Duggar's New Book! A Love That Multiplies

I know that many of you just love the Duggar family just as much as we do 

and that is why I know you will be DELIGHTED to know that they have a brand spankin' new book that is available for preorder now entitled 

A Love That Multiplies:
An Up-Close View of How They Make It Work

Here is are the publishers comments:

In this second book from the Duggars, they focus on the principles that equip them to face life's challenges—drawing from their most recent challenge with the 3-month premature birth of their newest child, Josie. They also share the new challenges their older children are facing as they prepare for adult life. Central to the book is a section on the principles that the Duggar's have consistently taught their children. These simply worded principles are basic to the Duggar family and are shared in a way that other parents can incorporate in their own homes. A special chapter on homeschooling gives valuable information to parents who are considering this route or are already invested in it. The world continues to be amazed by their nineteen well-groomed, well-behaved, well-schooled children and their home life, which focuses on family, financial responsibility, fun—and must importantly, faith. The Duggar's show how parents can succeed whether they’re rearing a single child or several.

Table of Contents

Preface: Our Biggest Test Begins

Part 1: Little Baby, Big Challenges 
 1. Little Eyes Watching
 2. More Babies on the Way!
 3. A Surprising Test Begins
 4. Praying without Ceasing
 5. Miracles and Milestones
 6. Difficult Priorities
Part 2: Shaping Hearts and Minds
 7. Living under the Microscope
 8. Opportunities to Reach Out to Others
 9. Developing a Servant Heart
10. Making Faith Fun
Part 3: Big Hope for Our Children’s Future
 11. Homeschool, Duggar Style
 12. Vocations, Goals, and Roles
 13. Daily Training, Tips, and Practicalities
 14. Life Is a Classroom
Part 4: Big Hearts, Full of Love
 15. Protecting and Cherishing Our Relationships
 16. Michelle’s Heart for Children and Moms
 17. Jim Bob’s Lifelong Hobby
 18. Do the Duggars Date?

 P.S. Answering the Big Question




What an encouragement it is to have a mom of 19 children take time in her day to minister to women!
It is wonderful to see Titus 2 women rise up and bless those around them even with busy schedules like Michelle's and especially be a testimony to the lost.

Be sure to get your copy and

preorder new the book here!

(they have it in hardcover, Kindle and audio)


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Wise Woman Tip:

Family movie nights are a great learning experience and kept wholesome when watching the Duggar family in action in their hit TV show 19 Children and Counting.

 You can get their movies here 
starting from ONLY  $4.49!

How to Plan for a Homeschool Year

I was recently listening to Family Strategies "How to Plan for a Homeschool Year" and began to think about how I personally like to plan for a year of school and thought I would share a bit with you! Every year at tax time we like to take a portion of our return and by some or most of our curriculum (like I am sure so many of you like to do.) So I like to spend time looking over catalogs and picking out what we will use for the following year.

Now because I have a large family I have had to develop a system of how to do this efficiently and wanted to share my little binder method of how I keep records of everything in tact especially with eight children!

I have a binder labeled Fuentes Christian Academy Curriculum and within that binder I have a section for every year like 2009, 2010, 2011 and each section contained there is an entire page devoted to one child. I put their name at the top and under that I list all their mandatory and desirable subjects to be covered that year. I also like to put in ideas, prices (to compare), and mark what I already have available since we have alot of books that can be handed down. This has helped me so much in the past years to keep things orderly and efficient. I can look back and see what we used 5 years ago and if I own the teachers edition to it without having to search for it when buying curriculum online.I also have one bookcase devoted to curriculum which is not active and just for storing and another that is actively being used for the current year.

Here are some great books that I like to review and read to encourage me to get focused before a new school year:

Managers of Their Homes
this book helps to get mama's, homes and families organized. I like to refer to this because the Maxwell's are great encouragers when it comes to being good stewards of time and this helps me to refresh my focus for a new school year (also used by the Duggar family)

Managers of Their Schools

-now that you have organized your home it's time to do the same with your school!
This book defends the text book approach and has great ideas that I had never thought of for cutting your time in half  homeschooling especially with a large family. Valuable information!

Charlotte Mason Companion-teaching the gentle art of learning. I like this because I want to remember to lighter and fun side of homeschooling making it natural and great ideas here too.

Here is a favorite tried and true method of teaching little ones to read---I have used it with 5 of my children. Right now my  little Joshua is going through it and is already reading 5 word sentences at lesson 18! Love it!

