WEC week 5 fall semester

WB31 Insights Through Invest. & football

Today we completed Insights though Investigations. We did not get a chance to do the project today the baby was fussy because of something that I ate that made him gassy so we will complete the project section tomorrow.So the older students did more independent work while I worked with the younger students. Flexibility is an important characteristic of a homeschool mom since anything can happen in our school days but we still must finish our job for the day :O)

  My oldest son plays for the highschool football team.We really like our school district.The only reason we homeschool is because we are called to raise soilders of the cross. Back to football, Dominic is #83 this year. He has been practicing all summer.Football begins in June and ends the 1rst week of November. He practices 5 days a week and sometime has 2 games in a week.Varsity plays on Friday nights & Jr. Varsity plays on Saturday mornings. Football is such a team sport and a great place to learn character under the right coach. One day maybe the Lord will use him with the sport he loves. Even being a little league coach it is an awesome opportunity in reaching out to the community and making a difference in kids lives that may be on the street.
  The month of October is breast cancer awareness so the cheerleaders did a fund raiser to purchase the football players a breast cancer shirt to wear to the games. He is not a fan of pink (reason for the face) but in honor of breast cancer & remembering our Aunt Mary who died to breast cancer he will wear "pink".
 We love and miss Aunt Mary and praise the Lord that through cancer she came to know our Lord and Savior. So one day we look forward to seeing her again.
 

WB 31 Theme Song~Sweet Hour of Prayer

Well we are finally getting back to the Wisdom Booklets.We have been doing school but not the WB.So I am sooo happy to be back digging in the word of God using the Wisdom Booklets as our tool. So today we did the Theme Song worksheet.We also used 101 More Hymns Stories for the hymn background. I really love using books so we pull out our Hymn Stories whenever possible.
   Our theme song for WB 31 is Sweet Hour of Prayer which is a hymn I love. Angelina is learning it on the piano and her piano teacher had her write the notes for the hymn.I had the kids each read a verse then we discussed what it meant.Of course the title of the song is perfect with put WB major concept, sweet hour of prayer.
  Prayer is always a challenge for me.When I do pray its usually when my children are sleeping etc. so they don't see me pray to often at home. I need to allow them to see me pray and hear me pray more often.This is something the Lord has spoken to me on as I look at prayer in this WB. Not only to be an example to my children but to spend sweet fellowship with Him in prayer.
   When I looked over the kids Theme Song worksheet I loved what Daniel wrote (age 10), " Prayer is the key to heaven and you should pray every day." His understanding of the key to the throne room is prayer brought a smile to my face today.I pray he will be like the Daniel of the ancient of days a be a praying man.

WEC Fall 2011 week 4

Baby Titus first time at co-op week 4.

 Well it is hard to believe that 4 weeks of co-op have gone by already. I have been there 2 out of the 4 weeks so far but the kids who are of school age have been there all 4 weeks. This is the fall semester. WE love the co-op it is truly an extended family.This is Nehemiah's preschool Bible class.There are not many little ones first hour the other moms are smarter than me and begin the day 2nd hour :/

 Angelo & Daniel in insect class. We will be studying insects here at home with one of the WB this year so I was happy they had an Insect class to that will add to our study.

 Dominic helping in Karate.It is a blessing to see the youth teaching, and helping in this co-op. It is something that is seen thought out the day by so many of the young adults.

 Angelina studying away....

looking forward to next week :O)

I Love kissing baby feet!!

A Guide To Dressage

Both Angelina & I are interested in dressage. We are just beginning to learn what dressage is all about. Here is a link to describe what the purpose of dressage is.
A Guide To Dressage
Everything I learn about horses always reminds me of my relationship with Christ and the people He places in my life!

Angelina's 1rst dressage test B on Rio

The Carrot club :O)

Aria placed flowers in Angel's braid.

