Get set, GO! Another school year under way already? Where did the summer go? The summer began with celebrating Phillip's 40th birthday by having an awesome surprise party for him. Then our summer was busy with the pool, waterpark, VBS, Charleston, Six Flags, museums, kayaking, nights spent with grandparents, friends spending nights with us, church camp, scout camp, 4th of July celebrations, family reunion, and much more!
What a blessing to be able to do so many things with friends and family, but alas, all good things must resume to some kind of normalcy around here. I miss my schedule, teaching the kids, projects, etc. What's in store for our 7th year of schooling?
We will be using My Father's World unit study once again. I know that the Lord has ordained this himself and I have no questions of using it. We are in the 4th year of the cycle and therefore will be learning about Exploration to 1850. I remember the first time I heard about MFW. I was at a mom's night out and we all were suppose to share what we were using. I heard about lots of good curriculum that night, but MFW stood out from all the rest. I like it because it's Bible based. The Hazel's focus on the Lord being at the head of homeschooling and it shows in the curriculum. I am also assured that when I purchase my curriculum from them that part of the funds go to Bible translation. Another great feature is that the planning has been done for me. I just need to read what I need to do and make sure I have the materials. Unit studies are great to use for moms with many children because most ages can benefit from the same lesson.
We don't do English and Math that MFW recommends. For English we use Rod and Staff and for Math we use Horizons. This will be the last year Michael uses Horizons because it only goes up to 6th grade. I'm considering Teaching Textbooks for next year.
What else will we be doing? Well, of course we have co-op classes, Michael has drum lessons and scouts. Madison will continue guitar lessons. The girls are interested in Girlscouts and as far as anything else we need to be in prayer about it. There are so many things for the kids to get exposed to. I never worry about socialization (that will be a different post altogether one day).
My Father's World Rod and Staff
Horizons
Monday, August 9, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
I Said I Wouldn't Do It
It's funny how you end up doing things that you had all intentions of NOT doing! Michael has a cell phone and even texting now. How did we get here?
A couple of years ago my mother bought Michael a phone because he walked his dog by himself at the edge of the woods. I was ok with that. Well, the other day he was going on a kayaking trip and it had been too long since we had put minutes on that little cell phone, so I ended up buying a Verizon pay as you go. Was this a big mistake? I don't know. Here is what has been happening around our house since then.
Michael enjoys texting family and some of his friends. If we continue to allow him to have the phone, someone has to pay at least $15.00 per month to keep it active. I don't want to pay it simply because I do not see a need for it right now. He is usually with us anyway. On the other side, I know he enjoys the phone alot. It makes for a great incentive to "act right." Then we have other issues to contend with. Guess who asked how old she has to be to get her own phone? Oh yes, Madison! Here we go. More expense and for what?
I know there is a day coming that he will need a phone. I thought that day would be when he starts driving but now I'm not so sure.
We will be praying about this situation for the next few days until it's time to add more minutes to the phone. Ahhh, the life of a parent.
A couple of years ago my mother bought Michael a phone because he walked his dog by himself at the edge of the woods. I was ok with that. Well, the other day he was going on a kayaking trip and it had been too long since we had put minutes on that little cell phone, so I ended up buying a Verizon pay as you go. Was this a big mistake? I don't know. Here is what has been happening around our house since then.
Michael enjoys texting family and some of his friends. If we continue to allow him to have the phone, someone has to pay at least $15.00 per month to keep it active. I don't want to pay it simply because I do not see a need for it right now. He is usually with us anyway. On the other side, I know he enjoys the phone alot. It makes for a great incentive to "act right." Then we have other issues to contend with. Guess who asked how old she has to be to get her own phone? Oh yes, Madison! Here we go. More expense and for what?
I know there is a day coming that he will need a phone. I thought that day would be when he starts driving but now I'm not so sure.
