One of the librarians at the library from which we most frequently borrow told me about LibriVox!  WOW!  What a way to make read aloud time easier on me!  Now I can knit while everyone is listening.....provided we have a better internet provider soon. 

http://www.librivox.org

I am writing more articles lately.  I am shooting for one each week.  I'm using my short and long lists and going back through the shorter articles to develop them more.  I can work on them daily during our writing time.  Do what I do, not just what I say. 

I just noticed something while knitting today.  It relates to left/right brain integration.  It is said that "left-brained" people are logic centered, ordered, etc.  Alternatively, "right-brained" people are creative, varied, etc.  Both types of people are needed, quite necessary to maintain balance.  Now, for the realization of that truth through knitting....

Two hands wrapped around two needles are needed in order to create fabric when knitting.  Now, I'm not certain whether left handed people hold their stitches on opposite needles from right handed knitters.  I can only offer what I observed from the way I hold my needles.  While I knit, the needle in my left hand logically keeps track of the number of stitches and the row that I am on in an ordered fashion as I follow a particular pattern.  My right hand, however, brings creativity into this order by forming a variety of stitches that eventually bring forth a unique design, a thing of of beauty.  

Both order and creativity flow together to manifest utilitarian works of art.  Amazing texture, color, warmth, and whimsy transform the necessary or desired into a masterpiece long loved and appreciated.  By bringing the capabilities of both sides of the brain together, peace is achieved.  Loving gifts are given.  Thankfulness is shared.  Hugs are welcomed.  Hearts are warmed.  Balance is achieved.

Answering machine on M-F 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.!

NO CALLS ON MONDAYS!

Monday-Office clerical work 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Scooter and Bubba may work for others from 2:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays and Wednesdays only!

2nd Tuesday-Gabriel Project Meeting 6:30 p.m.

4th Tuesday-Gabriel Project Training 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday-NO driving practice.  Mom's Zones 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Thursday-Lawn work at 3:00 p.m.

Friday NOTE:  WKS 1 & 3 Company from Noon 'til?

Friday-Mom starts pantry/fridge/menu work 1:30-2:00 p.m., extras, then follow schedule.

Saturday-7:00 a.m. groceries, 9:00-11:00 a.m. planning/grading/filing/printing.

Saturday-12:30 p.m. nap, 4:30 p.m. deliver ironing to MBath, 6:30 p.m.  Mom irons.

Sunday-8 a.m. breakfast, 9:30 church, sheets to utility upon return.  5:30 make beds.

Sunday-Noon lunch & cleanup, 2 p.m. haircuts.  WK 1-Daddy, WK 2-Scooter, WK 3-Bubba, WK 4-Howdy.

I took Howdy and Posie to Western Days yesterday.  We started out at the parade.  Bubba was with us during the parade and then went with his friends for the rest of the day.  Scooter was with Hubby on a trip.  Sis was working at the feed store until the parade started.  But, she had to stay close to the store for those that would come by after the parade.  It was a nice parade.  It lasted almost two hours. 

The Harley's were EXCEPTIONAL!    I WILL have one some day.  And, there were several floats from various towns with their queens and princes and little misses and misters.  We loved the Wildflower Assoc. float and the one that carried Ruby Begonia.  Some fine looking antique cars and tractors were a hit with young and old.  The clowns passed out lots of peppermints and bubble gum throughout the parade.  Only one band performed that I recall.  And there were fewer horses than I expected.  Tragically, there was an accident involving one of the riders and his horse toward the end of the parade.  We're praying for his full recovery.

After the parade, Howdy and Posie walked with me (okay, Posie strolled in the stroller most of the time) all over town.  We went to the petting zoo first.  It took us quite a while to find it.  There was, of all things, a wallaby!  It was precious!  It's fur was so soft.  Posie just fell in love with it.  We found out that there was one at the auction that Hubby and Scooter went to at about the same time we were at the zoo.  COOL!  The little goats and sheep and fallow deer were adorable. 

The playground was Posie's favorite place to visit throughout the day.  Howdy loved the fishing pond.  The two of them each caught catfish in the early part of the afternoon and Howdy caught another later in the day.  We went back and forth between the zoo and the pond quite a few times.

The wild west show was on our list of things to do, but every time we got there, it had either just finished or had a long time 'til it would start again.  So, we wandered through the carnival and the booths.  At one point we decided to pack up and go to DQ.  It gave us some time to sit and rest, eat a bite, and decide how we wanted to spend the rest of the day. 

