Good Question

Earlier this week, right after Aiden finished some art, he looked down at his paper in his hand and asked me, “Mama, if I died holding this would it go to Heaven with me?” 

What a wonderful question.  I have no doubt he was thinking about his Little Papa since we had been talking about him earlier that day.  Aiden’s full of deep, insightful questions.  He just blows me away. 

So, why, oh why, won’t he stop and learn his letters?!  If it doesn’t spell mom, dad or Aiden, he’s not interested right now.  At least I don’t worry about him- not with deep thoughts like that and his amazing vocabulary.

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Tapestry of Grace: What I Want in a History Program

I have been a homeschool mama for 3 years now.  I have been through so many curriculum choices for every subject.  It’s taken me years, but I know what I want.  When I think of History, I want something that is literature-rich.  Something that really gets my kids excited about history.  It has to have the ability to be used in a multi-grade level family. 

I enjoy the idea of reading to my children above their level, and having books for them to read alone on their own reading levels.  I feel like that stretches their understanding and challenges them to really think.  I like a program that has questions to hold the kids accountable for remembering what they learn. 

I like a program that includes instructions for me that guide me through the week.  Sometimes I have a lot of time to prepare for the week, and sometimes I don’t.  When the instructions and answer keys are right in front of me, I feel like I can get more done. 

I want my History program to cover Kindergarten through 12th grade in a 4 year rotating pattern.  How wonderful not to have to search each year for a new program!  We already have what we need now for all three kids, thorough their whole education.  When there’s a four year rotating pattern, we can approach the year excited for what we’re going to learn.  Each cycle gives the kids new layers to add to what they learned last pass through.

I want my history program to include other subjects.  It’s nice for the kids to have “ah-ha” moments because they see a timeline with a specific event on it while they are reading about the same event in their history book.

Years of testing different programs and styles, have brought me to where I am now- I true Tapestry of Grace believer.   Check it out and see if it meets your family’s needs.

Tapestry of Grace

 

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Tapestry of Grace Code

For some reason, my button and links aren’t working.  Until I have time to figure out what the problem is, anyone who wants to order TOG can use my affiliate code at checkout.  It’s TOGLAMON. 

You can also plug it in at the bottom of the bookshelf page where it reads: Share & Save Code.  Then the info is plugged in and you don’t have to re-enter it each time you check out.

 

Thank you!

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Tapestry of Grace

I am planning on doing a short series on why I am so excited about using Tapestry of Grace this year.  I am slowly working on getting all my thoughts organized and I’m adding my affliate button to my side bar.  In the mean time, feel free to look into the curriculum for yourself.

Be sure and click on the link below to give me credit for being the person who directed you to the site.

The people who produce “Tapestry of Grace” have put the three weeks of everything they produce online for free.  They’re offering a complete mini-unit on ancient Egypt, which consists of the first three weeks of “Tapestry of Grace,” specially prepared evaluations materials, a comprehensive writing program, customized maps, hands-on lap books, and their unique new “Pop Quiz,” which provides audio CDs so dads can come up to speed on what the family is studying each week.  Here’s a link to the new “Go to Egypt” site:

Go to Egypt Site

If you don’t have high-speed internet, they will send it all on a disc, for free.  Get the disk here:

Free Tapestry of Grace Disk

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Spring is in the Air

So many things are going on around here…

A has started t-ball.  This is his first season playing a sport, so we knew it’d be fun to watch the games.  The first game he mostly squatted and dug in the dirt.  The second game he stayed standing (after a talking to by his daddy!) and just stared when the ball came near him.  The third game was better.  He was playing first base and we had to yell for him to pay attention several times out of fear he’d be hit in the head by the ball his teammate threw to him.   He’s making progress…

 

B’s competition season is over, thank goodness.  It was a very drama-filled year.  She did really well in her performances, but there were a lot of nervous tears along the way.  We weren’t having very much fun at all.  I was lonely with no other moms to talk to, and she was a ball of nerves with no one else to distract her.  I finally talked to her the competition before her last and we figured out that she still loves to compete, but that it wasn’t very much fun doing solos.  So, the solution is that we plan on letting her try out for the dance team at her dance school.

At one of the competitions she competed her solo, our dance team was there.  They were so sweet to her and complimented her on her techinique.  They really made her feel like a part of the group already.   She’ll be in sixth grade this fall, so it’s the right time.  I think she’s ready for the commitment.  It’s between 5 and 6 hours of classes a week, so she’ll be at the school on her own a lot.  I know I can trust her to behave and make good choices.  It’ll be a lot of fun to have friends at competitions again.

 

C is changing so much.  She’s at the age where she’s trying to decide if she’s a big girl like her sister or if she still likes princesses.  Some of the things she says surprises me, because she is so little physically, that you forget she’s almost 7 years old. 

Her schoolwork has been way too easy for her this year.  I’ve been looking into ramping it up this fall for her.  Speaking of the fall, I’ve done some curriculum changes and scheduling changes.  I’ll write about that next time, though.

 

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Homeschooling Teacher Wanted

This was in my e-mail box on the Alpha Omega newletter.  I thought it was worth sharing.

