What Do You Want to Know that They Know???
Good Afternoon Dearies!
Can I tell you how bad I have missed you guys? LOTS! LOTS! LOTS!
I have been busy editing and finishing up the huge list of things to do with the UHSE. Oh! It was the best ever! If you missed it, don’t forget our conferences LIVE ON! You can buy a ticket any time for years to come and enjoy every session because we recorded them. We have all of the doorprizes and special gifts online so you can dig in at your convenience. Well, except for the ones that I have yet to add. This year we had SO MANY that it is unbelievable how much more is yet to come! So, grab that ticket while it is only $40. After everything is online and I can take a breath, we will be changing the price to $99.95.
Back to what I have been up to… We got two simply amazing puppies and I have been training them. They have made me realize that it is not as easy to TRAIN babies as you think. Our older puppy is almost 5. I must have LIED to myself in remembering how we trained her. Ha! Now, Ellie is fetching toys while Buster tackles and fetches her. But, we are making process in their knowledge that when *I* say their name they are to HEAR me and obey SOMETHING. Ha! We also celebrated our 22 wedding anniversary. Plus, we have had a couple of weekend getaways like for our anniversary, my son’s Airborne Graduation, and I also got to sneak away last weekend to go see my son at Ft. Bragg. This evening my daughter and I are planning to sneak away and catch a movie—we get the popcorn and chocolate ALL TO OURSELVES. Ha!
Before then, I wanted to send you a link to a special download that I have prepared just for you. It is not a printable download, it is a quick mom-to-mom audio. Ok…it is not so quick. (WINK) you can download and take me on a walk…clean out a closet…or just kick back with a big cup of tea. When you tune in, you will see why it is recorded instead of written. It is a fresh word that God put on my heart this week. I hope it will bless you. You can find it at this link:
http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com/blog
Or, you can download through this link (some people have a hard time accessing audio from email):
http://www.cindysdesktop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/HSEW-June5.mp3
One other quick note! Tomorrow we kick off an AMAZING online seminar with Jim and Sheila Carroll. You can join us live FOR F*R*E*E*! Yep! If you cannot make it live or you love our audios by download and want the whole set, you can grab a ticket at this link:
http://www.cindyrushton.com/CharlotteMason21stCentury.html
Once you sign up, we will send you an email with directions for joining us this weekend. We will have a blast! Lots of great seminars. Wonderful mom-to-mom chat. AND the best gifts ever! Don’t miss it!
Oh! If you want to be there for all of our seminars this summer, we have a Summer Seminar Season Pass. You can get it and join all of our seminars this summer. Here ist the link to that:
http://www.cindyrushton.com/CharlotteMason21stCentury.html
Well, hope you guys have a WONDERFUL night and weekend. Hope to see ya in Talk-a-Latte for a bit! :D
Love ya tons!
Cindy
Homeschooling? Make this year the best year yet!
http://www.UltimateHomeschoolExpo.com
How On Earth Do You Begin (or Get a NEW Start) Homeschooling??? And...Bootcamp Graduation!
Hey!
Quick note! (WINK)
Our weekly download is ready! All you have to do is go to this link:
http://tinyurl.com/5p85rq
This is a FUN issue. I think you will really enjoy it. Probably so much that you may want to pass this one on to your friends. PLEASE DO! J Just share the link with them and let them know that they are welcome to download this issue. I think it will help anyone who wants to get a good start on their upcoming school year…or maybe a fresh start for TODAY! Well, download and see what I mean.
BTW…some of you know that I am here at Fort Benning for Matthew’s OSUT (Bootcamp/AIT) Graduation. We had to take him back tonight, so I am snagging some computer time. I thought you guys might want to peek at some pictures from our very, very special day. Here are a few:
Cindy, Jill (Matthew’s bride-to-be), and Elisabeth waiting ANXIOUSLY to see Matthew for the first time!
Harold pinning on the blue infantry cord, signifying Matthew’s completion of infantry training—HOOYAH!
Packed up to leave for the afternoon!
Taking him back…well, for his last night with his platoon.
Fun and sweet, sweet day! 
Well, I am out of here! Have a great weekend!
Love ya!
Cindy
Homeschooling? Make this year the best year yet!
Grab your ticket today and dig into your bonus goodies TONIGHT!
http://www.UltimateHomeschoolExpo.com/tickets.html
Memories of Christmas Cards with Phyllis Sather
Memories of Christmas Cards
By Phyllis Sather
I still remember the disappointment I felt in December 1991 when Dan told me I would have to do a Christmas letter instead of sending individual Christmas cards. I was used to spending time choosing just the right card, then hand-writing a note in most of the 70 cards we sent out. I didn't really intend to write a note in each one, but as I addressed each envelope I would remember something special we had done with that person or that they had done for us, and I just couldn't help but jot them a little note. Believe me, I tried to shorten the list of handwritten notes, but each year I found myself compelled to write in "just one more card." We only send cards to people we don't see on a regular basis, since the ones we see often we can personally wish Merry Christmas, so this too pressed me to make the extra effort to write my beloved notes.
But Dan was right. With three children under 5, and Eric a preemie needing extra care, I just didn't have time to hand-write 70 cards. But a bunch of copied letters seemed so - so - impersonal.
It was with great doubts that I sat down to type that first Christmas letter. What could I possibly say that would be meaningful to our family and friends, and not seem like mass production?
It's taken some time, but now I find myself actually looking forward to writing our Christmas letter. I've even managed to find some advantages to writing a letter verses individual cards.
I've kept a copy of each of our Christmas letters. This has become sort of a "family history" since we include much of what has happened during the year. I just read through a few of them this year and spent some time reminiscing. This year I've decided to slip them into the sleeves of a photo album to put on the coffee table during the holidays so we can all enjoy the memories.
We've had our children sign the original, so we have a sample of their handwriting from each year.
