We have a READER!

Just had to share this small success! We have been doing Spell to Write and Read since January, and both kids are doing well with it. They are making great progress through the BOB books, but haven't shown a lot of interest in reading other things unless I ask them to sound out a word.

Yesterday we were getting groceries. I was trying to pay and wrestle the baby back into the cart, so I sent the big three over to a bench across from the checkout, in front of a salon. I was watching them, and saw Campbell looking up at a sign in the salon window. She started sounding out the letters, and said "Sawyer! That sign says 'Nails'! " And she was RIGHT!!! It has been so much fun to watch them discover things, and to see how they grow in their comprehension and application of concepts! I'm so glad I'm the one who gets to see it happen!

Inspired and convicted

If you have a few minutes, I would highly recommend visiting Ann VosKamp's blog. Here's a link. I'm a subscriber to her blog, and always find her writings very thought provoking, but today's blew me away. God has given her incredible insight, and a gift for sharing it. This is something that needs to be shared with anyone who spends any time with children. Check it out, and leave a comment here on what you thought!

Homeschool Share is BLASTing off!!

The annual Homeschool Share BLAST is underway! Click here to get info on how to submit your original unit studies, file folder games, workbox activities, etc. They are giving away some fabulous prizes, and we all win, since it means even more terriffic units to use with our kiddos! Join in the fun!

Celebrating His Resurrection!

This year we made an Easter Garden. The kids loved helping me put it together. We spent time talking about the penalty for sin, and our depravity. We talked about the filthy condition of our hearts as we dug in the dirt, and that Jesus' act of love and sacrifice saved us from an eternity of condemnation and seperation from God. We read a little bit of the story each day, stopping to discuss WHY Jesus had to die,WHY He was betrayed by Judas, WHY the woman annointed Him with perfume, WHY the Jews sent Him to His death on a cross. The solemn conversation on Friday was a stark contrast to the shouts of joy and surprise which greated us on Easter morning. "Jesus isn't in the tomb anymore!" "Look, Mommy, the stone has been rolled away!"

A great reminder of the awe and excitement I so often lack throughout the rest of the year.

"The more I know your power, Lord

The more I’m mindful

How casually we speak and sing your name

How often we have come to you

With no fear or wonder

And called upon you only for what we stand to gain

God forbid, that I find you so familiar

That I think of you as less than who you are

God forbid, that I should speak of you at all

Without a humble reverence in my heart

God forbid

Lord, I often talk about your love and mercy

How it seems to me your goodness has no end

It frightens me to think that I could take you for granted

Though you’re closer than a brother

You’re more than just a friend

You are father,

God almighty

Lord of lords,

you're King of kings

Beyond my understanding

No less than everything"

-Point of Grace

A purposeful Easter week

Ryan and I have been trying to be very purposeful in the traditions we create with the kids. We haven't really had any Easter traditions, other than Church and Easter Baskets. (And since we go to church every Sunday, I'm not sure I can count that as a tradition!) We decided this year to do things a little differently. We will be creating an Easter garden today. You can see an example on Ann VosKamp's blog - I love her blog! I wanted to do something with them that would create a sense of building up to something - a sense of waiting, not in excitement, but contemplation and remembering. This seemed like the perfect thing. I'll post pictures later this week.

Decisions, decisions...(insert bouncing smiley here!)

I was SO excited to see that ICHE FINALLY posted the entire schedule for their Homeschool conference today! I will be attending with a group of moms from our church, and can't wait! (gleeful laughing!!!) The speaker list is incredible - Tedd Tripp, Erwin Lutzer, Jessica Hulcy, Chris Klicka...and those are just the main speakers. There are too many workshops from which to choose - I'm not sure how I'm going to narrow the selections down to 8!
Here is a video of Tedd Tripp speaking on "Created to Worship":

I am counting down the days, and so thankful I have a wonderful husband who is allowing me to go and watching four rambunctious kids by himself that weekend. Thanks honey! Hopefully I can talk him into coming with me next year. Hmmm...I wonder if they'd ever consider bringing in Kevin Van Dam to speak on the "Art and Science" of fishing? ; )

Giveaways at The Architect and the Artist!

Here's a link to Debbie's blog. She's a homeschooling mom to two boys. GREAT blog!