If you can name all of the characters on Sesame Street, name all of the Jonas Brothers, and can read text faster than most teenagers we have something in common. If you teach a child with speech problems, Sensory Processing Disorder, or a teenager who needs a little extra tlc then you are not alone. I'm wadeing through the new and sometimes wild waters of homeschooling. I'll be honest, sometimes I feel like I'm just treading water. It's gonna be worth it though. I'll be a happy and willing tool in their learning and the world will be blessed by what they become. Welcome to my journal. These are just the ideas, thoughts and feelings of a very tired homeschooler. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:13:00 -0600 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:13:00 -0600  So . . .you haven't heard from me in a while.  Lately, my life has done what life tends to do . . .it caught me by surprise. As a child I always hated change.  Everything about it upset me.  I'm really not any different now, I've just learned to function in the craziness that swirls inside of me when change approaches. This time it came without warning.  That makes it the very worst sort of change.  Surprise change has the capability of changing so much more than just your circumstances or your environment.  Surprise change changes who you are.    Lately there has been some buzz in the homeschool community about divorce.  I can say that this is a real and powerful attack of the enemy and, in my life, it came all too close. From August to October my family faced its greatest test ever.  In September the kids and I moved into a new home.  I hate packing, moving and  boxes, but I filled them up with our belongings and made arrangements to move yet again.  It's my 4th house in the last 2 years!  Everything in my life seemed to be crumbling and I really thought it could never be fixed.  In October God worked a miracle. The Lesson: Before we moved to our new house, my daughter Chloe made the proud discovery of this little creature outside:     I've heard things about poisonous caterpillars in Oklahoma so we got online and looked up her new friend.  He was a Giant Leopard Moth.  Being a homeschool family, we took advantage of the discovery and investigated further.  We learned all about him and kept him in an empty parmesan cheese container.  We would pick four leaves off the tree out front every day to feed Chloe's new friend affectionately named "Sparkles".  Sometimes Chloe would forget to feed Sparkles and I would creep outside in the dark hoping neighbors wouldn't wonder why I was picking leaves off my tree in my pajamas.  I was amazed when he was still alive a month later.   We had just moved in to our new house.  I don't think it had even been a week when we realized that Sparkles was not moving.  At first I hoped he was building a cocoon.  Maybe this would be a bigger learning opportunity than I had expected.  I wasn't that lucky.  Sparkles was really, truly, dead. I comforted my daughter, feeling her frustration at all the losses she was experiencing with a big dead caterpillar capping off the chaos around her. That night it hit me that Sparkles had probobly died because he was away from his tree.  It was his food source and what was familiar to him.  He needed it to survive. A few weeks passed and Chloe and her neighbor friend made a new discovery.   This is "Luna" the Luna Moth.  She was the biggest caterpillar I had ever seen in my life.  She was nearly 3 inches long!  She made a cocoon the next day and very quickly flew away, mature and healthy. So how does all this fit into my crazy life circumstances? I'm glad you asked. My family had drifted from our tree, our source of life- God.  We were "serving" Him, "doing ministry" for Him and saying all the right words.  We were even feeling it at times.  However, we had become caught up with meeting the needs of others and pointing them to the tree so much that we rarely got around to eating from it ourselves.  Our very survival was at stake.  We had grown stale and apathetic and we were starving without realizing it. Eventually our marriage became as lifeless as Sparkles. In the time apart from my husband God restored our love.  In late October we were reconciled.  God formed something new between us, something stronger and more beautiful.  He formed our love into a Luna experience.  It's larger, more mature, and vibrant in color.  We became ready and eager to soar to new heights and experience new dimensions of ourselves and each other.  We remembered our source of life and fed ourselves with all He had to offer us. It's never too late I guess.  If you are a Mom and wife struggling with the dynamics and disappointments that family can sometimes throw our way . . .get to "the tree".  Climb into the lap of God and ask questions.  Pray.  Seek Him through His Word and believe that something better could be around the corner.  Curl up and rest.  Cocoon yourself in His presence and wait for him to refresh you and teach you how to fly! God is getting ready to do big things in my family.  The attack failed and I'm better equipped to protect against future advances of the enemy.  That's my life lesson from a caterpillar.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/745481/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:13:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/745481/ Has the new school year started with gusto at your house? Or guesses? “I guess we’ll use this curriculum. I guess we’ll start on Monday. I guess we’ll use this folder, and I guess we could try unit studies this year.” Does any of this sound familiar? Time for a change? Get ready to plan a year of enthusiastic homeschool learning with consistent input from the Lord! Take the guesswork out of your planning, systematically organizing your homeschool this year with the E-Book: The New School Year: Planning Your Course and Letting the Lord Determine Your Steps The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine offers The New School Year . . . FREE! Now’s a good time—get your free E-Book! Get your free copy of the E-Book: The New School Year Happy Learning! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/727253/ Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:44:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/727253/   I couldn't choose just one favorite picture.  Here are my top picks for each of my four kids.  Sorry for the digital look you'll see, but for resizing this was the best I could get.  Caibry as a baby. Nevie playing in the creek. Baby Sadie. Chloe in our backyard.                                         I think she's beautiful. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/712247/ Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:23:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/712247/ I'm having a contest at one of my other blogs that I thought might interest some of my readers.  I'll be giving away one copy of Blue Like Play Dough.  It's an excellent book for mothers written by a homeschool mom who is the real deal.  Read the description below and head over to Novelized to enter my give away contest.  See you there!   Summary:  In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible. Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child. In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognizes the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind. About the Author: Tricia Goyer is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including Generation NeXt Parenting and the Gold Medallion finalist Life Interrupted. Goyer writes for publications such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family, speaks to women’s groups nationwide and has been a presenter at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) national convention. She and her husband, John, live with their family in Montana . Head over to Novelized now and enter to win a free copy of Blue Like Play Dough! To order Blue Like Play Dough visit Random House today. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/711407/ Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:39:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/711407/ This week's Blog Hop is extra fun. Today we are all sharing recipes with our readers. I hope you'll hop along with me and find all the creative and yummy recipies that will make our families smile. For my recipes I've decided to share some really special family recipes.  They include Mrs. O'Hagan's Augratin Potatoes, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls and Civil War Fruitcake by Mrs. Sherwood Johnston . I hope you'll love them as much as we do. A bit about Mrs. O'Hagan: She was the sweet older woman who lived across the street from me growing up. To me, she was the lady with my house key whenever I got locked out (this was a weekly occurance). She would watch out for me in my latch key days and always reported any mischief too. She's also the lady who who would give me ALL of her left over Halloween candy and pick me up from school if I got sick and no one else could come to get me. She was a great lady with a wonderful heart. I believe that food with history tastes better.  Knowing that this recipe is hers makes it a real treasure.   Mrs. O'Hagan's Augratin Potatoes  1 bag frozen southern style Hash browns 1 c. onions diced 2 cans of Cream of Potato soup ( I substitute Cream of mushroom sometimes) 1-1 1/2 c. water 1-2 pkg. Cracker Barrel brand Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded Mix all ingredients in a greesed 9x13 casserole dish and sprinkle with parmasan cheese. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.  *Diced ham makes a wonderful addition to this yummy, cheesy comfort food.   My next two recipes also have great history. They were found in a journal belonging to my Great Grandma along with her love letters from my Great Grandpa and detailed geneological family notes. They both passed away prior to my birth, but I feel like I know their personalities through their writings. These recipes were all written in her very own handwriting and copies were made for grandkids. These recipes and special letters are valuable pieces of my family history. (I have no idea who Mrs. Sherwood Johnston is, possibly she was a friend or neighbor of my Great Grandma).   Stuffed Cabbage Rolls 1 lb. ground beef                            12 large cabbage leaves 1/4 lb. ground pork                          2 tbsp. pure vegetable oil 2 tsp. pepper                                     1/4 c. brown sugar    3/4 c. cooked rice                            1/4 c. lemon juice or vinegar 1 small onion, grated                         2 (8oz.) cans tomato sauce Combine beef, pork, pepper, rice, and onion onion with 1 can tomato sauce. Soak cabbage leaves in boiling water for 4 min. Drain. Place equal amounts of meat mixture on each leaf. Roll up. Fold ends over, fasten with tooth-picks. Brown in hot oil in a skillet. Mix remaining sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Pour over rolls. Simmer, covered for 1-1 1/2 hours, basting occassionally. Makes 6 servings. Civil War Fruit Cake 3 medium Apples cubed                2 c. raisins 1 c. brown sugar                             1 c. white sugar 2 c. water                                       4 tbsp. lard 1 tsp. cloves                                    1tsp. cinnamon 1tsp. nutmeg                          3 tbsp. baking soda (less 3 tsp. soda) 1 tsp. salt                                        3 c. flour 1/2 c. nuts Mix apples, raisins, brown and white sugar, and lard. Cook mixture for 5 minutes. Cool to lukewarm. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Bake in tube pan at 350 for 1 hour.  Enjoy! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/710052/ Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:28:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/710052/  Imagine a dictionary of mom specific definations.  Would you recognize these Momfinitions? 1. Fortshun: [Fort sh un] adj. : The act of ignoring and excluding another from a fort or clubhouse. Used in a sentence: My son was suffering from fortshun and agreed to help me with dinner. 