2020 in Review

 

This year started off much like any other year with plans, goals, and hopes for the year to come. Then we all had to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. But as I look back over the year, our family was still making memories that will last a lifetime.

January – College News

·         Kaylee received a letter stating she was accepted at Lamar University!

·         Brieanna received a letter stating she made the President’s List Fall 2019!

 

February – Time for the Symphony

·         We made a trip to Baton Rouge to see a dear friend perform in the symphony.

·         Brieanna was selected to attend the symphony with the Dean.

 

March – Stay at Home

·         Stay at home orders stopped all our outings. Girls stayed home during this time. I only went out to get groceries. David only went out for work.

·         During this time, I began to clean even more than usually because Isabelle has a primary immunodeficiency and I did not want her to get sick during this pandemic.

 

April – Celebration at Home

·         Isabelle turned 14-years-old and we were unable to give her a big birthday party as usual due to the pandemic; but family and friends mailed her birthday cards and we had a great celebration at home.

·         During this time, everything went online. Virtual doctor appointments. Zoom dance classes. Facebook Live for church. Facebook has really been a blessing during this time because I was able to see/hear my grandmother sing through Facebook when Regency Care shared a video.

 

May – Trials and Triumphs

·         David was furloughed; but God provided work through a friend and he has really enjoyed working at the beach cabin using his carpentry skills.

·         Ballet classes and track meets resumed!

·         We were able to attend a wedding! It was absolutely beautiful and I was honored to be able to help with the decorations because the bride has a special place in my heart.

 

June – Academic Achievements

·         Kaylee’s graduation was not as planned; but even better. Our church pastor allowed a Sunday service to be Facebook Live for family and friends to witness her graduation ceremony.

·         Brieanna received a letter stating she made the President’s List Spring 2020!

 

July – Recital Time

·         Isabelle’s ballet recital was not as planned; but they were able to perform using the Ballroom at a local hotel and conference center. And we were able to see this performance while social distancing.

·         Isabelle’s recital with Studio D was through video at the studio; but she was able to dance, and we were mailed a video to watch at home. I am so glad Studio D did something when many other dance academies were unable to hold recitals, they simply took pictures in costumes.

 

August – Busy Bee

·         I started the month coordinating and speaking at the Summer Summit.

·         Brieanna and I made a trip to Illinois to take care of some family business.

·         I had two girls in college and one starting high school.

·         Brieanna was selected to be in a music video.

·         I collected curriculum for fellow homeschoolers in LA who lost everything in Hurricane Laura.

 

September – Busy Bee Continued

·         Kaylee and David coach a HCYSC boys team so this was the start of a 10-week season.

·         Kaylee began playing in an adult soccer league.

·         Dance, piano lessons, and co-op activities began for the 20-21 school year.

·         David and I celebrated our 20^th wedding anniversary!

·         On 9/11 I wrote a poem in remembrance of Baby Reed.

 

October – Fun Times

·         Brieanna turned 19-years-old and we went on a birthday shopping trip with friends.

·         Soccer games, dance, piano lessons, and co-op activities continue.

 

November – Time for Thanksgiving

·         I am thankful for another birthday.

·         I am thankful for the time with family on Thanksgiving Day as we share around the table what we are most thankful for and how the Lord has truly blessed our family.

 

December – Celebrations

·         Kaylee turned 18-years-old and enjoyed her steak dinner and ice cream dessert as requested.

·         David celebrated another birthday playing golf.

·         We re-launched the Homeschool Life magazine!

·         We celebrated Christmas at home with our girls.

 

Although 2020 had its trials, its had its triumphs too and these are the memories that will last a lifetime!

It's About the Cross

 

If you were to ask me what my favorite Christmas carol is, I would tell you its not actually a carol; but a Christmas song sung by the Ball Brothers titled It's About the Cross. I have shared these words with you before; but the message remains the same. I hope you will find time to read these lyrics and I pray you will think on these words as you celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas.

