Time 4 Learning {Review}

For the last month we have had the pleasure of experiencing Time4Learning. Before I give my review on this program let me tell you a little about them.

What is Time4Learning?

Time4Learning is a student-paced online educational tool covering preschool through high school. Time4Learning.com combines 1500+ multimedia lessons, printable worksheets and graded activities in a student-paced environment that brings concepts to life. Math and language arts lessons are correlated to state standards. Science, social studies and art are also provided as a bonus to most grades.

This page of theirs with their lesson plans and sequence was one of my favorites I read when I was first looking at Time4Learning. I also HIGHLY recommend that you check out this great feature they offer to help you see more of what the Time4Learning experience would look like for you through their Curriculum Demos.

Still want to see more? They offer a 60 second tour video  for you to watch as well! They seriously do a terrific job at giving you an "inside know" of what you'll experience before you take the plunge. However, should you take the plunge and find out it may not be for you they do offer a 14 day money back guarantee.

When you think about the cost of most of the curriculum's out there that are online options I love Time4Learning's price tag as well as the fact that I can stop or pause my subscription with them at anytime!

We have just completed our 9th year of homeschooling and I have heard about Time4Learning all over the blogosphere and social media for years. We have talked about trying them but hadn't taken the jump. When I had to opportunity to try it for 30 days in exchange for a review after our school year it was the perfect time to try!

We tried our upcoming grades... 3rd, 5th, and 9th. We have always pieced together bits and pieces of our curriculum throughout the year and coming off a struggling school year, for many reasons, I really wanted to love this. The boys (3rd grade and 5th grade) enjoyed the video parts of their lessons more than my daughter (9th grader). I was hoping it would be deep enough that I could use it as a core, but sadly for us, the more the kids went on with the lessons it appeared to me that we would use it more as a supplemental curriculum.

Now, don't get me wrong... the kids did learn and grow while working through these lessons. The video parts were the favorite. My 3rd & 5th graders were wishing that the history and science lessons were more video vs reading through the slides. They loved the math and language videos though.

We've done Roman Numerals for a couple years now with my 5th grader (and just introduced them this year to my soon to be 3rd grader) and after watching the video lesson on them in Time4Learning he had a total lightbulb moment.

I love seeing those moments happen! He didn't just drop it after it happened either. No, even my 3rd grader asked to replay it and they started talking about it and referring back to it. It was great!

My 9th grader enjoyed the video teachers at the 9th grade level. There were multiple times she could be heard giggling from her room, or saying "hey mom, listen to this!" They were engaging and packed full of good information.

I really love it for a reinforcement/study/practice standpoint.

My daughter is so used to the rigors of Apologia Science and workbook style math that this part was a stretch for her to wrap her brain around with just watching a video, but she thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. She is a read-write learner so video was great to reinforce information but writing out math problems really solidifies math concepts for her.

I love the part that you can skip around in the topics of the lessons, which is what makes it a great option for us as a supplement. I can easily see us studying with our base curriculum and then me sending the kids to spend some time studying/practicing the concepts we've discussed by being on Time4Learning. The kids are sad that our trial period is up but are looking forward to when we can turn it back on and continue seeing the rest of the lessons and all it has to offer.

It was great that each of my kiddos had their own log in and customized dashboard. From the parent section I could set how much time should be spent on each subject. We did notice that if you go over that time there was no timer or alert that it was time to "move on." Maybe I missed seeing that part but that would've been a nice feature to alert the child when it is time to move to the next subject.

I wish I would've captured pictures while they worked with Time4Learning but with starting to work part time and enjoying listening to them work through the lessons it's one thing I didn't capture. I'm sorry.

From the parent side of view I did love my parent dashboard. From there I could see the grades captured with each quiz as well as I could print out their progress reports and they went along. It was very user friendly and easy to navigate.

Would I buy Time4Learning next year? 

I would purchase this program next year, but not as a full on curriculum to complete our school year. I would purchase it as a supplemental standpoint. Extra reinforcement of the concepts we are covering through our various other curriculums. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to experience all Time4Learning offers and the my children were able to experience the different curriculum options out there. It was a great view into how they respond to online learning vs book learning.

I received a free a free copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I did not have to write a positive review, nor did I receive any compensation for my review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations. 

Compass Classroom American History {Review}

A while back I was contacted by Compass Classroom and asked to do a review for them. I was so excited because I love curriculum and I love giving my children a chance to experience the different materials that are out there. When they mentioned their American History curriculum I was elated to give it a try after reading in their description that it counts for on high school history credit!

