Redeemed Treasures - Homeschool Blogger

Mommy Obedience School

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:44:00 -0500

Recently we added a new furry member to our family. We now have one escaping Houdini hamster, one very squeaky refrigerator obsessed guinea pig, two fat and lazy cats (one with a penchant for silk flowers), two horses (who thankfully don't live in the family room), and now the piece de resistance, an adorable puppy named Murphy.

Just like parents armed with a few Dobson books, and maybe "What to Expect in the First Year" quickly find that NOTHING can adequately prepare them for parenthood, we came into dog ownership scantily clad in a summer's worth of "It's Me or the Dog" episodes, a copy of "Training in 10 minutes a Day" and the weighty looking tome "The Dog Listener." Filled with notions of being the "pack leader" we took home our darling bundle of joy (and a basketfull of PetsMart goodies) and began our journey. Suffice it to say, a few sleepless nights later I realized that it wasn't going to be a walk in the park!

Despite the energy, effort and discipline involved in being a good doggie parent, the little rascal has completely stolen my heart. I am trying as Cesar Milan says to be a leader first and dog lover second. We have tried to set boundaries for Murphy and teach him what they call the basic obedience skills (sit, stay, come, watch me...). Right now Murphy knows all the commands, but will check first to see if I have a treat in my hand before he makes the choice to obey one. He is learning and doing well, and we are learning quite a bit ourselves (and also loving being greeted with puppy kisses and more enthusiasm than a kid in a Disney store).

And so....all of this training, discipline, follow the leader obedience thing sort of begs (no pun intended) the question of just how much I have mastered my own course of obedience. I believe that God is worthy of obeying, that His word is true, and yet I have to admit that sometimes I am checking for the big old treat before I step out and obey. Unfortunately my own issues cannot be resolved in an 8 week course like we have had Murphy in. But I can imagine now that God is using my life as His classroom. Maybe the absolutely infuriating things I encounter (like slowly passing trains, or driver's who don't signal) are part of the program. Maybe the enticing temptations (shopping, icecream, Nutella, home improvements, putting the children in school) are the equivalent of the juicy treat that a puppy learns to avoid and instead keep their eyes on the leader to wait until He says it's okay. Maybe God is trying to teach me to stay....stay and bloom where I am planted, continue in an endeavor that I would rather give up on, etc. And, maybe those glorious answers to pray and wonderful feelings of His presence are better rewards than any temporary "treat" or re-treat could offer. A bit of a crude analogy I know, comparing us to dogs, but I have to admit there are some interesting parallels!!

I hope that Murphy learns to love and respect me so that I don't need the enticement of a treat to motivate him to obedience. Today he graduates from puppy obedience class. Will I ever? :)

Procrastinators: The Leaders of Tomorrow

Wed, 28 May 2008 09:19:00 -0500

All I have to see is a group of freshly scrubbed Abeka kids enter the homeschool co-op and I can be seized with the guilt of my less than organized ways. I find myself hoping that the kids will not mention that we haven't touched a spelling book since Septmember, or that I gave up on the Saxon Math and switched to an on-line program. Or, that we have been studying early American history for two years now and just covered George Washington last week.

I kept telling myself that this year I would make a neat little Charlotte-Mason type schedule (I even downloaded free examples from simplycharlottemason.com ) but to no avail. We followed our own schedule of sorts ~ reading a lot together and independently , doing tons of copy-work (which my kids love. and listening to audio books as we drive around town. (shhh....don't tell anyone, but we loved Jim Dale's brilliant voices in Harry Potter). We read some great historical books and did a few memorable pioneer crafts. We worked on getting a morning chore schedule and have finally mastered feeding the cats and cleaning the litter box, AND more importantly having what we call "Jesus time." The girls make their beds, clean bathrooms, can cook several easy meals independently, keep their rooms relatively clean, are learning to do laundry. They get along famously, can ride horses as easily as play Bach and Mozart on the piano. They love church, love God , love to read, roller-blade, play outside,and are just plain "good kids. All in all they are healthy, happy and are learning despite my own less than stellar planning abilities, and the fact that I let them watch American idol, sometimes eat cookies for breakfast and chicken-nuggets for dinner.

