New School Year

We are getting ready to begin our new school year. Hopefully this year will go better than last year. I have all the curriculum and all the materials to get us started. I pray that my children will have good attitudes and work diligently.
We are using Saxon math and Light Units from Christian Light Publications for everything else..

My buddies

One of my dear friends has recently decided to take the leap into homeschooling. Like me, she is a single mom who wants the very best for her children. I am so proud of her decision. This is a picture of her beautiful children. I am so glad that these are three more children added to the ranks. Our future depends on them, and they depend on us..

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

It has been too long since I have updated. Things have been so hectic at work. I was getting so overwhelmed and discouraged. Then the Lord sends an answer to my prayers. After responding to an email regarding a homeschool get-together, my sister surprised me with the sweetest reply. I was declining the event, because I was way too busy at work. I did however hint pretty hard that I would LOVE for someone to volunteer to take my kids for the day. I was so happy to have as a reply my sister's offer to let the kids stay with her for a while until things calm down at work.

My sister is a wonderful teacher. I have always known I lacked that quality, but was determined to make this homeschool work in spite of my shortcomings. After just a few days, my sweet sister was already giving me pointers and ideas that were so desperately needed. She is helping me get these kids back and track. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

I thank God for answering my prayers of desperation. I had no idea this would be his solution. I am always amazed at how God uses His providence to answer our prayers. My children are now being "tutored" during the day with their aunt, who they adore. I am able to have a little more time in the evenings to focus on the subjects that require attention, and she supplements this during the day time hours. I knew that God would provide a way for us. When I felt like there was no way I could do this, I did not give up, I prayed. I LOVE to see the evidence of answered prayers. Who can doubt his lovingkindness? I know that Romans 8:28 applies to my family, because we do love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, and strength.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Jada's Bulletin Board

This is the bulletin board Jada made for Lads to Leaders. She worked very hard on this and I can honestly say I did not help one bit!

My Baby Boy

Justin turned seven last week. He was so excited about this birthday. Justin is such a sweet boy. Out of all of my kids, he is definitely the most affectionate. I am so proud of his growth in this past year. I can tell such an improvement in his demeanor since he has been out of public schools. When he was in Kindergarten, he got in trouble everyday. It was so frustrating for all of us.
Now, he still has his days, but he is beginning to realize the benefits of good behavior. I am so proud of his new attitude. Instead of dreading his work, he puts a smile on his face and gets to the task. He realizes that any task is easier to accomplish with a good attitude.
Justin has always been very shy around his peers. He was the only boy in class that would not say a prayer or quote his memory verse, but that has all changed within the past few months. Last quarter he began reading scripture, leading songs, and prayers in Bible class. His confidence soared due to the positive feedback of his teachers. Last week he did something I did not think he would do for a long time. He led a song and read a scripture in a young men's training class. All of the men were so impressed with him. They had no idea he had such talent. I am so proud of him. I know he will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Justin's new found confidence is a result of immersion in the Lord's word. I know that he did not get enough Bible time when he was in public school. Now he hears bible stories every day. He studies topics that will help him develop the Christian character so badly needed in men today.
I am so glad I made the decision to raise him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It is so much better than letting him become a product of the state.

Evaluate Your Priorities

One of the lessons I have already learned about homeschooling multiple children is, THINGS PILE UP! I have textbooks, work books, lapbooks, library books, and scrap books coming out of my ears. I cannot turn down a freebie, and I have gotten an abundance of those.

Now, I have all of these resources, and not a clue what to do with them. The hardest part of homeschooling for me is planning. If I do manage to get a few weeks worth of lessons planned for the kids, I then have to ensure that the lessons are actually completed. Yes, I am overwhelmed. After working a 45 hour week, I have one day, Saturday, to do EVERYTHING. Clean the house, do the laundry, buy groceries, grade the previous week's assignments, PLUS plan next week.

The only way I manage to keep my head on straight is to make sure my priorities are in line. Occasionally things get out of whack, and I have to reevaluate. I am not Superwoman. Sometimes the laundry will not get folded. Some weeks, I will not even look at the school work. But as long as I remember Number 1, everything else will work out. I do believe this with all of my heart. That is why I do not even worry about tomorrow, what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear. My heavenly Father is taking care of that for me. Is life going to be easy? NO. Are we going to have everything we want? NO. Are we going to have everything we need? Absolutely...

As Paul reminded the Philippians, "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father glory forever and ever. Amen"
I thank God for His daily provisions. He is my Number 1. After that, everything falls in line perfectly.

Blog already and my weekend visitor

I keep thinking about how great it is to have this blog to chronicle my experiences in life, but it seems like I never get around to actually writing anything. I am going to try my best to post at least once a week for the rest of this year. I have always had a passion for reading. I read constantly, so I assumed that would transfer into a passion for writing. Well< I have learned that is not the case. It is not that I dislike writing, I just don't do it. So, if you are reading this, sorry. You will have to bear with me as I get used to putting my thoughts into words for the world to see.

I have had a visitor in my home this weekend, an 11 year old girl. This young lady is in public school, and has a very different home life in comparison to my children. It is interesting to see the differences in behaviors between my children and her. The main difference is "worldliness." This girl is not a bad person, she just has not beenexposed to godly morals. The things that come out of her mouth are shocking to my kids. Her language is full of slang and euphemisms. Her favorite phrases all include the Lord's name.

You may wonder why I have her in my home if I disapprove of her so much. I am trying to reach out to her and teach her about God's love. I am hoping that visiting my home will be an example of a God-fearing family. Surely I can sacrifice one weekend for this poor soul. She has been crying out for help, but it seems like no one feels it is their job to deal with her. She is an 11 year old girl, but for some reason, no one bothers to give her a call or visit. No one offers her a ride to church unless she calls. Why is that? Is her soul not important?

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Please help me to remember the words of Jesus. Let me not feel this poor child is a burden or an inconvenience to my life. I pray I will be able to make some difference in her life.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

My 2010 Calendar

Make a Smilebox calendar

Snow!

It's snowing....