Review: The Organized Home

The Organized Homeschooler
by Vicki Caruana

When I first received The Organized Homeschooler I admit I laughed just a little.  I am not organized.  After laughing I was hopeful that the book would give me hope and tips that might help me become more organized.  That is not what I read.  This book comes across very condescending to me.  I got the feeling if you are not organized you are somehow less spiritual.  I also think there is a spiritually dangerous undertone about this issue.

One of the "Check It Off!" sections early in the book states that my children's success in homeschooling depends on my organization, umm, I don't think so.  My goal maybe very different from the author's.  We homeschool to raise our children to serve and love the Lord and live lives pleasing to Him, I think that is  a heart issue that parents can address no matter how unorganized they may seem.  I do see how organization helps, but to put organization as the judge of our success in homeschooling is a lofty place that I reserve for the Lord.  My "Check It Off" would be something more like ~I realize that my children and the success of their homeschool experience depends on how well we have cultivated a relationship with their Lord and Savior.  

Another "Check It Off!" is "I desire orderliness just as God does".  That just sits with me wrong, for me to say I desire anything as God does, I don't know, I just can't say that I do.  I also would like to see the clear Biblical references she is drawing this from.  Maybe I feel like statements like this put us some how equal with God and I know I am not even close.

Another example is a statement about how other's statements (in regards to schedules) "reveal a variety of heart issues", ouch.  Sometimes people don't agree on issues and sometimes there are heart issues (sin issues) involved, but sometimes not.

In summary, I think the book would have been better if it were more of an organizing encouragement and tip tool, than something that comes across as condemning in a situation where there is not a sin issue.  I would have enjoyed a book of here is what works for me and this is how this area of organization will bless your family.  Something more practical.

See what other reviewers are saying at the Crossway blog.

I was provided a free copy of this book for the purposes of review, the opinions expressed are my own.

Planting Season 2011

Woo hoo!  It has started.  Planting season.  So far I have broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, petunias, marigolds, lettuces, onions, and leeks in the greenhouse.  Yesterday we started radishes, peas, and lettuce in the garden. 

The strawberries are coming up and looking good in their bed and just today we spotted asparagus, I am really excited about that one.  This year we can harvest a while, our first real time.  The walking onions, walking garlic, iris, daffodils, and lilies are all up out of the ground.  The chives look wonderful, the parsley did come back, and the other herbs are looking good.  Some things got neglected last year and are still in the garden, onions, leeks, a couple carrots and they all look like they are just going to get bigger and we can harvest this year.  A celery plant is also coming back up.

We planted a nectarine tree this year, that will be great in a few years.  I am feeling the excitement building :)

Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse #6

Proverbs 15:1~

     A soft answer turns away wrath,  

But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Bible in 90 Days Week Eleven Check-In

Ok, I am really behind, I hate to even say how far.  I am pressing on and hope to have a reading day this week that will catch me up close to where I should be.  I have asked my husband to help with that and he suggested this week when we go out of town, might give me the chance :)  I am hopeful.

I am without excuse, but I have started another Beth Moore Bible study and I am really enjoying it.  It is the Patriarchs and we are just starting week two, I have learned much already and it is great to go back over sections in Genesis and elsewhere and have a fresh memory of reading those scriptures.

Bible in 90 Days Week Ten Check-In

I am behind, but still reading at least a little everyday.  I am enjoying this process so much, it is a challenge, but I will finish (hopefully on schedule ;) )

We just ended the Ruth Bible study by Kelly Minter and are getting ready to start another Bible study.  I am very thankful to the Lord for all these wonderful opportunities, I am so blessed.

Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse #5

Psalm 126:5-6
⁵ Those who sow in tears
         Shall reap in joy.
 ⁶ He who continually goes forth weeping,
         Bearing seed for sowing,
         Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
         Bringing his sheaves with him. ~NKJV