Back to Nature at the Wyldhouse Homestead

TOS Homeschool Crew Product Review: Kinderbach

09:51, Monday, February 8, 2010 .. Posted in Product Reviews and Promos .. 0 comments .. Link

*I received a 3 month subscription to Kinderbach in exchange for reviewing it and offering my honest opinion. I received no other compensation. My opinion is entirely my own.*

www.kinderbach.com

Kinderbach is an online music curriculum for preschool and early elementary children. Besides a subscription, the only other things you need for this course are your computer, and an inexpensive keyboard or piano. No muscial experience is necessary, as this program is extremely beginner user friendly.

Kinderbach is taught by video, and accompanying downloadable pdf booklets containing games, puzzles, puppets and music.

Regrettably, I really can't give much information on the online videos, because I wasn't able to use them on my home computer.

Because I have dialup, I wasn't able to access the video course. However, I did use the downloadable booklets. I was trained by a classical pianist for several years, so I felt pretty comfortable teaching Hummingbird with just the help of the books.

I love the booklets. They are full of interesting, engaging activities to teach kids to enjoy music.

The pages are full of familiar songs. That helped Hummingbird recognize what she was playing. She was excited to hear herself playing a song we sang together many times.

I'll be honest. It has been years since I have played a recital, or even plunked around on the keyboard for fun. I found the booklets surprising refreshers for me - little things I thought I had forgotten. It quickly came back to me, and I actually remembered a piece I had played for a recital when I was 15 years old!

Doing this curriculum with Hummingbird has reignited my love for the piano. I guess, in a way, it's sort of like riding a bike. I never really forgot how to play.

If you have dialup and are interested in Kinderbach, they have a DVD program available.(Which is what I may invest in down the road for T-Rex, my little guy who loves music.)

Online membership to Kinderbach can be purchased with two different payment options:

A one year membership, in one payment of $95.88, which calculates to $7.99 a month. (The more cost effective option)

A one year membership, in twelve separate monthly payments of $19.99 per month.

A one year membership will give you access to all web lessons and accompanying pdf downloads.

The DVD programs are available in six levels, which can be purchased in varying value packages. The highest priced package, Levels 1 - 6 Value Package is available for around $223.00 for the set.

Overall, Hummingbird and I enjoyed the Kinderbach booklets. We had lots of fun with the hands-on activities. I tried the booklets with T-Rex, but he is still at the stage where he'd rather bang on the piano keys than actually try to learn much. I'll reintroduce this a few months from now, and see how he does. I think, eventually, this may be a good program to engage him in active learning.

You can visit Kinderbach's website, www.kinderbach.com, to view sample videos and booklet pages. These are also on the Crew page, www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/752851/. You can also read many other Crew members' experience with Kinderbach by clicking on the link above. 



Fit Mommy Friday (Er, Saturday) - The Winter Blues

09:14, Saturday, February 6, 2010 .. Posted in What My Friends Are Up To .. 3 comments .. Link

It's the umpteenth snowstorm of the season, and once again, we're snowed in. I have a predisposition to getting the Winter Blues anyhow, but this is ridiculous. My body's craving sunlight, warm weather, green grass, trees, and colorful flowers. I think I'm going to go crazy if I don't get it soon.

One bright spot I can keep in mind is, this weather is going to make me appreciate Spring so much more. It kind of reminds me of how I'm looking forward to my Heavenly home. Every trial I endure here on Earth will make me stronger and make me appreciate my relationships and home in Heaven that much more.

On the fitness front, the exercise is coming along. I'm getting stronger. But the Winter Blues remind me that mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, especially during times like these when I just don't feel like doing anything.

To fight the Winter Blues, I have been doing the following:

  • Even though it's FREEZING, I'm trying to expose myself to whatever weak sunlight we have. Even if I'm just shoveling off the porch for a few minutes, I've gotten a little fresh (frozen) air.
  • I'm taking Vitamin D supplements (check with your health care provider before doing this). I figure if I can't manufacture it naturally, at least I can fake it.
  • Hot, herbal teas in my favorite blends and flavors chase away the chill, and give me a hope of sunnier times. Some of my faves: Celestial Seasonings Wild Berry Zinger, Bulk Herb Store's Dr. Cinnamon Tea (delicious and warming), Good For You Tea made locally right here in WV (contents: alfalfa, red clover, raspberry, peppermint). Very good!
  • Try to find things that challenge the mind and keep you sharp: Sodoku puzzles (more frustating than challenging to me), crosswords, etc. Maybe try to learn something new: cross stitching, knitting, sewing, art, music.
  • If all else fails, crank up the electric blanket, settle into bed with sugar free hot chocolate, and watch a movie set in a warm, sunny place.

