I must say I am very happy to have 2009 over. This was one of the worst year ever.  I am looking forward to 2010. I came up with 10 goals.  I have already started a few of them.

1. Like many others finances are on the top many people lists. That is top of our list too. My goals is stay within our grocery budget. That includes everything. (e.g. going out to eat, entertainment, pet needs and any household needs. This is going to be difficult because we have 3 teenagers, 2 adults, a dog, a cat, three parakeets, and a turtle.
2. To eat healthier meals. This goal is going to be a challenge because goal 1. Often it is more expensive to buy organic groceries. I just went on my first trip to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market for this year. So far, I have stayed within the budget. I also found by planning out meals, our money goes a little farther.
3. To read the whole Bible by the end of the year. This is always been a challenge for me. I have tendencies put others activities first and forget to read the Bible.
4. Blog on a regular basis.  The same problems happens here as with reading Bible. I tend to forget about it.
5. Exercise. I am planning on at least walking 5 days a week.
6. Read a book. I plan on reading a book everyday for at least half-hour.
7. Keep a journal.
8. This one is for my family. Not to get stressed out over the little things.
9. Be Patience. Learn to listen more and speak less.
10. The most important goal is to PRAY everyday.
    I think all these goals are do able. I look forward to see if I accomplish them. I will keep you updated.

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Jason and his friend.

Our homeschool group picking strawberries.

The boys.

The Girls.

Jason hanging out with some friends.

Kiani and her little friend at the park with Donna and Austin in the background.

Some of the people in our groups.

This week is also the end of the school semester for us. We are getting everything ready to send into A Beka Academy.
A Beka is a wonderful program for all ages. Our daughter, Ashleigh, started high school this year and A Beka does a wonderful job keeping a transcript for her. She follows their program at home and sends her work in every nine weeks. Jason also follows A Beka, but he doesn’t need a transcript just yet. He does receive a report card, however. It is a great program.

Kiani is still on her winter break. She is really enjoying sleeping in. Kiani usually is up by 6am for schooldays.

As for hubby, he is back to work after his short vacation. It was wonderful having the family all together after a blessed and troublesome year. While my sweetie was on vacation, he made me breakfast. He is great husband. Here are some pictures of him cooking.

My Sweetie cooking eggs!

And let’s not forget the bacon, turkey of course

• 8:00-8:05 am Wake up, Make Bed, Get Dressed
• 8:05-8:10 am Put away the dishes
• 8:10-8:30 am Breakfast
• 8:30-8:35 am Brush teeth and hair
• 8:35-9:00 am Quiet time
• 9:00-9:50 am Bible/P.E.*
• 9:50- 9:55 am Break
• 9:55-10:45 am Bible/P.E.*
• 10:45-11:00 am Morning Snack Time
• 11:00-11:50 am Math/English**
• 11:50-11:55 am Break
• 11:55-12:45 pm Math/English**
• 12:45-1:15 pm Lunch time
• 1:15-2:05 pm Science
• 2:05-2:10 pm Break
• 2:10-3:00 pm History/Health***
• 3:00-3:15 pm Afternoon snack
• 3:15-4:00 pm Chores
• 4:00-5:00 pm Homework
• 5:00-6:00 pm Dinner
• 6:00-8:00 pm Free time
• 8:0o-9:00 pm Get ready for bed
• 9:00-10:00 pm Read an hour and then go to sleep

* We only have one treadmill, so each kid has to take a turn. Shower time is included during P.E. time.
** Ashleigh does English, Jason does Math. (and then they switch)
***Ashleigh does Health, Jason does History. (Ashleigh will be doing History on the second semester. Jason’s Health is included in his Science)

A sweet God loving lady ask me to review a program she has written to help children memorize scripture verses. I believe it is very important to memorize verses. It can help you in any situation. It also helps you keep God close to your heart. It is a free program. I highly recommend you go and check out her site.

Click Here to check it out.

Our tackle for this week is getting ready for the school year. Here is the list of things that must be done.

1. Send off Letter of Intent to school district
2. Tape all the binding on the school books. (This helps the book from tearing in the middle of school year.)
3. Check all supplies and buy items needed.
4. Prepare binders for each subject.
5. Make a school schedule for the children
6. Review teaching materials.

This is always a big tackle and one I get excited and dread doing. I am excited about the new school but hate all the work that has to be done before hand. We will be using A Beka this year. They have a correspondence courses. They keep track of everything (transcripts, grades and will issue an high school diploma once all courses are completed) It is a great program for high schoolers. For more information about Abeka click here.
Here is a picture of our school books.

For more tackles click here.

The website can be found by clicking on the image or here.