As each new year creeps in, I find myself thinking about re-organizing. Kind of like spring cleaning, but only winter. ;) This time of year, the accumulation of "stuff" gets almost out of control. With Christmas behind us, not to mention more 'stuff' to put away, I can focus on where each thing goes in my house. Pinterest is a great resource to find organizing tips. They have several boards on organizing. Let's face it, when we are organized and have less clutter, our homeschool days seem to have a better flow. The kids are not excited about their Christmas break coming to an end either, so let's take the time to check some of these boards out and see what great organizing tips we can find! Just type in the search bar 'homeschool organizing'. :)
http://www.pinterest.com
Fight like a girl
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you ever feel like you are being pulled in so many directions that you are going to tear into pieces? If so, you must be..... a mom. Let's face it ladies, when our children are not feeling well or down in the dumps, they either take it out of us or run to us for comfort. That is our job right? I'd like to say no, but yes.... I'm afraid it is.
When I was married, I had the choice "....for richer or poor, sickness or in health, 'til death us do part"....or something like that. ;) But when you become a parent, there are no vows. You are a parent. Congrats!
My youngest had a fever a few days ago and he is 11 years old. The whole time, he wanted his momma close by. I am 41 and sometimes when I am sick, I would love to have my momma close by. I wish! The truth is, momma's are the secure comfort they need. The tender loving care that they need and no one does it like momma. I remember leaving my youngest home with daddy one day (many years ago) for a short time while he was sick. He was so upset! I told him that I'd be right back home (can't remember where I went, but it must have been real important because I know how my boys are when they are sick). He called me on my cell a few times, which was ok. I hurried home and he was so relieved when I walked in. Daddy was here. But mom is who they wanted....needed. ;)
So, as moms, we are torn in several directions most of the time. Well, let's face it. We have 'stuff' to do and MOM is the only one that is going to do it. Well, at least in my house. My husband is the sole provider of our house, also works long days and hours, so I do the running around, taking care of the boys. (So please dads, don't comment about being left out. This is how it goes in my home.) Let's see, we have soccer practice one night a week, soccer games 1/2 day per week, church Sun. am, youth group one night per week and we cannot forget all the homeschool events and activities during the week as well. Sometimes, I get tired!
One thing I have learned throughout the years though, is that Mom needs her time too. If Mom isn't healthy, happy and functioning on all cylinders.......it ain't gonna get done people! Mom needs a good book to read, a bubble bath some nights, a beauty shop visit or just a new hair color at home once and a while, a night out to dinner with her friend(s), even a day at home alone occasionally. This is soooo important ladies! It helps keep our sanity and reminds us that we aren't just moms, but strong women and wives also.
Sometimes when I hear my boys bickering and then I hear "MMMOOOMMM", I just cringe. I know that an argument or fight has occurred and I just want to go hide in my bedroom until it passes. I don't of course. We handle these things because we are THE MOM.
Now, I have listed so many negative mom moments here, I want to take a moment to write down some positives that make it all worth while.
Here are my list of positives:
I get to take care of my sick children.
I get to correct them and walk them through their arguments/fights.
I get to take them to soccer games and practice.
I get to take them to church and youth group.
I get to take them to their homeschool events/activities.
And I get to listen to them yell "MMMOOMMM"!
God bless us Moms.
When I was married, I had the choice "....for richer or poor, sickness or in health, 'til death us do part"....or something like that. ;) But when you become a parent, there are no vows. You are a parent. Congrats!
My youngest had a fever a few days ago and he is 11 years old. The whole time, he wanted his momma close by. I am 41 and sometimes when I am sick, I would love to have my momma close by. I wish! The truth is, momma's are the secure comfort they need. The tender loving care that they need and no one does it like momma. I remember leaving my youngest home with daddy one day (many years ago) for a short time while he was sick. He was so upset! I told him that I'd be right back home (can't remember where I went, but it must have been real important because I know how my boys are when they are sick). He called me on my cell a few times, which was ok. I hurried home and he was so relieved when I walked in. Daddy was here. But mom is who they wanted....needed. ;)
So, as moms, we are torn in several directions most of the time. Well, let's face it. We have 'stuff' to do and MOM is the only one that is going to do it. Well, at least in my house. My husband is the sole provider of our house, also works long days and hours, so I do the running around, taking care of the boys. (So please dads, don't comment about being left out. This is how it goes in my home.) Let's see, we have soccer practice one night a week, soccer games 1/2 day per week, church Sun. am, youth group one night per week and we cannot forget all the homeschool events and activities during the week as well. Sometimes, I get tired!
One thing I have learned throughout the years though, is that Mom needs her time too. If Mom isn't healthy, happy and functioning on all cylinders.......it ain't gonna get done people! Mom needs a good book to read, a bubble bath some nights, a beauty shop visit or just a new hair color at home once and a while, a night out to dinner with her friend(s), even a day at home alone occasionally. This is soooo important ladies! It helps keep our sanity and reminds us that we aren't just moms, but strong women and wives also.
