Reluctant Blogger

Oct. 3, 2008 - What I'm learning

I read another blog where the question was posed, " What one thing have you learned from homeschooling?" Interesting question, since most of the time we focus on what the kids are learning from homeschooling...not what the "teachers" are learning.

I realized years ago that this journey is as much about me as it is about my kids. I learn so much from our studies. God teaches me. My kids teach me. God has used the time I've spent homeschooling to teach me many things...to be more patient...to be more creative...to be more organized.... and to be less selfish. My kids teach me to have more fun.... to find the humor in things and to laugh more.

I am still learning these things. I am also learning to focus on the eternal. It is so easy to get caught up trying to get it all done and completely miss out on opportunities to really make a lasting difference in the world around us. To focus on getting "work" and "chores" done and miss out on serving our neighbors, snuggle times and nature walks. I am learning to live in balance.

I've learned a ton about History and have polished up my grammar skills. But, I still can't do math past grade 8!! Sad, but true! That's okay...I don't think there is math in heaven.

*edit* Before I posted this entry we were touched by a tragedy. The Fall Camp I referred to in last week's post was the scene of a horrific accident. A 12 year old boy named Zack was injured on the zip line while a group of 7th graders watched. My daughter was among these kids standing in line waiting for a turn.

We have prayed constantly for Zach over these last few days, but sadly, yesterday (October 8) he was taken to heaven. As I looked back over the above post, the words I typed then struck me as even more important and true. Snuggle times, laughter, worshipping God, fellowship with friends, nature walks....these really are what make life worth living.

Zach became a believer and follower of Christ last year. We watched his baptism. Last night I observed, in awe, as his parents prayed for the kids who are grieving the loss of their friend. The grace of God was so apparent in them. They know that their precious boy is in the arms of Jesus. His mom urged us parents to use our time wisely with our loved ones, because we just never know what tomorrow will bring. She admitted that the phrase, "Live every day like it's your last" always seemed corny to her, but now she feels differently.

So, take some time this week, mommas, and go for a walk with your kids , give them an extra long tuck-in, and read a good book together on the couch. The math book will still be there when you're done with the really important stuff.

Oct. 3, 2008 - Misc. Rambling

It's a beautiful fall day! As I sit here at the computer by the window, I am admiring the way the sun looks more golden, streaming through the changing leaves, and how the shadows and light are different than in the summer. Fall is definately my favorite season.

It has been a lazy day of practicing Spanish, and painting tiny canvases. Davis is quite bored with his Art Life Pac, so I decided to make things more interesting by giving him small canvases so that he can create pieces of art rather than just doing excersizes in a workbook. So, today he is working on "Color Vibrations", which occurs when two complimentary colors are placed right next to each other. They create an optical illusion that makes them appear to move and become brighter where the edges touch.

Lily is cutting shapes from compressed sponge squares, and then she is going to dampen them so that they expand, and then she will create her own works of art! Caroline is upstairs packing for Fall Camp.

We have piano lessons today and then the two big kids are off for the weekend camping trip. That will leave just Lil and me at home this weekend. I'm thinking about taking her to Dollywoood if she is feeling better. She woke up this morning with a fever and headache.

In other news, I have abandoned my attempt to learn how to use Homeschool Tracker. I simply do not have the time or patience to figure it all out! I started using Engrade instead. I think it will be perfect for me. Easy, straightforward and free! Too bad I already paid the $50.00 for the other! URG!

Sep. 14, 2008 - Routine

I noticed that some others are writing about routines and extra-curricular activities this week, so I thought I'd jump on that band wagon. We are doing less "extra" stuff this year, and it feels so much more managable! We have omitted sports and Keepers at Home, which frees up at least two evenings a week and Saturdays. I think the girls really miss Keepers, but I frankly have loved the more relaxed schedule.

So, this is what we still do:

Mondays the bigger kids go to Co-op for half day of classes (Comp/Lit, World History, World Geography and Study Skills). Twice a month while they are at co-op, Lily and I have a special time with our friends studying the American Girl series. We are currently reading through Felicity , and doing fun activites like making Raspberry Flummery and Veal Balls for lunch, and making colonial items like folding fans, tussie mussies and straw hats decorated with dried flowers. Next week I think we practice our curtsies and learn to dance the Virginia Reel. Fun, huh? When the big kids get home we do an art lesson and art project for the week. Lily goes to dance for 2 hours in the afternoon while art is happening at home.

