I was enthusiastic to receive the America's Heritage CD-ROM in the mail.  My oldest son is a history phanatic, and he is constantly asking questions about American history.  This cd-rom has already become a huge asset to our homeschool.  There are so many gaps to fill in sometimes with history curriculums, and An American Adventure in Liberty helps to do just that filling in necessary.  I wish that I culd give this CD-ROM to every family who I know.

The information presented in the CD-ROM is priceless. If you dont know it already, it is paramount that that everything read be digested and understood.  If you did know, but are in a need of a refresher this is a cd-rom that will serve an enormous purpose. Do not think that because you once learned about the Declartion of Independencethat you are not wanted, really you are,  every American citizen should take the time to know this Informtation. Our freedom, and lbierties depend on us knowing these facts and stories.   

The mission statement on the American Heritage Website states that the AHEF is a non-profit, non-partisan educational foundation dedicated to the understanding and teaching of America's factual and philosophical heritage to promote constructive citizenship and Freedom, Unity, Progress, and Responsibility among our students and citizens.

Oh by the way did I mention that the CD-ROM is free?!!!  Yes, that's right, it doesn't a cost a penny. They do accept donations on their website The American Heritage Foundation.

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I was enthusiastic to receive the America's Heritage CD-ROM in the mail.  My oldest son is a history phanatic, and he is constantly asking questions about American history.  This cd-rom has already become a huge asset to our homeschool.  There are so many gaps to fill in sometimes with history curriculums, and An American Adventure in Liberty helps to do just that filling in necessary.  I wish that I culd give this CD-ROM to every family who I know.

The information presented in the CD-ROM is priceless. If you dont know it already, it is paramount that that everything read be digested and understood.  If you did know, but are in a need of a refresher this is a cd-rom that will serve an enormous purpose. Do not think that because you once learned about the Declartion of Independencethat you are not wanted, really you are,  every American citizen should take the time to know this Informtation. Our freedom, and lbierties depend on us knowing these facts and stories.   

The mission statement on the American Heritage Website states that the AHEF is a non-profit, non-partisan educational foundation dedicated to the understanding and teaching of America's factual and philosophical heritage to promote constructive citizenship and Freedom, Unity, Progress, and Responsibility among our students and citizens.

Oh by the way did I mention that the CD-ROM is free?!!!  Yes, that's right, it doesn't a cost a penny. They do accept donations on their website The American Heritage Foundation.

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I was enthusiastic to receive the America's Heritage CD-ROM in the mail.  My oldest son is a history phanatic, and he is constantly asking questions about American history.  This cd-rom has already become a huge asset to our homeschool.  There are so many gaps to fill in sometimes with history curriculums, and An American Adventure in Liberty helps to do just that filling in necessary.  I wish that I culd give this CD-ROM to every family who I know.

The information presented in the CD-ROM is priceless. If you dont know it already, it is paramount that that everything read be digested and understood.  If you did know, but are in a need of a refresher this is a cd-rom that will serve an enormous purpose. Do not think that because you once learned about the Declartion of Independencethat you are not wanted, really you are,  every American citizen should take the time to know this Informtation. Our freedom, and lbierties depend on us knowing these facts and stories.   

The mission statement on the American Heritage Website states that the AHEF is a non-profit, non-partisan educational foundation dedicated to the understanding and teaching of America's factual and philosophical heritage to promote constructive citizenship and Freedom, Unity, Progress, and Responsibility among our students and citizens.

Oh by the way did I mention that the CD-ROM is free?!!!  Yes, that's right, it doesn't a cost a peny. They do accept donations on their website The American Heritage Foundation.

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I cannot start with enough shining accolades about the book Sarah's WIsh by author Jim Baumgardner. Usually, I am a non-fiction reader, but I couldn't put this book down. Immediately, your heart strings will be pulled, and instantly you'll be on little, Sarah's side.  While it is a fictional novel, it is also quite a bit of a living history book as well, as it is set back in the times of slavery in America. 

