Treasure Basket Chart

 Whatever you may know it by: Treasure Time, Morning Basket, Afternoon Basket; there are a million in one different options out there. And the link that's below is not much different. 

But, if you are like me and melding together bits and pieces from several homeschool, mom-fluencer creators printable, plans, curriculum, unit studies and what-have-you; then maybe this item will help. 

I must be honest, I haven't actually put this sheet into practice just yet. But I created it with the next school year in mind. I will have an eighth grader and a kindergartener, so I am trying to streamline as much as can be. Good luck to me, huh? 

With such a large gap in ages, I don't foresee much being combined, but a refresher in the silliness if Mother Goose, preschool poetry, simple manners, memory verses, Bible stories, and a few reminders on hygiene can't hurt the older one. 

Here is my little creation. 

Treasure Basket pdf 

This little beauty comes in several colors. You can print each and whatever to your heart's desire. Print one, print them all. It is created with a sabbath schedule in mind: six weeks of learning with the seventh week off; or for the family that learns within 6 terms through your learning year.

I hope it brings you as much peace of mind as I hope it will bring to our little corner of the homeschooling world.

A little bonus for you.... I am... I can... I ought... I will...

Preschool Counting Chart

 This will not be a long post. 

I know that we all find those uber-long blog posts that are somehow related to the purpose of the post; this this won't be one of those. I will make the story brief...

I found myself in need of a cute, simple number chart; just simply one through twenty. That's all I needed, and I didn't want to have to pay for it. My internet search proved fruitless. Since when do preschoolers need a chart to 100..? That seems a bit much, and way overwhelming for someone so young. 

I started with my free Canva account in an attempt to make one. Canva is proving to be useless unless you have a paid account, and that doesn't serve me. 

So in stepped Google Sheets. Thank you Google for the hassle-free process of being able to make a colorful, number chart that my preschooler loved. 

So for those of you interested in a fully free printable, no "sign-up for newletter" required; here ya go...

Numbers Chart 1-20

There's nothing fancy to it. But there are light lines on it so it can easily be cut up and used for small flashcards too. 

I hope this works as well for you as it is for us!

Also, a little bonus for you... I am... I can... I ought... I will...

My Own Education, Part 3

 Prayer: At the beginning of this week, I felt like my prayer would be for a smooth week, which typically, there is an understood, spirit yearn for that at any time. But this past Sunday, as I started this submission, it was an active thought in the forefront of my mind. Initially, I dismissed it because, "of course." Why wouldn't that always be a prayer to pray?

But as the days went on, it became apparent that it really needed to be an active prayer. I have a pre-teen, and preschooler. Both are in what's considered "in-between" stages of their childhood. And both stages revolved around experiencing new emotions, or at least their journey of becoming aware of more complicated emotions. It is only Wednesday, as I type this paragraph- and boy, what a week it's been. Not awful, not "the worst", but worse than it's been in a while. 

My pre-teen, is in the "logic" or "argumentative stage" according to the educational philosophy we adhere to. He knows a lot about a lot, and has always been a sponge for information. But now, according to the classical education philosophy; he is trying to make sense of it all. He's trying to make sense of how he fits into the world and all of the "pictures" he's learned about over the years; but also make sense of these growing emotions. 

My prayer is for myself, really. to be able to see his struggles for what they are. Not defiance, not rebellion, but genuine curiosity and a desire to make sense of his world. I have a pretty good understanding, as an adult, of the world he lives in. He's still learning, still noticing, still pondering, still navigating. Just like I am, but in a smaller sense. My prayer is to remember that just because his understanding is smaller, doesn't mean that it is less significant or wrong. I have never parented a pre-teen before; this is new territory. 

Same thing with my 4 year old, I have never parented a 4 year old before, this is new territory. For both of them, I need grace. I need grace, for myself and to extend to them. 

It's easy to forget what this kind of learning looks like for them... after all, it's been many years since I went through the stages they are experiencing. There is a learning curve for all of us, but it is my responsibility to stop and be aware of when intercession is needed, whatever format it may be needed. 

