Oct. 20, 2007 - much better day

Oct. 19, 2007 - Why am I here? In Colorado, that is?

Oct. 14, 2007 - How kids fail?

Oct. 13, 2007 - On board the USS Missouri, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Oct. 13, 2007 - Our hawaii vacation.

Oct. 13, 2007 - Sabbath day

Oct. 9, 2007 - October 9, 2007

Mar. 30, 2006 -

Has anyone read the news stroy over the little girl who wrote the poem on White Nationalism.  She was homeschooled and I am wondering if this isn't another strike for homeschoolers.  I saw the interview with her and she definately sounds like an intelligent girl.  But I wonder if they are a Christian family.  I have tried very hard to teach my son the truth in American history...it isn't all pretty, no way, but this is still one of the greatest countries!  We read Amos Fortune Free Man...and taht was such a refreshing look at the plight of the black man.  This man had an amazing attitude and looked at his lot in life with grace and love for others.  He never blamed anyone, all though you could read of  his bitterness about loosing his sister.  I really enjoyed sharing this 'peek' into slavery with my son.  We still had a conversation about the awfulness of slavery and there were questions I really didn't know how to answer...and may never know how to answer.  But I do hope that someday we will all be able to see eachother as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, dispite the history that apparently still effects us today.

Mar. 6, 2006 - I ma so sad!

I am so sad.  I logged onto the home page of homeschoolblogger.com and saw a 'in memory of' and clicked on it.  A women by the name of Missy Grey died in childbirth March 1st.  My heart aches for this family.  I have spent the last couple of days feeling sorry for myself, and then I suddenly get this slap in the face.  I think I need to find a hole, crawl in and humble myself! 

       Lord, please be with this family, though they may not understand why this has happened, allow them to feel Your presence, to know Your strength, to sense Your mercy.  Lord, you are in control and while the tragedies of this world continue to happen almost daily, help us to not wander further from the fold but to draw neared to You. 

I have so many questions but to sit and ponder them now would only be a waist of energy... I need to pick myself up and get on with living, loving and learning.  These things I can do. 

Mar. 3, 2006 - Amos Fortune

Has anyone ever read Amos Fortune?  We just finished it and it was wonderful.  I read it to my fifth grader and he really grasped it, I was amazed.  We got into some deep conversations over the content matter.  Slavery is such a touchy subject and I wasn't sure how he was going to handle it.  At first he was leary and avoided it, but once we delved into the character of this amazing man, ds really turned around and started asking all kinds of questions.  I got some books from the library, picture books mostly, geared towards youngsters, regarding slavery.  Most of which were written and illustrated by black people themselves.  I was so blessed to find some good stuff out there.   We also hit on slavery in the Bible...he was amazed to hear it wasn't a new concept and that sadly it still goes on today. 

I really felt this book opened up a whole new way of thinking for my boy.  I think he grew up a bit over the course of this chapter book.  :) 

Mar. 2, 2006 - A question of faith.

Yesterday I had the most interesting experience.  I am not sure why I waited until today to 'blog it', though. 

I do daycare.

One of my mom's came in after her long day at work and asked me: "What is it like to have a family?"  This question caught me totally off guard.  I really didn't know how to answer her and to be quite honest was a bit embarassed at the question.  You see, she is basically a single mom (husband got a bad rap and is serving time).  She has the most beautiful little girl.  She has always seemed so unhappy but I have never reached out to her..wanting to keep business, business.  So, when she asked me this question it kinda slapped me in the face.  It wasn't until later that night that the impact of her question hit me.  You see, for days now I have been struggling with my lot in life, complaining you might say about my seemingly dull exsistance while all the time here's this precious child of God who so despirately needed someone to reach out...and I never did.  I was so consumed with me that I failed to see how fulfilling my life could be if I only saw things through His eyes. 

So, this morning, when she came to drop off her baby, I struck up a conversation.  I wasn't sure where it would lead or has led, for that matter.  We spoke of God's love and how we as humans push Him away...He never pushes us away.  There were tons of other issues we touched on.  I have to say, it was satisfying to me to share in that manner.  I am not a good witness, I do not do well sharing my faith.  I am ashamed of saying that.  I don't always feel as if I can share...like I am not worthy of Him. 

I can honestly see Him working in my life right now, although to me, it seems like a slow process.  It's just a question of faith, I guess...the waiting on Him and not depending on me.

Mar. 1, 2006 - A beautiful day for the zoo!