Score!!

If you are anything like me you are scouring the web pages and picking every veteran's brain on what to use and count for high school credits. High school officially hits our house in the fall and I'm seriously in denial! However, finding this gem of a History course has taken one item off my plate! We couldn't be more excited about that!

Haven't heard of Compass Classroom or their American History course? No, problem. I'll fill it all in for you.

Compass Classroom has a great About Us page I recommend reading. What drew me in after reading about their "About Us" page was when they shared this gem...

Watching them homeschool made us realize a few things:

1. Moms need as much support as they can homeschooling. If one video course gives you a little more time to focus on other things, then that makes us happy.
2. Some subjects are generally more difficult to teach than others. We try to make video series that cover those gaps.
3. There are some great teachers out there who just do an incredible job explaining certain subjects. We look for them and get them on video.
4. Videos should be educational and entertaining.  A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
5. A lesson on video is not the same as a lecture.  We approach each new series with a blank page and try to match form and content in the most pedagogically-effective way.

I don't know about you but my heart sang... "Yes! All of that!!" I couldn't wait to check them out. We have looked at and have loved all of their Free Resources and have loooooooved their WordUp! course (I just reviewed it as well here).

Their American History course has not disappointed at all! You should definitely check out their promo video.



Compass Classroom's American History is taught by veteran History teacher Dave Raymond, and I've got to say we've loved him! He is engaging and the way he presents has made history stick for us! His passion comes through the screen and gets you as passionate as he is. History has always been a tough subject for us to get engaged with over the years. But Dave has brought it back to life for us.

From their website you can see exactly what you will be receiving with this course, and you can choose to use this course either through DVD's, downloading the course, or streaming. We have the streaming option and LOVE it!

Current cost of this course is $60! It's a total steal and beyond worth every penny!

American History is a one-year class that consists of:

• 26 lessons (5 videos per lesson, 10-15 minutes each)
• 4 projects
• Student Reader, 372p (PDF, EPUB, & MOBI)
• Teacher’s Guide with Scope & Sequence (PDF)
• Weekly Exams
• Year-long Portfolio. 

I can't wait to see all 4 of the projects completed! A Colonial Map Project, A Costumed Speech Project, A Thesis Paper, An Hour Project. From their descriptions they are going to be amazing and easy to grade with the rubric they lay out for you in your Teacher's Guide.

I love their Teacher Guide layout!

They give you everything you need to effectively grade and use their curriculum and the Student Guide is just as simple to follow. My daughter loved that in her student guide told her exactly what to read and what her assignment was. Great accountability for independent work! EVERYTHING you need is laid out for you! How great is that!? Reading, questions, exams, projects... you name it and they've made sure you understand or have it laid out for you. It's so refreshing!

Teacher Guide screen shots:

Student Guide... For a great hands on view of the student reader be sure to check the samples tab and you can click through 10 pages of it as well. I'm positive you will love it! 

This is definitely a high school course. The work is meaty and oh so good!! The video lessons are short but lay such great ground work for the reading and understanding of all of the information poured over. The reading assignments, in some spots, appear to be hearty and lengthy and some adaption may be required, but I thinking with coupled with the detailed writing required the balance is good. The exams will get them thinking too!

For example check out what Lesson one's exam requires...

Lesson 1
Lecture 1.4—Essay/Exam #1
Read the following quotes. Write an essay of 150-250 words explaining the value of history and/or the humanities by using the wisdom of one or more quotes. (Note: This essay is Exam #1.)
The student essays are based upon one or more quotations found in Lecture 1.4. All of these quotations pertain to history and/or the humanities.
The task students have to complete is a 150-250 word essay on the wisdom of their chosen quotation(s) in regard to the study of the humanities. This is meant to be general so a wide array of answers is acceptable. Look for whether or not a student wrestles with the ideas put forth by the author of their chosen quote(s).
The essay is worth 25 points. Quality of content should make up 15 points available and completion of proper length and basic form should make up the remaining 10 points available.

Yes, please! Thank you for a program to lay out exactly what you are looking for in reference to the question answered and how to grade it.

Still unsure how to calculate for high school credits with this course? Don't fret! They have done all the calculating for you under their FAQ page on American History's product page.

We love that this course is premised on a biblical Christian worldview. Dave uses great illustrations and maps as he speaks, and we love how he presented within context and not just isolating a single event. It really brought history full circle for us!

