Lessons in the Little Stuff

2011-2012 Curriculum

2011-07-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for school to begin this year!! I was excited last year but this year I feel like I have more of a handle on teaching three elementary aged children (even though I am adding a preschooler to the mix!). Less trepidation and more anticipation! I thought I would share what curriculum choices we have made this year. Last year we used Sonlight, but we weren't very happy with it and ended up replacing a few of the subjects by mid-year.

History
Mystery of History Volume 1 for all
History Through the Ages: Creation to Christ (timeline) for all

Spelling
Building Spelling Skills Books 3,5, & 6 (Christian Liberty Press)

Reading
3rd Grade: History Stories for Children, Story of the Wright Brothers and Their Sister, and Nature Reader 3

5th Grade: Of America 1 and Nature Reader 5

6th Grade: Story of Inventions

Language Arts
3rd Grade: Language 3 (A Beka)
5th Grade: God's Gift of Language B (A Beka)
6th Grade: God's Gift of Language C (A Beka)

Math
Saxon for all grades

Science
3rd Grade: Exploring God's Creation (A Beka)
5th Grade: Investigating God's World (A Beka)
6th Grade: Observing God's World (A Beka)

Geography
Maps, Globes and Graphs E & F (5th and 6th Grade)

Penmanship
3rd Grade: Writing With Grace (Christian Liberty Press)

Art and Supplemental History
Draw and Write Through History: Creation to Jonah (all)

Bible
Junior Bible Quiz (all)
Will possibly be adding Foundations Bible Study

Extras
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Jr.
Homeschool Co-Op Classes

No Sweets Days 25, 26, 27, & 28

2011-07-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I have been thinking all week that today would be my last day, but actually Wednesday is. The last few days have not really been a big deal. The one thing I have really been wanting is ice cream, probably because of the heat we've been having. :)

No Sweets Days 23 & 24

2011-07-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

Not much to say!!! Six more days to go!!! I feel pretty good. I don't feel the need for a nap in the afternoons at all anymore. I am ready for bed by 10:30 or 11 and I wake up early between 6 and 7. Definitely an improvement! I actually bought cookies for the kids at the grocery store today (I haven't done that all month) and I know I will be able to stay away from them. I feel a lot more confident in my ability to say no to sweets. I'm worried about how much that will change once I allow myself to have them again. Hmmm. We shall see.

Worldless Wednesday

2011-07-13T04:14:00.000-07:00

No Sweets Days 20, 21, & 22

2011-07-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Wow, only eight more days to go!!! I can't believe I've actually stuck to it. In the last three days, I've passed up brownies twice and cupcakes once. If nothing else, I'm learning that I don't have to eat sweets every time they're offered. It's ok to say no! Once in a while isn't going to kill me, but having them constantly will do me nothing but harm. The test will be reintroducing them and sticking with the "once in a while" mindset! I'm still trying to decide for sure what I want to do after the 30 days are up. I talked to my friend Sarah last night and she suggested that I start eating my meals on child sized plates and only getting one helping. This is something my friends and I have talked about occassionally. We know it has worked with other people that have tried it. The more I thought about it last night, the better it sounded. Next to sweets, portion control is probably one of my biggest problems. I have a hard time not going back for seconds. I seem to often eat beyond fullness. So I think this may be the next challenge that I take on. This challenge may be even more difficult than the no sweets because I may have to deal with some actual hunger for a while. But I know I can do it with God's help. :)

No Sweets Day 19

2011-07-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

Day 19...

Still doing good but the cravings have been really strong. Really wanting some cookie dough icecream or chocolate chip cookies. Mmmm. My sister pointed out that I haven't been as busy the last few days so that's probably why I am having a harder time. It also makes it difficult because I haven't seen any more weight loss, so it's hard to stay motivated. But I am going to finish this out, I'm determined. It's about breaking the addiction more than losing weight. I'm kind of lost on what is going to happen after the 30 days is up, because I haven't yet had any huge eye-opening revelations other than that sugar makes me tired and more hungry. And that is important. But kind of looking for something more...

11 more days.

