"Who Am I?"

This is by far the best review product to date. I couldn't be more excited to look through, teach through, and personally work through this particular curriculum.  Apologia had once again hit the ball out of the park.

"Who Am I?" is the second volume in the new series, "What We Believe". The series is written by John Hay and David Webb. Each volume is written to be a student directed course, guiding your child to have a biblical worldview.  In this volume, the student is using the Scriptures as the lens to view Self-Image.

I have not began using this volume with my kids, solely because I want to take them through volume on, "Who Is God?", first.  But going through the book myself, I am in awe. Such clear cut writing, thought provoking questions, and real life application are just some of the reasons we will be using this curriculum.  From the textbook, to the amazing journal, and even the coloring book for younger children, each are a resource we can use individually and as a family corporately. 

Please visit Apologia to look through the three courses, and make a point to start this series.  As a family of 10 on one salary, it is a little difficult sometimes to purchase new curriculum, but this is well worth the price, and sacrifice to add to our families training and education.


Beth

I received this product for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are mine, and mine alone. For other reviews, please check out The Homeschool Crew Blog.

A Valentine for you.

So, does anyone out there, NOT know it is Valentine's Day?  Today there isn't any sappy stories here. Obviously I am madly in love with my husband of 15 years, and our 8 precious blessings.  It is clear that my love for my parents runs deep and true.  And it's no secret that I fiercely love all whom I call family.  So what am I doing writing a post about this day of love?

Today, it is all about the homeschooling.  When we first started homeschooling 4 years ago, we were unsteady on our feet, and shaking with fear. While our convictions were strong, putting that faith to action was hard.  And the moment I "came out" and told my small little blogging world we were homeschooling, I was immediately welcomed into a family that acted like they were waiting just for me. 

There are days when I don't think I can manage another second. And within moments of posting my distress, I have multiple caped crusading friends flying in to encourage, support, and sometimes just laugh with (or is that at?) me.  Then there are the days that I am able to offer up suggestions to someone else. And they are accepted with thanks and grace.  It really is a wonderful community and family.  And I now have the joy of writing with a tremendous group of women as we share in our triumphs and tragedies that we call our life!

So today I send you a Valentine.  One that is heartfelt, prayed over, and given with multitudes of thanks. 

Oh, and eat a piece of chocolate for me, K?


Beth

College Genius?

My oldest is 13 years old. He has been looking at colleges since he was four years old.  At that time in his life, he was determined to go to Harvard.  Not because Mom and Dad suggested it, or encouraged it, but because while reading in the Encyclopedia (Yeah. At four years old, all by himself) about Boston, he learned of Harvard.  And he read that Harvard had the first established library in the U.S.A., so it had to be the one place in the entire country that had the most books and best books since they had been collecting the longest.  But he did write a letter to Harvard asking that they move the university to Oklahoma because he just couldn't imagine living so far away from home.

Fast forward to now, and the child is still devouring books, and earnestly trying to finish school so he can get to college early.  So when the chance came to review College Prep Genius, we jumped at the chance. We have the College Prep Genius DVD set and he immediately began watching the first of 12 lectures to prep him for the SAT.  The lectures are about an hour in length, and slightly dry to me, but he soaks them all in.  He is normally a very good test taker, but has been very animated after his lecture telling me of new things he has learned, and new test taking techniques.  He absolutely cannot wait to take the SAT so he can see how this program has helped him.

If you would like your own copy, you can get the whole program for $99 (a 25% discount) right now through the College Prep Genius website.

Beth

This product was given to me for the purpose of review.  All opinions are mine. For other reviews, check out the Homeschool Crew Blog.

Salvete mi Amici

One of my favorite things we do in our school, is learn Latin.  I know, that sounds crazy. But it is one of our frivolous extras. Well, maybe not frivolous, we are very science orientated family, but an extra non-the-less. We have been using a simple curriculum from Memoria Press for the last year or two, but were recently asked to try a more in depth program also from Memoria Press.  I jumped at the chance.


Soon, a decent sized box arrived FULL of wonderful learning goodness.  And as I began looking through the workbooks, CD, DVD, and flashcards, I began to panic. There was NO WAY we would be able to handle this!  I borrowed some big girl panties, and dove in head first.

Memoria Press: First Form Latin is actually an easy to use curriculum that a beginner can utilize.  It is a complete beginner Latin course for students fifth grade and older.  I have a fifth, sixth, and eighth grader whom I used this with.  The kids LOVED the DVD aspect of the course, as did I.  Most all of the instruction given comes from me, so to get a different "teacher" was a nice break for them.  I kinda liked it too. I could affirm my thoughts on the lesson, or learn the correct lesson, and I didn't always have to be "on" for Latin.  There are multiple worksheets per lesson, which gives ample practice time for the kids.  And of course they listen to the vocabulary and grammar lessons everyday, thanks to the CD.  They study for quizzes and tests together using the provided flashcards, and I use them while doing laundry or cooking dinner to keep up with what the kids know.

