Surprise for Me!!

Today I printed our schedule for Week 30 in MFW Explorations to 1850's and we finished our Monday history. We are just about to finish Bound For Oregon, only 3 more chapters.

I took my Teacher's Manual to see our work load for the upcoming weeks so that I could plan how much time we would take off for the Holidays. Much to my amazement I discovered that we don't have 6 more weeks of history! We have a couple of weeks to work on our state reports and we are done!

Yep, you heard me right, done!

I am SOOO excited!

We will finish week 30 this week, take next week off of history all together, although we will still be doing our other subjects especially science, math and language arts.

I do so want to stay on top of things.

Some of you may think I'm a mad woman for being so excited over this but allow me a moment to share with you how the Lord has brought us to such success.

Over the years the biggest thing I've struggled with is consistency each day. It just seemed like there was always something coming up and we didn't get around to school like we should. The past couple of years I've really sought the Lord to help me with my sleeping habits and my scheduling abilities. I've never been a scheduler, I've just sort of always winged it and that was a lot of my problem.

The Lord has worked with me, gently calling me in the mornings to wake up and wooing me to sleep earlier in the night. I love my new schedule.

The Lord has also used My Father's World to help me with learning how to schedule our schooling. Having a schedule has made so much difference, and this is something that I never would have believed had I not experienced it myself! I was so against schedules and finally I've learned they do have their value.

I feel like right now the Lord is redeeming time we'd lost in our homeschool. I already have our next year of My Father's World 1850's-Modern so we will be beginning before Christmas! I'm quite sure as we continue to follow the Lord in this thing that we are going to finish this program before our 2010-2011 school year.

As I've shared before the girls will be separated next year with Sky going into MFW High School and Meadow going into MFW Exploring Countries and Cultures.

So after Thanksgiving we will be working on our state reports and after we finish those we will begin our new year of MFW!

Praise God!

Father, I thank-You for opening my eyes and bringing me to repentance, for forgiving me and restoring what I'd so carelessly lost. I pray you continue to keep Your hand upon Kingdom Academy and that we keep our eyes and ears open to hear as you lead. Amen

Hallelujah!

MFW Update Weeks 29

I had so much running to do this week. I had appointments three days this week. It's also been rainy and dreary and blech. Aside from that I've had a a great week. We did manage to finish all of our weekly school work except for a little bit of reading in History. I plan to catch that up before Monday and we will be right on track moving forward to week 30.

Moving right along.........................

MFW Update Weeks 28

I had to force the week to get everything completed. I've been running to the doctor with my older daughter a lot so we didn't get to have our typical school days. One of the glorious benefits of homeschooling is that just because you don't get to school in the day you always have the evenings. Since I've created schedules for Sky she is able to do her work each day regardless if I'm there to tell her what to do or not and this has made for a more productive school year for her as well. We are finishing up week 28 today and will be moving into week 29 next week. I'm hoping to slow down a little next week so we can hop back to those double weeks. I'd love to finish this history by Christmas!

We are studying the history of the hymn Amazing Grace. I've found some fabulous things online. I also plan to rent the move Amazing Grace so the girls get a more vivid picture of John Newton's life. I love this hymn. Learning about how and when it was written touched me all the more and reminds me of what a wretched sinner I am. I'm so thankful for the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed weekend!

MFW Update Weeks 26 & 27

Last week was a fabulous school week. Everyday we dug in and moved forward. I can't describe how good it feels. We have started a new book called Bound for Oregon and we are really enjoying it. We continue to move forward with our study of the states and presidents. It's been a good productive week.

MFW Update Week 25

We finished week 25 last week but didn't get to move onto week 26 as I had hoped. That is perfectly fine, these next few weeks are jam packed with history reading, state reports and presidents!

