Well, it's been quite awhile since I've blogged. We've just been plugging along...family, school, church, life. The children are doing well  with their school work, Grace is doing good with her studies. Phonics and reading are starting to click with her, YAY! Her language skills are getting better and better. The other three are really learning and growing in so many ways, I am so proud of my children. I am truly one blessed mom!



The beginning of April my family had a family reunion of sorts to remember my nanny (grandmother). It was the first time in over a decade we had all gotten together. We have a rather large family that are spread all over the country, so to get together is virtually impossible. It was a truly blessed time.

"Cousins"

Nanny & Grandad

a.k.a. Sophie & Frank

Love and miss you both more than words can say.

I thought I'd share one of my favorite Christmas comics:

Hope you're enjoying this time of the year rather than stressing out!!!

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.