Saturday, December 12, 2009
Background Checks For Homeschoolers In The UK
Posted in Homeschooling
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=118702-
Sweden and Germany are also working on getting the kids away from their parents through fines and jail time for parents who homeschool their children. The UK looks to be next after this reading in Parliment. Pray for these people.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Homesteading In The 19th Century- A Study Guide For History Buffs (that's me!)
Friday, August 28, 2009
Raising Modern Day Patriots
Posted in Homeschooling
The American's Creed
by William Tyler Page
I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.
–Written 1917, accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918.
My son has been memorizing this for the past 4 weeks. He has officially memorized it as of today! YEA!!!!!!!! It was part of his history class. When I told him that he was going to have to memorize it, he about fell over. We read it every day for the past 4 weeks though and he learned it that way. He was so proud of himself.
He will now be working on this:
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
 hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
We read it together this afternoon. He didn't understand much of it though. So I broke it down bit by bit and we discussed it. So breaking down the constitution to his 5th grade level, he started to see what it was the founders of this country were fighting for.
DS (10) is also a Revolutionary War junkie, so to speak. If there is another kid around wanting to play "war" it will be the Revolutionary War that gets played. So today finally *bought it home* to him about what these men and women were really fighting for. Bringing it into todays headlines, I believe that he understands that this country still needs modern day patriots willing to stand up and fight for this country's precious, hard fought for rights.
It's days like this that make homeschooling all the more precious to me. I am NOT raising modern day selfish children. I am trying to make then into modern day Patriots that love GOD first, their fellowman and their country. Without ever forgetting the patriots of long ago and their spirit that made it all happen .
Praise GOD and The United States of America!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The Letter I Before E Rule Ends in Britain (Homeschoolers Know Better)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
PLEASE READ! Homeschoolers Beware! The UN's CRC Is Trying To Upsurp Your Parental Rights
Posted in Homeschooling
Please forward this to all parents that you know. This is real and it will drastically affect the future of homeschooling in the coming future. If this treaty is ratified, you will lose all of your parental control and it will be put into the hands of the United Nations.
Above all, PRAY! GOD is still on the throne and is in control of it all.
"Child Rights" Forces Mobilize
-- 19 June 2009
Dear Supporter of Parental Rights,
Three major developments—all of them ominous—have occurred in the last several days.
1. On June 1 and 2, Georgetown University Law School hosted a two-day symposium entitled “The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): Why It Is Time to Ratify.”
This well-funded conference was held to organize a new coalition effort by American internationalists to seek ratification of the UN child’s rights treaty.
2. In the second week of June, a major study was released by the British education ministry calling for dramatically dangerous increases in the regulation of homeschoolers in that nation.
This study concludes that the UN CRC requires that the government enter every homeschooling home and privately interview each homeschooling child to determine “the child’s wishes” regarding his or her education.
3. On June 17, at the UN headquarters in Geneva, the UN’s Human Rights Committee—which oversees all human rights treaties—announced that it was forming a committee to draft a new “protocol” for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Under this new addition to the CRC, individual children would be able to file a formal legal complaint if they believe that their rights had been violated. It would give this new international tribunal the right to determine if the child’s treaty rights had been violated by any person.
The internationalists believe that this is their moment in history.
They have millions of dollars in their coffers. They have the support of the media. They have the powers of government. They have the entire apparatus of the United Nations.
We have some assets as well.
Our arguments resonate with the American people—the vast majority of Americans believe that Americans should make our own domestic laws and that parents, not government, should make decisions for children.
Leaders at the Georgetown conference publicly admitted that logic and facts will not defeat our arguments. What do they plan to do?
They plan to use emotional arguments. They said so in open public sessions.
At the Georgetown conference, the UN officials and other foreign experts were constantly censored by their American handlers. Why? Because these foreign experts acknowledge that this treaty would be supreme over American law.
The American child’s rights propaganda machine denies that we would forfeit American sovereignty—even though they do not have the legal arguments to back their rhetoric. They did everything they could to silence their guest speakers when they strayed from the sanitized version of their message.
We are in a race. It is a race for the future of the American family and American self-government.
The question is: Will the lies of the internationalists be heard by more Americans than the truth of those who believe in families?
I wish that I could look each person reading this right in the eyes. It is incredibly difficult for written words to explain how serious this situation really is.
