Lazy Days of Winter

Posted on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 07:30

So yesterday was one of those days that I absolutely cherish.....

The husband came home early (10 ish am) and Aidan the Fierce was horribly sick....that part I would change if I could of course.....but praise be to God that he has been fever/vomit free for almost 24 hours now!  It's so funny how our brains work as moms.  We let him sleep with us last night and I was up, every 5 minutes I believe, thinking that he was throwing up!  The husband was giving him a drink at some point and laughed hysterically at me because he said I sat straight up in bed in a panic.  I was even dreaming about it.  Guess cleaning sheets is not on the list of my favorite things to do!

Ok, I deviated a little from our day....I tend to ramble.  Not one person in this house got dressed all day long! Love lazy days!!!  Even the husband changed into pj's when he got home.  I put on a big pot of homeade pasta sauce with meatballs....which simmers all day long making my house smell like Little Italy! 

Tyler the Prodigy actually sat and read a book most of his free time (without threat of tying him to a chair).....that was enough to blow me over!  This kid is super intelligent but hates to read (I hate to admit he so gets that from me!)  However I found this new series of books for boys thanks to JenIG........Kingdoms Series. They are described as "Pilgrims Progress for the X-Box Generation" He loves them and just finished the first book at bedtime last night!  I am so super proud of him.  And Maggie the Visionary just picked up her first Boxcar Children book and was still reading it at bedtime last night!  She loved it.....and more than that, she said,"there isn't one word yet that I can't read mom!"

Maggie the Visionary had to read and follow a recipe for her math and mom was craving something chocolate so she agreed to make moms Weight Watchers mini chocolate chip cookies.  What a good girl! 

We had the best time in the kitchen.....I was stirring my sauce and she was stirring her cookies alongside of me....does life get any sweeter?  I think not! 

The finished product.....and only 1 point per 2 cookies! 

 Aidan the Fierce vegged out to Bibleman most of the day and we all put together a USA puzzle and talked a bit about state capitals...... played a few rounds of Uno Attack.....and Family Feud....Pasta was awesome and cookies were the perfect sweet tooth tamer!

Gosh, why can't every day be like this?????  I am so stinkin blessed!

"Lahh Wess"

Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 09:05

"Take my moments and my days....let them flow in ceaseless praise" 

Aidan the Fierce has been attempting to read everything he can get his little eyes on now that he has found his new superpower....reading!  He is just so stinkin cute!  As we sat in the McDonalds drive thru the other day, he sounds out, "F-R-E-D-S"  Perfectly too!  Now as I am fighting my way along the interstate, my 5 year old is reading the 18 wheeler trucks!  He has the Wal-mart trucks down now.  So cool, considering that 7 months ago, I was super intimidated to teach my child to read.

This was too cute not to mention......we have a Lowe's at the end of our road and as we sat at the red light there the other day, Aidan sounds out in that cute sloooowww way that they do, "Laahh Wess."  Can you tell we haven't learned Long vowels yet?

Fear, Doubt, and Educational Gaps

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 11:03

"Take my moments and my days....let them flow in ceaseless praise"

So Sunday morning at church, this (well meaning I'm sure) fellow homeschool mom approached me about the co-op she is involved in.  She asked if we belonged to a co-op and I responded no.  She proceeded to tell me that her girls (high school aged) go once a week, get their assignment for the whole week and return same time the next week.  I'm thinking this sounds really neat I guess but of course being the human sponge, I had my gazillion questions ready for her. 

I asked her what curriculum they used and she said whatever they (school) use.  So that was the first thing that turned me somewhat off.  Then she said that if I were to take my 2 elementary aged kids, I would have to "co-op" as a teacher of course.  On 6 weeks, assist 6 weeks, and off 6 weeks.  That was turn off #2 for me.  Call me lazy, weird, whatever but the whole purpose of homeschooling my kids was to live by our schedules, not be run ragged all week and not have a school dictating our curriculum. 

All was fine, even with my turn offs brewing in my head, until she pulled out the big guns and aimed right for the big flashing sign that read "MY WEAKNESS IS DOUBT AND FEAR".......she said, "This way I know they won't have any gaps in what they learn.  I could never teach them high school stuff because I don't have a college degree. And "Sally" is taking journalism there and on the yearbook committee which will look really great on a college application!"

BAM........instantly......DOUBTS!!!!

