Goals!

One of the things that I love about the “Against The Tide” curriculum guide I purchased from Generations of Virtue is the list of goals that my children should learn for the year.  I always set academic goals for my kids each year, but could feel the Lord tugging on me to set character goals as well.  Especially now that a little princess will be here soon, my boys have a little refining to do! 

Here are the goals for my mustangs (from the guide, I will be adding to these soon):

• Table manners
• How to be a good sport
• How to be a good host or hostess
• How to share their toys
• How to behave at a social gathering
• How to greet other people politely
• They should always clarify with their parents the things they hear from their friends or each other
• What constitutes a good work ethic
• Why it is important to do a good job on the tasks you are given
• A good attitude toward work & chores

Here are the goals for Tyler (all the above plus . . .):

• Why God tells us to wait for relationships
• The Bible speaks to us about God’s guidelines for everyday topics
• How to find answers in the Bible
• Good Character is more important that wealth, physical appearance, or popularity
• He can come to his parents about puberty, sex, & relationships

 

Here are a few ideas I have for adding to the suggests from the Against the Tide program :

Table Manners

- Recently, my church held a “Glam Day” for the youth girls of our church.  *I will share more on this in detail soon, but one of the topics was etiquette.  An older (self claimed, “Blue Hair”) lady, whom I highly respect & admire, suggested having every Sunday evening dinner be a special etiquette meal.  She said she would prepare a lovely meal & her boys (3) would work on their table manners & she would instruct them on etiquette. 

How to be a good host

- I love the suggestion of creating A Hospitality Calendar in Large Family Logistics.  Each month I will have goal for opening our home & being a more active hospital family.  For example, one month we will invite a family from church over, another month we will invite an older couple over, another month we will invite a family we would like to get to know better, etc.  Large Family Logistics offers great suggestions to plan & prepare for guests. 

How to share their toys

- There are few smaller children we have over that my boys have a difficult time sharing with.  I plan to be more diligent about planning ahead & putting toys that are special or easily breakable away (this boy can tend to be rather rough); however, I will also remind my boys that the toys that are out are toys to be shared.  I have always had a deal with my kids that anything that is broken by another child I will be happy to replace for them. 

How to greet other people politely

- My children are rather polite, but there are a few bad habits (mostly out of nervousness) that need to be worked on.  Mainly, saying “what” & always looking the person you are talking to in the eye. 

Work ethics/happy hearts when doing chores/doing a good job

- Tyler has met all of these goals.  Recently, Tucker has become his helper & he is doing a great job of training him.  Tucker is young & has a long way to learn the ropes & develop a good work ethic, but I am going to make a huge effort to develop another chore chart/system.  This has been a need for quite awhile.

Purity, Dating, Sex, etc.

- Big Daddy & I have seen signs of Tyler beginning to go through puberty.  We’ve both had short little talks with him on what to expect & he is pretty comfortable with asking us questions.  We don’t do the whole boy-friend/girl-friend thing, but we have had to address it more this year because of other kids his age doing it.  Tyler is very obedient & our explanations seem to have been suffice for him him, but I am looking forward to opening the lines of communication more on this topic & continuing to direct him Biblically in this area.  Sex really isn’t an issue right now; however, I do believe that we, as his parents, should be the first ones to mention the topic rather than him hearing it elsewhere first & then coming to us.  I think this subject can be addressed at this point at an age appropriate level with his dad & I using our parental discretion.  

Against the Tide

At our local convention this year I fell in LOVE with the Generations of Virtue curriculum guide.  The books that are suggested are fabulous!!  I either already have some of them or they were on my wanted list.  There are so many aspects of these guides, Against the Tide,  that I like - it is just too good not to share. 

There are 2 guides offered.  The first is for PK-4th grade.  Some of the resources are gender neutral, others offer different suggests for boys & girls.  For example The Princess & the Kiss or The Squire & the Scroll.  The second guide is for 5th-8th grade & the resources & topics are divided up by gender.  The first portion of the guide is for Girls Only & the the last half is dedicated to resources for Boys Only.  From the guide:  “Both guides take you year to year through wonderful resources you can use to teach your children to stand against the tide of culture.”  All the resources you will need for the year are listed in one spot, there are a list of things your children should learn throughout the year, & there are 3 timeline options:  A week study – if you want to use all the resources in one week, a unit study – if you choose to divide the resources, & a devotions option – for family devotions or group studies.  Each list of resources is described informatively in the following pages, with activities & discussion questions listed as well.  The user of the resources suggested vary – some of the materials are for either parent to do with the child, some are strictly for father/son or daughter or mother/daughter or son.  For older children, there are resources for them to use independently.  There are also suggested parent resources (which are also described in depth).  The guide purposely does not schedule the parent resource – you are able to read at your own pace without slowing or rushing the study you are doing with your child. 