Wanted:  Homeschooling Teacher 

“Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.” (Psalm 68:28)

Have you ever thought about how an advertisement would read for a homeschool teacher? If truthfully stated, the ad would probably go something like this:

Now accepting applications―

Family seeking fun-loving, godly homeschool teacher. Applicant will be responsible for providing total educational development and daily personal care for children of multiple ages. Applicant will assume the following roles: cook, housemaid, nurse, taxi driver, administrative assistant, accountant, athletic coach, social director, computer technician, household and automotive repairman, gardener, course instructor in multiple subject areas and grade levels, and various other responsibilities. This is a full-time position―approximately 120 hours or more per week.

Qualified candidates must be able to work well under pressure, multi-task, and prioritize work loads while maintaining a friendly, enthusiastic attitude. Quick thinking, good memory, and a varied background in extensive subject matter are a must. Promising candidates will be resourceful, adjust easily to distractions, and display creative, hard-working leadership abilities. Organizational and problem solving skills are a plus. Previous teaching experience and/or college preferred, but not required.

If you’re interested in working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, this is the position for you! For more information on this exciting opportunity to earn fulfilling, one-of-a-kind rewards, please apply in person today.

After reading the above qualifications, no wonder many parents walk away from this employment opportunity. Who can measure up to these standards? Praise God, you can! As you step out in faith and yield your weaknesses to God’s strength, you’ll not only get the job, you’ll also successfully homeschool and discover the fantastic benefits of teaching your children at home. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

Lord,
Homeschooling seems overwhelming and there’s so much to learn. Like the new guy on the job, teach me what I need to know to successfully homeschool with Your wisdom, strength, and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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The Fourteen Days of Homeschool

The 14 Days of Homeschool
To the tune of “Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the first day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “Can you homeschool legally?”

On the second day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “Are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?”

On the third day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “Do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?”

On the fourth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?”

On the fifth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?”

On the sixth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “How long will you homeschool, YOU ARE S0 STRANGE, what about P.E. , do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?”

On the seventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “Look at what they’re missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?”

On the eighth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “Why do you do this, look at what they’re missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?”

On the ninth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “They’ll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they’re missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?”

On the tenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “What about graduation, they’ll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they’re missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?”

On the eleventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “I could never do that, what about graduation, they’ll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they’re missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?”

On the twelfth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “Can they go to college, I could never do that, what about graduation, they’ll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they’re missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?”

On the thirteenth day of homeschool I thoughtfully replied: “They Can go to college, yes you can do this, they can have graduation, we don’t like the prom, we do it cuz we like it, they are missing nothing, we’ll homeschool forever, WE ARE NOT STRANGE!, We give them P.E., and we give them tests, they are socialized, AND WE HOMESCHOOL LEGALLY!

On the fourteenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, “How can I get started, why didn’t you tell me, where do I buy curriculum, when is the next conference, WILL PEOPLE THINK WE’RE STRANGE? I think we can do this, if you will help us, can we join P.E. and we’ll homeschool legally.”

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Insert Witty Title Here…

So, long time, no post, eh?  It’s not because nothing has been going on. 

It’s just the opposite, really.  We’ve been having a lot of fun with all of our fieldtrips and special activities.  This fall has been the most eventful few months we’ve had in a long time, by far.  We’ve visited the Police Station (for a field trip, of course, we’re innocent, I swear!), visited the Symphony twice, painted crafts at the pottery shop, gone to The Little Mermaid on stage (there was real water for the mermaids!), sang at the retirement home, and hosted a Christmas craft party.  We celebrated A’s 5th Bday, had his party, gone to a few movies and had Thanksgiving, and have been working hard on dance competition solos.  Our favorite kitty died, we got a puppy, he broke both of his legs, had surgery, and is almost recovered.  I’ve also spent a lot of time planning our trip to Disney.  Whew, right?

But the thing is, I love being busy.  My kids have had so many memories made lately, that I can’t help but think they’ll look back and think they had a great childhood.  What wonderful opportunities they have to do special things and learn with their whole selves.  Their being immersed in culture and getting excited about it.

We are so blessed to have these opportunities through our homeschool group and family members.  I don’t know what I’ve done right to have such great kids, a wonderful husband and be able to school the kids at home, but I’m glad I did it.  All of these things have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. 

I am blessed.

 

 

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King Tut

Today we’re learning about King Tut.  We made Egyptian Death Masks (with beads, colorful feathers and glitter, of course!), read Tut’s Mummy…Lost and Found, and watched this video.   Everyone needs to know about Steve Martin’s King Tut song and dance, don’t they?

After the listening to Story of the World’s chapter on King Tut, I asked the girls about polytheism, monotheism and then what King Tut’s whole name is…

Instead of saying King Tutankhamen , the right answer, C shouts, “Charles Tut?!” 

Silly girl! It was bad enough the correct pronunciation is ‘Toot-common’.  You can imagine the jokes and snickers when I read that to the kids…  It provided a nice laugh on a rainy afternoon.

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A Mother’s Day gift

Looky what I got in my e-mail box today!  I thought I’d share with all the wonderful mommas who read my blog (both of you!), so enjoy your day and get busy downloading Monday!

Mother’s Day should last longer than a day, don’t you think? We certainly do!

So, spend Sunday with your wonderful family and then visit us on Monday, May14th for an event that will give you a reason to keep celebrating Mother’s Day for the rest of the year:

From 8:00 a.m. ‘til midnight on May 14th, download up to 28 FREE Homeschool titles from our generous publishers, worth over $200.00 in value!

Free Downloads

Hapy Mother’s Day to everyone!

*If the link doesn’t work, be sure to go to the home page and look for the banner!

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