Back at the fairgrounds we went fishing again, played at the playground, and then went to watch the Indian dancers.  Posie joined them for a dance that required volunteers.  Then, they asked the parents of the child volunteers to join in the fun.  So, I danced two Native American dances of friendship.  Howdy watched from a bail of hay.  He said we looked like we had fun, but that he thought we were silly.  He took a chance on a shooting gallery at the carnival, but it didn't work out.  He evaluated it as a "rip off," but it was still fun for him.

Next, we again went fishing and wandered around the grounds looking at handmade furniture, canned fruits and veggies, rubber band guns, and pretty pencil drawings.  Howdy especially liked the pencil art.  He thinks he'd like to do that when he gets better at drawing.  I'm hoping he'll want to take lessons next year.

We made it to the final wild west show.  It was so funny!  Posie kept yelling at the sheriff and the "bad guys" to tell them where each were hiding.  She played along so well.  But, she did actually believe that one of the bad guys was dead when he fell in the wash tub and didn't move anymore the rest of the show.  She was relieved when he got up at the end to take a bow.

It was a full day!  Howdy remarked when we crossed our cattle guard, "Mom, we were there all day!  You said we'd leave right after lunch."  He smiled when he realized that I had actually let the two of them have a whole day of fun and only had to help them through a couple of cranky times by finding a place to sit and just watch the other people having fun.

Howdy wanted to go again today, but I'm wiped out.  So, we'll have to just plan on going again next year. 

I'm using the 100 "easy" lessons with a twist during Posie's phonics time.  I'm using the felt letters that I made years ago for Howdy to introduce each sound.  For instance, during the first lesson, instead of using the book to introduce /m/, I'm using the felt letter instead.  I think it will improve the lessons quite a bit.  I never connected the lessons to the letters before with Howdy.  So, this will be a sort of combination effort.  While I'm using a three period lesson format to introduce the letters, they will be done in 100 lesson order instead of alphabetically.

I want to incoporate the sand table using this idea, too.  I may even have her make some scrap book pages of letters in this order, too.  We'll see.  I'm not a big arts and crafts kind of person.  Always wanted to do that with her four older siblings, but never did because of the potential "mess."  I'm ready to enjoy mess the rest of my life now.  So, might as well do it up right, eh?

Posie is enjoying "school."  She demands it.  Heh.  She has no clue that she doesn't live in a typical school setting.  But, she also doesn't realize that she's learning all the time anyway.

She is learning letter sounds with the help of two of her brothers.  The rest of us reassure her when she asks questions, but Howdy and Bubba are in charge of her three period lessons.    They are so excited when she comes to an accurate conclusion!  They feel like they've mastered the lessons all over again.  It's a wonderful thing to behold.

The magnadoodle is giving her fits, so I have asked that they use an old stanby, the sand table.  This will work much better for now.  She is also using felt letters that I made for Howdy when he was her age.  I just never could stand the feel of sandpaper.  If I'm going to make the materials that my children use to learn things like this, it has to be a suitable material for me to tolerate, too.  Heh.

Posie has been asking to "spell" lately.  So, during Howdy's spelling flash cards practice, she participates in the outloud, sing-song routine.  Who knows?  She may actually master spelling before she needs to even study it according to a typical scope and sequence.  Wouldn't that be a joy?!?

Pouring practice, folding practice, and walking the line are going to be introduced next week.  She's been aware of these activities going on around her, but they haven't formally been demonstrated for her to try out for herself.  The time is right.  She'll be able to participate in many more chores before much longer. 

Finally, a real Montessori atmosphere instead just head knowledge.  We're all loving it!

We planted our garden just in time!  We've had almost two inches of rain since yesterday.  The garden already looks so much better!

Planted:

12 brocolli plants

12 cauliflower plants

about that many Chinese cabbage plants from my dad

1 lone tomato plant

some green bean seeds

We'll plant some more this week.  Can't wait 'til it's ready to eat!

DING!  I breathed a sigh of relief when I read Kimberly Hahn's words.  She wrote them in Graced and Gifted:  Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker's Heart.  They are so clearly true that I was humbled and relieved to know that God had her write them based on her experience to enlighten me about my own experiences.  Time and place; date and town; He's in charge and has ordained our need for Him.  He has given us to each other for encouragement and correction.  What a blessing!

"Does God intend for us to complete every homemaking task every day?  No, it is not humanly possible.  If it is not possible, then it is not God's will for us.  Embracing the humility that comes from incomplete daily work is one of God's gifts to us through this calling.

Then, what do we do when we feel defeated?  We face our fears, failings and false notions about homemaking.  We look at our tasks from a fresh perspective."

I hope to humbly look at things from this fresh perspective. 

