tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41063939096751009572024-03-23T06:14:50.585-04:00sacred lessons by the seacatholic . minimalist . homeschool . Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-43554646132743695812021-03-01T12:40:00.003-05:002021-03-01T12:40:49.619-05:00Curriculum 2021 | High School & Elementary & PK3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ_EPDvkkGJFWE9TUmK4BrDj-LEQzK85x6pQvrKIV31pQFTtabw5wWNZL6zUIf8EYJKBh1oS47VVwTkCH6y30e_TAzaj3wZCWpW_4sMDrqiT9I5QT6CL2byVyrPRQA8rS0uGOr870Wqo/s2048/ruth-troughton-MenMX04sh_A-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ_EPDvkkGJFWE9TUmK4BrDj-LEQzK85x6pQvrKIV31pQFTtabw5wWNZL6zUIf8EYJKBh1oS47VVwTkCH6y30e_TAzaj3wZCWpW_4sMDrqiT9I5QT6CL2byVyrPRQA8rS0uGOr870Wqo/w640-h478/ruth-troughton-MenMX04sh_A-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This was supposed to be a YouTube video but it is super dark today... and will be for the next several days. In an effort to not keep delaying it, I just decided to at least put a blog post up and then link the video later. There are a couple small things we are still waiting to arrive, but they have been using these items for a bit now. </div><div><br /></div>I really scrambled to get together the curriculum for our three eldest children so that we could establish a new routine before baby Capri joins us in May. We have not had the most consistent of years since the hurricane so we are fully homeschooling through the summer. <div><br /></div><div>Much to my surprise, the kids are super excited about the new curriculum and the new workload changes. They still get school done in about 2-3 hours depending on the day. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Lorelai 10/11th Grade</i></span> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Faith : Using the <a href="https://hallow.com">Hallow App</a> [kids and I each have a membership and created a family group so that we can share what we are praying]. Going to be adding in a few weeks : <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/promotions/faithandlife/scope.htm">Faith & Life Series</a> Book 6 that Brie and her will do together. </li><li>English : <a href="https://compassclassroom.com/shop/product-category/languages-vocab/vocabulary/">Word Up Latin & Greek Vocabulary</a>, <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/high-school-honors-book-studies/">The Good & The Beautiful Honors Book Studies</a> [Pride & Prejudice and The Screwtape Letters], Copywork from <a href="https://amzn.to/380HcdN">The Harp & Laurel Wreath</a>, our own literature picks [another blog post], and assigned essays, research papers by me. </li><li>History : We finished history for the year but used Tan Books' <a href="https://amzn.to/3uLDSgg">Story of Civilization Volume III</a>. We use the kindle book along with the audible. </li><li>Math : <a href="https://mathusee.com">Math U See Algebra</a> and <a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/math/geometry">Khan Academy Geometry</a> </li><li>Science : <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/category/5150/Exploring-Creation-with-General-Science-3rd-Ed..html">Apologia's Exploring Creation with General Science</a>. We are using the video lessons [via thumb drive], the students workbooks [backordered], text book, test booklets and lab kit from <a href="https://www.homesciencetools.com">HomeScience Tools</a>. </li><li>Health : <a href="https://amzn.to/2OcWYve">Shyness & Social Anxiety Teen Workbook</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3uI8HCy">Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens</a></li><li>Electives : <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/store/product/foundations-in-entrepreneurship-self-study">Dave Ramsey's Foundations in Entrepreneurship</a>, Acrylic Painting [YouTube tutorials + Supplies], Korean II [Talk 2 Me in Korean & <a href="http://HowToStudyKorean.com">HowToStudyKorean.com</a>], <a href="https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1786225">Herbal Study</a> by Salt and Light Homeschool. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Breezy 8th/9th Grade</i></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Faith : Using the <a href="https://hallow.com">Hallow App</a>, Going to be adding in a few weeks : <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/promotions/faithandlife/scope.htm">Faith & Life Series</a> Book 6 </li><li>English : <a href="https://compassclassroom.com/shop/product-category/languages-vocab/vocabulary/">Word Up Latin & Greek Vocabulary</a>, <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/pre-k-8-language-arts-course-set-level-8-book-studies/">The Good & The Beautiful Level 8 Book Studies</a> plus <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/high-school-honors-book-study-pride-and-prejudice/">Pride & Prejudice book study</a> with Lorelai, Copywork from <a href="https://amzn.to/380HcdN">The Harp & Laurel Wreath</a>, our own literature picks [another blog post], and assigned essays, research papers by me. </li><li>History : [Already completed for the year] Tan Books' <a href="https://amzn.to/3uLDSgg">Story of Civilization Volume III</a>. We use the kindle book along with the audible. </li><li>Math : <a href="https://mathusee.com">Math U See Algebra</a> </li><li>Science : <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/category/5150/Exploring-Creation-with-General-Science-3rd-Ed..html">Apologia's Exploring Creation with General Science</a>. Using the video lessons [via thumb drive], the students workbooks [backordered], text book, test booklets and lab kit from <a href="https://www.homesciencetools.com">HomeScience Tools</a>. </li><li>Health : <a href="https://amzn.to/3uJgkZK">Self-Compassion Teen Workbook</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3uI8HCy">Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens</a></li><li>Electives : <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/store/product/foundations-in-entrepreneurship-self-study">Dave Ramsey's Foundations in Entrepreneurship</a>, Acrylic Painting [YouTube tutorials + Supplies], Korean I [Talk 2 Me in Korean & <a href="http://HowToStudyKorean.com">HowToStudyKorean.com</a>], <a href="https://www.magcloud.com/user/saltytribeco">Marine Science</a> by Salt and Light Homeschool and <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/pre-k-8-marine-biology/">The Good & The Beautiful</a></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Everett 4th/5th Grade</i></span> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Faith : Using the <a href="https://hallow.com">Hallow App</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3sESaxC">Baltimore Catechism No. 1</a></li><li>English : <a href="https://setonbooks.com/reading/1739-book-of-gladness-key-in-book.html">Seton Book of Gladness</a>, Spelling taken from his Catechism and copywork. Copywork from <a href="https://amzn.to/380HcdN">The Harp & Laurel Wreath</a>, our own literature picks [another blog post]</li><li>History : [Already completed for the year] Tan Books' <a href="https://amzn.to/3uLDSgg">Story of Civilization Volume III</a>. We use the kindle book along with the audible. </li><li>Math : <a href="https://setonbooks.com/math/305-mathematics-3-for-young-catholics-key-in-book.html">Seton Math</a> and then moving to <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/pre-k-8-math-course-set-level-4/">The Good & The Beautiful Math 4</a> [the new one coming out this autumn]</li><li>Science : <a href="https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/019866/Exploring-Creation-with-Astronomy-Textbook-2nd-edition.html?">Apologia's Exploring Creation with Astronomy</a> w/student book [on backorder] and lab kit from <a href="https://www.homesciencetools.com">HomeScience Tools</a>. </li><li>Electives : Working on cars with daddy</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Zephyr PK3</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>We do not usually do any type of schooling at this age. We typically start kindergarten at age 6, however, Zephyr has a speech delay so we are working with him on some things. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>FOCUS : speech, letters, colors and shapes</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/301gkG7">Sign Language</a> </li><li><a href="https://watch.formed.org/brother-francis-1">Brother Francis</a> DVDs or on Formed.org </li><li><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=christian+liberty+nature+reader&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCQ&nav_search=1&cms=1&ps_exit=KEYWORD&ps_domain=www">Christian Liberty Nature Readers</a> Books 1 & 2</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3uJl3dW">Big Letter Tracing Book</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Pqcjcn">Pattern Blocks</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NQMQs7">Bean Bags Shapes & Colors</a></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xo, Jane</div><div><br /></div>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-91288174101758510952021-02-25T21:34:00.001-05:002021-02-25T21:36:54.404-05:00Option 3 : Catholic Curriculum I Recommend When You Don't Know What to Use | Post 2 of 3<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTTDTlKYJdLqkCeeSYCvr3Zr6GkuFdVTLLZYIlimkXZ6uatsBmvyPo0StnsdW3zkbm5FwoOozGycdw6O0_L9vbRuGxFtmtndE2-evLk1p0aw-KpdW7reaMblO91LudAHRGdagH-Q2sFs/s2048/marianne-krohn-RNqZbnBnMQk-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTTDTlKYJdLqkCeeSYCvr3Zr6GkuFdVTLLZYIlimkXZ6uatsBmvyPo0StnsdW3zkbm5FwoOozGycdw6O0_L9vbRuGxFtmtndE2-evLk1p0aw-KpdW7reaMblO91LudAHRGdagH-Q2sFs/w640-h426/marianne-krohn-RNqZbnBnMQk-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Opt 3 :</b> Catholic Curriculum I recommend if you're not sure what to use and don't have a homeschool backup plan</span></i></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;">In continuation from yesterday's post about the long halt with Salt and Light Homeschool, today's post gives you homeschool option 3. Within this option there are a couple routes : the DIY select and choose or the buy one package situation. I always liked the idea of the latter but I'm a DIY Homeschooler at heart no matter how much I try to be In The Box.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">DIY Curriculum</span> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When it comes to DIY-ing it, I prefer to keep to the basics first and then add in any extras. The basics will also include any state mandated requirements. This is different in every state and country, so do add in what you specifically need. DIY here means piecing everything together one subject at a time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Faith</b></i> : I love traditional things. You can't beat <a href="https://amzn.to/37sq1l4">The Bible</a> and a <a href="https://amzn.to/2M5pNZH">Baltimore Catechism</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>English</b></i> : Literature is the largest part of how our children learn. We read many books each year and have switched to a lot of kindle format books to save our shelf space. I will be posting a master list of literature for all grades by May and will link it here once it has posted. We like to read fiction, non fiction, poetry, articles, research, all types of reading! We use it for copywork, narration, spelling, grammar, writing curriculum and vocabulary. We cover history and science topics this way as well. Our favorite poetry books are <a href="https://amzn.to/2NIfgE8">A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3ubbeoG">A Nature Poem for Every Night of the Year</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We also do a lot of daily journaling, no prompts usually. Every once in awhile I will suggest a topic, maybe a current event to write about but the journaling practice helps them to get more writing in. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://setonbooks.com/reading/1837-faith-and-freedom-reader-series-19-book-set-with-keys.html">These Catholic readers from Seton</a> are excellent. We don't purchase the big pack, but this shows you the whole series and the description breaks it down by grade. We don't follow the grade, we just pick a few and read aloud or solo read. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Math</b></i> : I have tried them all over these many years. Our favorite math curricula for elementary grades are <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/pre-k-8-curriculum/math/">The Good and Beautiful Math</a>, <a href="https://simplycharlottemason.com/store/the-charlotte-mason-elementary-arithmetic-series/">Simply Charlotte Mason Math</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2M4TxpA">Seton Math</a>. Our favorites for middle school and high school are <a href="https://www.khanacademy.org">Khan Academy</a>, <a href="https://mathusee.com">Math U See</a> from PreAlgebra and up through high school, <a href="https://diveintomath.com/shormann/">Shormann Math</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2M4TxpA">Saxon Math</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>History</b></i> : <a href="https://amzn.to/3s6vupG">The Story of Civilizations Vols. 1-4</a> for 4th grades and up through high school. For younger years, you can totally use Story of Civilizations, but my kids also really enjoyed <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/pre-k-8-curriculum/history/">The Good and The Beautiful History.</a> We like that both of those offer dramatic audio to listen along! The audio with SoC has one actor that is the author of the books but the audio for G&B History is a group of actors. Our kids fell in love with dramatic audio, which we also use when listening to the Bible and on the Formed app for stories of saints! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When my younger 3 children are school aged, we will do The Good & The Beautiful history, all 4 volumes until they are high school and then do Story of Civilizations. The reason for me is because G&B History goes through the four time periods each year and our kids liked the variety of time periods because they find them all so fascinating. When they're older I want them to have the Catholic history fully, so we would do that for high school. SoC covers Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern and US History. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Science</b></i> : For younger years we like to focus on nature study and getting outdoors versus doing lower levels of biology, chemistry and physics. Our favorite nature study resources are <a href="https://raisinglittleshoots.com/buy-exploring-nature-with-children/">Exploring Nature with Children</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2Nmvsez">Drawn to Nature</a> as well as local nature guides for plants, birds and other local wildlife. A great resource that goes with Exploring Nature with Children is the Handbook of Nature Study. I recommend <a href="https://amzn.to/3qCPFer">the digital format </a>to easily take it with you on nature walks. From Kindergarten through 6th grades we also like to focus on their science interests. My eldest son is really into astronomy so we got some astronomy focused curriculum through <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/apologia?search=apologia%20science&search_term=apologia%20science&ps_exit=RETURN">Apologia</a>. Another good one to consider for unit style studies is <a href="https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/pre-k-8-curriculum/science-health/">The Good & The Beautiful Science</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">For middle school through high school we like <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/apologia?search=apologia%20science&search_term=apologia%20science&ps_exit=RETURN">Apologia</a> and <a href="https://diveintomath.com/science-1/">Shormann Science</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Electives</b></i> : Always start with finding out what your child's interests are and start finding resources for that. Some electives that we have selected in middle school and/or high school are : personal finances, government, economics, foreign language, art, music/instrument, herbal study, computer science, graphic design, coding, and so many more. Just search until you find something that works! It doesn't have to be a curricula. It could be a book, online course, a friend who is an expert, just remember to think outside the box. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Box Curriculum</span> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have always liked the idea of boxed curriculum. Select grade, add to cart, wait for it to arrive. I always ended up tweaking it to fit, but it is still a great option for the overwhelmed mama or the mama who doesn't want to source each subject. Usually you can add on the electives your child is interested in after selecting the box curriculum and then you get a mix of both. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. <u><a href="https://www.setonhome.org/elementary/">Seton Catholic Homeschool</a></u>. We use many of their <a href="https://setonbooks.com/97-seton-books">resources</a> and any time I get overwhelmed, I order from Seton. It's solid, it's Catholic and it is very simple to use. It is also not super pricey. There is even the option to use it like a school and they can grade everything for you. I have never used that option, but know that it is there for you if you need it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. <a href="https://www.chcweb.com/catalog/">Catholic Heritage</a>. I have used some of their materials and might use it as a box set with one of my younger kids just because it looks so wonderfully done! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. <a href="http://materamabilis.org/ma/">Mater Amabilis</a>. This is one of my favorite resources and it happens to be free! You would need either access to a great library [don't forget to try your Parish library], or purchase to have the required literature books on hand. We used this in the autumn of 2019 with Seton for some books and it is a wonderful option. It has lesson plans for Pre-K through 12th grades. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">4. <a href="https://kolbe.org">Kolbe Academy</a> & <u><a href="https://modg.org">Mother of Divine Grace</a></u>. These are two I have looked at previously and they look wonderful, but I have not used them personally. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I hope this was helpful! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">xo, Jane </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div><br /></div>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-63067572203535350552021-02-18T16:16:00.004-05:002021-02-18T16:16:34.961-05:00Halting Salt and Light Homeschool Curriculum Writing & Releases | Post 1 of 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfc6sTqCj2lsOBBt64NoyGhQXnx1MuXhm8Ax6P_ebgQnoLUQQz2IfaE7iPm8Y8WxFDqC-fCgoIGVXtQrOptdo-mSvABG3_BZr4zAjesksZ-ITFQk6QkvFhOpI8rNe2qyMaSWxaOj0p0Q/s1000/blog.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1000" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfc6sTqCj2lsOBBt64NoyGhQXnx1MuXhm8Ax6P_ebgQnoLUQQz2IfaE7iPm8Y8WxFDqC-fCgoIGVXtQrOptdo-mSvABG3_BZr4zAjesksZ-ITFQk6QkvFhOpI8rNe2qyMaSWxaOj0p0Q/w640-h352/blog.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Don't panic. Years 1 & 2 of Salt and Light Homeschool aren't going anywhere. If you make it to the end of this rambling, I'll have some plans for ya if you need them. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">TLDR : Just skip the sob story and scroll to the bottom where it says, "<i>The Plan</i>" for Options 1&2. There are two more options already auto scheduled for the next couple of days. They're already written for my own sanity and convenience. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><hr /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I do this a lot. I ignore my body, my health, all warnings and push forward to do what I want to do. For the past five years I have been actively writing homeschool curriculum. Do you know what it takes to release a whole brand new year of curriculum for PreK through Twelfth every single year? I didn't either until I did it. It is something between a dream of doing what I love and a nightmare of pressure and deadlines.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The house becomes a total wreck, my children do not have my attention, I usually completely stop washing my face, I barely eat and I work 15-20 hours per day. Absolutely no exaggeration. I love writing curriculum, and I love helping other families. It's part of who I am. Your emails and messages about how Salt and Light Homeschool or Lamp and Light Homeschool has changed your schooling or blessed your family, always bring me to tears. Literal tears. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We all go through things, such is life. Take all that pressure of helping homeschool families and toss in five sweet children that need me, two of them under two, difficult pregnancies and miscarriages, a hurricane that destroyed our island life and uprooted us from home, four moves in the past few years not including driving all over Florida living in AirBnB's for months, and it almost becomes paralyzing. Oh and we converted from protestant to Catholic in there as well. I sold part of my company [Lamp + Light Homeschool] and the list goes on and on. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Towards the end of summer, before I was pregnant with baby blessing number six, I had this incredible energy! I was way ahead of my writing timeline and was getting so much done. When I found out I was pregnant, after the shock wore off [though some level of shock remains] I realized I could even finish the final installment of Salt and Light Homeschool by April. I couldn't figure out how in the world I would write year 4 for the following year with three under three so I tried to push to finish it all to help make my life a bit less chaotic. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This surprise pregnancy came with morning sickness [HG] that continues into my now third trimester and unbelievable exhaustion. We are also moving. Again. Staying in NC and building our first home right after baby 6 is born. I can't concentrate or write like this. At all. I am completely unwilling to release a subpar curriculum that was written with an exhausted mom brain of mush. It could be so bad. Really bad. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is not the season for writing. This is the season for raising many small children and preparing Lorelai and Brie for high school graduation and beginning college. We even have already finished all that I have written thus far in the Salt and Light Homeschool curriculum within our own homeschool. I don't even have the energy to wing it and write some new stuff for my own kids. We are going to be using various curricula for my own children this school year and until I come out of the fog post 3 c-sections in less than 3 years [that is 6 c-sections total]. And I always get some degree of post partum depression/anxiety. Very hard to write like that as well. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I started writing curriculum, I had three self-sufficient kids. They could make their own lunches and do solo school work. I had so much time to read, journal and create products for other homeschool families. I've been writing books and in magazines for years but then life changed. I adapted each time, sometimes gracefully and sometimes collapsing into an anxiety ridden puddle of fear. I'm in the second camp as of late. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Through the past few years at least. my friend Jenny, the brilliant creator of The Good & The Beautiful Curriculum, became my dear companion when I felt like I just couldn't go on anymore. She is the sweetest most compassionate person. I would pour out in emails back and forth to her, snot tears included, about how the pressure was crushing me and I talked through quitting many <i>many <b>many</b></i> times. We declare that writing curriculum is not for the faint. She could relate and honestly, she is just such a blessing of a friend. Trust me, you need a friend who can relate to your unique struggles. They are gifts from God. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So what now?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Plan</i></span> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I will finish Salt and Light Homeschool years 3 and 4, eventually. I won't give a date because I do not have one right now. It could be as soon as next year or as far away as 4 years from now. I have no idea. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Opt 1 :</b> If you don't have a backup curriculum but love the style of Salt and Light Homeschool and are totally cool with making your own plan and discussion questions :</span> </i> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The book list for year 3 is up on the <a href="https://sacredbythesea.blogspot.com/p/before-you-do-your-back-to-homeschool.html">Salt and Light Homeschool Year 3</a> page and the scope and sequence can <a href="https://sacredbythesea.blogspot.com/p/catholic-lamp-light-curriculum.html?fbclid=IwAR1QAMJhDtUzuU30ycOcNcR3nRyWcf1pM3GDfMgNBpuCrXwmmnwTtbrUSVY">be viewed here</a>. The world religions book listed for year three is written in an unbiased way and that was a <i>difficult</i> book to find. I read so many to find that one. I had that sectioned up to go by continent and with each continent studying any Marian apparitions that happened there. And there were going to be maps to map out where the apparitions occurred and learning about the major cities, rivers, mountains, seas, cultures and of course the main religions. Most of the curriculum I was writing myself and completed some but not all so you'll need to find books that can fulfill the topics if you want to cover those. You can use my recommendations below if you need help with that. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Opt 2 :</b> If you want to do those topics but need a bit more guidance on resources to use :</i></span> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>Faith</u> - Bible, Rosary, <a href="https://amzn.to/3bifjyH">Story of the Bible Vol. 2</a> [Vol. 1 was used in year I, but if you didn't do it then, do that one now]. We use the audible and the digital books so that everyone can <a href="https://amzn.to/3k2qOOP">read along on a kindle</a>. The cost of the audible [if you don't have a subscription] plus the digital book which can be shared on several devices at once, is the same as buying one print book. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>English</u> - Journal Daily, Get copywork [by age/ability] from the <a href="https://amzn.to/3rZ1dZM">Harp & Laurel Wreath book</a>, Latin & Greek roots vocabulary, I recommend <a href="https://compassclassroom.com/?s=word+up">Word Up by Compass Classroom</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/3k2oHun">Latin & Greek Roots by Memoria</a>. We use copywork for spelling and grammar, but you can use another resource if you like. I am going to be posting a lengthy master literature list for all grades before May if you want help with that, too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>History</u> - <a href="https://amzn.to/3awMgrX">Story of Civilization. We have all 4 Volumes</a> and are using the final volume this autumn for the 2021/2022 year. These are also utilized in Salt and Light Homeschool in rounds and are <b>Catholic</b> History, so if you haven't done any of them, you are in for a treat because they are excellent! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">How we use them : We get the audible, and the digital book so each kid, and myself, can read along with the audible on kindle or apple books and also the activity guide to do the chapter review questions. There are lots of other components and activities if you're a cool mom. I am not, so we just do the questions after listening/following along in a chapter. Anytime there's a movie that goes with the topic, we stop to watch it. Like Saving Private Ryan with WWII, stuff like that. We also do an art notebooking page once per week of their favorite lesson. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>Science</u> - For Nature Study II we use <a href="https://amzn.to/3dvGk4F">the book Drawn to Nature by Clare Walker Leslie</a> on how to to make simple nature journal entries. I also use this book, <a href="https://amzn.to/37Ic4zR">How to Teach Nature Journaling by John Muir Laws</a>, and the <a href="https://johnmuirlaws.com/blog-archives/">free resources on his site</a>. His <a href="https://johnmuirlaws.com/drawing-birds/">how to draw birds</a> videos, how to draw <a href="https://johnmuirlaws.com/draw-mammals/">mammals</a> and <a href="https://johnmuirlaws.com/drawing-plants/">how to draw plants</a> are invaluable and all FREE. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course, if you didn't finish <a href="https://raisinglittleshoots.com/buy-exploring-nature-with-children/">Exploring Nature with Children</a>, add the <a href="https://amzn.to/3qz05Mj">digital version of Handbook of Nature Study</a> - easier to carry around outside and so much cheaper on the wallet. Lynn is a friend of mine, and the creator of Exploring Nature with Children. She also has many other amazing products like <a href="https://raisinglittleshoots.com/exploring-nature-around-the-year/">Exploring Nature Around the Year</a> and so much more! She's pretty much amazing and you can't go wrong with anything she releases. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>Personal Finance</u> - Do this in Middle and High School. It's worth it and these programs work so well. <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/foundations-personal-finance-school-homeschool-edition/dave-ramsey/pd/948298?event=ESRCG">Dave Ramsey's Personal Finance for Middle School</a> and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/foundations-personal-finance-homeschool-new-edition/dave-ramsey/pd/948187?event=ESRCG">Dave Ramsey's Personal Finance for High School</a> are the exact ones we used. Or you can combine personal finance with the next category "Starting a Business" and <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/store/product/foundations-self-study-bundle">save a whole bunch of money by getting the digital bundle</a>. We did those printed bundles, but they now offer this <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/store/product/foundations-in-personal-finance-middle-school-edition-for-self-study">for middle school</a> and this <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/store/product/foundations-in-personal-finance-high-school-edition-for-self-study">for high school</a> which is way cheaper and updated. I would do the cheaper ones since that is now an option. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>Starting a Business</u> - Dave Ramsey to the rescue again with either the <a href="https://amzn.to/37qm9RG">Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox</a> or <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/store/product/foundations-in-entrepreneurship-self-study">Foundations in Entrepreneurship</a>. Out of those, the latter is the best option. Or, again, you can <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/store/product/foundations-self-study-bundle">bundle the finance with entrepreneurship</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>PreK/Kinder</u> - <a href="https://amzn.to/3k1vwMz">Catholic Alphabet Book</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3uaHwQI">Animals of God Vol. 1</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2NyRg6u">Animals of God Vol. 2</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZqGzFR">Our Lady's Wardrobe</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZsIBVV">Stories of the Saints</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3uiZ4dF">Crayons</a> and a notebook to color in, <a href="https://amzn.to/3bfQ7Ja">primary watercolors</a>, some watercolor paper and <a href="https://amzn.to/3dpbafd">a mop brush</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3dq7r0E">watercolor holders</a> and Exploring Nature with Children [see science above]. And maybe some <a href="https://amzn.to/3s4QJYT">shape/color beanbags</a>. Practice counting things around the home, cook together, count things in nature. Those are all natural ways to learn math. This age is about reading a lot, playing and outdoor exploration. Wait...that's my formula for all grades. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>IF I FORGOT SOMETHING</b>, because it's very possible I did, please comment below and I will update with links to other books for the specific topics to help you out as much as I can!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The next two options will autopost tomorrow and the next day. I'll come back here to link them for you once they are live. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Those options are : </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Opt 3 : Catholic Curriculum I recommend if you're not sure what to use and don't have a homeschool backup plan. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Opt 4 : You're a protestant Christian and want my recommendations that work for your faith. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I hope this helps and please know that Years 1 & 2 of Salt and Light Homeschool are still up and will remain so forever if you want to use those. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">xo, Jane</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-91397967921215820642021-01-28T16:52:00.005-05:002021-01-28T16:56:48.753-05:00Homeschooling Older Kids While You Have Babies and Toddlers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5WjUCTy58uLViJPfQIJ1wDzGfSz-cdLmkNElPRnCHut7E-MKlimEl7K5rXifB7OvpqGG7mLnKnNfxoaf4xHMrd0KwZalurZWoUM386qtDYudq6mGP_6OqXdLS3CCxcBa2GuMIvFkuEM/s2048/samuel-scrimshaw-RD1tQOC_IF8-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5WjUCTy58uLViJPfQIJ1wDzGfSz-cdLmkNElPRnCHut7E-MKlimEl7K5rXifB7OvpqGG7mLnKnNfxoaf4xHMrd0KwZalurZWoUM386qtDYudq6mGP_6OqXdLS3CCxcBa2GuMIvFkuEM/w640-h426/samuel-scrimshaw-RD1tQOC_IF8-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I am going to begin this with the disclaimer that I do <b><i>not</i></b> have this all figured out, most days are a bit chaotic and I have no clue how I'll do this with three older kids along with 3 under 3. It's still mind blowing that I will soon have 6 kids. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the time of this writing, my older three children are almost 16 yrs, 14 yrs, and 10 yrs. Our younger three are 2yrs, 1yr and soon to be born in May 2021. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">First I'll kind of give an idea of what it looks like and how our day is structured and then I'll give some tools we use to keep them occupied while we work. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Our Family's School Day Rhythm</span></i></p><p><i>Morning</i> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We begin with breakfast for all. Sometimes I cook a breakfast like pancakes or french toast or eggs and sausage and more often it's cereal, oatmeal, breakfast bars, bagels or yogurt parfaits. When I'm sick and pregnant, the latter is more the norm. I have coffee, some of the other kids do as well. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I drink my coffee while the kids eat breakfast and I go over my daily planner. I am usually at my desk which is next to the kitchen. I check emails, return client questions on social media, and make sure I'm set for the day. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">After this we usually go into our main lesson. Ours is very unit style which I <a href="https://sacredbythesea.blogspot.com/2021/01/creating-unit-study-in-4-simple-steps.html" target="_blank">talked about in this blog post</a>. Depending on when we start, usually between 9 and 10 am, we have a snack afterwards and then break into solo studies. This is the independent work our kids are doing : math lesson, copywork, journaling, reading. Any of those subjects can be done in any order they wish and they come to me if they need any help or lesson clarification. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Afternoon</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Around 11:30/Noon we have lunch and then the little ones, the youngest two, go to take a nap. The older three continue any unfinished solo work or relax, play games on a device [phone, playstation or computer[ or they go for walks [older two], play in the backyard, ride bikes, listen to music, paint or do another art related hobby.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes Zephyr, our 2 year old, won't take a nap and that's usually evident after about 20 minutes or so. That's when I move him to my bed and he usually will take a nap there while I work or also take a nap/break. I always strive for getting work done but while pregnant I listen extra to my body and if I need it, I just relax. After nap time the kids play outside or play games inside, sometimes we go to a park and walk if the weather is good. They all love to be outside so we try to do that as often as we can. Then we transition to our evening routine, which is not part of our school day rhythm. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Occupying The Littles</i></span> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">These will depend on the age of your children, but for children 4 and under, here's what we have done in the past and currently. I absolutely use technology if nothing else is working. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li>beeswax <a href="https://amzn.to/36m9Ipm" target="_blank">crayons</a> and an empty <a href="https://amzn.to/3iW4fut" target="_blank">composition</a> book/notebook</li><li>brother francis <a href="https://amzn.to/3iTtiP0" target="_blank">episodes</a> [when older kids are doing solo lesson]</li><li>reading <a href="https://amzn.to/2YplrPK" target="_blank">books</a> to them [when the older ones are doing solo work]</li><li>playdoh or <a href="https://amzn.to/3iXGgez" target="_blank">clay</a></li><li>matchbox <a href="https://amzn.to/3oufag2" target="_blank">cars</a> that were put away</li><li>wooden <a href="https://amzn.to/39pGZ4U" target="_blank">peg dolls</a> that we only bring out when we need them occupied</li><li>tumbleleaf <a href="https://amzn.to/3iY9zOg" target="_blank">episodes</a> on prime video [also if older kids are off doing solo work]</li><li>get the <a href="https://amzn.to/3psiytb" target="_blank">legos</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/39t4NVE" target="_blank">blocks</a> out </li><li>alphabet <a href="https://amzn.to/3t4dIET" target="_blank">puzzel</a> </li><li>finger <a href="https://amzn.to/39u5VIN" target="_blank">puppets</a> </li><li>basket of <a href="https://amzn.to/3owxpl8" target="_blank">play silks</a> </li><li>pop-up <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ylecs6" target="_blank">tent</a> : this works surprisingly well ha!</li><li>empty boxes, empty water bottles/milk cartons and snacks to eat work as well </li><li>kid <a href="https://amzn.to/39o3Pdk" target="_blank">headphones</a> for listening/watching on a device when we are listing to an audio lesson and nothing else worked</li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">When we have newborns and babies, we go with the flow completely. I breastfeed on demand but we still follow a very similar rhythm to our homeschool day. If the weather is good and we have a newborn, I make it a necessity to get outside for a walk. This is one of the things that combat PPD/PPA [post partum depression and anxiety] for me. We use baby swings, carriers/wraps and bouncy seats or rockers to occupy them and once they are older [but less than a year old, we use a johnny jumper thing in a doorframe and that does a great job for our babies. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you have any tips, definitely share them with us! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">xo, jane </p><p><br /></p>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-68992930534445442672021-01-27T16:01:00.007-05:002021-01-27T16:29:57.793-05:00Creating a Unit Study in 4 Simple Steps | Minimalist Homeschooling<p style="text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoMCJn4SUZp3bquhi1HTlK_wOKpv9SUeZAS2QQ3EUqQVkRkgPRyLlqeYm6GQ-fLjb4LZ2Ov6NCWRxM8_G7cSOnkLGAsJocn-Ug0OJ0kclzwwft6RAPHzLzp9P4x2Q4UA3jlDy5J8chbI/s2048/mitchell-luo-GlmFDK-lyAg-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoMCJn4SUZp3bquhi1HTlK_wOKpv9SUeZAS2QQ3EUqQVkRkgPRyLlqeYm6GQ-fLjb4LZ2Ov6NCWRxM8_G7cSOnkLGAsJocn-Ug0OJ0kclzwwft6RAPHzLzp9P4x2Q4UA3jlDy5J8chbI/w640-h426/mitchell-luo-GlmFDK-lyAg-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We have been doing a unit type study for years in our homeschool. Every once in awhile we return to a traditional, all subjects, all the time - just for a change, but we always go back to a unit type of format. Deep diving into a topic for weeks is our favorite way to learn. The big tip for creating your own unit study is to not overthink it and to not overdo it. Learning needs space to grow, which I'll discuss more below!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">With or Without a Curriculum</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This can be done without any curriculum and just covering topics of interest as discussed below. We have done this for years at a time when we were on a tight budget and only had library cards, paper and art supplies at our disposal. However, this can also be done <i><b>with</b></i> any curriculum by selecting one subject/topic to focus on [like history, science or health] and then incorporating the reading and math daily. Our reading always includes our faith study and faith is part of our daily lives 24/7 and isn't considered part of core schooling in our home. It's considered core in our child raising. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Step 1</span></i> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ask your child/children what their interests are. Sometimes they don't know, so try suggesting some topics you know they have shown interest in, or share some of your own interests. Children need to see that their parents are still learning and that this is a lifelong journey. I want to learn how to improve at painting and learn about American history, so I would list these as my own topics of interest. Maybe they want to learn more about plants or local birds, pottery, about sharks or a specific time period in history! I also include any topics or subjects I feel like we are ready to cover. Write it all down in your notebook. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Step 2</span></i> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">With multiple children, the next step is to see if there are any common themes or interests between my children and start there. If you have one school aged child, see if the two of you have any common interests and start there. What you're trying to do is spark a joy or excitement about learning. Children remember what they learned when it is something they <i>want</i> to learn about. Of course, life isn't always about only learning about what you want to. There are some topics that need to be covered out of necessity such as basic math skills, personal finance, healthy habits and safety. Life skills are vital. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So now you have a pool of topics to select your first 2-4 subjects! Pick 1-2 from your child's interests and then 2 necessity topics. Those necessity topics are like the ones I mentioned as basic or life skills. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Step 3</span></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The next step is to gather materials. Before you jump down this rabbit hole, keep in mind that you cannot do everything. You can always come back around to it next time you study the topic or they'll learn it later through natural curiosity. All of the learning is done by your child, so leave them space and breath to explore on their own! You can use the library, bookstore, amazon, youtube and articles from the internet to cover the topics you want to cover within the unit. Write out the titles of the books, the videos you find on youtube or documentaries you find on a streaming service, field trips you want to take all in your notebook. Choose enough material to do 3-4 days per week for 4-6 weeks. You can plan couple of weeks at a time so don't freak out. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The reason for 3-4 days per week, even if you do 5 days per week of school leaves that space for curiosity while still providing for structure. If you plan 2-3 weeks you can get a better idea of what you where you want to go with the unit and make changes to your initial plan.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><i>Step 4</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sketch it all out in a notebook : Example - Week 1 : a few picture books on topic for younger kids, begin a chapter book or an art project and add some videos. Keep it simple. Select enough to cover those 3-4 days with space. They can <a href="https://simplycharlottemason.com/blog/how-to-do-narration/" target="_blank">narrate</a> [that link will help you understand narration if you're new to this] or do copywork from the book or article. In our homeschool, when we do copywork, it is either what the kids select from what they read, something I have underlined for them to copy or a combination of the two. That's a whole other blog post, so I'm going to get back to step 4. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In our homeschool, once everything is sketched out, I put one week at a time in my actual planner. Because, life. Our days typically look like : main lesson [the topic we are studying] and then some math, reading and journaling. Reading is typically from two types of books, one faith related and one literature or non-fiction. The journaling incorporates Scripture writing, free writing and copywork and is how we get our English studies in. We are done in about 2.5-3 hours or less with interruptions from toddlers, babies and hungry bellies. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's simple, effective and it's how Salt and Light Homeschool Curriculum [and Lamp + Light before that!] was born!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">xo, jane </p>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-42924071171966841692021-01-18T19:06:00.004-05:002021-01-18T19:33:07.420-05:00Our Minimalist Baby Essentials & Favorites<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDowiXW1g0DsOXN8r44G5mQpHmOiWkktkbXHaxb1aS5IqOLD9cnsKcCwPo_MpsxmcYLp-pbFjU8LZRCvtUi010HSv5TGUhSMNbJJ-p2F6IlQOqR0sgQWjvBK4p175VPUf4XWBqdd1GU_0/s1000/babypost.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1000" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDowiXW1g0DsOXN8r44G5mQpHmOiWkktkbXHaxb1aS5IqOLD9cnsKcCwPo_MpsxmcYLp-pbFjU8LZRCvtUi010HSv5TGUhSMNbJJ-p2F6IlQOqR0sgQWjvBK4p175VPUf4XWBqdd1GU_0/w640-h352/babypost.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo from hangahammock collective</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I admit that in the past I've been super judgmental about what a baby needs. I always thought most people bought unnecessary things for their babies and too much of everything. What I've come to realize is that the essentials are different for every one and every baby. What I find essential may be useless to you and vice versa. So I started saying <b><i>Our</i></b> Minimalist Baby Essentials versus <b>The</b> Minimalist Baby Essentials. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Along with that, I also have come to realize that not everything must be super practical. Babies are a joy and only little for a short season! Have fun and purchase the cute outfit or the superfluous bassinet. Maybe you'll have grandkids that get to use it as well. Basically I try to not take this so seriously anymore and just enjoy the season of life where our family is growing. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">All of that said, I have decided to make two lists in this post. The first is the bare minimum essentials or the survival-with-baby list. The second is a longer but still minimal list of <i><b>our</b></i> baby essentials. That list has some of our favorites or new items we are getting for baby #6. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">What I would love is for you to comment below what <b><i>you</i></b> couldn't live without while you had a young baby in your home! *Note : Our comment section is only working on desktops and laptops, I have tried every 'remedy' out there to fix it, but nothing has worked so far to allow commenting from a mobile device. I'm so sorry for that inconvenience. </p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Bare Minimum Baby Essentials</span></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Car Seat : We got the <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/nuna-pipa-flame-retardant-free-car-seat-base/5239795?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=caviar" target="_blank">Nuna Pipa</a> and I LOVE the dream drape for keeping baby cozy and safe from strangers hands. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Portable Crib/Bassinet/Diaper Changing Space : I love <a href="https://amzn.to/3oX6SOX" target="_blank">this one for small spaces</a> and this one for <a href="https://amzn.to/2XQMEuu" target="_blank">an all-in-one</a> which we did with our second baby. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">4 Pack Muslin Swaddles : Multi-Use for swaddling, blanket, nursing cover, burp cloth, car seat/stroller cover, </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Diapers/Wipes : Cloth or disposable </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Onesies : We love these <a href="https://amzn.to/39UZPAf" target="_blank">long sleeved ones with the built in hand mitts</a>, and these <a href="https://amzn.to/2KowHZl" target="_blank">short sleeved ones</a>. We got the short sleeved ones in black and after two babies using them, they look new still for this third baby in 3 years. And they have been heavily washed repeatedly.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Sleepers : The kind that <a href="https://amzn.to/2LZCZ1R" target="_blank">zip and have hand</a> mitts <a href="https://amzn.to/3ipLM9q" target="_blank">similar to this one</a> if you find them locally. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Items from the hospital/birthing center : With every child, they usually gave us these things before leaving the hospital - nasal bulb, newborn diapers, thermometer, etc. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Use towels & wash rags you already own for bathing. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Feeding : <a href="https://www.babylist.com/gp/babylist-bottle-box/21117/661670" target="_blank">Bottles</a> if bottle feeding. The one linked is a bottle sampler box of 5 popular brands so you can see what your baby likes without investing in a brand beforehand. For breastfeeding, do the side laying position or use bed pillows to prop up for feeding while sitting. Most insurances provide a breast pump for free or you can rent one if you need to. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Nail Care : There's a <a href="https://amzn.to/2LKUQd1" target="_blank">nail file</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/3qwIMuH" target="_blank">nail scissors</a>. I've never been good with baby nail clippers. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Baby Blanket : If you haven't been gifted a ton of these, <a href="https://amzn.to/3bSz7uC" target="_blank">a few inexpensive ones</a> will do for when you <a href="https://amzn.to/2XVy9VW" target="_blank">need something heavier</a> than the lightweight muslin ones. </li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Our Minimalist Baby Essentials 0-4 Months</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">the fourth trimester</span></i></p><hr size="1" /><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Lululemon Leggings : I have done cheap, moderately priced and now Lulu's. These <a href="https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-pants/Align-Pant-2/_/prod2020012?color=0001" target="_blank">Lulu Align Leggings</a> are worth every freaking penny. If you saw <a href="https://sacredbythesea.blogspot.com/2020/10/what-is-in-our-minimalist-wardrobe.html" target="_blank">my minimalist wardrobe post</a>, you know that I love the cheap ones from H&M but they are not for maternity and eventually need replacing within a year or two. They're the best of the cheap ones BUT, even the Lululemon dupes don't even come close and I've tried them all. I could have had six solid quality Lulus instead. As minimalists we often opt for quality over quantity. It saves more money over time. As for sizing, I got a size 12 and was a 12/14 pre-pregnancy, they reach over my belly and I could have easily worn a size 10. They are forgiving in size and form to your size so you'll be able to wear them postpartum. I will also get the <a href="https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-pants/Wunder-Under-HR-78/_/prod8520006?color=24921" target="_blank">high rise wunder under leggings</a> to help my stomach feel supported after this sixth c-section. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Latched Mama Maxi Nursing Dress : <a href="https://latchedmama.com/collections/nursing-dresses/products/latched-mama-cocoon-maxi" target="_blank">These are super comfy</a>, great quality and you don't have to be a nursing mama to wear them. Maxi dresses are quick to put on, make you look put together with minimal effort and you can wear leggings under them for super comfort. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Nursing Pads : My favorites are actually the <a href="https://amzn.to/3nSDTdJ" target="_blank">Bamboobies nighttime</a> but they only recently started selling them without the daytime ones included. <a href="https://amzn.to/3oWUkHe" target="_blank">I went with these last time</a> and will wear them again along with the nighttime Bamboobies pack. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Nursing Bra : I haven't found one that I love. I'm going to try these brands <a href="https://amzn.to/3swUmbd" target="_blank">Amazon Random</a>, <a href="https://www.morrowandmint.com/collections/maternity?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3Y-ABhCnARIsAKYDH7uof92m_L-nP-G8pe4KBQhtVqeXwkTQisg9K-PkNrjpi2i_H7bbxkIaAvTWEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Morrow + Mint</a> and <a href="https://sweatandmilk.com/collections/nursing-maternity-sports-bras" target="_blank">Sweat + Milk</a> this time. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Earth Mama Nipple Butter : This is my <a href="https://amzn.to/38TPEME" target="_blank">most favorite nipple cream</a> and it's safe for baby and smells nice. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Disposable Postpartum Underwear : I have used <a href="https://amzn.to/2M1J0uN" target="_blank">the Depends</a> hack since our first born in 2005 and it's a great one! </li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">multiple use items</span></i></p><hr size="1" /><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Thin Bamboo Muslin Blankets : I use these <a href="https://amzn.to/3p5TtEx" target="_blank">Bamboo Muslin Cloths</a> for many things : a light blanket in warmer weather, to block the sunlight when in the stroller, for burp cloths, nursing cover and swaddling. I don't use traditional burp cloths because all of our children have had reflux and can fill a towel after every feeding so we either use these or a towel we already own. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Thick Muslin Blankets : We use these <a href="https://amzn.to/3qpLHFF" target="_blank">6-layer Muslin Blankets</a> for covering, for a bath towel, for a play area, for changing baby, etc. They get softer the more they're washed! </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Muslin Burp Cloths : I know what I just said about burp cloths but I don't <a href="https://amzn.to/35RdRkS" target="_blank">use these for that</a>. I use them for tucking under baby and/or under my breast while breastfeeding or in the bath to wash and keep baby warm while I wash their scalp/hair. I also use them on the opposite breast to catch leaking. I tried the <a href="https://amzn.to/2XNS615" target="_blank">haaka</a>, but it never worked for me at all. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Recliner : We have used a nursery glider, a chair with footstool and just propped up on the couch but for me, recovering from c-sections was easier when I could be in a rocker recliner. We were given a hideous one with our firstborn and it was a lifesaver. It rocked, it was plush, it was huge, it was comfy and it was perfect for getting up and down alone with a baby when your abs were recovering. For c-section recovery it needs to have the leaver that can put the legs down and not just up so that you can get up and down unassisted. It helped with postpartum swelling as well with the legs lifted up. I like to get it in a neutral color that doesn't look like baby furniture. </li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">sleeping</span></i></p><hr size="1" /><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">White Noise Machine : We are still <a href="https://amzn.to/39C39zX" target="_blank">currently using ours</a> for Ocean, so Capri will likely need one of her own since they won't be sharing a room. I used my phone for Zephyr, but ... I needed my phone for work so... that didn't work for us. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Stretchy Blankets : For actual swaddling, hubby and I both <a href="https://amzn.to/3nX1Dxf" target="_blank">prefer a stretchy blanket</a> [<a href="https://amzn.to/3nVyToR" target="_blank">or these</a>.] We do not like swaddling in Muslin because they don't hold very well and we are expert swaddlers lol. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Sleeping Nest : Somewhere for baby to lay down safely. We have used the <a href="https://amzn.to/2XJlxBv" target="_blank">Snuggleme Organic</a> and <a href="https://www.designdua.com/collections/accessories/products/moses-pod" target="_blank">The Moses Pod</a> that came with our Design Dua Bassinet. I haven't tried the <a href="https://amzn.to/3ik0puO" target="_blank">Dock-A-Tot </a>but we love the snuggleme and maybe even more so the Moses Pod. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Bassinet : I love using bassinets. Our bassinets get heavily used even after baby outgrows them. We use them up to 5 months for baby to sleep in beside our bed and then they are used as play items or to store their stuffed animals in. I love the <a href="https://www.designdua.com/collections/signature-collection" target="_blank">Design Dua</a> one we have <a href="https://www.designdua.com/collections/accessories/products/rocking-bassinet-stand-new" target="_blank">on a rocker base</a>, and I'm using the <a href="https://hangahammockcollective.com/products/hanging-crib-hanging-bassinet?variant=31909586705" target="_blank">Macrame Hanging Bassinet</a> this time as well which can be used up to 20 months. We usually take it up and down the stairs multiple times per day, so this time we will have one downstairs and one upstairs because we want to. </li></ul><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">hands free moments <br /></span></i></p><hr size="1" /><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Swing/Bouncer/Rocker : Somewhere for baby to be set down when someone isn't holding them, but baby doesn't want to lay down flat. We have used the <a href="https://amzn.to/2XM203f" target="_blank">cradle swings</a> for every baby since Brie [She is the 2nd of 6 babies] and we have used the <a href="https://www.scandiborn.com/products/charlie-crane-levo-baby-rocker-in-beech-and-organic-white-creme-seat" target="_blank">Charlie Crane Rocker</a> since baby 4. I kind of still want to try a <a href="https://amzn.to/3nOdaPp" target="_blank">Bjorn Bouncer Seat</a> because unlike the pricey Charlie Crane Rocker, it moves with baby's movements. </li></ul><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>attire <br /></i></span></p><hr size="1" /><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Lou Lou & Co Sleep Gowns : Our preferred <a href="https://www.loulouandcompany.com" target="_blank">outfits for our newborns are gowns</a>. No zips, no buttons, no velcro, no snaps. All of those options are super annoying in the middle of the night or when I'm running off of coffee only in the middle of the day. Gowns. We have about a weeklong supply of these from Lou Lou and a few from amazon, but hubby and I get bummed out when all the Lou Lou's are dirty. Those ones are the BEST, but I'm thinking of adding a <a href="https://amzn.to/2KsxJUc" target="_blank">couple of these inexpensive ones</a> as well. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Onesies : We love these <a href="https://amzn.to/39UZPAf" target="_blank">long sleeved ones with the built in hand mitts</a>, and these <a href="https://amzn.to/2KowHZl" target="_blank">short sleeved ones</a>. We got the short sleeved ones in black and after two babies using them, they still look new for this third baby in 3 years. And they have been heavily washed repeatedly. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Sleep N Play Outfits : Any kind that <a href="https://amzn.to/3ipLM9q" target="_blank">zip and have hand mitts</a>. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Tops & Bottoms : Hubby and I actually prefer tops and bottoms after the gowns for changing baby. However convenient one piece sleep n play outfits are, you're still undressing them to change a diaper. Our youngest two hate that and get cold easily. And protest noisily. Here are <a href="https://amzn.to/2LXhXRv" target="_blank">footed bottoms with hand mitt tops, love these</a>! We also usually have <a href="https://amzn.to/35TcTVs" target="_blank">a set of these kimono tops</a> for the umbilical cord. Our summer babies lived in these and a cloth diaper with a swaddle blanket during the day.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Sleep Sack : This is the kind that goes over a long sleeved onesie and we use these once baby outgrows the sleep gowns. Our favorite is pricy, the <a href="https://amzn.to/3nZyr9f" target="_blank">Woolino 4 Seasons</a>, but we have used it for two kids and now three will have used it. We really need a second for when this is dirty and I going with <a href="https://amzn.to/2XKBhnN" target="_blank">this one since it's for 2-24 months</a>. If you can only get one, get the 2-24 months one. It's machine washable wool and it is magic for our babies. They sleep <i>awesome</i> in this. </li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">diapering<br /><hr size="1" /></span></i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Diapers : We cloth diaper from birth to about 6-8 months. No matter what I tried after that, trust me I tried all the things suggested on the entire internet, our cloth diaper set up eventually started leaking with all our boys. Then we switch to either <a href="https://amzn.to/3qqjHld" target="_blank">Dyper diapers</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/38OoGWL" target="_blank">Pampers Pure</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/3bMhmwY" target="_blank">Parisol</a>. Those are the only ones our babies can wear without getting diaper burns. The Dyper ones are biodegradable and compostable. We still cloth diaper from birth and have saved thousands doing this for three kids in a row now. I'll do a separate blog post on our favorite cloth diapers, but <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM20JfG-iUMaCv9BfBLg7euBRRAM4RMUN" target="_blank">I have a few videos on my YouTube channel about them</a>. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Wipes : Our favorite cloth wipes are <a href="https://amzn.to/3nTjFRb" target="_blank">by GroVia</a> and our favorite disposable wipes are <a href="https://amzn.to/3nROgyC" target="_blank">Pampers Pure</a>.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">Diaper Cream : We don't use any when cloth diapering, when we switch to disposable we use Desitin because it works the fastest. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>feeding<br /><hr size="1" /></i></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Breast Feeding Pillow : I love <a href="https://stores.blessednest.com/the-nesting-pillow/" target="_blank">The Nesting Pillow</a> the best because of it's multiple usage. We don't use this only for breastfeeding, also makes a great lap desk and belly support while sleeping before baby arrives! I have also used a Boppy which I didn't care for over the <a href="https://amzn.to/3oRqyDV" target="_blank">MyBrestFriend Nursing Pillow</a>. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Bottles : Our favs are the <a href="https://amzn.to/35MRMnP" target="_blank">LifeFactory Glass Bottles</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3imq2LS" target="_blank">Kiinde Breast Milk Bottles</a>. It's a great idea to try <a href="https://www.babylist.com/gp/babylist-bottle-box/21117/661670" target="_blank">this sample pack out of five</a> different popular bottle brands to see what your baby likes or will take.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">going places</span></i><span style="text-align: left;"> <br /><hr size="1" /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Car Seat : We got the <a href="https://www.nordstrom.com/s/nuna-pipa-flame-retardant-free-car-seat-base/5239795?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=caviar" target="_blank">Nuna Pipa</a> and I LOVE the dream drape for keeping baby cozy and safe from strangers hands. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Carrier : I have tried all of the carriers over the years. I'm not going to go into all of them, but here are my favorites : <a href="https://amzn.to/2LVc731" target="_blank">sling carrier</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3bNldtI" target="_blank">buckle carrier</a>. With so many little ones, I mostly use carriers inside the home when cleaning or cooking or trying to sooth a toddler/baby. No matter how thin, I get too hot wearing baby out running errands or walking in the southern heat. I'd rather push them all in a stroller [see below]. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Stroller : Get whatever stroller or strollers work for you and your family situation. I have gone without a stroller and relied only on carriers and I have had so many brands and types of strollers. For us, this time, having 3 children under 3, we plan on having a two strollers : 1. A <a href="https://amzn.to/3qpLaDA" target="_blank">single jogging stroller for running</a>. I can't run with a double and I like to run, so I rotate who goes on runs with me. 2. A lightweight and compact <a href="https://zoestrollers.com/collections/triples/products/zoe-trio-triple-stroller?variant=31006188404770" target="_blank">double to triple stroller, The Zoe Luxe Triple</a>. Great for quick trips, errands, traveling, going in stores, fits through standard doors. I will need an <a href="https://amzn.to/2N70O8p" target="_blank">infant insert</a> for Capri to be safe and comfortable until 4 months old. I have half a dozen kids. I have come to learn there's no such thing as a perfect stroller that fits ALL of our needs. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Kind of a Diaper Bag : I use my own purse and make pouches for the kids that need things. Just some simple zip up pouches for each kid's essentials tossed into an inexpensive tote or backpack is all you need to do. In the zip pouch you can put diapers, travel wipes, and a one-piece outfit for an emergency change. We also toss in a muslin cloth for any of the multiple uses. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">bathing</span></i><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> & care</span></i><br /><hr size="1" /></span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Now this is personal preference, but I just get in the tub with our babies. When our older kids were little we had baby bathtubs which we found cumbersome and inconvenient. Then we switched to <a href="https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/summer-infant-comfy-bath-sponge-in-aqua/1061375994?skuId=61375994&mrkgcl=611&mrkgadid=&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_bathpotty_online&product_id=61375994&product_channel=online&adtype=pla&enginename=google&adpos=&creative=262606871662&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&utm_campaignid=71700000040071037&utm_adgroupid=58700004308586480&targetid=92700042356411256&&product_id=61375994&product_channel=online&adtype=pla&enginename=google&adpos=&creative=262606871662&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAiAgJWABhArEiwAmNVTByDuhbvYQx5jaIkbesahKwMZt9KfEwsRdHq1AhXPX-_GlJlNH5DqKhoCUNYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">sponges for sink baths</a> [<a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Summer-Comfy-Bath-Sponge/42447799?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9009675&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=42447799&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiAgJWABhArEiwAmNVTBzha46V7BbRWWoVRQBradkEE28fe7clARMgeNJvrizfgDXFZJo_qnhoCWGUQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">or here</a>] and I love those for when I do sink bathing. I <a href="https://amzn.to/3sFFlEa" target="_blank">also used this</a> and still have it. You just ring it out and toss in the dryer, easy! But our typical is just to get in the tub and have someone outside the tub to receive baby when they're clean! So much easier! We usually use the soap we use for everyone since we don't use anything harsh for any of our sensitive skin and our own towels which is obviously something we have. The thick muslin blankets listed above also work well for towels since they are soft and absorbent. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Towels : Like I said, we use our own that we use for ourselves but I <a href="https://amzn.to/3oZV1zy" target="_blank">love this towel</a> since it's large and SO SOFT. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Baby Wash : We use <a href="https://amzn.to/35Rho2B" target="_blank">Baby Bum</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/3bPFKgZ" target="_blank">EveryOne Wash</a> which everyone in the house uses. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Baby Lotion : <a href="https://amzn.to/2Nbcrv3" target="_blank">Baby Bum Lotion</a></li><li style="text-align: justify;">Nose Care : We use a <a href="https://amzn.to/2LMTWgj" target="_blank">nasal bulb</a> which our babies pretty much hate, but they work. Plan on trying this <a href="https://amzn.to/3inCQ4y" target="_blank">nasal aspirator</a> this go around. I will not use a <a href="https://amzn.to/3bQziX3" target="_blank">nose frida</a>. Don't even tell me how much you love it because it's a hard pass for me, dog. </li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div>That is pretty much all I can think of to add to this list. There could be a thing or two like pacifiers or toys, but only one of ours took a pacifier for more than a few seconds. We don't buy play things until they're older around 5 or 6 months, but that's a whole new post. </div><div><br /></div><div>Feel free to add your favorites, save the nose frida, or must haves below in the comments! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>xo, jane </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-5617595612567138172021-01-15T12:23:00.002-05:002021-01-15T14:21:34.483-05:00Naming Baby Girl #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUV11m8U-CC8dRZckMqHFmlWZVGc9E23OsneSt71xgaQ4IdfWM2vdR_YXjXouc3xaglQ87pXRQpIriMC8xlcVzsThQgYq9-SGcWhk4AfjwukzRwnH5ET_-YF9KUSHsrapTDhWGna6J-4/s2048/IMG_5504.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUV11m8U-CC8dRZckMqHFmlWZVGc9E23OsneSt71xgaQ4IdfWM2vdR_YXjXouc3xaglQ87pXRQpIriMC8xlcVzsThQgYq9-SGcWhk4AfjwukzRwnH5ET_-YF9KUSHsrapTDhWGna6J-4/w640-h480/IMG_5504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I love names. I always have been obsessed with names. Which is weird to those that know me well, because I never had any intention nor desire to have any children. Ever. </p><p>Five babies later and now pregnant with number six...</p><p>At least I had amassed a large file of baby names over the years. It was actually the way my first blog launched into a massive reader base. Bohemian & Beachy Baby Name Lists. If you saw those floating around Pinterest in 2012/2013, that was me. </p><p>Our first three children had one middle name but we later added a second middle name when they reached around 2-3 years old. </p><p><br /></p><p>Their names are : </p><p>Lorelai Renée Capri [birth : Lorelai Renée] [nickname : Rory]</p><p>Aubrie Meilani Danae [birth : Aubrie Danae] [nickname : Brie/Breezy]</p><p>Everett Lucas Makai [birth : Everett Lucas] [nickname : Ever]</p><p><br /></p><p>We added second middle names because we <i><b>never</b></i> thought we would have any more children. <i>*Insert three laughing emojis here.*</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Then came our second set of three babies and we just added the second middle names from the start to save paper. The boys names are : </p><p>Zephyr Leo Kainoa </p><p>Ocean Liam Gabriel </p><p><br /></p><p>This leaves us with Baby Number Last; our newest baby girl. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWb3WIQEbNYrws1jS7LZWh9iPFh1LDfhTFMNgxhHwHAg0ZDLuVIbTa7wGwd7hrBZBTiTq7686miCdzYy9ETUaN8hamRnKZzdIwo4JKaCFB8FfB7JjmAA5RymaU8uKLFXYBdIoq52QqgE/s2048/IMG_5541.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWb3WIQEbNYrws1jS7LZWh9iPFh1LDfhTFMNgxhHwHAg0ZDLuVIbTa7wGwd7hrBZBTiTq7686miCdzYy9ETUaN8hamRnKZzdIwo4JKaCFB8FfB7JjmAA5RymaU8uKLFXYBdIoq52QqgE/w640-h480/IMG_5541.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Her name was originally chosen by my husband in entirety : Clover Esmé Grace with the nickname Coco. I love the name Coco but didn't want to use it as a full first name. Clover is the name that Daren used to not like at all, but it grew on him so much that he was adamant that this would be her name. </p><p>We negotiate on everything and love to have our other children's input on their new sibling's name. It's a fun process and one of my favorite things about pregnancy : wondering who this new person will be and what they shall be called. </p><p>Our top name contenders might surprise some people. They were Clover, Kate, Katelyn, Laci, Indi, Juniper, Isabella, and Felicity. </p><p>I love all of those names so much! We give so much thought and dedication to the naming process with each child. We make lists, we attach meaning, we veto, we revote, we change our minds and then we finally choose the right name after a couple ultrasounds where we can see the baby's sweet face. </p><p>After yesterday's ultrasound, and gender confirmation, we are sure of her name now. Just as each of our last 3 [all the boys] were named soundly by their 3D ultrasound pictures, this baby girl is as well. </p><p><br /></p><p><i>Her name is Capri Isabella Rose. </i></p><p><br /></p><p>When I added Capri to Lorelai's name as a toddler it was because of the song "Capri" by Colbie Caillat on her debut album "Coco" and I LOVE that song. It's still one of my top favorites! I have always wanted to use it as a first name but we kept having boys, ha! </p><p>In case you're wondering, Lorelai is thrilled about sharing one of her middle names with her new baby sister. Both girls cried tears of joy when they found out they were getting a baby sister this time. They adore their baby brothers and act like little moms to them! They are also ready for pink and lace and ribbons as much as their mama is!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EQHqWNSGLOnm3u1Ox-vyZayWC4wMvOLlbbm4ZaF6wbwzZtcvZduXR50q0dSToGVAGi9CvX1jWJ8p6dqIwgE5Bbt_dcg3yO3fp0AHFgJNbS_xAkit6HGQliUhhmOkTQGQ8LWZL291eQ8/s1126/cocobellarose.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1117" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EQHqWNSGLOnm3u1Ox-vyZayWC4wMvOLlbbm4ZaF6wbwzZtcvZduXR50q0dSToGVAGi9CvX1jWJ8p6dqIwgE5Bbt_dcg3yO3fp0AHFgJNbS_xAkit6HGQliUhhmOkTQGQ8LWZL291eQ8/w634-h640/cocobellarose.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><i><b>Capri</b></i> means whimsical, playful, beautiful. It is an Island in Italy and you have to look up the Catholic churches there because they're incredible and really <i>really</i> old. There are some amazing Saints from Capri that taught there. It has been on my bucket list of places to travel to for quite some years. One of those Saints, Constantius of Capri, feast day is May 14th - which is close to our c-section delivery date!</p><p><i><b>Isabella</b></i> is a name that I couldn't let go. Despite its massive popularity, the meaning is so important : Consecrated to God. Also the name of two Catholic Saints that happen to both be Princesses. This young lady I am carrying is quite a princess with her making strong demands on what I can and cannot eat. Ha!</p><p><i><b>Rose</b></i> is all about Mama Mary. May is the month dedicated to Mary, Mother of God [Luke 1:43] which makes sense since Mother's Day is in May. This flower and its scent is often attributed to Mary. According to St Cardinal John Newman the Blessed Virgin Mary is called Rosa Mystica, the Mystical Rose, because she "is the Queen of spiritual flowers; and therefore she is called the Rose, for the rose is fitly called of all flowers the most beautiful." </p><p>The other story part to Rose has to do with the first Marian miracle I learned about while on the journey to becoming Catholic : Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Miracle of the Roses and St Juan Diego's Tilma. Honestly, you just have to watch both of these documentaries about it on Prime : here and here. Our Lady of Guadalupe is just one of my most favorite miracles to read about. Within the first TEN years of this miracle, 9 MILLION people in Mexico had converted to Catholicism. They left their multiple gods for The One True God because of Mary's appearance and miracle. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL27neGxKzMuoJaujTDTMEjjDEddytu2VEFjzj-5UUoXpwgKn1H5-J1w-OVl07u24SGkVEoMe4GEbn8IpBYsGfBK5CtZz2r1RYoja0_dCo4pqLGqynQGn3LfVNAEUuOJE2dAfe29sj5Q/s2048/IMG_5305_jpg.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjL27neGxKzMuoJaujTDTMEjjDEddytu2VEFjzj-5UUoXpwgKn1H5-J1w-OVl07u24SGkVEoMe4GEbn8IpBYsGfBK5CtZz2r1RYoja0_dCo4pqLGqynQGn3LfVNAEUuOJE2dAfe29sj5Q/w640-h480/IMG_5305_jpg.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Capri will be called Capri or Coco. Oh Coco Bella! Our sweet Coco Bella Rose! It's so cute I can't help it! She can go by Capri, Isabella or Rose as an adult or any number of combinations! The photo below is of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Rose which we plan on planting at our new home, Lord willing. We are hoping to build/buy our first home this year. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzyso_athsBd9sby5q9w6HhMFrr4zqXv_9uFEcWUXymAHRlg2K44Za3KTt10YUvVugEfy6QYMXX0p9XyVHdVReyt75nhaBSUc0AzTmNU2HrMJAnlOKpORfaZ5ba19twf_pe9zsHwoO1w/s1242/IMG_5276.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1242" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzyso_athsBd9sby5q9w6HhMFrr4zqXv_9uFEcWUXymAHRlg2K44Za3KTt10YUvVugEfy6QYMXX0p9XyVHdVReyt75nhaBSUc0AzTmNU2HrMJAnlOKpORfaZ5ba19twf_pe9zsHwoO1w/w640-h638/IMG_5276.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Prayers please for Capri's safe delivery as this will be my sixth c-section. It is my third c-section in under three years and I get super anxious about each c-section. Capri is our first surprise baby since our first daughter, Lorelai, but no less wanted and loved. We are so thrilled to complete our family with this surprise baby girl. </p><p><br /></p><p>xo, jane </p><p></p>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-3403751250571955272020-10-26T22:32:00.008-04:002020-10-27T05:48:02.493-04:00How + Why I Minimized Our Book Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8iifSnTT96emlx0dELc8mF6dXCiF09jKYYJ1PcHiaaiTt5l91uEAklpherb1o2d3H9qQ0O5b5AUSmmxKGqDZFKmJo_A9CqIkriw9qRFM6VUh8Iv_SmD9qco5QpyyeVZuo9T5YgdAZuQ/s2048/ergita-sela-YNElHWwRZkU-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8iifSnTT96emlx0dELc8mF6dXCiF09jKYYJ1PcHiaaiTt5l91uEAklpherb1o2d3H9qQ0O5b5AUSmmxKGqDZFKmJo_A9CqIkriw9qRFM6VUh8Iv_SmD9qco5QpyyeVZuo9T5YgdAZuQ/w640-h426/ergita-sela-YNElHWwRZkU-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I need to start off my explaining quickly a bit about how I grew up. My mom was someone who kept everything. E V E R Y T H I N G. Ya know, just in case. I have grown to hate that phrase, "just in case." Those words have had me hold on to things I never ever used again. I just guiltily moved them from home to home, just in case. It turns out that very rarely does a situation arise where I'm glad I had something "just in case." </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In those rare occasions, less than 5 times in the last two decades that I can recall, where I needed something that I held onto <i>just in case </i>I usually couldn't even find the thing - so I had to repurchase it anyway. I usually only find the thing I already replaced once we move to a new place. Who knows where it was hiding before. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">For the most part, I stopped keeping Just In Case things over a decade ago. It is so freeing! There is less clutter and I rarely have to repurchase one those items - because I never usually need those things again. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The way I lived as a child combined with my disdain for keeping things I theoretically <i>could</i> need later, has made me a bit ruthless in getting rid of things. But for this blog post, we will focus on books only. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>For books I have few main tests a book has to pass now :</i> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. Is this an absolute favorite that I have re-read or will re-read within the next 6 months? Almost a spark joy kind of thing. A few book examples that fall in this category for me are : <a href="https://amzn.to/3ouNyJ7" target="_blank">The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash</a> [classic], my Bibles, two poetry books - <a href="https://amzn.to/3e7qUBS" target="_blank">A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2TrY1qj" target="_blank">A Nature Poem for Every Night of the Year</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. Will I read this book within the next 6 months if I haven't within the last 6 months?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. A handful of reference books that are easier to use in printed book format like this one we have for painting - <a href="https://amzn.to/2G0UoVe" target="_blank">Color Mixing Bible : All You'll Ever Need to Know About Mixing Pigments in Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache, Soft Pastel, Pencil and Ink</a>. I don't want too many reference books on hand or duplicates [any books that both cover the same topic]. I might purchase two different reference books if I have no other way to compare them and then I return one of them. Amazon makes it easy to return the book I don't need. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Children's Books </i> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm not talking about chapter books, just picture books. I think they are a wonderful part of childhood and important to instill a love of reading in young children. My three eldest will have kindles, but our toddler and babies will have books until they're old enough for kindles. Probably around age 8/9 when chapter books become a staple reading material for them. I can tell which books my toddler favors the most, so it's not too hard to decide what to keep. Then I just add in some of my favorite picture books until I feel like we have a good variety without going overboard. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are also books that I use for work and as soon as I am done with those, I donate them. In the very recent past, I couldn't fathom transitioning to 90% digital books. I'm one of those smell the books, feel the books, turn the pages, kind of people. I always will be, which will make me love and appreciate more the books that I have decided to keep. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have already seen that come to fruition! I got rid of all but two poetry books for myself (the kids have a few but they might go digital with those). I don’t feel overwhelmed with my poetry books and have been easily remembering that I want to read them daily and I actually have been! I take in each prose with delight knowing these are my only two printed poetry books. They aren’t just sitting pretty on my shelf, they’re being appreciated in the best way by being read.