|
Homeschool in the Parsonage
Aug. 12, 2008
Homeschooling LEGAL in California
I came across the article (August 9, 2008) on the SF Chronicle about the homeschool ruling from the state appeals court. They basically agreed with the Governor of California about the previous ruling that stated the parent homeschooling had to have teaching credentials. Basically, it is like the ruling never happened. YEH!!!!!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/08/BAE5127NLJ.DTL&tsp=1
Most people thought this was ridiculous even though I have had some people around me (that know that we homeschool) to state that homeschoolers need to be more regulated. I disagreed with them and explained my reasoning. Homeschooler test scores are much higher than even private schooled students and basically succeed in life better.
I'm very excited (especially for California HS) for the HS community because now we can concentrate more on HSing our students and not about the government intrusion.
Have a great day!!!!!
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Jul. 30, 2008
Relaxed Wednesday (for a change)
Today was a more relaxed day than most days. My dd had a friend spend the night (they didn't get to bed until midnight). She really enjoys having friends over. They made a mess of the LR, but I was able to get it cleaned up. I picked up the rest of the house along with it and did some laundry (still not done).
My dd had her VBS program tonight. They used Lifeway's VBS program this year. It was really cute and well done. My kids have gone to four VBS programs this summer. They have had a blast.
My dh had a Trustee's meeting tonight. They are not very fun most times because of some conflicts on the committee. The meeting will be over two hours long. He is exhausted when he comes home. I hope to have the kids in bed before he gets home. The kids are showering right now.
Have a great Thursday. I will be ministering to young women at Birthright in crisis pregnancies tomorrow afternoon.
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Jul. 29, 2008
Great Book and VBS
Today I finished a great book about adoption and family life. The book The Family Nobody Wanted is a great book.
Helen Doss documents the life and times of a pastoral family that has 12 adopted children. Most of the children adopted are multiracial backgrounds. Some of the children were adopted as infants, some as toddlers and some as older children. This true story takes place in the 1940's and 1950's when infants and toddlers were more available through the foster care system. At this time there were still orphanages in the United States.
My dd attended VBS at the First Baptist Church. She is having such a great time and also learning some great Christian songs. She loves singing them.
Get the book today. It is well worth reading. 
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
May. 30, 2008
Large Families, Pollen Count, etc.
Today the weather was hot and humid. We turned on the AC for the first time this year. It feels much better than earlier in the day. We are all feeling better because (I didn't realize) the pollen count was very high in our area today. We have all had headaches and just didn't feel very good. Eating supper helped also.
I have been reading about large family organization. I so enjoy reading other blogs (large families, homeschooling, education news, local newspaper blogs). I never thought about the advantages of having a larger family (we currently have only two children, but are praying for more). The pros outweigh the cons big time. My favorites are: the children all learn unselfishness, they learn how to run a household, they become best friends with their siblings.
Today was my dh day off even though he had some calls and worked on some Confessing Movement stuff. He is on the Board and answered some e-mails. Today was also grocery day. We go as a family, but the kids get really tired after a few minutes in the store.
I worked with ds on his letters and sounds. His writing is better than I thought it might be. He has only learned t, r, m, f and k so far. We are using the Explode the Code series. It works with all the learning styles. He knows almost all of the sounds of the entire alphabet but has trouble recognizing the letters sometimes. He is only 4.5 so we are going slow. His sister was reading very well at this age, but being first born she is very bright.
Have a great Saturday. I will be at some garage sales.
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
May. 4, 2008
Vacation!!!! YEH!!!
Today our vacation started. My dh needs it very badly. He is getting very frustrated and discouraged about ministry and other things he is involved in. I believe the he is having burn out. He needs prayer for encouragement.
Today we worshiped at The Promise United Methodist Church in Central Indiana. The worship was very nice but very different from our church. It was nice for a change. My dh is a friend of the pastor there.
After leaving there, we went to a family reunion. It was very boring, but the kids enjoyed the food. Ds enjoyed the chocolate chip cookies. Ds and dd fell asleep on the way home.
I finally was able to read my Old Schoolhouse Magazine for this quarter. It is a great issue with articles about the court ruling in California and the impact on other homeschoolers in the US. I found the article about when Child Protective Services comes to your door to be very informative
Tomorrow is cleaning day (even when we are on vacation). We will be leaving for the Great Wolf Lodge on Wednesday. The kids will have a ball.
Have a blessed Monday!!!
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Apr. 2, 2008
At Least it was Sunny!!!!!
Today in Indiana it was sunny all day, but only in the 40's. Today dd had piano and swimming lessons. She did well at both of them. She did well at her schooling today. She did math, science, Bible, Bible reading (somewhere in Leviticus) and American History. She enjoys reading out loud. Ds loves to listen also.
