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My Mid-Term Makeover and a GIVEAWAY! {Closed}

Valerie Basham

February 8, 2011

Scroll down to read about how to enter!

It’s that time of year again. Our books are getting tattered. The kids are well over the excitement of being in a new grade. We’re tired of the cold, cloudy winter days. Blah.

It’s time for a mid-term makeover!

Yep. I need a homeschooling-pick-me-up! I love looking through catalogs, reading online reviews and perusing homeschooling blogs and magazines! Getting new ideas helps me restore vision and zeal. I wanted to share a few of the things I’m looking into trying for next semester and the next school year.

I suppose the first thing I’m mulling over, is the idea of homeschooling all year long. I have five beautiful children. They have doctors appointments, dentist visits, state-mandated testing, piano lessons, dreaded “sick days” and once in a while, we just want a day off for fun! Too many interruptions leave me feeling behind and cause my children to race to catch up. That leads to sloppy work, which leads to re-doing said sloppy work, and which leads to all of us being frazzled! So. Not. Fun. I am thinking that if we work year round, with only a month off in the summer, we could relax during the year and enjoy our school days more. We could work during bad weather, and enjoy the outdoors during nice weather. Also, it would reduce what I call “summer amnesia” which is the direct result of taking a 12 week summer break from our studies!

For my pre-schooler I’m thinking about:
Rod & Staff pre-school workbooks. They are cute and biblical! I like the fact that they are very relaxed and easy to use. No teacher prep – my favorite feature! In the past I’ve used the A Beka K4 materials for preschool. I found the K4 to be very similar to K5, and since I use A Beka for kindergarten, I don’t want to be redundant. I like variety! 🙂

For my 5 year old, we’re going to try:
Math-U-See! Yes, I’ve been “studyin'” on this for some time now. To buy or not to buy, that has been the question! It was a tough decision. Last year, I almost made the large initial investment, but was unsure about it. My husband said, “When in doubt, don’t.” So, I didn’t. THEN, not too long ago, I saw that Math-U-See offers a 90 day money back guarantee! I am currently giving it a try. So far, it’s a go! My five year old LOVES it. My 3rd grader even likes it, though not as enthusiastically. (But I suspect that it’s because he just doesn’t want to admit it! He works too quickly to be totally against it!)

For my 3rd – soon to be 4th!- grader:
Speedy Spanish – This is a workbook written on the 3rd grade level, but it’s not too immature for an older child. It comes with CD’s that pronounce the words. It has matching activities, scripture memory and songs in both Spanish and English. It also includes mini “flashcards” that the student colors and uses to practice with or be quizzed by. It looks like it will be mucho grande fun! 😉 Read Cathy Duffy’s review HERE.

A few things I’m trying for my 6th – soon to be 7th! – grader:
Modesty Matters You CAN Sew! This is a home Ec. curriculum that teaches step by step how to sew some simple things. It includes DVDs and written text work. I have viewed a few classes and am very pleased! It begins with notions and how to thread the machine and moves slowly from there. It gives a girl a basic knowledge of sewing – which is just what I wanted!

The Write Stuff and From Heart to Page – Journaling Through the Year for Young Writers. Two creative writing sources that I am eager to try. The Write Stuff is a writing course that gets the student to write, without concern for proper punctuation or grammar at first. It gives ideas to get their juices flowing. I’m looking forward to giving it a whirl!
From Heart to Page is a small booklet of journal entry prompts. I think it will work for either my daughter or my son. This looks to be useful whenever I will want the kids to write only a paragraph or two.
I have enjoyed using the ACE Literature/Creative Writing Paces, but since writing is near and dear to my heart, I’m always looking for ways to encourage and enhance this skill in my kiddos.

Life of Fred – This is a math series that builds math into a story. If you like the Charlotte Mason method of schooling, then this is your kind of math book! My daughter, who loves to read, is enjoying this very much. But…I’m still not sure that her understanding is any greater. We will forge ahead and see what happens. If she needs more help, I’m looking into trying Math-U-See with her as well.

