I'm honestly not sure what to write about today, but since it's been a couple of days with the same post up I figured I should write something. Things here have been pretty busy, but busy is fun, right? My sweet friend Penny has been here for a whole week, and I got to see her and the kids a few times. It was so nice, I really like her!! If you want to get to know Penny go here, here, here. She is extremely crafty and is also a wonderful engaging writer. Go ahead, check her blogs out I promise you will not be disappointed. 

My sons girlfriend is coming from Delaware, she will be here for three weeks. I am really looking forward to getting to know her better, since I am convinced she will be daughter-in-love soon. For those that are concerned about sleeping arrangements, let me just say that she is sleeping in the girls room. We will be going to Maine for about 4 days while she is here and I'm so very excited!! I love our little place in Maine and I love to share it with friends and family. 

Hmm...what else is going on?

I guess that's it for now. Aside from cleaning, driving a lot, and the other mundane things in life that we pretty much all do. :o) 

How has your week been? 

Curriculum for 2010-2011

I cannot believe another school year is just about upon us. This will be my 15th year as a homeschooling teacher, time certainly does seem to fly!! I remember first starting and feeling so overwhelmed as I looked through homeschool curriculum catalogs. The choices seemed endless, but it is nothing like today. A homeschool mom or dad has more choices then ever and could get really overwhelmed! My motto is, 'if it works, then stick with it till it doesn't work any more." 

Based on that motto this year I'm using pretty much what I either already have or what I know works. 

I am down to two 'students', one will be in 12th grade and the other in 8th. 

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My 12th grader already has more the enough credits to graduate, and she is graduating a year early. Here is her list:

Survey of British Literature (Sonlight)

Teaching Textbooks, Geometry

Psychology (she will be using my college book)

Essay Writing and preparing for her SAT (using online prompts)

Graphic Arts (we are hoping she gets an internship over the year with a local company)

Sociology (she will be using her aunts college book)

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My 8th grader:

BJU English grade 8

Apologia Astronomy 

Apologia Physical Science (once he finishes the astronomy)

Beautiful Feet, American History 

Wordly Wise 

Daily Grams
Video Game Design (this will be free from the web)
Journal/Essay writing (he really needs more in this area)
Reading Daily along with book reports

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If you checked out the links you probably noticed that some of the items are very pricey. I want to write a disclaimer here stating that most of the items I already have, either from past 'students' or from people blessing me with them. Basically my whole sons curriculum was provided for free by a friend that I met online. She was moving and did want to bring the books with her, so she offered them free of charge. What a blessing that was!! I can't wait till I can bless someone like that too and it will most likely be passing on the same books she passed on to me. Don't you love 'paying it forward'?  

I think that is it for the curriculum, but I will adjust as necessary. It always seems like I end up adding and taking things away as the school year progresses. It looks like the start up date will be Sept. 13, but that is only for my son as my daughter pretty much does her own work. The main thing is that she gets it done and comprehends it, other then that I don't care when she actually does the work. Keep in mind when the kids were little we did have schedule, but now it is a lot more flexible. 

What does your curriculum look like for this school year? Do you have everything you need or is there more to get? Do you have a flexible schedule or a strict one? Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know, I would love hear about it. :o)

I'm linking this post up to the "Not Back to School" blog hop over at heartofthematteronline. 

   

College Update

I am officially registered to take classes at Liberty University Online in the fall. My major is Christian Counseling and it is an Associates Degree. I am so very excited about this new challenge and I cannot wait to start!! At the same time I'm a little bit apprehensive, but I know the apprehensions will pass once I get started. 

My classes for this semester are:

Bible 101

Theology 101

Psychology 100

Philosophy 104

They are 8 week classes, so the first two will the first 8 weeks and then other two will be the last 8 weeks. If I do good with those, then next semester I will add on another class or two. 

I took the online testing for English and Math and the results were not surprising. My English score was really good, but my math was not so good. When it comes time for me to take math, it will be basic math 100. That's okay though, I know my math skills are terrible. 

I guess that's about it for an update. I am excited that I get to share this adventure with anyone who reads this blogs. 

Womans's Day Book

Outside my window...grey skies, a little rain, and the cows are mooing.

I am thinking...that too many people live in condemnation and shame.  

I am thankful for...the summer with all my kids home.

From the kitchen...not much going on, I need to get some groceries.

I am wearing...red t-shirt, black jeans, and flip-flops. 

I am remembering.....my mom as my garden is grown so nicely.

I am going...to the store later tonight.

I am reading….Emotionally Destructive Relationships, Becoming a Woman of Freedom, and Healthy Leaders. Those are all for Pathways for either counseling or for information.

I am hoping…that the positions for the Walk for Life will be filled soon.

On my mind…talking to Pastor Chad about Emily attending Masters Commission.

I am hearing...the kittens playing upstairs and the cows mooing.

Around the house...the girls are at work, Duncan is camping with mens ministry, and Max is taking a shower to get to ready for work. Today I'm going to finish cleaning the house, work on Pathways things, and then chill with hubby this evening.

Noticing that…life really cannot be planned. 

Woman

Becoming A Woman of Freedom

One of the book studies we offer at Pathways Pregnancy Care Center is, Becoming A Woman of Freedom by Cynthia Heald. I just started this study with a client and let me tell you it is amazing!! The grace, wisdom, and love that is found in the pages is such a help to those struggling with freedom. Many times we allow ourselves to be stay in the state of slavery, but do not even recognize it. We become accustomed to that lifestyle and when freedom is place right before us, we still choose bondage. 

The reasons that we choose bondage are many, but the theme and results are pretty much the same. We are not living fully the way God intends for us to live. Yes it's hard to examine our lives and be open and honest with ourselves. But, when we are willing to really look at our life and examine our strongholds then we allow God to change things. Turning away may be easier, but it is not beneficial to our well being. 

I highly recommend this book to those who are struggling with the idea of letting go of the baggage and allowing God to reign in their life. 

10 Things I've Learned

10.)  I am not always right.

9.) Trusting my 'heart' may not be the best thing.

8.) Godly friends who help you build your faith are so very important. 

7.) Listening is better then speaking.

6.) Many hands really do make light work.

5.) Everyone, no matter who they are, has a story to share.

4.) Reading labels is vital to the health of my family.

3.) One size does not really fit all.

2.) Prayer is like breathing, it is that important to sustain life.

1.) God was is and always will be.