School Started!

We started back in with "full-fledge" school right after Labor Day.  (We do continue school through the summer...just not every subject) We just finished up our 2nd week today.  I'm enjoying our new schedule/routine...and the kids are doing well on their school subjects. :) 

 The kids and I took a morning at the end of August, to make a new supply of Playdough and Flubber.  It keeps them well occupied, for times I need to spend 1-on-1 time with someone. :)

 Thanks to my friend, Angie, we started a little game to positively reinforce good attitudes and good character when we started school.  The kids LOVE it!  I had to do my own twist on it...but it's the same idea as hers. :) 

 Yes, school is taking us pretty much all day, now that I have 3 officially in school + 1 pre-schooler. 

 On busy homeschooling days, it's amazing how it's the little things that can make or break your day. :)  I've just finished a GREAT book...really, a resource...there's SO much packed into it.  The books is called, "Trim Healthy Mama"...it's one I will definitely re-visit with Madeline, when she's old enough to soak all the info in!  I've been loving their recipe for "EarthMilk"  I know.  It sounds gross...but it's an amazing pick-me-up.  Full of healthy greens, enzymes, coconut oil and almond milk.  Delish!!

 Here's another idea...not originally mine.  It's a magnetic musical staff.  We review notes with joy now...although my boys like to just throw the magnets at the staff like it's a dart board. ;)  **homeschooling boys is quite the adventure...lol!!**

 Daily To Do Lists...

 Where would I be without my "Brain in a Binder"...it's my written household organization plan book.  Each year, I revise everything before school starts...I make menus, our daily schedule, our yearly goals as a family, and then school goals for each child.  Again, not my original idea...but it's been SO helpful to me to have a written plan!

 ...and notes to myself... :)

 Our running book list...

And, as for homeschooling, we definitely have gone the cheaper route, by choosing an eclectic approach.  My Mom has lots of resources and wisdom, so I've gleaned lots of do's and don'ts from her.  We're doing Abeka Math, Phonics Pathways, How To Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons, KJV Bible, Thy Word Creations for Bible Memory (love, love!!), Faber Pre-Reading Piano Series/Regular Series, handwriting books from Timberdoodle (love them!!)...and lots and lots of books! 
Yay for learning & the freedom and privilege to educate my own children.  What fun and what a blessing!  I am reminded daily that the main reason we're homeschooling is to disciple our own children.  Homeschooling is definitely not easy--there's lots of other things I could be doing...but it's something we feel called to do for TODAY.  Some people homeschool year by year...I homeschool day-to-day.  lol!!  I get the opportunity daily, to remind my kids of WHY we need the GOSPEL!  It's quite the experience living with 4 unsaved little people.  :)  My schedule was out the window 2 days ago, when I had to take aside 45 minutes to minister to one of my little people...who struggles with a good attitude.  I know if they were shooed out of the door before 8 am every morning, and away from me for 8 hours, I wouldn't have near the # of opportunities to deal with their heart issues.  Oh, and it's also quite the revealing process for myself as well--my heart and my NEED for Jesus minute by minute.
So, after all that!  Here's to another year...I mean day...of school, learning, character building, nurturing, and teaching little hearts. 
"Oh teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to understanding..." Prov...