New Year Resolutions

       Do you make resolutions? I think they're great if you're able to make small attainable goals and focus on progress instead of perfection. I stopped doing resolutions years ago. I'm not sure when, but I'm guessing it was probably when I was pregnant with Little Toughie. I knew there was no way I could commit to anything just a few months away from giving birth.

     When I think about resolutions for myself I try to think of something that's a little out of my comfort zone. I've made exercise and eating healthy (as much as I can...see below) part of my lifestyle since I enjoy both. I can't resolve to read more (I read 43 books last year...how much more can I read?) I declutter and clean on a regular basis (I have donation boxes sitting in my hallway).

     So, I try to do something different and creative. In 2020, since Little Toughie missed out on all the baking I used to do, I decided to bake a cake once a month. That became slightly challenging when everyone started stocking up on flour (I hope you're all expert bread bakers now)! Despite the empty shelves I was able to bake twelve cakes that year.

     Last year, I was going to do a Filipino dish every month, but if access to flour was troublesome in 2020, access to Filipino ingredients coupled with a shut down here and a shut down there made it practically impossible. Perhaps this year I'll try to post on the blog every couple of weeks. Or I'll actually edit one of the books I wrote for NaNoWrimo. Maybe I'll take an idea out of my Year of Prompts book once a week and let the creative writing juices flow. 

     I haven't decided on anything like that for this year but I can tell you that we've started 2022 diving into the New Testament as a family. Normally, I would purchase a devotional for each of us to start in the New Year but there was a disconnect that didn't sit well with me. If we're all reading different devotionals it makes it hard to discuss, share and dig deeper. We're starting with the NT because it always seems to fall by the wayside toward the end of the year once the holidays approach. I know mine and my family's weaknesses and our focus starts to slowly dwindle as soon as Thanksgiving dinner has been consumed.

     We're using the Bible Recap as our guide. We love it! Everyone does their reading on their own time, usually in the morning. We then make a point to listen to the corresponding podcast together either during or immediately after dinner. We're all enjoying it and The Principal and I love the commentary from the podcast. Very insightful!

     It's not too late to start. It never is. I once heard someone say that there a lot of Christians who are Biblically illiterate. They've either never read their Bible or they've only read bits and pieces. Or they've relied solely on their pastor, minister or priest to tell them what's in it and what it's about. As followers of Christ we need to understand His word in order to respond properly. We can't do that if we don't even read it! We won't know if what we're being taught is Biblical truth or someone pushing an agenda under the guise of God's word. Everyone wants their way, not God's way. If you read your Bible you'd know that God's ways are much, MUCH better.

So, start reading it. Especially now, when there is so much divisiveness...everywhere and in everything. Strive for progress, not perfection.

Year 8, Week 4: Bible

     Another week in the books!  Literally.  Sonlight is a literature based curriculum so we have A LOT of books.  I don't mind, though.  I love reading!  Sonlight is what we're using for our Bible, History, Science and Geography.  Today, I'm going to focus on our Bible studies.  We always start our day with our Bible readings/study and prayer.  It's an important part of our day; it's THE most important part of our day and I make a point to remind my kids to start their day with God.

My well-worn Bible

     In the past we've used Long Story Short:  10 Short Devotionals to Draw Your Family to God and Old Story New: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God.  While both books are family devotionals I decided to use them as our studies because the kids were still young when we started them and they had a lot of great questions to draw them out.  It opened plenty of great conversations as well.  It took us a little over 4 years for us to finish both books; we started Long Story Short in 2016 and made a point to only use it during the school year (we did something else during the summer breaks).  We completed Old Story New toward the end of 2019.  In January 2020 I purchased a devotional suited for each child and decided that our Bible studies would be based on our personal readings from the devotionals; sharing what we read and how it applied to our lives. 

     Now, with the new school year under way, we're using what Sonlight suggests which begins with reading Mark along with a smaller "field guide to the Bible" of sorts.  I say suggests because while it's in the schedule I don't necessarily have to follow it.  Frankly, I may change it up.  Both devotionals above were so thorough in drawing the kids out and helping them make connections that currently they seem a little...bored.  We've done an inductive study of Matthew and our church did the same through the book of Luke over the course the past year and a half.  So, I can see where reading Mark with very little discussion can seem monotonous.

     Recently, I happened upon a short video that touched on the failings of some youth ministries and it convinced me to take this opportunity of homeschooling to also instruct them on how to study their Bible.  Perhaps an exegetical study of Acts?  Or a shorter book since this is their first time doing it?

     I don't want to overwhelm them but I do want them to do more than just read the Bible.  Of course I want them to live it out as well, but they can't do that unless they know it well.  I want them to be equipped. to fully put on the armor of God.  And...I think I just answered my own questions.  I think a study of Ephesians 6:10-18 is what I'm looking for!  It's amazing how God works.  I'm sitting here typing this and when I typed the word equipped, God brought me to that scripture.