Wow, it was 80 degrees today in Kansas!!  The average for March 1st is low to upper 60's.  Wow!!  We headed to the zoo, even though most of it is closed for constrution/improvements.  There were two other homeschooling families.  We had 15 children together!!!!  Yikes!!  We got tons of stares!!  One mom even stopped to ask if we were homeschoolers.  At first I thought it was going to be a rude comment but she admited she too was a homeschooling family, there for her hubbies birthday.  How cool!!  When I first started this journey five years ago, I thought I'd be alone forever, that my boys would never have close pals, that I wouldn't have close pals.  Now look at us!!  15 strong and growing all the time.  Praise God for his mercy and grace.  He has provided us with friends and supporters on this journey.

Feb. 27, 2006 -

Today was a day full of mixed emotions.  My boys starting bickering over something completely stupid and I punished them appropraitly...they had to clean out the garage together.  It worked.  But I also had to deal with my own emotions today.  I am starting to feel 'stuck' again...stuck with daycare, having to work to makes ends meet.  I am starting to hate it again.  I want to be freed from the burdon of 'other peoples kids', I want to be able to pick up and go to the library just becuase, or to go to the park, or the zoo, or where ever...without worrying about dragging along daycare kids.  It just seems to knock all the fun out of it.  I want to fucus %100 on my boys.  Oh why, oh why God am I still doing daycare??? 

I guess I need to take from this what it is...a learning sitution.  God help me.

Feb. 17, 2006 -

I am slowly noticing a change in my eldest son.  A good one.  I am also noticing the difference between him and his public school pals.  Jonathan has an inate love of learning, one that his friends do not share.  I saw this yesterday when Jonathan was trying to explain lift to a friend and this friend just totally blew  him off and in my opinion was rude.  It really botherd my son, he wanted to share something he thought was totally interesting and amazing...how a bird gets lift in order to fly.  I had showed him a little demonstration with paper and his own breath and he eagerly wanted to share this with his friend.  I was proud of him for his attempt but not a bit surprised at this young mans lack of interest.  I inquired of him regarding his obvious lack of interest and he just shrugged his shoulders and said it was boring.  How sad.  This child has lost his inate desire to explore the wonders of God's creation, learning has become a burdon, something to be shunned.  That breaks my heart.  Our public school systems have and continue to fail our kids.  Boys really seem to suffer the most. 

I have also seen my boy mature in other areas as well.  Last night a friend couldn't stay the night and he handled it well.  He has usually been very pouty when things don't go his way but last night he took it well.  I was sure to praise his attitude.  Maybe this KONOs character curriculum is working after all...maybe things are getting through.  God is good!

Yesterday I recieved an email from an old college buddy regarding her four year olds behaviour.  Seems as if the preschool, in which he has attended since he was a wee little one, thinks he has attention issues and is way to active.  WAY TO ACTIVE!! How is this possible...the boy is 4!!!  Of course, I warned her of my impending response to her request for advice.  She knows my stand but yet she asked anyway.  So, I let her have it!!  No holds bar!!  I told her how I felt about putting youngsters in preschool programs and how I think the best preschool is at home with pots and pans, a tub of beans and an endless supply of mom!  I also referred her to the many good books on boys.  She took it well, I must say and actually thanked me for my advice.  It seems she lives in a very progressive school district where the claim to address the gender gap that is such a big issue in schools today.  She also said they were very concerned about her boy because his 'activity level' seemed abnormal.  I am still trying to figure that one out.  I asked her to inquire as to what standards they are using to measure his activity. 

Anyway, it will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next several years once this lad enters actual school.

So much for my rambling...guess I better get going and start my day.

Feb. 16, 2006 - A Great Cold Day...very productive too.

Wow, we finished at noon today.  Of course, my son had a motive for doing such...his public school pals weren't in school today.  I guess now I  know it is possible, to be totally done in four hours!  He even did most of it on his own. 

My middle boy has the stomach yuck today...so he is on the couch watching Tom and Jerry.  I sat down today with my youngest and colored, that was so nice.  He is really starting to enjoy fine motor things.  We also got out the tub of beans and played with the measuring cups and trucks in the beans!!  That was a mess!!

Things have been quiet around here lately.  I have only had one or no comments, even from some of my friends.  Hmm, everyone must be busy trying to get ahead so they can take a break come nicer weather.  I know that is my intention.

Feb. 10, 2006 -

It's been a while since I have blogged and even longer since anyone has read my blog.  But I will keep it up, cause I still enjoy it.  Today was an off day for us.  Seems like Friday's usually are, no matter my intentions, we always seem to piddle around until the day is gone and oopps, we didn't do school.  Of course, my boys have also figured this out and definately encouraging my piddling around...:)

Jonathan starts MUS division Monday.  He is pretty excited.  He seems to think he is behind other boys his age.  I wish I could get him to stop comparing himself to his public school pals. 

David is doing amazingly well, although I find myself wanting to hurry him up, knowing full well, hurry is not apart of his vocabulary!! 

Katelyn is home from college for four glorious days!!  It is so wonderful to have her here again.  We miss her dearly.  I will have to post some recent photos of her. 