Submission: There are some weeks when my "to-do" list gets fully accomplished. There are weeks when this list gets mostly done. And then there are the weeks that very little gets accomplished; usually jsut the basic necessities- laundry, cooking, vaccuming, my own studies, and some of my chidlren's studies. I have always been an advocate of "consistency is key" when it comes to what kids need.

Prior to becoming a mom, I worked as a Nanny for a little over a decade. I got the priviledge of helping four pairs of wonderful parents, shape their Littles. But that's a bunny-trail. For those many years, all of the reading I had done touted the fact that kids need expectations- and I am not talking about whats expected of them, but they need to know what to expect from us. They need a routine, and they need to know that our "yes" means yes, and our "no" means no. There is no denying that this is an absolute for me and my children,because it boils down to trust. But, our (my) kids need to also know that they can rely on us to hear them when something is wrong in their little world. They need to know they can trust us with their hard stuff- the stuff that seems hard to them; and help them navigate it.

This week was one of those particular weeks, where I had to rely on prayer and submit to putting away of my to-do list. My kids needed me. They both had big emotions this week, and my youngest was regularly coming to be a saying, " I need Mommy snuggles." In the hard moments, when we would find ourselves in a deadlock over whatever was on the ajenda for the day, I had to submit to the prodding of the Spirit to slow down and listen not only to Him, but to them. They didn't need the consistency that a regular routine provided them; they needed the consistency of connection. They needed my attention, my undivided, non-lesson related attention. One of the things I love about homeschooling is the freedom. The freedom to take a step back and step away from the daily grind when things, even small tasks, begin to see insurmountable.

So, we did. We took a hiatus from school. We didn't thake the whole week off, but when I would run into big emotions, I made a point to stop and we would go outside or go on an "adventure." A change of pace, was what ways truly needed; or a different scene. We went to the library; the park; on a walk; played in the backard; played a board game; watched a show or mostly; I would read to them. The Twits by Roald Dahl, was the order of the week. This was not the orginal plan for our read-aloud.

The past few weeks, we have been readiing the more serious Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly. A middle-school historical novel about a boy in medieval Poland. But something at the beginning of this week, said that a book full of frankly, mean behavior, genuine ugliness, and fully ridiulous behavior was would be needed. Explain that for me. I read The Twits in the fourth grade, and even then, I recognized the terrible behavior of the two characters was not truly desired or wise. But the ridiculouness of thier behavior was truly enjoyed. Me, as a ten year old; and even this week by my twelve and four year old children. The truly appalling behaviour of Mr. & Mrs. Twit became our respite from petty arguments; clash of wills; and just plain "I don't wannas."

The beauty of homeschooling is that children don't have to learn only by reading a textbook or filling out a worksheet. They can learn about hwo the choices we make impact us, just by hearing a story about how our actions have some serious (albeit funny) consequences. Especially, when those actions impact or involve the people around us.

Celebration: Children learn, and learn best, when they are secure and know that they are safe. My children know they are safe, loved, seen and heard.  How much trauma had been caused by that old idea of "children should be seen and not heard" or even the notion that they aren't a whole person until they've learned to "behave."

In any case, my celebration this week is the freedom and the ability to see and hear my children. To be given the Holy Spirit nudges, and to have been given the wisdom to heed those moments when I feel my children need a hug rather a further push. My eldest and I clashed over a writing assignment, and at one point I walked over to him and hugged him. He didn't immediately respond- so I asked, "Do you need a hug or would you rather I leave you alone?" And he said he needed a hug. So we hugged it out. When he let go of me, he sat right down accomplished what I had set him out to do- his writing assignment.

Now, if he had been in school and balked at his teacher over a similar assigment; we'd potentially be looking at the very least a note from said teacher or a call from the principle or at worst detention (or whatever they're doing now-a-days.) Depending on the severity of the push-back, of course.