Tuesdays we head out in the morning to attend a Bible study at church. Then we grab lunch at a fast food place (yuk!) and head to piano/guitar lessons.

Wednesdays we stay home most of the day and try to get lots accomplished ~ until it's time for Caroline to dance at 4p.m. Then both big kids have Youth Group stuff in the evenings.

Thursdays we stay home!

Fridays we stay home until 4pm when Caroline needs to be dropped off at dance.

So as you can tell it makes sense on paper. Why then, I wonder, does it feel so much harder in real life. I guess because once you add in house cleaning/chores, grocery shopping, cooking, trips to orthodonists, dentists, doctors, post office, library, etc...... There just isn't enough time! Or, let me re-phrase that. It feels like there isn't enough time. I read once that there is exactly enough time to do what God would have us do in any given day. Jesus accomplished much (duh!) and he only had 24 hours a day ....just like us!

So, I guess when I feel like I'm not getting things done, I need to ask myself if I've asked God what my priorities should be for that day.

Today my priority is to buy some laundry detergent so we can have clean clothes to wear!

Sep. 11, 2008 - So, let's just talk about the weather!

I guess there's good reason that it used to be considered poor manners to discuss religion or politics. The fact is, both are complicated subjects that can cause much confusion and heated debate. My mom came over the other day to visit and asked my opinion of VP candidate Sarah Palin. I found myself hemming and hawing to answer. The truth is, I'm not sure how I feel about her. She seems nice, smart, funny, and she is anashamedly pro-life which is the most important issue to me. So, all in all she seems like a good pick. BUT.... I find myself wondering how on earth a mother of a tiny Down's Syndrome baby and a pregnant teenager can focus ~ or should focus ~ on being Vice President of the United States. I mean, I don't have a baby or a pregnant daughter and and I feel overwhelmed much of the time! I cannot imagine the stress of dealing with the family issues she is dealing with *and* trying to have a big fat all consuming carreer such as second in command of a whole country. wow. So, there's my dilemma. I want to like her, but I find myself feeling sorry for her family, and wondering how we can call her a "pro-family" candidate when her own family is clearly taking a back seat to her political aspirations.

So...... UH...... how's the weather where you are?

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Aug. 21, 2008 - One week down ........35 to go!

So we are almost a full week into our school year and I am already tired. But, thankfully I can already tell that this is going to be much *funner* and much easier than last year. Ninth grade almost did me in! I'm trying to figure out Homeschool Tracker Plus to help me keep up with paperwork, but it is proving to be smarter than I am. URG! I really do not enjoy computer-y stuff!

The big kids started Monday School (co-op) and seem to like their teachers and classes. Lil' one and I have been reading up a storm. She is really charging on all cylinders now!! I told her she'd be fighting over the Nancy Drew books by next summer! For now, we are content with Frog and Toad.

Monday we will meet with our friends for our first American Girl day. We have been reading Felicity ~ so we will discuss the story, make straw hats and a folding fan.... and then eat Veal Balls and Raspberry Flummery. Doesn't that sound fun?

In other schoolish news, we are learning to habla espanol......are you impressed so far? I love the Spanish language....es muy bien. I'm excited to be learning it (again) along with the kids.

Davis' writing teacher gave him a neat assignment to work on this week. The question was: Why Write? The assignment was to imagine what the world would be like if there were no writing. At first, he said he was going to turn in a blank sheet of paper to illustrate that *THAT* is what it would be like if there were no written language....but, he decided that he should get to know this teacher better before he tries to impress her with his wit. He has written a wonderful story, that has a kind of Twilight Zone feeling to it, about a man who wakes up in the middle of the street one day to find that he's in a world with no written words. Davis went crazy with the idea and created a world where there are no laws, documents, driver's licenses, or official names. The poor guy in the story can't even find a place to get a drink because there are no street or restaurant signs. We thought about and discussed other ideas for the paper, too. I thought it would be fun to explore music.....can you imagine being a conductor of an orchestra with no wriitten music for yourself or the other musicians? And imagine all the other music we'd never be exposed to if we had to rely solely on oral tradition. Imagine all the poetry that would've been lost through the years. The Holy Bible....wow! that's very scary! Interesting topic. Feel free to use it if you're looking for ideas.

Ok, I have got to go to bed or I will be a grouchy homeschool mom tomorrow and nobody wants THAT!

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Aug. 17, 2008 - click click click......there's no place like home...there's no place like home....

AAAh! We are home! It is so wonderful to return again after our busy trip up to Virginia and Maryland! We had a good trip for the most part, but there truly is no place like home.

