Jul. 24, 2008 - My Dilemma
I have been inspired to actually do my own lesson planning this year instead of purchasing a curriculum. Curriculum shopping has been a favorite pastime of mine since I began the journey of homeschooling. O how much has changed in 4 years. This year I have been praying about using the resources I have on hand instead of buying something new. SO, I am working out lesson plans and a new schedule to have it all work together.
I am usually very good about completing the basics. Math, spelling, language arts, history, and science with experiments every so often. Have you noticed that the most important thing is missing? Yes, BIBLE. Now don’t get me wrong, we have done Bible in our homeschool. I have read through significant portions of scripture with my oldest as we have studied ancient history. My middle son used a Bible reader (we used My Father’s World) for phonics lessons and he has narrated most of the major Bible stories that are included. My preschooler has learned cute little finger plays about Bible characters that correspond to letters in the alphabet. Some may ask, “What do you mean, you don’t do Bible…it’s all right there.”
That’s not the Bible lessons I am talking about. I am talking about the time you start your day with. The quiet moments reserved for reading God’s Word and praying together. Yes, we do this as a family, but I am having trouble implementing this in our homeschool. And when I list my priorities it is #1 every time. I feel that it is important to start our day this way. Not just with Mom having a quiet time, but a time with the children being trained to seek God first in their day.
So many others state that this is how their day starts, but I have great difficulty pulling it off. My children only have food on the brain the moment their little toes hit the floor in the morning. So breakfast is always first…if mom doesn’t have it ready, then the kids work on chores until it is on the table. Not to mention that I am often scrambling around to feed my husband who just got home from work at 7:30am and needs to be in class by 8am. Then after breakfast we have clean up time and school starts for the oldest and younger children are directed by my middle son. This is ideally where “Bible time” would fall. After clean up, but before school or play time. My trouble is that they rush through breakfast and are off before I get the time to sit at the table with them. (since I am usually trying to help my husband get out the door again.) Everyone finishes their chores at different times and moves on to the next thing. By the time I am ready for Bible time, they are often playing…then Bible time becomes
Please, leave any suggestions or ideas about how you have accomplished this morning Bible time with your children. I want to instill in them habits that they will carry for life and this is the most important.
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Jul. 7, 2008 - Let's Get Organized!
I just wanted to share a link with everyone for a great online seminar this weekend. Cindy Rushton is having another fabulous seminar in the Talk a Latte room on Friday and Saturday. This weekend is Let's Get Organized for the New School Year.
Talk-a-Latte Let's Get Organized Virtual Seminar includes the following:
Topics Include:
Help! I Have NO Idea WHERE to Begin!
Developing Your Philosophy of Education
Scheduling the Homeschool--10 Super Tips and Tricks to Make It All Happen
Easy Record-Keeping: Developing an Easy, Effective System that will Work for You and Your Family
Planning Fun and Easy Lessons
Easy Homemaking Ideas for the Busy Homeschool Mom
Busy NO MORE!
Make This Year Great: 10 Things to Remember for Making This Year the Best Ever!
Plus! Bonus Gifts!
Let's Get Organized Ebook
Setting Up Your Home for Real Learning Audio Workshop
Quick Tips for the Perpetually Late, Disorganized, Stressed Out Mom Audio Workshop
PLUS MORE!
You can grab a ticket for the event at the above link or join her live for free. Just sign up for the seminar and she will email you all the info you need to get started.
I can't wait. I am so excited and I hope to see you there.
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Jul. 2, 2008 - what do we DO in the silence?
I don't post here very often. I have so many things on the to-do list and this one gets pushed to the back. But tonight I need to type out so many jumbled thoughts...
It is so confusing and frustrating not to know your next steps. I have felt this way for a while now, but this feeling is growing. The mission field that was once so far away has been only months away and then moved to a far off distance once again. The Lord has called us to the mission field and I do believe that Africa is our destination. But so many daily decisions effect the timing. And in reality the timing is not ours, but the Lord's. My heart's desire is to be faithful. I want to follow the Lord's path for our family...I do NOT want to mis-step (again).
