On A Schedule/Classical Conversations

Over the past week we have been working so very hard on scheduling and sticking to it! Because of God's grace I have been following the schedule. We have also become involved with Classical Conversations this week which we just LOVE and this program has helped a lot in keeping this schedule!! Classical Conversations is the core of our weekly studies for homeschool. What an answer to prayer!
If you go to the website it has a better and more in depth description of what Classical Conversations is about. It is a supplemental academics program that uses the classical model style of teaching academics and it's one day a week.
The first day we went to visit I knew this what was missing in our homeschool. It truly is "the missing link". I have heard other parents say this...and I must agree.

The kids began last Wednesday. Both Carson and Gavin have presentations this week on Ulysses S. Grant and James Buchanan. All elementary and middle school students must do a presentation weekly or at least every other week-depending on how many students there are in the class.
So we are gearing up to make sure we are ready for it this next week.

We are truly grateful to the Lord for providing such a wonderful program!!

The Kids First Little Christmas Pageant

Over the past several months the kids have been taking these Co op classes for school. I know I have talked about the classes before in previous posts. These classes include subjects like history/geography, writing, music, drama, and arts and crafts. At the end of every quarter the kids put on a little program to show what they have been learning.
So this was the Christmas play.

Below are some pictures and 2 short videos that I taped. I was trying to maneuver the camera while also figuring out another video camera. So you will see some jiggling of my camera. Very Sorry!
It is bearable though...I only taped the segments that the kids are in.
Carson is a Wiseman in the yellow crown, while both Kayla and Gavin are narrators.

Lastly they sang some songs. Ava though-my goodness...sadly she didn't want to participate in her part of the singing. Lets just say, Ava was having a tough moment.

I love and enjoy that all my kids are now at ages where I can begin to focus on just watching them have a grand ole time doing fun things like this. Not having a baby to nurse, not having to console a crying baby and walk out because it's too loud all the time. Wonderful moments!!
Not only is it lots of fun to watch all your kids enjoy doing something like this, but it's really fun to participate with them!!


Ava trying overcome her tough moment...

the full cast...

Carson the Wiseman...

Eating the yummy snacks!!

Gavin, Carson, and Kayla enjoying their craft time and friends

The videos...

A Sense Of Accomplishment!!

Today has been a great day of accomplishment. The Lord helped me to persevere in some areas regarding school. The kids have been involved with a Co op writing class since September. They are doing a writing curriculum called, "IEW Excellence In Writing' (a method for teaching strong writing skills). I had found it to be extremely confusing when the kids first began to take this class. They actually staggered behind because of my lack of understanding and had been unable to follow the homework instructions. So I went to the "teacher" and asked if I could borrow the DVD's that came with the curriculum. She kindly allowed to me view them. So last night I stayed up until 1pm., reviewing the DVD's!! Guess what? I reviewed all 4 in a few hours and was finally able to grasp the concept of this method. Whew! This was such a wonderful feeling! Not only that, but I was able to teach the kids all that I had learned today in their schooling. So now thankfully they are caught up and they understand this method of writing. Their brains were extremely tired though, and so was mine!! I said to them, "See? We worked very hard and now look, doesn't it feel good that we are on top of things, your ahead in your work, and we understand the class?" I was sooo grateful that the Lord used this opportunity to show both the kids and I, that when we put in the hard work, there are going to be rewards! Now they are ready to march into class tomorrow-homework done, notebooks orderly, and book bags ready by the front door!

What a milestone of victory for this homeschooling Mom!!
Woohoo-(sigh)!!

Back to School!!!

It's School Time Once Again!!!!!!!




This week we began homeschooling. It's been good week trying to get back on track. A couple things I am learning as I homeschool is to #1 trust the Lord for His guidance in setting goals for the kids. #2 learning to ease into the new year. Not to expect perfection or things to go exactly as "planned" or how I envision things to be. Learning to relax and enjoy the adventure of homeschooling. I still do not have all my ducks in a row, meaning I do not know everything I am using this year. I was planning one particular curriculum and then heard this was the last year they were offering it. So plans once again have changed. So in the meantime I(we) know what we need to work on as a family and also for each child. So we are beginning with those goals and will add on as the weeks go on. The kids are enjoying being back on somewhat of a schedule and so are Mommy (and Daddy).

By the way, the boys are going to be doing soccer this year together. They are excited about that!!
So on with schooling....

Homeschool/Stefan's new job

The Dahl family school is back to testing again today...I am also using this time to begin thinking about what curriculum(s) to use next year for the kids. I am excited for them and what new things they will be learning next year. I must say I just love the fact that my kids are getting older-there is so much more to teach them and they are interested in a lot more too! (lots of field trips??)
I was sharing with Stefan yesterday that I am really content, very content, done content, that this season of having babies is over. I am just really ready for the next season of our lives. Focusing on teaching, spending time with Stefan and the kids, and having lots of fun!!
I love how the Lord gently leads us as Moms, to help prepare us for that next
season in our lives.

By the way...Stefan got a new position (promotional type) in a new division within his company that will allow for a more normal schedule. The Lord has had favor on him in a lot of ways here. His boss now really appreciates him and wants to keep in contact with him for the future. He has been officially released, by his boss, to accept the position. We are now waiting for the official offer in writing-it should be today.
Hurray!!!! Good is soo Good!!

Tests, Tests, Tests!!!!

Here we are once again!! It's testing time. Yesterday we completed Reading, today we have Language, tomorrow is Math. The kids are doing great!!!