We've also had fun finding ways to have each of our pets sign them. Our parakeet tracks are so cute! I'm not sure how the snake will sign it this year.
It's fun to see the different ways we've done them. Some are more elaborate, others quite simple.
We do it as a family - so we talk about the different people we send to. Even small children can affix address labels and stamps. Our children have gotten to "know" some of these family members and friends that we don't see very often, as we discuss them while we fold, stuff envelopes, and address our letters. We often stop to pray for families that are struggling.
We also brainstorm as a family for ideas to put into our letter. Once again it provides an opportunity to remember the fun we've had and the Lord's provision during the past year.
So, as I sat down to write this year's letter, I fondly remembered my cards, but... my heart is now in our Christmas letters. Although, I must confess, I still find myself jotting a little note here and there. I guess it's just too hard to break some habits.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
Proclaiming God's Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
Meet Phyllis Sather
Phyllis lives with her husband Dan and three children in rural MN. Emily (20), Rebekah (18), and Eric (16), have always been homeschooled and are now working on Home College. She is passionate about family life, parenting, home education, and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She has just completed her latest e-book, Purposeful Planning. Learn about the life changing way her family sought the Lord's plan for them at: http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com. You may contact her at Phyllis@Phyllis-Sather.com
A Life-Changing Ministry Opportunity by Crystal Paine
A Life-Changing Ministry Opportunity
by Crystal Paine
The dishes are piled up in the sink. The laundry is
overflowing the hamper. The one-year-old needs his diaper changed. The
four-year-old needs a bandage. Someone is hollering “Mooommmmyyyy,” from the
other room. It’s almost dinner time, but Mom hasn’t even thought about what to
fix….
Every day there are thousands of women who have embraced their God-given
calling as mothers and yet are overwhelmed with the seemingly endless tasks
their job requires. Before I was married, I never completely understood the
multitude of trivial things a mother’s life can consist of until a mother of
nine asked me to help their family for a day. Not only did that day transform
my perspective on motherhood; it also marked the beginning of a life-changing
ministry the Lord allowed me to be involved in for the last 11 years. The
ministry? Being a mother’s helper.
If you are a young woman interested in having such a ministry, below I have
answered many of the questions I most commonly receive. I pray that this might
encourage some of you to consider being involved in this vitally important, yet
often-overlooked ministry.
What Is A Mother’s Helper?
When I tell people I work as a mother’s helper, I often receive a lot of blank
looks. It is not a well-known job, though there is a huge need for it. For me,
being a mother’s helper has meant wearing almost as many hats as a mother
typically wears herself. In most situations, I have basically gone into a home
and made myself available to do whatever I am asked to do: cooking, cleaning,
ironing, mending, teaching school, holding babies, and lots and lots of
laundry! Some mothers have certain jobs they want me to do each week; other
moms just want me to assist them as the day goes along.
Where Do You Start?
The ministry of being a mother’s helper should begin in your own home, with
your own mother. It would be ridiculous for you to consider helping another
family if your own family is falling apart at the seams! Before God is going to
bless your service outside of the home, you must be faithful in your own home.
I never sought to be a mother’s helper, but as I was faithful (by God’s grace)
to serve my own family, the Lord began opening up doors for me to serve outside
of my home.
It is vitally important that you only begin this ministry with your authority’s
full blessing and support. My parents felt that in sending me out to minister
to other families, I was an extension of their ministry. They could not drop
everything and go help a family in need, but they could send me as their
representative.
What Skills Are Required?
Before you are ready to help another family, it is important you first know all
the basic homemaking skills: how to cook, clean, iron, do laundry and dishes,
and take care of young children. You also need to have proven yourself in your
own home as a faithful servant. This job is not a glamorous job. There are
definitely fun moments (like when a mother asks me to bake cookies with her
children), but most of the time it is hard work, requiring much diligence. You
must be willing to clean toilets and sort dirty laundry, and do it with a
smile! Most importantly, you should have a heart of love for the family. Your
desire should be to be source of strength and encouragement to a weary mom.
Sometimes they just need you to sit and visit with them. Seek to build them up
and encourage them through your words and countenance.
Whom Should You Help?
If you feel God calling you to this ministry, ask Him who He desires for you to
help. There are many ways God will bring needy families across your path. The
first families I began helping came and asked me to help. As time went on, as
needs arose in other families, sometimes I would be volunteered by my parents,
sometimes I would sense a need and volunteer myself, and again, I might just be
asked.
When my husband and I married and moved to a new town where we knew no one, I
sent out a message on the local homeschool group e-mail loop telling of my past
experience as a mother’s helper and asking if anyone were interested in such
help. I was overwhelmed with response! From that time on, I have had no lack of
jobs!
Before I will start helping a family I do not personally know, I have a long
discussion with the mother on the phone. I also like to go and visit the
family. It is important that you know what sort of situation you are going into
before you make any long-term commitment.
How Often Should You Help?
As it is in life, saying “yes” to one thing means saying “no” to another.
Before making any kind of commitment to serve a family, take inventory of your
schedule. Ask yourself and your authorities how much time you can reasonably
commit to and still fulfill the other responsibilities and obligations the Lord
has called you to. If you seem to have no time available, seek the Lord’s
direction in whether you should cut something else from your schedule in order
to do this. Discuss with the family their needs and desires. Some families
would like regular help (1-3 days a week) for an extended period of time, while
for others a few hours every other week or just a few days a year is all they
want.
Should You Accept Pay?
In the course of being a mother’s helper to many families, I have come up
against the question of whether or not to accept payment. I think this is
something you need to seek the Lord and your authorities for direction on.
Please do not go into this ministry seeing it as a way to make a lot of money.
Keep ever before you your desire to serve, give, and minister.
I have done different things in different circumstances. When I help families I
know well (families in our church, etc.), I rarely accept payment unless it is
a very small amount. When I volunteer myself, I never accept payment.
