Home Discipleship- Book review and giveaway!

You all know by now that I love a good book.  I do not pass up many chances to review them for that reason.  Someday I will need my own library to house all the books we have collected through the years.  Because of space limits and moving frequently,  we try to keep only the ones we love.  Home Discipleship is one of those books!

I "met" author Kimberly Williams through a Christian Bloggers group and loved what I read about her. I think that she and I could become heart friends if we lived closer.  You know, those friends that you just connect with- shared faith, shared values, same ideas.  Just love her.

And her book?  Amazing.  Let me tell you a little about it.

Home Discipleship: Much More Than ABC's and 123's is about homeschooling, but it is about so much more.  In 12 chapters Kimberly walks you through what Home Discipleship looks like and how to implement it in your life.  Her premise is that even before we can successfully homeschool our children, our jobs must be to first disciple our children.  The process, covered in each chapter includes discipline, teaching them to know and follow God, setting goals, tailoring teaching to each individual child, and learning to deal with the opposition when it comes (and it WILL come).

Each chapter is filled with scripture and words of wisdom.  But my favorite part?  Each chapter ends with a practical application section.  In that party Kimberly has questions to ponder, things to talk about as a family, things to discuss as a husband and wife team,  scripture to study and meditate on and questions to think through on your own..  Think of it as a mini study guide.   Perfect for not only your own personal time, but also a great companion tool for a book study with a group of friends.


So did I like it?
Yes!  And then some.  As a homeschooling mom that has many requirements of the state to fulfill to legally homeschool my children, it is easy to get caught up in the details of a checklist and forget what truly matters.  Yes, education is important but as Kimberly says, "to know God and to learn of Him is the  best education we will ever give our children." page 34.  I can teach my kids math, science and grammar until the cows come home, but if they do not know and love God, what is the point?  It was perfect timing to have someone challenge me to remember the reason I school my children in the first place and to make sure my day is in line with those reasons.  The world may tell us it has all of the answers, but it does not.  God does.  When I follow His will then everything else, including my children's education, will line up correctly.

I would love to share every quote that I highlighted in the book, but then Kimberly would have to hang me by my heels. ;)  But let me share just one more-

Oh friends, sometimes even the good things in life will bog us down if we are not careful.  Life has many things to offer.  May we carefully choose what we fill our time with and our children's lives with.  May we disciple them to choose wisely as well.

Kimberly has graciously offered to give two of our readers a copy of her book Home Discipleship- Much More Than ABC's and 123's.  Use the Rafflecopter below for your chance to enter.  I assure you that you will be blessed by this book!

You can also order Home Discipleship for $11.95.

Blessings,


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Kimberly Williams is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mother, and most importantly a disciple of Jesus Christ.  She is the author of Living Out the Word, a series of expository ladies Bible study books. Kimberly contributes to various homeschooling magazines and blogs. The Williams family has been homeschooling since 2000. She shares in her newest book, Home Discipleship, that homeschooling is about much more than ABC’s and 123’s.  She would love to hear from you at www.homediscipleship.net or on her blog at www.untilthedaydawn.wordpress.com.

The Whos, Wheres and Whys- Week 3 VCF

Are you getting the curriculum itch yet?  I am! Usually it does not hit me until March or April when I can start seeing the light at the end of the year's lesson plans but with the last few weeks of this Virtual Curriculum Fair it has begun early for me.  Last week's topic of Math and Sciences added a few more "new to me" items on my ever growing wish list.  If you missed last week, I would encourage you to jump over and check out all the posts.  25 ladies joined in last week and there are some fun ideas out there, no matter what type of homeschooler you are.



This week's subject-

History, Geography, Worldview

Let's start with History!
I am going to be honest here, history was not my favorite subject in school.   I was public schooled and quite frankly all I remember of importance was you better know these dates for your test kind of stuff.  That, and the fact that I am pretty positive we studied Christopher Columbus EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR.  Seriously.  Not much fun and certainly not very inspiring.  I am happy to say that things look a little different in our house these days!  And thank goodness, because I have a 6th grade son who loves history, as did his college sister.

So what do we use?  For Kindergarten I like reading the first few levels of Abeka History books. They are on the simple side, but fun and easy reading for young kids.  In 1st grade we jump into The Mystery Of History.  I love these books.  They are Christian based and do a good job of showing the great biblical events hand in hand with more "worldly" events.  As a youth I am pretty sure I grew up believing there was a "Bible Time" and then there was a "Real World" time but none of those things went hand in hand.  I am so glad my kids are growing up knowing that while something was going on in Jerusalem there were other things happening in other parts of the world as well.  Makes for a less confused adult, for sure! ;)  There are three volumes of this book and we are eagerly waiting the 4th edition.  Each chapter is fairly short but followed with ideas for all sorts of activities from crafts to additional writing assignments.  We tend to just read and do a few easy assignments the first year and then add notebooking in the next years when my kids are old enough to work a little more on their own with writing.