I am always mesmerized by exceptional writing.  This paragraph from Abraham J. Heschel's great work, The Insecurity of Freedom, took my breath away.  His command of language inspires me!

"The prophets had disdain for those to whom God was comfort and security; to them God was a challenge, an incessant demand.  He is compassion, but not a compromise; justice, but not inclemency.  Tranquillity is unknown to the soul of a prophet.  The miseries of the world give him no rest.  While others are callous, and even callous to their callousness and unaware of their insensitivity, the prophets remain examples of supreme impatience with evil, distracted by neither might nor applause, by neither success nor beauty.  Their intense sensitivity to right and wrong is due to their intense sensitivity to God's concern for right and wrong.  They feel fiercely because they hear deeply."

I miss park days.  There was a post on the homeschool e-group that there would be one today.  Howdy and Posie would love to go, but we have too much going on with Scooter, Bubba, and Sis to do this very often.  I need to come up with a realistic plan for H & P to be around younger kids more often.

Park days were always fun for S, B, and Sis, at least for when they were younger.  Even the moms had fun.  They aren't as appreciated by the big kids.  Heh.  Even though they were once little, they find it nearly intolerable to go now.  But, if certain friends are there, they'll make an exception.

I need to set up some exceptional park days. 

We've had 2 1/2 inches of rain this week and it's raining again today.  It is so beautiful.  We have the windows cracked a bit to let in the cool breeze.  It makes it easier to hear all the pitter patter.  I love the sound it makes on our metal roof.

Everything is green.  I'd almost forgotten what that color looks like!  In some places the pastures are almost blinding after so much brown and gray for so long.  The smell of fresh grass must make all the animals rejoice!  I wonder how many calves were born, lived, and died without seeing green grass or smelling and tasting its sweetness?

I am reading a book called Gourmet Gardening.  It's just the sort of thing to read while it's raining.  God is blessing the ground in order to ready it for edible beauty.  I want to be ready to "help Him out." 

WOOHOO!  Howdy did an excellent job on his schoolwork this morning.  He got math out of the way first.  He's working on subtraction facts and completed all but one problem correctly in record time!

Spelling went well.  I think he's ready for a test.  He has a stack of index cards about an inch thick and I think he'll be able to get them all right!  I will go over them one more time tomorrow and then ask him if he's ready.  He can guage whether, or not he wants to wait until Friday.

He's reading smoothly in his reader.  I think the spelling practice has helped his reading quite a bit.  I'm hoping to help him push through this reader before Thanksgiving and then start the next one right after.  That way, he may be able to get through the next one by spring break and then onto the booklist.

His handwriting during grammar is improving.  He really didn't like the way he wrote his name on his hunting license, so he's motivated to improve it now!  He is understanding punctuation fairly well, but still forgets some capitalization rules.  This will come with time.

What a good day for Howdy!

There's talk of "spirit-led" homeschooling.  I know it exists.  I've seen it in action, even in my own home.  However, sometimes I forget the fact that it needs to be led by His Spirit and not my own. 

I read the following in a book called Spiritual Power for Your Family:  How to Partner With the Holy Spirit and Raise a Loving Family, by Beverly LaHaye.  It is exactly what I needed to read at the time that I read it because it triggered my memory.  I could see where things got "off" and how to get them back "on" again!  YEAH! 

"...Being filled with the Spirit makes very little difference in our lives if we don't take an active part in drawing on the Spirit's power to grow to maturity in Christ." 

That made me think of a song that we sang when I was a kid.  It was on a Gaither's childrens record; one of those big ones.  Heh.  I tried to record it to a cassette at one point, but it wasn't very clear.  It is in my mind though, so I'm going to sing it more often.

"Jesus gave her the water that was not from the well.  Jesus gave her the water that was not from the well.  She went away singing, came back bringing, others to the water that was not from the well."

That's what I tend to forget.  I get thirsty during the day and end up drinking quite a bit of water to stay hydrated.  Why is it that I forget to "drink in" the Spirit throughout the day?  I think I'll try using this idea this week to see if it helps me stay focussed on Him.  Every time I need to drink water, I will listen to Him and get "rehydrated" for what I have to do each day.  That will be true Spirit-led homeschooling.

Mrs. LaHaye goes on to point out, "walking in the Spirit is an outgrowth of being filled with the Spirit, because you cannot walk in the Spirit until you are filled with the Spirit.  Our walking makes us need more filling, and the filling enables us to walk in the Spirit more.  This is akin to drinking as much water as you can hold, and then walking in the energy of that life-giving water.  Eventually, you get dehydrated, and you need to drink more to have sufficient fluid to walk farther."  