After we married and moved to a new town and I began helping families who
learned of me through the e-mail I had sent out, my husband decided I should
begin charging a small amount. We decided to ask the families to pay minimum
wage or whatever was conducive to their budget. This worked well, as it allowed
people to pay what they could afford without me being a financial burden to
them.
Why Should You Become a Mother’s Helper?
After reading everything I wrote above, you may be wondering why on earth would
someone ever get involved in such a ministry? Yes, it does require a lot of
diligence. Yes, there is a lot of hard work. But the blessings you will receive
will far outweigh the effort! The greatest blessings I have received through
this ministry have been the wonderful relationships I have cultivated with
families by serving in their home. It is thoroughly rewarding to arrive at a
home and have four or five youngsters come bounding out the door yelling, “Crystal’s here! Crystal’s here!”
I love being able to afford mothers the opportunity to spend quality time with
their children. I love seeing the smile and look of relief on the mother’s
face. I love knowing that I am helping to strengthen Christian families and
marriages.
Most importantly, I have learned so much by being able to serve in these homes.
Being able to observe how these mothers train and raise many small children has
given me invaluable insight and inspiration. You cannot learn these things from
a book, nor can they be taught in a class. Through these families, I have
gained a whole new appreciation for the high calling God has given mothers to
lay down their lives to train the next generation for the glory of God. Being a
mother’s helper has allowed me the incredible privilege of taking part in that
work!
Crystal Paine, a homeschool graduate, has been married
to her beloved husband, Jesse, since 2003. They are blessed to be the parents
of precious Kathrynne Elizabeth. Crystal delights in her
God-given role as a wife, mother, and homemaker. She and her husband own and
operate Biblical Womanhood (www.BiblicalWomanhood.com)
out of their home. Crystal is the author of The
Merchant Maiden, A Maiden in
Waiting, Homegrown Business, How to Start Your Own Business, and Simply Centsible Suppers. Her newest book, Handmaidens of the Lord, will be released
the end of June.
Get to know Crystal better by tuning into our NEW Mom-to-Mom Radio Show broadcast! Tune in here:
http://momtomomradioshow.com/blog/?p=36
MY 10 BIGGEST MISTAKES by Lorraine Curry
MY 10 BIGGEST MISTAKES
By Lorraine Curry
Mistake #1
BEING TOO EASY ON OUR BOYS
Dr.
Raymond and Dorothy Moore suggest that boys are not ready for formal
learning until they are between 8-12 or 14. I misinterpreted this and
required very, very little from my boys when they were younger. It was
a mistake! My girls were read to and "taught" more consistently from a
younger age, and consequently have a higher degree of literacy and
mental ability, although they are not that much older than the boys.
(No, I do not believe it is merely a difference of the sexes!)
Boys
as well as girls will thrive with much early reading aloud, silent
reading and "writing" in the form of narrating, or telling stories that
Mom captures on tape or writes down. My girls did not even need a
spelling class! See more in my book, EasyHomeschooling Techniques.
Mistake #2
NOT KEEPING A CONSISTENT TIME SCHEDULE
Although
schooling does not have to be difficult, we fail our children greatly
if we do not teach that there are time demands in life and teach them
habits and consistency.
Mistake #3
STARTING A BUSINESS BEFORE HAVING A CONSISTENT SCHEDULE
Too
many times my business took priority. Schooling would have received its
proper time slot, had a firm schedule been in place. I have a whole
chapter on business in my book. More than "go for it," I recommend
waiting!
Mistake #4
ALLOWING "PLAY" AND UNRELATED "TALK" DURING SCHOOL TIME
These activities waste much time. Sure, social time is good, but have it before (or after) you start your school time.
Mistake #5
NOT TEACHING MANNERS DILIGENTLY ENOUGH
Teach
the strictest basic manners when your children are young! You can
always ease up later. There are only a few that should be diligently
trained. I love the Southern tradition of teaching children to say
"Yes, Sir, Ma'am." Table manners include chewing with mouth closed, not
speaking while eating and waiting to eat until after prayer. Other
manners are not interrupting someone who is speaking, and holding doors
for the female members of the family. Some manners, such as standing
when a woman comes in a room and tipping one's hat as a greeting, seem
to be obsolete, but the basics will never be obsolete!
Mistake #6
NOT PRAYING ENOUGH
That
explains itself! Let's not take God for granted or limit Him! He is
mighty and can do marvelous things in our homeschools to help overcome
the struggles and discouragement we all seem to experience.
Mistake #7
FAILING TO REQUIRE BOOKS READ; A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF PAGES PER WEEK.
We
are doing this now and it is making a difference in our children's
ability to express themselves, well as in their knowledge store.
Mistake #8
NOT ENCOURAGING (ENABLING) EXTRA-CURRICULAR SUCH AS MUSIC OR VOICE LESSONS, AS INTEREST AND APTITUDE ARE SHOWN.
We
live "so far" from lessons and I "hate" to leave my home, so I did not
make the sacrifices necessary for this. We have four fabulous voices
and one or two that are even potentially opera "material." I'm glad
it's "never too late"!
Mistake #9
ALLOWING INCOMPLETE OR CARELESS WORK
It
is such a temptation to do this! When the child thinks they are done
with school for the day, and the mom is already doing something else,
it is very difficult to make the child recopy or correct errors! But it
is very important. This too is training. Good or bad, the choice is
ours.
Mistake #10
ALLOWING DAILY USE OF SUGAR OR SUGAR PRODUCTS
There
is such a difference in concentration when sugar is used! What is
called ADD is probably no more than this! Minds really don't work as
well when diets are not their best.
~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lorraine
Curry is the author of 5 Star Easy Homeschooling books. See and link to
more articles, FREE copywork, subscriptions, ebooks and more at
http://www.easyhomeschooling.com
Lorraine was also a guest on our Mom-to-Mom Radio Show this week. Don't miss the interview! Listen in here:
http://momtomomradioshow.com/blog/?p=34
At Home with Lorraine Curry: Easy Homeschooling!
