Learning with the Lyons

I can’t believe it has been over a month since I last posted anything!  I guess it is just a busy time of year around my house.  We are happily settling into a school routine (although by the time we truly figure it out, it will be summer break) and the girls are loving their time at Classical Conversations.  I like it too, not only are the moms that tutor the classes amazing, not only is the information that are learning fantastic, the best part is that is takes the pressure off at home.  It is incredibly comforting that if we get nothing accomplished in a week but math and our CC memory work, that we still learned A LOT!  Of course, that is not my goal in schooling, but it is a source of great relief.

Now, on to other topics…

Bible in 90 days starts again on January 3rd and I believe I will tackle it for a second time.  It was hard and challenging and time consuming, but it was also convicting, wonderful, and an awesome experience.  I found that once I was finished, I didn’t have anything else to do so my Bible time has diminished.  For me, this is a great way to stay in the word and having a deadline makes me all the more devoted to keeping on track.  I am considering becoming a group member which prompted me to another thought.  Have you read the Bible all the way through at one time?  Do you want to?  Is God calling you to get familiar with His Word?  Consider these questions and stay tune, I’ll be sure the post more information as it becomes available.  In the meantime, you can check out www.momstoolbox.com/blog.  For me, I am proud to say, “Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, going back again!”

I crossed the finish line this morning!  I have now officially read the Bible from cover to cover in 87 days!  What a fantastic journey it has been.  I feel as if I have been drawn closer in to God than I ever thought possible and the Holy Spirit is celebrating all over the place.  Beth Moore made mention one time to the Holy Spirit getting so excited about something that you just had to jump up over it and that is completely and totally how I feel.  I am over the top in love with Jesus and the Holy Spirit is doing cartwheels.  God has blessed me throughout this process and I am humbled and thankful that He has chosen to use me in ways I certainly never would have imagined.  I have been taken completely out of my comfort zone but because of the reading I have been doing, God has empowered me with a memory of His word to use in the exact right circumstances.  WOW!!!  I can’t wait to read it again!!!

One of my projects for the upcoming school year is to lead our co-op meetings.  I have lots of ideas rattling around in my head, but I’m curious what kinds of things everyone likes to hear about at their meetings.

In September, my plan is to have everyone work on a Family Vision Statement.  Do you have one for your family?  Is it helpful?  Does is truly guide your long term plans and goals?

I would appreciate any feedback anyone can share.

Thanks!

We just got back home from this FABULOUS event at the US Navy Museum in Washington, DC! They linked several of the historical American Girl dolls to the Naval vessels of that era. There were something like 10 crafts in all, each unique, and very well done (no coloring pages here!). Each girl was also entered into a drawing for an American Girl doll! (I’ll let you know if we win!) The best part was the excitement of my girls and their friends. Oh, and we got to meet the authors of some of the books and have their book signed! It was just a terrific day – so glad we went!
The fun is still going on (at least in my house) because now my girls and having the best time with one another and their dolls getting ready for an AG slumber party. It is so wonderful to overhear happy kids voices! Makes a mama proud!

I just received confirmation that we will begin Classical Conversations in the fall!  We are so excited!  I am a Charlotte Mason/Classical homeschooler and this is going to fit right in to our schooling and enhance it in so many ways.  My kids are not exactly sure what to expect so I am trying to generate some enthusiasm with them for this class.

Anyone experienced with CCC?  Any words of wisdom to pass on to them to help generate some enthusiasm and feel less intimidated?

I am really trying to understand this world of blogging.  Admittedly, I like it, but it confuses me.  The problem is that I’m not sure what it is that I don’t know, but I know there is a lot out there that I don’t know and I feel as though I am missing out!

Isn’t that how we are though?  We search and search because we just know that we are missing something, all the while having no idea what it is that we are missing?  I find it fascinating that God programmed us with such a desire!  To not only recognize that something is missing, but then to give us the desire to fill the void!  How blessed are we that He gave us that gift?  The gift to desire Him, seek Him, and KNOW HIM!  I, for one, feel truly grateful that not only did He plant the seed of longing, but that I found Him to fill the gap.