After those books we move on to Sonlight History.  While it is not the perfect fit for us, I do like that the kids get to read fiction that is tied into the time period they are studying in addition to the living "textbooks" assigned.  If your child is not a strong reader however, you may find them frustrated with the sheer number of books assigned and have to cut back a little.

New to us this year is  the Notgrass Company.  We had the privilege of reviewing the America the Beautiful history set and fell in love with it.  After my son finished the 6 week review period he asked if we could continue on with it so we have.  It is more of an old fashion school textbook with optional map and activitiy books and even includes a book of original documents.  Each lesson ends with the assigned pages for those books as well as optional Bible and Writing assignments, so you really could stretch it to cover language arts and Bible if you so choose.  We look forward to using their Uncle Sam and You book next year for 7th grade.  If it goes well, we may switch over to their high school curriculum as well- we hear people rave about it and by completing a year your child can get credit for Bible, history and English!


Ok, so what about Geography.  There is a lot out there to choose from and quite honestly I think they are all probably sufficient.  Prices range from inexpensive little workbooks to full out mapping the countries type of stuff, so I say just find your comfort price level and what looks like fun and go for it.  In the past we have used the Maps, Globes and Graphs series and been happy with them.  If you want your children, particularly younger ones, to be able to do well on that part of standardized testing these will work for you and are inexpensive.  For slightly older children we reviewed Memoria Press Georgraphy- The Middle East, Africa and Europe book and really liked it.  My son loved that it was not just about a map but also has a two page spread on each country with interesting facts and locations talked about.  (remember- History boy here!)  They also have a United States series which we will work through by the end of this year as review.

And last but not least- Worldview!  For our family this is Bible.  While we read the Bible nightly together during our devotion time and the kids have their own personal reading time, we also feel strongly that they need to do some "just the facts" learning about the Bible and how our belief in it affects our daily life and especially our worldview.  We have used lots of programs but I want to tell you about the best two I have found.
For younger kiddos I would start with The Bible Study Guide for All Ages.  Again, we got this as a review and have continued to use it on a daily basis, ordering more worksheets as we have needed them.  Right now, my 1st grader and I start every school day with this short little study.  With a few fun activities, a little coloring, flash cards, and reading from the Bible it is a perfect way to start our day together.  While it does review "the Facts" it also addresses the child's heart and motives which we enjoy discussing together.  I am looking forward to going through the Bible with this program for several years!




For older kids, I highly recommend Apologia's What We Believe Series.  This is not a "stories of the Bible" type of curriculum, but rather explores your faith and how it forms your worldview.  After reviewing the second book for a month, we went back and purchased the first in the series to study.  I own the first three now and hope to get the fourth and last in the series soon.  Each book has a corresponding notebook you can purchase that has a lesson plan in it for ease of use.  I recommend using it!

OK, stopping for now.  There is so much more out there I could ramble on about, but I do not want to overwhelm you all at once.  Got questions- feel free to leave me a note and I will get back to you with any answers or ideas I may have.  In the meantime, don't forget to read all the other posts my blogging friends have written this week just for you!

Blessings,



Exploring Our World with Social Studies and Science:  (note links will all be LIVE by noon on 1/20)
A Classical Approach to Ancient World History for All Ages by Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds
Supercharged Science's eScience Program by Kristi K. @ The Potter’s Hand Academy
Social Studies & Science Resource Lists by Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses
History and Science: Learning About the World Around Us by Leah@As We Walk Along the Road
Designing a Unit Study for History, Geography, or Science by Amy @ Eclectic Homeschooling</ p>
Virtual Curriculum Fair:  Social Studies by Joelle @ Homeschool for His Glory
Uncle Sam & You- Notgrass by Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles
My Favorite History Books for Boys by Monique @ Living Life and Learning
Social Studies in Our Homeschool by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World
A Peek into our Homeschool: The Sciences by Brittney @ Mom's Heart
Our Curriculum Choices 2014 ~ History & Science by Renata @ Sunnyside Farm Fun
We're having a Social Studies-heavy Year by Debra @ Footprints in the Butter
Our Journey Around the World by Laura @ Four Little Penguins
My Favourite Social Studies Curriculum by Kim @ Homestead Acres
RaisingMap Nuts: Learning Geography Naturally by Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset
The Whos, Wheres and Whys by Michele P @Family, Faith and Fridays
Exploring Our World: Social Studies and Science in our Classical Homeschool by Sharra @ The Homeschool Marm
Time Travel Throughout the World {or History and Geography in Our Homeschool} by HillaryM @ Our Homeschool Studio
Virtual Curriculum Fair Week 3: Exploring Our World – Social Studies and More Science</ a> by Stacie @ Super Mommy To The Rescue
Why We're Ditching Story of the World by Tauna @ Proverbial Homemaker

52 Weeks of Family Scripture Memorization- week 2

I pray that this week finds you all well and warm!  Here in South Dakota we have lots of snow and have been under a blizzard warning for the past two days.  There doesn't seem to be much snow actually falling, but it sure is blowing around.  Makes me ever so thankful for a warm house to snuggle in!

