Hubby is off work today.  I love when he is home.  :)

Thursday, September 4, 2008~Day 15~Thankful:

Having a heart that is thankful can easily change our perspective.  We can be greatly discouraged, yet when we start thinking on what we are thankful for or simply thanking God for who He is, our heart is transformed; we are greatly encouraged!  Today, with our main focus on being Thankful, let us write a list of at least 10 things that we are thankful for.  Let’s thank God continually!  J

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Our day together began w/ time in God's Holy Word and prayer.  Taking our devotions from the book,  365 Days of Celebration & Praise - Daily Devotions and Activities for Homeschooling Families-- we read that it is National Chicken Month.  And, we read how their are many kinds of birds that are talked about in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.  Some of the birds are vultures, eagles, kites, ravens, owls, gulls, ospreys, storks, and herons, to mention a few,  are specifically spoke of in Leviticus 11:13 as birds that are unclean and shouldn't be eaten.  Chicken, sparrow, and dove are talked about in various other locations.  And in Luke 12:1-12 we read what Jesus speaks about a sparrow.  We answred three discussion questions.    We pondered the verse, Luke 12:8-9, "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge Him before the angels of God.  But He who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.  Our prayer focus today is on The President George W. Bush.  We also pray for other officials/candidates.  I also prayed for John McCain and Sarah Palin, and for a Christian brother who is running for Iowa House.

Daddy and I got to go work out together the morning. :)  Breanna and Nathan had lots of fun doing his Little Hands to Heaven preschool lesson together~ Unit 3 - Day 3 -- God Blesses Abraham.  They did his fingerplay, "Clippity, Clippity" focusing on the letter "C."  For the Bible Story in (The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes)~ they read p. 38 "God Promises Abraham a Son" and looked at the picture on p. 39 of Abraham standing by his tent  with his arms stretched out and gazing at the night sky full of twinkling stars. They answered 2 discussion questions about the Bible story.  For a Letter Activity, Breanna wrote a large 'C' on a piece of construction paper, then Nathan drove a car around the C and practiced sounding out the letter.  The corresponding music was from The Singing Bible CD's.  The song was titled, "God Began a Nation."  After we returned home,  Nathan was wearing one of my Breanna's old robes, and they had chairs together w/ a blanket over it making it a tent.  They acted out a play for Nathan's preschool lesson, where Nathan played Abraham.  They had fun doing this and did a great job!  :) 

I'm so glad that Breanna and Nathan are working together so well and are enjoying each other too.  :)

This afternoon,  Breanna and Nathan walked to our beautiful, grand, almost new (only a couple yrs. old) library only a block or so away.  Nathan really enjoys going to the library!  And, Breanna enjoys books as much as Mom does!  :)

Still this afternoon,  Breanna did most of her schoolwork.  Bible— Elsie’s Life Lessons Walking In the Fruit of the Spirit~ Chapter 2-Walking in Joy- Lesson 1 – The Joy of Loving Jesus:  Read p. 32 - p. 33 (Stopped after reading: Do you trust in the security of His love?)  This is what she is do w/ her Bible lesson: Meditate & memorize Scripture.  Answer study questions.  Ponder them. Pray about your own walk w/ Christ in relation to love. Copywork—Copywork for Girl’s~ Lesson 15.  History— The Chimney Sweep’s Ransom (John Wesley)~ Finished yesterday’s assignment.  Notebooked the Vocabulary work and read Chapter 7.  Science/Nature Study—A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie~ Chapter 3 – Read rest of p. 30 (Began at: “There is a class of beetles which perform a very useful work; they are called the sexton or burying beetles…”) – p. top of p. 31 (Stopped after reading: “But I think it is quite time to bid good-bye to the beetle tribes, and dinner is ready.”)   Notebooked on sexton beetle and tortoise beetle.   

This evening, Nathan and I worked on his Language Lessons for Little Ones~  Lesson 15 - Introcuding the Letter "C" - for Copywork -- Nathan had 2 capital C's and a line following each, also 2 lower case c's and a line following each of them, he had to write the Capital C's and lower case c's on each of their lines.  We practiced a few on each line.  He struggled w/ doing this.  He did make 2 decent lower case c's all on his own.  :)

Wednesday, September 3, 2008~Day 14~Words:

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

Words can be powerful; they can encourage someone greatly or they can severely wound someone in their spirit.  Let’s guard our mouths w/ the words we let pass through our lips.  Mom too!  J  Let’s say only what is loving/kind/helpful.  Let’s think on what are ways we can encourage someone w/ words today?  Write a personal letter/note/email?  Go to them and speak words of blessing.  J  The greatest way we can use words today is to share the message of Christ…whether in person or through a letter/note/email….these Words are Life and Hope to every person who hears them.  Including ourselves. 

Breanna, Nathan, and I began our school lessons together this morning the way I always like to begin our time together~  in God's Holy Word and in prayer.  From the book,  365 Days of Celebration and Praise - Daily Devotions and Activities for Homeschooling Families,  we learned that it is National History Month.  And, reading in Genesis 22:1-19 and James 2:20-24 we read of a very significant happening in the history of Christianity that occured on a hill in Moriah and about the obedience of Abraham.  We followed this up with six discussion questions about the Scriptures.  The verse we pondered was Hebrews 5:8-9-- "Although He was a son, he learned obedience from what He suffered and , once made perfect, He because the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him."  We prayed for God to help us to be obedient to Him and for the kids to obey their parents.  Our prayer focus on Wednesdays is Women (specificially Wives & Moms).  I prayed for a friend from our church who's husband began training at a new job this wk. (actually this wk. was orientation) and is gone during the wk. and she is home w/ their 4 kids (5 and under) for the next 17 wks.  and for another friend from church who is pregant after 3 miscarriages and is in the beginning of the 2nd trimester~praise God!   How my heart delights in lifting these Wives/Moms up to the Lord!  :)  Breanna prayed for me.  :)