We had a great homeschool week. We finished our missionary book about William Carey. Once again I learned so much. I think it is so awesome to see (well read about) people with patience and trust in the Lord. William had to deal with many unpleasant situations and people. As I was reading there were several times that I found myself fed up and thinking, "I would have done this".....or "I would have said that"....but as I kept reading I was shown a whole new way of handling things.

I stopped and thought to myself, at the age of 38 is that possible? It would seem that being a Christian myself and living the life we live that this kind of behavior would be typical in our environment and every day life. Sadly, it isn't.

I was once again reminded of how far I have to go, and that I am not setting the best example for my children.

Lord, forgive me. Show me, mold me. Let me MORE like YOU!

This is one of my favorite things about My Father's World. It deepens my relationship with Christ, it convicts me and brings me to repentance. A place I never want to find myself short of.

We did go on our field trip to see the Tabernacle. I'm going to link it below so that you can see it for yourself and later this week when I have more time I will load and post our pictures. I had such a great time. It was a huge blessing and opportunity for our family to have the honor of being able to go and visit something of this magnitude. It brought the plan of Redemption to life. It really focused on repentance and the need for the covering of Jesus' blood to wash away that sin.

The Traveling Tabernacle

MFW Update Weeks 23 & 24

We moved along so slowly last year with My Father's World-Explorations to 1850's. This year we are moving along in a pattern that feels fast but looking back at my weekly reports I can see, that its not nearly as quickly as it could be. I guess with Sky's surgery and the field trips it has held us back a little. I do like that I blog our progress so that I can keep up with where we've been and where we are without having to dig out our lesson plans. :)

This week we completed week 24. The girls are studying the states and presidents and are really enjoying learning. Their retention has been amazing also, I love it when they share with my family the new information we've covered. Sky really has a great memory and never ceases to amaze me with the facts she keeps hidden away in her mind.

I'm hoping to finish My Father's World-Explorations to 1850's and move onto the following year My Father's World-1850's to Modern by December. If this happens and we do history through the summer we may just be able to finish American History before the girls move onto separated years of My Father's World. This would make a mom's heart really happy and satisfied! :)

I continue to learn as much as the girls are. I just love American History and would be content never studying anything else. The girls would beg to differ!

Tomorrow we are going on another field trip to a D Day Memorial. Tony is off work and will going with us. I am so excited. I'll be sure to take pictures and post our field trip soon.

Praying you all have a blessed weekend!

(As I type the girls are teaching themselves to play Yankee Doodle Dandy on the piano! I love those perfect homeschooling moments, don't you?)

Homeschooling Dad

I caught him off guard, he was reading the girls their history. Precious he is!

States and Presidents

I cannot believe how long our history days have been.

I have to admit....it's my fault. I can't help it.

I start our lessons, I read the required entries and I'm full of questions for the girls. We discuss and I explain and then....I remember, "Oh, yes! I have books on this. I have the 'State-by-State Atlas, Don't Know Much About 50 States, The Declaration of Independence-The Words that made America, We The Kids-The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, Words That Build a Nation-In Congress, The Congress-America's Law Makers, The President-America's Leader, The Judiciary-Laws that We Live By'......and I could go on...and on....and on.

I can't stop.

I believe I have a problem.

Hee hee, no but honestly I am going to have to limit our days. I find it funny that I use a bit of the Charlotte Mason approach with Meadow and limit subjects to 10 minutes and she is through with her work for the day except for history and crafts. Before you know it, the time has slipped up and oh dear, my husband is home.

It has taken us last week and this week to get through week 21 of My Father's World Exploration-1850's. It'll probably take the beginning part of next week too.

:D

I'm not going to speed up though, I'll shorten our days but take the time we need to learn the material. I missed American History my first go round in school and I'm loving learning about them this go round in our homeschool. We have all year to finish this year of My Father's World and next year will change.

Sky will be officially entering highschool (in our homeschool) and she'll be working on her own. Meadow and I are going to begin in My Father's World Exploring Countries and Cultures for 4th grade and we will work our way back through the five year cycle.