Sometimes when I hear my boys bickering and then I hear "MMMOOOMMM", I just cringe. I know that an argument or fight has occurred and I just want to go hide in my bedroom until it passes. I don't of course. We handle these things because we are THE MOM.
Now, I have listed so many negative mom moments here, I want to take a moment to write down some positives that make it all worth while.
Here are my list of positives:
I get to take care of my sick children.
I get to correct them and walk them through their arguments/fights.
I get to take them to soccer games and practice.
I get to take them to church and youth group.
I get to take them to their homeschool events/activities.
And I get to listen to them yell "MMMOOMMM"!
God bless us Moms.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Home Canning
As a child, I remember eating tons of food from home canning. Potatoes, tomatoes, pickles, apples, pears, peaches, pickled eggs, etc. I, until recently, forgot how wonderful these foods taste! If you don't believe me or you've never eaten a home canned food, you need to do the taste test!
I bet everyone knows at least one person (young or old) who cans. If not, you must live in a huge city. ;) Ask for a can of anything! Then go buy that same type of food in the store, canned. For example: green beans - buy a can of green beans and then taste a home canned one. OH MY GOSH! You'll never eat old canned stuff again. hee,hee.
As you know, I homeschool. Well, during canning season this year, we are homeschool canning! I just can't get both done completely so I combined them. Nutrition is part of our science class, so that is what I am teaching my sons. I am teaching them how to preserve our food not only for a 'rainy day', but for health reasons. Lets face it, you really don't know exactly what is in those cans you buy off the store shelf. Over the years, there have been reports on mice feces on the tops, bacteria, and even a human finger in one! Yes, I read it. Gross! Now please don't post that I am insulting you if you don't can. It's not for everyone or maybe you don't have the means to can. Personally, I don't like canning in general, but the results are SO WORTH IT!
So here is what we have been busy canning this week:
APPLES!!!
Hint: These were sold as 'deer apples'. For those of you who don't know what 'deer' apples are, they are apples that may have some bruises or not perfect enough for the stores. But look at these! Gorgeous!
POTATOES!!!
A neighbor brought these over to us. He grew them in his garden and he had too many. :) Yippy! The small potatoes that you think may be too small to eat....wrong! They are perfect for canning!
The end result:
So I challenge you to take the 'canning challenge' and taste the difference between the store canned food and home canned food. And this is a great learning experience for my children!
I bet everyone knows at least one person (young or old) who cans. If not, you must live in a huge city. ;) Ask for a can of anything! Then go buy that same type of food in the store, canned. For example: green beans - buy a can of green beans and then taste a home canned one. OH MY GOSH! You'll never eat old canned stuff again. hee,hee.
As you know, I homeschool. Well, during canning season this year, we are homeschool canning! I just can't get both done completely so I combined them. Nutrition is part of our science class, so that is what I am teaching my sons. I am teaching them how to preserve our food not only for a 'rainy day', but for health reasons. Lets face it, you really don't know exactly what is in those cans you buy off the store shelf. Over the years, there have been reports on mice feces on the tops, bacteria, and even a human finger in one! Yes, I read it. Gross! Now please don't post that I am insulting you if you don't can. It's not for everyone or maybe you don't have the means to can. Personally, I don't like canning in general, but the results are SO WORTH IT!
So here is what we have been busy canning this week:
APPLES!!!
Hint: These were sold as 'deer apples'. For those of you who don't know what 'deer' apples are, they are apples that may have some bruises or not perfect enough for the stores. But look at these! Gorgeous!
POTATOES!!!
A neighbor brought these over to us. He grew them in his garden and he had too many. :) Yippy! The small potatoes that you think may be too small to eat....wrong! They are perfect for canning!
The end result:
So I challenge you to take the 'canning challenge' and taste the difference between the store canned food and home canned food. And this is a great learning experience for my children!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
First Day of our 11'th Homeschool year!
Can it be? 11 years? I am astound. How can this be our 11'th year of homeschooling? It goes by so fast.
It's been a while since I have blogged but I have good reason. We moved about 12 miles away, my oldest flew the nest, but I'll keep that for another post, and it's canning season. Shall I say more? So I am homeschooling just the two now. B is in 6'th grade. He is 11 and I must say doing very well in math. He will be starting 7'th grade (Pre-Algebra) math this year. D is starting his senior year. Can that be? Goodness. He is 15 (will be 16 in Nov.). We are excited for him to be almost finished and onto college. Again, that could be another post in itself. ;)
Our Daily Routine-
So our daily routine has changed a bit this year with some of those changes in mention above.
Here is a guideline of what a homeschool day in our house looks like.