First stop. Harrisonburg, Va. to visit my step-mom and my dad. They bought a house on 15 acres about 4 years ago and it is always fun to see what new project they've got going around the house. It is a nice modest home that has the most stunning views! Caroline's favorite part about staying there is sleeping in the basement. She says because it is so dark (there are no windows down there), she sleeps like a rock! Speaking of rocks, there is a rock garden in the back yard that has a running fountain/pond! There is always at least one exciting nature find on our visits....this time we saw four little bluebird eggs in the bluebird house. Lots of open space for puppies and kiddos to roam, explore and run wild.

Nearby Dayton, Va. has a heavy population of Mennonite folks, so it's always fun to check out the Farmer's Markets. Quilts, jams, pies and furniture oh my! We did not see any horse drawn buggies this time, but sometimes we do. I thought that was an Amish thing, but some of the Mennonites have them too!

Next stop. Frederick Maryland. My brother lives in Frederick now. It's about an hour North of where I used to live. Like many places, it used to be "the countryside" and now has become a booming suburb. We immediately called around checking Crab prices...WOW! Sticker shock! But, I could not go to Maryland and not eat Blue Crabs. That would be crazy, so we bit the bullet and dropped $89.00 for a half-bushel of crabs. Half a bushel is about 3 and a half dozen crabs if you were wondering. Yeah, pricey.

We spent time driving around visiting family and some dear friends. (I do not miss the traffic or the commute time around there!) My youngest brother ,who is now an Mongomery County police officer, came over to see us, played tennis with my kids....... and let them hold his gun! Exciting stuff!

Next stop. Harper's Ferry, W.Va. Okay homeschool mommies...listen up! If you are studying the Civil war you MUST head up to Harper's Ferry! Google it. The pictues online are not good at all, but there is plenty of historical information to be found. It is truly one of my favorite places on earth. Here's a list of the things I Iove about Harper's Ferry:

1. I love that the town is built vertically and it is basically a hilltop city, with a lower town and an upper town! Lots of nooks and crannies and even underground stores! Very cool!

2. I love the shops and the frozen custard!

3. I love all the tiny museums dotted throughout the town...very interesting history!

4. I love the train track high above that you can stand under as the train roars on above you! ( my nephew, who is 4, is a train nut, so this was VERY exciting foe him!)

5. I love wading in the shallow waters of the Shanandoah and the Potomac watching my kids throw rocks and try to catch tiny fish!

6. I love standing at the spot where you are in Maryland, Virginia and West Virgina at the same time!

7. I love navigating (very carefull!) the steep, hand-carved stone stairs that weave through this crazy little town!

We had a good trip and it *is* fun to see loved ones...but, "OH Auntie Em, there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!"

Jul. 31, 2008 - Good Times...Happy Birthday to the best boy in the world!

You few faithful bloggy friends who remain will be thrilled to hear that this is not going to be a depressing or whiny post. Yipppeeee!

I have only happy things to say. Our beach trip was beyond glorious! We stayed in the most fab place ever..... and it was totally free...well, except for the hundreds of dollars it cost to fill the stinkin' gas tank and buy groceries! We had a beautiful, spacious condo on the third floor in an area called the jetty. Out one glass door was a balcony overlooking the beautiful white sand beach and the green Gulf water, and out the other glass door was a balcony overlooking the harbor! Glorious! We literally went from balcony to balcony ~to pool to beach~ back to pool then back upstairs~ then from balcony to balcony....then at night we'd crash into the unbelieveably comfy beds. AAHHH! Glorious!

We returned from the beach last Friday evening and then immediately drove to the airport to pick up my son who had been in Europe for 26 days. I cried when I saw him. It had been the LONGEST 26 days of my life! I think he had a life changing experience, though, so it was worth it. He has grown an inch and had a wonderful time. We were surprised to see how much the kids (his People to People group) had bonded while away. There were many hugs and tears as they said their goodbyes at the airport. It was sweet. Since then we have enjoyed hearing funny stories and watching short video clips of things like artisians blowing glass in Murano, turning and carving alabaster, making olive oil, and even Greek dancing lessons and cooking lessons in Santorini. That boy took over 950 pictures! And I must say that most of them are pretty good! I feel a scrapbooking session coming on!