This morning, while I worked out at the Wellness Center,  Breanna and Nathan again had a good time doing his Little Hands to Heaven preschool lesson together.  Unit 3 - Day 2 ~  "God Blesses Abraham."  They did the fingerplay,  "Clippity, Clippity."  Then, read the Bible story in The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes.  They read p. 36 "God Gives Abraham the Best" and looked on p. 37 of picture of Abraham and Lot and their many sheep.  They answered two discussion questions.  For a Letter Activity, Breanna wrote a large C on a piece of construction paper and then Nathan glued cotton balls all around the letter.  They acted out the Bible story for a Bible activity.  The corresponding music was the song,  "God Began a Nation" from The Singing Bible CD.

In the afternoon,  I had a visitor.  Breanna completed almost all of her schoolwork.  Bible— Elsie’s Life Lessons Walking In the Fruit of the Spirit~ Chapter 1-Walking in Love- Lesson 5 – Loving Our Enemies: Read on p. 28 (Began at: Remember, it is God’s love in us that gives us the power to love others beyond our human ability.) – p. 29.  This is what she is to do:  Meditate & memorize Scripture.  Answer study questions.  Ponder them. Pray about her own walk w/ Christ in relation to love.  Copywork—Copywork for Girl’s~ Lesson 14.  Math—Still no lessons completed on her own.  History— The Chimney Sweep’s Ransom (John Wesley)~ Chapter 6~ Notebooked all of the following: Ideas for Discussion and Writing,  Reading Activity: Create a Pyramid, and she didn't do the Extension Information and Activity as the information wasn't clear to her.  Science/Nature Study—A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie Chapter 3 – Read from toward top of p. 29 (Began at: “I endeavored to make them cheerful again by telling them about two curious and ingenious beetles, called the ant lion and the tiger bettle.”) -  part of p. 30 (Stopped after reading: “….where it is quickly devoured.”)  Notebooked on the ant lion and tiger beetle. I again reminded her to add sketches, even color them in.  Make it fun.  :)  She hasn't done it yet.

This evening,  Nathan and I worked on his Language Lessons for Little Ones.  Lesson 14 - Review of Letters "A" and "B".  He had a row of letters on the page.  He had to circle the A's and a's.  And, he had to put an X over each "B" or "b".  He had no problems w/ finding the A's/a's to circle, although he's still needing to work on making the circles smaller around the letters.  He got confused w/ a "d" to X out.  Yet, that's understandable for a lower case "b". 

What a blessing to teach my children! :)

I've been spoiled by hubby being off for five days in a row, and now it is time to get back in the school groove.  :)

Tuesday, September 2, 2008~Day 13~Treasures:

JESUS is our greatest treasure.  Could you imagine life if He hadn’t died on the cross in our place, rose again 3 days later, descended to heaven, never leaving nor forsaking us, living to intercede for us (see Romans 8), and coming again someday?!  J 

Think on what you truly treasure.  Does it have eternal value?  People’s souls have eternal value – each of your friends who don’t know Jesus as their Lord & Savior will spend eternity w/o Him – you can be a shining light for Jesus to all of your friends – you are a shining light – shine for Him!  J

“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.”  Matthew 6:19-21

This morning, Breanna, Nathan, and I began our lessons together by spending time in God's Word.  Using 365 Days of Celebration & Praise - Dailys Devotions and Activities for Homeschooling Families-- we discovered that it was another monthly celebration, All-American Breakfast Month.  We read in God's Holy Word in John 21:1-14 of how Jesus served His disciples breakfast.  Then, we answered 3 discussion questions of the Scripture.  For a related activity of either going out for breakfast or cooking a breakfast buffet at home as a family, Breanna voted for going out for breakfast and so did I.  So, we have a date sometime this month to do that.  We don't usually go out to eat for breakfast; it should be a good time.)  :)  The verse we pondered was, James 1:22-- "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says."  

As I was working out at the Wellness Center in town in late morning,  Breanna and Nathan were spending time together working on his Little Hands to Heaven preschool lesson.  Little Hands to Heaven-- Unit 3 - Day 1~ They did a new fingerplay called, "Clippity Clippity" with the focus on the Letter 'C'.  Then, they read the Bible story in The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes.  They read p. 34 "Abraham is God's Friend" and studied picture on p. 35 of Abraham w/ his wife and other helpers, sheep, cows, and camels.  And, they answered three discussion questions.   For a Math Activity,  Breanna wrote his name on a piece of construction paper and they practiced pronouncing each letter w/ a shout, a whisper, a low voice, high voice, a clap.  They had fun!  For a Letter Activity,  Breanna took the Letter C flashcard and he practiced tracing it and saying 'C'.  Then,  they listened to the Corresponding Music which was from The Singing Bible CD.  The song was called,  "God Began a Nation."  The rest of the work was delayed as our copier needed new ink.

