A peek at the joys, trials, triumphs, heartaches, struggles, hopes, and insights of a heaven-bound homemaker http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:23:00 -0500 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:23:00 -0500 Twenty or so days into Grade 9, my husband decided he no longer wanted our daughter to be homeschooled.  He asked me to enroll her in public school, and I did so with a heavy heart and a sick stomach. I am still in shock.  I am sad beyond belief.  I am empty. And I have been assured there's no bringing her back home.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/732039/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:23:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/732039/ I heard from the doctor at the Comprehensive Breast Center this week, and the news is excellent.  The MRI images show no evidence of cancer or of anything even suspicious.  The radiologist who ran and read the test and two doctors at the CBC are all in agreement.  Now the surgeon, who is on vacation, will need to hear this report and concur (hopefully; can't imagine why he wouldn't).  The next step is another set of mammos and ultrasounds in six months for monitoring purposes. I thank God for His tender mercies toward me and my family. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.  (Psalm 16:8,9)  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/719472/ Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:51:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/719472/ Well... Surgery had to be cancelled since a titanium marker that was supposed to be implanted in my breast last April (when I had the needle biopsy) was not implanted after all.  It's possible the needle misfired, but protocol says the doctor should have done a mammogram immediately after the procedure to ensure that the marker was indeed in there.  I was given no such mammogram. It was a long day at the hospital, and after two additional mammograms and two additional ultrasounds, the radiologists and the surgeon conferred and decided that I would need a bilateral breast MRI before proceeding.  That is scheduled for this Friday. I don't know what the Lord is up to, but we continue to pray for healing and for peace on the journey.  It has been exciting to meet so many new people and to be a witness for the Lord's grace and mercy as I travel through my 'enlarged territory.' I pray that He continues to bless me, that I might be a blessing to all I encounter, for Christ's sake. Stay tuned...   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/712208/ Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:57:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/712208/ Tomorrow I will be undergoing a surgical breast biopsy.  The atypical cells found in the needle biopsy, plus the history of cancer on both sides of the family, led the breast specialist to determine that more tissue needs to be studied to rule cancer in or out. The Lord has blessed my dh and me with a supernatural peace that passes understanding.  Even yesterday, when I struggled with doubt to the point of spiritual exhaustion, He turned my eyes back on His beautiful face, and I am at peace once again. Prayers for a successful surgery and for complete healing would be wonderful. Psalm 16:8,9 ~ I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/710620/ Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:03:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/710620/ Finally!  I have been able to complete the researching, planning, and purchasing for our Grade 9 program of study.  It has been a brain-numbing, spirit-stressing couple of weeks.  My usual modus operandi has always been to take a couple of months over winter/spring to leisurely (key word here - leisurely!) do all this; but since my husband and I were going back and forth about whether to homeschool or not for high school (due to my major health concerns), when decision time came, I had less than a week to transform my tentative ideas into a cohesive program.  I wanted to attend our regional homeschool curriculum fair with shopping list and checkbook in hand in order to save on shipping costs as much as possible. So, for anyone who is interested in my hastily assembled but hopefully solid program, here you go... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ BIBLE: The Book of Psalms The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History Why the Bible Matters (BJU Press) How Firm a Foundation (BJU Press) ENGLISH: Grammar & Composition  III (A Beka Book) Themes in Literature (A Beka Book) The Red Badge of Courage Study Guide (Progeny Press) Classic and Contemporary Living Books Essays/Research Paper 4H Speech Class (Toastmasters Jr.) MATH: Algebra I (Math-U-See) HISTORY: America:  Land I Love (A Beka Book) Tied-in Living Books Current Events SCIENCE: Exploring Creation with Biology (including labs) (Apologia) Tied-in Living Books ART: Studio Lessons/Projects at local art studio MUSIC: The Gift of Music Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers Tied-in CDs and DVDs PHYS ED: Ballet Classes/Performances Canoeing/Kayaking/Hiking (with Dad as available) ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ A field trip here and there (if I have the energy and money) and church youth group meetings/activities will be about all the extras we can fit in while still protecting the integrity of family time and guarding my overall health. Here's to a fruitful year for all of us undertaking the blessed adventure of homeschooling!  "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/705312/ Sun, 5 Jul 2009 20:02:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/705312/ It started as a routine mammogram.  Which required a routine ultrasound.  Which required a needle biopsy. The good news is I do not have breast cancer.  I do, however, have atypical ductal hyperplasia, which in many cases, can be a precursor to cancer. The next step is to meet with a breast cancer specialist/surgeon who will order an MRI and thoroughly review all test results and family history and make a recommendation as to the best course of action.  Best case scenario is that I'll just need frequent and continued monitoring; worst case scenario is a surgical biopsy in order to remove a larger section of tissue, the results of which could lead to a lumpectomy or mastectomy, depending.  The Lord has seen fit to enlarge my territory by bringing me into the lives of many people whom, if I did not need this exploration nor have this condition, I would likely never meet.  I am thankful for the opportunity He has given me to spread the gospel, to share my faith, to encourage and to inspire, and to glorify His Name.  If I can do those things in His strength and by His grace, I will be blessed. This has been a long couple of months, but through all the uncertainties and questions, He has held me and carried me and filled me with peace.  My spirit has indeed stayed steadfast.  I have prayed for healing and will continue to pray for healing, but I will rejoice in His love whatever His plan. "I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely."  Psalm 16:8,9      http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/696004/ Thu, 4 Jun 2009 22:37:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/696004/ Today I decided to finally relocate some of the books from the playroom where most of our bookcases dwell to bookshelf space in my everything room (you know the room I mean -- the tiny room that's perfect for a mini-office/retreat for mother and her stuff, but that ends up being the catch-all room for the family and their stuff).  