You can purchase First Form Latin for $55.  After having the DVD and flashcards, I would highly suggest paying the $115 for the First Form Latin PLUS.  I know you could make the flashcards yourself, but the DVD really is worth the money. 

And one more silly endorsement; I LOVE the teacher's manual.  It is spiral bound, and TOP FLIP! I'm really not too sure why, but I just like it!  It would have been nice if the students manual was spiral bound, but that may come from my odd aversion to breaking the spine of anything. Book. Workbook. Animal. Whatever.

This is such a great program. So much so, that when we finish up our current course, we will move into Memoria Press: First Form Latin

Beth

This product was sent for the purposes of review.  All opinions stated are mine. For other reviews check out The TOS Homeschool Blog.

It has been a gross week at our house.  All was well. Until someone got sick. I'm not sure who got sick first. But having a two year old vomit all over the breakfast table sure has a way of ruining a day.  But we tried to move on.  There were two sick that day, so off to bed they went, while everyone else got busy working on school work and house work.

We have actually been staying on task the last couple of weeks.  Many lessons have been finished, lots of laughing and learning, and even tons of family game time. We've played Tri-Cross and Apples to Apples. It has really been a nice, consistent schedule. Not overbearing, but productive.

Then Momma got sick yesterday. I'll spare you the gory details, but it wasn't pretty. And of course, the children were only down for about 6 hours, but I was plagued for over 36. And it feels like it was really two weeks. And you would think the kids have had an entire summer off. I can't believe how one day can make such a difference where routine is concerned! So, here are some pictures from the last few weeks, and I'm going to go take another nap.  Where's my 7-UP and crackers?



Can you tell she has older sisters?

Anderson in his mess.



More chore buddies

Chore buddies



Last of the buddies.

Beth

Homeschool Link Up

Last night, I was "hanging" out with friends on the internet, and Steph was telling of her need to find things to keep her younger child busy during the 3rd graders lessons. So I shot her a link to a site I use nearly daily. Wow. I suddenly became her favorite person in the entire world! (Or something close to that)

But she did make an interesting point. We as homeschool parents don't often share little gems like that. I really didn't even think it was a big deal. But when I've been sitting here on this end of it, pulling my hair out trying to figure out how to teach something, it is a big deal. So today is Link-Up day! We are sharing our go-to, free websites we can't homeschool without.  But today, it's not about great bloggers, although many are helpful. But we're talking real, hands on, put this in front of your child today stuff.  So here are some of my favorite places to run for help:

Letter Mazes- My five year old LOVES these!
Color the animal letter- Hugely successful in keeping the 2 yo entertained for a while.
Color by Letter- Perfect in helping learn Capital and lowercase letters
Donna Young- I use this site for many things, but hand writing paper is used most often.
Paper Dolls- For history. My older kids really enjoy these. And I love that kids drew them!

Be sure to go to Education Layton to find more link ups and must have sites for homeschools!

Beth

Had I truely lost my H.E.A.R.T.?

I plopped down on my couch. I was tired, cranky, exhausted, and sick of my daily routine. The dishes from last week's dinner were still all over the counter, the dirty laundry was soon going to eat me alive if I didn't do something with it, and our children avoided me for fear the screaming banshee would return. As I sat there that hot, miserable night, I was hit with the reality of what I had become. And I didn't like me.

After much time spent crying out to God, I picked up a book recently delivered to my house. Titled, How to have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Kids, I began reading. And it struck the chords of my heart. Showing me how inward my sight had become. How I was only caring about myself. My wants. My needs. I saw my family as a burden. And I needed to change.

From the first paragraph, author Rachel Carman was telling the story of her heart, and speaking directly to mine.  It was as if she had stepped into our home, observed me for a few days, and this was her assessment.

Mrs. Carman takes the letters of the H.E.A.R.T. acronym and expounds each into its own convicting chapter. After marking, notating, highlighting, and dog earring nearly the entire introduction, I hit chapter one thinking my hand might get a rest. But I was so wrong. Each chapter was just packed with wise council and drove me back to my knees. I was encouraged through Mrs. Carman's experiences and through scripture after scripture upon which she shone a light. I was also challenged by the Heart checklist found at the end of each chapter.  Through it all, I was reminded my world, my children, my husband are not my own. Nor does my world revolve around me or my family.  Not even partly. I had to give my whole heart back to God. I had to die to my self, so I could live abundantly in Him. Then, I could have a H.E.A.R.T. for my children.

If you would like to experience How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Kids for yourself, it is available for purchase through Apologia for $13.00. You can read a sample chapter, to experience the book for yourself. Visit Apologia to see a whole line of resources designed to encourage and strengthen homeschooling families.

Beth

As a member of the TOS Crew I was given a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not paid to write this post and my opinions are my own. 

New Adventures

It's the start of a very busy time of year.  It's back to school time!!! And in a homeschooling house, it's just as busy and exciting as in a public school home.  There are new clothes, new supplies, butterflies, and excitement.  Hopefully there isn't any disappointment over what teacher the kids get for the year!