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">By weeding out the "meh" books, I'm leaving room only for the "omigosh-this-is-my-favorite" books. The first pass is the easiest, but I keep going until there are only a few shelves of books for the whole family. As the kids finish off their printed books for this school year, they go in the donate/giveaway pile. They have their favs as well but my girls LOVE minimalism so they are totally self-motivated to have less. They will likely end up with less than 10 books shared that they'll keep after we finish book purging. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Another thing : I love journaling quotes that I highlight in my books or making notes about a passage that struck me. But I do not always have time to transfer that quote to my journal right away. I do have five children with another on the way. I don't want to forget about the quote, especially if it was very motivating, inspirational or moving! Often, I never even pick up the book again, unless I am packing it for a move. Insert grimace. I feel like I do a much better job of actually writing those quotes down when they're kept in a quote bank on my kindle app or iBooks. That way when I sit down to journal, I have a ton of inspiration right at my fingertips. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>How Many Books Are The Perfect Amount?</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I don't believe that there are a set number that means you have reached book minimalism perfection. I never strive for perfection in most things in life. We have several small bookshelves that we don't use for only books. I'm thinking 1-2 will be for the books we keep. We will need to sell the bookshelves we will no longer be needing. And I am super excited about that. Ideally, for me, I would like there to be just one bookshelf remaining, but we shall see! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Benefits For Us Going 90% Digital</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. Our kids are reading 1-3 chapter books per week. PER. WEEK. We are heavily Charlotte Mason influenced in our mostly unschooling homeschool. This makes our print book buying habit <i>expensive</i>. I'm not a library person. I'm just not, I like to own books to read at our leisure without the pressure of return dates or late fees. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. Buy once, share on each device. We have been doing this a bit more this year - experimenting with digital - and we love that I can purchase a book once, for cheaper than print [!!!] - and we can ALL read the same book simultaneously. For history we can read along together which helps my kids to see the text without having to crowd around one print book. We can listen to audible while we all look at the digital book on our own device [right now that's our phones, but for our eyes-sake, we will use kindles once we have them.]</p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. I feel like I need to reiterate the financial savings aspect. As I was purging books, I found that soooooo many of the books that had been purchased for $10-$30 each, are available through amazon [by our prime membership or kindle unlimited] for ZERO dollars. Facepalm. Several more we own could have been purchased for a $1-$4 and all read it on our own devices. This is driving me insane especially as we work so hard to get out of debt. I think if i calculate it up with the rate of the kids’ reading, we could have saved thousands per year. I can’t even bring myself to add it up though, so I’ll keep the speculation and move on. The thought that I wouldn't also have to store and transport these books every time we move sounds like a great relief. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our last move was pretty minimalist as everything we owned fit in a pull behind trailer and in the truck bed....but there were still 30 boxes of books. I just went back and counted. THIRTY. HEAVY. BOXES. of books. I'm over it and can easily keep my favorites and donate the rest. My irritation of moving them so much has certainly fueled my ruthless book purging of 2020. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I used to sell our books about 15 years ago, but I do not have the patience to do that at all now. It would be so overwhelming to sell hundreds of books and either ship or meet people to get them their books. I just look at it that I am donating to bless others instead of trying to recoup from my own book hoarding habit. But totally sell your books for money if you need to do that! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When we are done with this book purge, I will do a new blog post showing what we kept and what we did with the space [hopefully it's just open space!] </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-60421841787526714392020-10-22T12:12:00.003-04:002020-10-22T12:33:51.217-04:00Our Reading Lists | 2020-2021 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ3eG4FDFKs4R7Mq0mjvnvcUy9tHsymxEYgjm0lvr9FMx9THrA5oksVMwShF_EyR1kx6oliTlawPDVVVgFMaoDeUVHHWieGX0M8EY9w6fjb2qaLx3mMmlUcwr4G5RhCySc6TNGr2EO3Q/s2048/stella-rose-nYFQhSq7Zjw-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ3eG4FDFKs4R7Mq0mjvnvcUy9tHsymxEYgjm0lvr9FMx9THrA5oksVMwShF_EyR1kx6oliTlawPDVVVgFMaoDeUVHHWieGX0M8EY9w6fjb2qaLx3mMmlUcwr4G5RhCySc6TNGr2EO3Q/w640-h480/stella-rose-nYFQhSq7Zjw-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I was going to film a YouTube video showing what my kids and I are reading this school year, but not all of the books are printed books. In an effort to continue in minimalism, we have decided to do mostly digital going forward. I have always been in the "we love minimalism, but don't touch my books" camp. Ha! And know many of you are just like me in that way. However, the thing I hate packing and moving each time we move is.... books. They're heavy and we each end up with only 1 box of personal items and then - I'm not kidding - 30 BOXES of books. Minimum. That is after getting rid of many of them to lighten the load. To be honest, it's starting to wear on me and my children. Our kids and I read a ton of books per year. </p><p>So we will be moving a lot of our books to kindle format and keep just a handful each of meaningful books we want to keep. Most of these end up being reference books or books that hold a special place for each of us. I'll record a video this weekend as I box up at least two bookshelves full of books for donation and giveaways! In case you aren't subscribed, here is our YouTube Channel : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/SaltyTribeCo">here</a>. </p><p>Additionally, I want to get back to more blogging versus social media. Let's call it, back to basics. The kids read about 1-2 books per week so it's usually a long list and they have already finished about half of these lists thus far. The books are all linked for your convenience through my Amazon links, you can purchase print or digital through them at no extra cost to you, but it does help support my work. </p><p>Also, if you're in the market for an e-reader, we are getting the kids each one of these for Christmas : <a href="https://amzn.to/37woMCj">Kindle</a> - the one without ads.</p><p><br /></p><p><i><u>Lorelai's Reading List | 10/11th Grades</u></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2TgBHQn">The Count of Monte Cristo</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Tnxla5">Twilight Book I</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34l70QA">The Book Thief</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ht6iaI">The Star and the Shamrock</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34kLFqv">The Living Wood : Saint Helen & The True Cross</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2TgODWt">The Princess Bride</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3mckSTk">The Power of Silence : Against the Dictatorship of Noise</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2HpcnoI">Rome Sweet Home</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2HsS8X4">The Restless Flame : Saint Augustine</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ht7WZW">Number the Stars</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3jh9zal">A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3dOhtXA">The Screwtape Letters [Annotated Edition]</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/35rhCN5">Pure Womanhood</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IQm9AR">Theology of the Body</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/35gY3GY">Go Bravely</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3e0rvoZ">The Social Media Workbook for Teens : Skills to Help You Balance Screen Time, Manage Stress and Take Charge of Your Life</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3dMLs2l">Pride and Prejudice</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/37vUbVr">Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 8.5</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><i><u>Breezy's Reading List | 8th Grade</u></i></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2FUprCe">The Hunger Games Book I</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2TgODWt">The Princess Bride</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34mhj6E">Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 8</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/31v5kSy">A Little Princess</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2HpcnoI">Rome Sweet Home</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3jiq1Hr">The Red Bandanna</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/31v636e">The Sea Around Us</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34mhLBS">The Thing About Jellyfish</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3jjaSFJ">Marine Science for Kids</a>*</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IQm9AR">Theology of the Body</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3jh9zal">A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ht7WZW">Number the Stars</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/35rhCN5">Pure Womanhood</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/35gY3GY">Go Bravely</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2HpvPSv">The King's Prey : Saint Dymphna of Ireland</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34im4hO">The Swiss Family Robinson</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3e0rvoZ">The Social Media Workbook for Teens : Skills to Help You Balance Screen Time, Manage Stress and Take Charge of Your Life</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3dMLs2l">Pride and Prejudice</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/37vUbVr">Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 8.5</a></li></ul><p><i>* We used this for Marine & Ocean Science in Year III of Salt and Light Homeschool, but since this is Brie's passion and career goal, she does a deeper solo study of this topic.</i> </p><p><br /></p><p><i><u>Everett's Reading List | 3/4th Grades</u></i></p><p></p><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3dOwDw1">I Survived : Hurricane Katrina</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3kmyaMq">Prince Martin and the Thieves</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34lcx9O">The Finest Hours</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3e0j4Kl">My Side of the Mountain</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/35uwPx0">The Wingfeather Saga Book I</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3jiq1Hr">The Red Bandanna</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3mbwKVt">The Virginia Mysteries Book II : Mystery on Church Hill</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2INB7aO">On the Far Side of the Mountain</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3jlUcxw">Frightful's Mountain</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/31yETLU">The Virginia Mysteries Book III : Ghosts of Belle Isle</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/35qBzDt">Homer Price</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2HvHCi8">Sarah, Plain and Tall</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3kmvDSs">The Adventures of Nick & Sam : Perfect Gifts</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3oar286">Shepherds to the Rescue GTT 1</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3oar7sq">The Father Brown Reader</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Tg0cxl">The Father Brown Reader II</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34mXTim">Where the Red Fern Grows</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3ma0SAE">The Mysterious Benedict Society Book I</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2TeecYe">The Ark, The Reed and The Fire Cloud</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34n5EVw">Stories of the Saints : Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventures, Grace and Courage</a></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><i><u>Zephyr's Reading List | Books I Read to Him</u></i></p><div><p></p><div><ul><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34ilfFM">A is for Angel : The Alphabet is Sacred</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34ilkcy">Our Lady's Wardrobe</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2HvPYGw">Hail Mary</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Tem1x4">Our Father</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IZuUcd">Out and About : A First Book of Poems</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34mhQFT">The Monks' Daily Bread</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2TgRwqf">The Monks' Stormy Night</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2FQOVjL">Our Little Adventures : Stories Featuring Foundational Language Concepts for Growing Minds</a> [this is a Christmas present for Zephyr this year]</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/31xni7b">Pip the Gnome and the Forest Feast</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3mbiFat">Pip the Gnome's Bedtime</a></li></ul></div><p></p></div><p><br /></p><p><i><u>Read Aloud List </u></i></p><div><p></p><div><ul><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2HgfK1K">The Crusader King</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34khiAa">Sword and Serpent</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3oiw2I0">The Blood-Red Crescent</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/35sa3Wg">Saint Louis and the Last Crusade</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34mmO5i">The Curé of Ars : The Priest who Out-Talked the Devil</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/35h63I0">Saint Pius X : The Farm Boy Who Became Pope</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><p><i><u>Mama's Reading List | Personal Reading for Myself</u></i></p><p></p><div><ul><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3mckSTk">The Power of Silence : Against the Dictatorship of Noise</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3kmCziq">Theology of Home II</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/37sDLND">Welcome Home : A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating and Hosting All Year Round</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3ogKkc5">The Quiet Light : Saint Thomas Aquinas</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3mges5F">Reclaiming Sundays : Pray, Play, Rest, Refresh, and Celebrate</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3dMLs2l">Pride and Prejudice</a> </li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/34iJF1G">The Little Book of Hygge </a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/35lJ7aI" target="_blank">Lagom : Not Too Little, Not Too Much</a></li></ul></div><p></p></div><div><br /></div></div></div><p></p><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><p></p>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-9823176531027545082020-10-07T20:26:00.003-04:002020-10-07T20:28:28.860-04:00What is in Our Minimalist Wardrobe | Large Family of 7+<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeRN_3oxy-q24EFVaozM3YBJghICuZVTZanazgeLMCUzNKouhpmHbwWMzH9JJW2Q6IUJO5w1lgVt_L_dMy-j8h4K-CDyA5MBBoztpRNMr0EhmTTO6hO-aFIwVKrZ0N9aGq7jKhpVJ2kc/s2048/IMG_3320.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeRN_3oxy-q24EFVaozM3YBJghICuZVTZanazgeLMCUzNKouhpmHbwWMzH9JJW2Q6IUJO5w1lgVt_L_dMy-j8h4K-CDyA5MBBoztpRNMr0EhmTTO6hO-aFIwVKrZ0N9aGq7jKhpVJ2kc/w480-h640/IMG_3320.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We have been living a mostly minimalist lifestyle for about a decade or so now. We have gone super minimal on clothes and we have had far too many clothing items. It is all about balance. I find that true of most anything in life and it usually takes some trial and error to find that balance for you and your family.</span></div></span></div></div></div><p></p><p>One thing you should know that we put into practice in our home is once we found what works, we don't go looking for better. And once our perfect piece is found, be buy it in basic neutral colors. When we do this, it accidentally looks like we are coordinated when in reality we just bought similar colors. We never match on purpose. </p><p>My perfect jeans are from Free People, Lorelai's come from Hollister, Brie's are from Old Navy, Daren's are Carhartt, Everett is autistic and hates jeans and the two little ones get pants from H&M or Zara. If it fits for our bodies, the search is over and we just buy that only. We found perfect inexpensive leggings for us ladies that love to live in oversized tops and I've been buying the exact same t-shirts for 4 years straight. </p><p>Since I am a mother of five with one on the way, I'm just going to jump in here and list what each family member has in their minimalist wardrobe inventory and where we shop. Also, all of the kids have enough undergarments to last 10 days. </p><p>If something isn't linked, we have no clue where we got it or it is second hand. Most of these are not affiliate links, amazon links are affiliate links. They don't cost you anything to use and you don't have to use them, but they're linked for your convenience. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Lorelai - 15 year old daughter</span></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6 short sleeved shirts [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0711053005.html" target="_blank">here</a>] </li><li>2 long sleeved shirts [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0785018003.html" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>2 tank tops [<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=207419072&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=tank%20top#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here</a> in tall for modesty length]</li><li>3 sweatshirts [<a href="https://amzn.to/33FkG8t" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>3 sweaters [not in stock : Old Navy Slouchy Mock-Neck Sweater. <a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0673677012.html" target="_blank">Similar style here</a>]</li><li>5 jeans [<a href="https://www.hollisterco.com/shop/us/p/stretch-ultra-high-rise-super-skinny-jeans-12092827?categoryId=12623&seq=02&faceout=model1" target="_blank">here</a>, always high rise] </li><li>4 leggings/joggers [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0911340001.html" target="_blank">best leggings</a>, joggers from Walmart a couple years ago]</li><li>1 shorts [<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=579200002&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=jean%20shorts#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here</a>, we do 5" minimum inseam] </li><li>3 dresses </li><li>3 pairs of shoes [typically a sandal, dress shoe and sneaker]</li><li>1 coat [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0869706002.html" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 pair of gloves [<a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-wool-gloves-a-new-day-one-size/-/A-81316351?preselect=79499194#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">here in oatmeal</a>]</li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Breezy - 13 year old daughter</i></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>5 short sleeved shirts [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0711053005.html" target="_blank">here</a>] </li><li>1 long sleeved shirt - needs a few more</li><li>2 sweatshirts [<a href="https://amzn.to/3lsDSwt" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>4 sweaters [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0897679002.html" target="_blank">here in light beige</a> and <a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=599699052&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=v%20neck%20sweater#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here in grey marl</a>]</li><li>3 jeans [<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=449783002&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=High-Waisted%20Kicker%20Boot-Cut%20Jeans%20For%20Women#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here in Christy</a> and <a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=449784002&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=High-Waisted%20Kicker%20Boot-Cut%20Jeans%20For%20Women#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here in Moss</a>]</li><li>4 leggings [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0911340001.html" target="_blank">best leggings</a>]</li><li>3 shorts </li><li>1 dress </li><li>1 skirt [<a href="https://amzn.to/3lnPLUd" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>3 pairs of shoes </li><li>2 jackets [vintage] </li><li>1 coat [<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=608963012&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=wool%20coat#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here</a> in black]</li><li>1 pair of gloves [<a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-wool-gloves-a-new-day-one-size/-/A-81316351?preselect=79499194#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">here</a> in grey]</li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Everett - 9 year old son</span></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6 short sleeved shirts [<a href="https://amzn.to/30FlmJ1" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>6 long sleeved shirts [<a href="https://amzn.to/2Fg17dK" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=613298022&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=sherpa%20pullover#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>2 sweatshirts [<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=613298022&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=sherpa%20pullover#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>2 sweaters [<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=599127002&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=sweater%20boys#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 sweater vest [<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=447308012&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=sweater%20boys#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>4 shorts [<a href="https://amzn.to/30LaQQN" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>4 pants [not jeans, he doesn't like jeans. <a href="https://amzn.to/33FqJdb" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 winter hat [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0694680013.html" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 pair of gloves [<a href="https://www.target.com/p/boys-fleece-gloves-cat-jack-black/-/A-79518490?preselect=79421070#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>4 fleece pajama pants [<a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mad-Dog-Micro-Fleece-Pajama-Sleep-Pants-2-Pack-with-Slipper-Sock-GWP-Little-Boys-and-Big-Boys/374772323" target="_blank">here, both sets</a>]</li><li>3 pairs of shoes </li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Zephyr - 2 year old son</span></i> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3 short sleeved shirts </li><li>7 long sleeved shirts [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0734027013.html" target="_blank">here - 5pk in beige</a>]</li><li>5 sweaters [<a href="https://www.cutiebumco.com/collections/baby-1/products/closet-staple-sweater-taupe" target="_blank">here in ivory, caramel, dark and mocha</a>, and <a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0633917008.html" target="_blank">here in dusky green</a>] </li><li>4 pairs of jeans/pants [target, last year clearance]</li><li>1 pair of overalls [<a href="https://amzn.to/3jFmjIR" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 pair of wool leggings [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0755702001.html" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>2 winter hats [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0858306006.html" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 pair of mittens [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0858306006.html" target="_blank">part of set with hat</a>]</li><li>4 pajama sets [<a href="https://amzn.to/30K1ODx" target="_blank">here in 4 colors</a>]</li><li>2 pairs of shoes</li><li>still needs a coat</li></ul><div><br /></div><p></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Ocean - 9 month </span></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>old son</i></span> </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6 long sleeved onesies [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0533261025.html" target="_blank">here in beige</a>]</li><li>1 sweatshirt [<a href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/basic-sweatshirt-p06061588.html?v1=58209184&v2=1532119" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>3 sweaters [<a href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/basic-cable-knit-sweater-p05536549.html?v1=58693512&v2=1541264" target="_blank">here in tan, green and natural</a>]</li><li>4 pairs of pants [<a href="https://amzn.to/3loJIyR" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/basic-knit-lined-corduroy-pants-p08574553.html?v1=58086857&v2=1541285" target="_blank">here in taupe and grey</a>] </li><li>1 pair of overalls [<a href="https://amzn.to/3jFmjIR" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 pair of wool leggings [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0755702001.html" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>4 pajamas [<a href="https://amzn.to/2SEU40Y" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 winter hat [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0858306006.html" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 pair of mittens [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0858306006.html" target="_blank">here part of set</a>]</li><li>2 pairs of shoes [<a href="https://amzn.to/3iGY2B4" target="_blank">moccasins</a>] & [<a href="https://amzn.to/30F0NfW" target="_blank">slippers</a>] </li><li>still needs winter coat/bunting thing</li><li>still needs pack of tank onesies for layering</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Me : Jane - Mama who is pregnant often & gets spat up on a lot</span></i></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6 short sleeved shirts [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0711053005.html" target="_blank">here in black, white & grey</a>] </li><li>4 sweaters [<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=599699052&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=v%20neck%20sweater#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here in neutral, rust and black</a>]</li><li>4 sweatshirts [<a href="https://mtnmoverz.com/search?type=product&q=hoodie*" target="_blank">one of each here in peach, tan, forest, mustard</a>]</li><li>2 tank tops [<a href="https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=207419072&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=tank%20top#pdp-page-content" target="_blank">here</a> in tall for modesty length]</li><li>4 leggings [<a href="https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0911340001.html" target="_blank">best leggings</a>]</li><li>1 pair of joggers [<a href="https://amzn.to/2GPvXKI" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>1 skirt [<a href="https://amzn.to/2GzVTdn" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>3 pairs of shoes </li><li>1 lace kimono cover [<a href="https://amzn.to/33F5EzN" target="_blank">here in beige</a>]</li><li>4 dresses [that all work for nursing, pregnancy and post-partum] </li><li>still need a coat</li><li>still need gloves </li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Daren - Hubby that works out of state for a week or weeks at a time </span></i> </p><p>Most of his stuff is Carhartt...like, all of it except for what he got from working in the oilfield. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6 work shirts </li><li>4 work pants</li><li>2 pajamas</li><li>6 short sleeved shirts [<a href="https://amzn.to/36Gong2" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>4 long sleeved shirts </li><li>4 jeans for home [<a href="https://www.carhartt.com/category/carhartt-men-jeans" target="_blank">here</a>]</li><li>2 work shoes</li><li>2 home shoes </li><li>1 light coat</li><li>1 heavy outdoor winter work coat</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-67702731516449415162020-08-02T11:43:00.001-04:002020-10-16T23:17:17.941-04:00FAQ | Salt and Light Catholic Homeschool <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVXINj4c5BvT32xNxVUDuvOez8QX_D4e1ip0cLS5ddTkVO2B7bvbkEFq_uGvHtf2l5HHnNkk7STO59_O61jSg6FnqB060puj-nKomlphca4N7gCHLyLVruSefArNH4flh1maKpQgYh8I/s2782/shells.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="2782" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVXINj4c5BvT32xNxVUDuvOez8QX_D4e1ip0cLS5ddTkVO2B7bvbkEFq_uGvHtf2l5HHnNkk7STO59_O61jSg6FnqB060puj-nKomlphca4N7gCHLyLVruSefArNH4flh1maKpQgYh8I/s640/shells.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. Do I start year 1 for PreK/Kinder? </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> We include a little bit for PreK and Kinder within each of the 4 Years of Salt and Light Homeschool. I am considering writing an entire fun program for PreK & Kinder but until then, they may do the minimalist PreK/Kinder program within each guide and/or join in with older students in the 1st-12th parts of the guide. Keep in mind that Salt and Light Homeschool is a minimalist program that favors a later start versus an early start. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. Do I have to start with Year 1 or may I start with Year 2?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> You can totally start with whatever year you want! However, keep in mind that year 1 is the base level that builds. It welcomes you into the minimalist approach to homeschooling and each year builds on that first year. The history in year 2 is a continuation of the history in year 1. If you start with Year 2, you will be jumping into Medieval era to modern times with church history and saints. Totally fine to do, but it's up to you! You can always come back around to it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. Will they get a complete education if they don't do all 4 years?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> This might be the wrong question, but I'll try to answer this. Usually this comes from a worried homeschool mama and I've totally been there. Each year is complete, so if they start at 1st grade, they'll get through the 4 volumes/years three times. If they're starting at a middle school level, likely twice or once plus a couple years. If they start at a high school level, they will go through once. If older than 9th grade, they won't go through all of our 4 years. What I do is make sure for the high schoolers that the literature picks feed their intellectual growth. That is, we choose books that grow them in theology, faith, critical thinking, vocabulary, and world views. That way if they start later, they're still getting all they need to go into the world as strong Catholic adults that are well educated in how to be a lifelong learner, and to articulate themselves well. When you shift the focus to this, the rest is just added bonus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. Can I add to Salt and Light Homeschool? Substitute Language Arts? </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> You are totally free to add or take away anything from Salt and Light Homeschool that doesn't work for you. We created it to be adaptable to your family. Salt and Light Homeschool is a <b>minimalist</b> homeschool curriculum. This means that we have tried to keep it very stripped down to basics however this does not mean that it is lacking. If you were to do it fully, every activity and writing assignment, it would be A LOT of work. You do not have to do every elective within the school year. You can do herbal studies or ocean and marine science in the summer! Think outside the box and know that you do NOT need to check all of the boxes. I used to be extremely type A, so I get it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. How is grammar/language arts taught?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> Salt and Light uses a Charlotte Mason approach to grammar, spelling and all language arts components. If you're new to homeschooling, check out these articles for more info on what this means. <a href="https://simplycharlottemason.com/blog/a-charlotte-mason-approach-to-english-grammar-language-arts-part-9/" target="_blank">Read this here</a>, and <a href="https://blog.bravewriter.com/2005/02/17/grammar-notes/" target="_blank">this here</a>. Then <a href="https://blog.bravewriter.com/tag/grammar-advice/" target="_blank">this article</a>, trust me, <a href="https://blog.bravewriter.com/2012/06/12/be-gentle-with-grammar/" target="_blank">and this one</a>. We largely integrate grammar and spelling into the history, faith, science and other electives within Salt and Light Homeschool. We focus on an intuitive learning method which works wonderfully! IF you want to add something for learning these types of sentence structures, I recommend <a href="https://essentialsinwriting.com/course-catalog-4-2/" target="_blank">Essentials in Writing</a>. Helpful for dyslexics just learning how to write AFTER learning to read. It's not recommended to do this every single year. Once they have a grasp on the concept, simply keeping a <a href="https://amzn.to/3glCHNf" target="_blank">grammar handbook like this one on hand </a>[<a href="https://amzn.to/33heh3w" target="_blank">or this one</a>] and continuing to read, write, do dictations and narrations through Salt and Light Homeschool is more than enough to make them competent writers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. Is it enough? We are done in 2 hours!!!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> Oh, yes, it's enough! If you're coming from public or private school, this will seem like a very short homeschool day. Consider this : Your child while at school has many distractions. They have to wait until every child understands the new concept, even if your child already does, there are bathroom breaks, waiting in lines, shuffling from class to class, etc. When you remove all of that, you can just focus. Things are completed quicker. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We considered sending our two eldest children, who are almost entirely homeschooled [kindergarten and 2nd grade is when they were pulled out of public school - and I had no clue what I was doing those first few years. Read that again.] to private Catholic schools last year. They shadowed at the top schools for a few days. Not only were they able to jump right in, they could answer the questions the teachers asked when the fellow students could not. They were just as surprised as I was, honestly. Mostly because we have unschooled for the majority of our homeschooling. At the most, minimalist schooled for years now. How were they able to answer questions in classes they had never attended?! We read a lot. To be fair, I do not have kids that would choose reading over playing with a device/cell phone. This is a non-negotiable in our home. Seven days per week they read for 1-2 hours minimum. Books for fun, classic literature, faith based books, books with different views than ours...all lead to conversations with our children. We talk about politics, other faiths, differing views and why we believe the way we do. And children, being the sponges that they are, absorb this and grow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. So...then what do you do the rest of the day?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> Whatever you want. I do not play camp director to my children. If they tell me they are bored, I will give them chores. I'm not kidding. I'm also not sure why they would think a busy work from home mama would have a clue on what they could do for fun with all their free time. Ha! My mom and hubby's mom also gave us chores when we expressed our boredom to them. This forces them to be creative! Boredom is the birth of creativity! They can grumble all they want, but they always come up with something to do. In boredom my children have : learned three foreign languages, how to build complicated things with legos, how to paint, draw, journal artistically, write fan fiction, learned photography, pray novenas, learned something new about a saint - and then added them to prayer litany, discovered poetry, written poetry, learned about redwoods, the grand canyon, life in Poland, how to sew, how to knit, how to crochet, how to felt, how to carve soap, and honestly more than I could possibly ever write down here. Let them be bored. They'll be fine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. How is this different than Seton/Mater Amabilis/Etc?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> I still sometimes use Seton for math because it's simple and straightforward...and has pretty Catholic imagery. So we are similar to Seton in that we use pretty Catholic imagery. Both of those use lots of literature within their curriculum. While we try to stay minimalist, literature is the building block in Salt and Light Homeschool. We try to find free options, or options you could find at a library [better luck at Parish libraries versus a public library - but you could request them to purchase the book!] We kind of pull from many homeschooling methods. We love the Waldorf artsy lifestyle and natural materials, but of course we do not ascribe to the anthroposophy at all - Catholic only here. The work that I do involves purchasing mass amounts of books, researching, experience and then time away from my family to write. Bless my husband for his help while I write. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. How can you write a Catholic curriculum as a new Catholic?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> Actually no one has asked this question, but just in case you're thinking it, here's the answer. I was an anti-Catholic protestant prior to 2019. <a href="https://sacredbythesea.blogspot.com/2020/07/from-islam-to-catholic-and-everything.html" target="_blank">I have been atheist and was raised Muslim in an islamic country</a>. I feel like I have pretty firm grasp on the attacks Catholics receive from those faiths, I just now know how to ague them back with truth. I can't even put into words, how incredibly passionate I am about the Catholic faith. I thought I was an "on fire Bible believing Christian" always reading my Bible [which made me Catholic...] The deep love I have for my Catholic faith does not even come CLOSE to how I was as a protestant. And if you knew how much I loved Jesus then, it's ten fold + infinity now. Not only that, but I feel like it is my mission to make sure that our children and your children grow up STRONG in their faith. They have to be able to defend it, stand for it, and lovingly help others come to it. Catholic faith is the <b>truth</b>, fully and complete. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. How do I teach my kids how to do research?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> You teach them the same way that you do research. I often use google and books to find answers to anything I want to know. You want to search alongside your children so that they see first hand how to find a legit, reputable source for information. You are their first teacher! If applicable to the topic, find a few different opinions and discuss them with your child. What do you believe? What does The Church say about it? For all topics in Salt and Light Homeschool, we teach all from the perspective of the Roman Catholic Church. Any research that is assigned is pretty straight forward within the guide. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. How do we do art notebooking?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> While there is a guide in the curriculum, try to not overthink this. Your student does not need to create perfect masterpieces. When it is uploaded I will link a video here showing the growth our children had in their notebooks. They used to grumble but now enjoy it so much. They especially love flipping back through old ones, remembering what they learned and seeing how much better at art they are. Not everyone is a born artist. None of us in our family are, but we developed a skill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. Is there an alternative to the art notebooking for a child particularly struggling with it?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> Oh yes! An easy alternative we have done in our joy & wisdom journal is printing out pictures and then writing about it. We still do this in our journals even though we watercolor in our art notebooks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Q. How do I get started in watercoloring?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>A.</b> We did not take a class or even learn from a book, we just jumped in and learned as we went along! I feel like that could be my entire motto for homeschooling. More water gives us watery colors, better quality watercolors keep it from getting chalky on the paper and looks better, we don't always use watercolor paper, but it does help. But if you really want it, here are some videos <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CkFl0zcP0M" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/ye23IkKlc-4" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Q. Why did you change from a 6 year cycle to a 4 year cycle?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>A.</b> If you aren't new to Salt and Light Homeschool, you may remember that we had a 6 year cycle that you repeated a second time [fully if your child was young enough for the first cycle through]. Now it is a 4 year cycle that you repeat 3 times [or less if your child is older.] </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">However, I know that many of you are like me and you get 'curriculum burnout' or just want to try something new. We have partnered with Tan books in the past for history review and I just love their books so much that we use them, too! If you don't want to change it up, no worries, just repeat through. BUT if you want a little change up, the options and lessons will be there for you. Most of it you repeat because your student will still be older and getting a new, more mature perspective each time through, but there's enough change that it feels fresh each cycle through. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">By 2022 there will be several solo guides and a PreK program for you to choose from anytime you want to toss in a new elective or subject! Who knows what else I'll dream up by then! </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Please add your question in the comments below and then I will add them to this list of questions! </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-5826623030714726082020-07-21T15:12:00.001-04:002020-10-27T21:22:25.429-04:00From Islam to Catholicism | And Everything In Between<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJqCr5NKW9_N8iqli7ra3unCpZA0XpIc6FefYGmRkqwj-6aN3hyA3J-wLDUDODyiTjhpVRMQcW3GEQsEVO-pqs-7t2qeXQF-HTmFtLxvbiLIUs6lepaiXN9wG05Kq_CMP525Sa8LSaRo/s1600/110860371_10158319823960801_2510376549794974191_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJqCr5NKW9_N8iqli7ra3unCpZA0XpIc6FefYGmRkqwj-6aN3hyA3J-wLDUDODyiTjhpVRMQcW3GEQsEVO-pqs-7t2qeXQF-HTmFtLxvbiLIUs6lepaiXN9wG05Kq_CMP525Sa8LSaRo/s640/110860371_10158319823960801_2510376549794974191_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Listen. I'm not here to bash anyone else’s religion. This is my life and my experience. This is my story which is not a personal attack on you and your faith. If you feel like you might be triggered to write mean things, please know that I'll delete them. You are absolutely free to share your own thoughts on your own blog space.<br />
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A little over a year ago I <a href="https://youtu.be/Wx57WouLKRw" target="_blank">recorded a video</a> about my conversion [my whole family] into the Catholic faith from Protestantism. I was so thrilled, even though I was terrified of the response, that in my video I jump all over the place. I tried to follow my notes but in all I had learned, the excitement was beyond hard to contain. It was all I could do to contain myself until we were officially confirmed! Ask anyone close to me what I was like during the past couple of years. I was likely to word vomit on anyone about The Catholic faith.<br />
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The journey really begins in my childhood, but I'll keep it brief. I was raised Muslim. My stepfather was a Muslim from Pakistan. The kind that pray 5 times per day, do not eat pork, read the back of food packets, do not wear shorts, cover with a hijab, go to Islamic private school, never miss a Friday prayer and live in Pakistan for awhile kind of muslim.<br />
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I'll give you some bullet points on what <b><i>I was taught</i>*</b> at AMERICAN MOSQUES :<br />
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<li>Muslims are superior. </li>
<li>Christians and Jews are not to be trusted. They are the enemy. </li>
<li>Jesus is not to be spoken of. Even though he was listed as a prophet, I was chastised anytime I asked. </li>
<li>Allah is angry at us.</li>
<li>We are not children of God. </li>
<li>You must do 10 good deeds to get rid of 1 bad deed. </li>
<li>Bad deeds included but not limited to : not reading Quran, not praying 5 times a day, wearing a t-shirt, wearing shoes that had a heel over 1/2", not wearing pants under my ankle length dresses, inappropriate hair styles [?], too many necklaces, talking on the phone, listening to music.... the list is endless and I was in despair as a child that I would never enter paradise. </li>
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<i>I was taught to hate from the age of 7 from teachers in the mosques in America. </i></blockquote>
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[Georgia and NC]. I never ever once heard of peaceful islam until I was an adult and heard it through the media. My family in Pakistan certainly never spoke of a peaceful islam since we were called to fight infidels [anyone not muslim] violently, because prophet mohammad commanded it. <b>*this might not</b> be what you were taught as a muslim, but it is exactly what was pounded into my head day after day.</div>
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I will add that I absolutely loved living in Pakistan for a short time as a teen. Made me appreciate America all the more. I still chat with my uncles. They're awesome!</div>
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Where did I go from there? Where else could I go? By age 11, I was an atheist. By age 14, I was dabbling in wiccan spells. How can there be a God when I was unloved, physically and sexually abused? I was very alone and very depressed. Multiple suicide attempts and many stays in long term eating disorder facilities for anorexia and then bulimia. </div>
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In my late teens, my parents divorced. A best friend of mine, that is still a friend of mine, brought me to a Christian teen hangout. I was not excited to go and put it off for weeks. I remember at that first visit to Direct Hit in Cary NC I was scared I may have joined a cult. BUT, there was something they had that Islam and Atheism did not : kindness. They were a loving people and I had zero experience with unconditional love. They introduced me to Jesus - the very embodiment of Love.</div>
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I was baptized a few years later even though I wasn't sure what Christianity was really all about. I rocked my WWJD bracelet and read the Bible as often as possible. I joined Bible studies, and youth groups, became a youth leader, ran youth ministries, shared my testimony, started Bible clubs, led women’s studies, went to revivals by Billy Graham, and praised Jesus! I did this authentically as I really do LOVE Jesus! </div>
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I don't know where to go from here in the story, because this is where the rollercoaster of faith comes in. You fall away, you backslide, and eventually make your way back to faith. If you are a protestant or former protestant, you know... </div>
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<i>It’s the "I was saved a million times" thing</i></blockquote>
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I think the next chapter is called Church hopping. I was Methodist, Baptist, Southern Baptist [not the same as Baptist], Assemblies of God, Seventh Day Adventist, Church of God, Church of Christ, Pentecostal Holiness, Non-Denominational, Spiritual and went to "Church for people who hate church" [an actual tagline on at least TWO churches I attended]. There were coffee bars, smoke and laser show, cool music and cooler pastors. Which was awesome until it started to feel empty, fake and like a concert - not worship. My husband especially wasn’t a fan. </div>
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It was at this point that I wrote a blog post [it no longer exists] about my journey of faith. It ended with me saying that I wish I could just have some like-minded Christians over, surf, praise God and truly worship Him. Like some type of modernistic bohemian church. I'm slowly shaking my head at the me of 2016. It was shared virally even though there was only one comment that stood out. </div>
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There was one Catholic that kindly recommended me to read about Peter being the rock of The Church and Jesus giving Him the keys of the kingdom. I had no idea what she was talking about. Zero. I don't think I even responded BUT I did go googling. I was only looking for the protestant response to what she said. It didn't occur to me to look up what Catholics believed about it, but I found a protestant refutal - granted it was not a good or sound one at all, but I wasn't about to become a Catholic and join the "whore of Babylon" </div>
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<i>Lord, please forgive me, I thought I knew what I was saying but I was wrong</i></blockquote>
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If you’re that person that left that long comment on my old blog - you planted a seed. To label me as an anti-Catholic would be just an underscore. I was wholeheartedly against the people I believed weren't even Christians, but more on that later. </div>
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I had been writing a protestant Christian homeschool curriculum called Lamp + Light Homeschool for quite awhile. I didn't realize until 2018 that it was protestant, however. I figured, hey, at least all Christians have the same beliefs, right? RIGHT?! [Spoiler Alert : <i>they do not.</i>] The real beginning of the unravelling of protestantism - for me - began with writing that curriculum. Oh how God has a sense of humor that I would be compelled to write about Church history first. </div>
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<i>There isn't any protestant church history prior to the 1500s.</i> </blockquote>
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This was maddening while writing a curriculum that was about protestant church history. I just assumed what I was taught was the truth : that protestants met in house churches under secret cover and fear of death. I tried HARD to find evidence that the early protestant church existed as I was taught. The only beliefs I could find in the early church (that didn’t look Catholic) were things like arianism [Jesus wasn't God in the trinity - which no Christian ascribes to]. Well, that won't work. Of course Jesus is God! He is Lord and Savior!<br />
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Life in the autumn of 2018, was rough. We had lost our home due to Hurricane Florence just weeks after giving birth to baby 4 and while I was still on blood thinners after a pulmonary embolism. The first shipment of Lamp + Light Homeschool curriculum was extremely late and the printer kept pushing it back. Customers were understandably upset and I couldn’t fix it. Shipping was a complete nightmare and that's putting it lightly. We lost all our savings due to the hurricane and massive shipping errors and I dived head first into a deep depression.<br />
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I bottomed out in November. Very few people even know about what I'm about to type. Each day I was writing in a Scripture journal and at the top of it I would write the word : STAY. in capital letters. The depression was so deep, so agonizing that each moment of living was swallowing me whole. I had to fight thoughts of suicide every moment of every day. I had to write reasons to stay [obviously my husband and children], and I had to read my Bible every second that was spare. I couldn't risk leaving myself alone without praying to God, because I believed I would actually kill myself.<br />
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One night in December 2018, right in the midst of the deepest depression battle I have ever lived through, I set out on a super weird mission : prove the Catholic church isn't even real Christianity. Where that came from, at that time, I didn’t know but it gave me a daily occupation. At first I used only my protestant Bible and only protestant refutations to the Catholic church. I didn't want to get lead astray! That was the last thing I needed. Then I started reading from Catholic sites to see if what the protestants taught was what Catholics actually believed.<br />
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<i>It turns out The Catholic Church that I was taught as a protestant, did not exist. </i></blockquote>
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I was more than a little irritated by that. Why would anyone lie about another faith? Surely it couldn't all be true? There was NO WAY I was going to become ... <i>a CATHOLIC</i>. That was the absolute worst atrocity I could think of. But I was becoming obsessed! I woke up my husband to read from Scripture the verses I swore never were there before!!! Who added the verses about Church Traditions?! Oh, that was St. Paul.<br />
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I began messaging YouTube Catholics furiously and literally in the middle of the night and all day long : Laura from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIZ0j2VDUEBL7s0PaEEwGQ" target="_blank">What Laura Likes</a>, and Heather from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBPwe61hWru6AN8ZzyY-KwA" target="_blank">A Catholic Mom's Life</a> just to name a couple. If you are a Catholic YouTuber, I binge watched your videos. ALL OF THEM. I may have even messaged you. Thank You for helping me! For months straight I was barely sleeping because I was getting blown away by Scripture!<br />
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<i>I was so irritated that my body needed sleep. </i></blockquote>
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In order to keep this from getting away from the topic at hand, <a href="https://sacredbythesea.blogspot.com/2020/07/reasons-i-could-not-remain-protestant.html" target="_blank">here's a link to my blog post highlighting just some of things that made it hard for me to remain protestant</a>.<br />
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After doing so much research for so long, I knew I needed to take the next step* : Join an RCIA class and become Catholic. My husband and our children came with us to talk to the Deacon in person. Deacon Walt at Sacred Heart Cathedral. I learned that my husband was searching for Tradition, too. I had no idea. He has his own journey and perhaps he will share that at a later date. If you run into him in person, he will immediately and joyfully tell you ALL about it! He LOVES being Catholic.<br />