Without giving away too much of the story, you will be introduced to some very touching characters. Jim Baumgardner's warm writing ability allows you to practically be standing with  sweet Sarah as she at the young age of 12 is resolved to stand for whatever is right, whatever is true, and whatever is noble. Her mama left her with a very important secret. She is bound and determined not to let her mother down no matter the cost to herself.

Even though  my sons are young, I would actually like to start reading this to them.  We've studied the times of slavery, so they are familiar with the places, and such things that went on in those times.  I believe reading such novels allows us to have compassion for those who went through those experiences. This is also unique as much of the story is through a child's eyes.

I would definitely prefer to read this to my sons than allow them to read it at this time. The only reason for this is in order to be true to speech, and the way the slaves spoke, many of the words are spelled the way the were to be pronounced, not necessarily spelled correctly.  As an adult, I do not have any problem with this because it is part what transports you back in time.  For a 9 year old, however, who is still learning proper English grammar, spelling, and pronounciation I believe it would not be a great choice right now.

I am very eager to move on to more novels in the Sarahs Books series. Sarah's Wish is very affordable at the selling price of $9.99.  If you purchase from the SarahsBooks website, you receive free shipping and handling. This is an excellent reading choice for parents to read to their children as well for older children to pick up as well. You can be confident in the Christian themes, and clean language used.  Sarah's Wish is also available on audio book in a 4 CD format for only $16.99.  Do not dely, and give Sarah's Wish a try.

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 Proper health and nutrition have been a high priority in my life for many years. When I became a mother I knew that I also wanted my children to adopt the principles of healthy eating.  I have searched for a curriculum that teaches God's Word along with proper nutrition, and how the body works.  I was even considering putting one together myself, but I had no idea how to go about it. Growing Healthy Families: Nutrition 101:Choose Life is an answer to prayer. 

Nutrition : Choose Life has broken down each part of the body in simplistic terms for parents and children to easily understand and learn together. I knew  alot fo the information, but I wasn't sure how to present it, especially to my 6 yea rold son.  Through this curriculum I was able to present all of the information in a pleasing and fun way along with Scripture to accompany and back up all of the information. 

Having a nutrition curriculum be Christ-centered is a rare and precious commodity.  As a Christian homeschooling mother, I strive to show my children that God is in everything because He made everything. Therefore due to the fact that He made everything, he understands best how everything works, and what He has made to pair together with other things to make it all work so to speak. 

I think it our fast paced society where we go through the drive thru, and scarf down our burger, fries, and colas right after school and before soccer practice it becomes exceedingly easy to forget our Creator is also involved in what we not only feed our temples spiritually, but physically as well.  When we open the door for the Lord to lead us in every area of our lives, including nutrition we will certainly blessed by our obedience in seeking His will. 

It is highly important to understand how the body works, and what the food we eat does to each part of the body.  All of the body parts work together in order to run smoothly, but when one area becomes deficient other parts of the body try to compensate. This curriculum will teach about the brain and nervous system, the digestive system, the musculuar and skeletal systems, the cardiovascular and immune systems, the endocrine system, respiratory system, olfactory system, and the auditory & visual sytems.  

The language used in the Nutrition 101: Choose Life is easy to understand. There are fun tips as well as yummy recipes. I highly recommend this curriculum. Concerning  all of the cancer on the rise along with obesity issue that children and adults are currently experiencing, looking to changes in everyday living including diet being high on the list makes Nutrition 101 a necessity for daily living. It  is available to purchase online at www.healthyhomellc.com. The cd is $79.95, the book is $99.95, and both together is $129.95. Make the next step in your family's health and well being by ordering today.

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Many times I've been sititng at my desk, or kitchen island rather in my case, and I am surrounded by a mountain of homework to check, books to look over, and just a ton of homeschooling paperwork to dig through. One sunny afternoon I went to my mailbox, and to my delight was the StudyPod Book Holder.  I was so elated to receive it.  I had seen simliar products before, but never invested the time or money in one. I just delt with the inconvenience of moving around in my chair, shuffling papers and books, and using objects that were not made to hold my books open such as an old plate display rack.