This is what I've realized.  I could see a glimpse of it in Pierlot's book, but this was very clear as I've been exercising more frequently.  When I do, I get a drink of water before I start.  Then, after a good workout of pilates or a long walk, I need more water to do the next thing on my list.

"So walking in the Spirit requires regular refilling, and we need to develop new habits to ensure that we won't become passive about our spiritual life."

Thanks for the reminder, Mrs. LaHaye.  I am blessed that you helped me to remember it!

Howdy and I went to the symphony/ballet theatre production of "Peter and the Wolf" this afternoon.  We enjoyed it so much!  These types of events mean a certain "routine" to Howdy, so we followed the usual "protocol."

First, we went to the library.  We're were excited to find some great books at the Friends of the Library book sale while we were there.  Howdy found a "Peanuts" dictionary, a couple of horse training manuals for Sis, and a "Bugs Bunny" book for Posie.  He passed on the pronghorn book for Bubba and the personal finance book for Scooter.  "Maybe next time," he said.    I found an old Hebrew/English Dictionary!  It is a nice, blue hardback in very good condition with that wonderful old book smell.  We left after checking out a medical handbook for cattle and a gourmet gardening book.

Then, we went antiquing for a bit before heading to the college auditorium.  We met some homeschooling friends at the door and were able to sit together for the performance.  The kind lady at the door mentioned that there would be about 800 school children in attendance!  Yes, it was noisy during the "anticipatory set." 

Howdy's favorite part was the introduction of each musical instrument.  His favorite was the violin.  We can all picture him playing it, so I was pleasantly surprised when he mentioned his interest.  We'll see....

After the performance, we had our usual "date" at Olive Garden.  Howdy ALWAYS gets the chicken alfredo.  He insisted that I not order the gnocchi soup and opt for the chicken and gnocchi instead.  Heh!  We shared.  YUM!  He so enjoys eating at a "fancy restaurant."  It's such a treat.  And, he politely visited with our waitress which was a lot of fun to watch.  He did mention more than once that women SHOULD NOT wear ties.    When we left, we both decided that from now on we will both order the gnocchi soup and salad.  Hee hee hee.  It is hands down our favorite.

Next, we headed to Academy and purchased his hunting license as dove season opens this weekend.  The woman at the checkout asked if he could shoot pigeons.  He said, "of course."  DING!  It finally dawned on me they were talking about clay pigeons at some point.  I'm used to them being called "skeet."

A trip to Hobby Lobby before we picked up the crew was a must!  We found some fall cupcake liners for the breakfast meeting I'll host in October.  I also bought some beautiful monarch butterflies to add to our nature themed Christmas tree this year.  I grabbed a few freebie patterns for knitting/crocheting and we were out the door.

After picking up the kids, we came home and he helped Bubba with the yardwork.  But, he came in for a few hugs here and there.  What a sweetie!  I love days like today! 

It'll be a few years before Posie gets to go to the symphony.  I know she'll enjoy it as much as Howdy did today.  He'll give her the same "talk" that his big brothers and sister gave him before he started his ballet and symphony adventure days.  They all encouraged him by saying he just HAD to go or he would miss out on so much fun with Mama.  I'm glad they remember these events as fun with me.  Our days at home can be long, boring, and sometimes stressful like cabin fever.  Bright spots like this are so special.

Now all I have to do is find a "secret" recipe for those Olive Garden breadsticks that he wants me to make.  Glee!  At one point in the meal he said, "Mom, these are SO GOOD!  You just have to make them at home.  Did you notice how our waitress called them 'bread' instead of 'breadsticks?'  I guess that's because this isn't a fast food place." 

"I'm the Mom; I don't have to know calculus!"

http://www.urthemom.com/Self-Learning.html

After prayer, throw the whites in the washing machine and start breakfast.

When the whites are out, toss in the jeans/darks and get breakfast on the table.

Go for a walk or do pilates while the morning chores are being finished.

Eat breakfast with the kids and read the Bible with them.

Go over Howdy's with reading, grammar, and spelling lessons and then his math lesson.

Go over math work with Bubba and then read with him.

Hang out the colorful clothes that were washed during breakfast with Posie at my heels.

Do some supper prep while the older kids take their daily spelling tests.

Go over grammar lesson with the older kids.

Study science with Bubba and Howdy.

Cook lunch, eat lunch, and enjoy the fact that the kids can clean it all up without supervision!

Read or knit while Posie falls off to sleep.

Work on my "zones" for 30 minutes.

Study geography and Latin/Greek roots with Scooter, Bubba, Sis, and Howdy.

Have a spelling bee with Bubba and Howdy.

Return calls/e-mail.

