Renewing My Faith

Why does Ambleside use books that are so challenging for most children?

2011-07-04T13:22:00.001-07:00

Can children follow the plots of many books read slowly in the same term? Why shouldn't I just read the books at a quicker pace so my child can focus on just one or two at a time?

Education is more than the accumulation of knowledge. Maturity and wisdom require reflective thought about ideas. Rushing through lots of books doesn't leave the book in contact with the child long enough to make the kind of lasting impression that will influence him. Getting through a book at a quick pace leaves room for little else besides a brief brush with the storyline; it leaves no time for the mind to linger with the characters and contemplate their moral aspect. Taking an entire term to read a book allows the child to almost live the book in a way not possible if he breezed through it in a week or two before picking up the next one. Ambleside schedules a few books to be savored simultaneously over the entire term to give the child more time with the ideas and allow him more than casual contact with its ideas. In the end, it may result in fewer books being read, but the books are chosen with excellence in mind with an emphasize on quality over quantity. Children seem to have no more trouble following along with six books at a time than many people do following various soap operas. Read more about this topic here.

Why does Ambleside use books that are so challenging for most children?

Charlotte Mason wanted to put students in direct contact with the best minds of all time, so she had her students reading first hand from books written by great minds with great ideas. Retellings of these books will usually be inferior, watered down versions of the original. The strength of great literature is often in its detailed depiction of characters who come to life as we read and allow us to see a different world through their eyes and consider their moral dilemmas - this is the kind of reading that helps a child firm up his own convictions. When books are abridged, they are stripped of almost everything but the plot line, and the wonderful vividness of the characters is sacrificed.

Children are at their prime stage of development to learn language - and what better vocabulary teacher is there than a well-written but challenging book? As Charlotte Mason found a hundred years ago, and Marva Collins found more recently, even children lacking the benefits of a good education will rise to the challenge of understanding difficult books when given a chance. Charlotte Mason said that "children naturally take to literary expression. They love hearing it, reading it, and using it in their own tellings and writings. We should have known this a long time ago. All the old ballads and songs of the ancient wild warriors and barbaric kings have been thought too complicated for anyone but highly educated people to enjoy. But we'll soon see that only minds like a child's could have produced such fresh, finely expressed thoughts. Children have a natural aptitude for literature. Their inclination for it can overcome the challenge of the vocabulary without effort. Knowing that should direct the kind of teaching we give." (see vol 6, pg 91)

It's difficult to train up children to be readers of Great Literature on a diet of easy books. It's even more difficult if books have to compete with TV and video games for a child's attention. An understanding and appreciation for challenging books begins with early exposure to well-written literature that uses rich literature and demands something of the child's mind. An accurate definition of "living books" is imperative, as well the use of narration to help the child's mind work with the material, and teach him how to pull knowledge from books.

Read Colleen Manning's article about how "Living Books" are defined in a CM education here. Also, there is more great discussion on this topic here as well as Wendi's thoughts on the benefits of words vs pictures in education here.

Summary of 20 Principles of Charolette Mason

2011-07-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

1. Children are born persons - they are not blank
slates or embryonic oysters who have the potential of
becoming persons. They already are persons.

2. Although children are born with a sin nature,
they are neither all bad, nor all good. Children from
all walks of life and backgrounds may make choices for
good or evil.

3. The concepts of authority and obedience are true
for all people whether they accept it or not.
Submission to authority is necessary for any society
or group or family to run smoothly.

4. Authority is not a license to abuse children, or
to play upon their emotions or other desires, and adults
are not free to limit a child's education or use fear,
love, power of suggestion, or their own influence over
a child to make a child learn.

5. The only means a teacher may use to educate children
are the child's natural environment, the training of good
habits and exposure to living ideas and concepts. This is
what CM's motto "Education is an atmosphere, a discipline,
a life" means.

6. "Education is an atmosphere" doesn't mean that
we should create an artificial environment for children,
but that we use the opportunities in the environment
he already lives in to educate him. Children learn from
real things in the real world

7. "Education is a discipline" means that we train a
child to have good habits and self-control.

8. "Education is a life" means that education should apply
to body, soul and spirit. The mind needs ideas of all kinds,
so the child's curriculum should be varied and generous
with many subjects included.

9. The child's mind is not a blank slate, or a bucket
to be filled. It is a living thing and needs knowledge
to grow. As the stomach was designed to digest food,
the mind is designed to digest knowledge and needs no
special training or exercises to make it ready to learn.

10. Herbart's philosophy that the mind is like an empty
stage waiting for bits of information to be inserted puts
too much responsibility on the teacher to prepare detailed
lessons that the children, for all the teacher's effort,
don't learn from anyway.

11. Instead, we believe that childrens' minds are capable
of digesting real knowledge, so we provide a rich, generous
curriculum that exposes children to many interesting, living
ideas and concepts.

12. "Education is the science of relations" means that
children have minds capable of making their own connections
with knowledge and experiences, so we make sure the child
learns about nature, science and art, knows how to make
things, reads many living books and that they are physically fit.

13. In devising a curriculum, we provide a vast amount
of ideas to ensure that the mind has enough brain food,
knowledge about a variety of things to prevent boredom, and
subjects are taught with high-quality literary language
since that is what a child's attention responds to best.

14. Since one doesn't really "own" knowledge until he
can express it, children are required to narrate, or tell
back (or write down), what they have read or heard.

15. Children must narrate after one reading or hearing.
Children naturally have good focus of attention, but
allowing a second reading makes them lazy and weakens
their ability to pay attention the first time. Teachers
summarizing and asking comprehension questions are other
ways of giving children a second chance and making the
need to focus the first time less urgent. By getting
it the first time, less time is wasted on repeated readings,
and more time is available during school hours for more
knowledge. A child educated this way learns more than
children using other methods, and this is true for all
children regardless of their IQ or background.

16. Children have two guides to help them in their
moral and intellectual growth - "the way of the will,
" and "the way of reason."

17. Children must learn the difference between "I want"
and "I will." They must learn to distract their thoughts
when tempted to do what they may want but know is not right,
and think of something else, or do something else,
interesting enough to occupy their mind. After a short
diversion, their mind will be refreshed and able to will
with renewed strength.

18. Children must learn not to lean too heavily on
their own reasoning. Reasoning is good for logically
demonstrating mathematical truth, but unreliable when
judging ideas because our reasoning will justify all
kinds of erroneous ideas if we really want to believe them.

19. Knowing that reason is not to be trusted as the final
authority in forming opinions, children must learn that
their greatest responsibility is choosing which ideas to
accept or reject. Good habits of behavior and lots of
knowledge will provide the discipline and experience to
help them do this.

20. We teach children that all truths are God's truths,
and that secular subjects are just as divine as religious
ones. Children don't go back and forth between two worlds
when they focus on God and then their school subjects;
there is unity among both because both are of God and,
whatever children study or do, God is always with them.

~ 2004 Leslie Noelani Laurio

Charolotte Mason Educational Notes and Goals

2011-07-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Understand the balance of keeping to a schedule and holding to a structure while allowing for all "unscheduled" learning experiences that can feasibly be accomplished also.
Main Focus is on Religion, Respect, Responsibility, Relationships (Living a Christian Life)
Relationships: great human relationships, relationships of love and service, of authority and obedience, of reverence and pity and kindness, relationships with friends, family, and neighbors, to cause and to country, and to the past and to the present.
Raise the children in the most simple and domestic way possible
place great confidence in the kids in all things
Measure progress by what the child knows by look, name, and habitat in the number of living and growing things.
Unless the METHOD of teaching allows the child the opportunity to establish relations with many different things, a gallon of teaching will only result in an ounce of learning.
The teacher's business is to indicate, stimulate, direct, and constrain to the acquirement of knowledge.
Children must be left alone to ruminate with their own thoughts to truly understand and attach to something of knowledge.
We can not do the learning or growing for the kids but we can provide what they need for growth which is ideas.
The less we do for a child the more they will do for themselves.
This style of education is not Un-schooling it is done with a definite plan towards self-education.
Atmosphere : Open Communications, christian life style, mother is the foundation of the home, physical closeness, and so on
Pity is a virtue if it cares for another, but pity can turn to self-pity which is not a virtue. Truth telling is a virtue, but if it is blunt and tactless and spoken without love than it is not a virtue.
Stop telling and always warning the children...let them experience natural consequences to be able to learn.Give fewer warnings, set up natural consequences for things and they will attach you have told them and do it once they realize the consequences.
Practice Purity in what you read and view
Use narration and whole books
Power of attention can show an educated man.
You can not retell what you do not "KNOW"

1st Year of Homeschooling Starts In 1 Month

2011-07-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Our first official year of homeschooling starts in 1 month from today. I am filled with all kinds of emotions based on the day, but mainly gladness, joyfulness, and excitement that the Lord has opened doors and led me upon this path of homeschooling and being able to truly ENJOY being with my kids.
My daughter will be entering "kindergarten" but for her learning, reading, and knowledge have just been an everyday part of life so she is not anticipating much to change even though I am working to explain that we will follow a schedule most days and be a little more structured than we are now.
I just can not believe that since I have started researching homeschooling 2 years ago that the days is coming. At this point I am feeling confident and organized to be able to both homeschool and work full time running an in home child care business. I know that with the help of the Lord and myself remaining patient and allowing the past notions of what "school" is suppose to look like go, then we will be okay.

Are you able to Rejoice in God?

2011-02-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

When your baby has been up every two hours, and you get up again in the morning with or before your kids, your house is a mess, you're busy serving breakfast, your kids are asking where there clothes are, your husband is leisurely getting himself ready for work, and now he is asking where the clean basket of clothes is, and you have not begun to get yourself ready for the day ARE YOU ABLE TO REJOICE IN GOD? I have not been, days around my house had drifted so far from what I wanted them to be and how I knew God wanted me to direct them.

What I realized is that my daily life has slowly crept in and consumed me and my daily moods. My moods which set the tone for everything I do in the day and everyone I come in contact with. I was no longer placing my hope and joy in the God . I knew but had forgotten that where one finds hope, there follows joy, and where there is joy, there follows rejoicing.

God calls us to be joyful and have hope, but He also calls us to be patient in affliction.

Prayer is powerful to help us be joyful and to rejoice. I pray that I can discover again joyfulness in hope, patience in affliction, and faithfulness in prayer.

Feb and March Lesson Plan Outline for Kindergarten

2011-02-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

During February and March we will be working on the following items outside of our daily reading, devotionals, and memory work.

Learns the Sight Words “The” and “You” and Reviews Other Words on Pin Up Board

Adds to Five Using Manipulative's

Basic Measurement

Begins to understand day, week, month, year

Can cut on line with a scissors

Can Print All Lowercase Letters correctly

Can Print All Uppercase Letters correctly

Can retell stories in own words

Can spell familiar names (Dad, Mom, Conor, Tuda) move to writing these names

Reviews hour and 1/2 hour times

Catches and Throws a Ball

Concepts of more, less than, same

Correctly Uses a Video Cassette or a DVD and a Television as well as a CD Player

Counts Items and Sets the Table

Denominations of money

Holds crayons and pencils correctly

Imagination Art and Free Art Time

Know Address

Know Phone Number

Knows greater than or less than

Knows how to take care of books

knows left from right

Knows Spanish Colors

Knows Spanish Days of Week

Knows the Days of the Week as well as Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow

Meaning of addition and subtraction (start with single digit numbers and 0)

Review Phonic Sounds in the Hooked on Phonics Reading Workbook

Presenting Show and Tell

Print Address

Print Phone Number

Prints upper and lower case letters

Recites 1-20 correctly

Recognizes #'s 1-20 in printed form

Recognizes Own Name and Can Spell It

Understands yesterday, tomorrow, and today

Kindergarten Goals/Lesson Plans 2011

2011-02-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

Kindergarten Goals/Lessons for 2011

By the end of the Kindergarten year we are hoping to have accomplished the following things that I researched and put together based on my daughters age and grade.