Connection is key. Consistency is key. Both are equally important, I believe. Just as with any thing or any one else. Trust is built on both, whatever the situation may be. Connection with a boss over how an assignment is to be completed; a teacher over the same; a significant other about your relationship, finances, children, routines, groceries, weekend plans, future, home; and with our children. For our children- it is mostly heart connections. They need to know that we, as their parents, have not only theri safety, future, potential, and education in mind- but also their heart: their emotional well-being.

Sometimes the to-do list is priority, and that works. But whenthere are weeks like this past one, my kids hearts are on the line and they need to feel and know beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are seen, heard and heeded. They need to know that they are not standing in a big empty room, waving thier hands frantically waving their arms, but yet still being overlooked, or ignored. There will be times when they wonder if that is the case, and the world will make them feel like that enough to shake their faith in the truth. 

But those feelings will not be coming from me, God-willing. God grant me the ability to see them, to haer them, to hear you and to follow your direction.

A bonus for you... I am... I can... I ought... I will...

My Own Education, Part 2

 Prayer: Of the three disciplines, I write this one last. Mostly because it but a reflection on the background of celebration journaling. I know these are suppose to be current journals, but this way seemed appropriate for my submission this week, as I was reminded of what is typed below as I was typing my celebration journal.

As a little girl, I wanted to be a mom. Anyone ask me "what do you want to be when you grow up?" My answer was always the same: a mommy. So, you would imagine that my story would be of having the quintessential high school sweetheart, early marriage and babies at a young age. Or even the more recent storyline of marrying while in college or soon thereafter. But that was not the case. Beginning at the age of 21, I was single and knew that I had some growing up to do. I knew deep down that God would guide my steps and help me to grow into the person he had created me to be. I knew I wanted to be a wife and mom- but I knew that I would have to wait. Little did I know how long I would have to wait, or that there would be times that I would tearfully wonder if He had forgotten me. I had been raised on the belief that God sees all, each of us and loves each of us as a father does; and longs to give us the desires of our heart when we are ready for it. But the waiting was so hard. Many journals do I have of anguish, fear, hurt being poured out to God; wondering if indeed I was being heard and heeded. Fourteen years of praying, wondering, leaning on God's word, and learning just what it means to trust him and to find my strength, my rest and my refuge in Him. So many prayers. So many journal entries. And not to mention a couple of bad relationships, and wrong roads. There were many nights, evenings, mornings, days, weeks of feeling like the dry bones in the dessert; wondering when they would come alive again- if they would at all. Many times, praying from the scriptures written on index cards, kept in my purse for moments when I struggled to understand why I wasn't being heard. Those cards were my reminder that I was being heard; that things take time; doors have to open from many sides. And they reminded me to praise Him in the storm. 

When I was in the middle of this prayer for my heart's desire, it seemed like it would never end. Looking back, I see a part of the why- it was growing me to be the mom and wife that my family would need. Grounded, well-adjusted, whole, healed, and fully rested in God's grace. Now, that's not to say that these aren't my daily prayers any more- I am regularly in need of God's grace, his goodness, and to find refuge under his wings. But, in hindsight, I would much rather be fully-here as a mom than struggling with my own faith and what that looked like while trying to raise babies and cultivate a healthy marriage. Those things can be a struggle enough, I can't imagine trying to work out my own salvation and beliefs in the middle of all that too. My prayer to be a mom and wife has now evolved into being the woman my family needs. To have the patience, understanding, wisdom and foresight that is needed to fulfill my own portion of that promise of family and a happy marriage. 

