Overload

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ ~Jer 29:11

It's springtime, and along with it seems to come a lot of activities and business. I recently experienced a brief period of overload. It seems as though I was hitting a wall, and needed to step back and evaluate what had gotten me to this point of overload.

Many times as homeschool moms it is very easy to do, do, do with our children. We get involved in activities (because there are so many), and we think they will be great for the children. We want to expose them to this, that and the other. These things are all good. However, we must also remember that sometimes it is equally important just to be.

I have been schooling for 5 yrs, and have been challenged with this issue at some point or other each year. I will settle down for a while, and then..... Well, this year with the extra responsibility of a toddler in tow, I couldn't pull it off and I had come to a stand still of burnout. I had to step back, re-evaluate, and re-plan the way our household functions--to include time for me and a few personal endeavors.

All in all, things are going well and our home has taken a new direction.

Here is an excellent article regarding homeschool burnout
http://www.schoolofabraham.com/hittingwall.htm

Blessings

Thought Life

Scripture of the Day: "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


My, My, My ... How long it has been since I have blogged!!! Life happens... Holidays...Travels... Family... but here I am.

Correct thinking as a Christian is so utterly important. Everything that we allow ourselves to hear, read , see and meditate on will affect our general thought life therefore affecting our daily lives.

I have noticed over many years how important this is to me personally. It may not be the same for everyone, but it holds true for me. If I read wholesome books, surround myself with friends and family that are positive and encouraging, watch very little television (ie news, certain negative film, reality shows) and stick with informative, or christian based programming-- I find myself to be a more positive and happy person. I have noticed this with my oldest daughter as well.

God's Word is true.... If we would just do what He advises us to do in his Word..We can live happier, more productive lives, that will glorify Him!!!

Changing Seasons

This article really blessed me and I wanted to share it!

CHANGING SEASONS
By Ruth L. Whitfield, assistant to the publisher of "Spirit Led Woman" magazine (www.spiritledwoman.com)

I love the changing seasons. In Central Florida, where I live, we don't experience seasonal weather changes as much as our friends in other parts of the country, but we do enjoy the change in focus and the cooler weather fall and winter bring. We may not have snow, but we can enjoy lighted snowmen on the porch during the holidays!

Years ago when I taught school, I would change the décor of my home as often as I changed the one in my classroom--out with one season and in with another. I'd get rid of the old so we could embrace the new. Being a creature of habit, I still like to change my surroundings about every three months.

The Bible says that there is a season for everything in life (see Eccl. 3:1-8). If only we could embrace the seasons of our lives as willingly as we embrace the seasons of the year! It's been said that the only thing that is constant is change, but unfortunately, that's what we tend to resist, especially if it means going outside our comfort zones.

God has planned the seasons of our lives with infinite wisdom. He has ordained each one, knowing exactly what fruit is to be harvested during each time frame. I believe that since His desire is to do us only good, He enjoys each season He plans for us (see Jer. 29:11). So why are we so prone to resist the season we're in?

"But I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
~Jer 29:11

It's as if we are never satisfied. When it's summer, we want fall. When it's winter, we want summer. When we are single, we want to be married. When we are married, we want children, and when we have children, we want them to be grown and out of the house. When the nest is finally empty, we miss them and want them back - at least for a little while.

Yet we tend to criticize the children of Israel, who sinned against God for their continued murmuring and complaining. Like spoiled children in the natural, they continually demanded more. God brought them out of 400 years of slavery, gave them rest from their enemies, and provided daily food, water, and protection.

But no matter what He did, it wasn't enough. It seems that what they really wanted was control of their own destiny and circumstances, not total dependence on an invisible God whose plans were for their good (see Jer. 29:11). As a result, an entire generation perished before receiving their promised inheritance.

The wilderness journey was not a picnic. It was an adventure into the unknown, and it was a change of season for an entire nation. But the Lord knew the way through that wilderness, just as He knows the way through ours.

He ushers in the seasons in our lives and walks us through them. All He desires is that we embrace what He is doing in our lives with faith and gratitude (see 1 Thess. 5:18).

God is always working, even in seasons when we don't see much activity. During the season of planting, when there is no harvest, God is watering, nurturing, fertilizing and containing us so that in due season we can bring forth the fruit of righteousness He desires.

After a season of harvest, He often initiates a time of pruning (see John 15:1-2). Painful though this may be, it is necessary for us to produce even more fruit. We can trust God to do whatever He needs to do in our lives today because of His proven faithfulness yesterday (see Lam 3:22-23).

