Happy Homeschool

So, last week we officially started our school year. I always start nice and easy then move into the more full schedule the second and third week of the new school year.  I usually post what I'm doing for the new year before I start but this year I thought I'd shake things up some...and do it after we started school. Really, it hasn't nothing to do with the fact I wasn't sure what I was doing this year, really.

So here it is, this years curriculum plan:

Jacob: Teaching Textbooks 5, Jr. Analytical Grammar, Spelling Wisdom Book 1 (Middle of book)

Luke: Teaching Textbooks 4, Language Lessons for the Very Young 2, Spelling Wisdom Book 1

Laura: Teaching Textbooks 3, Language Lessons for the Very Young 2, Spelling Wisdom Book 1

Grace: Math U See Primer, Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons, Read Aloud time w/mommy, math and reading apps on tablet

Boys: Christian Manhood with Dad

Girls: Little Lady series with mom

All together: *Bible Memory, *2012 Election Unit Study, *Mystery of History VL. 1, *copywork, *hymn study, *artist study *Science Unit Studies (September- Autumn Treasures, October- Horses & Weather, November/December- Birds, January/February/March- All About Bugs, April/May/June- Mammals)Eco-Systems (make terrariums)

Extra Unit Studies:September~ 9/11 mini study, November~  Veteran's Day Book (older 3) & Veterans Day mini book (Grace), Final 25 Days of Thanksgiving(older 3) & Thanksgiving Week (Grace), December~ Christmas (Amanda Bennet Unit Study), January~ Famous Black Inventors, February~ Presidentential Lapbook, March~ Easter (Amanda Bennet Unit Study), May~ Memorial Day unit study

Literature & Creative Writing: The older three will be reading various genres of books and keeping a journal on each book.  *Still working on different ideas for creative writing.*

The most Important thing I do is pray for each day, it sooo shows when I do not pray! After 17 years of homeschooling there is one thing I have learned: PRAY! Simple, I know. But oh, so true! It is the one thing that gives me patience, peace, patience, strength and patience (notice a theme?)

I take very seriously my job as mom, I nurture them, guide them, educate them and most importantly show them Jesus. I am the Jesus they see day in and day out. If He's real for me, He will be real for them. That's why it is so important to start my day with my Heavenly Father and to end it with Him too. I wish I was perfect in this area, but I so am not!!! :(  It is something I strive for though, to be close to Him on a daily basis.

I also know it is important to weave Christ throughout my school day, especially with my curriculum choices. No humanist slants here! No having to tell my children to just "ignore that paragraph" or just "skip that question." No government money buying my curriculum, just trusting God to provide.

I remember when I first started homeschooling, how nervous I was. As I look over my year plan, I have to laugh, I used to think women who homeschooled "eclectic" were crazy. Guess I'm crazy now. LOL!

Instead of describing this summer I thought I'd share pictures instead.

Now, onto fall and school.

Ok, so summer is my LEAST favorite time of the year. BUT, there is one day that makes having summer worth it, Independence Day! I love this holiday, I love the fact that we take time to remember the birth of our country, remember all that our forefathers gave up for our freedoms and remember God's providence in it all. And yes, the family and friends time together too. It is strictly an American holiday, I love that!

Flag raising ceremony at our church (Central Valley Baptist Church)

Love our country Sunday at Central Valley Baptist Church

Some of our heroes raising "Old Glory"

My daughters Sunday School class waving their flags and their little book of the Constitution & Declaration of Independence









I know, it's been quite some time since I've blogged. It's just been a busy and emotional few months. The main thing that has happened is our oldest son graduated from West Coast Baptist College. He was home for about three weeks then moved to Surrey, BC, Canada where he'll be on staff at Grace Baptist Church for the next two years. Bittersweet for sure. :-)  He truly has a heart for God.

Our second son is in New Jersey serving with the Jewish Restoration Ministries this summer. He could use your prayers, actually all the young people serving in this ministry could use your prayers. Brett will be a junior at WCBC when school starts up in September. We are so proud of him and his heart for the things of God. Mel and I are so blessed to have the children we have.

The younger four are enjoying their semi-summer. We have a very relaxed summer schedule: math, reading and the occasional activity/project. We don't do school everyday, more like 3 days a week unless something comes up (going to the lake, beach, mountains, camping, VBS, etc...)

The Taylor Six at WCBC





Jacob and Luke were baptized last month, Jacob was saved about a year ago and Luke was saved about a year and a half ago. Watching your children trust Christ as their Savior, grow and begin to have a servants heart is such a humbling thing. God is so good to us, so much more than we deserve!



  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.  3 John 1:4