     I'll take some time over this holiday weekend to see how I can approach this, but as I sit here finishing up, I'm getting excited at the prospect of digging into the whys and hows of Ephesians 6:10-18.  Woohoo!

     Have a safe holiday weekend!

Kindergarten, Week 34 and Spring Break

     Oh, goodness!  Two more school weeks and we will be done.  I read through bits of the beginning of this blog and saw how much time I had early on to even write about things outside of our curriculum, but still part of our homeschool.  Not so much as the year is coming to an end.  The last 3 months have been inundated with activities and appointments for both kids and meetings for me.  It's been one thing after another and my documenting duties have fallen to the bottom of my to-do list.

     I'm okay with that.  I know I can't do it all (as much as I try to), but I do what matters first.  I'm called to carry on the work that God has began in me and it is my duty to pass that on to my kids.  If I don't get to blog because my Little Toughie asks questions about the Bible story we're reading and we spend more time than expected in discussion, then I'm okay with that.  If I have to condense two weeks of writing because my kids are enjoying the sunshine while playing with their friends, exhibiting kindness and patience, then I'm okay with that.  While this started as a blog to document (as much as possible) our first year of homeschooling, it has helped to serve as reminder that at the center of it all is our Lord and Savior.  In all things, He comes first.

     In Week 34 we began reading about the Apostle Paul (my favorite).  We have a map that traces all of his missionary routes so we used it while reading how Paul shared the Gospel from one city to the next.  While listening to one of my favorite worship songs ("Redeemed") the lyrics, "I'm not who I used to be" played.  My daughter yelled out, "Like Paul!"  She knows the story of how and why Saul became Paul.  This was first introduced to her last year during VBS; when Paul and the work he did in Athens was the focus.  I'm so happy that it has stuck with her!

     We also began a new book, Dolphin Treasure.  We read Dolphin Adventure in Week 4.  My son was still on Summer Break at that point, so he was able to hear that story.  Dolphin Treasure is a another story by Wayne Grover in which he shares his experience with the same dolphin from Dolphin Adventure.  My daughter was delighted to hear that the dolphin was still around.  She has such a heart for animals and the homeless.

     A couple of months ago we found some toadstools growing around our tree (I learned that this is a sign that our grass is too wet, which makes sense since they started popping up after we had a lot of rain.)  My daughter knows these are not edible and that some mushrooms are poisonous.  This prompted her to start pulling them and tossing them in the compost bin because (and I'm quoting her), "I don't want the homeless people to think it's food and eat it and die."  This is also why every month we prepare two care packages to pass out.

     When this week concluded we began our Spring Break.  My Little Toughie wanted to share the same Spring Break week as her big brother.  Unfortunately, Spring Break kicked off with a 4 a.m. trip to the airport.  My husband was gone all week on business.  Of course, since my timing is impeccable, I started to feel sick once we got home for our early excursion.  My head started throbbing and I started to sniffle.  By the time evening came around I was fully congested and exhausted.  I did all the things I knew to do (for myself) to get better quickly and by Wednesday I was feeling halfway decent.  We even made chocolate chip cookies for a playdate later that day.

     These aren't Paleo, but it's been a very long time since I've made chocolate chip cookies, Paleo or otherwise, and my kids really wanted to make something for their friends.  We still have a batch waiting in the freezer, ready to go for when the call for cookies come!

     My sister and nephew visited and luckily I was feeling better.  Not as energetic, but at least I wasn't stuffy anymore.  It was a wonderful visit and I'm glad my husband got back safely and in time to spend a couple of days with them as well.

     That wraps up the last two weeks.  Week 35 is just around the corner!

Kindergarten, Weeks 31 and 32

     I'm seeing a pattern in these last few weeks of school.  Do you see it?  I have so many things going on at once (not intentionally) that I haven't had the time to sit and write every week.  I'm having to catch up and summarize two weeks instead of one!

     Let's start with Week 31, shall we?  We continued our reading of Dr. Doolittle (LOVE it) and can't wait to finish it.  My husband just told me that there's a movie as well (not the Eddie Murphy one).  I didn't know that.  So, I'm going to see if I can get a hold of a copy and watch it with my Little Toughie.

     Our Bible studies continued into the life of Jesus.  This week we read a lot of the parables that Jesus shared with his disciples and the people, in hopes that they would gain understanding.  My daughter and I had a lot of deep discussions about the parables.  It is during this time that I wish my son were with us instead of at public school.  He's missing out on a more in depth, daily study of the Bible, but that may change!