Literature – I’ve always loved the A Beka Book literature anthologies. They select excellent stories and classical artwork to offer a very well rounded literature education. For my oldest girl, we’ll be using their Of People book. I’ve skimmed it and fully believe she will finish it before her 7th grade year is over. She will also continue with her usual voracious reading from our library. 🙂

Health – A while back, I purchased Prudence and the Millers and Prudence and Your Health. It has since occupied a nice space on one of our bookshelves. {blushing} I will be dusting it off and getting my money’s worth this year! 🙂

When the mid-term blues overwhelm me, I look at my 11 year old working a math problem, or writing an essay, or reading a book in the Wrinkle in Time series and I remember that I did that! I taught her to read! I taught her to write the alphabet, I taught her about sentences, how to add, subtract, multiply, divide! I even taught her how to tie her shoes! That gives me a great deal of satisfaction and encouragement. I can look at my other children’s abilities and receive more joy. Count your “homeschooling blessings” the next time the blues drift your way. You will feel better immediately! 🙂

***GIVEAWAY INSTRUCTIONS***

So…how ’bout you? Do you need a mid-term makeover? If so, enter my giveaway! I will be drawing a name on February 15. The winner will have a choice between a $25 gift card to Christian Book Distributors or a year’s subscription to Home School Enrichment Magazine! You have until midnight on Valentine’s Day to do one or more of the following: Tweet about this giveaway, post this giveaway on Facebook, post about this giveaway on your blog. Leave a comment telling me which one(s) you have done. You will be entered once for each thing you do. On Facebook? Why not “like” my page? 🙂

***Winner will be announced at 8 AM, Tuesday, February 15, 2011!***

I look forward to adding some zing to your mid-term!

Happy Homeschooling!
Valerie

Does Sin Grieve Me?

Valerie Basham

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February 2, 2011

From If by Amy Carmichael:

If I find myself half-carelessly taking lapses for granted, “Oh that’s what they always do,”
“Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that,” then I know nothing of Calvary love.

This paragraph was excellent food for thought. While I don’t want to cast stones or judge others for lapses in character or action, I should be grieved over sin in another person’s life. When I see a person (saved or lost, it doesn’t matter) who is not behaving in a way that lines up with Scripture, I should be grieved in my heart. I should pray for their salvation, or for their turning back to the Lord. Others only see Christ in us by our works. If our works do not glorify God, then how can we be a light for our Savior? One cannot see my soul to know that Jesus does, in fact, abide there. They can only see Him through my words and deeds.

I want to pray and grieve when one isn’t obeying the Savior. I don’t want to brush it off. I don’t want to make excuses for them. I don’t want to judge. I want to love.

Valerie

Funny Hats

Valerie Basham

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January 31, 2011

This past weekend Lauren, found an easy way to make paper hats. She made one for each of the kids, even Matthew! They all had fun posing in their new hats. 🙂

Thankful for simple pleasures,
Valerie

Keeping Busy

Valerie Basham

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January 28, 2011

Whenever there are problems in my life which I cannot control, I find that Satan wants to keep my mind on those problems. He wants me to worry about them! And guess what? I find myself wanting to dwell upon those problems. I rehearse them over and over, even though I know full well that I cannot fix them. I caught myself doing this recently, so I decided I needed a project to work on. Of course, cooking, cleaning, home schooling, blogging, laundry, etc. is always present in my life, but I find that I can do many of these tasks without really having to think about it! I needed something else to focus on. I didn’t have to look far to find something. My house is filled to the brim with activity 24/7, and with that activity comes clutter and dust!

I noticed a while back that my kitchen cabinets were looking kinda…dingy. I found some cleaner at the store that said it was good for cabinets. I dug out a good old rag (good and old? Yes, somehow, it fits both of these adjectives!) and got to work! It felt good to attack the dust that had been sitting for there for —- too long!

{click to enlarge}

Can you see the difference in the photos? We certainly noticed it in real life! 🙂 This cleaner smelled like oranges, so it made everything smell so clean! Before I cleaned the lower cabinets, I went over them with a wet sponge to remove grime. I was shocked at how dirty they had gotten! It felt so good to see them shine. And it did, in fact, keep my mind and hands very busy!

Yesterday, my sweet little Matthew started getting sick. 😦 After a very sleepless night last night, I knew he must be ill. Sure enough, he has a double ear infection. A trip to the doctor’s office and pharmacy (which took four hours total), kept me busy today. I am writing this while holding him upright so he can get some rest. He hasn’t been sleeping and I’m exhausted. I am hoping that the antibiotics and pain medicine will work soon so he can feel better – and I can sleep. 🙂

Playing with a blanket and not feeling too well.