We will be praying about this situation for the next few days until it's time to add more minutes to the phone. Ahhh, the life of a parent.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
7th Year of Homeschooling
I am amazed at how the time has flown since that first day of schooling Michael in 2004. We have had our ups and downs, our trials, things that worked, and things that didn't. We have come a long way in our confidence, but by no means do we try to do it on our own. The first few years are so hard because you are trying to find what fits for YOUR family. What works for one child may not work for another. And if you are comparing your family to another, WATCH OUT!
I've learned that you set yourself up for a big fall if you look at other families. I know, I've done it. I have listened to what other families are doing and what kind of projects they have done. I start second guessing myself and wonder if we should be doing the same thing. The assurance of what we are doing dwindles and I slowly fall in to a pit of misery. I start feeling that I am failing my kids somehow. How do I keep from not feeling this way? I cling to the hope of knowing God is showing us what's right for our family. We are all different and we have different needs, wants, talents, desires, and lives.
I believe a big part of knowing what is right for each child is exposing them to different things. They are young and can experiment to see what their interests are. I believe we are getting there with our children. Believe it or not, Michael is not playing football this year. He chose scouts because he felt like he would miss important meetings if he was playing football. It's a little sad for me, but this is the path that he has chosen.
We are blessed to be able to teach our kids at home. I've said it before, we don't see it as a sacrifice. What we do is what God wants our family to do. It's a comfort to be in God's will and know it! By no means have we perfected what we are doing. We still struggle from time to time. There are hard aches. When people ask me if homeschooling is easy, I tell them the truth. Of course it's not easy, but it's full filling to know that we are in the center of God's will.
It's exciting to be starting a new year. A fresh beginning. New books, school supplies, and new grades to teach. What a privilege it is to be able to guide our children in to a world of knowledge with the Lord at the forefront of all we do.
I've learned that you set yourself up for a big fall if you look at other families. I know, I've done it. I have listened to what other families are doing and what kind of projects they have done. I start second guessing myself and wonder if we should be doing the same thing. The assurance of what we are doing dwindles and I slowly fall in to a pit of misery. I start feeling that I am failing my kids somehow. How do I keep from not feeling this way? I cling to the hope of knowing God is showing us what's right for our family. We are all different and we have different needs, wants, talents, desires, and lives.
I believe a big part of knowing what is right for each child is exposing them to different things. They are young and can experiment to see what their interests are. I believe we are getting there with our children. Believe it or not, Michael is not playing football this year. He chose scouts because he felt like he would miss important meetings if he was playing football. It's a little sad for me, but this is the path that he has chosen.
We are blessed to be able to teach our kids at home. I've said it before, we don't see it as a sacrifice. What we do is what God wants our family to do. It's a comfort to be in God's will and know it! By no means have we perfected what we are doing. We still struggle from time to time. There are hard aches. When people ask me if homeschooling is easy, I tell them the truth. Of course it's not easy, but it's full filling to know that we are in the center of God's will.
It's exciting to be starting a new year. A fresh beginning. New books, school supplies, and new grades to teach. What a privilege it is to be able to guide our children in to a world of knowledge with the Lord at the forefront of all we do.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
I'm back
Yes, it's been awhile, hasn't it? Having my blog up for invitation only didn't seem to work well, but to be honest I haven't felt like blogging either. I'm back to it (for now). I thought I would focus more on HOW we live more than just what is going on in our family. I feel that I may be able to help someone more if I post about how we live our lives and how God continues to bless us as we do so.
Like a previous co-worker reminded me, it's not the product but the process. This statement was about crafts, but I believe we can use it for our life also. The process of our lives. We learn from our lives, even small things that arise throughout our days that impact us so much (and at the time we do not realize it). How we deal with everyday issues, what our responses are, and how we allow the Lord to work things out instead of us working it out ourselves. Isn't that what he said to do?