During this season of thanksgiving, let's determine to count our blessings and enjoy, as He does, the season He has us in. Every day is a gift, and we should savor all the sights, sounds, smells, friendships, fellowship, family, food and fun of the season. Let's also be thankful that God, in His infinite wisdom, planned our lives and leads us through many fruitful seasons. Instead of wishing we were in a different one, let's embrace and enjoy the one we are in right now (see Gal. 6:9).

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." ~ Gal 6:9

The Power of Words

Scripture of the day: "Let no corrupt communication proceed out our your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." ~Ephesians 4:20

During the course of a day with all the responsibilities and tasks before us, we can easily become stressed and lash out verbally at our children.

I must admit that this has been an area in my life that I had to overcome. I didn't really lash out to others, but could easily respond with sarcasm which is just as bad. I am better, but daily I have to consciously work on my verbal responses and tone.

I am becoming more and more aware of the impact of how our family life as a child indirectly affects us as adults. It seems as though the older I get, the more I realize how certain parts of me, be it good, or not so good, chiefly come from habit or a way of life to which I have been accustomed.

Of course, I want to pass on the good things to my children, but I don't want to pass on the negative. Negative habits or ways can easily pass from generation to generation.

"..But be transformed by the renewing of your mind." ~Romans 12:2

I did not grow up in a christian home. Yes, my family went to church, and they were "good" people, but living for the Lord was not there goal.

The life of our home and our relationships with our children will affect them in someway for the rest of their lives.

Lord,
As homeschooling mothers, we have so much that we are responsible for. Help us to create the homelife for our families that will glorify you, and affect generations to come.

Amen.

Week 12 Winners

Tick, Tick , Tick.............
The clock is ticking away. We are starting our twelfth week of school this week. We have completed 1/3 of the school year. Hooray!!



I thought that I'd list some of this year's favorite curriculum choices. (I have a 7th grader)


Winners:
Saxon 87 Third Edition with D.I.V.E. CD-rom
Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science
Fallacy Detective (Logic)

I'm a Kanga

Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

Homeschool Devotions

The heart of the righteous studied to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. ~ Proverbs 15:28


Spending all day with children, teaching and training, can sometimes cause moms to get frustrated, frazzled and angry.This scripture is so profound in teaching us to respond properly to our children.

I am truly enjoying the daily devotions that are found in More Devotions for Homeschoool Moms by Jackie Wellwood.(ISBN 1581343833) The author of this book is a mother of seven children, and she really touches on topics that are sensitive to the homeschooling mother. She gives scriptures, prayers, and food for thought in each daily devotion. I highly recommend it.

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"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with PERSEVERANCE the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on JESUS, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider HIM who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."-Hebrews 12:1-2

" To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.." Ecc: 3:1



As the temperature and the earth changes, it always allows me to reflect on the season of my life. As I reflect on all the many blessings that God has bestowed upon me, I am thankful. Though I am thankful, I am at a season of many changes and challenges within my personal life. I know that change can be good, but it is no always comfortable.( I am sparing details).

It can be very difficult at times to be far away from your family. Though I have been living away(over 500 miles)from my hometown for close to twenty years, it is a continuous challenge. I have friends, but I often feel extremely lonely and long for the comfort of my family.

I wish I knew when I moved away, what I know now. I didn't think about the day when family members would age, or that the family relationships would be needed for myself and my children.

I know that God will continue to take care of me during this season.

Being Joyful

Be joyful always: pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Being joyful is something that I truly struggle with. It's not that I'm not a happy person, but I think that my mind is always focused on " the next thing to do." I am constantly preoccupied
and my expression shows it more than I'd like it to.

The Lord has really been dealing with me lately on this issue. My eleven year old, has recently asked me a few times "Mom what's wrong? Are you happy?" Of course, I tell her yes because there really isn't anything wrong. Her response "Then be joyful-smile!"

I'm not sure if my disposition has been like this, or if it has developed recently. It's hard to see yourself as other see you. I don't want to offend my family or anyone else, especially when there REALLY isn't anything wrong.

I'm working on not being so intense. It is so easy to get caught up in the things that really are not that important. (Like a spotlesss home..) I pray that the Lord will show me how I can change in this area and be ... a joyful mother of children ~Psalm 113:9

Scripture of the day: Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. ~Hebrews 13:16

Seven years ago, I quit working full time. My daughter "graduated" from preschool, and I quit my full time job. My husband and I had felt it would be the best situation. I had been commuting 32 miles to work one way, and experienced all the traffic jams, frazzled evenings, and late nights that went along with it.