Learns the Sight Words “The” and “You” and Reviews Other Words

Recognizes and Describes Volcanoes and Geysers

Acts Out a Character in a Dramatic Play

Adds to Five Using Manipulatives

Adds to Ten Using Manipulatives

American holidays

Awareness of others

Basic needs of animals

Basic chart and graph concepts

Basic human needs

Basic Measurement

basic platn anatomy

Basic problem-solving strategies

basic tools

Be kind and helpful to each other

Beginning experimentation

Beginning writing process

Begins to understand day, week, month, year

Benefits of fresh air and excersize

Calendar and clock

Can count basic change

Can cut on line with a scissors

Can Print All Lowercase Letters

Can Print All Uppercase Letters

Can retell stories in own words

Can spell familiar names (Dad, Mom, Conor, Tuda)

Can tell between liquid and solid matters

Can tell the hour and 1/2 hour times

Can tell time

Catches and Throws a Ball

Choral reading

Classification of living things

Classifies Plants and Animals

Common animals and plants

Compares objects according to their physical properties

Compares Objects on a Balance or Scale

Completes Projects Requiring More than One Sitting

Concepts of more, less than, same

Constructing visual images while listening

Cooperation in play

Copies (Mimics) Actions of Others

Correctly Uses a Video Cassette or a DVD and a Television as well as a CD Player

Correspondence of quantities

Counts 1-20 correctly

Counts by 2's

Counts by 5's

Counts Items and Sets the Table

Counts to Twenty‐Five Rotely / Counts to Thirty

Creates Own Stories With a Beginning, Middle, and End

Denominations of money

Describes Attributes of Common Objects

Describes the Antarctica Continent and Locates it on a Globe and Map

Describes the Arctic Region and Locates it on a Globe or Map

Describes the Tropical Rainforest

Diagram of home and school

Dials and Using the Phone Properly

Distinguish fantasy from reality

Distinguishes Between Real and Make Believe

Distinguishes Past, Present, and Future

Draws a Person Including Basic Body Parts

Draws or Copies Basic Shapes

Draws, Cuts and Glues in a Project

Earth as man's physical home

Earth, moon, stars, planets

Empathizing with characters in predicaments

Endangered plants and Animals

Estimation

Experience stories

Explains Who the Pilgrims Were and Why They Made Journey to America

Explores a Variety of Coin Combination's to Make 5¢ to 25¢

Explores effects of heat and cold on liquids and solids

Explores energy, force, motion

explores the meanings of key words in stories

Explores weight and length

Explores, Recognizes, and creates simple patterns

Exploring effects of weather on plants

Exploring light and sound

Exploring Magnets

Exploring Rocks

Exploring the feelings and emotions of story characters

Farm animals

Following and giving directions

Giving and Responding to 3 step directions

Group problem solving

Helps to Plan and Take Trips

Hits a Stationary Softball with a Bat

Holds crayons and pencils correctly

Identification of basic plant life

Identifies #'s 1-20 in order and at random

Identifies a Desert

Identifies Africa on a Globe or Map and Describes It

Identifies and Compares a Peninsula and a Gulf

Identifies and Describes a Duckbill Platypus and Wombat

Identifies and Describes the Anteater

Identifies and Describes the Macaw and Toucan

Identifies and Describes the Sloth

Identifies and Traces a Trapezoid and Hexagon

Identifies and Traces an Isosceles Triangle and Pentagon

Identifies and Writes Numbers (Numerals) to Thirty

Identifies and Writes Numerals to Twenty

Identifies Asia on a Globe or Map and Describes It

Identifies Australia on a Globe or Map and Describes It

Identifies North America on a Globe or Map and Describes It

Identifies One More and One Less for a Given Number

Identifies Squanto and How He Helped the Pilgrims to Survive

Identifies the Characters in the Story and Describes Them

Identifies the Continent on Which the Child Lives; Locates the Country in Which He or She Lives

Identifies the Coral Reef and Sea Anemones

Identifies the Mayflower Ship and Explains the Difficult Journey at Sea

Identifies the Missing Number in the One through Fifteen Sequence

Identifies the Story Setting

identify Foods

Imagination Art

Individual's role in family, home, school, and community

Introduction to number line

Jumps Rope

Keep your surroundings neat, clean, and organized

Know Address

Know Phone Number

Knows 5 physical senses

Knows basic computer terms as keyboard, monitor, mouse, space bar, return key, boot

Knows denominations of money and value

Knows difference between fiction and non-fiction

Knows Even and Odd Numbers

Knows Fractions ‐ Wholes, Halves, Quarters

Knows greater than or less than

Knows How and Why to Use 911

Knows how to take care of books

knows left from right

Knows Spanish Colors

Knows Spanish Days of Week

Knows Spanish Family

Knows Spanish Months

Knows the Days of the Week as well as Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow

Laces and Ties Shoes

Learns and Records the Stages to Becoming a Butterfly

Learns to Dribble and Pass a Ball

Lifestyles of the olden days

Light

Like and unlike plants

Listening to literature, music, poetry

Locates and Describes the Amazon Rainforest

Locates and Names the Countries which are the Neighbors to the United States of America

Locates and Traces the Amazon River

Locates the Rainforest in South America and Finds the Equator

Makes Actual Figures from Clay

Makes Introductions

Makes Predictions as to What Will Happen Next in the Story

Manuscript handwriting

Meaning of addition and subtraction

Meanings of holidays, traditions, and customs

Names and Locates the Seven Continents on a Globe or a World Map

Names the Families of Instruments in the Orchestra

natural resources to meet human needs

Need for rules

Nonstandard means of measuring

Number-numeral relationship

Nursery rhymes, fairy tales, fables

Observation as a scientific method

Observation of everyday, familiar things

Observes Own Backyard and Draws, Records or Discusses Discoveries

One-to-one relationship

Oral Comprehension

Oral Problem Solving

Orally practicing correct English language

Ordinal-cardinal relationship

Organizing ideas

Paraphrasing and summarizing

Performs Simple Measurement

Phonics

Plans and Completes Projects

Pollution

Possesses Awareness of the Environment

Posture

Presenting Show and Tell

Primary and secondary colors

Print Address

Print Phone Number

Prints upper and lower case letters

Read 50 sight words

Reads a Sentence and Draws a Picture

Reads and Spells Words Containing the “Sh” Sound

Reads Number Words

Reads Sentences and Draws a Picture

Recites 1-20 correctly

Recognizes #'s 1-20

Recognizes and Describes an Island and a Lake

Recognizes and Describes the Properties of a Mountain and a Valley

Recognizes Own Name and Can Spell It

Recognizes penny, nickel, dime, and quarter and amounts

Recognizes the Brass Family of Instruments and Names Two or More of the Instruments

Recognizes the Geometric Shapes of a Cube, Cylinder, and Cone

Recognizes the Percussion Family of Instruments and Names Two of the Instruments

Recognizes the String Family of Instruments and Names Two or More of the Instruments

Recognizes the Woodwinds Family of Instruments and Names Two or More of the Instruments

Recognizes clock as a tool to measure time

Relates the First Thanksgiving Celebrated in the New World and the Pilgrims’ Special Guests

Relating events and experiences using complete sentences

Relationship of the individual to the group

Remembering details in a story

Respect each other's property and his/her right to privacy

Responding to stories in ways such as music, skits, readings, and discussions

Retells Stories Using a Beginning, Middle, and End

Rhythms

Role play

Self-respect and self-awareness

Sequencing events in a story

Shoots Mini‐Basketballs at a Junior Size Hoop

Similarities and Differences between plants

Simple keyboarding skills

Simple tumbling

Sorts and Groups by Different Characteristics

Spell 50 sight words

Spend along time reading picture books

Strings Beads to Match a Pattern

Subtracts from Five or Less Using Manipulatives

Subtracts from Ten or Less Using Manipulatives

survival needs of plants

Tell the truth

Temperature

Ties Simple Knots and Braids

Treat others with respect

Understanding and appreciating other cultures

understanding terms of story characters, author, and illustrator

Understands a calendar

Understands Cause and Effect

Understands Concept of Maps

Understands Ordinal Numbers First through Sixth

Understands that the World is Made Up of Various Land Forms and Can Identify Them

Understands the Concept of the Sea and Oceans

understands the function of a librarian

Understands the Stages in the Growth of a Frog

Understands yesterday, tomorrow, and today

Unusual Animals

Use of an outdoor thermometer

Uses a Map to Trace Trip Route

Uses Computer Games with Minimal Supervision

Uses Mental Calculations to Add Numbers to Five

Uses Mental Calculations to Subtract Numbers from Five or Less

uses of money

Uses Verb Tenses Correctly

Uses Words to Settle Differences

Work and jobs

Writes as a leisure activity

Tyrant vs Tools God's Plan for Kindergarten

2011-02-01T07:01:00.000-08:00

The end of my daughter's pre-school homeschooling has ended and her leap into Kindergarten learning has arrived. I am brain-dead most days, my house has slowly become what I would consider a wreck. I can barely plan supper meals anymore, much less remember what I have shopped for that I can make. Some days I am feeling guilty about the lack of time I have spent with my husband. And in general was feeling like I was spending to much time homeschooling and working as a daycare provider that everything else was falling my the wayside. For weeks I walked around in a funk and a gray cloud not being able to figure out what was going on. Then I came across an article in a book called: 'Things I Wish We'd Have Known" about Tool or Tyrant.

What I realized was I was out of balance, my life was not balanced. And for those who know me I am one of those were things need to be just right/balanced or I have a hard time functioning.

I was overwhelming myself with making sure that the stack of library books were got each week were read and discussed, that we accomplished a good portion of worksheets each day, did crafts, and projects, and cooking. I was trying to keep on a schedule, to keep up with what in my mind was learning but really it was just forcing to have done what was written on paper to make it look like I was accomplishing things and that my daughter was given all the learning opportunities she could. I was focusing on quantity versus quality. I was feeling like our cirriculum books were written for a reason and that the chapters in them would not have been written if they were not meant to be used and taught. Overlooking the fact that my daughter was well beyond these pre-school lessons and was growing bored with them. I was stressing on repetition because that was what I need to learn and to memorize, but I did not take the time to look and realize that my daughter did not function like me, she is more her father and picked up and memorized/understood things very quickly.
I was starting to feel like if I can not handle preschool how could I ever continue homeschooling. But as this article pointed out I was ensnared by the Curriculum Tyrant.
The Curriculum Tyrant sneaks up on me in the form of good books, whispering that these hold the answers to all of my daughters educational needs. The Curriculum Tyrant was telling me not to waste these good books, not to waste the money we spent on them. I was placing these books and authors as experts on topics or knowledge to teach my children.
However this article brought me back to realize that God owns my children and he has allowed me to be a steward to him to raise these children. And that no one on Earth knows my children better than I do and no one will ever know them better than I do, so I can not keep trusting in these good books to serve as experts to teach my children. I must rely on God to work through me and give me the tools necessary to teach my children.

After praying for His wisdom, I was able to pay attention to the needs and areas my daughter needs to work on, I was able to see her abilities and learning methods unfold before me. He made it very clear to me.

I am making the effort to choose the Cirriculum Tools God brings me over being scared by the Tyrant. This switch in thinking has given me some Freedom in life, and has released a lot of pressure. I would say that we are learning more towards unschooling in our approaches now with Kindergarten. We will continue to read a lot of good books, but will keep our eyes open to the opportunities God puts in front of us to use as tools to teach our children. Since we have started creating our own worksheet pages based on what Olivia does not know yet and what we value as important my attitude as well as hers towards school has shifted greatly and life is easier. As for the balancing of work, school, wife, mother, and house that is still taking me time to figure out. Not sure I ever will, some days are good and others I have to just throw my hands up and say enough.

The article does state that the Tyrant is never truly defeated, he is sneaky and will try to return. Once the chaos and anxiety return I will know to go to God with it.

The Tyrant in this scenario is the Devil for those who have not picked up on that. The Devil wants to lead us away from God's will.

How Children Learn - Reccomended Book to all

2010-08-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

John Holt's book "How Children Learn" has been a great help to me lately. I am finding out information about how every child learns, fails, is set up for failure, and processes I did not know existed. I have been seeing behavior changes in my daughter when it came to learning and reading in particular but until I read about things from his book was I brought to light on why and what she was doing and reacting to. I also am learning how to change things and set things up in a way that will benefit her learning and in the process also becoming more relaxed about any kind of time line in her ability to read a certain level by a certain age an so forth. It is helping to point out that kids will learn things when they are interested and ready to know much easier than if they are drilled and forced to learn them before hand. It truly has changed my way of homeschooling already and I have not even completed a 1/2 of year of schooling. I can not wait to make the changes and see if they help and benefit her. I will keep you updated but in the mean time you should read the book.

Daily Activities Every Mom Could Do

2010-08-26T06:47:00.001-07:00

Every mom is a teacher, that is a quote that I read when starting homeschooling that really stuck with me. And it is so true, there are so many things we teach our kids that we don't even consider schooling and with out even trying. Here are some more things you can do.

Turning baby care into "Home Economics and Child Development" learning
Reading
Practice learning letters, numbers, and spelling
Incorporate quiet play time into the day for 1-2 hours (ages 3 and up)
Have school time only toys
Listen to different styles of music
Learn a foreign language with a child
Read about topics like Trees, grass, flowers, buildings
Complete puzzles
Teach 3 year olds and older how to make toast, pour milk, cereal, and to open a can

Homeschooling Journal Entry 1 : 8-17-10

2010-08-18T12:34:00.001-07:00

One of the many books I read lately had excerpts of the mom's (teacher's) daily journal pages from when she did her homeschooling with her kids. I loved the idea. It had been so long since I last journal-ed anything, I used to write everyday. Not to mention the possibilities to look back and reflect down the road on what you wrote, enjoy the memories, view the progress, and just laugh really intrigued me. So adding yet another duty into my daily routine... Home-Journalism Beware it is going to be random quick thoughts as they pop into my head, I jot them down, hopefully they will make sense to others.