Ready
for a new show? Join Cindy Rushton as she interviews homeschool author,
Lorraine Curry. Lorraine has just finished homeschooling her last
child. Not only will you get to hear two moms talk about what they
learned on their homeschool journey, but you will also get to hear
about things that they wish they had known, things that may have been
very difficult at the time yet that they do not regret now, and ideas
for making your homeschooling years much easier. If that is not enough,
Cindy also asks Lorraine for a peek into what she has on the horizon.
You will really enjoy this Mom-to-Mom Radio Show!
Listen Now by Mp3…
Download Here
Listen Online Using Our Convenient Player…
(For those with slow dial-up services–YES! YOU can listen too!)
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CindyRushton/151267/
Show Notes (aka–sites mentioned on the show!)–
Lorraine’s Website…
See
links there to her freebies (ebook, articles, tip-sheets), her NEW
blog, her free ezine, and MORE! And…tell her you heard her on
Mom-to-Mom Radio Show!
http://www.EasyHomeschooling.com
Mom-to-Mom Radio Show…
Our NEWEST website! Full of wonderful audios that you are SURE to love! Check it out today!
http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
Cindy’s Website…
http://www.CindyRushton.com
Getting Ready for a New School Year? Here's Help!
Welcome!
 Ready
for a little treat? We are so glad that you took a few minutes in your
busy day to visit us here at our home on the web! The following links
will direct you to a bunch of goodies we have prepared JUST FOR YOU!
Ready? Let me share with you some of your surprises! Grab a cup of tea!
A BIG CUP! I think you will be here for a bit!
A Few Articles...
Ministering to YOUR Heart!
Time Out—To Fill YOUR Cup! By Cindy Rushton
A Woman of Prayer by Elveta Verhoeve
Daily Manna by Cindy Rushton
Taste and See! by Heidi Kaether
Restoring Balance To Completely Overloaded Lives! by Cindy Rushton
What a Way To Battle! Worship! by Cindy Rushton
50+ Secrets for Surviving Your Struggles! by Cindy Rushton
Making Time to Rest, Re-Fill, and Renew! by Cindy Rushton
67 Ways To Reduce Stress (not an exhaustive list!) By Christie Berry
Would the PERFECT Mother Please Step Forward??? by Cindy Rushton
See MORE articles HERE!
Let's Make Homeschooling Great!!
Gearing Up for Another Big Homeschool Year!OR! What I Am Going to Do On Summer Vacation…by Cindy Rushton
Setting Up Your Home to Learn! By Cindy Rushton
Schedule PLEEEEEEASSEEE! Help!! I Don’t Know Where to Begin??? By Cindy Rushton
Introducing Charlotte Mason! Ideas That Are SURE to Change Your Life AND Breathe Life into Your Homeschool! by Cindy Rushton
A School Day in a Charlotte Mason Homeschool... by Cindy Rushton
Let’s Make A Memory… Over a Great Book! By Cindy Rushton
Our TOP TEN (OR MORE!) Favorite Books EVER!!
Ideas for Helping the Struggling Writer By Cindy Rushton
Language Arts...…The Easy Way by Cindy Rushton
Let’s Try Notebooking! by Cindy Rushton
Our Quick Notebooking Shopping List… by Cindy Rushton
Transcripts from the Notebooking/Lapbooking Chat with Cindy Rushton! ENJOY!
How About A Poetry Break??? By Cindy Rushton
Nature Study and Family Day! by Cindy Rushton
Make Your Own Nature Notebook! by Cindy Rushton
Tips for Making History Come Alive! by Cindy Rushton
H...H is for History by Catherine Jaime
Presidents and Elections LINKS On The Web! Compiled by Cindy Rushton
A Timeline Notebook...Easy as A, B, C! By Cindy Rushton
High School…Wrapping It All Up!
DIFFERENT Graduation Ideas for Making Homeschool Graduation FUN! By Cindy Rushton
Toward Your Own Lifestyle of Learning! By Cindy Rushton
See MORE articles HERE!
Managing the Busy Home(School!)!
Tips To Help Make Managing the Kitchen EASY (Well, Easier!)! By Cindy Rushton
Develop Your Own Plan for Easy Meals! By Cindy Rushton
EASY Homemaking Ideas For The Busy Homeschool Mom! By Cindy Rushton
Ready to MAKE YOUR OWN Home and Family Organizer??? By Cindy Rushton
Cooking??? Websites You’re GONNA LOVE! By Cindy Rushton
Time for Nacho Night!!!! By Cindy Rushton
Easy and ALWAYS Perfect Crock-Pot Roast...by Cindy Rushton
Schedule PLEEEEEEASSEEE! Help!! I Don’t Know Where to Begin??? By Cindy Rushton
What about TEA...Let's Make a Memory! By Cindy Rushton
Chores: You are NOT Doing Them All By Yourself, Are You? By Lori Seaborg
See MORE articles HERE!
Let's Get Organized!
Setting Up Your Home to Learn! By Cindy Rushton
Schedule PLEEEEEEASSEEE! Help!! I Don’t Know Where to Begin??? By Cindy Rushton
Make Your Own Brain-in-a-Binder by Cindy Rushton
Quick Tips for Busy People Who Want To Get Things (Well...the BEST Things!) Done... by Cindy Rushton
The Importance of Routine... By Cindy Rushton
Chores: You are NOT Doing Them All By Yourself, Are You? By Lori Seaborg
Quick Tips For the Perpetually Late, Disorganized, Stressed Out Mom! by Cindy Rushton
Destressing the Stressed Out Mom… by Cindy Rushton
See MORE articles HERE!
Kids (AND Families!) In Business!