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

it works I tell you, it really does!

Last year I purchased this nifty book and found it worth every penny:

Story Starters

--my daughters and sons were highly motivated to jump into creative writing using this book. The book contains half written adventurous stories and the children get to finish them any way they like! My boys loved it--and trust me, they are not the kind that like to write! They would much rather be in the yard somewhere hunting helpless squirrels...(can anyone relate?)

And by the way...can you guess what  the mystery product for the day at Vision Forum is?

That's right! It's Building a Winning Curriculum---and it's 90% off----

today only just ONE DOLLAR!!!!

What a wonderful resource to help us with our planning and so timely!

And in case you haven't been read any of my other posts this week, here is a quick reminder to let you know that this is the FINAL DAY of Vision Forum's amazing Spring Sale ending at MIDNIGHT.

You are not still here, are you?!?

Click here to see all deals less than $5.

Here for less than $10 or here for all of them!


I'm off to shop for our little school----see you there!

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The Homeschool Corner

The Homeschool Corner, our sister site,  has some new posts and new contributors..

click here to meet a sweet mom of 15 children
and what she has that could change your life

and here from Brenda who once was a public school teacher
turned homeschooling mom

There are several others as well and

when I get a chance I will share more about them!

Until then... enjoy!



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I have an excellent giveaway coming up in my next post that you are going to LOVE!

Indoctrination: Student Speaks Out

I am over at The Homeschool Corner today

I have posted an eye-opening video

  that you might want to watch.

See you there!

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Planning and Preparing for the New Year

This week I am busy preparing and planning for the New Year as I know many of you are. There is much that needs to be organized and simplified in the Fuentes household since the onslaught of the holidays and the whirlwind of birthdays in the last few weeks. I carefully wrote out a managing plan for the week of what needs to be done---tree and decorations down, goal planning, reorganizing school supplies, straightening up the school room (that we use mainly for crafts and projects) and reevaluating our school plan.

I try to reevaluate what is working in our school this year and what is not, since every school year is different and has different demands and sometimes different students. I ask some basic questions such as:

1. What is not working and why? What needs to change?

2. What methods work best with my family?

3. How can this run better-more efficiently?

 4. How am I feeling about school? Am I looking forward to it? Do I need inspiring?  What do I need to do to refresh my vision, strength and stamina?

A couple of things I am planning is devotionals for the children in having a plan of them reading through the Bible for the year. It is different for each child, sometimes they read through a year plan or a yearly Bible or sometimes with the younger ones I will have them work through a book at a time.

I am also working on book lists for the winter. There are some books on character, theology and classics that I would like my children to read but I need to be intentional in typing out this list and ordering books online or from the library.These things just don't happen on their own! I also need to remember to add in movies we would like to see and sermons we need to listen to.

I am also going to loosely plan in for the next six months some crafts, experiments, cooking, art and projects into their year.We are going to watch some of the new Homestead Blessings videos and acquire ourselves some new skills!

I am also thinking about music. A goal for us is that each child will learn an instrument--so my oldest daughter has in the past volunteered to teach her siblings piano. We also do some violin and recorder on the side. All of this is wonderful, but I am reminded that today I need to print out our daily schedule from last year where we have allotted times for these goals so that they would be met and not fall to the wayside. We also learn hymns as a family and sing them together so I also try to purposely plan that in but not all the time since we listen to hymns in our home. Without a good schedule in our home it is easy to let time get away from you and overlook all valuable skills that could be gained in the day.

Since it is winter we like to get everyone into exercising since in the winter months since we can't be outside much. We like to use video tapes or workout plans or use our indoor mini trampoline. I even have a children's workout video for the little ones that I am  planning into their day so that they can get all that energy out that can accumulate.

A couple of my children need work with their speech--so I am going to plan that into my day about 15 minutes, along with my Bible verse binder that I need to update for memorizing after we do our morning devotional ! I am also thinking of multiple ways to get more reading out loud in this year. I don't try to plan this all at once or I will get overwhelmed. Instead I try to plan in categories. This way I am only planning a bit at a time---what I can handle and really focus on what I would like to see done in that category. If I don't do everything that I planned, that is fine because there is always next year and the next.