Yesterday was my husband and my 7th Wedding Anniversary. Figured out new ways to gt Livi to look at reading as being fun and instilling that passion of books in her. We just started Charlotte's Web, 10 to 20 pages a day. We are listening to Amber Brown books on Cd whenever we are in the car and 20 minutes before nap time to settle down. Need to call Aunt Yvette on advice about introducing the concept of actually doing homeschooling to Livi since right now it is just a general part of her day, and I fear that if I get more structured she will resist since I also do the daycare and she is so used to being a part of that function everyday. just finished the books, "Better than School", and "Homeschooling for Excellence". My love of reading is ignited once again. I need a way to categorized and store all of this useful and helpful information and resources.

Livi completed her first journal pages today. She accounted her day and what she did which she wrote down. (Reading, Writing, Math, Dolls, Set the Table, Made Cookies).

This path we are on of becoming self reliant in more aspects of life is really fun. We are planning a garden for next spring, getting chickens, canning, sewing, and start with Piano lessons for both Livi and I.

Need to ask for a laminator, sewing machine, and a type writter for Christmas this year.

General things we do on various week days with Livi are as follows:

Something to do notebook
Rhyming words
Sketch pad
Abacus
handwriting
painting and art
writing letters
collages
books- lots of reading
board games
nature walks
cooking
and her magazine subscriptions
Road signs
tie shoes and zippers

Whole Foods Challenge Update ( Week 1 Complete)

2010-07-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

We are one week into our food and eating challenge and overall it has gone great. The benefits and likes about it so far are as follows:

1. I really enjoyed preparing, organizing, and preparing the food for the meals for the week.
2. The food really made me feel less tired and feel stronger in ways, like I had more energy through out the day.
3. My daughter who I have been trying to get interested in helping me in the kitchen, finally started watching and helping me with the foods and it was a great mother daughter time.
4. Because I had everything planned out into meals I knew each day what we were going to eat and there was no 5:00 question or search for something to make.
5. My husband did not complain as much as I thought he was going to, he at least tried mainly everything I made, but some things he did not finish which was okay with me. I was just glad he was open to trying new things.
6. The left overs of fruits and veggies I was able to turn into baby puree food for my son and freeze them.

The downfalls for this process for me were:

1. Getting use to the prep and planning for the meals
2. Understanding the cooking aspects for new foods and materials we have never used. Such as all the different types of flour and oils you can buy and for what foods they should be paired up with.
3. My fridge was packed full I could not fit in my normal 4 gallons of milk for the week.
4. Left overs, because I cooked to much of everything, which again took up room in my fridge for the week until we had our clean out the fridge meal on Friday.

Overall it was good, I plan on continuing and learning about healthy and natural cooking. I do have to mention when we went grocery shopping this weekend my husband had to be my conscious 3 times in the store and talk me down from picking up items such as (Oreo's, snack food) I was craving a sweet and easy treat (fix) and did not want to go home to bake cookies or a treat to fill it because of the time it was going to entail, but that is what I did and I am glad that I did it. So I know there is going to be a few ups and downs while making this switch.

Whole Foods and Natural Cooking Challenge

2010-07-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

The steps are in place, my family is starting a new challenge this weekend. We have gone to our local library and got cookbooks on Organic, Natural, Fresh, and Low Fat Simple Cooking. We went last night to a new grocery store to find the many foreign items on our grocery list. The fact the store was huge, it was our first time there, and that we have never purchased or looked for 1/2 of the items on our list before made for a very long 2 hour shopping.

My husband and I have decided together that we are going to start cooking simple, and we want to know what is in our foods and enjoy the fact of what will no longer be in our foods like the processed items, preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup. We are going to start making our own snacks and eating more fresh fruits and veggies.

Our grocery list contained some items as follows:

Oat Bran
Macadamia nuts
walnuts
Natural cane Sugar
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
Almond Flour and Mesquite Flour
Toasted Wheat Germ
Sunflower seeds, almonds, and dried fruits
Brown Rice Syrup
Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Carrots, Cherry tomatoes, broccoli, apples, and ONIONS... (those of you who know me know that Onions are a big deal for me to eat)

Breakfast Recipes this week include:

Granola and Yogurt (Greek)
Banana Bread
Morning Glory Muffins
Scrambled Eggs and Toast
Orange and Pinneapple Fruit salad
Nuts about fruit salad

Snacks include (for family and my daycare kids)

Granola and yogurt
Oat and Nut crunch mix
Peanut Munch Mix
Madagascar Vanilla Waffers with Peanut Butter
Mint Mint Mouthfuls
Georgie Porgie Pudding
Monster Morsels

Dinners include:

Turkey Taco Salads
Oven Roaster Veggies with Garlic Rolls and Grilled Chicken
Wild Rice and Whole Chicken in Crock-pot
Shredded Green Beans and Pork Chops
10 Layer Slow Cooker Dish
Ham and Potatoes in Crock-pot
Shredded BBQ on Kaiser Rolls
Spaghetti and Garlic Bread (homemade spaghetti sauce)

Should be fun for all and something new, but I hope it sticks and that we all really enjoy it.

You Tube Video - So creative

2010-07-09T12:52:00.001-07:00

Aritcle on Bubble Fun

2010-07-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Quick and Easy Bubble Experiments to Share with Your Kids!
by Aurora Lipper

---

If you pour a few droplets of water onto a sweater or fabric, you'll notice
the water will just sit there on the surface in a ball (or oval, if the drop
is large enough). If you touch the ball of water with a soapy finger, the ball
disappears into the fibers of the fabric! What happened?

Soap makes water "wetter" by breaking down the water's surface tension by
about two-thirds. The force that keeps the water droplet in a sphere shape
is called surface tension. It's the reason you can fill a cup of water past
the brim without it spilling over. Water becomes "wetter" because without
soap, it can't get into the fibers of your clothes to get them clean. That's
why you need soap in the washing machine.

Soap also makes water stretchy. If you've ever tried making bubbles with your
mouth just using spit, you know that you can't get the larger, fist-sized
spit-bubbles to form completely and detach to float away in the air. Water
by itself has too much surface tension, too many forces holding the molecules
together. When you add soap to it, they relax a bit and stretch out. Soap
makes water stretch and form into a bubble.

The soap molecule looks a lot like a snake -- it's a long chain that has two
very different ends. The head of the snake loves water, and the tail end loves
dirt. When the soap molecule find a dirt particle, it will wrap its tail
around the dirt and hold it there.

To make the best bubbles, you'll first need to make the best bubble solution.
Gently mix together 12 cups cold water in a shallow tub with one cup green
Dawn (or clear Ivory) dish soap. If it’s a hot dry day, add a few tablespoons
of glycerin. (Glycerin can be found at the drug store.) You can add all sorts
of things to find the perfect soap solution: lemon juice, corn syrup, maple
syrup, glycerin... to name a few. Each will add its own properties to the
bubble solution. (When I teach this class, I have buckets of each variation
along with plain dish soap and water so we can compare.)

The absolute best time to make gigantic bubbles is on an overcast day, right
after it rains. Bubbles have a thin cell wall that evaporates quickly in direct
sun, especially on a low-humidity day. The glycerin adds moisture and deters
this rapid thinning of the bubble’s cell wall.

Zillions of Tiny Bubbles can be made with strawberry baskets. Simply dip the
basket into the bubble solution and twirl around. You can also use plastic
six-pack soda can holders.

Trumpet Bubbles are created by using a modified a water bottle. Cut off the
bottom of the bottle, dip the large end in the soap solution, put the small
end to your lips and blow. You can separate the bubble away from the trumpet
by rolling the large end up and away from your bubble.

Bubble Castles are built with a straw and a plate. First, spread the bubble
solution all over a smooth surface (such as a clean cookie sheet, plate, or
table top). Dip one end of a straw in the bubble solution and blow bubbles
all over the surface. Make larger domes with smaller ones inside. Notice the
bubble changes shape and size when it connects with another.

Stretch and Squish! Get one hand-sized bubble in each hand. Slap them together
(so they join, not pop!). What if you join them together s l o w l y?

Light Show is one of the favorites when I teach this class. Find a BIG
flashlight and stand it on end (or use a thin one with three clothespins). Rub
soap solution all other the bottom of an uncolored plastic lid (like from a
coffee can). Balance the lid, soapy side up, on the flashlight (or on the
spring-type clothespins). Blow a hemisphere bubble on top of the lid. Find
a dark room, turn on the flashlight, and blow gently along the side of the
bubble and watch the colors swirl.

Weird Shapes are the simplest way to show how soap makes water stretchy. Dip
a rubber band completely in the soap solution and pull it up. Stretch the
rubber band using your fingers. Twist and tweak into all sorts of shapes.
Note that the bubble always finds a way of filling the shape with the minimum
amount of surface area. Make a Moebius Bubble by cutting open a thick rubber
band or 1/2" thick ribbon, give one end a half-twist, and reattach it together.

Polygon Shapes allow you to make square and tetrahedral bubbles. Create
different 3D shapes by bending pipe cleaners made into cubes, tetrahedrons,
or whatever you wish. Alternatively you can use straws threaded onto string
made into 3D triangular shapes. Notice how the film always finds its minimum
surface area. Can you make square bubbles?

Gigantic Bubbles - Using the straws and string, thread two straws on three feet
of string and tie off. Grasp one straw in each hand and dip in soap solution.
Use a gentle wind as you walk to make BIG bubbles. Find air thermals (warm
pockets of air) to take your bubbles up, up, UP!

Really, Really, Really Big Bubbles - Gather together a 1/2” x 36” wooden
dowel, one eye-screw, 7-8’ lightweight chain, and a large nut that slides
easily over the dowel. Pre-drill a hole for the eye-screw at the end of the
dowel. Slide the nut down along the length of the dowel. Attach one end of
the chain (using pliers) to the eye-screw, then to the bolt (about 18” away),
and then drape about 5-6’ before attaching the end back to the eye-screw,
making a large ring of chain that can be opened and closed with the sliding
action of the bolt. Dip the bubble wand into soap solution with the ring
closed, raise it up out of the bucket, open the ring, walk a few feet until
a large bubble forms, then close the ring. (You can make a lighter-weight
version by substituting crocheted lace for the chain and a lighter ring for
the weight.)

Kid-In-A-Bubble - In a child's plastic swimming pool, pour your best bubble
solution. Lay a hula hoop down, making sure there is enough bubble solution
to just cover the hoop. Have your child stand in the pool (use a stool if you
don't want to get your feet wet), and lift the hoop! For a more permanent
project, use an old car tire sliced in half lengthwise (the hard way) to hold
the bubble solution.

---

Aurora Lipper has been teaching science to kids for over 10 years. She is also
a mechanical engineer, university instructor, pilot, astronomer, a real live
rocket scientist (You should see the lab in her basement!) and a mom. She has
inspired thousands of kids with the fun and magic of science through her live
and online classes and materials at SuperChargedScience.com.

---

Do you have comments to share? Please do!

Send to: mailto:heather@familyclassroom.net

Salute to Dads - Father's Day

2010-06-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

With Father's day this weekend it got me thinking about how lucky I am to have found not only a great husband, my best friend, but also a man who has turned into being a fantastic father. Father figures were blurry at best to me growing up seeing as I was not living with my father and my step father did not posses the qualities or attributes of a good father. My Grandpa was a leading man in my life for many years. I knew in high school and on from there what I did not want the father of my kids to be but could never have imagined what he needed to be to be a great dad to them until actually having kids and watching my husband be their dad. God has truly blessed our family with a God loving, strong, loving, dedicated, intelligent, humorous, active, and honest father figure.

Chickens and Eggs

2010-06-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

My family is researching a new idea using books and videos from the library for the next few weeks. We are learning all about raising backyard chickens both for meat and for laying eggs. Even though birds scare me to death I can see a lot of fun, experiences, and benefits out of this and we are already set up on our property with a chicken coop and area so set up would be easy. My kids would love it and could be a chore for them to pick the eggs, it would be cost effective and healthier for our families, we could gain a feeling of self sufficiency raising animals and our own food, and it could turn into a small side business for us as well. Either way we will learn something in the process.

The Start of Home Pre-Schooling

2010-06-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

We are into week 3 of homeschooling our 4 1/2 year old daughter and everyone involved is loving it. I have been so excited every day to get up extra early to prepare our materials needed for the day, my daughter can't hardly wait to learn new things, our days are so much more structured and predictable which really helps the time of the day pass until dad gets home, and I have already see so many changes in both myself and my daughter.

On top of homeschooling I have an in home daycare business, so I include the children into as much of the lessons as I can as I am teaching my daughter which to my surprise has gone very well and the parents are super excited everyday to see what their child has learned or accomplished. The curriculum we have chosen is also a God centered curriculum so it goes hand in hand with my Christian daycare philosophies and I am excited to know that someday one of the seeds I have helped plant in these kids will start to grow and bloom.

I love seeing my child's excitement and sense of accomplishment, and could not imagine sending her off to school where I would not be able to share in these same daily feelings with her.

Teaching our Preschooler

2010-05-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

These are the things we have agreed to focus on teaching our 4 year old until next fall.