That first summer of being home with my daughter all day, every day was interesting. At first, it was exciting and I planned this and that. After a few weeks, I was irritated. I did not know what to do with my child. I did not know how to just be with her and enjoy her. I felt out of place. I remember praying about the fact that I wasn't suppose to feel that way. I was really exasperated and wondered how I was going to make it all summer with her. I was looking forward to her going back to school.

Fast forward seven years, and here I am homeschooling for the fifth year along with chasing an adorable toddler. I am truly enjoying watching my girls change and grow. It is so natural to have them with me all the time. This is how it should be. They are MY children. How did I ever feel that way?

It is so easy to get caught in the mentality of society that says indirectly that our children are a burden. Of course, people don't verbally say it, but the comments about children, and the lifestyles that are lived speak louder than any words.

Homeschooling is a huge sacrifice, but what better way to live than to impart into the lives of your children all day every day.

There are days that are long and frustrating, but they are not the majority. I thank God for His mercy and grace, and for the blessing of being home with my girls.

"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." ~2 Thess 3:13

Socialization 

The Socialization Question

so·cial·i·za·tion n. The process of learning interpersonal and interactional skills that are in conformity with the values of one's society.

The homeschooler's favorite question was posed to me today as I sat in the dentist's office waiting for my daughter. I had a brief conversation with a very friendly gentleman who was waiting for his two sons as well.
The conversation went something like this:

"...that's great that you home school, but are you planning to continue through high school?"

"...yes, we believe we can do it with all of the available resources and my daughter will probably complete some classes at a local community college while in high school.."

"....that's great but what about SOCIALIZATION?..."


duhhhhhhhhhhhh!

This is our fifth year of homeschooling and I can't believe that every time someone asks that question, I am momentarily speechless. I went on to say something like this:

"..We're really not that concerned with it......It's not as if we live in some remote area and don't interact with others..."

I really can't remember exactly what I said, but I'm so disappointed in myself for feeling........awkward. Why didn't I just say what I really believe in my heart?--

".....socialization?....socialize with who?.....tons of other kids who are grouped into cliques....socialize in an environment full of profanity and promiscuity......NO THANKS!..that's not what God has called our family to do..."

I am very aware that the things I just mentioned are not a part of every public or private school, but in our area the public schools are pretty bad.

My 7th grade daughter is not by any means lacking in the socialization area, just by the shear nature of her personality. But even if she wasn't as outgoing, would I thrust her into high school to socialize her?

Out of all of the facets of homeschooling, why is socialization the only facet that people question?

I must develop a way to respond to this question in which I can share our family's view without being offensive.

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After the dentist, we went to the pediatrician's office for my toddlers check-up. While there the nurse asked my older daughter about school. She informed her that she is homeschooled. The nurse asked me---"What do you do about physical education?" Now that's a question that I can handle. (LOL)

Martha Stewart No project is simple for you,
everything is very involved; lace, ruffles, and
flowers make it a good thing. Your curriculum
is heavy on fine arts: art
appreciation/recognition, historical
architecture, music, creative writing, and
literary classics. If your students absorb a
little math and science along the way, so much
the better. Visit my blog:
http://www.GuiltFreeHomeschooling.blogspot.com


What Type of Homeschooler Are You?
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Martha Stewart????

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established" ~ Proverbs 16:3


This is our fifth year of homeschooling, and we are in the middle of the fourth week. Things are basically going well, but I'm finding that I must "tweak" our schedule. Teaching with a toddler at bay has given us extra excitement this year. :)

Through all of the pre-planning and "tweaking", one thing is for sure: without the Lord guiding me, I would not be able to teach my children. I have already experienced those days when my plans would not work. I have to seek the Lord daily so He can show me how I need to orchestrate our day. It never fails that when I seek Him, the day runs smoothly, and when I don't, frustration and chaos abound.

I am so glad that the Lord is leading my life and taking me along the path of this homeschool journey. Allow Him to lead yours.

One week down.........

Scripture of the day: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9

We have completed our first week of school. This first week has been interesting, because this year we have an active little toddler prancing around our feet. :-)

Time truly flies by...."T" my 11yr old dd is amazing. I really can't believe she is in 7th grade already... And then I look at "GG" my toddler, and it seems like yesterday that T was her age.
I am gaining new perspective on cherishing every moment.