Always Faithful

2011-07-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

My husband has been having trouble with his right arm for about three years now. He wakes up in pain while he's sleeping and is hindered in everything he does. His job requires him to lift heavy rolls of plastic and many of his coworkers suffer from the same problems. He finally decided he had had enough a few months ago and made an appointment with our family doctor. After trying unsuccessfully to diminish the pain with anti-inflammatory pills, the doctor sent him for xrays and an MRI. When she saw he had tendonitis, she sent him to a specialist. The specialist took him off work for 4-6 weeks and ordered physical therapy.

My first reaction to this news was fear. Someday I will elaborate a little bit more on our past, but to put it mildly, I will say that our financial situations have at times been at crisis level. In the last two years, God has gotten us back on track and we have been able, with his divine help, to pull ourselves out of the pit we were in. We have been in a better place financially this past year than we have been in a very long, long time.

Danny is very blessed. On short-term disability, he will still receive pay for 40 hours per week. I am so thankful for that. However, this still puts us short because his actual normal pay is for 48 hours every other week, with 8 hours of it being paid at time and a half. While this is no reason to have a panic attack, that is exactly what I almost allowed myself to do.

The devil began to whisper in my ear and remind me about the past. Fear gripped at my throat and threatened to choke me. But a stronger voice broke in. And immediately I knew how to fight back. My husband's employer is not our provider. God is. This became my mantra. And every time my thoughts went to worry and fear, I repeated it over and over until I felt peace.

The next day, I got my electric bill. It was over $400. Deep breaths were of the utmost importance.

Yesterday, we found out that our insurance will only cover up to $2000 of physical therapy in a calendar year. His first appointment has already eaten up $600 of that. We also have to pay a $25 co-pay for each appointment, which equals out to $75 each week...from an already short paycheck. He decided to cut his physical therapy down to twice a week, but it still seemed daunting. I started to panic again. How were we going to manage this? God whispered, "Have I ever failed you yet? I will provide." I calmed down.

This morning, we got in the van to go to a church softball game. The key turned but nothing happened. We hoped that maybe someone had left a door open a little and it just drained the battery. After jumping it with the truck, we went ahead with our plans and drove to the softball game. It became apparent as we were driving that something was not right. The lights were flickering and the needles on the gauges were going crazy. When we got to the game, we turned it off and tried to start it again. Nothing. Danny figured it was the alternator. This time I almost laughed. What was this?! After the softball game, we had a friend jump us and we drove to the auto part store. We were thankful that when they tested it, they found out it was just the battery and not the alternator. But it would still be almost $100 to fix it. Just another drop in the bucket of my anxieties.

Danny dropped us off and drove to Walmart to buy a battery and a couple of things he would need to replace it. A very sweet friend found him there and handed him a blessing of exactly $100, almost the EXACT amount it would cost to replace the battery.

I could almost see God smiling. Saying, "I told you. I've got this. You will be just fine."

A few months ago, I got a tattoo on my leg (hold the judgment please). It is based on the scripture from the Psalms that says our transgressions are removed from us as far as the east is from the west. This is something that God spoke to me during my darkest and most desperate hour. It was at a time when I felt undeserving of anyting good and unworthy of any blessing. I can still remember the realness of his presence in the room where I knelt down and broke. I can remember how he lovingly took me to that verse and reminded me that he would not hold my past against me. He had no desire to punish me for the rest of my life, even though I felt I deserved it. I felt peace at that time and knew that he was going to work a miracle in our lives. I believe he is still working that miracle. Where we are now, compared to where we were two years ago is just amazing. But I believe with all my heart that he is not finished yet.

There is no reason for me to fear. There is no reason for me to worry.

He is God. He is always faithful.

And he's got this.

No Sweets Days 15, 16, 17, & 18

2011-07-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! It's been a busy few days! I am still doing good. I did have some jello at my 4th of July party Monday night but I wasn't really thinking about it being dessert-like. There were a lot of yummy treats at the party, like my mom's oreo cupcakes and the s'mores I talked about eating just one of, but I refrained.