Now, if only there was something in the Bible about the mysterious world of blogging!  (just kidding y’all)

I just signed up to read the Bible in 90 days and I am super-excited!  I have always wanted to read through the entire Bible cover to cover and, let’s just say that I know Genesis REALLY well!  You can do it too!  Just check out  http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/ for all of the information and to sign up!  This time, I’m really gonna’ do it!  I just know the Lord will use this time and this commitment to His glory!

So far, so good!  I have completed the reading for today!   1 day down, 89 to go!

If you’re interested in reading along with me:  Day 1 – Genesis 1:1 – 16:16.  If you’re interested, you can check it out at:  http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/

What is B90Days?  It is Twitter language for read the Bible in 90 days.  I’ve always wanted to read the entire Bible, cover to cover and this is a great opportunity to do just that.  I am a homeschooling mom of two lovely young ladies (ages 7 and 9) with way too much to do and not enough time to do it in!  I am trying to redirect my attention to where God would have it be and then all of a sudden the momstoolbox blog showed up and I knew that this was THE way to get my attention EXACTLY where it needed to be!  Not only for myself, but also for my children.

I am very thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to it day by day.

I discovered something today!  I really like reading from the computer.  It seemed to be so much easier without 12 pages looming in front of me and I found myself almost addicted to the story.  I was able to block everything else out and really focus on what I was reading.  I was so intrigued and excited by the story (that of Jacob and Joseph) that I read ahead!  Way to go Holy Spirit for helping me focus, blocking out noise and distractions, and really get involved.  Oh, and thanks for the slow day at the office too! 

3 days in and 4 days read…off to a great start!  1 book of the Bible down…65  to go!

For those of you in the Northern VA area, just a quick reminder that the NOVA (Northern VA) Homeschool convention is the weekend.  You can check out all of the details at http://www.novaconference.net/.

And just in case you were wondering, YES, I am a homeschool convention junkie!

I can’t believe I am caught up with my reading!  I have actually made it to the book of Leviticus!  I realize this is only the third book in the Bible however, when I have attempted to read through the Bible in the past I haven’t made it out of Genesis.  I really think the community provided with www.momstoolbox.com is a huge motivating factor.  Whether I personally know the others involved (all 400+) or not, reading with a group is tremendous support and accountability!

So, here’s to day 7 – completed!

As I read through today’s verses, I couldn’t help wondering how in the world Moses was going to remember all of the instructions given to him by God.  I didn’t understand most of it, let alone remember it.  Then, as I read through, God appointed 2 people as master craftsmen to help him and the Holy Spirit would be with them.

Exodus 31: 1-6 ¹ Then the LORD said to Moses, ² “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ³ and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- ⁴ to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, ⁵ to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. ⁶ Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you:

(the emphasis is mine)  Not only did God give Moses time to write the instructions down (Ex. 24:4), he chose helpers and inspired them with the Holy Spirit.

Why is this important?  How many times have we read through all of these instructions and thought, why?  Today I realized why (at least for myself).  Is it because I need to know how to build the Tabernacle, probably not.  Is God going to assign things to me that seems huge, impossible, and hard to remember?  YES!  Is He going to leave me alone to do it by myself?  Absolutely NOT!  Not only is He going to be with me every step of the way making the impossible possible, He is going to provide people along the way to help!  God is a god of community and we are to rely on the people He places in our community.  Praise God for not leaving us alone – EVER!

Well, week 1 has been successfully completed!  Woo Hoo!  Although, Exodus and now Leviticus have proved challenging, I am super excited that I have stuck with it and am up-to-date!

I am curious though as I read through Leviticus – what would someone with acne have to have gone through?  Or, was that unheard of in that day?  Just one of those silly little nagging questions that rolls around in my head.  If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, check out Leviticus 13 – 14.