Angelina on RIO. This is the video of the USDF Introductory Level Test B schooling show,
What I enjoyed was after the test the dressage judge will give constructive points to work on and they also give a score sheet with remarks at the end of the show. The best place to be is close to the judge were you can hear all the remarks and suggestions!We sure learned a few things today and had fun!

Angelina's 1rst dressage test A on Buddy

Angelina did a USDF Introductory Level-A walk/trot schooling show on Buddy. She just began taking riding lessons and finished a week of horse camp.She had her pony Mary Poppins at camp all week for trail riding in the afternoon but because of her crooked leg she can not do lots of circles so she did the lessons & show on the school horses. She had so much fun and came home every night just full of joy. She made new friends that have the same love she has horses.
She also enjoyed some old friends that she has known for sometime.

She was so nervous in the show. She was excited to do the dressage test. She has wanted to learn dressage since she has watched the higher levels on TV etc. She enjoyed learning what a pattern is and the tips from the judges. Last night she set up a dressage arena in the living room to practice the pattern for test A. We both had fun today :O)

WB31 Meditation WS & Wisdom Quiz

WB 31 Movie~* Sheffey (praying man of God)

We did not get anything done today in the Wisdom Booklet but we did watch the movie by BJU about a circuit rider evangelist named Sheffey. I choose this movie because he was a praying man that was known to talk to God and have intimacy with God through prayer.Which goes with our major concept for WB 31. We really enjoy this movie it has been awhile since we watched it. Its been long enough that Angelina did not remember it but the older boys did. Of course me & Angelina since we are horse lovers also enjoyed Mr.Sheffey love for his horses Gideon :O) We ordered this movie on Netflix but plan on purchasing it for we feel its a good movie to watch on a cold winter night or a rainy evening.

Field Trip

The older children went on a field trip with friends of ours to the Science center. I am in the waddling stage and its getting painful to walk for long periods of time so I am trying to slow down and do less walking. So field trips with lots of walking is out for now at least until we are full term which is in a few weeks.Then I may do more walking to encourage things along lol.
I did some school with the younger guys. As a special treat we went to Burger King and had lunch.We had a special surprise when Grandma & Great Grandma spotted our van parked at Burger King and came to sit with us. You can spot that bus anywhere!
Here is a picture of Angelo doing Math. He is so excited to do the Teaching Textbook.Its funny when they see their older siblings using certain curricula how they can't wait to start.He reminds me everyday is so excited to officially start school. We use the MUS manipulative's & teaching CDs for the Teaching Textbook lessons when learning new concepts. I ended up using a permanent marker to draw the value houses on the lid of the MUS block organizer. This just makes it more convenient for me so I don't have to mess with the paper one.
Still getting the ball rolling it takes about a week to get the school days in full motion. Its sure is challenging with midwife appointments, summer activities still going on like birthday parties etc. but we will still try to get ahead for when our precious little guy comes :O)

WB 31 Major Concept & Commands of Christ #24

Today was our 1rst official day of school even though they are learning through out the summer.
I was so excited to begin Wisdom Booklet 31.As I prepared for it I know the Lord was preparing me for what we were going to learn from Him. I was not disappointed!
We began by reading the cover of the Wisdom Booklet which we do each morning to remind us of what our focus is this Wisdom Booklet. Our lesson for the day was the Major Concept: Intimacy requires privacy.We looked at the man praying on the WB cover and began looking at how God wants to be intimate with us. We need to hear Him & He enjoys hearing us when we commune with Him in prayer.
We then read the Commands of Christ #24 together~* Hear God's Voice & Attentiveness vs. Distraction. This year for the first time I purchased a Commands of Christ book for every student that could read so we could read it together like we do the Wisdom Booklets each taking a paragraph at a time. This made a world of difference because normally I would read it and after a time I could see I was loosing them which I can understand because I can loose focus unless following along myself. It is so important and so rich that it proved to be worth it.I noticed a difference in their following what the discussion was. I will only need to purchase two books this year to cover all 8 Wisdom Booklets I plan to do.
The lesson was so rich I thought I would highlight some of the things discussed:

• rhemas -I challenged them to look for the rhemas as they read the word of God and we need to get back to discussing it



• hearing God's voice~* looked at examples in scripture



• different types of ways God spoke to His people in scripture~* examples like Samuel , Jacob, etc.