My sweet, sick boy. You can see by his eyes that he’s not up to par.

I am so grateful for doctors and modern medicine. I was able to get him right in to see our pediatrician and got his prescription filled at a drive through pharmacy in about five minutes! I am so thankful we were not away from home and that the weather was not bad – as it could easily be this time of year. We had no trouble! God is so good, even during the valleys and trials of life.

To God be the Glory

Valerie Basham

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January 27, 2011

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 19:1

Just wanted to share a beautiful sunset that I enjoyed a few days ago. I am so grateful for the Lord’s gentle and loving reminders that He is with me. I join with creation in giving praise to my Creator, my Saviour, my Master.

Valerie

A Little Experiment

Valerie Basham

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January 21, 2011

I have a wonderful blogging friend over at Thoughts from a Homemaker’s Heart who is an expert photographer. For some time now, I’ve admired the drop shadow effect she’s used on her photos. I found a tutorial online and gave it a whirl. It kinda looks…grainy. I don’t know if I did something wrong, or it’s just the quality of my camera. Anyway, I wanted to see how it would look in a post.

So…that is all! 🙂 Have a great day!

Valerie

Any Thoughts?

Valerie Basham

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January 21, 2011

The last few weeks, I’ve been doing one of my favorite things: planning our next school year. I usually purchase our materials in Jan./Feb. each year after we receive our tax refund. I love looking through catalogs, making lists, and reading reviews on various curricula. I love hearing about how others homeschool! That doesn’t mean I will take every bit of advice tossed my way, nor will I necessarily agree with every opinion, but I like hearing about it! Every homeschooling family is unique. We all face our own challenges and have our own special strengths. We can customize our schedule, methods and materials to meet each of our family’s needs. I love that!

With that said, I would like to hear what you are doing this year, or what you would like to do differently next year. What has worked for you? What hasn’t? Do you homeschool all year long? Do you use the Charlotte Mason style? Do you un-school? What books have inspired or encouraged you in your homeschooling journey? I’m interested! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

Valerie

It’s Greek to Me!

Valerie Basham

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January 18, 2011

While researching some math curriculum online, I stumbled upon this video. I thought it was really neat, and so fun! I can say the Greek alphabet now – not quickly, but hey, it still counts!

Thought you might enjoy this – just for fun. 🙂

Valerie

My Own "Ifs"

Valerie Basham

1 comment

January 18, 2011

I have been reading If by missionary Amy Carmichael. It has been extremely convicting. I will be sharing more quotes from that excellent book in the future, but, in the meantime, I thought I’d share some of my own “ifs” that I have been pondering.

I began thinking about these after considering this verse: Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Do I really seek Him first? Do I truly desire to be led and fed and directed by Christ, and Christ alone? Sadly, I would say that I do not. So often I seek after my own physical pleasures first. I want to satisfy my own wants and please Him last. Please do not misunderstand this post as some ultra spiritual “a ha” moment. It is not. I’m just sharing a few thoughts that the Lord has convicted me with through my daily walk, and through some deep valleys my husband and I have been in lately.

If I work for the Lord, and indeed, as a Christian I should work for Him, then I will let Him order my days. I will let Him decide when I need a vacation, and where to and for how long.
If I am truly seeking Him first, then I will place a greater value on my walk with God than on my belongings or my hobbies.
If I truly love Him first and foremost, then the loss of friends, while painful, is but a minuscule taste of what my Master suffered at Gethsemane.
If I am constantly striving to please Him, then I will never feel alone, even when no one is around.
If Christ is the one I’m striving to please and imitate, then I will speak the truth in love, and know that He is pleased.
If I truly love my Lord, then I will mean the words to the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”. As that song says, “Though no one join me, still I will follow.” And I will follow gladly.

With a convicted heart,
Valerie

Grief and Glib Don’t Mix

Valerie Basham

1 comment

January 15, 2011

A very special friend of mine, Mrs. Micki Harjo, went home to be with the Lord last Tuesday. I wrote about her HERE. She was a mom of seven, a blogger, an online encourager of women, a ladies Sunday School teacher, a missionary wife to the Navajo Indians, a grandmother, and most of all, she was a blessing to all who knew her. I had the privilege of meeting her last April in person. I’d known her online before that. She started a Christian ladies forum years ago. At some point, she gave it up, but someone else took it over, so it still exists. Ladies who have never physically met fellowship regularly because of something she started.