Days of the week
Months
Counting by 1,2, 5, 10
Sorting by size, color, shapes
5 senses
Primary colors and color wheel
Home safety
Roles of the mother and father
Industrial arts: Chores
Manners
How to pray
Obedience - to rely on God to help us obey
Bible stories and characters
Rhyming words
Consonant sounds
short and long vowel sounds
Blending Letters
dolch Sight words
To write whole alphabet, numbers, name, address, and phone number
Memory work (starting with 10 commandments and the Lord's prayer)
Social Studies - neighborhoods, and families around the world
How to be a good servant
How to ask for forgiveness
Character training - Moral Curriculum
Oral Narration
Copy Work
How to be a disciple and glorify God

THe Woman of Valor Proverbs 31

2010-05-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

A woman of valor who can find?

She is far more precious than rubies, The heart of her husband trusts in her...

She does him good and not harm All the days of her life

She rises while it is still night and provides food for the household

She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out to the needy

Strength and dignity are her clothing

She opens her mouth with wisdom

She teaches the ways of kindness

She looks after the ways of her household

And is not idle

Her children rise up and and call her blessed,
And her husband praises her, saying
"Many women have done well, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who reveres the Lord is to be praised.

In preparing Bible lessons for my daughter I searched the Bible for inspiration on character traits, values, morals, and wisdom that should be instilled upon my daughter as well as the young girls of our country. Not so surprisingly, I read Proverbs 31 for the first time and it really got me thinking on things I need to change to not only be able to teach this to my daughter but to also lead by an example. There are so many worldly issues, tribulations, and worries our young daughters are faced with every day due to our societies thinking, media outlets, and the culture the world has come to. It is so important to teach them what the Lord expects from them as a young girl, woman, wife, and so on.

My Blogging Return

2010-05-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I have blogged, so many things have been going on in life lately that have taken and consumed my attention that blogging was so far down on my list of things to accomplish. What have I been busy with?

Lets see 2 months ago my husband and I finally after a long journey of 1 year have decided to start homeschooling our preschool aged daughter so preparing mentally, financially, and educationally for that has been a priority for us.

Feb our son was born, 3 weeks earlier than expected I must add, and enjoying watching him grow and learning all the fun things about him , and teaching my daughter about babies has been time consuming. I also had the normal issues of going from 1 child who happened to be 4, to 2 children and learning what the best ways to handle those situations was important to me.

March was a month of packing and then April was a month for moving and setting up our new home.

Well now that brother and sister are adjusted, we are in our new home and comfortable, both my husband and I are blessed to be thriving in our jobs, and homeschooling planning is wrapping up for the year I find myself excited about JUST ENJOYING it ALL.

Inspirational Scritptures for this week

2009-11-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."(Luke 18:16-17)

Wisconsin Homeschooling Rules and Regulations

2009-11-30T12:06:00.000-08:00

- 875 hours of instruction each year

( If I continued to do Daycare how would I fit this into our schedules?, What weeks off during the year would we do?, We most likely would not follow a typical schools school year., Would we or do we have to utilize weekends for school time to make it work?)

- No teacher qualifications needed
- Standardized tests not required
-By Oct. 15Th each year the parents must submit a statement of enrollment to the Dept. of Education.
- Must provide sequential progressive curriculum of fundamental instruction. (Reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, health)

LANGUAGE ARTS: silent and oral reading, listening skills, spelling, homonyms, synonyms, antonyms, letters, stories, poems, dictation, typing, dictionary and thesaurus, encyclopedia use, punctuation, table of context, computer skills...

PHYSICAL EDU. AND HEALTH: sports, first aid for splinters, burns, strains, common cold treatments, care of mind and body, traffic safety, meal planning, food preparation.

NATURAL SCIENCE: Seeds, bulbs, plants, flowers, birds, sun, moon, stars, basic constellations, seasons, weather, clouds, fire, temperatures, animals, infant care.

FINE ARTS: drawing, painting, graphics, sewing, dress up, concerts, plays, singing, music at home.

- PI-1206 to obtain please call State Department of Public Instruction at 1-888-245-2732

Inspirational Message (Dedication)

2009-11-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

I was encouraged yesterday when I was reading and a lady stated that much of what God calls us to do in this world is not easy at all. That believing in perseverance and not giving up will help you over bumps and hills in the road with homeschooling. I know that one of my areas of weakness is the inevitable ability to lose interest or dedication to something, it varies on what the circumstances are on how long it will take before it happens the point is my life experiences have shown it over and over again.

My biggest fear right now with dedicating myself to homeschooling my children and keeping all of us in the Lord's word is the fact that I need to be able to daily lean upon the Lord for strength, endurance, answers, and wisdom to continue doing it so I do not give up on it. I fear failing at this and setting an example to my kids that it is okay to walk away from such an important life dedication.

Homeschooling Questions and Self Reflection Starters

2009-11-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of questions I intend to search myself and the Bible for answers in the next few weeks. I have reached the conclusion that homeschooling of itself is no longer a question or right or wrong for our family, I have not disagreed or hesitated at any of the day in and day out ideas of homeschooling. Instead it was deeper, there was something or is something still holding me back in FEAR of proceeding and acknowledging that this is what our family has decided to do. I have read so many books from the library and have compiled questions to help me self reflect on the whats, whys, and hows. Hopefully these questions will open something up inside of me, draw me closer to God, and lead me in my next direction of where and what God wants me to be doing.

Question

#1:

What intrigues you about homeschooling?

#2:

I'd like to home school but...

What if any are my spouses concerns and thoughts on homeschooling?

What is my philosophy or purpose on eduction today? (This hopefully will continually change as I educate myself, and further my pursuit of what the Bible says education should be)

After reading Deuteronomy 6, what is my reaction?

What ways am I currently teaching God's laws, principles, and ways to my kids?

Do I need to improve in quantity or quality of time with my kids to be able to communicate God's word to them?

What beliefs and truths do I want my kids to hold onto?

How well am I at communicating these to my kids now? Do I need to be more grounded in the Lord's word?

#10

How do I define success for myself, others, and my kids? Does it differ from person to person?

#11

What sacrifices do I see I will have to make in order to home school?

#12

What questions do I have about meeting my kids academic needs?

#13

What are my concerns about homeschooling 1 year at a time verses deciding to home school long term? Which of these obstacles then are to big for GOD?

#14

Who will take exception to our decision to home school?

#15

What will be their greatest concerns, and why? How can I ease these concerns? Am I prepared to not be defensive but yet educate them in our decision as to why out of Love?

#16

What doubts am I having?

#17

If these doubts come to pass, what is the worst thing that could happen?

#18

What do you want your kids to learn from your example?

#19

How will or can I encourage the kids to be the following:

Self directed learners

Produce quality of work

effective communicators

efficient researchers

problem solvers

critical thinkers

Recognizing Christmas Traditions

2009-11-17T11:29:00.000-08:00

With our daughter turning 4 this year and many other changes in our life this year spiritually we began to discuss the whole Santa Claus thing. This is not the first year we have discussed it but have had 2 years of a child being to young to realize it was there or not there, but we were forced to discuss and make a decision on it this year. My husbands family did not participate in Santa rituals but mine did.

I have come to believe that lying to our children can only hurt their spiritual development. Yet many American families carry this tradition, as well as Christian families.

When it comes to Christmas time the tradition goes to all ends to convince these kids that there is a man called Santa who is omnipresent, all knowing, and all powerful. I believe that as a result of this Santa becomes God Like with these qualities. Santa becomes an idol that replaces Jesus Christ.

Then later in life at some point these kids find out that Santa among other fairy tale characters (Tooth Fairy, Eater Bunny) are not real and that the parents have been lying to them. So is it any wonder why later in adolescent life they have doubts about the things they have been taught about Christianity?

I have many concerns over this decision seeing as not everyone in my family is a Christian and will not understand that Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Christ. The thought of explaining this tactfully and heartfelt, and to be careful not to step on the toes of the parents and or the kids whose families do carry these traditions frightens me.

We plan on explaining to our children that Santa, along with the other characters are just games people play to have fun. But if they ask us straight out if these characters are real we plan on telling them they are not and they are just a game we play. Hopefully we can raise kids who can see that we will be truthful with them throughout their lives.

I plan to carry on a tradition my mom did for years when I was a kid, and that was reading the story of the birth of Jesus Christ (even though at the time I dreaded having to make it through it before we could open gifts). When they are small I plan on showing a picture of a manger scene, and praying thankfully to God for sending Jesus to die on the cross for all the bad things that all of us have done. We will still open simple presents on Christmas Eve or Day explaining that people give gifts to others as a representation of the wise men bringing gifts to baby Jesus. We will also remember that Jesus is God's gift to us everyday.

Going against the grain of society and what is perceived as normal is scary but yet I know in my heart that I am setting my children up for a meaningful relationship with Christ, with us, and with others.

Recipe for Marchmallow Pilgrim Hats

2009-11-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

Cute idea for kids to help with!

What we are working on now...

2009-11-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

My daughter will get upset if we do not do our school time every morning and evening like normal so she is keeping me on my toes to keep her engaged in learning and making sure I have enough material printed off for her to work on with either mom or dad. This month we are working on the following:

Continuation of Patterns

Finding Rhyming Words

Tracing Dotted Lines (straight, curved, horizontal)

Long and Short Sounds of the Vowels A,E,I,O,U, Y

Practicing tracing and writing our vowels

Counting correctly to 25 so we can start to learn to count by 5's

3 scripture passages to memorize

Cutting out objects and pasting them - this has gone from frustrating 6 months ago when she started and I just wanted to do it for her to really wonderful to see her concentrate and put forth the effort to practice and learn how to do it herself. Then to see her face when she recognizes her accomplishments is just amazing. I love it!

Prayers need for a family

2009-11-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

Gift List for my almost 4 year old...

2009-11-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the random postings about toys and such I was trying to bookmark pages of stores of toys that I thought my 4 year old will enjoy for Christmas.

Halloween Cowgirl

2009-11-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

I refused to allow my child to wear half of the Halloween costumes they sell in stores now a days. either they are overpriced, under-materialed, not age appropriate, or just plain ridiculous. I like to buy things we can re use in other ways and we were lucky enough to pull together most of her outfit from thrift stores this year and it is all stuff she can continue to wear or to play with for dress up for awhile. But she did make a cute little cowgirl and she is already trying to figure out what we can make or do for next year.

Gearing Up for Nov. and Dec.

2009-11-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Can not believe that it is November already but I am excited because in my family these two months seem to fly by the fastest out of all of them which means by the time we get through these two months I will only have 9-10 weeks to go in my pregnancy. Yeah! I love this time of year and all the activities, shopping, baking, Thanksgiving, family time, picking out a Christmas tree, the family birthdays, and of course celebrating Christmas 4 or 5 times a year with my large extended family. After December I start going into the Dr. 2x a week and then 1x a week.

Possible Baby Boy Names

2009-11-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

These are just names on the okay list, we have not picked anything nor has anything jumped out at us as the one. Let me know your thoughts on the following.... Names in blue are so far my favorite ones.
1. Aaron Benjamen
2. Adam Joel/Michael (AJ for short)
3. Blake (no middle name yet)
4. Brandon Michael/David/
5. Bryce David/Michael/
6. Christopher Joel (CJ for short)
7. Clay Allen/Michael/Benjamen/Ryan
8. Conor Michael/Benjamen/
9. Ethan Zachary/Joshua/Joel (EJ for short)
10. Evan Michael/Benjamen/Zachary/Joshua/Joel (EJ for short)
11. Jacob Michael/Aaron/Allen
12. Jarod Michael/Zachary/Michael
13. Jaxson Michael/David/Benjamen/Allen (Jax for short)
14. Joel
15. Justin
16. Kyle
17. Mason
18. Miles
19. Nicolas
20. Owen
21. Philip
22. Ryan
23. Seth
24. Shane
25. Shaun
26. Spencer
27. Simon
28. Tyler
29. Wyatt

Announcment: We are having a BOY!

2009-10-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

We found out on Friday during our ultrasound that we are having a baby boy. I think I just came out of the shock of the news. See I have 6 sisters, 1 brother, and only 2 male cousins. There are not a hole lot of boys on my side of the family so I was assuming that my second child would be a girl, but surprise God has other plans for me... LOL

I have to admit I am really nervous about raising a boy, not sure if it is just the unknown territory of boys or the profound differences in personality of boys versus girls. I am excited as is everyone in our family to be having a boy join our family, but nervous at the same time.

Unit Study Vs.Traditional Homeschooling

2009-10-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

I took a Curriculum Format Planner Quiz to help decide where my idea of styles of homeschooling may fit in since there are so many approaches to homeschooling. Various areas include: Charlotte Manson, Classical, Unit Study, Unschooling, Robinson, Montessori, Principle, and Traditional. The quiz helped me more so decide what styles I am not; such as the Robinson and Montessori but I was at a tie for both Unit Study approach and Traditional Style.

