Vim and Vigor

 

 

We have just finished reading Almost Home A Story Based on the Life of the Mayflower's Mary Chilton by Wendy Lawton.  We thoroughly enjoyed this book...and really feel it is a great book to read anytime, but especially when studying the time period in the 1600's when the pilgrims came to America.  In our home, we feel history is much more exciting, and really comes alive through "living books", as Charlotte Mason would call them. 

Granted, my girls at 13 and 14, are well old enough to read on their own, which they do every day.  But we still really enjoying snuggling up on the couch, especially when cooler weather sets in.....and enjoying a GREAT story together.  Of course, the little ones listen as well, and even though it is way above their age range, we will hear them mention things from the story, or talk about "Mary" through their day.  They learn so very much by just hearing about what I am saying with the older girls. 

The story takes you from Mary's hometown, and a little bit about what their life is like there, to the journey on the Mayflower, and finally you settle with them in America.  It is also following Mary's spiritual journey.  She never is fully "home", until she is trusting fully in the Lord, and His plans for her life.  That is what the "home" in this story really is about.  It is as much a physical journey for Mary as it is a spiritual one.   This story spurs on good conversations about how unbelievable to us as Americans their arduous journey was, how SPOILED we are, the pilgrims strength, courage, and faith, and it helped us to examine our own faith as well.  Are we fully trusting in God with our life?

We hope you can enjoy this wonderfully written book,

Happy cuddling and reading!

Joy

 

 

 

 

 

What we are reading now--young teen version:

                                                                

Where the Red Fern Grows

• Where The Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls 

• I thought I would jot down the stories we are enjoying now for a number of reasons.  One is to look back and see what we read together.  Notice, I said together.  Yes, my oldest kiddos have read on their own for years now, but there is something about getting to know a character in a book together, as if they are a friend of everyone's in the family.  I have been homeschooling for almost ten years now, and I never weary of reading aloud to my children.  This is the time to snuggle in close, lean a head on my shoulder, and laugh and cry together over a good book.
• This book is a classic, I know.  And for good reason.  My oldest daughter is not into hunting, dogs, or anything like that, (and this book has a lot of that in here), yet she is captivated by it!  It is so well written, you cannot help but be drawn in!  You will find yourself feeling pain alongside, crying with, and cheering for the main character.  The beauty in hard work, character, love and determination are the main themes of the book.  Something we all want for our children, don't we?
  
• We chose to get the audio version, and have been listening in the car.  We did a lot of driving yesterday, back and forth to homeschool classes and such, so we were very weary when returning home for the last time.  Noone wanted to get out of the car, because the story was so compelling.  It holds us spellbound, and actually keeps my car quiet.....that is a miracle in itself!
  
• I highly, highly recommend for pre-teens to adults, boys or girls!