Enjoy gardening for a while with Posie before I finish dinner prep.

Review driver's ed. with Scooter or let him drive for a bit.

Eat dinner with the family and then enjoy story time with Posie.

Go for a walk or do pilates and then take a hot bath.

Fold the clothes while I listen to classical music.

Read some scripture before bed and enjoy the quiet with Hubby!

That I CANNOT do this without GOD!

That I DON'T even want to attempt it without Him anymore!

That I LOVE homeschooling days when I don't have any comparisons of the children to each other or myself to others going through my head!

That it can be as cheap or expensive as I make it.

That I am thankful for a variety of ways to teach and to learn as they all fit into the mix at some point, even for just a short time.

"Our ....research offers neurological evidence that the brain cannot effectively do two things at once." 

-Renee Marois, Ph.D.

NO WONDER!  I guess the only people who can do this are nursing mothers. 

"Your lack of effectiveness has everything to do with your multitasking."

-Dave Crenshaw

from The Myth of Multitasking

"It is often our rush to label and treat that crystallizes a process into a problem." 

-Donna Bryant Goertz

from Children Who Are Not Yet Peaceful

Monday: Please clean your part of the closet and your drawers.

Tuesday: Please straighten the bookshelves and gather library books.

WK 4: Please organize the kids’ bath cabinets.

Wednesday: Please vacuum fireplace and couch. Please clean entryway.

Thursday: Please clean kitchen chairs.

Friday: Please empty bedroom trash and clean under bed.

Friday extras:

Week 1: Please water the houseplants and the outside potted plants.

Week 2: Please clean the shoe box and vacuum it out.

Week 3: Please clean door knobs in the house.

Week 4: Please clean the shoe box and vacuum it out.

Saturday: Please have fun and relax with the rest of us!

Sunday: Please take your sheets to the utility room for Mom to clean when we get home from church. Then, make your bed when they are fresh and clean.

Monday: Please clean your bedroom windows and the utility door (in & out). Please clean your part of the closet and your drawers.

Tuesday: Please dust your bedroom and the living room.

WK 3: Please organize the kids’ bath cabinets and your bath drawer.

Wednesday: Please clean bathtubs.

Thursday: Please clean fronts of the kitchen cabinets.

Friday: Please help straighten the pantry and clean fridge.

Friday extras:

Week 1: Please wash your bedroom light bulb holders.

Week 2: Please clean the switch plates in the house.

Week 3: Please water the houseplants and the outside potted plants.

Week 4: Please dust the bathrooms.

Saturday: Please have fun and relax with the rest of us!

Sunday: Please take your sheets to the utility room for Mom to clean when we get home from church. Then, make your bed when they are fresh and clean.

Bubba's Weekly Chore List

Monday:  Please clean your bedroom windows and the front door (inside and out).  Please clean your part of the closet and your drawers.

Tuesday:  Please clean and blow off the porch, patio, and sidewalk. 

WK 2: Please organize the kids’ bath cabinets and your bath drawer.

Wednesday: Please dust the inside of the truck and throw away any trash.

Thursday: Please weed eat on weeks 1 & 3. Please mow on weeks 2 & 4.

Friday: Please mop the entry, hall, and bathroom.

Friday extras:

Week 1: Please wash the truck.

Week 2: Please water the house plants and outside potted plants.

Week 3: Please wash your bedroom light bulb holders.

Week 4: Please straighten the garage and blow it out.

Saturday: Please have fun and relax with the rest of us!

Sunday: Please take your sheets to the utility room for Mom to clean when we get home from church. Then, make your bed when they are fresh and clean.

Scooter's Weekly Afternoon Chore List

Monday:  Please clean the living room and kitchen windows and clean your part of the closet.

Tuesday:  Please clean the dishwasher front and the inside and outside of the microwave.  WK 1:  Please organize the kids' bath cabinets and your bath drawer.

Wednesday:  Please vacuum out the truck.

Thursday:  Please mow on weeks 1&3.  Please weed eat on weeks 2 & 4.

Friday:  Please dust the office, empty the office trash can, and dust the living room.

Friday extras:

WK 1:  Please wash the office light bulb holders.

WK 2:  Please straighten the garage and blow it out.

WK 3:  Please wash the truck.

WK 4:  Please water the house plants and outside potted plants.

Saturday: Please have fun and relax with the rest of us!

Sunday:  Please take your sheets to the utility room for Mom to wash when we get home from church.  Then, make your bed when they are fresh and clean.

While RC gives us the simplicity we crave and builds the foundation we want for our children academically, I have floundered in the keeping of our home over the years.  I'm using a modified routine now that includes the simplicity of RC for "the books" and also structures the rest of our life.  This way, things are beginning to really shape up around here. 