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* Our first visit to a Catholic Church and our first Mass will be a different post. No way I can fit that all in this timeline. Nor the key role my friend Bethany plays in all of this.<br />
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A book that changed my course for good was, Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn - a former protestant pastor who converted. My sponsor into the Catholic Church had me read it from night one and I LOVE her extra for it. I make everyone read it. When Scott Hahn wrote that he thought he might be struck down by God before praying a Hail Mary and praying the rosary, I laughed out loud because I had the exact same experience. I literally prayed for God to stop me if I was doing something wrong against Him for praying it. <br />
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<i>I've seen more miracles through the rosary than I could have ever imagined. </i></blockquote>
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My husband, our children and I were received into the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil 2019. Best Day of Our Lives. I understand now the "welcome home!" and the "fullness of the faith" which both did not make sense to me beforehand. We all cried tears of joy! I was confirmed Stella Maris (Our Lady Star of the Sea) by Cardinal Rigali at Sacred Heart Knoxville Cathedral.<br />
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We have anti-Catholic family members and of course I was working on protestant curriculum. I was much more frightened of the latter. People I thought were internet friends turned on me so fast. Accused me of so many things, wrote nasty things about me, messaged me and emailed me horrible things and attacked me on social media. I had to change my email twice. I had to delete so many spiteful comments. It hurt. The curriculum business went from booming to nearly tanking. All of that hard work collapsing was awful to go through and I’m very sorry i let so many down by converting.<br />
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The answer to the question you’re thinking is YES, I would do it all again.<br />
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My faith is the absolute most important thing about who I am. If I don’t have that right, nothing else matters. I'm still mostly the same person but I'm far more conservative than I used to be. I love going to a Traditional Latin Mass, and I love praying the rosary. How could I not after all the blessings?!<br />
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When people ask me, "Why did you become Catholic?" the answer is actually simpler than one might think :<br />
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It was True. </blockquote>
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I like to describe it as I had a lot of puzzle pieces, no box cover and I was missing a bunch of pieces without realizing it. I tried to keep fitting the pieces together, but it was futile. There is a beautiful woven tapestry of faith that God created.He died for us, He rose for us, He gave us The Church. The Church He founded gave us The Bible. It feels so good to be fully home at last.<br />
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Rome Sweet Home.<br />
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Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-46148546364024813212020-07-21T15:11:00.003-04:002020-07-21T15:21:37.000-04:00Reasons I Could Not Remain Protestant | Conversion Story Background <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The more I dug into the early Church, I found many early church teachings. When I say early, I mean John the Apostle was still alive and taught these men himself. If you couldn't walk directly up to the physical Jesus because He's in heaven and you needed to ask a question, I would seek out the one He taught. St. John wrote the last Gospel and his final sentence was "and there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. " [John 21:25]<br />
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The problem for me as a protestant was that the early church was Catholic. The Eucharist, bishops, the order of the Mass... It was there when St. John the Apostle was still here and he taught this to St. Ignatius of Antioch [who first used the term "Catholic"], St Polycarp, St Justin Martyr, St Irenaeus... that's how the church was spread. Jesus told them to go out and make disciples and they did!<br />
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There wasn't a Bible yet. There was a Church. Just one. </blockquote>
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There's a 1500 year gap in church history for protestants. It was started by some dudes who didn't like the bad things in the Catholic church and instead of reforming it from within [like St Ignatius of Loyola] they created a <i>new religion</i> that had not existed before. The Bible that had been compiled in the late 300s was compiled by The Catholic Church. To create protestantism, Martin Luther had to rip books out. Seven of them. He also tried to get rid of the book of James, Romans and Revelation because it did not fit <i><b>his</b></i> theology. He also added the word "alone" to the Bible in Romans 3:28. I guess instead of tossing the whole book of Romans out, he thought it might be better to just add a word. </div>
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<i>You cannot change God's Word. Jesus is The Word in The Flesh. </i></blockquote>
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I used to proclaim loudly, "Scripture Alone! Faith Alone!" But the Bible itself both refutes and does not teach this at all. If you only need the Bible alone, where is that in the Bible? It's not there. So then how do we know what it teaches? By the Holy Spirit, of course! That's the answer I was given. He guides us so that we know what it's saying and revealing to us. I totally accept the The Holy Spirit prompts us. Absolutely! I also believe that people can be wrong and so I had a huge issue reconciling this : there are more than 30,000 protestant denominations. </div>
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But they all believe the same basic premises!!! Christ is our Lord and we all love him! But is it baptism at birth or baptism as the age of reason? Is it a sprinkling or a full dunk baptism? Is baptism essential for salvation? Jesus says yes! [<a href="https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-necessity-of-baptism" target="_blank">read more here</a>] The list goes on and on and everyone believes differently. There's constant fighting over it. While writing the curriculum people inquired which church history we were covering in Year 1. Then when trying to find books on the topic for the children, I ran into a HUGE problem. In the reviews people argued over "flawed theology"</div>
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<i>Oh boy. I couldn't find ANY consensus among protestants anywhere. </i></blockquote>
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I'm going to come back to this to add more. I just have 5 kids and can't finish this blog post right this second, but I can't post my conversion story until I post this one to link to what couldn't fit in one blog post. It's very detailed because I did a LOT of study on it. </div>
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To be continued. </div>
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Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-57924144169964210742020-07-20T20:52:00.000-04:002020-07-20T20:52:47.447-04:00Literature | Salt and Light Year II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey everyone! I wanted to get the blog post up that has all of the literature picks for Salt and Light Homeschool Year 2. As always, you can use these for any school year and these are not required reads. We like to do a mix of classic literature, cultural, religious, newer pieces, a mix of poetry, nonfiction and fiction.<br />
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I will also take this time to note, in case you're new around here, I fully support reading to your teens. Yes, they can read for themselves but they still want you to read to them. Even picture books. Don't you love gorgeous illustrations in books? I LOVE pretty pictures and have instilled this love in my children through my own desire for those types of books. They could groan and complain, but they secretly love it when you read to them anyways.<br />
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<i>If you're looking for the required reads for Year 2 of Salt and Light Homeschool, <a href="https://sacredbythesea.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_10.html" target="_blank">check this link out here</a>. </i><br />
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For trying to figure out level placement, this is at the discretion of the parent. You know your child best! You want them challenged but you also want reading to be enjoyable or they won't bother with it in adulthood. Read to them a higher level book if you like. It exposes them to higher language. Let them read a picture book or lower level book just for fun!<br />
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I said all of that because take these categories with a grain of salt. Any of them could be read alouds or solo reads. The titles are there for those that need a bit of guidance. Middle Grades should select some books from either the lower or upper category depending on maturity and reading ability.<br />
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Always check to see if they're available at your library if you have access to one.<br />
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You could also check free domain for classics and choose audible + hard copy for your dyslexic children. Trust me on this. Brie [our severely dyslexic daughter] went from a non-reader to a voracious reader in a few years time and no longer needs or uses audible alongside her books. Well worth the expensive investment since reading is the core of learning.<br />
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All Grades/Read Alouds </h4>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZQlUw1" target="_blank">A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year</a> [this will be required in Year 3]<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3eLKMcp" target="_blank">The Princess Bride</a><br />
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Pre K & Kindergarten</h4>
<a href="https://amzn.to/3fL98Ew" target="_blank">Animals of God Volume 1</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZLGDRq" target="_blank">Pip the Gnome series</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/39jc3BJ" target="_blank">The Chestertons and the Golden Key</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/30r6vkG" target="_blank">Our Lady's Wardrobe</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2CQ6Vcc" target="_blank">The Legend of Saint Nicholas</a><br />
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Elementary </h4>
<a href="https://amzn.to/39c8ttg" target="_blank">Father Brown Reader</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/30wv13R" target="_blank">Father Brown Reader II</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2OF48oU" target="_blank">Homer Price</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/39jc3BJ" target="_blank">The Chestertons and the Golden Key</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2CzEDTB" target="_blank">Perfect Gifts</a> [The Adventures of Nick & Sam]<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3hliNlm" target="_blank">Shepherds to the Rescue</a> [Gospel Time Trekkers]<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3fL98Ew" target="_blank">Animals of God Volume 1</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2WFio5u" target="_blank">The Prince Martin Epic Books</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/30r6vkG" target="_blank">Our Lady's Wardrobe</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2CQ6Vcc" target="_blank">The Legend of Saint Nicholas </a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/32FlXN0" target="_blank">Tin Cups & Tinder : A Catholic Little Boy's Book of Fire, Food & Fun</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2WBWG23" target="_blank">Tea & Cake with the Saints : A Catholic Young Lady's Introduction to Hospitality and the Home Arts</a><br />
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Middle Grades</h4>
<a href="https://amzn.to/3jmYmGH" target="_blank">The Red Bandana</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2E3bTD8" target="_blank">Outlaws of Ravenhurst </a> or <a href="https://setonbooks.com/childrens-books/191-outlaws-of-ravenhurst.html" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2WGCVGJ" target="_blank">Blood Red Crescent</a> or <a href="https://watch.formed.org/the-blood-red-crescent-by-henry-garnett" target="_blank">free here</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3jnZ9aa" target="_blank">The King's Prey : Saint Dymphna of Ireland</a> [upper middle]<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/32yNDD4" target="_blank">St. Catherine of Siena</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3hjd8fz" target="_blank">Pope Pius X</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/32D2LiJ" target="_blank">The Count of Monte Cristo</a> [Great Illustrated Classics]<br />
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High School/Teens </h4>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2OKopJP" target="_blank">Crown of the World</a> [written by a homeschooler!]<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2WGCVGJ" target="_blank">Blood Red Crescent </a>or <a href="https://watch.formed.org/the-blood-red-crescent-by-henry-garnett" target="_blank">free here</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3fYyEG8" target="_blank">Pride & Prejudice</a> or <a href="https://watch.formed.org/pride-and-prejudice-by-jane-austen" target="_blank">free here</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/32CyzV1" target="_blank">The Star & The Shamrock</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3fNNkYS" target="_blank">Jane Eyre</a> or <a href="https://watch.formed.org/jane-eyre-by-charlotte-bronte" target="_blank">free here</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2WFTtP5" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a> [great for discussion on society]<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2CuRMx2" target="_blank">In Defense of Sanity : Best Essays of G.K. Chesterton</a> [possibly required in Year 3]<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2WIEynw" target="_blank">The Book Thief</a> [older teen. about nazis - mild/moderate language]<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3hjd8fz" target="_blank">Pope Pius X</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2WHyyv0" target="_blank">Roland West : Loner</a> or <a href="https://watch.formed.org/roland-west-loner-by-theresa-linden" target="_blank">free here</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/30vsJSD" target="_blank">The Quiet Light</a><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3jnZ9aa" target="_blank">The King's Prey : Saint Dymphna of Ireland</a><br />
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<br />Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-88700785199826080232019-11-05T15:35:00.000-05:002020-07-10T11:13:52.238-04:00Christmas Gift Ideas | Simple + Quality + Minimalist <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each year I compile a list of gift ideas and I enjoy it SO much! I'm pretty much like Buddy from the movie Elf. We always get an early start on Christmas shopping to spread out the cost. This year is a bit different for us because it's our first Christmas as Catholics. I was surprised and excited to find out that Christmas is more than a day long celebration in the Catholic faith. We usually take our tree down late Christmas day or the day after Christmas and put it up before Halloween. Haha!<br />
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We are mostly following the Traditional Calendar... for us this means that our tree will be up through January, possibly until February 2nd - which is Candlemas. At the very earliest, it won't come down until the Baptism of the Lord. We haven't decided yet, but I'm excited either way. We will fully celebrate the season of waiting : Advent and then fully celebrate the season of Christmas! And we will be having our Christmas baby [baby number 5] on December 30th! So much to celebrate this year, so many blessings!<br />
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We used to keep to the "Something they want, need, wear, read" and then we would add something that would keep them active, like something for sports or something to play with outdoors. Sometimes we would buy a couple gifts from each category. We experimented with going way overboard in 2017 for Christmas and whoo boy... it was fun to watch them open but the kids actually prefer less things. It's overwhelming for them. Even if it was fun for us parents.<br />
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So we have found a middle ground. We focus on what they will actually love and use and don't do the four or five gift rule, but we definitely pared down from 2017. We keep in mind the words : simple, quality and minimalist. We don't want to just purchase junk and we don't want to over purchase.<br />
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Most of the following gifts are things we have purchased already this year for our children or that our children have owned or still own. All of these items have been heavily researched for hours through reviews and I just LOVE sharing what I find with you all! I will do a separate post on stocking stuffers and another on Catholic gifts from my fav small shops!<br />
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I also want to share that if you need to spread out the cost, we have used both <a href="https://sezzle.com/" target="_blank">Sezzle</a> and <a href="https://www.afterpay.com/index" target="_blank">AfterPay</a> to do that. We have even done this with cloth diapers. No interest, no setup fee, quick and easy. I used Sezzle for Cotton Babies diapers for a large order and I used AfterPay for Sarah's Silks items for the kiddos this year. They have tons of stores! And, no, they're not paying me. Just thought I would share!<br />
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I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas this year! Enjoy!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Babies & Toddlers & Kids :</span></i><br />
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<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2WJrUTW" target="_blank">Cleaning Toy Set</a> [<a href="https://amzn.to/2NJerre" target="_blank">here's an alternative</a>]</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NLKhnd" target="_blank">Aqua Doodle Mat</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/34Aq2iS" target="_blank">Push Along Toy</a> [Zephyr LOVES this thing] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/36xy3qZ" target="_blank">Play Silks</a> [<a href="https://amzn.to/33lA1IP" target="_blank">Budget Option Here</a>] [All of my kids love these so it's all ages! We have both sets] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2PQgRHk" target="_blank">Ribbon Wand</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NLLL0L" target="_blank">Foam Swords</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/34yVrCt" target="_blank">Wooden Weaving Loom</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/36AGphs" target="_blank">Wooden Blocks</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NHKgAL" target="_blank">Log Blocks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NjLGCA" target="_blank">Wooden Activity Gym</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2WIQSD1" target="_blank">Natural Teether Set</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/34yRii0" target="_blank">Waldorf Balance Board</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2WMoVtZ" target="_blank">Retro Style Bike w/Training Wheels</a> [3-5 years old]</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NlpMhW" target="_blank">Retro Style Bike</a> [5-10 years old] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NNCgxU" target="_blank">Watercolor Paints</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/33k5CKT" target="_blank">Wooden Rosary</a> [got one for Zephyr this year!] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2CjjYiE" target="_blank">Wooden Market Grocery Set </a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/36utr4G" target="_blank">Play Doctor Kit</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NGrwBu" target="_blank">Wooden Bird Calls</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/32fRC3v" target="_blank">Nature Explorer Kit</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2pISIrm" target="_blank">Real Tool Set</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2WJJ1VP" target="_blank">Saint John the Baptist Graphic Novel</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NhFqLs" target="_blank">Brother Francis DVDs</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2reuyW1" target="_blank">Nature Themed Word Search</a> </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Tweens & Teens : </i></span><br />
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<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NODJEu" target="_blank">Fitness Tracker Watch</a> [Keeps kids active! All 3 of our older kids have this.]</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2WM4L3p" target="_blank">Bluetooth Ear Buds</a> [All 3 older kiddos have this as well.] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2PPKp7W" target="_blank">Journal</a> [this one is dot grid, but there are lined, plain and graph] [<a href="https://amzn.to/32fS028" target="_blank">Budget Option</a>] [<a href="https://amzn.to/2Cj2xyI" target="_blank">Another Fav</a>] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2K7vL8r" target="_blank">Learn to Knit Kit</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/32dQr4E" target="_blank">Learn to Crochet Kit </a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/34vNVbx" target="_blank">Pyrography Kit</a> [don't forget <a href="https://amzn.to/2Q0m67p" target="_blank">a book</a> and some <a href="https://amzn.to/2WReepZ" target="_blank">wood pieces</a>]</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/36xv3ut" target="_blank">High Waisted Midi Skirt</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2PMzefY" target="_blank">Blend Tees</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2PNensX" target="_blank">White Wave Bamboo Longboard</a> [<a href="https://amzn.to/2ChPGNv" target="_blank">Option 2</a>] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/33k7eV7" target="_blank">Scatterball</a> [hours of fun!]</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Cc1xwy" target="_blank">Watercolor Paints</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2JQkZmC" target="_blank">Peggy Dean's Guide to Nature Drawing and Watercolor </a></li>
<li>CD's & <a href="https://amzn.to/2rcjLeV" target="_blank">Vinyls</a> [my girls say the teens are buying these lol] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/32mTCqK" target="_blank">Record Player</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2JS75jP" target="_blank">Pullover Hoodies</a> [my girls love oversized hoodies, but great for dudes, too] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2ChNe9O" target="_blank">Nasa Hoodie</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/2NHoo8y" target="_blank">Full Zip Hoodie</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2CgMAJA" target="_blank">Take Ten : Daily Bible Reflections for Teens</a></li>
<li>Shoes or Slippers </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2rbUCkx" target="_blank">4 Way Cross Medal</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/32hMGev" target="_blank">Survival Gear Kit</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ccy4Tf" target="_blank">Fjallraven Kanken Backpack</a> [<a href="https://amzn.to/2r9uoiC" target="_blank">Budget Option</a>!] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/32knWlG" target="_blank">Brush Pen Lettering Book</a> [and <a href="https://amzn.to/2NGTMUA" target="_blank">Brush Pens</a>]</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2NH24vP" target="_blank">Notetaking Bible</a> </li>
<li>Audible Subscription </li>
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<br />Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-41280190856230811752019-09-25T14:06:00.001-04:002019-09-25T14:38:31.939-04:00What We Are Reading for Autumn 2019 // 7 Books <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Our 7 Reads for Autumn 2019 </h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Four Books for Mama & Three Books for Kiddos</h3>
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I'm starting a new series for each season of the year. They will not always be season specific, but I just LOVE sharing great books I find and enjoy with all of you! I hope you enjoy them as well! I have linked all of these for you to make it easy to shop for them. It's not too early to think of putting some things away for Christmas gifts! We love to give books as presents! Here is what we are currently enjoying. </div>
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Four Books for Mama</h3>
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1. <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2l2DISK" target="_blank">The Marian Option : God's Solution to a Civilization in Crisis by Carrie Gress</a>.</i> I love all books by Carrie Gress! I downed her book, <a href="https://amzn.to/2l6zERv" target="_blank">Anti-Mary Exposed : Rescuing the Culture from Toxic Femininity</a>, in a day and half. She's a talented writer with some amazing points to share! Mary was the hardest hurdle for me into the Catholic Church, but once I realized they do NOT worship Mary at all...it's blasphemy, I began to really understand the beauty of Mary and Mariology. This book has some eye openers for our troubled times with HOPE. </div>
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2. <a href="https://amzn.to/2mDyBZV" target="_blank"><i>Not Of This World by Sterling Jaquith</i></a>. If you want to see a flip through of this book, head over to my instagram and there is one in my instagram highlights under "books." Now, I'm already a minimalist and loved Marie Kondo's <a href="https://amzn.to/2mK2Ii4" target="_blank">The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a>, but this book by Sterling helps me to keep the most important thing in my life in focus : My Faith. This book is not just for Catholics. It's for all Christians who want to lead a simple life, uncluttered and full of real joy. It gives you the process to take, the reasoning behind it and the questions you need to ask yourself. Some of those questions are pretty convicting, but I LOVE it. This book is an quick read with bite sized chapters that make it all manageable for busy mamas! There are chapters for large families, homeschoolers and how to do this with your spouse and children! </div>
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3. <a href="https://amzn.to/2lLpHZY" target="_blank"><i>The Call of The Wild + Free : Reclaiming Wonder in Your Child's Education by Ainsley Arment</i></a>. This author is the founder of the Wild + Free Organization! We have followed them since the very very beginning many years ago. I remember talking to Ainsley in those early days when I first promoted her on my first successful blog. She's so sweet! I'm so glad to see her release a book! It has color photos in it which I love and it's full of all the homeschool wisdom. If you're new to homeschooling, if you're overwhelmed about homeschooling and all the things - YOU. NEED. THIS. BOOK. If you have been homeschooling for awhile, you'll find it a breath of fresh are and assurance that your kids are going to turn out just fine.</div>
