I have been greatly anticipating this day, and I am a little caught off guard by the excitement I feel about my family’s advent tradition.
Tonight we begin to listen to Handel’s Messiah. For several years, we have been using Cindy Rollins’s 25 Days to Handel’s Messiah: An Advent Devotional Guide. [Read more…] about Advent
Karen’s post, Folksongs are like Teapots, brought hymns to my heart and mind. Here is a piece I wrote in 2015 on the AmblesideOnline Forum. At the time, I had just finished reading Erik Larson’s Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania.
“Mommy, why are you crying?”
The tears were streaming down my face. I could barely choke out the words to Abide With Me (AO Sept. 2014). We were in the middle of singing the hymn; it was not the time to answer the question. I brushed it aside with a whisper. “My eyes are burning.” [Read more…] about Hymns for a Time of Need
On a shelf in my kitchen is a collection of teapots. I have been a modest collector for twenty years. There is no purpose to the collection; I choose what pleases me. Many are gifts and each of these special ones has a note tucked inside that tells who gave them to me and on what occasion.
One of these dear teapots belonged to my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandmother. My mother was given it the year that I was born. When I hold it in my hands, I imagine their hands as they held it and poured a cup of tea for their families in places far, far from me. As I do the same, they draw near to me.
Folksongs are like heirlooms or keepsakes…or teapots. They are treasures that are passed down, sometimes a little worse for the wear. When you sing them, you draw near to those who walked before you and through life experiences that you can only wonder at. [Read more…] about Folksongs are like Teapots
This post is part of our series on our favorite homeschool resources.
Modern foreign language has been a holdout in our war of homeschooling. Many have fallen in this ugly battle with term after term of defeat. I have counted six brave knights (programs) who have led a valiant, heroic charge against the foe, only to be left slaughtered on the field.
But now one has risen who is steadfastly pushing back the enemy’s front line: the Universal Language Acquisition Tool, also know as the ULAT. [Read more…] about The ULAT: Modern Foreign Language
This is a reminder that early bird registration ends December 1st. After December 1st, registration increases by $40.
This post is part of our series on our favorite homeschool resources.
When my children begin 5th grade, they get a set of Sharpie Art Pens. I searched for these pens for several reasons. Some of my children were wanting more options for use in their Book of Centuries; others were wanting a better way to add color in fine detail to their science journals. Somewhere, I came across the idea for no bleed Sharpies, and after research and trips to several local stores, I finally decided on this set. I get a 12-pack which comes in its own plastic case. The pens are kept on the school shelf, and they are only used for school, though I’m sure I’ve granted exceptions. [Read more…] about Sharpie Art Pens