Mrs. Carrington's Journal
Homeschool Resources and Special Offers
� Oct. 31, 2008 - New Mom Gift Shop
Check out our new Mom Gift Store. I have partnered with many prominent online companies like Family Christian, Cooking.com and Organic Style to feature gifts mom will love.
Our newest site features camera gifts, cooking gifts, Christian gifts, bath and cosmetic gifts, flower gifts and more.
Our most exciting feature is our Mom Gift Quiz for you to print out and give to your loved ones so they will have a better idea of a perfect gift to get for you.
Come on by, browse and give me your feedback at www.MomGiftStore.com.
Thanks! |
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� Sep. 2, 2008 - Changing Blog Focus
� Aug. 13, 2008 - Preschool Printable ABC Bible Learning
Come by and check out our new website and our revamped Bible ABC printable lessons at AboutTheBible.
We had sold the Bible ABC cards previously and based on customer's feedback, we are now offering more components and an instantly downloadable version without the worries of shipping.
I hope you will tell others who may be interested about our First Bible Lessons as well. |
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� Jul. 10, 2008 - Chase and Alyssa Love Swimming!
  
I can hardly believe it! Chase is now on our local swim team. He loves it. I was not sure if he would enjoy the long practice but he is so excited to be on the team and practicing his swimming skills that he hardly minds.
Some of his friends from baseball are on his swim team so that makes it more fun.
Alyssa is doing better each day in level 1 swimming lessons. She has moved up from the beginning "Learn to Swim" lessons.
Despite her apparent trepidation, she is a trooper and tries everything her teacher asks.
Today, she actually jumped off the side of the pool and off the diving board! (into her teacher's arms of course). She is becoming more confident in the water.
Alyssa also sees many of her friends at the pool.
Good thing as we have a while to wait there while Chase is doing swim team practice. |
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� Jul. 9, 2008 - Bible Study for Moms
I felt the Lord leading me to start another blog consisting exclusively of my studies in the Bible.
Of my own accord, I feel completely inadequate for the task. Thanks to the godly counsel of a more experienced woman, I am reminded that I do not look to myself for my strength but rather to God as I follow his leading and calling in all things.
My husband urged me to pursue this as he can see how much I love being in the Word and sharing it with others.
Stop by Bible Moms and subscribe to keep up with the first study "Are You Equipped?".
I hope you find the blog to be an encouragement.
Let your friends know about it as well. |
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� Jul. 8, 2008 - A Wonderful July Fourth Week at Lakeside Resort
We had a terrific time at Lakeside, a Christian family-oriented resort on Lake Erie near Sandusky, Ohio.
Our friends, Lisa and Herb, once again graciously extended the invitation for us to join them in their cottage this year.
What a blessing to not only enjoy wonderful fellowship with Lisa and her family but to also spend much time enjoying God's creation on the lakefront.
The sandy beach, the pretty flowers, birds of all types and beautiful blue skies constantly reminded of the wonderful God that I serve.
We are already looking forward to returning next year! |
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� Jun. 12, 2008 - Enjoying June
Wow! Our summer is off to a fun and busy start!
Alyssa is attending our local "Safety Town" where for 2 hours a day for 2 weeks she gets to do fun activites like touring the police and fire station, visiting the pool to learn about pool safety and (my kids' favorite part as my son loved this one when he went through 2 years ago)- she gets to ride a real yellow school bus and learn about "bus safety".
It is nice for my little ones to get over the whole mystique of the yellow school bus by actually riding inside of one.
Chase is finishing up baseball. He has improved much since the beginning. His team is doing very well. They are so far undefeated.
We have had a few rained out games lately so he will be making those up next week.
Chase is also enjoying swimming lessons. Alyssa will join him when Safety Town is over.
For now, they both have fun splashing around the pool and the sprayground for hours on end.
Sam is having his busiest month of photographing weddings this year. He is happy because he loves wedding photography.
As for me, I have just finished reading ALL of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. What an amazing talent and what an enjoyable series. I am sorry to be finished.
More on all I learned from C.S.Lewis in another post.
Have a great beginning of summer!
Take a look at my new blog, Cooking Mommy,.