Here is an example of the resources we will be using this year:

1st Grade Resources

Just Joining:

• The Wonderful Way Babies Are Made
• The Story of Me
• The Squire & the Scroll

Tools For The Sandbox:

• This Is No Fairy Tale by Dale Tolmasoff
• With You All The Way by Max Lucado
• Why Do Birds Build Nests?  by Susan Horner
• A Little Book of Manners For Boys  by Bob & Emilie Barnes
• A Warrior Prince For God by Kelly Chapman

5th Grade Resources

Tools For The Sandbox:

• Created for Work by Bob Schultz
• Boyhood & Beyond by Bob Schultz
• *Knights, Maidens & Dragons by Julia Duin
• What Does the Bible Say about That? by Carolyn Larsen

Parent Resources:

• The Danger of Raising Nice Kids by Timothy Smith
• King Me by Steve Farrar
• Preparing Him For The Other Woman by Sheri Rose Shepherd
• Preparing Your Son for Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn, & Fred Stoeker with Mike Yorkey
• *Setting a Paradigm for Purity CD by Julie Hiramine & the Generations of Virtue Team
• Information Technology 101 CD by Julie Hiramine & the Generations of Virtue Team

Against The Tide

At our local convention this year I fell in LOVE with the Generations of Virtue curriculum guide.  The books that are suggested are fabulous!!  I either already have some of them or they were on my wanted list.  There are so many aspects of these guides, Against the Tide,  that I like it is just too good not to share. 

There are 2 guides offered.  The first is for PK-4th grade.  Some of the resources are gender neutral, others offer different suggests for boys & girls.  For example The Princess & the Kiss or The Squire & the Scroll.  The second guide is for 5th-8th grade & the resources & topics are divided up by gender.  The first portion of the guide is for Girls Only & the the last half is dedicated to resources for Boys Only.  From the guide:  “Both guides take you year to year through wonderful resources you can use to teach your children to stand against the tide of culture.”  All the resources you will need for the year are listed in one spot, there are a list of things your children should learn throughout the year, & there are 3 timeline options:  A week study – if you want to use all the resources in one week, a unit study – if you choose to divide the resources, & a devotions option – for family devotions or group studies.  Each list of resources is described informatively in the following pages, with activities & discussion questions listed as well.  The user of the resources suggested vary – some of the materials are for either parent to do with the child, some are strictly for father/son or daughter or mother/daughter or son.  For older children, there are resources for them to use independently.  There are also suggested parent resources (which are also described in depth).  The guide purposely does not schedule the parent resource – you are able to read at your own pace without slowing or rushing the study you are doing with your child. 

Here is an example of the resources we will be using this year:

1st Grade Resources

Just Joining:

• The Wonderful Way Babies Are Made
• The Story of Me
• The Squire & the Scroll

Tools For The Sandbox:

• This Is No Fairy Tale by Dale Tolmasoff
• With You All The Way by Max Lucado
• Why Do Birds Build Nests?  by Susan Horner
• A Little Book of Manners For Boys  by Bob & Emilie Barnes
• A Warrior Prince For God by Kelly Chapman

5th Grade Resources

Tools For The Sandbox:

• Created for Work by Bob Schultz
• Boyhood & Beyond by Bob Schultz
• *Knights, Maidens & Dragons by Julia Duin
• What Does the Bible Say about That? by Carolyn Larsen

Parent Resources:

• The Danger of Raising Nice Kids by Timothy Smith
• King Me by Steve Farrar
• Preparing Him For The Other Woman by Sheri Rose Shepherd
• Preparing Your Son for Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn, & Fred Stoeker with Mike Yorkey
• *Setting a Paradigm for Purity CD by Julie Hiramine & the Generations of Virtue Team
• Information Technology 101 CD by Julie Hiramine & the Generations of Virtue Team

Convention Workshops

I intended on listening to at least 2 workshops while I was at the Arlington Homeschool Convention, but lunch took precedence over the the second one.  I ended up just listening to Shelley Noonan from Pumpkin Seed Press.  She is the author of The Companion Guide to Beautiful Girlhood, Beyond Beautiful Girlhood, & The Three Weavers – WONDERFUL books!!!  Did you know there is a “companion BLOG” for Beautiful Girlhood?  It’s for moms of tweenage daughters going through Beautiful Girlhood and The Companion Guide to Beautiful Girlhood. Check it out HERE!!! 