We have only just begun to scratch the surface of all this course has to offer us and we can not wait to soak up the rest of what Dave has to teach. We feel like we are diving into History in a way we never have before! The portfolio will be one I can see us going back and looking at long after she graduates!

I can not recommend checking out this course for your high schooler enough!!

I received a copy of this product in exchange for this review. The thoughts and opinions here are my own.

That word comes from WHERE!?

Vocabulary has been something our kiddos have loved for as long as I can remember.

A couple years ago when we first started attending our homeschool co-op my oldest took a greek and latin roots class and her love for words overflowed. She would pop off with the greek and latin origins left and right throughout our day. It has been a blast!

Now, having younger boys we've been trying to figure out how they could engage with their sister more on word origins since they aren't old enough to take the same class she has, and then we found
WordUp! The Vocal Show!!

Let me tell you what!!

If you are looking for a fun engaging way to get your child to have a love for greek and latin roots don't look anywhere else.

WordUp! the Vocab Show is the way to go!
It was created by Compass Classroom. They also have created Visual Latin.

This show has not only been perfect for my 7 yr old and 9 yr old (both boys) but for our entire family. We sit and watch the episodes over and over, and the funny antics that Dwane Thomas does while playing multiple correspondents for the show live on daily in our house. They think they are just playing around by re-enacting Dwane's skits but little do they realize they are memorizing and learning even more!!

My kids have memorized the roots along with corresponding 10 greek based and 10 latin based english words with no trouble and have had a blast doing so. To help with the memorization we have loved utilizing Compass Classroom's Quizlet set up for online flashcard practice, games, and quizzes.

What you get with WordUp! 

10 Video Lessons (12-15 min each)

20 Latin & Greek Roots

200+ English words

Links to Online Vocabulary Flashcards

If you are one that loves to try out a sample lesson and see their set up you're in luck! Compass Classroom offers a FREE lesson for you right HERE.

If you're like us and can't wait to see what Dwane has for the next lesson you can get the whole course for the very affordable cost of only $19! You seriously can't beat that!

This course is available in a Download, DVD, or Steaming format so the ease of viewing this course will fit into any lifestyle you have! We have the streaming format and it works great for us on days we are on the go.

If you are the type that loves to include worksheets for your kinetic learners Notebooking Pages are available through NotebookPages.com.

Whether you are looking to supplement your latin studies or looking for a stand alone option to teach latin to your child this engaging and zany way is beyond worth looking into! If your child is anything like mine they will be popping off these newly discovered words in their daily conversations in no time! Not only has this show helped with their verbal vocabulary but their written work has grown exponentially as well.

This course would be a great introduction for your child not only to "meet" Dwane Thomas and his teaching style, but a great set up to take Compass Classroom's Visual Latin course later on. (Which can be counted as 2 high school foreign language credits! What an engaging way to tackle high school credits!)

I can not recommend this course enough! It will be one that we continue to watch on repeat for years to come!

Check out there trailer below... I promise you'll instantly fall in love with it too!

 

Want to check out even more of what Compass Classroom offers make sure you check out their FREE RESOURCES section on their website as well! You won't be disappointed!!

I received a copy of this product in exchange for this review. The thoughts and opinions here are my own.

Our 2016/17 Homeschool Curriculum Picks

It's that time of year again!

Dust off the shelves. Sharpen your pencils. Pull out the fresh sheet of paper.

Class is now in session! By 4 weeks now...

This year we have been blessed beyond measure with curriculum being gifted to us for some subjects, and God providing great sales to help. It blows me away every year when it hits this time how He shows us that homeschooling is still what He wants us to do. His provision leaves me in awe every year!

This year is bittersweet for me. Truly this momma's heart is really struggling with the grade levels and what it means for us. This will be our 9th year homeschooling and our oldest is entering 8th grade! Please someone stop the clock! I am not ready at all for her to be in her last year of middle school!!

It just isn't possible we are this close to high school right!?

We hodge podge our curriculum every year and this year is no different; although there are a couple new publishers we will be trying out. I'm excited about how this will work for everyone this year. So without further ado

There are a couple subjects the boys' work will be together and theirs will be marked in blue. All of the other subjects will be independent with some help from mom along the way. We will also be taking part in a homeschool co-op we have been apart of for the last 2 years which will be more elective classes for the kiddos, although there are some meaty ones as well. 