Today is Davis' 15th birthday...I cannot believe it. It seems like only yesterday he was a toddler scrunching up his nose for a picture. We'd say, "Smile for the camera, baby!", and he'd make a ridiculous face, scrunch up his little nose and make a snorting sound. I literally have dozens of pictures capturing that same expression. Now he's talking about his time in Europe and wanting to get a part time job. Weird. He doesn't make that funny face anymore, but he still is my dream boy!

So today, when we were not doing birthday related activites, I've been trying to get organized for a new school year. I think we will squeeze in one more trip before we actually start. I'd like to drive up to Maryland to visit my brother....and eat some crabs! Then when we get home I'll be ready! I am most excited about art this year, and the American Girl history units I've planned for the girls. We love the American Girl books. We recently saw the new Kit movie and really enjoyed it...except that I (as usual) thought it was rated too low..."G" my foot, it is very sad and intense in parts! Anyway, It is so much fun to buy shiny new supplies and plan the school year....anything in particular you are looking forward to this school year? Any special supplies you love to purchase? We are covetting the Capri Sun/Kool Aid juice pouch pencil cases...I hear they make nice purses, too!

Jul. 18, 2008 - Beach Bound

You know the saying, "Every cloud has a silver lining"? Well this has definately been a cloud-y season around here...and now finally I see the sun peeking through and revealing a silver lining! The silver lining in this case is a free beach trip for me and my girls! A more appropriate phrase might be, "Every shell has a silver lining"!

A friend called and asked if we would be able (on such short notice) to pack some bags and drive to Destin for a week to stay FOR FREE in another friend's beach condo! OMG! Give me five minutes to pack! I am so ready for a change of scenery... and totally believe this is a gift from God! He is so good, and so knows what I need.

So my friend and I are looking forward to late night talks and beach time, and our girls are great friends, so everyone is excited. Also, I have never been to Destin and am excited to see what all the fuss is about! We leave tomorrow morning and will return Friday ~ just in time to welcome my boy home from his Europe trip.

I am more excited to see him than going to the beach! I have missed him so much and cannot wait to hear all about his adventures!

So, we are beach bound...I gotta go pack. Please pray against shark attacks! Thanks!

Jul. 15, 2008 - under a cloud

I'll say it again.......I do not know how people live in this world without Jesus! It seems that everyone I know has been under a black cloud lately. I personally feel like every day there is some new traumatic thing to process. I want to cry out, "UNCLE!" I have been dealing with a lot lately, most of which I cannot share. I am sad. I am grieving. Yet I realize that my suffering is dwarfed by the suffering of many others. For the first time in my life I can honestly say that I am longing for heaven. I-am-ready-to-be- done-here-thank-you-very-much!

The saddest thing today was watching my friend bury her (22 weeks old) premature baby. The tiny white coffin was almost too much to take. So sweet, so sad, so unbelievable. I truly do believe that that precious baby is in heaven, but those words are only slightly comforting for a first time momma whose arms are empty. There really aren't any words. Time and prayer will eventually dull their pain. Please lift up a prayer for Stephanie and Chris as they grieve the loss of their dear little Brody.

The Bible tells us that in the days ahead we will have trouble. But, thankfully, God promises to not allow more than we can bear. I'm clinging to that.

Jun. 25, 2008 - Groaning

I truly do not understand how people exist in this world without God.... without Jesus.... and the Holy Spirit ....and His Holy Word . Sometimes life is just so stinkin' hard! Relationships are hard! I don't know what I would do if I didn't have the love of my perfect savior to rescue me over and over again.

Today I learned AGAIN that love really does "cover a multitude of sins", and that "a kind word turns away wrath". I was also reminded that "a friend loves at all times." This stuff is true! It is beautiful! It is still hard!

I find myself being more anxious for my place in heaven...but until then I am so thankful to have Jesus to help me stumble through this world!

Jun. 25, 2008 - Sincerity vs. Friendliness

In regard to male/female relationships growing up, I often heard that I was to be careful not to "send mixed signals" to boys. That it is wrong to "lead someone on" or "string them along". I wholeheartedly agree with these statements and have even discussed them with my teenaged son, but have you noticed that as adults we do that very thing with friendships? Maybe a better word is aquaintances.

I understand that the goal is to be friendly. Kind. But, I wouldn't like to count how many times I've been told, " Oh, I love you,friend....Let's get together sometime", or some other similar sentiment only to realize later that it is *never* going to happen. This leaves me wondering....when did it become approriate to lie; to lead each other on and to send mixed signals in any relationship?

I say keep your flattery, friendliness and empty words! I want honest relationships! Can I get an amen?