The Story Behind Matthew's Cutting Edge by Matthew Rushton
Quick Tips on How To Begin Your Own Business (And...Call It School!)
Tips from Great Men and Women in Business by Matthew Rushton
Writing IS a Business! Make It Great! by Matthew and Cindy Rushton
10 Tips Sure to Make Your Business Great! By Matthew Rushton
See MORE articles HERE!
A FREE E-Book...
OH!
Don't forget YOUR BONUS! As I was brainstorming for the PERFECT E-Book
to give you as my special gift, this title just JUMPED out! It is my
special Convention Issue of Homeschooling the Easy Way Magazine. It was
compiled with the purpose of making it easy to prepare for a SUPER
homeschool year. As we give this to you, I pray that it does JUST THAT!
Ready? Just download each section. You will need Adobe Reader
in order to view and print these pages. If you don't have a copy of
this FREE software, you can download it from their website at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
Homeschooling The Easy Way MEGA Issue
Section One
Section Two
Section Three
Section Four
Section Five
A Few Online Workshops...
 Don't
you LOVE technology? You may have missed some of our online workshops,
but you can STILL join us! How? Just CLICK and LISTEN while you are
here Online! Enjoy these! And...see more at our www.MomtoMomRadioshow.com
10 Fun and Easy Ideas for Making Homeschooling Great!
with Cindy Rushton
Download by Mp3
Let's Try Notebooking
with Cindy Rushton
Part One:
Download by Mp3
Part Two:
Download by Mp3
Purity The Only Way by Matthew Rushton
We hope you enjoy your goodies!
Be sure to tell your friends about this special goodie tucked away on the web!!
Even MORE Online
JUST FOR YOU!
Check out My NEW Blog! 
Lots of articles, tips, and journaling entries straight from my heart! Check in regularly!
Check out Matthew's NEW Blog!
Lots of articles, tips, and journaling entries sure to be your picks! Check in regularly!
Our Romance Toolbox!
We
have a treat for YOU! Check out our NEW Romance Toolbox! Full of
articles with encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas for
making your marriage sizzle! You are going to love it! PLUS! Tell a
friend about it!
Our Mom-2-Mom Discussion Board 
OurMom-2-Mom Discussion Boardis our newest addition to our ministry across the miles. Our discussion board is located on our website at http://www.cindyrushton.com, just click the link entitled DISCUSSION and you will go directly into our message board. If you want a direct URL, type in: http://www.mom2momdiscussion.com.
Although you do not have to join to peruse the postings, we would love
for you to join so we can stay in touch with you. Memberships on
Mom-2-Mom are completely private and secure. The postings include
everything from our weekly articles and specials to mom-to-mom posts to
prayer requests and praises to articles from our magazines. Check it
out—but, don’t forget a big cup of tea!
Click HERE to sign up for our FREE E-zines!
Click HERE to read our newest articles!
Click HERE to go to Cindy Rushton's Website: http://www.CindyRushton.com!
How to Avoid "Over-buying" Curricula by Terri Johnson
How to Avoid "Over-buying" Curricula
Have you ever been so wooed by a product description that you have
purchased it right on the spot? Or so convinced by friends or
cyber-buddies that your children's education will not be complete
unless you use a certain curriculum? Perhaps you have felt so
intimidated about teaching a certain subject that you have purchased
everything available on the topic to be sure that you cover it
adequately and not leave holes in your children's education.
Whatever the reason, many well-meaning homeschooling parents over-buy
when it comes to curriculum. This is certainly not an unforgivable
sin – in fact, I am the first one to say that we should not skimp when
it comes to providing the atmosphere and resources for our kids'
learning. But let us discuss some ways we can control the financial
outflow during this season of buying.
Here are five ways that you can avoid over-buying and successfully
plan for a bountiful year of learning:
1. MAKE YOUR PLAN – Take some time to map out your upcoming school
year. What subjects would you like to cover? How does each of your
children learn best? How much time will you have to devote to
schooling each day? What subjects will your children need you by
their side and which ones can they study independently? These are big
questions. Take one child at a time and map out some goals. Take
into consideration his/her age and preferred learning style. Take
stock of his progress in each subject area. Will you need to
emphasize a particular subject more now because of overlooking it in
past years? Are there subjects that he is truly motivated in and can
pursue more independently, thereby freeing up your time as teacher?
Make for yourself a rough plan and schedule for your family and then
move onto step #2.
2. TAKE INVENTORY – Scan your bookshelves and dig through those
cabinets to find your educational resources. Pull out those unused
math books, grammar and spelling workbooks, literature guides, etc.
Make three stacks – 1. Will Never Use, 2. Might Use Someday, and 3.
Will Use This Year. Take a look at stack number 2 again and ask
yourself, "When will I use this?", "Who would I use this with?", and
"What am I waiting for?" If you truly feel like you have a good sense
that you will actually use the resource sometime in the near future
(year or two) then put it away until next year. If you just cannot
nail yourself down on when you would use it or what the circumstances
would be for you to use it, put this book or curriculum with stack
number 1.
3. CLEAR IT OUT – Take your books and curricula in stack number 1
and get rid of them. The best thing you can do with used educational
resources is put them up for sale. Someone out there is looking for
what you already have and are not using. There are many online places
that you can sell your school books – eBay, VegSource, Well-Trained
Mind Sale and Swap board, and many, many more. Place a reasonable
price to it, then add another couple bucks to the price and sell it
"postage paid". This means that you as the seller will take care of
the shipping costs (this just seems simpler to me and the buyer feels
like she is getting a good deal). Media mail is the cheapest way to
send books and other media products – CDs, video's, curriculum in
binders, etc.
4. BUY THE BASICS FIRST – Now take stock again of what you have and
what you now need. Buy your basic subjects first – math, grammar,
spelling, history, science. You may even find some of what you are
looking for on those used swap boards while you are listing your items
to sell. If you have time, wait until these arrive before purchasing
anything more at this point.
