I am the wife of a wonderful hubby and the mother of 4 beautiful children!! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Fri, 28 Jul 2006 12:29:00 -0500 Fri, 28 Jul 2006 12:29:00 -0500 Well,  I think that I finally have narrowed down what I will be doing/using this year.  It is always subject to change!  I know all of you homeschoolers know what I mean.    We are expecting again....it was VERY soon after my last miscarriage, we were all shocked.  I am 25 weeks preggo with a boy!!!!  So, I am trying to keep it simple around here.  I only want to do the bare minumum with maximum learning.  I would love your comments....   Austin 11 & Alexa 10 Math- Math U See Language Arts- Copywork 2x week; dictation 1x week; lots of oral/written and typed narrations that go along with our Science and History studies.  I am using alot of suggestions from BraveWriter, which goes along the lines of Ruth Beechick. McGuffey Readers- I have him read one story a week and we take most of the above from these stories. They are also required to read a chapter from a specific novel I have assigned.  History- Mystery of History w/ lots of notebooking Science- Apologia Astronomy w/ lots of notebooking; I am doing this with 3 other families in a co-op. Typing- probably Mavis Beacon Spanish- Rosetta Stone     Anna 7 Math- Math U See Language Arts- Copywork and Dictation; Lots of Reading aloud to me Science, History- same as above... but I don't require as much from her. We are also working our way through the Five in a Row books, which she narrates to me while I type it out for her and then she illustrates it and puts it in her notebook.   Aspen 2- Math-  Scattering the blockes EVERYWHERE.... duck, because she may throw one at you Language Arts-  Scribbling on anything that is near her... couch, table, paper, wall:) Science-  Eating bugs and dirt. Well you get the idea....  She keeps everything very interesting!!!!!   I hope to keep you updated on our days....  It is very amusing!!!   jen http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/174454/ Fri, 28 Jul 2006 12:29:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/174454/ With all the talk going on about respecting our husbands, it has really make me step back and look at the way I treat my hubby.   We have been through many rollercoasters and I have had to let go and forgive alot.  It is soooo easy to hold on to unforgiveness, but it does you no good.  Out of the mouth the heart speaks... isn't that just so true.  I know many people who cover up their hurt instead of letting that monster come to the surface so the Lord can kill it.  I know I did that for a looooong time.  I was so good at acting like a wonderful wife!  Then I would always give my husband the cold shoulder because he hurt me and he owed me!!!  He deserved "my cold shoulder".   I was a great wife...I keep the house clean, take care of the kid's, ect... ect...  It was ALL him not me... no never, never me!!  Then one day the Lord showed me, me.  It was very ugly.  I have learned that I will never be able to change anybody.  That is the Lord's job.  I can pray and give unconditional love.  I have learned that my joy comes from the Lord and nobody else.   If only we could all get that.  Joy comes from the Lord. Not from having a good day.  Not for having good finances... ect.. ect..  Joy only comes from the Lord.  It is amazing, the change the Lord has done in me.  Only the Lord could change me... not anything or anyone else.  He is still changing me.  He has also done a major work in my husband, which is truly a miracle.  I rejoice in every trial he has brought our way.  I can see all the "stuff" he wanted to purge.  He is a good God and he wants to see His children healed.  He wants us to be joyful and have an intimate relationship with Him.  Sit at his feet and soak up his living word.  So, I can say that with the help of the Holy Spirit, I choose Love, Peace and Joy over grumbling and complaining.  I never expect ANYTHING from my husband.  Anything I receive is simply a gift from the Lord.  I know this may sound extreme to some, but if you expect something from your husband and do not receive it, then it will let you down.  I love my hubby, no matter what.  I want him to come home to a clean and peaceful enviroment.  I use to have to have him tell me how well of a job I did.....(expecting something)  If he did not go on and on about how great I was, then I would just pull out the ole "cold shoulder" routine.  Poor guy...he he.  I WANT to do it now... I do not need any approval from him.   Now he comes home and always asks me if I need help with anything.... wow.  He is such a big helper.  He always wants to help me do things.  I am truly blessed.    He always asks if I need to go run an errand or just get out for a few hours too...  Funny thing is, I usually say no,  I just want to be here with you and the kid's.  I do go away for a weekend once a year...usually to a conference ect... which I am truly grateful for.  If I "expected" any of these things...I know I would get upset if my husband did not meet my "expectations"...  But when I quit "expecting" anything from him....everything became a blessing.  I hope this all made sense:)  sometimes I have a hard time expressing myself.  I also want to thank TaminAZ, Brenda (his willing vessel), and many others out there who take the time to share what the Lord has taught them and pass it on to others.  I am always learning...I hope I never stop learning.  