Jun. 20, 2008 - DRG

I am supposed to be packing for our trip to Doe River Gorge tomorrow, but I'm bloggin' like a mad woman instead! This is my third post tonight! I have alot going on in my little brain and it just feels good to get some of my thoughts out.

I've been a totally depresssed toad for a few days now, but after watching videos of my kids when they were younger I am anxious and excited to spend the day with them tomorrow at DRG. Does anyone else watch old home movies of their kids and cry? URG! I am such a sap! I sit there, awe struck, with tears rolling down my cheeks! They are absolutely the cutest, smartest, most wonderful children in the world! I know, I'm probably biased! You think YOUR kids are the best, don't you?

So, now I plan to take the video camera with us to capture more memories to cry over when I'm old(er).

In case you're wondering.....DRG is a camp in Elizabethton, TN. They host youth group type camping adventures, as well as Mother/Daughter weekends and Father/Son weekends. We are going for a one day Family Quest, where we will be swimming in the lake, riding the zip line, jumping off the blob etc.... I say "we"...I mean "they". "I" do not do adventure..."I" will be relaxing lakeside and possibly catching tadpoles with my little cutie.

Okay, I really do have to go pack the cooler now !

Jun. 20, 2008 - Jesus knows

Crucified and laid behind a stone

You lived to die ~ rejected and alone

Like a rose trampled on the ground

You took the fall

And thought of me

Above all

It's inevitable that as humans we hurt each other. Even unintentionally sometimes. This week I was hurt by some friends, unintentionally I'm sure, but hurt just the same. As I have nursed my wounded feelings and replayed the whole scenario over and over and over again, I have been reminded that we have a savior that knows what it feels like to be rejected. Jesus was laughed at, called names, spit upon and killed by an angry hate-filled crowd of people that He came to heal and save. I can't imagine what that must've been like for Him. The pain I have felt from rejection in my own life ~ so dark and terrible~ yet NOTHING compared to what Jesus endured. Thank You, Lord, for being my friend. You will never reject me. In that I can take comfort!

Jun. 20, 2008 - My Sheep Hear My Voice

The kids and I have been doing a fun thing for our devotion time the past couple of weeks. We have been spending time reading through a Psalm and a Proverb each day, discussing them, and then spending some quiet time drawing what most stood out from the passage. It has been so interesting to see what the kids come up with! The other day, Lil was drawing Prov. 1:10-19 which says, in part, "I will keep my feet from the path of sinners." Instead of drawing what was suggested in the text, she went off on this great theological tangent of a drawing which showed a crooked path (empty) and a straight and narrow path stamped with footprints. At the top of each path was a animal (I couldn't decipher what animals they were supposed to be), so I asked her about them, and she responded, "Those are the sheep and the goats that the Bible talks about....one day Jesus will seperate the sheep from the goats.....the sheep stay on the straight path and the goats are the ones on the crooked path." Oh! *How* old are you?

You could use this approach with any drawing notebook, but we have enjoyed these guides by the Notgrass company. Draw to Learn the Psalms and Draw to Learn the book of Proverbs. www.notgrass.com

I have also been reading a book called Growing Up Christian that has been very thought provoking. It delves into the blessings and dangers of growing up as a "church kid". I think that some of the chapters will make for good discussions with the two older kiddos. The author makes the observation that many times "church kids" are unamazed by God's grace because they have never known a time without it. He also proposes that we as parents should not assume that our kids have a relationship with Christ just because we do, or because they go to church and know all the right answers in Sunday School. He warns that the lure of the world is very attractive to even "church kids" and that we need to be on guard. It has been a very interesting read, and one that has convicted me that I need to be purposefully praying for my kids!

I had a meeting with a woman just days ago who shared with me that her son has rejected Christianity. Her sweet, good, homeschooled boy has grown up and decided that it is all hogwash! My mother's heart was breaking for her as she asked me to pray for him when I think of it! I have prayed for him several times, and will continue to pray for my own kids, too, that they will not stray far. Oh Lord, I want my kids to be your sheep! BAAAAA!

Jun. 13, 2008 - Just touching base

Well, I wish I had something wonderfully exciting or inspiring to write about, but truthfully I do not. I have been feeling unusually quiet these days. There is alot going on that I *could* ramble about, but honestly I just don't have any desire to do so. Weird, huh? I'm verbally lazy. I have been lurking a bit catching up on bloggy friends, but I haven't even been leaving many comments! I've noticed that many others have also taken a break from blogging. Just feeling quiet.... reflective..... thoughtful.... I guess.

