"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6

Bible Gateway

Lookup a word or passage in the Bible



BibleGateway.com
Include this form on your page

Monday, September 15, 2008

Life truths

As I was reading my Sunday school lesson I stumbled across this passage and I had an aha moment.

"As parents, it is sometimes easy to fall into the trap of focusing only on our children's behavior. While behavior is important, we must also help our children learn to be right with God, not simply act in right ways. After all, we want them to grow to love and trust and obey God, not simply be an impostor who relies on his or her own good behavior, only to be expelled from His presence" (Life Truths Learner Guide, Fall 2008).

This pertains to Matthew 22:11-13.

On another note, I have been asked about our curriculum and home schooling a lot lately. I have been reading "The Three R's" by Ruth Beechick. It explains the Natural Method. Which simply means kids learn to write by writing and read by reading. Sonlight curriculum is based on these ideas. We read a lot of books. We are doing World history, science, math, language arts and reading. Currently we are reading, Usborne Book of Peoples of the World, Missionary Stories with The Millers, From Akebu to Zapotec (A book of Bibleless people), Charlotte's Web, poetry, I can read it books, The Bible, The Magic School Bus, and Starting Point Science. That is just the first month or two. In addition we practice hand writing, Singapore math, science experiments and spelling. The Natural Method believes that children grow up to be better readers when they are exposed to science from K to 3rd rather than focusing solely on reading. One school district did an experiment on this and discovered that by the 3rd grade the science children were far ahead of the reading children because their vocabularies and thinking skills were more advanced (pg. 6, The Three R's). We do have spelling words but our "test" include writing the words with sidewalk chalk or fingers in the sand, paint or grain not so much the memorization of words. It really worked, too. We won't hit "true" spelling until they have mastered reading and writing. Jacob has learned more this week than all of last year when I was drilling words and letter sounds down his throat! Abby is responding well too!

In a nut shell, I chose to home school, does that make other mom's bad for not or me weird for wanting to educate my children? No. I was born to teach and this is what God had in mind. I pray that I can always educate my children. Maybe this time I will retain everything and actually get it! As for the # 1 question, Socialization? I was socialized my whole life and where did it lead me? We leave our home and come into contact with many children and adults daily. Have you ever been around my kids? They will socialize you to death! They enjoy every minute of it!

If you have questions about home school just ask, I would rather be asked than labeled.

Fiesta Friday





The kids had a great time at the Fiesta on Friday! They both enjoyed the food, especially the tres leches cake for dessert!!! Jacob and Abby both got to hit the pinata and the best part was getting to dive for the candy at the end. It was a great experience and we are so blessed to be apart of such a great co-op!

Friday, September 5, 2008

First Day




Today was our first day back at our co-op. Abby was in the Kindergarten class and Jacob is in the 1st and 2nd grade class. It was fun getting back and seeing all of our friends. Next Friday we are having a Fiesta with authentic Mexican cuisine. We have many field trips planned and it is looking to be another great year.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

What a Year of Home School looks like


I started pre-planning. I am excited about our new curriculum. It will be a lot more structured and I need structure. I just have to decide how I am going to break my 36 weeks up. Should I do the 36 weeks with 1 week off at Thanksgiving, 3 weeks off at Christmas, 2 weeks off in the spring and 10 weeks off in the summer or go 4 weeks and then take a week off and start back up. The second option means we will have year round school and the first gives us summers off. I need to get my calender out an plan that too. We have our co-op on Fridays and I am teaching pre-school the first 12 weeks. I start off teaching about the Human Body. Jacob and Abby are learning Spanish and Music this semester. It should be a good year!!

Monday, September 1, 2008

In Memory

Today we remember JJ and Daddy Nath on their anniversary. It takes faith and endurance to be married nearly 60 years. They will always be my heroes. I am so blessed that they got to know 4 of their Great-grandchildren. They are thought of and missed daily.
"Grandchildren are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."
Proverbs 17:6
"These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe; so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you so that you may enjoy long life."
Deuteronomy 6:1-2



Take a look
I have finally finished with the painting and all that is left is putting on the varnish.














The Issues

I saw some interesting video clips of and interview between Obama and McCain. They were very informative and really showed where each stood on the issues, in their own words. I suggest you watch it especially the questions about faith.

You can view the entire interview at http://info.godtube.com/SaddlebackExclusiveVideo

It is worth it.

Slide show/Music

When you play the slide show, either pause the music playing on "My Music" or turn down the volume on the slide show screen.