The real battle is being fought right now. Our opponents are preparing for a vote in the Senate sometime ahead—as soon as they feel they have laid the groundwork for victory.
Because the internationalists possess the reins of government, have millions of dollars at their disposal, and have powerful allies in the mainstream media, they can build momentum much faster than we are able to do.
We have to get our message out to others and we have to do it today.
I have been leading grassroots political efforts for over thirty years. Without any fear of contradiction, I can tell you that we are going to win or lose the battle over the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the next few months. The key to victory lies in the stage of preparation.
Will we have adequate preparation to win?
The annual budget of Parentalrights.org is less than $500,000. They have millions and millions of dollars at their disposal.
We must raise money right now to employ professionals who can help us get our message out in the media.
We must also raise money right now to employ experienced people to work the halls of Capitol Hill on our behalf.
I cannot do these things alone. We have to have a quality team if we expect to stop the combined power of Geneva, New York, and Washington.
This is the time to decide whether you are willing to take meaningful action.
There are just two tangible things I would ask you to do.
1. Give a gift of $10 or more right now to parentalright.org (PRO). Membership in PRO is just $25 a year. Sustaining membership is just $100. We have to raise a substantial amount of cash or we simply cannot keep up.
2. Please recruit at least three other people to sign up for our online email alerts. We have over 100,000 people who are a part of this team. We need to get to 4,000,000 supporters before the battle starts. We have to dramatically pick-up the pace of recruiting people if we are going to have any hope of beating the other side in the greatest grassroots battle in American history. We need to be doubling our numbers every couple months to get our team in place.
You are the best recruiters we have. Please pick up your phone right now and call a friend and tell them that they need to read the email you are about to send them and that you really need them to become part of the team. This kind of personal attention will work.
In less than two years, American social workers may be in a position to inform all our children that if they have any conflict with their parents over any decisions at all then they can file a formal complaint in an American court to vindicate their international rights. And ultimately, once this new protocol is in place, if they don’t like the outcome from the American courts, there will be a new UN tribunal to hear their complaint.
Moms and dads, we have to get ready. The battle for American liberty is about to begin.
Michael Farris
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Colonial Toy Craft Site ( Make All Kinds of Historical Items & Learn To Play Games from The Past)
Posted in Homeschooling
The kids and I went to a local historical site today. While there we found several "old fashioned" toys. There were several kits to choose from. There were games, educational materials, crafts, and such. Here is the site to go to where you can purchase these for yourselves.
http://bton.com/store/aftgcm/index.html-
We picked up a hankerchief doll to assemble as well as a colonial doll making book. Each was about $5. Not a bad price to add to your studies in U.S. history.
Great stuff!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
U.N. Convention On Rights of The Child- STAY INFORMED!
Posted in Homeschooling
Washington Times Op-ed—U.N. Treaty Might Weaken Families
by J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President
One of the issues American families could face this year is the ramifications from a treaty called the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
You may ask, “How could a treaty directly affect internal decision-making by American families?” We generally think of treaties as agreements affecting international relations between countries. The U.N., however, has initiated treaties that not only affect international relations, but also the domestic relations of member nations as well. These treaties, sometimes called “conventions,” require member nations that ratify the treaty to implement the requirements as binding law or rules.
On Nov. 20, 1989, the U.N. adopted the CRC and submitted it for ratification to the member nations. It has been ratified by 193 nations—the United States is one of the few countries that has not ratified it.
The ratification process requires a two-thirds vote by the U.S. Senate. On Feb. 16, 1995, Madeleine Albright, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., signed the CRC on behalf of the United States. The CRC, however, has never been sent to the Senate for ratification because there is insufficient support to pass it.
Due to the recent election, however, there are rumblings from Capitol Hill that there will be an effort to seek ratification of the CRC during the next congressional cycle. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a strong supporter of the treaty, and as secretary of state, would have direct control over the submission of treaties to the Senate.
Why should passage of the CRC be of concern? It likely would have a negative impact on domestic law and practice in the United States. Article VI of our Constitution makes treaties—and remember, conventions are viewed as treaties—“the supreme law of the land.” The CRC would be treated as superior to laws in every state regarding the parent-child relationship. This would include issues regarding education, health care, family discipline, the child’s role in family decision-making, and a host of other subjects.