I wake up first, have coffee and read my Bible. (This is a must for my sanity as a homeschool mother. I'm sure most would agree.)
My youngest, B, wakes up and eats breakfast while watching a cartoon. I allow him to watch one 20 min. cartoon, eat, and wake up. In the pic below he has his little purple frog on the end of his pencil. Sometimes it's the tiniest things that make a homeschool day thrive.
After the cartoon and breakfast, he brushes his teeth, gets dressed and gets his school work out. We started out today, being the first day of school, going over our curriculum and setting our goals in order of priority. First, we set a few spiritual (Godly) goals. Second, we set some family goals. Last, our third priority was our world goals. Then we moved on to 'what mom expects of me this year', which are basic ground rules. For example- no TV, video games, or computer until school work is completed and chores are done. I have a chore chart on the refrigerator (that is color coded.....I'm so proud) for the boys.
Sometimes I let B decide what subject to do first. But today we did Language first. His least favorite subject, but with his little purple frog, he managed. LOL.
We didn't cover all our subjects, but we completed math, language and reading. This was one of the changes in our schedule I did this year. In the past years, we just jumped right in and did a regular school day. I noticed that with us easing into the day, not all subjects, it went more smooth. The other change was that we discussed all curriculum - subject by subject. We went through every book and discussed how we were going to use it. That seemed to go over well. It gave the boys questions and answer time (and some input of course) that was needed that may not have been answered at the time of them starting that subject straight on, full force.
D's first day, went pretty much the same other than the cartoons and breakfast. He enjoyed a good cup of Chai Latte to start his day while I went over all his curriculum with him. Starting his senior year, he needed some well deserved explanation of what he will need to get accomplished and what wasn't a concern in order to graduate next spring. He honestly has enough credits to graduate now, but he doesn't know that and I plan to keep it that way. ;) I took a look at the pubic school credit examples. They require 20 credits for basic and technical career path and 26 credits for college career path. D has earned 22.5 as of now (before starting this senior year). But for his best interest, we are going to do another 5 or 6 credits this senior year to bring him to a place where he will be ready to enter college. After all, he has plenty of time due to his age.
I was impressed how his attitude was good due to the change of explaining everything and 'discussing' things with him today while not giving him the FULL work load right off the bat. Here he is taking his books to his room to start.
His face in this picture is priceless. This look he gave me after saying "I need a dolly to get these books downstairs". He's a ham for sure.
So this was our first day of homeschooling this year. It went great! I hope yours goes great too!
It's been a while since I have blogged but I have good reason. We moved about 12 miles away, my oldest flew the nest, but I'll keep that for another post, and it's canning season. Shall I say more? So I am homeschooling just the two now. B is in 6'th grade. He is 11 and I must say doing very well in math. He will be starting 7'th grade (Pre-Algebra) math this year. D is starting his senior year. Can that be? Goodness. He is 15 (will be 16 in Nov.). We are excited for him to be almost finished and onto college. Again, that could be another post in itself. ;)
Our Daily Routine-
So our daily routine has changed a bit this year with some of those changes in mention above.
Here is a guideline of what a homeschool day in our house looks like.
I wake up first, have coffee and read my Bible. (This is a must for my sanity as a homeschool mother. I'm sure most would agree.)
My youngest, B, wakes up and eats breakfast while watching a cartoon. I allow him to watch one 20 min. cartoon, eat, and wake up. In the pic below he has his little purple frog on the end of his pencil. Sometimes it's the tiniest things that make a homeschool day thrive.
After the cartoon and breakfast, he brushes his teeth, gets dressed and gets his school work out. We started out today, being the first day of school, going over our curriculum and setting our goals in order of priority. First, we set a few spiritual (Godly) goals. Second, we set some family goals. Last, our third priority was our world goals. Then we moved on to 'what mom expects of me this year', which are basic ground rules. For example- no TV, video games, or computer until school work is completed and chores are done. I have a chore chart on the refrigerator (that is color coded.....I'm so proud) for the boys.
Sometimes I let B decide what subject to do first. But today we did Language first. His least favorite subject, but with his little purple frog, he managed. LOL.
We didn't cover all our subjects, but we completed math, language and reading. This was one of the changes in our schedule I did this year. In the past years, we just jumped right in and did a regular school day. I noticed that with us easing into the day, not all subjects, it went more smooth. The other change was that we discussed all curriculum - subject by subject. We went through every book and discussed how we were going to use it. That seemed to go over well. It gave the boys questions and answer time (and some input of course) that was needed that may not have been answered at the time of them starting that subject straight on, full force.