SlamBam: 2nd Grade 

Bible: Sonlight Core C & Apologia Who Is God?

Math: Horizons 2

History: Sonlight Core C (World History Part 2) & Story of the World vol. 2

Literature/Reading: Sonlight Readers 2

Grammar: Abeka Letters & Sounds 2, Abeka Language 2, Learning Language Through Lit book Red

Handwriting: A Reason For Handwriting book B

Spelling: k12reader.com

Science: Science in the Beginning

Geography: Geography Songs

P.E.: Still in the works on praying through what this could be this year.

Co-Op Classes 1st Semester:

*Gym Games

*Fit Kids Health

*Physics for Young Minds

*Junior Chefs

*Grammar Rock

BamBam: 4th Grade

Bible: Sonlight Core C & Apologia Who Is God?

Math: Horizons 4

History: Sonlight Core C (World History Part 2) & Story of the World vol. 2

Literature/Reading: Abeka Language A & a whole slew of books we are choosing along the way

Grammar: Abeka Language A

Handwriting: A Reason For Handwriting book T

Spelling: k12reader.com

Science: Science in the Beginning

Typing: typing.com

Geography: Geography Songs

P.E.: Still in the works on praying through what this could be this year.

Co-Op Classes 1st Semester:

*Cooking

*Elections

*Total Language Plus: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

*Chess 4/5

*Art 4/5

Buttercup: 8th Grade 

Bible: A Journey Through the Old Testament & A Journey Through the Gospels and Acts along with Do Hard Things & Start Here

Math: Horizons Algebra 1

History: Mystery of History vol. 4

Literature/Reading: Learning Language through Lit book gray & a slew of books we are picking along the way

Writing: IEW U.S. History Writing Lessons 

Spelling: 8thgradespelling.com 

Science: Apologia Biology

Typing: typing.com

P.E.: Christian Homeschool Dance team for the 3rd year

Co-Op Classes 1st Semester:

*Electing the President (high school bracket)

*Sign Language 1 (high school bracket)

*Current Events

*Policy Debate

*Study Hall

*Co-Op wise I will resume my role as yearbook teacher again.*

We are coming up to the end our 4th week into our new school year and there are already a couple of changes in our curriculum coming but until we actually are able to make them I'll leave this as is. Check back though because I will update it as we make the changes and adds (like Art and Music).

So here is to another great homeschooling year where I pray God pours into my children and I remember to thank Him daily for giving me the opportunity to watch their light bulb moments. The moments where things click for them, and new passions and pursuits sprout! 

Our School Room:

It's going to be a great year! 

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Oh what to use?

Any homeschooling peeps out there care to help explain to me why the second January hits your mind starts scouring for what curriculum you will use next year and what do you want to switch up!?!

Or maybe it is just me... I am kind of a curriculum hoarder! haha!!

However, I think that is besides the point.

I also have a mad love for all things office supplies, colorful erasable pens, and paper planners. Oh, how I love me a planner.

.... Okay, I got sidetracked there for a minute.

I seriously though am in such a dilemma on what to do for next year. Seriously, it's not the easiest task to teach 3 separate grades and try to do as much grouped together vs all separate at grade level. It seems we have tried so many different things and curriculum over the years and while we love some of one, the following year it drowns us.

Then I am running into hello Middle School and not wanting to have something too easy or too advanced yet still keeping it good for my 2 low elementary grades.

Next year will be 7th grade, 3rd grade, and 1st. While relatively easy with some publications out there it's making time for the "fun" parts. The only three subjects I really group together are Bible, History, and the boys' Science. But I'm not going to lie... History and what isn't textbook boring or heavy laden with books we don't seem to have enough hours in the day for, is truly my Achilles heel.

Ugh! I feel like I am running out of time "to get it right" for my middle schooler. I know. I know. I know. I've been homeschooling since the very beginning and I know that we are walking the path God laid out and that her schooling will not have any gaps because God already knew what we'd be walking when he called us to this, and that he is presenting her with exactly the History he planned for her to have. I can't shut off my head though. I really can't. I'm starting to think it is virtually impossible for me, let alone being female, to accomplish desired task, but yet here I am.

Which is the right curriculum for our History that will leave me feeling like we actually accomplished it each day, understood it, and even had fun expanding on it?

Anyone? Haha!

See, somedays homeschooling is not all roses and peaches... you really do lie awake a night weighing all the material and what depth, grade, level, and time period, and in what order should you be presenting it to your children to lead them successfully towards graduating high school and farther if God calls them that way.