So what do I hear in the silence? Or should I ask, what do we DO in the silence? How do we make decisions when we hear nothing? Decisions that are pressing. What you decide can alter the course of your life for years to come.
Often we want more of the big picture, the next piece of the puzzle, but we are not yet ready. We must learn and grow each step of the way.
Here are my answers for action during the silence.
1. God's timing is not our own. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." Isaiah 55:8
2. Remain in the Word. Give God the time he deserves. Anna was an amazing example. Do we have the heart she did? "She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying." Luke 2:36
3. Be faithful where you are. In our experience the fastest way to "see" the next piece of the puzzle is by being faithful with what you have been given. Are you being faithful? "You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." Matthew 25:21
So, God has called us to the mission field and many ask when we are leaving. My only answer is "God only knows." In the meantime, I must be faithful to what he has called me to here. First, my relationship with Him. We are all called to this. Next is my family. Of course, my husband...but also, the training of my 4 blessings. What an awesome responsibility and a bit scary when I think of the task before me. And lastly, discipleship. Discipleship of not only my children, but specifically, to women in the church. I think my plate is full with only those 3 tasks. God will let me know "what's next?" when it's time.
Will I be faithful where I am? How about you?
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May. 7, 2008 - Turn the ice on?
My daughter is now 20months old. Hard to believe. I love this age. They are learning to talk and explore everything. She has many words and phrases and I adore watching her try to communicate new thoughts and ideas.
She has recently discovered the healing powers of ice. Any time she gets an "owie" she needs ice. The healing balm in our household. I like to use the blue ice sticks that you freeze for summertime drinks. No matter how bad the hurt, it is instantly better with blue ice. So today, she fell down and needed her ice. My 4 yo found a blue ice from a previous injury laying around and handed it to her. She looked at this room temperature stick with disgust before she carried it to me and said "Turn ON!" LOL!
Obviously, warm ice is off and cold ice is on. We switched the offending warm ice for one fresh from the freezer and she was as good as new.
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May. 4, 2008 - Why my husband does all the grocery shopping!
Tuesday is errand/activity day. A couple of weeks ago, I decided we were going to the botanic gardens and afterwards we would stop by the store.
That particular morning it was really cloudy and yucky so I decided we would skip the gardens and go to the local homeschool store instead because I needed a couple of school books, and the littles love to play at the train table. My oldest opted to stay home because we weren’t going to the gardens.
Here is what I wrote about my day of errands.
Next stop was the library…simple enough… drop off books and get a check-in receipt from the front desk.
Last stop on the list is my oh-so-favorite (read that as. I loathe this place, but can’t bring myself to pay the prices somewhere else.) wholesale club. The day is going pretty smoothly so far. On the way to my oh-so-favorite wholesale club, I realize that we no longer have “lovey” (aka: the dirty rag) or at least I can’t see it. “Lovey” is the soft square of a blanket that my precious daughter CANNOT live without. I decide to drive on to the wholesale club and search the van when we get there. Still no “lovey”. We head into the store and try to pick up what we need. Apparently, they don’t carry most of the things on my list. A bit frustrating, but I grab what they do have and leave.
We head back to the library to check for lovey. Still no lovey. I guess we have to drive back to the homeschool store, the only other stop we have made. Back down the busy main drag of town with a million stop lights. I decide to go ahead and stop at the dreaded superstore because we are driving by and the wholesale club didn’t have some important items that I needed. I put my sleeping son in the cart and off we go. I start filling the cart around him and at the back of the store he wakes and says "I have to go to the bathroom!" This is obviously URGENT, so crazy lady with 3 kids in the cart (that would be me) is sprinting through the store to the bathrooms (of course, they are at the front). Too late, my son wets his pants just as we arrive at the bathroom door. I don’t have a change of clothes for him.
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Apr. 21, 2008 - Ultimate Homeschool Expo
Hello everyone.
I wanted to let you know about the Ultimate Homeschool Expo. The preview chats have been great and I am really looking forward to a fun-filled week.
Check it out.
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Sep. 12, 2007 - Good Friends, Shoes, and Coffee
I needed a little bit of a reminder from the Lord this week. A reminder of what you ask? Life is NOT about ME!!!! It's shocking I know. (That life is not about me AND that I need to be reminded of such.) 