Am I suppose to do this co-op type thing?  Do I need to do it?  Are most homeschool moms doing this??? Am I failing my kids by not participating in something like this???  Do my kids need science labs??? Are they missing out???? Aren't all homeschool moms trusting in the Lord to fill any gaps???

I have struggled with these doubts the 3 years we have homeschooled.  They fight their way up, I pray them back down.....its the pattern. 

Honestly, I don't know how you ladies that have done this for years and years do it!  You get beat up from every direction of the world and there are pressures even within the homeschool community!  How do you tune it out???  How do you see all of the websites, new curriculum, field trip ideas, "must have" craft ideas, latest and greatest foreign language programs, etc., and not worry that you are dropping the ball somewhere???

I started this blog as accountability to myself so I promised to be transparent when I struggle.  I just thought of another pressure....to seem as though you have it all together! 

I realize this was more of a vent for me tonight but I would love to hear your ideas on the subject of co-ops...when to...when not to...what to stear clear of...what to not get caught up in...the right age they may benefit most....

Tyler The Prodigy is 11, Maggie The Visionary is 7, and Aidan The Fierce is 5......

Dear Father, thank you again for this opportunity to teach my children your truths....please forgive me when I may fear and doubt this way you have made for us.  I ask for courage and confidence to face the world and even the pressures that come within this homeschool world.  Help me to remember that your ways are best for our family and your plans are greater than any shiny new curriculum could promise.  And to trust that any gap my children may have at the end of this journey, will be filled with a knowledge of you and a passion to seek your heart and your will in their lives.

Titanium White

Posted on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 10:07

"Take my moments and my days....let them flow in ceaseless praise"

Is it strange that my 11 year old son, 7 year old daughter, and 5 year old son love to watch The Joy of Painting????  And by love to watch, I mean sitting there, mesmerized, with drool  rolling down their little chins!  Ooohing and Ahhhing at every little stroke he adds. My 11 year old son has now requested that we set a series recording and my daughter even said “He is not human!”  

Or is it even stranger that I am shocked by the fact that they would actually love to watch a show that is not animated or computerized …..and on Public Television!!!  Who would have imagined that children in the year 2008 would think Bob Ross was the bomb?!?!?! J For more info on Bob and to find a certified Bob Ross instructor in your area, click   www.bobross.com/certified.cfm

Call me crazy but I considered it to be a wonderful comforting sweet embrace from my heavenly Father that I am in fact doing right by my children.  I am watching them evolve into such beautifully well-rounded children.  Children that can appreciate the beauty in all that they see.  Whether it be of their generation or of generations before theirs.  That they are not held captive by the worlds standard of what is cool, accepted, or “in.”  Four years ago when my oldest was in public school, I would have been told, “Mom, that is so lame” and it would not have even been his own opinion!  Scary when I think back to it actually. 

Thank you Father for sustaining me in this journey…..even when the waves crash around me, you calm the seas of my heart by showing me a glimpse of your beauty and your love of all things beautiful in my children.

Better Late than Never

Posted on Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 07:13

"Take my moments and my days....let them flow in ceaseless praise"

It sits on my list.....It stares at me...haunting me even.....my resolution that in '08, I would start a blog!  Why am I so stinkin intimidated????  I'm sure it is the perfectionist in me.  What if I don't do it "good enough?"  And a touch of the self-doubter as well...will they like me even??   Did you hear that???  I just stepped out of my comfort zone!

Well, I wish I could say that I have "arrived' in the world of homeschooling.  But the truth would be that this whole blog thing was finally executed simply because I am about to lose my mind right now!  I am seriously struggling since the holidays and can't seem to get out of my "rut.'  And obviously my kids are in the same rut because they all of a sudden act as though it is the summer break and books are out the window.  We butt heads daily it seems.  I said I am struggling...but I am not waving any white flags just yet! 

"For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength"  Phil 4:13

First of all, I have to remind myself that no, Talysa can't do this....but God can through me if I surrender.

Secondly, this is my third year homeschooling my three children....not too bad!  I must learn to focus on my past success not my in the moment struggles. 

Thirdly, my kids are great kids, wonderful kids, and their poor attitude is probably just a reflection of my own these days.

Lastly, I have hope!  I have great people like yourself!  The advice I have recieved on this site has been priceless!

So, you see, this is actually  divine intervention.  I need encouragement and help daily so God has given me the strength to attain my goal.....to become a part of your community of fellowship.

Did you hear that???  (squeals of excitement)  I'm a blogger!