Unit Study

Is based on a theme
Uses real books
Lots of field trips
Includes Math, Phonics, handwriting that are taught as separate subjects
Hands on Projects
Flexible Schedule
Multi-Level Teaching
Testing is optional
Grades are optional
Learn through the senses
Lots of parental involvement

Traditional Style

Textbooks
Lectures
workbooks with Fill in the Blank, and multiple choice
Drill work
memorization
Lots of practice problems and review
Testing and grades
Uses a teachers manual
Lots of reading and writing
Sometimes uses the full school day for this style

Should I Homeschool? Quiz

2009-10-13T12:26:00.001-07:00

Here are some questions to ask yourself that may help you decide if you should homeschool:

I have time to homeschool my children.
I have the financial resources to buy curriculum for my children
My spouse and I agree on homeschooling our children
I love to read and enjoy learning myself
I am able to maintain control of my children in my home
I am committed to work on a schedule and complete tasks as needed
I am willing to make the committment to homeschool one year at a time
My children have stated they want to be home schooled
I can see many benefits in homeschooling

Career Development Course - Complete Career Planning Project

2009-10-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

In preparation for this decision I am also following pieces of a Career development course outline to help make my decision and become more educated with it.

Read 3 biographies of Stay at Home Moms or Homeschooling Moms
How did they train for their chosen careers?
Research the Bible for mention of this career
Figure out how this benefits God's kingdom or how it could harm it.
Courses suggested to study
Character traits you need to develop
Plan for being able to develop these traits
The Cost of training
Spend time with someone who is already in this career such as visiting another homeschooler's house or stay at home mom's house.
Take the "Discover Your God-Given Gifts" by Don Fortune.

Creating Forms for Homeschooling and Decisions Made So Far

2009-10-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have been busy working on creating forms and sheets to track, log, and organize my plans for homeschooling. My husband and I have decided that Public School is not an option for our family, but still have not ruled out sending our kids to our Lutheran school affiliated with our church. We figure we are doing all this research on Homeschooling right now to weigh our options fairly we need to tour the school and research that option as well before making our decision. I have however started placing these forms in place because we have decided to "off the record" try the homeschooling while she is not required to yet attend Kindergarten since she is just going to be 4 years old in Jan. Below are the forms I am working on completing and once they are tweaked I will place examples and links to them for you to view.

Events Calendar
Attendance Calendar - More of a tracking spreadsheet with the dates logging the hours spent schooling.
Course study
Objectives and Goals Form for 2010- categories include but are not limited to Spiritual, Home, Community, Church, Reading, Writing, Speech, Math, History, Science, Health, and Field trips.
Scope Planner
Book List - to keep track of what and how much we are reading aloud and by ourselves.
Chapter Book List
Journaling Pages
Subject Checklist - so far include: Phonics, Reading, Math, Science, Health, Bible Scripture and Stories, and Speech
Morning Chore List
Weekly Chore List
Seasonal Chore List
Menu Planning Sheets
Memorizing Scripture Form - Date, Book, Verse, and Scripture

Organizing and Revamping Craft Room Downstairs

2009-10-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

I have been working on what used to be my old craft room in the basement for the past couple of months now. I had the epiphany that I just do not have the time anymore to dedicate to scrap booking, sewing, crafts, and card making like I use to, and that what we really needed was more room in our house now that the baby was going to be coming at the beginning of next year.

So I painted the walls, cleaned out all my stuff and boxed it up, washed everything down, found an area rug to lay down on the tile floor, and slowly started to create a playroom/arts and crafts (for kids) room. I was sceptical with the idea because of it being the only functional room on the lower level since it is in the basement, and that the thought of going up and down all day or with my daycare kids was none the less unappealing.

However now that I am coming to an end on it and seeing the final product, I could not be happier. The kids think it is a great space for them, it is a dedicated space, toys stay downstairs in that room (since we left some , mostly educational toys upstairs), I can shut the door and not worry about the mess right away, and it give the kids something to do while I am doing laundry or other things in the basement. Not to mention the room it freed upstairs. I had to laugh I had no idea I had crafts, coloring books, and so on scattered throughout the whole house (was not efficient anymore). Needless to say we are all loving it, except maybe my husband who would love to have a man cave in that room to escape.

Now just to remember that I moved everything so I stop looking for it in it's old spots upstairs.... LOL

I can see myself in that room teaching, having it be our dedicated space for a classroom (which was not even my initial intention, but it is funny how that turned out.)

Resources and Cirriculum Ideas for Homeschooling

2009-10-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

WWW.RAINBOWRESOURCE.COMALPHA PHONICS - www.howtotutor.com
SING, SPELL, READ, WRITE - www.pearsonlearning.com
EXCEL MATH - www.excelmath.com
KEY TO SUCCESS - www.keypress.com
FUN THINKERS BOOKS
MATCH FRAME
GEO SAFARI LAPTOPS - WWW.RAINBOWRESOURCE.COM
TEACHER CREATED MATERIALS - www.teachercreated.com
LEARNING STYLES - www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm
MATH - U - SEE
SAXON MATH
EXCELLENCE IN SPELLING - www.writting.edu.com
HOW GREAT THOU ART - www.howgreatthouart.com
www.worldbook.com

Challenges coming from being a Professional to a Stay at Home Mom

2009-10-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

I read in a book a list of challenges a newly at home mother faces, I am listing them below for your information but also making my response on my personal experience with them.

Mothers feel like they are placing their careers on hold - I think this needs to be in perspective before you make your decision that your new career is to be a wife and mother and that it is the most important thing. If you place it in your mind in a positive manner then this should not effect you.

They lose direction and structure - however you can create your own direction now, placing importance on your values, morals, and priorities in life.

Feelings of boredom and household drudgery - For me this happens in the winter time when it is darker earlier and colder keeping us in the house more.

Newly dealings of constant interruptions - This is something you can overcome and learn with time on how to handle and deal with. You make a new normal of your life....

Feelings of inadequacy - I never had these feelings because I felt I was following what God wanted me to do in life and for my family.

They lose their identity and self esteem - I gained in these areas slowly with time, knowing that this is what I was suppose to be doing and seeing the daily benefits of it.

Struggle with staying intellectually active - reading and the Internet have kept me up to speed on the things I enjoy to learn about.

Feelings of isolation or trapped

Loss of co-workers

Lack of rewards and recognition

Feelings of powerlessness

Lack of respect from others

Role conflicts - These just need to be laid out in each family, sometimes the husband can feel that since you are home that you can handle or do the cleaning, cooking, and so on.

Loss of financial Independence, not having enough money - This I occasionally struggle with, however when I run the numbers of what paying for gas and daycare again would cost me to travel to work and think about all that I would miss not being home it is worth the sacrifice to stay home with my kids.

Feeling guilty about their choice

No time for themselves

No time for their husbands - I find this so not true, I have had more time for myself, my kids, and for my husband than ever before. Our family has strengthen in many areas and I am grateful for how much time we now get together.

"You know your're a Homeschooler When..."

2009-10-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

Recieved this in an email:

Someone started a thread on our humor forum: "You know you're a homeschooler when . . . "

I laughed out loud at some of the responses. They ring so true.
You know you're a homeschooler when . . .
. . . your kids are in the kiddie pool playing Lewis and Clark, paddling down the river with lacrosse sticks. --Jen
. . . you find yourself and your guests at your birthday party, at 10pm, embroiled in a lively discussion/explanation of the heart's size and function...with your five year old, who just had to get out of bed and ask because she couldn't sleep until she knew! --Eddie
. . . people ask to borrow books from you because it's closer than the library with almost as varied a collection. --Christine
. . . your son asks to listen to the Geography Songs CD every day at lunch. --Sherri
. . . you can SING the countries of Africa! "Algeria, Ethiopia, Liberia . . ." --Cindy
. . . you stop in the church parking lot to pick up a big Rhinoceros beetle. It is dead and actually smells a bit bad, but you lay it carefully in the back seat, because your kids have never seen one before, except for the one in "Bug's Life." --Anna
. . . you go to the greenhouse in the summer to buy herbs and start talking to the kids about the different kinds of plants . . . and then one of the workers asks if you work there!!!! --Donna
. . . you're out with non-homeschooling friends and they expect you to know the answers to everything--like the difference between a vegetable and a fruit and whether certain things like cucumbers are veggies. --Melissa
. . . your daughter's dance bag has more books than dance shoes in it. --Carla
. . . you find yourself saying, "We were studying last week, about . . ." and people look at you funny, and you don't know why. --Melinda
. . . you don't think about, but your friends are all talking about, school registration next year . . . or how many days until you go back to school. --Carrie
. . . the doctor's/dentist's/hairdresser's office is happy to schedule your child's appointment because you don't want one after 3pm or during a school holiday . . . or you can take advantage of off season rates because you make your own school holidays. --Carla

Article on H1N1 - Important to read before considering

2009-10-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Sink or Float Test - Preschool Ideas

2009-09-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Today we did a game/test trying to guess if random items would sink in a bowl of water or if they would float. The kids would make their guess first and then we placed it in the water. It was a lot of fun, and the kids loved it. I have to admit there were a few items that surprised me with what they did when we placed them in the water.

Personal negatives about Traditional Schooling

2009-09-21T11:34:00.001-07:00

It is a system that does not allow for differences
It creates an artificial environment
Age Segregation
Concerned with product over process
Erratic curriculum
Takes away from the magic of being a child
To structured
Forces the kids to remain quiet for much of the day
Continuous daily grind
Early mornings to get ready and off to school

Things to Do When Considering Homeschooling....

2009-09-21T04:50:00.001-07:00

Know and Comply with State Laws
Decide on what style and/or curriculum you will start with ( not stay with because that could change)
View some home school videos
Tour other area home schools
Figure out if you will record grades and test scores
Set a Home school schedule
Make sure you are enrolled by Oct. 15th every year

Homeschooled Kids Are Shown To Have:

2009-09-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

Higher self concepts
Fewer Problem behaviors
Equal levels of self esteem to schooled kids
Tend to be more mature
Studies show them to be MORE Socialized.. lol

What do you consider good socialization?

2009-09-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

Since many homeschoolers and their families face the question about socialization on a regular basis from many people a whole chapter has been dedicated in the book I am reading.

What do you consider good socialization since it is a personal concept I am interested in finding out what your thoughts are?

Is it any of the following:

ability to fit in
to be comfortable being yourself
to get along with others
to blend in
to walk away from peer pressure
to be a leader
ability to be happy
to function in the world

I think I agree that in the end good homeschooling should give your child happiness and the ability to function well in the world.

"There is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society" Krishnamurti

Webster Dictionary of Socialized: "to train or fit for a social environment"

What kind of environment is not specified. Who decides what is an appropriate social environment to fit or train kids for. How does one measure in the end whether someone is fit or trained? Should we be letting someone other than us decide these things for our children.

A sentenced in this book I am reading stating, " Humans are naturally social, they are programmed to be so." is so very interesting to me.

Notes from "The Well Adjusted Child" Topic "Why Homeschool?"

2009-09-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Why Home school?

Family unity
academic success
flexible methods
religious reasons
better education
frustrations and short comings of schools
positive social interactions
individual attention
control over the discipline used
absence of the stress and fear of learning as well or better than others
able to raise independent thinkers

Ideas for Homeschooling and Socialization

2009-09-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

In random order:

Group Play Dates
Being able to read freely
Able to learn how to cook, clean, bake, budget
Go and help, volunteer (cleaning up ditches and creeks)
Able to travel
Self directed book work
Attend community classes
Attend church and volunteer at church
Sunday School
Music lessons
Stories and Poems
Library
Help out on a farm
Learning to knit, and sew
Able to baby sit, and be baby sat
Help fix things like the car repairs
Dance classes
Scouts, 4H
Movies - write reviews
work on political campaigns
Painting and art work like drawing
Able to help out family like grandparents
Walks
Read newspaper
Pen Pals
Able to nap when needed
Able to be home when sick
Explore woods
Farmer's Markets
Turn Baby Care into Home Economics or Child Dev. Classes
While feeding an infant do games, books, and things like reading and practicing spelling or numbers
Have 1 or 2 hours of quiet time a day
Use education videos
Have a section of school time only toys
Listen to different styles of music
Teach a different language that you know
Read aloud
Complete puzzles
Teach basic everyday things like cooking, making toast, cereal, and opening cans

Begining List of Benifits of Homeschooling

2009-09-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

- Nature of homeschooling allows flexibility
- Defies catergorizations
- kids move at the speed dictated by their skills and interests
- Kids (as well as parents) live a rich life that is not dictated by government, schools, homework, or social contructs
- Family based versus school based living
- Family unity
- Can produce a well rounded child
- Allows flexible methods
- Freedom
- Better education
- Maintain control over the disciplline being used
-Can raise independent thinkers
- Teaching your values
- Sharing your perspective
- Don't have to cram family time into evening intervals or weekends

( Can be added to later)

Places to Check Out Cirriculum Ideas

2009-09-17T09:32:00.001-07:00

1.Oak Meadow
2.Saxon Math
3. Wind and Water Homschool Co-Op
4. www.wisconsinchea.com
5. www.homeschooling-wpa.org
6. Book - Teach Your Own by John Holt
7. Magazines: Life Learning, Home Education, Homeschooling Today, Mothering

(To be added to in the future)

Types of Homeschooling - Notes

2009-09-17T09:27:00.001-07:00

TRADITIONAL HOMESCHOOLING

Has dedicated hours of the day for schooling
Uses published curriculum
Has designated subjects like recess, homework time, subjects, math, reading, writing, history
Uses things such as desks, chalkboards, grades and tests

LESS TRADITIONAL HOMESCHOOLING

Unit studying
Discusses and learns topics of interest reviewing all aspects of the math, historical, scientific, literal
Uses self deigned curriculum or methods

ECLECTIC APPROACH TO HOMESCHOOLING

Does whatever methods and approaches that are best suited for the family needs at a given time.