Submission: This one has been a struggle, but yet not a struggle. In the past two weeks, my hubby went out of town; and the following week his sister came to visit. Both of these events are unusual, and had really thrown me for a loop. Don't get me wrong, these weren't unpleasant events- they just weren't normal for our little family. My husband works from home and I homeschool our kids. Everyone being at home, and us being together the vast majority of the time is normal. And my hubby's sister lives in California with her own family, and the last time she came to visit was right after my youngest was born, four years ago. We aren't used to visitors at our house. We are used to being the visitors though. This last week, I was so spent. There was a part of me that wanted to take the week off of lessons and just "be". But, I have always believed in the notion, "consistency is key"; especially where kids are concerned. So, despite my yearning to take a week off and lounge around with nothing else to do other than laundry and housekeeping; I chose to submit to faithfulness in homeschooling. This faithfulness was the right call, just in the sense of my boys need the routine. Kids thrive on knowing what to expect. And because of my consistency, this week's lessons went off without a hitch- which is not normal. Each week, we have a least one day with a kid saying, "I don't wanna..." But not once did I hear that. I am surprised, grateful and glad. There is a quote from N.T. Wright's book Simply Christian that says, "From the very beginning, writers like Paul and John recognized that this isn't just difficult, but actually impossible. We can't do it by some kind of Herculean moral effort. The only way is by drawing strength from beyond ourselves, the strength of God's Spirit..." When I read this unrelated passage, it struck me as being totally relevant to my week and my choice to remain faithful to the routine that I, myself, have established. It was not my my own strength, but by that which was provided for me. One of my favorite passages, since I was very young, has been Isaiah 40:31, "but they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings of eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."(NIV) Many times have I sung the song to myself to bolster my spirit and my resolve. My older sister calls me tenacious.

Celebration: This past couple of weeks has been a celebration of God's provision. This month we celebrate our 5 year anniversary. (How has that much time past so quickly?) But the celebration of God's provision is a personal and inner one. You see, my oldest kiddo is not my biological child, he is what I call my Bonus Baby; my step-son. I grew up in a blended family. My dad remarried and I gained new siblings. And it had all the stereotypical pitfalls blended families often do.

This is where God's provision lies: As I got older, and was yet still unmarried and childless; I realized that the likelihood of marrying someone who didn't already have kids was getting slimmer. With that realization, I started praying- praying for not only the man God would bring into my life, but also for the ex and children that would be part of his life. This is not a tale of "how well I prayed", but very much a celebration of an answered prayer. I have always understood just how blessed I am to have my husband- but my bonus babe- He is more than I could have hoped for. And for that matter, his mom. For all intents and purposes, she and I have what would be called a "working relationship", where our mutual interest lies. But, I realized this week just how wonderfully God has answered my prayer. After all, how many step-momma's get to homeschool their step-child? I certainly don't know of any. I am sure they are out there, but in all likeliness, they are few and far between. 

We are not at cross-paths. We all realize that we are here to work for his/HIS (bonus baby/GOD). Even if its just at a subconscious level, we all know and realize that infighting, backbiting and strife will serve no purpose except to harm the one person we have been charged to protect, guide and nurture. It brings me to tears each time I think on it- God is so faithful. His word and promises does not return void. He has provided me with not only the family I longed for, for many years- but he has done exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all that I could hope and imagine. 

There is so much I have to acknowledge my mom for in this though. She was a woman of prayer, and a woman who had her own struggles with a bad marriage and a less than secure upbringing. I was her late-baby. By the time I had come along, she was no spring chicken, and had matured greatly since the births of my older siblings. She instilled in me from a young age the importance of leaning into God's goodness. Isaiah 40:31, was sung as a lullaby for me. And now I sing it as a lullaby for both my babies. 

A bonus for you... I am... I can... I ought... I will...

My Own Education.... A Mother's Education.

 Prayer, Submission, and Celebration are the disciplines I have chosen for my report; but for a bit of an unorthodox reasoning. Now, I fully understand that some of my reasoning, purpose, and journaling may miss that mark for this particular report, and maybe even for all of the reports. But, I believe that these three disciplines seem to be the prevailing themes of my life, for this season that I am in.

For my discipline of prayer, I am making a concerted effort to pray in the middle of emotionally charged situations. I am a homeschool mom of two boys, a seventh grader and a four year old. Both of my boys are in stages where they are learning and discovering their emotions- but each for different developmental reasons. Needless to say, there is a lot of emotions expressed even on what I would call a uneventful day.   

