Posted in Family life

The past few months I've spent most of my free time learning about "urban homesteading" and have started a new journey toward simplicity.  I've had so much fun dreaming and making plans.  Lately I'm checking out more books from the library than my kids!

I have been VERY convicted that things are going to get worse before they get better.  Our family has realized just how tied we are to the grocery store and how we are lacking in many skills - depending instead on other experts to feed, build, and fix things for us.  What would happen if some of the services we've taken for granted were no longer available, affordable or both?  What if there wasn't enough food in the grocery stores for everyone?  I'm not living in fear, but rather waking up to the realization that things may not always be as they are.  We depend on our heavenly Father to provide, but I am also reminded of the example of the industrious ant, and the life of Joseph who was told to plan and prepare for the coming famine.

We want to not only be more self-reliant for ourselves, but also so that we can be a blessing to others!

In case you're wondering, I've made a list of my growing "Journey to Simplicity" bookshelf and put it on my other blog: www.journeytosimplicity.com

Posted in Family life

We're recouping from a busy weekend at the FPEA Convention in Florida.  While there we visited with lots of homeschool families who stopped by our booth and had a great time encouraging one another.

We're not traveling as much this year on the convention circuit, so it was nice to see other publishers and authors whom we haven't seen since last summer.  Maggie Hogan was looking good and showing off the new "Mystery of History Vol. III", coloring pages for MoH Vol 1, and Christian Kids Explore Physics - wow, does Maggie ever stop?    I'll have more to say about some of the new products from Bright Ideas Press over the next week or so..stay tuned!

We chatted a bit with Todd "The Familyman" Wilson - it's great to see their whole family ministering together!

I also had the treat of getting a sneak peek at Rebecca Powell's new book - literally hot off the press!  "Season of Change" is a book full of encouragement and practical tools for moms of middle schoolers.  She has done a great job of reminding us of just what it was like to be a middle schooler - it is indeed a season of change, both for our children and for moms.  I'll have lots more to say about this great book when I get home and have a chance to upload some pictures.

Now we're spending a few days with hubby's parents and our nephew.  We'll be at Disney for a couple days - just what my aching feet need (NOT!).  Today, I'm resting up for the parks!

Posted in Family life

I am excited to spend this year celebrating God's appointed times - His feasts.  Each one points to either Messiah's first or second coming.

Passover is in April on our calendar, but it is the first month of the Hebrew calendar.  I'm waiting to see when the moon is "new" to count to the 14th day of the first month.  Lev. 23 and other references tell when God's people are to meet with Him for special times of remembrance and celebrating.  I figure, we've celebrated all the worldly holidays for years...what about the special days God has chosen to meet with His people?!?

I've been looking for a Passover Seder plate, and a Messianic Seder "program", also called a Haggadah, to be used during our dinner.  The day after Passover is the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  The Scripture gives some guidance on how to celebrate these two feasts (that are often referred to as one), and there are many wonderful traditions that have passed down.   One thing you do to prepare for the Feast of Unleavened Bread is to remove all leaven from your home.  For Christians, this is not only a remembrance of how the children of Israel had no time to prepare bread with leaven (couldn't wait for it to rise) before making their Exodus from Egypt, but also as a reminder to rid ourselves of the sin in our lives, and to be thankful for the redeeming work of Messiah for us.  He has rescued us - we are no longer slaves to sin!

One book I've found especially helpful and that has inspired me to learn more about the Hebrew Roots of my faith is: Celebrating Our Messiah in the Festivals

I know some churches and synagogues offer a Passover Seder to the public sometimes, but I am really looking forward to celebrating with just our family.  We'll all be learning together and I am praying that it will be a faith-building time for both my husband and myself, as well as our two teen boys.  My oldest will be returning home from his first mission trip (he's going to Romania) right about the time of Passover.  I his homecoming will make our time even more special.