Guess, it's more time of reading reviews, checking layout outs and time periods, seeking God, and using my coloring pens in my fun planner to pro and con the whole thing out.

Did I happen to add I have a slight addiction to lists too?

I may need some help...

If you'd like to share... What history curriculum do you love? Or tried and wasn't a fan of? And why? I'd love to know. :) 

Time, Oh where oh where have you gone?

Okay... Holy Hannah it has been a long time since I have been able to sit and look at this screen. What on earth has gone on with my schedule!?!?

Oh, that's right it's blown up in a color coded rainbow across every day of this month.

Mercy.

Sorry, I never came back with a link to my Thirty-One party I have plans for ways to share that without "pitching" on here. If that makes sense. This blog is still for my life and what God is doing... not to "pitch" a product. That was never my intention to use this space like that. I promise to do my best not to do that here. I have to say though the company is amazing and I am humbled at the outcome God brought to my launch party.

Okay, sorry... enough "work."

School has been going good, for the most part. God has blessed us with the opportunity to take part in so many things that our normal groove is not working so well so some tweaking has been taking place the last 3 weeks as all the new activities have been added into our week. It has been great to take part in things and the future looks great and I am happy we are able to now provide these to our children but Momma could definitely use a clone. I'm just saying! My coffeemaker and I though have grown to have a more intimate relationship, if that was even possible.

We have been blessed to join a one day co-op on Wednesday's that has been a blessing and the kids LOVE it, but it throws so much off by making a 4 day schedule when for forever we have done a 5 day schedule. Just growing pains as the kids grow and so does life. It'll all come together I know... just learning as we go. Although I am not the biggest fan of feeling flustered. Even though I know the lessons are being done it doesn't feel like we are doing anything. If that makes sense.

Seriously the days are CRAZY! Heehee... ok... not so bad when it is laid out with times but still...

Monday: Dance for A from 5 pm - 6:30 pm
Tuesday: Dance for A from 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
                Baseball Practice for B from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
                2nd Tuesday of the month 4-H for 4 in Veterinarian Science Club
Wednesday: Co-Op from 8:30 am - 2:32 pm (& then 45 mins on the cleaning crew)
                 HUB (A's Youth Group) 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Thursday: Baseball Practice for B from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Friday: FAMILY NIGHT... And the angels sing!
Saturday: Game day with varying times each week (Till Nov. 1st)
Sunday: Church & every other week Small Group from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Anyone's eyes and heart bulging looking at that as mine do? Don't get me wrong I am so thankful but part of me longs for those days I felt sorry for myself when we couldn't do anything. Heehee... Just being honest.

I'll have to go into what the kids are doing in Co-Op and explain the amazing opportunity with A and the 4-H Vet. Science Club later as independent work is going on before we have to leave for A's first Tuesday afternoon Dance Team class.

I am however happy that next week is technically our "break" week. We will however be doing some school. Some history reading to catch up and some Science for A cause we had to start hers a week later due to co-op registration. BUT.... it won't be a full day schedule and I can not wait! Heehee...

How have your week's been going?
Praying for you all!
(((HUGS)))

First Weekend Progress

So... Our first weekend of zero spending, other that what was laid out in our guidelines, is complete. All in all I think we fared out pretty well.

We did however spend some that was not apart of our guidelines... My husband's birthday was this week and he received some birthday money. He asked to go out to dinner with that money. So, we did. Two, we had put in our guidelines for our road trip to see some friends from back home. We budgeted for lunch (and were super good about loading the car up with snacks and food so we didn't have to stop for anything along the way), but we broke down and got 2 coffees and 2 diet Dr. Peppers along the way. The kids rocked and didn't ask for a thing as they knew they were to have the waters and Gatorade.

We did stop at Michael's yesterday after church to look at the newest Project Life Kits and walked out with nothing. Trust me that was HARD!! I had a coupon that would have helped the cost and washi tape on sale for $1.49!!! Hello... ouch!!! Would purchasing any of that been taken out of money we didn't really have to begin with... yes. So, we didn't really see a savings per say but we didn't set ourselves up to be short in another area we had the money set up for. So, that was good.

I think all in all we did really well. Our road trip cost a little more than we were hoping for and the little left over birthday money helped with the little over in grocery budget, but we survived the weekend. How many more to go!? Heehee.... I think the real test will be when our regular check hits the bank. Then it'll be hard to not go "shopping". However, our church is gearing up to start a 21 day fast next weekend and some of what we have said to cut out in these 31 days were laid on our hearts to add to our fasting. Really solidifying the ground rules and confirming we are definitely supposed to be doing this.