I had hoped that the summer would be relaxing and care free which has not panned out so far. We have had a bazillion doctor, ortho, and dentist appointments... URG!!! We have started taking piano lessons again (which is working out great...praise the Lord!) and Davis is preparing for his trip to Europe (in 16 days!!!) So, they have not been the lazy days of summer I had envisioned, but it's all good stuff. Maybe now that all the appointments are out of the way we can relax by the pool.

So, just thought I'd touch base and say "Hi". I'll be back when I'm chatty again. Happy summer!

*edit 5 minutes later* Wow, I'm feeling chattier already!!! Maybe I just needed to get going!? Okay, a neat thing happened today! The kiddos and I have been doing a mini-unit study on the government and the election process, which has been very fun, and today we were discussing the three branches of government and what the functions are of each branch. So, right after discussing the Legislative Branch (Senate and Congress), who do you think came a 'knockin' at the door? Representative Stacey Campfield that's who! The kids were very excited...and I think he's a very handsome Irish looking fellow. I also liked his flyer...I agree with many of his positions on issues like preventing eminent domain abuse, opposing tolls roads, and protecting human life (at any stage). I think I'll vote for him! Lily asked me to vote once for her, too, since she's not old enough to vote for herself! So there you have it!

May. 15, 2008 - educational gaps

As homeschooling moms we often worry about gaps in our children's/student's education. I have recently discovered a HUGE gap in my own understanding of history.

I am somewhat of a history buff and love to read about Ancient Civilizations and Early American/Colonial History, however, I've never been especially interested in Modern History...until now.

I've been reading a book about a missionary woman who was in Papau New Guinea when It was taken over by the Japenese military during WWII. It is an interesting story, except for the fact that I had no stinking idea what was going on! What does Papua New Guinea have to do with WWII? Wasn't Hitler at war with the rest of Europe? How do the Japenese fit in with all this? Where is New Guinea anyway? Why are there so many Europeans there...isn't it part of the Asian islands? Huh? Good grief!!

All of my questions began to drown out the story for me because I simply did not understand how it all fit together. I decided to put the book away and begin a mini-unit study I titled, "WWII ~ What the heck was it all about? Who exactly was involved?...and Where is New Guinea, anyway?"

I'm happy to report that with the help of maps, globes, atlases and The Story of the World vol.4, I now understand!!!! It all makes sense! What a relief! I can finish my book now... and I can relax; If my kids do have gaps in their education at graduation time, they can always fill them in later!

Sigh! Here's to lifelong learning!

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Apr. 30, 2008 - Healing Hearts..."Deeper Still" retreats

Hello. Who else feels like they are running 100 miles per hour? Wowsa! May is as bad as December! Anyway, I don't have time to write much ~ but I did want to check in to say hello and ask for your prayers for this upcoming weekend May 2-4. We are having our Healing Hearts retreat in the beautiful Smokey Mountains. We have ten ladies coming( YEAH!) and we are very excited to see what the Lord has planned for them.

I think I've posted about this before, but in case your wondering...Healing Hearts is a post-abortion ministry that I'm involved with. We have two weekend retreats a year. The team is made up of 14 women (some post-abortive, some not) who are passionate about helping hurting women enter "Deeper Still" into healing from the guilt, shame, and hidden secrets that bind them. It is always a beautiful, tender weekend and we all leave there changed.

I don't have time to elaborate more right now, but if you are interested or want to know more about a Healing Hearts retreat, feel free to email me! We are also looking for prayer partners to pray for us during the weekend. If you'd like to be involved in that way, email me and I will send you a document explaining the retreat in detail and how you can pray specifically.

Thanks bloggy friends!

Apr. 16, 2008 - Counting down

Let the countdown begin!

If you visit my blog regularly, you have no doubt suffered through my whining about how hard our first year of high school at home has been. Well, it has been! Usually we do school throughout the summer. We read a lot, do projects unit studies, etc.. some of the wondeful things that get squeezed out during the school year. I really like that approach because it takes some of the pressure off during the "school year", frees us up to take days off to play, go on field trips, and it helps us to actually complete things that wouldn't otherwise get finished (due to our 4 day at home schedule).... eh-hem....and my loosey goosey-nes.