D's first day, went pretty much the same other than the cartoons and breakfast. He enjoyed a good cup of Chai Latte to start his day while I went over all his curriculum with him. Starting his senior year, he needed some well deserved explanation of what he will need to get accomplished and what wasn't a concern in order to graduate next spring. He honestly has enough credits to graduate now, but he doesn't know that and I plan to keep it that way. ;) I took a look at the pubic school credit examples. They require 20 credits for basic and technical career path and 26 credits for college career path. D has earned 22.5 as of now (before starting this senior year). But for his best interest, we are going to do another 5 or 6 credits this senior year to bring him to a place where he will be ready to enter college. After all, he has plenty of time due to his age.
I was impressed how his attitude was good due to the change of explaining everything and 'discussing' things with him today while not giving him the FULL work load right off the bat. Here he is taking his books to his room to start.
His face in this picture is priceless. This look he gave me after saying "I need a dolly to get these books downstairs". He's a ham for sure.
So this was our first day of homeschooling this year. It went great! I hope yours goes great too!
HAPPY HOMESCHOOLING!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
2014-2015 Curriculum Choices
I post my curriculum list every year to share with others who are still searching. I hope this gives you some ideas and new choices.
Drum roll please ........................................
Here are my 2014-2015 curriculum choices:
Math - Math U See - Pre-Algebra (7'th grade math)
English & Reading - aBeka - Language C
& EPS - Explode The Code
Science - Apologia - Exploring Creation with Astronomy
Writing - IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) - Student Writing Intensive
History - Notgrass - America the Beautiful
English - EIW (Essentials in Writing) - Essays & Research Papers
Science - Apologia - Exploring Creation with Chemistry
(Note: He has already taken the following: Biology, Marine Biology & Integrated Physics & Chemistry.)
History - Notgrass - Exploring Government
& Understanding the Constitution / online from Hillsdale College
And finally..... some mission work (which God hasn't lead us to what kind and where yet), and both boys will be playing soccer and basketball.
**Keep in mind, I buy a lot of my things on ebay as well as other homeschooling moms. Also, Christian Book has a entire homeschool section!
http://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool?navcat=Homeschool
HAPPY HOMESCHOOLING!
Drum roll please ........................................
Here are my 2014-2015 curriculum choices:
For B (6'th grade)
Math - Math U See - Pre-Algebra (7'th grade math)
English & Reading - aBeka - Language C
& EPS - Explode The Code
Science - Apologia - Exploring Creation with Astronomy
Writing - IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) - Student Writing Intensive
History - Notgrass - America the Beautiful
For D (12'th grade)
Math - MUS - Pre-Calculus
English - EIW (Essentials in Writing) - Essays & Research Papers
Science - Apologia - Exploring Creation with Chemistry
(Note: He has already taken the following: Biology, Marine Biology & Integrated Physics & Chemistry.)
History - Notgrass - Exploring Government
& Understanding the Constitution / online from Hillsdale College
And finally..... some mission work (which God hasn't lead us to what kind and where yet), and both boys will be playing soccer and basketball.
**Keep in mind, I buy a lot of my things on ebay as well as other homeschooling moms. Also, Christian Book has a entire homeschool section!
http://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool?navcat=Homeschool
HAPPY HOMESCHOOLING!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
A reminder of that one day in Feb. - with daily pain, I will rejoice!
Feb. 18, 2010, I was in a very serious car accident. I hit black ice and a tree kept me from flying into a very deep ditch. I am writing about this today not to complain, grumble or whine about how I was cheated out of months of normal living during my recovery. I am writing this because I want to tell all how blessed I am.
What I went through-
I broke 12 bones, 10 ribs (one rib in two different places) and one collar bone. I punctured my left lung and jammed my skull (upper spine) as well. I endured severe bruising on my right upper thigh, torn muscles in my back, side and left side of my knee. Muscles were not just bruised, some ripped apart. I was in severe pain. Months of physical therapy was waiting for me.
There were times where I just cried and begged God for answers to why. I told my husband one night that the only thing making me fight the pain was him and my family. My three boys helped me so much while my hubby had to go back to work. My oldest did the cooking, my middle boy was my nurse and my youngest was my entertainment since I was bed ridden.
I refused to stay on the pain meds given to me. After 2 weeks, pain or no pain I weaned off of them, knowing what I was in for. I went through withdrawals: jerking, sweats, nervousness, anxiety, etc. I was only on these major pain meds for 2 weeks, how could my body be addicted already? I honestly can understand why drug addicts won't give up their addiction, and I was determined NOT to be on these dangerous, addicting meds for one day longer.
I share this with you not to get any kind of sympathy, but to let you know that the scripture in Philippians 4:13 is so true. It says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". By the grace and healing of God, I was able to get through this time.
One of my friends called me an "Overcomer". The definition of an overcomer is: to get the better of in a struggle or conflict; conquer, defeat: to overcome the enemy. I never thought of myself as an overcomer, but I am. But only by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I do have pain EVERYDAY from these injuries. I am reminded of this incident in my life EVERYDAY. But I DO NOT AND WILL NOT take addicting pain meds. I WILL REJOICE WHEN I FEEL PAIN!