It's going to be a great stretching process for sure.

Do you have any idea how many killer sales are on right now or special pricing so for field trips we will be saying no to this month!?!? Talk about an eye opener.

Now... where is my pen and paper to keep a list of all I would like to go back and look for after our 31 days.... Hmmm.... Heehee... kind of defeats the purpose huh?

Today we start back to school after our 6 week mid year break. It'll be nice to get back into doing something again. Don't get me wrong the break was nice but we kind of miss having "a plan" for the day. God filled it with people who needed our help, and relaxing around the house. My plans certainly were not touched but I guess that is the joys of not driving the vehicle... It's God's plans that were accomplished then. So, we aren't exactly where I'd like us but apparently we are were God wants us. It's about that time go wake up the kiddos and get breakfast going.

Hope your first weekend of 2014 was great. We have a lot of changes coming. Family dynamics. Prayer life. Fasting. 0 spending. It's going to be a stretching month and a stretching year. I'm thankful in the stretching he keeps me flexible, takes the bad out to replace it with good, and God never lets me go.

Here is to our first full week of 2014 and good stretching!

Be Still My Heart... The Script Writer is Working...

Oh my mind.

It's spinning circles this morning.

Not sure it's really headed in one direction or the other, or just looking back and forward of all that is... my script.

My marriage. 

My family. 

Our Homeschooling. 

The season of life that we are in. 

All of it. 

Looking back it's been such an unbelievable ride. If you told me all those years ago that I would be where I am today I would not have believed you. The script then didn't appear at all to be leading to scenes that are now unfolding for our audience. I love the way the story is unfolding. Predictable parts. Tears. Laughter. Climaxes and rollercoasters. Love. Anger. All the parts of a good story... written by the best author and screenplay writer around.

God. 

How blessed is that!? 

Money can't pay for that awesomeness. 

His Son's blood did. 

I am so blessed. 

Unworthy and yet here I am. 

It's that time of year to where everyone RE's everything in their lives. You know re-evaluates, re-dos, reschedules... you get the point. They RE... everything. The fresh starts come every morning yet we always long for RE's at the beginnings of months and years. Since both are so fast approaching, and I am human after all, my RE word is jotting ideas down on paper seeking God what RE do I (we) need to apply in this coming season.

What changes to my script need to take place, be added to, tweaked, or relished more of. 

More time with my husband. 

That is a big one that needs to take place. 

Just us.

More time away from the phone and computer. Soaking up all that my kids are and love right now, in this moment, that is them. 

More freedom away from the scrutiny of the lesson plan telling us what to learn that day. 

Or the textbook saying how. 

Pursuing the new desires of my children. 

More breaks for dancing in the living room and laughing till our sides hurt. 

More moments to through out the calendar and just dive into an adventure. 

More yes' to the next steps God has called us to pursue in his Kingdom.

Sounds crazy simple doesn't it? Yet it always ends up so black and white. It has to be this way or no way. That isn't really how it has to be though. There is room to do it all like that. If we make effort to do so. 

We've been praying about our homeschool. The craziness of the last year and years beforehand has not exactly provided the vision we thought our homeschooling time would look like. We've been praying about what next or how next. I keep hearing... "you are not yet done, my daughter." That scares me and excites me at the same time. Any homeschooling momma I think can fully appreciate that honesty. 

Scared: 

What does that look like for us? 

Excited:

What does that look like for us? 

These past 2 light schoolwork weeks has been rejuvenating for the soul. It's allowed that quiet time with God asking and the listening my heartstrings have asked for... yet I need more. Long for more and my listening ear knows there is more. Awesome homeschooling time awaits us around the bend. 

Topics and talks. 

Exploring and growth. 

Stepping away from the schedule and lesson plan and not freaking out if it isn't all complete. 

Looking at the time... the irreplaceable time... that was spent growing with my kids. 

That is far more important than being on the right lesson number coordinating with the date on the calendar. 

Lots to still ask, listen, and respond to. 

So much God is preparing our hearts for. Next steps and new adventures in this life of ours. There is more new on the horizon. No light or sign but it's one of those moments where you feel a change in the scene coming. Although, as any good writer does, he leaves the audience clinging to their seats with baited breath for that moment. The best part is this writer calls for his audience to be clinging to his feet with baited breath from his next soft spoken word to warm their soul and direct them to their next scene vs just their seats. Yet both require being still and full attention on him.

