Learning Letters

We have been using this Pre-K curriculum for almost a month now, and I can't say enough good things about it! We ordered it from Erica at Confessions of a Homeschooler and so far it has been great! It comes with lessons plans, printables, and lots of creative ideas! I would definetly recommend it to other homeschoolers who are looking for something that is both high quality and affordable!!

Anyway, Callie has been working on uppercase and lowercase letters. A few activities with the curriculum I have changed to suit our needs. Here are some pics of Callie practicing letter tracing and letter recognition.






And, during schooltime Ashtyn loves to be invovled as well...

Ultimate Coffee Cake

My mom has made this for breakfast for years. I never knew it's "offical" name and we just always called them "pull-apart rolls." One day as I was watching Paula Deen, she starting making this and called it the Ultimate Coffee Cake. So, I guess that's what I'll call it from now on...well, because it IS the Ultimate Coffee Cake.

These are SO easy to make, and taste SO good! I followed the recipe from Paula Deen on the food network. It turned out very well, however, there are a few things I will change next time I make this.

Ingredients:



16 to 18 unbaked frozen dinner rolls
1 (3-ounce) package regular butterscotch pudding mix, not instant
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted

Directions:

The night before place frozen rolls in well greased Bundt pan



Sprinkle dry pudding mix over rolls. Sprinkle brown sugar over pudding mix. Sprinkle chopped pecans over brown sugar.



Pour melted butter over all



To prevent the dough from forming a hard crust while its rising overnight, cover with a damp towel or tightly wrap with plastic wrap. Let rise overnight at room temperature, about 8 to 10 hours.



When you get up in the morning, it will look something like this



Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.



Turn pan over onto a serving platter to remove. Serve by pulling apart chunks with forks.



Now don't get me wrong, this turned out really good. But, it just wasn't exactly like my mom's. So, I called her and asked what the difference was. First, she normally puts the chopped pecans in before the frozen dinner rolls, that way the pecans are on top. Also, and this is the real kicker, she uses CINNAMON. I wondered why the carmel sauce didn't taste the same! She puts a teaspoon of cinnamon in with the brown sugar. If you are like me and like cinnamon, then add it in, otherwise leave the recipe as it is and enjoy!

School is in Session

Last fall I felt something change...it was my heart. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, as God has changed my heart several times over the last 10 years. I had always said I would NEVER marry a Pastor, and have been married to my Pastor husband for over 7 years now. I never intended to be a homemaker, until God put the desire in my heart. And I thought I would never, ever consider homeschooling my children.

Well, things change. Like my heart towards homeschooling. Over the last year, God has placed such a desire in my heart and calling on my life to educate my children at home. I have felt a little overwhelemed at times over the idea, and scared or uncertain if I would be able to do this. After much prayer and seeking advice, I realized that on my own, no I could NOT do it. However, God's word promises, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13.

My hubby has not been 100 percent on board with the homschooling thing. He is supportive yes, but also skeptical of whether or not this is the best choice for us. So our compromise has been for me to do preschool with our 4 year old, and if it goes well and works for our family, then we will continue on.

We have researched so many different curriculums, ideas, and methods. We had settled on one curriculum, and for several reasons just hadn't ordered it yet. Of course, the advantage of homechooling is that you can begin and end anytime you want. So, kind of last minute we decided on a curriculum that we were both excited about.

Today was our first day of "school." Callie was super excited to get started, and was so attentive as I was teaching her. I am excited to begin this new journey. School is in session at the "Reid Academy."