Article 43 of the CRC establishes an international committee on the rights of the child to examine compliance by member nations. This committee, which sits in Geneva, has final authority concerning interpretation of the language contained in the CRC.
Two central principles of the CRC clearly are contrary to current U.S. laws related to parent-child relationships. The CRC provides that in all matters relating to children, whether private or public, or in courts, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration. Additionally, nations should ensure that children are capable of expressing their views freely in all matters affecting them, giving due weight to the age and maturity of the child.
This is contrary to traditional American law, which provides that absent proof of harm, courts and social workers simply do not have the authority to intervene in parent-child relationships and decision-making. The importance of this tradition and practice is that the government may not substitute its judgment for that of the parent until there is proof of harm to the child sufficient to justify governmental intervention. It is clear that in two very important areas of the parent-child relationship, religion and education, there will be potential for tremendous conflict.
The international committee in Geneva, in reviewing the laws of practice of countries that have ratified the CRC, has expressed its concern that parents could homeschool without the view of the child being considered; that parents could remove their children from sex-education classes without the view of the child being considered; that parents were legally permitted to use corporal punishment; and that children didn’t have access to reproductive health information without parental knowledge.
The bottom line is the CRC would drastically weaken the United States’ sovereignty over family life, which would have a substantial impact on every American family. For more information on the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, visit www.parentalrights.org/learn.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Of Plymouth Plantation-The Truth About The Pilgrims
Posted in Homeschooling
We have been reading this book for the past month. It is the diary of William Bradford, of Plymouth Plantation. It chronicles the Pilgrims experiences and trials while they were establishing their new home in America.
There are so many details in this book. So much that I have learned that will not be found in todays textbooks. You can truly see God's hand in these peoples lives throughout their journey to establish a new colony for the glory of God.
They had so many hardships, yet they continued to put their trust in God no matter what the outcome. These people really should be remembered as heros in this land today. Christian heros who loved God enough to leave ALL that they had to serve Him as the Bible commands.
If you have the chance to read it, PLEASE do so. It is FACTUAL information on the pilgrims with NO political reinventions. You will learn the truth about the first Thanksgiving!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Homeschoolers Seeking Asylum! Please Pray for These Families!
Posted in Homeschooling
http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=81318-
We, as Christians need to pray for these families living in Germany. Imagine having to flee the U.S. because you just want to raise your child in the fear and admonition of the Lord?
If we don't pray, who will?
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Monday, November 3, 2008
Your Story Hour Online & On Sale!
Posted in Homeschooling
 - Here is a great way to get your kids to listen to stories about American Heros throughout the centuries. These cassettes are normally $45. They are 1/2 price right now.(this only for the cassettes.)
This website http://yourstoryhour.org/index.php- is an online service to allow you to listen to weekly broadcasts to decide if you would like to purchase your own sets. (Look at the bottom left corner that says "listen online.")
Either way (online or in your home) these are excellent stories with factual information about the Bible and the great American Heros of past told in story form.
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Reformation Day!
Posted in Homeschooling
The picture above is Martin Luther, the great reformer. On October 31, 1517 he nailed his complaints of the catholic church to the doors of the local catholic church. His theses (95) contained the false doctrines of the all controlling catholic church at his time in history. He opened the door to others who realized that faith in Christ was the only way to salvation. This is the reason my DD (15) will be going to a Reformation Party tonight and not a Halloween one.
DD (15) will be going to a reformation party tonight. She will be going as Edith Schaeffer. The wife of author/Christian Francis Schaeffer. The party will have all of the reformers from the middle ages as well as famous Missionaries and other Christians who have made an impact in Christianity and spreading the gospel.
We don't "do" Halloween anymore. I used to be really big into it before I was Christ saved my soul. I definately don't see it as I did before I was saved. (thank you Jesus for opening my eyes.) Only He could do that!
They will be having a scavenger hunt to look for the "lost" reformer. It will be a guessing clue kind of a game. I am sure that she will have fun and learn a lot in the process.
Look up the reformers of the past and learn alot. It is a great period in time that changed history for the better. To God be the glory now and forever! Amen!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians
Friday, October 10, 2008
Rules of A Teacher in 1872
Posted in Homeschooling
http://www.chamberlaincom.com/articles/teacher.html-
How things have changed.
