Right out of the gate this school year there are two things that I really am glad I purchased and they are:
The Picture Smart Bible and A Living History of Our World
I wanted to share pictures with you this morning but blogger won't let me......I'll try and share them later.
The picture Smart Bible is what we do first thing in the morning for our Bible time. And that includes all my students! Don't be scared away by this program if you have high school students! It works for them as well. You don't have to struggle at trying to keep your younger ones attention and it's not too simple for the older ones. The program is even meant for adults! While I read from the teachers guide I instruct my children what to doodle, color and write. It helps them to retain what they are learning. Very impressed with this! Go to their website above and check it out!
The second is A living History. As soon as I saw this I knew I would love it! With out a doubt it is absolutely one of my very favorites! I added craft kits from Hands and hearts and they tie right in with what we are doing. The kids beg to do History! I wrote about this curriculum earlier when I had just purchased it you can read about it in the link above.
As a homeschooling mom I know that finding the right curriculum that fits for you and your family can be exhausting both mentally and monetarily. So when I find something I like this much I must share! *Smile*
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I'm Still Learning, I'm Always Learning
We have officially started our School year this week.....And something seems different this year.
I have a young man who is trying real hard to graduate a whole year early. And I'm praying for stick-to-ativeness ....Is that even a word? I don't know but, I've heard it been said many times before. He has a good head on his shoulders..Lot's of common sense and determination. He's got goals and dreams and I want to see him fly.....Just as long as he remembers to come back home and rest in His Mama's Kitchen.......And may he always feel home in his heart near or far......
And my Sunshine...somehow she is morphing into this beautiful young woman before our eyes and I don't know how to stop it.......She is strong, bold and determined. Wants things her way....tries to organize my chaos.....my organized mess. And I have to laugh cause I love how she is. She is nothing like her Mama but yet our hearts seem to intertwine and mingle and create this beautiful harmony.
My two middles are right where I think they should be and then again I wonder why is it I feel them slipping from my grasp. Watching them grow and become their own.......And when I look at them I try not to blink because that's what I did with the first two and look at where they are now....
I'm trying to wait patiently, with out anxiety for number 6.......And Little Autum, She keeps asking when baby can come out to play. Everyday she hugs my belly and gives her little partner a kiss. And I smile because I remember...We have done this before. Our babies, they seem to have come in sets of two. One always had the other. And it worked so well. The best of friends and yes even the best of foes. But they always stuck together .....Gentle Giant and Sunshine, Butterfly Girl and Bubby.......
I can't help but think this is my last set of two.......And I still haven't thought of a way to slow the moments down any.
There are some things that I have learned......First and foremost GOD must come first and when He does it's amazing how life just seems to fall into place.
I've learned how to cherish moments. How to not make the hard moments harder. I've found patience and I have hand cuffed us together and yes sometimes lil' Miss Patience she gets out of control but not so much where I can't reign her back in. I've learned that losing your temper results in losing the battle and that just makes the war rage on.
I've learned that life is too short to harbor ill feelings, regrets and what ifs. They fill your mind and clog your heart and the results is the inability to love fully and completely with a forgiving soul.
I've learned to move on and not look back. Mistakes are bound to happen. It's what you learn from them that matters.
I've learned that my man and I.....We make Beautiful kids and with each one that we have brought into this world our love just seems to grow into another level. I honestly never thought I could fall so deeply in love and some how with every passing year it just grows deeper......It's amazing to be this close to someone. To know what he's thinking before he speaks. To know he always has my back and I his. And as different as we are sometimes, we just seem to compliment each other. He keeps me grounded when this life of mine takes flight.
And this life is just that....A training ground before we reach our final destination. When I get to the end I want to be able to say I gave it all I got. I loved with a full heart. I want to be able to touch lives and Shine bright. I want people to know where I stood....On Solid Rock. And the impact that I made was not because of me but, because of Jesus in me! And even though I have messed up more times than I can count, His Grace has always covered me.........
I'm still learning....I'm always learning.......
Life seems to be full of lessons and I'm always learning. I'll share with you some of what I know and I'll be honest with you about what I have yet to discover. And if I mess up and hurt a heart...Please know that it was never my intentions to hurt or to offend and if you would be so kind and give this sin soaked mama some grace......
Blessings to you all and may your days be filled with GRACE!