Today I will be a busy mother printing off all these lists today to order my home and school more efficiently so that we all know what to expect and the home can run more like a well oiled machine (sure, there will be glitches---but a plan is INVALUABLE!) Like I've said before and have written as a reminder on my calendar, the schedule is there to work  for us, not US for the schedule! There is much freedom in knowing that and not becoming enslaved to thinking that you have to get every little thing done on your 'to-do list'. Life has to take place and is much more important than what we perceive needs to get done. Everyday I just ask the Lord to help me get done what He wants done and for me to be content with that. (Also note that this is what I am doing now that my children are older, when my children were younger it was different, maybe I will post about that later.)

I actually try to evaluate things often in our school. I am not afraid to stop things that don't work or switch curriculum in the middle of the year. I have also learned that scope and sequences vary from curriculum according to the different publishers so I shouldn't feel locked into what they are dictating. Remember we are homeschoolers and most of us have alot of freedom to operate our schools how we want them and are free from being told how to do it.

I am so grateful also to be home today and plan. I LOVE planning! Whenever I have to run errands and be away from the home it takes me awhile to get back into the rhythm of being at home and to get assimilated back into the flow of it all. I love being at home and being able to focus on what is needed there--it is my calling, I know I am needed here and am blessed to be able to fulfill it.

Are you doing any preparing or planning?

Also, what do you do to refresh your stamina for the school year?

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The Power of a Christian Mother

"I learned more about Christianity

from my mother

 than from all the theologians

in England."

- John Wesley








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If you are encouraged by what you read here, you can subscribe to this blog and get free updates via email!

Invest In Your Family This Christmas

Every year when we buy gifts we try to make sure we include gifts that will sharpen the character of our children, teach them something new or grow in their spiritual walk with the Lord. I love Vision Forum because their products are family centered and help me to accomplish many of my goals in strengthening my marriage, family, and homeschool. I love what they have out this year for our daughters:

Heroines of Christ's Kingdom Paper Doll Set (Set of 6) now 50% off
 That is the ENTIRE set that is regularly priced at $78

--is NOW ONLY $39!!!!

 We own these and my daughter's absolutely love them!

“Daughters of His Story” is a new series of beautiful, full-color paper dolls that will entertain your girls and strengthen them in biblical femininity, character, and love for history. The women of God featured in these collections were dedicated to serving the Lord through their missions as wives and mothers. Each set comes with two women from history, along with a short biography and three outfits, two dolls inside a keepsake folder, two stands, and six dresses.

The Sewing Answer Book 
just marked down to $10.50!
A great way for our daughter's (or ourselves) to learn the domestic skills they will need one day for their future homes.They also have books for baking, knitting, crocheting and beading that you may find here.

What Our Father Taught Us About Boys
just marked down to $7!!

How can young ladies keep their hearts pure? What responsibilities do they have toward young men? Is it possible to be “just friends?” Listen to practical advice on navigating the tricky waters of relationships with boys, and how these relationships—properly conducted—can be edifying and strengthening to a civilization that honors marriage and family life.

My daughter really enjoyed this one and so did I! Believe me, I am very picky about teaching regarding the opposite sex, and this was worth the investment! Listen to a sample here.

The Godly Woman's Adornment Collection-50% off-
 now only $22!!
This accessible and hard hitting series addresses four Biblical fruits which are not some fleeting ideal, but a reality that God enables women to live out daily. Perfect to meditate upon throughout the day, each short devotional looks to Scripture for words of encouragement, correction, wisdom, and guidance to help direct women toward a true, enduring satisfaction in Christ. Books include the virtuous topics of Joy, Contentment, Trust and Purity.

For the dads:

Fathers and Daughters: Why Every Father is Leaving a Legacy-$10
now marked down to $5!!!
Every father leaves a legacy for his daughter whether good or bad, whether by design or by default. Daughters watch carefully what dads prioritize as well as what they neglect, and then form their own ideals—including the kind of man they look for in a mate—in response to this. Dr. Voddie Baucham explains this powerful influence that fathers have on their girls as well as the destructiveness of male abdication. His charge: Dads must set aside selfish pursuits and lovingly lead their daughters. Listen to a sample here.

Feminine by Design- only $9
just marked down to $6.30!

Feminine by Design - The Twelve Pillars of Biblical Womanhood, is written for teenage girls to help them understand biblical femininity. Here, Scott Brown explores some of the major passages of Scripture that explain it. You will find the biblical texts that he used to teach his own daughters as he sought to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Oh, I couldn't help but throw this cutie-pie in! Isn't she adorable?

