Happy New Year

   We were party poopers.  We didn't stay up till midnight to ring in the new year, but here it is and we are looking forward to what God has in store for us to come!  We did start the year with the high hopes of reading through the Bible in chronological order this year along with our 2 oldest.  Here is the plan we are following (BibleReadingPlan)  I've only ever read straight through so this plan will be interesting I think!  The kids are also using this chart to visualize how much of the Bible they have read as they progress (BibleChart)  They will mark off each chapter as they read it and will hopefully be a great tool to keep them motivated.
   We are 112 days into our school year so far and the kids are enjoying their lessons.  Science has really been exciting this year.  We went through the human body and are learning about weather right now.  Next we will be learning about Earth and the Universe.  It's been really interesting!
We are also going through New Tribe Missions 'Creation to Christ' which they love.  Each lesson starts off with a skit and they get such a kick out of it.
We are working through Sally Michael's books and are currently going through God's Battle.
For Math this year we are trying A+Tutorsoft and it is working out well.  Math always seems to be a struggle anyway but this seems to be working well for us this year for all 3 kids.
English and Reading are through Rod and Staff.  I really like their reading program from Gr 2-5.
Our oldest is reading through Noble Girlhood with Mommy.  This has been a wonderful study for the 2 of us that has extended over a year now.  We are taking our time through it and discussing it in great detail.
We have finished up Govnt/Civics and Geography.  We continue to learn and review Phonics with each grade level either through Explode the Code or Apples 2 (depending on age).
I never have to worry about Independent Reading time.  These kids LOVE to read and devour books.  We have really been slacking with our foreign language since we moved.  We are going through Rosetta Stones Spanish but need to get back into it again!
   Other than school, I've been trying my hand at different things.  I made my own natural face cream and it is wonderful!  I infused rose petals, lavender, calendula flowers and rosemary in some coconut oil for 3 days.  Then added some jojoba oil, grapefruit seed extract, a little beeswax and some aloe vera, then added some sacred frankincense oil to it.  I really like so far.  I've also made some immune boosting tinctures and elderberry syrup (which is a constant around here).  We've also had homemade bread everyday for the past 2 months!  I love that I can put the ingredients in before bed and set the timer to have warm bread by breakfast.  I made several batches of shortbread cookies which turned out way tooooo good!  I attempted fudge but it didn't turn out creamy enough.  Still tastes good but didn't get the best results.
  We continue to walk daily and I have almost reached my weight goal.  I have been feeling so good and clothes shopping is a joy now :)  I can't remember the last time I purchased a size small skirt but have recently added 5 new size smalls to my closet.  That is great motivation to keep it up!!!  I have 5 more lbs to lose to reach the goal I set for myself but would ultimately love to reach a final weight of 10 more lost lbs.
  That's about it around here!  We are all healthy, happy and blessed!