Help Lord, I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling My High Schooler I wondered if it would apply because my oldest is only in 6th grade. But what I found was I was instantly engaged and encouraged from the first few pages. Hearing from the various family styles, perks, what worked, the programs available, how God provides it was a reminder of my own journey doing things in our own home.

I appreciated hearing the wonderful stories and testimonies of people that had struggles with children and learning disabilities, even health issues and how they persevered. I remember a wise person once said "Don't commit to a lifetime of home schooling, take each year as it comes". Since I had heard that and used it often when people seemed offended at my choice to home school, it was the answer that gave me peace as well. But as I read this book, I felt encouraged and ready to plan towards high school and if something changes later on we will deal with it then! I feel like it can finally be possible for more than just the "supermoms" that you rarely meet but hear of from others. As some put it, focusing on their strengths, others mentioned following their child as they seemed to know what they wanted for their future and the amazing paths that they ventured on. While yet others stayed focused on God's Word and let the rest come through reading and resources and watching videos or taking classes for the various things their children wanted to learn.

I am actually grateful that I was able to read this because it can be a worn path we go down at times home schooling our kids. The pressure, the guilt, the fear of doing it right, learning the key things for their future, teaching them the right way, hearing them and listening to their heart and who God made them to be. While at the same time you have peace knowing you have a safe environment for them to grow, learn, love and be nurtured. This book was like a giant home school meeting where everyone finally had enough time to talk and share their own personal story.

The biggest statement I can share coming out of reading this book is that it is of Great Encouragement! I highly recommend reading this for parents of middle school aged children or possibly even younger. I feel relieved to know that it can work and to know that there are so many other resources, ways, paths and programs out there than what we will ever know, until the time it is needed.

Posted by Sarah at 7:53 PM 1 comments  

Molly's Money Saving Digest Review

I was recently asked to review two books that are related to home schooling. Here is my review of the first book.

This review is for Molly's Money Saving Digest: January 2010
If you are not familiar with Molly, she is a very popular writer that shares a variety of ideas from stockpiling, cleaning routines, menu planning and money saving ideas. I have never read her monthly digest before so I was excited to see what exactly was shared.

First, I can share that she writes in what I can only assume is the way she would talk to you in person. Some of her exclamations and insightful comments brought a smile to my face as I knew exactly what she was talking about when she mentions not laying things out for a recipe and missing an item. I enjoyed the recipes and the many web site references that she shared for various projects, free software and compiles them all for you at the end which makes a great quick reference for the future! I love quick reference guides!

Her creative ideas spurred more of my own as I read them. From crafts ideas with the kids to designing home decor items for way less than you could buy them, I was inspired! Not to mention the best part is that you customize what you want instead of buying something that everyone else bought. She shares recipes and includes a weekly meal planner with the list of what to buy at the grocery store, that makes it so simple to follow. You can print out that page and hit the store. Perfect for the busy mom that doesn't always have time to scan recipes and make sure she wrote everything down throughout the steps. Her recipes are the kind of meals that I would serve, a little unique but not outside the realm of normalcy that my kids will refuse it. I really appreciated that she used healthy ingredients in her recipes including her desserts.

Lastly, I appreciated that she shared easy charts and logs to print out for your finances, time and shopping dilemma's. To help give an easy approach to everything from shopping to balancing your checkbook.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this digest! I know that the recipes will be put into my circulation along with trying out the charts and bookmarking some of the links she shared. This digest was definitely a keeper and full of great information!

Posted by Sarah at 4:48 PM 0 comments  

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