I’ve noticed the great outpouring of love for the family on Facebook. It’s a blessing to see how many people care for this dear woman’s family. We all know that Micki is doing great – she is in Heaven with her Savior. It’s those still living in this sin cursed world without her smile and laughter that are suffering. So many people wrote things on Facebook like “Take comfort in the Lord” or “You know she’s better off and wouldn’t want to be here!” or “Take joy that you will see her again.”

Really? “Take joy” ?

How much more glib can you get? A husband, seven children – four of whom are still at home – three grandchildren, church ladies, and other relatives lost someone who means the world to them, someone who, in fact, was the world to them, and we should “take joy”.

I know the way the loss of a parent turns your world upside down. I know that the embrace of loved ones at the funeral does, in fact, ease the pain some. I also know that the hardest days, the darkest days, are those that stretch out before you, after everyone has gone back home. They are all going back to their lives, where everything is still the same, while the bereaved have to pick up the pieces of their life and try to keep going. It’s not a few pieces either. It’s like a car showroom window that shattered into millions of pieces and you must pick it all up, one by one. All while you are bleeding from the abdomen. While you are there, stooping on the ground in sweat and tears, holding your stomach, trying to make a dent in the chaos, someone walks by. You hear them crunching on the surrounding glass. You look up to see them smiling sweetly. They say, “Take joy that you will see them again” and then they walk off.

You look up, slightly perturbed and confused by the remark, but you brush it off and keep going. You stop for a break. You check your wound. You keep going. One piece, then another, then another. Finally, by the grace of God, you DO make it. You get your life back. It will never be like it was, but it is a new “normal”. You catch yourself smiling again, and even laughing. Your life picks up a new rhythm. Because of God’s grace, people around you think that it has been easy. But it wasn’t. The Lord working in you and through you just made it look that way. Only the Lord knows about the loneliness. Only He saw you cry until you were dry at the mouth and dehydrated – how you stopped only because you had no more tears left. Only He knows how everywhere you look, you are reminded of your loved one. How you long to hear their voice just one more time. How you would like to be able to hear them laugh! He alone is with you when that sharp cutting pain pierces your soul time and time again. You see photos or videos, and that makes it hurt more, because you face the stark reality that those few photos and videos are the only tangible way you will ever see them again. Yes, you have Heaven to look forward to, but that isn’t tangible…not yet.

If you have walked this road of grief, you know what I’m talking about. People are so kind and loving, they mean well, they really do. But in some cases they are not doing well. In trying to help, some folks actually add to the hurt. I’d like to share, from my own experience, some things that helped me, and a few that hurt me, after I lost my Dad 6.5 years ago.

1. Bringing food, sending flowers, writing a poem, or mailing a note that you are thinking of the bereaved is a blessing. It would also be thoughtful to take food to the grieving after others have left, say a week or two later.
2. Sharing a funny or special memory of the one who has died is a great comfort. Sharing how the deceased helped you is a blessing also.
3. Saying “I’m praying for you.” and then doing it, is a great comfort.
4. A warm embrace says a thousand words, all of them good.
5. Asking “How are you holding up.” is only appropriate if you know the person well enough to actually listen to how they are holding up. If you are not close to the person, expect to hear “Fine.”
6. Remembering the bereaved on the birthday of the deceased, the anniversary of the death, and the holidays is a blessing to the grieving. Those days are very hard.
7. Quoting scripture, such as Romans 8:28, is inappropriate at a funeral.
8. Saying “He/She is in a better place.” or any other such phrase kinda stinks to the bereaved. (Just being honest here.)
9. Telling the bereaved how badly their loved one looked before they died or saying that the body looks bad at the funeral DOES NOT HELP. (Yes, I had both of these happen to me.)
10. Telling a Christian bereaved person that their loved one is “an angel now” is sweet, but inaccurate. A saved person is higher than the angels, they are a child! They have gone home.

I understand that anyone who takes the time to even show up at a visitation or funeral is showing love to the those who are grieving. But, while you’re there, be sure your visit will only leave pleasant memories with the grieving, not pangs of hurt.