I guess I need to rest on the promise that "He who began a good work in me" is Himself not a procrastinator. He is working on me and my children TODAY. I can only cooperate and let Him re-train me one baby step at a time. I am trying to simplify my life and to actually have a list of things to do...TODAY. So, I haven't planned yet for next year, but TODAY we are still in pjs and plan to go to see "Narnia" at one. I plan to enjoy TODAY....and I'll worry about more plans....tomorrow.

It's about time!!!

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 08:31:00 -0600

The First Day of School ~ on the train to Chicago

One of the definite benefits of homeschooling is the freedom we have to do school where and when we want. We packed up the newly purchased school supplies and found a cozy spot in the Amtrak dining cart. Our family enjoyed a vacation, a museum trip and a very enjoyable start to our new year.

I apologize to my neglected friends in blogland. The past year has been so busy that I haven't been able to even think about formulating a post. Once time went on it seemed harder to start again. But alas, Michigan winter has set in sending snow and some cozy days and the time seemed right. So, a few catch up photos from the months of our blog silence:

Visiting Grammy and Papa in New York this summer
Read-alouds with Dad
Daddy-daughter dance
Peter-Pan play at homeschool Co-op
Sharing the love of horses with good friends
4-wheeling at Nanny & Grampie's
Experimenting with Quill pens

So, as you can see....the life of homeschoolers is never boring!!! Hopefully we will once again connect to all of those never boring families out there in blogland. We have missed you.

Much love,
Kindred-Spirit Mom and the kids

Holiday Highlights

Sat, 30 Dec 2006 09:42:00 -0600

Here are some pictures of the best moments of our holiday season. Rachel and Ally each recieved a college football hat ~ yes...we are a mixed family.

Allison purchased reindeer gear from the dollar store and played Rudolph periodically through the past few weeks.

We celebrated Jesus' birthday with a bunch of great homeschoolers. We made crafts and each child lit a candle from Jesus' candle to represent how we take His light into our hearts.
Ella decided that the kitties were hers....it looks quite natural I must say!

Here is a great shot of all the homeschool piano students. We have an amazing teacher, who passes along a passion for music and for God. She had the kids do a Christmas recital at a nursing home.

Allison practicing her songs...The house was filled with music this year and it was just precious.

Rachel plays with a smile!

Willow.....my 40th birthday present (got her a bit early) and my favorite Christmas gift from my parents and Nathan ~ an English saddle. My how my priorites have changed. Last year it was a gift certificate to J.Jill!!

One more Equestrian shot....Ally riding Tango bareback.

Nathan and I at his holiday party. I sang "Santa Baby" to him becasue he is such a great, frugal financial advisor! Complete with text changes "Think of all the floors I've waxed , think of all the credit cards I HAVEN'T maxed."

And finally, a very dramatic reindeer pose.

Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and we wish you a happy New Year!!!

Your scars are beautiful to God

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:12:00 -0600

Thanks to the Homeschool Minute I just found the author of the beautiful Christmas passage I posted last week. Her name is Sharon Jaynes and you can click HERE to go to her website. While perusing her site I stumbled on a book that I think I will order called "Your scars are beautiful to God." I read the excerpt and it was great....but just like in "Jerry Macguire" she had me at "hello." Just reading the title almost had me in tears!!

I have some whopper scars on this old bod!! (which will, incidentally, turn 40 in a matter of days). The scar that troubles me most is a rather large keloid that sits in the middle of my neck line (about 2 inches from my collar bone) and causes me to dress like the flying nun. I have trouble wearing anything with even the slightest scoop neck. Imagine how hard it is to find a bathing suit that covers you up to the neck? A dermatologist removed a mole that he thought might be cancerous. It turned out to be fine. And yet instead of focusing on the postive side of it ~ and God's mercy, I still struggle with feeling like people will stare at it and that I will look like a freak. For some reason it seems to be human nature for people to just zero in and focus on scars, deformities and imperfections ~ especially our own.

I have used tons of make-up to cover up Mr. Scar lest he peak out and rear his ugly head. I have worn extremely large jewelry over the spot....gosh, I have even placed double stick tape on pendants to be sure that it stayed hidden. But maybe I have it all wrong. Maybe, now that I am approaching 40 it is time to bear my scars, if not proudly, then with grace. Afterall, I am learning to accept the inner scars that no one sees as part of God's plan. Everything that has been allowed in my life can become a "Redeemed Treaure" if I allow God to redeem it. I believe this with all my heart. He brings beauty from the ashes. So why do I still want to hide this bit of ugliness?

