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I've been reading and cramming all the material like a mad woman and am ready for the switch from MFW Adventures to HOD on Monday. I'm sad to let MFW go, because I had really enjoyed it for the first part of the year...but I am confident this change will be for the best. I will also start my oldest girl -8 - on DITHR with One Small Square- Backyard, because it is the one book on the list I already own. When I look at the history/art/science/geo activities, I am so excited about how fun and simple they are. Even my 2 year old can get in on the fun! I'm not switching over everything at this point, so the transition will be very smooth. I'm not even really telling my kids of the change, because our schedule and daily format will hardly need to change a bit...(but I will be watching for fresh signs of joy and delight) If you think of it, send up a prayer my way! I'm sure I'll be emailing more newbie questions soon!

How exciting! We made a somewhat similar switch not too long ago. And all the reasons that led me to make a change have been richly rewarded. Blessings to you and your family as you "do a new thing." I'll be praying for you.

Patience,

How exciting! I'm praying right now that you have a wonderful day tomorrow with your kids. I'll look forward to hearing how your week was after you dive in.

Kathleen

So excited for you! I said a prayer for tomorrow. I pray this is just the thing your family needs.

You're going to love it! Sometimes it feels like you are letting go of something that you meant to finish but God really does redirect us sometimes. We did the same thing a while back and it felt a little reckless at the time but it just turned out to be the very best thing we could have ever done. I am so glad now that I was brave enough to take the risk when I did. It really has been a huge blessing. And the great thing is now we really are at a place we can stay for the long haul. No more 2AM frantic searches trying to figure out how to make next year work for all my kids. It's a very peaceful feeling. You just get to relax, enjoy the ride and watch what God does along the way. You will love it!

I am looking forward to tomorrow myself actually. I'm saying some prayers for you but you'll do great. Let us know how you love it!

Thank you ladies for your kind encouragement and prayers.( Isn't it so wonderful to have these message boards where we can be such an encouragement and help to one another in this awesome responsibility of teaching and training our kids?) I will keep you posted on how it's going. Thank you.

Patience,

I'm thinking of you today as you're making the switch, praying you have a good day! We're just finished up for the day here and enjoying the afternoon.

Blessings,
Carrie

Carrie,

That is so very kind of you to check in with me. I was very pleased with the day and I would say the most positive change I noticed right away was what I was hoping for: more interaction/discussion with my children. It was less "telling" and more "sharing." I felt like I was able to sit back and experience school with them in a way I've not experienced before. (I think this is because there is nothing complicated in executing the subjects). We did bible, poetry, science, and history today. I think your strength in engaging children in thoughtful discussion is not my strength naturally, and so I think this is so good that I can learn from you in this. I also love the simple, but fun activities in the lower left box, and the little things that make something as simple as reading poetry an enjoyable and memorable experience. When I first read "Evening" and they were trying to figure out the title, they came up with some really nice ones on their own. Then when I told them the title was "Evening" and read it again, there was alot of commotion as they listened and said "Oh! and Aha!" What can I say! I want to give you a great big hug and say THANK YOU!

I'm so glad to hear that you had a good day! There will be many more, I'm sure.

Kathleen

I'm so glad to hear you had a great first day! I agree that the guides are meant to help you interact with your kiddos in a meaningful way, without all the prep. and planning. I need that in my life too. I pray that HOD will continue to enrich your school day and to draw you closer to the Lord as you journey.

Blessings,
Carrie