Peering Through the LatticeInspiring Christian Moms in Faith, Life, and Homeschool2021-01-04T13:10:04.408Zhttps://lattice.mobi/Jenn PearsonHexo2021 Word of the Year - Listenhttps://lattice.mobi/2021/01/04/2021-Word-of-the-Year-Listen/2021-01-04T12:42:35.000Z2021-01-04T13:10:04.408Z
<p>When I was a teenager, my parents took me to the doctor for a hearing test. Every time they asked me to do something, it seemed that I
This week I'm grateful for... K - Nhttps://lattice.mobi/2020/11/19/This-week-I-m-grateful-for-K-N/2020-11-19T17:00:33.000Z2020-11-19T17:17:19.162Z
<p><br><br><img src="/2020/11/19/This-week-I-m-grateful-for-K-N/grateful-k-n.jpg" title="This week I am grateful for... K - N"></p>
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Review of CrossTimber Name Meaning Giftshttps://lattice.mobi/2020/11/18/Review-of-CrossTimber-Name-Meaning-Gifts/2020-11-18T20:26:29.000Z2020-11-19T02:00:54.695Z
<p><strong> <em>Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</em> </strong></p>
<p>The latest Crew Review opportunity introduced me to <strong><a href="http://www.meaning.name/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CrossTimber</a></strong>, a company that designs and prints <strong>meaningful, personalized gifts</strong>. Although their products seemed nice, I wasn’t sure what to order. Then a wedding invitation arrived in the mail. Would an <strong><a href="http://www.meaning.name/NG/8x10/Faith1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8x10 Plaque print</a></strong> make a good wedding gift?</p>
<img src="/2020/11/18/Review-of-CrossTimber-Name-Meaning-Gifts/crosstimber-cover.jpg" title="CrossTimber name plaque print makes a perfect wedding gift">
<p>In addition to the name plaque, I also received an <strong><a href="http://www.amazing.name/ACTIVITY/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AmazingName Print Activity Set</a></strong>—a <strong>personalized activity book</strong> for a child. Since the product appeared to be geared towards younger kids, none of my teens were interested. Instead, I ordered one for my niece.</p>
Review of Faith Journeys Bible Study Serieshttps://lattice.mobi/2020/11/16/Review-of-Faith-Journeys-Bible-Study-Series/2020-11-16T21:16:33.000Z2020-11-16T23:49:46.678Z
<p><strong> <em>Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</em> </strong></p>
<p>Is it possible to study the Bible too much? Even though I already attend a Bible study, I was excited to review two Bible studies by Julie Polanco of <a href="https://www.julienaturally.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Julie Naturally</a>. I received <strong><a href="https://julienaturally.com/product/romans-bible-study-bundle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Romans bundle</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://julienaturally.com/product/philippians-bible-study/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Philippians</a></strong>. I loved being able to add some variety to my time with the Lord.</p>
<img src="/2020/11/16/Review-of-Faith-Journeys-Bible-Study-Series/faith-journeys-cover.jpg" title="Faith Journeys Bible Study Series - a Peering Through the Lattice Crew Review">
This week I'm grateful for... F - Jhttps://lattice.mobi/2020/11/13/This-week-I-m-grateful-for-F-J/2020-11-13T20:40:46.000Z2020-11-14T21:43:36.931Z
<p>As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m continuing through the alphabet with things I’m thankful for. </p>
<img src="/2020/11/13/This-week-I-m-grateful-for-F-J/grateful-cover2.jpg" title="This week I am grateful for... F - J">
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Review of Homeschool Code Academy - Python for Beginnershttps://lattice.mobi/2020/11/10/Review-of-Homeschool-Code-Academy-Python-for-Beginners/2020-11-10T18:19:19.000Z2020-11-10T20:01:48.894Z
<p><strong> <em>Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</em> </strong></p>