I always want to going from "glory to glory".... becoming closer and closer to my Lord Jesus:)  Blessing to you all, Jennifer http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/64576/ Fri, 6 Jan 2006 13:30:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/64576/ Hi all,   I ended up miscarrying....   The kid's are devastated!!  I feel very empty and very sad.  I know this was the Lord's will, and he will bless us again.  Love, Jen http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/64562/ Fri, 6 Jan 2006 13:28:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/64562/ I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year!!!  I cannot believe it is 2006 already.  2005 just flew by so fast.  We sat around and watch many Little House on the Prarie dvd's from season 1.  I just love Little House.  The simplicity of it.  My girls want a dress and bonet like they wear.    Well, I found out we are expecting #5!!   Everyone is so very excited.   However, I started spotting some a few days ago.  I am very nervous about this.  My dr. will not be in until tomorrow, so we will try to get in to see what is going on.  I do remember spotting just a little with my first baby, but nothing like I have with this pregnancy so far.  Please pray for us....  I know the kid's will be devastated.  On a funny note... we have taken 7 pregnancy tests!!!  They were all positive. He He..   I better go for now. Love, Jen http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/62825/ Mon, 2 Jan 2006 19:42:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/62825/ We have already opened presents and have been very blessed.  I think I was blessed  the most!  Not only by the gifts I received, but by learning to really slow down and enjoy my children.  I love them so much and have always truly enjoyed them, but in the back of my mind I was always thinking about when I would have my time.  All of my "me" "stuff" is dying a slow and painful death.  I am still reading The Excellent Wife and have really been convicted in many areas.  I will be doing and online study with other women and then I will begin sharing with you all that I am learning.    I also have to say thanks to TaminAZ, Brenda (hiswillingvessel) and Laine from Laines Letters.  The Lord has used these very willing vessel to teach me so much.  Like I said, I am very thankful, but I am dying to self more and more and it is painful. The Lord is good.   Well, I better go and put more playmobil together.  Such fun...like a big ole puzzle.   In Christ, Jen http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/59807/ Sat, 24 Dec 2005 19:17:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/59807/ The following really ministered to me today.  After reading Belinda's post on abiding in God's rest, I felt moved to post the following....   The following is from a book called Adoration by, Martha Kilpatrick. All of her material is excellent... here is a link to her website... www.shulamite.com   The Rest of Mary Work does not begin with work. God’s work must begin from rest. It then moves out from rest to      Power and performance.                        Work that does not start with rest is             Work without Christ’s approval or                  Participation.   Life is confusing, insolvable          Pressures of this realm load us up          With expectations and feverish works.   Need screams your name. Duty puts strings on your hands and makes a puppet of you. Affections tie your heart in knots of obligation.   And the temptation is to move, move quickly, so much to do!        "A crisis! It is waiting – and I’m the           only one who can do it!" Time seems inadequate to cover the task and           Energy, meager for the size3 of the demand!   Rest is the first step of work, the beginning of What is a process. To find your particular work And to shed false labors, takes         An intense search for your destiny and         That is only found…in stillness before Him.         Making Jesus Lord and Master – and initiator –                Of your deeds.   Jesus declared His last human words, "It is finished."   In that Divine Declaration,   The entire human dilemma was solved,      Sin conquered      Death defeated…but these were not Our only two problems! There was also the problem of      Life and life is made up of work   The curse on the ground was broken and         Jesus Himself solved the human              Problem of work by         The most amazing solution! He would perform our work Himself.         This is our Sabbath rest.         He works, we rest.   God’s quiet call is simply to come to Him…       And cease striving.   You must unburden before you can take up         His undistorted burden. By simply coming, to take off that human load          And lay it on His Divine Shoulders, Only then can you bear the divine Yoke.   Come to Him _ sit at His feet and let Him sort through          The maze of your demands and worries.          Let Him eliminate what is not yours          And separate the possible from the irrational.   Rest is a place to live, one to which you     Must return every day,        Because of the wandering human will and           Its propensity to slide into            Ridiculous efforts.   This is the genius of Mary.       She would not move until she rested with Jesus.       She refused to be the puppet of human madness.       Her will was set and fiercely fixed on Him.                 And her calm was the proof of it.               