Last week I think it was, Lupe and I went to an AWANA potluck dinner. They had childcare for all the children. Lance went with the 2-4yr. Ethan & Brent were in the same class and the rest of our kiddos Caleb, Annette & Josh were all together.

When I went to pick them up they were all in one classroom. There were three women waiting for me to get my children. One had elementary age children, the other had a 2 & 5 year olds and one was expecting, I'm not sure if she had other children.

They all were amazed at how good my children were. One of them said she could tell that they were homeschooled and asked Josh, "Are you homeschooled?"  Another said, that when they told the children it was time to clean up that my kids were the only ones that helped pick up the room. They also commented on how well they played together.

Lastly they asked the famous question, "How do you it?" meaning how come my children are so well behaved. I don't know what to answer anymore.  There is so much to rearing your children that it can't be summed up in  a casual conversation.

At first I use to answer by the grace of God, but then I realized that Lupe & I take a lot of time rearing our little brood. Yes, there is grace but also lots of hard work too. Then I started answering that we always take everything back to God's Word the Bible. People don't understand what I'm saying when I respond that way.

My sister-in-law has told me more than once that I should write a book. I am not a writer as you all can tell ;) and I think there are so many books on parenting out there already. Now I'm thinking maybe a little pamphlet would be nice. I can put some tips on there and resources.

I'm always telling my children that they are the salt and light of the earth and represent Christ. They know when they leave the house people are watching them. We get all kind of stares people count our kids as they walk past or just look at us like we are crazy.

 I love the opportunity to share how we teach the children but since most of them are acquaintances it's hard to really share. I want others to know that they can rear children to fear the Lord.

Joshua, attends a preteen Wed. night class called Junction 5/6. Through out the year I have received many compliments on how respectful and well behaved he is. When I pick him up he is the only one helping to put away chairs.

All Lupe and I are doing is teaching our children  to serve others like Jesus did. I had one mom ask me about how many children per room. She had a problem with children sharing. She felt that she was doing a disservice to her children if they had to share a room. I told her that Jesus, came down from heaven and was born to a family who was not rich and was born in a stable. If Jesus wanted to he could have been born into a wealthy family, but he chose not to. Jesus came to earth to serve and we need to teach our children that very same thing. He didn't always have the latest gizmo or gadget. She actually looked at me and said, that's good, I'm going to have to use that one. LOL.

Another mom was shocked that my 2yr. old at the time had chores. She didn't agree that children should have to wash their own clothes. I didn't say anything to her but this is another way for children to grow in the Lord. Children who have chores don't grow up to be as self centered and are less likely to  have a "me" mentality IMHO.

Parents are so afraid that there children won't like them that they don't discipline or teach them. They want to be buddies more than parents.

Well I'm going to stop now  I only meant to write a paragraph and then tell that Lance's Christ Centered Math curriculum came, but I guess I'll have to write about that tomorrow.

Blessings,

Linda<><