The workshop I attended was Beyond Beautiful Girlhood.  She was fabulous!Shelley offered great suggestions & very funny stories (I can totally relate to her city girl - married farmer background).  Her workshop referenced mostly girls, but I also walked away with great ideas for my boys too!  I missed her second workshop, "5 Keys to Guarding Your Daughter's Heart" but I bought it on CD :)  I love stocking up on recorded seminars.  I listen to them throughout the summer to get me motivated & refreshed for a new year.  Then I find myself listening to them again when I feel like I need a little pick-me up during the school year.

One thing that has really stood out to me in the seminars, books, blogs, etc. lately is that it starts with me.  We’ve had quite a crazy few years – with Taylor’s drama, Truman’s illness, then a high-risk pregnancy.  Plus all the in-between stuff.  I used to be this schedule lovin’ fly lady, but with all the craziness my schedule & routine seemed to be short term & would just fly right out from under me.  As I prepare to begin our next school year (starting in July), I am making great efforts to gain control over my home back.  I have to step away from survival mode & begin managing my home better.  My favorite quote from Shelley was,

 “You have inspect what you expect!” 

So, I’m doing a lot of self inspection, as well as, inspecting & training my boys so that we are off to a good start this summer!

More Sweet Finds at the Homeschool Convention . . .

 

I've shared before my love for The Well Planned Day planner.  This planner is AWESOME!!  And this year WPD added a lovely binder with dividers to fit your spiral planner it!  I was so excited to meet the creator of the planner.  She was absolutely lovely & did me a HUGE favor - I had ordered online the new PDF version of the planner, but once I did, I wish I had just ordered the spiral version.  They took my word for it & adjusted the price - only charging me for the $5 difference + I got free shipping!  Nicki, had a wonderful experience with them as well – they gave her a FREE High School Planner!!!  I have only great things to say about this company & totally recommend them to all homeschoolers.  I heart The Well Planned Day!

I got myself Devotions for Homeschool Moms by Jackie Wellwood for my afternoon sweet tea "pick me up" time.  LOL!!  As I flipped through the book I could help but be drawn to the "real-life" topics for each devotional. I also got Kim Brenneman’s new book, Large Family Logistics.  Nicki has ranted & raved about how fantastic this book is & after spending yesterday afternoon with my head buried in my copy – I’m a new fan!! 

The convention is also a great time for me to add to our DVD collection.  Living so far out in the country, I'm always on the hunt for good videos for the kids.  I got the kids "Heartstrings", "The Widows Might", "School House Rock", a Life Science video & another Drive Thru History.  And for me - well, I purchased 2 Homestead Blessings DVD's in hopes of becoming a little more country-fied ;)  Big Daddy has been begging me to can & have a brand new bread maker I’ve never used.  Hopefully these videos will help me! 

My boys love to work & love to make money.  When I saw a Bright Future Book, The Jingle in my Pocket, about money principles I thought it would be a good addition to our library.  My kids love Hank the Cowdog books!  Tyler was excited to pick up Cowboys Are A Separate Species by the same author.

Believe it or not, there were a few things (just a few!) that I discovered, but sadly had to walk away from. 

I love Progeny Press’ literature guides – they even have them for classic lower elementary books like The Josefina Story Quilt, Miss Rumphius, A New Coat for Anna, & Frog & Toad Together. 

Have you heard of The Kingdom Series?  They are stories that reference a Biblical time period.  Each book includes a study guide & does not contain any magic or mysticism. 

I’ve had my eye on the Accountable Kids chore kit for several years now.  It is so much more than a chore chart – it has reminder cards, tickets, bonus bucks, privilege passes, & best behavior cards.  Plus you can get a pretty wooden hanger to keep it all together. 

Okay, that’s all for now.  I’ll try to put these sweet finds down in a couple days to share about the workshop I listened to.  Have a great day!!

I <3 Curriculum

I cannot tell you how happy I was to receive my bedrest discharge orders right before our local homeschool convention (I say local lightly – it is actually like 2 hours away).  Originally, Big Daddy was going to go with me (for the first time), but he backed out.  Probably a good thing, because he would not have been very patient with me looking at the same book 3 different times.  I think there are aspects of the convention he would have enjoyed but not the duration.  Besides, I can spend way more money without him!  LOL 

I had a fabulous day with my oldest son.  He was so good to me & a great sport.  Plus, I really enjoyed having him there to ask his opinion on curriculum I was considering.  Actually, he choose our science curriculum & he has been begging to learn Spanish so I let him pick that too.  

So what did we get?

Are you ready for all this?