Tuesday morning, I was so thirsty and the only thing I could find handy was a grape soda, so I drank half of it. That was a big mistake. By lunch time, I was weak and shaky and feeling unbelievable cravings for sugar. The whole rest of the day and the day after, I felt bogged down and drained and just in a bad mood. Could a half of a grape soda really have that much of an affect on me?? Very interesting.

Well, I have 12 days to go. I feel like I may keep going past the 30 days, but we shall see.

No Sweets Days 12, 13, & 14

2011-07-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

Two weeks in and I've still had no sweets. God is definitely helping me!!! Friday night we went to a birthday party and it was a sugar fest...cake, ice cream sundaes with lots of toppings, cotton candy, and snow cones!!! It was probably the most temptation I've had in one place. I am starting to notice a difference in the way my clothes fit. I feel less bloated and my face feels thinner. I haven't lost any more pounds, but my body is changing a bit. We are having a party tomorrow night and I may have to have just one s'more if I think I can handle it. 16 days to go!!!

No Sweets Days 9, 10, & 11

2011-06-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry, my time has been limited lately!!

I am still going strong. I've had a couple of tempting situations but I didn't give in.

Monday night, I took the kids for ice cream at Dairy Queen...none for me.

Tuesday night, I had a coupon class. My hostess served yummy sweet treats for her guests. I refrained.

Wednesday, I made cupcakes for my preschool class at church. Didn't even lick the beaters. And when they spread the gooey frosting on top during class, I groaned in agony but did not give in.

I am definitely starting to notice a change in the way I feel. I have a little bit more energy, AND I am sleeping better at night. I hope things just keep getting better! :)

No Sweets Days 7 & 8

2011-06-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

You might have thought that since I didn't post yesterday, I had a slip up. But I am happy to report that I did not! I was just really, really tired last night...too tired to even type. This is Day 8 with no sweets, which means I made it past one whole week. I am pretty happy about that. I feel like I am starting to see things in a new light. I want to do some more research on the effects of sugar because I find it facinating that I have already had a change in appetite.

I find myself pushing the plate away before all my food is gone, which is not like me at all.

A couple of days ago, I lost my urge to constantly snack.

Usually, I will eat a meal whether I'm hungry or not. The last couple of days, when something doesn't sound good or I'm not hungry, I don't eat. I wait until I'm hungry.

I told my mom earlier that I feel a sort of freedom. Since my task for the 30 days is eliminating sweets, I feel no pressure to count calories or only eat healthy foods. I feel free to eat what I want (except sweets) and for some strange reason, that makes me eat less. There is so much psychological stuff going on here!

And the best news of all is that just by eliminating sweets, I have already dropped seven pounds.

There is definitely something to this. I'm asking God to continue to reveal things to me in the next 22 days.

No Sweets Day 6

2011-06-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today I have noticed that I've had less of an appetite than normal. Unless I see something sweet, the cravings aren't as strong. Seeing the chocolate chip cookies my mom made and the candy bars the kids ate today made me crave chocolate. But I did not give in. 24 days to go!

No Sweets Day 5

2011-06-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted so I'm going to keep this short. I made it through the fifth day. 25 days to go!

What are you watching?

2011-06-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

1987...

That's the year Full House piloted their first episode on ABC. I've been watching the episodes since I was 10...twenty-four years ago. Now my kids watch them with me. Over and over again. And they never get old. No matter what I try to sit down and do, if Full House is playing, it eventually grabs my attention and I find myself fully absorbed in an episode that I've seen at least two dozen times over the years. And usually, at some point, the sappy story-line has my eyes welling up with tears.

It's one of the best sitcoms ever to air on television. No wonder it's in constant syndication and will probably remain so for all of time. It's clean and family friendly. Each episode demonstrates some sort of moral lesson. And it's got Uncle Jesse. What more could you ask for?

In a world where prime time shows are now full of teen pregnancies, sex, drugs, and soap-opera drama, it's nice to have wholesome shows like Full House that my kids can watch. I am shocked by how many parents allow their kids to watch shows like "Glee" and "Secret Life of an American Teenager." Do they watch them? Do they know what's in them? Do they care??

