confessions of a homeschooling mama: curriculum & update | kindergarten & 4th grade

I think it’s definitely time for a homeschooling update. So much has changed, and this year will definitely be an adjustment for all of us, but I’m actually really excited about it all! As always, God is continuing to teach and mold me so much through this process, and though it’s been incredibly emotional and difficult at times, I wouldn’t change a single second of what we’ve chosen to do. But, I’ve learned to hold whatever plan we’ve chosen for the time with a loose grasp because I realize Gods plan is always better than my own.

Open Textbooks with a Background of Formulas

In the video below I’ll explain all the changes, the curriculum I’ve decided to use, and then just a little about what I’ve come to realize regarding this whole homeschooling education approach! Like I said, God’s definitely been at work, and I realize I still have such a long way to go!

I hope this helps or blesses you in some way, and of course if you have any tips or suggestions to share, please leave them either in a comment below or in the comment section of the video itself!

Curriculum Mentioned:

Spelling Power
Wordly Wise
Singapore Math
Explore the Code
First Language Lessons
Handwriting without Tears
What your kindergartener needs to know

And then I used this book to teach both Taylor and Chloe to read, starting around the age of 3.5: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.

If you happen to be at Public School, I definitely recommend reading this book, Going Public.

To watch my other homeschooling confession videos, just click here for the full list!

xo

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saldana fam cam: beautycon la 2014, dance party & more

We’re coming up on the last weeks of summer and I have this itch more than ever to get outside, be active and soak up each and every moment of free time that we have. It’s crazy to me that in just two more weeks BOTH my kids will officially be in school…no more babies in our house!

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This week on the Saldana Fam Cam:

  • This last week my sweet friend, Becky, offered to take our kids for the day so that Jimmy and I could have our first date in 6 months. I didn’t even realize that we had let that much time pass, but once we had the time together again, it hit me just how much we need to make time for that in our marriage. Having uninterrupted time together when you’re not exhausted at the end of the day really makes a difference. But that’s a whole blog post that I’m thinking I might need to write sometime soon. Anyway, we made the most of our day and went grocery shopping without kids (how easy is that?!?), came home to pay bills (no interruptions!), and then got changed and went to hike a few miles down to Torrey Pines Beach and then back up…finishing the night with dinner out at our favorite restaurant, Tender Greens. It was honestly the perfect day for both of us.
  • Another big event went down this week, and that was Taylor finally got his braces off. Hallelujah, Praise Jesus. Although, now we get to live this next year keeping a 9 year olds retainer in tact. So ya, that’s been fun.
  • As usual, there was a Saldana Fam dance party that went down randomly in our house. This actually happens quite often, but I made sure to capture each family members mad skills. You’ll notice I don’t, however, capture my own. One day.
  • We had a family fun night with some of our bestest friends, and Becky…who is supposed to be like me (allergic to cooking) had quite the surprise for us once we showed up to their house.
  • I picked up Chloe’s books for her first official year of homeschool! I’ve never taught Kindergarten before, but I have to admit that I am beyond excited for this little adventure we get to have together. I’ll be doing a homeschool video/blog post in the next couple weeks to share more in detail about what we’re using and how it’s going!
  • I may have also done a little shopping at Forever 21, though I did get out of there for under $15. So that’s kind of newsworthy, I think. ha
  • And lastly, I went up to L.A. on Saturday to attend BeautyCon LA 2014 with Trisha from A Glittery Life, and shared the makeup look & products I used to get ready. The event was INsane, but I’m definitely glad I went and loved the chance to meet with friends as well as try out some new brands to share with you guys! (more on the goodies I got tomorrow!)

* I’ve been trying to be more selective in the moments I vlog and share, so that I am able maintain some kind of balance with being in the moment vs. capturing the ones I want to be sure I remember… It’s a dance I’m learning slowly but surely. xo

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homeschool confessions: curriculum, scheduling & why we homeschool!

I’m now going on my second year of homeschooling, and while I am FAR from truly knowing what I’m doing, I am so much closer to being convinced I am absolutely in the sweet spot of Gods will.

And this comes from a wife who may or may not have threatened divorce once YEARS ago when Jimmy suggested I begin praying about it being my heart.
In basic words, I responded…. “If you EVER desire to have a happy marriage, I suggest you NEVER bring that up to me. I am NOT a homeschooling mom.”

And then I came to know Michelle Duggar.
You know, on TV.
Although my DREAM is to be able to meet her, and possibly stay a weekend with her (with my kids) to truly see her in action and learn from all her wisdom. I also want her to teach me not to yell.  (whoever can make that happen is my favorite.)