Well, this year I am literally counting the days until we finish! There will be no academics this summer at the Corley abode! No sirree! I am D-O-N-E! Well, mentally I'm D-O-N-E... in reality we have to complete 22 days of Bible, 6 days of Health, 3 more weeks of Co-op classes (which will end Alg1, Comp/Lit and Phy.Sci.) Oh, Glory Halleluiah! I see a light at the end of the tunnel!

So, these are the things I plan to do this summer instead of homeschooling my children:

Read... alot! (BTW...Have you read The Shack? Wow! That' s a whole other post!)

Excersize...not becuae it thrills me, just because I need to.

Listen to and practice with the vocal training program I bought months ago.

De-junk and organize my library/school room... URG!

De-junk and organize all my closets...double URG!

Do some fun literatue units with 'Lil, and continue to teach her to read...we just won't call it school.

Take a pottery class for fresh inspiration.

Sleep-in, and laze around the pool!

Are you counting down? What are your summer plans?

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Apr. 5, 2008 - Name Dropping

It's been a lovely week! The weather has been gorgeous, and the flowers and trees are all abloom! I have so appreciated just feeling like my old self again. I'm sure God lets us wallow in misery every once in awhile, just so we can appreciate how wonderful ordinary, normal life really is. Anyway, after those first few "normal" days, in the beginning of the week, I had a couple of super-duper extraordinary days. I've been blessed to have exciting, inspiring meetings with people living with purpose.

Thursday night I attended a fundraising banquet for a local Crisis Pregnancy Center. The ministry I am involved with (Healing Hearts) is sponsored by them, so I went to show my support. My very dear friend shared her testimony to the room of almost 500 people, and I was so proud of her, I could've burst! She was terrified, but she did it anyway! YEAH! The keynote speaker was an amazing African American woman named Star Parker. She had an incredible story to tell and is a very inspiring conservative Christian woman who is passionate and articulate and seemingly fearless. Visit her website to find all sorts of info on her organization and even a video of her personal testimony. www.urbancure.org

Saturday morning, Davis and I attended one of our People to People orientation meetings where we met and spoke with Congressman Duncan. I was very impressed by him. He was a very nice, soft spoken, thoughtful, and straighforward man. I totally expected a "slick" politician, but he seemed completely sincere. He posed for pictures with the kids and gave each one a "lucky penny" souvenir. Neat, huh?

Then as if that wasn't enough hob nobbing, Saturday night my husband and I attended a house concert. Have you ever been to a house concert? I never had. Apparently, it's a common thing in some circles. Anyway, It was very fun. Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn are a lovely married couple with three beautiful children. They are aslo incredibly gifted songwriters and musicians. So, they played for our group of about 40 at a friend's home. No amps, no microphones, no fuss no muss...just them and their guitars and unbelievable talent. They played, talked, shared and ate with us..... just like the were a part of the gang! If you like folk music you'll love them. Very smart, deep and sometimes funny lyrics (especially Andy's songs....he is more of what I would call a folk story song writer, Jill's music is more serious and spiritual) and wonderful music. Check them out! www.jillphillips.com www.andygullahorn.com

So, today was normal again. No famous people, no fancy banquet, just me and the kids...running errands, decoding words, walking the dog, folding laundry.........it's all good!

Apr. 2, 2008 - Complete nonsense..... and a great book chapter

Be warned! This post is going to be a bullet type blathering of whatever pops into my mind. I just don't have it in me to try to form transitions or connections. There will be no flow, no point, just random thoughts spewing forth!

* *Today was yet another day of weirdness. URG! BUT, Glory be to God.... there is a blue sky, flowers blooming, sunshine, and lots of fluffy clouds today - or we might have been in real trouble! My poor children have been off entertaining themselves with chores, school, and play, basically just trying to stay away from me until I turn back into the mother the know and love. I did manage to make lunch, take the dog for a walk , and do a puzzle with Lily. I found it frustrating that a 100 piece puzzle suited for ages 6 and up was actually difficult for me! I'm not a highly visual person and puzzles are not my really my cup of tea, but CHEEZ WHIZ I'm 40...not 6...! It was a hard puzzle! So, that's it. I'm done. No more productive pursuits today. I'm just gonna sit around and wait for American Idol to come on!

**I've made two new recipes from my recently purchased cookbook. Red Potato and Green Pea Salad and Shrimp and Edamame Rotini. Yummy , huh? Both were tasty and healthy...a bit high in the carb dept., but low fat and high in protein. I used a higher fiber Rotini and small Red potatoes which helps(not as starchy as regular potatoes).