The 200+ Golden Books I had collected during the first 10 years or so of our older daughter's life are now safely nestled just under the Nancy Drew and the Dear America sets, on a small shelf tucked between my computer desk and my working desk.  Whenever I gaze at them I envision endless comfy couch time with my future grandchildren, should I be so blessed.  Making the switch has opened up shelf space in the playroom for our growing collection of classics and contemporaries, where Moby Dick is neighbor to The Borrowers which is neighbor to Anne of Green Gables which is neighbor to A Series of Unfortunate Events and so on.  I do borrow books from the library religiously, but I occasionally fall prey to the desire to buy some and to build our own personal library.  There is great comfort in a few things in life -- among them are big mugs of steaming coffee, the sound of babies laughing, and of course, rows and rows of books standing at attention or reclining at ease just begging to be picked up and devoured. When I think of my dream house (which, sadly, will only ever exist as a dream), there is a spacious room filled with sunny windows and overstuffed sofas surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookcases packed with all that is good and satisfying for the soul.  And on a shelf at just the right height sit some 200+ shiny-spined Golden Books of once upon a time, waiting patiently to be loved by the next generation of readers and listeners.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/676005/ Sun, 5 Apr 2009 01:20:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/676005/ Every year my husband and I face the same quandry about our daughter's education.  I love the homeschooling adventure, even though at times it's wearying, but my husband and I always have an annual discussion --  always around this time, too --  about what is the best option for the whole family for the coming year.  We look at everything -- our finances, my health, our daughter's learning style and character issues, etc.  This year is no different, except that with four years of high school looming, the decision is weighing more heavily on our minds and in our hearts. I know for some of you, there's no doubt about what your plan is.  You've been called into the homeschooling lifestyle for the long haul, no matter what.  It's never been that way for our family.  Every year has brought unique challenges that we have had to face and deal with, and for us, the plan has always been a year-to-year decision.  We have just never felt comfortable setting a plan in stone so far into the future. So.....here we are at the crossroads again.  And our options are the same as usual:  homeschool, Christian school, or public school. While there are days when I would love to heave-ho our difficult daughter onto someone else's back and say, "Here!  You deal with her!", I know that is not, in the long run, the wisest or best thing to do.  Our challenges have to do with matters of the heart and not matters of academics. Even if she was gone for eight hours a day, we'd still have to face the character issues but with less time and energy than before. To me, public school is an option only if I'm dead or incapacitated.  Christian school, while tempting, is pretty much a pipe dream due to my health issues.  I'd have to work part-time in order to earn the tuition, and my health just isn't that great.  I can't look at a computer screen for too long, I can't sit down for too long, and I can't stand for too long.  I also battle chronic fatigue on a daily basis.  Who would even want to hire me, LOL.  So that leaves homeschooling. It's the most family-friendly option out there, and the one we always gravitate toward.  I just wish our own experience could be more peace-filled and joy-filled.  My head is pretty sore from all the wall-banging and head-butting that goes on around here.  I realize it takes two to tango, so obviously I have as much learning and growing to do as our daughter does.  The Father's chisel faithfully chips away at the sin that entangles me, and some day -- some day! -- I will be a completed work of art. But until that good and glorious day, you will find me in the kitchen and in the world teaching our daughter what I know about life and what it takes to live it.  So, here's to high school at home -- let the chiseling begin! "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/659863/ Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:12:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/659863/ I have been struggling with depression this autumn and winter, and the struggle has caused me to become more and more withdrawn from 'the world.' Worship and fellowship ceased for me when I hit rock bottom 3-4 weeks ago when I fled from church in a state of high anxiety. Last Friday, a friend from church dropped by to say hello and give me a hug. Her visit was like a cup of cold water to me -- very needed, very refreshing. She wanted to know what she could do for me, and I asked her to please just pray me back to church, for starters. This morning, I earnestly prayed that God would give me the energy and the courage to attend service with my family. His peace began to permeate my soul, and I was able to go through the motions of getting dressed and driving there. I was afraid that at any moment I would be overcome by anxiety and not make it through the doors. But I took His hand, and He led me to the fifth row where we usually sit. Lord, I said, I can't sit here! It's too close to the front and too far from the exit! I'll freak out! Trust Me, He said. I'll be sitting right next to you and filling you with My peace. His peace continued to permeate my soul, not in a flood, but in a steady trickle, and I was able to stay and enjoy the whole service. The praying, the singing, the preaching -- all of it was a balm to my fearful heart. I just want to praise God for His faithfulness. He never lets go of me, He never gives up on me. May those of you who are struggling in any way always remember this and be encouraged. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/650178/ Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:45:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/650178/   Dd14, when asked how her day at the homeschool enrichment center went, gave a subdued, almost sad, reply. "It was okay." Knowing that she usually has a great time there, I asked her if something was said or done today that was bothering her. "Yes, but you wouldn't understand." Silence. I offered, "Well...if it has anything to do with being a woman... or being a human...I probably would understand." More silence. "Does it have anything to do with guy-girl relationships?" "Yes, but you wouldn't understand because you'd have to be me to know what I'm feeling." "That's true, but there might be some way I can help, even if it's just giving you comfort." Pause. "Remember that if you ever want to talk about it, I'm available." Silence. Then she opened up to me, and we had a heart-to-heart conversation on the way home. She's still a little down, but I hope with time and prayer, she gets through it. Isn't that how we all get through it? "...for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/648587/ Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:44:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momster/648587/