Here's a couple of my favorite, healthier hot chocolate recipes:

  • Silk Chocolate Soymilk makes a really good hot chocolate. I can't drink it anymore because I found out I'm allergic to soy. And, you have to watch the sugar content. But, if you can't have whole milk, this is a pretty good tasting alternative.
  • Here's something I made from scratch. T-Rex is gluten and casein free, so we adapted this for him (and refined sugar free for me):

Simply take some almond, hemp, or rice milk (vanilla flavored is really good). Set aside.

Take some cocoa and agave nectar to taste, mix them in a small saucepan. Add just enough milk to make a thick paste. Heat until smooth, then add the rest of your milk. Heat to taste, and enjoy. You can also add a dash of cinnamon to taste, if you prefer.

If you'd like a really unusual cherry/chocolate taste, use regular almond milk. We use the Almond Dream original almond milk for our hot chocolate when we want that cherry chocolate taste.

I don't really have measurements for this recipe, because I've just thrown things together according to our tastes.

Stay strong! Winter can't last forever (unless, maybe, you live in Antarctica).

To see what the other Fit Mommies are doing this week, go to: www.chaimommy.blogspot.com.



TOS Homeschool Crew Product Review: Facts First

05:14, Wednesday, February 3, 2010 .. Posted in Product Reviews and Promos .. 0 comments .. Link

*I received a free 3 month subscription to Saxon's Facts First website for the purpose of reviewing it and giving an honest opinion. I received no other compensation for giving this review. My opinions are honest and my own.*

www.factsfirst.com

Before I begin this review, I need to clarify my personal experience with this product. I have dialup internet. I also live near a power line, which often interferes with my phone and internet lines. This makes it difficult for me to download and view many internet pages.

This technical problem on my end has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of websites and electronic products I review. Such is the case with the Saxon Facts First website, which, from what I viewed, appears to be a high quality, fun site. I had difficulty downloading and viewing this product, so my review will be based more on general information than personal experience. 

Facts First is an online math company created by Skills Tutor, the sister company to publishers of Saxon Math. This program is designed to assist children in developing strong skills in basic math concepts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). Placement tests, reviews, lessons, and practice help children work at the level appropriate for their skill level. Upon completion of a unit, students are rewarded with an arcade style game.

Each child creates his or her "character" to start. This looks really fun. The child can pick out clothes, create a face for the character, etc.

Lessons have five basic segments:

  • New Facts
  • Commutative Property
  • Practice
  • Quiz
  • Scoring

Colorful graphics and game style practice makes learning math fun.

Children must master concepts before moving on to another level.

For parents, a Math Facts Matrix provides an overview of children's progress on individual math facts. Scores are based on:

  • Speed
  • Frequency
  • Indicators of Proficiency

Facts First was not created to specifically accompany Saxon Math - it will complement any elementary math program.

From what I was able to access and view, this looks like a colorful, fun program that kids who like to play video games will really enjoy.

I regret that I wasn't able to access more features due to my internet issues. This looks like something that T-Rex may like when he gets older. If we have a speedier internet connection by then, I'll keep this in mind as a possible tutoring tool for him.

A one year subscription for Facts First costs $49.99. You can access demos and obtain more info by visiting www.factsfirst.com.

To read detailed reviews based on fellow Crew members' personal experiences with Facts First, please visit www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/758356/.



Fit Mommy Friday - Week 3 - Exercise (Or, as I prefer to call it, the "E" word)

05:05, Friday, January 29, 2010 .. Posted in Walking the Narrow Path .. 6 comments .. Link

I have a crate of clothes shoved in the back of my closet. I call them my "hopeful clothes." These are smaller jeans, skirts, and shirts that I couldn't even fit a leg or arm through six months ago.

