School Days, School Days.......

Our school year started today.

We had a really good day. My oldest son started 3rd grade. Until this grade, we have followed a more leisurely pace to our school. He is getting older now and capable of a lot more. He will be getting it.

It took me a while to introduce him to all the new "stuff." For all my homeschool friends, I'll tell you what we are using (we like to be nosy about that kind of stuff!!) We started Easy Grammar 3, Daily Grams 3, Spelling Workout B, Math-U-See Gamma, A Reason for Handwriting T, and Tapestry of Grace Year 1. He is also taking a "Discovering God's World" science class. We will use our AWANA for Bible. Right off the bat, I realized that I don't like the spelling for him. We didn't even write in the book, I will be selling it.

I am very excited about our Tapestry of Grace. We will be learning about history from Creation to the Fall of the Roman Empire this year. It is a Christian, classical education model using unit study approach. It covers history, church history, literature, geography, fine arts, government & philiosophy in later years, and writing & composition. All of it is centered around the idea of the Tapestry of Grace woven throughout time by the hand of God. God is sovereign in all things and will use all to His glory! What a way to teach my kids!!!

My youngest son will be doing some preschool work also. He did some work with the letter "A" today, and made me take his picture five times with it. He is doing some Christian Light preschool books and loving them! He likes to sit at the big table with his brother. He works in spurts.....works for a while, and then plays.....then comes back, and then plays again. He was very excited to start school too.

I am excited about all this new curriculum. But, as I sat at the table today, I was overcome with thankfulness. I am thankful that I get to be there when they learn new things....when the lightbulb goes on and they "get it." As I listened to my son read, I see the progress from the days I taught him the sounds the letters make. As I watch him multiply, I remember the days we added 1+1. As I watch my younger son work at the table, I remember the days we didn't know if he could ever walk.

I rejoice in what the Lord has done in their lives.

I am glad He allowed me to be there.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18