5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials - Other Homeschoolers

This week I will be sharing with you our 5 days of Homeschooling Essentials.  

I've tried to think back to when I first started and the overwhelmed feeling that I felt and what direction I went at the time.  So the first thing I did was......

Find other homeschoolers in my area!  That was my first essential.  Thank the Lord, in my area there are lots of homeschooling families I could turn too.  Some had even began in the early 80's and had pretty much paved the road for our first homeschooling adventures.  They showed me the curriculum they were using, introduced me to other families so I could see how they homeschooled, shared with me the NC homeschooling law, and showed me how to sign up for our local homeschool group where I met even more families.  

I know that option is not available for some of you.  Some of you are feeling very alone in this journey but if your reading this - you have access to the Internet which means you have access to Homeschool Blogs.  I have said before that I am a visual learner.  Seeing how others do what they do helps to inspire and encourage me to keep on keeping on.  So, to those of you who are wondering if your homeschool posts ever matter - I'm here to tell you they do!  

One of the best places to start on the Internet is the Schoolhouse Review Crew blogs.  From there you can find many others from their blogs.  A google search of homeschool blogs will lead you to many more!  

A word of warning though - do not fall into the comparison trap.  If that easily happens to you, then just pick a few and look for ideas to spin your own way for your children and your homeschool.  God has made each of us unique and our homeschools will and should reflect that uniqueness!

So, to get you started on your journey here is a list of just a few of the Review Crew blogs and their Essentials for Homeschooling.  You can also find many more by clicking the banner below.  

Marcy @ Ben and Me
Lisa @ Golden Grasses
Tess @ Circling Through This Life
Victoria @ Homemaking with Heart
Kayla @ The Arrowood Zoo
Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory
Deanna @ His Treasure Seekers
Beth @ Ozark Ramblings
Rebecca @ Raventhreads

Review - Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal

*Links in this article are affiliate links.

Today is the day - the day that I share my review of the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal that I've been hinting about for a little while now!  

I am a huge fan of C.S. Lewis and I am sharing that love of his writings with my children who are also becoming huge fans.  Can you believe that I had never read any of his writings until I was in my late 30's?   That's just WRONG and I knew I wanted to change that with my children!  We have studied a little about apologetics in our Sunday School class and our teacher recommended that we read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Well, as with life I never did get around to it.  So, when this review opportunity came up I knew this was my chance!  I also knew that I wanted to add it in to my high school apologetic curriculum at some point.

Here is a little information from Home School Adventure Company on what you can expect from Mere Christianity and the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal.

Book Description

The classic work commonly known as Mere Christianity is actually a four-book series which explores the common ground upon which all Christians stand. It brings together Lewis’ legendary radio talks broadcast during World War II previously published as: Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe, What Christians Believe, Christian Behavior, and Beyond Personality (or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity), and provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear this powerful apologetic for the Christian faith.

The Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal is a powerful tool to strengthen critical thinking while cultivating a biblical worldview. Although it was originally created to be a companion resource to Philosophy Adventure, it may also be used as group or independent study for teenagers or adults.

It provides 10-16 questions for each chapter which can be discussed in: 

• homeschools
• co-ops
• classrooms
• Sunday school
• small groups
• families

I am not completely through reading the book and journal but I can easily see how this will help me reinforce what my high schooler is learning. As stated in the description, each chapter includes questions to help aid you when you are discussing what your student has learned. So, even if you don't have time to read it for yourself this can be a valuable resource to help keep the discussion alive. 

I love the fact that the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal assists the student in critical thinking skills but I love even more that it does it from a biblical worldview. 

I am certain that if my children cannot defend what they believe then their belief could and possibly will easily waver. 

I'll admit that more often than not I have a difficult time coming up with the right questions to ask to stir up those critical questions. Not only does the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal consist of thought provoking questions for the student but suggested answers for the parent/teacher! 

I must also add that I think this is a great book and journal for adults as well especially those like me!

Since this is launch week for the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal, you can purchase it for 10% off the normal price until January 31, 2014. Normal price after that date will be $28.95.

I'd also like to invite you to a Facebook party to kick off the launch of the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal happening on Thursday, January 16 at 8PM ET. There will be lots of prizes up for grabs there.