I don't know what I was thinking before, because the investment in a StudyPOD is so minimal compared to the help and convenience it provides. It is fairly easy to operate. You just move the little metal lever in the back, and there you go an instant third hand. The lever turns into a prop in the back. Once you open it up there are two little metal flaps that you push down before you place your book or papers inside.  So after you place you gently push the flaps down, you place your book inside, push the flaps back up to hold your book in place, and presto.

It is really quite simple, but that is the beauty in it. I love simple, I tend to shy away from complicated devices, which this is not at all. My 9 year old son finds it works perfectly for him. Before he would try and prop the books up against the napkin holder on the table, yeah, as you could've probably guessed, that method was not extremely effective. It really helped decrease his need to strain for reading since the book is at proper eye level. It also eliminated his back from hurting trying to hold the book himself, and write.

I personally was most over joyed for using it for my cookbooks. No longer did I have to keep one hand on the cookbook page to keep it from flipping, another hand stirring, sauteeing, or whatever I was doing at the moment, in addition to trying not to spill or mess up whatever I was doing because my other hand was occupied. I have to admit, I even tried the napkin holder trick, and you know what, it didn't work for me either. 

If you are a parent, student, worker, cook, or just an avid reader, you will get  alot of use out of the StudyPod Book Holder.  It comes in three colors black, blue, and pink. There is EVEN a nifty pocket inside to hold pens, six inch rulers, highlighters, or whatever else you might think to stick in there. It is easily ordered online for an affordable $19.95 or if you buy two or more they become $16.95 each. Don't waste anymore time holding the pages down or fussing with objects to hold the pages down. Go to STUDYPOD and get one for yourself and family members today.

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In our fast paced society, where everything is operated by computers, Web Design for Kids and Curious Grown-Ups is a much needed program. It seems as though everyone is communicating through computers these days.  I have two of my own blogs as a homeschooling parent.  Knowing general web design is as important a commodity today as it is knowing a foreign language.

My 9 year old son and myself really enjoyed the Web Design for Kids and Curious Grown-Ups instructional program on DVD. We weren't sure what to expect at first.  My son was a little nervous in the beginning. He thought making a website would be way too difficult. Even though this was something that he had wanted to give a try for quite sometime, he did hesitate. 

First I began to go through the program on my own. Eventually my son, out of extreme curiousity, joined me. I really appreciated the simplicity of the instructions. I didn't feel intimidated or embarrassed.  Often times I'll open softwares, tutorials online, or even read paper instructions, and I'll have to walk away for several minutes, or depending on the severity oy confusion, hours or days. I think its just the way I process details.

That was really not the case at all for me with this program.  Once I turned it on I was able to continuously flow through the instructions. Neither myself nor my son really needed to stop at all.  I think what made it more life like, or easy to relate to were the students that the instructor was teaching.  My son could relate to other children doing the same thing was attempting to do. 

We liked walking through step by step with our computer.  It was so much better this way than searching through a manual or long text book.  Following a person that you can stop at any point in time when needed makes learning a more accessable concept. 

I found it very helpful for mistakes on purpose to be made on the dvd so that if I or my son made the same mistake we'd be able to faster zoom in on where he or I had gone wrong in the first place.  So often instructions tell you what to do, but not what not to do. Some learning styles really need detailed, specific instruction, and my son son is one of those.

I highly recommend Web Design for Kids and Curious Grown-Ups. Its a simple, comfortable way for a child or adult to go at his or her own pace to learning beginners HTML. This is a positive investment.  Normally the dvd is $40, but for the rest of the summer it is on special for an affordable $19.99 plus shipping and handling. There is a money back guarantee. Click here at webdesignforkids to obtain your own copy. 

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 I will not forgot the day that that the package from Maverick Books arrived, my children were ecstatic. We weren't sure what to expect, or what would be inside the box. The Hank the Cowdog series is written by John R. Erickerson.  

