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I constantly feel that we do not do enough in our school time. I read what others do and I feel immediately inadequate. I know we all have our routines and situations, but I read of these families with more children than I have and it seems they get so much more done than we do. On an average day our schedule looks like this: Each boy does just about the same thing, just according to age level. Bible Devotions- together Math 2 pages Shurley English (takes a while to do!) Phonics (1st grader) Handwriting Vocabulary Spelling words Creative writing (usually 2-3 days a week) History-Mon, Science-Tues, Art- Weds, Geography-Friday Typing about 2-3 days a week I guess it is more than I think, especially when you see it written out like that. But, I still always feel we could do more. Anyone have any advice or ever feel this way? Maybe its just me! Amy |
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Yes, I know it has been FOREVER since I blogged. Life was hectic all through Christmas ( which was lovely) and we went home to WV for the week after. It was so nice to get to see all of our family. We have just been homeschooling each week and I have been teaching my usual gamut of aerobics classes. Also, my hubby took a youth pastor job @ our church and that has kept us hopping, too. So, yes we have just about fell off the face of the earth. I hope to be more regular in blogging in the future. I really need a place to throw out some thoughts, have some comments or advice on those who are a little more ahead of us in this Homeschool journey. Have a great day and God bless! |
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This past weekend my hubby and I went to the NC mountains for our 12th anniversary. So my mom came from WV to watch my boys for us. They had a blast and got spoiled by her- just as they should by their grandma!!! I want to tell you about my mom. God impressed on my heart at 2 AM to write her a letter and tell her just how much I appreciate all she has taught me and done for me through out my life. She really is a special woman. She has had a hard life and has never lost her faith in God. She had a tough marriage, was hit by a drunk driver that resulted in a leg injury that caused her physical pain until 3 years ago when she had a knee replacement. She went through a bad divorce 25 years ago and never remarried. She finished raising me and one of my older brothers all by herself. She has struggled financially and never complained, she just keeps on plugging along. She often gives her time to her family, friends and church family, even though she is tired and maybe not feeling well. She has given me money and things I needed, when she really needed to keep her money. She just trusts God to take care of her. When I step back and think about all she has gone through, how faithful, giving, thankful and God trusting she is, I am in awe of her. I admire her, and I can only hope that my boys can one day look at me, and say the same things about me. She is a good example for me to strive for. When I stopped and thought about my mom, it hit me she models the fruit of the spirit, which is neat because my boys and I have been doing a study on that! I could go on and on about my mom! She truely is a remarkable woman and I am proud to call her my mom! |
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I am feeling so broken hearted for the Amish community in Pa. right now. My hubby and I went on a anniversary trip there a few years ago. It was such a lovely place. I have read tons of books about the Amish and we lived near a Mennonite community growing up. Though I am not entirely sure of the Amish standpoint on salvation, I know they are peaceful, closeknit and family oriented. Children in their group are still considered a gift (compared to many in the world today- I know all of us consider ours as gifts too!) so I can only imagine the grief they are all going through. As I watched Fox news at lunch, I was just so heartbroken for them. I cried and prayed for them. Things that go on in our world are sometimes just too evil and scary to comprehend. I found myself wanting to ask why these things happen, but I know -who- causes these things to happen and I know -he- is already defeated! Praise the Lord!!! Pray for these families during their loss and grief. |
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It seems to me that time just flies way too fast!! First of all where did September go and second why have I not blogged in so long? I can only blame my work and - well, just plain laziness!! I have been working alot- alot more than I like So I am learning how to say "NO" this month! Life needs to slow down! It is so hard to slow down. There seems to always be something for me to get into!!! I am naturally hyper and you throw in a few cups of coffee-well I am a little like the squirrel on "Hoodwinked"!! It is really hard for me to sit still!!! Maybe I should add that to my list of excuses for not blogging lately!!! Well, I need to get busy! I have sat as long as I can tolerate!! Bye!!!! |
. I know I only teach a couple days a week, but the times that I teach are being a disruption. There are days we do school before a class and then finish afterwards. Doesn't sound too bad , but when that time is stretched out over 3 to 4 hours (includes drive time & etc) it really is disruptive. So much of my time is rushed that blogging seems like a chore! 
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This morning as we started our day, I had no real plans to talk about 9/11. However, as we were eating breakfast and watching Fox News ( I try to do this and I think its good for my boys to also be kept up to date about the world's happenings- you never know when there will be a teachable moment!) we had one of those teachable moments. They were airing clips from the morning of 9/11 and my boys sat mezmerized. They remembered it was the day it happened, but not much of the footage. They were incensed, angry and sad. They asked questioned and I tried to answer them. Some are just too hard. Like "why did this happen?" "How could someone do that to all those people". It opened up the door for how there is evil in the world and who is behind that evil.