It will be raining for the next two or three days. I need to put the weed and feed on the lawn soon before the weeds start growing too much. Kmart had a great price on Scotts Weed and Feed and the Ortho weed killer (for weeds in my flower bed). I have wild onions that grow in the flower bed. I'm not sure where they came from, but I work hard on getting rid of them.
I will be volunteering at Birthright tomorrow. Most of my clients continue to make bad decision about their children and their lives. I try to love them which they don't get much of normally.
Have a great day with the Lord. He is so good to us!!!
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Feb. 5, 2008
Much Too Rain & Clouds
Today was not a fun day because the weather here (eastern Indiana) was rainy and cloudy. I feel more down on these type of days.
We also found a leak in the kids bathroom ceiling. There is a link around one of the air vents on the roof. Tim is here patching the roof until the roofers can come and fix it. Thank you Tim.
Dd did Bible, math & art today. She also had a math test and a Bible test. She did very well on both of them. She enjoyed painting for art today. Tomorrow we will work on history, writing and more math. She will also work on her two lapbooks on the Iditarod and Indians.
Dh wants to watch Barney Miller on DVD.
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Jan. 27, 2008
Lapbooks . . . What Fun We Are Having!!!!
I received my Old Schoolhouse Magazine yesterday. I love this magazine. Every homeschooler should subscribe to it.
I was excited to see a Unit Study on the Iditarod. My dd is very interested in this. Today, she picked the mushers that she wanted to watch. I suggested 7, but she picked 20. I made a chart for her and she typed them in.
There was a reference to making a lapbook. I wasn't really sure what one was so I went to YouTube to find out. There are several video demostrations on how to do one. These were very helped to me. I followed the instructions and made a simple one for the 2008 Iditarod. The race will begin on March 1, 2008. Dd has added pictures to the front and back of the lapbook. She will be putting information on the inside about the dogs, their food, the temperatures, etc. I have never seen her so excited about learning. Thank you Lord that we found the lapbooks.
I stayed home from church today because ds was sick. He was running a fever with a soar throat. We may go to the doctor tomorrow. Right before he went to bed, he was running around the house. Hopefully, he is over it.
Tomorrow is cleaning day. We will get most of the house done except for the bathrooms and the office. Our home is just under 2000 sq ft so not too big. The kids are very helpful. They love to clean the bathrooms. I'm not sure where they got that from. I don't like cleaning the bathroom at all.
Have a blessed day tomorrow.
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Jan. 24, 2008
Was It Cold Where You Live?
Today it was 14 degrees in Indiana. I was very cold today inside.
Ds had preschool today at Centerville United Methodist Church. He had a great time as always. He really enjoys preschool. This is the same classroom that he has Sunday School in. I believe that is why he never clings to me when I leave him there. He is very comfortable.
Today I wasn't feeling very well, but tried to get dd school done. We did math (4 pages), language (2 pages), Bible reading, Bible workbook and writing. We usually do at least two other subjects. Hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow and we can catch up on our schedule. Dh will be gone all day tomorrow in Bloomington, IN for a meeting.
Today I read an editorial on the Indianapolis Star about their position on adoption. They believe that everyone can agree on this subject, but I couldn't believe the comments from people that were against adoption. I have two adopted children that were adopted at birth. I couldn't imagine my life without them. They are very precious children. I can't believe that people are against adoption.
The Western Wayne News (Wayne County, Indiana) had an article about how wonderful Planned Parenthood is and all the good that they do. A lot of people don't know that they are the biggest provider of ABORTION in this country. They don't care about women; they are just out to make money.
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Jan. 12, 2008
Why Reading is Important
Reading is so basic to a child's learning. If a child has trouble with reading, they will also have trouble with other subjects. All phonics is the only way to learn reading. Whole language does not teach reading.
My daughter learned with phonics only. She is a great reader. She reads several grade levels above her current grade. She reads so many books, I have trouble keeping up with what she is reading. She loves reading. This also makes her a great speller. She doesn't have any trouble spelling most words.
If the public schools would go with total phonics for reading, they would have great readers. This would make the students better over all with other subjects also.
I'm currently teaching my 4 year old son to read with "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Lessons". He is really catching on quickly. I have heard and read online about this book and how great it is. So far the reviews have been correct.
My children love to go to the library. We try to go once a week, but don't always get there. They read the books that they get over and over. They love to read and be read to. I let dd read about anything that she wants to. She reads a wide variety of books. She especially likes horses.
Have a great Sunday!!!! Our Day of Rest after church!!!
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Jan. 10, 2008
View From Our Home
| Today was rainy and cold, but this is normal for Indiana. Yesterday was the busiest our family has been in a while. Dd has piano lessons in the early afternoon and swimming lessons at 5:30 (don't like the time).