I guess I do need to order this book!! Maybe I need to stop caring about man who "looks on the outward appearance" and trust God who looks at the heart? There is definitely no piece of jewelry that can cover that which is at times truly hideous in my heart ~ and yet, even this God sees and continues to love me and say "You are altogether lovely, My Beloved!!"

These are my thoughts. I will let you know what happens when I read the book!! In the meantime....just let that title minister to your heart:

Your Scars are Beautiful to God...

Simply Love

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 20:01:00 -0600

I keep seeing and hearing this adaptation of the love chapter (I Corinthians 13) so I think God is trying to tell me something!! It really blessed me and I hope it blesses you too.

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights,

And shiny glass balls, but do not show love,

I am just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,

preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table,

but do not show love, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol at the nursing home,

and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my own family,

it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,

attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata,

but do not focus on Christ,

I have missed the point.

Love stops cooking to hug a child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.

Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china

and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return,

but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,

endures all things.

Love never fails.

Toys will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf cubs will rust.

But giving the gift of love will endure.

~Anonymous

Celebrating the Season....and Cindy!

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 08:04:00 -0600

We have been so blessed to have our niece Cindy stay with us for the past few months. Sadly, she returned to her Chilly Canadian home, where she was very missed, and has left us missing her (and the clean laundry she provided!!). Some people can make a profound impact for Christ just by their presence and Cindy is one of them. She radiates peace and love. Her quiet and gentle ways made us feel very loved. On her last night we all gathered at our favorite Chinese restaurant (where they know us by name and we even have "frequent eater" cards...after 10 buffet dinners you get one free :). We insited everyone wear Santa hats. I am sure that this helped Cindy to feel a little better about leaving the next day!!!!

No...unfortunately this little cutie is not ours!! The owner's son was so enthralled by these crazy people wearing hats that he jumped right into the fun.

Extremely Cheap Holiday Makeover :Homeschool Edition

Thu, 7 Dec 2006 08:07:00 -0600

A friend of mine told her kids "This year Christmas is going to be about Christ" meaning, funds are low and you're not getting a lot of toys. How sad that Christmas isn't always about Him to begin with. The holidays should be "holy-days" of sharing the beautiful story of Jesus' birth and spreading cheer to those around us. It is also a time for family bonding. So with this in mind....I thought I would share some of my "cheap" and cheerful alternatives for enjoying December as a family.

1. Collect Christmas and winter theme books at garage sales, Salvation army stores, used books sales, ebay, or even the library (if you are careful). Wrap a book for every day in December until Christmas. You can even wrap up books already in the house ~ they don't have to be new books to be fun to open!! Let the kids choose a book to open, then read it together as a family before bedtime. On Christmas Eve make it the nativity story from the Bible.

2. Put a fire in the fireplace or if you don't have one, light some candles and cuddle.

3. Start a cookie exchange in your neighborhood where everyone makes just two dozen cookies. Then you will share, and everyone gets a variety.

4. Find holiday outfits at the consignment shop ~ they are usually barely used :)

5. Get some hot cocoa in bulk and the three pack of whipped cream from Costco or Sam's club and you'll have enough for the whole month...and beyond...maybe!!

6. Grab your hot cocoa and go for a drive to look at the Christmas lights in your neighborhood.

7. Brainstorm with the kids on how you can be a blessing to others. Maybe give your neighbor's a surprise and shovel their snow....

8. Make ornaments from a mixture of cinnamon and applesauce (equal parts). Start with the applesauce then add the cinnamon until it forms a dough. Shape them as you like, but be sure to add a hole at the top for a string. Takes a few days to dry, but the whole kitchen will smell wonderful. We used a cookie cutter to make gingerbread men, then painted them with glitter paint when they dried. They smell great on the tree, and make good gifts too, or toppings for a wrapped gift.

9. Take turns picking music for dinnertime from your favorite Christmas cds. Take out some new ones from the library. Vote on the worst and the best renditions of the classics.