I had such plans this week. Tuesday night plans, Wednesday afternoon plans, Thursday night plans... But guess what! My kids are sick...count them 1, 2, 3...not #4...yet! So my week is actually a week full of cancelled plans. I can't say that I was very happy. Next, one of my best friend's had her baby and I can't go to the hospital and see them because my family is contagious....uuuuugggggghhhhh! To top it all off, my mom calls and says she is taking my dog to the vet to be put down.
(I have had her since I was a junior in high school...14years ago.)
As I prayed I realized that my focus for every single thing was about what I wanted to do. I needed to be reminded of where I am needed and why I do what I do day to day. God is always faithful to supply an attitude adjustment when I need it. I finally accepted my week and began to serve the Lord and my family with a cheerful heart. It is amazing how peaceful my home was today despite all of the feverish children.
But the Lord not only disciplined me, He blessed me as well. After I had repented of my selfishness, there was a knock on my door. A friend bearing gifts! Nothing like a chocolately Star Bucks treat and a new pair of shoes to brighten my day.
Thank you Melissa and Ashley. Every girl needs good friends!
(Please excuse the horrible grammatical errors included in this entry. I don't feel like editing! )
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Aug. 14, 2007 - Battle for the Toy Box...Cool Bible toys
The Battle for the Toy Box Contest!
I entered the Battle for the Toy Box Contest
on the HSB Company Porch. I hope to win
over $100 worth of, Tales of Glory, Bible-based toys
from one2believe!!
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Jun. 19, 2007 - Star Wars
It is no secret that my sons are Star Wars fanatics. They love the whole thing and I must admit that being the movie lover I am...they get it from their mother. 
The special Star Wars exhibit is at the science museum this summer. We bought season passes to the museum so we could get discounted tickets for the event. My boys have anxiously awaited the special day for months. Monday was the day. We finally got to see what was behind those closed doors for so long. It was delightful. More movie memoribilia than you can possibly want to look at and fantastic exhibits that have scientific learning value. The boys were on sensory overload. What do we look at first???? They were moving from exhibit to exhibit so quickly it was hard to keep up. LOL! Their was so much to do and they had too much fun.
Some of our favorite activities:
W- the robot room. He got to build and program his own robot and send it down a small track. He also learned quite a bit about prosthectic limbs and the technology behind them. (very cool)
S- riding in a real hover craft! Also building a working hovercraft out of legos. The hovercraft really floats on a magnetic track.
J- ??? He enjoyed most of it as well. The hands on stuff was a bit over his head, but he didn't miss a beat. He was right there with his brothers the whole time
Mom and Dad- the models from the movie. The actual models used for filming many of the scenes in the movies are on display. My husband and I found them fascinating to look at up close.
It was a great family day.
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May. 22, 2007 - Will the calm ever come?
Since our move, our children have shown some (ok, more than just some) unlovely behavior. It pains me that people here do not know the sweet spirit behind this ugliness. We have seen improvement, and I have worked on being a better momma (only with the Lord's help), but sometimes I long for peace to shine through. Perhaps if my spirit were a little more meek and quiet?
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Apr. 24, 2007 - What is it about little boys?
Most of you know that before our move to the city just over a year ago we lived on a ranch. My oldest children didn't really understand or appreciate indoor plumbing until our move. Peeing outside was strickly forbidden after the move. And it was almost too much to bear. But they have been well trained and now use the man made facilities on a regular basis.
Now my 3 year old...that is another story. Having been potty trained in the city, he is fully aware of the toilet and its use. Imagine my surprise when I was sitting on the couch and he opened the door...then I heard the sound of "water" hitting the pavement. I leaped from the couch and stepped outside where sure enough he had relieved himself on our porch???? We live upstairs; thankfully no one was downstairs to catch the run off! I explained that we don't pee outside and we never pee on the concrete.
The next day we were outside playing and he drops his pants right there for everyone to see. I hurried over and said "At least go behind the bush!"
It must be in their nature. LOL!
