Its a new year and we are off to a great start!  We started our new school year on Jan 8, and my girls started year 3 of Ambleside Online.  They were quite happy about that.  It bothered dd 10 to know that she was still in year 2 after September.  She still has a hard time with Ambleside's "years" not being grade levels. 

This year our subjects are Bible (reading, study, memorization) World History, US History, Church History, Literature, Geography, Science, Nature Study, Spanish, French, Piano lessons, Handicrafts, Drawing, Composer and Artist Appreciation, and a few others that are not coming to mind now.  We are doing Keepers of the Faith, a Christian alternative to Girl Scouts.  We will use that to cover a lot of the memorization, handicrafts, home skills and such so that it is more fun. 

I'm really excited about this year.  I see so much progress in my daughters.  it has taken most of two years for them to fully deschool (from their year and a half of public school) and to embrace learning on their own.  The more I read about the goals and hidden agenda of the public school system, the more i am grateful that I got them out when I did.  My mother, who remains my biggest supporter, next to my dh, has been a public school teacher for over 40 years, and is only starting to see the big picture.  Even in the small town we are in she is glad her grandchildren aren't in the school, at least my eldest who would be in middle school.  My youngest (8) would be at the elementary with my mom (not in her class) and I know Mom would love for her to be at her school.

Anyway, the girls will be starting piano lessons this week.  I am quite excited about that.  I have always wanted them to have actual piano lessons, from a real teacher.  The worship leader's wife, who leads the vocalists for the praise team, also homeschools and teaches voice and piano.  My eldest has joined the praise team as well.  She loves to sing. 

Now our weeknight schedule is getting quite full.  Mondays are open, Tuesday - sign language class at the church (Dh wants to learn and is encouraging them in this) Wednesday - Awanas at the church, Thursday - praise team for the oldest and husband (playing bass) Princess class for the younger (girl's Bible study at another church) and for the older if no praise team practice.  Friday - 40 days of purpose Bible study at home for the adults and several others for 5 more weeks. 

When I get time I will post our new school schedule in case it might help anyone else.  I am exhausted and still need to plan tomorrow. 

Before I go, I have been finding some great resources and would love to pass them on to you.  If you have older children this one looks great.  http://www.classicalfree.org/index_cf.asp 

Its the Classical Free Virtual Academy. 40% of their classes are free.  It looks worth checking out, and it is for grades 7-12.

May the Peace of the Lord rest upon you abundantly!

Cara in Florida