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!

2014 Goals

I've had these completed for a few days now but was hesitant to share because some are pretty personal but I think the only way to encourage one another is to open up and let others know that you are human.  I fail, I make mistakes - big surprise, huh?  Lol, so these are for me but I hope they encourage you!

Self/Health

*daily prayer/bible study time – decide on devotional or study

*exercise 3 x a week (M, W, Th)

*drink 64oz water daily

*Lose 60 pounds

    1st goal – 10 – by end of Jan

    2nd goal – 10 – by end of Mar

    3rd goal – 10 – by end of May

    4th goal – 15 –by end of Aug

    5th goal –15 – by end of Oct

Wife

*send Good morning - I love you txt

*marriage conference??

*date night

*pray daily using 31dbbs - January

Mother

*continue to work on praise – write them down

*spend more one on one time even if it’s at home and not out

*something special for a 16 yo – don’t cry :)

Homeschool Teacher

*plan our lessons on Saturdays for the upcoming week

*set up testing (decide what option I want to use this year)

*decide on curriculum for new school year – budget and order -

*keep accurate grades/records

*update homeschool blog at least weekly but hopefully according to schedule

*take more pictures and video of our day

Homemaker

*rise and shine by 7:00

*update to-do list every night before bed

*set and evaluate monthly goals

*use motivated moms planner daily

*inspect chores DAILY before any free activities can take place – implement a secret reward system??

*continue morning/afternoon chores

Church Member

*pray more – complain less

*head up mother/daughter camp

*help new Youth Pastor

*teach preK SS class

Other

*making a running review list in calendar

*make a list of family serving opportunities and schedule – ie soup kitchen, CHEW bags, local theatre, church,

Youtube Schedule

*Monday – grocery haul

*Wednesday – weigh ins

*Friday – homeschool, crafts, recipes, favorites, misc

*Saturday – menu planning/week of meals??

Blogging Schedule

*Monday – photo challenge (will help with more posts goal as well)

*Wednesday – reviews when due

*Saturday – weekly wrap up

Financial

*clear out 2013

*prep for 2014 – print out budget sheets

*set up annual and monthly budget

*evaluate 2013

*set up monthly budget – evaluate bi-weekly

*menu plan weekly – budget $125 per week for groceries

31 Days To Pray For Your Spouse

I'm joining the 31 Days To Pray For Your Spouse Challenge. It starts January 1, 2014.  What a great way to start a new year!  

Anyone interested in joining with me?

Follow these simple steps:

1. You will need the 31 Days To Build A Better Spouse e-book.  You can purchase it here** for only $4.99.
2. Sign up for the challenge here.

**post contains affiliate links

Homeschool Weekly Photo Challenge

One of my goals for 2014 is to take more photos of our homeschool day so I was thrilled to find a linky challenge to help with this goal!

This week's challenge is FAMILY.

Here's a photo of a photo taken 3 years ago - boy have we all changed!!

Here are the kids chilling on Christmas Eve. :)

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

See more photos at The Canadian Homeschool or link up your own.