5. FILL IN THE GAPS - Once you receive your basic materials, read
through them. Take notes of what else you are going to need to fill
out the program. Does the math program that you chose require that
you purchase manipulatives? Does the grammar book contain writing
exercises and does it meet your requirements for a good writing
program, or will you need something more? Does the history curriculum
contain geography lessons? Will you need notebooks, composition books
or planners for each child? Finally, decide how much time and energy
you will have to devote to the extras, such as hands-on projects,
foreign language study, logic, music, art and look for materials that
will fit the bill.
Follow these five steps and you will bring spending under control.
Educating our children is not cheap these days and does require some
financial outlay, but we do not have to buy everything out there to
ensure that our children receive the best education possible. Your
commitment to raising your children well, training them to be
contributors to the family, and spending time with them – over the
books or playing in the backyard – is what will bring about
educational success. There is no perfect curriculum just waiting to
be discovered – it is you that will make the difference in your
children's lives.
Blessings to you on your educational journey,
Terri Johnson
Knowledge Quest, Inc.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
GET TO KNOW TERRI BETTER!
Tune into our Mom-to-Mom Radio Show!
Yep! I interviewed Terri last week. The interview is INCREDIBLE! Not
only do you get to know the story behind Knowledge Quest Maps, but you
can also hear how she balances it all! The question of the year!
Also, you can listen in while I ask her TONS of questions about how to
jumpstart a successful business. PRICELESS INFO! OH!
And...she tells us about her NEWEST book on that theme!
Ready to tune in?
Click this link to download by MP3….
Or! Click This Link To Play The Audio Message Using Our Convenient
Pop-Up Player...
See our Show Notes from this call here:
http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
ALSO! Remember that you can subscribe to our Podcast by RSS. Here is
our RSS link:
http://www.cindysdesktop.com/?feed=rss2
A FREE E-STUDY GUIDE!
A FREE E-STUDY GUIDE!
Imagine my surprise when I got an
email from subscriber (and mommy pal!!) Anna Burley that included an
AMAZING study guide that she had lovingly prepared for her teenager
based on my book, High School! YES! It Can Be Easy Too.
I was blessed by getting to see what a fellow mom had done with my
ideas, but even more blessed as I read through them myself!
AND...that is not all! Anna has lovingly offered to share this awesome little guide with all of you! FREE!
Yep! This is a super guide for those
of you who are thinking about homeschooling through High School (or
beyond!). I love that Anna assigned this to her teen as part of her
education--SUPER IDEA! I really believe that this would be a super
assignment for all teens. This would help them to think through all of
the options before them and seek GOD'S way for them and their lives. In
fact...Anna assigned my book for her teen, but I am assigning HER guide
to MY TEEN! 
Want to check it out? I have uploaded
it on my website and you can open it with Adobe Reader. Click this link
to open and print your copy:
http://www.cindyrushton.com/pdfs/RushtonHSStudyGuide.pdf
Want the book?
It is on sale this week with our SPRING SALE. The E-Book version is only $5.00!!
Just send payment through Paypal to
our Paypal ID time4tea@Hiwaay.net with the HSEW HIGH SCHOOL EBOOK
SPECIAL in the message. We will ALSO send you my audio workshop MP3
download for FREE! Freebie is only good with this special only!
PS!
Anna, I appreciate your generosity in sharing your study guide! You are simply priceless!
DO YOU have any special goodies that
you have created based on our materials and would like to share with
our readers? Don't keep it a secret! We would LOVE to see it and share
it! If we use it in our ezines, we will give you your choice of a free
E-book or E-workshop! Share, share, share!
Teaching Teens?
Teaching Teens?
SCARED of teaching teens? Wondering
if YOU are going to be able to teach your teens through graduation?
Need help with planning? Record-keeping? Getting into college? We have
an incredible workshop JUST FOR YOU!
During our Mom-to-Mom meeting in
April, Catherine Jaime (mom of 12--almost 7 graduated) shared with us a
wonderful workshop on teaching teens. This is the best info I have EVER
heard! Soooo, you have got to listen in to this awesome workshop...even
if your children are toddlers! 
HOW TO USE...
You can access the teaching in the following ways...
==> Click the link and wait for the teaching to load into your computer's media player.
==> RIGHT CLICK the link and choose SAVE AS, then save into your
computer. Then, you can either play or save it into a MP3 player or
onto a CD.
==> Go to the blog link below to listen online using our
streaming player--it is great for ay computer dial up. You only need
Flash to use it.
Teaching Teens
With Catherine Jaime
Listen online:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CindyRushton/120741/
Don't forget!
Want to get to know Catherine better? See her website!
http://www.creativelearningconnection.com
Tell her you heard about her HERE!
How to Build and Shoot a Marshmallow Gun by Hunter Beck
How to Build and Shoot a
Marshmallow Gun
by Hunter Beck
During
our podcast interview this week, Steve shared about the success of his
son's business. His son, Hunter, builds and sells the most precious
"marshmallow guns." If you have attended a homeschool conference that
the Beck's were attending, you probably saw a bunch of happy, happy
young Beck customers. Well, not just the young guys--my hubby was one
of Hunter's repeat offenders (I mean customers! ha!) You will LOVE this
cute article by Hunter. See if it doesn't fire up your little
entrepreneurs! Enjoy!
Marshmallow blow guns are safe and fun for boys and girls of all ages.
Even dads will enjoy this toy. A marshmallow gun or shooter is a
terrific Christmas or birthday gift!
The first marshmallow blow gun I ever received was at a birthday party.
We played “Capture the Flag” with marshmallow guns. After the party, we
all received a marshmallow gun for a party favor.
If you want to know how to build and shoot a marshmallow gun, the plans
are below. Learning how to build and shoot a Marshmallow Gun without
plans can be tricky, so we are giving the Marshmallow Gun-Shooter Plans
to you for free!