Our schedule doesn't look as simple as the three r's routine of RC because I have reading time broken down into subjects for the older kids in order for them to feel they are covering more ground.  Even though they were doing this while it was just listed as reading, they are better able to manage the time it takes to get books read!

I think I'll post each of our "schedules" as time permits.  I'll note books each of the kids has to read, too.  That way, those who aren't using the RC curriculum can see that they can use the routine without printing out books.  We still use books not on the list along with those we print out from the CDs and public domain.

Whew!  It's getting smoother.

Hey Anonymous!  I'm not sure how to reply back directly to you.  So, on the off chance that you're checking back soon enough to see this post, here are your answers.

LSL was my abbreviation for Learning in Spite of Labels.

The book that fell apart was a poorly bound paperback.  I plan to take it to Office Depot and have them put spiral binding on it.  I like books to lay flat, so I like have them bound this way if I use them often.  I do this with quite a few homeschool reference books.  That way, they don't get so "bent out of shape." 

Blessings!

While putting a book back together to loan to a friend, I ran across some missing pages to another book.  Pages 31-34 of Learning in Spite of Labels, by Joyce Herzog had been gathered up with the pages of the book I needed to repair.  I remember when LSL finally fell completely apart.  What a wonderful book.  I was so sad when I finally decided that it was time for it to depart from this world.  But, I'm so glad that these pages remained hidden in our house "for such a time as this." 

On page 31, Herzog questions whether learning disabilities actually exist.  She reminds, "learning disabilities has been defined and therefore it exists.  Yet diagnosis is merely a judgement call based on compairing one child with an 'average' child on several issues."  To me, that means that if no comparisons are made, no disabilities exist because you are helping an individual with their God-given abilities to develop them to their fullest potential.  She goes on to say, "yet all people can learn given the proper environment for learning and the appropriate (for them) methods and materials."

Herzog shars that she felt confident that she "could teach any student almost anything if" three things existed.  These three would be a cooperative student, enough time, and the ability to control the environment in which the student could learn.

I like the little poem she includes on page 33. 

School treats all the same,

gives all the same,

produces all the same.

Education is

preparing your child

to live out the

individual and personal

calling of God.

!!!!!!!!!!  WOW   !!!!!!!!!  That's so powerful to remember!

She insists that "if you take school home, you might as well keep your children in the system.  If you don't educate your child, no matter where he goes to school, you will lose hime to the world.  Education begins in the heart.  Education begins in the home."

When Herzog questions what is really important, it makes the reader take notes!  Here's her list of things to remember when considering what each child needs:

To:

"Know the Bible

Build Character

Know God

Cover Subjects

Learn Basic Academics

Deal Constructively with Conflict

Be Prepared for Adult Living

Have at Least One Highly Developed Skill

Be "Educated"

Be Culturally Literate

Be a "Good Sport"

Be Good at Sports

Exhibit Normal Behavior

Have a Relatioship with God

Have a Relationship with Family"

Now, I'm not sure a child HAS to be good at sports, but the rest of the list is fairly agreeable.

"Plan his education to develop the most important things first.  Do not spend a lifetime teaching academics and neglect developing the spiritual nature of your child."

I'm so glad God saved these few pages for me to find this a.m.  He always finds ways to remind me of the truth about His children!

We're finishing up some home maintenance this week and getting our "school groove" back.  Touching up paint, purging unneeded items, washing windows, and making lists or other repairs have all been done in the last few days.

It's so nice to have a husband who's willing to help around the house.  He's ON BOARD with the new routine/schedule and appreciates the time I've put into making sure even his little details get taken care of on a timely basis.  It's nice to know that he can actually see ON PAPER how this is all coming together to make a peaceful life together. 

Whew!

I remember those papers we had to write in school about "what I did this summer."  So, I'm sharing what I read this summer.  I know I read more than what I'm listing, but I can't remember all the titles.  These stuck out to me as most important as they have equipped me for the next year of homeschooling!

The Privilege of Being a Woman, by Alice von Hildebrand brought me back to the real me!  Her exquisite writing gave me the courage to beautify my family by being a woman of strength and diligence.  Appreciating the feminine is a lost art.  How sad, but true.  Just knowing God created me to be a quiet, hidden strength in my home added light to the shadowy rooms during the heat of the day. 

Mrs. Hildebrand's By Love Refined, was another excellent read during the long, hot days.  Written as letters to a young bride, she encouraged me through (and in some cases over) struggles I've had for years.  Some were "aha" moments.  Others were, "I'm so sorry I didn't realize this before," types of meditations.