Romans 12:1-3
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
IT'S REALLY NOT ABOUT US, IS IT? :-)
Like a previous co-worker reminded me, it's not the product but the process. This statement was about crafts, but I believe we can use it for our life also. The process of our lives. We learn from our lives, even small things that arise throughout our days that impact us so much (and at the time we do not realize it). How we deal with everyday issues, what our responses are, and how we allow the Lord to work things out instead of us working it out ourselves. Isn't that what he said to do?
Romans 12:1-3
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
IT'S REALLY NOT ABOUT US, IS IT? :-)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
A Distracting Week
We left last Wednesday and went camping for a few days. We had such a relaxing time of riding bikes and playing at the beach. When we came home everything changed drastically. It's amazing how one thing can turn my whole life upside down in a matter of seconds.
I have been so busy with what needs to be done that I don't think I have cooked in about 2 weeks. The house has not been cleaned, and I have definitely let the kids take care of themselves for the most part. In dealing with unexpected issues in life, I have put so many things on the back burner. I'm hoping I can get things straight and get back on track this week. Summer is suppose to be fun!
I don't watch the news much because I let it drag me down and I start dwelling on the bad things in this world. Well, this week the bad things in this world has hit me slap in the face full force. There was no way around this one and my eyes were opened to reality. Yes, you hear things, but when it comes right in to your own yard it's another story. Words can not describe how I feel about the sin that is going on around me. I am amazed at how people will allow Satan to rule their life and also allow him to rule their children's lives. I am shocked in how people live, but at the same time I am comforted in knowing that I serve a mighty God. I am comforted in knowing the battle is already won and that the battle that we fight is not our own.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
I have been so busy with what needs to be done that I don't think I have cooked in about 2 weeks. The house has not been cleaned, and I have definitely let the kids take care of themselves for the most part. In dealing with unexpected issues in life, I have put so many things on the back burner. I'm hoping I can get things straight and get back on track this week. Summer is suppose to be fun!
I don't watch the news much because I let it drag me down and I start dwelling on the bad things in this world. Well, this week the bad things in this world has hit me slap in the face full force. There was no way around this one and my eyes were opened to reality. Yes, you hear things, but when it comes right in to your own yard it's another story. Words can not describe how I feel about the sin that is going on around me. I am amazed at how people will allow Satan to rule their life and also allow him to rule their children's lives. I am shocked in how people live, but at the same time I am comforted in knowing that I serve a mighty God. I am comforted in knowing the battle is already won and that the battle that we fight is not our own.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Madison
Madison had a great time at her dance recital in May. She and the other girls did an awesome job! Friday, May 7, 2010
2 WEEKS LEFT!
I'm sure I'm the only one who is ready for summer, right? The countdown is on and I have plans for MY summer. Yes, I said MY MY MY summer. I enjoy my kids and doing things with them, however I am going to take time for me and hopefully "let loose" a little. I don't really know how to describe it, but I'm ready for some F U N. I think I have forgotten how to really enjoy life unless it's about the kids. Now don't get me wrong, I love my life, but there are things that I have put on the back burner and I'm ready to pick them up again. For some reason fellowship (notice I stated fellowship, not partying) with dear friends is one thing I want to concentrate more on. I don't know if it's the fact that 40 years is nipping at my heels or what. There are precious people that have been in my life for years that I haven't really talked to and I miss them. Another thing I have in mind is to organize those pictures and put them in photo albums. I have been saying this for at least 2 years now and unfortunately very little progress has been made. I did so well years ago when I didn't scrapbook. I took up scrapbooking and left those precious memories in envelopes to be worked with, however I found out I scrapbook slower than I take pictures. I don't scrapbook much at all anymore, but I love it when I do. I am really really going to try and put the pictures in albums and when I can scrapbook them I will take them out.
Other than taking a couple of mini vacations this year, and hopefully hanging by the pool, I think that's about all I have in mind for MYSELF at least. What's your plans?
Other than taking a couple of mini vacations this year, and hopefully hanging by the pool, I think that's about all I have in mind for MYSELF at least. What's your plans?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)