What do you do?

Bottled water

I have never been a big fan of bottled water.  I think it is over priced and the bottles are a waste.  Unfortunately, there are times when I leave my bottle at home (I have GOT to find a good one), or they are passed out wherever I go.  I also keep a case in my truck - just in case. 

Since I first got pregnant I have been extra sensitive to the 'stuff' in tap water.  I can smell the chlorine.  It is not appealing.  I typically use filtered water - no biggie.

Yesterday, while I was sitting at a stop light, I looked at the label of my bottle.  "Name brand."   It said that the water source was "Public water supply from Pasadena, TX"

Yuck!  They have some of the worst water in the area!  

Wait!  so you are now telling me that I just paid $3 for a case of tap water!?!?

Not just any tap water, the stuff I usually can't stand to drink!

I couldn't believe my eyes!  I will definitely be paying a LOT more attention to where my water comes from.  Better idea:  get that whole house water softener I have been wanting on this new house (should have taken it from the old house - it was expensive) and bottle my own!

I won't even  get into the other issues I have with bottled water. If you are interested, look at this video, or do a simple Google search.

Organized Homeschool Classroom - oxymoron

I originally found this on Pinterest - but I can no longer find this pin.  

I am cheap.  I admit it.  It is ok.  The original pinner used a cutesy folder and label maker.  I on the other hand knew that this was a 'rough draft,' and didn't want to use a $5 folder for the first try.

First, decorate the folder.  Not necessary, just because girls like it cute.  This is the backside of the folder.

This is just a cheap manila folder that I had in the classroom

I printed all the classes, and glued the paper to the inside flap of the folder.  At the top of each flap is a piece of magnetic tape (with another strip on the other side too)

This is the front side of the folder.  You can see I have cut the front slightly shorter - not necessary to do.  I cut the folder into 9 equal strips, one for each subject.

Hanging on the wall.  As a subject is done for the day they can flip up that flap.  I have visual confirmation that Language is done and don't have to ask a hundred times if they finished or not.

Next time:  

1. I will not use a cute folder, the manila is just fine for me.  
2. I will not trim the top - it was unnecessary.  
3. I will also use Velcro instead of magnetic tape.  This is mostly because I am now out of magnetic tape and Velcro is super cheap.

Bacon pancakes

I found this recipe on Pinterest and just had to try it.  Without reading the actual 'recipe' I just went for it.  How hard could it be - really?

I used my griddle, just because I wasn't sure how it would work, and I wanted to make sure I had plenty of room.

Start by frying your bacon.

While your bacon is cooking, make your pancake batter.  

When you have a few pieces of bacon ready (or all of it), use a spoon, measuring cup or squeeze bottle and make a long bacon sized pancake.  Stick a piece of bacon on top and cover it with more batter.

Flip the pancakes over like you normally would.  I cut each slice of bacon in half so it was short.  This made it easier to flip the pancake.

Hubby was a bit skeptical at first, but he ate the most!

I didn't get any photos of the final product because, unlike regular pancakes, there were no leftovers!

Bacon pancakes were as easy to make as regular pancakes with a side of bacon.  This was just easier for our 'grab and run' morning this morning.

UPDATE:  After making these 3-4 times Codie had the idea of using crumbled bacon - so you have bacon in every bite.  PERFECT!  You also have more control over the side of the pancakes (sometimes I like little ones - not just big ones).  Since then, I cook the bacon, crumble it, then add it to the batter.  Total hit with ALL teens!

How Homeschoolers Measure up

Embed this infographic on your site!

HOMESCHOOLED: HOW AMERICAN HOMESCHOOLERS MEASURE UP

Once upon a time, all children were homeschooled. But around 150 years ago states started making public school mandatory and homeschooling eventually became illegal. It wasn't until the 90's that all states made it legal again. Today, with more than 2 million homeschoolers making up 4% of the school-aged population, it's the fastest growing form of education in the country.

HOMESCHOOL HISTORY

• 1840: 55% of children attended primary school while the rest were educated in the home or by tutors. 
• 1852: The "Common School" model became popular and Massachusetts became the first state to pass compulsory attendance law. Once compulsory attendance laws became effective, America eventually relied entirely on public and private schools for educating children. Homeschooling then became something only practiced by extremely rural families, and within Amish communities.
• 1870: All states had free primary schools.
• 1900: 34 states had compulsory attendance laws.
• 1910: 72% of children attended primary school.
• 1960: Educational reformers started questioning public schooling's methods and results.
• 1977: "Growing Without Schooling" magazine was published, marking a shift from trying to reform public education to abandoning it.
• 1980: Homeschooling was illegal in 30 states.
• 1983: Changes in tax law forced many Christian Schools to close which led to soaring homeschooling rates.
• 1993: Homeschooling become legal in all 50 states and saw annual growth rates of 15-20%.

Today:
32 states and Washington D.C. offer Virtual Public Schools - free education over the internet to homeschooling families: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia (DC), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
4 States offer tax credits for homeschooling families: Iowa, Arizona, Minnesota, Illinois.
10 States don't require notification of homeschooling: Alaska, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut.
14 States require notification of homeschooling: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Delaware.
20 States and D.C. require notification of homeschooling, test scores and/or professional evaluation of students: Washington, Oregon, Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, New Hampshire, Maine, D.C., Hawaii.
6 States require notification of homeschooling, test scores and/or professional evaluation of students; plus other requirements like curriculum approval, parent qualification, home visits by state officials: North Dakota, Pensilvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rode Island.
No Federal help is available to homeschooling families yet. The IRS says that homeschooling costs "are nondeductible personal, living, or family expenses."

