It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

We got it all done, and I am very happy with Christmas decorating this year. Maybe the pretty decorations, and homeschooling will help the kids deal with the sight under the tree. It is so hard to live on one income, especially a preachers salary, and Christmas in the "retail" way just gets stressful. This year we vow no debt, trying to do Dave Ramsey, but when you already live as tightly as we do, you have no latte to give up! So~ we are setting the stage...letting them know ahead of time they have to be very picky about the perfect gift this year. And that it's price tag matters. We also are going to be doing a Jesse Tree devotional starting December 1st to show the kids the promise of Christ from the Beginning. There is a scripture and an ornament for every day. We really believe that the time we have together now, and the closeness of homeschooling will help with the letdown otherwise coming with a frugal Christmas. When I start to get down about it, I remember what a waste most of it is anyway. After a few plays, a lot gets broken or ignored an and sent off to Goodwill. So~ Christmas this year and from now on I suppose (I don't see that money tree yet!) will be centered on family time and gifts of love, which last a lot longer than a baby changing center made of plastic in china anyway.





We love handmade ornaments, and would love any ideas about other fun/cheap things we can do together ! Last year we made a gingerbread house, the kids loved it!



Also, I am happy to write that our youngest homeschooler Emma is finally reading! Christian and Noah have read from birth practically, and Hannah learned in PS, so I have never taught anyone to read before. Emma has been very, ummm, not as interested as I though she would be. I tried a highly recommended book for several weeks and she just didn't get it. So I decided to wing it. I bought books from Starfall, and made homemade flash cards. After a few weeks of practice she reads about 20 words! I am so proud of her. I love the accomplishment I see in her eyes! We review all of the words on the flashcards first, and then I cover the pictures in the book so that only the text is showing, let her read and then show her the pictures afterwards. I know she is not behind at all, but I was unsure of how I could make it work for her. That is the beauty of homeschooling though. If it isn't working, do something else!




My conclusion is that money might make life a little less stressful, but God will take care of us. I know I need to trust Him more. This just might be the best Christmas ever!