So this year, I can take my time!

Sky is scheduled to have her tonsils removed on the 23rd so that'll hang us up a bit too. It'll give me plenty of time to read aloud though. The joys of homeschooling!

Jesus, lover of my soul by Charles Wesley

This is the new hymn in our My Father's World study, taken from Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J Morgan. I found it on itunes sung by Red Mountain Church. I tried to find it on You Tube to share and found other songs by Red Mountain Church but could not find this version sung by anyone. It's simply beautiful and has really ministered to the girls and I the past weeks.

It was written by Charles Wesley in 1740. Charles had a collection of Hymns and Sacred Poems collected over time. When he fell in love and decided to marry, he had the idea to publish his writings hoping to bring in royalties-money to provide for his family. Charles and Sally were married on April 8, 1749, Charles noting:"Not a cloud was to be seen from morning till night. I rose at four, spent three hours and a half in prayer or singing, with my brother......At eight I led my Sally to church.....It was a most solemn season of love!"

It amazes me that he arose at 4 am and spent 3 and 1/2 hours with the Lord. The sad thing is that it shouldn't. I know its hard for me to press in and spend moments with the Lord each day and the thought of spending hours that deep in the presence of God leaves me in awe. It opens my eyes and shows me how far I still have to go. I have not yet arrived. I pray that my precious moments become more consistent and grow in length.

This is beautiful. You can listen to a *clip* of it on itunes for free or download it for .99 cents. Just reading the words bless my soul. I pray it blesses yours also.

1. Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide;
Oh, receive my soul at last.

2. Other refuge have I none,
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed,
All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head
With the shadow of Thy wing.

3. Wilt Thou not regard my call?
Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—
Lo! on Thee I cast my care.
Reach me out Thy gracious hand!
While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand,
Dying, and behold, I live.

4. Thou, O Christ, art all I want,
More than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name,
Source of all true righteousness;
Thou art evermore the same,
Thou art full of truth and grace.

5. Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
Grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound;
Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art,
Freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart;
Rise to all eternity.

A Day Complete

It was a long one. I'm working on *my* schedule and I woke up at 8:45 am.....I know....I know.... that is late to many of you but for me, its bright and early! I knew we'd have plenty of time to do everything I had planned. I love planning. It's so exciting! However, if I'm not careful I end up planning and having too many things left undone and the feelings of excitement quickly turn to feelings of defeat.

Then this scripture comes to mind: Romans 8:37 "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

Habits can change.

Habits do change.

So imagine my excitement when the Lord woke me much earlier than usual!

My girlfriend called, actually she is my BEST friend, and has been since I was 3 years old. She needed a sitter, her mother in law was in the hospital and she didn't want to take her kiddos in. So, I kept her 6 month old and 3 year old little girls. Needless to say there went school and there went the schedule!

They left around 2ish and we picked up where we had left off. We finally finished everything around 7 pm this evening. It was hard pressing through and I had the thought-more than once-to just put it away for tomorrow. For the ordinary or even new homeschooler there is nothing at all wrong with that. Actually that is a sweet bonus of homeschooling, but here for me, this year, it would have been falling.

Falling back into bad habits.

So, we pressed in and we finished.

It felt good.

We got a lot done.

I've almost completed Sky's work schedule for next week. I'm going to have to shorten some lessons, I can see I'm expecting too much. I'm working towards a fair goal. I don't want to burn them out!

Our second week of school, finishing week 20 of My Father's World Exploration to 1850's is ending quite nicely.

I'm so glad I can do all things through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who strengthens me.

(And I must add it was sweet having the little ones here today. I'm amazed at how quickly you forget what its like to take care of babies!)

Feeling it Out

The first weeks of school are always feel out weeks for us. So far everything is working well. I ventured a little from my past posts on our *planned* 09-10 school year but not far.