Today, I'm over at The Homeschool Village sharing some practical tips about how we teach with so many students and non-students in our home.  If you aren't a homeschooler, go ahead and check it out here anyway. I know you are dying to see how things work around here!  I'll be at The Homeschool Village once a month on Fridays starting in September sharing with you things from our BIG family life!

There are many new things coming up this fall here at Sew Anyhow.  Guest bloggers, new Reviews, writing a few other places.  Please be sure to sign up to get emails so you don't miss anything!

Let's hear it for the boys!!

Welcome to my blog!  Today is the first ever Blog Mom Blog Hop, and we have visitors here today.  Hopefully, you won't feel like a visitor by the end of the post.

Let's start at the top.  This is my husband, Heath.  He pastors a small country church and is starting back to school working on his Masters.  He is the biggest boy in our home, head wrestler, and organizer extraordinaire. He love to read anything by R.C. Sproul, Charles Spurgeon, and John Piper.

Our oldest son, Malcolm, will be 13 in about a month.  I call him my man child. He is already taller than me, almost has caught is Dad.  There are often times I mistake his voice for Heath, and I just can't comprehend where my baby boy went.  He loves ALL books. He was reading Dr. Seuss by the age of 3, so Hop on Pop is one of his favorites. As is anything historical, biblical, and scientific. Sherlock Holmes is his most read series, but R.M. Ballentyne comes in as a close second.  He also loves most classical books. His Kindle is filled with them. It's just a bonus that his favorites were free.

Our next son, Daniel, is 10.  He is artistic, creative, and a dreamer.  He laughs at almost everything.  There are piles and piles of drawings, stories, and plays the child has created.  And don't get me started on the Webkinz. He is obsessed.  He is also an avid reader.  Among his favorites are Peter and the Starcatchers series, Dr. Dolittle, and our set of Animal wildlife encyclopedias.  He also loves reading the National Geographic magazines (after I have approved them), and NatGeo kids.

Then we come to Heath Jr.  He will be 8 in a month and answers to Heathie most of the time or Heath-er. It just made it easier around the house.  He is all things sports, rough housing, and outdoorsy.  He's also our crier.  Makes for an odd mix.  He spent the first 3 weeks of his life in the NICU, but you would never know that now unless we tell you.  He loves adventure stories.  The Boxcar Children is his favorite series, as well as The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe series.  He has also enjoyed The Little House on the Prairie books, and Classics for Children. Wind and the Willows being the best one, in his opinion.

Son number four is Terry.  Terry is five, and we are paying for his Daddy's raising with this one!  He is our comedian, takes everything apart to see how it works, and all around BOY.  He LOVES to be read to, and can't wait to read all on his own.  Dr. Seuss is his favorite author. He just can't stop laughing at the stories.  He also loves The Little Critter books. I often find him sitting on the couch looking through The Jesus Story Bible.  He says if "the book has Jesus in it, you need to sit down and look at it".

Our last boy, Anderson, is two.  He is the mischievous one. Always into something, always covered in his recent mess.  He loves his family, and is being VERY verbal lately.  He "reads" often, just like all his older brothers.  Sandra Boynton books are a fave, with Snuggle Puppy being at the top of that list.  The Dreamy, Fishy, Happy Bible Storybook is a must read, as well as I Wish I Were A Mouse.

We also have three girls. Jeffie Jean, Paulee Rea, and Georgia Beth. They are 11, 4, and two weeks shy of one, respectively.  They have lists of books they love as well.  But that is for another post.

And then of course, there is me, Beth.  I stay home to take care of this crew.  We laugh, play, fuss, and fight just like any other family.  I love to sew, cook, read, and craft.  You will find any number of these things written about here on the blog.  I would add to the boys' list or re-emphasize these books:


Rascal
Classics (like Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Red Badge of Courage, etc)
Sandra Boynton books (hilarious AND most are actually songs you can listen to)
The Coral Reef (or any R.M. Ballentyne book)
Jotham's Journey (book for advent. Our entire family stays riveted!)

Look around the blog, and enjoy your stay!

Beth

November 3rd

Today I am so very thankful for a chance to teach my children. There are days I take that privilege for granted. And there is more to it than just my kids. We spend our days together as a family. No having to rush around to find family time. No looking at my kids wondering when was the last time I spent time with them. We are a unit. And we feel lost when one part is missing.

Plus, we get to determine what our kids learn. And then get to learn it ourselves. This year we are "mixing" our bible studies with history, and coming up with a wonderful time line. And then there is Latin. Whew. It's keeping me on my toes. Honestly, it's all Greek to me. But we're learning.

And lastly, there is fellowship. With other families. Families that don't look down on us for the number in our household. Families that celebrate each child, not just the first one or two. Ladies who laugh with and at me. Who think I have important things to attribute, and that I'm not "just a Mom". Children who accept my kids, and I don't have to worry about what they are teaching my children. Men who watch over their families. Care for them, provide for them. And pass those traits on to their sons.

I am truly grateful for our experiences as a homeschooling family. It just works for us.

Beth