This afternoon,  Breanna worked on almost all of her schoolwork.  Bible—Elsie’s Life Lessons Walking In the Fruit of the Spirit~ Chapter 1-Walking in Love- Lesson 5 – Loving Our Enemies: Read on p. 27 (Began at: “An ‘enemy’ come in all different shapes and sizes.”) – toward bottom of p. 28 (Stopped after reading: “If so, list them here.)  This is what she is to do:  Meditate & memorize Scripture.  Answer study questions.  Ponder them. Pray about her own walk w/ Christ in relation to love.  Copywork—Copywork for Girl’s~ Lesson 13.  Math— While Jacqui is beginning her senior yr. of college this wk. and not helping Breanna w/ lessons,  Breanna is not completely any of the work on her own.  History— The Chimney Sweep’s Ransom (John Wesley)~ Notebooked the Vocabulary work and read Chapter 6.  Science/Nature Study—A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie~ Chapter 3 – Read from bottom of p. 27 (Began at: “What are those pretty insects which are now flying past?” -  top of p. 29 (Stopped after reading: “To the children’s disappointment there were no shrimps to be seen, and they followed  me slowly homeward.”) Notebooked on newts.

I realized that I didn't get the focused prayer time in this morning, so we did that this afternoon.  On Tuesdays our prayer focus is Teens/Child(ren)/Babies.  I prayed for a 12-yr-old neighbor boy & his 7-yr-old sister, and a preschool neighbor boy.  Lord, bring them to accept You as their Lord and Savior and live their lives completely for You!  Thank You, Jesus!  

Breanna didn't want to pray.... and the rest of the afternoon... and some of the evening were a very challenging time.  Yet, I chose to praise God in the midst.  I am so thankful that His grace covers us and that His mercies and grace are ever new.  That we can keep beginning again in Him.  The battles are His, not ours.  In the midst of the trials,  I choose to praise HIM!  :)  

Tonight, after I was back from prayer walking w/ my prayer partner, I put a new ink cartridge in the copier.   Nathan and I spent time working on his Language Lessons for Little Ones-- Lesson 13 - Creative Expression.  On a piece of construction paper,  Nathan drew a picture of a caterpillar and a butterfly.  Then, he wanted to add something.  At the top he wanted to write some letters.  He drew H's and T's.  :)   It was late tonight when Breanna and Nathan completed Nathan's Little Hands to Heaven preschool lesson.    For a Bible activity, he had a Number Three worksheet.  Sister and he had a search through magazines for luggage.  They couldn't find any, then Mom looked at the Pamida ad and found three pieces of luggage for them.  :)  Breanna cut them out and Nathan helped glue them on the Number Three worksheet. 

I am so lovin' my wonderful husband having five days off in a row!  :) 

Friday, August 29, 2008~Day 11:

Today was a day out of the ordinary...yet, no 2 days are alike...enjoying the flexibility of homeschooling!  :)

This morning, Daddy and I again were blessed to go work out together.   And, again, my preschool-lovin' daughter did Nathan's Little Hands to Heaven preschool lesson w/ him.  Little Hands to Heaven~ Unit 2-Day 5 - The Earth and the Flood.  They did the fingerplay, Noah's Big Boat.  Then, they read the Bible story from The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes - Read p. 32 "Proud Men Build the Tower of Babel" and looked at the picture on p. 33 of the tower of babel and men loading bricks to carry to build more on the tower of babel.  He answered 3 discussion questions.   For a Math Activity, he use Legos to build a tower.  They practiced counting w/ the Legos until the tower tumbled.  For a Letter Activity,  Breanna helped Nathan practice tracing the letter B on a piece of paper.  For a Bible Activity, they acted w/ his stuffed animals about playing w/ each other and helping each other.  There was no corresponding music w/ this lesson.

In late afternoon,  after running several errands, Daddy, Mommy, Breanna, and Nathan were on the road to go on a Field Trip about 1 1/2 hrs. away.  We ended up simply going to Hobby Lobby in this city 1 1/2 hrs. away.  We had a scare there.  Nathan was let out of the cart w/ his sister.  They went and looked at various items, then they came to the Art section where Daddy and I were talking w/ a salesclerk.  Breanna thought Nathan was staying w/ us, and we were busy w/ this salesclerk.  We were finished talking w/ the salesclerk & the next thing you know, Breanna comes back to Michael & I & says, where is Nathan?  .... the search is on...prayer...panic...more prayer.... then, we spot him & he thinks it's a game.  Eventually Sister locates him and he's safe back in Daddy's arms, then confined to the cart.   Calm my heart down now.  Oh!   We did have a praise at Hobby Lobby~our art supplies had 30% off!  :)

In the evening,  we went to the 2nd anticipated family activity in this city 1 1/2 hrs. away;  it was a free Big Daddy Weave concert at a park next to a large waterpark.   We enjoyed watching ducks...they crossed our paths even...and watched them at the pond located near this park.  There were free kid's activities...the kid's got their faces painted like cat's & got washable tattoos put on.  We set up our lawn chairs...ate grilled hotdogs & hamburgers...and enjoyed Big Daddy Weave in concert!   A wonderful family day!  :)

Saturday, August 30, 2008~Day 12:

Thursday, August 28, 2008~Day 10:

Having a heart that is thankful can easily change our perspective.  We can be greatly discouraged, yet when we start thinking on what we are thankful for or simply thanking God for who He is, our heart is transformed; we are greatly encouraged!  Today, with our main focus on being Thankful, let us write a list of at least 10 things that we are thankful for.  Let’s thank God continually!  J

Keep praising God for how awesome He is and thanking Him all through the day for how He works!  J  I encourage you to begin your own prayer journal and throughout each day write prayer praises/answered prayers.  You will be so encouraged and thankful!  J