I guess there really isn't much else to write about ...I think I will go read other bloggs.

Jan. 28, 2006 - Battle of the bulge!! and other interesting issues in my life.

I am two weeks in the South Beach diet.  I have lost five pounds and have at least seven more to go.  I am so tired of protein and veggies!!  I need a muffin!!!  I like the way I feel when I eat right but I sure hate eating right!  My tongue definately disagrees with my bodies choice of foods. 

DH says I am on edge.  I know it is a combination of things...first, I have decided to get involved in church ministries and I am happily up to my chin in responsibilities, second, I have committed myself to being organized in our home school, third my back is killing me and fourth, of course, the diet!!!  The combination of these things is driving my moods a bit hay-wire and my poor hubby is suffering the brunt of it all.  Bless his soul. 

My son wants a hamster.  My husband says no way.  He thinks they stink. I think it would be a great home schooling type experience.  He's ten now, I think he is ready for a hamster.  My husband just doesn't like a fuss or a mess and sometimes it is hard for him to let go of his control and let the boys be boys.  He is improving, though.  :)

Katelyn is coming home this weekend and wants to bring her boyfriend!!!  YIKES!!  I can only imagine what folks will say to that.  What would some of you guys do if your college bound daughter had a boyfriend she wanted to bring home?? 

I have been considering returning to speech therapy.  I have been offered a job, although I as of yet know all the details.  But I do know it pays real well.  I am considering calling the head hunter and asking some detials to see if it is tempting.  I would need to make enough to cover food and my gas as well as a place to put my little ones two times a week.  I really don't know why I am thinking about this.  I guess, sometimes I just want to feel important again.  My job as a speech therapist was great and it paid well.  I could and would never give up homeschooling but I do know families that homeschool with both parents working outside the home.  It isn't impossible, but could potentially be stressful.  I guess I just need to pray about it.

Well, I guess that is about all that is going on in my life for now. 

Jan. 23, 2006 - Crash and Burn

Well, it wasn't a complete crash and burn.  DS 10 did all of his assignments today with no complaing and actually said he was enjoying what we were studying in science.  We worked extra hard on spelling today, which he hates and he didn't even give me a hard time about it.

Now, the crash and burn comes in the form of my six year old!!  He refused to do any school...stated he was taking a break from school!  Well, I was tempted to force him and exert my parental authority but thought twice, knowing this wasn't the kid to respond to such tactics.  So, I agreed but kindly reminded him that he would not  earn any marbles and thus would not have enough for his 'red day'(Which is his day to play video games).  He retorted, "I don't care!" and pranced off to spend most of the morning outside, alone, playing something or other!!  This did not go over well with older son, but I tried to explain how David was different and required a different appraoch.  He could not be forced or coerced into doing what we wanted him too, he had to come to it on his own.  AFter lunch he asked if I would read The Ice Wizard (a magic treehouse book).  We ended up reading the entire book...with me slipping in comp. questions ever so often.  He really absorbed that book and then was off to pretend it...that's what he calls it.  So, I guess now that I look at it...it wasn't a total crash and burn...my agenda was what burned, his was completely fulfilled and appropriate for him!  So, I guess we had a good day after all. 

Boy, writing this stuff out really helps me 'see' what I am doing.  Thank God for words!!

Jan. 22, 2006 - Attempt number 2!!

I have sat down and finished my lesson plans.  Nothing too formal, just enough for me to keep up with what we do and don't do.  I did this last week as well and accomplished only about 3/4ths of it!  So, I purposely planned more than I know we could do and that way when we don't!! I will at least feel as if we DID!!  :)

My six year old has been doing so well with math!  He finally got addition!  I know, though, that we will spend lots and lots of time on one topic, that is just the way he learns.  No biggie.

Well, it's off to my reading nook, before bedtime.

God Bless!

Jan. 19, 2006 - What am I doing?

Man, I had the perfect schedule for this week.  Everything, I mean everything was written out and all of our supplies were on hand.  I had some terrific ideas for a great history project and we haven't even gotten to history this week. AND ITS THRUSDAY!!  Yikes!!  What's  a mom to do?  My daycare hasn't even been crazy, so I can't use that as an excuse.  My kids have been good and have done what they were asked.  We just couldn't get everything done.    It is so frustrating.  I think to myself, if I were to send my boys to public school, would they know as much as the next kid?  Would they be prepared?  Do they know much?  I know they like to play!  I know they like to be read to (all day long)!  Iknow they like cartoons!  I can't even imagine what school will be like when the weather improves. We won't be able to syat indoors!  I really need to be more firm about what we do and what we get done.  Perhaps I need to do some evening stuff...ohhh, they would NOT like that.  They already brag to their buddies how they don't have homework.  I couldn't do that to them...or could I?