The Joy of Homeschooling

Nov. 25, 2009 - Thursday Talkin' About Teenagers ~ Make A Joyful Noise Unto the LORD

"Got teens? You lucky dogs.
Spend time with them; enjoy them; listen to them; and love them.
They are the most incredible people, these emerging adults,
and they can become the best friends you'll ever have."
~Diana Waring, Reaping the Harvest. The Bounty of Abundant-Life Homeschooling~

For my friends outside of the USA, today is an ordinary day. But those of you who are here in America know that this is a special time...it's Thanksgiving! (I'm actually posting this on Wednesday evening, the day before Thanksgiving, since I"ll be really busy tomorrow!) So I wish you a most Happy Thanksgiving, as we celebrate and thank our mighty God for His provision!

One of the areas where I have NOT done so well in our homeschooling adventure has been in music. We've learned a lot about the classical composers, and about the way history affected what and how they wrote their music, and we've dabbled with the guitars, but neither of the boys really learned to read music or to sing in parts. We have lots of friends who do, and our church full of homeschool families mostly know how to sing in parts, too.

This year, the boys were invited by some good friends to sing a hymn with them for our annual Reformation Party, and they did. It was a couple of months of practicing that hymn, and they basically just sang the melody, but they did it! I was delighted!

Just after that party, they decided that they wanted to try singing with the "Young Adults Choir" at church which was just forming for the Christmas season (they go to a nursing home and sing, and then perform during worship service at church, too). "We should sing bass," they announced. What a wonderful idea! I approached the young woman (she's about 21 or 22) who leads the choir about the boys joining, and she was thrilled to have them...despite the knowledge that they really couldn't read music and had never done this kind of thing before! So they joined.

When I looked at the music they were performing, I was surprised to see pieces by John Rutter, and difficult Christmas music like, "Sing We Now of Christmas." Good grief, I struggled with the rhythms and notes of John Rutter, and I sight read music fairly well!

I attended a practice after church one afternoon, and watched as they stumbled through, knowing they were mostly mouthing the words because they were so lost! After practice, I asked Nathan (my 16 y.o.) if he felt like it was just going to be too hard to try and learn. "Mom, we've only had two practices. We'll get it!"

Ah, youth! I love their optimism! I was feeling defeated for them...but it was a wonderful reminder to me that just because I feel tired or defeated, they are often energized and excited about the challenge before them!

That evening, we sat down at the keyboard, and I played each piece (one note at a time...I do NOT play piano well, I took clarinet in school!) so they could try to practice. Oh, it wasn't pretty! But they are having a great time and have such a desire to sing and to minister with the choir, and I'm sure God finds it beautiful.

Once they were done, I decided to see if I could learn the alto part...just for fun. After a few minutes, Nathan came back into the living room. "The choir is a bit short on altos, mom..." Hmmm. I've never sung in a choir before...

You guessed it! My sweet teens talked their old mum into joining the group, and the director now calls it the "Any Age Choir," since I'm hardly in the "Young Adult" category! The boys and I have gotten together with some of their singing buddies (whose mom happens to be my buddy!) for an evening of pizza and practice. It's opened up a whole new area for us to share as a family. What a blessing!

Now It's Your Turn! Here's How:

Simply write a positive post about something (or things) that your homeschooling teenager has done which impressed you this week. Keep it focused on good/encouraging/growth-maturity-related things you've observed about them; lessons they've learned, or that you've learned through them.
Link back to me (Lori @ Plans4You) in your post somewhere, so your readers will know where to go to join Thursday TAT. If you'd like the link-button to put on your blog and/or at the top of your post, you can get it HERE.
Sign the Mister Linky below, giving the EXACT URL of your post.
(Example: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/plans4you/123456)
Be sure to leave me a comment, and then visit the other participant's blogs and leave them comments, too! I'll visit your blog once your link is posted!)

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Nov. 25, 2009 - Update on us...cause I'm so neglectful of you all:(

I'm sorry I don't update much. I've had many readers over the couse of my blog, but most leave cause I don't post much. Sorry about that.

Well, things are going good here. I'm getting back to daily bible reading, and I'm actually making it 3 times a day reading. When I first wake up, during quiet time and before bed. I'm feeling more encouraged and optimistic daily. I'm asking the Lord to bring me clear understanding in the areas that have confused me. I feel peace. It's wonderful.

My oldest,8, is wonderful! She's such a delight to talk to. She's an amazing artist and comes up with creations daily, whether building it, drawing it or in the kitchen. She's really into horses and loves to dance. She just got a kitten.

My oldest son, just turned 6, is very talented in math and has a heart to serve. He writes me notes that say "Mommy, I love you sooooo much" with like 80 '0's, I counted one day, lol. He loves anything orange, as is his hair.