We immediately knelt down, opened the game Tornado, and began to read the instructions so that we could play. My children love learning how to play new games. It was a hit! Now when friends come over my sons love to introduce them to Tornado. The characters were unique and fun to look at while playing. 

Tornado is played similar to the game Sorry. My children own that particular game so it didn't take too long to catch on to rules of play.  It is an enjoyable game for all, even the younger ages. I love that Hank and the other characters come as a boardgame. When the children are able to hold the game pieces I think it helps them to form a relationship with the story, especially kinestetic learners.

As for the story-line, and being a mother, I have to comment that there were certain phrases or situations used that I found  less than favorable.  As a parent who deals with honesty issues, specifically with bed-wetting, on page 2 of The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse when Hank encourages children to lie to their parents and say the roof leaked,  I couldn't help, but be disenchanted.

We truly though enjoyed listening to the cd, cassette, and reading the book.  The series has a lot of adventure, which my two boys found rivoting. There are many teaching opportunites in the storyline, which is always valuable to parents.  You can learn more about Maverick Books' Hank the Cowdog, and purchase their products here hankthecowdog.

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I was exceedingly excited to receive the Quarter Mile Math software program. Having a son that is constantly challenging me in finding new ways to help him reinforce his math facts this was a welcome trial. Both of my sons, ages 6 and 9, relish playing on the computer and enjoy car races, so the combination was welcome.   

My older son who is 9 is truly challenged postively by time clocks and races due to his competitiveness. Children like my son could truly benefit by this aspect of the program. For those children like my second son who is 6 that are intimidated by timers and such can simply dismiss the clock altogether just enjoy the program for what it is being fun.

I will admit at first my son, nor myself was sure what to push. So the user-friendliness aspects lack just a bit.  Another aspect that has kept us puzzled is why the outcome was always the same regardless of right or wrong answers. It did not see to matter if my son answered the questions correctly or incorrrectly; his car would always win the race. 

Overall our family has enjoyed the program.  I would gladly recommend this program to familes that want to boost their children's mathematic skills. Whether your goal is to challenge your children or just to encourage them that Math really can be fun, Quarter Mile Math would be a welcomed addition. 

It is economically priced with different options available. For those of you with children varying in age like me there is a bundle package for grades K-9 selling for $89.95. With a range like that in one program think of all the use to be had by your children. Check out the link here at The Old Schoolhouse for Quarter Mile Math, and get your copy for use at home.  

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 I've read quite a few other homeschooling magazines over the years. While I will admit I enjoyed them, none have compared to The Old Schoolhouse.  Never does it fail that the articles are full of useful information, and I am always ministered to in my heart.  It is such a comfort to have a bunch of homeschooling parents that have been through "it all" sharing their ups, downs, and wisdom attained along the way all in one place.  I find so much encouragement in knowing that I am not the only one going through these experiences, challenges, and blessings as well. 

The advertisements are helpful. They allow me to see what is out here and being produced in the homeschool market.   I don't feel bombarded by the advertisements though. There is much more to the magazine  than advertisements. I've received magazines like that before, when there were more ads than articles, and I felt like I had wasted my money. I have never experienced that with the Old Schoolhouse. I've also never seen a magazine that offers their readers so many wonderful freebies, gifts, and promotions. 

 This summer's promotion is wonderfully generous. They are offering 19 gifts along with brand new 2 year subscription or a 2 year renewal.  You want to order quickly though since you have to be in the first 5000 to subscribe. There is a bonus 20th gift, a packet of sunflower seeds, if you are one of the first 1000 subscribers. Then to top it off there is a contest to boot. Fifty random subscribers will win a free week's membership to Curves!  For $39 you dont just get a magazine subscription and free gifts, you get an indispensible homeschooling tool.  Click on the link below to order yours today :)

The Homeschool Magazine Summer Promotion

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Well, knock me over, and call me organized.  Truly, even a tornado could be organized with the new Schoolhouse Planner from The Old Schoolhouse. They thought of everything, and the kitchen sink. There are planning sheets for anything and everything that can be imagined. It is appropriate for homeschooling families with all ages even preschoolers.