I did decide to move Sky over into Saxon math instead of Teaching Textbooks. I have to say I'm really leery of this decision but I don't feel that she was getting enough explanation with TT. I'm not blaming the program, I know many who use it with great success but Sky just...needed more. I purchased the Saxon Teaching cd's for this very reason. I'm hoping they'll offer exactly what she is needing and that she'll experience a little more retention. I've heard great reviews about these and I'm praying that they will make a difference.

I don't like the new paper back books. Ick. I much prefer the old hardbook style. Bob Jones has gone to paper back too. They claim it saves on cost but how could it when you are cutting the life of the book down so drastically?

We are moving a long with My Father's World, this week is week 20 and Meadow and I are reading Mary Jones and Her Bible.

I still don't have Spelling Power up and running but hopefully by next week I'll be on track.

Just a short update before heading to bed. I must add that Sky is doing phenomenal compared to the struggles I had before last year. I'm so very grateful to the Lord for doing such a great work in her.

This is My Father's World

We didn't finish MFW EXP-1850's last year. I think because we didn't complete it that I was discouraged with it. The past two days we've been doing the basics and I've been on the prowl hunting for something else for history, bible ect... but I've not been able to find anything that felt...well, right.

Today we picked up where we left off with MFW last year, and can I say "WOW", I'm amazed and I'm reminded of all the wonderful things we learned with MFW. It just *feels* right for us. We are going to ignore the fact that we aren't where we *could* be, stop beating ourselves up and enjoy where we are. We are going to finish MFW EXP-1850's before moving on to the 1850's-Modern Times this year with no guilt.

Once we'd finished our school work for the day I went to check my e-mail. I was simply amazed at the confirmation that God provided me and at the EXACT moment too. This is NO coincidence.

Watch this.....


Is God amazing or what? Everytime I tend to forget it He steps in and reminds me. I'm so thankful for that. I'm so thankful that we will be continuing on with My Father's World.

School Year is Ending

Yes, the end of the school year is drawing near but for this family of homeschoolers the load will only lighten a little. I know that I could use regular textbooks that the girls would work through for each subject at their own pace and that they could finish their work during the year and be able to take summers off BUT I choose to teach my children myself. They do have some textbooks in which I don't actually have to teach them but my point is that I am very very involved in my girl's school days. This is a good thing but it can be a drawback. When life throws things at you at the speed of lightening, sometimes....well actually make that often, *I* don't get to do as I as I planned and we get a little behind. So, the subjects that the girls have been able to do without me are right on schedule (if you count the late start we had) and my part of things will have to continue through the summer.

I've encouraged the girls that if they help me keep a schedule, not rigid mind you, but, if we can get up at a decent hour and school in the mornings we will only have half days and we will be able to spend the rest of the day at the pool. I think that is a fair offer don't you?

We have finally finished Madeleine Takes Command. We learned so much from this book. I know I've discussed this book before but since it's been a while I'll start over. This historical novel, set in 17th century New France, 'Madeleine Takes Command' by Ethel C. Brill is the true story of Madeleine de Vercheres, a very brave young teenage girl with a strong faith in the Lord who is forced to protect not only her home but the homes of every person within the fort along the St. Lawrence River against Indian attacks during the year of 1692. Madeleine takes up arms in defense of family, country, and faith against the Iroquois.

Madeleine is 14 years old. Sky, my middle daughter is 13 years old. I feel that this book really opened my girl's eyes to what they are truly capable of. Sometimes they think, "Well I'm just a kid so what difference can I make?" I believe that Madeleine showed them they can make a difference and that they should expect more out of themselves.

My Father's World has us on a reading break for the next couple of weeks so I've decided to pick up another book that we had started but not finished called 'The Hallelujah Lass'.

The fifth book in the Daughters of the Faith Series, The Hallelujah Lass tells the story of Eliza Shirley, a 16-year-old girl who traveled from England to pioneer the work of the Salvation Army in the United States. The Daughters of the Faith Series gives teens fascinating character-building stories of real girls from history who did extraordinary things for God.