UN SCHOOLING - CHILD LED- NATURAL LEARNING

Kids direct their own learning based on interests, personal development, patterns, and curiosity.
Parents act as a resource and make options and resources available to the children.

Notes from "The Well Adjusted Child" Topic "Homeschooling Is?"

2009-09-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling is:

1. A Philosophy
2. A Child rearing method
3. A Location
4. An academic education
5. Social education
6. Physical education
7. Spiritual Education

ELCA Church Backs Down From Stand On Maritial Sex

2009-08-26T04:16:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable....

My Brain Can Run Me Exhausted....

2009-07-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

We found out at the beginning of the month that we are expecting our 2nd child. With dealing with PCOS and after years of not trying to prevent conception and not getting pregnant, when we started to really time it and try I was a ball of emotions. I had never relied or leaned upon God as much as I did during these months. Every month before I would test I would pray and tell myself that it was God's will for us and not mine, I was not in control. Both my husband and I grew in our relationship together and with God I believe threw this.

When I finally found out that morning I was pregnant I was in such disbelief, I was prepared for it to be negative once again, it was easier not to have my hopes high at this point. Thoughts crossed my mind of what if the test was a false positive so I tested again, and the smile could not be removed from my face when in fact that one was positive as well.

Now almost 8 weeks into my pregnancy I am amazed on how this pregnancy differs from my first one 4 years ago, where my marriage is now versus then, my maturity, respect for my body and this baby are different, and how our lifestyle is different.

I have always been a planner, organizer, a busy body, and a neat freak it is in my blood I get it from my mother. Even though I force my self to rest and take care of myself and the baby through this pregnancy my brain still seems to wonder all over the place. Concerns, joys, worries, doubts, and so on. And it is just as exhausting as physical laborious work.

We are planning to stay in our current location which is a two bedroom home until after the baby comes (allows us to save money and only move once we are ready to move into a home we will purchase), and I am still convincing myself that I can make that work. Families for years raised large families in small homes, and they most likely had a wonderful sense the importance of family. Still the mainstream and wordily ideals are still somewhat implanted in me. As far as thinking I need a bigger home, more rooms, bigger yard..... When I really think about it I know I can make it work and that it will be fine but it just has been a back and forth battle for me. So with that decision I am trying to map out and plan our space and how it will work efficiently for everyone.

Some decisions are needed to be made early on in this pregnancy but I tend to want to control and set the road for the next 7 months and I am slowly learning to step back and relax. I have been asking God to help me know what to focus on and plan for and what not to worry about and trust in him that he will provide everything all of us need when the time comes.

So needless to say my non stop running brain was exhausting me but I am hoping that it will cease soon. Okay I am done rambling now!

Quote from Luther

2009-07-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

" The Gospel is like a rainstorm, it is only in a place for so long and then it moves on." How sad is this quote, thinking of the state of Christianity in the USA today. We carry the status of being the 3rd largest un-churched nation in the world.

What's at the Beach?

2009-07-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

Look up these bible verses to find things and people you would have seen at the beach in Bible Times:

Job 6:3
John 21:3
Jonah 1:17
Acts 28:11
Genesis 1:6
Matthew 13:2
Psalm 104:24
Matthew 4:18

Have fun!

Our Father's Day Tradition

2009-06-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Last year we started a new family tradition... We pack up a picnic and all of our outdoor stuff and head out on the road for an hour trip or so to a nice beach. Last year just us went, this year we invited my husband's family. We had so much fun. The kids and young at heart; played in the water, sand, Frisbee, built a great sand castle and we all relaxed and laughed together. If the weather permits for the years to come we plan on keeping this family tradition and I can not wait to see what memories will come from the ones of future years that when my husband and I are old we can recollect with our kids. God is great!

Teaching and Learning

2009-06-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

I have in my professional career taught adults things before and I really enjoyed playing that role so it does not surprise me that I love finding ways to teach my daycare kids or my daughter. My daughter just recently started learning to recognize the letters "A" and "B", to write/trace them, and their sounds and the younger kids watch and learn how to speak them. It has been so much fun watching them and their eagerness to learn, how quick they learn/memorize things, and recognizing the processes we adults took to know what we know how to do know.

Family Traditions

2009-06-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Traditions are so much fun for me, I really am a fighter to keep family traditions around in both a physical and memorial manner. Now that I have my own little family I wanted to come up with our own family traditions that we would do,celebrate, and laugh about through out the years. Here are some of the ideas I have researched and came up with. I am open to any suggestions if anyone has any.

Finding a hat to be made the official birthday hat that they have to wear for their birthday supper either at home or at a restaurant. Then each year everyone who wears it must add something to the hat.
Making a special request birthday cake for the birthday person.
Fondue on New Year's Eve
Easter Egg Hunts.
Family Olympics
Summer Family BBQ
Sunday morning big breakfasts with the whole family
Going to a pumpkin patch for Halloween
Yearly family reunion with my family and my husband immediate family
Saturday is homemade pizza night in our house
Holding family council meetings
Reading a story every night before bed
Volunteer on Thanksgiving at a food shelter or invite people without families into our home
My mom would love this one: Reading the biblical Christmas story
Set family resolutions every year
Dying Easter Eggs

Keeping the Motivation Going

2009-06-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

In September it will be a full year already that I have been a stay at home mom and since my daycare business has been up and running. I have been thinking over the last few days about my progress, personal growth, relationships with my daughter, husband, and family, and about how I have been able to remain happy and enjoying life through all of these changes. I made a list below of some reasons why I think I have been able to make this work for our family.

1. I remember that what I do everyday is a job, a very important one. I try to wake up each morning reflecting on the fact that I have the potential to be a pivotal person in my families life as well as the kids I care for. My husband likes to joke and call me the Home Manager or CEO.

2. I tend to stick with a reasonable and manageable schedule for myself and for the kids. I break up activities and learning with play time and add in the necessary quiet time for us all to re cooperate. In the morning before the children get here or before my daughter wakes up I like to plan out things for our day and prepare things in advance to cut down on the preparation time while the kids are all here.

3. I find daily inspiration in reading books, mag, and the Bible throughout the day.

4. I get out of the house. I get out with the kids while they are here and play outside but I also do things in the evenings and weekends outside of the house to get away for a while, even to have some time just for me. It really does make a difference in my mentality for the upcoming week.

5. I set a reasonable end of business hour where I stop cleaning, preparing, and all the things I do while working through out the day and enjoy my family time, cuddle on the couch, read books, or go outside for some fresh air. Time at the end of the day to recharge my batteries and gear up for the next day.

6. I make sure that I communicate with husband in on the things I did and he did throughout the day/week (depends on how busy our days are). having a supportive husband and one that knows where the finances are, the in's and outs of the business, and having that shoulder to rely on is ever so important.

Hope some of these can help others who stay at home or run child cares. We truly are doing the most important job of all.

Obama (Christian or Muslim)

2009-06-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

Another's blog article about whether President Obama is Christian or Muslim....

Obama Said to be GOD???

2009-06-09T14:21:00.001-07:00

Read the attached transcript from the Glenn Beck program. WOW some nerve!

Being Myself...

2009-06-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

being satisfied and happy with myself is a key importance to being able to enjoy my life. I had many weaknesses in the area of accepting myself and just being me, and still struggle with this is some circumstances. I was always comparing, jealous, and was trying to keep up with where everyone else was and what they had.

I was unhappy, making bad choices, being impulsive, going further into debt, and most of all falling away from God.

I felt pressured and frustrated when I was operating outside my gifts and callings. When I realized that I could not do anything, go anywhere, or be anything without God wanting me to do, go, and be I started to relax and understand that I was what I was.

Being satisfied with whom God made me to be, remembering that he made me this way for a reason, is something I have to work on everyday.

If you try to be like someone else, you will miss the beautiful life He has planned specifically for you/me.

Christlike Communication?

2009-06-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

We see Jesus standing falsely accused in the Bible without speaking one word in His own defense. Yet at other times we see him firmly demonstrating God's will like when he confronts the moneychangers in the temple overthrowing their tables. Telling them that they turned his house or prayer into a den of robbers.

So what are we to learn from his communication patterns?

It is a challenge for me and I am sure for others when challenged not to defend yourself when someone is against you. It is difficult to ignore insults and shun affliction.

In Isaiah 53 it says that Jesus was oppressed and afflicted, however he was submissive and he opened not His mouth. Instead he was like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before a shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.

I think for me personally it is the hardest thing God has asked me to do, is to be Christlike in my communication. When someone is rude, tells me off, mistreats me, insults me, it is very hard to just stand there and look at them with love and wait on God. Thankfully God gives me the power to change my reactions, old natures, and to become more Christlike.

I think the key is to learn to confront when God tells me to confront and to leave an issue along with He says to leave it along.

Advice and Encouragment From a Fellow Christian

2009-06-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

A very loving and knowledgeable person in my life gave me this advice last week when I needed to hear it the most, and needed to answer the questions for myself. She always knows the right things to say and I appreciate her very much. Hopefully it will be able to help someone else dealing with similar issues in their lives.

Say you were a Christian and had to moved to Romania. As a Christian you believed God would provide for your every need. Upon arriving in Romania which of the following would you do?

a. Wait for God to build a house around you to live in.
b. Rent a house or buy/build yourself a house to live in.
c. Steal someone elses house to live in and kick them out

The answer is b.

Yes, God does want us to rely on him for all our needs but he also expects us to take some initiative in meeting those needs. He is capable of doing option a but he can accomplish the same goal of providing for your needs by opening up opportunities for land and home purchases, heat, etc. Glory still goes to him. God saves option a for special occasions.

The reason option c is wrong is because it is unethical. Theft of someone's elses property goes against the very nature of God. That is how we know it is ethically wrong.

So, as far as the medical options that are available to you. Do the following:

1. Examine if there is an ethical problem with the procedure. Is there any part of the procedure or it's after affects that go against God's nature? This may require some study on your part to understand the nature of God so you can discern what is against his nature.

2. Thank God for who he is and for the options available to you.

3. If there are no ethical issues associated with the procedure, ask God for wisdom on when, and if, it is necessary to use them. Maybe he wants you to proceed now or maybe he wants you to wait a little longer.

Remember, God knows what is all going to take place so he may know something you don't and so waiting on his timing is important. Praying to God for direction and timing is growing dependent on him and showing a willingness to be obedient to his will.

Just like any other major decision in your life, you pray if this is God's will and then if it is you start to prepare for it. Just because you want to buy a house and feel God wants you to do so too, doesn't mean you are to do it right now. You have to save and get things in order, etc. first. The same principle applies here too.

County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies

2009-05-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

This is a very disturbing act and story. Make sure you read this!

"The county employee notified the couple that the small bible study, with an average of 15 people attending, was in violation of county regulations[...] a few days later the couple received a written warning that listed 'unlawful use of land' and told them to 'stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit' -- a process that could cost tens of thousands of dollars." Does this apply to Muslims too?

American Flag Taken Down At Work - A Woman's Upset

2009-05-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

Found this article and thought I should share it.

Faith of a Mustard Seed

2009-05-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

I have been praying specifically for God to heal me from infertility as well as praying for the other women who are struggling with the same issues (including my new blog friends).

I try to remind myself that if I have the faith of a mustard seed, mountains can be moved.

"He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. Amen I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to the mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'" Matthew 17:20

Found these Scriptures on another PCOS bloggers site and wanted to remind myself daily of them.

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered." Job 42:2

"Answer when I call, my saving God. In my troubles, you cleared a way; show me favor; hear my prayer." Psalm 4:2

Battling with PCOS and Searching for His Truth

2009-05-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am having a really emotionally difficult week, as I normally do at this time of the month. Let me explain:

Yet another month has gone by without being blessed with a pregnancy. Most of the time I can swallow my feelings and questions of hurt and why, but I find myself during this week with nt much surprise, being more emotional about the situation. In 2004-2005 I was diagnosed with PCOS. This came to light because of 2 reasons, one because I was not having normal periods like I had in the past and secondly because we had been trying for a year to conceive and nothing was happening. So here I am today battling a life long prognosis, that impedes on the very most important thing outside of my relationship with Christ, which happens to be family.

I come from a large family, an extended family, as well as I married into a large family. I have lived almost 26 years of my life having family around for everything, involved in everything, and it has played such a large role for me shaping me into who I am. I have always wanted to have a large family of my own.