An answer to prayer, Holly Pierlot's A Mother's Rule for Life was probably the book that helped cement things together for me and has inspired me to truly get the most out of this next year of homeschooling.  I brought all the past "aha's" together into a workable plan for our family. 

In the past, I've read similar books on a variety of topics.  Some were geared toward home organization.  Others tackled homeschooling concerns, but were too rigid and demanding (or in some instances too forgiving quite frankly).  Putting MRFL into place with our already successful RC routine will enable me to create a beautiful home with a welcoming homeschool as the icing on the cake! 

The book that sealed the "deal" for me was The Myth of Multitasking (How "Doing it All" Gets Nothing Done), by Dave Crenshaw.  I have to say the for years now I've been trying my hardest to multitask.  I've even been convinced that at some level that is what I've been doing.  But, the "failure to launch" syndrome that happens time and again had me finally in critically hopeless tears.  I had to admit to myself that trying to do too many things (meaning more than one thing at a time) was the ruination of our homeschooling and homelife.  Now, I see why!  I am so thankful to have been blessed to "go through" the "course" of this quick read! 

I hope to combine what I've learned over the summer into a way to help others over the next several years.  The two groups I hope to help are both groups of mothers.  Many will be mothers just like me.  In fact, quite honestly, they all will be mothers like me!  That's what makes it such a "happy thought" for me to consider.  I want to help other homeschooling mothers and I want to encourage the mothers I help through the Gabriel Project to wrestle with God and let Him win!    He has given me (and the other mothers) all we need to be who He intends.  We just have to realize this truth for ourselves.  He hasn't forgotten where He placed us in time and space.  We just need a reminder that we are who, what, where, when, why, and how He made us because He needs us to be right where we are at this moment in time.  He has equipped us to equip others.  What a hidden blessing!

"Most obstacles melt away when we make up our minds to walk boldly through them."

(Orson Swett Marden)

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...Do the thing you think you cannot do."

(Eleanor Roosevelt)

"Peace.  It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.  It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."

(unknown)

These were found on magnets and a note card at the Holocaust Museum in Houston yesterday.  http://www.hmh.org

Each of the kids have a calendar for the week printed out with assignments to be checked off when completed.

I have a chore/menu calendar on the fridge.

I also have a huge desk calendar with bill due dates, business deadlines, and appointments listed so I can stay on top of things during the week.

This is going to help us stay accountable for what we have to do as far as home management, education, and business are concerned.

Whew!

After attending an afternoon tea yesterday, I've decided to start having an afternoon tea time again with our children.  We used to do this when the older ones were little.  With Howdy and Posie at nice ages for this activity, we'll begin again.  I'm hoping to read from Bennett's Book of Virtues and other inspirational material each afternoon. 

I found my inspiration to do this after listening to a very passionate speaker at yesterday's tea.  He stressed the importance of taking responsibility for our own actions.  What better way to learn responsibility than to demonstrate it and read about it with my children on a frequent basis.  It's not that this isn't happening, it's just that it feels like an immediate need right now. 

As I've recently been asked to resume my position as Trainer for the Gabriel Project, I hope to inspire other members and future mothers to take time on a frequent basis to learn from historical examples to be responsible for their actions through story, song, and simple acts of the brave demonstration of good character.  All this stems from Love!

Tea anyone?

I've been a busy bee lately.  The garden is slowing down, so I'm not canning as much.  But, we have been swamped with the little daily things to do.  Staying on task has been what I am working on at this point.  Doing one thing until it's finished is working out better than multi-tasking. 

We were blessed with what we need for the next while for homeschooling at a recent book sale/swap.  Math is taken care of for all the kids except for a few books that Howdy will need some time in the future.  But, that's easy enough to take care of when the time comes. 

Science is taken care of because I got back on track with the plan that we intended to use years ago, but ditched in when funds got tight.  I'm so happy that a friend whose children are finished homeschooling was willing to let us borrow their books until we're finished.  They are excellent resources for Natural History and Biology.  Chemistry will more than likely be taken care of with DIVE or the alternative of Astronomy and Geology will take its place.

We have literatrue and history so covered it's wild!  I'm thankful for our library, our RC cds, and our background of making history our major subject!  It really is the best way to make sense of the world and how it works or doesn't work.

We're still a hodge podge of resources.  I don't think that will change.  Our routine is fairly RC, but it fluctuates as needed based on our life's ever changing opportunities.  Easy Grammar Plus has been a blessing.  We will start it back up after our 4th of July celebration.  AVKO will start up again, too.  Work has taken Daddy, Scooter, Bubba, and Sis away from home quite often in the last several weeks.  But, we're all ready for that to slow down so we can get back to the books.

