Home School in Pictures

Here are a few recent home school pictures.

Toddler likes to "help" Big Sis with math.

When did she get so big? A lot of her work is done independently now.

This is where I like to read too. In the sun.

Again, toddler is "helping" big brother with online reading lesson.

Must Read Children's Books

After speaking at a parenting class at church about Duncan's Journey, the new children's devotional through the 23rd Psalm I've had published, I was asked to provide a book list for other resources I found helpful.

First, here are some excellent family devotionals:

·       ABC Bible Verses by Susan Hunt  http://www.amazon.com/My-ABC-Bible-Verses-Hiding/dp/1581340052/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

·       Leading Little Ones to God by Mirian Schoolland http://www.amazon.com/Leading-Little-Ones-God-Teachings/dp/0802851207/ref=pd_sim_b_8

·       A Child's Book of Character Building, all volumes, by Rebekah Coriel http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Book-Character-Building-Growing/dp/0800754948/ref=pd_sim_b_2

·       Big Truths for Little Kids by Susan Hunt http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Book-Character-Building-Growing/dp/0800754948/ref=pd_sim_b_2

I also read missionary biographies to my kids. Here are my favorites:

·       Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime http://www.amazon.com/Gladys-Aylward-Adventure-Lifetime-Christian/dp/1576580199

·       Amy Carmichael, Rescuer of Precious Gems http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Carmichael-Rescuer-Precious-Christian/dp/1576580180/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300290557&sr=1-6

·       George Mueller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans  http://www.amazon.com/George-Mueller-Guardian-Bristols-Christian/dp/1576581454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1300290645&sr=1-1

·       William Carey, Obliged to Go  http://www.amazon.com/William-Carey-Obliged-Christian-Heroes/dp/1576581470/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300290675&sr=1-2

·       Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China  http://www.amazon.com/Hudson-Taylor-Heart-Christian-Heroes/dp/1576580164/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300290675&sr=1-10

·       Spy for the Night Riders: Martin Luther http://www.amazon.com/Spy-Night-Riders-Martin-Trailblazer/dp/1556612370/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1300290746&sr=1-1

I have also discovered and loved Lamplighter Books. These were written in the 1800’s and republished for our delight! Here are some you can't miss:

·       Teddy’s Button http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCTB

·       Helen’s Temper and its Consequences http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCHT

·       The White Dove http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCWD

·       Little Threads http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCLT

·       Fire in the Sky http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCFITS 

Happy reading!! 

Toliver's Loaf of Bread - minus the snuff box

I love reading. I hate baking. But, in honor of finishing the book Toliver's Secret, the kids and I baked 2 loafs of white bread. I used this recipe.

The dough was so sticky and gooey it was impossible to kneed. I was getting very frustrated until the girls and I started laughing about it. We looked like monsters with slimy hands. I would have taken a picture, but my hands would have stuck to the camera.

We finally got the risen dough into the loaf pans, and the finished product looked beautiful. It tasted ok, but it was chewy and heavy. I wouldn't want to make it again.

So, I need a little help here. What are the secrets to perfect bread? Did I add too much extra flour? If so, then how in the world was I supposed to kneed that sticky, pasty substance? I should add that I don't have a bread maker or fancy mixer.

On a good note, we loved the book. I was almost in tears of relief and excitement at the end myself!

We are learning American History this year by reading literature, with a combination of Beautiful Feet, Truth Quest, and Sonlight suggestions. It has been so much fun! In fact, we are enjoying the Revolutionary War so much and have so many good books to choose from, we might just stay here the rest of the school year.

Have you read anything inspiring lately? And... how do I fix the bread?

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In the mood for an inspirational historical fiction book? Check our Becky's new novel Surrender.

Want a creative way to teach the 23rd Psalm to your children? Becky wrote a devotional titled Duncan's Journey that is now available!