The Relaxed Home School

by Mary Hood

I received this book from PaperBack Swap (Thanks, De'Etta!) and found it a quick, interesting read.

There was nothing earth-shattering in this book. Most of what was in it I already knew, but reading it right now was perfect timing for me.

I have been struggling with our homeschooling the last year. When the Littles came home, I sort of freaked out because they were so far behind what is typical for children their age. I let go of a lot of the methods of schooling that had worked for us in the poast and substituted a more traditional schooling approach. It was not working for us.

This book helped me to realize that the more relaxed, eclectic method could and would work much better for us, even with the kids needing extra work. To coin a phrase that I've heard some of my cyber-friends use, we enjoy being "fun-schoolers".

I am taking our winter break to revamp our schooling. Hopefully we will be able to get back to having more fun, less stress, less busy work and more actual learning.

I would recommend this book if someone has not tried a more relaxed approach to homeschooling or for someone like me, that just needs a friendly reminder.

Blessed Child

by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright

I picked up this book from the library after seeing it on De'Etta's blog.

After several chapters, I almost quit reading it. I was part way through and except for the beginning chapters, it wasn't holding my attention very much. I am so glad I kept on reading.

I loved this book. I loved the imagery. I loved the way I felt after reading certain parts. I love being able to see with my mind's eye and the descriptions in this book are wonderful. I could feel God and His power.

Some books have given me wonderful pictures, Randy Alcorn's description of heaven, Frank Peretti's angels and demons and this book's image of God's love.

I found the book very powerful and it sure left me with a lot to think about. I look forward to reading the sequel A Man Called Blessed.

Highly recommend.

Fall Reading Challenge

I wasn't going to participate in the Fall Reading Challenge at Callapidder Days, but my friend Lisa convinced me!

I don't really need another reason to read, but sometimes I do need a bit of incentive to broaden my reading to some non-fiction books and not just my cozy mysteries. Having these challenges does give me the little push to read at least one or two books that aren't quite as easy.

My reading list is always a work in progress...some books get deleted, some get added. Most of these are carry-overs from the Summer Challenge.

Here is my current list:
(Books in progress are red, finished books will be crossed off and links provided if reviewed.)

Fiction
The House of Seven Mabels - Jill Churchill
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Crime - Tamar Myers
Design for Murder - Carolyn G. Hart
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling - Neta Jackson
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive - Alexander M. Smith
Summer Garden Murder - Ann Ripley
Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist - Dorothy Gilman
In Plain Sight - Lorena McCourtney

On the Run - Lorena McCourtney
Blessed Child - Ted Dekker and Bill Bright
The Potluck Club - Linda Evans Sherpherd & Eva Marie Everson

Family/Parenting/Homeschooling
Ministry of Motherhood - Sally Clarkson
Making Children Mind without Losing Yours - Dr. Kevin Leman
The Socialization Trap - Rick Boyer
Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends - Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally
Families Where Grace Is In Place - Jeff VanVonderen
Grace Based Parenting - Dr. Tim Kimmel
The Relaxed Home School - Mary Hood

Biographies
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Opponent of the Nazi Regime - Michael Van Dyke

Christian Living
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World - Joanna Weaver
Calm My Anxious Heart - Linda Dillow
Margin - Richard A. Swenson, M.D.

Other Non-fiction
A Treasury of Adoption Miracles - Karen Kingsbury