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Sep. 8, 2009
New Beginning...
How appropos that our new school year would begin on September the 8th...for new beginnings! The really funny part is that I had planned to begin our new year last week on Aug. 31st. But, the best laid plans of mice and men... My plans had everyone rested and ready to dig right in to a 'wonderful' schedule. But, my plans have not come to pass. I am beginning to understand (again...sigh) that God's plans are always better than mine. We have been reading a couple of books that a dear friend bought and passed on to us. The first one is called, Escape to God, the second is entitled Come to the Quiet . Both books are by Jim Hohnberger. They are funny and yet wonderfully convicting....learning to listen to God's voice and truly obey. They are true stories about the author's experiences moving from a city lifestyle to the wilderness with his wife and 2 young sons. This year I only have 3 students...it reminds of the book/song There were 10 in the bed... Two are in high school which means I cannot be quite as 'free' (read Charlotte Mason style) as I am in the elementary years. We always start off with singing a hymn (so that our children learn the hymns...since they aren't sung quite as often as when I was a child.) Then we review chapters of the Bible that we have already memorized, then we memorize our new verse for the day (working toward another chapter). This year we are using IBLP's Character Sketch books for Bible, nature study and character traits. At the conclusion of this time we pray together...usually everyone prays out loud. It is never forced, just left open for whoever wants to pray. Most days everyone chooses to pray. We are using Apologia for their Science...which so far, everyone has enjoyed. We use Saxon for arithmetic and even though some have struggled, it really does cover so much and they are very prepared for anything they choose after high school. The two oldest are doing economics this year...which for us is a more rigorous course because of their daddy. He is an entrepreneur and encourages each of them in free market principles of economics. For this course they read a number of books (11+) and either do a book report or complete some "tests" on each one. We are using Rod and Staff for English this year because I am a big fan of diagramming as they get in the upper grades. I believe it helps them develop more logic skills. They are continuing into the advanced Spanish. I am very excited to be using my friend, Charlene Notgrass' TN history and geography book this year. Of course, music is always part of our course work. The summer has been VERY full...but completely enjoyable. We have been canning off and on as things come ripe. I canned beans for the very first time!!! I was told they are the easiest things to can and surely they are. When Marmee did a DVD on how to do it...I couldn't wait to try. We have also put up a lot of pears and hopefully our salsa for the year. Robert finally got our apple press in working order and we have been sampling and all out drinking all that he is making. This past weekend was very full...we played/sang at Bluegrass in the Sky, a festival up on a hill. Robert did the sound for the whole thing and we helped put up and take down the sound system. We had a delightful visit with the Sheen family at the Atlanta Campaign (a civil war reenactment below Atlanta,GA). Then we attended and played/sang at a family Labor Day picnic of some dear friends. This week is looking very full with several doctor appointments for Mr. Mackey, our elderly neighbor. We have 'borrowed' a billy goat (buck) for our Saanan goat until next spring. The leaves are already changing and falling and the temperature in the mornings is feeling more like fall. I just love all of the different seasons and the way God gives us beauty in each one. On a more somber note, I received word this morning that my cousin Valerie Strickler died Sunday evening from an overdose. She was 47 and had a husband and 2 sons. I would very much appreciate your prayers for her parents (my aunt and uncle) and her two siblings and their families. It was quite a shock to all of them...(and us). Remember to keep your home filled up with God's word and praise and worship...your body and your physical house. When you begin to look for HIS blessings, they are abundant. I am rejoicing in HIS care and hope you are too!
Grace and Peace,
Ruth |
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