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It has been such a blessing to connect with others moms through blogging who have similar values, are striving for similar goals, and who go through very similar trials. There are many times that I recognize how different I am from many moms around me. (some friends, neighbors,church members) It is comforting to know that I'm not as "weird" as I thought. (tee hee)

Homeschooling is definitely a different lifestyle. Every year during the back to school season, many relatives and acquaintances ask "Are you still going to homeschool?" "Are you going to put T back in school for high school?" "I couldn't do it, my child would never listen to me!" etc. etc. etc. --

They don't understand that this is what God has called my husband and I to do for our family.
Is it easy? No--Do I get tired and want to quit sometimes? YES --But-- I love seeing my daughter get excited about learning something new, I love laughing with my children, I love sharing God's Word and discussing issues with my daughter, I love traveling during the public school season..... I could go on and on.

As we enter our fifth year of homeschooling, I count it as a great blessing. I am encouraged that the Lord will guide me every step of the way if I stay focused on Him.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ~Matthew 6:33

This is a frequent visitor to our yard. We named him "Blackie" for obvious reasons. We have had many wild rabbits visit our yard, but this one has been visiting for about 4 months. 

Finding Balance

Quote of the day: "Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony." ~ Thomas Merton

I'd like to share some information that I received vie e-mail. I had an opportunity to hear Kathryn Stout speak at a Homeschool Convention 3 yrs ago. She was very encouraging and shared a great deal of wisdom as an educator and homeschool mom. You can read more about her at www.designastudy.com

Here's an excerpt from a recent teaching help e-mail. I found this very helpful by reminding me about the importance of keeping balance in our home school:

Balance also applies to daily schedules. Even meaningful or appealing approaches will leave children discouraged if little time is allotted to building up areas of talent or extreme interest. There's often something a child just "must" do daily in order to feel calm. Some draw or work on a craft, others write. Some need to move-running, bike riding, shooting baskets, others need to build something. My daughter "had to" have time to read books of her own choosing, while my son "needed" to create songs on the piano or violin.

Adults look for jobs where the required skills come fairly easily, not where they must rely on weaknesses day after day. Therefore, kids need to spend time building talents and abilities, working on weak areas to the degree that they won't hinder their future. Therefore, a balanced educational approach will include focus on building our children mentally, physically, and spiritually over all, but with an eye to meeting their need for personal expression. We are each unique, with a God-given purpose. As homeschooling parents we are in a position to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in order to train our children in a way that will prepare them for their destiny in Him. ~ Kathryn Stout

I hope someone finds this information as helpful as I did.

Evaluating For Excellence

Quote for the day: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit"
~ Aristotle

excellence- 1. The state, quality, or condition of excelling; superiority. 2. Something in which one excels.

As I continue to review curriculum, read books for literature, and create lesson plans, I am constantly looking for a structured way to monitor my daughter's work each year. I usually look over her yearly work and assess standardized test scores, but I did not have a general plan that I used each year to make these assesments.

I read about Evaluating for Excellence by Teresa Moon on a curriculum board, and came across a copy of it at a used curriculum fair. What a gem! It really gives direction for evaluating student progress and setting goals from year to year. It is definately a valuable resource.
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Summer is quickly flying by! I am enjoying the extra time with my family, along with the summer heat.

I had anticipated blogging more during the summer, but it has turned out to be a less. I guess when the usual routine returns in mid August, then I will blog a little more.

Literature Enthusiasm

Quote of the day: "To read is to empower. To empower is to write. To write is to influence. To Influence is to change To change is to live." ~ Jane Evershed ~

My 11yr old daughter is currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. She and a friend decided to read this book, so that they could meet for discussion.

When she informed me of the book that they had chosen, I was quite surprised. The book is unabridged and all of 1095 pages. When I was eleven, just looking at the size of the book would have scared me away.

Nevertheless, she is engulfed in this book. She approached me after dinner last evening because she wanted to share the excitement of the book with me. As she described the events of the book, I was captivated as she gave the vivid descriptions.

When moments like these take place, I am thrilled that she has embarked on one of my loves--reading. I am also amazed at her willingness to challenge herself and perservere. It are these moments that I'm glad that my husband and I chose to homeschool some 4 yrs ago.

I pray that she continues to challenge herself in this area, and allow books to take her to places she's never been, experience ideas that she never thought of, and give her knowledge to build upon.

The Count of Monte Cristo