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Friday, October 10, 2008
Education In 1885 (8th Grade) Could You Pass This Test?
Posted in Homeschooling
http://www.chamberlaincom.com/articles/1895Exam.html-
Amazing is all I can say.
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Forbidden Gates- An Excellent Read Aloud For Homeschoolers Or Any Christian
Posted in Homeschooling
 This is a very good "living" history book that I have been reading to the kids after devotions in the morning. It is SO good! It really puts you into the Bible and makes you feel as if you were there.
This story comes from the book of Acts. It is about a young Jewish boy and how he becomes a follower of Christ after seeing the diciples proclaim and "live" the Christian life. An excellent book!
The following is an excerpt from the book:
As the son of a temple money-changer, Nathan knows the laws of God’s house. He knows
that only Jews are allowed into the temple’s inner court, beyond the wall of the Soreg. Any
Gentile found beyond that point is killed.
Nathan has never questioned the rules. But when a young Gentile asks to meet with God,
Nathan decides to take the boy into the temple. Caught in the center of a growing conflict
between temple officials and the disciples of the recently crucified Jesus, Nathan struggles
to find the truth.
Am excellent book indeed! You can find a sample chapter and order the book from here:
http://www.bjupress.com/product/257261
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Friday, August 29, 2008
Home Education & Me
Posted in Homeschooling
Good Afternoon Friends & Family! I pray that you are all having a great day in The Lord. It has been a really good day here on the homestead. School has finished for the day and we are ready for the weekend.
We had a great time at Homegroup yesterday. We got rained out at the park and ended up doing our yearly planning in a members van. We only had three families show up yesterday because the others had previous engagements. I'm glad that it was a small group yesterday, otherwise we wouldn't have all fitted into the van.
I am really proud of the 4 children we had. They played in the back of the van for almost 3 hours while we parents discussed the upcoming school year and what activities we wanted to plan. They were ALL so good with no complaints at all. Now that says a lot for our kids. Homeschooled kids are more ready to adapt to whatever their circumstances!
My DD (15) wanted to stay home by herself this time. So I let her have some "alone" time while at the meeting. My other DD (18) had to go to work. I am so going to miss her this year at our Home group meetings. I have no doubt that when the time comes that she will be able to Homeschool her children for the glory of God.
DD (18) has been my "guinea pig," so to speak when it comes to Homeschooling. I have also learned that each one of my children has different needs and different ways of learning. So what has worked with one doesn't mean it will work for the other. Trial and error, prayer and more prayer. I am so thankful that I have the blessing of teaching my children and not having to hand them over to others for 7 hours a day.
I get the privledge of seeing them grasp a concept for the first time. I got the privlege of teaching my son (9) to read. I got the blessing of seeing my Dd FINALLY grasp Algebra and move onto geometry all by herself. I also get the privledge of seeing my children grow daily in their walk with The Lord.
It's not always easy. There are days when I think, "they need to get on that bus and let "the professionals" deal with them. Well, God made me their Mom and that's as "professional" as it gets. He who has called me will be faithful.
Most importantly though is what I have learned over the past 9 years. God has used this Homeschoolinhg experience to shape and mold me as well as my children. Being around one's children ALL of the time really makes you realize just what an example you are. The good and the ugly!
All of my strength comes from My Lord though. It's The Lord that I cry out to daily and I am so thankful that He is always there no matter what the situation. He has shown me time and time again that it needs to be Him that I need to turn to when a problem arises. Homeschooling will really make you see problems and issues that might be easier left to another, but ultimately better left to the professional, Jesus Christ!
To God be the glory now and forever!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Monday, August 25, 2008
History Unwrapped
Posted in Homeschooling
Go here to listen to little pieces of history facts about the United States and other famous periods in history. There are many "articles" to listen to and learn. There is also an extensive archive.
These are facts that you will NEVER learn in a public school.
http://www.americanvision.org/radio/historyunwrapped.asp -
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Friday, August 22, 2008
Home Education & Counting The Cost For Christ
Posted in Homeschooling
Good Morning Friends and Family~
We have been busy getting into the "swing" of school at last. We have managed to stay on course getting 4 days a week done. I had planned earlier in the year to do a 4 day week instead of a traditional 5 day week. It has been working out really well so far. We will still have our 180 days in by the end of May 2009 and complete (Lord willing) all of our books for the year.