Sure, there are some newer shows out that are decent enough for families to watch. We watch Good Luck Charlie on Disney and iCarly on Nickelodeon (although that one is starting to become a little questionable for me). But those shows are almost entirely about slap-stick comedy and not about real issues. I love Full House because it touches on a lot of different issues that kids might face. The comedy may be a little on the corny side and the emotional music is a little sappy, but the kids don't care. They can relate with the problems that are faced and the family dynamic that is shown in solving them. Even though the show is more than a couple of decades old, the situations are ageless.

Any other Full House fans out there? What tv shows do you watch as a family?

No Sweets Day 4

2011-06-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

Cravings have been very strong today. It's probably a very good thing I have nothing in my house to tempt me. Today I found some coupons for McDonald's Frappes, which are one of my favorite drinks in the world. I almost stuck one in my purse so I could grab one while I was out and then I remembered. No sweets. And even though it is technically a beverage, it is very much on the no-no list for me, at least for 26 more days. :o)

Fourth of July Craft Idea

2011-06-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

I just saw this on another blog that I follow! I thought it was a really neat idea and something my kids would enjoy doing. To find out how to make it, head over to A Pumpkin and a Princess!

The A.C.T.S. Prayer Pattern

2011-06-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have begun a new morning prayer routine. We are following the A.C.T.S prayer pattern. It's simple and makes praying so much easier for children. We sit in a circle and each of us takes a turn with one letter before we move on to the next one. In case you've never used this pattern before and you'd like to try it, here it is:

A: Adoration. This is when we spend time worshiping the Lord. We praise him and go through many of his wonderful names. This is our time to express our love for our Father!!

C: Confession. This is when we take time to repent for any wrongdoings or sin in our lives. We ask God to give us a clean slate. The most common confession I hear in my house is "Lord, please forgive me for being mean to my siblings." :)

T: Thanksgiving. This is when we thank God for all of our many blessings. We express our gratitude to Him for everything he has done for us, everything he has brought us through, and everything he has given us. We thank him for protection, favor, and love.

S: Supplication. This is our time of intercessory prayer. This is when we come to the Lord with our needs. We pray for our personal needs. We pray for our unsaved loved ones. We pray for our pastors and church leaders. And we pray for our nation and its leaders. This is a time for our faith-filled fervent prayers.

Using the A.C.T.S. prayer pattern is working out great with my kids. They are excited to pray every morning. They have a direction for their prayers and don't struggle with what to pray about. I hope to build on it as the weeks go by. I have a deep desire for my children to have an active, strong prayer life.

How do you pray with your kids? I would love to hear how other families spend their prayer time.

Hello, My name is Crystal and I'm a sugar-holic.

2011-06-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am. I really am.

One positive thing is that I am definitely not in denial. I know sugar has a hold on me. I love anything sweet. Brownies, ice cream, cheesecake, pie, cookies, candy cake...the list goes on and on. And the more I eat, the more I want.

The first time I realized I had this problem was during a corporate fast that I participated in with my church a few years ago. Among other things, I fasted sweets for 40 days. Some of the other things, such as caffeine and bread, were hard to give up. But sugar was a whole other kind of difficult. I thought about sweets constantly, dreamed about them at night, craved them for weeks. When I finally broke free of the cravings, I realized how much better I felt without them. I didn't feel so tired all the time...didn't have that afternoon crash time anymore where I couldn't keep my eyes open. I felt lighter and had more energy.

But when the fast was over, I started eating them again. And apparently, I have a problem with moderation. It was then that I realized how much they affected what else I ate. Eating sweets made me hungrier. They made me want to eat more often and eat bigger portions.

What I would really like is to be able to indulge in a sweet treat once in a while and be satisfied with that. Is that even possible? Why is sugar so darn addictive? I read somewhere that sugar is as addictive as cocaine!