This past week, my husband was out of town and I was home alone with the boys. This is not a normal situation for us. My husband works from home and we homeschool. The few days my husband was gone was a test in fortitude and patience for us all. Not having my husband around threw us all off balance in many ways: time-wise, emotionally, and physically. My preschooler is still discovering his emotions and is going through the developmental stage of figuring out what to do with them. Where my husband is gifted in recognizing when our Little is overwhelmed, I am a little slower in my own processing and response to this. In his absence, I had to be able to pinpoint what was really going on in his little mind and body, in the midst of the other household tasks.  But I couldn't do that without prayer, and even submission to the Holy Spirit. 

Right before dinnertime, on Tuesday, my little one was jumping off of the back of our couch. Mind you, hes energetic, but he's never done this before- he's just not that rambunctious. I was in the middle of diner preparations. In that moment, I could have so easily yelled for him to stop, and scolded him and then turned by back to him, fully expecting him to comply. Only to be further upset a few minutes later by his further attempts to fly. My husband wasn't there to catch him- emotionally or physically. It was up to me- elbow deep in homemade tomato sauce. I had to breathe, pray and hear. In that moment, the Spirit showed me that my Little was feeling out of control, and was searching for some level of control. The Spirit showed me that my little needed reassurance in Daddy's scheduled return, his love, and maybe even Daddy's existence. We facetimed with Dad. My little calmed down enough to help me finish up dinner and decided to help vacuum too. If I had responded to my own overwhelm, fear, and insecurity in that moment; the outcome would and could have been vastly different.

Submission is a harder one. Submission to the holy spirit has become somewhat easier over the years, but it is still a work in progress. I have learned to recognize that voice- but as I am human I miss the mark sometimes. This however, is not the submission that I am making a point in practicing though. I am making a point to submit to my husband- submission to him in a verbal sense. He and I are both problem-solvers by nature. Someone comes to us with a situation, we both have the tendency to "see the problem and the solution". But many times, with each other, there is no problem- just an opportunity for conversation about our day. 

My husband is a mountain biker, and he loves tinkering and repairing his own bikes. While I am familiar with the sport, there is not enough of a knowledge base to be able to offer any assistance. But frequently, my husband will come to me with a problem he's encountered and I try to "fix it". Never turns out well. Along with other areas, I try to offer my assistance.

At the beginning of this week, prior to him leaving on his business trip, my husband stated that he needed to figured out what to pack. My mind immediately began running through the clothes hanging in his closet and things coming from the dry cleaner. As I was about to make suggestions, I remembered my undertaking- to keep my suggestions to myself. After all, he is a grown man, and a highly intelligent one at that. He is perfectly capable of figuring out how to dress himself for such occasions- even though he has a tendency to over dress. He has not asked me for clothing suggestions- so why would I give him an answer to a question that he hadn't asked? Especially, when it would only lead to conflict. So, I remained quiet. I had the thought to offer insight about the weather in Florida, but he's a grown man with a smart phone and a weather app. Why was I going to attempt to do the work for him, when I was overwhelmed with my own work? I wasn't. Twenty minutes later, he came downstairs with his suitcase ready for the next morning's flight, and there had been no argument. Not to mention, I had been able to complete some of my own to-do list items. I have continued to do this for the past week- hold my tongue when I think 'I know better." And it's made my life easier. Not just because it has reduced the conflict, between my husband and I, and even on occasion my kids and I. I have seen growth, learning, wisdom and a deeper understanding come to each of them. I have seen that when I may "know better" and offering that knowledge, sometimes, does not serve them for any purpose except to prevent them from learning. For my kids, that prevention is valuable to their development as little people, and growing into being a young man. 

I am surprised to be being this much of a difference already. 

For Celebration I am celebrating with my children and my husband the freedom that I have found in not making plans weeks or even months in advance. I am a planner, and I love making and keeping track of lists. It helps keep me organized, and on track. It helps to keep me going in the direction I need to go. However, trying to plan life months in advance was beginning to take it's toll on me and my children.