I am featuring kid's recipes and ideas on cooking with and for kids.
Let me know some of your kids' favorite recipes and I will put them on the site. |
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� Apr. 16, 2008 - "This is Too Hard"
"I can't read this- this is too hard. Here mom, you read it." was Chase's first comment when I asked him to get his new ICB illustrated New Testament. What I like about this Bible versus some of the other illustrated or comic-book style Bibles is that this one actually features the full text of Scripture not just paraphrases.
Anyway, I explained to Chase that I got that New Testament for him to read and in fact he could read it on his own.
He opened up to the story about Satan tempting Jesus in the desert after his fast and said "This is one of my favorite stories about Jesus. I will try to start here." I offered to help him with any unfamiliar words he could not sound out.
After several chapters, I finally had to stop Chase from reading anymore because it was past our bedtime!
Chase's initial reluctance to read something that seemed too difficult to him and I thought of my all-too frequent response to God when he asked me to do something new. "I think that is way too hard for me, God".
Of course, he lovingly and patiently answers that he will be there, by my side to help me through. And just like me with Chase, only so much more so, He would not have asked me if he did not know (through his omnipotence) that not only could I do what He asked of me but for me to comply is essential to His plan for the furthering of His Kingdom.
My Heavenly Father does not make idle or frivolous requests of me. How I must learn to rest in the faith that he knows the plans that he has for me.
Lord Jesus, I ask you today for more faith, more faith in you and your promises, Help me to obey the commands you set before me and to know that You are always with me to guide me and instruct me. Oh what a privilege to be a servant of the Most High God! Please forgive me for all the times I have not obeyed because I did not have faith in You or Your word. Show me your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me: for you are the God of my salvation; on you do I wait all the day. (Psalm 25: 4,5) |
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� Mar. 27, 2008 - Spring Break
Hurray! We are taking a little break this week. To make the most of it, I have planned little activities for us to do together that are fun for us.
Monday, we went to the zoo and rainforest. It was cold but we had a good time.
Tuesday, we went to the Lego store (Cap Toys) in Chesterland with some friends. The kids had a great time and Chase bought a Lego City boat with his birthday and Christmas money. Afterwards, my friend and I went had a "ladies night out" at Trader Joe's and another grocery store, Heinen's while our husbands graciously watched the children.
I know, we party on the wild side around here LOL! Truthfully, spending time with a godly encouraging woman was just what I needed and I thank God for her friendship and for the other close friend He has sent me. I could not make it without their kind words, prayers and support.
Next, we spent the day at Grandma and Grandpa and Grandma cooked us some wonderful food (as always). She is a very good cook and we are blessed to have her sharing her talents with us. She is a true student of cooking and she is always surrounded by and reading numerous cookbooks. What a good steward she is of her cooking talents!
These next few days we will head to Lake Farm Park, the playground and perhaps the nature center.
I am enjoying this time of refreshment.
I hope everyone else is having or had a wonderful Spring Break as well. |
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� Mar. 10, 2008 - Looking to the Hills
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
I sought this verse this morning in my prayer time. I really needed it.
As grateful as I am for all the help I have received from so many people in the past few years as we have changed our lifestyle and commitments, I never want to forget that ultimately it is only the Almighty God who provides for me.
Yes, he uses human instruments for his work, but my faith must be in God and only God to provide all of my needs. Once I begin to forget this and depend man for my sustenance, the sin of worry begins to creep into my life, crouching at the door to devour me.
Thank you, Creator of heaven and earth, for providing for all of my needs! I have no need of worry because my help comes from the Lord.
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� Feb. 26, 2008 - Children in Worship Services
I came across this very insightful article by Noel Piper, John Piper's wife, over at the Desiring God Blog.
She echoes many of my thoughts. I remember waiting until Chase was old enough to "finally" go by himself to "children's church". Oh, how I now regret getting him used to church being a play time rather than a special time of the week to spend worshiping our Lord and savior.
We are now working to reverse our error, both with Chase and Alyssa. We fully expect that soon they will both stay with us for the entire service on most Sundays.