It has been a great pleasure to work with the author of the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal and founder of Home School Adventure Company, Ms. Stacy Farrell.  Her dedication to the Lord is clear in the curriculum that she has designed.  Here is a little more about Stacy and the other resources she has made available to us.  I thank God for her dedication!

Stacy Farrell’s worldview changed when she embarked on her homeschooling adventure in 2002.

Her background as a consultant and writer well-prepared her to teach communication skills; however, only hands-on experience (and much time spent on her knees) equipped her to mentor her sons through the character-transformation required to help them work toward their full potential.

Stacy has spoken at a variety of homeschool conferences and has published articles in leading Christian magazines. She wrote scripts for Willow Creek’s youth ministry, copy for Pastor Bill Hybel’s “Defining Moments” Audio Newsletter, and a broad range of material for corporate and non-profit clients. She also managed a law firm that specialized in civil rights litigation and constitutional law. Today, she loves to help empower students to recover territory lost by “fuzzy thinking” and low expectations. To that end, she created:

• Philosophy Adventure™—Pre-Socratics – designed to help students 6th-12th grade cultivate and defend a biblical worldview by teaching them how to write skillfully, think critically, and speak articulately as they explore the history of ideas
• Philippians in 28 Weeks™ — a simple and painless way to memorize an entire book of Scripture
• The Wise Woman with Literary Analysis Journal Questions – an enchanting fable that unmasks the ugliness of pride and selfishness
• Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal -- a powerful tool to strengthen critical thinking while cultivating a biblical worldview.

Although Stacy loves to write, speak, and teach, she considers her role as wife to Roger and mother to two precious sons to be her greatest work and privilege. You can learn more about her resources at Home School Adventure Company.

Weekly Wrap Up - Week 16

In my life this week…

Back to school and the new school year!  I'm an organizer and love, love a fresh new year with a fresh start.  It revives me.  :)  We started back on our full schedule but overall it was a smooth week.

In our homeschool this week…

Week 16 complete!  We are plugging right along and jumped right back in.  We are currently up to the beginning of The Dark Ages in history and studying the heart in science anatomy.  Our read aloud is Patricia St. John's Twice Freed.  I can not get enough of her books!

Changes we're making...
For Stephen and Sarah, we have ditched God and the History of Art.  I still look over the lessons for the week but most of the time I choose not to do them.

Jonathan began Dave Ramsey's Foundations curriculum this week and I'm watching it and going over it with him. We are only on week 1 but I can already say - I LOVE IT!!  In my opinion, every teenager should have to take this course.  I sure wish I had!

I’m cooking…

Here is a video of our dinners for the week.

I’m grateful for…

A brand new year with a fresh new start.  Check out my 2014 goals!

A photo that needs no words…

Linking up with The Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weekly Wrap-Up!.

Homeschool Weekly Photo - Languages

This week's theme was Languages.  Until high school, my children usually study Latin as a Foreign Language.  I am a big fan of Latin For Children (see our review) but beyond that I just can't find a curriculum that I like - so far.  I know there has to be one out there but we just haven't found it yet.  So, for now we are using Rosetta Stone.  It's okay but I don't think it's worth the cost and I don't see much in retaining either.  

In High School, we switch to Spanish just because I think Spanish is a language we all should know!  We've been using Rosetta Stone for that as well following My Father's World lesson plans which add in an extra activities to gain the high school credit.  It's better but I still don't think it's the right program for us.  

On the plus side, it is a very independent program which I do love.

You can join in on the weekly photo challenge here.

Author Interview - Stacy Ferrell, author of The Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal

Coming soon, I will be posting a review for Homeschool Adventure Company's newest resource at this time, The Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal.  

This journal is used with the classic book by C.S. Lewis called Mere Christianity and I will be sharing more about my thoughts on that coming soon.  There is a pre-order sale going on right now that ends January 20th.

First, I'd love to introduce you to the author of The Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal and CEO of Homeschool Adventure Company, Ms. Stacy Farrell.  Here are some interview questions/answers to give you a glimpse into her heart behind writing.  

• When planning a new book, how do you go about planning for it? Do you have a method you use, or is each one different? 