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4. <a href="https://amzn.to/2lz9Duy" target="_blank"><i>Theology of Home : Finding the Eternal in the Everyday by Carrie Gress, Noelle Mering & Megan Schrieber</i></a>. Yes, another Carrie Gress book! This is a new one that I preordered as soon as I heard of it quite some time ago now. It just got in yesterday and I am LOVING it as much as I had hoped! It is another full-of-color photograph book that just speaks of calm and faith. It's a book that speaks about blending faith into your home life and creating an atmosphere that cultivates the Catholic faith, right at home. I just love it! It's like a warm hug for homemaking Catholic mamas! There's a quick flip-through on my Instagram! </div>
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Three Books for Kiddos </h3>
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1. <a href="https://amzn.to/2mLnD4h" target="_blank"><i>The Holy Gospels of St. Luke and St. John by William Bloomfield</i></a>. This is a series called Sacred Art Series and it is BEAUTIFUL. This is not just for Catholics! It is just the Gospels of Luke and John but with beautiful photography art on almost every single page. It infuses art and faith in such a way that it makes the Bible feel like you're reading a story book that isn't babyish for older kids. It's just the truth of Christ's mission, His walk on earth, all He taught us and, of course, His sacrifice in His Passion. I only wish I could afford for all my children to have their own copies so that when I read along they can just get absorbed in the photos as we go. It's such a great tool and I hope they make many more! </div>
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2. <a href="https://amzn.to/2mLoIcl" target="_blank"><i>Our Lady's Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle</i></a>. This book is a perfect read aloud about Our Lady of Fatima! It has gorgeous black and white art and the story is engaging yet life changing. Not just for our children, for myself as well! Donna-Marie did a great job telling this story. The story of Our Lady of Fatima, the miracle that happened there can be googled as it was captured by media outlets! In front of thousands of witnesses! The day the sun danced in the sky! People, news media, came to MOCK the Catholics and left converted. That is just what happens after you witness such a miraculous event! Definitely read this one to your kiddos! </div>
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3. <a href="https://amzn.to/2lMEHab" target="_blank"><i>The Easiest Way to Jesus : A Marian Consecration for Children by Brian and Esmeralda Kiczek</i></a>. You can find the <a href="https://www.dollsfromheaven.com/blog/the-easiest-way-to-jesus-book" target="_blank">print version of this book here</a> on the site that sells the gorgeous "American Girl" type Catholic dolls!!! I have tried to get through the <a href="https://amzn.to/2nersiN" target="_blank">33 Days to Morning Glory</a>, but as a new Catholic, it was very difficult for me to truly understand. I'm still learning and will be for quite some time, however, this book has made Marian Consecration very easy with the bonus of doing it with my kids! It has a short reading for each of the 33 days and then a picture of Mary and a short prayer. If you're trying to get closer to Jesus, this is a great way to grow in that faith! Jesus was given to us through the body of Mary, and she still teaches us about her Holy Son. It has the dates to start for each of the consecrations and it's very easy to follow. I've learned a LOT along with my children. </div>
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What are you reading this autumn? Leave a comment below with your favorite current reads! Happy Fall! Aloha! </div>
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<br />Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-26380228063558179352019-06-29T21:38:00.001-04:002019-06-29T21:39:35.479-04:00Is It Enough | Homeschooling the End Goal in Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've spoken many times on the topic of : enough. I've woven it through many of my old blog posts, through the guides in the curriculum I wrote, and through YouTube videos. It will always be a topic I speak about because it is always this very doubt that worries homeschool parents everywhere. </div>
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Am I doing enough? Are we covering enough subjects? Did we thoroughly cover American History? Do we have enough curriculum? Are we covering everything they are supposed to be learning at this age? Is this math going to leave learning gaps? </div>
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All of those come back to : Am I Enough?</div>
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If you're the one teaching them, training them up, you're questioning your ability and whether or not you're enough for your children. </div>
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First, whether you homeschool, private school, or public school your children, there will be learning gaps. They're impossible to avoid because the amount of possible information to learn is vast and childhood is short. I've never met a single person, regardless of how they were schooled, know all the things and further more <i>remember</i> all of the things. I certainly don't! And I was public schooled, private schooled <i>and</i> homeschooled. </div>
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Now that we have that covered, let's get back to the root of the issue. Christians are as imperfect as anyone. Open the Bible and you will find many imperfect people.... that were all called to incredible lives. Maybe we aren't Moses delivering God's people, but we are raising the people delivered to us to bring up in Christ. </div>
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You've heard the saying, "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called." Check out the following list just in case you need a reminder : </div>
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<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Abraham -Was old.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Elijah – Was suicidal.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Joseph – Was abused.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Job – Went bankrupt.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moses – Had a speech problem.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gideon – Was afraid.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Samson – Was a womanizer.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rahab – Was a prostitute.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noah – Was a Drunk.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jeremiah – Was young.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jacob – Was a cheater.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">David – Was a murderer.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jonah – Ran from God.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peter – Denied Christ three times.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Martha – Worried about everything.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Zacchaeus – Was small and money hungry.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Disciples – Fell asleep while praying.</span></em></li>
<li><em style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Paul – A Pharisee who persecuted Christians before becoming one.</span></em></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em style="line-height: normal;">Lazarus </em><em style="line-height: normal;">– Was dead. Literally. </em></span></li>
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If you are homeschooling, or feel the call to homeschool, you will gain wisdom as you go. It's a natural growth in life. You have been called. Breathe that in and pray on it, sister. This is your work, part of your legacy, and it's really important. Also, remember that not everyone is called to homeschool, and that's totally okay. </div>
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What then should be our focus? If the focus isn't to cover as many things, better than another type of schooling and to have the smartest kids on the planet....then what is?</div>
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1. God & Faith & Character </div>
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This is the absolute number one most important thing in our homeschool. Our faith is deep and ingrained in everything we do. We can't remove it, we can't diminish it, we can't life without it. Yes, life. We can't life properly without our faith. I want our children to know who God is, how much He loves them and cares for them, and to know how to live out their faith. I want them to be of great moral character, know what and why they believe and do as they do, and be able to defend their faith boldly in love. </div>
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2. Growing their God-given Talents</div>
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We all have gifts. Sometimes we don't know what these are until much later in life. When we see our children have a talent in something, we recognize it and let them know it's a gift! All good things come from Him alone. What if we don't know what talents our children have or they're confused about what they want to do? We go back to step 1 and we pray. God always reveals, but only in His time. While frustrating for us humans, this is how God works. </div>
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3. To Love Learning & Know How to Learn</div>
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Not all parts of school are fun. Just ask my teen how algebra is going or my dyslexic kiddo likes writing essays... But the rest of school? Lots of fun! We explore their interests, we dive in deeper with topics that come up in the curriculum, we follow rabbit trails, we linger, we create more art, we wander through nature, and we have days or seasons that we unschool completely. We all enjoy learning and they see me learn right along with them. They see, by example, that learning doesn't stop when they graduate high school or college. Learning is a lifetime. </div>
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We use any and all ways to learn! Books, online courses, the internet, asking wise and skilled people... so much research! </div>
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4. The Basics </div>
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Of course after those things what comes next is I want them to be able to communicate effectively, be able to use daily life math, count back change, be financially wise, and read often for fun as well as knowledge. These come after the first 3 things though, because when you have those three things, this part becomes easier. When you are equipped with methods on how to learn and love learning, you can find the info you want to know and you can learn anything! </div>
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I hope that any of this gave you some comfort. You're not alone and God has got you in His loving hands. </div>
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And don't forget to pray -- pray without ceasing. </div>
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Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-9030654185463357052019-06-21T21:59:00.000-04:002019-06-21T21:59:46.317-04:00Homeschool High School Transcripts | Lorelai's Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a planner by nature. I love making lists, I love journals and planners... can I call it a hobby? Let's go with a solid yes. So, it's only natural I would plan out my children's homeschool course of study... year by year...<br />
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However, I am not completely rigid. I freely change the lists and the plans as life changes, no big deal. I love rewriting lists anyway, I'm weird like that. Of course I'm using the curriculum I wrote : Salt + Light. The largest change is that Lorelai <b><i>was</i></b> a grade and a half ahead and is now having a 9th grade do-over.<br />
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Last year, we lost our home in Hurricane Florence just a few weeks after our fourth baby was born. The series of life stresses after that made us mostly unschoolers. That's totally fine with me, as we are part of an unschooling umbrella school anyway -- both before, in Tennessee, and now in Florida. We didn't have umbrella schools in NC. This blog post will have Lorelai's plan and then I will post Breezy's and Everett's plans in the next couple of blog posts.<br />
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<span style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "red vevet - demo"; font-size: 30px; text-align: center;">Lorelai</span><br />
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So last year, pre-hurricane, our plans were for Lorelai were to dual enroll at Liberty University next summer and graduate high school at 16. She was going to continue her studies there until she got her Bachelors at 18. With all the getting behind on that plan after the storm, and us converting to Catholic [Liberty is a Protestant Christian college that I attended and loved], we had to rethink our plan.<br />
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She gave quite a bit of thought and tons of research about what she wanted to study, if she needed a degree for it and and where she wanted to live. She has selected some other colleges to apply to and we just look at their requirements and set her plan. We put pen to paper so that she can see what's ahead and she loves it!<br />
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The total minimum credits needed anywhere in the United States for high school graduation is 21. With the plan below, Lorelai will have 34.5 credits total. More than enough! All subjects listed, except those that say [CK-12] or the Math, are all the Salt + Light Homeschool Curriculum. You can check out the <a href="https://sacredbythesea.blogspot.com/p/catholic-lamp-light-curriculum.html?fbclid=IwAR1QAMJhDtUzuU30ycOcNcR3nRyWcf1pM3GDfMgNBpuCrXwmmnwTtbrUSVY" target="_blank">full scope and sequence here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">High School Plan for Lorelai</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Freshman Year</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">English : Salt + Light English & Literature - 1 credit </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Math : Algebra I, Life of Fred & Khan Academy - 1 credit</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">History : World History I - 1 credit</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Science : Earth Science [CK-12] & Herbology & Nature Study I - 2 credits</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Foreign Language : Latin - 1 credit</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Personal Development : Nutrition, Health & Fitness - 1/2 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Faith : Catholic Studies I - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Interpersonal Studies - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Music : Musical Instrument - 1 credit</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 100, 78); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff644e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">TOTAL : 9.5 credits </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 150, 141); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff968d; font-family: "Futurist Fixed-width"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sophomore Year </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">English : Salt + Light English & Literature - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Math : Geometry, Life of Fred & Khan Academy - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">History : World History II - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Science : Nature Study II & Oceanography/Marine Science & Biology [w/Lab at CK-12] - 2 credits</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Foreign Language : Latin II - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Personal Development : Etiquette & Theology of the Body - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Faith : Catholic Studies II - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(255, 150, 141); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #ff968d; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">TOTAL : 8 credits </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 168, 157); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #00a89d; font-family: "Futurist Fixed-width"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Junior Year</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(22, 231, 207); color: #16e7cf;"> </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">English : Salt + Light English & Literature - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Math : Algebra II Life of Fred & Khan Academy - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">History : World Cultures & World Geography - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Science : Animals of the World & Zoology & Chemistry [w/Lab at CK-12] - 2 credits</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Foreign Language : Latin III - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Art : Art History & Photography - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Faith : Catholic Studies III - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 168, 157); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #00a89d; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">TOTAL : 8 credits </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(22, 231, 207); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #16e7cf; font-family: "Futurist Fixed-width"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Senior Year</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">English : Salt + Light English & Literature - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Math : Trigonometry, Life of Fred & Khan Academy - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">History : American History & USA Geography - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Science : Geology - 1 credit</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Foreign Language : Latin IV - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Personal Development : Outdoor Survival Skills - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Faith : Catholic Studies III - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Finance : Personal Finance [Dave Ramsey] - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(94, 94, 94); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Elective : Graphic Design Online Course - 1 credit </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(22, 231, 207); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #16e7cf; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">TOTAL : 9 credits</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Futurist Fixed-width"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(61, 133, 198); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">GRAND TOTAL CREDITS : 34.5</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(103, 78, 167); color: #674ea7;"> </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(61, 133, 198); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(103, 78, 167); color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(61, 133, 198); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
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Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-67281650167843923502019-06-17T12:00:00.000-04:002019-06-17T12:01:59.412-04:00Literature Picks | Lamp + Light Year 1<div class="_2cuy _3dgx" data-block="true" data-editor="eglck" data-offset-key="521t1-0-0" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(125, 125, 125); color: #7d7d7d; font-family: Roboto; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span data-offset-key="521t1-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="521t1-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Any of these can be solo reads for your kids or group read alouds. There are a couple in the high school age range that are best for that age and I’ll make a little note for those.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3jgln-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><br /></span>Each of the books are linked for you!<br />
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<span data-offset-key="3jgln-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Group Read Alouds PreK-12th</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2SRFBhi%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1b6AsyruEFurRsjKzH7jPBSl6D0oisVSGtaSvKyrw989Yw_N9qfxarK3Y&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" data-offset-key="b4rpa-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2SRFBhi" href="https://amzn.to/2SRFBhi?fbclid=IwAR1b6AsyruEFurRsjKzH7jPBSl6D0oisVSGtaSvKyrw989Yw_N9qfxarK3Y" id="js_3y3" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Narnia : The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis</a></span></div>
</li>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2SRieUX%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2Cv6wcKHeGVcCx-ymlYrjZwYGs9wkObbn7aakXdmrdtSXH84SqdFWahwk&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" data-offset-key="dkm3v-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2SRieUX" href="https://amzn.to/2SRieUX?fbclid=IwAR2Cv6wcKHeGVcCx-ymlYrjZwYGs9wkObbn7aakXdmrdtSXH84SqdFWahwk" id="js_3yr" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">Snow and Rose by Emily Windfield Martin</a></span></div>
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<li class="_2cuy _509q _3kpz _3kq1 _3kq6" data-block="true" data-editor="eglck" data-offset-key="c4bl8-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c4bl8-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">
<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2FghWUO%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2ICDGypwO8FGs1exDX0qxhTWx0MSuIvXIkJHkdFBSAgDR5FVHiFS6ZLNc&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" data-offset-key="c4bl8-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2FghWUO" href="https://amzn.to/2FghWUO?fbclid=IwAR2ICDGypwO8FGs1exDX0qxhTWx0MSuIvXIkJHkdFBSAgDR5FVHiFS6ZLNc" id="js_3xs" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione by Chuck Black</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="_2cuy _3dgx" data-block="true" data-editor="eglck" data-offset-key="tr5a-0-0" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(125, 125, 125); color: #7d7d7d; font-family: Roboto;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="tr5a-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">
<span data-offset-key="tr5a-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">PreK-3rd Grade</span></div>
</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx" data-block="true" data-editor="eglck" data-offset-key="ec8f6-0-0" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(125, 125, 125); color: #7d7d7d; font-family: Roboto;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ec8f6-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">
<span data-offset-key="ec8f6-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">[read alouds or solo reads depending on ability]</span></div>
</div>
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<li class="_2cuy _509q _3kpz _3kq0 _3kq1 _3kq6" data-block="true" data-editor="eglck" data-offset-key="fqcbk-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fqcbk-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">
<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="fqcbk-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2RBwCzp" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2RBwCzp%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR23OAv8gTlKoaLeMoKYxe3TOiUwfXRxWifTP594mq4sH2EFURhQNaCSBFI&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">A Little Princess by Francis Hodges Burnett</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="515li-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2RGrKck" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2RGrKck%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2CjA27Aepd9HiBzCpeqYDSPeqYki9Vxu4CoqW3mOoV4l5fnI_U72ZyoBw&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="bqlrm-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2RE7OGO" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2RE7OGO%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1WC6sKXdzKuhq7GXN9ka01E8Wf1EZZQRoLJSyO-cQvgyhqLHKdDrHHLTs&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">Summer of the Woods by Steven K Smith</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="1file-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2OnHij7" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2OnHij7%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0An6US3nG5tRd6_znHRkPE76O_mDNmO6pX5pkSVjyAY9v1fG-PiRhsmAM&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">The Storm [Lighthouse Family] by Cynthia Rylant</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1file-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">
<br /></div>
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<span data-offset-key="9aig-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">4th-6th Grade</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="fpp2b-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2JIfzcd" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2JIfzcd%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3N9DJsb7JVwx_pNxq6hXpzPHKQvMGsAScgYfwM8D0-gFDCpHsEuC1otWg&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="89qjk-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2JIuMtR" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2JIuMtR%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3btHD42jJkJgW2qGEyd5wphDXuxHgCdB64YR7Th9_CtmLXNuypFoydXOY&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="577j9-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2OsXpvy" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2OsXpvy%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1eMKhzrAuxauPai1kxdmPhtxtCgjHGpw7NgsyoXVCnEP-T6yxsdqwpG38&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">The Mysterious Benedict Society Book 1 by Trenton Lee Stewart</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="30g2n-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2RByrwf" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2RByrwf%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2MGYT7dqoHarptBtKDZd3ghOFuvvRn1M8m8ETyOE01fML6mauIqEw0DMI&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">Shaken [Young Readers Edition] by Tim Tebow</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="30g2n-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">
<br /></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fkldg-0-0" style="box-sizing: inherit;">7th-12th Grade</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2SRIyOM%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR23OAv8gTlKoaLeMoKYxe3TOiUwfXRxWifTP594mq4sH2EFURhQNaCSBFI&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" data-offset-key="eg41-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2SRIyOM" href="https://amzn.to/2SRIyOM?fbclid=IwAR23OAv8gTlKoaLeMoKYxe3TOiUwfXRxWifTP594mq4sH2EFURhQNaCSBFI" id="js_4l8" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="1aqdh-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2RDOIAJ" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2RDOIAJ%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1iNUd-qPeZKYhGEzy_bjJGso3NtI__VJqr__2MGwvTArTvyG3B5GyYBjg&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="2fiu3-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2JJBxvb" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2JJBxvb%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR11G3Luy45C_dwx4HEYqsNjDdAjvmkvizgSp18L2fyLxjh3qgcqECGkzdI&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">UnEnchanted by Chanda Hahn</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="e9a85-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2JHmNgt" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2JHmNgt%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2WwC2AVRqs8WOzKOK3K_umwkXwxewsNIImCVaMqY-ZUAepvberj7_UmmM&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">To Save a Life by Jim & Rachel Britts</a></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a class="_42a-" data-hover="tooltip" data-lynx-mode="hover" data-offset-key="dh36s-0-0" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip-content="https://amzn.to/2JMKT9S" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2JMKT9S%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2CjA27Aepd9HiBzCpeqYDSPeqYki9Vxu4CoqW3mOoV4l5fnI_U72ZyoBw&h=AT1KNiEH5NtGGER1CCj2i5d_NRr7dJGaH51qNm8t_5YF7hw5h9ctdBVTkdmVPtV-rB0u0YcJxFlhMF1lqjhoj0lv_36gN0LjoXzGk32DQKRn8fgdYTkG68bmoa040n5dcTvn8sHX" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #4a4a4a; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.46, 0.45, 0.94);" target="_blank">The Teen’s Guide to Social Media and Mobile Devices by Jonathan McKee</a></span></div>