<p>When I saw an opportunity to review an online programming course from <strong><a href="http://www.homeschoolcode.academy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Homeschool Code Academy</a></strong>, my eyes lit up. I immediately signed up for a <strong>free preview</strong> of <strong><a href="https://www.homeschoolcode.academy/courses/python-for-beginners-homeschool-programming" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Python for Beginners: Learn Coding at Home</a></strong> so we could check it out. After I described the course to my tech-savvy husband, he encouraged me to review the course if one of our twin daughters was interested. To gauge their interest, I watched a couple of course preview videos with the girls. </p>
<p>Although the twins seemed to <strong>like the course format</strong>, neither could fully commit to using it this semester. Rather than volunteering to write a complete review, I offered to look over the course, try a few lessons, and blog about it. </p>
<img src="/2020/11/10/Review-of-Homeschool-Code-Academy-Python-for-Beginners/coding-cover.jpg" title="Review of Homeschool Code Academy - Python for Beginners: Learn Coding at Home">
This week I'm grateful for... A B C D Ehttps://lattice.mobi/2020/11/05/This-week-I-m-grateful-for-A-B-C-D-E/2020-11-06T00:48:56.000Z2020-11-06T01:19:34.694Z
<p>Since it’s Thanksgiving month, I’m departing from my regular blog posts to creatively share things I’m grateful for. Enjoy!</p>
<img src="/2020/11/05/This-week-I-m-grateful-for-A-B-C-D-E/grateful-cover1.jpg" title="This week I am grateful for... A B C D E">
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Exploring Archaeology with Drive Thru History Adventures - Bible Unearthedhttps://lattice.mobi/2020/11/04/Exploring-Archaeology-with-Drive-Thru-History-Adventures-Bible-Unearthed/2020-11-04T23:47:14.000Z2020-11-04T20:12:52.394Z
<p><strong> <em>Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</em> </strong></p>
<p>Since my twin fourteen-year-old daughters and I are avid fans of <strong><a href="https://www.drivethruadventures.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drive Thru History® Adventures</a></strong>, we were thrilled to review <strong>Bible Unearthed</strong>. In this twelve-episode series, archaeologist Dr. Titus Kennedy takes the lead. He, Dave Stotts, and Randall Niles discuss archaeological finds related to the Bible. Online readings helped us examine the topics in greater depth.</p>
<img src="/2020/11/04/Exploring-Archaeology-with-Drive-Thru-History-Adventures-Bible-Unearthed/unearthed-cover.jpg" title="Cover screen of Bible Unearthed">
Renewed by sacrificehttps://lattice.mobi/2020/10/27/Renewed-by-sacrifice/2020-10-27T23:41:36.000Z2020-10-28T00:58:39.570Z
<p>When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t wait to relax with the sweet, clean, Christian romance novel I was already halfway through. I was dying to know how physical therapist Avery and NHL athlete Kenton finally end up getting together in <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Center-Ice-Christian-Callaghans-ebook/dp/B0771CHX2N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crossing Center Ice</a></em>. However, other priorities took precedence.</p>
<img src="/2020/10/27/Renewed-by-sacrifice/sacrifice-cover.jpg" title="We flew to Arizona for a wedding over the weekend">
A Weekend Wedding in Phoenixhttps://lattice.mobi/2020/10/21/A-Weekend-Wedding-in-Phoenix/2020-10-22T00:03:06.000Z2020-11-19T01:33:55.561Z
<p>When a wedding invitation arrived in the mail, I was excited for my cousin-in-law, Cyndi. She was marrying the man she fell in love with eight years ago. My husband and I debated whether we could make the trip to Arizona to attend this momentous event. Thanks to frequent flyer miles and low airfares, we made it work. </p>
<img src="/2020/10/21/A-Weekend-Wedding-in-Phoenix/wedding-cover.jpg" title="We flew to Arizona for a wedding over the weekend">
<p>What is it like to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic? Tag along and see for yourself!</p>
Peek into our homeschool weekhttps://lattice.mobi/2020/10/14/Peek-into-our-homeschool-week/2020-10-14T18:39:39.000Z2020-10-14T20:56:10.071Z
