We're Back!

Well, it has been a while since I've written here. I dropped this humble blog back in February. That's about the time I began to feel overwhelmed with everything in our homeschool.  I should've known that eclectic is NOT my teaching style.  I lean heavily toward the Charlotte Mason method, but I cannot implement that on my own. Last school year looked NOTHING like Charlotte Mason. 

NOTHING. 

Having to make my own lesson plans and coming up with hands on activities by myself just isn't a skill I obtain. Needing to spend so much time and effort on schooling and carrying out these daily duties left me stressed out and no time to do much else, thus I dropped this blog. 

Hopefully this year will be different and go a bit more smoothly.  

I have chosen a "box curriculum" this time around that is Bible and Charlotte Mason based. Lesson plans and activities are already planned out. The only thing I had to do was find the cheapest place to purchase the books (used!) and then get them. The only thing I need to do now is make sure I have all the supplies necessary and re-organize the homeschool shelves. 

We have been doing light school work all through the summer, but not on a rigorous schedule. They wrote, whether copywork or handwriting practice, about 2-3 times per week and we chugged along slowly through our math program. They are always reading something. So we never stopped working, but it was reduced a lot. 

As soon as we get the last of our books/supplies and our shelf organized, we will start our new materials. That won't be until next month after Labor Day. That might be "late" in some people's book, but that's the beauty of homeschooling, right? No one says we have to start and stop at particular times. It is what it is and as long as my kids keep learning, discovering and developing, we're alright. 

I look forward to blogging again. Happy learning!

5 Random Things ~ Spelling, Nests, Hair, Treats, & Sewing

I've been having a problem keeping up with just about everything. Nonetheless, here's what we've been up to lately.

1. Spelling Fun
We have had so much fun studying our spelling words this school year. Our program has us studying our words in all different kinds of ways. The following are only a few.

Paint

Chenille stems (a.k.a. pipe cleaners)

Scrabble Apple

Shaving cream

2. Life Skills
Fridays have become learning through life skills and hands on activities for us. Last week we helped a friend clean up a yard and learned a bit about nature along the way!

Nests from 2 different kinds of birds

3. Haircut

I can't seem to leave my hair alone.

4. Treats

I made rice crispy treats for the boy choir for Jonathan's birthday. I made the bow ties out of card stock and attached them to the outside of the wrapping. These were just too cute, I had to share. (Tootin' my own horn) 

5. Sewing

I don't really know very much at all about sewing anything (I try) but I can at least get Adelle's badges and patches onto her AHG vest. 

Wait, did I just type all the words above the pictures? I don't usually do that.  I'm just off my rocker so far this year!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal ~ Feb. 7, 2017

In My Life

Oh dear. I have had some enormous child-raising trials lately that are teaching me to trust in the Lord more. I can see the huge amount of unbelief I still have. Oh, Lord, please help my unbelief!

What's Working/Not Working -or- In Our Homeschool

We have had a problem getting back on our schedule since the holidays. I don't know if it was all the staying up/sleeping in late or what, but we are just having the most difficult time getting back into the swing of things. Most days, we're on survival mode and getting by with just the 3 R's. At this rate, we'll be schooling through the summer to cover Science and History!  I've also had the most difficult time sleeping at night. I just can't get comfortable, tossing and turning all night.  *SIGH*

Still Purging

Ah, the sloooooow process of purging. It seems the more I purge, the more I have to purge. YIKES! Does anyone else have that problem? Can I just sweep all the stuff lying around into a big garbage bag and forget it all?

A New Goal
If you know me, you've seen my teeth and it is highly difficult to keep them clean, even with daily brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. My teeth, being so crowded and crooked, puts me at a higher risk for gum disease also. So, my dentist is going to work with me, financially, so I can get my teeth straightened, which will help me maintain healthier teeth and gums. My plan is to put money aside out of the household fund each pay period so I can give a good down payment at my next cleaning appointment in July. I also plan to have another garage sale this spring to raise money. Hopefully we'll be able to do this. 

We're Listening to

I bought another CD for the kids; Getty Kids Hymnal. What great music. I'm going to share a few reviews right from Amazon because they reflect how I feel about this album and I most certainly cannot express any better....

What we learn to music, especially when we are children stays with us all our lives. Even when we are old, it will not depart from us. How important, then, to learn life principles from the Word of God by singing them into our very souls when we are children. This is one of the best gifts we can ever give a child. What a great resource is this new Getty hymnal and CD for our kids and grandkids! ~ Gloria Gaither

It always makes me so happy whenever an artist writes for the most important, wonderful and discerning audience of all. The Getty's, our modern day hymn writers, have turned their great gift to write an album of songs filled with robust theology, great music, anthems all in the service of giving children hymns of their own. Wonderful feet-stomping truth to sing! (I have a feeling, as with most great writing for children, the adults will want to sing along too) ~Sally Lloyd-Jones

Rock-solid, yet oh so fun... wonderfully timeless, yet completely contemporary. It's the way I describe Keith and Kristyn's fabulous new project, The Getty's Kids Hymnal. I love their heart to help parents and children harmonize together in their worship of Jesus, using familiar hymns and new melodies with Spirit-blessed words. You just have to get a copy of this new book and CD for your kids. You'll be helping them sing great doctrine with joyous delight, creating melodies in their hearts that will last a lifetime. ~Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends Disability Center

A Prayer Request

This whole family of ours rises to anger far too quickly. This is most grievous to my husband and myself as we strive to live according to God's word and walk in His ways. We most certainly needs God's strength, grace and discipline to overcome. Please pray for us as we seek God's help in this area. 