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Daddy has 5 days off in a row starting today!  YAY!  This morning, Daddy and I got to go work out together.  :)  In the meanwhile, Breanna-preschool-loving-teacher had fun doing Nathan's Litlle Hands to Heaven lesson w/ him.  Little Hands to Heaven~Unit 2-Day 4-The Earth and the Flood.  They did the fingerplay called, Noah's Big Boat.  The Bible story (The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes)--Read p.30 "Noah and His Family Are Safe"  based on Scripture Genesis 8:15-22 & looked at picture on p. 31 of the rainbow in the sky and Noah kneeling and praying and his family gathered by him and the ark in the background. Answered 2 discussion questions about the story. They had an Art Activity where Breanna gave him a piece of construction paper & he colored a rainbow on it.   Nathan had an Art Activity where Breanna gave him a piece of green construction paper and he colored rainbow colors on it.  He had a Letter Activity where Breanna wrote a large B on a piece of paper and he had to place blocks on the letter B and make the sounds of the B. For a Bible Activity, Nathan and Breanna acted out today's Bible story.  Noah Built a Boat, a song from The Singing Bible CD, completed their fun lesson.

This afternoon,  Breanna worked on most of her schoolwork.  Bible— Elsie’s Life Lessons Walking In the Fruit of the Spirit~ Chapter 1-Walking in Love- Lesson 4 – Loving Others:  Read p. 24 (Began at: Jesus knew what He was saying when He summarized all the Law and the Prophets in two simple commandsJ) – p. 25 (Stopped after reading: With your possessions, how can you consider others above yourself?)  She is to meditate & memorize Scripture.  Answer study questions.  Ponder them. Pray about her own walk w/ Christ in relation to love. Copywork—Copywork for Girl’s~ Lesson 10. History— The Chimney Sweep’s Ransom (John Wesley)~ Notebooked the Vocabulary work and read Chapter 5 . Science/Nature Study—A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie.  Chapter 3 – Read p. 25-26.  Notebooked on tadpoles and gnats.  Timelines— worked on a Vietnam war report.  She researched and worked on the computer on four ladies involved w/ the Vietnam War.  She said, "Mom, you're right.  This lady...the Vietnam Napalm Girl (Kim Phuc) who is known from a photograph of her running naked through the streets near Trang Bang after napalm bomb dropped.... is an interesting story."  :)

This evening, Nathan and I did his Language Lessons for Little Ones~  Lesson 10 - Identifying the Letter "B" - He looked at a row of letters and had to circle all the B's/ both Capital B and lower case b.  And, Breanna and I did her Grammar (Simply Grammar) - Lesson 2 p. 7 & 8.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008~Day 9: 

"May the Words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

Words can be powerful; they can encourage someone greatly or they can severely wound someone in their spirit.  Let's guard our mouth w/ the words we let pass through our lips.  Mom too!  :)  Let's say only what is loving/kind/helpful.  Let's think on what are ways we can encourage someone w/ words today?  Write a personal letter/note/email?  Go to them and speak words of blessing.  :)   The greatest way we can use words today is to share the message of Christ...whether in person or through a letter/note/email....these Words are Life and Hope to every person who hears them.  Including ourselves.  :) 

We began our lesson time together this morning w/ Bible and Prayer  (365 Days of Celebration & Praise - Daily Devotions for Homeschooling Families)-- We learned that this week is National Veterinary Week.  In God's Holy Word in Exodus 9:1-7, we read about how the Egyptians would have probably thought they needed a Veterinarian.  Then we answered 3 discussions questions.  We pondered the Scripture, Romans 15:4, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragment of the Scriptures, we might have hope."    Our prayer focus on Wednesdays is Women (specifically Wives and Moms).  Breanna prayed for me.  :)  I prayed for a friend in our church who's husband got a new job and will be gone during the wk. for training for the next 17 wks. and she'll be home w/ 4 children and also for another friend from our church who is expecting after 3 miscarriages, praying for Baby and her.  What a blessing when in God's Word and in prayer!  :)

Mid-morning, during cleaning time, was a challenging time w/ Breanna not respecting and being difficult...yet, praise God, His grace covers us and we can begin anew....again Breanna enjoyed the quiet of her bedroom and completed most of her schoolwork this morning.     Bible— Elsie’s Life Lessons Walking In the Fruit of the Spirit~ Chapter 1-Walking in Love- Lesson 4 – Loving Others:  Read p. 23 (Began at: Loving Others) – p. 24 (Stopped after reading: Beginning when you wake up in the morning, until you go to bed at night, what are some of the things you need from the people who share your life?).  She is to meditate & memorize Scripture.  Answer study questions.  Ponder them. Pray about her own walk w/ Christ in relation to love.  Copywork—Copywork for Girl’s~ Lesson 9. History— The Chimney Sweep’s Ransom (John Wesley)~ Chapter 4~ Notebooked an Idea for Reading and Discussion.  She needs to complete all the work for this assignment tomorrow.  Science/Nature Study—A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie~ ~ Chapter 2 – Read bottom of  p. 22 (Began at: “I see such a splendid large moth,”) – p. 24.  Notebooked on caterpillars.

This afternoon, Breanna had Math—w/ Jacqui at 12:10-1:30 pm.  She completed ACE Math PACE 1068 p. 36(all but the first 2 problems)  - p. 40. 