Proverbs 16:9 declares: “In his heart, a man makes his plans, but the Lord determines his steps.” If you had asked me this question 20 years ago, I would have told you how I outlined and scheduled and planned. I’m a planner by nature. However, I have learned the hard way that “unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Each book I have written for Home School Adventure Co. has a unique story behind it—and not one would have been completed without the support of many faithful prayer warriors.

• Do you have a certain writing space, somewhere you go *just* to write your books? An office, a lake cabin, a hotel? What do you love about that space? How does it inspire you?

Writing resources for Home School Adventure Co. has pretty much demanded everything I can give to it (and more!). So, wherever I go, my writing goes with me.

I am especially grateful to my sons for helping me lug around the backpack and bags that contain my laptop and research materials.

• What would you say to a young person who aspires to be a writer? What advice would you give? Also, what would you tell his/her parents in order to help them be supportive in their child's efforts to pursue writing as a career?

Writing is hard work. Sometimes inspiration hits and the words simply flow. However, the writer who consistently writes can ultimately surpass a more talented writer who waits for the Muse before picking up his or her pen (or keyboard).

Think of eternity, always. Imagine that moment when you will stand before God and give an account for what you have done with the talents He entrusted to you. Let that guide all your decisions.

Parents, encourage your students to write every day. Then take the time to read and comment on what they write. Even if you do not consider yourself a writer, surely you consider yourself a reader. What is clear? What is confusing? Applaud their efforts and tell them the truth.

• Would your advice be any different (from question #3) for an adult who would like to break into the business? How?

Pray. Listen. Obey.

“Count the cost.”

Luke 14:28 tells us to consider the price we must pay before undertaking a work, but there is also a cost associated with not undertaking a work to which He calls us.

That said, as parents and family members, we would be wise to maintain a measure of balance.

Remember Solomon’s words: “The writing of many books is endless” (Ecc. 12:12). Books will pass away; people are eternal.

Do not allow your writing to interfere with your loving.

• What is your goal with writing? Is it the same with every book?

My goal for every book is the same as my goal for life. I pray that all my efforts help people more fully know and love Jesus.

• What other projects will you be working on in the near future?

In 2014, we hope to release a print edition of Philippians in 28 Weeks – King James Version.

• What is one lesson you learned from writing this book?

Simple truth packs a punch.

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis tackles some hefty questions. Yet, upon pondering his answers, I realized that much of what he says distills down to common sense.

(Voltaire would argue that “common sense is not so common.”)

• What books have most influenced you?

Different books have impacted me during different seasons of my life.

• With all of the duties that you juggle, when do you fit in the time to write?

This is a great question. There is no denying that writing requires many sacrifices. Truth be told, all too often my sons have heard me say, “I need to concentrate. Please don’t talk to me right now!”

However, because my sons need and deserve my focused attention during our school days, much of my writing is done before dawn (while my household sleeps), or late at night.

• What is the Scripture verse that you would call your favorite?

At a writer’s conference some years ago, I came to believe that Philippians 2:14-16 might be my “life verse.”

I could not pick a favorite verse, but I can say that I feel particularly convicted to live out Philippians 2:14-16:

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.  Then you will shine like stars in the sky as you hold out the word of life.”

I think you can clearly see the heart behind the writer here and I for one can truly say - I LOVE it!  Thank you Stacy for taking the time to share your talents and your heart with us!

January Meal Plan, Budget, and Grocery Hauls

Budget Update - $500 
Spent - $490.04
Total Under - $9.96

Here is my list of January Meals.  

Our family monthly budget is $500 (just raised this last month to allow a little more freedom in our groceries for hungry teenagers) but I am going to try my best to stick with $400 this month.  

Our breakfast and lunch menus stay pretty much the same and breakfast foods are always available as a backup dinner option too!

I don't elaborately plan but like to have an idea of what is on hand and what is needed. 

ham steaks x 3
pasta x 4
taco soup
oven bbq chicken
rotisserie chicken
veggie beef soup x 2
chili x 2
tacos x 2
pork chops
beans and rice
enchiladas

homemade nuggets and fries

muffin meatloaf

I'll add in the videos as I make them and update the budget overage/shortage.

FREE Household Planner

I've used my Motivated Moms Planner for several years now and really like it but I thought I'd go a different route this year since I came across The Confident Mom Household Planner for FREE!

I'll let you know how it works out for me but it looks awesome!