Shalom!
Cindy

Posted in Family life

A friend turned me on to the book "Getting Things Done" by David Allen.  I am organizationally challenged so at first I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the concepts.  Actually, I put the book back on the shelf to read when I could think more clearly.  Last week I pulled it out and skipped the first chapter, as I had a hard time getting it.  From chapter 2 forward, I have finally "got it"! 

I have started applying some of the concepts introduced in the book and my email inbox is - are you ready for this? - empty!  Having my own business, leading a support group, being involved in church, etc., means HUNDREDS of emails everyday.  I set up some folders and began processing emails in a similar way that Allen lays out in GTD, and it is so freeing!  I'm working through my desk today and tomorrow.  My kids can't believe they can actually "see" the top of it

So what is so great about GTD?  Well, I think the thing I related to the most is the idea of all of the many projects and things we know we need to do that we keep in our head as "open loops".  These open loops stay with us and interrupt our workflow.  This is true for the executive (who GTD is targeted to) as well as a homeschool mom.  By getting every project (that is anything that requires more than one action step) down on paper, and setting up a reliable system to check over our "next actions", we free our mind to be more productive.  He does not recommend making a daily To Do list, but rather organizing all the "next actions" by whether that task can be done when running errands, at the computer, phone calls, etc. 

Maybe this isn't news to the naturally organized, but for me the idea of having everything written down, files set up to take in every piece of paper so I don't worry about anything getting lost is revolutionary to me!  I find myself really trusting my calendar, as I know if I put something on it, that thing will get done - as it isn't a To Do list, but rather, the items on my calendar are "must do" THAT day, or they wouldn't be on there!

I'm not sure I've done GTD justice in my little rambling here, so I'll point you to some other sites that have done a great job summarizing what GTD is all about:
http://www.coloradocollege.edu/library/Instruction/gtd.html  Great summary with other useful links
http://www.minezone.org/wiki/MVance/GettingThingsDone  Summary of GTD in outline form

Now back to clearing my desk!  When I'm done, I get to do taxes - ugh!

Productively yours,
Cindy :-)

We're slowly getting back into the swing of things around here!  It seems we've had a harder time getting into our full routine this January.  "Things" keep popping up that distract us :-)  Some of these things have been really good - like our field trip today to a Holocaust Museum. Other things were chosen because they were "easy" and then I didn't have to face all the stuff we needed to do at home - yep, procrastinating, guilty as charged!

Having older kids, it seems like I find myself feeling the pressure to "keep up" with the system so my oldest will be prepared for the A.C.T., college entrance, etc.  We've been working on transferring more responsibility to my oldest in regards to time management.  Since we've always been more relaxed, this move to more structure and the pressure to keep up, has been a bit of a paradigm shift!  My oldest is actually enjoying having more structure.  We've added basketball to our schedule (our first time doing organized sports since the boys were little).  This has caused my oldest to have to do "homework" in the evening, so he can keep working on math - Algebra is going to kill one of us!

The co-op has been a good thing this year.  It has given me more accountability :-)  I really enjoyed teaching writing last semester.  This semester I have 12 high schoolers studying "Thinking Like a Christian".  I am REALLY enjoying it so far!  I think we are all seeing how easy it is to just take in news and other info., without applying a biblical worldview and thinking through things.

God has really been opening my eyes (convicting) me of many things the past few months.  I'm looking forward to sharing what He's been showing me as I have time.  One BIG change has been that I have begun to wear a headcovering!  I'm anxious to put my journey in writing :-)  I've been journaling a bit - why is it that I can't stay consistent with journaling?!?

Time to run - I need to get a load of laundry going!

Posted in relaxed homeschooling

We're in a co-op this year and I'm teaching two high school classes this semester - it is definitely keeping me on my toes.  The moms involved chose to make the upper grades more "formal".  So, I have 16 students for a World History/Literature class and 22 young people in a semester-long High School Writing class.  Next semester I get to teach through the wonderful course, "Thinking Like a Christian."  I am so excited about that class!  I am passionate about worldview education - the days are getting more and more evil and our young people must know how to stand and articulate their beliefs.