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Apr. 5, 2007 - A Few Things I Love about my Children at This Age
1. The way my oldests boys believe that washing an apple in cool water makes it juicier. LOL!
2. My youngest son conversing about Star Wars with his older brothers. He knows more about these movies than any 3 year old should. I actually find it comical when he shares the latest info about "Darfa Vader".
3. The fact the my baby daughter LIGHTS up when she sees her daddy and says "hi, dada" (Her only words at 7 months old).
4. My oldest son marching around the house singing "Onward, Christian Soldiers" loudly off key. (Singing is not his best talent).
5. My middle son walking around in a jedi costume that I made with fabric and glue because I can't sew).
6. Everything must be in 3's for the 3 year old. It is his favorite number and nothing else will do. "I meed 3 crackers, I meed 3 grapes, I meed 3 socks????"
My days are often full of chaos, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I thank God for these wonderful blessings.
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Mar. 29, 2007 - Crazy Quiz Results
I have been playing along with Jenny and her week of ridiculous quizzes. Her answers are usually right on target or at least in the ball park so I thought I would give it a shot. My results have been anywhere from wrong to highly amusing. I thought I would share my favorite with you. What kind of cake am I?
| You Are a Lemon Cake |
 You know who you are, and you're not afraid to show the world your fabulous self. You're confident, charming, and extremely popular. |
STRONG, SEXY, and OVERPOWERING?????? LOL!
Besides, I HATE lemon cake!
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Mar. 27, 2007 - The Model Student
Tonight as I was walking to pick up my kids after class a friend commented about how I am an unusual combination of very serious student, yet very laid-back in the rest of my life. She used the term laid back...let's be honest, she meant chaotic, not-all-together, surprised I get anything accomplished. LOL! I didn't have an immediate answer for her as to why, but I do recognize that this is very true.
As a student, I am prompt to class and always prepared with materials. I like to be on top of things and always complete assignments to the best of my ability...not just skimming the surface to get by. I am preprared for quizzes and exams. My notebook is organized and information is easy to locate. I am a good student. I put in the effort and I make good grades. I am proud of my academic accomplishments.
So WHY?????? do these habits not spill over into ANY other area of my life. It is a question that deserves pondering. I have come up with an answer. I am a task oriented person. Give me a job, and I will accomplish it and accomplish it well. If I cannot, I will seek and find answers or delegate to someone more qualified. There is a beginning. There is an end. I will get to the end. School fits into this task oriented system. There is a beginning. There is an end. I will do what is necessary to get it done. And in the end, there is a lovely little A on my transcript. But life, that's a different story. Sure there is a beginning and an end, but who am I kidding?....There is NO end to the daily tasks that I have on my agenda. Laundry. Dishes. Meals. Dirty diapers. Schooling the kids. Paying bills. Keeping the House is a constant job. And I must face the fact that I can not just do it and be done with it. So my new challenge is to create tasks that I will be motivated to accomplish. This is not revolutionary. It is what so many teach in the way of decluttering, organizing, scheduling, etc. But apparently, I am a little dense. I am seeing in a new light what I have struggled with for so long. Is it a solution? Perhaps with a new mindset it will/can be.
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Mar. 23, 2007 - When it rains it pours
I only have 3 words...ear infection and diarrhea. I know that was really 4 words.
(no that is not my son, it just captures how I feel)
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Mar. 21, 2007 - Where I have been?
So much has happened since I last updated this little blog of mine I don't know where to begin. We are well, and nasty behavior problems seem to be under control (at least for today). We moved to a new apartment that I will blog more about later. We are still messy with moving in, but it's coming around and we have started school again.
Over spring break we visited family and though the trip had a few unexpected not so pleasant events, it was nice to visit with family. The kids and I drove and my hubby flew up to meet us. After he got there, my husband passed a kidney stone and spent an entire day in the hospital and another day in bed waiting for the stone to pass. Of course, he missed his return flight and we had to purchase a new ticket for him to fly home. On the return trip the kids and I stopped and spent time with my parents. It was good to see them and great for the kids to spend a bit of time on the ranch. They played in the dirt, played with their dog, and flew a kite. (just a few of their highlights) Unfortunately, sickness set in on the way home and my poor 6.5 yo threw up 7 times on the 8 hour drive home. I was weary as I dragged our luggage in the front door.