I have been afraid to dig them out in case I hadn't lost enough weight to fit into them. Last night, I took a deep breath, swallowed hard, and pulled the crate out of the closet.

I couldn't believe it. All my hopeful clothes fit! Whenever I want to blow my efforts by bingeing on an extra large ice cream sundae, a half a pizza, or my biggest weakness - potato chips smothered in sour cream and onion dip, I will think about the feeling I had when I effortlessly slid into those pretty clothes that I have wanted to wear for over three years now.

I'll think about how good it feels to step on the scale and see numbers I never thought I would see again. I'll think about how it feels to run in the yard with my kids. I'll think about how it feels to hear my doctor tell me my lab tests are returning to normal, and how proud of me she is. No amount of food tastes as good as all that feels.

I have lost three more pounds this week. Now, I'm at the stage where I really need to get serious about exercise and toning up. The fat is going away, but there's a little flab that needs to be toned. It hasn't been easy because I'm still somewhat sore from my surgery, but I'm slowly working my way to a place of better stamina.

Right now, I'm lucky if I can walk a half mile at a brisk pace. In addition to the surgery, I'm also asthmatic and have exercise induced asthma. I find that taking a puff or two from my inhaler prior to exercise helps that, a little.

I think what's really going to help, though, is just training my body to endure more of my demands on it. I've also been deep breathing on a regular basis to increase my lung strength. (Inhale through the nose, hold for up to 5 - 10 seconds, exhale slowly through the mouth.) If you feel faint, stop!

The cold weather doesn't help my asthma one bit. In fact, cold air triggers a nasty attack more often than not. So, I have to figure out something that I can do inside until it's warmer.

I have found something that really works well. Leslie Sansone has all these "Walk Fit" and "Walk Away the Pounds" tapes or DVDs. She adapts for all stages of fitness, from beginner to experienced walker. Basically, you can walk anywhere from a mile to five miles in your own home.

I like this program because Leslie has people of varying ages and fitness levels behind her, working out. No bikini-clad Miss Americas here. Throughout the workout, Leslie is encouraging, easy to follow, and the walk is based on four basic steps. Leslie shows these steps at the beginning of the tape, and always gives you plenty of warning when the steps are going to change.

The beginner's workout works up a sweat without overly taxing your body. At one time, I had worked up to the five mile workout tape, and let me tell you, you WILL feel it - in a good way! I'm back down to the beginner's workout again, but that's okay. I'll soon work my strength back up.

Another thing I love about these videos is how you can customize them for your special needs. For example, with the four mile intense DVD, if you need to, you can do only the first mile and skip straight to the cool down, if that's all you're up for at the time. However, if you can push yourself to another mile or so, it's really rewarding. Either way, the DVD is set up to where you don't feel as though you're missing anything if you need to walk only a mile.

These videos don't take up a lot of time, either. I've walked ten minute miles, six minute miles, it all depends on the video.

I found most of my DVDs and videos on eBay, but I've also seen them in KMart and Walmart. I even found one with inspirational music at the local Christian book store. It's called, "Leslie Sansone's A Closer Walk."

To see what the other fit mommies are doing this week, click on the graphic at the top of this post.

Have a great, fit week!



Boundaries. . .

07:59, Thursday, January 28, 2010 .. Posted in Homeschooling .. 4 comments .. Link

This post is part rant, part confession, and part sharing. Hope you can bear with me. :-)

Have any of you noticed that many people do not respect or truly know (or care) how our homeschools are conducted?

I have an issue with something, and I am wondering if any of you have experienced the same thing: boundaries.

People, especially extended family (why is it always family) have no respect for our homeschool schedule. They seem to think that since our kids are home, and I am home, that it is an open opportunity to drop their kids off, ask me to run to the store for them, and call constantly, wanting this and that done, or wanting one of the olders to babysit or do some chores for them (that they are perfectly able to do themselves).

Please don't misunderstand me. I am trying to do as Christ commanded, and serve others. I am trying to teach my children to be unselfish and think of others, and I'm trying to do that myself. But, where do we draw the line?