In our homeschool journey, we began with a pretty rigid curriculum, and pretty pre-determined schedule. Also, the idea that homeschool had to follow the same formula, schedule and procedure as instutionalized school was overpowering- but also somehow seemed to be natural. After two years of homeschooling a more traditional schedule, Monday through Friday, 9am until 1pm; sitting in a classroom-like setting. It was beginning to wear on me. I love homeschooling my children- but it just seemed that I did not have enough time in the day of energy to complete all that needed my attention. Not to mention, I see all of these homeschool mom's in our homeschool group who have time. Time to go to the library, the museum, they YMCA, the park, or to just take days off of school. 

I started digging. Digging into social media of homeschool mom influencers; trying to figure out how homeschoolers have the time for something other than homeschool. What I found was that they have, for one, extended themselves enough grace to be tired; to take days off: to not "do school" 5 days a week; to have learning days that only take 3 hours; to let their kids just exist from time to time. I knew this was what my four year old needed as part of his normal development. But for my seventh grader, I had no idea that his was even an option. So ingrained was I in the notion of traditional schooling. 

For celebration, we are all celebrating shorter and more enjoyable days. Gone are the days of just trying to check something off the list. We have slowed down; we are taking our time. I am taking my time. I have slowed down. Teaching my children, watching their little minds learn and discover their world was a joy to me before- but now it is a delight. Not to mention, now I have time to get the laundry actually put away. I am able to better celebrate my children growing up. I am better able to enjoy their company and their achievements. My celebration is being able to slow down, even though I am quite possibly busier than I have been before. My celebration is more delight in my life. God said that he has come not just to give us life, but life more abundantly; and my celebration is abundant for sure.

I little bonus for you... I am... I can... I ought... I will...

My Own Education

 For the entirety of my adult life, I have considered myself to be the eternal student. I set my attitude at a fairly early age to see lessons in the mundane and everyday. When I was very young, my mom pointed out to me that we should always be learning something new. She was very intentional in helping learn from situations that we encountered. And for that, I will forever be grateful to her. For that, I strive to always be learning and growing in some form or fashion. 

And if you're wondering, that doesn't mean that I have an advanced degree in anything. I have an Associates in General Studies, that I earned nearly twenty years ago. I do believe in the merits of a formal education, but I also know that it's not the be all and end all of being educated. Since I finished my Associates, I have been a self-educator. I was taught, intentionally, by my mom to examine things- ideas, subjects, events, people, etc- from all angles. To really view things from a 360 perspective. Or at least do my best to see it from all sides. 

Ok, back to on track...

My own education has largely been through extensive reading, conversations with formally-educated close friends, and just a general study of whatever strikes my fancy or intrigues me. I have passions that have blossomed in that time of self-education and even self-study. Things like nutrition, history, psychology, and the interconnectedness of all of it. I am a collector of information. 

But not just random facts and information. If you are familiar with the StrengthsFinder 2.0; I am a Learner, Input, Connectedness, and Context. 

I love to know how things are related, from the closely-related, to the obscure connections. 

And don't get me started on how important the context of it all is. 

Because I want to "learn it all", it has been very difficult for me to find a formal degree program that has interested me enough to commit to one field of learning. But I finally figured it out a few months ago. With the help of the Holy Spirit, of course.

Biblical Studies.

In a way, it's been in front of me my entire life. I are up in church, and have attended regularly my entire life. I am a student of the Bible. And I am not tooting my own horn, by any means. This is not a "look at me, I am go great; such a wonderful person and christian" kind of thing. It is just the truth. Many years ago, I saw a light & joy in someone in mentorship of me and I wanted it. I knew enough about her story that it only came from a deep and intentional relationship with her Savior. My seeking began there. The realization that I was missing something... I just didn't know what. 

Fast forward to now, I am beginning this week on a journey that seems to be almost a lifetime in the making. 

I am beginning an online degree in Biblical Studies this week.

Last night, I got the list of books I will need for my three classes, and I immediately called my sister. She is also an eternal student of life and God's word. I was so excited, I had to share the titles and synopsis' with her too. (She is also considering getting a degree in Biblical Studies). 

All of this is to say, that just because you didn't "find your thing" at a young age, doesn't mean that you won't ever. It just means that you haven't found it, YET.