Now that we are home, dd and youngest ds have a cold, but praise the Lord no one else got the puking sickness. But my 6.5yo did manage to almost knock out 4 of his teeth Monday afternoon. So yesterday, we spend the afternoon getting 2 teeth pulled and 2 teeth set back in place. It would have been much simpler if he would have just knocked 2 out completely and left the other 2 alone rather than loosening 4 of them.
For 8 years I have had boys. The first 7 went well. This last one has had more accidents involving blood and/or major knots and bruises than we had in the last 7 all together. My new prayer is “Lord, keep them in one piece with no catastrophe today.”
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Feb. 4, 2007 - Charlotte Mason in the city
Then
We lived on a ranch when we started homeschooling. We had lakes, ponds, woods, trees, crickets, frogs, and all sorts of other creepy crawlies. All sorts of wonderful nature to explore everyday whenever we wanted. I began researching "homeschooling styles" and found the philosophies of Charlotte Mason fascinating. While we didn't adopt all of her ideas and teachings, if there was a style to describe us that would be it. We chose a curriculum that has a Charlotte Mason feel to it as well, My Father's World. School was a fun and happy experience. (ok, not everyday...but overall )
Now
We left my son's dog in the country and moved to an apartment in the city. We have buildings, concrete, neighbors, and people. My son uses the following phrases to describe this place: no nature!, trees not big enough to climb, and only fire ants for insects. School has gone from a short time in the morning doing seatwork and copywork with afternoons full of exploration outside to mornings of tears and shouts over written work and afternoons full of arguments and actual fights with neighbors on the playground. 
So here comes the question? How do you folks that live in the city do it? I grew up in the city. I didn't have these struggles, but my boys...they crave the great outdoors. (and the local park isn't cutting it!) My husband is at a loss as to "how to be a dad in the city?" We can no longer step out the back door with a gun or fishing pole. We can no longer gather sticks and limbs to build an enormous fire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over. For science a few weeks ago we were studying forests. We were supposed to gather leaves and do bark rubbings of trees, but wait...there are no trees. How are we going to gather leaves to identify and make bark rubbings for our notebook?
We are going to try and change things up a bit for school. I hope that it will brighten a few attitudes around here. But if anyone has any helpful suggestions...by all means PLEASE!!!!! let me know.
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Feb. 4, 2007 - Thank you God for...
My youngest son says his prayers every night with his daddy and occassionally with me when daddy is not home. He usually prays the standard prayer of "God is great! Amen!" My dh has encouraged him to elaborate on God's greatness by adding at least 1 thing he is thankful for every night. His new prayer goes something like this:
"God is great. Amen. Thank you God for plates and oranges!"
LOL!
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Jan. 18, 2007 - Hillybilly Housewife
Last week I had extra milk that I didn't want to waste. I went to Hillbilly Housewife and learned how to make homemade yogurt. I made custard style yogurt and yogurt cheese from the yogurt I made. They were both a hit. I love making new things in the kitchen.
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Jan. 14, 2007 - Working Hard at Staying on Top of Things
My dh is just naturally a person of order. Orderliness makes sense to him and I don't think the man ever makes a mess. I know he would love for me to be more orderly and I am trying...really I am.
I have been setting an alarm (I hate alarms!) and waking the baby (I don't like to wake sleeping children!) to nurse a bit earlier than usual. This allows me to be finished nursing by the time my other lovely children put their feet on the floor and demand breakfast. I have been making an extreme effort to get the kitchen clean before I go to bed each night so I don't have so much to do in the morning. I have even put breakfast in the slow cooker to cook overnight to cut down on that work as well. (Of course, my kids didn't like it...why would they? that would be too simple.) 
It is not written down exactly, but I do have the skeleton of a MOTH schedule that we are following everyday. The tops of furniture are cleared more frequently and school is getting done in a much more organized fashion.
Then comes along a weekend like this one. I was exhausted from all that work this week and it was cold and rainy. The kids couldn't go outside to burn off energy. I was grumpy and my head hurt. The dishes stayed dirty and clutter piled up. How can order turn to chaos so quickly? What is God trying to teach me? Am I too dense or stubborn to get it?
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