We are clinging to him. Anxiously awaiting all he wants to reveal. 

The story isn't over. There is no ending as the year is drawing to a close. This is just the beginning and not because the "new" is weeks away but because this just happens to be the best part of the book. Where you feel you are really getting cozy into the story... that is your life.

Song of my soul... One of the many...

I'm tired, do I have to keep proving myself
I'm weary and drawing from an empty well
I need You more than I ever have
So Jesus come and shatter my darkness somehow

I won't speak until You speak
I won't move until You move me
I won't sing, sing over me
I will wait as long as it takes

I'm restless for something significant
But I'm helpless cause I've done all I can
I want You more than I ever have
So Jesus come and hold me, I'm shaking right now
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com

I won't speak until You speak
I won't move until You move me
I won't sing, sing over me
I will wait as long as it takes

You are the Comforter so comfort me
You're the Sustainer so be enough for me
You are my Father and Your love for me
Is where I find my rest

I won't speak until You speak
I won't move until You move me
I won't sing, sing over me
I will wait as long as it takes

Christmas is coming!!

Can you believe we are one day away from the last month of the year!? Where has 2012 gone?

Everyone is working on their lists and checking them twice my mind is on what I haven't accomplished yet that I wanted to, and on next year. Still working on the asking, listening, and responding. The daunting amount of life I know that is coming weighs me down. I don't want it to though. I have to remind myself that God isn't giving me more than I can handle.

With that being said... hello Christmas season!

I have though, accomplished quite a bit. Grandparents gifts are done and on their way to me. We made the kids no-sew blankets as an early Christmas present to enjoy all season. I only have the tiniest bit left to get for my nephew and his gifts are done. The trees are up (not decorated). One batch of my grandma's Pfeffernusse cookies have already been made. At least 2 more batches to go. It's not Christmas without them. We attempted taking our own family pictures with not a ton of success. And that's about it for so far... ;-)

(pardon the phone pics quality)

We have a ton planned to try and do this month though. Last year we didn't do anything so we are looking forward to all of the ideas. This weekend is jam packed! Starting today...  We are finishing up our week of school work, making peppermint bark and a start to our Christmas cookies baking session and hopefully getting to making some ornaments for the tree tomorrow. Oh and I need to write out our advent calendar for tomorrow! Tonight we are going to a light parade that our neighbors dogs are in. The kids love Lukey and Laney and can't wait to see them walk the parade. They also heard that these 2 adorable doggies have a direct line to the "big guy" and are super excited about that. Tomorrow... We are decorating the Christmas trees, putting Christmas lights up on the house for the first time ever (I'm not sure who is more excited... my husband or the kids *wink*), taking another stab at family pictures around the pond in the our neighborhood, and going to a town tree lighting. Sunday... We have church and small group.

Nap time yet!? heehee

Can not wait to start a whole string of new traditions this month.

We were scheduling the entire month of December off from school but with the move that isn't going to be able to happen. Although it's nice to know that we have some wiggle room to catch up the little we need to. The kids aren't to excited about it (OK only my oldest isn't) but I promised them it won't be a huge workload. Are you schooling over the month of December?

Anyway, Christmas is about to get into full swing here and we couldn't be more excited. Our 3 year old has hit the age he really starts to enjoy it, and our other 2 are chomping at the bit for Christmas to fly in. I love this time of year and the reason for this season.

Merry Christmas, Everyone! Can't wait to see God brings into this time of year!

With that this picture below is an oil pastel my daughter made the other night thanks to HodgePodge's free tutorials. If you follow me on Instagram you've seen this already but I had to share again. So proud of her and her love of art!

She combined 2 tutorials into one...

The fireplace
The Christmas Tree

There are more wonderful free tutorials if you or your child would love some fun (FREE) art ideas.

I'd love to hear what you are planning this Christmas season... :) Wanna share?

Our GREAT First week of the 2012/13 School Year

This week we officially started back to school.

Full load.

Fully schedule.

The whole shebang!

I didn't start with a light load or ease into it because frankly we have missed school so much that I truly didn't see the point. So here we are. Lessons and units completed and checked off. Plans written out and smiles on all of our faces. This week has been great! I pray the momentum stays the year through and not just the "newness" of the year and it fizzles out.