I have a young man who is trying real hard to graduate a whole year early. And I'm praying for stick-to-ativeness ....Is that even a word? I don't know but, I've heard it been said many times before. He has a good head on his shoulders..Lot's of common sense and determination. He's got goals and dreams and I want to see him fly.....Just as long as he remembers to come back home and rest in His Mama's Kitchen.......And may he always feel home in his heart near or far......
And my Sunshine...somehow she is morphing into this beautiful young woman before our eyes and I don't know how to stop it.......She is strong, bold and determined. Wants things her way....tries to organize my chaos.....my organized mess. And I have to laugh cause I love how she is. She is nothing like her Mama but yet our hearts seem to intertwine and mingle and create this beautiful harmony.
My two middles are right where I think they should be and then again I wonder why is it I feel them slipping from my grasp. Watching them grow and become their own.......And when I look at them I try not to blink because that's what I did with the first two and look at where they are now....
I'm trying to wait patiently, with out anxiety for number 6.......And Little Autum, She keeps asking when baby can come out to play. Everyday she hugs my belly and gives her little partner a kiss. And I smile because I remember...We have done this before. Our babies, they seem to have come in sets of two. One always had the other. And it worked so well. The best of friends and yes even the best of foes. But they always stuck together .....Gentle Giant and Sunshine, Butterfly Girl and Bubby.......
I can't help but think this is my last set of two.......And I still haven't thought of a way to slow the moments down any.
There are some things that I have learned......First and foremost GOD must come first and when He does it's amazing how life just seems to fall into place.
I've learned how to cherish moments. How to not make the hard moments harder. I've found patience and I have hand cuffed us together and yes sometimes lil' Miss Patience she gets out of control but not so much where I can't reign her back in. I've learned that losing your temper results in losing the battle and that just makes the war rage on.
I've learned that life is too short to harbor ill feelings, regrets and what ifs. They fill your mind and clog your heart and the results is the inability to love fully and completely with a forgiving soul.
I've learned to move on and not look back. Mistakes are bound to happen. It's what you learn from them that matters.
I've learned that my man and I.....We make Beautiful kids and with each one that we have brought into this world our love just seems to grow into another level. I honestly never thought I could fall so deeply in love and some how with every passing year it just grows deeper......It's amazing to be this close to someone. To know what he's thinking before he speaks. To know he always has my back and I his. And as different as we are sometimes, we just seem to compliment each other. He keeps me grounded when this life of mine takes flight.
And this life is just that....A training ground before we reach our final destination. When I get to the end I want to be able to say I gave it all I got. I loved with a full heart. I want to be able to touch lives and Shine bright. I want people to know where I stood....On Solid Rock. And the impact that I made was not because of me but, because of Jesus in me! And even though I have messed up more times than I can count, His Grace has always covered me.........
I'm still learning....I'm always learning.......
Life seems to be full of lessons and I'm always learning. I'll share with you some of what I know and I'll be honest with you about what I have yet to discover. And if I mess up and hurt a heart...Please know that it was never my intentions to hurt or to offend and if you would be so kind and give this sin soaked mama some grace......
Blessings to you all and may your days be filled with GRACE!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Running On Blind Faith
When life is raw and your plans don't seem to mesh with God's...............
The more you fight what's meant to be, the further away you drift from reality. All the further you turn from God. The one who knows you best, The only one who knows what's best.....
And in the beginning it may be so hard to see and it feels so much like your running on blind faith but, beloved that's what faith is, that's how it grows, that's how it builds and gets strong. If there were never a battle we would never see VICTORY.
In all this life we stumble and fall and half the time we walk around broken, not even knowing we've abandoned the healer. And we let our troubles rise and grow until they seem to break the sound barrier And all He wants.....All He is asking is that we BE STILL.........
And when waiting on Him to show us the way we become impatient and we start to believe He's not there....And I've heard my Daddy say "Kimmy you seem to forget I'm a believer." And I tell him with tears streaming down my face...."But Dad you have to be still and listen." And Daddy, the one who has worked so hard all of his life, the one who doesn't know how to sit still and wait because all he's ever done was to keep moving and providing.......And now He has no choice but to be still.....And I hear him softly say "but Kimmy I can't hear him."