• How does God affirm He is speaking



• attentiveness vs. distraction~* practical steps to hear God's voice by having quiet time with Him in prayer , reading the word of God, & meditating on scripture.



• looked at the body, soul, & spirit ~* God's spirit wants intimacy with our spirit

This all tied in to our Major Concept, verse, character focus, & hymn for this Wisdom Booklet.It was an awesome way as one of the building blocks for laying the foundation of what we are learning this month in WB 31. We will continue to build on this foundation the rest of the week as we do the character Quality WS, Wisdom Quiz, etc. Then all the subjects we build on the foundation will be the following 3 weeks.

Another thing i wanted to mention was we broke it down in to two parts. We completed the Attentiveness vs. Distraction & personal application during evening devotions to break it up a bit.I simply copied the personal application and had them fill it out. I love how all the IBLP products always challenge you in personal application & self evaluation.I want to see are they hearing God &what is He saying to them.I was challenged and excited to spend more intimate time with my Lord & King.What a privilege it is and a joy!!!!

Finally the verse that goes with my blog. John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me"

That is the reason we use the Wisdom Booklets and I am so excited to tie that in today with lambs as I want them to hear their Father's voice and follow Him even when the path is narrow & rocky, through the valley of the shadow of death that they fear no evil . I pray the Lord gives them hearing hearts all the days of their lives.

Hands of a Child 45% off sale!

Hands of a Child is having a huge back to school sale. 45% off!!!! This is when I purchase the things I need when there is a sale :O)There are other specials going on to just click on the link for more information and to get the special code # for the sale.

http://www.handsofachild.com/

PH Balance Green Smoothie

OK I wanted to share an alkaline drink for those who need more veges in their diet :O) I love vegetables but my hubby does not.He is having acid reflux problems so I am looking for ways to get more alkaline into him. Everything he eats is acid base. So for those who have a loved one that thinks vegetables are for horse, goats, & cows here is a vege smoothie you might want to try.

PH Balance Green Smoothie

Our Daily schedule using the Wisdom Booklets

On the Wisdom Searches an ATI mom asked what does our daily schedule look like? So here is a post of what my day typical day looks like using the WB.

Wisdom Booklet: subject ~Bible
 Every morning we start with the Wisdom Booklets because we want to start our day with God's word. We sit together as a family and review cover of the WB reading the verse, character trait, & major concept. We then sing the WB hymn together and sometimes other hymns . We then read scripture the WB recommends for wisdom searchers. Wisdom searches is exactly as it sounds we are reading the Bible looking for wisdom from God in His word . The wisdom searchers relate to the verse, concept, or character in some way.

Wisdom Booklet: reading resource
Each student has a WB. Ideally I will read the little peoples text out loud then dismiss those who can't read. This benefits the older students as it is a condensed version and outline of what we will be studying in the resource. The students who can read that remain each take a paragraph to read out loud as we go in a circle reading through the selected resource. I have really found the beneficial in having them practice reading out loud and strengthening their reading skills. I can also help them break up the word if struggling reading. Reading together also benefits we can discuss and relate it to the WB themes. It can take anywhere from 1-3 days to read through a resource sometimes more depending on how much information we are covering. 

Wisdom Booklet time is my favorite part of the day. I am always spiritually feed and love the discussions that come out of this time as a family together.

We then do the 3 Rs: Reading , writing, and arithmetic. which include:.

• Math
• Language arts : spelling ,writing, grammar, literature
• reading

Lunch time!

Wisdom booklet projects are done in the afternoon. At this time we do a study and work on a notebook, writing assignment, or lapbook. We also can do hands on projects, crafts, art,chores,movie, read aloud etc. Whatever I have planned for the WB projects. 