     Week 31 was also the week of my Little Toughie's birthday.  One of her gifts was a Lego Friends toy which since insisted on putting together by herself.  I have to admit, that I usually don't like the Legos that are put together to create something specific, but I do like the idea of her being able to follow the directions in sequence and the sense of accomplishment she feels when she's done.  I opened it up and laid everything on the floor for her and let her be.  I only had to help her twice and it took her 45 minutes to get it done.

Her finished pieces!

     Week 32 coincided with our break from Classical Conversations, so we took one day "off".  Basically, I used that day to catch up on chores and just play with my daughter.  I completed some tasks from my to-do list, but didn't get to read as much as I had planned.  As you can see, writing up my weekly post was not done either!

     This week also brought us the to the Crucifixion of Jesus.  Now, this lead to even lengthier and deeper conversations with my daughter.  I even shed tears during our discussions (it was hard not too).  I mean, how could I read about what our Savior did for us and not be overwhelmed with the mixed feelings of sadness, gratefulness and love?  My daughter felt compelled to draw a pictures (one with a verse both kids have memorized):

     With that, I bid you a wonderful and blessed week.

Kindergarten, Week 24

      This week in our Sonlight curriculum I saw a little note letting us know that we only have 12 more weeks of school.  Wow!  I just know those weeks will come and go quickly.  I'm already in the midst of planning the curriculum for next school year.  I'm sure we'll use Sonlight again with just a few adjustments.  I'm looking into a different Language Arts and a different Math program because the ones we have progress too slowly for my daughter.  Perhaps that's actually a good thing as it gives it time to sink in.  I just don't want her to get bored.  With Math, I have to limit the amount of pages she completes in her workbook because she wants to finish all of it in one sitting.  I have to supplement with worksheets from Mama's Learning Corner (Sign up like I did and you get member exclusive printables, but her freebies great freebies too!)

     Week 24 took us into the first books of the New Testament.  My daughter was excited to know that we were going to read about the birth of our Savior, His humble beginnings and the work He did in such a short time.  It brought up conversations about heaven and who would be there and who wouldn't be there.  She said she would ask Mary, "Were you surprised to be the mother of Jesus?" and she'd ask the angel Gabriel, "How hard is it to fight Satan?"  She said she would also like to ask Jesus how it felt to rule the world with His love.  Yes, these are the kinds of conversations that come up every day when we read our Bible.

     This week I decided to start having the kids read their bibles (or devotional) independently every morning.  Though we read the Bible together daily, I liked the idea of them starting their morning with God before taking on the day; I wanted them to have their own quiet time with Him.  I probably should have started this sooner, but I wanted to get a feel for our school year and how much time we'd have in the morning before we had to bring A380 to school.  Plus, my daughter wasn't reading independently yet.  She is now though, yay!  Both she and her big brother plant themselves on the couch every morning after they're done clearing their breakfast dishes and getting themselves ready.  While they're doing that I'm either getting the morning chores done or spending my own time with our Father.  By the time they're done we discuss what they've read for a few minutes and then head out the door.  We take the time to pray together in the car on the way to my son's school before we part ways.

     My Little Toughie is so excited that she's able to read on her own that she created a bookmark by tracing her hand:

     Cute, right?  I like that her nails are colored.  There's an actual arm inside the book too, colored purple.  You can do this to get your kids excited about reading on their own.  When my daughter told me what she was making I gave her a sheet of cardstock to make it sturdier.  Works like a charm!  Or you can go ahead and use paper but cut it out and either stick it onto a piece of a cereal box (or some sort of thin cardboard) and then trim that out.

     That's all for now.  Have a wonderful week!

For more ideas visit:

Kindergarten, Week 22

     We're back!  We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that your New Year began surrounded by loves ones while counting your blessings!  We took two weeks off from school, though I thought I was going to take a longer break.  My son only had two weeks off from school so I felt inclined to stick to the same schedule.  I have yet to adjust to all the flexibility homeschooling has to offer.

     We started school in July because my Little Toughie wanted to, but I thought that it would be great because we could take the whole month of December off.  I couldn't completely take a break.  I tried, but my daughter and I love our Sonlight Curriculum and all the reading we get to do together.  She also loves math so even during our break we did Nativity and Christmas themed math worksheets along with reading a stack of books from the library.

     Which brings us to Week 22.  We started our study on Little House in the Big Woods.  We started reading it in the Fall, but I realized it was part of the curriculum so we stopped.  I was excited to see that we were starting it this week.  There are 9 books in the series and eventually we'll make our way through all of them.

     We also started a new game with word cards.  My daughter first had to find the rhyming pairs, then find and create stacks of all the words that begin with the same letter.  Then she had to alphabetize those stacks.  Finally, she had to organize them by the last letter in the word.  It's something you can easily do at home with index card and about 10-12 words and it's an exercise that not only gets them reading and builds their vocabulary but also gets them to focus on the instructions given to them.  Plus, if you make a bunch of cards (perhaps a different vowel in each set) you can use them while dining out or traveling.