And our emotions are high and he hurts with more than just the crippling pain in his weary bones........When pride falls, it falls hard and sometimes when we hit the ground it feels like we will never have strength to get up again....And God....His desire is not to see you hit hard but, to see how long you will stay there before you lay prostrate and focus on Him........WE are nothing with out our maker....And yes it hurts to be molded and refined but we have to remember this is not our home.....Any child of God has to believe that we are just passing through and this is all apart of His plan not ours.......And the only way that we can find JOY is to pull deep from with in.
His plan is greater. His plan is better.
And Daddy I know this is not what you wanted.....It's not what we wanted......But it's what God wants that matters. And just because your not behind that big steering wheel doesn't mean God's plan for you is over. You are still strong enough with God's power to do great things. Your a good man...Generous and kind, Polite and honest, hard working and faithful........
But right now at this moment I believe God wants you to be still......Listen with all your heart and know that He is GOD.
And by the way your baby girl loves you and I am so PROUD to call you DADDY! I always will be proud to be your daughter.........I know, I know......."Kimmy don't you cry!" Daddy it's too late..........
The more you fight what's meant to be, the further away you drift from reality. All the further you turn from God. The one who knows you best, The only one who knows what's best.....
And in the beginning it may be so hard to see and it feels so much like your running on blind faith but, beloved that's what faith is, that's how it grows, that's how it builds and gets strong. If there were never a battle we would never see VICTORY.
In all this life we stumble and fall and half the time we walk around broken, not even knowing we've abandoned the healer. And we let our troubles rise and grow until they seem to break the sound barrier And all He wants.....All He is asking is that we BE STILL.........
And when waiting on Him to show us the way we become impatient and we start to believe He's not there....And I've heard my Daddy say "Kimmy you seem to forget I'm a believer." And I tell him with tears streaming down my face...."But Dad you have to be still and listen." And Daddy, the one who has worked so hard all of his life, the one who doesn't know how to sit still and wait because all he's ever done was to keep moving and providing.......And now He has no choice but to be still.....And I hear him softly say "but Kimmy I can't hear him."
And our emotions are high and he hurts with more than just the crippling pain in his weary bones........When pride falls, it falls hard and sometimes when we hit the ground it feels like we will never have strength to get up again....And God....His desire is not to see you hit hard but, to see how long you will stay there before you lay prostrate and focus on Him........WE are nothing with out our maker....And yes it hurts to be molded and refined but we have to remember this is not our home.....Any child of God has to believe that we are just passing through and this is all apart of His plan not ours.......And the only way that we can find JOY is to pull deep from with in.
His plan is greater. His plan is better.
And Daddy I know this is not what you wanted.....It's not what we wanted......But it's what God wants that matters. And just because your not behind that big steering wheel doesn't mean God's plan for you is over. You are still strong enough with God's power to do great things. Your a good man...Generous and kind, Polite and honest, hard working and faithful........
But right now at this moment I believe God wants you to be still......Listen with all your heart and know that He is GOD.
And by the way your baby girl loves you and I am so PROUD to call you DADDY! I always will be proud to be your daughter.........I know, I know......."Kimmy don't you cry!" Daddy it's too late..........
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Because Your Everyday Is Not Meant To Be Perfect
Labels:
Grace
I use to be the Mama who talked about having everything perfect...The one who wanted life to run smoothly with out any disasters or interruptions. The one who always expected way too much and in the end I received so little.
And how do you go from wanting everything to be perfect to accepting imperfections as your everyday?
You kneel down and look up
Ask for Grace
And then give Grace......
The funny thing is I still haven't perfected those three steps yet.........
But in all His perfection He continues to give me Grace.
This week we were suppose to start school on Monday and then life got in the way, so I moved it to Wednesday but, Mama wasn't feeling well. The expected always seems to come unexpectedly.........
So I take a deep breath because math has to be taught and there are things they must learn this year. Dentist appointments to be made. A baby to welcome into our home. Mix a little broken heart with that and you have the formula for imperfection waiting to happen.
So I kneel down
I'm asking for Grace
So that I may give Grace...........
And He doesn't want me to come all wrapped up in my perfection......No, I come broken every time. And every time His strength is made out of my weaknesses.
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Oh Beloved, may His Grace cover all your imperfections and His strength Shine bright with in to shine boldly through out your day.
Kneeling down, Looking up
Asking For Grace
So that I may Give Grace
And how do you go from wanting everything to be perfect to accepting imperfections as your everyday?
You kneel down and look up
Ask for Grace
And then give Grace......