Here is our line-up for 2011-12:

Bible – I have struggled finding a Bible curriculum that suited our family & would not be overwhelming in addition to doing the Awana program at our church.  Currently our family is reading the Family Reading Bible each night & we just LOVE it.  It offers several different “paths” to reading the Bible & will last for years to come.  This Bible deserves an entire post of it’s own!  For so long I wanted to just read the Bible to our kids, but I was clueless how to approach it with the age range of my children.  The Family Reading Bible is truly an answered prayer!  After spending time at the convention, I have also decided to add to our “Bible or Character” study.  Tyler picked out Notgrass’ Draw to Learn Jesus & I fell in love with Generation Virtue.  I bought both of their guides & all the books to go with 1st & 5th grade levels.  This curriculum might be subject sensitive for some families – it deals with purity & other modern day issues head-on.  For my children, I learned a long time ago that secluding them does not always guarantee protecting them from the deceptions of the world. 

Math is staying the same – Math U See for my mustangs & Teaching Textbooks for Tyler

Language Arts:

Spelling – All 3 of my boys will be using All About Spelling starting on level 1 & working through it at their own paces.

Reading – I plan to continue using the Explode the Code books with my mustangs, as well as the “I Can Read It” beginning readers; however, I will also be adding the All About Reading reader’s & if it seems like too much, which ever program works best & they like I will stick with.  For Tyler I will be making a new book list for the upcoming year.

Writing – We did not work through the Write Shop books like I had planned.  I love this series, so I am planning to stick with it for my mustangs.  We will continue to work through book A.  Tyler however, is getting to an age that writing skills is much more important.  Writing is not a subject that is totally in my teaching comfort zone, so I decided to invest in IEW.  I have heard great things about this program & am looking forward to the potential growth Tyler stands to gain from it.  I will be honest, looking online & even at their booth at the convention, I am totally overwhelmed – which is why I decided to choose the “Student Instruction” video’s vs. the “Parent Instruction” videos.  Using this year to build my comfort zone & know-how of the program (& If all goes well), next year I will make the leap from the student to the teacher & explore the other options IEW offers.

Language/Grammar – I will continue using First Language Lesson’s with my mustangs & Analytical Grammar for Tyler.  Since Analytical Grammar is only an 11 week study I decided to also add IEW’s new grammar to Tyler’s grammar studies.  This should not be too overwhelming for him, considering both programs are quick & to the point.

Science was a tough decision for me.  There were several programs that peaked an interest in me – Winter Promise, Real Science For Kids, Apologia, & God’s Design.  And then there was the option of just doing an entire year of nature study.  I have been wanting to study anatomy with the boys for a long time, but there were basic’s that apologia offered that I wanted to cover with my mustangs before jumping into a particular topic.  Tyler really wanted some type of biology study – which I’m sure he younger brother’s would not have objected too.  Ultimately, I decided against Winter Promise because the price & also the fact that I would not be teaching the 3 boys together (which also added to the cost).  I can’t tell you how close I came to purchasing Real Science.  After looking at the books & how appealing they’d be to my boys I was positive that would be an easy, painless, affordable curriculum we’d all enjoy.  Then the Holy Spirit whispered in my ear & I had to take into consideration that although it was not evolutionary, it was not Biblical at all.  The author claims to just present the facts.  For some this may not be an issue & initially it was not for me; however, at this point in my homeschooling journey I decided ultimately it was important for our science studies to provide the word of God.  I love God’s Design.  I’ve used it before & have no complaints what-so-ever.  But, when it came down to comparing the anatomy guides with Apologia – Tyler chose Apologia.  I completely agree with him & I’m super excited to be using the same curriculum for all the boys.  In addition to the text & projects, the mustangs will be using their new Jr. Notebooking Journal & Tyler will use the original one for older children.  (Did you know each notebook has a suggested schedule?  - yes, the Jr. & original plans differ slightly)

History is staying the same – I am a huge Winter Promise fan.  It allows me to continue teaching the same history to all the boys at 2 different levels.  This year we will be using their All American 1 program.  I can’t wait to jump into American history with my kids!!

Spanish – As I mentioned above, I let Tyler choose what curriculum he wanted to learn Spanish.  Honestly, I was prepared & expected to purchase Rosetta Stone.  After spending about 0-15 sampling the first lesson we both knew that Rosetta Stone was NOT going to be it.  I know there are great reviews out there & it has a huge success rate, but for Tyler it just wasn’t it.  What we really didn’t like about it was that it does not give a lot of instruction.  Instead, he totally surprise me & picked La Clase Divertida.  I am very happy with his choice & hope the mustangs will enjoy learning with him.  La Clase Divertida is a DVD based curriculum, which also includes a workbook (for older students) & crafts/projects.  I think we will have a lot of fun with this!