 It is excessively friendly for homeschooling high schoolers. Parents can plan transcripts, do grading, attendance, and much more. I absolutely adore the fact that you can plan your week or day with regard to how many children you have in your home.  It is now very easy to keep track of field trips, activities. Each monthly calendar is accompanied by recipes, and educational info to knock your socks off.

 For all of you Charlotte Mason lovers there are some nature jounal sketching and writing pages. I really enjoy the plethora of choices for the child or parent to choose from for the journal sheets. There are also regular penmanship sheets. Every learning style is represented and catered to in this planner, incluing the eclectic or unschooler. 

So appreciated is the household section. Being the typical homeschooling family on a budget, the meal planning sheets are irreplacable.  The budget record is simple, and easy to follow.  The Bible readng schedule is great.

 I think my favorite part about the planner is that you can purchase it in PDF format, which saves paper and ink. I can simply print out the sheets that I need for a particular occassion. Things are constantly changing, especially with homeschooling, so even though the planner is 375 pages, it is managable in PDF.  As you and your homeschool changes your flexible planner changes with you.

I find the planner to be functional, practical, and fun.  I would definitely hands down support the monetary investment of $39 for the 2009-10 TOS school house planner. Just click on the link below to subscribe today :)

The Old Schoolhouse Planner for 2009

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Wow, so I thought I was going to get work done this month-what was I thinking?  No, really and truly, we have worked, but this has been such a  busy month outside of school. Not to mention these boys (ok, and Mommy too) have some serious Summer jitters. I'm looking forward to July. I want to spend some days at the pool, go to some free kid friendly movies, and have a playdate or two at the local parks. Other than that the only thing out of the ordinary that we have planned is VBS at our church. We are all excited about that this summer as well. July should be a good month for school work, but still with the opportunity for enjoying the summer time.

 I really prefer the year round schedule. It provides the kids and I so much flexibility.  Just with homeschooling alone we can do school on Saturdays if needed, so I can't praise homeschooling enough just for that reason. Onto another note several of my friends are beginning to homeschool this summer or in the fall for the first time, or going back to it. I am so very thrilled for these families.  Homeschooling will provide freedoms for them in so many ways.

Last month in May I attended the NCHE conference. It was phenomenal!  I had the opportunity to listen to some fantastic speakers.  I really enjoyed Sonya Schafer's workshop on Charlotte Mason's method.  I was new to CM this year, and I have been loving it!  I love how simply everything truly is in CM. Everything is also broken down so well. I love the emphasis on family, the importance of parents, and the complete admiration for creation.  I learned a lot. It was certainly beneficial attending. 

We missed volunteering at the food pantry the past two months, so I am happy to return there as well. It is always a joy to be able to help in that capacity. Our facilitator makes it enjoyable. She really helps me to remember that it is the little things done consistently like filling brown paper bags with food that touches people's lives. Writing a check is helpful, but not the same. Even crushing the boxes is fun with the boys. I am so pleased that they have little hearts to serve. 

My older son really likes helping me in children's church during 3rd service.  He is a different person when he is in a position like teacher's helper . He turns into this responsible young man. It is invigorating to see the qualitites that God has placed inside of my son.  I am so very grateful to be able to witness at such a young age the purpose and design of the Lord for his life.  He loves to help younger ones. He greatly enjoys sharing his own personal knowledge.  I can say with confidence that I am fully blessed by Jesus. 

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I don't know about some of you moms out there, but I am certainly needing some encuraging words every so often.  As home schoolers there is also so much information, curriculum available, and more books written on the subject nowadays than I can count on both hands. That being said the TOS Wee-Book simplify that information, and that is exactly what this homeschooling mom needs-simple. 