**Now that I've impressed you with my thoughtfulness regarding food, let me confess that today I have been totally comforting myself with food. Nasty-not-my-new-lifestyle-junk food. Already today I have had a Mc Donald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese, a handful of Funyuns, a handful of Whoppers, a handful of Ginger Snaps and a Ho-Ho! I know, it's astounding! Please don't tell my dietician! She'd croak! (I feel a bit queasy from it all, too!)

**I've been reading a good little book called When Homeschooling Gets Tough by Diana Johnson and Chapter 7 really spoke to me. It is titled "Dealing With Difficult Children". I must confess that I really do not have difficult children, my kids have always been pretty easy. But, this year Davis has struggled a bit adjusting to his first year of High School it has been hard for me. It has been a challenging time to consider what I really believe about my parenting, his character, and about letting God work in his life. Here are a few lines from that chapter:

.......When our children are young, we find we can supress most difficult outward behavior. The need for our approval is a powerful force in their lives. So much of their world revolves around parents and family. However, even young ones can be hardheaded in their rebellion. We can admonish and instruct them, gently encouraging a heart change. Despite our valiant efforts, we cannot force their sinful hearts to repent. It is the work of the Holy Sporit to soften the heart......

....As our children get older, imposing outward obedience becomes harder. Inward obedience remains the province of God. Our teens are thinking thoughts they do not always share with us. Classes, activities, and part time jobs thrust them into the world without our presence.......

.....As faithful, loving parents we do not shirk the battle, but do our best to confront sin every time it rears its ugly head. In moments of weakness when the battle rages and our energies are low, we may ask ourselves, Why this battle? We homeschool to avoid all this. We search for answers. We feel an array of uncomfortable emotions. We are dissappointed in our children's choices.....

...Hardest of all, we can feel like failures - despite all our faithfull efforts. After all, we think really dedicated homeschoolers don't have these problems. Perhaps I didn't read the right books. Perhaps I didn't say the right words. Perhaps I was not wise enough in my discipline. Perhaps I expected too much. Perhaps I've been too much of a pushover. Perhaps we can "perhaps" ourselves to death!

WOW! Anyone else relating to this?

Anyone eating anything good out there?

Anyone else excited about American Idol?

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Mar. 31, 2008 - coming out of the dark

Even as I sit here typing, the strange fog that hangs over my brain is apparent. This is the dark-foggy state I've been in for several days now. It all started with what I think are allergies. I took some over the counter Allergy/Cold medicine one night before bed and had a major allergic reation to it! So, with my extreme case of red hot hives, I plodded off to the doctor where they shot me up full of steroids. So, here I am, a week later, still suffering from allergies, and somewhat *insane* due to the steroid pack I'm on. URG! I have begun to wean off of them, so I'm very hopeful that I will be feeling normal in a day or two. It has been an excersize in remembering to focus on what is true and not just feelings. Emotions are a funny, funny thing! Word of advice: think carefully before agreeing to take steroids for a case of hives! Sheesh!

Speaking of emotions, I'm still trying to decide on classes for next school year. How about a vote? If you were me, and you had already purchased a complete Spanish program for next year, would you go ahead and use it, or would you sign your kid up for a Latin class that you wouldn't have to teach. I love the idea of Latin, but as romantic as I feel toward it, I don't want to teach it. I could teach Spanish and I already have the stuff, so that makes the most sense, right? I did think about doing both...one at home..one at co-op, but that would probably be overkill.... cost ...and... time and effort. Thoughts? Votes? Frankly, I am feeling so overwhelmed I might just put them all in school next year and take afternoon naps....and maybe a pottery class! ( I'm not really considering that, it's just those crazy emotions rearing up! )

Okay, this is our line up for grade 10 next year:

Comp/Lit

World History

Algebra2

Music (applied)

Bible

Spanish or Latin

Art

...........................................for a total of 6 credits!

Loo Loo's Seventh Grade will look like this:

Study Skills

Creative Writing

World Geography/History

Earth and Space Science

Math 7

Bible

And, for the little one (2nd grade):

Math, Reading, Phonics, Lapbooks, Units, and misc. fun stuff...MY kinda schoolwork!

In other news, I had an hour to kill today while the big kids were at co-op and little bit had dance class, so I aimlessly wandered the bookstore. I ended up with yet another low fat cookbook! I had no buisness buying another cookbook, but I do so need new inspiration! And I do love cookbooks! Tonight after the kids are in bed I'm going to pour over it and make a list of all the yummy ingredients I must shop for! Eat! Now, that's something I can do in any frame of mind!