Building the Marshmallow Gun
1. Buy 1/2 inch PVC pipe, 2 PVC elbows, 2 PVC T’s, 2 PVC end caps, spray paint, marshmallows (ammo)
2. Cut your PVC pipe however long you want the barrel.
3. Cut four pieces of PVC pipe 1/3 of the barrel, two for the handles
and two for connecting pieces of PVC pipe together. Cut one piece 1/3
of your handles. Cut one more piece of PVC pipe 1/2 of your barrel.
4. Get two T’s, two elbows, and two caps. Place the smallest piece of
PVC pipe in between the two T’s. Now put two of the PVC pipe (1/3 size
of the barrel) on top and bottom of the T’s. Place a cap on the bottom
PVC pipe and an elbow on the top PVC pipe. Put the barrel in the t
that’s PVC pipe has a cap on the end of it.
5. Now, place the PVC pipe that is 1/2 of the barrel on your elbow. Put
a PVC pipe (1/3 size of the barrel) in the other t. Place an elbow on
the end of your PVC pipe that is 1/3 size of your barrel.
6. Place the last PVC pipe (that is 1/3 the size of the barrel) on the
T. Place the last cap on the PVC pipe that is a 1/3 size of the barrel.
7. Now that the pieces are all put together start spray painting the
marshmellow gun. The marshmallow gun can have designs. If you want
designs, cut shapes out on a piece of paper, and spray paint through
the paper on to the marshmallow gun.
8. Let dry overnight.
As a side note, you will have leftover materials since PVC only comes
in ten foot lengths. Cutting the PVC may be a hassle, as well as
painting the gun which takes awhile. Some people choose to buy these
guns completely made since you can find them online at inexpensive
prices.
Shooting the Marshallow Gun
First, put a marshmallow in the beginning of the nozzle, the top piece.
Do not put it in the barrel. Then blow one big breath of air, not a
long weak breath. The bigger and harder the breath, the farther the
marshmallow will go. To have even more fun, meet your friends at the
park and have a really big marshmallow gun war.
Since you know how to build and shoot a marshmallow gun or shooter, run
out to the store and buy your supplies. Before you know it, you will be
shooting marshmallows with your own gun.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hunter Beck produces and sells his own line of unique toys by Ranger
Press Toys. To see pictures and designs of completed Marshmallow Guns,
go to Marshmallow Shooter Plans:
http://www.curriculumconnection.net/marshmallowgun.htm
The Importance of Teaching Practical Skills to Our Children by Steve Beck
The Importance of Teaching Practical Skills to Our Children
By Steve Beck
I had lunch with a friend and he
lamented the fact that his soon-to-be teenage boy was growing restless
for a serious activity to do. Gone were the days when his son could be
sent outside to “play” in order to work off excess energy. His son
craved tasks that had real value and was beginning to discern the
difference between real and invented work. He was fast approaching the
stage where he wanted to be “useful” in a significant way. God has
placed this desire in all boys for they are, as one writer has put it,
future men. If God has given young men a desire to be involved in
substantial work, I believe that parents are to channel that desire to
a godly end.
Many in the homeschool community are
waking up to the fact that we are sending our sons into the world with
very few “hands-on” skills. Unless our dad was a carpenter, plumber or
auto mechanic (and he took the time to teach us that skill), there is a
good chance that we have no knowledge of even the basic skills that
people a generation ago took for granted. Far from encouraging the
passing down of “hands-on” skills and the value of hard work, our
society has lampooned “hands-on” skills as something unnecessary and
even demeaning in today’s highly technical world. After all, it has
only been in the last fifty years that a man who can work with his
hands has been considered inferior socially.
The Word of God, however, takes a
very different view of practical skills. In Acts 20: 32-35, Paul
reminded the Ephesians that he had used his own hands to provide for
his necessities and those with him. He also added that by laboring with
his hands, he had shown them an example of how to provide for
themselves and those in need around them. Paul, of course, was a mental
giant in his time. If anyone could have made a living on sheer brain
power alone, it would have been him. Refuting the best theologians and
philosophers of his day, he still used his own hands to provide for his
necessities. Why? According to 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, the reason was
for an example to the flock and to not burden the fledgling churches of
the day.
But surely working with his hands
took Paul away from the more important duties of teaching,
administering and writing most of the New Testament! The Corinthians
took a very dim view of those who worked with their hands, especially
if they were a teacher of the Word. They mocked Paul and similar to
today, found an odd satisfaction in being lorded over by their
religious teachers who not would lift a finger if it meant getting
their hands dirty. Paul attacks this attitude with biting satire and
proudly claims that he indeed works with his own hands and counts it an
honor to be mocked by the world!
You are already full! You are
already rich! You have reigned as kings without us -- and indeed I
could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! For I
think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned
to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to
angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in
Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we
are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we
are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working
with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we
endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of
the world, the offscouring of all things until now. (1 Corinthians
4:8-13)
Now I am not saying that we should
all move to the country and require our sons to only work with their
hands. I am saying that, whether your son chooses work with his hands
for a living or not, practical life skills are essential for a
well-balanced Christian life. Let me list a few reasons why:
1. Practical skills give us freedom from man.
Notice in 1 Corinthians, Paul did not
have to rely on the haughty Corinthians for his livelihood. He had his
own source of bread and the Corinthians had no power over him. He was
free from their corrupting influence. He could minister to a group of
people without being beholden to them financially. How many pastors are
afraid to say things that need to be said because some influential
person in the church might pull the financial plug on them? Or how many
Christian public school teachers are afraid to call evolution a lie
because they might lose their livelihood? Knowing some practical skills
can give us freedom from undue influence by other men.