My Dd's Far studies have been going well. It takes a lot more planning on my part, but it is well worth the time. I know that everything she is learning from the Bible will be a seed planted in her heart. I will pray continually that The Lord will bring that "seed" into full maturity in His time, for His will and purposes.
DS has also gotten into the "swing" of school. He has been doing really well with his math. The first few days he went into "melt down." His summer break was too long and he had to "reprogram" his brain to remenber simple math concepts that he had forgotten. He is back on track now and going full speed ahead!
My other DD (18) will be starting the College Plus prgram in a few months http://www.collegeplus.org - . College Plus is a program that allows a student to CLEP out their college credits without all of the usual time and money spent and a regular college. CLEP's are tests taken that give you college credit in the basic classes that are expected by colleges no matter what your major is.
DD (18) still does not know what to major in. The Lord has just not lead her in any particular direction at this time. I tell her to just keep praying and seeking God's will and He will lead her as she is faithfull and obedient in her every day tasks.
What I can honestly say is that my Dd (18) is following The Lord. You can't say that about many 18 year old's today. I am also sad to say that she has been ridiculed for her choices as well. The ridiculing has been aweful lately. I know that it is only satan trying to get her off of the "narrow path."
It can be so hard and lonely when you choose to serve Jesus Christ. I know that my DD has been lonely because of her choices, I also know that God will bless her because of her choices. I know that she has grown so much in the past few years into a woman of God. (NOT perfect, just growing and seeking to serve The Lord.")
I can't help it if people don't understand the "ways" or "whys" of what we as a family do. I can only do what The Lord has told me to and that is to teach those ways to my children and continue as a soilder for Christ.
Please pray for our young adults, we some times forget how hard it is to be young and stand for Christ all alone. (I know I have.) I am so proud that my DD's are willing to stand up for Christ with their actions and speech. It can be lonely nevertheless. I will just continue to praise God for His work in their lives and I know that He has a plan for His children. God is ALWAYS so good and His name is to be forever exalted. No matter what the cost!
To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Children Who Can't Identify Common Nature? What's Going On Here?
Posted in Homeschooling
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/attenborough-alarmed-as-children-are-left-flummoxed-by-test-on-the-natural-world-882624.html-
Wow! What an article. I do believe that Home Educators have an upper hand on this subject. At least those that I know.
Charlotte Mason would be horrified, as we should all be.
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
SO Much Time and So Few Books
Posted in Homeschooling
So many books to read and not enough time! That was my DD's (14) motto. It is now, not enough books, too much time. She absolutely loves having a book in her hand at all times. The problem is she has read every decent book in the 2 libraries that we visit, literally ( No pun intended.). She also has an extensive home library with countless books that she has read. Most of them are historical fiction, with a few mystery books.
Here we are on our second week out of school and she is begging me to get her more books. Here's the problem, she will read a whole series within a week. We are talking upwards to 7 books in one week. I have a hard time keeping up with her. Finding the books is altogether another story.
She found a new series when we went to the Homeschool Conference 2 weeks ago. I am so glad that she did. I just need to get online and purchase the series for her. I have told her that she will just have to SLOW down a bit and enjoy the book without rushing through it. She sometimes forgets that we are on a budget in this house and that books aren't always in that budget. (Try telling that to a young lady who would spend her life outside in the woods reading if her Mama would only let her.)
Now her brother (9) is fast on the heels of his sister. He purchased several books at the conference for himself, and is fast approaching the end of that stack as well as the ones I bought him. I can say that he being only 9, has not gone through the books at the library as his sister has. Given time I am sure that he will catch up soon.)
This summer is already turning out to be an educational one, even though the kids don't see it that way. Isn't it absolutely beautiful to see a child sitting down to read? It really is a grand thing to observe, when you know that what they are reading is educational and they think it is just a good story?
Oh, the joys of being young in the summer time. To God be the glory for ALL that He allows us to do every day!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Thursday, May 29, 2008
God Doesn't Always Call The Most Equipped
Posted in Homeschooling
This article is great for those who need encouragement in Homeschooling. It really speaks to the heart of those who are called to Home Educate, to show The Lord's in control, not us.
http://www.crosswalk.com/root/homeschool/11575682/page0/
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
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