WHY?
TO REMIND ME THAT MY BOYS WILL NEVER GO THROUGH ONE DAY WITHOUT THEIR MOTHER,
MY HUSBAND WILL NOT HAVE TO BURY HIS WIFE,
MY PARENTS WILL NOT GO THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS OF LOSING THEIR DAUGHTER,
MY SIBLINGS WILL NOT MORN OVER THEIR OLDEST SISTER.
I WILL REJOICE AND THANK GOD DAILY THAT I AM HERE. MY PAIN REMINDS ME HOW GOD PULLED ME THROUGH AND ALLOWED ME TO LIVE! MY PAIN REMINDS ME THAT HE HAS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR ME, EVEN IF IT IS JUST BEING A HOMESCHOOL MOM AND HOUSEWIFE, HE HAS A PLAN FOR ME.
I CHOOSE TO REJOICE.
What I went through-
I broke 12 bones, 10 ribs (one rib in two different places) and one collar bone. I punctured my left lung and jammed my skull (upper spine) as well. I endured severe bruising on my right upper thigh, torn muscles in my back, side and left side of my knee. Muscles were not just bruised, some ripped apart. I was in severe pain. Months of physical therapy was waiting for me.
There were times where I just cried and begged God for answers to why. I told my husband one night that the only thing making me fight the pain was him and my family. My three boys helped me so much while my hubby had to go back to work. My oldest did the cooking, my middle boy was my nurse and my youngest was my entertainment since I was bed ridden.
I refused to stay on the pain meds given to me. After 2 weeks, pain or no pain I weaned off of them, knowing what I was in for. I went through withdrawals: jerking, sweats, nervousness, anxiety, etc. I was only on these major pain meds for 2 weeks, how could my body be addicted already? I honestly can understand why drug addicts won't give up their addiction, and I was determined NOT to be on these dangerous, addicting meds for one day longer.
I share this with you not to get any kind of sympathy, but to let you know that the scripture in Philippians 4:13 is so true. It says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". By the grace and healing of God, I was able to get through this time.
One of my friends called me an "Overcomer". The definition of an overcomer is: to get the better of in a struggle or conflict; conquer, defeat: to overcome the enemy. I never thought of myself as an overcomer, but I am. But only by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I do have pain EVERYDAY from these injuries. I am reminded of this incident in my life EVERYDAY. But I DO NOT AND WILL NOT take addicting pain meds. I WILL REJOICE WHEN I FEEL PAIN!
WHY?
TO REMIND ME THAT MY BOYS WILL NEVER GO THROUGH ONE DAY WITHOUT THEIR MOTHER,
MY HUSBAND WILL NOT HAVE TO BURY HIS WIFE,
MY PARENTS WILL NOT GO THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS OF LOSING THEIR DAUGHTER,
MY SIBLINGS WILL NOT MORN OVER THEIR OLDEST SISTER.
I WILL REJOICE AND THANK GOD DAILY THAT I AM HERE. MY PAIN REMINDS ME HOW GOD PULLED ME THROUGH AND ALLOWED ME TO LIVE! MY PAIN REMINDS ME THAT HE HAS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR ME, EVEN IF IT IS JUST BEING A HOMESCHOOL MOM AND HOUSEWIFE, HE HAS A PLAN FOR ME.
I CHOOSE TO REJOICE.
Friday, March 28, 2014
HEDUA Magazine
HEDUA (Home Educating Family Associate) Magazine has great articles on homeschooling, marriage, and some excellent learning tools for you and your homeschool children. There are curriculum reviews as well. HEDUA is a Christian homeschool magazine with tons of information.
Save now! You can get ONE year subscription for $19.95 with the coupon code: HOMESCHOOL
http://hedua.com/magazine/
http://hedua.com/magazine/
Click HERE to view these articles.
To get a FREE issue to sample click HERE.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Hurry! Sale ends March 31'st!
Quick, this sale ends on March 31'st! Don't miss out on the great discounts on these planners and other great homeschool organizatin tools!
Monday, March 10, 2014
POWERFUL WORDS
I remember my mom telling me how powerful our words were. As a child, I think of the 'sticks and stones....' talk. But as an adult, I have a whole new outlook on what 'powerful words' really are.
We were given the authority over satan through the power in Jesus name. Then why do we not use that authority in our daily lives? Do we just forget? Is it fear? What is it?
The Bible is very clear.
Mark 16:17 says, "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues..."
We need to apply this to our everyday lives. It is now flu season and daily I hear of families coming down with this illness. Every family needs to wake up saying..."I rebuke illness to my family in the name of Jesus!" Does this mean you will never be ill? Of course not, but in order for Jesus to heal, you need faith. Worry is not having faith. Doubt is not having faith.