No one could pressure or shame her out of it. You have nothing to give TO Him            Until you are filled WITH Him…     I hope you find and enjoy the Lord's rest... Love Jennifer     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/53302/ Wed, 7 Dec 2005 17:18:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/53302/ Hi all..   Well we had a nice and  quiet Thanksgiving.  It was just me, dh and the 4 kiddo's.  We are not close to our family, not by my choice...but they just have different priorities:(   However, it really was a great day.  We played lots of games and enjoyed the nice weather.    The kids have been making books from the book "Creating books with Children" by Valerie Bednt.  It is a neat book!!  When we are done, they will have a precious hand sewn book of their own.  It is really a 6 week project, but it will probably only take us 2.  Once I get a digital camera, maybe I can post some picture of our books, family ect...   We are a little behind the times in technology!!    Bye, Jennifer http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/48769/ Sat, 26 Nov 2005 19:55:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/48769/ is in the toungue.   Yes, I have known this verse for some time now.  I have really been trying to always speak life.  It is either life or death we speak and I always want it to be life.  However, death comes out much too often.   Our sweet children are watching us always.  Our body language can be death too... you know the rolling of the eyes, ect....  When I see this in my children, I usually see a reflection of me and what I have taught them.  OUCH!!!    I am still sslloowwllyy making it through the Excellent wife.  I end up looking up a  scripture reference and then end of staying in the word and going on lot's and lot's of bunny trails.  I am learning to be joyful always....RUN to the word when I am not....speak life always!!  And, enjoy my children, even in the tough times.  When I get past my selfish evil desires....I am amazed at how much I truly enjoy my children's company.....especially when the world tells me otherwise!!    I know I have said it before, but I am sooooo thankful for these blogs...  There are some incredible women out there who have ministered to me... and they don't even know it.:)  I appreciate everyones little thoughts and ramblings.  One of these days we need to have a Blog real life retreat/get together:) In Christ, Jen   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/47491/ Tue, 22 Nov 2005 14:16:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/47491/ We had such a relaxing lazy day yesterday.  It was so nice.  We just all really enjoyed each other.  I love those kinds of days.  We always watch Extreme family makeover on Sunday's and I always cry like a baby!!  I love that show.  The kids were in bed by 8pm.  Then my 6yo comes running out of her room at 9pm and starts a throwing up bug thing....YUCK YUCK.  I tried not to throw up myself and just love on her and smile.  She was soooo sweet, at one point she looked up at me and said in a very sweet voice, "I love you Mommy".  I almost started blubbering right then and there.  So, I stayed up with her and loved and we just talked together, in between throw up sessions until 1a.m.  I hated that she was so sick, but I really enjoyed this sweet time together.  She woke up fine this morning and ever ate the homemade pancakes my 10yob made.  (taminaz gave me the encouragement to let them "more" loose in the kitchen...and he did a fab job!!)  Then she went to write in her "writing book".  This is what she wrote... I love Jesus, He is our protecter.   Of course there were a few cute reversals and mispellings, but this just warmed my heart.  He is our protector.  She is my little prayer warrior too... She prays about everything.  Sorry, I did not mean to be so braggy and prideful about my sweet little Anna-bug, SIGH, but I just could not resist.  Don't worry, I really love my other munchkins too, and I am sure you will here LOTS of braggin about them too..   Well, I must go and finish lot's of "throw up laundry" now.   Have a great day and remember "JESUS IS OUR PROTECTOR" Jennifer http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/46992/ Mon, 21 Nov 2005 08:04:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/46992/ Hi everyone,   I am still reading my book The Excellent Wife and am learning so much from it.  I am learning that I have alot of fear in my life about many things.  I really am not sure where it came from, but am glad I am aware of it now.  I have learned how very blessed I am with my sweet hubby.  Everything I have read so far, has been all about my heart!!  He is a wonderful guy.... now he is not perfect, none of us are, but I am so blessed by him and my children.    Well, want to hear a funny??  I was going to take a nice long hot bath while my 15m old was taking a nap and could not find the bath plug anywhere!!  I looked everywhere for it.....except for the toilet!! ha ha.  I just about gave up looking and was going to take a shower instead.  I went to the bathroom first and there it was... at the bottom of the toilet...along with her pacifier!!  HMMMM  where was I when that all happened?  She has been a very busy beaver:)  Sooooo if you ever lose anything, don't forget to check the toilet too.   Have a happy turkey day:)  Jennifer http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/46431/ Sat, 19 Nov 2005 13:16:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momtoaaaa/46431/