There are many pros and cons to participating in a co-op.  In case you're wondering, I have been involved with a variety of co-ops since we started homeschooling over 10 years ago.  We haven't done the co-op thing every year, but when we have it has been (for the most part) beneficial and enjoyable.

I have found the key to choosing to get together to learn with others is to find like-minded families.  I also prefer smaller groups to larger ones.  I'm in a rather large co-op right now and it is definitely more "schoolish" .  The social aspect is great (well, it can be if you have like-minded families).  I'm not just talking about the kids, but for us moms as well :-)

Another thing to consider is the homeschool philosophy of the moms in charge of the co-op.  If you enjoy a living-book, Charlotte Mason approach, are you going to be happy in a Classical co-op? 

Finally, are you willing to do your part to make the co-op successful?  There are many jobs that must be done in order for things to run smoothly.  Too often a few people end up doing most of the work - that is a recipe for burn-out. 

We are only a quarter through our co-op year, and are already evaluating if changes need to be made.  The key is flexibility and following God's lead for YOUR family!

Posted in Encouragement

Recently a new homeschool mom asked me if there was anything I knew now, that wish I'd known when I started homeschooling.  An interesting - and loaded - question!  The list is fairly long, but here are a few that immediately came to mind:

• You don't have to bring school home.  When I started our "official" schooling, we had the desk, flag, whiteboard, letter strips, etc.  I quickly saw and felt how artificial that all was from what we had been doing naturally before "school" started at the magical age of 5!  After that first few weeks, up until now, we continue to learn all over the house!  My oldest is 15 and does choose to work at the table, his brother (13) prefers the couch (using a TV tray when doing his copywork and other writing), floor and bean bag chair in his room.
• I don't need to worry about what the kids in school are doing - the freedom to homeschool is the freedom to tailor each child's education, moving at THEIR pace, NOT the school system's.  I spent way too much time during those first few years worrying/comparing.  We were fairly relaxed and I knew we were doing it the right way for us, but that didn't keep me from fretting!
  
• You will make mistakes when purchasing curriculum, and it's okay!  With so many options available to us, it is important to prayerfully consider our purchases.  However, there will be times when you purchase books or resources that either don't "fit" your family/child or simply don't get used due to any number of reasons.  I've learned over the years to go easy on myself and I've seen how my mistakes have been able to bless others who are looking for that item I have just sitting on my shelf. 
  
• Don't feel guilty when you spend hours ready aloud.  I used to get mad at myself for allowing my boys to talk me into reading for hours, therefore not getting to all the "work" that needed to be done.  Now, these are my most treasured memories, AND my teens still enjoy listening to me read aloud.  Our favorite books these days are from Lamplighter Publishing :-)
  

As I mentioned before, my list could go on and on.  It's good to reflect on these things every now and then.  I am so thankful to have the chance to be with my boys through all the phases of their young lives.  One thing is for sure - our homeschool journey has not been boring.  Each year brings new opportunities and challenges!

So, what about you?  Whether you've been homeschooling a year or a decade (or more!) - I'm sure there are things you wish you'd known before you started this journey.  I'd love to hear what you've learned along the way!

Cindy

After being asked by moms over and over again if they could buy timeline notebook pages like I use with my boys, I decided to create a special book so others can jump into using timelines in their homeschool:-)

The Pages of Time is a set of dated notebook pages for creating your own book of history! Dates range from 5000BC to 2020AD. All you need to build your timeline is a 1.5 - 2" binder and page protectors. One of the benefits of using Timeline Notebook pages is the ability to add more pages, maps, drawings, reports and more. Each child should have their own timeline notebook and each "book of history" they create can be uniquely their own! In addition to the dated timeline pages, The Pages of Time also provides a chronological, suggested reading, literature list. While not exhaustive, I hope it will encourage you to enhance your history studies with literature!