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Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-66431280663787110772019-06-17T00:04:00.000-04:002019-06-17T00:04:31.589-04:00Rad Catholic Baby Names <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just keeping an ongoing list of names I like and wanted to share. While the Catholic practice of naming a child after a saint isn't required, it's still a fun tradition. And how cool is it to have a namesake that loved God SO much that they devoted their lives [many martyred] for their strong faith in Him?!<br />
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This list is a little different than other Catholic Saint Baby Name lists. This one has some lesser known saints or some variations of saint names that are not as common.<br />
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Again, this particular name list is ongoing as I find more cool Saint names.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Girls :</span><br />
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Iona : St. Columba<br />
Clover : St. Patrick<br />
Ocean : St. Oceanus<br />
Felicity : St. Felicity<br />
Kateri : St. Kateri<br />
Zelie : St. Zelie<br />
Juniper : St. Junipero<br />
Pippa : St. Perpetua<br />
Poppy : St. Perpetua<br />
Vera : St. Veronica<br />
Stella Maris : Our Lady Star of the Sea<br />
Maristella : Our Lady Star of the Sea<br />
Gem/Gemma : St. Gemma Galgani<br />
Zita : St. Zita of Lucca<br />
Maeve : St. Maeve [Irish Saint]<br />
Alena : St. Alena<br />
Mila : St. Camilla<br />
Seraphina : St. Seraphina<br />
Irene : St. Irene<br />
Anastasia : St. Anastasia<br />
Colette : St. Colette<br />
Coco : St. Colette<br />
Nia : Apollonia<br />
Goldie : St. Aurea [aurea means golden/goldie]<br />
Siena : St. Bernadine of Siena or St. Catherine of Siena<br />
Genevieve : St. Genevieve<br />
Callie : St. Calliope<br />
Calliope : St. Calliope<br />
Capri : St. Caprais of Lérins<br />
Jovi/Jovie : St. Jovian<br />
Caris/Karis : St. Carissima<br />
Carissima : St. Carissima<br />
Willa : St. Wilhelmina<br />
Willow : St. Wyllow<br />
Remi : St. Remigius<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Boys :</span><br />
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Augustine : St. Augustine of Hippo<br />
Ambrose : St. Ambrose<br />
Inigo : St. Ignatius<br />
Ignatius : St. Ignatius<br />
Zen : St. Zeno<br />
Ocean : St. Oceanus<br />
Kolbie : St. Maximillion Kolbe<br />
Leo : St. Leo the Great<br />
Otto : St. Otto<br />
Felix : St. Felix<br />
Brice : St. Brice<br />
Sebastian : St. Sebastian<br />
Andre : St. Andre Bessette<br />
Vincent : St. Vincent<br />
Xavier : St. Francis Xavier<br />
Apollo : St. Apollo<br />
Blaise : St. Blaise<br />
Milo : St. Milo of Treves<br />
Benedict : St. Benedict<br />
Rocco : St. Rocco/St. Roch<br />
Brice : St. Brice<br />
Cash : St. Cassius<br />
Dominic : St. Dominic<br />
Nico : St. Dominic<br />
Becket/Beckett : St. Thomas of Canterbury<br />
Remy/Remi : St. Remigius<br />
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<br />Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-59656473713771106772019-06-16T18:42:00.000-04:002019-06-17T12:20:50.927-04:00Literature Picks | Lamp + Light Year 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Despite the title, these aren't just for those of you using Lamp + Light Year 2. This is one of my most FAVORITE parts of what I do. I love books. ALL OF THEM. I can't help it. Can we just make books one of the official Love Languages? I <i>know</i> I have sisters out there that agree with me.<br />
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These are broken down into groups, but feel free to be a rebel and choose from anywhere for any reason. And you should definitely read aloud to your teens. They can roll their eyes and huff all they want, but they actually love it... and they'll cherish is when they grow and leave the nest.<br />
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These can be used as family read alouds or as literature additional reading for any of your children. Or yourself.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All Ages Read Alouds </span><br />
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<li><a href="https://amzn.to/31ALeoi" target="_blank">God Always Keeps His Promises</a> by Max Lucado</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/31ByL3T" target="_blank">My Side of the Mountain</a> by Jean Craighead George </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/31yNRqO" target="_blank">The Swiss Family Robinson</a> by Johann Wyss</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2XhC012" target="_blank">Orphaned on the Oregon Trail</a> by Neta Frazier *</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2XdbcPB" target="_blank">The Best Christmas Pageant Ever</a> by Barbara Robinson</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grades PreK through 3rd</span></div>
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<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IkZry3" target="_blank">The Adventures of Geraldine Woolkins</a> by Karin Kaufman</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2RpdplG" target="_blank">Sarah Plain and Tall</a> by Patricia MacLachlin</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2FegMqv" target="_blank">The One and Only Ivan</a> by Katherine Applegate</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IjoEsW" target="_blank">Code 7 : Cracking the Code for an Epic Life</a> by Bryan Johnson </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grades 4th through 6th </span></div>
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<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2FeMeVF" target="_blank">Where the Red Fern Grows</a> by Wilson Rawls</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2MUbVB6" target="_blank">Tuck Everlasting</a> by Natalie Bobbit</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2RlleZx" target="_blank">Willa of the Wood</a> by Robert Beatty</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2MOGtUX" target="_blank">Wish by Barbara O'Connor</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/31Mbw7o" target="_blank">On this one Journey : The Journal of Jesse Smoke, a Cherokee Boy, the Trail of Tears, 1838</a> by Joseph Bruchac</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/31BzrpX" target="_blank">The Forest Feast for Kids</a> by Erin Gleeson **</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grades 7th through 12th </span></div>
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<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Xi77JM" target="_blank">Pride and Prejudice</a> by Jane Austen</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ikanfk" target="_blank">Chosen by Ted Dekkar</a> [Book 1] </li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/31EB3PB" target="_blank">The Thing About Jellyfish</a> by Ali Benjamin</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/31ATpRD" target="_blank">The Last Mission by Harry Mazer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/31Mbw7o" target="_blank">On this one Journey : The Journal of Jesse Smoke, a Cherokee Boy, the Trail of Tears, 1838</a> by Joseph Bruchac</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ki1chK" target="_blank">The Screwtape Letters</a> by C.S. Lewis ***</li>
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* This book is a true story. It deals with parental death and the deaths of other family members in the very difficult lives these children lived. I read this aloud with my children when they were all elementary aged and they all loved it. We all cried through it and it led to deep conversations and more research on the family. It is an excellent book, but it is up to you if you would like to read this to your children. This is easily a Top 10 Book for my kids and I. </div>
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** This is a recipe book and the goal is to have your children get creative in the kitchen and try new things. This book is simple to use and beautiful. Let them try to make snacks themselves during the health and fitness semester this school year. </div>
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*** Though not required, I highly recommend the Annotated Edition as it adds to and helps them fully understand what they are reading. I would also spread this across a school year to let it really sink in. </div>
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<br />Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-26724826109621728802019-03-02T23:32:00.002-05:002019-06-16T22:26:11.376-04:00Minimalist Homeschooling for Free or Cheap<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I am going to layout a "curriculum" plan for your minimalist homeschool no matter what your budget is. I realize that some of us can feel overwhelmed in this area. Especially if you're on a tight budget but still want to deliver a quality education to your children. </div>
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While I do believe in purchasing quality supplies for your kids, I do not push it as the <i>only</i> way. And I hate for anyone to feel badly for not being financially able to afford certain things. </div>
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So, let's leave the mom guilt for something like eating all the yummy junk food in a locked closet, while the kids destroy the house. Actually, no, I don't feel guilty about that either...<br />
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Mom guilt has no place in our lives. Let that mess go and take a deep breath. You don't need to have ALL THE THINGS to do an amazing job homeschooling your babies. You don't need more STUFF to give a quality education.<br />
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On the flip-side, There is also <b>no shame</b> in purchasing things that you believe would be fun or enhance anything you are learning with your kids.<br />
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That guilt thing goes both ways. Don't feel bad no matter your budget. I'm going to break things down by typical studies, and then add in a few things for fun. Kind of like electives.<br />
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The real honest truth here is that beyond math facts, reading & writing and Bible... there's not much you need. Add in going outdoors everyday and you have a well rounded education for your children for FREE.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Minimalist Homeschooling for Free</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Math</span><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Khan Academy. All Ages. </i><a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/" target="_blank">It has videos</a>, it has practice problems, and if your kiddo gets stuck, they show how to work the problem. We use this when we are in between finding the right math program, when they need to brush up on something or they need further explanation for a new concept. This can be used as a stand alone math curriculum.</li>
<li><i>Cooking. All Ages.</i> Just cooking with your kids gives them practice with fractions, measuring, addition, and dividing. Not to mention a valuable life skill and yummy things to eat! </li>
<li><i>Manipulatives. All Ages.</i> Just use anything you have: buttons, cheerios, erasers, beads, blocks, shells, rocks, sticks, feathers... whatever you have to teach the basic math facts. You don't have to have a curriculum to teach this. Also, it's totally okay to let your kids use their fingers [and toes!] to count! God gave us these awesome things to help us math. I still use mine even after calculus! </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">English</span></div>
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<li><i>Teach Your Monster How to Read! Pre-K - Any Age Struggling Reader.</i> <a href="https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/" target="_blank">We use this free tool</a> for our 5 year old because he enjoys it so much. We also successfully use this for our 10 year old who has dyslexia. She loves completing the levels and being part of the Champion Readers level! This improved her confidence. </li>
<li><i>Reading Aloud. All Ages.</i> Whether your babies are 3 or 17, read out loud to them. It's soothing and enjoyable for all aged children to be read to. My mom hated reading. I had no idea that she did because she read to my sister and I. Her reading The Boxcar Children to us at night is what fueled me to complete the series on my own when I was 9. Even if it's only a chapter every day or every other day, or once per week, it has VALUE for your children. It exposes them to language, proper grammar, different writing styles and adventures! Just in case, let's assume you don't own any books : Use the library. Let's also assume that you don't own any books and you live in the middle of nowhere : You're reading this blog, so <a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/displaybooksbygenre.php" target="_blank">use the public domain for free books</a>. </li>
<li><i>Brave Writer Lifestyle. All Ages.</i> I know this is a curriculum, <a href="http://www.bravewriter.com/program/brave-writer-lifestyle/" target="_blank">but let's stick with the free homeschooling side of things</a>. She has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNemB4-I94oNOAmAgQ68Usg" target="_blank">videos for you to watch</a> on her YouTube channel and they are incredibly inspiring and motivating. This is basically a lifestyle which will foster an environment conducive to creating writers. Try this sample schedule : Monday, copywork [choose from any book you're reading aloud]. Tuesday, Poetry and Teatime. Wednesday, Nature Study & Art. Thursday, Literature Reading & Copywork. Friday, Free Writing. The creator of Brave Writer, Julie, also offers <a href="http://go.bravewriter.com/free-writing-lessons" target="_blank">FREE Writing lessons</a>. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bible</span> </div>
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<li><i>The Bible App</i>. All Ages. <a href="https://www.bible.com/app" target="_blank">This app is free</a> and it has daily devotional reading plans on it. Under plans, click on the Youth Category and/or the Kids Category. </li>
<li><i>Easy Peasy All-in-one-Homeschool.</i> 1st Grade and Up. They have it scheduled out for <a href="https://allinonehomeschool.com/bible-newtestament/" target="_blank">New Testament</a>, <a href="https://allinonehomeschool.com/bible-year-1-2/" target="_blank">Old Testament</a>, <a href="https://allinonehomeschool.com/bible-geography-and-cultures/" target="_blank">Poetry</a> and <a href="https://allinonehomeschool.com/bible/" target="_blank">Prophets</a>. It's broken up into daily lessons divided into lower grades and upper grades and then followed up with a few questions to spark discussion. Super easy to use! Here are the links for the <a href="https://allinonehighschool.com/bible-2/" target="_blank">High School level</a>. Navigation for the daily Bible lessons are on the right column if you're on a laptop or other computer. </li>
<li><i>Right Now Media</i>. All Ages. We have <a href="https://www.rightnow.org/Content/Channel/158" target="_blank">free access to this amazing resource</a> because of our old church before we moved. ASK your church pastors or youth leaders if they have an account to Right Now Media. They can send you an invite and you get your own free account. We do several of our Bible studies and faith building from this. We have had many deep conversations springing from this resource. </li>
<li><i>Bible</i>. All Ages. Just read it. </li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Science + History</span></div>
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<li><i>Nature Study</i>. All Ages. Go explore your surrounds! Hike, walk, bike, stroll, meander around your habitat and get to know the seasons, plants, birds and other animals of your area. </li>
<li><i>Books.</i> Pick a topic! Ask your kids what they want to know about! Physics, Chemistry, Sharks, Herbal Study, Rocks, Hurricanes, Bugs...there is no limit to what your kids can absorb from books that you read to them or they read themselves. Surround them with good books! You don't have to purchase them, see above in English topic! Free books, borrow, ask your friends! </li>
<li><i>Introductions to Herbs for Kids.</i> All Ages. I love <a href="https://theherbalacademy.com/introduction-to-herbs-for-kids-meet-my-friend-herb/" target="_blank">this free resource for teaching our kids</a> about herbs! </li>
<li><i>YouTube.</i> All Ages. Whatever topic you cover above, you can add in a video for your visual learner. I know that we prefer our kids to not have a lot of technology overrunning their lives, but for some children, they learn very well this way. Don't be scared to add in a bit to give them another avenue of information. Also it's a great way to show your kids how to find credible sources. Extra learning bonus!</li>
<li>Everything you want to do for history, just follow the same method listed for science. It's pretty much the same. Books, field trips to historical places near you [there are free ones!], videos, borrowing DVDs from the library. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Electives</span></div>
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<li><i>E-Learning for Kids.</i> K-6th [maybe older, just for fun]. <a href="http://www.e-learningforkids.org/" target="_blank">They have topics in</a> environmental studies, computer skills, health, science and math. My kids love the surf/beach inspired math ones. We will likely use some of the Environmental ones for April. </li>
<li><i>Pluralsight.</i> All Ages. My kids are really into coding and design. <a href="https://www.pluralsight.com/kids-courses" target="_blank">This one lights up their passion for that</a>! Free classes in Photography, Coding, Apps and Game Development. </li>
<li><i>Hoffman Academy.</i> All Ages. If you already have a piano or keyboard you can <a href="https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/" target="_blank">take free online video piano lessons</a>. If you don't have a keyboard, see if you can borrow one. Ask a neighbor or your local facebook friends. At Hoffman Academy, you get access to all of the instruction videos for free. There are benefits to paying a membership, but it is NOT required. </li>
<li><i>Knitting, Crocheting, Woodworking, Candle Making, Soap Making, etc.</i> All Ages. Ask a neighbor, friend, kind church member, a mom of a friend, a scout leader... anyone that has a skill that you or your kid would like to learn! They already have the tools and the knowledge. You can always add in some books from the library or videos on youtube to enhance or grow the skill. </li>
<li><i>Wild + Free Group.</i> All Ages. See if one is already<a href="http://www.bewildandfree.org/groups/" target="_blank"> in your area</a>, if not, start one! </li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Minimalist Homeschooling with a Low Budget</span><br />
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For this category it's going to build on the free tools. You use the free stuff and then add this stuff on as needed or as budget allows. I'm trying to bridge the gap for the range of budgets for homeschooling families. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Math</span></div>
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<li><i>CLE Math. </i>All Ages. If you want a <a href="https://www.clp.org/store/by_subject/4" target="_blank">low cost math that is as strong as Saxon</a> and gets the job done, look no further than the Mennonite owned company of Christian Light Publications. The math that we started out with and my kids actually enjoyed. I don't know why they enjoyed it. It's not colorful, it's no frills, it isn't fancy, but it was to the point and simple. It didn't take terribly long to finish. It is set up in units divided up into 10 booklets. The whole year curriculum is under $35. Yeah. And if you're super strapped for cash, you can buy the booklets one at a time for under $4 each. For the first couple of grades I don't think the teacher manual is a must have. It has extra activities and ideas, but you don't HAVE to have it. </li>
<li><i>Graph Paper or Graph Notebooks.</i> All Ages. <a href="http://amzn.to/2n7qnru" target="_blank">We use this instead of </a>regular notebook paper for keeping numbers aligned for math problems. It helps my visual kiddos, to not forget steps when working out order of operations problems. There is <a href="http://amzn.to/2n7qnru" target="_blank">1/2" for older kids</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/2nq0bFQ" target="_blank">1" for younger kiddos</a>. Use graph paper along with the free math choices listed above or with any curriculum. We used this method even with Teaching Textbooks so that we saved money by not purchasing the workbook.</li>
<li><i>Math Lessons for a Living Education.</i> K through 6th. These used to be free on the writer's blog, and we enjoyed them! They have been completely revamped and <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?event=AFFp=&Ns=product.number_sold&Nso=1&Ntk=product.long_title_desc&Ntt=math%20lessons&Nu=product.endeca_rollup" target="_blank">re-released in a fancy new package</a>! These are also very affordable like CLE except that they are colorful. They are under $28 for each grade level. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">English</span></div>
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<li><i>Brave Writer : The Writer's Jungle.</i> All Ages. This is where you <a href="https://store.bravewriter.com/collections/home-study-courses/products/the-writers-jungle" target="_blank">take the Brave Writer Lifestyle mentioned above to the next level</a>. It's non consumable and for all ages. For me it isn't cost effective to print it myself from the digital version. There is a printed version in a binder. I wish it was spiral bound, but since this way is the best option for us, it's fine. </li>
<li><i>Writing Portfolio.</i> All Ages. Put together a binder for their writing! My kids love to go through all of their old writings and I love seeing how they've grown as writers. I love <a href="https://www.officesupply.com/office-supplies/binders-accessories/binders/standard-ring-binders/aurora-recycled-ring-binder/p105642.html" target="_blank">these kraft binders</a> with paper or <a href="http://amzn.to/2mXkHji" target="_blank">my favorite composition books</a>. As stated, kids can learn all the mechanics, spelling, grammar through literature reading, read alouds and copywork.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bible</span></div>
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<li><i>Child Training Bible.</i> All Ages. This is a great way to<a href="http://www.childtrainingbible.com/p/order-supplies.html" target="_blank"> teach values and morals straight from the main source : The Bible</a>. These guides map it all out for you making it an invaluable resource for training your children. </li>
<li><i>Bible Art Painting.</i> All Ages. You can <a href="http://www.saltandseablog.com/2015/11/3-awesome-reasons-you-should-do-bible.html" target="_blank">paint directly in your bible</a> or purchase a <a href="http://amzn.to/2mqA0xJ" target="_blank">drawing book</a> to use with <a href="http://amzn.to/2nqnTBR" target="_blank">watercolor pencils</a> or <a href="http://amzn.to/2mpNWbj" target="_blank">watercolor paints</a>. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Science + History</span></div>
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<li><i>Story of the World.</i> All Ages. Just <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/history/story-of-the-world?search=story%20of%20the%20world" target="_blank">reading aloud the history</a> text is enough. You don't have to do ALL the things. We do the art notebooking pages with all subjects. My <a href="http://www.saltandseablog.com/2016/06/honey-bee-unit-study-pt-ii-minimalist.html" target="_blank">kids enjoy it</a>, it's simple to implement, and fun to look back through. </li>
<li><i>Prayers That Changed History.</i> All Ages. A <a href="http://amzn.to/2mXqh5j" target="_blank">wonderful book to add</a> to something like Story of the World that lacks a bit on the Church History aspect. A great way to cost effectively add this in. Also, the Right Now Media has the Torchlighters Series which are animated true story movies about several missionaries of the faith. We have seen them all and LOVE them!</li>
<li><i>PureFlix.</i> All Ages. You can <a href="http://pureflix.com/" target="_blank">get a free month</a> and then it's only about $8/month for access to Drive Thru History [America & The Gospels], science programs, and other educational shows and movies. </li>
<li><i>Nature Anatomy.</i> All Ages. We <a href="http://amzn.to/2n7tJus" target="_blank">use this book A LOT</a>. It's not pricey and it's an excellent resource for science studies. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Electives</span></div>
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<li><i>Music.</i> All Ages. <a href="http://amzn.to/2mXqB3T" target="_blank">Ukulele</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/2nqnwam" target="_blank">Harmonica</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/2nlnXWT" target="_blank">Keyboard</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/2n7riZ6" target="_blank">Pan Flute</a>. Any of those instruments are awesome. <a href="http://www.saltandseablog.com/2016/05/ukulele-playing-at-beach-homeschooling.html" target="_blank">My kids really enjoy the ukulele</a> and it's not a hard instrument to learn to play either. We use a lot of YouTube to learn how to play various instruments. </li>
<li><i>Handicrafts</i>. All Ages. Any of the handicrafts listed above, whichever your kid is learning and they enjoy, purchase a few supplies to keep that skill building. </li>
<li>Basic Supplies. Check out <a href="http://www.saltandseablog.com/2016/08/minimalist-homeschooling-school.html" target="_blank">this blog post for our simple homeschool supplies</a>. That post has the paper, paints, and any other tools we use. </li>
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For those of you with a higher spending budget, I plan on doing a separate post on that within the next week. So keep a lookout for that! I'll show you what we are using for this new school year [we school year round] and how to keep it simple even when you have room in your budget to allow for more. It always comes back to the "just because you can, doesn't mean you should." </div>
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Aloha, Jane</div>
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Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4106393909675100957.post-16837547938339070582019-03-02T21:51:00.002-05:002019-06-16T22:26:24.150-04:00New Home for The Salty Tribe Co.<div style="text-align: justify;">
My whole other site, years of written blog posts are all gone. All of them. So I've moved back to a free blog space to be creative again. To write about our days, homeschooling, our faith and family. Thank you so much for your patience while I get everything set up!<br />
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I am currently busy finishing up with the writing and editing of Year II of the Lamp + Light Homeschool Curriculum that I launched last year. We are also about to move from what has been our temporary home in Tennessee, back to coastal life. We are so thrilled to be moving back to the seaside life. </div>
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<br />Stella Maris Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08916499504650277851noreply@blogger.com4