In the past 5 years I have gone through a number of feelings, ideas, questions, concerns, worries, and heartache with dealing with this label I have been slapped with. I had personally tried to forget about it (since my symptoms of the syndrome are really only infertility, so nothing other than that is a daily reminder for me), I have gotten really serious reading everything I can find about PCOS, reading other people Blogs and learning what they have done, I have taking daily medication, tried specific diets to help combat it, I have tried different herbs, vitamins, and teas, and I have cried out a lot to God wanting, begging, pleading for him to heal me and make me one of his miraculous stories and examples.

In 2005 I took for 1 month a medication called Clo-mid. This medication was to force my body to ovulate, which was something even when my periods were normal I was not doing on my own. 1 month of this medication and I was pregnant with my daughter. I remember wishing I would have done this sooner, that I would have saved myself months of agony, defeat, and heartache. At the time I only consider it nothing more than a medicine to aid in my prognosis. However I was not where I am today in my relationship with Christ.

However, today one of my questions is whether that was the route God wanted me to go in the first place. I read in the Bible that it says that God will open my womb, and I fear that I did not wait for him to do that, that I needed and wanted to be in control of the situation and I purposely left him out of the equation? Another question to teeter totter with the first is that if God creates the knowledge and skills of people to produce this medicine, to diagnose me than was I dis-obeying His Divine plan for me?

I hear so many people discuss the medical intervention topics and how we should wait upon the Lord, go to Him in prayer. However I am still torn over this, do these same people who are against medical intervention, will they go through Kemo to battle cancer to have a chance to cure themselves and live a longer life, will they have breast removed if the Dr. says it is necessary to live and fight your battle with Cancer? Is it God's plan for you to have Cancer, are you battling his plan for you if you try to impede by prolonging your recovery? Or is there some imaginary line drawn down somewhere that I am not seeing that separates the things that are okay to have medical assistance and intervention on and the ones that we should wait upon the Lord for?

Among all the above rambling, you can see I still am trying to figure out for myself what I believe to be the truth in what God tells us. I do know that their are things such as invitro, abortion, and stem cell research that I am against doing or supporting because of the killing, disposal, or medical creation of life (not conceived by man and woman in marriage) of life.

So hear I am having a bad week again, forced to think and weigh my beliefs and options. After almost a year of trying to conceive naturally (by God's will and being in constant prayer about it) and history repeating itself, I am hoping to find my answers soon, so I can either come to fully love what the Lord tells me in the Bible is the truth and accept what He wants from me, or so I can live with myself knowing I am not committing a knowing full Sin by accepting medical intervention like I did to conceive in 2005.

I would appreciate it if you would pray for me, for my family, and that God would grant me the wisdom and answers I am searching for along with the comfort for whatever the answers may be.

Roman's 2:1 (Judging Others)

2009-05-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

Therefore you have no excuse or defence or justification, O man, whoever you are who judges and condemns another. For in posing as judge and passing sentence on another, you condemn yourself, because you who judge are habitually practicing the very same things (that you censure and denounce).

In other words the same things we judge others for we are doing ourselves. I think we tend to look at ourselves in rose colored glasses but tend to look at others with a magnifying glass. We make excuses for our own behavior, but when someone else does the same thing we tend to show no mercy.

For me a judgemental mind equals a negative mind, because thinking about what is wrong with someone instead of what is right makes you negative. If we stay positive instead of negative others will benefit, but we will benefit more than any one.

Not being judgemental or a constant critic takes a lot of work especially in the world we live in. We see people being judged everyone we turn, it is on the news, magazines, in our schools, and even in our churches.

Bible Trivia...and Fun!

2009-05-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

What skin disease did the brave soldier Naaman have?
Whom did the Apostle Paul consider his "true son in the faith"?
How did Zacharias tell the people the name of his son?
What martyr for Christ was stoned?
What was another name that Peter was called?
To whom did Jesus first appear after His Resurrection?
What was the secret to Samson's strength?
How tall was Goliath?
How old was Josiah when he became King of Judah?

We Must Humble Ourselves

2009-05-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

The apostle Peter, I believe is a good example of a man being humbled. Jesus warned Peter along with the other disciples that they would offend and fall away from Him. Peter declared he would never do such a thing. Jesus told Peter before the night was over that Peter would have denied him 3 times. Peter could not conceive how he could be that weak.

Peter, like many of us, do not know ourselves. We look at others and judge them, saying I would never do that. But all to often we find ourselves in similar situations where we do those same things, things we never believed to have been possible. Peter needed to go through failing and falling apart in the crisis hour. He needed to see his weakness. This allowed him to bring to bring them to the cross and find God's strength. The end result here was good, he came to a place where God could use him.

We must humble ourselves and he will exalt us. 1 peter 5:6

Religion versus Relationship

2009-05-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Religion says, " You have to find a way, no matter how impossible it may seem, You had better do it... keep the rules or take the punishment." But relationships says, " Do your best because you love me. I know your heart. Admit your faults, repent your mistakes, and just keep loving Me."

When Jesus talked of His personal relationship with his Father, our Father, the religious leaders of his day had persecuted Him. Have you ever noticed how certain people always want to come against anyone who talks about their personal relationship with God or who things that they have any power from God. It became obvious to me that Satan hates our personal relationship with God and the power it makes available in our lives and that Satan uses that in people to hinder others who have that relationship with Christ.

As hard as it is to say it those who do not know the truth about Christ will be tormented, Jesus died to put an end to it, he took our place, and he wanted to bring people into a closer relationship with him.

Seeking God's Presence versus His Presents....

2009-05-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

What I have been learning lately is that seeking God for who He is and not for what he can do for me is essential to my vicotry as a believer. I am learning to rejoice in the Lord, not in what He is doing or not doing for me. The JOY IS IN THE LORD, not in our circumstances. His presence is what will sustain us and give us everlasting life.

Another lesson I am learning is to Check my motives before doing things. I know God wants me to have a pure heart, I know he wants us to do what we are doing becuase we feel he is moving and leading us to do it. Trying not to be motivated by fear is something really hard for me because I do not have control, but this is not pleasing to God. I know a lot of people who I believe do things to be recognized or honored instead of just to please God. For me it is not what I do to impress God, it is the "why" behind what I do that I believe he is concerned with.

God's Perfect Timing

2009-05-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

We are in too much of a hurry now a days, am I am guilty of that as well. But God is not, he takes time to do things right, he lays a solid foundation before he attempts to build anything. God is the Master Builder and we are under his construction. From personal experience I think God takes every available moment to develop the fruit of patience in us. The Greek dictionary defines the word patience In (James 1:3) as "Patience, which grows in trial." So enjoy the journey that you are taking with God.

A New Day

2009-05-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day since I have started staying home and doing in home childcare that all of my spots were filled. I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive and nervous wondering how I was going to do today and how the kids would all interact. But I have been blessed with the best group of kids, a good mix in ages and personalities, and I still had a blast doing it all day. I now have my daughter, and 4 other kids who are 2 1/2, 18 months, 12 months, and 5 months old. My days fly by but it beats punching in at work any day. I am very thankful for what I have been given and where I am at this point in my life.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T04:53:00.001-07:00

Wishing you and your family many smiles and wonderful memories, this Mother's Day and every day throughout the year.

"A woman's wisdom is passed from one generation to the next. Today is a good day to reflect on the wisdom you've received and the wisdom you have to share with others."

Simply Grace, No Complications

2009-05-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

The grace of God is not complicated or confusing, it is quite simple and I believe that is why so many miss it. There is nothing more powerful than grace. Salvation, receiving the Holy Spirit, fellowship with God, and our daily victories are all based upon grace.

Without grace we are nothing, we have nothing, and we can do nothing. Grace allows us to be filled with wisdom, be strong in the spirit, have favor, be blessed, healthy, and prosperous.

The only thing we need in this life is to have God's grace upon us. Letting God have full reign in our lives nothing will be impossible for us. We are 100% helpless without him.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.... this can only be true by the grace of God.

Christian No More Part 3- Video

2009-04-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

These videos also tend to stereotype quite a bit. The Christian is the square, and the Follower of Christ is the cooler-than-thou hipster. Often coming off as self-righteous. This group is portraying those who call themselves Christians as shallow church-goers who wear suits and ties, have Christian bumper stickers on their cars and prefer the King James Version. This belittling video is evidence that it is increasingly more popular to call oneself a Christ follower rather than a Christian, look at how many people have watched the video already.

A section out of a blog I follow called "From the Lighthouse"

Now here lies the difference between a Christian and a Christ-follower. A person who is truly born-again has Jesus Christ indwelling him. Jesus lives inside that person. And it is His life in him or her that gives the power to become progressively more like Him (sanctification), as Paul said in his address to Corinthian Christians: "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Corinthians 3:18). The believer draws his strength and power from Jesus Christ (who indwells him), and he realizes his salvation and any good thing in him is from Christ; as the Scripture says: "Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:9).But being born again or having the indwelling of Jesus Christ is not a prerequisite for the Christendom of today. Spiritual formation can be practiced by anyone. Jesus becomes a model or an example who can be followed and mimicked. For example, Ken Blanchard, says Jesus is a perfect model to follow. That's why he talks so much about leading like Jesus would lead. But Blanchard has shown time and again that he believes meditation is a key factor in becoming like Jesus. While Jesus was and is a model, that wasn't His primary mission. And when people refer to Him as a model, it is often because they see Him as a model for higher consciousness rather than the unique Son of God, Emmanuel (God with us) who came to die for us and be our Savior. And that's what you find across the board in contemplative writings. Contemplative icons Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen saw Jesus in this manner. This is why Nouwen said it disturbed him when he heard people say Jesus was the only way. He said it was his mission to help people find his or her own way to God (see Sabbatical Journey). That's also why he saw India as a source for many spiritual "treasures" for the Christian. 1 In an eastern religion like Buddhism, Buddha was a model where his followers were imitators of him. But in Christianity the Spirit of Christ indwells us through faith. So Jesus becomes more than a model; He is a living presence in us. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Christian No More Part 2- Video

2009-04-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

To wear your Sunday best.... The age long debate, at least it was in my family, my husbands family, and almost everyone I knew. Do you glorify God by giving him the best of all you and who you are by wearing your best clothes to Church, or do you go as you are or as YOU WANT knowing that God does accept us as we are and that the important thing is that we are at church worshipping, celebrating, and participating in the Holy Sacraments such as communion?

Is this addressed specifically in the bible somewhere that I am not aware of? Is this an earthly tradition that was started so that parents were not looked upon poorly when it was their children who wore jeans full of holes to church? Thoughts anyone!!!! I am torn because I do believe God accepts you as you are, and have never been one to really care about what others think of me (OK select times I have I am not heartless or not human) but on the same hand I still feel it is important to look my best in his house. The part I am not sure about is whether that is because it was an engraved age long tradition based onto me or what???

Christian No More - Video

2009-04-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Really we are going to just sit back while and let a group of people decide that being a Christian is funny and outdated. Being a Christian is something to be proud of, to enjoy, and to want others to know about you. It can be done in a non boastful way. They mock that we read and learn things, what is it that we have learned it from another book other than the Bible??? Enter Sarcasm here: Yeah because you know that we should seclude ourselves from everyone and only read the bible for yourselves to figure out what God says and wants, going to church is over rated, people older than us who have spent more time in the bible do not know more than we do, we need no one else and nothing else. Sarcasm ended! This seems arrogant to me, what do they think that if conversation around what the bible says will just not let anyone make up their minds for themselves that we all are a bunch of mushy minds who believe everything that is told to us. I just can not believe this movement.

Christian vs. Christ Follower

2009-04-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

I am deeply saddened and hurt that people are poking fun at those who do call themselves a Christian and not Christ followers. Who are they to seclude and discriminate against everyone who uses this title. Isn't this like saying that all Men who wear pink are gay, and unwed mothers are whores and it is their own fault? Not every person who calls themselves a Christian thinks that it is all about me. This really set off a nerve with me. I will post the rest of the videos as I watch them.

Honor Thy Father and Mother - Notes

2009-04-21T08:25:00.001-07:00

Our tendency is to honor mother (who tends to be more nurturing), and to fear/revere father (who tends to be more authoritarian). The ordering in the commandment Honor thy Father and Mother emphasizes we should also honor our father, and to also fear/revere our mother.

Tasks of "Honorable" Parents

to love (unconditional love for who they are)
to direct (Proverbs: training a child in the way he/she should go. Giving guidelines for right living)
to nurture (guidance and support for his/her special needs/gifts)

What if our parents are not worthy, not honorable?

I can not come to an easy decision on this, in such a struggle, I think we need to keep in mind:
honor is a wide-ranging verb; no one specific behavior is commanded. It is very open-ended.
The commandment to honor our parents is not based upon what our parents deserve, but rather on God's direct command: “Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you. . .” (Deuteronomy) In such a situation, honor can still involve positive acts to help them, improve their lives, to the degree we are able. Revere/fear can still involve not interfering with the esteem due them from others.

Honor may also involve forgiveness.