Intrigued about reading through the entire Bible in 90 days?  Join me and hundreds of others at www.momstoolbox.com.  You’ll be glad you did!

I have begun the book of Numbers and although it is a bit dry at this point, something just struck me.  God set the Levites apart for himself as priests.  He set them apart in place of the firstborn sons of Israel.  Their number (the Levites) was 22,000.  Then he had Moses count the firstborn of Israel and their number was 22,273.  He then goes on the have the additional 273 redeemed wtih 5 shekels each.

Why did this stand out?  It stood out to me that God chose the Levites and set them apart for himself KNOWING their number!  He knew exactly how many there were!  He had Moses count even though He knew the number.  Can you imagine being Moses with your jaw hung open thinking only 273 different?  Only 273??  (This is particularly amazing when the other tribes had 50,000 – 60,000)

God is truly amazing and all knowing!  And yet, He wants to know me, little old me..WOW!!!

Interesting that the Kohathites are assigned to carrying the most holy articles from the Tent of Meeting but they weren’t allowed to touch or even look at them (Num 4:15-20).  The articles had to be completely covered before they could move them.  They were also to remain with the Levites so they would continue to be protected when they even came near the Holy things.

I would why that was?   I understand it was to keep the Holy items holy and free from defilement.  It just struck me as interesting that the group assigned to their transport weren’t allowed to look at or touch them lest they die.

Do you ever think that some situations aren’t in the Bible?  Does it ever cross your mind that the Bible can’t possibly address everything in today’s society?  I have thought that from time to time and I have come to the realization (thank you Holy Spirit!)  that I was wrong.  EVERYTHING is in there!  There is nothing new that we do today that wasn’t done during Biblical times.  Everything we need to know is in there – period.  It may not be black and white and it may take some spiritual insight and discernment on your part (thank you Beth Moore for those words!)  but it is in there.

How do I know?  Well, my faith tells me that it’s true.  AND, today in my B90 Days reading I discovered a verse about cross-dressing.  Yes, cross-dressing!     Deut. 22:5 says, “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.” (NIV)

This is not an area of concern for me personally however it did make my jaw drop a little to see this verse.  God totally knows all of the ways we are going to fall into sin and He listed them and told us not to do them.  So, the next time you think you’re situation isn’t in there…look again, because it is!

Just checking in with everyone to say that I have been ahead all week and now all of sudden I have to do today’s reading!  Yikes!  I’ll get it done though before I go to bed!  I knew I should have read this morning…it always gets away from me when I wait.

I am happy to report that I am still up to date on my reading through the Bible!  Woo Hoo!

We are surprising the girls and taking them to FL to visit their cousins.  We just told them they are going but they don’t know for how long or that they are going to stay for a week without mommy!  They will have so much fun!  Looking forward to cooler weather too…imagine that…cooler in FL than in VA!  Never thought I’d see that!

My hope and prayer is that I will stay up to date on my reading while away.  It’s going to be weird being at home without the girls around but they are going to have so much fun, it’s totally worth it!  Then when they return – it’s full on school!  I am glad to have a whole week to myself to write plans for school.  Unfortunately, DH works nights so when I get home from work, he’ll be gone!    Oh, well…

Hello there!  I am all caught up and on schedule with my reading!  The life of David is fascinating!  I did find it difficult to keep track of who was on which side and who was switching sides in all of the battles.  But I read it nonetheless!  I have to admit that I am lost when I don’t read – I really miss it!  We’re going to FL tomorrow, hope to be able to stay up-to-date while we’re away.  Hope everyone else is keeping up!

Wow!  What a week!  Had a great time in FL with my sister and her family and I was ahead in my reading the whole time!  But, I lost a day while driving home and then had to work all day today.  So, I am officially 2 days behind.  However, I have no kids in the house and all of my chores are done.  So, I am not going to tweet-up tonight rather I’m going to catch up in my reading and then my sleep!