Here is an excerpt from Noel's article:
In this article, we hope to do two things: 1) demonstrate that parents (or some responsible adult) should bring little children to the Sunday morning worship service rather than send them to a "children's church"; 2) give some practical advice about how to do it.
Check out the entire article at Desiring God. |
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� Feb. 26, 2008 - Homeschool Art History
Art history was one of my favorite subjects in high school and college and I wanted to expose my children to the joys of studying fine works of art early in life.
Also, both of my little ones, particularly Chase, are very visual and I suspected they would find the study of art in history interesting.
I was right and art has become one of our favorite times together. Chase is able to recognize paintings after just having seen them once. He also enjoys learning about the life of various artists.
We did a little Renaissance, Romantic, Baroque and Medieval art but have settled on focusing on American art for the rest of this year. Since we are studying primarily American history, it ties in well.
The "Come Look With Me" series is nice but our favorite so far are the books by Mike Venezia. Most recently we read "Norman Rockwell", "Grant Wood" and "Winslow Homer" and we will get to Grandma Moses next.
Although it can be a challenge to incorporate art history into our schedule, I believe it is worth it.
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� Feb. 23, 2008 - Saturday Homeschool
I have begun instituting a "Saturday School" in which we catch up on our library book reading, art and music that we may not have gotten to during the week. It is a nice way for us to relax together on Saturday afternoons.
I miss these times if we have too much running around to do on Saturdays so I am struggling to arrange my life and responsibilities such that our Saturdays are free for reading and learning.
I felt convicted at the start of this school year to change my ways of running errands during the day during the week as I am best dedicating that time to our formal homeschooling. It is so easy for time to pass by in which little actual learning is taking place because we are running all over the place.
Consequently, I am still seeking the Lord's wisdom and guidance on how to accomplish all that is set before me.
Godly suggestions and wisdom are always welcome on this blog! |
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� Feb. 15, 2008 - Valentine's Day Fun
We decided to take a little time off from homeschooling to attend a wonderful homeschooler's Valentine's Day party hosted by my wonderful friend Lori. She is so creative and such a wonderful hostess that she managed to turn the festivities into a splurge for the moms as well a riot of fun and creativity for the kids.
We moms had a wonderful "Spa Lunch" of Dill chicken, fresh baby greens with homemade honey-Dijon dressing and homemade pastry and tea. The kids loved their chicken nuggets and fruit and they enjoyed decorating cookies and treat bags as well as exchanging Valentines.
We all had so much fun that I am considering hosting a similar get-together next year! |
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� Jan. 3, 2008 - A New Year
I am excited to start a new year of homeschooling. This past semester of using a more traditional textbook approach to homeschooling using BJU Homesat combined with lots of hands-on activities, read-alouds and unit-study type extensions of some of the themes from the BJU subjects.
I have enjoyed the BJU reading lists and additional activities that are given in the BJU Press teacher's manual that make expanding our learning so easy.
I only regret that for the initial years of my homeschooling I was so biased against what is called "traditional homeschooling" because I thought it was diametrically opposed to read-alouds, hands-on activities and unit studies and those views were incorrect.
I continue to praise God for Chase's amazing growth this past few months, both academically and spiritually. Chase made the decision to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior and he was baptized in November!
I give all the glory to God for leading us to a homeschooling system that works well for us and is guiding us in the right direction.
Happy New Year everyone! |
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� Dec. 6, 2007 - Homeschooling Day by Day
As part of my new organizational form I created, I left space for a "Notes" which generally has become a journal of sorts for me. It helps me chronicle all of the activities we do, not just the obviously educational ones, so that I can more effectively evaluate this year as we go along and at the end of the year.
Accountability is a big thing for me and my husband with our homeschooling this year and we want to be able to show what we have done this year. I am not perfectly on track this year but unlike previous years, I at least am able to pinpoint where we are and revise where we would like to be as needed.
I printed out a calendar of December and Chase and I sat together to plan how we would meet some of our goals before our Christmas break. We decided to do BJU Language Arts (phonics, composition, phonics and reading) on 2 Saturdays this month. Chase also did some extra BJU Heritage Studies and one extra math lesson since we marked out our calendar.
Below, read my excerpt from my today's "Notes" section of my "Today's Work" form.