While Breanna was at Math lessons,  Nathan and I did his Language Lessons for Little Ones.  Lesson 9 - Introducing the Letter "B" - For Copywork-- He had 2 Capital B's and 2 lower case b's and a line after each one and he had to write each B/b.  We'll need to keep working on writing.  He did really good w/ one lower case b. :)

This afternoon, while I worked out at the Wellness Center, Breanna did Nathan's Little Hands to Heaven preschool lesson w/ him.  Little Hands to Heaven~Unit 2-Day 3-The Earth and the Flood.  They did the fingerplay called, Noah's Big Boat.  The Bible story (The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes)--  Read p. 28 "It Rains for Days and Days"  based on Scripture Genesis 8:8, 9 & looked at picture on p. 29 of the ark floating on the waters and a dove in the air w/ a twig in its mouth. Answered 3 discussion questions about the story. They had a great time w/ Active Exploration.  They filled our kitchen sink w/ water.  Then, they gathered various items to see if they would sink or float.  She even recorded the results on a sheet of paper for me to see. Coin: Did not float, Cotton ball: stayed up for a little bit, but then sank.  Barette: did not float, Bottle cap: Floats! Rock: did not float. Tin foil: Floats.  Block: Floats.  Plastic lid: Floats, and Spoon: did not float.  He had a Letter Activity where Nathan had a copy of the Hide and Seek 'B' page. He circled the B's.  And, then he had to trace the dotted line from the capital B to the lower case b.  There were 2 of them.  For a Bible Activity he had a copy of the Count on Me page and in each box (there were 5 of them) he drew blue oval which were raindrops. Then, he wrote the number 1 under each box.  Again they finished their fun lesson w/ The Singing Bible CD song, Noah Built a Boat.

Tonight, I had company over, and it was late when Breanna and I did her Grammar.  Simply Grammar-- the rest of Lesson 2 on p. 7 and on p. 8. 

Tuesday, August 26, 2008~Day 8:

JESUS is our greatest treasure.  Could you imagine life if He hadn’t died on the cross in our place, rose again 3 days later, descended to heaven, never leaving nor forsaking us, living to intercede for us (see Romans 8), and coming again someday?!  J 

Think on what you truly treasure.  Does it have eternal value?  People’s souls have eternal value – each of your friends who don’t know Jesus as their Lord & Savior will spend eternity w/o Him – you can be a shining light for Jesus to all of your friends – you are a shining light – shine for Him!  J

“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.”  Matthew 6:19-21

This morning, we began our lesson time together w/ Bible and Prayer (365 Days of Celebration & Praise - Daily Devotions and Activities for Homeschooling Families)-- Today we celebrated Mother Teresa's birthday.  She was born on August 29, 1910 and died in 1997.  She shared God's love so freely in helping with or starting orphanages, homes for the dying, a leper colony, and many more projects.  Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.  We read in God's Holy Word in Matthew 5:1-12 about the meek and humble.  Then, we answered discussion questions, and pondered the Scripture Matthew 5:5- "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."  Our prayer focus today is Teen/child/baby.  Again I prayed for the salvation and then growth in Christ of a neighbor preteen boy and his 7-yr-old sister and this week I also prayed for another neighbor boy. He's a preschooler.  Lord, touch their lives in Your amazing ways and bring them to give their lives completely to You and spend the rest of their lives living to please You.  Thank You, Jesus!  :)

I had company this morning.  And, Nathan had the preschool neighbor boy that I'm praying for over in the morning and in the afternoon.  They had so much fun playing w/ all of Nathan's cars.

Daddy began his five-day stretch at work and we continued on w/ some schooling on Saturday...yes, on Saturday...  :)   Yet it's basically only for Bible & Copywork, and Nathan's Language Lessons for Little Ones.  Breanna didn't complete all of her schoolwork on Friday, so she had some of that to complete this Saturday too.

Saturday, August 23, 2008~Day 6: 

On Breanna's assignment sheet for Saturday:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus before He ascended back into heaven gave this command to us.  Jesus has forever changed our lives; we are to continually be open to God’s leading to share the Gospel w/ others and show them how He brings salvation.  J 

It was another full day on Saturday. 

In the morning,  Breanna worked on her own.  She completed Bible (Elsie's Life Lessons Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit)--  First, Friday's assignment~ Chapter 1-Walking in Love- Lesson 1 - God’s Love Makes the Difference:  Read p. 18-19 (Stop after reading “The Bible declares, “If we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12). Chapter 1-Walking in Love- Lesson 2 – First Love: Read p. 19 (Begin at First Love) – top of p. 21 (Stop after reading “How then do you show your love to your parents?”) Scripture was:  Matthew 22:37-38, John 14:21, and 1 John 5:3. For both assignments, she notebooked answers to study questions and reflected on Scriptures(I hope. :) ). Copywork (Copywork for Girls)-- Lesson 6, Science/Nature Study (A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie)-- She finished notebooking from Friday's assignment which was about earthworms and cockshafer, and ACE Math PACE 1068-- p. 17. 

It was a busy morning, afternoon, and company over in the evening.  :)

Nathan and I did his Language Lessons for LIttle Ones in the evening after company was gone.   Lesson 6-- Introducing the Letter "A"   There was a row of letters and he had to find all the capital and lower case A's and circle them.  He found them easily.  :)

Breanna, Nathan, and I ended our time together w/ Bible & prayer late tonight.  (365 Days of Celebration & Praise - Daily Devotions and Activities for Homeschooling Families)-- Today we read about it being National Smile Week.  It takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. :)  So, let's keep smiling!  :)  We read in John 11:1-44 about how Jesus' friends, Mary and Martha, were able to change their sad faces to happy ones again.  :) Then, answered discussion questions and reflected on the Scripture John 11:25-26a--"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."  Our prayer focus on Saturdays is Salvation.  I prayed for 7 family members salvation and one of their longtime girlfriends.  What a wonderful way to end the day together!  :)

Monday, August 25, 2008~Day 7:

“Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”  Matthew 9:37-38

One of the things I treasure w/ my children is simply visiting w/ them.  After Breanna was up this morning, she and I spent some time sitting in the living room together and chatting about a book that she is reading (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) and compared the book and the movie.  And, we talked about other books/made into movies and whether they were good or not.  I so enjoy this relaxing time of communicating w/ Breanna. :)

We began our lessons together w/ Bible and prayer.  (365 Days of Celebration & Praise - Daily Devotions and Activities for Homeschooling Families)-- Today is Friendship Day.  We read in 1 Samuel 19:1-20-20:42 about Jonathan and David's friendship.  And, we answered study questions and looked at Scripture, Proverbs 17:17a, "A friend loves at all times."  :)   Our prayer focus on Mondays is Missions.  I again prayed for a dear former college floormate of mine and her family who were missionaries in Hong Kong and just relocated to TX in mid-Aug.!  We had a praise & answered prayer this week that they found an 8-passenger van.  And, prayer for Baby #6 (They found out she's carrying Boy #6) and due in Dec.  What a joy to lift this precious family up to the Lord!  :)

Breanna completed the majority of her schoolwork this morning.  Bible (Elsie's Life Lessons Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit)-- Chapter 1 - Walking in Love - Lesson 3 - The Word of God: Read p. 21 (Begin at: The Word of God) - p. 22 (Stop after reading: Why do you think reading the bible is different from reading any othr book?)  The Scripture was:  1 John 5:3, Psalm 119:72, and Psalm 119:127-129.  Then she was to answer study questions, pray, and reflect on Scriptures.  Copywork (Copywork for Girls)-- Lesson 7.  These last 3 lessons she did in more of a hurry. I talked w/ her about slowing down and writing neatly again.  The lesson for each day is not long.  Science/Nature Study (A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie)-- Read in Chapter 2 - p. Read bottom of p. 18 (Beginning at "Auntie, come here!” ) - p. 20.  Take all the notes on Earwigs, Squirrels, and the Hummingbird.  Math (ACE PACE 1068)-- she went to Jacqui's from 12:15-1:30 pm.  And completed p. 18-26.

This morning and afternoon, Nathan and I had to go on errands.  One of the places we had to go to was the pharmacy to pick up his daddy's new inhaler.  While we were waiting in the drive thru, observant Nathan said to me,  "This is a nice building." (He'd said that when we were at the bank too. :) ) I said, "Yes, it is." Then, he said, "And, they make money too."  hee hee  On our way leaving to take Breanna to Math as we were passing by our house, he exclaimed, "Our house is pretty!" (Our newly painted Hazy Dawn--cheery yellow w/ white trim) :)  He's sooo encouraging!  I think one of Nathan's gifts is as an Encourager! He says so many thoughtful things through the day! (A very special example was on Sunday when he said to me, "You are a sweetheart." Followed by, "And you are precious and beautiful."  Then, a lil' while later as he was leaving the kitchen, he said to me w/ much feeling, "I love you, Mommy" )  :)

This afternoon, Breanna enjoyed time w/ a cousin and Nathan spent time w/ another cousin. 

Tonight, Breanna (who really enjoys working w/ preschoolers) is doing Nathan's Little Hands to Heaven preschool lesson w/ him. :)  They had a fun time w/ his Bible lesson~ Unit 2-Day 1~The Earth and the Flood.  They did a new fingerplay called, Noah's Big Boat.  The Bible story (The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes)--  Read p. 24 "Noah Builds a Big Boat"  based on Scripture Genesis 6:13-22 & looked at picture on p. 25 of Noah and one of his sons building the Ark. Answered 2 discussion questions about the story. He had a Letter Activity was of seeing the Letter B flashcard & making the motion of it and sound of it. He came to me and had to accentuate pronouncing the "B" sound for me. :)   His Bible activity was to cut out 2 hands from a magazine and he taped it on his Number 2 paper.  They listened to a new song called, Noah Built a Boat on The Singing Bible CD.

Also tonight, Breanna finished History (The Chimney Sweep's Ransom)-- Chapter 3 - Notebooked Ideas for Discussion and Writing and Reading Activity: Fact and Opinion.

Daddy is home on Thursdays and Fridays every week, so we had the added blessing of his presence w/ our lessons yesterday and today.  :) 

Thursday, August 21, 2008~Day 4:  

At the top of Breanna's assignment sheet, I wrote:   Having a heart that is thankful can easily change our perspective.  We can be greatly discouraged, yet when we start thinking on what we are thankful for or simply thanking God for who He is, our heart is transformed; we are greatly encouraged!  Today, with our main focus on being Thankful, let us write a list of at least 10 things that we are thankful for.  Let's thank God continually!  :)

"Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

How ironic that our day started out w/ the above focus, then once everyone was up for the day, we were under spiritual attack.  It was a very rough morning for all.  I called on my prayer partner to pray for us; she and I prayed on the phone & she said she would continue praying for us through the day.  I know, that God immediately began answering our prayer even if it wasn't happening in the physical yet.  :)  We still did get some of our homeschool accomplished in the morning.  Breanna worked on her own first.  She wrote her Thankful list of 10 things. Copywork (Copywork for Girls)-- Lesson 4. History (The Chimney Sweep's Ransom)-- Chapter 2 - Notebooked all of the following~ Ideas for Discussion and Writing, Reading Activity: Compare and Contrast, and Extension Activities.  Science/Nature Study (A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie)-- Read p. 14-15(stop at all the stars across the page) and notebooked on snails.  Then, since Breanna didn't meet w/ Jacqui for Math on Monday, she met w/ her at 12-1 pm.  She completed ACE Math PACE 1068 p. 11-16. 

