Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-up December 2nd

Wow, it is December?  When did this happen?  :-)  Advent is here!

In my life/our homeschool this week:  I am making a concerted effort this year to really enjoy and celebrate the season of Advent with our children.  So much so that we are really going to be taking a break from the "formal" schooling and focusing on the season through Scripture, reading of different books, making crafts, prayer, thinking of others, etc.

On Monday, we had a bit of a delayed start since everyone was a bit car-lagged from our long drive home from Virginia late Sunday night.  We lit our first candle on our Advent wreath, along with prayer and recitation of a Scripture verse that I hope they will have memorized by the end of the week. (for those of you who are interested, this week's verse is Matthew 1:20)  We read and discussed "Merry Christmas Strega Nona" (what a lovely book!  I had never read it before.  It really gave us some focus on doing things for others this Advent) and we made our Advent calendar.  This year's has rings for each day, as it has in the past, but at the top, we made a manger and will put in the baby Jesus on Christmas Day.  We did do a bit of math review and the rest of the afternoon was music lessons (piano and guitar)

On Tuesday, we started the day in a similar fashion with our candle, Scripture and prayer.  We also are doing the "Holy Heroes Advent Adventure," which the kiddos are enjoying.  We made our first Jesse tree ornaments today and read "The Country Angel's Christmas."  What a heartwarming story about what a difference someone can make no matter how small they are!  :-)  We also made cards for members of our family who live alone to let them know that we are thinking of them this Advent season.  We put a Scripture verse inside that we hope will bring them some joy, hope and encouragement.  We hope to continue this throughout the season.

Wednesday, found us in our new Advent routine.  We continued Advent Adventure, making our Jesse tree ornaments, reading Scripture and prayer.  We read "The Littlest Angel."  I couldn't get through the end without crying.  I am such a sap, lol.  :-)  It showed how the most precious gifts to God could seem small and inconsequential to others, but if they come from our hearts, He treasures them deeply.  We also made another card for a relative who lives alone and today the kiddos made very special Christmas trees.  They have no ornaments on them yet.  As the children do a good deed for others or make a sacrifice for someone else, they will put an ornament on their tree.  I hope that their trees will be beautifully decorated by Christmas!

On Thursday, we continued with what we have been doing everyday: our candle, Jesse tree ornament and study, prayer and Scripture.  We also continued with our Advent Adventure.  Today, we began reading "Just David."  I think it is going to be an amazing story.  We only read the first chapter and it had us all engrossed and wanting more.  :-)

Friday, I hope to add some Nativity crafts to our afternoon and hopefully some Christmas baking, as well!

I'm cooking: This week two meals I've made include "Omelette in the crockpot" and Spaghetti Monterey in addition to more common ones like grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta and meatballs.  We're hoping to get some baking in on Friday.

I'm reading: Finishing up 1 John with the Good Morning Girls Bible Study and have just started "Just David" with the kids.  I have heard it is wonderful.  I am looking forward to it.

Photo, Quote or Verse to share:  “If we continue to send our children to Caesar for their education we need to stop being surprised when they come home as Romans.”--Dr. V. Bachaum