In the dictionary, the word faith means: complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
Sounds easy hey? It is not. 100% complete faith is not easy to obtain. We are human. We doubt. We question ourselves due to normal line of thinking. Well, the worldly normal is NOT in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is (and was here on earth) everything but normal! He is a healer, a creator, a deliverer from sin. We have been given this 'not so normal' love in our lives. We have his authority of satan, we just need to apply it.
Have you ever heard of that saying, "When all else fails, have faith"? I cannot stand this saying! Why should we only have faith last to everything else???? Faith is what we are to use FIRST AND LAST! If we apply faith first, we won't need anything else.
Faith is NOT about strength, it's about having the strength to let go and let God to do his work.
So use those powerful words, "IN JESUS NAME" to claim authority over the strongholds in your life.
So use those powerful words, "IN JESUS NAME" to claim authority over the strongholds in your life.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Boys
I often ask myself, aloud, "Why did God give me three boys and not any girls?". My husband and I have three boys. Their ages are 10 (soon to be 11), 15 and 17 yrs of age. Having two teens has its pros and cons let me tell you, but that is a whole new blog!
We see friends and relatives that have girls and they are so adorable. Not that my boys weren't at one time when they were young, but not adorable like little girls are. My niece wears pinks and browns, pinks and purples, and yellow and light blues. She wears dresses and leggings, skirts and little dress shoes with a matching purse. How sweet is that! (Definitely not a question.) When my husband and I discuss this issue, he always tell me, "God thought we could only raise boys so that is what he gave us." I just laughed it off. But when I truly think about why God gave us boys instead of girls, I do not question him. My husband is right. Not that we cannot raise girls; we just weren't meant to have them. Why? There is a reason why I have my three boys and no girls. But the reason(s) doesn't matter. God has his reason(s) and I may never know what they are. We are content with our boys because we know that there is a reason why we do not have girls. Our boys are ours. They are special. We love them. That is all that matters.
Monday, February 10, 2014
# 1 mistake homeschool moms make
As homeschool mom's we do make mistakes in our homeschooling lives. One of the most important lessons I have learned in the past ten years of our homeschooling is that we should not compare to other families. This may seem very easy to achieve, but it is not. In fact, it is one of the hardest.
Another reason why I think I am finally beyond that part of my homeschool life is that I am now older and....well..... I really don't care what others are doing and I don't care what they think of my abilities to homeschool. lol. Sounds rude, but it's true. When Jesus was here on earth, do you think he cared about what people were saying about him behind his back? Do you think he worried about what they thought of his healings or word from the Lord? The answer is no. He was here on earth for a short time and had a job to do. That is how I feel about homeschooling my children. God has given me this ability and I am going to do my job with his guidance in the short time I have with my children. That is the job he has given me to do and I cannot worry about who is thinking what. Besides, worry and anxiety come from the devil. The Lord made all things good, it says in Genesis chapter 1, therefore worry and anxiety come from satan. I will not take part.
We see on facebook, blogs, and other social media about how well we are all doing with homeschooling our children. We see the fun experiments, exciting field trips, and several other things and we (I use the word 'we' often here, but I should be typing 'I') start to think.....'Wow, I wish I could do that' or 'They are so talented, where is my talent?'. This was very tough to do but I don't do this comparison any more. I have learned that it isn't necessary, it's not good for me or the kids, and there is nothing productive coming out of the comparison. Now the ideas are great, if you can keep the comparing out.
Another reason why I think I am finally beyond that part of my homeschool life is that I am now older and....well..... I really don't care what others are doing and I don't care what they think of my abilities to homeschool. lol. Sounds rude, but it's true. When Jesus was here on earth, do you think he cared about what people were saying about him behind his back? Do you think he worried about what they thought of his healings or word from the Lord? The answer is no. He was here on earth for a short time and had a job to do. That is how I feel about homeschooling my children. God has given me this ability and I am going to do my job with his guidance in the short time I have with my children. That is the job he has given me to do and I cannot worry about who is thinking what. Besides, worry and anxiety come from the devil. The Lord made all things good, it says in Genesis chapter 1, therefore worry and anxiety come from satan. I will not take part.
So before you start to compare, think about how blessed you are that the Lord has given you this marvelous opportunity to homeschool your children. Think about how special you are to be given that wonderful responsibility from the Lord God. He has trusted YOU to educate your children....you are blessed!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
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Tuesday, February 4, 2014
How homeschooling has effected my children
People tell you all about the good of homeschooling, and yes there are a few things we have to sacrifice to have a successful homeschool. For example, mom time/break from the kids. This doesn't happen very often. But one of the things that I was thinking about this morning was how homeschooling has effected my children. I have three boys and even though homeschooling has had a positive effect on all of them, I am going to share just one of them right now.