I am having them journal their feelings on 9/11. I am anxious to see what is on their minds concerning this day.
I want to raise little patriots who are willing to stand up for their godly beliefs and stand against what is not right in God's eyes. I want them to be proud of their country and to try to make it a better and a more godly place to live. A tall order for a 10, 8 and 6 year old, but I am greatly surprised at what they understand concerning this day.
Well, its time to leave for Co-Op. Have a great day!! Amy |
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I can't believe it is September!! Although, it is still warm here(80's) it seems as though fall is right around the corner. It just has that "feel". I love fall! We were married in October and just for that reason- it was fall! My kids love to jump into the leaves and play when it is cooler! I love to play outside when it is cooler! So, a small poll here. What is your favorite things to do in the fall season? I'll start: 1. Go hiking on Grandfather Mountain. 2. Collect colored leaves with my sons! 3. Breath in that cooler air while drinking a cup of coffee! 4. Rake and jump in leaves with my boys! 5. Go on a trip for our anniversary (in the mountains of NC or WV).
Happy Fall! Amy |
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My dearest hubby has been asked to consider being the youth pastor at our church. We are excited to serve in this capacity again (he was a youth pastor previously in Va). It is a paid position. He already works a great secular job that provides for us. But I have a delima facing me. I now teach aerobics, to help with finances. I don't make alot of money but it helps some. With hubby getting this positon I will have no need to work. I can stay at home and homeschool my boys, which I felt God laying on my heart months ago. *But* I am having a hard time thinking of giving up teaching. It disrupts our days some (I teach in the AM on one day and they go with me & we do school in the afternoon) and I teach 1 or 2 nights for an hour or so. We make it work, because we need it to for now. What should I do? I have prayed. Been silent. Read my bible. My biggest concern is that I do what God wants me to. Does He want me to give it up? Back in March, I felt God leading me towards a speaking ministry, but after I attended She Speaks I felt I couldn't handle homeschooling, teaching aerobics and persuing a speaking ministry. Am I being stubborn? Am I being selfish. I try to rationalise my feelings in all sorts of ways. I just need some godly counsel! If you have any I would really appreciate it!!!! |
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Today is my oldest son's birthday! He is turning 10! It is so hard to believe! Where did the past ten years go? It has all passed way too fast. It seems he should still be the cute chubby baby that crawled after me from room to room! But, alas here he is a tweenager- that has a wonderful character, a bright mind, a love for God and his daddy's love for football!!!
Lincoln is the son I asked you all to pray for last week. He faced the morning of surgery as cool as a cucumber! I know he trusted God and that many of you were praying for him. There is no other explanation for all our peace that morning! Thank you all for praying for us. We go Tues. for hopefully the results.
God bless and hope you are having a great day!!
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I am asking all who read this to please pray for my oldest son this coming Thursday. He will be having a biopsy on his left elbow to find out what is causing an over-growth of cartilage in it. It is impeding his movement of that arm. The interesting thing is this- we are going to UNC Chapel Hill and they have never seen this!! They have no idea what has caused this! So I am anxious to find out the results. It is an out-patient surgery and he will be in a sling for 2 weeks. I am asking everyone to pray for God's hand in this surgery and for Him to give answers to the Dr.'s. I appreciate all who pray for him-his name is Lincoln. God bless-Amy |
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Yes, I have a week off to myself. Actually my hubby is still home, but my boys are all at my mom's in WV for bibleschool. They have been gone since Sat. morning and we'll be going to get them this coming Sat. You would think that I would be jumping for joy and sitting around doing "Amy things"- Wrongo I am sitting here wanting to feel little boy arms around my neck and wanting a wet-lipped, sticky faced kiss more than anything right now. I am always this way though, when they go and visit the grandparents. I am ok for about 3.5 days and then I am anxious to have them home again. I don't think I could have ever gone with out having children. Life is so much fuller with them and is never "boring". Well, I'm going to get off this blog and go bake some bread! That should keep me busy for awhile!!! |