Moms who are using The Pages of Time have commented on the extra space allowed for "busy" times in history like the American Revolution.  They also like the title page that is included - this can be personalized and slipped into the cover of your child's binder.  Of course, many children prefer to create their own unique covers and title pages - that's what makes using a binder and notebook pages so cool, there are so many possibilities

It was important to me that this set of notebook pages be affordable!  They can be purchased in printed format - ready to put into page protectors and into your own binder  - OR as a downloadable ebook.

We use History Through the Ages Timeline figures in our timeline notebooks!  These beautiful figures provide a brief description which serves to remind my children about the person or event as they look back through their notebooks. 

I'm so excited to be able to offer The Pages of Time to those looking for a way to get started with timelines!  If you have any tips or questions, feel free to contact me or leave a comment :-)

Blessings,
Cindy

At our house I'm the computer geek, so you'll have to excuse my gushing for a moment!  I've been researching switching from PC to Mac for months and last week I bought myself an early birthday present, a new iMac!  Although it is taking a bit of getting used to, I am already enjoying the stablility, no more messages about having to "end task" in order to shut down a program that's not responding.  Almost instant power up and shut down, etc.

Actually my business purchased the computer and I can already see how much more steamlined and productive I can be on a system like this.  Kind of makes me wonder why I waited so long...oh, yea...I had to wait until I could afford it :-)  This is such a blessing from God and I am enjoying it immensely!  My old eyes really like the big, bright monitor!  My kids were giving me a hard time all these months I've been researching and dreaming about making the switch - well, now I have the COOLEST computer in the house.  The first day I could hardly use it as my youngest (13) dear son was making music with the Garage Band software that came with the system!

If anyone has any favorite Mac OS tips, I'd love to hear them!  It didn't take much research to learn that mac users are incredibly loyal to their operating system, and after using it I can understand why!

Oh, on another note, I'll be sending out my next newsletter sometime over the next 3 days.  One lucky subscriber will receive the book, Homeschooling at the Speed of Life, by Marilyn Rockett.  There's still time to SUBSCRIBE :-)

Today I stumbled on a neat site that features historical maps, listed by time period.  These are not outline maps for labeling, but they can still be viewed or printed for notebooks, reports, etc.  Also listed are people, events in a timeline fashion, along with country profiles.  There is A LOT of info on this site!

Here is the site: MacroHistory

Since we're using Exploring World History this year for my high schooler and in our co-op, I'll definitely be making use of this site. The internet is such a great tool for homeschoolers!  I'll definitely be adding the MacroHistory site to the next update of my book, Using The Internet in Your Homeschool

The next issue of Homeschool Reviews will be sent to subscribers later today, but I just had to post this review of The Dangerous Book for Boys here on my blog!  As a mom of two boys and a lover of books, this is one title that we'll keep around for a long time!  I have also added this gem to our online catalog . You'll find it in the "Fun Extras" category

Review:

I admit it -  I’m a sucker for gold letters, on a rich red cloth-covered book!  That “old book” look will catch my eye every time.  Couple that with the irresistible title of “The Dangerous Book for Boys” and you’ll see me go for my check book.  This is a truly handsome book that will not only look great on the shelf, but its contents are well-written and designed to bring years of enjoyment to happy readers.

What I expected when I opened the pages of this beautifully bound book was directions for building a tree fort, tying knots, and how to make a battery, you know, the usual boy stuff.  What I found is all that and more.  The Dangerous Book for Boys features information that every boy should know, not just things to keep their hands busy, but there’s a lot here for their minds as well.  In addition to information on the phases of the moon, cloud formations, and Morse code, I was surprised to find things like, grammar, seven poems every boy should know, amazing stories of incredible courage in the form of brief biographies of explorers, soldiers, the Declaration of Independence, the Ten Commandments and much more. 

