A list of our curriculum for the year

Here is a list of what we will be using for school this year.

All together:
Bible - Character Building for Families Vol 1
History - TruthQuest American History II
Science - Starting the year with Our Weather and Water and then moving to Our Planet Earth (both by God's Design for Heaven & Earth-Answers in Genesis) Finally we will be using Real Science 4 Kids Chemistry (PreLevel 1 for my 2nd grader and Level 1 for my 5th grader)

Our 5th grader:
MathUSee Epsilon
Finishing Classical Writing Aesop B then moving on to
Classical Writing Homer A with Harvey's Grammar
Spelling Workout Level E
Lively Latin

Our 2nd grader:
MathUSee Beta
Classical Writing Primer Autumn, Winter, and Spring
Spelling Workout Level B
Explode the Code books 5 and 6
Elson Reader Book 2
Copywork/Handwriting

Our preschooler:
Rod and Staff's ABC books

We also use God's World News and Nature Friend Magazine throughout the year.

Art Time

Yesterday the children spent a lot of time coloring and painting. H (10) has been enjoying a gift she got for her birthday, 50 Things to Draw and Paint. http://www.amazon.com/Things-Paint-Usborne-Activity-Cards/dp/0794512151/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250775430&sr=8-2 They are cards that show a drawing/painting on one side and have directions on the back. So far I think she's tried 5 of them. She loves to create and made some very pretty paintings. Here is one that I especially liked.
C (4) still just likes to scribble. Maybe when he gets his glasses that will change. Then again, maybe not. M (7) still doesn't like coloring anything besides patterns. It's like pulling teeth to get him to draw a picture of a specific item. I suppose not everyone loves art. We'll wait and see about A (18 mo). Just so long as he doesn't decide the walls are his canvas!

A New School Year is Almost Here

What emotions do you feel as you think of the new school year? Trepidation? Anxiety? Joy? Yes, the new school year is almost upon us. For me it means I better get the dining room cleaned up and ready to be a school room again instead of a playroom. It means pulling out all that new curriculum I bought back in May at the homeschool convention and digging in. I'm very excited about what the children will be learning, but there is always the element of dread. Will they cooperate? Will they get their work done on schedule? Will I not lose my cool when dragged in 3 different schooling directions? In all of this, I know I'm doing what God has called me to do. He has called me to teach my children in my home, and I cannot do it without Him.