<p>Ever wonder what school looks like in our house? This week, come take a peek into our homeschool. </p>
<img src="/2020/10/14/Peek-into-our-homeschool-week/peek-cover.jpg" title="Come peek into our homeschool week">
Rediscovering high school biologyhttps://lattice.mobi/2020/10/07/Rediscovering-high-school-biology/2020-10-07T20:29:12.000Z2020-10-07T23:53:19.987Z
<p><em>High School Biology.</em> The course title strikes fear in the heart of this homeschool mama. Although <a href="https://lattice.mobi/2018/01/19/Starting-High-School-at-Thirteen/">ACE Biology Paces</a> worked well for my oldest three, my youngest two needed a different approach. The twins thrive on social learning using a highly visual curriculum. The more videos, the better! While exploring options I had considered but dismissed for my older kids, I rediscovered <strong>Guest Hollow Biology</strong>. </p>
<img src="/2020/10/07/Rediscovering-high-school-biology/bio-cover.jpg" title="Rediscovering high school biology with Guest Hollow science">
<p>The living books in the course’s supplemental reading first caught my eye. I suspected that sci-fi and historical fiction would undoubtedly draw the girls into biology. As I soon discovered, the online textbook, which utilizes animations and videos in every lesson, was equally motivating. </p>
Teaching world news from a Christian perspectivehttps://lattice.mobi/2020/09/28/Teaching-world-news-from-a-Christian-perspective/2020-09-28T19:02:09.000Z2020-09-28T19:57:46.826Z
<p>History continues constantly. Even though today’s headlines won’t become part of a history textbook for a few years, my kids need to know about current events. How could I neglect this essential aspect of their education? As they develop a broader understanding of the world around them, they’ll mature into well-informed adults. </p>
<p>Every news source seems to be biased. Searching online, I find recent articles which clearly contradict each other. Fake news abounds. How can I know what’s real? More importantly, how can I help my kids discern the truth of what’s happening around the world every day?</p>
<img src="/2020/09/28/Teaching-world-news-from-a-Christian-perspective/gwnews-cover.jpg" title="Teaching world news from a Christian perspective with WORLDteen and WORLD Watch News">
Lighting up twin faces with Life of Fred Algebrahttps://lattice.mobi/2020/09/23/Lighting-up-twin-faces-with-Life-of-Fred-Algebra/2020-09-23T18:06:19.000Z2020-09-28T20:03:14.305Z
<p>What can you do when the joy of learning vanishes from your child’s best subject? My twin 15-year-old daughters excel in math, but their Algebra lessons had turned into drudgery. I knew something had to change. </p>
<img src="/2020/09/23/Lighting-up-twin-faces-with-Life-of-Fred-Algebra/fred-cover.jpg" title="Life of Fred Advanced Algebra lights up twin faces">
What can DNA reveal about world history?https://lattice.mobi/2020/09/16/What-can-DNA-reveal-about-world-history/2020-09-16T19:06:58.000Z2020-09-16T21:38:26.915Z
<p>Two weeks ago, I stumbled upon a fascinating video series from <a href="https://answersingenesis.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Answers in Genesis</a>: <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1v9pqs4w1mwrGlCET76Rs99Fx0EfJXE4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A New History of the Human Race</a></strong>. Since the twins and I have almost finished studying world history, the title piqued my interest. Using DNA evidence, the series provides a new perspective on history. </p>
<img src="/2020/09/16/What-can-DNA-reveal-about-world-history/dna-cover.jpg" title="What can DNA reveal about world history?">
Drawn into Worship through the Wordhttps://lattice.mobi/2020/09/12/Drawn-into-Worship-through-the-Word/2020-09-12T15:42:42.000Z2020-09-12T17:50:14.590Z
<p>While completing my homework for the first week of Community Bible Study (CBS) class, song after song came to mind. The margin of my study guide is now littered with lines of worship songs. Learning more about Jesus made me want to praise Him. </p>