A Song to Share
I came across this modern hymn. It is beautiful as can be and proclaims the gospel message so clearly. I just can't help but to share it!

Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery

Verse 1  
Come behold the wondrous mystery
In the dawning of the King
He the theme of heaven's praises
Robed in frail humanity
In our longing, in our darkness
Now the light of life has come
Look to Christ, who condescended
Took on flesh to ransom us

Verse 2
Come behold the wondrous mystery
He the perfect Son of Man
In His living, in His suffering
Never trace nor stain of sin
See the true and better Adam
Come to save the hell-bound man
Christ the great and sure fulfillment
Of the law; in Him we stand

Verse 3
Come behold the wondrous mystery
Christ the Lord upon the tree
In the stead of ruined sinners
Hangs the Lamb in victory
See the price of our redemption
See the Father's plan unfold
Bringing many sons to glory
Grace unmeasured, love untold

Verse 4
Come behold the wondrous mystery
Slain by death the God of life
But no grave could e'er restrain Him
Praise the Lord; He is alive!
What a foretaste of deliverance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when He comes

What a foretaste of deliverance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when He comes

~Matt Boswell, Michael Bleecker, Matt Papa
2013

100th Day of School

We have been counting the number of days we've been in school. We reached our 100th day last Friday and celebrated!

We started the day with some special pancakes.  I tried to make the digits of 100 stick all together, but that didn't work so well, so I made each digit separate.

Then the kids made paper hats to wear through out the day while they did school work. The hats say "I'm 100 days smarter!"

I "hid" 100 of these 100's around the house for Adelle and Jonathan to find throughout the day. After each subject, I set the timer for 1 minute and they had to find as many as they could. These were on walls, on the fridge, on the table and chairs, etc... A few weren't as easy to spot as others.  :-)

We ended the day making these tasty PB cookies.  (We don't make cookies very often.)

That was our 100th day of school. It wasn't a big bash, but just enough to make it special.

My 2017 Goals

In my last post, I mentioned that I stopped making New Year's resolutions because I've never kept them past January. Well, I have recently noticed that when I don't have any goals in place, I just float aimlessly through life. Nothing is intentional. Nothing is accomplished. This results in severely lacking in self-discipline, self-control and endurance. 

That is not a life that reflects God's glory. 

Not. 

At. 

All. 

I desire to do everything to the glory of God, in words, in thoughts, and in deeds.  (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17, 23-24) I have felt a deep conviction about my lack of living intentionally. Therefore, I have set some goals for myself for this new year.

1. Read the Bible more consistently.

This is first and foremost on my list. It is the most important activity of all. Reading the Bible is how we learn about God, it's where we learn to love and obey Him. Then we can witness and make disciples, which is what Jesus has commissioned us to do.

I learned of M'Cheyne's Bible reading calendar a couple of months back. This reading plan will take you through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in a year. One of the preachers my hubby and I listen to frequently said that we should write down what we don't understand, or questions that we have along the way. The Bible will answer our questions and our understanding will be enlightened in other passages of the Bible, through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

2. Eat healthy and be active. 

I have noticed in the past year that I feel exhausted all the time. I'm tired of that! I need to make a change right now.

About a month ago, I saw a Becky's Homestead youtube video titled "Why Am I Always Tired? Becky's Natural Cure".  She has some great, simple steps to begin eating better in order to feel better. This is a plan I know I can follow with some discipline.  I even made a Stop Feeling Exhausted All the Time poster to remind me what I'm supposed to be doing. 🙂

I have already doubled my water in-take and have begun to eat a few more veggies over the past couple of weeks and I can already tell a bit of a difference in my energy level.

Here is Becky's short video if you're interested to see what she has to say. This is so simple! And it's chemical-free, which is the way I want to go.

3. Serve Others
There are countless passages of Scripture in which the Lord tells us to serve others, to put their needs before our own. Jesus Himself showed us how to be a servant. This is what I want to do. I was never really taught how to be a servant and I don't quite know what to do. I know that I want my service to have eternal value, so I want our service projects to be more than just meeting physical needs. I will gladly welcome any idea anyone can shoot my way!

These are the goals I have placed for myself, not just because it's a new year, but because I already needed to make these changes.


Have a great 2017!!

Holly Jolly Christmas ~ 20 Questions

This is a little fun "video tag" that has been hopping around YouTube lately. I thought it would make a great blog post, so I stole the idea. 