10. Find a local Christmas show at a church or community center. Last year we went to a local production of The Nutcracker. Inexpensive, but so well done. Lots of churches go all out at Christmas time too. For older kids try to find a church that has a "Messiah" sing a long.

11. Make gifts. Lots of homeschool art lessons in this one!! Last year we knit scarves. This year we did some crafts. One inexpensive and fun craft is wreath making. Pick some greens from outside, a few pine cones, etc. and wire them together on a wreath ring. Add creative touches to "make it your own."

12. Rent holiday movies instead of going to the movie theatre.

13. Go Christmas caroling.

14. Send hand-made Christmas cards to missionaries.

15. Above all, remember Jesus!! What a great time for little kids to dress up and act out the nativity story. Older kids can work on memorizing the story from the Bible and reciting it on Christmas Eve.

16. Decorate your horse's stall and bring her apples on Christmas morning. Remember that Jesus was born in a stable. Also remember that your parents bought a horse and won't be buying you the new nintendo!!! :) (This one is personal!!!!)

I am sure that there are many, many more ideas out there of how to have a warm, happy, Christ-centered Christmas. I would love it if you would share your favorites with us. Leave a comment and pass along the joy!!!

The Unexamined Life....

Sat, 2 Dec 2006 09:22:00 -0600

Well, it's been awhile once again since I have posted. I have noticed that when I am not posting on my blog there is usually a reason why....and not really just busy times or tiredness, but rather an aversion to reflection. You see, when I sit at my blog I am forced to actually pause and think!! I must, at least briefly, examine my life. Have I accomplished anything this week in homeschooling? Have I had any profound insights into the life of God, or come across anything mildly encouraging I could pass along? Are there any life lessons, funny incidents, etc. And frankly, sometimes there just aren't any!!! But I guess I am realizing that sometimes these things are very intangible. If you don't pause to consider or reflect life can roll on....and begin to become blah. Especially if we are failing to pause long enough for God to get ahold of our hearts and perspectives. So when I "feel" like nothing special is happening in my life, perhaps it is just that I am failing to notice the treasures because I haven't stopped once in my day to rest and think. So maybe I am missing the forest because I am too busy climbing the trees!! Selah...pause, and write about it!! I just did, and it felt good....

Where have we been the past month?

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 05:51:00 -0600

Since the mono incident I have spent the past month attempting to slow down....hasn't really happened much, but I have been too tired to do my normal blog scanning or to write. The Lord has been so good to me in bringing my niece Cindy to us. She has given us so much help in a million different ways. Picture this: you've eaten your only meal of the day from the McDonald's drive through as you are driving your kids to various lessons and play dates. (We limit our outside commitments, but they all seem to fall on the same days ) The child on the play date has to be at ballet at 5:30 pm and presumedly be fed....it's now 5:05 and you get a cell phone call that someone has already noticed that you're running late and has made and packed a meal for the said child. Can words really describe this sort of blessing!!! For the past nine years Nathan and I have been parenting without the aid of family nearby. It feels like God has given us a huge break by adding another loving heart to the equation, and another set of hands :) It's like God is making up for all the times we couldn't drop the kids off for a visit to Grandma's!! We have even gone out for a few dinners, breakfast twice, and a trip to the book store. Just amazing to not have to line up a sitter and be able to go out!!! This is such a tangible expression to me of God's love, and how He loves us through each other. I feel more rested than if I had been lying on a beach somewhere!!

Here are some of the fun things we have managed to do the past month only because Cindy was around to help with laundry:

An afternoon at the Cider Mill eating those Fall favorites ~ the photo doesn't adequately show the amount of yummy caramel that covered the girl's faces...

A homeschool trip to a local farm for hayrides and a corn maze....

Rachel points the way as the kids have a conference as to which way to go next. We got pretty lost and some of the kids got scared ~ thankfully we didn't go at night. It would have been too freaky!! I told the kids that when we are lost and can't find our way we should always turn to God. We praued, and two minutes later we were through the maze. It was such a great lesson by the One who is ultimately home schooling us all!!

Thank you for the prayers for me and for our family. May God bless you tenfold for every prayer. Hopefully I will start dropping in the visit you all and hear what's been happening in your neck of the woods.

Much love,
Kindredspirit Mom
(a.k.a. Michele in Michigan)