The funny thing is I still haven't perfected those three steps yet.........
But in all His perfection He continues to give me Grace.
This week we were suppose to start school on Monday and then life got in the way, so I moved it to Wednesday but, Mama wasn't feeling well. The expected always seems to come unexpectedly.........
So I take a deep breath because math has to be taught and there are things they must learn this year. Dentist appointments to be made. A baby to welcome into our home. Mix a little broken heart with that and you have the formula for imperfection waiting to happen.
So I kneel down
I'm asking for Grace
So that I may give Grace...........
And He doesn't want me to come all wrapped up in my perfection......No, I come broken every time. And every time His strength is made out of my weaknesses.
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Oh Beloved, may His Grace cover all your imperfections and His strength Shine bright with in to shine boldly through out your day.
Kneeling down, Looking up
Asking For Grace
So that I may Give Grace
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Busy Boxes
Labels:
Homeschool
This is just one of my five busy boxes for my two year old. This one has a Farm theme. Along with each busy box I have a "Main Busy Box" that holds things like Playdough, markers, crayons, paper and stamps. I also put things in there like shape sorters, games, counters and puzzles. The main busy box coinsides with the themed busy boxes because she may want to draw, mold and recreate what she is learning about.....and yes the extra things like the games, sorters and counters are for keeping her busy just a few minutes longer. *Smile* I will only be getting these boxes out during school. I don't want them to become boring and get mixed in with the rest of her things.
I also have a Creepy Crawlie theme, Dinasaur Theme, and Safari Theme.
My plan is to start her out by reading a story to her then letting her have fun with the goods.
This little fold able canvas tote is a barn that unfolds into a barnyard. I packed it full with little plastic barnyard animals for creative play.
And what child does not like puppets? I found these adorable little animal finger puppets to put on her tiny fingers....They fit Mama's fingers too! I had to try them out!
I took some books off my shelf that I have had for years and put them in the box for story time. I also added a CD with audible stories for her to listen to.
Last but not least the ever famous string and lace toys...They will either prove to be frustrating or challenging, we will see.....
I will probably add more little activities to keep her occupied but I wanted to give you a glimpse into our busy boxes before we start school on Monday.
I will probably add more little activities to keep her occupied but I wanted to give you a glimpse into our busy boxes before we start school on Monday.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
What If We Moved With That Kind Of Passion?
If we took all the passion and stepped out and stepped up. If we left it all with total abandonment.....All that keeps us busy, all that takes us away, all that keeps us silent, all that keeps us complacent.........
If we moved every day motivated by threats of our freedom taken...... Oh beloved would there have ever been a Row verses Wade? Would there have ever been senseless actions taken to slowly rip this Country up from her Christian heritage roots?
I've always tried to keep this place free of any political opinion........But I feel I must say that What has made this Country great is the FREEDOM that was so passionately fought for.....So that you and I can speak our minds and not be persecuted for it! I want you to know that you and I may not always AGREE......But we can disagree and still be friends. If I shut everyone out of my life because we have disagreed I would be one lonely soul! I don't hate because of your freedom to believe and live the way you choose. As a Christian I am called to love those around me and to be a light in this dark world. BUT I am also called to speak TRUTH........And I have that freedom just as you do.
Yesterday MANY stepped out and stepped up........And I have to tell you it did this girl's heart good.....Because what I saw was a shimmer of hope through all this darkness. All is not lost but, then my heart sank when I thought of how much we have already let go. When I came home and saw my niece's post "Overwhelmed by the support people are showing chick-fil-a. What would happen if we banned together like this when it comes to abortion, prayer in schools,etc???"............How much could have been saved?.....Who could of been saved?
And why the complacency all these years? Years of stepping down and walking away.........Years of not wanting confrontation and sleeping in ignorance. And some how we thought it would never come to this.......
If we moved everyday with the passion that took place yesterday would there be the homeless, the poor, the hurt, the lonely, the hungry, the lost, and the broken?
Oh I know that we would never be able to wipe it all away.....Every tear, every broken heart, every lost soul....But imagine what we could do if we took all that PASSION and stepped out and stepped up EVERY DAY!
I read a statistic the other day....There are 163 million orphans and rising in this world we live in.....If only 7% of the over two billion Christians in this world would step out and step up to adopt, the orphan crisis would be eliminated!