And then I started talking to moms who don’t necessarily homeschool the traditional way, which intrigued me, and I realized that maybe I COULD do it!!! A little prayer, and wa la…..here I am.

Totally off my anxiety pills and homeschooling, all at once… two things I never thought I’d say in the same sentence.
See?
God is a God of miracles.

And while it is definitely tough some days, I have to say that there have been so many benefits both for my own humility and character, but for our entire family unit.
And yes. It’s totally hard.
But growth doesn’t come easy.
And man, are we growing.

But sometimes God calls us to do hard things, and we obey.
His ways don’t always make sense, but I trust Him.

So. All that said, here is the latest of my Homeschooling YouTube series.
In this video I’m sharing what we’re using and loving for curriculum this year, our schedule, HOW we homeschool, and WHY on earth we decided to take this lofty road.

If you homeschool, or even if you don’t, I highly suggest you watch this… because you just never know.
PLUS, it’s always good to know you aren’t alone.

P.S. I hate asking this because it seems so desperate, but would you PLEASE subscribe.  With each view and subscription, I am allowed more opportunities to help YOU!  So help me help you.  Because YOU COMPLETE ME!

Make sure to leave a comment either here or on my YouTube video sharing your own tips, fave curriculum, vents as well as how you schedule your day.
We all have SO much to learn from each other.
I just LOVE that!

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homeschooling 101: 4 tips every family should know

{You subscribed, right?!?}

While you will hear MANY tips on Homeschooling, these are my TOP 4 TIPS that I truly feel every homeschooler, new and old, should absolutely know! And please be sure to share your own wisdom & tips in the comments below!

As always, let me know what videos you want to see next!

Music by Helen Austin (with permission!)

 

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confessions of a homeschooling mama & curriculum tips

If you have comments, ideas, questions & suggestions…leave a comment below!
Confessions Part I

Curriculum Mentioned:
Adventures in Odyssey 90 Devotions for Kids
Jesus Calling for Kids
Building Christian Character
Teaching Textbooks (Math)
Time Grammar Rules
Bedtime Math

{links = amazon affiliate}

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the homeschooling mirror

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I thought for sure I began homeschooling simply for my kids.
There were so many reasons and I knew there would be so many benefits.

I had no idea that in the process there would be a gigantic mirror held up to my heart showing me all the “junk” I had hanging around in there.

There was a day about a week ago when I reached my limit.
I had homeschooled long enough relying on my own strength, and God allowed me to crash and burn.

My spirit was broken and I knew it was time to submit to God’s way.

There was brokenness, but the brokenness was what finally lead me to repentance.
And I realized God absolutely called me to homeschool for now, He just never called me to do it on my own.

Not only do I need to rely on Him….

…I also need support.
From my husband.
From other homeschooling moms.
From my friends.

And thankfully He has blessed me with such incredible and supportive friends.
Ones that homeschool, and even ones who don’t.
Ones who listen and support me and challenge me.
Ones who understand my free time/social life is limited and make adjustments to see me anyway. 
One who stand by my side and pray for me and tell me I’m still doing a good job…
….even when I’m certain I’m not.
They have been my reminders from God letting me know yes, I’m human and sometimes fail, but even in that, I am still loved.
How grateful I am for those anchors.
They remind me there is still redemption.

But mostly, I need to remember I can’t get through a DAY without HIM leading it right from the start.

Still.
I’m not perfect.
I have to take lots of deep breaths.
I have to say a lot of “I’m sorry’s.”  “Mommy’s mess up too.” And “Will you please forgive me’s?”

We pray together.
A lot.

We have to in order to get through it all.

But even on the hardest days I don’t doubt this calling for a moment.
(ok truth. i do in SOME moments, but they’re fleeting.)

It is for me.
For my babies.
For my family.
For my relationship with the Lord.

It’s all these reasons and more.

I take it day by day….
And He carries me through.

If only I remember to let him.