I put a few of the youtube videos below where I first saw the video tags if you're interested. 

Ok, here are the questions.....

1. Favorite Christmas Movie?

It's just not Christmas without It's a Wonderful Life, The Bishop's Wife and Miracle on 34th Street - all of those being the old black and white versions.

2. Are you on the Naughty list or Nice list?

Uh, please define "naughty" and "nice".  🤔  Ha Ha

3. Show us an embarrassing Christmas card photo!

I don't have time to go digging around looking for one. I'm not sure I have one. 

4. Have you ever had a White Christmas?

Yes, when I was a kid. The older I got, the fewer they became, especially now that we live in the south. 

5. Where do you usually spend your holiday?

Since we moved down here, we usually go to my in-law's house. 

6. Play or Sing your favorite Christmas song!

This is a blog, so you're not going to hear me sing. However, Mary Did You Know is my favorite Christmas song. O Holy Night is a very very close 2nd.

You can see this post where I shared my favorite version of Mary Did You Know. Mark Lowry wrote the lyrics, Buddy Green set it to music.

7. Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
We don't exchange gifts at Christmas anymore (we do that at Thanksgiving now), but when we did, we didn't open any until Christmas morning. 

8. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? 
I usually have to sing the beginning of the Rudolf song to remember them..... Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen. Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Then Rudolf, of course!

9. What holiday tradition are you looking forward to most this year?
We look forward to ringing the Salvation Army bell each year since we started volunteering a few years ago. It's so much fun to belt out Christmas carols, smile big, and spreading Christmas cheer to all the people walking by. One time, I think it was last year, I even brought out my saxophone and played carols to a karaoke CD. That was so much fun!

10. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
We don't put up a tree anymore either, but when we did, it was fake most years. I can count on one hand the number of times we went to Christmas Tree Lane back home to chop (or saw) down our own tree.

11. Hands down, what's your all-time favorite holiday food and sweet treat?
Who can decide that? It's all so good! Having these foods and treats only once a year makes them all so special. 

12. Be Honest: Do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
A few years back, I would've said receiving gifts, but I have learned to be joyful in giving. I truly enjoy giving gifts and cards.

13. Show us your tackiest Christmas attire (ex: Ugly Sweater)
I don't have one. I never have and don't plan to get one. Sorry!

14. What would your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
I can't say I've ever thought about that before. My first response would be Hawaii, but now that I am thinking about it, I would have to say that I think that going to Israel during the Christmas season would be fabulous! 

I have been to Israel before and seeing all the places the Bible mentions has brought Bible reading to a whole new level. To visit all those places in Israel during the time we celebrate our Savior's birth would just be even more special!

15. Does your family have a special holiday recipe you like to help make?
No, not a specific recipe. However, we get pumpkins during the fall, usually in October, and we make our own pumpkin puree'. I look forward to making pumpkin recipes from real pumpkin during the holiday season.

16. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?
I'm not a pro at all, but I do ok as long as the gift is a perfect box shape. I cannot do odd-shaped gifts and we won't even begin to talk about bow-making. LOL

17. Mose memorable Holiday moment?
The first year Paul and I shared Christmas together as a couple (before we were married) when I had to have help using a crow bar to get my gift from him out of a wooden crate that he made! 

18. What made you realize the truth about Santa?
I don't really remember believing in Santa. My parents never made a big deal about it. Our kids know the truth about Santa too. They don't quite know what to say when adults ask them if they're ready for Santa. I think we need to work on that.

19. Do you make New Year's Resolutions? Do you stick to them?
I used to make resolutions, but not anymore. I never kept them, so I stopped making them.

20. What makes the holidays special for you?
Just spending time with family and friends whom I love. 

5 Random Things ~ Christmas Edition

1. Sibling LOVE

                    

This was part of the photo session we did for our Christmas card photo this year. With all their fussing, bickering and carrying on with each other, I am glad they really do love one another. And these pictures are the proof if they want to deny it! LOL


2. Snowman Tree

I was in my Dr.'s office recently and they had this tree on display in the waiting room. It was so stinkin' cute! 

If you don't know, I LLUUUUVV snowmen. I'm going to have to hit the store after Christmas and get one of these little table top trees (for half price!) and make a display in my house for the winter months. 

3. Ugly Sweaters

Now you can wear your ugly Christmas sweaters and eat them too!

I laughed when I saw this in the store a couple of weeks ago. I almost want to get one of these cookie kits. Let's start a new Christmas tradition! :-D


4. Upside Down Tree

My sister-in-law's fiance' put their tree upside down, attaching it to the ceiling. I'm not sure why he did that, but I think it's cool. I'm all about different.


5. What?

Can you read the words on that little manger scene? It says "Jesus is the Season... We are the reason."

I'm not sure about this one. I mean, it sounds good and all. Jesus did come to earth to die for our sins, but to say that we are the reason? Something about that just doesn't ring well with my spirit. 

What do you think?