heartofdakota.com

I'm seriously considering using Bigger next year, thanks to all of the excellent advice and guidance I have received here so far. One concern I have is keeping up with the activities, etc. It all looks so wonderful in just looking over the first week sample, but I'm concerned about my longevity in doing the activities, science experiments, etc., for the whole year. For those who have done the whole program, does it continue to remain so exciting and fun or do you get somewhat burned out with it by the end of the year?

I have not used Bigger but wanted to tell you that we are just starting Week 25 in Little Hearts and it is just as exciting as the beginning. I am finding that the activites are so well planned and simple to do that it is lots of fun and very, very easy to continue moving forward.

You know I had not really even considered that it wouldn't be fun down the road. We have not finished it but I have looked ahead quite a bit and it looks pretty fun to me. One of the things that I love about HOD is that the programs feel pretty consistent. By that I mean that one level to the next seems to all have it's own special things that repeat and allow you to have a routine that is mixed up enough not to become monotonous yet familiar enough to be effortless. And then the methods I can see from using two programs at once are dependable, meaning if you love one program you are going to love the next. It is not hit and miss.

I know other moms that have done Bigger all the way will answer but just wanted to assure you that it's not just pumped up in the front. Believe me I have powered through the entire thing. I personally just needed to know where it was heading to know we could stick with HOD the entire way. I had to get settled so I could start obsessing over highschool. I mean who can really be settled and just have peace for a few years. Ok maybe normal people can, but not me.

water2wine wrote: One of the things that I love about HOD is that the programs feel pretty consistent. By that I mean that one level to the next seems to all have it's own special things that repeat and allow you to have a routine that is mixed up enough not to become monotonous yet familiar enough to be effortless.
:

Love this! You should be a catalog writer!

Thanks W2W and Karen for your input. "Not monotonous, but still effortless" - how could I ask for more! I guess I just wanted assurance that if I go this way, the feeling of excitement will not wear off and that I will be able to keep up with the fun aspects of the program. I know nothing is perfect, but HOD seems pretty close to me right now. You know when something seems too good to be true.... then overanalyze!

W2W, I must not be normal either, because I love obsessing about high school (which is only 4 years away - so I better get busy, right??)

HappyatHome,

The ladies have done a great job of encouraging you! Since I am very biased, I will just point you to the "Weekly Heart of Dakota Check-in Folder" to see how people feel who are in the later weeks of doing "Bigger.." right now. Here's the link:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/board/view ... cda13cc25d

I know we're personally in week 26 of "Bigger.." and still having fun!

Blessings,
Carrie

HappyatHome wrote:W2W, I must not be normal either, because I love obsessing about high school (which is only 4 years away - so I better get busy, right??)

YES! You are way behind! Me too! I need time to find "the thing" and change my mind at least three times. Seeming as I have already done that, I must be on target.

HappyatHome wrote:

water2wine wrote: One of the things that I love about HOD is that the programs feel pretty consistent. By that I mean that one level to the next seems to all have it's own special things that repeat and allow you to have a routine that is mixed up enough not to become monotonous yet familiar enough to be effortless.
:

Love this! You should be a catalog writer!

Thanks W2W and Karen for your input. "Not monotonous, but still effortless" - how could I ask for more! I guess I just wanted assurance that if I go this way, the feeling of excitement will not wear off and that I will be able to keep up with the fun aspects of the program. I know nothing is perfect, but HOD seems pretty close to me right now. You know when something seems too good to be true.... then overanalyze!

I love w2w's description as well! She is so right, and she has a great way with words! I'm in week 24 of Bigger..., and it is still fun! When you are reading about all of the activities, remember they are on a rotating basis. You're not doing activity after activity, day after day. They are interspersed throughout the week, and they are from different subject areas as well, so they don't really feel like they come up enough to ever get tiresome in any way. There is independent work time too in Bigger... In fact, my son uses the guide himself now, and does a very good job of it. He checks in with me, and I check in with him, but he's taking a lot of it over quite happily and successfully on his own. He's inherited my "check it off on with a tiny pencil mark in the corner of each box" pattern. I do think you will enjoy Bigger... for its duration. Good question!

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks, Julie. Your perspective is helpful. I enjoy reading your posts. You are very positive and upbeat.

Carrie, I checked out those threads - makes me anxious to get started. Thanks!

W2W, what are you doing reading this? Shouldn't you be checking out college options??