My son "DD" has come so far. He is one of those kids who must get an A or he considers himself a failure. Now before you judge, I never expect an A. I have always expected 'the best they can give'. He has impressed me so much this past year. His older brother is graduating this year and working part time so DD has had to 'step up' when it has come to chores and such around the house. This teen will do anything I ask him to do. He has good understanding about what it means to 'obey his parents in the Lord for this is right'. Like any teen, I'm sure he will tell you he is under appreciated, but he is not. He has also thrived in CHARACTER this year. I see him helping others without attitude. I see him jump in and help take care of an unruly little one in church. I've seen him grab trash bags at our local gym as he is walking out the door to help clean up without being asked. I contribute many things to homeschooling. I think his Character has burst out through the homeschooling experience.
He also has learned to work at his own pace through grade levels. He is now 15 and doing 11'th grade work. He is an excellent reader and LOVES to read. I have even had to ground him from reading at night in his bed. Yes, I know what a terrible mother, lol. But hey, it is called a punishment for a reason.
When he was in preschool, he attended a private Christian school at our local church we attended. He started in the K2 program and worked his way through the K4. Then, he started getting into trouble. I went to the administrator and asked her to move him up to Kindergarten. Because this was a private school they didn't have to follow any 'age' laws when it came to starting Kindergarten. She denied my request. I explained that he was bored and needed more of a challenge. She was not convinced. So I took matters into my own hands and thought, "Why can't I teach him? I am capable. I know where he needs to be challenged and where his strong abilities lie." So I attended a homeschooling meeting at a local group. I was amazed on how many people were doing this! I spoke w/ my husband and he was in agreement for me to homeschool our two sons (our 3'rd son was just an infant). Needless to say, the school administrator was NOT happy. She shunned me for a bit, but it didn't matter. I knew what I needed to do.
During that first year of homeschooling, DD started Kindergarten and finished the whole curriculum by Christmas! So I started 1'st grade and he finished it by May. (We used aBeka at the time.) The next school year he started 2'nd grade and finished by Jan.! So I started 3'rd grade and he finished by May again. At this point he was doing 2 years ahead of what other children his age was doing. But we found his place where he was challenged but not overwhelmed and he has been thriving ever since.
I guess I am blogging this to let you know that YOU know your children better than anyone else and how homeschooling does effect children in a positive way. We know them better than the school they attended (or currently attend), better than their peers, better than their current teachers (whether it be public school or Sunday School teachers), better than the government who tells us at what age we should be where in a certain grade. YOU know your child. Listen to your instincts......it will benefit your children.
So homeschooling our children has effected them and I would make that choice again and again and again and again..........
My son "DD" has come so far. He is one of those kids who must get an A or he considers himself a failure. Now before you judge, I never expect an A. I have always expected 'the best they can give'. He has impressed me so much this past year. His older brother is graduating this year and working part time so DD has had to 'step up' when it has come to chores and such around the house. This teen will do anything I ask him to do. He has good understanding about what it means to 'obey his parents in the Lord for this is right'. Like any teen, I'm sure he will tell you he is under appreciated, but he is not. He has also thrived in CHARACTER this year. I see him helping others without attitude. I see him jump in and help take care of an unruly little one in church. I've seen him grab trash bags at our local gym as he is walking out the door to help clean up without being asked. I contribute many things to homeschooling. I think his Character has burst out through the homeschooling experience.
He also has learned to work at his own pace through grade levels. He is now 15 and doing 11'th grade work. He is an excellent reader and LOVES to read. I have even had to ground him from reading at night in his bed. Yes, I know what a terrible mother, lol. But hey, it is called a punishment for a reason.
When he was in preschool, he attended a private Christian school at our local church we attended. He started in the K2 program and worked his way through the K4. Then, he started getting into trouble. I went to the administrator and asked her to move him up to Kindergarten. Because this was a private school they didn't have to follow any 'age' laws when it came to starting Kindergarten. She denied my request. I explained that he was bored and needed more of a challenge. She was not convinced. So I took matters into my own hands and thought, "Why can't I teach him? I am capable. I know where he needs to be challenged and where his strong abilities lie." So I attended a homeschooling meeting at a local group. I was amazed on how many people were doing this! I spoke w/ my husband and he was in agreement for me to homeschool our two sons (our 3'rd son was just an infant). Needless to say, the school administrator was NOT happy. She shunned me for a bit, but it didn't matter. I knew what I needed to do.
During that first year of homeschooling, DD started Kindergarten and finished the whole curriculum by Christmas! So I started 1'st grade and he finished it by May. (We used aBeka at the time.) The next school year he started 2'nd grade and finished by Jan.! So I started 3'rd grade and he finished by May again. At this point he was doing 2 years ahead of what other children his age was doing. But we found his place where he was challenged but not overwhelmed and he has been thriving ever since.