The Wee-Books are a bounty of information, yet consise, almost free at $1.95 each, and cover many popular, as well as more specificly unique areas of interest for the homeschooling parent.  For now there are 32 topics in all. I don't always have time to sift through a sea of information in a 150 page book.  The Wee-Book series has that time conscious parent in mind.  We read so much with our children already, that sometimes one more thing to read, even when it is to our own benefit, does not seem possible.   

Some topics are Writing Essays, Strong Arithmetic Thinking, A Classical Education, and many more. I was able to easily jump through each Wee_Book in a matter of ten minutes or so.  It will probably be the best $1.95 you spend this year. Do yourself a favor, if you're new to homeschooling, simply thinking about homeschooling, or a veteran homeschooler these Wee_Books are very helpful if you have questions or are curious about the topics available. GO download one, or some today :)

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I must say I'd be telling a lie if I said that I never considered working from home while homeschooling. From time to time I'll look at what is coming in, what is going out, and then what is left over after all the bills are paid, groceries have been bought, and money has been saved. While I am constantly grateful that my husband has the job that he does, and that God has each year allowed our financial position to slowly, but steadily improve, a little extra even if it is just to share with others sounds great. 

I absolutely love the stories in the TOS Homework E-book.  These are real moms and dads who are actually crazy enough to take another leap of faith on top of homeschooling their children, and work from home.  It is a huge encouragement to know that it can work, everyday people do it, and multiple occupations are being held from the home. What is extremely exciting is how in each business it is a family endeavor, and the children are involved as well. 

If you have ever considered working from home while homeschooling this e-book is a must read. Some stories may even bring you to tears. There is so much team work, comaraderie, and genuine love flowing through these families.   Above all each and every family seems to be so keyed in to the Lord, and what He wants for each of them. They are doing these things to glorify their Savior. 

If you are needing inspiration for your own home business, are curious what types of homeschool families are pulling this off,  are wondering about the types of jobs being done, or how to get started, this would be an encouraging tool to hold onto. Each familiy has provided their contact information as well. They've opened themselves up freely to answer any questions.  So get your hands on this e-book today.

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I really love Valentines Day. Even though my Valentine is thousands of miles away, I enjoy anything about L-O-V-E.  I know some people say its just another Hallmark holiday, but I like to see it as another opportunity to show the love of Christ, especially to those closest to us.  After all, God is love.   

I especially try to make this day special for my kids.  The boys both woke me up with sweet greetings of ,"Happy Valentine's Day Mommy!"  They even had a gift for me. My mother-in-law bought it. It was a sweet journal that I had been eyeing. I've been wanting a special journal just to write down things about the boys, for instance funny things they say, places we go, or things we do together.  I truly cherish my time with them. 

One day they will grow older and not want to spend so much time with me, oh how pray that day never comes. I think homeschoolers have the chance to really understand how important family is, and not forsake that gift.  I'd really like to continue to strive for strong relational bonds with our children. 

Since my husband is often away, more than he is home, it is important to me that the kids and I remain close. I never want them to feel isolated or alone with Daddy away. They are so resiliant and understanding.  I am working hard to appreciate the masculine attributes that God has instilled in them.  Sometimes the output of the attributes is more for me to handle. or I sadly admit gets on my nerves.

The Lord has been reminding me of why he created "man" and how different men are from women. He has been making me acutely aware of the fact that my giving into irriation is not  valid, and I must have self-control. I stop and try to ask myself before the , "stop this or that" come out of my mouth, is what he is doing or saying wrong? Is what he is doing or saying offensive? Just because I don't like something, does it make it bad? What are my child's intentions at this moment?

Certainly, there is a time for certain behavior, and then for some behavior the time is never appropriate, because somethings are flat out wrong.  However, understanding what is truly going on in a situation, and being intuitive enough to know how to respond is extremely pertinent to how the child will carry on in the future.