In the meanwhile also this morning,  Nathan and I enjoyed having Daddy watch us do our fingerplay, Adam and the Animals, during Nathan's Little Hands to Heaven preschool lesson. :)  Unit 1-Day 4~Creation and the Fall.  Our Bible story (The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes)--  Read p. 20 "Adam and Eve Disobey God"  based on Scripture Genesis 3:8-13 & looked at picture on p. 21 of Adam and Eve having to leave the garden of Eden.   I took a long white scarf and laid in in a straight line on the living room floor pretending it is a snake.  Nathan practices jumping over the snake.  Then, he jumps forward, backward, and sideways, and I'm wiggling "the snake" at him and he's trying to "run away" from the snake.   Nathan had a Letter Activity where he had 2 large A's w/ 2 small a's and he had to connect the lines of dots between each to the other A.  He sat down w/ such enthusiasm when he has "his" worksheets to do.  :)  We listened and sang along to a new song called, Two Trees (based on the 2 trees in the garden), onThe Singing Bible CD.   Then,  he and I worked on Language Lessons for Little Ones-- Lesson 4 - For Narration - He had to listen to the poem again from Wednesday called The Swing by Robert Louis Stevenson.  His answers to the questions are so precious.  :) Have you ever played on a swing? (At first it was, no, but then more prompting...) "Yeah"  When asked what it was like, he said, "High in the sky like air."  And, to what it feels like, "I love it!" When asked if he could pump his legs yet, he was jumping up & down and said, "I can't pump my legs yet."  And, the color of the swing where he likes to swing, "Ummm...Yellow" (I'm not sure if that's really the color. :))  And, where it is located is "At the park, Mommy.  It's just like a park."  :)

This afternoon, Breanna spent time at the library researching Alaska (a delight directed project- based on our talking about Alaska in our Bible time on Wednesday) and spent time writing a report this evening on it.  :)

Due to this morning's difficulties and other activities this afternoon, this evening after Dad and Mom got home from a fundraiser for a State House candidate at a dear friend's house (great fellowship, btw!),  Nathan and I enjoyed a couple more activities from in his Little Hands to Heaven preschool Lesson 4 - For a Bible Activitiy, he and I spent time looking through Country magazines for a tree, then we cut one out and taped it to a new worksheet he had w/ a Number 1 on it.  It is so cute-his concentration when he was deciding where to put the tree on the Number 1 worksheet and when he was putting it on.  :)  That was fun~God has such beauty in His nature.   :)  And, then, he and I listened toThe Singing Bible CD song, God's Promise (His promise is to send His Son.).

Breanna spent time doing her Bible lesson (Elsie's Life Lessons Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit)-- Walking in Love - Lesson 1 - God's Love Makes a Difference:  Read p. 16-17. She notebooked answers to study questions and reflected on Scriptures.

Breanna and I also had a lesson to do together.  It is now 10-something pm ~ flexibility is the name of the game~ she and I did her oral narration grammar lesson from Simply Grammar - We did Exercise 1 on p. 5.  She enjoyed coming up w/ the subjects in a few sentences and coming up w/ what they were doing in some of the sentences. 

This is my first time really doing narration w/ Breanna and Nathan.  I'm really liking this!  :)

We ended our time together(Breanna, Nathan, and I) with Bible and prayer.  (365 Days of Celebration and Praise  - Daily Devotions for Homeschooling Families by Julie Lavender)-- It is Truck Driver's Week. Then, we discussed how in the Bible they only had walking, riding in chariots, riding on animals such as horses, donkeys or camels, no truck drivers to help anyone do a task.  We learn of how the Philistines wanted to retun the stolen Ark of the Lord and how they were able to take care of their predicament by reading in 1 Samuel 4:1b-18, 5:1-6:21.  My kids struggled w/ wanting to sit there through this long one, however interesting Teacher Mom tried to make it :),  and it was interesting to me, yet we made it through.  :)  Our prayer focus on Thursday is The President (catch that, "The" to go w/ Thursday... hee hee... Breanna had thought of that one.)  and other candidates/officials.  We spent time praying for The President George W. Bush.   

And, a wonderful ending to the day,  Breanna and Nathan spent time together doing a fun activity.  They took time browsing through Country magazines and cut out beautiful pictures of flowers and made a collage for Grandma.  Then, they searched for animals and made a collage for me.  :)  What a delight to see them enjoying each other and being creative.  :)

Friday, August 22, 2008~Day 5:

Our Main focus today:

We put our faith, our trust in someone or something all day long.  Who/what are you putting your faith in?  The Lord is the only One who is perfect in all His ways and will never let us down.  I pray you are placing your trust completely in Him moment by moment.  And, then in turn, are giving complete Faithfulness to Him. 

This morning, Breanna did her lessons by herself first.   She completed her Copywork  (Copywork for Girls)-- Lesson 5.  History (The Chimney Sweep's Ransom)-- Completed the Vocabulary work and read Chapter 3.  Science/Nature Study (A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie)-- Chapter 2 - Read p. 15 (After all the stars across the page) - towards bottom of p. 18.  Notebooked on moles. 

At the same time, Nathan and I did his Little Hands to Heaven preschool--  Unit 1-Day 5~Creation and the Fall.  Our Bible story (The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes)--  Read p. 22 "Cain Kills Abel"  based on Scripture Genesis 4:8-13 & looked at picture on p. 23 of Abel w/ a lamb and Cain- w/ stalks of grain.  He had fun doing Active Exploration:  I would tell him a phrase, "I'm angry."  "I'm so sleepy" "I'm really sad." "I'm so excited!" and after each phrase he had to show me the different expressions. This was fun for me too.  :)  His Letter Activity was to make a letter A with an ice cube on a piece of construction paper~cold, wet, and fun.  His Bible activity was to act out being angry w/ and mean to 2 of his stuffed animals and then walked away from them.  Then, he came back and said he was sorry and worked through angry feelings and made things all right w/ them. He said we are to "Love."  :)  I am so enjoying teaching him!  :)  We listened and sang along to a new song called, Cain and Abel (which Sister joined us towards the beginning of the song : ) ) on The Singing Bible CD. 