This week I did learn though that the beginning Kindergarten lessons for my little man are way too easy for him and were completed way too quick. So I am now on the task of finding lots of supplements for him to make his days more meatier and chalked full of fun and more learning. He was very bored this week. He wasn't a big fan of reading through our material. He begged for more worksheets though. He loved worksheets. Each day he would proudly ask to hang it up for Daddy to see. He also celebrated his 5th birthday midweek. While time schedule was off we still completed the days work. It was great! Even our littlest guy (3yr old) took part in phonics sounds and repeat after me parts. It was another glorious moment of the soul.

Here are some pics of our fun this week!! (I really hope that I can stick to use the camera on either my phone or regular camera to keep tracking our days. I always slack on it and kick myself for it. Here's to hoping for change.)

I am like the lamest parent ever too by the way. I haven't gotten first day of school pictures yet. This is all I have. Our immediate surroundings are less than inspiring so I have decided to dress them in the same clothes tomorrow and go to a nicer location and take pictures then.

It still counts... kind of?

Right?

Hard at work...

Monday we scored an awesome calendar set up for $5 (Thank you Mardel) and some cute cups for the kids for $0.25/each. Owls are huge around here.

See... ;) 

We drew during reading class and learned some awesome new vocabulary words...  

For Geology chapter 1 talked about the layers of the earth. Thanks to Pinterest (linked to actual post) we tried our hand at the play-dough layers model. Our play-dough... no joke... was cheap, and so didn't cut as clean or mold as well as we had hoped. The kids still had fun though. We may be making this one again with better play-dough just because later.

We celebrated a special day...

And I wrapped up the week with inspiration from one of best friends back home. They are starting their year next month and she set up a spreadsheet for yearly lesson planning based on weeks. I loved her layout and my OCD begged to join in on the fun. So I too started making up our yearly lesson plan layout. I {heart} an organized school year. 

Oh yes, and LOTS of Olympics have been watched and rooted for as well!! This is my daughter back during the Parade of Athletes going through her Countries Flag book. She located the flags and countries. She literally was giddy to do it A-Z. It was an awesome moment!

{Sorry for the poor cellphone pics... only camera I have that has a wider lens. 50mm is just a little too close sometimes. *wink*}


That wraps up our week. How was yours? Did you start back to school too? How was it? I'd love to know!!

Here is to a great new school year!! 

Our Curriculum 2012-13

The time has come. 

The pencils are sharpened and the papers are ready.

A new school year is dawning and we can't wait.

Adventure awaits us. Numbers to be crunched. Projects to get messy with and laughter and memories to last us a lifetime.

{a horrible pic I know... sorry}

So what will we be using to fill these young minds this year? Here is our main books. 

Our 4th grader will be using:

Bible: Apologia Who Am I? Textbook and Notebooking Journal

Math: Horizons 4

History: Story of the World Vol. 2 {We started this last year and after our moved tried something different. She asked to come back to this and do the whole book this time.}

Science: The Geology Book and Study Guide We will be creating our own notebooking journal through the whole book as well.

Language: Abeka Language A

Spelling: Spelling 4 by Purposeful Design

Handwriting: Will be copywork and dictation throughout all of our lessons

Reading: Total Language Plus Caddie Woodlawn

Music: We will be creating our own study on composers with materials we have around the house based off of the book Meet The Great Composers 1

Art: Confessions of a Homeschoolers' The World's Greatest Artists Unit Study

Geography: a 50 States Unit Study we are putting together ourselves

For 2nd Semester:

Science: Apologia Swimming Creatures 

Reading: Total Language Plus Pippi Longstocking

I think that about ties it up for those subjects for her. She will also be reading books throughout the year for free reading. Her first pick is Calico Captive. She will also be working with soft pastels, sewing, loom knitting, and softball. Lots of softball. ;)

Our Kindergartner will be using:

Bible: We have a ton of Bible Studies we have picked up years ago from Half Priced Books from the Nest Family movies. We will be using them. 

Math: Horizons K

History: He will be taking part in all we are learning with Sister

Science, Art, Geography, and Music: Same as History

Language & Reading: Abeka Letters and Sounds K and Abeka readers

Spelling: We will be using Kindergarten sight words I have collected over the years and from SpellingCity.com

Handwriting: A Reason For Handwriting K


He also will be doing little science studies on airplanes and tornadoes per his request, and anything else his little curious mind comes up with. :)


It's going to be a great year!