I needed to get the house somewhat neat and do math, language, writing, etc. with dd. She does pretty well as long as ds doesn't interrupt us. He always seems to do so however. We got the homeschooling done in the morning and did some life skills in the afternoon.
Today, I volunteered at Birthright for 3 hours while dh watched the kids. I didn't have many clients, but I had one young lady who was crushed. She needs lots of support. I hope to have her meet with the adoption counselor soon to make sure she is making the correct decision for her and her child.
My mil will be visiting tomorrow thru Tuesday. She is a joy to have with us. I worry about her living by herself in a small town. I pray for her safety.
Have a great Friday!! TGIF
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Oct. 21, 2007
What a Beautiful Day!!!
| Today was such a beautiful day in Indiana. The weather has been so nice this fall, but it will be turning colder this week.
My dd birthday was this week. She turned 7. I can't believe that she is that age. My dh doesn't want her to grow up. She is adopted and I was in the delivery room when she was born. Her birthmother was so nice. My dd has some breathing problems at birth, but they passed. She left the hospital after 4 days. I love newborns. She is so precious
Today, we had the Pinehurst Service at the nursing home in Centerville. The residents love the children coming so the whole family attends. Of course, Bob does a semonette for the residents. They love singing the old hymns. We had a great time.
Sunday is not very restful for our family, but we make the best of it. Bob usually gets a nap in the afternoon. Today, I mowed grass. I hope that this is the last time I have to mow, but it probably won't be.
Have a great week!!!!
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Oct. 2, 2007
What a Beautiful Day!
| Today the weather is so nice. It is about 80 degrees here in Indiana with a gentle breeze.
Today I went to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and had a great study on Matthew. The discussion groups are wonderful. At least mine is. We are on Matthew chapter 2 - Jesus' birth. The lecture was great. Bev is a great speaker brings the Word to life. I love listening to her.
I'm so grateful to my friend, Tonya for watching ds since they didn't have preschool today. Ds and Kasen has fun playing outside and watching TV. When I dropped him off he didn't even kiss me goodbye. He is growing up so fast.
Dd went over to Emma's house today since Emma had a half day of school. She so enjoys playing with her. They are a very nice family.
Tonight Katie has tumbling at 7:00 pm. She enjoys it so much even though she isn't very good yet. I hope that it helps her get some exercise.
Have a blessed day!!!!
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Sep. 25, 2007
Just Another Day
| I got up late today and almost missed my bible study. We are studying Matthew. It is so great. I love it.
My ds had preschool today and fell off the top of slide twice. Luckily it isn't very tall. He just has a small bump on his head. He loves preschool. It is at the church that my husband pastors. It is a great Christian preschool. Mrs. Markley is so good with the kids. Mrs. Jones is a great addition to the class also.
Dd and I did her schoolwork in the afternoon. Not the best time, but all we had today. She did well. We did math, Christian Heritage (geography and history), language, cursive writing and phonics. She also practiced the piano for grandma. Bob's mom is here until tomorrow morning.
It rained on the way to tumbling in Richmond. Dd takes them at Dixon Dance Studio. There are so many children in and out of that place. We really needed to rain today. Luckily, I mowed the lawn yesterday. She did well, but most of the students have had tumbling before. She tries her best and that is all that expect out of her. It rained really hard on the way home. It was really hard to see the road, but we need the rain badly. I have to water my flowers every day.
It's almost 10:00 p.m. EST so I need to get the kids to bed. Ds had a long nap so he will not go to sleep easily. Dd probably well go easily if she isn't already asleep on the couch.
Have a blessed Day tomorrow!!!
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Sep. 24, 2007
Chocolate! Chocolate! Everywhere
| Today, we went on a field trip to the local Abbott's Candy Factory in Hagerstown, Indiana. Their website is www.abbottscandy.com. There were about 40 of us. We received a tour of the caramel making area, chocolate making area and the wrapping area. They ship candy all over the world and are especially busy from September to January.
We all received samples of caramel and chocolate vanilla cream. It was so good that we purchased some in the store. My MIL was along too. She is visiting for the weekend. She will be going home on Wed I believe.
Tomorrow I have Bible Study Fellowship and will help a Birthright client with some food needs from our church's food pantry. This young lady is placing her baby for adoption. I'm so happy about this especially since I'm an adoptive parent. I love volunteering at Birthright, but I see so many that continue to make bad decisions and unfortunately the children suffer from the parents bad decisions. I wish that more would consider adoption, but it doesn't happen very often. We have had several in the last few months decide for adoption.
Have a great day homeschooling tomorrow.
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Sep. 22, 2007
Education Myths
| I have been reading Education Myths by Jay Greene. I love this book!!! It is an excellent book about public education and the myths that are spread everywhere.