The Dangerous Book for Boys was written by two brothers who hope to inspire a whole new generation of boys to take up pursuits and interests that, though they might seem old-fashioned, strengthen body and mind while fueling the imagination.  The book has many pictures and illustrations, and the inside keeps the “old book” feel.  There are so many great topics covered in this book!  One word of caution would be the information on the solar system, fossils and dinosaurs (after all, a book for boys wouldn’t be complete without them), which is approached from an evolutionary worldview. 

The topics covered in The Dangerous Book for Boys can serve as a jumping off point or reference for various academic subjects.  In addition to the biographies, there are science topics, history (including text and maps outlining famous battles), language arts (grammar, poems, and book lists), along with all types of cool things to make.  More than just a book for boys, I’ve seen many a grown man’s eyes light up as he flipped through the pages of this book while his wife was shopping in our booth at a homeschool convention!

With 270 pages of information, instruction, and inspiration, The Dangerous Book for Boys, will provide many fun-filled, productive days for all of the men in your life.  This book allows boys to be boys – boys who will someday be men.  It inspires them to not only work with their hands, but to grow in knowledge and character.

 

Posted in Copywork

I am so excited to announce that my newest book, Character Building Copywork - America's Story, is on our site, ready for purchase.  America's Story features 180 days of quotes designed to compliment any history curriculum.  Quotes are ranged chronologically beginning with Columbus and ending with President Bush.  My desire is to allow students to have purposeful handwriting practice - growing in character as they read quotes by the men and women who have made our country what it is today.

Many of the quotes in America's Story are patriotic in nature, some speak of specific events, others just share words of wisdom.  In addition to quotes from almost every president, there are also short excerpts of famous speeches and stanzas from several songs and poems.

Like the first book in the series, America's Story provides each passage in both manuscript and cursive. Quotes in this book are a bit longer and "deeper" than those in Character Building Copywork, so I recommend it for ages 8 - 14.

Now it's time to work on my next project (it's secret, but I CAN tell you that it involves History)!

Cindy

Posted in Family life

Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you that in addition to literature, art and writing, that I love tech stuff!  You hear people talk about men and their gadgets/toys - well at our house I am the one always reading about and sometimes pining for the next cool tech gadget!  My most recent longing is to switch to a iMac from my increasingly frustrating PC.

Since writing a book on Using the Internet In Your Homeschool, I'm always on the look out for new sites to add to my updates.  Have you heard of StumbleUpon.com ?  My son and I have enjoyed checking out some of the neat sites linked from there, but today I joined and downloaded their free toolbar.  Now I can click a button "Stumble!" and be taken to a random site.  Actually it isn't quite random.  You see, when I joined I chose categories of interests.  Additionally StumbleUpon.com also learns my surfing behavior, so the sites that it chooses really are of interest to me.

I "stumbled" onto two neat sites today:
World Public Library - features thousands of free ebooks including children's classics, Shakespeare and more
Imperial History of the Middle East - this awesome site features a map and flash movie showing 5,000 years of history in 90 seconds.  The history shown is the different countries and peoples that have taken over that region in order.  A cool timeline at the bottom shows you exactly where you are in history as the map is highlighted and labeled.

Of course, not everything featured will be to your liking and I've just broke the surface of the capabilities of Stumble Upon.  If you are interested in drawing traffic to your blog or website, you definitely need to learn how using Stumble Upon can help!  However, you don't have to have any motive accept one of adventure to click the "Stumble!" button and see where it takes you

Posted in Language Arts

I've been working on putting the finishing touches on my next project, Character Building Copywork - America's Story, and came across this quote from Daniel Boone.  I'm not putting it in my copywork book, but my hubby and I did get a chuckle from it!
"I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks."
I guess even in the 1800s, it was hard for a man to admit he was lost

In case you're wondering what kind of quotes your children might use to practice their handwriting, here are a couple of quotes to inspire from "America's Story" -
 “It is the object only of war that makes it honorable.  And if there was ever a just war since the world began, it is this in which America is now engaged.”
Thomas Paine

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."
Martha Washington

I can hardly wait to have "America's Story" finished!  From Columbus to President Bush, children will have copywork to compliment their history studies no matter what curriclum you are using!

