Today was our last day of school for a bit, hurray! We have been working very hard and have actually worked 135 days this school year. We do plan to take a month or so off when my father returns from Kuwait and my brother returns from the army. We can't wait until their safe return.

And that's just one of the perks of homeschooling! We can make our own schedule to fit the needs of our family. I see so many military families with deployed parents return, and the children are just ushered right back to school the next day. As a former military brat, I can personally relate to the feelings of that youngin, and the saddness you feel at school when you so badly need to be with your parent.

Oh, I can go on and on, but this is a happy blog=)

HUGS!!!

Aren't they the cutest?

Cheryl

Today we had the awesome opportunity to visit a vet's office. Not just visit though, we got a tour, took blood from a horse, looked at red and white blood cells under a microscope, cut a cats claws, and perform a neuter.

Did you read correctly? Yes, the vet let the kids wear masks, inject the dog with meds, and stand over her while she ummm "fixed" him.

Lots of questions later, and when the dog no longer had extra parts, my daughter asked if she could bring one home in a jar. Yes, my 11 year old did.

Thank heavens she said no, but we did get to bring home the blood we took from the dog.

Al that aside, this was the BEST field trip we had ever gone on--and what homeschooling is all about. I want my kids to go out and experience everything while under the protection of my and my husbands "umbrella" and see what the world has to offer. I pray that they will find where God wants them to be and follow that path forever.

HUGS!!

Cheryl

We have several Christmas traditions that we partake in--like the Christmas pickle, opening presents from each other on Christmas Eve, special foods, it goes on and on.

I would like to add traditions that focus on Jesus. A friend told me she has three empty present boxes to represent the presents the Wise men brought to Jesus, and write down something that you can give to Jesus and put it in each box--ex more time, pray more, etc.

I am in need of these types of ideas to share and do with my family. If you have any ideas, please send them my way!

Hugs!

Cheryl

I love this newsletter, and get tons of free stuff from TOS and Jamin. This last time I got 3 books for download for free! Click above and it will take you to the sign up!

Hugs!

Cheryl

Did you know that you can read tons of articles online for free from TOS? Just look on the main page and they are listed. Here's one I personally love and have reprinted for my homeschool group with permission:

Enjoy! Cheryl

I am super excited to be able to spread the word about homeschooling to the community. I am volunteering with my local newspaper to get a place online where all homeschoolers and ones interested can have a place for information, encouragement, and things to do in the area.

I feel like God has brought me through so many things to get here, and I want to help others get here too! Come visit me if you can, and if you plan to visit the Fayetteville Ft Bragg visit the forum and find things to do!=)

www.910moms.com

Hugs,

Cheryl

I have just started a small bible study group by Beth Moore intitled breaking free. It is amazing how this group formed, and how God put it all together. I, personally, was feeling VERY dry even though I go to church twice a week and am very involved. I specifically prayed that I would see how 3 women from my church, very strong, homeschooling Christian moms, would mentor me. However I knew this was impossible because of their schedules. A few months later, one of these moms had it on her heart to do this study, and God provided the time and resources for it, and here we are!

I have just finished day 1, and like the way we really have to dig into the Word. I wonder if any of you have done anything by her and if it changed your life? Of course, simply learning from the Word will do that for us! I have read something in the Bible, then reread it later and it seemed to speak to me differently--and in a way I needed. Wow!

Hugs!

Cheryl

With all the flurry of activity this Christmas, I want our family to be sure that we are focusing on Jesus. We do the santa thing, but over the years I wonder if I should have even started. I am teaching the kids the best that I can who St Nick was, and his part in this all, but am trying to leave the desicion to believe up to them. I have found one book from Christianbook.com that I like, but am sure there are others. Can you recommend any books or websites that gently deal with this?

Hugs!!

Cheryl

Hoping you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday full of joy, family, laughter, and food! Oh--the leftovers!

In case you missed out on TOS" black friday sale, here's another one that offers you a ton of free presents! Buy one for home and get one free as a gift!

Hugs!

Cheryl