Went to Legacy Village to get the $20 voucher for $10. I took the kids to Joseph Beth bookstore to spend their birthday money. Chase got an anthill, sheriff’s handcuffs, some small animals and I picked out for him a paperback “Farmer Boy” and a book from the Caroline Years series. (I will probably read that one first!) Alyssa got a paint pony puppet that she spotted when we first walked into the door. She clung to it the whole time we were there. Most of her time she spent playing with the Groovy girls. She ended up talking me into a bed and a doll from that line. They are cute and we definitely spent all of our vouchers. So much for using them at the grocery store! We will have a lite Christmas this year. I also got her the nursery rhyme book that she likes from the library and some Golden Book classics (3 Bears, 3 Little Bears). We met Lisa and Logan at the bookstore so the cousins got to spend some time together too. We came home and began homeschooling but it was hard for Chase to focus and get going. I did have Chase do 2 math lessons today to try to catch up a little before our Christmas break.
I will keep you up-to-date on our progress! |
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� Nov. 14, 2007 - Our Annual Pumpkin Picture
A tradition since I was first pregnant, Sam yearly takes a picture of the rest of our family in a local pumpkin patch. This year, we were once again at Patterson's Farm. We went right after church (hence the dresses!) and we had a great time.
I edited the photo in a cool program that Sam found online for me (aka a person who can not get the hang of Photoshop to save her life!). It is called PicNik.com and it makes it very simple to do cool things to your photos.
Check out some effects I created:
I hope you are inspired to try this too! |
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� Nov. 14, 2007 - 3-year Old Thoughts
Chase and Alyssa had a great time when Auntie Lauri came from out-of-town and took them to see "Hello Grandma". They got to spend time with Grandma, eat pizza and brownies and best of all, be treated to a special toy from Grandma on a shopping trip.
Chase got a compact electric train set that he put in his room. Alyssa got a wedding veil, lace glove and jewelry set that she has been wearing ever since.
Here are her thoughts of the day:
Mom: Wasn't that so nice of Grandma to take you and let you buy such a pretty outfit.
Alyssa: Yes it was. That is why I did not want you to come Mom. I just wanted to get any gift that I wanted.
Mom thinks to herself: I can not believe I thought she might miss me! |
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� Nov. 14, 2007 - A Lot of Leaves
The morning started off on schedule. We did our Miracle Music CD and the chores were done and everyone was cleaned up and dressed in record time. I got up early to work on my “Today’s Work” sheet for our homeschool. It needed a few more refinements. Eventually, I will work on making it pretty in the near future. I hope to be able to offer it to others who want a better way to organize their homeschooling day.
Then, after I had just started Chase with his Phonics, our wonderful blessing of a neighbor called to offer to get up our (huge) pile of leaves with his ride-on mower. Chase, Sam and I ran outside to get up the huge sticks and rake leaves out of the beds to be picked up. This job took many hours and by the time we ate lunch and Chase re-started homechooling, it was early afternoon.
So we continued homeschooling until the dinner hour while Alyssa played and I cooked. Sam had a late appointment with some photographer friends so the kids and I did the Miracle Music and got all of our chores done. I did not stay up and work on the dubbing. I decided to defer it until the next morning and get caught up on my sleep. I know we have a busy weekend coming up! |
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� Nov. 12, 2007 - Books by the Fire
Ahh, life can be so peaceful and idyllic at times. Last evening, after our guests left following our church home group meeting, I decided to opt for a complete change of pace from the hectic weekend we just had. We have been busy running errands and cleaning up and the kids have been spending time at Grandma and Grandpa's.
After tidying up the kitchen and starting the dishwasher, I asked Sam to start a fire in the fireplace for us. The kids and I got into our pajamas, they went and got their blankets and put them in front of the fireplace and we read a few books.
Some of the books were catching up from this week's BJU Phonics HomeSat with Mrs. Walker's Book Picks. Then, for a change of pace, we read "Cat in the Hat" and "Cat in the Hat Returns".
Sam joined us and we all went into the kitchen for a little snack before going to bed.
I am grateful to have the time to make memories like these with my family! |
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