So onto week two of family scripture memorization.  Don't worry if you missed last week, we would love for you to join us at anytime.  At at end of this journey I would love to be able to recite 52 verses, but let's face it, if we only learn one and truly understand what it means and it allows us to drawl nearer to the Lord, then I think He is pleased.  While chanting, singing, or playing games to learn scripture, never forget the true reason for this journey - to know Him and to glorify Him. Otherwise we are just joining a long line of Pharisees!

Last week we learned Psalm 199:11 to remember why we were leaning scripture, now let's move to a verse that tells us why we have the scriptures!

Oh, how I pray you know Jesus, my friends!  If you do not but want to, please never hesitate to contact me.  I would love to walk this path beside you.

We would also love for you to take a minute to let us know how YOUR FAMILY is memorizing scripture and if you have something we can lift in prayer.  Next week we will start a series of verses aimed directly at our kids.

Blessings, 

College - Been There Done That

Mom’s post last week might have taken you by surprise.  And clearly, someone found it interesting because almost 1,600 people have read it. And many commented that they could not wait to read my post. Which is a lot of pressure. Thanks everyone. Here goes.

Coming home was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make and honestly, I’m still working through some things, mostly my own feelings and expectations. Some days I feel like shouting for joy and some days I think “what have I done, I have passed the point of no return and I'm defying gravity.” (Incorporating the musicals Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked into my melodramatic lament.)


I do want to thank you for your kind comments on mom’s post.  I was not sure what to expect and had braced myself for some harsh, unkind words. Reading all of your sweet comments on the blog and Facebook made me cry – not one person had anything negative to say (and if you did, thank you for keeping it to yourself). I was blessed by your stories.

There were a lot of factors that played in my decision, and all of them rolled around my head for weeks.
Where did God want me? What did my parents want me to do? What did I want to do? I had friends and a job that I loved.  I didn’t want to be “giving up,” and I didn’t want others to think I was giving up.  I felt that either way I chose, I could not win. (more Phantom lines. Go figure) Either way, I had to give something up.

But, I came home. Because this is where my family is and, for now, this is where God wants me.
So you might be wondering what I’m doing now.

And you might be thinking that I am going to sit around doing nothing. Which is tempting. Actually it isn’t. I can’t sit around doing nothing for very long before I have to go organize something, or at least knit something. So I have plans. In case you were concerned.

On Monday, I started four online classes at Arlington Baptist College. By taking online classes, I’m able to save money both on room and board and living expenses. I also might get to graduate a semester early, which would be a huge blessing. And I’m starting up my sewing business again, doing things like hemming pants, planning/working on three quilts, draping a formal dress, sewing on patches for my dad and brother, etc. This week my sister and I are in charge of food – planning, shopping on a budget, and cooking.  (mom's idea, I think it was a trick!)  I’m working on my photography and my web design/HTML skills. I’m also working on making some friends here, and getting involved with my church.

So I am busy. And very happy to be home. But it is an adjustment. This week and next week will be the hardest because my friends are back in school and I started classes. It is a little painful to see them post about being back, but at the same time, I am so glad I do not have to leave home!

I want to leave you with two things.

The first is that I just want you to know that those of us who are/were homeschooled can succeed at college. In fact, the homeschooled kids I met at college were the students who were excelling. Not only did they excel at school, they excelled at other things, like sewing, flying planes, playing instruments, conversing with adults, public speaking, etc. There are those who might take my story as a story of failure. I want you to know that it is not - as far as my parents and I are concerned, mine is a success story, not one of failure.

Second, my favorite quote. “Never say never, when God is writing your story.” –Steve Saint
I keep coming back to that quote because God keeps doing things in my life that I looked at and said “never.” Don’t say “never” to God. Let Him write your story. It works much better that way.

Blessings, Ashton

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I would be happy to try to answer them. 

Happy to be linking up with these wonderful women-  visit their sites and be blessed!

I am Featured on The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Blog!

I have told you that I review products for The Old Homeschool Magazine, right?  When I first started homeschooling I would drool over and completely devour every word from that magazine.  In these day of computer savvy people The Old Schoolhouse Magazine can be found online.  I still devour every word.  Such a wealth of information can be found there for homeschooling parents, newbies and veterans alike.  Another part of TOS magazine that I love is their blog.  I love reading what others are doing, learning something new or just getting to peek into another homeschooler's life.  Yes, nosy I am!

Well, today, I am the one featured!  I am so honored and would love for you to pop over and read my article-

The Blessings of Crew!

While you are there, tell them you are stopping in from Family, Faith and Fridays!

Blessings friends,