My youngest daughter, 4 next week, is so adorable. And she says so too: "Mommy, I'm adorable". It's so cute. I just want to keep her 3 forever. Yesterday, DS gave her a tangerine. She brings it out to me and says "Yuck, I don't like tangerines". I look and she took a bite out of the peel! She's so proud to be a 'big girl' now that she night trained. She's trying to use big words now, but she uses them in the wrong place. It's often very cute.

My youngest son will be 18 months next week. He didn't walk til about a month ago. The others ran by there b-day, so that was quite a change. Now he's everywhere! He's just started copying everything you say. He's favorite word right now is "cookie". He was completly addicted to breastfeeding, so, for his benefit, we're weaning. All he would do is cry and try to nurse. After just 1 day of no milkie til after nap, he was doing much better. It's been 2 weeks now. We only nurse when he wakes in the morning, as he's still in my bed and before bed. Plus all night long. That needs to go next, maybe even this weekend if DH is on board. He's alot happier now that he's not preoccupied with a one track mind.

Baby #5 is not on it's way yet, lol. I'm open to another if the Lord chooses to bless us again. I've been pregnant twice around 17 months. With the oldest 2, I was pregnant on thier 4th birthday with a second child after them. #3 is 4 next week. You never know what God will do. But, even if I got PG now, I wouldn't know about it by her b-day. Im kind of hoping to be PG for Christmas, so I can tell the families cute ways. For DH's parent's, I was to wrap a present and have it be a picture frame with a piece of paper saying "Insert #10's photo here September 2010". For mine...something similar. Maybe a picture of DS wearing a big brother shirt. I know DH's family will be happy. They had a reversal after #3, but never concieved. My SIL has 4 and plans 7. Big families are welcome there. My family...not so much. But I'll be oh so happy as will DH and the kids and that's wat really matters right?

I'd love to here how my readers are doing! Please LMK:)

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Nov. 25, 2009 - Common Sense

Have you ever heard anyone say, "So-and-so is really book smart, but they don't have any common sense?" I heard that more than once as a child... Said about me. I, of course, was offended and couldn't believe that anyone could think that about me. And truthfully, I wasn't lacking common sense to the extreme.

But, I've come to realize as an adult that I haven't been particularly gifted in noticing the obvious. It's actually quite humbling and frustrating too.

Today I've had one of those, "How in the world did you not figure this out sooner?" moments.

Here's what I've discovered. Maybe this will be a timely reminder to ~~some other idiot~~ someone else since it is sort of related to Thanksgiving.

The peeling comes off of a baked sweet potato very easily. However, it is very difficult to peel a raw sweet potato.

I knew both of these facts. Here's where the lack of common sense comes in.

When you are making sweet potato casserole, BAKE the sweet potatoes first. DON'T try to peel them, dice them, and boil them before mashing.

I'm thankful that I have that figured out now.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Nov. 25, 2009 - Thanksgiving plans!

We are having a busy Thanksgiving here! Of course it is a 'normal' day for all those around us, so hubby is at work, Kay at college, and I have all four of my childminding kids at some point through the day! LOL! So much for a holiday huh? :o)

I have Little Miss Sunshine all day till 4pm, Goldilocks from 1pm and Jack and Jill from 3:30pm overnight. Goldilock's parents are coming to join us for Thanksgiving dinner at 6pm and we have invited a dear friend of ours from church because she has been so supportive of us during all this 'yucky' stuff and because she has always wanted to celebrate a Thanksgiving dinner!

So that makes six adults and 7 kiddos for dinner. I'm cooking the turkey on Wednesday and then keeping the meat warm in the slow cooker on Thursday. (too busy to roast it with everyone here!) Making pies on Wednesday too. Then only veggies to make on Thursday. Home made cranberry relish is already in jars on the shelf. One thing done - 4,689 more to go! LOL! Actually, it's not that bad. I have done it a few times on my own for a crowd so I know I can handle it with a little help. One guest is making the dinner rolls and another is making Apple pie, so that all helps. We just keep the rest simple.

Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving day everyone and enjoy the time with your families and friends - whatever you are doing for the day! - Deedee

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Nov. 24, 2009 - My Eyes Hurt

I have been doing all my CHRISTmas shopping online. My eyes hurt from the computer. I'm mainly purchasing gift from Vision Forum, Christianbook & Timberdoodle. I'm not getting too many toys but more puzzle type stuff and lots of survival things. My two little guys will have lots of battles with their sword and shields

Well Lance wants to play a game!