Jay works for the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. I have seen him on TV talking about public education and the wasting of resources and taxpayer money. Public school don't need to be effective or efficient because nobody holds them accountable. Parents believe that they have a say when they really don't. Public schools shortchange students everyday.
It has been reviewed by Florida Governor Jeb Bush, former US Secretary of Education Rod Paige, Eric Hanushek of the Hoover Institution and Education Week.
This is an excellent book worth reading.
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Sep. 16, 2007
He is finally Home!!!!
| My dh arrived home on Sept 11 at 12:20 a.m. His plane was supposed to land at Indianapolis at 9:50 pm but flying through JFK is a nightmare. Every departure was late by over two hours.
We are glad that he is home, but we need to get back to the routine of him being with us. Being in Uganda for two and half weeks was not very fun for him. The poverty is very overwhelming to dh. The only One they can depend on is The Lord.
Need to get to church.
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(1) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Aug. 30, 2007
Another Day Alone
| My dh is currently in Uganda teaching pastors. Here is the blog for the trip http://ugandabibleacademy.blogspot.com That is amazing since Uganda is growing the United Methodist Church at 35% a year and we here in the US are losing members. He will be home on September 10. YEH!!!!! Did I say that????
We started homeschooling this year on August 27. It is a good distraction from worrying about dh. This year I made lesson plans for each subject and I have a schedule. Dd gets a sheet every day with what she needs to do with boxes to check off. This sheet includes her daily chores (make bed, brush teeth, etc.). My schedule includes detailed times and what specific pages we will be doing in each subject. We start with a prayer and the pledge first. The subjects that we do everyday are: Bible lesson, Bible reading, math, reading, writing, phonics, language, spelling/poetry & Latin. The subjects that are done once a week include: art, science, history, Christian Heritage, and health.
Katie is doing great with all the subjects. She is very fast with math and language. They are her favorites. We do school five days a week. I have built in three days per month for makeup days in case we get behind. She is doing a lot better than last year. I believe that she knows what to expect this year. She also knows what the routine will be.
I really miss dh. I know that the Lord is keeping him safe from disease and food poisoning. The kids pray for him a lot. They miss him terribly. I don't like being a single parent. I hope that I never am one. Having the kids all the time with no breaks gets old.
One of our church members will be taking them next week so that I can paint the office/exercise room. It has been purple since we moved in two years ago. It will be beige. I'm also putting up the curtains that I purchased months ago. Dh will be surprised when he gets home. I have also painted the living room gray. It looks so much better. My dh would go crazy with the mess in the house but it will be cleaned up when he gets home. I also am re coating the bathtubs and some of the tile on the walls. There It really smells awful.
We will be going to my parents home for a visit over the weekend. They just built a new home outside of Elizabethtown, KY. The kids enjoy visiting with them. I wish we could see them more often.
Hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day weekend.
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Aug. 18, 2007
I Love Babies
| I went to a baby shower for my cousin, Nicole today in Indianapolis. Katie & Michael didn't enjoy the trip because we forgot to bring any DVD's for the van. They adjusted after a while on the road.
Autumn Nicole Jones was born on Thursday, August 9 at 5:15 p.m. at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She weighted 3 lbs 6 oz and was 16 inches long. My cousin had high blood pressure so they delivered Autumn early. She is doing very well. She is breathing on her own and is drinking from a bottle (with breast milk). She is almost 4 lbs now. She will probably get to go home within 2 weeks. Please pray for her health.
My ds said the cutest thing at the baby shower. A woman at the shower asked my ds what his middle name was. He stated "Buzz Lightyear". I told the lady that is was really Robert. He is so funny.
My dh will be leaving for a mission trip to Uganda on Friday morning flying to New York first and then to Cairo and then to Uganda. He will be gone for 2 1/2 weeks. I hope that I don't go crazy with the kids.
Have a great Lord Day tomorrow.
God Bless,
Amy
|
• Comments
(0) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
Aug. 1, 2007
Happy August!!!
| Happy August everyone. I can't believe that it is August already. Schooling in our home will be starting within a few weeks.
I believe we will start after my dh goes to Uganda at the end of the month. I'm really worried about him going with all the terrorism overseas. He is leaving August 24 and will return on Sept 10. After preaching the following Sunday, we will be on vacation for two weeks. YAH!!!!!
Today Katie had piano lessons. She is doing so well with Mrs. Doerstler. She received a new song today. Getting dd to practice is sometimes difficult.
I'm looking for a craft for a Ten Commandments placemat. Maybe one that can be laminated or contact paper. Let me know if anyone has the directions for something like or similar? Thanks
Almost time for supper. I need to figure out what to have.
Have a blessed day.
|
• Comments
(1) • Post A Comment! •
Permanent Link
|
|