And I think that it the key here. God's word is full of "yet" moments. And so is his plan and guidance of us. 

We have been created to lifelong students. Precept upon precept. 

Beauty Subjects & Morning Baskets

 For this year, I wanted to try something a little bit different from what we had before. This year, we have beauty subjects. 

My Big and I did something akin to this our first year of homeschooling, which was his 5th grade year. I wasn't so much as studying the works of art or music themselves; but more of a study of the composers biographies and the various types of music through the ages. I found that very cool to put together, but if my Big remembers anything from that, time will tell. I had tasked myself to find clips of each musical piece as background to a cartoon or movie clip that my Big was familiar with. That was a scavenger hunt I will not easily forget- even I learned a few things about the music we hear without recognition. Needless to say, there were a lot of Bugs Bunny or Looney Tunes clips he watched. I won't complain about that, because who doesn't love a good Looney Tunes episode. (Especially Elmer Fudd singing to the tune of Ride of the Valkyries. Best cartoon moment ever.)

But I digress. 

This year, we are studying music and art from many of the greats. For my preschooler, we are learning about the artists and composers that are highlighted in the Gentle & Classical Preschool curriculum. Which also, we are using that for his "play school." He seems to really enjoy the poems, nursery rhymes, songs and stories that are laid out so beautifully for us. 

For my Big, We are also using Gentle & Classical's Morning Virtues curriculum. Erin has done a wonderful job of creating an easy to follow plans. Morning Virtue's include read-alouds poetry, affirmations, scripture, folk songs that correspond to a virtue. For instance, we have started with Courage. the biographies of the artist and composer chosen, display courage in their own form & fashion. The story of Renior having the courage to push through his work while suffering with arthritis- was a little mind-blowing for my 12 year old. 

Each of these has music to listen to as you go. So I have created a playlist that includes both the Morning Virtues songs and the preschool songs. Both boys seem to enjoy all of the selections and they both seem to be benefitting from the sweet messages of the preschool songs and morning routine. 

This is probably my favorite time of the day. It is a slow intro to the harder tasks of the day for them and gets those little gears turning. Not to mention, I love watching them both draw or color and use their creativity with no agenda other than to "be".

Now I see why so many homeschooling moms subscribe to adding this routine. 

Our Seventh Grade plan

 So, we are officially in our second week of seventh grade and PK4, and it is good. The first couple of days were a little hairy- but that's normal when getting back into a routine, no matter how short the break was. 

We have shaken things up a bit this year. Well, I have. I have added beauty subjects and read-alouds to the mix. And my Big actually said that the doodle/read-aloud time was his favorite way to start the day. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy. That was exactly the kind of reaction and appreciation that I was going for. Something relaxed, and peaceful instead of just trying to blow through things as quickly as possible. 

Man, the first years of homeschooling can be rough. Mostly, you're just trying to figure out which end is up. And then trying to figure out learning styles, and what works for who, and the hurdles of "I don't wanna" days. And then there's the kids you have to figure out those things for... 

Back to the beauty subjects..

Yes, they are for the kids benefit; to learn an appreciation for art, great music, poetry, and creative endeavors. But they are for me as much as for them. I have always had a love of reading to kids. First it was the kids I cared for, and now it's my own. From the day I brought him home from the hospital, I began reading to my Little. I had amassed a wonderful baby-library before he was born. But my Big, reading to him as a small one was something I missed. He is my Bonus. He was just beginning to grow out of the bedtime story & read to me phase when I came on the scene. 

But now, I get to revel in that phase with both of them. And what list of books I have! I don't expect we will get through them all this year, but maybe. We'll see. I won't lie, it would be nice to get through all of the elementary-level classics that Big has never read before. 

I am excited for us. 

I just have to remember to take my time and savor the feast of books and beauty!

What a morning!

 I won't go into detail about it, but my morning did not go as I had envisioned. It was quite the opposite. Neither was it peaceful or quiet- which is the point of waking up two hours before everyone else.