It's not just about the manger
Where the baby lay
It's not all about the angels
Who sang for him that day

It's not just about the shepherds
Or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wisemen
Who travelled from afar

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross
It's about the cross

It's not just about the presents
Underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling
That the season brings to me

It's not just about coming home
To be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty
In the snow I'm dreaming of

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross

The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about God's love
Nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood
That flowed from Him when it should have been me

It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
So that you and I could have real life someday

It's about the cross
It's about the cross

What Child Is This?

 

The question asked in this well-loved carol must have been uppermost in the minds of those present at Jesus' birth. We can almost hear the question being asked from one another as they gazed into the humble manger. The triumphant answer to this question is proclaimed in the refrain - This, this is Christ the King.

The text was written by William Dix while he was confined to bed after he was stricken with a sudden serious illness at the age of 29. This carol was taken from a longer poem "The Manger Throne" by William Dix and the melody "Greensleeves" is its traditional English folk tune.

What Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?

Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear - for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh - come, rich and poor, to own Him; the King of kings salvation brings - let loving hearts enthrone him.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud - the Babe, the Son of Mary.

This Christmas. I pray that we will teach teach our children the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus came to earth and was born in a humble manger to die upon an old rugged cross for you and me. As the shepherds shared the good news of His birth, may we too share the good news of His birth, His death, and His resurrection with all mankind for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Using Literature to Teach American History in Elementary School

 

Many of us use a curriculum to teach history; but using literature to teach history can be a great teaching tool. I am continuing this history literature series with some of the best books to teach American history. Using literature to teach history illuminates the time period, helps integrate the history curriculum, and enriches social studies. With my love for literature and history, it only makes sense to combine the two, so I have gathered some of my favorite books that teach American history in elementary school.

If You Were Me and Lived in the American West by Carol P. Roman introduces students to the civilization of the American West. Students learn what kind of food you might eat on the Oregon Trail, the clothes you wore in the American West, what your name could be in the 19^th century, and what children did for fun once their many chores were done.

Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac takes students back in time to the year 1620 when an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together – a tradition that continues today.

The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh is based on a true story. In 1707, young Sarah Noble and her father traveled through the wilderness to build a new home for their family. “Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble,” her mother had said, but Sarah found that it was not always easy to feel brave inside. Sarah was only eight, and the dark woods were full of animals and strange new sights and sounds. As she cares for her father and befriends her neighbors, she learns that to be afraid and to be brave is the greatest courage of all.

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #11: American Revolution by Mary Pope Osborne is a nonfiction companion to the Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday. When Jack and Annie got back from their adventures in Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday, they had lots of questions. What was it like to live in colonial times? Why did the Stamp Act make the colonist angry? Who were the Minutemen? What happened at the Boston Tea Party? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh takes readers back to the revolutionary times, back to the colonists’ desire for freedom and the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Simple text captures the excitement of the era, telling how word of Independence travelled up and down the thirteen colonies, touching the lives of everyday people throughout the land.

These are only a few of my favorite books that teach American history, there are so many more out there! Feel free to share in the comments what you consider the best book to teach American history.

Homeschool Life Winter 2020

 

In 2009, Homeschool Life published its first magazine, life happened, and now in 2020 we've partnered with an array of homeschool writers and homeschool companies to publish articles and advertisements that will empower, enrich, and encourage homeschool families. Check out what's in the Winter 2020 issue -

Learning Styles: The Visual Learner

What About Socialization?

Help! How Do I Evaluate Student Progress?

Preschool Theme Day: Frozen Fever

Using Educational Games to Teach Math

Homeschooling with a Toddler

How Do You Do That? Lion Trainer!

Unit Study: Epidemics in World History

Preparing for College Applications

World History Novel Studies

Vocabulary Virtuoso

Mathematics Level A

Writing & Grammar 9

Exploring Creation with Botany

Time for a Giveaway (there are actually two curriculum giveaways!)

Virtual Field Trip: The British Museum

Mama, Fill Your Cup!

While we may not agree with every detail and statement in each article we publish, our policy is to only publish articles that uphold our statement of faith and mission statement: Homeschooling is more than an academic alternative - it's a way of life! 

Purchase the Homeschool Life Winter 2020 digital magazine today!