Our family is overwhelmed sometimes with T-Rex's special needs, my health problems, and tons of doctor's appointments. Although I realize that there are more things to learn than just the academics, those are important, too, and it's all I can do to keep up with that all by itself.

I love my family very much, and I want to help them as much as we are able. But, even without any outside issues, our family has our hands more than full with all that we've been through in recent months. I am tired and overwhelmed.

Oh, and the fact that I just had surgery three weeks ago, and no one even offered to help us out, nor have they asked how I'm doing except to see if I'm up to babysitting yet - well, you get the picture.

My two older children are stretched to their limits of patience. They, too, want to help, but they are struggling. It is hard for them to concentrate on their work when they have to tune out autistic meltdowns, accompany T-Rex and me to so many doctor/therapy appointments, just to name a few.

Having a special needs child changes the game significantly. The best laid plans cannot be set in stone, because every day is a roller coaster. We never know what will happen.

The older two children asked us to put them back in school, not only for a break from the issues here at home, but so they could study in peace without interference from the extendeds.

After much prayer and consideration, Mr. Steady and I relented. Mr. Steady's view on it was that, although he wanted to homeschool, he was also seeing his wife absolutely worn out. Besides being concerned for my well being, he felt that the kids would do okay at this point, and, since we are moving out of the area within a year or two, this is a temporary solution to what has become a very big problem.

Rocker is in a public high school. I am not happy about this, but at this point I feel there is no choice. At least he has some Christian friends who go there, and they have a strong Christian organization of which he is part of. I can only trust and pray that God will cover him, and that what I have taught him will not be forgotten. He seems to be adjusting well, and is actually doing great.

Sport has gotten a rare, miraculous opportunity to attend a Christian school that she plays basketball for. So, for that, I am truly thankful. If I can't have her at home, at least she can be in a good school with a solid Christ centered and academic foundation.

I still have my Hummingbird at home. I am homeschooling T-Rex four days a week. On one day, he goes to a special education program to help him learn how to adapt and cope with his challenges.

This wasn't the plan I had for my babies. My first and foremost heart's desire is to homeschool all my kids all the way through. But, things happen. None of us planned for all these things to arise: my health, special needs, and interfering family members. When my kids tell me they need a change, I'm listening. They are old enough to know what they need, to a certain extent.

They are great kids; unselfish, helpful, and mature for their ages. So I trust them when they're telling me they are stressed beyond measure. I know - I feel the same way.

Please do not think I am a selfish tyrant. I love my extended family very much, and my heart's desire is to do the ministry of Christ, and be a kind servant to them. But - it's HIS burden I want - not everyone else's. Is there a difference? I don't know. Do you know?

I'm really wrestling with this. I'm angry, feeling like my immediate family has been forced to drastic measures due to all these circumstances, yet feeling compelled to help my extended family, at the same time.

Any of your thoughts on this would be most welcome and appreciated. Have you ever had a similar situation? What did you do? Did it work out? 

So, all that being said, I'm still a homeschooling mama, just not all of my kids like I had hoped to do.

Looking forward to your responses and thoughts. 

  



Fit Mommy Friday - (Eating Healthy on the Road)

01:21, Friday, January 22, 2010 .. Posted in Walking the Narrow Path .. 8 comments .. Link

 

Another week down in my weight loss journey. I tried to start walking again, but since I had surgery January 8, I found I was still too sore to do much. So, I'll talk about eating healthy while I'm traveling.

Because of T-Rex's special needs, we spend lots of time on the road. Eating healthy while on the road seems almost impossible sometimes, but here are some of my tricks to make it work:

1. Plan in advance.

One of the best things I invested in was a vegetable cutter. This nifty device makes perfect carrot sticks (less expensive than buying baby carrots and pre-cut carrots.)

I pack a bag of carrot sticks, sliced apples (presoaking in water with a little lemon juice can help prevent browning), grapes, fresh berries, and water. That way, I can snack on those to help stave off hunger and keep me from pulling into the nearest McDonald's.

If it's going to be an all day trip, I'll prepare sandwiches on whole wheat bread and whole grain crackers along with my fruit.

I have a little lunchbox that an ice pack and the food easily fits into, and it doesn't take up much room in the car.

