Monday, February 28, 2005

Mom Support

Scripture for today: "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."
--Phillipians 4:8

I was reading a popular parents magazine today, and the topic was basically about some of the challenges of mothers who transition from working away from home to becoming a full-time stay at home mom. It addressed the issues of the change, and how difficult it could be. One thing that it mentioned was the importance of moms to get out and meet others who are also at home with their children. It encouraged women to find ways to channel their energies etc. As I read this article, I began to think about the stay at home mom who homeschools her children. We also have special needs and at times, challenges where we need the support of others. From my own recent experience, I have really realized how important it is to fellowship with other moms. I have an infant, and recently have not had the energy or desire to go to the gatherings etc, that I have gone to in the past. I have to admit that I have noticed a change in my attitude, and I think that it is related.

When we don't take/make the time to refresh, spend time with friends, or work on a favorite hobbie, it becomes so easy to focus on the minutia in life that is really insignificant. After visiting with a friend last week, I realized how much I needed that fellowship.

Support group meetings, Mom's nights out etc. are so refreshing and much needed especially during this time of the year. We really have to put forth the effort to make it to some of the fellowships. Sometimes it's challenging (getting a sitter etc.), but once we atttend it's usually worth all of the effort to get there.

I'm looking at my March calendar to see where I can pencil in some time for me! :-)

Where/how do you receive most of your support?


Friday, February 25, 2005

Friends...

Scriputure for today: " A friend loveth at all times" Proverbs 17:17

Life's small treasures..

For me, this time of year can feel a little lonely. After the hype of the holidays are over, the new years resolutions have flopped and the chill of the cold weather sets in, I can feel a little slump. But what better way to lift one's spirits than to fellowship with a good friend.

I had and opportunity to share yesterday afternoon with a good friend who also homeschools her children. As home school moms we share a lifestyle and concerns that I really don't think other moms understand. Having the opportunity to encourage, be encouraged, share views , opinions, and just good old laughter, is great for the mind, body and spirit. :-)

Today is Friday (Fun Friday)! We will finish a family project today (painting) and have dinner out this evening. (No cooking for me!) Later this evening I will work on my lesson plans for next week.

On to my first cup of coffee......


Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Planning....

Scripture of the day: "Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice." Proverbs 16:8

Good Morning! I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday. Yesterday was a good day. I did do a little schooling ( I couldn't resist) but everything went well. We've been enjoying hubby at home working on a few family projects. It was a long day--my oldest had practice last evening for a church group activity and we didn't return home until 9:45 pm...... zzzzzz -- I was pooped.

I am going to continue to take it easy and do a little planning for next weeks lessons. My daughter is in the 6th grade. I am beginning to look ahead for curriculum next year. This is a fun time of the year. I can't believe she will be in the 7th grade next year.--Time Flies!

We are currently using the following curriculum:
Math: Saxon Algebra 1/2, Spelling: Abeka6 Spelling, Vocabulary and Poetry ( We don't follow the poetry selections, we select separate memory work), Latin:Latina Christiana I DVD (highly recommended), Logic :Fallacy Detective, Mindbenders and other logic puzzles, History: We are just beginning 1850-Present. In the past I have used Biblioplan but I am going to follow the WTM approach using KF and Library books etc. English: Rod & Staff 6. For Science we have been using Apologia's Exploring Creation with General Science. Art/Music Studying various artists and composers of the time period. Plenty of Reading apprx. 1hr or more per day.

As you prepare for the next "year's" studies, what is your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge is the scheduling aspect of planning, and not overdoing it. I have an infant this year and it has definately made me relax a little more. Next year she will be a toddler, and I'm sure I'll have to make more adjustments to our daily schedule.


Monday, February 21, 2005

President's Day

Scripture for today:"Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgement belongs to God" Deuteronomy 1:17


Most children in our area have the day off from school. My husband is off from work this week too. Of course, I still decided to have a half day of school.--Not a good idea! There are just too many distractions when my dh is at home. The schedule gets thrown off and it causes me a little frustration. Why? I'm not sure. Nevertheless, I think I'm going to relax the rest of the week and just enjoy time with the family and work on some family projects. We will pick up where we left off next week.

How do you handle public school holidays? Do you typically follow there schedule?

Sunday, February 20, 2005

I can't believe it's been 4 yrs..

As I begin to think about planning for the next "school year", it's hard to believe that I have been teaching my daughter at home for 4yrs. I truly didn't expect to continue for this long after pulling her out of private school. I guess God had other plans! It has been both a challenging and exciting journey.

Why did you begin homeschooling? What has made you continue?

For my husband and I, we were not satisfied with my daughter's school at the time. Great school, but not really meeting our daughter's needs. We pulled her out rather quickly, and jumped headfirst into this journey. We have continued for many reasons to name a few: The time we have to talk about God's Word and prayer is priceless. We have also seen our daughter's love for learning flourish and her true talents spring forth. I don't think we could have gained a clear picture of those talents with her away from us 6-7hrs a day. It is also extremely convenient for our family travels.