Back to work!

Cindy

 

Posted in relaxed homeschooling

We've been homeschooling for over 10 years and until this spring my children had never taken a standardized test.  However, with my oldest finishing his 9th grade year, we decided he would take the California Achievement Test when it was offered to our homeschool group in late March.  My younger son said he would try it too - so our adventure began!

Over the years many moms have asked me why I don't test.  In fact, we joined an umbrella school that doesn't require evaluations or testing a few years ago because I was tired of the pressure I felt to have work on paper to show an evaluator (especially for my younger son who didn't read until he was 10).  I've enjoyed the freedom :-)  My main aversion to standardized tests is that they don't really show what the child knows - only if they know what is on the test.  Also, I feel like I already know my children's weak points academically since I'm with them everyday.  We went into our test experience with the mindset that it was for the practice of test taking.  However, I did find myself waiting anxiously for the scores to arrive.  My children also asked regularly whether the results were back yet.

Even though I knew that I probably wouldn't be surprised by the results, I still felt that somehow those test scores reflected heavily on my teaching.  With my oldest fast approaching his entry into higher education, I wonder sometimes if I should have taken a more "formal" approach to learning rather than the relaxed, delight-directed path we chose.

The scores arrived a month or so ago and although they didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, I was pleasantly surprised by how well my younger son - almost 13 (who really didn't "take off" in reading until he turned 12) scored on the reading portion - 95th percentile!  Both boys overall were well above "average" and the areas they scored low in were areas I already knew they had weaknesses.

Now for a interesting twist - since taking the CAT, my oldest recently took another big test.  He and some other students who recently completed Apologia Biology, took the Biology CLEP.  He passed!  Now he is studying an hour or so a day to take the Natural Sciences CLEP next week.  I was reading last week that this test is 50% biological sciences, so it makes sense to give it a try after all his studying for the Biology CLEP.

I'm sure I'll be writing more about our adventure with credit by examination!  After reading College Without Compromise, we have been inspired to actively pursue this route.  I don't know where he will end up as far as college goes, but I do know that taking these exams and gaining college credit will save him time and money in the future.  It will also allow him to move into his preferred area of study sooner, since he'll have the General Education credits out of the way.

As I type this I realize that I have moved from my kids never having taken a formal "test" to utilyzing testing to allow my children to move into their chosen careers more effeciently.  I guess since we've always disliked jumping through hoops, it makes sense to spend study time and family time pursuing areas of interest, rather than taking courses "just because you have to have them."  Since most CLEPs can be taken right after a student has completed the high school equivalent (with a bit of studying in a prep guide), it makes sense to pursue those exams that fit with what we're already studying in High School.

Oh, did I mention that as I've researched some distance learning opportunities for degrees, that I am considering completing my own degree that I started 20 years ago?  Now that should be an adventure!

Blessings,
Cindy

Posted in Encouragement

That seems to be the question I hear the most when I speak with homeschool moms around the country.  Many are surprised when I tell them that I often ask myself the same thing!  Homeschooling is a HUGE responsibility.  We love our kids and only want the best for them.  For most of us, homeschooling is "new" - we only know how we were taught, in a traditional school setting. Whether you use traditional homeschool methods or are a bit more relaxed or delight-driven in your approach like me, those moments of doubts or discouragement can seem huge. 

It seems every spring I begin to really think about all that I hoped to accomplish this year and what actually got done.  You know what they say about the best laid plans....  A couple years ago I was particularly discouraged when I looked at my beginning of the year plans and realized it was now May and much of what I had dreamed of doing was not going to happen.  As I talked with the Lord about my feelings, I felt a nudge to reflect and write down what we DID do that year.  It wasn't long before I had a long list of books read, trips taken, visits made, music lessons, special classes, hobbies and projects the boys had really enjoyed that were (shock!) definitely educational, and of course, the academic subjects we had worked on.  I remember looking at that list and crying tears of joy as I realized just how much learning and growing we had done after all!