Lady Jocelyn Leigh Dress now 19% off

and we can't forget the lace parasol:

and I will throw this one in here for me---I mean for the moms! :)

Building a Winning Curriculum-only $10
was just marked down to $4!!!

Written by a homeschool mom with twenty years of experience teaching her three children, this handy guide combines the majority of Vision Forum’s resources into a single, easy-to-use handbook. Each product is placed into overarching categories, such as Creationism and Science, the History of Christianity, Western Civilization, etc., and recommendations are provided on how you can use Vision Forum’s resources to develop and enhance your own unit studies. Also included are tips on ways to use these materials to encourage your children's growth in the Lord.

They are currently offering a flat shipping rate of $5 only!
With many of their products at 60% off! 
And get a free gift for your $150 purchase-a $95 value

Put gifts under the tree that will help strengthen your family this year and have a wonderful day searching out wise investments for building up your home!


(What are you waiting for??? Go there now and see what other goodies they have!)



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Note: Dear readers,  I am affiliate for Vision Forum--if you decide to make a purchase from them please consider making them through this site through any of the links above or the catalog in the sidebar.  It would greatly bless our family and we would truly appreciate it! I love Vision Forum and am happy and honored to be able to introduce you to their fabulous resources! They also have sales everyday until Christmas!

Homeschool Encouragement

Need some homeschool encouragement?

We have some great new posts on

The Homeschool Corner

that you might want to check out about discipling your children, scheduling and a super fun way to teach your children to be like Michelangelo (you have to see this!) by our fabulous guest posters

--Mrs. Brenda and Mrs. Rhonda!

See you over there!

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Homeschooling Through the Holidays

I had some company over yesterday and we were all sharing how it has been especially challenging to get anchored in our school year this year. The year is moving quickly by and getting into a solid rhythm like we had in the past can escape us at times--just due to the activities of every day life. Now, with the holidays around the corner, I shared with them that I expected November and December to be a nice blur... and then when  January would arrive we can really 'buckle down'.

Now I would have never thought this as a brand new homeschooler. I would have obediently abided by my premade schedule----do or die! We would do exactly what was scheduled that day and if it was not done, then stress, anxiety and guilt would haunt me. Can anybody relate?

Now that I have a few years under my belt and a senior that will graduate soon, I have learned a few things.

1. Don't stress about lost days or time. You can easily make up time that was lost because you have the advantage of one-on-one private tutoring. People pay others big money for this service and learning can happen in a third of the time through private tutoring than in a public school environment. Last year I was ill for several months and my children were able to enter this year just fine. Also, stressing out does not help your children, your school environment or cultivate in your children to desire to homeschool their children one day.


2. There will just be some months that are just plain busy (especially December) so plan accordingly. I know some homeschoolers who take the entire month off and get right back on track afterwards. Are their children damaged for life? Hardly--they use the entire month to do exciting, and oftentimes hands-on educational activities to spice up their schooling and don't feel a tad bit guilty as they know that the winter months ahead will not allow for the same kind of fun or opportunities or service. Look for creative opportunities of education that fit the occasion--can your child write a Christmas newsletter for the entire family? This could count for creative writing, language arts, and computer. Think outside the box!

3. It's okay to pitch the schedule--don't let your schedule control you. Sometimes I am leery about writing too many details into our school planner because I don't know just what will lie ahead for the week and would feel stressed or like a failure if I did not follow those plans. So now I like to 'loosely' schedule. Loose scheduling gives me freedom to move things to next week or month if I can get to it that day. If surprises come up,  I am assured that it is not something that will be the demise of my homeschool (and this is advice coming from a notorious list-maker!) There have been times when I did not do what I had put on the list and followed the Lord's leading instead and it made for a delightful and victorious school week--way better than one I could have ever planned.


4. Remember that life is a process of learning. We won't be able to teach them everything in a year or even 12 years---but we can give them tools to learn and equip them for a lifetime of learning. We need to nurture their natural desire to learn and not have them (or us) burn-out doing thousands of pages of work book problems because some curriculum designer has dictated that to us.

Now this post is not to encourage a mother to be lazy and to neglect her children's homeschooling. I am not condoning that at all. If you have been doing that you need to be disciplined and get to the business of educating your little ones--there is no excuse for that. But oftentimes mothers put such a heavy load on themselves (and sometimes their children) and burden themselves with unrealistic expectations that no human being could possibly meet the standard.

