Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Scripture Memory System

Starting this week, I’ll be implementing a new system to help the kids (and me!) memorize Scripture. It is called the Scripture Memory System, and it is part of the Charlotte Mason homeschooling method. Whether we end up homeschooling or not, and whether we’d even use the Charlotte Mason method if we did end up homeschooling, doesn’t matter to me. I want to use this Scripture Memory System to help my children memorize Scripture, and I can foresee us using this system long into the future whether we are homeschooling or not, after all, it is my job as a parent to teach my children whether I also send them to public school or not.

I could explain the Scripture Memory System to you, but I think the video I linked does a great job (much better than I’d do with words!), so I encourage you to watch it. I will leave you with a list of the first verses we’ll be putting in our box: mostly Scriptures that the kids already know on some level, but we’ll be adding to the list as we go. Our verses are taken from the NKJV.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Ella’s Fourth Birthday Interview

Last year I started a new birthday tradition for Ella (and I’ll start it with Troy when he turns 3) with this birthday interview. It is hard to believe that Ella is four, although, her uncooperative spirit during the questioning reminds me of how “old” she really is getting : ). She wanted to answer questions, just not the way we expected her to answer them. 

Here are Ella’s answers (in bold)!

  1. What is your favorite color? Blue, I mean purple. Purple and blue.
  2. What is your favorite toy? Ball
  3. What is your favorite fruit? Peaches
  4. What is your favorite TV show? Barney
  5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Chicken nuggets and cheese
  6. What is your favorite outfit? Dress
  7. What is your favorite game? a game on my ipad (her innotab that she calls an ipad)
  8. What is your favorite snack? Goldfish
  9. What is your favorite animal? The both monkeys; the two sock monkeys  (she has several sock monkeys, but two current favorites)
  10. What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves Me
  11. What is your favorite book? Clifford Book
  12. Who is your best friend? Karsyn
  13. What is your favorite cereal? The one with the smarshmallows
  14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Swing and slide
  15. What is your favorite drink? Apple juice
  16. What is your favorite holiday? Easter
  17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? The Both monkeys
  18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Nutrigrain bar
  19. What is your favorite thing for dinner? Chicken strips, mac and cheese, and couscous
  20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Christian
  21. What is your favorite movie? The new panda (Kung Fu Panda 2)
  22. Who is your favorite Disney princess? Ariel
  23. Where is your favorite place to go? the zoo
  24. What is your favorite Bible story? Jesus
  25. What is your favorite Old Testament story? Moses
  26. What is your favorite memory verse? “But be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 (I still laugh when I think about her when she first learned this verse. She would say “not eaters only” instead of “not hearers only.”) 
  27. What is your favorite letter? E
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Thankful Thursday

It has been a while since I’ve written a Thankful Thursday post, but after a crazy January of traveling (or my husband traveling), I’m reminded of two things I’m very thankful for:

  1. Sharing the load of parenting with my amazing husband.
  2. Smiling, running, and laughing kiddos that fill my house with joy.
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