MIA for a While

     I haven't had much time lately to post on here.  We're in the process of moving and have been packing like crazy maniacs to get it all done.  I keep asking myself why I/we have collected so much stuff since we moved into this home 11 years ago.  Of course, some of it we came here with.  And I keep wondering...what is it that makes me want to hang on to all this stuff, especially the stuff that has no sentimental value attached to it?  The Bible says that one day it's all going to burn up with the rest of the earth.  Also, Jesus told us in Matthew 6:19-21 - "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Pretty convicting stuff!  I'm realizing that many times whatever we own actually owns us.       

     While this is a hectic time for us as a family, God is still good and He's teaching me in and through this process.  I'm trying to see the little kisses from God during this process and just making a feeble attempt to trust Him with it all!

  

A New School Year...A New Core Curriculum!

     A new school year...a new core curriculum.  This will be our 7th year to homeschool and I wanted to share a new curriculum I've found.  The first year I homeschooled, I began by using only one curriculum for every single subject.  That curriculum was great for us when we started out because everything was scheduled.  I loved that our school days were scheduled.  I didn't have to worry about how to figure everything out by myself.  But as children grew older and I ended up with 3 in the mix, I realized I needed to find another curriculum that fit our family's changing needs, my changing ideals about education and provided what I think God has led me to see as a more well-rounded learning experience.  Of course, you creative moms out there would probably do this on your own but my brain doesn't work that way.  I need help figuring out all the fun and interesting ways to learn.    

     With our new core curriculum, we'll be integrating several subjects for more continuity of learning.  Over the years, I've realized that eclectic, Charlottle Mason homeschooling is what we really enjoy.  My thoughts on learning have evolved drastically since day one of homeschooling.  Now we use an eclectic mix of resources.  I'll  try to list what we're using for this school year on my side bar soon.  I'm as excited about homeschooling now as I ever have been.
     So, the new curriculum we're using is through Heart of Dakota.  You can click here, http://www.heartofdakota.com/index.php, to go to the home page.  What I love about Heart of Dakota more than anything is the Biblical worldview that's interspersed throughout each program they offer.  I'm really looking forward to starting the Creation to Christ program.  

     If you'd like to read what other homeschooling moms have to say about Heart of Dakota, an HOD blog roll has been started.  Click on this link to go there: http://www.rubyslippersschool.com/2010/08/this-could-be-start-of-beautiful.html.

Trusting you're seeing God's little kisses today!