So, here I am in the spring again with mixed emotions.  Part of me is already excited about some plans we are making for next year, and part of me is a bit discouraged.  I call it the spring time "blahs."  Knowing that this day comes every year, I spent some time this morning reflecting on our year and, once again, I saw how God had allowed us to learn and grow over the past several months.

Do you have a case of the "blahs"?  Feeling a bit discouraged?  I heartily recommend spending a few minutes refecting on all the things your kids did this year.  As you reflect, God will bring to your mind so many things - things that are "beyond the textbooks."  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!  You might even wonder how in the world your kids learned and experienced so much

Blessings,
Cindy

Posted in Family life

Some interesting things have happened since my last post here!  I mentioned that we were most likely facing a move - leaving our church and homeschool "family".  Although I accepted that this seemed to be the direction God was leading and definitely was the direction my husband felt we needed to go, I had not totally surrendered my will to God's will.  Inside I was struggling - even my husband wanted more clear direction - we felt like we were hanging in limbo.  It is important to begin making some plans BEFORE his job comes to an end, yet we weren't POSITIVE which direction to go.

About 3 weeks ago I came to a point with the Lord where I totally surrendered the situation into His hand. HE gave me an incredible sense of joy - even at the idea of moving away - because I knew I was totally leaving it in His hands. My good friend, who has been praying faithfully for our situation, encouraged me that it has been her experience that when she totally surrenders, gives up trying to figure it out on her own, that God begins to work.  Several days later, God allowed a series of conversations and circumstances to cause us to reconsider moving.  So, now instead of assuming we're moving away, we've decided to try to stay, believing that God will lead and take care of us.  This is a real leap of faith, but we know that the One in Whom we've placed our trust is worthy and faithful!

Last week I was reading in Psalms and a verse that I've read a hundred times seemed to jump off the page: "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." Ps. 37:4-5
The past several months God has been wonderfully wooing me and my abiding time has been so sweet. Having struggled with legalism in the past, He has been growing me in grace and guiding me to focus on inside rather than the outer man (woman). I have truly been delighting in Him - not for what He is or isn't doing, but for WHO He is!

God has given me ideas for new writing projects and opened the door for my husband and boys to begin working on building up a second company selling on eBay.  This is something we have done as a hobby for several years, but God showed us how this could be a way for my husband to work only part time and eventually possibly be able to work from home full-time. 

We are still planning to put our house on the market and will rent for awhile.  This will actually save us lots of money because homeowners/flood insurance is over $3000 per year here.  We are definitely going to have to tighten our belts too!  I know this will be a growing experience for our family and our prayer for over a year has been that God would bring us even closer as a family unit.

The neatest thing about all of this, is our plans to stay put us in a position to move if God were to direct us that way either in a few months, or a few years.  Like all women, I need security and in the physical realm, this season is and will test my faith greatly.  However, I can't help but be excited as we take this newest "turn" on the journey God has set before us :-)

Oh, you might be wondering about the new projects God has stirred up in me - well, I'll save that for another day

Resting in Him,
Cindy

Posted in Encouragement

Lately it seems that I've had several conversations with moms who are worried about their child who "should be" more advance acadademically at their age.  They share their genuine concern over a son or daughter who just doesn't "get" phonics and therefore isn't reading yet - and they're 7, 8, or even 9 yrs old. These same children also seem to struggle with handwriting and sometimes math.

I few years ago I was one of these moms :-)  I knew my younger son was a bright child - inventive, creative, dramatic and tender-hearted.  He marches to the beat of his own drummer when it comes to learning anything new!  I had read the books, talked to veteran homeschool moms and kept telling myself that it was "okay" - that he one day the reading light would come on and he would finally "get it".  We do a lot of reading aloud and I also notice that he was beginning to read many words, mostly by sight.  At 9 1/2 he finally began to make progress and he was reading fluently by 10.  Another 6 months went by and he was reading pretty much on "grade level". 