Honor - Definitions

2009-04-21T08:23:00.000-07:00

4.2. Honor
honor (kabed):
wide-ranging verb; no one specific behavior is commanded
children may respond in multiple ways to honor parents (respect, esteem, concern for, affection, love, consideration, appreciation, nurture, forgiveness. . .)
involves positive acts to help them, bring them joy, improve their lives
“obedience is not at the center of what it means to honor”
command directed primarily at adults (to protect parents from being driven out of their home / abused when they could no longer work)
includes among its meanings “be heavy” suggesting “give weight to.” Parents should be treated with seriousness.

Opt Out of "Debt Temptation"

2009-04-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

The concept is simple, you have made a choice to stay out of debt and to only use cash for your purchases however the day to day temptation of your old lifestyle is still out their in the real and cruel world. One way I have found to counter the temptation efforts is the website https://www.optoutprescreen.com/opt_form.cgi where you can sign up to opt out of receiving pre-screened credit card offers. You have 3 options, you can sign up to receive them (DO NOT CHOOSE THIS), Choose to opt out for 5 years, or To choose to opt out for life. This is a proactive way to maintain your commitment.

Joyous Sunshine

2009-04-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

It felt so good to be outside yesterday taking in the sunshine. I am actually thankful I do not live somewhere that only has one season year round because I love the anticipation of the new seasons. Something about those first few days of spring and summer warmth and soaking in all the sun light you can after a long winter does a body, mind, and soul good. All I could think of yesterday was how thankful I was to be at home with my daughter teaching her hard work, being able to play with her, being able to be outside and not in a cubicle, and do what was on my agenda and not someone else. I was very joyous in the Lord.

Yesterday we raked up the backyard and now today we are going to just enjoy the backyard, plus my back is killing me. My husband has the itch also, Sat. he is going to power wash the house and the patios, wash the cars, and buff out our front door.

Local Media Portrays Tax Day Tea Party

2009-04-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

Several hundred Fox Valley residents packed Wednesday into a downtown parking lot along the Fox River to protest government's wasteful spending and high taxes.
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"Democrats, Republicans and independents are here," said Jim Steineke, a Republican from Vandenbroek who organized the so-called tea party aimed at evoking the 1773 Boston Tea Party revolt against British colonial taxes.
Protesters frustrated with the massive bailouts for banks and automakers and President Obama's policies traveled from as far as Madison, Manitowoc, Iola, Oshkosh and Green Bay for the tea party.
Much like Obama during his presidential campaign, they used online social networking tools such as Facebook to organize at the parking lot of Michiels Fox Banquets & Rivertyme Catering.
But if the Appleton event — replicated on Tax Day in hundreds of communities nationally by conservative activists — was supposed to be nonpartisan, Democratic supporters missed the invitation.
"Let us proceed on our own. I think we can do a better job than they (government) can," said Justin Korpal, 28, of Green Bay, while he twirled a "Rush Is My Leader," double-sided sign.
"With capitalism we can make money and provide for ourselves," he said.
The Fox Valley, a historically reliable Republican stronghold, handily went into Obama's victory column in November by margins of two to 11 points.
The crowd cheered with gusto as speakers called Obama a Marxist and rallied everyone to resist government intervention.
They broke into raucous laughter when a speaker joked about finding people clinging to their guns and Bibles and waved posters of all sizes, some reading "Recall is the Answer, What is the Question," "Just Another Arrogant Proud American" and "I Am Not Your ATM."
"It's not morally right to saddle our kids and grandkids with that kind of debt to save us from going through a little hard time," said Terry Glasheen, of Oshkosh. "My parents lived through the Depression. They fought a World War (II). They made sacrifices. They worked and made a better country for us. What we're doing, because we're afraid to go through any type of a hard time, is we're spending their money."
Some used the event to promote their causes. Several displayed "Pro-Life" signs.
Joan M. Gradinjan, a 74-year-old from Iola, distributed copies of the Declaration of Independence and a letter she wrote to Fox News' Glenn Beck after he asked in one of his programs, "Where is God in all of this?"
Gradinjan is concerned about what could happen to Israel under the Obama administration.
"God says in Joel, chapter three: If anybody divides my land, I will judge them," she said. "And here we are in the United States trying to divide their land."
Zach Gress, a 21-year-old from Appleton who voted for Obama, watched from afar. "Where were all these people while former President Bush was doubling the deficit, spending on two wars and allowing massive tax cuts for the wealthy?" he said. "It's hypocritical at best."
J.E. Espino: 920-993-1000, ext. 426, or jespino@postcrescent.com

Parenting Goals and Thoughts

2009-04-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Our goal as a parent should be to “gospelize” our children. To evangelize our children, for our children not just to make a profession of faith, but for our children to really come to know Jesus Christ in a genuine and authentic and life transforming way.

Live out, model to your children the things you want them to believe and embrace. It’s not enough to tell them the gospel, but how important it is that they can look at your life and see a life that is holy, and blameless in its conduct.

We should not be concerned with pleasing others. We should be concerned with pleasing God. He’s the one who called us to this thing called parenting. If we know we pleased God, then it didn’t really matter what anyone else thinks.

Quote that comes to mind is: "More is caught than is taught when it comes to the discipline of your children."

Quote from the book " How to be a Good Mom": No job on earth takes more physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual strength than being a good wife and mother. If a woman is looking for the easy life, she might try teaching tennis, cutting diamonds, or joining a roller derby team. There is nothing easy about good mothering. It can be back-breaking, heart-wrenching and anxiety-producing. And that’s just the morning.

Our Family Values

2009-04-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are starting to set values for our family. These values will in turn help us make every decision in our lives, guide us, and keep us strong and happy because we are doing only the things that are truly important to us. Part of this exercise is to wrap everything up into a few words we can all remember it and receit it to our children as needed in the future. So far we have come up with the following:

LIVE SIMPLY
GROW
HONOR RELATIONSHIPS
CELEBRATE

This may not look like a lot but really it sums up for us a lot.

LIVE SIMPLY: Stay out of debt, do not use credit cards, live on less, not to focus on material items, to use what we have, to grow and make things that we can, enjoy our family time, and not to over extend ourselves.

GROW: Encourage, work on our weaknesses, grow our faith, grow our love for Jesus Christ, grow our knowledge in all areas, grow in our love for each other (marriage, family), work on being healthy, and so on.

HONOR RELATIONSHIPS: I think this speaks for itself

CELEBRATE: We did not see eye to eye on this, but understand that we need to make the ones we love feel important as well as loved by joining in and celebrating things such as birthdays and holidays with them. We may not be able to buy things for these occasions but can make things and also just show up and enjoy. We also agreed to celebrate the little things and accomplishments in our own daily lives and children's lives, that it was important to do that.

I think we are on the way to good start.

A Lasting Kindness

2009-04-07T04:26:00.001-07:00

When a friend from church is in the hospital or has a new baby, what do you do? Many women spring into action, buying gifts, making meals, and showing great kindness in practical ways. But when someone closer to home has a need, do you spring into action with the same enthusiasm? Learn to take kindness home.

How will you be remembered? What I want people to remember about me is that I cared, that I was kind, that I loved, that I touched their lives in practical ways that made a difference.

Sometimes our own families are the ones we show the least kindness to. Sometimes it’s because we’ve been hurt, sometimes it’s because we’re lazy, sometimes we just take them for granted. We need to think about kindness in our own homes.

It’s not your responsibility to fix all the problems of the needy in the world. But God has called you to be sensitive to the needs of those that He’s put into your sphere of influence and to open your eyes and be available to minister to their practical needs.

Day 30: 30 Day Husband Encouragment Challenge

2009-04-07T04:24:00.000-07:00

"This is my beloved, and this is my friend . . ." (Song of Solomon 5:16b)

Friends can be completely honest with each other, but friendships are strained when truth is not spoken in love. How are you speaking to your beloved? Are you so "used" to him that you don't appreciate the wonder of his friendship? That is your challenge today.

Is your sweetheart your best friend? Does he know this? Have you told him, or do you assume he "just knows"?

Friendship is something that is cultivated through the good times and the bad. Friends can share their hearts, but they don't step on each other's hearts.

The way to have and be a good friend is to cultivate and celebrate the relationship. As you end this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," celebrate your friendship with your husband. Get alone and reflect on your beloved friend. Write him a letter, listing the qualities you admire and appreciate about him. If you are creative with words, write and frame a poem about him.
Perhaps you can prepare a special meal, just for the two of you, and read the letter or poem to him. Ask if you can pray for him, and if he is willing, thank God for your love and friendship, asking for His blessing on your home.

Encouragement, as you have seen these past 30 days, is a synonym for love in action.

The Beauty of Holiness

2009-04-07T04:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes pressures come at you so fast it seems like you can’t think straight. Learn to develop a biblical, sound mind so that you can think clearly no matter what is happening around you.*
You never get to the point where you don't need the grace of God to protect and safeguard your heart and keep you from sin.

The real test of your purity is who you are when you get home and how you treat those around you.

The goal of being pure of heart is not to make us look good. That's self-righteousness. The goal is to make God look good.

Day 29: 30 Day Husband Encouragment Challenge

2009-04-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

"A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and are punished." (Proverbs 27:12)

As you near the end of this challenge, take time to think about your husband's responses to the wickedness of the culture, the media, etc. Does your husband recognize and avoid evil? Does he regularly turn his back on pornography, sexual temptations, and the urge to lie and cheat?
This is a valuable character trait. Like Joseph in the Old Testament, who fled from the wicked advances of Potiphar's wife, this takes an understanding that these kinds of sins are first and foremost, sins against God (Genesis 39:9).

Praise your husband when he recognizes and turns his back on wickedness. If you can think of a circumstance where your husband stood for righteousness, remind him of that today--and express your gratitude.

Letting God Shape Your Husband

2009-04-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

The best marriage is nothing more than two sinners continually humbling themselves and knowing how to get to the cross to find the grace of God.
Your husband’s strengths and weaknesses are exactly what God knew you needed for you to become the woman God wanted you to be.
It's your job to love your husband; it's God’s job to change him.

Day 27: Husband Encouragement

2009-04-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:24)

You have almost completed the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge." Perhaps it has taken you a tremendous amount of courage to speak words of ecouragement consistently to your husband. Courage comes as we place our trust in God. Have faith that God will continue to work long after your encouraging words have been shared.

There are lots of "tough guys" in the world, but true courage comes from the Lord. Does your husband exhibit the courage to take an unpopular stand, perhaps even to stand alone against evil? Is he courageous in his faith? Does he work hard to change injustice? Is he a stickler for the truth? Does he protect you or your family from the attacks of the Enemy?

Psalm 27:14 says this kind of courage comes from "waiting" on the Lord for His strength. If your budget allows, "award" your husband with a medal, trophy, framed picture of a brave knight, or some other token that represents his courage as a man of God. Praise evidences of your husband's courage in protecting you, your marriage, your family, or your home.

Day 28: Husband Encouragement

2009-04-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." (Proverbs 15:33)

Sometimes, when we just "know" we are right and our husbands are wrong, it takes great humility to honor them. It is difficult to speak well of our husbands when our own hearts are puffed up with pride.

As part of your challenge today, pray that you will respond to the Lord in faith and humility before you react to your husband. Speak wisely and well, and leave the results to God.
The humility that comes from a right relationship with God--the humility that comes when a man is willing to listen to God and be taught from His Word--is indeed a beautiful quality. Jesus was an example of this kind of humility when he was willing to submit to His Father's will (John 6:38; Matthew 26:39).

Does your husband have that kind of humility? Is he willing to learn from and submit to direction from the Lord? Let your husband know how precious this is to your marriage relationship.

Sound Thinking

2009-04-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes pressures come at you so fast it seems like you can’t think straight. Learn to develop a biblical, sound mind so that you can think clearly no matter what is happening around you.

If you have sound doctrine, that will result in sound thinking about all of life—thinking that is wise, discreet, sensible, and self-controlled. Sound thinking will result in sound living.

You can’t love your husband and your children if you don’t have sound thinking. Because when they are not loveable, if you don’t have sound thinking, you’re going to respond in unloving ways.
A godly woman's heart and mind are always under the guard and protection of the Spirit of God, the truth of God, and the truth of God’s Word.

Day 26: 30 Day Husband Encouragment Challenge

2009-04-03T05:12:00.001-07:00

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52)

If you have faithfully encouraged your husband, you will no doubt have seen some changes in his life . . . and your own life, as well. Encouragement is a wonderful habit that we hope you will continue for the rest of your life.

The important thing is to keep growing in Christ and obeying the Word of God as you respond to your husband. As you consider today how to bless your husband and not tear him down, think of ways that you can encourage balance in your home.

Jesus led a balanced life. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. As you see your husband branching out in these areas, is there a pattern of growth? Is your husband striving for balance in his life? If so, let him know you have noticed, and ask how you can further encourage that balance.

If your husband is out of balance--focusing on one area to the exclusion of the others, consider whether there are things you can do to help restore or create balance in his life. Can you encourage times for sports or exercise? Keep the children quiet for a study time? Invite friends over for dinner? Stimulate his mind?

Be sure you are working toward balance in your own life, as well. Be an example!