With that being said; as I was pouring my coffee, adding the cream and sugar.... I couldn't help but smile. The moment I'm in, this phase of life, there was a time I didn't know if I would ever get to experience it. 

For much of my adult life I what in the past was affectionately known as the "spinster aunt". Ridiculous phrase. I was my family's reliable babysitter (never mind  that I was actually a Nanny by profession.) Not that I am complaining about the baby sitting, mind you. I loved every minute of it. With the exception of the "You need one of those" comments anytime I'd be holding a new baby niece or nephew. (Insert eyeball here.)

That phase of my life I look back on with tenderness and affection. I grew so much in those years, not just maturing, but also in my spiritual life. Those years of praying, hoping, waiting, depending on God for the one thing I wanted most- has helped me depend on Him and leaning to Him when I am having rough mornings, afternoons, days, etc. 

Another homeschool mom on Instagram, recently shared a passage from Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie; and it was speaking of Peter walking on the water with Jesus. My mom used to have a painting above her fireplace that was that image. Peter sinking with a look of desperation on his face, and Jesus serenely stretching our his hand to lift Peter our of the swirling waters, the wind blowing about them. The idea that the storm will always be there, and it may blow us about a bit or even a lot, but the assurance that Jesus, the King of Peace is always there- to steady me and my family, it's like nothing I could ever explain well enough. 

I've gotten off track a little. 

My point here is that my mornin was not as restful as I had anticipated. That's ok, because win the grand scheme of things, I am right where I dreamt of being. Next time sans the ants.... 🐜🐜

Starring Down Seventh Grade

This past May I started doing a little bit of research about other homeschool methods and curriculums. I had seen many homeschool moms on social media talking about taking a graceful or gentle approach to teaching their children. With the hard days in the back of my mind, I set out to see what this gentle homeschooling was about. 

I am familiar and do my best to practice gentle parenting, as much as being human allows anyways. So, I wondered if it was similar. Those handful (or two) of hard days usually left me wondering if there was a better way to go about this. Yes, I am well aware that worthy things are sometimes challenging, sometimes extremely. Even gentle parenting has it's challenges. I am in the middle of a challenge as I type this. 

Traditional homeschool textbooks with their 150-170 lessons seemed to take quite a toll on some of our days. I was yearning for a little more freedom, flexibility and more spontaneous. It was just a little too rigid for us- mainly for me. A few more free days would do this Momma some good. Especially, where my housework was concerned. (I'm not gonna lie, trying to keep up with the housework is a chore in and of itself on a normal day.) 

Today, we are starting Big's seventh grade lessons. It's hard to get back into the swing of things after a lengthy break. A month doesn't sound so long, but as anyone that's trying to get into a good habit of anything knows, a month of not going said task, is the equivalent to a lifetime.

I started the day before the crack of dawn when our puppy decided she needed to potty at 4:45 this morning. With my alarm set to go off at 5, I just let her out and made my coffee. 

This time around, we are incorporating beauty subjects into our day. In my search for less intense curricula, I stumbled across a wonderful site built by a homeschool mom with much more experience than I- Gentle + Classical Press, and Erin's wonderful Morning Virtues publications. (I'll post more on other items from her sight I am using for my preschooler in another post.) This morning was quite literally our first foray into beauty subjects. And I believe it was well received by both Big and Little. Even if they didn't/don't/can't fully appreciate it, I sure did. The scripture, artist & composer study, the poetry, hymns, Biblical truths and the read-alouds are all beautifully thought out. This Momma truly loves it. 

This year, Big will be doing more independent reading than he did last year. His history curriculum is in the classical format that I love so much. It is a new publisher for us, but he enjoyed the "search" of conclusions and realizations of his science studies last year, that I decided to transfer that to his history as well. 

Math as it stands, will remain the same rigid curriculum as it has been the last two years. While there are others out there and some that probably have fewer lessons- this one for me, is tried and true. And while the other subjects can be tweaked and played with a bit, math is non-negotiable for me. 

And on that note... by Big is back from walking the dog- better get busy with those math studies!