Mom and I had a great visit to FL this past week.  I’m usually not a very spontaneous person, however I decided on Friday to go to FL on Tuesday to visit my sister and her family.  We tried to keep it a secret from the kiddos and mostly succeeded.  Eventually, we had to break down and tell them so they could help me pack!  Practicality won out over surprise (as is usually the case for me).  After a long drive through a horrific thunder storm (the kind my dad used to call a frog strangler), we made it!  We tried to keep the kiddos busy and I’d say we did a pretty good job.  Their uncle took them surf fishing and they caught a small SHARK!  They were all quite impressed with that!  We seemed to need to make an extraordinary number of trips to Wal-Mart (yuck!) which I don’t understand but I guess you can’t pack everything and fortunately it was right around the corner!

I left the kiddos in FL with their cousins for the next 2 weeks!  The upside is that I will get a LOT done around the house!  We are beginning to prep for painting the hallway, living room, and master bedroom.  Once that is completed, I will also need to paint all of the trim and finally organize my schoolroom for September.  My sister got her schoolroom together while we were visiting and it made me jealous to want to come home and get mine in order too!  Oh yeah, did I mention she’s starting school with the kiddos (including mine)?  Sweet, huh?!?  Anyway, I’m sitting in my schoolroom imagining how wonderful it will look when I have completed the “great clean up” in here.  aaahhhhhh

Well, off to read for a little while before I have to get dressed for work.  Glad to have a job, just don’t like going some days.   Oh, well…

Since the kiddos are in FL for awhile, I figured it was time to start some long overdue household projects.  Up first on the list is painting the master, the hallway, and the living room.  I am being reminded why it has taken me so long to begin this project – the prep!  So far, all of the wall hangings are down, the holes are filled, most of the furniture has been moved into the middle of the rooms, and the baseboards and trim work has been cleaned.  Oh, and the ceilings and walls in the master have been dusted.  I’m exhausted and we haven’t even BOUGHT the paint!  whew!  I’ll be glad when it is all finished and I can look at freshly painted, no fingerprinted walls so I am trying to envision the finished project.  Maybe the picture will be clearer when my arms are no longer shaking from exhaustion!

This is such a great idea…I had to get in on the fun!

Week 1:  Curriculum

I am such a curriculum junkie that it is virtually impossible for me to pick and stick with just 1 curriculum.  We end up switching around every year because I just have to try to newest, latest, greatest (you get the idea!)  I am slowing down on the curriculum hopping (finally!) and I am very pleased with our current selections.

My Father’s World:  Rome to Reformation – History, Bible, Science, Music, Art, and Vocabulary

Drawn into the Heart of Reading (Heart of Dakota) – using their selections for girls for Reading for 2nd and 4th grade

Teaching Textbooks and Bob Jones – Math  (I really like BJU Math, however with a struggling student we switched to TT for a different perspective and slower pace)

IEW – Writing and Spelling (Phonetic Zoo)

Simply Grammar

Prima Latina – I am SO blessed that my mom will be starting Latin with the kiddos.  She took it school herself and since she keeps them one day a week, it is a perfect intro for them.  Thanks mom!

I’m trying to incorporate the Thomas Jefferson Education philosophy into our school so we will do a LOT of reading of the classics and living books.  Also, we are enrolled in Classical Conversations which will enhance our home education with art projects, science experiments, memorization, and public speaking.

I am super-excited this year!  (ok, so I’m always excited for school to begin)  Everyone really feels like we have narrowed our subjects to a manageable point and the kiddos got to choose what they studied this year (at least for history and science).  This has helped immensely with their sense of ownership over the subject material and their desire to learn!