I guess I am blogging this to let you know that YOU know your children better than anyone else and how homeschooling does effect children in a positive way. We know them better than the school they attended (or currently attend), better than their peers, better than their current teachers (whether it be public school or Sunday School teachers), better than the government who tells us at what age we should be where in a certain grade. YOU know your child. Listen to your instincts......it will benefit your children.
So homeschooling our children has effected them and I would make that choice again and again and again and again..........
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Kisses from Katie book REVIEW
by: Katie Davis
This isn't your typical review or your typical book. This is special. No one asked me to review this book nor did I plan to review it. But a friend recommended this book and then brought it to me one night to read. After reading I knew right away that I MUST review it. I need to spread the word about what God is doing in Uganda using this young lady while not yet out of high school.
I don't want to tell you all too much because I really do want you to buy the book and read it. But I will tell you enough.
This is a real life story about Katie Davis. She was a senior in high school living near Nashville, Tennessee. God had laid this mission trip on her heart and she was going to go to Uganda (Africa) over her Christmas break. She convinced her parents to let her go. Her mother joined her on this first trip to ensure her safety and of course parents peace of mind.
Uganda is a place of poverty, starvation, HIV dying children and families. It is a place where most live in cardboard boxes, sleep on matted, bug infested blankets that are worn and soiled with feces. The children have bumps on their bodies where these bugs have buried and laid egg sacs. Their bellies are huge and bulging due to malnutrition and starvation.
Now, I have a senior in high school and so it was very easy for me to compare. Most teenagers are pretty selfish. But here a girl, a senior in high school, with a steady boyfriend (the love of her life) and a loving family, answering a call from God to go help these people. That is truly amazing. She answered that call.
After returning, she claims that while going back to school she couldn't help but thinking about all those people (her family) back in Uganda. She couldn't wait to return to them. She felt that God was calling her back to be with those people of Uganda. She kept thinking in her mind, I have a wonderful family, an awesome boyfriend and a wonderful life here in the US. How could I possibly desire to return to a place of such poverty? The answer is.....the people, HIS people.
I don't want to tell the inspirational stories that she shares because I want you to read the book. I want you to experience what I experienced. This book will make you cry, laugh and realize that we live in a country that has assess to everything we can imagine. We have the freedom to drive to the grocery store and choose any kind of food we want. The people in Uganda, may not eat for days, even the children.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a change in their life. A change for the good, a change for your spirit, a chance to gain inspiration, a chance to open your eyes to what really matters in this world, which is God's people. The book is about the people of Uganda, not Katie (she says in this book). She is right, but what an amazing young lady she is that God is using her in such a dramatic way to change lives daily!
Visit Katie's blog:
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion. I was not paid, or asked to do this review. I did not receive anything in return for my review. It was my duty to pass on this wonderful book. The link to purchase is to Amazon. I chose this company because I have had good experience with them. I do NOT get any kick back or anything in return for your purchase.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
I don't like their music
Today was 'youth Sunday' in our church. It is a day where the youth group controls our worship service and leads the congregation. We are a pentecostal church and worship service is a wonderful meaningful time where each of us spend time with the Lord through worship.
Our teens rapped today. Yes, rapped. I am talkin' R*A*P. I grew up in the 80's and rap was just starting to really come out. I hated it then and still do. But I am telling you what, these young adults gave a message through their rap music that allowed the Holy Spirit to flow. The message was there, the presence of the Lord was there, yes.....through rap.
We are blessed to have a wonderful youth group. We have a wonderful youth pastor, wife and family, that feed these kids spiritually every day of their lives. Sometimes our teens don't want to hear things that we parents have to say. Yes, we are bias and harp on things too much I guess. Our youth pastors and their families take up the slack and invest in these young men and women and we are soooo blessed.
So if you are like me and hate rap music, or whatever type of worship service you may not be pleased with, I ask you to be receptive and open. When the Holy Spirit flows, it flows to whatever music the Lord chooses.
Amen!
Our teens rapped today. Yes, rapped. I am talkin' R*A*P. I grew up in the 80's and rap was just starting to really come out. I hated it then and still do. But I am telling you what, these young adults gave a message through their rap music that allowed the Holy Spirit to flow. The message was there, the presence of the Lord was there, yes.....through rap.
We are blessed to have a wonderful youth group. We have a wonderful youth pastor, wife and family, that feed these kids spiritually every day of their lives. Sometimes our teens don't want to hear things that we parents have to say. Yes, we are bias and harp on things too much I guess. Our youth pastors and their families take up the slack and invest in these young men and women and we are soooo blessed.
So if you are like me and hate rap music, or whatever type of worship service you may not be pleased with, I ask you to be receptive and open. When the Holy Spirit flows, it flows to whatever music the Lord chooses.
Amen!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
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