. . . That’s not all I got . . . But this is all the time I have!  I look forward to sharing more of what I got (like, for me!!!) & other sweet finds I had to walk away from.  I will also be sharing more details on the curriculum I picked as I “study” & discover it more.  I’m sorry this post doesn’t have links – I will try to come back soon to update it with links.  If you can’t find anything I’ve mentioned you can always click here to view all the vendors that were at the convention.

Happy Mother’s Day

I am totally enjoying my renewed freedom off bedrest (& I’d venter to say my husband & kids are too)!  I am having a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend . . .

-- Friday, Tyler & I spent the entire day together at our local homeschool convention (lot’s to come on those goodies!!!).  He took great care of his mama, carried ALL my books, & even sat in on a “Beautiful Girlhood” workshop.  No worries – he was well rewarded!

-- Saturday, I got my girly baby shoppin’ on at a nearby flea market.  I got Tara a couple VERY cute blingy outfits & 4 bows!!  I also had my first photoshoot in a LONG time.  We also celebrated my baby boy entering 2dom.  I can’t wait to share the picture & brag on his awesome cake that was made by another homeschooler.  Then Big Daddy cooked me one of my fav dinners.  YUMMY!! 

-- This morning I got up & cooked a huge breakfast (homemade biscuits & gravy).  Then I snuck off to church by myself.  (Our church is going through a difficult time, so I preferred my boys stay home.)  This afternoon I have enjoyed watching the boys play in the water & even took a water-gun squirt in the face. 

This is such a crazy busy season for us, but I wanted to be sure & pop-in & say: 

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Update On Our Little Princess

God is so good!  Over the past several weeks God has told me to just “Have FAITH, BELIEVE, & TRUST HIS GRACE.” 

This morning while reading Beth Moore’s book, Believing God, these words jumped off the page to me:

“Remember, faith is never the denial of reality.  It is belief in a greater reality.  In other words, the truth may be that you are presently surrounded by terrifying or terribly discouraging circumstances.  The reason you don't have to buckle to fear & discouragement is the presence of God in the middle of your circumstances."

I would be lying if I said I was not fearful or discouraged lately, but I truly practiced resting in Him.  And my friends, I am so blessed to be able to say that my God is mighty to save!  His faithful mercy & amazing grace are resting over my sweet girl! 

During my sonogram Monday, I was told that the 10cm bloodclot was now 6cm.  Almost half the size!!!  Taralyn is growing at a normal pace & looks great.  She even had her hand propped behind her head, like a true little princess!  LOL  I will have another sono in 2 more weeks, hopefully it will be completely gone!!

Thank you so much for your prayers & kind words.  God bless!!

My Prayer For My Unborn Daughter

Lord,

Thank You for the precious gift of this sweet baby.  I come to you in Jesus’ name & lift my unborn daughter up to You.  I praise You for choosing me to carry her.  Father God, You knit her together in my womb & You have fearfully & wonderfully made her.  Your works are wonderful (Psalm 139:13-14).  You alone know what is best for her & what she needs & I release her to You to care for & protect.  For Lord, I know that in all things You work for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28).  Teach me how to pray and guide me in exactly what to pray for.  Help me not to impose my own will, but to seek Your perfect will be done in my daughter’s life.  God, I know You do not grant requests that are not Your will.  I pray that my belief maybe strong enough to be in-line with Your will.  Your Son said, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith & do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea.’ And it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:21-22)  Guide me in Your ways Lord, comfort me so I am not afraid, but just believe (Mark 5:36).  For it is only by faith that You release Your healing power.  If it is Your will, I ask that you heal my body & dissolve this blod-clot so that my sweet Taralyn can continue to grow in Your grace & knowledge.  I boldly pray & ask for a miracle so that You may be glorified both now & forever (2 Peter 3:18).

Help me to not live in fear, but in the joy & peace of knowing You are in control.  Remind me not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to You.  Give me the peace which surpasses all understanding, guard my heart & my mind in Your Son Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:6-7).  Father, when I am weak you are strong – Your grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). 

Tomorrow, I will have another sonogram to see how my sweet girl is growing & hopefully discover that this nasty blood-clot has completely dissolved.  I’ve spent the past several weeks learning & practicing to rest in Him – Literally!  I’m trying to make the best of this situation, praying, reading God’s word, & spending quality time with my boys.  I’ve been reading The Power of the Praying Parent (*Parts of my prayer above is taken from this book*) & Beth Moore’s book, Believing God.  The Lord has brought me to this stillness in my life for a reason - I pray I rely in Him no matter where this path leads.