 I would love to hear comments on how you use the Wisdom Booklets.It may just help another mom using the Wisdom Booklets :O)

Queen Anne’s Lace Fireworks! | 5 Orange Potatoes

I love Queen Anne's lace. I always thought it would make a beautiful arrangement for a summer country wedding. I found this blog post on how to color Queen Anne's Lace. It is so hot I am reading more blogs than I am posting. I feel like I am sleeping the summer away between the heat and at the end stretch with the baby :/ Waiting for the temp. to drop to begin school. I can't wait but being pregnant in this heat is just putting school on hold for now.

Here is the link to the blog-coloring Queen Anne's Lace..there is even a science lesson with it :O)
Queen Anne’s Lace Fireworks! 5 Orange Potatoes

Angelina's 1rst riding lesson

Dandelion Jelly recipe

I really loved this idea and would love to give it a try.How to make Dandelion Jelly out of Dandelions of course.It taste like honey. I thought I would share and post :O)

The Martin Family » Blog Archive » Creativity #2

2011-2012 Curriculum we plan to use this school year

Homeschool moms are discussing on blogs the curriculum they plan on using this school year which officially begins for our family next Monday.So I thought I would post my plans for this school year taking one day at a time. I planned on starting July 1rst but between the heat & being tired do to pregnancy I have been dragging my feet. Today there was no humidity so I felt wonderful and prepared looked over the next months plan of action.

So here is what we plan to use for this school year:

1. Wisdom Booklets for every student grades 3-10 subjects include: Bible, Linguistics, History, Geography, Science, Law, Medicine (health)





2. Wisdom Booklet Language Arts: for grade 5 & 8 (Daniel & Angelina)





3. Character Quality Language Arts level C for my two highschool students.Dom & Joe





4. Latin Road to English Grammar- Angelina, Joe, & Dominic extra LA when time allows





5. Christ Centered Curriculum: learning to read Angelo, Job, & Nehemiah





6. Teaching textbooks: everyone but Dominic





7. Math U See: Dominic





8. Abeka Consumer Math: Dominic & Joe





9. classes at the co-op ex. Engineering Drawing , art, etc.





10. Dominic is playing high school football this year





11. Angelina is taking piano lessons & riding lessons





12. Literature= various read aloud and books read that go with what we are learning in the Wisdom Booklets





13. Nehemiah is doing letter of the week preschool pages by confessions of a homeschooler.He is doing activities that correspond with what his his big brothers are working on with the CCC.





14. Bible Quizzing: studying the book of Hebrews, 1&2 Peter everyone but Job & Nehemiah




15. Rosetta Stone Latin or Spanish ( depending maybe just hopeful thinking lol)

We use various lapbooks, notebooking pages, living books etc. to amplify what we are studying in the Wisdom Booklets. The Wisdom Booklet studies , LA, & Math are our main focus this year.The boys will be doing two highschool Math courses for example Joe Algebra & Consumer Math in stead of a science course this year. They will of course still be studying science in the Wisdom Booklets but not doing an addition science course like Apologia. I plan to jump back in to Apologia next year for the highschool students but felt Consumer Math would benefit them as adults.

As I said our main focus will be the Wisdom Booklets, LA, & Math. We feel these are the most important. LA & Math is what the required testing is in 3rd, 5th, & 8th grade in PA and also what is on the SAT tests as well as life skills that will be used all their lives.So we feel these 3 things are the most important to get accomplished in our homeschool. Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God (Wisdom Booklets) & all these things shall be added unto you. Still our vision and focus of why we choose to use the Wisdom Booklets :O)

I am looking forward to starting the WB next week, we will be focusing on prayer & intimacy with God.

Grades this year:

• Dominic = 10th grade


• Joseph= 9th grade


• Angelina= 7th grade


• Daniel= 5th grade


• Angelo- 3rd grade


• Job=1rst


• Nehemiah= Prek4


• plus a newborn will be added to the mix

So I will have 5 portfolios to turn in this coming school year. Doing unit type studies are such a blessing when you have multiple ages and a large family especially when all the subjects are taught together except LA & Math.