Howdy is reading slowly, but is picking up his pace.  He will be a full fledged member of the independent learner's routine in the fall.  WHEW!  Everyone is excited for him.  He is encouraging Posie to get started with the 100 Lessons book.  We're going to use magnets and a moveable alphabet to work on this at first and then move into more formal lessons as she shows readiness.

I'm so thankful for friends and for nice breaks in the routine.  I had the gift of sharing time with two of them yesterday.  It was a real treat!  Now, I'm recharged and ready for the next round of challenges.

The biggest of which is to continue staying off the computer.  HEH!

We met Mr. Smith last week during a speech and debate seminar.  He writes a column twice each week in a local newspaper.  He shared of list of his favorite types of books that offer inspiration for writing, including speech preparation.

His first book suggestion was John Bartlett's Book of Quotations.  It seems to be updated/revised.  So, the newer, the better.  Mr. Smith encouraged the use of quotations to provide examples of time tested truth and impact.

He also mentioned that a book of anecdotes is quite helpful.  He defined the word anecdote as "hitherto unplublished information."  He read an example to demonstrate how little known information about historical characters can draw the listener/reader into the piece and capture their attention.  Books of humor are, in his opinion, another resource for keeping the audience captive.

His favorite resource was, of course, the Bible.  He said that much study prepares us to be effective in all areas of life and inspires us to make an impact on those around us through speeches, writing, and wisdom during debate.

Mr. Smith has found that having history and/or social studies type books around offer the chance to share cultural and historical examples which can relate to a variety of people.  So, he encouraged them to be a part of a personal library that he highly recommended starting at an early age.  He also stressed the need to add to this library throughout the course of a lifetime.

Being a member of the Toastmasters Club of Victoria, and other clubs in the past, he shared that he has developed confidence, been inspired, and actually improved his life by learning how to speak in public.  He felt that "content trumps style" when considering what to include in a speech. 

Poetry was also suggested as a resource for inspiration and the its inclusion in speeches adds impact and beauty.  Figures of speech are also enlightening as many have their beginning in the Bible.

He helped the audience understand the difference between metaphors and similes by sharing two examples.

A metaphor would be to say, "God is our fortress." 

A simile would be to say, "God is like a fortress." 

Both of these can be used in good writing to cause the listener/reader to ponder truth.

Repitition was stressed as part of a good piece.  By using a thesis statement, topic sentences that flow from that thesis, and a conclusion to wrap it up, repitition is easily mastered.

Pauses were his suggestion for dramatic effect and he tied his example to pauses in music that capture the listener's attention and cause them to wait for more.

Vocabulary development, in his opinion, was an absolute must as part of speaking and writing pursuits must be in a state of constant improvement.  He also mentioned that this helps those who strive to make an impact on individuals, their community, and the world.  It causes people to listen to what you have to say.  It strengthens the "voice."

Journaling was his final resource shared.  He showed his journal that has covered decades of his thoughts.  It included an index by date and topic!  It was truly amazing.  He encouraged all of us to journal in order to have one resource of inspiration that is ongoing and can be a record of growth and development and an aid to prayer.

He was a joy and an inspiration!

I found this info. on the Rod and Staff Books website earlier today.  It has a simple list of courses for a highschool diploma.  I think it's nice.  I'm sure some would argue that it isn't enough.  But, for one of our children it is more than enough and is a refreshing way to look at all he will have accomplished by graduation.  While we may not use the books suggested since we use quite a bit of RC's list, the framework suits his needs well.  He does plan to eventually use CLEP tests to prepare for college level studies.  But, that will be some time in the future. 

http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/list/High_School_Courses/

It is so nice to find a path for each child!

Sis had a great birthday weekend!  She enjoyed a mini-campout with her cousin.  It was cut short due to mosquitoes, coyotes, and other interuptions.

But, they had a blast!

Howdy will need to invest more time on his subtraction facts.  We'd "checked off" that he knew them well.  But, he's needing to speed them up.  So, it's back to daily review before his math lesson.  He uses flash cards, speed drills, and oral practice to get these cemented into his brain.  I'm going to help him focus on this for the next two weeks.  He needs to regain his speed in order to make math time more fun.

Addition is a piece of cake for him!  YEAH!!!!!!  He's also working on multiplication and will soon add division facts to his drill time.  He's doing well in his math book, but really needs speed in order to get farther faster.  He is enjoying Rod and Staff and the idea of self teaching.  So, speed will give him an added incentive to continue pushing ahead.