My focus for my girls right now is for them to have the realization that they can DO GREAT THINGS FOR GOD. I don't want them to believe the lies that they have to wait until they are grown to accomplish anything, that today, here and now is important and today, here and now is their life and that they need to live it to the fullest in Christ and not wait around to be older, smarter or to become an adult. If they can comprehend this fact I know I will see growth in them and their relationship with Christ.

Meadow is using a great hands on project for science. My brother gave her this for Christmas and we are pulling it out to use now. Its called, "My First Science Lab" and it contains 10 experiments. She will create a small lab for mixing up dozen's of colors, watch the colors turn to crystals, make a mini-rainbow in a test tube and many more experiments. I like it because it came with almost everything needed to do the experiements, other than a few household items and the experiments are visual and not complicated. We are all very excited about using this product. I'll be sure to share our findings!

So we are moving right along and looking forward to our summer!

Long Time No Update!

Sorry!! I've just been so incredibly busy. We were forced by life to take a few weeks off and are just now getting back on track. The girls have been doing the basics but the rest was put on hold. This week we are picking back up. I'm happy if they finish Math and English but ecstatic at the thoughts of picking up our history with My Father's World again. I'm not sweating it. We've had some glorious family time and gotten a lot of house work done. It's going to be a little harder to post by the week though. While we are still in week 13 of MFW the girls have moved beyond that in their other work. I'll stick to the MFW schedule and move them up grades according to their math, and move into the next year's MFW when we complete this years. I was truly hoping to take the summer off but I think if we can get 2-3 days a week in through the summer it'll be a good thing. We are planning to join the pool this year and if we stay on a good schedule we can finish school in the mornings!

I love how learning doesn't stop when you aren't in the books. The girls find the neatest ways to do things. Meadow and Sky spent yesterday logging all of Meadow's pet shops. There were 72 to be exact. I was quite impressed with the list and the counting that Meadow done. Both girls have also taken it upon themselves to move their rooms around and clean. I'm so pleased with them.

I'll try to do better with my updates. :) Till next time!

Updating

Weeks 11 and 12 went well. I have been so busy lately it seems hard to find the time to share specifics and take pictures. I'm going to try to be better at this in the coming weeks. We will be working on week 13 this week but there is sickness in the house and there was no school today. It seems everyone has a touch of something! If you are reading send up prayers for us and I'll get back and update more as soon as I can. I want to post pictures of Meadow with her trophy that she received for completing Sing Spell Read and Write!

Weekly Report wk 10

I've been so busy lately that I just didn't have the time to do a weekly report. Last week we finished all of our work for MFW week 10. We had a couple of days off since Tony was out of work. One day was weather and the other day was that the work truck broke down.

Meadow has finished her Sing Spell Read and Write! She is ecstatic! We are ordering her a trophy to present her with for this accomplishment, I can't wait! I'll post pictures as soon as I can. Meadow is moving along in math, completing around a chapter each week. She has almost finished her spelling book and we will be moving into Primary Language Lessons soon. I'm very proud of her.

Sky is doing great too. She has finished the first module in her Apologia General Science and tested. This is one tough course for us and I'm so pleased that she has transitioned well with it. Teaching Textbooks continues to be one of the biggest blessings that our homeschool has come across for math. It is a perfect fit for our family and doesn't carry the high price tag that BJU dvds did. This is a math that we can afford!

I'll have to take some pictures of the lovely art history work that Sky is doing and share with you. I love that their notebooks are filling up after only a few months of school. It shows that we are accomplishing alot.

This week we are doing week 11. I'll report in soon! Happy homeschooling!

The Preamble of Our State.....

Ours is Virginia~

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other.

I love this. It's poetic isn't it? It's what our country was founded on but everyone seems to have forgotten. Our Creator, Our Father, His Son Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit.


'Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.'
- William Penn

BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD ... PSALM 33:12
GOD BLESS AMERICA

Quote

I came across this on one of my homeschooling boards today and felt it very much worth passing along.