2. Practical skills provide an example for those we disciple.
One of the key reasons Paul worked
with his hands was to provide an example to those to whom he was
ministering. If the one who discipled is willing to do manual labor to
get the gospel out, how much more the one being discipled? And
hopefully our children are our number one disciples. They need to see
the value of practical skills and the character that these skills
produce. I have been amazed at some of the softness and downright
laziness of the boys that enter my Life Skills Camps. But then what
should you expect from boys who are not required to do any physical
labor around the house and whose chief entertainment are video games
and television? And those boys who shun the television only to spend
all of their time in books are no better! Reading is a great and
wonderful exercise, but it must not exclude the learning of practical
skills. In addition to intellectual skills, practical skills are
necessary for the godly character they produce in our sons.
3. Practical skills bring us down to earth.
Far from enticing boys not to go to
college, I have found that spending an entire summer framing houses
encourages young men to pursue college with a vigor. And a summer
roofing houses in the hot Texas sun will cause your son to enter post
graduate studies! He may not want to rely on that skill for a living,
unless he parlay it into a business where he does not have to be the
one on the roof! I believe that every person in the ministry should
have to work in the business world for a period of time. They would
have a greater appreciation for the pressures and temptations that
their parishioners face in the modern work environment. They would also
be less apt to ask us to do things (or programs) that make your family
compete for your time and energy. If more pastors came from the real
world of work or had to earn a part-time living while ministering, they
would have more respect from those inside and outside of the church.
Practical skills and hard work help to harness the intellect and bring
it under submission to God. They also teach us to evaluate priorities
and situations wisely.
4. Practical skills were modeled by Paul and Christ.
We have already seen Paul’s example,
but why do you think God chose to be a carpenter? Surely, studying to
be a teacher or rabbi would have been more conducive to His future
ministry! Or perhaps an attorney. After all, He would spend a lot of
time making arguments and counter-arguments with the Pharisees and
Sadducees. No, He chose a skill that would exemplify strength,
endurance, patience and worth. He was giving an example to follow.
5. Practical skills produce godly character.
Again, I can not say this enough. I
am not advocating that pursuing a trade or working with your hands is
the only “righteous” calling or vocation a man can enter. Yet, I am
saying that learning practical skills will help your son in whatever
calling he pursues. These skills will generate godly character in him.
James says that trials produce endurance and endurance results in the
complete man of God, lacking in nothing. Boys who do not know how to
work hard, or grind through unpleasant experiences, will not have the
emotional stamina to do the right thing when it becomes very painful to
do so.
6. Practical skills give us something to fall back on in hard economic times.
It is amazing how many of the
patriarchs lived through severe economic downturns in the form of
droughts. We are not immune from economic downturns in America today. I
have had a variety of jobs and one was a sales position for a
head-hunting (career placement) company. I would speak to many highly
skilled, technical people every day who were looking for a job and had
no other skills on which to fall back. One guy told me that he would
not have any trouble finding a job because he had twenty years
experience running a call center. I replied, “Maybe, but you are the
fifth call center executive I have talked with today!” Do not despise
the day of small things. Teach your sons some practical skills now, for
there are seasons when God gives hard economic times to test our faith
and teach us humility. Or perhaps to save a nation as Joseph did!
7. Last, but not least, God can use our practical skills to
minister to others around the world.
Carpentry has taken me on mission
trips to Haiti, Nicaragua and Mexico. My skill with a saw gave me the
opportunity to share the good news in a foreign country. Paul told the
Thessalonians to remember his labor and toil, “that we might not be a
burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.” (1
Thessalonians 2:9) He used his skill as a tent maker to earn the right
from his audience to preach the gospel.
So, even if our sons are not going
to pursue a trade-type career, knowledge of these skills will make them
more self-sufficient and less vulnerable in economic downturns. Having
knowledge of basic “hands-on” skills will give them confidence in their
ability to provide for a family and help others in need, even if they
do not use those skills to make a living. Plus, most of these skills
are just plain fun and can be used on mission trips, helping our
neighbors and as a tool to share the gospel. I will conclude with one
of my favorite verses.
Here is what I have seen: It is
good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all
his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life
which God gives him; for it is his heritage. As for every man to whom
God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to
receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor-- this is the gift of
God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God
keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20)
How do we keep from unduly dwelling
on the days of our lives? How do we protect our sons from the stress,
depression and self-pity of the modern work environment? We are to
teach them (and ourselves!) to enjoy the good of all their labor. Teach
them to value good, honest hard work. Teach them to view work not as
the daily grind, but as a heritage - what they will be known by. Above
all, we must teach them that we serve a gracious and good God and that
the ability to work and to eat the fruit thereof, is a gift from Him.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
About Steve
Stephen Beck is an expert at teaching
families to start their own business on the internet. Through a variety
of media including video tutorials, workshops on DVD, audio CD's, live
workshops and a free newsletter, he communicates his message of
expanding the Kingdom of God, one small family business at a time.
Less that SIX days until Steve
releases his new DVD Set, SECRETS TO SITES THAT SELL! See Video
Snippets from the set TODAY! Just click here and sign in:
http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=1396999
To access a FREE diagnostic tool to find out What You Should You Sell on the Internet, click on the link below:
Christian Home Business: http://www.familyebiz.com/index.htm
Matthew's Articles for the Young Entrepreneur...
Matthew Rushton's Articles for the Young Entrepreneur...
Ever wonder what ONE thing a
homeschool mom would definitely do again if she were to have those 13
years to homeschool her child again? Well, there are actually MANY
things that I really think every homeschool kid should DO during their
homeschool years. There are many things that I would want to be sure to
do again. There are many things that I pray my children do with their
children one day. But, one of the most precious experiences for our
family was watching Matthew begin, grow, and succeed in his own
business. The lessons are priceless! The experience is life-changing!
Yep! We would do it all again--it would be a MUST! So, want to
encourage that young entrepreneur in your home? Why not visit the
following links to let Matthew "help" them along the way? They will
LOVE IT!
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