HOMESCHOOL GROWTH

Home schooling is the fastest growing form of education in the country.

• 1999: 850,000 homeschoolers (1.7% of the school-aged population)
• 2003: 1.1 million homeschoolers (2.2% of the school-aged population)
• 2007: 1.5 million homeschoolers (2.9% of the school-aged population)
• 2010: 2.04 million homeschoolers (4% of the school-aged population)
• From 2007- 2009 home-schoolers increased ate a rate of 7%/year
• From 2007- 2009 public-schoolers increased at a rate of 1%/year

HOMESCHOOL PARENTS

Education Level of Homeschooling Parents (Fathers/Mothers)

• No High School Degree: 1.4% / 0.5%
• High School Degree: 8.4% / 7.5%
• Some College: 15.4% / 18.7%
• Associate's Degree: 8.6% / 10.8%
• Bachelor's Degree: 37.6% / 48.4%
• Master's Degree: 20% / 11.6%
• Doctorate Degree: 8.7% / 2.5%

Number of children in homeschooled families:

• 1 child: 6.6%
• 2 children: 25.3%
• 3 children: 26%
• 4-6 children: 35.9%
• 7+ children: 6.3%

Most important reasons parents say they homeschool their kids (students, ages 5-17, 2007):

• 36 %: To provide religious or moral instruction
• 21 % : Concern about the environment of other schools: safety, drugs, and negative peer pressure
• 17 %: Dissatisfaction with academic instruction at other schools
• 14 %: Unique Family Situation such as time, finances, travel, and distances
• 7 %: Nontraditional approach to child's education
• 4 %: Child has other special needs
• 2%: Child has a physical or mental health problem

HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS

Standardized achievement tests: On average, homeschoolers rank in at the 87th percentile. (Note: The 87th percentile is not the test score. It is the percent of students that scored lower... so, only 13% of students scored higher.)

• Boys: 87th
• Girls: 88th
• Reading: 89th
• Language: 84th
• Math: 84th
• Science: 86th
• Social Studies: 84th
• Core: 88th
• Parents income <$35,000: 85th
• Parents income $35,000-$70,000: 86th
• Parents income >$70,000: 89th
• Parents spend <$600/child/year: 86th
• Parents spend >$600/child/year: 89th
• Neither parent has a college degree: 83rd
• Either parent has a college degree: 86th
• Both parents have college degrees: 90th
• Neither parent has a teaching certificate: 87th
• Either Parent has a teaching certificate: 88th

Grade Placement compared to public schools:

• Behind: 5.4%
• On track: 69.8%
• Ahead: 24.5%

WHEN THEY GROW UP

Homeschooled Adults' Perception of Homeschooling
"I'm glad that I was homeschooled"

• Strongly Agree: 75.8%
• Agree: 19.4%
• Neither: 2.8%
• Disagree: 1.4%
• Strongly Disagree: 0.6%

"Homeschool gave me an advantage as an adult"

• Strongly Agree: 66.0%
• Agree: 26.4%
• Neither: 5.7%
• Disagree: 1.5%
• Strongly Disagree: 0.4%

"Homeschool limited my educational opportunities"

• Strongly Agree: 1.0%
• Agree: 4.2%
• Neither: 6.6%
• Disagree: 29.2%
• Strongly Disagree: 58.9%

"Homeschool limited my career choices"

• Strongly Agree: 0.9%
• Agree: 1.2%
• Neither: 3.9%
• Disagree: 18.8%
• Strongly Disagree: 75.3%

"I would homeschool my own children"

• Strongly Agree: 54.8%
• Agree: 27.3%
• Neither: 13.5%
• Disagree: 2.8%
• Strongly Disagree: 1.6%

Homeschooled / General Population

• Participate in an ongoing community service activity (71% / 37%)
• Consider politics and government too complicated to understand (4.2% / 35%)
• Read a book in the past six months? (98.5% / 69%)
• Continue on to college (74% / 49%)

"Taken all together, how would you say things are these days--would you say that you are ..."

• Very happy (58.9% / 27.6)
• Pretty happy (39.1% / 63%)
• Not too happy (2% / 9.4)

HOMESCHOOL COST

Average homeschool family spends $500/child/year.
The average public school spends $9,963 per child per year, not including capital expenditures or research and development.

Sources

http://www.synergyfield.com/homeschooling_parent/homeschooling/a-brief-history-of-american-homeschoolin/
http://www.education.com/reference/article/home-schooling1/
http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/christian-education/homeschool/homeschool-history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_education_in_the_United_States
http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/home-schooling/
http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009030.pdf
http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/ray2009/2009_Ray_StudyFINAL.pdf
http://www.hslda.org/docs/media/2009/200908100.asp
http://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/article/view/543/666
http://www.nheri.org/HomeschoolPopulationReport2010.pdf
http://blogs.christianpost.com/bright-ideas/home-schooling-state-laws-infographic-11302/
http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/HomeschoolingGrowsUp.pdf
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2903485/posts
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/advice/20041109a2.asp
http://www.hslda.org/earlyyears/Costs.asp
http://www.homeeddirectory.com/articles/1_feb10
http://www.k12.com/schools-programs/online-public-schools#.UfATehZdU6o
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/our-schools/availability.aspx