     This week our Bible study brought us to the events leading up to Daniel being thrown into the lion's den and the events after.  My favorite part of this was that my daughter was able to tie the Bible study with her timeline from Classical Conversations.  There's a part of the timeline that says, "Judah falls to Babylon, Temple Destroyed" and then "Babylon falls to Persia, Jews Return and rebuild the Temple."  As I read from the book of Jeremiah and then made our way through Daniel, my daughter recognized where we were in the Bible and blurted out the timeline sentences above.  I didn't even have to point it out to her.  I love when I see the connections being made!

     As parents, sometimes we question whether or not what we're teaching or showing our kids is getting through to them.  It is.  They may not say anything or even give you a second glance, but they're listening and watching.  Always.  How you treat others, what you say when someone cuts you off, how you act when you're in a rush and the lines are long or moving slowly...if they are with you they are always watching and listening.  Whether or not you homeschool, you are your child's primary teacher.  They will look to you for answers, perhaps not with direct questions, but as a parent they will look to you and AT you for the answers.

     May the grace of God, the love of Jesus and the voice of the Holy Spirit lead you in all your ways, but especially as you raise your children.

Homeschooling, Weeks 16 and 17

     I missed a week!  I can't believe I did, yet I can understand why.  The days are passing quickly and the weeks are flying by.  My birthday is coming up and then Thanksgiving is exactly a week after.  Between both kids, as most parents know, there's more to do (on top of what is already scheduled) around the holidays.  As a runner turned CrossFitter, I know how to pace myself in all things, but it can still be a lot.  At the beginning of October, all our weekends in November and December were already booked!

      Despite the busyness of this time of the year, we take our time when it comes to homeschooling.  With the Sonlight Curriculum I'm using, there's a lot of reading (which my daughter and I LOVE) and I want to make sure she understands everything she's listening to.  At the same time I don't stress out if she doesn't get a particular concept immediately.  It takes time for things to really sink in and for everything to make sense.  Sometimes, we parents can freak out, especially when we fall into the trap of comparing our kids to other kids.  That can rub off on our kids as well.

     Recently, my daughter caught something at the end of the news (she walked in when it was on) about a 5-year old boy who knew all the countries in the world.  Yes, ALL.  Every single country.  Did I mention that he knew all the capitals as well?  My daughter was amazed and at the same time disappointed with herself for not knowing all the countries.  I had to remind her, and you as well, that we are all blessed with different talents and skills.  I took the opportunity to tell my daughter that God created each and every one of us for a different purpose, with a different set of abilities, and different personalities and that if we were all the same it would get particularly boring.  She was happy to know that God made her special.

     During those times I don't think it's sinking in or that it may be too much, God gives me a glimpse of the work He's doing in her.  This week we finished our Bible study on the Kings (Saul, David and Solomon).  That was a lot of reading and there were different details to the each King's story.  I secretly underestimated her comprehension when she decided to create her own bible and draw pictures to go with each King's story.  She was able to retell the stories, which she so carefully did while on her daddy's lap.

     On the flip side, we squeezed in some fun the past couple of weeks making pizza at my step-daughter's restaurant, Pitfire Pizza (she's the head honcho there).  Every Tuesday she holds a pizza making event and we brought a couple of friends with us.

  

     This was a perfect outing for us because we got to see my step-daughter (and all her gracious and patient staff) and she got to make pizza plus share a meal with her friends.

     Ah, the simple things!

Homeschooling, Week 15

     We're back!  Since our Classical Conversations class had a break we decided to take the week off as well.  We still did some reading and copy work (and math at the request of my Little Toughie) but we took a break and instead enjoyed diving into non-homeschooling books.  I even had a chance to catch up on a little bit of my own reading.

     Week 15 led us to the story of David and Goliath in our Bible Study.  This is one of my daughter's favorite stories, but she has never learned what happened after that.  While that is one of the more well known stories of David, my daughter was surprised to hear that he had become a king and that he wrote a lot of the Psalms.

     As we start Week 16, she'll learn more about David's love for God and his obedience (and disobedience) to Him.  She'll learn how forgiving and just our Father is.  She always asks intriguing questions as I'm reading these Bible stories to her and I pray she keeps them in mind as she gets older and encounters her own "Goliath".

     That's all I have for this week.  I know it's not much.  We're just getting back into the groove of things after taking a week off.  My daughter is starting to read more, taking in words every where we go and telling me what they are.  She's even writing me little love notes, trying her very best to spell the words without my help.  It's great to see the progress she's making each day.

     Have a great week!