No one likes to be nagged, certainly not a male from a female, including sons being nagged  by their mother. I do not want my son to cringe ever time I open my mouth to speak to him, in which case, he doesn't do such a thing, but I certainly do not want that to ever be the case. There is something said for letting boys be boys. That of course does not include excusing inappropriate behavior.

An example in my own life with my older son is he is a born leader. He loves to be in charge. That in and of itself is not a bad thing. It is a godly attribute bestowed upon a male.  What can turn out to be a negative factor in all of this though is that my son can come off quite bossy, and even a know it all. While that I realize that is not my sons intention, it can be unnerving to be around someone like that.

God has been showing me that they way I direct my sons behavior can make all the difference. When I catch him in midstream "leader cycle", as I call it, instead of jumping on him for being bossy and publicly embarrassing him, I calmly stop him. I'll maybe touch his arm, or come in close to him.

I'll say something softly like, "Son, God has given you a wonderful strength. You are going to be a great leader someday. However, sweetheart, for right now we're amongst family and friends.  It would be great if you toned it down a bit. " I'll gently remind him as well that people don't like to be told what to do all of the time, and to let people make their own mistakes.

He seems to understand those types of comments, we build our relationship that way, and he is receptive. He is a helper, and dislikes greatly for people to fail.  He wants success for all, and if he thinks he knows how to help that person achieve it, then he will dive right in. There is so much good in all of that, it just takes training. 

Praise you Lord Jesus for showing me just how to be the best mom I can be for my sons.

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Wow, I cannot believe that in 2 hours the last day of January will be here.  This has been a productive month for us here at our homeschool.  I am forever bowled over by the intelligence of little children.  I feel like these two boys are capable of reaching the stars sometimes with what they are able to understand and grasp.

We all love our bible study time. I've just been reading to them daily from a children's one year bible.  I keep going back and forth on whether to use an actual bible curriculum. That is something I may begin in the summer.   That will give me more time to pray, see what the Lord wants, and  price what is available.

I love the living books that we are using for history, but I am quite intrigued by Mystery of History. I love that it explains both what was going on in the bible and what was going on around the same time periods in history. I think that is extremely important to realize that yes, the bible is real, and here's whatelse was going on in that timeframe. My friend is using it, and I'd like to look for it used.

More and more I am enjoying Charlotte Mason. I agree with her ideas, concepts, and methods.  I love that the family is such an integral part of the learning process.  We live in a society that has discounted the family unit.  The "family" is no longer viewd as important or even necessary for anything whatsoever.

Strong family units have been proven in case after case to be paramount in a child's well being.  Now this does not mean that all families are built the same way. Ideally families have both a married mother and father raising children in the same home. I do believe that is God's general preference. However they may be seasons for some families when that simply cannot be the case.

During those seasons, whether it is a parent who travels a lot for work, especially in the case of miltary families (to which I can relate), or when sadly divorce takes place, or a death in the family arises, I know with every fiber of my being that God provides to fill the missing gap.  Genesis 50:21  "Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. "  

I continue to stand in awe of how incredible our God of Wonders really is.  He is consistently showing me His love and compassion.  I am grateful to know who God is, and about His promises.  His son, Jesus, is the fulfillment of the promises.  I am amazed that I get to take part in it all.  Jesus is worthy  of glory, honor, and praise.

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Ok, so the only thing I feel truly motivated to do is teach Bible...um help!!!!  I know, a friend told me what's wrong with that?  Yes, I know there's Math, History, Social Studies, Science and even Home Economics all wrapped up in bible study, but I don't know if I am that detailed, oriented, or skilled to pull all of those things out of it :)  At some point people I need to teach Math, Science, History, and whatever else. 

Actually, I have to say History has been really fun.  I just need to open up the book again. I love reading to them while they sketch or paint. Getting things done each day in general has been a challenge this month. That is not to say that it is not a challenge every other month-HA!  I am actually feeling good about how things go here in our homeschool, I just sometimes have issues with tuning out all the noise in my head.