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Over the July 4th holiday we went to WV to see my husband's family. Then,on the 5th, we swung by Boone and Blowing Rock, NC. Now, let me tell you, having grown up in the mountains of WV, it is so hard for this mountain girl to live in FLAT eastern NC!!!! So going to the NC mountains is a treat! It is kind of our tradition to go up on Grandfather Mountain and hike. Everone in our family loves to hike! I think most boys just naturally do. I love it, because I grew up running through the woods, and hiking in some great state parks in my hometown. Plus, being an exercise nut, it is great exercise!! So, on with my story, this time we hiked almost to the top of Grandfather mountain. Now, for those of you who know nothing about Grandfather, it is 5,964 feet above sea level. The hiking trail has several ropes that you have to use to climb up and about 5 or so wooden ladders to help you go up various spots. It can be dangerous if you are not careful, but my 3 boys trekked right along with us. It had been raining earlier and some of the rocks on the last part were slick, so we decided to wait and go all the way to the top next time. The boys were so disappointed! They wanted so badly to see over to the other side and to have bragging rights with all their friends that they had climbed all the way to the top!! It really makes me stop and think how much our children love the simple things. It doesn't have to be fancy to them. They just want time . They want to hear from us how proud we are of thier accomplishments. Gifts, money and super fancy vacations don't hold a candle to time, unconditional love and praise to our children. I think my boys taught me a lesson on our vacation. Think simple, think love, think praise, more often. I hope you all had a great 4th! |
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Yesterday began our "official" summer break!! We will be taking off about 5-6 weeks. So, in other words, just long enough to find curriculum for the next year!!! I am excited to have a break from the routine. Don't get me wrong- I LOVE homeschooling my boys- but the chance to have just have fun at a park or go to the pool is wonderful! I will add that I plan on doing what I call "Basic Training". Some of the things I want them to learn is: how to do laundry, sew buttons back on, mend a tear and cook some. They already have some "Basic" skills such as dusting, running the sweeper and unloading the dishwasher, but I want my boys to be able to do things for themselves that maybe they would have mom or a wife to do. Now don't get me wrong, I know there are women out there that will train their daughters to do "Basic " things, but the chance is there will be less and less of that in the future. Just my opinion. I know my boys are only 9,8 and 6, but I started sewing and other things when I was quite young. It's funny , because my middle son wants so bad to learn how to sew and knit. Maybe he will grow up to be a tailor They all love to help in the kitchen. Yesterday as part of my "Basic" training, we made wheat bread from scratch. They did such a good job!!! We decided to roll it out and add cin. & sugar. It truely was the best bread made in the house in recent months!!! I hope everyone is enjoying summer!!!! Amy |
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This weekend the She Speaks Conference was held by Proverbs 31. I was so thrilled to go! It was very inspiring and so Spirit filled!!! But, as we all know when we hear a sermon or read scripture there is always a lesson to be learned!!! Boy, did I ever learn some things about what God wants from me and I discovered things about myself I did not like. ~~ God taught me this weekend~~ 1. Start where I am. OK- I am teaching a Beth Moore study for some ladies at our church as soon as the materials come in. 2.Serve where God has put me until He reveals other plans for me. 3.Make God the celebrity, not me. The focus should be on Him. 4. Learn more about Him. Study His word more.
~~ What I learned about myself~~ 1. I don't want to be a "Dull" christian anymore-meaning I want people to see that I am different because of my actions and words. I want to be spirit filled, and full of life!! I want them to see Christ in my life! 2.I need to worship Him more and openly. 3.I am not a good friend. I keep people at an arms length. I don't really have any close girlfriends. I don't make time for outside people in my life. I am too wrapped up in my own life. Sad, huh? 4.I am selfish with my time, and I need to give more of myself.
It is hard to realize these things about myself, but I know God only reveals the truth to us. So this weekend not only helped me learn how to speak more effectively, but also showed me where I need to improve in other areas in my life. Also, on Saturday evening during our praise and worship time, I felt God's presence so strongly that I cried and cried and cried. I am not a cryer! I would love to hear from anyone else who attended and your thoughts on the conference. Ya'll have a great day!!!
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Do you ever feel defeated in homeschooling? I know my boys are learning, but they act sullen when I say its time for school. They say"Do we have to do school today?" almost every day. I am so aggrivated. I often feel like I am in groundhog day. It is the same gripes, complaining and whining every day. I explain that they really don't have it that bad. They don't have to get up @ 6 in the morning and get on a school bus. They don't go to school for 8 hours a day. We at the most do about 4 hours. I try to make it interesting and fun. I've been tempted to do "public school " at home for a few days and see how they like that. The youngest is mouthy and I can't seem to break him of it. He has been disiplined, had things taken away, and shown in the bible why we should"honor" our mother and father. He is not coddled or allowed to get away with things like most youngest children. I don't want to stop homeschooling, but I feel like such an awlful mom. I just want to hide in a small dark place! I am sorry to vent here and I don't like to complain, but I don't really feel like I have any other outlet. Hubby understands, but doesn't at the same time. He compares it to his job and says he'd rather be here than putting up what he does at work. I guess we all have bad days and we should be done with school in a few weeks. I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has to offer.