We need to be wise about scheduling what we can handle and what is realistically  possible and have the Lord guide our steps.

Have a blessed school week as you plan ahead for the holidays!

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Unbelievable

This is an outrage.






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Valuable Homeschool Tip

I am over at The Homeschool Corner

and I am sharing a valuable homeschool tip.

Come visit me and let me know

what you think of the new look!

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The Start of a New School Year

School has started around here at the Fuentes home and last week we had a great back to school party full of treasure hunts, bowling and tennis with our family and checking out our fresh new supplies and books. Visions of science experiments, unit studies, and hands on projects are all dancing around in my head so I am trying to careful to jot everything down so I don't forget a single one!

One of the things that I know that is a challenge for homeschoolers since we have such flexibility  is overloading our schedule with things that have us frantically running here and there. Lessons, sports, clubs, activities, events and the like can keep us all living in our automobiles from one event to another without really experiencing much needed down time at home. 

We need to choose wisely what things our family participates in and not overload our schedules. All those things can look and sound good and we sign up for them with zeal but we can sacrifice what is best in its place and end up with a frazzled mother at the end of her rope, especially if she has several children she is trying to taxi around. Many mothers have trouble just concentrating on school let alone trying to fit several more things onto her plate, other mothers prioritize their outings more than schooling and then become alarmed when they begin to fall drastically behind. While I believe it is wonderful to have freedom in our homeschooling, I believe it is also the parents responsibility to make sure the job gets done.

Consider this, what if a family chose NOT break up their family, especially when Dad was home and  instead chose to do things together? Instead of Billy running out to chess club to play against a few strangers why not have him play against Dad or Grandpa? What if instead of choir, you sang Christian songs/hymns as a family as a ministry to a nursing home? I actually know families that do this. They value their time together and do not feel pressure to conform to what everyone else is doing. Take sports for instance. If they have a couple of sons they don't drag them all to different practice locations and games all through the week. Instead they will opt to choose a sport as a family like tennis, volleyball, swimming or rollerskating that they can do together. When they want to play competitively as teams they invite other families over to play against their family. The Duggar family, who have 19 children, is a wonderful example of this. I believe we need to try to think more outside 'the box' and know that doing more is not always best. Don't get me wrong now, I am not saying to not join anything, but what we do choose we need to choose wisely.

 Of course there will be things you participate in, just like my family does, but use discernment and choose sparingly because it can all add up too quickly. I have a friend who guards her family time fiercely and there is wonderful fruit from it. Are they confined to the home? Hardly! They are always busy, interacting with many people--Christians and non-Christians--but actively doing things together as  a family. Think of all the glorious memories they are making! Think of all the wonderful training and shepherding time that will take place! What I often think is most needed is time to cultivate and nurture family time and relationships without the emphasis of always 'being out and going somewhere', which can sometimes breed discontentment. We think that those things are so fulfilling but can really often lead us to feeling exhausted and empty in the end.

Families today hardly have time to eat together let alone hold a conversation of depth, and when Dad comes home from work they barely have time to welcome him as they rush past him out the door. Because we see this as a trend in families today we should not feel pressured to emulate it. Instead we should do what we can to guard it against it and preserve the best for our families. The state of families today are desperate for change and strengthening and we would be good to use our time together wisely.

May the Lord give us all wisdom as we fill our schedules with good things and embark upon a blessed new school year!

Protecting Our Children

My sweet friend Jaime of Like a Bubbling Brook, recently wrote an excellent article that I would like you to read entitled Protecting Our Children By Staying On Our Knees. Here is an excerpt:

"This is a time for training our children, discipling them, preparing them. They are not ready to face such extreme tactics of Satan at such a young age.... boot camp is not over, yet we send them out to battle, and they are being massacred right in front of our eyes. Don't believe me? Research finds that 88% of children raised in evangelical homes now leave the church by the age of 18." 

Hop over to her blog to read the rest...

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Rethinking Education

I have some new videos up at The Homeschool Corner that you might like to watch.

See you there!



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Planning The School Year

I am planning out the school year, if you would like to read about it click below:


*The Homeschool Corner*





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Homeschool Rooms 2010

Is August really around the corner? Did half the summer just go by in a blink of an eye? I've been having visions of homeschooling rooms dancing around in my mind. Here is what I see...

