This week in our homeschool

In my life this week…

Trying to get back into the swing of things has been difficult this week.  We've been organizing our school area and curriculum.  The clutter has been narrowed down to a point where one hour a week will be enough to get things in order.  Next week I would really like to focus on getting our routines down.

In our homeschool this week…

We kicked it up just a notch and completed more lessons.  I've noticed a huge change in my son's attitude toward school this year.  Of course there is still a good amount of whining, but it doesn't last as long as last year.

My son has been going to the pool regularly with one of our neighbors, and though he's not excited about me working outside the home, he's enjoying time with the neighbors.

My favorite thing this week was…

...a book I found in all my purging, They Beheld His Glory by Alice Parmelee.

Ms. Parmelee writes:

"This book is an attempt to see Jesus through the eyes of the men and women who knew him face to face, the people who became his friends.  In trying to present the people around Jesus so that they will live for us today, I introduce background material and permit them to speak a few words not found in the Scriptures.  Searching the Gospels for records of the men and women who knew the Master, and reading their brief stories with our imaginations alert, we find ourselves in first-century Palestine..."

Alice Parmelee has a rich knowledge of New Testament times, places, and customs in which she brings alive stories about doubting Thomas, Mary and Martha, and the Wise Men of the East.

The first story about the Shepherds of Bethlehem was filled with scripture references and opened the door for discussion on what's fair.  In that time the Shepherds were looked down upon because they were unable to attend Passover and the Feasts.  They were considered lowly, but God sent angels to tell them of the birth of Jesus.

This book is now our Biography textbook for the year, and I'm excited to see how the people who actually knew Jesus will come alive for my son.

What’s working/not working for us…

Menu planning!  I spent so much time planning meals for my mother to be quite honest I'm burned out on menu planning.  I've been wanting to visit all you wonderful bloggers that are posting about this subject, but I just don't have the passion for it yet.  This will have to change soon because I'm a planner by nature, and my son's health is a priority.  Don't get me wrong he is eating pretty healthy, but adjustments need to be made.

Things I’m working on…

The hunt for a permanent job is on-going.

I'm also still working on my son's lesson plans.  I have decided to split the year into three terms of 12 weeks with a two week break every 6 weeks.  Not planning too far in advance with the curriculum seems to be where I falter.  Life happens and I want to be flexible enough, but not too flexible as my son and I need the stability of a plan. 

I’m grateful for…

...my wonderful sisters who love me unconditionally, and support me in this crazy life.  They understand my circumstances and the hardships we are experiencing.  Caring for my mother's needs in a less hands-on way is still overwhelming at times, considering my options to financially support my son is weighing heavily on me, and dealing with my son's father is becoming a frustrating, heart-wrenching ordeal. 

I’m praying for…

..the Lord to see me through this time of struggle, and for my many friends and family. 

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

"In an impersonal, fast-moving world where we feel more like a number than a person, it is easy to believe that our vertical relationship is much the same.  Nameless faces before a preoccupied God; busy people involved in meaningless, futile activity.  Not so!  God's Word assures us of an identity and promises us that our lives have order, reason, and purpose.  Let us live today with that comforting confidence... God knows what He is about."  Charles Swindoll, The Quest for Character

How was your week?