© 2012 “Le Musings of Moi”

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making changes

Since September, life has been a whirlwind of change.
First there was homeschooling.  
What the?!?!?
And then I began teaching and adding more Aqua Zumba classes to my schedule.
Then we listed our house.
Then we had to FIND another house.
Then in just one week we had to pack and move.
{and thennnnnn….}
Then there was unpacking.
And still there was homeschooling.
And after all that, I began to experience incredible pain in both my feet.
Which led to the diagnosis of Arthritis/Heel Injuries…
Which brought with it the instructions for,
“Bedrest.”
{ha.}
Workout rest.
And of course, that brought with it….
My own eating healthy rest.
And writing/blogging rest.
I love change.
And I hate change.
It’s exciting and exhausting.
Draining and invigorating.
And so my mind feels all kinds of cluttered.
My thoughts don’t feel complete.
I feel torn between so many things and people.
I have a list of important to do’s and obligations that are way past due.
We’re behind in homeschooling.
I’m behind in taking care of my health.
I’m behind in friendships.
I’m simply behind.
I don’t much enjoy that.
But, I’m not a quitter.

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Yes I’ve been a bit scattered here and there….it’s not the end of the world.
It’s simply the phase I’m in.
It’s just what my life is right now.
I am a planner though, and I’m not content to sit in this mess and wallow, so in order to get organized….
MORE change is a comin’.
First, I’m in the fun process of switching this blog to WordPress.
I also want to start the New Year off with a clear mind on where I want to go with this blog and my writing.
I want to have committed days that I write.
And committed days that I work out.
I especially need committed time to homeschool.
I need to sit with my schedule and take control, instead of letting my schedule take control of me.
I’m excited though.
Tired, yes (i fall asleep sitting up now, it’s a talent…), but excited.
It’s been months of chaos and a lot of stuff coming up that’s been shaking up my life, but I can see that it’s going to be good in the end.
I can see clearly now…
Well…
…once the rain has gone.
Hang in there with me.
© 2012 “Le Musings of Moi”
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caught between two worlds

It seems I’m caught between two worlds.

And sometimes it feels like it’s between even more.

My eyes are full of tears (strange for me, I know)….but my heart is full of passion.

I have fallen even more madly in love with my kids in these last few months.

I used to need my time, and I still do, but now it seems I need them more.
I’ve always loved them, but I can see now that I was in a place of survival.
It was simply about getting through each day, and always looking forward to the future when they would be in school, and I could have that time back for me.

And that world, the world of me….I’d be lying if I didn’t say I miss it too.

I miss the time I was starting to have to write and workout, or to read and talk on the phone without being interrupted.
I miss writing and teaching Zumba as often as I was beginning to.
I miss having more of a social life.
I miss being more connected with my friends.

I had always felt I’d lost a part of myself when I had kids.
And I longed for the day I got me back.
Right before I started homeschooling, I had just begun to get a taste of that world.

And yet, I still wasn’t fulfilled.

I struggled with not feeling enough.
I was still feeling as though I wasn’t a good mom, and that maybe God had made a mistake by even allowing me to have kids.

I felt increasing anxiety because it felt as though I was constantly failing the expectations I had of how a good mom should be.
It seemed, in my eyes, I was failing day after day after day.

I only had so many hours a day with them, and in those precious hours….I was absolutely failing my babies.

But then there was my life.
My me time.
Suddenly things were falling into place.
I was writing.  And getting paid.
I had followers on Twitter, friends on Facebook, and a blog that was growing by the month.

My life, my dreams, my time, me….me….me.

No wonder my burden was heavy.
My focus was all wrong.

And so God got to work.

One thing I know for sure is this:
I don’t feel myself if I don’t stay true to what God has called me to be and to do with the gifts (the very few i have) He’s given me.

But, I also know…that the biggest gift I’ve been given is my family.
He gave me the incredible privilege of getting to be a mom to Taylor and Chloe.

They are bigger than a blog.
Bigger than my career.
Bigger than my ministry.

They are the biggest audience in my life.
They are my most important followers.
My most important ministry.
And they are also growing by the month.

And I’ve been missing out because I was too focused on me.

This homeschooling world?
Is so beyond outside of my comfort zone, it’s not even funny.

Still, there hasn’t been a single panic attack nor a need to take up drinking, so I guess I’d say so far so good.
It’s only been a couple of months but already there is a shift in my home.
Taylor is calmer and happier, and way more loving than he’s ever been.
And our bond seems deeper as we both charter new territory and experience this change together.

We are learning to love even more unconditionally and with each day comes incredible forgiveness and the sweetest grace.
On both our parts. 

And the strangest thing of all?
I used to dread the end of the school day when the kids would come home.
Not because I wasn’t excited to see them, but because my alone/quiet time was over or being interrupted before I was ready.
Now?

I love that I’m with my kids all the time. (okay, most of the time…)
I don’t see it as a burden or an inconvenience, and in just weeks of being purposeful in my time with them, I feel as though I know and understand them better.
And I love that.