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I have seen many people ask about Year-Round school. We do it!!! I really enjoy it and it works well for us. I'll give you a general idea how we do it. The "official" school year starts in August(usually the middle) So let's say the 15th. We then go for about 9 weeks and have a one or two week break. August 15th through October 13th. (Part of that week will be field trips or grandma will HS, so actually this will end up as 9 weeks and maybe a few days. Oct.15th is our anniversary and we generally take more time here. ) Oct.16-20th break. October 23rd through December14th. (This actually equals 8 weeks but we'll make up later in the year. There is also about 2-3 days off at Thanksgiving) December 15th-January 2nd- Christmas break!!! January 2nd through March 9th. (here is where we make up for that short time, earlier in the year-this actually ends up as 10 weeks) March 12-23rd Break.(Two weeks!!!!) March 26th through May25th (9 weeks) May28th-June1 (Break) June 4th through July 6th-(5 weeks- this one is short because we take a longer break during the summer) We take about a 5 week break here and that gives me time to get our curriculum together for the next year. We on average do about 190 days give or take a few. I enjoy getting a break every so often and so do my boys!!!! I've seen it arranged many different ways this just happens to work for us!!!
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In my previous post I asked everyone to pray for my oldest son and I still covet your prayers. We don't have any answers yet. His doctor is still looking into what our next move will be. He is being very brave! Then yesterday, I had a crown extention done to a tooth that broke and now will need a crown and build up done to the tooth also. Oh my are we being over run with Doctor bills! If I had know how much it cost to have a crown and build up done plus the crown extention, I would have just had the tooth pulled!!! Even with dental insurance it is still going to cost us alot out of pocket!! Does anyone else feel guilty for spending so much of the family money on themselves? I have a really hard time with this. I feel that my children should come first, before my needs. I worry about money and I know that all is my testing of faith. I had been reading about faith and I asked God "how are you testing my faith?". I guess I should have known better than to ask that! He is showing me where I need more faith. It just seems there are times when everything just pours on you! Doctor bills, dental bills, next years homeschool books and on and on!!! I am sorry to complain! I am letting it out here and probably should not be. There is so much to be thankful for. Dear Lord, Please help me to trust you through this testing of my faith. Help me to look to you and not myself or my husband. Lord I have to give you all these troubles. You are the only one with answers and you are the peace-giver. I ask you for peace through this storm and help me to keep my eyes upon you. Lord Jesus, I ask all this in your name. I love you Lord. Amy |
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I am coveting prayer from everyone who reads this. First, let me give some background to shed some light on our situation. For about 2 months, my oldest son(Linc) has complained off and on about his elbow not straightening and some discomfort. We summed it up as maybe growing pains, but after looking at it more closely we took him to the pediatrician, he then had x-rays to rule out any broken bones. X-ray was good so, off we go to an orthopedic doc. He sent him for an MRI(which he did wonderful-9 years old & it took about 70 min!!!), and Weds. we met with the doctor and he thinks my son has some form of arthritis. It could be Juv. Rhemitoid Arthritis(JRA- which my MIL has had since she was a girl) or one of many conditions he said too fast for me to remember!! The doctor is having a juv orthopedic doctor look at the MRI, to see what he thinks. My son will probably have to have a biopsy for us to know for sure. I know in the scheme of life this is probably very small, but to me it is a big deal. I keep thinking - "I wish it were me, instead of him". I know all parents feel this way. I know there are alot worse things that could be wrong. I guess, this is the first time I have let myself be down about this. I put on a happy face for him, because I don't want him to be scared and I know he probably won't understand the long term effects of something like this. He is a very sensitive boy. So, if you could pray that God's will be done in this. I would appreciate it. I would love to see complete healing, but I will accept His will no matter what. Thank you all who will pray for my son. God bless-Amy |
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I hope you all had a Wonderful Mother's Day!!! I know I did. I didn't receive jewelry, flowers or candy , but my hubby and boys took me out on Friday night to dinner, then cooked lunch for me on Sunday. My hubby made me a lowfat baked cheesecake-Yum!! It was what I asked for. He makes a better one than I do!! We relaxed and played outside. It was a nice day!! Now on the other hand Mother's day night was a little scary! We were under a tornado warning here in Eastern N. Carolina. I hope you all have a great day!!! |
When we have weather like this it makes me want to run back to the mountains!! Thank goodness we don't have that very often! I am also so thankful to God that no one was injured or killed from the bad weather! |
This past weekend we went to WV (our home state!) for a Centennial Celebration of the first "big" church my father in law pastored! It was wonderful. The church is such a spirit filled church! You could just feel God there! Saturday night they had a meal and a service. Then on Sunday morning they had breakfast and 2 sermons along with singing and history. My FIL was one of them. Oh, it was so wonderful to be there! What is so remarkable about this church is it is in the middle of nowhere! There are no businesses(no Walmart can you imagine!!!!) and most people have to work an hour away and travel on bad roads. It is a very poor county, but what they lack in money they make up in their spiritual walk. They are so faithful and have stepped out on faith many times. God has blessed them so much!! We had a really neat experience while there. I'll share that some other time! Have a great day! |