2. Look for healthy options if you have to eat fast food. In every town where T-Rex has a doctor, I know where the Subway is. I'm a vegetarian, so I always order the Veggie Delight on 9 grain honey oat bread, no cheese. I pile on the veggies, and some salt and pepper (hold the salt if you're watching sodium).

I take medication that lowers my potassium & salt levels, so I really don't have to watch the salt like most people do.

Subway has some good, low fat meat sandwiches, too. Mr. Steady's favorites are the oven roasted chicken breast and turkey.

At Chick-fil-A (since I'm vegetarian), I always have the salad - but I don't add croutons, cheese, and I put my dressing on the side. That helps save calories. I think their grilled chicken options aren't too terribly bad, if you watch your sauces and condiments. Mr. Steady really likes their grilled chicken salad.

If we visit a "sit down" restaurant, we try to find ones with soup and salad bars. That way, I control what goes on my plate. Also, most salad bars have some fresh fruit on them. I only have the soup if it isn't a cream soup, and I don't do crackers. A soup and salad meal is very filling. I order ice water to drink, never soda.

McDonald's side salad is small, but it always fills me up and only costs $1.00. Again, I'm sparing with the croutons and put the dressing on the side to save calories. I always request my salads without cheese. Burger King has a similar salad that's pretty cheap. It may not be a meal, but it can tide you over until a healthier choice becomes available.

3. If there isn't a healthy restaraunt in sight, think smart until you find one. I have found if I'm really hungry, a V-8 juice will stave off my hunger until we find a suitable place to grab a bite. Personal size servings are usually sold in convenience stores. I usually buy 6 packs in the grocery store, and take one with me on a trip (cheaper than buying individually from convenience stores).

Also, a large ice water helps, too. (But then you might have the issue of having to find more rest stops) I sip mine slowly.

Sometimes thirst masks itself as hunger. I find, more often than not, that I am more thirsty than hungry; therefore, I will eat less if I'm well hydrated.

To see how other Fit Mommies' week went, visit Chai Mommy at: www.chaimommy.blogspot.com/2010/01/fit-mommy-friday_22.html.



What About Socialization?

08:47, Tuesday, January 19, 2010 .. Posted in Homeschooling .. 7 comments .. Link

Ugh. It's a question that drives me crazy. Each trip to the grocery store, post office, or any public place during school hours tends to incite the inevitable questions:

Stranger: Why aren't you kids in school? Are you sick?

Said Kid(s): We're homeschooled.

A shocked look at me, followed by an almost accusatory stare.

Stranger: Really? Wow. Do you guys have friends?

Kid(s): Of course.

Stranger: What about socialization?

And then, the spiel begins. Sometimes I feel, as I am politely explaining this to a complete stranger, that I'm under the microscope. So here's what I usually say:

If I had a dollar for every time I heard the word "socialization" in any given conversation related to my homeschooling, I would be a rich woman, indeed. We have found socialization relatively easy by doing the following things:

First, think outside the classroom. I mean, is it truly socialization if one's friends are only same age peers? My children receive a wide variety of opportunities to get to know people of all ages and all walks of life. Through T-Rex's numerous therapies, my children meet other children with different special needs. They interact with them and their parents in the waiting room. This makes my children more tolerant and compassionate of those who are "different."

I can't say I saw much of the same when I worked in public school. I saw a lot of exclusion and teasing of special needs kids. I truly hope that is changing. That said, because of their frequent contact with special needs kids and their families, my kids do not act "weirded out" when they encounter a special needs person in public.

They are compassionate and respectful. I know this because many parents and grandparents have commented to me how much they appreciate my kids' inclusion of their special needs family member when playing at the park or at other kid related events.

Second, socialization entails much more than sitting side by side in a classroom for six or more hours per day. When my kids accompany me to real life situations; i.e., the post office, stores, doctors' offices, and other public situations, here is what they see: I try to mind my manners and interact politely with whomever I am speaking to. My children learn to hold intelligent conversations with adults of all ages, rather than looking down at the floor and mumbling, "uh, huh" when asked a question.

They also learn to say, "excuse me" when scooting by someone in a store aisle, rather than just pushing their way by without a nice word.