I'm sure someone knows what I am talking about with noise in her head. No, I do not hear voices, and talk back to them.  So I was thinking about doing  amore formal bible study, maybe starting this summer or in the fall. If anyone actually reads this, does someone have a suggestion? My best friend doesn't think that I should spend the money, and while I kind of agree, I'd like to dig deeper with the historical aspects.

I'm really enjoying Charlotte Mason.  I've intergrated some curriculum in there with it, and its goes well. I'm still getting the hang of teaching Math.  I'm still trying to grasp both of my sons' learning styles. I'm sure they are kinestetic being boys, but I think that there's some auditory plus visual  in there for my older son.   I wish I knew if there was something that I could better with teaching Math.

I had a long talk with a friend one night, and we discussed going back to basics for him.  I think it is helping. My main problem is being comfortable with the fact that we may need to stick in the basics for a while. I've been collecting old buttons, taking out the manipulatives, and some beans for counting. he just has difficulty memorizing his math facts for addition and subtraction. I truly pray that one day it will stick in his head.

My sweet boy is so smart, I think it is me who has the problem.  Usually I'd have to say that  it is me who has the problem, not the kids.  My son is 8, and we're still doing addition and subtraction flash cards, and I suppose we'll do them until he can recite the facts without them. I just have to be ok with that. I'd like to come up with some kind of songs for him. He really likes music. Too bad Toby Mac doesn't do additon...lol!

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I first just want to praise the Lord for my sons.  My older son this past week and a half has blown me away.  He is a little prayer warrior.  He has been praying for the heart of our president elect consistently each day. 

I did not tell him, now son you have to do that.  I know he's heard me say we all need to be praying for Barrack Obama's heart, and all of our leaders, but it wasn't something directed just to him.  He just has taken it upon himself to make it a priority. I am ever so proud of him.  

All of our leaders so desperately need the guidance of our Lord Jesus, so I think it is so sweet and precious that he understands the importance of consistent prayer.  I wish more people could grasp the concept. There is much power in Jesus' name.

So school is coming along.  We did some learning about Veterans Day yesterday.  We are continuing to learn about the pilgrams, so with Thanksgiving around the corner that is kind of neat to say the least.  This year I want to do what the pilgrams did and put a kernal of corn in front of each person and have them name something that they are thankful for this year.

I am still seeking out creative ways to do Math.  My older son would just rather be doing an art project, so integrating math into art in my goal right now.  He really likes the computer, so I may look into programs on it as well for Math. I am still working on reading with my younger son. He's doing quite well.  I'm just letting him go at his own pace.  I am most of all trying to read to him as much as possible.  We're using Bob Books, flash cards, and I'm just reading every book he brings to me. 

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Each week God shows me more and more why He has called me to this position as a homeschooling mother.  Here in my state we had early voting.  So I think even more so here than other states that do not have early voting, political talks have been stronger. 

Since this is an election year I thought that it would be fun and informative to allow my own children to vote at home.  We never made it to our library for the children's voting night.  I really want my children to understand at their young ages that it is a privilege and a civic duty to vote. It is not to be taken lightly. 

I want them to be critical thinkers about all things, but especially voting.  I want them to understand that voting is not about political parties, it is about choosing right from wrong. Voting is about standing up for Jesus.  On this Earth we are the body, hands, and feet of Christ until He returns.

I used the white board to divide the candidates and 5 major issues.  I chose abortion, healthcare, gun laws, taxes, and off-shore drilling. My children were dying to know who I was going to vote for president, but I didn’t dare tell them.  I kept a straight face while I described each issue to their levels. 

Finally it came time to vote. Each child told me who they were voting for, where they stood on each issue, and why each one feels that way.  I only did an oral vote this time. I think in the next election I will do a voting box, and then we can all write put our ballots in the box.

I did vote early by the way which was neat to do.  I took my boys with me so they could observe the process.  My older son wanted to fill in the circles for me, but of course I told him that that it is not allowed.  I thought that was cute though.  Each one got "I Voted" stickers, so that made their day :) I'd still like to do an election lapbook as well. 

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