These last few months haven’t been easy.
It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.
It’s as though I’ve been dropped off in a foreign country and without knowing the language or the land, I must find a way to make it my home.

I want to be here, doing things for me.
But, I need to be there, caring and tending to their hearts and lives.

God has called me to both.

It’s a learning curve.
A new life.
A chance to combine the two worlds I’m caught between into one.

I feel as though this place….this incredibly uncomfortable yet comforting place, is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
For now.

I’m scared and I’m excited.

I finally feel I have a purpose.
I finally feel like a good mom, even on my bad days.

God is changing me.
It’s not easy and it’s most certainly not comfortable.

But, it’s a change I needed, and I think He knew that.

© 2012 “Le Musings of Moi”

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the truth is…

The truth is…
{what my last few weeks have taught me}

~ I’m not being so Rocky about my workouts and eating after all.  It seems there is something about my mid 30’s that has taken all my willpower out of me.  And now I have more weight to lose yet I don’t want to diet because I like to eat.  It’s just that my insecurities are out of control which cause me to cry….A LOT…and it’s time to figure out how to get my healthy back and stay there.

~ I cry A LOT the week before my period.  To those of you who had to witness that, I’m sorry.  But thank you deep from my soul for listening.

~ I love love love homeschooling.  But, maybe that’s because I have no idea what the heck I’m doing most of the time.  But my family is closer.  My kids are more affectionate.  My husband is even more my best friend than he’s ever been.

~ I sometimes think I may have made a mistake in homeschooling.  What if he ends up not being as smart as he could be?  What if I start yelling more and more?  What if, what if, what if???

~ We are two weeks into escrow of selling my cute little dream house.  I love this house.  But we realized we aren’t cut out to be home owners at this point in our life.  I’m excited for the change but will miss the memories and growth we experienced in our little “tree house.”

~ Even though we’re two weeks into escrow, we don’t know for sure where we will be living in two and a half weeks.  We haven’t even packed.  I will be moving in two and a half weeks, maybe, and I don’t even know where.  We have a place we love, but now we wait while they decide which family they love most.  My heart may break if they don’t choose us.  I wish I knew that we had them at “hello.”  Maybe I should bring flowers?  Okay, no.  I do know enough to realize that is borderline stalking.  It’s okay, living in our car won’t be so bad.  On the bright side, we’ll save a TON of money.

~ I’m in this awesome (ongoing) place of finding out more about myself.  I am seeing things more clearly.  I’m even understanding friends and friendships with a fresh perspective.  It’s comforting and a little sad, but something I needed to grasp.  But, it’s incredible because my eyes and heart are now open to those I know are true.  Faults and all, they are true.

~ My whole life is changing.  There is incredible stress.  But I am not panicking. There is NO anxiety.  And I realize, at last, there has been healing.  Thank you sweet Jesus, for healing.

~ Finally, I keep going back to these words, “…living a surrendered life…” spoken by an incredible woman I call Mama Gayle.  I want to live those words.  Without even trying.

What are your truths?

© 2012 “Le Musings of Moi”

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i could never….homeschool

With all this homeschooling talk lately, it’s time I share with you how and why I came to this place….when I was so so so the last person on earth to ever consider this.

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Let’s just start at the beginning….
I blame the Duggars.

Actually, the initial blame (or would that be thanks?) goes to one of my best friends Bethany who first TOLD me about the Duggars.

And so I started watching and at first I was kind of confused at the long dress wearing styles and lack of television watching they had going on.  So not me, I instantly thought.

I could never….

But then I continued to watch in utter fascination.
They were happy.
Strong in their faith.
Their family was close, and they were intelligent.
But, more than smart, they cared for others.
They weren’t so self focused, and instead each of them had a heart to help and reach out to and beyond their community.

And they loved their mom.

I wanted that for my kids.
I wanted that for me.

But I can be a yeller.
I can sometimes have very little patience.
And I have always longed for the day they would both be in school and I could get back to me.
Besides.
I didn’t want them in a christian bubble.
I wanted to “teach them to swim, so that one day when they found a body of water they wouldn’t drown.” {from Going Public}

And so I continued to watch the Duggars with every ounce of admiration I had, but resolved in my heart that God had a different path for me and my kids.

I could never….

Still, I ordered some of the Character Booklets they had used, you know, to try out in our free time.

That was three years ago.

Around that time two of my best friends started to homeschool their kids the traditional way….much in the way the Duggars do it, only with a lot less kids.  (so far)
And wouldn’t you know it, their kids were also kind of incredible.
And their families were close.
And while they definitely had tough days, it seemed so worth it to them.