My kids aren't uncomfortable around children, teenagers, adults, parents, or the elderly. My two older children frequently visit the library where their grandmother works as an assistant to the Head Librarian. My mother-in-law mentioned to me that the Head Librarian told her she really likes it when my kids come in, because they will actually converse with her when she says hello. She told my MIL that most kids will just breeze by her without a word or a polite "hi." For that reason, my kids get a few extra library privileges that others may not. For example, when my son had a test to study for, he was allowed to use a private computer downstairs in order to do his research. The Head Librarian said this was because she trusted him, due to his mature demeanor and the way he conducted himself when he was in her libraray. 

Are my kids perfect? No. Sometimes they embarrass the daylights out of me with some of their shenanigans. But they're kids. Kids are going to act like kids and do dumb stuff sometimes, no matter what we parents try to model (or maybe because of what we model). But, I think they're much better socialized than the uninformed homeschool opponents realize. As I said, they are comfortable with all age groups and most situations, because they receive consistent opportunities to interact with all ages in a variety of social settings.

And yes, they have friends their ages, as well. Church, homeschool group functions (we have a rockin' Valentines Day party every year at the local bowling alley- last year I think around 40 kids showed up), and even some county sports leagues provide opportunities for our kids to hang out with their friends in a positive, controlled environment. We're busier with Sport's games and practices than if she were in a public school sports program.

Socialization while homeschooling is much easier than many realize. I promise you, we're not a bunch of paranoid cultists, shotguns primed, hiding out in the hills. We're normal (well, sort of), every day people who love our kids and strive to provide them with positive influences of all ages and social situations while reinforcing our values in our children's lives.

Call me, okay? Let's do lunch.



Guess What?

11:36, Monday, January 18, 2010 .. Posted in Walking the Narrow Path .. 4 comments .. Link

It feels so good to finally be able to share this with my dear friends and readers.

Years ago, Mr. Steady and I knew we were called to missionary work someday. I have Native American blood in me, from several ancestors on both parents' sides of my family. I have always loved the Native American people. Leave it to God to send me a husband who has a heart for them, too.

After many years of prayer and preparation, the doors are finally opening for us to do that. I have created a blog to follow our journey on this exciting new path on which the Lord is leading us.

If you'd like to read it, the web address is: www.homeschoolblogger.com/forgivenandfree.

This blog will have our testimonies, journal entries, and updates of where we are on this wonderful place of obedience and submission where the Lord is taking us.

Hope you can check it out!



Blessed Are. . .

10:29, Sunday, January 17, 2010 .. Posted in Special Needs .. 2 comments .. Link

I read this on a fellow Crew member and good friend's blog, Not New to Autism. www.notnewtoautism.blogspot.com

It touched my heart, and I wanted to share it with you. Perfect for anyone with special needs and those who love them and care for them:

 

I. Blessed are those who stop and listen to my chatter. You may not understand me; but I love when people talk to me, for I long for companionship, too.

II. Blessed are those who take my hand and walk with me when the path is rough, for I easily stumble and grow weary. But thank you, too, for letting me walk alone when the path is smooth, for I must learn independence.

III. Blessed are those who take the time to tell me about special happenings, for unless you make special effort to inform me, I remain ignorant.

IV. Blessed are those who wait for me. I may be slow, but I appreciate your patience.

V. Blessed are those who are not ashamed to be seen in public with me, for I did not choose to be born thus. It could have been you as well.

VI. Blessed are those who do not pity me, for I don't want pity. All I want is understanding and respect for what I have learned as well.

VII. Blessed are those who notice my accomplishments, small as they may seem to you. I must work long and hard to learn many of the things you take for granted.

VIII. Blessed are those who include me in their games, even though I may not understand the rules, I still like to be included in your activities.

IX. Blessed are those who think of me as a person who loves, and hurts, and feels joy and pain just like you do, for in that respect I am normal.

Author Unknown



Setbacks

08:30, Sunday, January 17, 2010 .. Posted in Special Needs .. 2 comments .. Link

Late last night, we had some setbacks with T-Rex. I know I should be used to this, but it always shakes me when it happens.

I should have known that something was going on.

Because of autism and his language delays, T-Rex never tells us when he's feeling bad. We have to rely on behavioral and physical cues to let us know if something's up.

