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My heart just overflowed with thanksgiving this week. This is our 3rd year using HOD and we started CTC last week. I wasn't sure how it would go.

You see, we adopted two little boys from Ethiopia 3 months ago. A 4 year old and a 20 month old. It has been quite a difficult adjustment for me and I was pretty concerned how I would possibly homeschool this year with a 7th grader, two 5th graders, a preschooler and a toddler and still trying to adjust to the MAJOR changes in our lives.

Our week was amazing! I love how independent CTC is. It couldn't have come at a better time for us. This program is amazing. I mean - AMAZING. Everything is put together in a brilliant fashion. Carrie, God has blessed you with an unbelievable talent in writing these guides. It blows me away that you are able to write this curriculum and raise your family. Truly, it is a gift.

As I would take the little boys out on our morning walks while the older 3 worked on school at home (I was close by in the neighborhood with my cell phone ), I would just thank God for Carrie and her dedication and wisdom and talent. I would pray for God to bless her family. I am SO thankful for HOD. I really don't know how I would be doing school this year with any other program.

God again has supplied our needs. At a time when I'm weary in every sense of the word, He has refreshed me with CTC. The kids LOVE it. They are excited each day to see what is new to learn. (They love listening to What in the World CDs! So do I - I listen to it at night while doing floor exercises...) This program is DOABLE - which in my life right now is really saying something. And it's not only doable, it's immensely enjoyable. I look forward to collapsing each night in my bed with my CTC books to read. I am learning so much.

May God continue to bless you, Carrie, in the work of your hands and in the care of your family. I just can't tell you what a joy it is to use HOD.

I am so happy for you, I am sure it is a relief to see that school is going well. I am familiar with the family changes and adjustments that go with adoption, so am happy for you that things are coming together.

Oh, praise the Lord, Tiffini! The independence in CTC came at a needed time for our family too. Your cheerful attitude is probably a key component as well - I believe the Lord blesses that. May you continue to reap the joys of both a Godly curriculum and a Godly heart!

In Christ,
Julie

Hi Tiffini,

I just wanted to say, "YAY!" and congratulate you on your adoption! We are also adoptive parents. We adopted our oldest child, Cassie, from Vietnam in 2002 when she was 3 months old.

We have since added 3 biological children to our family...Will (7), Ellie (5), and Jack (2).

We pray the Lord will open the door for us to adopt again someday.

Adoption is an INCREDIBLE blessing!!

My best to your family!

Thanks for sharing this. We adopted one. However, our older children are graduated. So, I am actually in the 'homeschooling one' mode. Lord willing, we will be adding a newborn within a month. We are taking a prison baby. So, it will be an adjustment to homeschool Angelina and have a baby to take care of. I am waiting until the baby is actually here to 'surprise' my extended family. I know that one of the things that will be brought up is, 'how are you going to homeschool with a baby to care for?' And I'm only homeschooling one. I admire those who homeschool multiple children and have little ones running around at the same time. Adoption is a different adjustment than giving birth to another child. May God continue to bless your family. I agree, HOD is great!

Tiffini,

I'm so glad to see an update on your family! What a blessing that CTC is going well and that your kiddos are underway with their year! Your training with your kiddos through Bigger Hearts and Preparing Hearts is allowing you to reap the benefits and is paying off big dividends in independence now that you're into CTC!

Thanks so much for sharing! Your enthusiasm and your words blessed my heart today!

Blessings,
Carrie

I'm so glad its worked out for you!

I have 2 dd's one is from india (adopted @23 months) and her RAD really makes homeschooing impossible (at the moment).
Ian I have One from China Adopted at 6 years of age who is now entering her 3rd year of HOD and loving it.

I so understand that Horrible yet Wonderful transition time

Tiffini,

I'm so glad that you're having a good start to your year! Praise the Lord!! I have to agree with you that starting CTC has been an incredible blessing at our house, too. We started right at the beginning of August, and are set to add our newest family member this week. I, like you, have been breathing a sigh of relief that this year is going to be able to go very well even though we have some significant "extras". Praying that you continue to be blessed!

Kathleen

*I need to try to read up on what Grant's learning. He shares quite a bit without my asking...but I know all the books are super. We'll have to see if I can get around to that. (I usually have more time to read when I'm nursing. )