In this world it's too easy to be consumed with things that don't matter....We are bombarded by technology and gadgets that are suppose to make life easy.......In reality it sucks us away from life and all that it holds.....It tears us away from the hurt and the broken hearted....We often turn our hearts inward and sport those ROSE COLORED GLASSES............And we either believe All is well, or Why bother? It would never make a difference any way.....
What if we immediately answered God as if He were the next text or the next post on FB?
What if we felt threatened by our freedom being taken away every day?
What if we served with that kind of passion everyday?
If we moved every day motivated by threats of our freedom taken...... Oh beloved would there have ever been a Row verses Wade? Would there have ever been senseless actions taken to slowly rip this Country up from her Christian heritage roots?
I've always tried to keep this place free of any political opinion........But I feel I must say that What has made this Country great is the FREEDOM that was so passionately fought for.....So that you and I can speak our minds and not be persecuted for it! I want you to know that you and I may not always AGREE......But we can disagree and still be friends. If I shut everyone out of my life because we have disagreed I would be one lonely soul! I don't hate because of your freedom to believe and live the way you choose. As a Christian I am called to love those around me and to be a light in this dark world. BUT I am also called to speak TRUTH........And I have that freedom just as you do.
Yesterday MANY stepped out and stepped up........And I have to tell you it did this girl's heart good.....Because what I saw was a shimmer of hope through all this darkness. All is not lost but, then my heart sank when I thought of how much we have already let go. When I came home and saw my niece's post "Overwhelmed by the support people are showing chick-fil-a. What would happen if we banned together like this when it comes to abortion, prayer in schools,etc???"............How much could have been saved?.....Who could of been saved?
And why the complacency all these years? Years of stepping down and walking away.........Years of not wanting confrontation and sleeping in ignorance. And some how we thought it would never come to this.......
If we moved everyday with the passion that took place yesterday would there be the homeless, the poor, the hurt, the lonely, the hungry, the lost, and the broken?
Oh I know that we would never be able to wipe it all away.....Every tear, every broken heart, every lost soul....But imagine what we could do if we took all that PASSION and stepped out and stepped up EVERY DAY!
I read a statistic the other day....There are 163 million orphans and rising in this world we live in.....If only 7% of the over two billion Christians in this world would step out and step up to adopt, the orphan crisis would be eliminated!
In this world it's too easy to be consumed with things that don't matter....We are bombarded by technology and gadgets that are suppose to make life easy.......In reality it sucks us away from life and all that it holds.....It tears us away from the hurt and the broken hearted....We often turn our hearts inward and sport those ROSE COLORED GLASSES............And we either believe All is well, or Why bother? It would never make a difference any way.....
What if we immediately answered God as if He were the next text or the next post on FB?
What if we felt threatened by our freedom being taken away every day?
What if we served with that kind of passion everyday?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Man Who Builds the Bridge or God Who Parts The Seas
There will always be battles in this broken world......Always be fears to overcome........
When the rivers are raging in your soul and you see nothing but the water fall ahead of you........
And the man made bridge may not always be the answer............
Take heart and grip tight to your faith for He has said:
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2
God does not build the bridge but, if He so chooses He just may part the seas for you......And then again it may be that you have to pass through the raging rivers.......Either way it's all about TRUSTING HIM to carry you through every battle, every struggle.....It's not man who builds the bridge that we should put our trust in...for if we took the bridge every time we see danger, we may miss the blessings that come from the Living water......
It's God who parts the seas......His son who walks on water.....Trust in Him.....Take His hand......Because the easy way out will never shape you, strengthen you......the easy way out means not loving, living and sharing your life.......It means you will never be able to trust that He can deliver you through raging rivers......
If there were never a battle....You would never see VICTORY.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2
God does not build the bridge but, if He so chooses He just may part the seas for you......And then again it may be that you have to pass through the raging rivers.......Either way it's all about TRUSTING HIM to carry you through every battle, every struggle.....It's not man who builds the bridge that we should put our trust in...for if we took the bridge every time we see danger, we may miss the blessings that come from the Living water......
It's God who parts the seas......His son who walks on water.....Trust in Him.....Take His hand......Because the easy way out will never shape you, strengthen you......the easy way out means not loving, living and sharing your life.......It means you will never be able to trust that He can deliver you through raging rivers......
If there were never a battle....You would never see VICTORY.
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