I love to read what other homeschool moms are doing and how they homeschool. What are your plans this year or do yo have a blog to share :O)

Passport to Purity ~* Angelina

This past weekend Angelina & I had a mother / daughter weekend with the purpose of completing the Passport to Purity curriculum. Passport to Purity is a great way to learn sex education from a Biblical view. This is the first time I have done this and it may be the last since I only have one daughter. We really had a special time together!

Since I am 32 weeks pregnant we were limited to what we could do together. I would of loved to go riding all weekend. Maybe next year.We decided to go to a horse show and swim since we both enjoy those things together.So we stayed at a hotel were there is a pool open 24 hours.

It is also recommended to purchase a special gift. So we purchased her a purity ring at the Christian store and a necklace with a charm. Her gifts were a purity ring to remind her of the commitment to the Lord she made to be a virgin on the day she gets married and to save her first kiss for her wedding day. She also got a musical note charm with a cross in the center since she is beginning to learn to play the piano that with hopes to serve the Lord someday.

Here is a picture of the Passport to Purity box and some prepared activities or projects.
My hubby who has done this a few times got everything ready for me.There are 5 projects to complete so he organized it by bag for me. Here is a picture of Angelina & project #1 the puzzle.These projects are hands on lesson as a reminder and visual of what watch session is about.

Angelina in the swimming pool in her new modest bathing suite :O) She really likes her bathing suit she feels feminine & modest.

For dinner we went to the Steak & Shake Diner.It was our first time eating at this little diner.

We of course went to a horse show :O) There was a fun costume show & a Hunter Show. There were a selection of breeds including a Belgium .I did not get many pictures of the actual horse show but I had to take a picture of both our favorite Arabians! We have always owned Arabians and I really miss owning one. When my Quarter Horse retires my next horse will be an Arabian.

Angelina helped pass out ribbons and enjoyed some friends.

Beautiful!!!! I was in heaven with the blue sky in the background watching the Arabs main & tail flying in the wind.I am sure when Jesus comes it will be on a white Arabian lol

Oh I forgot to mention this is our friends barn they are also Christians so it is always great fellowship.

I am so blessed to have a little girl and one that enjoys the things I enjoy. It makes planning easy & fun. She left a baby girl and came home a young women :(.... They grow too fast....

VBS 2011

We had VBS last week.Our theme liberty in Christ & in our nation (July 4rth)

An evangelist gave challenging messages each night. The kids earned points to win the chalk drawings. They earned points by bringing a Bible, memory verse, bring a guest etc.

Here is my hubby who is an ex-Marine but with his long beard looks more like a mid-eastern soldier lol .He is still a soldier of the cross (loved that hymn in the past WB)
Not only was there chalk drawings but puppet.I wish I would of video taped the history of the Christan flag since it was one of the recommend studies for the Wisdom Booklets.

One of the the things that saddened me as it was discussed through out the week was how so many Americans do not know the how our nation was founded on Christianity. I am so thankful we homeschool and are able to learn the true history of our great country. It really make me proud to be an American and pass the story on to the next generation my children.

Community kids writing their verses to memorize.This is what it is all about :O)

Nehemiah showing one of the crafts he made.

Job won a picture and the artist Gary made my day when he brought in an oil painting of Noah's Ark for the baby as a gift. That was the message that spoke to me the most.How God calls us to be righteous even when others don't.

Salvation messages of course !















Game time!

End of the VBS celebration with all American hotdogs. My older children served in VBS passing out food and helping their Dad in game time.

I just loved the chalk talks and would love to take the Eternity Arts course offered by IBLP(ATI) .My husband who has an evangelistic heart could give the message while I drew on the streets and fairs :O) Some day in another season. In the meantime maybe my Joe the artist can take the course in the near future.