I am WAY behind in my reading!  I have been painting almost every room in my house this week.  It is completely torn apart and I just haven’t had the time to sit down and read.  I do however have EVERY intention of getting caught back up.  I am DETERMINED to finish reading!  Hopefully, once we get everything put back to normal, I’ll have plenty of time on my hands once again!

I am completely and totally CAUGHT UP!  I have read and read and read over the last week and I am on track and on target!  I never get tired of the tremendous sense of accomplishment the Lord bestows upon me when I read and I am learning SO much!  If I haven’t said it before, I highly recommend reading through the Bible from cover to cover – in 90 days!  We are past the 1/2 point now and I am so excited to see what else is in store!

All caught up!  Still have to read for today, but on track!

It occurred to me the other day that all I have been blogging about is updates on my Bible reading.  (I am happy to say that I am up to date on that and I plan to stay that way!)  I thought perhaps, I should talk about something different for a change.  Like most of you, we too are gearing up for the “official” start of school here at “Lyon’s Pride”.  This means more than 3 subjects a day and no more running around in the afternoons.  It also means that choir, ballet, art, and horseback riding are starting again soon.  In addition, we are happily beginning Classical Conversations on Tuesday and we are all very excited to see what that course has in store for us.  Additionally, I have a meeting to prepare for to encourage other homeschooling moms as they begin their journey in this school year.  Yikes!

All of a sudden, the summer has escaped me and it is time to get down to business.  I am starting to believe that time goes faster as you age.  It is almost unimaginable that Christmas is around the corner and I never got to finish my tan this year!  We have made several changes in our activity level and I think we are finally in a good place.  Each girl has one activity of their own.  If they choose to be involved in anything else, it has to be a “together” activity.  Since I am on my own during the week (DH works nights), this has allowed me to get them where they need to be without feeling like a crazy person.  And, one of the activities conveniently includes Bible study for me (I already feel refreshed and I haven’t started yet!).

As I reflect on my children, where we are in our schooling, and where we are in our walk with the Lord, I am so blessed and so humbled by His mercies.  Homeschooling, being a mom, working part time, raising a family (you get the idea!)  is rarely an easy task but it is always worth it.  Sometimes it is hard to conceive of how undeserving we are and how gracious the Lord is; frankly it is always hard to conceive.  But I know it is real and I know it is what binds my family together.  I hope that as you begin your school year that you too take a moment to thank Him for everything you have, everything He has provided, and everything He will continue to provide to your family.

Here we are at day 57 and I am completely and totally up to date!!  Woo Hoo!

After a slow start to this school year, we seem to finally be in a sort of routine.  It took us 2 weeks to finish our first week, but we have since been able to finish a week in a week!  We have been running around like chickens with our heads cut off recently and on several occasions haven’t even started our schoolwork until 7PM.  This is not my children’s favorite time of day for school and they seem to magically forget that they had their running around time earlier in the day.  Isn’t it fascinating how they look forward to a break but can’t seem to remember that they already had one?!?

We are getting all of our DR’s appointments out of the way so at least one day a week is being lost to those.  Nothing is wrong, just the check-ups.

We are all totally loving My Father’s World (Rome to the Reformation)!!!  I wish I had understood how it works and done it sooner – it has truly breathed new life into our school day and taken so much off of my shoulders with the planning.  The girls are picking up so much new history knowledge as well as geography, music, and art!  It is truly the bright spot in my homeschooling schedule.  My husband is in charge of math, handwriting, and spelling so all I can tell you about those subjects is that they are done daily.  Initially, it bothered me to be in the dark on those subjects and then a friend explained how lucky I was to have a helpful homeschooling husband and I let go of the control over those courses.  Wow, was it freeing too?!?  I only wish I could give him grammar too!  Oh well, there’s always next year! 

My post wouldn’t be complete without a little update on the Bible in 90 days.  I’m in Mark (although I should be in Luke) and excited to say I did it in just 2 more short weeks!!!  Woo Hoo!!!

Well, the dog has something he shouldn’t so off to rescue a pillow I go!