A "little" wrench in my plans...

[kayben]

Carrie,
Your are right... sorry. I ordered Preparing with extensions for the 6th grader and deluxe for the 3rd grader. And Little Hearts for the will be 7 and 5 yr olds and both at half speed to start. I am doing Little hearts at half speed right now and love it. But am prepared to set it aside to get into a swing with the others! I am following your every suggestion! Ease is my middle name right now. I want to use everything "as written" I think that will save me alot of headache! I truly appreciate how you are so involved in each of our family stories adn that you remember each of our plans!!

Rebecca

Rebecca,

Congratulations on your surprise news! After reading your post though, I had to go back and check on what we'd talked through for you to use HOD-wise next year, as I was pretty sure we wouldn't recommend you doing LHTH, Bigger, and Preparing. So, in checking I just wanted to refresh your memory that we planned for Little Hearts and Preparing Hearts (with LHTH on the back burner unless you absolutely get time to do it). We also talked about doing both programs at half-speed to ease on into them doing the left side one day and the right side the next. I'm SO hoping that you ordered those programs and not the ones you mentioned? Please put my mind at ease.

Blessings,
Carrie

[angela&4boys]

No advice here as we're newbies to HOD, but a hearty congrats to your growing family!! That's such wonderful news, Rebecca!!

Like Maria, our "surprise" was our #4 and I was immediately nervous as to how I could continue to homeschool. We knew that I'd likely be on complete bedrest like I was with the last two due to a weak cervix. And I was - right at 5 months like the others! However, my worry was unfounded and He worked it all out. In fact, the older boys stepped up their responsibilities with servant's hearts because they didn't want anything to happen to their baby brother or their mama. It was truly a huge blessing and growth within our family.

Now, if I could just entertain that little guy who is a very healthy and very active 2yo!

God is so good! Many, many blessings...

[Carrie]

Rebecca,

I'm so glad!! Not that you can't do your own thing instead of what we advised on the board here, but with your growing family I was concerned that somehow we'd advised you to do LHTH, Bigger, and Preparing (which would be a very full plate for anyone for their first go-round of HOD). I just wanted to make sure we'd advised you correctly in order for you to have a manageable, good year with HOD.

Once again, congratulations on your news! I'll pray for a smooth pregnancy for you right now.

Blessings,
Carrie

[8arrows]

Well, we just had our 8th 2 weeks ago. I will not tell you it is easy, but it is "doable". God will enable you to do whatever he has called you to do. My 6 and 8 year old are doing Beyond, and the last two days we were back up to full speed with those two. I am still getting back up to speed with my olders. It will require self-discipline and determination to get everything (or enough) done, but the rewards are so worth it! HOD has been a lifesaver this year with morning sickness, end-of-pregnancy, a more difficult delivery, and now nursing and caring for a newborn. I am not burnt out; I will have the little ones done within 5-6 weeks (yes, with everything!), AND I am still looking forward to next year! I do think placement is key, so double-check that and then enjoy next year. Children are truly a blessing from the LORD. Oh, and we are moving houses in two months! And potential buyers have toured our house this week (We are tired of cleaning.). And yes, I still feel sane! HOD has been a delight to us this year. I am looking forward to adding my 6th grader next year.

[Carrie]

8arrows,

I'm so glad to hear that your life is getting a bit more back to "normal" and that you've had a good year with Beyond. I am so proud of you for being 5-6 weeks away from finishing Beyond with the busy year you've had. Here's a big hug for you! It's good to take time to rejoice in progress.

I'll say a prayer that your house will sell soon. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to keep it clean enough to show with 10 people underfoot.

Blessings,
Carrie

[kayben]

8arrows, (As a Christmas gift last year I had a leather craftsman make my DH a bible cover with seven arrows carved in to a quiver along with the verse.. He'll have to add one more!)
Wow! Thanks for the encouragement. It is so good to hear that HOD is working well for you. I think that the idea of trying to do it all with a newborn has me overwhelmed as this will be the first year I homeschool more than two! But Carrie has given me wonderful advice and I think that as I am starting the year at half speed, I will probably do this again in January when the baby comes. As of right now, next year my eighth grader will finish up in her tiny Christian School. Then, I too will have a 6th grader home, and 3rd, 1st, k, and then the trouble... 3yr and 18 months. So as of right now, I am on a crash decluttering frenzy. In order for my husbands support and my sanity I am praying that God gives me the not so gentle nudging (more like hitting me over the head) with the fact that I have this incredible blessing in my family. I am told through his word to train them up. That includes character (huge problem around here right now), as well as schooling.

If anyone needs anything, toys, furniture, clothes, etc. please stop by and take anything you want. I'll leave the door unlocked. Chances are we won't miss it!

Well, we just had our 8th 2 weeks ago. I will not tell you it is easy, but it is "doable". God will enable you to do whatever he has called you to do. My 6 and 8 year old are doing Beyond, and the last two days we were back up to full speed with those two. I am still getting back up to speed with my olders. It will require self-discipline and determination to get everything (or enough) done, but the rewards are so worth it! HOD has been a lifesaver this year with morning sickness, end-of-pregnancy, a more difficult delivery, and now nursing and caring for a newborn. I am not burnt out; I will have the little ones done within 5-6 weeks (yes, with everything!), AND I am still looking forward to next year! I do think placement is key, so double-check that and then enjoy next year. Children are truly a blessing from the LORD. Oh, and we are moving houses in two months! And potential buyers have toured our house this week (We are tired of cleaning.). And yes, I still feel sane! HOD has been a delight to us this year. I am looking forward to adding my 6th grader next year.

[kayben]

I edited my original post.. Thanks again.!

Rebecca,

I'm so glad!! Not that you can't do your own thing instead of what we advised on the board here, but with your growing family I was concerned that somehow we'd advised you to do LHTH, Bigger, and Preparing (which would be a very full plate for anyone for their first go-round of HOD). I just wanted to make sure we'd advised you correctly in order for you to have a manageable, good year with HOD.

Once again, congratulations on your news! I'll pray for a smooth pregnancy for you right now.

Blessings,
Carrie

[my3sons]

8arrows - Way to go! I am celebrating with you as you reach the last bit of Beyond. You can feel so good about this year, and I pray that you can be moved and settled into your new house soon. Thanks for posting about your year; I think it is an encouragement to everyone, but especially to moms who have larger families.

In Christ,
Julie