I found a curriculum online back in 2003 that is very simple, Bible based, and following ABC order: http://www.creationkids.5u.com/ I thought I would use it for Brian, but ended up relying heavily on workbooks and my other teaching books. With our first born we could be more low key because it was just him in school and the girls were babies playing at our feet. Now that Brian is in the middle of second grade, and those babies are 4 years old (yikes! times passes!) I needed something for the girls to do besides the workbooks pages they easily and quickly complete. I stumbled upon this website again and found it refreshing after some of the more intense preK programs I had researched as options. We are still working out kinks here and there (note to self: when teaching VBS take that week off! Kids and I were exhausted and got colds!) but are currently on day 86 of MFW First grade. I did not want a curriculum that would clash or compete with Brian's either, but topics that could compliment each other. Creation Kids is based upon animals, a Bible verse, a characteristic and so forth. Nice and  simple. Today we officially started with our A week and have begun studying ants. I supplemented the curriculum with worksheets from www.edhelper.com ,  http://www.edhelper.com/kindergarten/Letter_A_Writing1.htm  

 http://www.edhelper.com/kindergarten/Letter_A_Coloring2.htm 

  to create coloring pages, handwriting practice and a story with comprehension questions for that letter. Additionally, we will be doing a science experiment, making a book and doing an art project to further enhance understanding that letter and sound. The longer we homeschool the more excited I get by all our possibilities, and the more permission I give myself to not worry about every new product available, but to really trust God will lead us to the right choices so we continue to love learning!

I laugh at people who wonder how I can do this. I am sure many other homeschool families think the same thoughts: we just do it! Of course there are adaptations, but no more than we have already undergone! We adjust as our kids grow from crawlers to walkers and in a similiar way we adjust to Brian transitioning from non-reader to enthusiastic reader! I do think my house is messier than many public school families since the kids are home all day to make messes after school, but all that means is I have to work harder with them to clean their own messes rather than me doing it while they are away at school. And what a lot of mess three kids can make! So now that we seem to have our school days organized and work is being accomplished, we need to work more on good habits such as "put away as you play".

Oh, and just for the record...all the people who think my kids ought to be exposed to germs and brought sick kids to VBS...please don't next year! I love having your kid in my class, but their noses get quite scary, and we actually are exposed to just as many germs as you are. We go to Target, Walmart, and hubby works in a hospital. I think we get our fair share, and no my kids are not that sheltered! One of our daughters got quite ill due to very sick kids being around her (her immune system is not as strong as her siblings-- who easily bounced back within two days-- due to health concerns and medications). Since it is only VBS no one called the parents to come pick her up and let that poor child be sick at home! I know the three hours go by quick, but please, keep sick kids home!