I admired them for making the sacrifice, but it wasn’t for me.
Taylor wasn’t the kind of kid who could handle me teaching him.
Besides.
He was absolutely blossoming in public school.
I was convinced it was good for my friends, but God had other plans for me.

I could never….

Still, I kept watching the Duggars and I kept looking over those Character booklets I secretly had tucked away.

A year or two later, four more of my close friends began to homeschool as well.
Only they each had a different way of doing it.
Some were going through charters, some online, and some just doing it in a way that simply worked for them.
And their families were close.
And they seemed to have something so many other families didn’t.

I longed for that.
I felt my family was missing something.
It just definitely wasn’t homeschooling!
That was never my calling.
Maybe it was time for family mission trips.
Or Awanas.
Or more community service.
Anything other than homeschooling.

I could never….

But the more I talked to different people, the more I realized….it wasn’t a cookie cutter situation.
And it definitely wasn’t what I had always pictured homeschooling to be…
And being that I am not so much a cookie cutter girl, I became even more intrigued.

A few months later, I found myself at lunch with my friends Candace and Emmy.
We were discussing our lives which led to the discussion of raising our own children.
Candace began talking about how she felt she had missed so many important years with her daughter just always thinking she had plenty of time.
Now suddenly her oldest was in High School, and time was slipping through her fingers.

My eyes began to burn with tears and my heart began to race.

I could never….

God began to speak to me.
Quietly…
I’m sure because he knows I’m prone to anxiety.

A few weeks later, our worship pastor pre-released his worship cd and on it was a song called Mama.

When I had first heard it in church a year or two before, I listened to it with a heavy heart.
My thoughts went immediately to the broken relationship with my mom, and my familiar pity party surrounding that began.
“I wish I had a mom like that.  It’s not fair.  And how sad for Jimmy too, he doesn’t have that mom either….”
As my tears spilled, I decided as lovely as it was, I didn’t think I could hear it ever again.

This time when I heard it, since God had already been whispering to me, I heard it with a new heart.

From the day that I was born
And my very first cry
You held me in your arms
And you showed me what Christ is like

I just wanna say, thank you
I just need to say, that I love you

Momma, your love will shine when all is dark outside
Your love will echo on through all my life
Momma, your love, comes from knowing Jesus Christ
And I know, that you love me,
Momma

Through those tough young years of life
Though I pushed you held me close
You never left my side
There’s nothing I could do that, would make you let go

Chorus:

Bridge:
And now I know that same love
Cause you first showed it to me
So be joyful because
He is making me complete

My heart was softened and I knew something was changing.
I didn’t know what, I only knew God was going to do something big with me.

And without much thought, I grabbed my kids, played it again, and the three of us slow danced together around my bedroom.
I sang my heart out with tears filling my eyes, and when it was done I thought:
“I may not have that kind of mom, but I can be that mom.  It’s not to late….”

And as I finished that thought, Taylor whispered….
“Mama, we know that’s how you are with us.  I love you so much.”

And then God started speaking louder.

Days later a broken friendship was restored by the grace of God, and lo and behold she also had begun homeschooling her own 4 children.
Her story was just like all the others I had heard, and she sweetly spent hours talking to me on the phone answering all my questions and concerns and fears.
And when I hung up.
I knew.

God was nearly shouting.

“Never say never…”

Still, I needed open doors.

I like change.
Sometimes.
But mostly?
I prefer the comfort of what’s familiar and what’s working.

And at that moment it felt like a time in my life where comfort seemed easiest….and so it was up to God to show me just where to go from there.

If you read this post, you can see how he did exactly that.
And now here I am.

A homeschoolin’ mama.

And in a world I know not much about, other than it really does feel right.
It’s scary.
But it’s right.

It’s a calling….this I am sure.

And when God calls…
I mean shouts and then lovingly shoves you through a door, you have no choice but to obey and go.
And you trust.

Every day I trust.

And that is my journey to here.

I blame (on hard days) and thank (on good days) each and every one of you who helped the Lord speak so clearly into my life…even when you didn’t realize you were.

And would you believe this?
I even decided to start an online support group for homeschoolin’ mamas on facebook, because I needed it.

Now I have a community.
Another place for me to say and hear….”me too.”

Turns out, we all need that.
Because in just three weeks, already we are up to 130 members.
130 women who are honest and encouraging and brave and my heros.

And now here I am.
Home.
My foreign home.
And ever so slowly I am learning the language.

God will provide.
He always does.

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© 2012 “Le Musings of Moi”
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