I don't think he has been feeling well over the weekend because I saw those telltale dark circles under his eyes that alert me to watch him closely. Last night, after we put away our makeshift trampoline and prepared for bed, T-Rex melted down.

He screamed at the top of his lungs, banged the back of his head against the wall (HARD), and repeatedly hit himself with his fists. The headbanging always scares me because T-Rex has a venous angioma in the back of his brain and isn't supposed to receive any hard hits to the head.

I finally calmed him down, gave him a cup of warm chocolate rice milk (we're trying to reduce casein in hopes that might help), and he finally fell asleep in my arms. Just minutes later, he had five seizures in a row.

I don't know if the seizures were brought on by the headbanging, or if the headbanging was a preliminary response to how T-Rex was feeling prior to the seizures. Either way, I don't know if I'll ever get used to this.

It's one thing for me to suffer. It's quite another to witness my little guy suffering. I feel so helpless sometimes. He's on medication.

I'm going to digress here a little bit and allow myself to think about things I don't want to. I have joined a national group, called CURE Epilepsy. I read in their newsletters all the time about people who die in their sleep or die from seizures.

I have to be honest. I am really afraid sometimes. The thought of losing any of my babies makes me feel like someone has punched me in the stomach and left their fist there.

But, I am trying really hard to remember my little Guy is in God's hands, and that is all I can do: entrust him to the Lord, love him dearly, and give him the best possible care a mommy and caregiver can give.

He has just awakened for the morning, so I'm going to go for now. He seems okay. Please remember us in your prayers today. I'm feeling really shaken and down right now. My grip on the Lord is strong, though, and I'm running to the refuge of His peace.



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I am a Christ following, back-to-nature homeschooling writer mom of four blessings and helpmeet to my dear husband, Mr. Steady. Join me in my musings, lessons learned, and adventures as we journey through life on our little homestead in the mountains!


MEET MY FAMILY:

MR. STEADY: DH of 17 years. A true gift from God, and a real "Mr. Steady!"

ROCKER: 16 years old, brilliant son. Self-taught on guitar, gifted learner, tender hearted, artistically gifted. So glad he's my son!

SPORT: 13 years old, athletically gifted daughter. Born to play ball, run, swim, and climb! Gifted learner, writer like her mom. A gift from God as a daughter.

HUMMINGBIRD: 9 years old, loves to sing, play outside, and be "one with nature." Truly a "Stray Animal Whisperer." Very tenderhearted, compassionate. Just happens to have ADHD and visual processing difficulties. Another gift from God!

T-REX: 3 years old, "miracle baby." Loves dinosaurs, anything with wheels, and landmarks. Born at 30 weeks. Sweet, smart little guy. Has Autism, Mixed Communication Disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Sensory Modulation Dysfunction, Asthma, and Epilepsy. Doesn't let any of it slow him down. So glad he's our sweet boy!

AND ME, THE MOM: Age undisclosed - but I'll tell you if you ask. A little eccentric, full of love for God and my family, taking every day one step at a time. As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I review homeschool and homesteading products.

WHY I HAVE THIS BLOG:

I started blogging when my son was diagnosed with some of his special needs as a way to network with other families who may be facing the same challenges. From there, it has turned into an eclectic blend of stories about my family life, homeschooling, recipes, and things I learn on the path of following Christ. I also have the blessing of being an independent product reviewer for TOS Homeschool Crew












3Boys&aDog





Links

"Isn't Normal Just a Setting on the Washer?" Adventures in Homeschooling and Special Needs
3 Boys and a Dog
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
The Legacy of Home




BOOKS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

Edge of Eternity by Randy Alcorn (My All-Time Favorite, Second Only to the Bible)

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

The Bible (My REALLY All-Time Favorite)


WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING:

The Holy Bible

Too Wise to be Mistaken, Too Good to be Unkind - Christian Parents Contend With Autism by Cathy Steere

Categories

Contests and Giveways
Family Stuff and Adventures
Homeschooling
Product Reviews and Promos
Recipes
Special Needs
The Natural Home
Walking the Narrow Path
What My Friends Are Up To


Wyldhouse Homestead

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