<img src="/2020/09/12/Drawn-into-Worship-through-the-Word/worship-john1a.jpg" title="Drawn into Worship through studying the Word in John 1:1-5">
<p>Contemplating the songs that became the soundtrack to my study, I decided to share them. I hope you enjoy music because this post is filled with it.</p>
Overcoming Fear by Trusting Godhttps://lattice.mobi/2020/08/09/Overcoming-Fear-by-Trusting-God/2020-08-09T20:37:20.000Z2020-08-09T21:20:44.747Z
<p>While attending yesterday’s training session for <a href="https://lattice.mobi/2018/04/25/Community-Bible-Study/">Community Bible Study</a> leaders, doubts assaulted me. What qualified me to lead a group of nine-year-olds? How would we adapt the study to do it virtually? Could I really lead a class all by myself? Don’t my many failings with my own kids disqualify me? As we prayed and progressed through training, peace eventually replaced my fears…</p>
<p>Until I woke up early this morning with even more doubts. Thankfully, worship music reminds me of God’s faithfulness despite my weaknesses. As I prayed for peace, God brought several songs to mind. Just before sunrise, I got up to prepare for church. </p>
<img src="/2020/08/09/Overcoming-Fear-by-Trusting-God/always-overcoming.jpg" title="Cover image for song study of Always by Kristian Stanfill - Overcoming Fear by Trusting God">
How Will the Twins Start Their First Semester of High Schoolhttps://lattice.mobi/2020/07/31/How-Will-the-Twins-Start-Their-First-Semester-of-High-School/2020-07-31T17:33:39.000Z2020-07-31T18:50:53.773Z
<p>It’s the final countdown. Our homeschool year starts on August 3. Today, I’m pulling together the twins’ homeschool curriculum, printing out worksheets, and gathering answer keys. As they begin their freshman year, <strong>what will they be studying?</strong> I’m so glad you asked! </p>
<img src="/2020/07/31/How-Will-the-Twins-Start-Their-First-Semester-of-High-School/twins-freshman-fall-cover.jpg" title="How Will the Twins Start Their First Semester of High School?">
<p>This semester’s courses include <strong>Bible, World History, English, Biology, Algebra II, Health,</strong> and <strong>Phys Ed</strong>. Read on for details about each subject’s curriculum.</p>
Earning High School Credit for Serving Othershttps://lattice.mobi/2020/07/24/Earning-High-School-Credit-for-Serving-Others/2020-07-24T18:39:10.000Z2020-07-24T19:41:57.787Z
<p>I thought I had put a lid on this year’s homeschool progress reports. Then I remembered the electives. Since my older daughter can earn <strong>high school credit for pursuing her passions</strong>, I considered how she had spent her free time since her <a href="https://lattice.mobi/2018/01/19/Starting-High-School-at-Thirteen/">freshman semester</a>. With the hours spent helping on the church <strong>hospitality</strong> team, <strong>cooking</strong> at home, and participating in the youth <strong>praise band</strong>, she earned <strong>2 ½</strong> more <strong>credits</strong>. It was time to add <strong>three courses</strong> to her progress report and her high school transcript.</p>
<img src="/2020/07/24/Earning-High-School-Credit-for-Serving-Others/serving-cover.jpg" title="Music, cooking, and hospitality made it onto her high school transcript this year">
How I Customized My Daughter's High School English Credithttps://lattice.mobi/2020/07/18/How-I-Customized-My-Daughter-s-High-School-English-Credit/2020-07-18T16:01:01.000Z2020-07-18T18:47:33.980Z
<p>High school <strong>English</strong> often includes several components—literature, composition, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. To adequately teach this <strong>multi-faceted</strong> subject, a complete curriculum package may be tempting. For my daughter’s junior year, we chose a more <strong>creative option</strong>. Allowing her interests and needs to guide us, we customized her curriculum. Piecing together a credit for her transcript was surprisingly simple.</p>
<img src="/2020/07/18/How-I-Customized-My-Daughter-s-High-School-English-Credit/custom-english-cover.jpg" title="How we created a custom English credit">