Now at 12, he is the one who is always wanting new books from the library - and oh the books he picks makes my heart swell!  He seems drawn to the classics - even Shakespeare!  Of course, if I suggested any of these books, he wouldn't touch them :-) So, I just keep my mouth shut and when he mentions that he thinks "Kidnapped!" sounds interesting, I just say, "I've heard that's a good book."   :-)

Interestingly enough, my late bloomer is also a much more natural speller than his older brother.  I wonder if that is because he didn't have intensive phonics until he was a bit older than most children? Now memorizing words and remembering new material is another story - but I've gained a lot of insight after reading Dianne Craft's materials on teaching Right Brain Learners.

I'm blogging about late bloomers today, because I felt led to encourage others who might wonder if their child is ever going to read, spell, ______ (fill in the blank).  Although we do need to be aware of possible learning disorders, I definitely believe that most children simply mature in different areas at different ages.  I can't believe the huge academic leaps I witnessed in both of my boys right about the age of 12.  Hmmm...maybe Raymond and Dorothy Moore were right after all!

Be encouraged today - keep feeding your child great books, help him learn new material in history and science by reading aloud if necessary.  Let him dictate stories to you.  If they are inventive or artistic, feed their interests.  Keep introducing those subjects like phonics, etc., but be careful not to push if you or your child is getting burned out.

Those children who march to the beat of their own drummer are destined to be the thinkers, creators and inventors of the future.  Each is a unique creation of God and He knows the plans He has for them!

Posted in Family life

Change can be a good thing, at least that's what people say :-) We are facing a major change in our lives as we look at moving from Florida to Tennessee. My husband's job is ending and we have always said that when that happened we would move closer to "home", which is the Midwest. The only problem is - we've now been in FL for almost 20 years and, especially for the boys and I, feels like home.

I know this move is needed. We will be closer to aging parents, deal with a much lower cost of living, and we will now have our business more centrally located. There is a part of me that is excited about the adventure, but also terrified as I leave the familiar and we deal with my dh needing to find another job.

We have such close church and homeschool friends - it will be difficult to leave them. We have no "real" family here, so God has provided us with the body of Christ as our family. I definitely sense God's leading in all of this and we really do want to be in the center of His will.

Yes, change, especially when directed by God, is good. It grows us, keeps us leaning on Him...but it is hard, too.

On a lighter note - the Gingerbread Houses turned out very well - considering it was our first attempt! We definitely learned some important lessons that we will be able to apply when we attempt to do this again next year :-)  Yes, it went so well, I'm willing to do it again!

Cindy

Posted in Family life

I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away.  We finally have all of our packages shipped, and the Christmas cards are all on their way too.

Last weekend our family went Disney World for a couple days.  I love seeing all of the decorations and the lights are just amazing.  We really enjoyed visiting a couple of the resorts to view the incredible, life-size gingerbread house and the detailed gingerbread and chocolate carousel.

My boys were quite inspired and insisted that we make our own gingerbread houses this week.  I offered to purchase a kit for each of them, but noooo, they want to make them from scratch!  As we were toiling making the dough just right and cutting out the parts of the houses for baking, my oldest commented that even though it was messy and time consuming, he was having fun just creating with his mom.  Now keep in mind, my oldest is 15 years old!  I was quickly reminded how few years I have left with my boys at home and my heart was warmed as I wondered if we would have this good of a relationship were it not for homeschooling.

I'm not sure how the gingerbread houses will turn out - but I am thankful for a brief glimpse God gave me into my son's heart.  You see, during the day-to-day, nitty-gritty of homeschool life, sibling conflict, teenage hormones, etc., I sometimes lose sight (or maybe I forget to really look) of the simple joys and blessings that children (yes, even teens) are.