Well, I am once again giving up sweets. I'm going to start with 30 days. I want to journal how I feel each day, in hopes of helping me figure out how to kick this addiction. Today is Day 3. Day one, I had a bad headache all day. Yesterday, I just feel kind of tired. Today, I am tired and still cravings sweets constantly. Every time I finish a meal, I feel the urge to eat something sweet. But I am holding strong. :)

Already Planning for the 2011-2012 School Year

2011-06-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for some new attendance forms to use for school next year. I found a great site with three different printable choices. Thought I'd share. Check it out HERE

Also, if you're looking for a great and affordable preschool curriculum, this is what I intend to try out in the fall for my preschooler: Letter of the Week Curriculum

This will be my first year teaching FOUR children!!! I'm super excited! I know it's going to be a challenging but rewarding school year and though summer break has only just begun, I am already greatly looking forward to starting school in August. I find myself thinking and planning already, even though we only finished this school year a couple of weeks ago. :)

Toy Story Trilogy on Blu-Ray with lots of extras

2011-06-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks, My Frugal Adventures, for this great find! Amazon has this 10-disc Toy Story blu-ray trilogy marked down from $100 to only $44.99! If this is something you are interested in, hurry! Amazon tends to change these deals without warning.

Difficulties of Parenting

2011-06-18T09:08:00.001-07:00

My baby girl is sick. Well, actually she's not really a baby anymore. She turned three a few weeks ago so now she is a big girl. At least, that's what she thinks. She will always be my baby. She isn't sick often, but when she is, she is usually quite a trooper. Which is why last night was so difficult for me. I have never seen her so miserable and felt so helpless to make her feel better. She spent most of the night in a half-conscious haze, crying intermittently, vomiting, burning up with a fever, and in a lot of pain. Not wanting to leave her side in that condition, I put her in bed with me and spent the night with her hot body pressed up against me as she thrashed around in agony.

After a trip to the Dr, it turns out she has strep throat. She is now on a ten day antibiotic treatment. But I am hoping and praying that after a couple doses, she will begin to more closely resemble the bright, happy, and active child that is her "normal."

One of the most difficult aspects of parenthood is seeing your child suffer and being helpless to fix it, to take away the pain, to make it all better. We see this in many different areas of parenthood, from sickness to injuries and from disappointments to failures. The last thing you ever want to do is watch your child in agony, to see them hurting. But it is, I think, inevitable. Is coping with this a parental learning process, something you just have to discover through experience? Or is it something you can prepare for? I'm not sure anything can ever prepare me for seeing one of my daughters' hearts ripped to shreds by a boy. I don't think I can ever be ready for a life-altering event to happen to one of my children that would forever change the course of their life.

I have been blessed in the past eleven years as a mother. The agonies I have watched my children go through have been mostly due to minor illnesses. But I do know that it is unrealistic to expect all flowers and lollipops for the next 20. I will pray...no, I will intercede for protection, favor, blessings, health, and happiness. But we live in a fallen world.

My nature is to bury those thoughts deep in a place where they can't be found. I want to live a story-book life, where nothing ever goes awry, at least nothing major. But it's not probable. And if and when life ever takes an unexpected turn, I don't want to be totally knocked off my feet and not able to stand.

I just finished a book by Carol Kent entitled "When I Lay My Isaac Down." The book is about her real-life story. It is about how her picture perfect life was turned upside down by a sudden catastrophic event involving her son. The world that she had always known was suddenly in instant turmoil and devastation and would prove to never be the same again. If the roles were reversed, and I were in her shoes, I don't know that I would have survived. Am I strong enough, close enough to God, prepared enough, armed enough? I don't know. I can't be sure. I can imagine myself wilting away in depression, anger, and agony. But she survived. It was hard. "Hard" seems too light of a word. But there is no word that can describe what it was. Through this experience, God worked many great things and developments took place that otherwise never would have happened. People's lives were and continue to be touched and changed that otherwise may not have been. But her pain was still there, so tangible, so deep. And I wonder if I were in her shoes, if I could survive.

I think about the things that have taken place in my life and in the lives of my siblings (there are six of us) that must have been so painful for my parents, almost more so than it was to us. Because most of the time they were helpless to do anything. Yet, they still go on...they survive. They look to the God of heaven and earth and He carries them from glory to glory with the utmost care and love. It's never easy. I am sure they constantly have to "lay down their Isaac" and give us all over to God. Because I guess that's what it's all about. Relinquishing your control of something that you really have no control over at all. Presenting your problems, your hurts, your fears to God with palms opened up and letting go. If you grab it back again, you have to let it go again. However many times it takes. After all, He is God. Who else can be more trusted?