This one from Molding Minds is oh-so pretty and organized:



This set-up from DIY Ideas is great for conserving space:



Love this reading nook from Homeschooling in the Rose Garden, it makes you want to curl up with a good book and escape the world...



and how practical is her space saving idea above the organizers...



Imagine what your children could create on this chalk paint wall from These Are The Days:



The Homeschool Channel was a great source:



This 3 in 1 computer desk was made from clearance kitchen cabinets from Lowes on the lower part and plain lumber for the table. The chairs were from target $30 each. Notice the Konos timeline above---don't forget to have a timeline for your school year! If you don't have the space on a wall you could also create a notebook of timelines.




I snuck this one in because I have always wanted to have learning centers for the children but wasn't too keen on the space that was required of them. Here is a brilliant solution as seen as on the above shelf (click to enlarge)---just put what you would like in your plastic bin for your history, science or listening center and pull it out when you need it. You could even use bins bigger than these if you like bigger displays. Just make a note to update them every few weeks if you want to change the theme or make them could be fresh and new.



This room is a preschoolers mom's dream! What is NOT here? See the table in the back by the easle? So cute!



This looked so comfy I just had to post it. Aren't these chairs just beckoning your name? Love how organized the books behind them look too. The only thing that is missing is a cup of hot tea!



And last but not least, here is a homey-feeling schoolroom. It is comfortable and inviting so opposite of that sterile, cold environment we grew up in!! Wherever you homeschool--if it is in the kitchen, dining room or an official homeschool room, make sure to make the memories of your school special. You may have a small budget, large one or nonexistent---but remember what matters most is the love that you put in it.

My homeschool room definitely is a far cry from any of these rooms right now--it has been empty, neglected and played in by preschoolers pretending to "do" school. I am viewing much of August as my time to makeover the room, purchase the remainder of their curriculum, research great teaching ideas, and loosely plan out all the learning and fun we will have this year.

Have you started your planning yet?

What new ideas/methods will you incorporate this year?







(Need more inspiration? Check out my showcase of homeschool rooms from 2009.)




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The Homeschool Corner

Since summer is nearly here, I know there are families taking their children out of public schools next year to be homeschooled or are seriously considering it.









So today I am over at my homeschool blog



--The Homeschool Corner--



and have put several new posts up.



Won't you stop by for a visit?



And be sure to tell a friend!

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The Battle for Hearts and Minds

"There is a battle for the hearts and minds of our children." warns Glenn Beck.

Watch The Indoctrination of Our Children to find out why:



(To blow up this box, click the little box with arrows on the bottom right hand side and don't forget to turn off the music in the sidebar!)

You may watch the rest here.


And have you seen this in the news?






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Homeschooling Through The Winter Months

February is upon us! There is snow outside and we are steadily counting down the days until spring. If you have a houseful of little ones who are inside most of the time, it can be a challenge to even the most patient of moms. I personally look forward to the winters months because we are able to get more accomplished that we usually can't because the warm sunshine is beckoning us outdoors. Winter is a time for us to 'buckle down' from whirl of events from the holidays and to settle into a nice steady routine. I know that many moms can get cabin fever, whether you have big or little ones, so here are a few suggestions:

1. Make a list. Yes, a list. Write out all the things you wanted to do with your school--projects, crafts, lapbooks, art, science experiments. Be creative. Dream and dream some more and then add it into the months of January-March. Watch the months go by faster because you have things to look forward to that break up the monotony of the week.

2. Have a party and celebrate life. Pull out the streamers and balloons or just keep it simple. whether it be Valentines day or celebrating an accomplishment. You could bake cookies for them learning a new math concept or godly character or plan a tea party. You could plan a surprise party to bless dad and cook all his favorites while you honor him when he gets home from a long day of work. Be sure to take plenty of video-- children love making home videos!

3. Plan family field trips. Many museums are offer free days during the winter months, check your local listings. Go bowling, ice skating, sledding, visit the library, or just go shopping together to get some fresh air and fun. Just be sure to use hand sanitizer so you don't pick up any illnesses.

4. Plan some hospitality. Invite the grandparents and make some memories or that family you've been thinking about having over for months. Children love having company and you will be blessed by opening your home.


