~ Curriculum Choices ~

Well ... I have FINALLY finalized the curriculum for Hannah's grade 1 year! WAHOO!!
Let me tell you, I was stressing out big time! It is a huge decision and one that I was really praying about! And, the Lord gave me great help and opened up doors for me to attend 2 great curriculum fairs/conferences and violà ... grade 1 was decided :)

So... here's the starting line-up for grade 1 ...

Language: Alpha Omega Horizons Phonics/Reading
Supplemental Language: A Reason for Handwriting Level A
Math: Bob Jones Math 1
Science: Bob Jones Science 1
Bible: Rod & Staff
Art: Creative Mama (aka...me!) :)

So, there you have it and I am so excited to get going! We are going to do a little homeschool kindergarten graduation for Hannah with a little party. If she was in a 'traditional' school she would have that, so why not at home?!

As for our little Grace, she will be doing a mix of preschool and K4, since she will be turning 4 in December. (4 already...where does the time go?!) I have found a GREAT resource online www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com and the lady who does this blog is AMAZING! She has put all her printables online for FREE and they are incredibly done! What a blessing they have already been to me and I know that I will be using her A-Z curriculum for Grace this coming year. Actually, Grace can't wait for 'school!' and I am excited about that!

Also, I have been reading the book 'Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe' and if you can get a copy I highly recommend it! The author, Todd Wilson, hits it on the head! He talks about 'lies' that homeschooling moms believe to be true....like 'every homeschooling mom's house is tidier than mine' or 'all homeschooling moms make all their meals from scratch ...except me!' It is a great wake-up call to be real with each other and we will find great comfort and help in that. Wouldn't it be great if you were talking to someone on the phone only to hear their kids having a meltdown in the background! I mean ... other people's kids have meltdowns?! It's not just mine :) That is so liberating and refreshing!!! It's not just my daughter who sneaks into the cupboard some mornings and eats cheesies before breakfast?! How great is it to know that!!!

So, can I encourage you to be real with people ... be yourself! Let others know what you are going through, what your struggles are ... and guess what? You will be amazed how many people say 'that happened to me too!' and that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy :)

Well ... definitely check out the website and the book if you can! I think you will be glad you did :)

Have a great day ... whatever you are doing :)