Later this morning, Breanna, Nathan, and I had Bible and prayer time. (365 Days of Celebration & Praise - Daily Devotions and Activities for Homeschooling Families)-- It is Liquid Soap Anniversary--it was first patented today in 1865 by William Shepphard.  We read in Psalm 51:1-17 the reasons King David was led to pray about being made clean.   Our prayer focus on Fridays is Friends/Family.  I prayed for a dear long time friend and her family who are going through a difficult time and had a special situation going on specifically this day.  Time in God's Holy Word and prayer is to me~the central focus of our day.  :)

And, still this morning,  Breanna and I did her oral narration for Grammar (Simply Grammar)-- the 2nd page of Exercise 1 on p. 6.  I liked her answer for: My new book --- she said, "grew wings and flew away."  :)

After Daddy, Nathan, and I were gone out of town this afternoon and into evening,  Breanna and I had Mom/Daughter time watching a premiere movie.  Tonight, Nathan and I did his Language Lessons for Little Ones-- Lesson 5 - Introducing the Letter "A" - For Copywork - he had to look at the capital "A "and copy it on the line 2 times, and do the same w/ the lower case "a".

It's been a very full week and it's only the beginning of the school year...yet I wouldn't have it any other way! (well, unless, God told me to. )  :)

"May Your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your promise;" Psalm 119:41

I received a phone call just after 8 this morning that my hubby's gatorade leaked all over his lunch in his cooler, so I had to make a run to pick up McDonald's and take him lunch at 11 am.  Maybe he just wanted McDonalds??  :)

Day 3:   

On the top of Breanna's assignment sheet today I wrote our main focus as Words:

Words can be powerful; they can encourage someone greatly or they can severely wound someone in their spirit.  Let’s guard our mouths w/ the words we let pass through our lips.  Mom too!  J  Let’s say only what is loving/kind/helpful.  Let’s think on what are ways we can encourage someone w/ words today?  Write a personal letter/note/email?  Go to them and speak words of blessing.  J  The greatest way we can use words today is to share the message of Christ…whether in person or through a letter/note/email….these Words are Life and Hope to every person who hears them.  Including ourselves.  J

This morning, at breakfast, three-year-old Nathan said to me, "When I am done w/ my school can I do such and such"  It was so cute to hear him say, "when he was done w/ his school."  :)

We began our day w/ Bible (365 Days of Celebration & Praise - Daily Devotions for Homeschooling  Families by Julie Lavender)  ~ we read about Alaska Discovered --in 1741 and then in the 1850's Russia sold it to the United States for very little money.  It was a very good decision for the U.S.  We also read in Acts 5:1-11 about a couple who sold their property and were not honest in doing it--they had drastic consequences.  Our prayer time together hasn't happened yet.   Due to various interruptions. 

Breanna has done much better w/ her notebooking today.  :)  I know, she wants to go to the pool and see her friends!  :)  She did her Copywork (Copywork for Girls) -- Lesson 3,  History (The Chimney Sweep's Ransom) -- Complete the Vocabulary work and read Chapter 2, Science/Nature Study (A Nature Walk with Aunt Bessie) -- Read Chapter 1- p. 11-13 and wrote in notebook all about  flies.  In the midst of this, Nathan and I were next door at Grandma and Grandpa's & I also had my run to McDonald's and out to hubby's work.  Then, Breanna had Math w/ Jacqui at 12-1 pm.  She did ACE Math PACE 1068 p. 5-10.

And, guess where Breanna went from there??  Yes, she is at the pool again and enjoying her friends. 

Nathan and I did his Little Hands to Heaven preschool lesson this afternoon -- Unit 1-Day 3~Creation and the Fall.  During our fingerplay about "Aa" "Aa" "Aa" "A-dam"  Nathan did the actions w/ me today. :)  Our Bible story (The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes)-- "  Read p. 18 God Makes Adam and Eve" & looked at picture on p. 19 based on Scripture Genesis 2:7-9.  We acted out a Bible story of the creation of Adam and Eve.  At the end, Nathan who was sitting on the couch when we were acting out this Bible story, said, "I'm gonna lay on Adam."  LOL!  We thanked God for making us.  :)  Again, we listened and sang along to The Singing Bible CD song, God Made the Universe.  It's a cute and fun lil' song!  For a Letter Activity I drew a large "A" on a piece of paper and then we had to find an "o" shaped cereal and glue it on the letter "A".  We had to improvise.  We couldn't find the glue, so we rolled up pieces of tape.  The cereal was Marshmallow Oaties (which Nathan proceeded to dump the box on the floor to find the marshmallows) and then he had fun sticking them all over his large letter "A"~he wanted more!  LOL!

Nathan and I also did Language Lessons for Little Ones this afternoon-- Lesson 3-Poetry Appreciation & Narration.  He listened to me read the poem The Swing by Robert Louis Stevenson.  Then, he had to answer 2 questions.  His answer to how the poem makes him feel,  "Good. And, I like it. (big smile)"  And, what he thinks of when he listens to it, "Going way up high"  :)

Now, I have some Marshmallow Oaties cereal to sweep up.....   :)

"I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good."  Psalm 54:6