5. Don't take your school too seriously. There will be those days--you know what days I am talking about! Simply breath in and out, close your teachers key and do something the whole family enjoys. Break out the gameboard or even have them all go on a book time alone in their rooms. You homeschool will not collapse because you took a break for a day or two. In our big family we truly appreciate times of solace because there are so many of us--silence can be a rare thing. You could also call a craft day or home economics day and have them bake or cook to their hearts content.

I plan to tackle some sewing projects with the girls these months---yo-yo projects, aprons, costumes, etc. This is something that is harder to focus on in the warmer months because everyone wants to be outside. I am also going to have my older daughter plan out the garden by creating a garden journal for us this year so we will be prepared for the spring. She will be in charge of it all so she will have to study what can be planted with what and where using catalogs and books for research. It is good to teach older daughters how to run a home because this is equipping and preparing her for the future. Whether she is married or not she will still have to know how to run a home and cook and clean.

I also try to plan other important things into their schedule such as:

Music time: practicing instrument or piano/learning and singing new hymns as a family
Exercise time: working out to a video or playing outside in the snow
Reading time: books I have planned for them read for the year
Personal devotional time: every child who is reading in our home has their own Bible--the little ones have Bibles at their own level. It is good to start them in this habit of praying and reading early on so that it will become a life-time habit. We can help them by doing this by instilling good habits early on. Older children could be learning theology and a biblical worldview and much of that can be accomplished simply at the dinner table or through listening to sermons while they work or clean.
Character Studies
Typing
Computer

The days go by fast when the mother has a plan for the day. Whatever your plan is be sure to pray and ask the Lord what He might have you include. He might want you to 'hibernate' and focus on getting things under control at your home or maybe He is nudging on your heart to do something such as service projects as a family. Be sure to obey Him as you journey ahead making this winter a productive one for you and your family.





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Reformation Day Celebration

We have been busy studying the Reformation at the Fuentes household. It is an amazing thing to learn about Christian history especially when you are a first generation Christian. I don't ever remember the Reformation being taught in school and now I am grateful for a chance to dig deeper as I educate my children on their Christian roots.

As I sifted through the thought that mothers are the memory makers of their homes and children's lives-- I wanted to take this opportunity to begin a new tradition at our home. Starting this year we will anticipate our first Reformation Celebration.

The 95 Theses were nailed on the door at Wittenberg, German on October 31, 1517 by Martin Luther. A profound moment for our faith, this act would shake Europe to its foundation and cause great religious divide and spiritual freedom for so many. Which is why I want my children to remember the example set before them-- to remember that it takes one person to change the world.

In the past, Oct. 31st was used to pass out tracts but when the costumes became too gruesome for my little ones, we stopped. Before all of this, we had also watched a video about the origins of Halloween from Moody Bible Bookstore and was convicted that we personally wouldn't take part of it. Now we have a wonderful way to celebrate the day--to remember the sacrifices of our reforming and courageous spiritual forefathers.


World magazine had a great article examining some of the origins of Halloween and how to celebrate Reformation day that I highly recommend that you read here: Reformation Day

I did some research too and here are some ideas of what we are going to do for that day:

Dress up in costume (have a skit, try to guess who we are),
hold a medieval banquet (with authentic German food--some ideas I found were Roasted Papal Bull and Diet of Worms cake!)
and playing German music in the background

Games:

Sing the Battle Hymn of the Reformation "Almighty Fortress is our God"/or use this song to play musical chairs/who can build castles out of legos quickest
Boffer Wars,
Hide the Heretic (Hide and Seek),
Pin the Theses on the Door(blindfolded)
Bows and arrow event/tug of war (Reformers vs. Cardinals of course!)
Bonfire with storytelling about the Reformation
Indulgences relay race throwing indulgences in the trash

Daddy can teach about our thankful to our forefathers and their hefty sacrifices that led to religious freedom today. This is a wonderful experience for all! Here are some helpful links:

How to celebrate at home
Easy Costume Tips
Put on a celebration at your church
-includes Medieval games, costumes, recipes

Visit a Reformation Day Faire

Doorposts offers a book I'm looking forward to getting:
A Night of Reformation

We took a week off of 'regular' school to focus on this period and do a Unit Study on the Reformation, I have heard of others taking a month or more. We still incorporated math, spelling, literature, vocabulary, creative writing etc. into our history lesson.

You can view our Reformation Unit study here.

We will also be watching this October 31st:

(Be sure to turn off the music in the sidebar!)