"How can it be a large career to tell other people's children about [arithmetic], and a small career to tell one's own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone?"--G.K. Chesterton

Off Day

I guess we all have them. I know they hit here quite often, although I'm thankful that it has been a while. This week has felt so forced. I prefer flow to force. I've been thinking today and trying to figure out what has changed. If there is anything that is different. The girls are bickering and bickering and bickering. I get so tired of hearing it between them. I have them stop, we pray outloud together, they apologize, then hug. Then it starts again. There are moments I want to scream! These are the tough times in homeschooling. The times when if you allow yourself to, your thoughts can wander to thinking that the grass may be greener on the other side. Thankfully, I know better. So I hunker down, I pray, I cry, sometimes I yell but I stand. That is the most important thing. I REFUSE to give in and I REFUSE to give up.

I know the battle is hard because we are having great success this year and the enemy doesn't like it one bit. In thinking about causes or changes, the Lord has shown me a few things. One, the girls were very disappointed that it didn't snow. Two, Sky has upcoming oral surgery Tuesday next week, with doctor's appointments on Friday this week and on Monday next week. So, we will miss three days of school and that adds some pressure on me trying to keep us caught up. Three, our schedules have slipped some. I've had Aiden (he is the 5 month old little baby boy that my sister in law is caring for) last week and this week. Last week went well, this week its been harder with him. I'm not sleeping as well and I end up sleeping later or napping during the days which means our time isn't being spent wisely.

Tonight Meadow tested at 10:00 pm, Sky drew two of her art history summaries, she'll have to color them tomorrow. We didn't finish our music study on Mendelssohn but will try to get it in before Monday. I don't like schooling that late in the evenings and the girls don't either so that is frustrating to all of us. I know that I'll work to get us back on schedule and we will see better days. I mainly wanted to share with my readers that our homeschool days isn't always perfect!

On the up side of things we are learning about such interesting people! This week we learned about another missionary named John Elliot. John had a heart to see the Indians saved. He taught himself to speak their language, and he preached to them in their tongue. Many came to know the Lord and they became known as the praying Indians. Another interesting person we are learning about is Madeleine Di Vercheres. She was a very strong 14 year old girl who protected and held the fort that was her home for 8 days, from the Indians, until help arrived. We are reading deeper about her in our new book Madeleine Takes Command by Ethel C. Brill. We are also reading The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh, which is geared more for Meadow's age. The middle book is Meadow's last Sing Spell Read and Write book! Yep, you heard right! Her last one! She is on step 34 and should be completing the series by the end of next week. We are both so excited!



My favorite thing this week is our new hymn. It's called Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed, written by Isaac Watts. The version we are listening to is sung by Sovereign Grace Music on the Songs for the Cross-Centered Life album. I'm going to try and embed it below so that if you like you can listen to it. It's so beautiful, so deep and it just touches my heart so. I hope it speaks to you as strongly as it did to me. Have a blessed week!

Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed - Sovereign Grace Music

It Was Trying to Snow

It makes me feel so bad for the girls. We haven't had snow in so long and we all just long and pray for the Lord to open up the Heavens and rain SNOW down on us!!! Today it flurried for about 10 minutes. Meadow and her friend Mowpheth (pronounced Mafaith) ran outside to try and play a few minutes.

Meadow running trying to catch snow in her mouth!

Silly girls!

This is the only picture that you can really see the snow in.

Both girls had company last night so school was a bit slow going but we managed to finish our day. They are calling for a 70% chance of snow tonight so we are really praying hard that we get it. We have to get our school done by Thursday this week because we have doctor's appointments on Friday and Monday next week. Sky is having some oral surgery done on Tuesday so that will be three days that we'll be off schedule. I'm hoping to catch us up if Sky recuperates well.

Just for the record, if it snows tonight the girls will be playing in it tomorrow!