I have to know that when my family that I love so much is faced with trials, unforeseen tragedies, and catastrophic events, somehow...I will survive. I will remember who my God is. I will remember that I am His. This world is just a stopping place. Someday soon we will be in a place where there is no sorrow, no pain, no sickness, no defeat. I will keep my eyes on that place.

I am sorry if this post is depressing. God has been dealing with me about these things. "Laying my Isaac down" has spoken to me in a very real way. The biggest issue I have to lay down at the altar is fear. And that fear was manifested in the main topic of that book. Losing my children, seeing them deeply hurt, watching them go through horrific events...that has always been a fear. I can shove it down deep where I don't think about it for a long time, and I even try to tell myself it's not there. But eventually, with certain triggers, it will resurface. It resurfaced again last night after I finished the book and the outcome was not what I had hoped. Today, I lay down my fear at the altar of my God. I confess that I may have to repeat that action many times. Because I am human. My flesh fights against my spirit with great fortitude. But God never changes. And He is always good.

Blogger Spotlight: My Mom's Blog

2011-06-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about sharing this for a while now. My mom had a life-altering experience with God a few months ago and has been forever changed by it. She started writing about her experience on a blog a while back and it has blessed, helped, and encouraged me and many others. I truly believe that her writing will be used to impact the lives of many. Stop by Morning Glory and take a look and share with others. I love you, Mom.

Some thoughts about Couponing

2011-06-17T09:16:00.001-07:00

I know I haven't posted in ages. What good does it do to have a blog with no new posts? Not much! My life has revolved around three things lately: Family, church, and coupon classes. I enjoy teaching the classes. I have seen a lot of people's savings drastically increase since they took my class, and that is so rewarding. I love getting to meet new people and stay in touch with them. But, TLC's new show "Extreme Couponing" is making it very difficult to teach the principles that I initially learned myself, because many of them are no longer relevant. I have already had to change my informational packet twice since the beginning of the year and now I am looking at a third change. It's so frustrating.

"Extreme Couponing" is just that. Extreme. It's also something else: unrealistic. Some episodes have even shown couponers committing coupon fraud!! And what does this mean to the rest of us normal couponers who are just trying to provide for our families and make our meager dollars stretch...the ones who started out on this journey to make a difference in our budget (not to eliminate our budget)...those of us who truly need coupons to work the way they always have until this show aired? It means that stores are changing their policies. One by one, little by little, policies are changing. Cashiers are scrutinizing every coupon. Some immediately become suspicious of you and choose to offer you less-than-friendly customer service. Fellow customers roll their eyes at you and whisper about how you're "one of those crazy coupon people." It's unfair. It's disappointing. And my feeling is...the changes have only just begun. I think..."we ain't seen nothin' yet."

As I ponder this turn in the couponing world today, I am reminded that God is my provider. Coupons may keep my grocery budget 50% lower than it should be for a family of 6, but that doesn't mean couponing is everything. Coupons are merely a tool that I use to be a wise steward of my money. I am reminded that God gave me the wisdom to start using coupons in the first place and if need be, he will give me wisdom for a different method of maintaining my budget. He is my sole provider. His grace is sufficient for me.

I love couponing. I get a thrill out of saving hundreds of dollars. It makes me feel like I did something great for my family. But even couponing can become an idol. I should be irritated that the TLC show has started to change so much about couponing. But I shouldn't be as outraged as I am. I shouldn't be on the verge of tears.

It's just coupons.

I will look to the Lord for my provision, not a piece of paper clipped from an insert on Sunday. And he is faithful. He will provide. :)

Ken & Barbie Set $5

2011-02-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

Target has a special deal right now that you can get in store or online...this Ken & Barbie set for only $5. If you go through Ebates, you can also get 3% cash back. If you are new to Ebates, sign up HERE and get a $5 bonus. After you've signed up for Ebates, simply search for "Target" and then start shopping!

Thanks, Mojo Savings!

Rock Band 3 for Wii $19.99

2011-02-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

Amazon has Rock Band 3 for Wii marked down to $19.99!!