2. Goremet: [ Gore may] n. : a person who enjoys and is a good judge of the saltiness of  slightly bloody boogers. Used in a sentence: The goremet savored the intense flavor and licked her lips in satisfaction. 3. Howlitosis: [How el it oh sis] n: The constant whining rants of over-tired chidren. Used in a sentence: The howlitosis had Mom reaching for the Asperin.   4. Intermession: [in' ter mee shun] n. : 1. An interuption of anything a parent may be doing that takes away from "me".  2. A plan devised by a child to regain attention and focus on "me". Used in a sentence:  During intermession they listened to three rambling stories, the details of dreams from the previous night, and several renditions of Row, Row, Row Your Boat.   5. Pooppaintitis: [Poop-paint-it'is] n.: 1.Weariness resulting from the massive effort to clean a crib painted in baby poo. 2. A compulsive addiction in infants to use one's feces as paint. Used in a sentense: 1. Dizzy from pooppaintitis, the Mom zoned out in a long bubble bath. 2.Alone in her crib with a permeating smell and a lump in her diaper, she felt the inspiration of pooppaintitis. I can't stop at five . . .I'm sure every Mom knows this one . . .   6. Spitsmudgies: [Spit-smud-jees] n. : a spit drenched thumb used to clean a dirty face.  Used in a sentence: With a gentle swipe,the spitsmugies removed the remains of lingering kool aid from the child's face. Having fun reading my momfinitions?  Check out this fun Momfinitions article at: http://www.parentsconnect.com/articles/mom-definitions.jhtml   Be sure to comment and tell me if you enjoyed (or can relate to) my Momfinitions! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/708277/ Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:17:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/708277/ Three Things You Didn't Know About Me:    (That's me and my Dad) 1. My Dad died in a drunk driving accident when I was 3 months old.  Please tell the people you love not to drive drunk - or get into a car with someone who's been drinking.  A Daddy is a big thing to loose.  That's probably why I enjoy watching my kids love on their Daddy. . and him loving on them.   (Stan and Sadie)  2. I am a very nostalgic person. I LOVE sharing things with my kids that I enjoyed in my childhood. (That's me on the left and Chloe on the right).  3. I began clowning 10 years ago. I fell in love with my husband while at a clown conference for the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. My oldest daughter got in on the fun at age four and is still having fun doing clowning, characters, and puppets. Then:       Now:   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/707716/ Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:21:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/707716/ My Favorite Photo:   This week's Blog Hop is about our favorite photos. This is one of my most special photos. I know the quality isn't all that great and that's okay with me. Photos are memories and the memories of this night make this picture one of the best. My husband and I took this picture in a photo booth on February 8th, 1999. He had an engagement ring in his pocket that night,but waited until a week later to propose. By then I was ready for the question and eager to make the promise to love him forever.  Don't get me wrong, we don't have a perfect marriage.  Sometimes I make my world all about the kids.  I burry myself in the lives of my children and push him aside.  It's an easy thing for us Mommies to do.  In the last 8 years we've had our share of ups and downs, (kid's will do that to you), but I will love this man 'til the day I die.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/706048/ Tue, 7 Jul 2009 21:24:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/706048/ Welcome to my blog. From Tiny To Teen began as an outlet and record keeping journal of our homeschooling days. When I began writing I had four kiddos of my own, ages 6 and under. My 16 year old cousin moved in and added even more adventure. This blog quickly took on a life of its own. My cousin is now back with her parents. She left me with a spunk, ambition and this special little place to share my days and my writings. Here you'll find reviews of mom-friendly books and homeschool curriculum. You'll peek into our school days and see that I treasure my kids . . .From Tiny To Teen! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/704928/ Fri, 3 Jul 2009 21:09:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/704928/ Being a girl is a really special thing, especially if you love Jesus.  Then you are His little princess, treasured by the King of Kings. Your little girl will feel special from the second this Bible is placed in her hands.  From the tiara on the cover to the lessons contained inside, she will continually be reminded that she is a daughter of the King. God's Little Princess Devotional Bible by Sheila Walsh is so much fun to use with little girls.  We are having a wonderful time with this pretty little book. This super girly Bible story book features scriptures to memorize,  beauty secrets for true inner beauty , stories about special ladies in the Bible, promises that God gave us, fun plays to act out, songs to sing, articles on manners, good behavior and loving others.  Little girls will enjoy learning Biblical values based on God's Word.  My girls especially love the Take a Bow section.  This section allows girls to play act scenes from the Bible such as Adam and Eve,  Samuel, Naaman's servant, and many more. The stories and activities are very age appropriate and Biblically accurate.  They capture and sustain a little girl's attention very easily and bring the stories to life in a fun and memorable way. I highly recommend God's Little Princess. You can order this great devotional bible (cost is $16.99) or read more about it here.    http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/703596/ Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:39:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/fromtinytoteen/703596/