Bye,

Linda<><

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Nov. 24, 2009 - MamaBuzz blog tour: Wright On Time: Arizona Book 1 by Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley

Have you wondered what it might be like to roadschool instead of just homeschool? I know we have often talked of it since my husband will be retiring when we still have two full time student and one on the way to graduating and thought buying an RV and selling our home is an awesome idea! While this book I'm sure doesn't stay true to life in what happens while roadschooling in an RV it sure sounds like fun, especially when the Wrights stop at a cave to mine for stones and semi precious jewels.

This chapter book which is geared to ages 5 to 12 is filled with educational value as well as an entertainment value. I've always had a hard time differing between stalactites and stalagmites but after reading this book I now have a way to keep them seperated and look forward to planning a trip to a near by cave this summer. Bats, minerals and a mysterious device are what keeps the reader turning the pages of this fast paced child's novel. I enjoyed it as well as I read along with my children or at least the ones who would pay attention, and even learned something. My daughter even came away with more knowledge about certain cave items and like me now knows the difference between the stalactites and stalagmites. My only word of caution was the use of the word 'freaky' - I do use this word from time to time - but the son in the story had a habit of frequently using the word so it did become tiresome after awhile. The word could be omitted all together or if a family doesn't want the word used at all it would be easy enough to black out and the story would still flow.

This was an excellent book written by author, Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley who is happily homeschooling her two daughters. She has been writing since she was a young child so there is a lot of love poured into the Wright On Time series. I do recommend this series especially with Christmas right around the corner these would make an entertaining and educational resource for your children. Please visit the author, Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley's website for more information on her and the series. These books retail for $12.99

**This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Lisa Cottrell-Bentley for this review.

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Nov. 24, 2009 -

Oh man have we been busy! Thanksgiving is just a day and a half away. I have lots of pictures but haven't had time to up load them. I have been posting on Facebook and Ravelry but haven't had time to keep up here. You all have a wonderful Thanksgiving

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - ~25 Days of Gratitude~

Today I am grateful for....

~^~^My early AM quiet time, my morning bread that sustains me throughout the day.

~^~^A husband who isn't afraid to run the vacuum or help out with anything.

~^~^A daughter who has turned into a good writer, yeah!

~^~^Sisters who not only enjoy playing together, but know when to give each other a break.

~^~^The safety that the Lord provides each day.

~^~^The joy of entertaining friends and family this week.

I am blessed...

Starting on Friday, I will begin 30 days of Celebrating the gift of Christmas!
Sprinkled throughout my posts will be gifts that I give away to my readers.

Wishing you and your family a marvelous Thanksgiving.

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Nov. 24, 2009 - Tightwad Tuesday ~ Participating In A Craft Fair

Participating In A Craft Fair

The last 3 years I have participated in a craft fair in November. I started off with beaded bookmarks and fudge. the second year I did fudge, necklaces, earrings,candles, and rhubarb juice. This year I did fudge, rhubarb juice ( two kinds plain and also a raspberry rhubarb which was a BIG hit),candles-beeswax, knitted baby booties. I have worked up to this as my youngest got old enough for me to be away for two days with big brothers taking care of them.

Each year I set a goal to try to reach. This year I wanted to earn enough to buy a grain grinder. I also try to go into the fair with having everything paid for. I came close to attaining that. I did earn enough to pay for my supplies, table, my goal and very close to buying more supplies for more candles that I will be dropping off at a local artistan store.

I have been working each year to get something to help me make it easier to make healthier food inexpensively. Last year I got a Kitchen Aide Mixer and boy did that make my life easier in making food from scratch quickly. I am putting this out there to maybe help start someones wheels moving in brainstorming how you can make things that seem to be out of reach normally but can be attained with some elbow grease and a goal.

I am very thankful God has helped me and my family in this way. I also have to say that I am thankful that this is only once a year. I sold twice as much as I did last year. God put in my mind to also sell raspberry-rhubarb juice along with the rhubarb juice. It was a BIG hit along with my fudge. I was very pleased how everyone liked my baby booties. I had stitched snow flakes on the toe and also I blanket stitched on the top cuff. Next year I will be making bigger kid sizes and some adult sizes too.

. I have to say that I couldn't be this pulled away for very much more. I love being a mom first and let this be a side thing to help my family in a short term. I thank the Lord for blessing this last week ends sales.

Now to join in the fun of Tightwad Tuesday....

Link your TWT post click on MckLinky and give exact the URL of your post. (each Tuesday that you join in on the fun)

example of a URL ...

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Canadagirl/693425/

Now go ahead link and read and comment on all these other's wonderful TWT's.

Lets save our pennies, nickles, dimes, and dollars together !

"There are only a few big ways to save money but there are many small ways ....that all adds up."

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Nov. 24, 2009 - Jellytelly

JellyTelly.com is a fun place I like Buck Denver is funny

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